the ichor secret · horror · creator · secret keeper · guilt · flower toon · mystery · suspense · abandoned project · gardenview
The elevator ground to a shuddering halt somewhere between floors, its usual chorus of metal and motion silenced. The bickering of the toons inside was muffled, swallowed by the thick dust that danced in the dim, jaundiced light. The air carried the scent of rust and long-buried secrets. Magnus's voice sliced through the argument, sharp and accusatory. 'I thought we told you to stay by her side!' Static's retort was a cold, electronic buzz. Then, with a shriek of protesting metal, the doors were forced apart. In the gap stood a tall, unnaturally still figure, its eyes two smoldering red embers. Slumped over its shoulder was Smudge. She grinned, waving a tiny hand. 'Hi, guys, check out this cool toon I found! She looks exactly like me!' You felt Valerian's gaze flicker toward you — a col…