[gloomyghost]

username: gloomyghost
link to partner's form: _silentsiren_ (third post on page two)
name: Savon
pronouns: they/them
relation to keldine 163: dance partners (salsa)
prompt: major wip! (started dance at a young age and found a strong passion for salsa) x/1000

[solas]

Username: solas
Link to partner's form: IndigoBlues
Name: Maru
Pronouns: They/Them
Relation to keldine 163: Close Friends/Semi-partners in crime
Prompt:

⠀⠀⠀⠀Lightning cracked across the gray, cloud-filled sky, giving Maru a split-second to examine their surroundings. The cobbled streets of Maru’s village were completely barren as heavy raindrops fell around them- everyone had taken shelter in their houses; and unfortunately for the 13-year-old Keldine, they did not have one.

⠀⠀⠀⠀The rain fell unmercifully for the next few minutes as Maru trudged down the road, looking blindly around for anywhere with a roof that was accessible to them. Lightning struck once again, but this time allowed Maru a better look at what was around them. They turned into a small alleyway, excited to see cardboard boxes piled in a corner next to a trash bin with a little opening at the bottom with just enough space for a Keldine, it would be a little tight for someone of Maru’s stature but they believed it could work. A tight fit was better than no fit. Relieved, Maru crouched down to squeeze into the space underneath the boxes when something caught their eye- the familiar glimmer of a Keldine’s scales.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Maru didn’t move as they realized that they had woken up the sleeping Keldine. Opening their mouth, Maru readied a quick apology for disturbing the other Kedline’s peace and quiet… until they realized something else. It was a child, younger than them, curled up next to a trash can in an alleyway. The child looked terrified of Maru and eventually, Maru backed away, realizing that they were frightening him.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Maru gently poked their head back into the box after regaining their senses, curiosity getting the best of them. Did this child have a family? At least a mother? Either way, a Keldine this young shouldn’t have been out on the streets this late at night, and in this weather. Maru flicked their attention back to the other Keldine, still curled up in the corner. He stared at them, still noticeably afraid. Maru realized that the younger Keldine probably thought that this was Maru’s alley, and Maru was there to kick him out or even hurt him for trespassing. Maru’s gaze softened.

⠀⠀⠀⠀“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you… I was trying to find somewhere to sleep for the night and take shelter from the rain.”

⠀⠀⠀⠀The other Keldine simply stared but relaxed a little after hearing Maru speak.

⠀⠀⠀⠀“Do you have a name?”

⠀⠀⠀⠀“Toro.” He replied, a little hesitantly.

⠀⠀⠀⠀“Do you have a family, Toro?”

⠀⠀⠀⠀To Maru’s dismay, Toro shook his head.

⠀⠀⠀⠀“Not even a mother?”

⠀⠀⠀⠀ Toro glanced away and shook his head, “She’s gone.”

⠀⠀⠀⠀“I’m sorry, I lost my mother too.” Maru looked down, an all-too-familiar story resurfacing in their mind as they spoke. “Do you mind if I sleep here tonight?”

⠀⠀⠀⠀Toro shook his head, allowing Maru to sidle into the box, giving Toro a wide berth to not make him uncomfortable.

[Little Fish]

username: Little Fish
link to partner's form: Zeena
name: Tagliatelle (tah-lyah-TELL-eh)
{Goes by Tali}
pronouns: She/Her
relation to keldine 163: Now friends
prompt:

About 4 years ago

After spending about 2 hours mindlessly swiping right and left on different keldines, Tali came across a rather cute looking guy that spiked her interest. Gateau.

"Hmmmm, yea okay." *Swipe* *Ding!* "Oh, well that was fast, little short dudes got quick reflexes. Let's see where this goes."

Tali believes shes an expert when it comes to love, and to prove that repeatedly she consistently catfishes based on appearance and preys on their weak points. Normally she portrays herself to their 'ideal person', then ghosts them once she gets an expensive item, or two, a memorabilia to share with what she calls 'friends'. Tali hasn't ever had any hardship, shes always been the prettiest, the most popular, and if you cramp her style she doesn't mind letting you go. That is what makes this cat fishing 'game' so much fun to her. She can gain a love interest have them in the palm of her hands within a week and just vanish with no loss of feelings.
This time was no different for her.

She started the conversation with a simple and sweet hey

This continued on for half a week, Gataeu fell more deeply in love then he ever had been before and Tali knew she was golden and it was time.

Follow the conversation here

Turning her phone off after receiving conformation, Tali felt satisfaction sweep over her. Picking up Menchi (her cat) she curled into bed to sleep, awaiting for the arrival of her new switch.

*Knock Knock Knock*
Tagliatelle shot up from her bed causing Menchi to Mrrow in protest.
"It's here!! Oh my goodness its only 7am, that was so fast. Next day shipping does wonders."
Swinging open the door, Tali looked upon the porch to see not a package but two white feet. Looking up, Gateau stared back at her, holding the package in his hands.
"Hello Tali, I thought it was about time we finally met."

