nagiwrites

[nagiwrites]

Chapter 7 - no such thing as fun

Characters: Caleb, you

A/n: hello I’m back sorry for the wait but it’s here. Well I have nothing to say so enjoy the chapter.

📍Synopsis:

The Capitol’s game turns savage as predator simulations are unleashed, forcing tributes into pure survival mode. Hunted, breathless, and moments from being caught, she finds herself saved twice once by instinct, and once by Caleb. But in this forest, kindness is as dangerous as the wolves. With every red light that blinks out, it becomes clear: this isn’t about fun. It’s about finding out who breaks first.

Content Warnings:

Simulated violence and predator attacks, intense chase sequences, panic and anxiety responses, physical exhaustion and fear, survival-based tension, emotional distress.

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The forest simulation was too real.

Mist clung to the air like breath that never cleared. Trees loomed high and twisted, their bark damp and artificial, but textured just enough to feel real beneath her fingers. Her red light blinked softly on her shoulder, a fragile pulse giving away her location with every second.

Her breath rasped in her throat.

She crouched behind a thick patch of brush, knees trembling, watching the light of another tribute flicker in the distance—then vanish.

A loud buzz.

Then the screen above the trees lit up in blood-red letters.

PLAYERS REMAINING: 17

She flinched.

Someone had just gotten caught.

Maybe more than one.

The Capitol might call it a game. But the pacing, the weight in her chest, the way her fingers itched to claw her way out—it all said something else.

This is practice for dying.

And they wanted to see who cracked first.

Leaves crunched nearby.

She froze, dropping low, breath held tight.

A flicker of movement—a blur of black and orange.

Raze.

The Seeker.

She stalked through the trees with her red hair slicked back, her bodysuit already streaked with mud. Her eyes glittered like someone who had waited days for this kind of opportunity.

She passed just a few yards away.

Then stopped.

Turned.

Looked right at her bush.

She clamped a hand over her mouth.

But the red light pulsing on her shoulder glowed like a flare in the dark.

Shit.

Then—

A flicker of motion behind Raze.

Fast. Controlled.

A blur of black and silver.

Caleb.

He was there and gone again in seconds, but it was enough. Raze turned toward the movement and bolted after it, full of manic energy.

Gone.

Her heart slammed in her chest.

He’d distracted her.

Caleb had seen where she was—and pulled Raze away.

She didn’t know whether to be grateful or angry.

The simulation ticked on. Minutes passed like hours.

She crept through the trees, staying low, avoiding open space. The light on her shoulder kept blinking—quiet and cursed.

Then a howl shattered the air.

Not a fake bird. Not a drone.

A wolf.

Her blood ran cold.

The howl was followed by another. And another.

From the sky above, the screen shifted again.

NEW VARIABLE DEPLOYED: STIMULATED PREDATORS ACTIVE

TYPE: WOLVES

ESTIMATED PACK SIZE: 5

TARGETS: RANDOMIZED

She whispered, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Branches snapped behind her.

A low growl.

She didn’t think. Didn’t breathe.

She ran.

Twisting between trees, ducking under limbs, the red light on her shoulder bouncing like a beacon. She could hear it—the mechanical growl of simulated breath, the pound of four paws, the eerie mixture of tech and teeth built to sound like nature.

She tripped—hit the ground—rolled.

A wolf lunged past her, jaws snapping where her shoulder had just been.

She crawled, scrambling behind a fallen log, heart in her throat.

Another buzz.

Then two.

The screen flickered:

PLAYERS REMAINING: 13

Someone screamed in the distance.

Another light blinked out.

12.

She pressed herself deeper into the mud, trying to smother her own light with her hand, breath trembling.

She didn’t care if this was a game.

It didn’t feel like one.

She ran until her lungs burned.

The mist thickened around her, swallowing the shapes of trees, her vision narrowing to flashes of red light and the blur of branches flying past. The sound of the wolves hadn’t stopped—somewhere behind her, they were still hunting.

She didn’t know if they were after her, or just whoever was unlucky enough to be the closest.

It didn’t matter.

The trees thinned ahead. Her boots slammed against the soft earth, legs aching, heart pounding so loud it drowned out everything else—

Then her foot slipped.

The ground disappeared.

And suddenly, she was falling.

A weight slammed into her side—another body, fast and solid—

And then they were both underwater.

The lake swallowed them whole.

The cold punched the air out of her lungs as they hit the surface hard and sank. Her red light sputtered, still faintly glowing under the water.

She kicked, flailed, the water dragging at her limbs like hands trying to hold her down—

Then an arm hooked around her waist, strong and anchoring.

They broke the surface together.

She gasped, coughing, pushing hair out of her face, eyes wide as she spun toward the person beside her.

Caleb.

He shook water from his eyes, jaw clenched, the light on his shoulder flickering from the impact.

“You okay?” he asked, breathless but focused.

She nodded quickly, coughing again. “Yeah—yeah, I didn’t—”

A howl echoed nearby, too close.

Caleb’s eyes darted toward the treeline. “They’re still coming.”

She turned toward the shoreline. The trees were right there, just a few yards off—but the fog made it hard to tell which direction was safest.

She started swimming, rough strokes that splashed too loud, too clumsy—

“Slow down,” Caleb said, grabbing her wrist. “You’ll draw them.”

“They already know we’re here,” she snapped, panic bleeding through her voice.

“Then we stay low and move quiet.”

He shifted in front of her, guiding them through the water, one hand on her back as they moved along the lake’s edge. His touch wasn’t rough—wasn’t commanding.

It was steady.

It grounded her.

And for the first time, in the middle of a fake forest full of fake wolves and fake stars—she didn’t feel like she was pretending to survive.

She was.

With him.

They reached a shallow edge. Slipped out of the water. Collapsed in the grass.

Both dripping.

Both breathing like they’d just outrun death.

She laid there a moment, flat on her back, eyes to the artificial sky.

Caleb rolled to sit up beside her.

Neither of them spoke.

Their red lights still blinked.

Still on.

Still alive.

For now.

The grass beneath her was cold, but the adrenaline still rushing through her veins made it hard to care. She could hear water dripping off her suit, feel it soaking into her collar, her boots, her hair. Everything stuck to her skin.

But she didn’t move.

Caleb sat beside her, his back to a tree, legs stretched out. His red light blinked softly through the wet fabric clinging to his shoulder.

She turned her head, looking at him.

“Did you follow me?” she asked, voice quiet.

He didn’t answer right away.

“I was close,” he said. “Then I saw the wolf.”

She exhaled a shaky breath, lips twitching into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “You always this heroic?”

“No,” he said, meeting her eyes. “Just with you.”

Her chest pulled tight.

She looked away.

The fake forest around them buzzed faintly—distant wolves howling, trees shifting slightly under the simulated wind. But this corner felt tucked away, protected, like the game had temporarily forgotten them.

She sat up slowly, arms wrapped around her knees.

“I don’t know how you do it,” she murmured.

He tilted his head. “Do what?”

“Act like this is normal. Like we’re not all seconds away from dying for someone else’s entertainment.”

Caleb leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.

“It’s not normal,” he said. “But pretending it is… makes it easier to survive it.”

She let that settle between them.

“Is that what you were trained for? War?”

His jaw flexed. “I was trained for control.”

She looked at him again. “Yours or everyone else’s?”

He didn’t answer.

Didn’t have to.

She leaned her head back against the tree, wet hair sticking to her cheek. Her body was still shaking from the run, the cold water, the near miss.

“I hate this place,” she whispered. “I hate how quiet it is right before something awful happens.”

Caleb shifted beside her, his voice low.

“That’s how you know something’s coming.”

They sat like that for another minute—longer than they probably should’ve—but the forest didn’t attack again. Not yet.

Finally, she pushed herself up, brushing the wet from her arms.

“I think I’m done hiding.”

Caleb stood too, adjusting the strap over his shoulder. “Then we move. Together.”

She nodded, and this time, when he placed his hand lightly on her back to guide her forward—

She didn’t flinch.

A/n: hope this wasn’t short it prob was though but feel free to tell me if it was I appreciate feedback just be decent about it. Thanks for reading.

Tags:

@mysticcollectionvoid

@pansy-chic27213

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

A/n: hi I’m back with the myth stories so urs is first so a long chap ahead. Also there will be a poll at the end. Thanks for reading.

Characters: sylus, y/n

📌 Synopsis:

In the myth event, Sylus fights through illusions, deception, and dark magic to rescue Y/N from the grip of the Wicked Step-Mother. From twisted trials to a powerful final battle, he proves that fantasy or not he would always come for her. And when the dawn rises over a freed kingdom, Y/N gives him one thing they’ve never given anyone else: a kiss.

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Sylus hovered over the screen, thumb poised to pull, when a maintenance notification abruptly popped up. He sighed, leaning back in frustration. Of course. He’d have to wait. Impatient but resigned, he set his phone aside and tried to distract himself. Time dragged—but eventually, the maintenance ended. As soon as he reopened the app, a new event banner flashed across the screen, vibrant and shimmering with stardust. The Starbound Myths were here and he wasn’t going to miss this chance to pull.

[Limited-Time Event: Starbound Myths ✦]

Special 5-Star Myth Cards Available! Unlock exclusive alternate universe stories for each crew member.

Sylus grinned, already navigating to the event banner with practiced ease. A fantasy-themed alternate storyline? Yeah, he was definitely pulling for that.

On the event screen, each of the girls had their own Myth Story, represented by unique character illustrations:

Nova – The Wandering Swordswoman 🗡️

Kaela – The Cursed Alchemist 🔮

Reyna – The Icebound Oracle ❄️

Y/N – The Lost Cinderella 👑

His gaze lingered on Y/N’s card, and he tapped on it, triggering the preview cutscene.

[Myth Preview: “The Lost Cinderella”]

The scene opened with a grand ballroom bathed in golden light, chandeliers hanging from towering ceilings.

The camera panned downward to reveal Y/N, dressed in an elegant yet delicate gown, their f/c hair cascading over their shoulders, their expression hesitant yet longing as they stood at the edge of the dance floor.

A narrator’s voice-over began:

“Once upon a time, in a kingdom lost to time, there was a girl who did not belong. She had no title, no riches, no claim to the world that ignored her.”

The screen zoomed in on Y/N, showing the way they fidgeted nervously with the fabric of their gloves, eyes darting toward the grand clock above the hall.

“Yet, for one fleeting night, she could pretend… that she did.”

A masked figure—Sylus’ avatar in this world—approached them, bowing slightly before offering his hand.

Y/N’s eyes widened, their cheeks darkened as they hesitated.

“Why would you ask me?” they murmured, uncertainty laced in their voice.

A dialogue preview flashed, showing potential choices the player could make during the story:

1. “Because you deserve this moment.”

2. “Because I’ve been looking for you all night.”

3. “Do you trust me?”

Sylus exhaled, more invested than he expected to be.

If he pulled this card, he wouldn’t just unlock a new combat buff—he’d unlock a new storyline.

The temptation was too strong.

He tapped the Wish Pool, ready to pull for his Cinderella.

Sylus tapped “Draw 10,” watching as the familiar wish animation unfolded.

A meteor shower of glowing orbs streaked across the screen, each one bursting into cards of varying rarity. His pulse quickened as he scanned the results—most were decent pulls, some upgrades, but then—

A golden glow erupted from the center of the screen.

[MYTH CARD OBTAINED: The Lost Cinderella – Y/N ✦✦✦✦✦]

Sylus smirked, leaning back in satisfaction. He got it.

The screen faded to black, transitioning into the fantasy myth storyline.

[Myth Story: The Lost Cinderella]

The ballroom was alive with music, the soft hum of violins carrying through the grand hall. Y/N stood at the center of it all, though their posture remained uncertain, hands delicately folded before them.

They weren’t like the other guests—the noblewomen adorned in dazzling jewels, the men wrapped in silks and royal embroidery.

They were something different.

Something unnoticed.

Until now.

