|| 𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗥 - various DODEU oneshots

nocturna

(#1: I fangirl about all the villains for a bit, and then I bless you with something interesting. sorry folks, nothing new on the previous chapter because I've got too many ideas for that to compress into a single chapter. stay tuned Ren fans (vivi), but enjoy this treat beforehand 😇)

(#2: also, kio belongs to shusdumbass because what is the Detective without his ever-loyal, ever-chaotic partner?)

(#3: please ignore any spelling mistakes. I'm exhausted, it's 2AM where I am, and I cannot deal with Grammarly tonight.)

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Everybody knew what Nocturna was.

Nocturna was the castle atop the only hill in Rayani Hills - ironic, really -,overlooking the entire city, shrouded in darkness and misery. It was almost invisible in daylight, and perfectly visible under the light of the moon, where the candles shining from within spilt golden ribbons across the hill. Children would look up at the castle and point and gush, rambling about how they would live there when they were older, with all their friends by their side.

And their parents would reject such fantasies, reminding them again and again that nobody, nobody wanted to be like those rejects who resided in Nocturna. Nobody wanted to live there, and it was just their child's silly fantasy that would not grow into something more. A dream, however fleeting, that would not have the chance to grow. That was how it should be.

Everybody knew who lived in Nocturna.

Most common civilians could name at least seven Nightstalkers off the top of their head, and for good reason. They weren't easily forgettable.

The Everlaster, Normal, was known to be the main ringleader of all Twilights. They lived and breathed under her and her associate's commands, drinking their words like thirsting, blinded fools at a fountain. They practically worshipped the ground that the Nightstalkers walked on. Normal was not one for public appearances. Scarce people knew what she looked like, and those who did were not around to tell the tale.

Cloudsweeper was also an infamous face, and all the more reclusive. Her face was known and widely feared, but nobody knew her real name except for her particular cherished friends and foes. She was typically referred to as either Cloudsweeper, the Twilight Star or simply Midnight, for her hair was as dark as the night in which she lived.

The Keeper, more commonly known as Chimon, was the one for public appearances. He frequently was seen roaming the city's stores, sending man, woman and children alike fleeing for the horizon, and rarely missed an opportunity to crash an event and take control. Chimon was a known local at Stellar Delights, the city's famous sweetstors, and so frequently was he found there that the shopkeeper kept his favourite treats on a large table at the side of the store - partly out of respect, and partly out of fear.

Madam Lightstep was another frequent of Rayani Hills. She remained the uncrowned queen of the city's dance community, and prided herself on her abundant trophies and medals won. Many children adored her, and many parents despised her. "That rotten Kana," they would say, ushering their children along the road with a tad too much force, "look at the impression she has on our children! How can our sweet boys and girls look up to such an awful person?"

Lady Puppeteer was a different story. Generally, she was a kind soul, calm and composed and easy to get along with. She did not make unnecessary public appearances, and preferred to lounge in Nocturna's library, so her appearances in Rayani Hills were greatly feared, for when Neki appeared, calamity followed. Few people had faced Neki's wrath. It was an unimaginable but completely real event, where her perfect porcelain mask splintered, chipped, only very slighty, where only she could see. And as she painted over the cracks, the screams could be heard from deep within the forest.