[justamindset]

username: DragonOfEmber
link to partner's form: Zailune
name: Lady
pronouns: She/Her/Hers
relation to keldine 163: Half-siblings
prompt:
Thread || First meet

[Hyperotreti]

username: Hyperotreti
link to partner's form: Here!
name: Mirin
pronouns: she / her
relation to keldine 163: best friends / roommates
prompt:

How did I meet Dashi, you ask? Well darling, it’s quite the story!

It all began on an absolutely divine spring afternoon, it must have been… oh, two years ago now. I was sitting in my favorite cafe, enjoying my usual: iced coffee with a splash of condensed milk and a slice of tuna lava toast.

Quite frankly I don’t remember what I was up to. I imagine I must’ve been writing an article. As a regular columnist for KelFine Beauty Blog, I am often kept busy by my work.

When I write, I always choose one of the stools at the counter that sits up against the cafe’s plate glass window. Natural light helps me find my inspiration, and I enjoy watching passerby ambling along. But that day, something unusual caught my eye.

Across the street from the cafe lies a small field, which has stood vacant for as long as I can remember. Nothing grows there except grass and a few sickly trees. As you can imagine, usually nobody frequents such a place. But on this day, I spotted a small keldine pacing agitatedly around the base of a tree, looking quite upset.

Now – some might call me a busybody. I would say that I simply cannot stand by and watch when I might be able to help. So as soon as I laid eyes on that strange sight, I jumped right off my stool and hurried across the street – completely abandoning my food, my work, and my laptop, I must admit. Luckily, the staff at the cafe all know me well, and would’ve looked after my possessions.

The first thing I recall noticing about Dashi was the expression of complete bewilderment that stole across his face as I approached. Now that we’re close, I understand completely. As gentle as the boy is, he would be too reserved to approach a complete stranger, as I did. But I will give him credit where it’s due and say that when I inquired as to what the matter was, he did not hesitate to tell me.

“It’s my cat, Wasabi,” he said, worry creasing his brow. “She slipped out of my apartment when I opened the door and ran right up this blasted tree.”

I tilted my head back. Sure enough, a small gray cat was clinging to a dead branch above me, tail lashing. She meowed angrily as our eyes met.

“Oh dear. She seems quite upset,” I remarked.

Dashi nodded, his paws shifting anxiously. “Seems like she’s stuck. I just hope that dead branch can hold her weight until I figure out how to get her down.”

I considered the situation. The tree wasn’t terribly tall. It was too high for Dashi to reach, of course, what with those dear stubby legs of his. But I, on the other hand, am quite tall (the word “statuesque” has been used more than once, though I wouldn’t like to brag) and I was confident that if I put my front paws on the tree trunk, I’d be able to reach.

But as soon as I tried, Wasabi hissed and scrambled away, further down the branch. The old wood creaked under her weight, and Dashi flinched.

“It’s nothing personal,” he said. “She kind of hates everyone who isn’t me. That’s where her name came from. You know, like wasabi is spicy, she’s spicy – get it?” He blinked and then sighed. “Thank you for trying. Please don’t trouble yourself on our account. I’ll think of something, I have a stepladder at my place that might–”

But before he could say another word, I was struck with the most brilliant idea. Energized by this strike of innovation, I ran back across the street as fast as my legs could carry me – through the doors of the cafe, over to my little seat, and up to the plate of tuna lava toast. In a move that was clearly inspired more by need than fashion, I scooped up a dollop of tuna and deposited it on top of my head.

I will never forget the look on Dashi’s face when he saw me return, stinking fish nestled in my fine tresses. Just recalling it makes me want to laugh aloud. He was so confused!

But everything became clear as soon as I placed my front paws back against the tree, stretching my head up towards poor Wasabi. As the scent of tuna wafted past her nose, she seemed to reconsider her deep disdain for my existence. Slowly, she began to creep towards me. When I felt little paws alight on my head and rough tongue lick at my hair, I knew the plan had been a success.

“Down we go, Wasabi.” With careful grace, I lowered Wasabi to the ground. As soon as her paws touched the grass, she bounded over to Dashi and curled up on his feet, purring.

“Wasabi!” Dashi lowered his head, probing over the cat with his snout to make sure she was unhurt. When he was satisfied with her condition, he raised his head to look at me, relief plain in his eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you. You – you have tuna in your hair!”

“Hair can be washed, darling,” I said. Then, in the day’s second strike of inspiration: “As for thanking me – how about you come across the street and share a coffee with me? You can explain the tuna to anyone who stares.”

Yet again, Dashi seemed surprised, but this time, the surprise was tinged with a smile. “Sounds nice. Just let me get this rascal home.” He nudged Wasabi with a paw. “I can meet you there?”

“Yes. Come as soon as you can. I’ll order you my favorite drink, you’re sure to love it.”

And so began our friendship – the most beautiful thing in my beautiful life.

[981 words]

[hypnowave]

per request, an extension has been provided!