The masked Prince—Sylus’ avatar in this world—approached, his hand extended toward them.

“Why would you ask me?” Y/N murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

A dialogue choice appeared, and Sylus selected the first option.

“Because you deserve this moment.”

Y/N’s lips parted slightly, they hesitated—always hesitant—before placing their hand in his.

The moment they did, the world seemed to disappear around them.

The music softened, the background faded into something distant, unimportant.

It was just the two of them.

“I… don’t know how to dance,” Y/N admitted, their grip on his hand just slightly too tight, as if they expected him to change his mind.

“Then let me lead.”

The game transitioned seamlessly into a mini-game, where Sylus had to time his taps to the rhythm of the waltz.

He guided Y/N across the floor, and for the first time, they looked at ease.

Y/N glanced down at their feet, clearly overthinking every step. Sylus gave a small chuckle.

“Don’t worry,” he said, lowering his voice as they moved into the waltz rhythm. “If you step on my foot, I’ll only cry a little.”

They let out a startled laugh, covering their mouth with one gloved hand. “You’re not exactly easing my nerves, you know.”

“Good,” he smirked. “That means you’re not thinking about running yet.”

Y/N shook their head, a soft smile breaking through their nerves.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“And yet, here you are… dancing with me.”

For a moment, the tension lifted. Their steps fell into rhythm, the music guiding them across the floor. Y/N laughed again—lighter this time, real—and Sylus felt something settle between them.

Not just warmth.

Trust.

As the dance slowed, Sylus brought them just a little closer, their hands still locked, breaths mingling. The lights above softened into gold, casting a glow over their faces.

Y/N looked up at him—eyes wide, cheeks flushed, lips parted ever so slightly.

He leaned in, gaze flicking from their eyes to their mouth and back again.

So close.

Y/N didn’t move. If anything, they tilted their head ever so slightly forward.

But just as the space between them narrowed to a breath-

DONG

The chime of the grand clock struck midnight.

The music faltered. The illusion broke.

Y/N’s eyes widened in horror as they snapped their gaze toward the towering clock face above.

“No—no, I have to go.”

Sylus’ character instinctively reached for their wrist, but they twisted away, their gown swirling as they turned to flee.

“Wait!”

The game shifted into chase mode, but the path was already set.

Y/N disappeared into the crowd, weaving through masked figures and gilded staircases, slipping through the castle doors before he could reach them.

The screen dimmed, leaving only the soft echo of the final clock toll.

Then—

A single glowing object appeared at his feet.

Not a glass slipper, but something more personal—

[Y/N’s Ribbon – An Irreplaceable Clue]

The camera panned down, focusing on the delicate piece of fabric left behind in their escape.

A new objective flashed on screen:

[Find Her Before It’s Too Late.]

Sylus’ grip on his phone tightened.

He wasn’t just playing anymore—

He was hunting for his Cinderella.

[Myth Quest: The Search for Cinderella]

Objective: Track down the mysterious girl before she disappears forever.

The town was alive with movement, but not the welcoming kind. The streets were filled with shadows, whispers curling through narrow alleyways as cloaked figures darted between buildings.

This wasn’t just a simple search.

This town was dangerous.

Sylus’ prince avatar rode through the streets with his loyal knights, his character navigating the maze-like roads of the kingdom as he knocked on doors, asking for any sign of the girl who had left behind the delicate ribbon now tied around his wrist.

[Mini-Game: Investigate the Town]

• Gather Clues from Locals 🗣️

• Chase Down Suspicious Figures 🏃‍♂️

• Bribe Informants 💰

Sylus moved methodically, interrogating merchants, slipping coins into greedy hands, and chasing down a hooded stranger who had been watching him for too long.

Slowly, the clues built up:

• A merchant woman claimed she had seen a girl in a simple cloak hurrying through the streets at dawn.

• A guard at the city gates swore no noblewoman left the kingdom that night.

• A tavern drunk whispered that he had heard a name muttered by those who lurked in the shadows—“Y/N.”

He was getting closer.

Then, at last, the trail led him to a grand castle at the farthest edge of the kingdom.

A dark, towering fortress, draped in cold marble and twisting ivy, its high walls meant to keep people out.

Or keep someone in.

The moment his avatar and knights approached the front gates, a new Quick-Time Event flashed—

[Knock on the Castle Door]

(Tap now to demand entry!)

Sylus tapped.

The screen zoomed in, focusing on the massive iron doors as his knights pounded their fists against them.

A moment of silence.

Then—

The doors creaked open.

A figure stood in the entryway, clad in royal garments, eyes sharp and scrutinizing.

“You come seeking something that does not belong to you.”

The man’s voice was calm, but firm.

Sylus’ character took a step forward, holding out the ribbon.

“I come for the girl who left this behind.”

The man’s gaze flickered to the ribbon for a fraction of a second before his posture stiffened.

“You’ve made a mistake.”

The screen dimmed, and a dialogue choice appeared:

1. “Then why do you look nervous?”

2. “I’m not leaving without her.”

3. “If I have made a mistake, then prove it.”

Sylus smirked, his thumb hovering over the choices.

The prince had found the castle.

[Inside the Gilded Cage]

Objective: Find the real Cinderella among the deception.

The castle doors creaked open, revealing a grand hallway bathed in soft candlelight. The air was heavy with the scent of perfumed flowers and something unspoken, a lingering unease that settled over Sylus as his prince avatar stepped inside.

At the far end of the lavish corridor stood an elderly woman—her regal gown adorned with subtle gold embroidery, her gray-streaked hair twisted into an intricate bun.

Her sharp, calculating eyes swept over him, a knowing smile curving her lips.

“Ah, Your Highness, what an unexpected pleasure,” she purred, clasping her hands together. “It is not often we receive royal visitors at such an hour.”

Sylus narrowed his eyes at her. She already knew why he was here.

The stepmother.

Before he could speak, movement flickered from the side.

Three young women, all dressed in the finest gowns, stepped into view. Their features were strikingly similar—the same delicate frame, the same painted smiles, the same soft, practiced voices.

“Your Highness,” one of them curtsied, her voice light and airy.

“What an honor,” the second giggled.

“How may we serve you?” the third added, tilting her head coyly.

[A Game of Deception Begins]

A subtle chime rang through the air, signaling that something wasn’t right.

The three girls spoke in perfect unison, their smiles never faltering.

“I was at the ball, Your Highness.”

“I danced with you under the stars.”

“I left something behind… didn’t I?”

Sylus gritted his teeth.

They were mimicking her.

Y/n.

His real Cinderella was somewhere in this castle, but these three were designed to confuse him, to mislead him.

The stepmother let out a soft, knowing chuckle. “You are quite the romantic, Your Highness. But surely, if you have found your beloved, you will know her immediately?”

A new challenge flashed on screen—

Listen carefully, observe the details, and choose the girl who isn’t lying.

Hints:

• The real y/n was hesitant when she danced. Would she speak so easily now?

• She left in a hurry. Would she have remembered exactly what she left behind?

• y/n is quiet. Would she be so quick to seek attention?

Sylus exhaled.

He wasn’t about to let these impostors trick him.

His Cinderella was here.

And he was going to find her.

[Challenge: The True Cinderella]

Objective: Identify the fake and expose the deception before time runs out.

Sylus stared at the three girls, their voices overlapping, their movements eerily in sync. It wasn’t just about picking the right one—this was a deliberate trap, a way to wear down his judgment.

The Step-Mother watched, her smirk knowing, her eyes daring him to fail.

“Come now, Your Highness,” she drawled, amusement lacing her voice. “Surely, if she is the one, you will have no doubts?”

A timer appeared at the top of the screen—

⏳ Time Remaining: 60 seconds

[Mini-Game: Find the Mistake]

Each girl will speak, but one detail will not match Y/N’s real story. Tap the incorrect statement before the timer runs out!

The first girl stepped forward, curtsying.

“At the ball, you told me I had the most captivating smile in the kingdom,” she said sweetly.

Sylus frowned. He never said that.

The second girl twirled gracefully.

“When I danced with you, I told you that I had been waiting my whole life for this night.”

Y/N had been nervous. They never would have said something so bold.

The third girl touched her wrist lightly, smiling coyly.

“And when the clock struck midnight, I placed my hand in yours and whispered that I would see you again.”

That was wrong.

Y/N had run.

The timer ticked down—⏳ 15 seconds

Sylus tapped the third girl words hoping to slash through her lies.

The screen flashed red—he missed!

His heart skipped a beat.

A small taunting laugh came from the Step-Mother.

“Oh, dear. Do you doubt yourself?”

⏳ 10 seconds.

Damn it.

He quickly tapped the first girl words instead slashing through them.

✨ SUCCESS ✨

The girl stiffened, her polite smile faltering.

“W-What? That’s not fair—”

Her voice glitched, like a holographic error, before she and the other impostors flickered away, dissolving into nothingness.

The Step-Mother’s smirk vanished.

A new notification popped up:

[Challenge Passed!]

The deception has failed. The true Cinderella is hidden somewhere inside the palace.

[New Objective: Search the Palace]

Something isn’t right. Find where they’re keeping Y/N before time runs out.

The screen transitioned into Exploration Mode, and Sylus guided his avatar deeper into the castle.

The atmosphere had changed.

The lavish decor felt colder, more suffocating. The hallways stretched endlessly, looping back into themselves, forcing him to navigate carefully.

Then, in the farthest wing of the palace—

He found a locked door.

It wasn’t grand like the others. It was plain, old, almost forgotten. But something about it felt wrong.

Sylus tapped the Interact button, and his character pressed his palm against the wood.

From the other side…

There was a soft, familiar voice.

“…Who’s there?”

Sylus’ grip tightened on his phone.

He had found her.

[The Locked Room]

Objective: Rescue Cinderella.

Sylus’ avatar pushed against the door, testing the handle—locked, of course. But now, he knew Y/N was inside.

Their soft voice had barely reached him, muffled through the thick wood.

“…Who’s there?”

He tapped the Interact button again. His character leaned closer, resting a hand against the door.

“It’s me.”

A pause. Then, a quiet, shaky breath.

“You… you came?”

The screen shifted, fading into a cutscene.

Inside the dimly lit chamber, Y/N lay on the cold stone floor, their delicate frame wrapped in tattered rags, the elegant gown they had once worn nowhere to be seen. Their wrists were bound with rough ropes, their ankles the same.

A faint bruise darkened their skin just above the elbow—a sign of struggle.

They weren’t just hiding.

They had been kept here.

Their dark eyes lifted weakly, searching the shadows, but there was no hope in them.

They thought they had been forgotten.

A dialogue choice appeared:

1. “Who did this to you?”

2. “I’m getting you out of here.”

3. “I swear to you, they’ll pay for this.”

Sylus didn’t hesitate—he tapped the second option.

His avatar slammed his fist against the door.

“I’m getting you out of here, Y/N.”

Their lips parted slightly, disbelief flickering in their tired expression.

“You… really came for me.”

Before Sylus could answer, the screen flickered.

[WARNING: A Presence Approaches.]

Footsteps echoed outside.

The Step-Mother.

She knew.

And she wasn’t going to let him take Y/N so easily.

[Confrontation: The Wicked Step-Mother]

Objective: Escape with Y/N before it’s too late.

Sylus’ avatar tensed, his hand still pressed against the door. The footsteps outside grew louder—deliberate and slow—a predator closing in.

Then, the voice came.

“How very bold of you, Your Highness.”

The Step-Mother’s voice dripped with amusement, but underneath it, Sylus could hear a cold edge—one that hadn’t been there before.

The screen transitioned into a tense cutscene as the camera zoomed in on the shadow just beyond the doorway.

“You broke into my home. You disturbed my daughters. And now you think you can steal away what is mine?”

Sylus tapped the Interact button, making his character step back, fists clenched.

“Y/N isn’t yours.”

The door rattled slightly, as if the force of her presence alone had made it tremble.

