SOMEONE GET THIS GUY A JOB AT A MASK STORE! HE'S SO TALENTED I CANNOT!

SOMEONE GET THIS GUY A JOB AT A MASK STORE! HE'S SO TALENTED I CANNOT!

Hello, I come from China. These are some cosplay props made by myself. Welcome to communicate!

undertale

The Zoshtu Dragons of Amni Lake.

The characters Solar and Eclipse are my OC'S! There is, again, a backstory between the two in my world, but I'll put that another time. For now, enjoy this short story! I have a prompt list on my phone and I chose: Character A and Character B go dragon-watching together. They can't find any, oblivious that a whole group is behind them, observing them instead.

Summary - Solar and Eclipse decide to go to the breeding grounds of the Zoshtu Water Dragons - Amni Lake! However, it appears they're too late... or are they?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“C’mon, Solar! Hurry up, you slowpoke!” Eclipse, the devil Solar freed, was sprinting through the forest. Desperate to keep up, Solar forcefully pushed his legs forward, trying to keep pace. It was officially the breeding season for the dragons, so they’d be moving more frequently to the mating ground of Xaniadusca.

They both sprinted towards the mating grounds. Usually, every dragon species would have different breeding and mating grounds compared to each other. Fantix Dragons went to Lava Caves or places with hotter average temperatures. However, the Zoshtu Dragons bred and laid eggs in fresh water. The Amni Lake was a famous breeding spot for Zoshtu Dragons, but it was closed off because of poachers. Lunar was lenient enough to let them visit to take observations and notes.

Weren’t they lucky to live so close?

Solar could hear Eclipse’s laughter echo off the trees, seemingly brightening the forest's aura. Sunlight branded through the branches, casting streams of light on his face. He was careful of potential burrows and small critters but happy enough to take in the scenery. As he dodged giant trees with white flowers, he couldn’t help but notice Eclipse drifting farther away. He tried to catch up, but in a blink of an eye, she vanished from his view.

Stopping abruptly, Solar looked around, staying cautious of his surroundings. He could feel his heart beat faster when he couldn’t spot Eclipse in the trees. “Maybe she went ahead,” he thought, but he wasn’t sure of himself. Reluctantly, he continued moving at a slower pace, occasionally taking glances at the wildlife surrounding him.

Purpura trees towered over him, creating a giant, eerie shadow from the canopy. It didn’t feel like the same forest as before. Shadows replaced the sunlight. The Lumen Flowers emitted a moonlight glow, illuminating the imaginary path in a soft blue. The dim light from the plants and the Moon were his only source of comfort.

Slowly trekking the pathway, he saw a dim glow from a body of water. “Lake Amni,” he realized, taking shorter strides when he noticed the shadowy figure. The silhouette was sitting casually as if it wasn’t in the mating grounds for Zoshtu Dragons.

Amni Lake had many colors swirling inside, like shades of purple and blue, with hints of green. Some say their wishes that people made, each granted when a Zoshtu Dragon gets in the water. He warily stepped closer, making out the faint silhouette of a figure.

Eclipse.

She seemed relaxed, sitting near the deep water, unaware of his presence. He smiled, walking closer and sitting down next to her. He stared deep into the lake, mesmerized by its beauty.

“Took you long enough to show up,” she spoke cockily, smirking. She had a sparkle in her eye, glad to see he was back.

“Oh, shut up, devil.” He attempted to sound mad, but he couldn’t help the grin spreading on his face. They both just sat together in plain silence, staring at the lake’s abstract form.

“I tried looking for the dragons, but they already left.” Eclipse looked frustrated, so Solar put a comforting hand on her shoulder. It didn’t help, but it’s the thought that counts. “Sucks, doesn’t it?” She gave an empty laugh. “When I came here, I saw the last one leave.” Sighing, she laid flat on her back and stared at the night sky. Solar mimicked her actions, lying next to her. He turned his head slightly, glancing at her face. She stayed motionless, occasionally blinking while the stars reflected in her eyes.

“You’re pretty, y’know that?” He kept staring at her eyes, a soft smile on his face. She chuckled, gently nudging his shoulder with a hand. “Real smooth, angel,” she mocked.

