How many times had he come to Luluhawa island while in the rune knights? How many times had he been sent here to get him out of the way for one reason or another? He didn’t know the true answer to this but he sat here of his own accord now. Sitting at the beachead and watching the waves lap up against the shore. His fur gently bristled in the breeze that cut across the waves. He was alone on this beachhead even though that you’d expect it to be bustling.

His outfit wasn’t complex, simply a set of baggy trousers, his typical sash and the cloth that sat across his shoulders and down his chest slightly. Compared to the rest of the world this island was safer than most so his armor felt no need to even show it’s social affair option. He’d breathe out through his nose after a moment as he pulled at the trousers he wore, the bagginess of them reminding him of how often clothing was too tight to him.

It was also a pain to clean out all this sand but he was glad he could get rid of that with a little touch of his music. Everyone called it magic here but he still internally referred to it as the song. A sort of innocence he still carried. His ears turned slightly as the lapping of the waves came to shore again. The sun hadn’t blessed the sky yet and the island was still in perpetual darkness the only lights being that of the town far away.

The darkness was comfortable, he never seemed to be threatened in it. Even under the moonlight where people cast their gazes in fear. His eyes remained closed; their golden hues slumbering slightly. Saturn breathed easy and he’d lean forward putting his arms over his legs. Even in the night he stuck out, his fur catching every little bit of the moons caressing touch.

”Here on my own huh?”

He’d talk as though he wasn't alone; though truly he never could be. Not with the ones he had taken in, the ones that he had consumed and the one that he held within. The two magics and the weapons that he carried sang on their own voices with his. A type of music that he couldn’t get away with. So he’d sing his song too, it was gentle, a warmth that threatened to embrace every single person that came by…

Targa explored Luluhawa Island, her polished black shoes leaving delicate impressions behind her on the soft soil and sand. The breeze cooled her off as she was in her tailored suit, her monopoly suit, its fine fabric catching the moonlight in a subtle shimmer. With her signature cane (non weapon) in one hand and a folding chair slung over her other arm. Monty, her adorable moogle companion, floated beside her, his tiny wings flapping lazily. "Kupo, you really think anyone's awake to hear your song out here, Targa?" he teased, his pom pom swaying in the island breeze. Targa smiled, her sharp fangs just barely visible as she set down her chair and picnic basket. "The moon is always awake, dear Monty," and she has always been my most loyal audience."

As she unfolded the chair she took a moment to admire the vast silver lit expanse of the ocean. The moon reflecting off it's surface. It was nights like this that Targa treasured most; nights where the world seemed to slow, and she could just exist in the peace of her own existence. It was a welcome respite of the life of a mage and vampire.  Her picnic basket held a interesting and strange feast inside. A rich crimson hued cake rested beneath a glass dome. Monty wrinkled his nose, hovering closer. "Kupo, blood cake again? You really don’t do normal snacks, do you?" "Normal? Oh, Monty, how dull that would be. Creativity is the spice of life. I can't just drink blood for the rest of my life. Better to use it as an ingredient in other food. Also helps me hide what I'm eating from others. Yes, it's a blood cake, but to another observer it's just red velvet." She gestured to a flask resting beside the cake. "And blood wine pairs exquisitely with it as well, I assure you."

As she settled into her chair she began to hum. The melody was soft at first but it grew as her voice started to get louder.

"Under the silver moon, I stray, A shadow cast, yet never gray. The stars, they whisper, soft and true, Their light a path that leads to you. Through endless night, my heart does roam,
Seeking warmth to call my own. A fleeting touch, a lover’s sigh, Together ‘neath the midnight sky."

Monty sniffled, wiping at his tiny face. "Kupo… that was beautiful. Who knew you were such a romantic?" Targa chuckled softly, a playful glint in her pink eyes. "Even creatures of the night have their hearts, Monty. Some just sing better than others. The nobles back home only ever accepted me when I was singing. They said my voice was magic and assumed I was using magic to enhance it. I wasn't. I'd say it's my great talent, if I may be so bold and narrasistic about it. When I sang, I wasn’t the girl cursed with Crash magic. I was something else. As I said, they thought my voice must have been enchanted, that surely, I’d grow into a singer of spells. But no. It’s just me. Targa, the one who breaks instead of builds. I'm repeating myself now..."