“Isn’t she?” the Step-Mother mused. “Then tell me, Your Highness—why did she not call for you? Why did she sit in silence, waiting to be forgotten?”

The game gave him no response options.

He had to watch.

Inside the room, the camera zoomed back in on Y/N, still lying on the cold stone floor, their wrists bound, their expression a mix of exhaustion and… something else.

Guilt.

Their lips parted, but they didn’t speak.

Sylus felt his pulse quicken.

They had never called for help.

Had they believed… no one would come?

[New Dialogue Choice Unlocked]

1. “Y/N, don’t listen to her. You were never alone.”

2. “Did they make you believe you deserved this?”

3. “No more running. We’re leaving—together.”

Sylus hovered for a moment, his chest tightening. The second option… felt too real.

He tapped it.

His character softened his voice, stepping closer to the door.

“Did they make you believe you deserved this?”

Inside, Y/N flinched.

For a long time, they didn’t speak. Then—

“I… I don’t know anymore.”

The Step-Mother chuckled.

“She knows where she belongs. But you… you’re too blinded by fantasy to see the truth.”

The door lock clicked.

The camera snapped back, revealing the Step-Mother’s pale hand resting on the iron handle.

She was opening the door.

[New Objective: Prepare to Fight]

She had no idea who she was messing with.

[Boss Battle: The Wicked Step-Mother & The Shadows of Deception]

Objective: Defeat the Step-Mother and her cursed daughters to free Y/N.

The door swung open, revealing the Step-Mother in full form—no longer just an elegant noblewoman but something twisted.

Her once refined gown shifted like black smoke, tendrils of darkness creeping from its edges, rooting her into the very foundations of the cursed castle. Her eyes glowed an eerie silver, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

And behind her—

The three stepsisters, no longer perfectly composed noblewomen but warped, hollowed figures, their limbs unnaturally elongated, their faces frozen in soulless grins.

[BOSS FIGHT ENGAGED]

Survive the illusions and break through the deception!

Step-Mother’s Abilities:

• Lies That Bind – Y/N hesitates, unable to act for a short duration.

• Illusion Waltz – The battlefield distorts, causing fake versions of the stepsisters to appear.

• Final Judgment – Instant KO attack if the player falls for too many illusions.

Shadows of the Stepsisters’ Abilities:

• Echoed Voices – They repeat Y/N’s voice to confuse the player.

• Mirror Step – They imitate attacks, making it hard to tell which one is real.

• Draining Gaze – Slowly saps health if looked at for too long.

Sylus immediately dodged as the Step-Mother raised a gnarled, blackened hand, sending waves of dark energy toward him. The shadows of the stepsisters laughed in sync, their forms splitting into five copies each, surrounding him.

“She was never meant for you,” the Step-Mother crooned, her voice overlapping with Y/N’s own.

The battlefield was warped—a spiraling ballroom twisted by dark magic. The marble floor cracked with each step, reflections rippling beneath like water. A constant whisper filled the air, echoing Y/N’s voice to throw Sylus off balance.

The Step-Mother raised her arms, smoke curling like claws from her fingertips.

“Lies That Bind!”

Dark chains burst from the floor, coiling around Y/N’s legs. She staggered, caught mid-step, eyes glazed in confusion as her form flickered—hesitating.

Sylus gritted his teeth.

“Y/N—stay with me!”

Suddenly, the Stepsisters scattered across the room, their limbs elongating, distorting like puppets in a nightmare. Their voices echoed in eerie unison:

“He’ll never choose the real you…”

One lunged forward—“Mirror Step!”—mimicking Sylus’ last combo exactly, forcing him to dodge his own moves.

Another locked eyes with him—“Draining Gaze.”

The screen dimmed subtly. His health bar ticked down.

“Don’t look at them too long,” Y/N called out.

Then the game hit him with a challenge—

[Which One is the Real Y/N?]

• Five versions of Y/N appeared on-screen.

• The wrong choice would stun him, making him lose health.

• If he hesitated too long, the illusions would merge and attack all at once.

The countdown began—

⏳ 5… 4… 3…

Sylus quickly scanned the options. All of them had the same face, the same trembling expression… but one detail was different.

One Y/N still had the faint mark on their wrist from where they’d been bound by their ribbon.

He tapped their image just as the timer hit ⏳ 1.

✨ CORRECT! ✨

The illusions shattered, the false stepsisters screaming as they dissolved into shadows.

“No!” the Step-Mother snarled, her voice losing its composed façade.

TAP to launch a synchronized attack!

Sylus smashed the screen, activating his strongest attack.

His prince avatar lunged forward, sword glowing with light, slashing through the dark chains that had kept Y/N bound.

The Step-Mother let out a piercing wail, her form splintering like glass, the cursed shadows dispersing into nothing.

The screen flashed white, the castle’s dark aura lifting as the curse broke.

✨ VICTORY! ✨

[Boss Battle Complete!]

Y/N is Free.

The golden light of dawn spilled across the shattered remains of the cursed room. The dark energy was gone. The shadows, the illusions—they were nothing but dust on the wind now.

“I didn’t think anyone would really come for me…”

Their voice was quiet, almost broken.

A dialogue choice appeared:

1. “Always.”

2. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”

3. “Let’s go home.”

Sylus selected the first option.

Sylus knelt in front of Y/N, still offering his hand.

“Always,” he said.

Y/N stared at him, eyes glossy with disbelief and something softer. Their fingers trembled as they reached out and took his hand, letting him gently pull them to their feet.

For a moment, they just stood there—quiet, close, the castle crumbling behind them.

Then Y/N leaned in.

It wasn’t a bold kiss. It wasn’t dramatic.

It was hesitant, trembling—like they weren’t sure this moment was real until their lips touched his.

Sylus didn’t move, didn’t breathe. He just kissed them back—steady, warm, grounding them both.

The game faded out, the castle dissolving around them as dawn broke over the kingdom.

[Myth Story Complete: The Lost Cinderella]

✨ 5-Star Bond Strengthened! ✨

Sylus leaned back, exhaling sharply.

That… had been incredible.

And as the game returned to the main screen, Y/N’s new myth-themed portrait now replaced their normal one, their gaze softer, trusting.

They had been freed.

And Sylus had been the one to save them.

A/n: thanks for reading this was long but hopefully not too boring. Don’t forget to vote in the poll below please for who’s myth u wanna see next or none at all.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[nagiwrites]

Chapter 6 - into the pit

A/n: thanks for being patient with me I may try those bullet point post that be having those prompts but like it skims through their idea. Yeah just to practice my smut skills because it’s awkward for me and im a prude 😜😜 anyways enjoy. Also no content warnings for this.

Characters: Caleb, you

📌Synopsis:

While she battles through bruises and exhaustion, Caleb glides through training like he was made for it. The Capitol ends the day with a “game” called Hide or Hunt—but beneath the playful branding lies a chilling simulation. The red light on her shoulder begins to blink, she runs headfirst into the woods, knowing this isn’t just a test. It’s a warning.

[← back] [→ next]

Morning came too soon.

She barely slept after the vomiting, after the shaking, after the quiet moment on the bathroom floor with Caleb’s hand still pressed gently between her shoulder blades.

But when the lights in the apartment shifted to sunrise mode—faux gold spilling over the windows like a curtain being drawn—there was no hiding from it.

Today was the start of training.

Today, she had to pretend to be ready.

She sat on the edge of the bed, hair still tangled from restless sleep, stomach hollow. Caleb was already up, moving like a machine. Quiet. Efficient. Still shirtless.

She kept her eyes on the floor.

A soft chime sounded. A panel slid open near the wall, revealing a stack of neatly folded bodysuits in black and gray—District IV’s standard issue. Form-fitting, high-tech fabric built for movement, with a faint shimmer of built-in armor beneath the surface.

She touched the material. It felt like water and static at the same time.

She dressed in silence. The suit clung to her in ways that made her feel exposed, like the Capitol wanted to strip her dignity and leave just enough to entertain the cameras.

The mirror flicked on automatically as she adjusted the collar. She barely recognized herself.

She looked like someone pretending to be a fighter.

Caleb appeared behind her in the reflection, now dressed in his own version of the suit—sleek, matte, with a faint glint of authority in the seams.

He didn’t say anything.

He just watched her.

She hated how seen that made her feel.

“You’ll be fine,” he said, finally.

She scoffed. “I can’t throw a punch, can’t shoot, can’t climb a wall, and I nearly died from jelly cubes.”

His lips barely twitched. “Still got more spine than half the room.”

She looked at him. “That’s not gonna stop me from bleeding out in the first five minutes.”

“No,” he said calmly. “But it’ll piss off whoever tries to make you.”

She didn’t know if that was supposed to be comforting.

But she took it anyway.

They rode in silence through the Tribute Tower’s private lift system—just the two of them, descending floor by floor beneath the Capitol, deeper into the building’s hidden guts.

The doors opened to a cold, vast training center.

Steel. Concrete. Glass.

Weapons racked against glowing walls. Obstacle towers. Combat rings. Survival stations. A massive dome above them projected shifting light patterns to mimic different environments—forest, desert, urban ruins.

And the tributes were already there.

Some warming up. Some showing off.

She stepped in slowly, trying not to let the echo of her footsteps betray how unsure she felt.

They all looked like they belonged here.

Lira from District I had already thrown five knives into a moving target, dead center every time. One of the twins was disassembling a Capitol-issued drone like it was child’s play. Raze was climbing the artificial terrain wall in full gear, laughing like she wasn’t a few feet from falling.

She stood there, stiff in her bodysuit, fingers twitching at her sides.

Completely, utterly untrained.

And completely watched.

She kept close to the edge of the training center at first, eyes scanning everything, trying to look casual—like she was just taking her time, not like she was internally panicking about where to even start.

Then she saw him.

Aren.

Blonde spikes a little messier today, like he’d just rolled out of bed and didn’t care how that played on camera. He stood near one of the camouflage stations, half-hidden behind a projection wall that shifted color as he moved, matching the artificial jungle terrain programmed into the dome above.

He didn’t wave.

Didn’t smile.

But his eyes met hers.

A small nod.

Recognition.

And for a split second, she felt a little steadier.

Not safe. But not completely alone.

She nodded back.

Then forced herself to walk away before the comfort could settle.

She had work to do.

Station One: Knives.

The girl running the station barely looked up from her clipboard as she explained the basics—stance, grip, throw. Her voice was bored, like she’d said it a hundred times already.

She picked up the blade.

It was heavier than it looked. Cold in her hand.

She lined up with the target, heart pounding in her ears.

Threw.

It landed in the dirt.

Not even close.

From somewhere across the room, she heard soft laughter. Not cruel, but not kind, either. Just the Capitol watching a girl fail on her first try.

She grit her teeth and threw again.

Missed.

Caleb didn’t say anything.

But she knew he was watching.

Station Two: Fire Building.

Easier. At least here, she could sit. She crouched low, following the demo on the screen. Sparkstick. Kindling. Heat modulator.

Her first try fizzled out.

The second gave her a small flame.

She stared at it like it was magic.

And maybe it was.

The instructor gave her a rare nod. “Better than most first-timers.”

She blinked, surprised. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

That was… something.

Station Three: Hand-to-Hand Combat.

Terrible idea.

She knew it before she even stepped onto the mat.

But something in her didn’t want to avoid it.

So she went.

The instructor was a mountain of a man, arms crossed, eyes bored. He paired her with a tribute from District Eleven—tall, lean, fast.

The first hit was fast.

The floor was cold.

Her ribs hurt.

The second hit was slower.

Because she tried to dodge.

Didn’t matter.

Down again.

She heard someone whistle softly from the sidelines.

“Nice effort,” the instructor muttered, offering a hand. “Next time, lead with your elbows.”

She didn’t take the hand.

She got up on her own.

From the corner of her eye, Aren was watching again.

But so was Caleb.

He stood near one of the survival gear tables, arms crossed, jaw clenched.

He didn’t say a word.

But the way his eyes tracked her told her everything she needed to know.

She was learning.

Slowly.