They both giggled like little kids, calling each other names and such. Afterward, they sat up and leaned against each other, staring at the lake. The lake reflected the sky’s pattern. “Y’know, when I was younger, the elders told us stories,” Eclipse said softly, her voice like honey. Solar perked up. “What kinda stories?”

“They told us about the stars.”

That caught Solar’s attention, now staring at the sky. “What about them?” She smiled and turned around, facing him. He did the same, now both of them sitting in front of each other. “Okay, I’ll tell you my favorite story,” she exclaimed, Solar leaning in with anticipation.

“They say it started with an Oxuris Snake, a mythical snake known for being the night sky itself. Its single eye is the moon, slowly opening and closing. The sky is its skin and scales. At one point, it was pitch black, no stars in the sky. Then Plaois, Goddess of Light, grew angry with Oxuris—”

“Wait wait-“ Solar interrupted, looking confused. “Plaois? That’s what you call the Goddess of Light?” Eclipse looked back just as confused. “What do you guys call her then?” She sounded curious. Solar shrugged. “We don’t have these gods and creatures. I guess the closest we have to ‘Plaois’ is Seretha, the God of Light.” Solar said. Eclipse sighed. “I’ll just continue.” She half-glared at Solar. He awkwardly chuckled. “Right, sorry-“

“She asked the Zoshtu Dragons to join Oxuris in the sky, bringing light to those in the dark.” She spoke before Solar could ramble about apologizing. “So, one by one, each flew up to the sky and joined with Oxuris.” She stopped, and both of them stared at each other intensely.

“So… what else?” Solar asked, patiently waiting. “And nothing. That’s why we have stars in the sky. When Zoshtu dragons breed at night, they say one gets a star pattern as a blessing. They’re also usually the leaders of the group. That’s why Zoshtu dragons breed at night. They do it so they’re blessed by their ancestors.”

“Huh, kinda wanted more.” 

“Well, don’t complain to be. I’m just the messenger.” Eclipse said, sounding defensive. “It’s just a small story.” Solar raised his arms in surrender. “I’m not mad! I’m just…” He trailed off, looking for a way to stay innocent. “I don’t like not having answers.” He sighed and turned his head back to the lake. Eclipse’s eyes softened as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Whatever, crybaby.” He snickered and playfully shoved her off. “Am not!” They both laughed again, the tension easing.

Soft, crisp wind hit their faces as they look up simultaneously. A blur of dark blue, barely visible under the midnight sky.

“Well, that’s not creepy at all,” Solar said nonchalantly.

“This place is full of wildlife. Probably a bird or…” Eclipse trailed off, still staring where the blue used to be. No birds were that large or that specific shade of blue. Only one thing was that color.

Zoshtus.

They both started in silence, waiting for something else to happen. After an uncomfortable amount of time, Solar looked at Eclipse with slight fear. “We should go. Right now.” He coughed out, slowly standing up to his feet. He turned around but froze immediately. Eclipse was about to stand down, but he shook his head.

“What’s wrong?-” Sonar shushed her and pointed to the trees. A pair of white eyes were staring at them. They were unwavering, eyeing their every move. It was a staring contest, no one moving a muscle.

Slowly, more pairs of eyes surrounded them, each emerging from the dark. Eclipse slowly stood up, her back against Solar. They held each other’s hand, terrified of what would happen. A question rang in their head. What were those creatures?

Suddenly, a blur of blue pounced on Solar, knocking both down. Solar pushed it off and scrambled up, helping Eclipse up after. They both stared at what was in front of them.

“Holy shi—“ Eclipse was about to mutter, but Solar covered her mouth. “Shhh,” he whispered. “No cursing in front of children, even if the children are baby Zoshtu Dragons.”

The dragon barely reached Solar’s knees, but it started growing extra scales and new fins. More dragons emerged from the cluster of trees. Each seemed to hold the ocean in their scales, a beautiful light blue and white in intricate patterns. They had a dark blue strip from their head to their tail. They had small fins in the side near their ears. They surrounded them in a circle, trapping them.

“Huh…” Solar said in wonder. “They’re so beautiful.”

“Told you,” Eclipse boasted, so Solar looked at her, annoyed. “Told me what?” He snapped, mad he got interrupted. “That they’re as beautiful as stars.” She smiled at him, Solar’s gaze softening.