[Pumpkin~Spice]

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-Saber- | shishou - Partners Form | Tarouk | he/him | rivals -> partners

Ƭarouk had a mission that night. He and his partner were going to break in and retrieve the hostage. It was going to be quiet and hopefully the criminals wouldn't know that they'd lost their bargaining chip until they were long gone. That was plan A anyway. Tarouk always planned contingencies through so Plan B and C were also accounted for.

What he didn't expect was his partner bailing. It wasn't the first time either and Tarouk had just about had it. The excuses weren't even plausible anymore. Tarouk sighed, rubbed a hand down his face in exasperation. He'd have to do the mission alone then.

Tarouk was going over the map of the area one last time when his burner phone rang. The phone's loud shrill interrupted his focus and Tarouk glared at the offending device. It was his boss, Misha.

"I'm sure you're aware of the situation with your old partner."

"Yes, sir, i am"

"I have a rookie whose going to be your new partner. I'm sending over his transcript now....It's permanent so make it work, Tarouk."

The line went died with resounding click. Tarouk calmly opened the rookie's file. And then cursed. The kid had high scores in tracking and hand to hand combat but there was a note at the bottom saying the boy had penchant for recklessness. Recklessness and Tarouk did not go together. Careful planning was how he had succeeded this far without getting a bullet in the back. Tarouk envisioned his career going up in flames. The blaze lit by some kid who would make them the laughing stock of the agency. He spat the words "permanent" at the wall in disgust.

Tarouk arrived at the agreed meeting place early and was surprised to see the rookie was there too. If he was hoping that gained him favor with Tarouk, he would be terribly mistaken. The rookie introduced himself as Nagisa.

Tarouk was unapologetic in his study of him. The kid wore a shiny black leather jacket and finger-less gloves. Tarouk admired his style but didn't let any of that show on his face. Nagisa stretched a hand out in greeting. Tarouk grasped the hand and shook it probably harder than what was strictly necessary. Nagisa impressed him further when he met Tarouk stare head on and didn't avert his gaze until long after Tarouk dropped his hand.

The hostage was being held in a remote cabin in the middle of the woods. A day's hike from the main road. Tarouk wasn't the camping type but he'd make do. Nagisa seemed to be in his element though. The guy was a machine at camp. He set up the tents and started the fire without Tarouk having to mutter a single request. If Tarouk was honest he was worried about the guy's unusual talent of not needing more than 4 hours of sleep. Not that Tarouk wasn't grateful to have a hard-worker as a partner, especially after the last one's apathy got him into this mess in the first place.

Tarouk navigated the journey. His eyes pouring over the map while Nagisa studied the ground. Nagisa's eyes missed nothing. He studied every branch and footprint as if it held the answers to where the hostage was held. Tarouk tried to be supportive but he didn't see the need to stop and study rotting leaves when they had a perfectly working map. He never mentioned his doubt to Nagisa though. The words "permanent" and "make it work" became a mantra in his head. They were the only thing keeping him from snapping at kid.

They were almost to the cabin when Nagisa suddenly dropped his pack and took off. The only explanation he offered was a short wave over the back of his shoulder. Tarouk tried and failed to mask his stunned expression. What just happened? Did the kid quit? Tarouk took his eyes off his partners retreating back to stared grimly ahead. Guess he was doing it alone then.

The dread in the pit of his stomach didn't let up the rest of the way up the mountain. In fact it got worse the closer he got to the cabin. Something wasn't right. There was no smoke from the chimney. The interior of the cabin was too quiet. Tarouk climbed though the back window. His gun ready for any surprises. But the only surprised to be had was the neatly made bed and tidy kitchen. The layer of dust on the counters suggested no one had visited in years. Had their entail been wrong?

Just then a shot rang out in the distance. Tarouk took off in the direction of the the disturbed wildlife. His heart and head racing with worry for the kid. Turns out his worry was unwarranted. The kid had single-handily incapacitated the kidnapper and rescued the hostage. All Tarouk could do was stare on in awe.

The next day, Tarouk and Nagisa went out to celebrate. The choose a little restaurant in the middle of town.Tarouk ordered Egg noodles and Nagisa order Sushi. Nagisa broke the silence with challenge.

"So old man, am I going to be doing all the heavy lifting in this partnership or can you actually...?" Nagisa said it with a teasing smile and Tarouk was quick to reply.

"Nature's ain't my strong suit. But this next mission... That's more my expertise. We'll see how you handle a mission without those leaves of yours."

[art cred: shishou | writing cred: me | 909/1000]

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[hypnowave]

closed for judging!

[hypnowave]

oh god this took me forever to pick a winner and i have decided to sacrifice my workload haha

congratulations to Vampiric and Fallenpegasus on winning their respective keldines! you guys had some lovely art and i adored the dynamic between Maki and Tonkotsu. i hope you take care of your new babies aaa

i will be offering a choice between a rare myo each or a custom lined runner up each for bullserk, Arganineo, -Saber-, and shishou! please let me know your choice, and let me know what type of food item you want for your runner up if you choose that option!

thank you to everyone who entered, good luck in future competitions!

[Little Fish]

Congrats to the winners!!!!