Painfully.

But she was still here.

And somehow, that felt like a win.

After her third stumble at the combat station, she slipped away toward the hydration bay, chest still heaving. A sheen of sweat clung to her neck, and a dull ache was already forming at the base of her spine from being tossed like a ragdoll.

She wiped her hands on her bodysuit and looked across the training center—

and spotted him.

Caleb.

He wasn’t struggling.

He didn’t look tired.

He stood at the weapon station now, a spear in hand, surrounded by a small cluster of Capitol instructors and a few curious tributes.

He moved like the weapon belonged to him. Each throw hit dead center. He didn’t miss.

And worse—he didn’t even look like he was trying.

She watched as he completed a sequence of hand-to-hand maneuvers against a sparring dummy—quick, clean, brutal. The kind of movements that didn’t belong in a game. The kind that belonged in real war.

Someone near her muttered, “Show-off.”

She didn’t disagree.

But she didn’t stop watching, either.

For a split second, Caleb glanced her way. Their eyes locked. He didn’t smile. He didn’t gloat.

But she could tell—he saw the way she was seeing him now.

And she hated that it made her chest tighten.

Later that afternoon, the lights dimmed. The central screen pulsed to life.

“Tributes, please report to the simulation chamber for an end-of-day activity. We call it—Hide or Hunt!”

A ripple of uneasy laughter moved through the room.

“Just for fun,” one of the trainers said with a smirk. “You’ll be placed in a simulated forest. One of you will be randomly chosen as the Seeker. The rest? You hide.”

A pause.

“Everyone will be fitted with a red tracking light. The moment you’re caught, your light shuts off and you’re out. Last one standing gets… Capitol points.”

She didn’t like the way he said that.

The phrase “just for fun” didn’t mean much in the Capitol.

The simulation room was massive—a stadium-sized space now filled with a towering artificial forest. The air was damp. Mist curled through the trees. Birds chirped, clearly fake, but eerie all the same.

An attendant handed her a small band. “Clip it to your shoulder,” they instructed. “It glows red. Try not to lose.”

She clipped it on, adjusted her gloves, and stepped into the woods.

Caleb appeared at her side before the simulation started.

“You ever play games like this back home?” he asked.

She gave him a flat look. “Back home, we didn’t have food. Or forests.”

He didn’t laugh, but his lips twitched just barely. “Stay low. Use cover. And don’t breathe too loud.”

“You’re not the Seeker?”

“Not this round.”

“Good.” She looked at him. “Because I’d hate to find out what your version of ‘tag’ looks like.”

“Painful,” he said simply.

She didn’t doubt it.

A sharp tone rang through the trees.

“SEEKER SELECTED: DISTRICT VI — RAZE.”

“Oh good,” she muttered. “The unhinged one.”

Then everything went dark.

The forest lit up with the soft glow of a hundred tiny red dots scattered across the map. Hers blinked faintly on her shoulder.

The game had begun.

She took off running, heart pounding, the mist swallowing her whole.

Capitol said it was a game.

But in the way people moved, in the way feet pounded the fake earth and breath hitched in terror—

It was anything but.

A/n: thanks for reading and have a good day or night wherever y’all are.

Tags:

@mysticcollectionvoid

@pansy-chic27213

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

A/n: thank u all for being patient with me as I get these chapters out. Kinda nervous about putting my other fix idea out because I feel like it would be boring to read maybe idk anyways thanks for all the support. Also I’m back to my old format I remembered to change it this time but tell me if it bothers y’all I’m not sure if y’all care about how the text is.

Characters: sylus, y/n, nova

📌 Synopsis:

With the danger temporarily behind him, Sylus takes time to explore the ship—and the growing bond between him and Y/N. A new interaction unlock reveals just how far their connection has come. But trust isn’t the end of the story. It’s only the beginning.

[← back] [→ next]

Sylus had done his best to focus on work, to ignore the persistent notifications that kept flashing on his phone screen throughout the week.

[Crew Awaits Your Return, Captain.]

Y/N has been training in your absence.

Every time he picked up his phone to check messages or emails, the game’s app icon glowed subtly, tempting him.

But now, with the week behind him and the night stretching ahead, he finally had time to unwind.

Sitting back in his office chair, he exhaled deeply before tapping the app.

[WELCOME BACK, CAPTAIN]

A lot has happened while you were away. Ready to continue your journey?

The Home Screen loaded, and as expected, there were subtle changes.

The crew lounge background was slightly different, as if time had passed in the game world, too. Nova was sharpening her blades at the weapons bench. Kaela was tinkering with a device, her brow furrowed in concentration. Reyna stood by the tactical map, eyes scanning data logs.

And then there was Y/N.

They were sitting at a corner seat by the observation deck, but this time, they weren’t reading. They were waiting.

As Sylus tapped their icon, they looked up, as if sensing his presence.

[Y/N Interaction Unlocked]

• “You were gone for a while… I wasn’t sure if you were coming back.”

Sylus’ smirk faded slightly. The game knew how to pull him back in.

[CONTINUE STORY]

Resume where you left off, strengthen your team, and prepare for the rematch.

He flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulders.

This time, he wasn’t going to lose.

Sylus knew he couldn’t just jump back into the mission blindly. He had to be ready this time.

Instead of immediately resuming the story, he navigated to the Upgrade Menu, determined to train, level up his cards, and strengthen his team.

[Training Mode: Crew Enhancements]

Improve combat effectiveness by increasing affinity, training specific skills, and unlocking new abilities.

• Tactical Drills with Reyna – Increased combat precision and learned about enemy weak points.

• Sparring with Nova – Upgraded dodge timing and unlocked a new counterattack ability.

• Engineering Maintenance with Kaela – Strengthened ship defenses and unlocked minor tech-based buffs.

• Target Practice with Y/N – Increased bow proficiency, and more importantly… built trust.

After each session, notifications popped up:

[Skill Upgrade: Synchronization Bonus +5%]

[New Ability Unlocked: Coordinated Attack – Execute back-to-back moves with a partner]

[Combat Card Enhancement Available]

Sylus then moved to the Wish Pool, hoping to upgrade his deck further. He had accumulated enough in-game currency to pull a few new cards.

The starry wish animation played as he drew 10 cards—

One flashed gold.

[5-Star Card Obtained: Y/N – “Unbreakable Resolve”]

Special Ability: Allows one critical escape from a fatal hit.

Sylus smirked, his heart pounding with excitement.

This was it.

He had the skill, the upgrades, and the cards to change what happened last time.

Returning to the Home Screen, he tapped Continue Story, and the mission loaded once again.

But this time…

This time, he wasn’t going to let Y/N die.

As the mission reloaded, the familiar eerie glow of the derelict ship’s flickering emergency lights bathed the metallic corridors in unsettling hues. But this time, Sylus wasn’t walking in blind.

He had leveled up, trained, and upgraded his cards.

He was ready.

Nova strode beside him, her dual blades resting lightly in her hands.

“Feels like déjà vu, huh, Captain?” she mused, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Let’s try not to get ourselves killed this time.”

Y/N followed close behind, more composed than before, though Sylus noticed the subtle way their fingers curled near the grip of their bow. They hadn’t forgotten what had happened last time. Neither had he.

The ship’s AI voice crackled through the intercoms again, just as before:

“Distress signal detected. Source unknown. Signal pattern suggests an abandoned vessel.”

Sylus tapped through the dialogue, making the same choices to cautiously proceed.

This time, when they entered the darkened main corridor, his upgraded interface flashed an alert.

[Anomaly Detected – Scan for Additional Data?]

Sylus smirked. Something new.

He activated the scan function, and Y/N immediately reacted.

“That’s… different.” They frowned, watching as a new holographic distortion flickered ahead of them.

“The signal isn’t just a distress call. It’s… masking something.”

Nova narrowed her eyes.

“Like what?”

Before Y/N could respond, the ship shuddered violently, metal groaning under unseen pressure.

Then came the screech.

A massive Wander emerged, just as before—but now Sylus knew its tricks.

The battle UI activated, but this time, instead of being caught off guard, Sylus had upgraded combat mechanics:

[Synchronization Mode – Activated]

Team-based combat allows coordinated moves and powerful combos. Execute precise actions to overpower high-level threats.

Tactical Changes from Last Attempt:

✔ Stronger Cards Equipped – Y/N’s “Unbreakable Resolve” ability available

✔ Coordinated Attacks Unlocked

✔ Enemy Patterns Memorized

Nova grinned, shifting into her ready stance.

“Alright, Captain. Let’s dance.”

Y/N steadied their bow, their expression determined.

“We can do this.”

The fight began.

• Sylus dodged early, avoiding the Wander’s deadly opening strike.

• Nova countered with a speed attack, slashing at the creature’s limbs.

• Y/N charged a shot, their newly upgraded ability allowing them to pin the Wander down temporarily.

A Synchronization Prompt appeared—

[Coordinated Attack Ready – Tap to Execute!]

Sylus tapped instantly, watching as the screen transitioned into a cinematic combo attack—

Nova slashed across the Wander’s chest, stunning it, while Y/N loosed a perfectly aimed arrow, striking the weak spot Sylus had memorized from training.

The enemy let out a deafening screech, collapsing.

A Final Strike Prompt appeared:

[TAP TO FINISH]

Sylus fired his sidearm, the final shot piercing through the Wander’s core.

The creature disintegrated.

[Mission Complete!]

Combat XP +250 | Synchronization Level Increased | Y/N Affinity Upgraded

The screen faded back into exploration mode, the once-hostile corridor now eerily silent.

Nova exhaled, rolling her shoulders.

“Well… that was a hell of an improvement.”

Y/N looked up at Sylus, their eyes searching his.

“You… you really got stronger.”

Sylus smirked.

“Told you I wouldn’t let that happen again.”

But before they could celebrate the victory, Y/N’s expression suddenly shifted—their eyes widening as they stared at the fallen creature’s remains.

A new cutscene triggered.

Y/N stepped forward, their breath hitching.

“No… that’s not possible.”

Sylus frowned.

“What?”

They reached out hesitantly, fingers hovering over the decomposing black matter of the creature’s remains. Their voice was barely a whisper—

I’ve seen it before.”

The music shifted, tense, uncertain.

A notification flashed:

[Hidden Storyline Unlocked – Y/N’s Secret]

Sylus’ stomach clenched.

Finally.

He was about to learn the truth.

Sylus didn’t hesitate. The moment the notification flashed, his thumb moved to tap Y/N’s Secret (3/3).

The screen faded to black, and a cutscene loaded, the soft background music shifting into something low, tense, almost melancholic.

The scene opened in a dimly lit room, different from the usual ship environments. It wasn’t part of their vessel—it was somewhere else.

Y/N stood in the center, their back partially turned, the shadows of holographic data flickering across their form.

They were alone—or at least, they thought they were.

A soft chime echoed through the scene, followed by a distorted voice.

“You’re not supposed to be here.”

Sylus’ character wasn’t in this memory. It was a past event—something Y/N had lived through.

They flinched at the voice but didn’t turn around immediately. Instead, their fingers hovered over the interface of a terminal, filled with encrypted data logs.

“I had to know the truth,” they whispered, barely audible.

The voice grew sharper, more synthetic—like it was being altered by some kind of scrambling tech.

“You should have left it buried, Y/N.”

They inhaled sharply, and for the first time, Sylus saw a completely different side of them.

This wasn’t the shy, hesitant crew member he had gotten to know.

This was someone who had seen something they weren’t meant to see.

The camera shifted, showing a holographic screen in front of them, filled with classified logs, genetic coding sequences, and research data.

One phrase stood out, flashing in red error text:

[PROJECT: WANDER]

Status: Unstable. Experimental Stage. WARNING: Breach Detected.

Sylus’ stomach dropped.

The creatures… the Wanders…

They weren’t just some random cosmic threat.

They were created.

By someone.

And Y/N had found out.

Y/N was involved in something before joining the crew. They know more about the Wanders than they’ve admitted.