Monty’s voice cut through the moment. "Kupo, they’re fools if they didn’t see the beauty in what you’ve got. Crash magic, that voice, you’re the whole package, kupo. But how are you singing still and talking to me?" Soon as Monty said that they would both hear it, another voice off in the distance. Off in the near distance, a demi-human to the best of their knowledge was also singing.

Not wanting to startle him, they'd remain there but would wave if he looked their direction and invite him over.

WC: 620

The beach typically wasn’t that busy at night; sure there were people that would be out and about but it wouldn’t be something that he’d expect to see in his own little area. Or whatever he considered his own little area. His ears perked up a little bit as he could hear a song not his own reach out from the darkness. He’d sit there for a moment; letting their song carry through the night. Unlike his song which wasn’t even words it just was… well simply ‘music’ that he learned to vocalize. Magical, emotion filled, something that would let those emotions be felt through ears, through heart and through your mind. He’d let his jaw relax a little bit, not realizing it had been clenching. Looking over there was that brief moment…

His brows relaxed and he’d see that wave; he’d glance to one side thinking that maybe they were waving to someone beyond him. There was no nervousness he was simply just checking, his smile didn’t waiver as he’d wave back. Slowly pushing himself up from the ground and heading on over. It wasn’t very long before the way the sand shifted and how his frame came into view that his towering size was made apparent. He’d stand a little back before approaching slightly more, resting easy a few handful of steps away. Not wanting to impose or anything like that, he’d take a seat again letting the sand cushion his ‘fall’.

”I hadn’t expected to see someone out this far. One with a lovely singing voice at that. My name’s Saturn. What’s yours?”

Saturn nodded his head at both Targa and her companion; he had his own companions. Well. At least one, with vestige going aloof on him he wasn’t sure just how long the strange magical beast would call him his ‘partner’ of sorts. Echo had evolved beyond what a mindrache typically could be even by demi-god standards. Hell he was closer to a dragon than a proper mindrache or even the ‘halfway’ point.

”Though I can’t really blame you for coming out this far, nor can I blame you for the way the moon is up in the sky. It’s particularly lovely for this kind of thing. I come out a lot during the night to sing or stare at the stars… or moon. Depends on which is brighter.”

Saturn felt like he could share that much, with the way that the night felt cool and it’d tickle his fur. Shining somewhat in the moonlight; while his eyes remained closed like they usually did his attention was at least on targa and Montblanc even if he wasn’t ‘starting’ at them.

His voice was soft and gentle; one that had seen a lot of moonfalls, a lot of suns come up. He never really needed to sleep; never really needed to eat. Did he even need to breathe? It was all falsehoods. All every little bit; he just pretended to make people think he was more like them. A demon in sheeps clothing; but that clothing hardly fit.

It never would really.

As the strange creature approached, his towering frame illuminated softly by the moonlight, Targa leaned back in her chair with an air of practiced elegance. Her pink eyes glinted in the night as she studied him, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the head of her cane. Monty bopped up and down beside her, his wings flapping lazily. She wondered what he was; demi-human, fae, something else entirely! "Well, well, it seems the night has delivered us a guest, Monty. And here I thought it would just be the two of us, serenading the waves, the stars and the moon." Monty, never one to miss an opportunity to chime in crossed his tiny arms and tilted his head toward their new friend. "Kupo, I was just starting to think it was getting too quiet anyway. Guess the moon’s got other plans for us tonight, huh? Seriously though, I want his fur routine. It's so shiny!!!!"