The same dragon that pounced on Solar earlier sniffed his hand, putting its snout in his hand. “Aww, he likes you!” Eclipse exclaimed, awing at the sight. Solar couldn’t help but chuckle as he rubbed the dragon’s head. “Guess he does.”

More dragons approached the two, gently nudging them with their snouts and sniffing their strange attire, but the more social ones demanded attention.

“Guess we got it wish, didn’t we?” Solar giggled, currently sitting down with dragons by his sides. “Guess we did,” Eclipse smirked, tossing a fish to a mother and baby Zoshtu.

They spent hours at the lake, splashing with the Zoshtu dragons. It felt strange, yet so alive.

After an exhausting few hours, Solar and Eclipse leaned back on a sleeping dragon. They sat next to one other, their bright eyes staring at the stars. “This feels…” Eclipse started, searching for the word.

“Free?” Solar prompted.

“Anywhere with you feels free to me.” She leaned on his shoulder. “You’ve changed my life. For the better, obviously.” Solar laughed and leaned back on her. “Same here… devil.”

She gave a dramatic gasp. “How dare you! You’d be dead if it weren’t for me!” She scolded him, but both knew it wasn’t that serious. They both fell asleep against the Zoshtus, falling in a peaceful slumber.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

This was pretty fun to make! I wrote this on a bus to a competition, and I think it helped with my stress and anxiety- Anyways, hope you enjoyed reading!

My god, just imagine what would've happened if someone relied on this instead of searching it up and looking through results.

This scares me. Stay safe!

on the topic of not using AI for research, also be aware of using automatic Google results because they rely on AI too and don't ACTUALLY know what they're talking about

case in point: oh let's Google what flowers are safe for cats!

Google: lilies! source? trust me bro

Lilies?

You mean perhaps the most poisonous plant for cats there is? that can cause sudden Organ Shut Down and Death? Thanks Google! Good thing I can rely on your handy suggestions so I don't have to click on any actual websites and read to make sure your information is correct! (Also tulips and daffodils will also definitely Smite your cat but I'm not sure about the other flowers)

remember just because Google or an AI is telling you something confidently doesn't mean it actually knows what it's talking about

I trust no seasoned writer or researcher does this but this is more a message to newer or younger writers or anyone with less experience with Google and how it works

Please be aware that the "opt-out" choice is just a way to try to appease people. But Tumblr has not been transparent about when has data been sold and shared with AI companies, and there are sources that confirm that data has already been shared before the toggle was even provided to users.

Also, it seems to include data they should not have been able to give under any circumstance, including that of deactivated blogs, private messages and conversations, stuff from private blogs, and so on.

Do not believe that "AI companies will honor the "opt-out request retroactively". Once they've got their hands on your data (and they have), they won't be "honoring" an opt-out option retroactively. There is no way to confirm or deny what data do they have: The fact they are completely opaque on what do they currently "own" and have, means that they can do whatever they want with it. How can you prove they have your data if they don't give everyone free access to see what they've stolen already?

So, yeah, opt out of data sharing, but be aware that this isn't stopping anyone from taking your data. They already have been taking it, before you were given that option. Go and go to Tumblr's Suppport and leave your Feedback on this (politely, but firmly- not everyone in the company is responsible for this.)

Finally: Opt out is not good under any circumstance. Deactivated people can't opt out. People who have lost their passwords can't opt out. People who can't access internet or computers can't opt out. People who had their content reposted can't opt out. Dead people can't opt out. When DeviantArt released their AI image generator, saying that it wasn't trained on people who didn't consent to it, it was proven it could easily replicate the styles of people who had passed away, as seen here. So, yeah. AI companies cannot be trusted to have any sort of respect for people's data and content, because this entire thing is just a data laundering scheme.

Please do reblog for awareness.

Worldbuilding Poll

Sorry, I'm really indecisive, and I have no idea how to do stuff without a few opinions- The thing is most of my writing is based off of that world, and I have a hard time explaining things without explaining the basics first! I feel like I should, but I dunno. I doubt people actually like reading my stuff- I dunno if this blog should be just Undertale, or if this blog should just be all my writing, I just get really confused.