As the scene faded, the screen transitioned back to the Home Screen, but this time, Y/N’s in-game model had changed.

They weren’t just glancing at him anymore.

They were watching him directly.

Waiting.

Sylus’ hands tightened around his phone.

This game had started as a simple distraction.

But now?

Now he needed to know everything.

And more than anything—

He needed to know if Y/N was still hiding something from him.

After everything he’d learned—the upgrades, the memory unlock, the truth behind the Wanders—Sylus didn’t jump into another mission right away.

Instead, he returned to exploration mode, letting the pace slow as he wandered the ship again. The familiar corridors, crew interactions, and ambient music grounded him, reminding him that this world wasn’t just about battles and choices.

Sylus leaned back in his chair, rolling his shoulders as he tapped through the game’s menus with ease. At this point, he wasn’t just playing—he was mastering it.

His combat deck was stacked, his team well-trained, and his affinity levels were climbing fast. He had memorized enemy attack patterns, optimized his synchronization with the crew, and leveled up his best cards to the point where missions that once felt impossible were now effortless.

But what had changed the most was his interactions with the crew.

[New Interaction Perks Unlocked!]

Your growing bond with the crew allows for deeper interactions. Choose a character to engage in new physical interactions.

Sylus smirked, already knowing where he was headed.

He navigated to Crew Interactions and tapped Y/N’s profile.

Unlike before, where they’d hesitate or shy away, they were now fully facing him on the screen, their expression softer, more trusting.

A new set of interaction options appeared beneath them:

[Choose an Interaction]

• Hand on Arm 🤝 – A light, reassuring touch.

• Lean Closer 💫 – A more intimate, quiet moment.

• Hand to Chest ❤️ – A subtle but meaningful gesture.

Sylus raised an eyebrow. Oh?

This was new.

Curious, he selected Lean Closer.

The game transitioned into a small cutscene, the screen zooming in on Y/N as they shifted slightly, looking up at him with uncertainty—but not hesitation.

“You always stay so close now,” they murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

The game gave no dialogue choices, no affinity boosts—this was just a moment.

They didn’t pull away. If anything, their gaze softened further, and for the first time since he met them, they looked at peace.

A soft notification flickered across the screen:

[Y/N trusts you completely.]

Sylus exhaled. He didn’t know why, but he felt genuinely satisfied seeing how much had changed between them.

This wasn’t just about leveling up anymore.

This was about her.

And now, as he backed out of the interaction menu and saw the next chapter prompt waiting for him, he knew—

This story was far from over.

A/n: thanks for reading also myth stories are next I’ll do a poll on the chapter to see if y’all want the other girl ones or just skip it.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[nagiwrites]

Chapter 5 - the edge of too much

A/n: hey I really want seafood today or something spicy idk random. Thanks for all the likes and stuff.

Characters: caleb, you, aren (oc)

☆ Content:

Disordered eating behaviors (binge and purging), vomiting, emotional distress, anxiety responses, vulnerability

[← back] [→ next]

📌 Synopsis: Late at night, silence exposes the fragile space between them. As Caleb unintentionally closes the distance, she unravels—physically and emotionally—everything she’s tried to swallow down. It’s his quiet presence, not his words, that grounds her. For the first time, she lets him stay close.

The blonde-haired tribute stayed just a few feet from her, arms still casually tucked in his pockets, like the buzzing banquet room didn’t exist. He didn’t press her for anything. Didn’t ask questions.

And maybe that’s why she spoke first.

“You got a name?” she asked, licking the last of the sugar glaze from her finger.

He blinked once. “Aren.”

Just Aren. No introduction, no district.

She tilted her head slightly. “You gonna tell me which corner of the board you’re from?”

“District Nine.”

That tracked—she remembered seeing him during the entrance ceremony. His outfit had been understated compared to the rest, nothing flashy. He hadn’t even smiled.

And now that he was up close, she could tell: Aren wasn’t performing for anyone.

“You came here alone?” she asked.

A pause. “Everyone comes here alone.”

She raised a brow, half amused. “You always this dramatic?”

“Only when it helps someone listen.”

She scoffed lightly and looked down at her plate. Only a few bites left. She’d nearly cleaned the entire table. Her stomach ached, but in a weirdly comforting way—like her body was trying to convince her it was still alive.

Aren shifted, the spiked ends of his hair catching the light like jagged blades. “You’re not going to last long if you keep looking like you don’t want to be here.”

She stiffened a little. “Who says I do?”

“I didn’t say you had to want it,” Aren said, calmly. “Just that you have to fake it better.”

She turned to really look at him then. The flat stare. The emotionless voice. The careful, passive posture that told everyone he wasn’t a threat—until he needed to be.

He was playing the game already.

Smart.

Dangerous.

“Thanks for the pep talk,” she muttered.

“You’re welcome,” he said, like he actually meant it. “Just remember: if you make yourself invisible, the Capitol won’t look twice before erasing you.”

That one sank in a little deeper than she liked.

Before she could respond, a melodic chime echoed through the hall again.

“Tributes, please return to your assigned transport for housing allocation. You will be escorted to your Capitol apartments. Prepare for departure.”

Around them, the mood shifted. Conversations dropped. People began drifting away from tables, brushing off crumbs and slipping their masks back on.

Her stomach turned—not from the food, but from the reality creeping back in.

Aren nodded once. “See you around, District Four.”

She opened her mouth to reply, but he was already gone, disappearing into the flow of bodies moving toward the exits.

Then she felt him.

She didn’t have to look to know Caleb was standing behind her.

“I talked to someone,” she said before he could say anything. “Just like you wanted.”

“Wasn’t expecting it to be a boy with lightning hair and trust issues,” he replied dryly.

She stood slowly, brushing her hands off. “Good. Hope u like to be surprised.”

He didn’t answer, but she felt the way his eyes followed her as they walked toward the transport line.

The vehicle that waited for them wasn’t what she expected.

It hovered soundlessly a few feet above the street, its black exterior smooth and matte, outlined in glowing lines of red and silver. A Capitol seal shimmered faintly across the side.

Inside, the seats were plush and curved, designed for comfort she didn’t trust. The windows offered a full view of the Capitol as they drove—neon signs, towering buildings, and skybridges that pulsed with glowing advertisements.

She pressed her fingers to the cool glass, watching the city blur by. It was beautiful, yes.

But nothing about it felt alive.

Beside her, Caleb sat with his arms crossed, eyes fixed ahead.

“You didn’t eat much,” she said, breaking the quiet.

“I didn’t need to.”

She glanced at him. “You trying to prove something?”

“No. I’ve just been here before.”

That made her pause. “You mean the Capitol?”

He looked at her then, eyes unreadable in the dim light. “No. I mean rooms full of liars smiling over wine while deciding who deserves to die.”

She fell silent.

Outside, the city glittered like a prize.

Inside, the silence settled heavy between them—unspoken truths, unreadable stares, and the reality that neither of them could walk away now.

The vehicle finally slowed, humming softly as it hovered into a private docking bay near the top of the Tribute Tower. The lights here were dimmer, calmer, a gentler shade of gold instead of the harsh Capitol white.

She followed Caleb through a long hallway, led by an attendant who barely spoke a word, until they reached a door labeled simply: DISTRICT IV – QUARTERS.

The door hissed open.

And her breath caught.

The apartment was huge—bigger than her entire building back in District IV. The floors were a pale stone, warm underfoot. The walls glowed softly with ambient lighting. A seating area sprawled near the windows, facing the Capitol skyline like it was a stage.

And in the center of the room—

One bed.

Big. Luxurious. The kind you sink into and disappear.

But still. Just one.

She stared at it.

Caleb walked past her like he hadn’t even noticed, already slipping off the formal jacket he’d worn to the banquet. His undershirt clung to him, cut sharp at the shoulders, and he moved with the kind of ease that said this isn’t new to me.

It hit her all at once.

Not the Capitol. Not the Games.

Him.

They were going to sleep in the same room.

In the same bed.

And she’d never even been in the same space like that with a guy before—let alone him.

She stood there, still as a statue, brain glitching as Caleb set his jacket neatly on the chair and ran a hand through his hair, messing it up in a way that made him look suddenly a lot less Colonel and a lot more man.

“You good?” he asked, glancing over at her.

Her mouth was dry. “I—yeah. I’m fine.”

He looked at the bed, then at her, and seemed to realize the same thing she just had.

“We can build a wall with pillows if it helps,” he said simply, not teasing, not smug. Just… calm.

Like this wasn’t a big deal. Like he didn’t feel the tension buzzing in the air between them.

She nodded quickly. “Sure. Yeah. That’s fine.”

Her hands suddenly felt too awkward. She didn’t know where to stand. Where to look.

She turned and disappeared into the bathroom to change, trying not to let her brain spiral as she rinsed off the scent of syrup and perfume from the banquet. When she came back out, dressed in a Capitol-issued sleep shirt that hung a little too big on her, Caleb had already dimmed the lights.

The room was quiet now. Still.

The bed looked bigger in the dark. And worse, it looked warm.

Caleb was already sitting on the edge, one leg stretched out, one arm resting on his knee. He didn’t say anything.

She hovered by the doorway for a second.

He glanced at her. “I won’t bite.”

She made a face. “Wasn’t worried about that.”

“Sure.”

A pause.

Then she walked to the far side of the bed and slipped under the covers, staying way too close to the edge.

They didn’t speak after that.

But the silence between them wasn’t empty.

It was thick with everything neither of them had said. With everything she hadn’t yet let herself feel.

And in the dark, with only the quiet hum of Capitol tech and her own heartbeat in her ears—

She realized this was the closest she’d ever been to anyone.

Physically. Emotionally. Dangerously.

The room was still.

So quiet she could hear her own breathing, tight and uneven, the sheets whispering against her skin every time she shifted. She kept to her edge of the bed, her body curled slightly, as if keeping herself small might shrink everything else, too.

Caleb hadn’t said a word since the lights went out.

She knew he was still awake.

She could feel it.

Then—

The mattress dipped.

Just a little.

His weight shifted.

His body angled slightly toward hers, not fully pressed in, but close enough that she could feel the heat of him.

It wasn’t on purpose. She could tell.

He was asleep. Or near it.

His breathing had slowed, and the edge had softened in his body.

But he was too close.

She froze. Not because she was afraid, but because this—this—was uncharted.

No boy had ever been this close before.

No one had ever shared her space like this, quiet and unguarded, vulnerable without speaking a word.

And despite the stiff panic rising in her throat, she didn’t move.

She didn’t want to move.

But then—

Her stomach twisted.

Sharp. Sudden.

She inhaled through her nose, hoping it would pass. It didn’t.

The wave of nausea surged up, hot and cruel and immediate.

She sat up fast, a gasp escaping her lips, and shoved the covers back.

Caleb stirred, already alert. “What—?”

“I—hold on,” she croaked, already stumbling out of the bed, one hand pressed to her mouth.

She barely made it to the bathroom before she dropped to her knees, bracing herself on the cold sink basin as she vomited.

It hit hard. Sweet. Sour. Too much.

Everything from the banquet clawed its way back up—syrup, meat, jelly, fear.

The anxiety she thought she’d buried under food and silence exploded in her chest like static.

She gagged again, tears springing to her eyes as the wave finally slowed.

The bathroom lights were too bright now. The tiles too clean. The silence unbearable.

She stayed there, curled over the sink, breathing hard.

Then—

A hand touched her back.

Gentle. Steady.

She didn’t flinch.

Caleb didn’t say anything at first.

He just stayed there. One hand on her back, the other resting lightly on her shoulder.

Like he knew that words wouldn’t help.

Only presence.

“I’m fine,” she whispered hoarsely, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “It’s nothing. Just too much… everything.”

“I know,” he said quietly.

Another beat passed.

“I didn’t mean to—move that close,” he added after a moment, his voice low, careful. “Sorry.”

She shook her head. “It’s not that. I just—”

She couldn’t finish the sentence.

So she didn’t.