Targa did what she could to maintain her composure at her companion’s remark, almost bursting out laughing. "Good evening, Saturn. I am Targa, and this spirited little fellow is Monty." She gestured toward her moogle companion, who responded with a quick, jaunty wave. "What a surprise to find another soul out here at this hour. You must have an appreciation for the stillness of the night." Monty nodded, floating a little closer to get a better look at Saturn. As he approached his gem glowed brightly, brighter than Targa had ever seen before. "Kupo, you’re taller than most people we meet. I hope you don’t scare off the fish... or the moon!" he teased. Targa chuckled before waving a hand dismissively. "Monty, behave. You’ll have to forgive him, Saturn. He’s always this cheeky. It keeps life… interesting. But he's not that weary of you so you must be a good person. Moogles have a sixth sense about people. In fact, I've never seen him react like that with someone else. You being a good person must be an understatement."

Despite his size Targa could tell there was a gentleness about him. Even the way he introduced himself with a soft unassuming voice gave truth to that face and Targa tilted her head, intrigued by the contrast between his imposing appearance and his calm demeanor. "You flatter me," she replied, acknowledging his compliment with a graceful nod. "Though I think it’s the moonlight that deserves the credit for setting such a beautiful stage." Her gaze swept over the ocean, the waves shimmering like liquid silver under the moon’s glow. "What a muse she is... steady, luminous, and ever watchful. Though you wouldn't want to be out there when she's angry. The seas wrath is unbound."

Monty, not one to stay silent for long, floated down to sit on the edge of Targa’s chair. "Kupo, don’t let her fool you. She’s been talking about singing to the moon all day. You’re just lucky you caught her in the act." Targa shot Monty a playful glare. "Oh, hush, you. You’re only upset because I didn’t let you taste the cake first." She gestured to the crimson hued dessert resting on the small cloth she had spread over the sand. Monty would stick out his tongue in disgust. "Blood cake, eww that little invention of yours is not for me. Blood instead of oil for a richer flavor. I assure you, it’s not quite the delicacy you think it is!" Monty wrinkled his nose at the thought of tasting it and then realized what he said out loud in front of a stranger. "Kupo, I mean iron red food dye... yeah... that's what I mean..." Monty would cup his mouth with his hands realizing he let it slip out it was made with blood.

"It's fine Monty. You said what you said. Yes Saturn, I'm a vampire, not some weirdo who likes blood just to have blood. I buy blood from hospitals and use it as an ingredient in my food and drinks to satiate myself." Targa quipped, flashing him a sharp smile before turning back to Saturn. "And you, Saturn? What brings you to this quiet corner of the island? Surely, you’re not here by chance. Or are you?"

WC: 699
TWC: 1319

He was massive compared to most beings, standing well above them. Head. Shoulders. Even some of his chest. Being the size of a building was sometimes a curse but it also made it really easy to rely on him; easy to find and even easier to work with he felt. The behemoth of a demon pondered the individuals in front of him. He had never seen a being like monty; tracing the individuals frame and noting the strange little pom on their head. It was… Well endearing in a way; cute in some; strange in others. But he didn’t judge them; no he’d never judge someone based on their appearance. Only deeds would truly be the judge of someone in his eyes. His smile was easy and the being adjusted in his ‘seat’.

”Heh. The moon and stars are good company. But As much as they like the listen to one sing, you can’t really forget those that are nearest the ground. Mmm, most of my ‘routine’ is just natural. Though I use some oils from time to time to help with fur health. I don’t have the list but I do have the store that I shop at… it’s out of era though.”

Saturn chuckled and leaned somewhat, ears flicking. His smile was genuine, there was happiness underlaying everything he did. From the way he spoke, from the kind words he’d employ. The introduction of their names brought a slight perk to his ears. He had never heard of names like that before. He had to wonder if they were short for something; he had a burning curiosity for that.

”It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Ah, I do enjoy the darkness and what comes with it. The quiet and thoughtful evenings I can have within them. Responsibilities seem to die down during the fall of night when the world rests it’s weary head.”

Saturn cocked his head to one side as monty floated closer to him; the brightness of the gem had him raising his hand a little bit, cracking open those golden hues. Rich and vibrant; soft and kind were the best ways to explain them. There was a strange warmth to the demon and his smile seemed to deep greatly.

”Fish typically like playing with my fur when I stand in the water. The moon’s song is quiet this far away but she’s used to not hearing that many voices. She’ll be fine I’d say.”