She leaned slightly back against him, just enough to feel that he was real, that she wasn’t floating in this Capitol nightmare alone.

And for a while, neither of them said anything.

A/n : a slow chapter this time hehehehe.

Tags:

@mysticcollectionvoid

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

A/n: hi I’m back um I’ve been on tiktok strolling. Hope y’all enjoy this chapter and have a good day or night. I keep forgetting to format my chapters ughhh but I’ll come back later probably and fix it so this one might not be formatted like the past ones and also I did it last chapter too so sorry about that. There are some content warnings for this one also.

Characters: Sylus, Kaela, Reyna, Nova, Y/N.

[← back] [→ next]

☆ Content: sci-fi action, emotional impact, character death, gore mention, intense gameplay tension.

Ch. 6 - too real

📌 Synopsis:

Sylus fails his first real test—and the cost is devastating. He’s forced to confront just how deep the game goes. But failure isn’t the end. Not for him. With new upgrade systems unlocked, Sylus swears he won’t lose them again.

The crew’s journey continues, but something stirs in the depths of space. A distress signal leads to an unexpected discovery—and more questions than answers.

After spending time on side missions and building bonds, Sylus tapped Continue Story, drawn back into the unfolding narrative. The screen transitioned into a cutscene.

—

The command center of the ship was tense, dimly lit by the glow of holographic displays and flickering star maps. Reyna stood at the controls, her fingers tapping rapidly as streams of data scrolled across the screen. Nova leaned against the console, arms crossed, while Kaela stood nearby, sipping from her ever-present mug.

Y/N, as usual, lingered slightly off to the side, watching quietly.

The ship’s AI voice crackled through the speakers:

“Distress signal detected. Source unknown. Signal pattern suggests an abandoned vessel.”

Reyna adjusted her glasses.

“It could be a trap. We don’t know who—if anyone—is still alive on that ship.”

Nova scoffed.

“Or what’s lurking inside.”

A dialogue choice appeared:

1. “We have to check it out. Someone might need help.”

2. “It’s too risky. We keep our distance.”

3. “We go in, but we stay cautious.”

Sylus considered before selecting the third option.

His character leaned forward.

“We go in, but we stay cautious. We’re not taking unnecessary risks.”

Nova smirked.

“Smart choice, Captain.”

Reyna nodded.

“I’ll prep the navigation systems. We should be in range soon.”

Kaela stretched.

“Guess I better grab my gear. Never know when things might go sideways.”

Y/N, however, hesitated.

They looked at the display, then at Sylus.

“Something about this doesn’t feel… right.”

Sylus’ brow furrowed.

“What do you mean?”

They shook their head slightly.

“I don’t know. Just… be careful.”

The screen flickered, and a mission prompt appeared:

[Mission Start: Ghost Ship]

Objective: Investigate the distress signal and uncover the truth about the abandoned vessel.

Sylus exhaled, gripping his phone a little tighter.

This was something bigger.

And somehow, he had a feeling Y/N’s unease wasn’t just paranoia.

The ship drifted closer to the unknown vessel, its looming silhouette barely visible against the backdrop of deep space. The mission HUD flickered to life, displaying critical information—oxygen levels, security status, and environmental readings.

The moment they entered docking range, another alert popped up:

[New Exploration Mode Unlocked]

Investigate the derelict ship, gather clues, and make decisions that may alter the outcome of the mission.

A small selection screen appeared, allowing Sylus to choose two crew members to accompany him.

He hovered over the choices, but his decision had already been made. He wasn’t going without Y/N and nova.

The moment he selected them, their in-game model shifted slightly—shoulders tensing, fingers twitching subtly against their sleeve.

“A-Are you sure?” Y/n asked hesitantly.

Nova snorted. “Guess that means I’m coming too. Somebody’s gotta keep things interesting.”

Sylus smirked, finalizing the team selection. “Let’s move out.”

The airlock doors hissed open, and the screen transitioned to a third-person exploration mode, showing their descent into the unknown ship’s darkened interior.

The moment they stepped inside, Y/N shivered slightly.

“It’s… too quiet.”

The corridors stretched ahead, dim emergency lights flickering at uneven intervals. Exposed wires dangled from the ceiling, and the faint sound of metal groaning under pressure filled the silence.

“Stay alert,” Sylus muttered, swiping across his screen to activate his flashlight.

“Let’s find out what happened here.”

A Mission Log popped up with objectives:

1. Locate the source of the distress signal.

2. Search for any survivors.

3. Gather intel on what happened.

As they ventured deeper into the ship, Sylus noticed that Y/N kept glancing at the walls, their brows furrowed.

“What is it?” he asked.

They hesitated before murmuring,

“The signal… It’s strange. It doesn’t match standard distress frequencies. It’s almost like… something else is broadcasting it.”

Nova tightened her grip on her weapons.

“So, what? This whole thing’s a setup?”

Before Sylus could respond, his phone vibrated violently.

WARNING: HOSTILE PRESENCE DETECTED.

A low, guttural sound echoed through the corridors.

Y/N stiffened.

“…We’re not alone.”

A quick-time prompt flashed on the screen:

[Swipe Left to Dodge!]

Sylus reacted just in time as a blur of movement lunged from the shadows.

A Wander—larger than the last one he faced—crashed into the metal flooring, its elongated limbs twitching unnaturally.

Nova immediately flipped her dual blades into position.

“Here we go.”

Y/N, however, froze, their wide eyes locked on the creature.

Sylus’ combat menu appeared, but before he could attack, the screen zoomed in on Y/N—their expression wasn’t just fear.

It was recognition.

“Y/N?” Sylus called, trying to snap them out of it.

They took a shaky step back, their breathing uneven.

“I… I’ve seen this before.”

Another dialogue choice appeared:

1. “What do you mean?” [Press them for answers]

2. “Stay with me, Y/N.” [Reassure them]

3. “Nova, cover us!” [Shift focus to combat]

Sylus hesitated for only a second before tapping the first option.

“What do you mean, you’ve seen this before?”

Y/N’s breath caught, and for the first time since he met them, they looked truly shaken.

The creature screeched, its distorted form lurching toward them.

And as the screen flickered, Y/N whispered something that sent a chill through Sylus.

“…They’re not supposed to be here.”

[Mission Status: Combat Engaged | Hidden Lore Progression Activated]

Sylus barely had time to process their words before the fight began.

The battle began instantly.

The Wander let out a guttural screech, its limbs twisting unnaturally as it lunged forward. Nova dodged effortlessly, flipping over its massive claws, while Y/N scrambled backward, drawing their Energy Bow with shaking hands.

Sylus’ combat UI flickered, a synchronization bar appearing at the top of the screen.

[Synchronization Combat: Coordinate attacks with your team to unleash powerful combos.]

• Tap to attack individually

• Swipe to dodge incoming strikes

• Hold to charge Sync Attacks when the gauge is full

The problem? His Sync Level was at zero.

He wasn’t ready for this.

Still, he had no choice but to fight.

Sylus fired his sidearm, landing a few shots that barely staggered the beast. Nova rushed in with her dual blades, striking at its legs, while Y/N aimed a charged shot at its chest.

But it wasn’t enough.

The Wander let out a piercing shriek, its distorted form splitting apart before reforming in an instant. A red WARNING ICON flashed across the screen.

[ENEMY ATTACK INCOMING – TAP TO COUNTER]

Sylus tapped—too slow.

The Wander struck, sending Nova flying against a metal wall. The impact was brutal—blood splattered against the surface as she collapsed lifelessly.

“NOVA!”

A slow-motion effect kicked in, the game forcing him to watch as Y/N turned to face him—wide-eyed, terrified—right before the creature’s claw skewered through their chest.

They choked, their mouth opening in shock, blood staining their uniform as the screen distorted violently, glitching out.

Game Over.

The words burned into the screen as Y/N’s voice weakly echoed, almost breaking the fourth wall.

“You… have to get stronger.”

The screen remained frozen on their lifeless expression, their dark eyes still locked onto his as if urging him forward.

Then—everything faded to black.

[Mission Failed.]

You are not strong enough to face this threat. Upgrade your team and return stronger.

A new progression screen appeared, displaying his stats, current abilities, and upgrade paths.

[Upgrade System Unlocked]

• Train Crew Members

• Enhance Combat Cards

• Unlock Higher-Level Abilities

Sylus exhaled, gripping his phone. His heart was pounding.

That had been brutal.

He hadn’t expected the game to push him this hard—not so soon. The way the death scene played out had felt too real—the blood splatters, the animation details, the way Y/N had looked at him even in death.

And if he wanted to protect them—to protect her—he needed to get stronger.

With renewed determination, he tapped into the Upgrade Menu, ready to change the outcome.

Sylus exhaled sharply, locking his phone and setting it down on the table beside him. His fingers still tingled from gripping the device too tightly, his heartbeat just a little too fast for something that was supposed to be just a game.

But that death scene… it had gotten to him.

He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. It’s just a game, he reminded himself, but even as he told himself that, he couldn’t shake the image of Y/N’s lifeless eyes staring at him.

Too real.

Way too real.

He sighed, rolling his shoulders and standing up. He needed a break.

There were things he had to do today—his own responsibilities, tasks that actually mattered in the real world. He couldn’t let himself get too immersed, no matter how gripping the game was.

Still, as he walked away from his phone, he already knew that the moment he had time again…

He was coming back.

Because Love and Deep Space had hooked him.

And he wasn’t going to stop until he changed that ending.

A/n: thanks for reading.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[nagiwrites]

Chapter Four: The Game Before the Game

A/n: Caleb myth 🥺 ahhhh, anyways here’s a new chapter enjoy.

Characters: Caleb (if I use xia then that’s his Chinese name) , you, an oc (literally just cloud from ff well based off him)

☆ Content: social isolation, emotional shutdown, disordered eating behaviors (stress eating / binge), subtle class-based judgment, and psychological tension.

[← back] [→ next]

📌 Synopsis:

As Caleb draws the spotlight, she fades into the background, unnoticed and underestimated. Frustrated and emotionally fraying, she retreats into silence—and food. But as the Capitol’s indulgence threatens to swallow her whole, an unexpected stranger cuts through the noise, offering not comfort, but clarity. And somewhere nearby, Caleb is still watching.

The show was over.

Now came the real test.

A soft chime rang out through the Tribute Tower, followed by a warm, pleasant voice that barely masked the Capitol’s cold control.

“All tributes and handlers are now invited to the Welcome Banquet. Please proceed to the upper level dining hall. You have one hour. Make the most of it.”

One hour.

To smile. To scheme. To measure threats and form fake friendships that might keep you alive a little longer.

The elevator ride was silent. Tense. Most tributes kept to themselves, but a few were already whispering to one another behind hands, eyes flicking across the cabin like chess players deciding who to take out first.

She didn’t speak.

Caleb didn’t either.

But he never moved far from her side.

When the elevator doors opened, they were hit with light, color, and opulence.

The banquet hall stretched wide, glittering with crystal chandeliers and golden accents. Towering glass windows overlooked the Capitol skyline, while polished floors reflected the glow of hundreds of holographic lights above.

And the food—

It was everywhere.

Long tables lined with silver trays and floating platters hovered midair, holding roasted meats glazed with metallic sauces, exotic fruits carved into impossible shapes, drinks that fizzed and changed color with every blink.

Music played softly in the background. Artificially soothing.

The tributes filed in slowly, some wide-eyed, others cautious.

“Why do I feel like this is more dangerous than the actual arena?” she muttered.

Caleb gave her a sideways glance. “Because it is.”

She nodded once, absorbing that.

This wasn’t a meal. It was a stage.

Mingling was encouraged. Connections made here could mean allies in the arena—or enemies you knew how to avoid. But no one had to talk. It was a choice.

Still, the Capitol made sure it looked appealing.

She hesitated near the edge of the room, scanning the space.

Lira from District I was already surrounded by three tributes—two boys and a girl—all of them laughing too loudly, their body language practiced. The twins from District III stood at a dessert table, watching everyone with clinical precision. Raze from District VI made a dramatic entrance by climbing onto a velvet couch and pretending to pour champagne over herself. The cameras loved it.

“Any idea who’s genuine?” she asked.

“None of them,” Caleb replied.

“Comforting.”

He didn’t answer, but his posture stayed sharp. Watching. Calculating.

“You don’t have to stick with me, you know,” she said quietly. “You’re not really part of this.”

“I am now.”

She looked at him. “You don’t even know me.”

“I don’t have to,” Caleb said simply. “I saw enough.”

Her stomach twisted. There was something about the way he said it. Like he’d already made his choice.

And that choice was her.

Before she could respond, a Capitol host in a glass-slick uniform approached with a clipboard. “Tribute of District IV, Handler Xia. You are advised to circulate. First impressions count. Cameras are rolling.”

They both stared at him in silence until the man gave a nervous smile and quickly retreated.

She looked at Caleb. “So… do we do this together or split up?”

His jaw ticked. “Up to you. But I don’t recommend walking into the lion’s den alone.”

She didn’t smile. But she didn’t pull away, either.

“Then let’s go see what everyone’s hiding.”

Together, they stepped into the room—into the silk-and-gold illusion of a party—where everyone smiled with teeth too sharp and voices too sweet.

Because under the music, under the lights, under the glittering Capitol charm—

The real Hunter Games had already begun.

The moment they stepped into the crowd, it was clear: they weren’t equals in this room.

They looked like a pair—arm in arm, well-matched in appearance, their entrance broadcasted on a loop across the upper screens—but the tributes didn’t treat them that way.

They treated him like a threat.

And her like an afterthought.

They approached cautiously at first, like Caleb might explode if spoken to incorrectly. But then the questions started.

“What’s it like being a colonel in the Capitol’s army?”

“Did you really volunteer?”

“Why her?”

“Are you allowed to kill us?”

He didn’t answer everything. But he also didn’t retreat. Caleb met their questions with calm, guarded replies, giving just enough to satisfy curiosity without ever showing his hand.

Some tributes hovered nearby, half-listening, not brave enough to approach. Others stayed silent altogether—eyes flicking between her and Caleb, calculating quietly.

No one really asked her anything.

And that was fine.

She wasn’t much of a talker. Never had been.

While Caleb fielded half-sincere questions from two tributes from District VIII, she quietly slipped away and approached one of the tables. A floating tray lowered as she neared, offering a display of sweet-glazed meat spirals and shimmering, jelly-like cubes that smelled like spiced fruit.

She wasn’t sure if she was hungry, or just tired of standing there being looked through.

So she ate.

One bite. Then another.

It was too sweet. The flavors were layered in a way that didn’t feel real, like someone had designed the food with the same artificial perfection as the banquet hall. But she ate anyway, letting the background noise of fake laughter and subtle threats fade around her.

She glanced up once and caught Caleb’s eyes on her.

Not for long. Just a second.

But it was long enough to register something tight in his expression.

Disappointment.

He didn’t say anything.

He just watched her in that unreadable way of his—like he was recalculating something he thought he understood.

She looked away first. Took another bite.

If he expected her to play the Capitol’s game—to charm people, to pretend to fit in with the tribute elite—he’d be waiting a long time.

She hadn’t come here to smile.

She hadn’t come here to make friends.

And if that made her a disadvantage, so be it.

She lost track of how many bites she’d taken.

At first, it was just something to do—something to not do, like talking, pretending, performing. But soon, she was fully leaned over the table, picking through every tray that passed her.

Sweet meats with spiced jelly. Tiny pearl-shaped vegetables glazed in syrup. Melt-in-your-mouth pastries with layers so light they dissolved before she could even chew.

And she kept eating.

One after the other.

As if something inside her had torn open and the only way to fill it was with Capitol food.

She barely noticed the glances at first.

But they were there.

Raised brows. Wrinkled noses. A few poorly concealed smirks from some of the more polished tributes.

Look at her.

Starved.

No tact.

Like an animal.

She didn’t care.

If anything, she wanted them to look. Wanted them to see her chewing through the Capitol’s indulgence without grace, without apology.

If she was going to die in front of them, they could damn well watch her eat like she was never coming back.

She licked sugar from her thumb and reached for a third slice of something red and dripping when a voice interrupted.

“You’ll make yourself sick.”

She blinked, halfway through biting into it, and turned her head.

A boy stood a few feet away, hands in the pockets of a charcoal jacket that didn’t match any district’s official uniform. His hair was a mess of blonde spikes, a weird cross between emo and static shock. Sharp at the ends, heavy near the front, like it was cut to distract.

His eyes, though—green and flat and unreadable—looked like he noticed everything.

She stared at him. Still chewing.

He didn’t seem bothered by it.

Didn’t laugh. Didn’t flinch.

Just watched.

She swallowed hard, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and said, “You a medic?”

“No,” he said, voice calm. “But I know when someone’s trying to disappear into a plate.”

Her mouth twitched—almost a smirk.

“You always walk up to girls mid-binge and psychoanalyze them?”

“Only the ones who look like they’d stab me with a fork if I got too close.”

She did smirk that time. Small. Faint. But real.

He didn’t offer a name. Didn’t sit down. Just stood there, arms loose at his sides, like he didn’t care if she talked back or not.

That almost made her want to.

She nodded at his hair. “You do that yourself?”

“Yeah.”

“Explains the chaos.”

“Explains the survival,” he corrected, unbothered. “Capitol cameras love someone they can’t categorize.”

She considered that. He had a point.

From the corner of her eye, she could still feel Caleb watching.

And maybe… maybe that’s why she didn’t walk away.

Because this guy wasn’t trying to get in her head.

He was just there.

Like her.

Trying not to disappear in a place designed to swallow people whole.

A/n : thanks for reading and feel free to give me request I’m open to most things. I do write dark stuff. Also a Raf fic soon maybe today based off lollipop chainsaw.

Tags:

@mysticcollectionvoid

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

Ch.5 - between the clicks

📌 Synopsis:

A new feature brings a softer side to deep space—Sylus shares a quiet, unexpected moment with Y/N during a photoshoot aboard the ship. But beneath the smiles and snapshots, one final memory still waits to be unlocked.

Characters: Sylus, Kaela, Reyna, Nova, Y/N.

[← back] [→ next]

Sylus navigated through the menus, curiosity guiding his actions now that the tutorial had ended. The game had opened up new options—Crew Missions, Combat Training, Personal Interactions—but what caught his eye was a newly unlocked feature at the top of the screen.

[Wish Pool: Starbound]

Obtain combat cards to enhance your team’s abilities. Higher rarity cards unlock exclusive moments with the crew.

His smirk deepened. A gacha system, huh?

He tapped into the Wish Pool menu, and a sleek interface unfolded before him. A digital star map expanded across the screen, with constellations glowing faintly in the background. At the center, a swirling nebula shimmered, the words “Draw 1” and “Draw 10” glowing at the bottom.

A pop-up notification appeared:

[First-Time Wish: Guaranteed 5-Star Card on First Pull!]

His interest piqued. If a 5-star meant an exclusive scene with one of the girls, he had to see what that looked like. Without hesitation, he tapped “Draw 10.”

A dazzling animation played—a shooting star streaking across the screen before breaking apart into ten glowing cards, each displaying a different level of rarity. One, in particular, stood out—a radiant golden glow surrounding it.

[5-Star Card Obtained!]

Y/N – “A Stolen Moment”

The screen faded to black, and a soft instrumental theme played as a special scene unlocked.

The scene opened in the quiet expanse of the observation deck. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the vastness of deep space stretched endlessly, stars twinkling in the distance.

Y/N stood near the glass, their arms lightly wrapped around themself, their expression contemplative. At the sound of footsteps—his footsteps—they turned slightly, their eyes reflecting the distant constellations.

“You’re… still awake?” they asked softly.

Sylus’ character stepped forward, the camera angle framing him beside them.

“Could say the same about you,” he replied.

Y/N hesitated, their fingers curling slightly.

“I like it here. It’s quiet.” A small pause. “And… sometimes, I just need to clear my head.”

A dialogue choice appeared:

1. “Want some company?”

2. “You look like you have a lot on your mind.”

3. “If you want to be alone, I can go.”

Sylus hovered over the choices, his excitement growing.

This wasn’t just a stat-boosting mechanic—

this was a whole experience.

After a moment of consideration, Sylus tapped the second option.

“You look like you have a lot on your mind.”

The scene shifted subtly—Y/N’s fingers twitched against their sleeve, and they hesitated before responding.

“I… guess I do,” they admitted, their voice barely above a whisper. They turned their gaze back to the stars, the faint glow of the galaxy casting delicate shadows across their face.

“But it’s nothing important.”

A new prompt appeared:

[Tap to continue.]

Sylus tapped the screen, and the camera slowly panned in, capturing the way Y/N’s posture tightened—like they were debating whether to let him in or keep him at a distance.

“You don’t have to tell me,” his character said, his voice calm, steady.

“But I’m here if you want to.”

Y/N let out a soft breath, the tension in their shoulders easing just slightly.

“You’re… different,” they murmured.

Sylus raised an eyebrow. Different?

They glanced at him, and for the first time, there was a flicker of something else in their expression—something deeper.

“Most people don’t ask.”

Another [Tap to continue] appeared, and as Sylus pressed forward, Y/N’s gaze dropped, their fingers gripping the fabric of their uniform.

“There’s a lot I can’t say.” A pause. “A lot I shouldn’t say.”

The music in the background shifted—soft, melancholic notes playing as the stars outside twinkled faintly.

Sylus felt his curiosity spike. This wasn’t just a normal wholesome card. There was something buried beneath their words, something they weren’t ready to reveal.

But the game was giving him a breadcrumb. A hint.

Y/N’s voice broke the silence again, softer this time.

“Thank you… for asking.”

A final notification appeared:

[Special Card Unlocked – “A Stolen Moment”]

Y/N Affinity Increased | Hidden Storyline Progression Unlocked

The screen faded back to the Home Screen, the card now permanently displayed in his inventory. But now, Sylus noticed something new—an Additional Dialogue Option had appeared under Y/N’s profile.

[Locked Memory – ???]

Sylus smirked. So they’re hiding something after all.

This wasn’t just a romance game.

This was a mystery.

And he was determined to uncover it.

Sylus’ smirk deepened. The game wasn’t slowing down. If anything, it was pulling him in even deeper.

Navigating back to the Crew Interactions menu, he hovered over Y/N’s profile, his eyes flicking to the Locked Memory – ??? prompt. His curiosity burned—what were they hiding?

A smaller pop-up appeared beneath it:

[Hint: Increase Y/N’s Affinity to unlock new memories.]

So that was the game’s way of telling him he had to work for it. Fine. He could do that.

Before he could think too hard about it, another feature caught his eye—Daily Crew Tasks. Clicking into it, he saw a list of interactions he could do with the crew outside of the main storyline.

Daily Crew Tasks:

• Ship Maintenance (Kaela) – + Engineering XP

• Tactical Training (Reyna) – + Combat XP

• Simulated Chase (Nova) – + Agility XP

• Target Practice (Y/N) – + Affinity & Precision XP

Sylus grinned. Well, that was an easy choice. He tapped on Target Practice with Y/N, and the screen transitioned into another cutscene.

The training bay was quiet except for the low hum of the ship’s systems. Y/N stood near the far end, adjusting the settings on their energy bow. When they noticed him enter, they blinked in surprise.

“Oh… Captain. I didn’t think you’d… um, want to train with me.”

Sylus chuckled, rolling his shoulders as he stepped forward.

“Gotta keep my skills sharp, right? Besides, you’re the best shot on the crew. Who else would I learn from?”

She stuttered falling over her words, and she quickly looked down, pretending to focus on adjusting the bowstring.

“I-I don’t know about that…”

The game transitioned into a Precision Mini-Game, with moving holographic targets appearing on-screen. Sylus had to tap at the right moment to match Y/N’s shots, syncing their movements.