He’d turn his attention back to targa; moogles? Saturn didn’t know what those were, his hands gripped the sand somewhat and his attention was gliding over the strange white furred being. Rubbing at his chin with his ears going this way or that. His tail brushed through the sand and the behemoth seemed amused.

”I have a companion that’s somewhat the same, good judge of character. Though a little more playful and a touch rascal before he grew. Ah… That sort huh? Well. He wouldn’t be the first to have that sort of ‘response’ albeit wild animals typically don’t chat much and more are happy to have a presence they can rest by. I wouldn’t call myself a ‘good person’ just someone doing the right thing.”

Saturn didn’t think himself a good person, he never gave himself that title. To be a good person was to just simply… well be one. He would never claim that title; he was curious about the moogle and offered his hand if they wanted a perch. Did they get tired? Was there magical flight?

”I’ve caught the seas wrath a few times, walking on wavy water and floating among their turbulent hues. And I only speak the truth; I haven’t heard a fair voice like that in quite some time. I might not be able to hit the same notes that you can though I think my voice typically is just a little more muted in comparison to individuals that breathe or have walked this world in such a manner.”

Saturn flicked his ears as Monty continued to speak; he didn’t feel like a fool. There was a semblance of loneliness in all creatures and if she was ‘talking’ to the moon he was glad to give his company to them. Saturn cocked his head to one side; no surprise; no judgement on his face at the blunder that monty had. Blood in cakes for a vampire? Buying blood at a hospital… He had to admit that was a way of going about things. Nothing that he could do for himself in the same manner for any sort of requirements a demon had. Not that he had such requirements other than just enjoying the darkness and revel in the powers that he slowly found himself dangerously enjoying.

”You have nothing to apologize for Monty. If anything I applaud you for your idea of using blood from a hospital. Great way of making sure your requirement of life does not cost someone else of theirs.”

There was a distinct pause and saturn turned his palm up, there was a slight ‘hiccup’ in his glamour. Revealing the true coloration of one of his forearms and hands. The pearled white forearms and hands, the deep teal paw pads and the claws that looked like they could tear even the air asunder. It stayed for a moment before fading back into the golden fur. A pleasant smile flickered on his face; not that his smile was ever anything but. But there was a deep kindness to it that could simply stretch on to the infinities of those nests beyond the stars.

”You see, I am a demon. Born of earthland and the void beyond the reaches of the stars. I would not judge either of you even if you were born of the abyss. As for why I come out here…”

Saturn looked back up to the sky; staring quietly at the moon. He had a lot of reasons to come to island. A lot of reasons to get away from it all; but he found himself ever drawn to it beyond anything you could believe. There was a beauty to this place that spoke beyond the people that he had met. But the softness in his voice continued and there was a slight droop to his ears.

”I came out here to spend my time enjoying the peace, I found my way out into the darkness because it soothes me. This quiet corner I enjoyed both with and without company.”

Saturn wouldn’t partake in the ‘blood’ cakes; he truly had no need for sustenance, no need for anything like that. His only real connection was to earthland, to planet saturn, to the void itself; well you could argue he was tied to lumikki too. He’d ‘breathe’ out, a sound that rang strange as though the being didn’t know how to truly breathe.

”Song, Quietness, good times, all sorts I suppose. Rest I think is also a good term. What about you?”

Targa leaned back in her chair as she studied the towering figure sitting in the sand before her and Monty. Monty would be the next to speak. "Kupo, I gotta say, you’ve got some shiny fur! What’s your secret? Special oils? Magic? Or are you just naturally this dazzling?" "Monty! must you always interrogate anyone we meet the moment we come across someone? You’ll scare him off before we even get to enjoy the conversation." Monty crossed his arms and huffed, though his normal happy moogle grin remained. "Kupo, he doesn’t seem scared. I mean, look at him, i'm a gnat compared to him. He’s massive!... in a good way. He could probably scare off the moon if he wanted to. I bet he'd even scare Ittindi!"

Targa had a chill go through her body, from foot to head that shook her at that thought. Ittindi by Targa's estimation was unbeatable, regardless of how big one was. "Forgive my companion’s enthusiasm. He’s not wrong, though. You carry yourself with a certain presence, Saturn. And yet, there’s a gentleness about you that’s… unexpected. A pleasant surprise, I must admit. It also doesn't matter to me that you were born a demon. Ones race shouldn't dictate if you're good or bad or not. I wager there is even a good lich or two out there somewhere in the world... well maybe. That said, it’s not often I meet someone who shares my love of the night and its quiet beauty." She stood up from her chair and walked over to Saturn and extended her hand to shake his should he take it, and if he was okay with it, sit next to him.

WC: 281
TWC: 1600

”Oh trust it’s a mixture; though more on the natural side. My fur doesn’t grow that long so it’s easy to care for.”

Saturn chuckled lightly and leaned forward in the sand; somewhat hunched but he seemed to be enjoying the banter with the moogle. It’d take a lot more than this to scare him off; he enjoyed answering questions and even more so well… He enjoyed meeting new people.

”It takes a lot to scare me. And I…”

Saturn’s eyes cracked a little bit, golden hues under those lids sang idle songs for most of the day but here they were doused in curiosity. A hand rubbed at his chin and he’d note the two for a long few moments.

”I’m certainly enjoying the conversation; and this height is a natural occurrence of my kind. I hope I wouldn’t scare off Ittindi, I’m his boss after all. He’s usually pretty forward, maybe I should speak to him sometime again.”

Saturn snorted at the idea of ittindi running from him; the most likely moment would be if they ever fought. Saturn’s reach and his skill with a spear wasn’t anything to laugh at. Even more so was the magic he was practicing thoroughly. The demon cocked his head to one side.

”It’s the joy of the music of this world that keeps me so like this; a song that I ever get to listen to. It’s calming and endearing; each person has their own tune and it’s… nice to listen to whenever I get the chance. I’m glad you think so; It’s not something that I ‘actively’ attempt though it’s something that just ‘is’ if that makes sense.”

Saturn paused at the idea that there was a few good liches out there. He had heard of this before; they were rare beyond belief and typically hermits but that was all right if they just enjoyed the world or studied magic abroad without harm. Saturn hummed thoughtfully; his warmth in that smile could nearly reach all around. Though when she took his hand for a shake he didn’t seem to mind; gently giving it a squeeze when they did. He didn’t seem to mind her sitting next to him either. The demon was warm to the touch; the sort that you’d get from a hearth of sorts.

”Niether do I. Often more than not there’s fear to the dark. But its quiet beauty is worth hearing. I'm glad to have found someone that shares this with me.”

He seemed to absentmindedly stare up at the moon; seeming to bathe in its influence. Another breath eased out of his mouth and there was a soft sigh.

”It’s this sort of thing that I miss doing with how ‘busy’ everything seems to be. Not often do I get to meet new people either. Well. Not nearly as often as I'd like...”

Monty perched on the arm of Targa’s chair, his pom pom drooping a little in jealousy. "Kupo, did he just say his fur’s easy to care for? That’s not fair. Do you know how much upkeep I need to keep my fur in prime condition? He’s got it way too easy." He puffed out his cheeks in frustration but it was clear he was also kidding. "Targa, you agree, right? It’s practically unfair." "I’m not quite sure what you’re complaining about, Monty. You’ve never spent a day looking anything less than pristine. But yes, he does seem to have an enviably simple routine. Also I don't think I've seen you do anything with your fur either... so what are you talking about?" She'd laugh at the end realizing what she had just said was true.

Monty huffed dramatically but didn’t press the point further. Instead, he tilted his head at Saturn’s mention of music. "Kupo, everyone’s got their own tune, huh? That’s a pretty poetic way of looking at things. What kind of s ong do I have, huh? Bet it’s got a lot of pizzazz. Maybe a little drum solo, too." Pretnding to have some sticks in hand he'd air drum a little song in his own little world.

Targa chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand. "It’s a beautiful way to see the world, though. To hear music in everyone you meet… I can see why it keeps you grounded. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say it keeps you connected."

WC: 254
TWC: 1854