As he played, Y/N’s soft voice guided him:

“Wait for the right moment… now!” [Perfect Shot! +10 XP]

“You’re getting better at this.” [Good Shot! +5 XP]

“Almost! Try again!” [Missed Shot -2 XP]

By the time the session ended, a notification popped up:

[Mini-Game Complete! Precision +10 | Y/N Affinity Increased]

As the cutscene played out, Y/N let out a small breath, lowering their bow.

“You’re improving fast, Captain.”

Sylus smirked, sliding his sidearm back into its holster.

“Good teacher.”

They smiled—small, but genuine.

“Maybe next time, I won’t have to hold back.”

The screen faded, returning him to the Home Screen, but something had changed.

The Locked Memory under Y/N’s profile now flickered—no longer completely inaccessible. Instead, it read:

[Memory Unlock Progress: 1/3]

Sylus leaned back in his chair, his mind buzzing.

This wasn’t just a simple leveling system. The game was making him earn his way into Y/N’s hidden past.

And he was more than willing to play along.

After spending more time completing daily crew tasks and missions, Sylus noticed a new event notification blinking in the corner of his screen.

[New Feature Unlocked: Glint Photoshoot 📸]

Capture moments with the crew in various locations. Strengthen bonds and unlock exclusive images for your gallery!

His curiosity piqued, Sylus tapped the notification. The screen transitioned into a sleek menu showcasing different backgrounds—various locations aboard the ship, along with scenic deep-space views.

A character selection prompt popped up next:

[Choose Your Photoshoot Partner]

• Nova – “Let’s make this quick, Captain.”

• Kaela – “Oh, I’m definitely picking the poses for this.”

• Reyna – “This is… unnecessary. But fine.”

• Y/N – “O-Oh… um, okay… If you really want to.”

Sylus smirked, already knowing who he was picking. He selected Y/N, and the screen smoothly transitioned into a scene set in the ship’s observation deck—a breathtaking view of the galaxy sprawled behind them.

Y/N stood slightly off to the side, fidgeting with the hem of their sleeve.

“I… I’ve never done something like this before.”

A photoshoot interface appeared, displaying different pose options:

[Select a Pose]

1. Side by Side – A casual standing pose together.

2. Leaning In – One character subtly leaning toward the other.

3. Hand on Shoulder – A more intimate, protective pose.

4. Distant Glances – The two characters looking in opposite directions but still connected in the frame.

Sylus hovered over the options, deciding what kind of dynamic he wanted to capture. After a moment, he selected Hand on Shoulder.

The screen adjusted as his character moved into place beside Y/N. They stiffened slightly as his hand rested lightly on their shoulder, their eyes flickering to him before quickly looking away.

“T-This is fine, right?” they murmured, their blush faint but noticeable.

A “Snap Photo” button appeared, and Sylus tapped it.

A soft shutter sound played, and a new notification popped up:

[Photo Saved to Gallery!]

Exclusive Image Unlocked: “A Quiet Moment” (Y/N)

Y/N exhaled, finally meeting his gaze.

“I… I think it turned out nice.”

A small smile tugged at their lips��genuine, if a little shy.

Before the scene could fade, another prompt appeared:

[Would you like to take another photo?]

• Yes – Try a different pose.

• No – End session and save progress.

Sylus debated for a second before selecting No. He’d gotten what he wanted—a moment that felt real.

As the game returned to the Home Screen, the newly captured photo was now framed in the Gallery Menu, a reminder of the bond he was slowly building with Y/N.

But even as he admired it, his eyes flicked back to that still-locked final memory fragment.

This was fun, sure.

But there was still something deeper he needed to uncover.

And he was getting closer.

A/n : ok um hope this wasn’t boring, I’m almost getting to the myths and hopefully that will bring some spark back and I’ll do a poll and see if y’all want me to write the other girls myths but yeah thanks for reading.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[nagiwrites]

Chapter three : The tribute tower

Characters: Caleb, you

A/n: hello thanks for all the likes and comments I appreciate them very much. I don’t think there’s content warnings I need to put for this chap but if there is feel free to tell me.

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The platform buzzed beneath her feet as the doors slid open, revealing the grand circular arena ahead. The glow of a hundred thousand lights hit her all at once, blinding and hot, as if the Capitol itself wanted to burn them into spectacle before the Games even began.

She forced herself not to freeze.

The arena was massive—a perfect circle of gleaming white stone and obsidian glass. The crowd sat high above, like gods watching mortals enter their coliseum. Their seats shimmered with gold trim, each one pulsing faintly with embedded tech, amplifying the cheers and conversation.

Above it all, a colossal screen displayed their faces in real time—every flicker of emotion, every glance, every nervous breath magnified a hundred feet tall.

And there she was.

Projected in front of thousands.

Her expression tight. Her hair carefully styled. Her gown shimmering with every step like liquid starlight.

A Capitol-made fantasy.

She didn’t feel like herself.

And then she felt it—Caleb’s arm, steady and warm, sliding into place as he stepped beside her.

They were supposed to walk together. Linked. A united front for the cameras.

She hesitated for a split second.

Then looped her arm through his.

His grip was firm—not forceful, but grounding. Like a reminder that even in this surreal theater of control and pageantry, there was something solid to hold onto.

They walked out into the center of the arena, side by side, as the crowd erupted into a roar of approval.

Flashes sparked from all directions. Drones zipped overhead, capturing them from every angle.

Her name lit up on the screen in glowing script, followed by his.

District IV: Tribute + Handler

Voluntary Entry: Confirmed

Capitol Status: Under Review

That last line pulsed red for a moment before fading.

Of course. Caleb’s presence still wasn’t officially sanctioned.

She glanced up at the towering screen just in time to see her own face. She looked calm. Cold, even. But she could still feel the echo of tears from earlier clinging to the edge of her lashes.

Then she looked at Caleb.

On the screen, he looked unreadable—sharp lines, sharp eyes, calm as ever.

But up close, she could feel the tension radiating off of him.

They were both performing.

The crowd didn’t care who they really were.

They only cared about the show.

As they reached the center platform, a ring of soft blue light illuminated beneath their feet. The applause surged. The screen above them zoomed in again, showing how perfectly their arms locked together, how striking they looked standing there—her in her flowing, shimmering gown, him in his black-and-silver suit that made him look like a weapon barely restrained.

“Smile,” Caleb murmured, barely moving his lips.

She glanced at him. “Why?”

“Because the more they like you…” he paused, eyes scanning the watching sea of Capitol citizens, “…the more they hesitate to let you die.”

Her chest tightened, but she forced a smile anyway.

It didn’t reach her eyes.

But the crowd didn’t notice.

They didn’t want real.

They wanted survival wrapped in beauty and shine.

So she stood there, shoulder against Caleb’s, the lights bright, the world watching—

And she smiled for them all.

The crowd’s cheers faded into a buzzing hush as the lights overhead dimmed and a single spotlight dropped over the center platform where they stood.

Then the announcer’s voice boomed through the arena, smooth and syrupy, dripping with Capitol flair.

“Ahh, District IV! Always dramatic, always unpredictable!”

The massive screen flickered again—no longer showing just their faces, but cutting to old clips, surveillance footage, and profile data pulled directly from Capitol archives.

“Let’s start with her—our unexpected heroine.”

Her name scrolled across the screen, followed by grainy footage of her in the district square, working at a factory line, then the moment she stepped forward at the Reaping.

“A civilian. No combat history. No official training. No family ties. No political affiliations. Just a girl with a bleeding heart, stepping in for a child she didn’t even know. Brave? Or foolish? We’ll let the audience decide!”

A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, mixed with a few emotional gasps. The Capitol loved that kind of story—tragic, reckless, noble in a way they didn’t have to understand.

She stiffened slightly beside Caleb, but didn’t let go of his arm.

Then the announcer’s tone shifted, teasing.

“And now…him.”

The screen changed again—this time to footage of Caleb in uniform, leading soldiers, standing expressionless in front of a blazing wreckage, reports flashing with words like COLONEL, TACTICAL COMMAND, and HIGH-RISK ENGAGEMENT.

“Colonel Caleb. A high-ranking officer. Decorated. Dangerous. And very much not supposed to be here.”

More laughter. Someone in the upper tiers even clapped slowly, mockingly.

“So what is a battle-hardened colonel doing in a tribute arena? Midlife crisis? Boredom? Or maybe”—the voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper—“maybe he saw something in our little civilian firecracker that the rest of us missed?”

The crowd loved that.

Gasps. Whispers. Even a few chants.

She didn’t know if she wanted to throw up or run.

Caleb didn’t flinch. He just stood there, unmoved by the Capitol’s games, even as they picked apart his motives and crafted a version of him that wasn’t real. Or maybe it was. Maybe the Capitol was just better at reading people than they let on.

The announcer’s voice lifted again:

“One thing’s for certain, ladies and gentlemen—the Hunter Games have never started with this much tension. A tribute with nothing to lose, and a soldier with nothing to prove.”

The screen zoomed back in on them, freezing on the image of their locked arms, her smile that didn’t reach her eyes, his unreadable expression.

“Will it be love? War? Betrayal? Or something else entirely? Stay tuned, citizens. The Games are just getting started.”

A final roar of applause erupted as the spotlight cut out.

She exhaled slowly, her ears ringing.

“Boredom?” she muttered under her breath.

Caleb didn’t look at her. “Let them believe whatever makes them feel safer.”

“Why do I feel like the truth is worse?”

This time, he did look at her. His eyes were steady. Unapologetic.

“Because it is.”

The doors slid shut behind them as they exited the arena platform, leaving the roar of the crowd behind.

Inside the main hall of the Tribute Tower, the air was colder—quieter—but just as sharp. The space was massive, circular, and clinical, lined with high-tech panels and massive screens that wrapped around the upper half of the room. Sleek white floors reflected the glow of the displays.

Other tributes were already gathering along the perimeter, standing in small groups or sitting stiffly on benches spaced out for “security.”

She stuck close to Caleb as they stepped further into the room, her heels clicking softly against the floor. The stylists and handlers had been dismissed for now. What remained was the Capitol’s newest gallery—twenty bodies, dressed to impress, primed for slaughter.

Caleb’s presence was already drawing stares. Some curious. Others nervous. One or two downright hostile.

They found a spot off to the side, under one of the curved screens.

Her hands were still trembling. She clenched them into fists.

“Breathe,” Caleb murmured.

She shot him a sideways glance. “I am breathing.”

“Try doing it like you’re not about to be hunted.”

Before she could come up with a retort, the screen above them lit up again. A countdown appeared, pulsing against a holographic Capitol seal.

DISTRICT I – ENTERING NOW

The camera feed cut to the arena stage, where a tall, dark-skinned girl stepped forward in a glowing silver bodysuit, her short platinum hair catching the light like a crown. Beside her, her male partner stood shirtless beneath a mesh-lined cloak that changed color with each step.

The announcer’s voice rang out again:

“District I brings us beauty and blood—our reigning frontrunners. Lira, a knife-throwing prodigy, and Kase, her loyal shadow. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss your last moment!”

Cheers erupted across the screens.

She watched the screen without blinking. The girl—Lira—had cold eyes. Confident eyes. She didn’t look afraid.

“Favorites,” Caleb said softly, following her gaze. “They’ve trained for this since childhood.”

She swallowed hard.

The screen flickered again.

DISTRICT III – MAKING A STATEMENT

Two boys stepped forward this time—twins, practically identical, their outfits wired with visible circuitry that sparked as they walked.

“District III’s twin geniuses! Ren and Rho. Don’t let their brains fool you—they’ve designed more weapons than some Capitol labs.”

More clapping. One of the twins smiled wide. The other didn’t smile at all.

Another flicker.

DISTRICT VI – CHAOS IN HEELS

The camera panned to a tall, angular girl with sharp makeup and a chaotic outfit of black feathers and torn neon fabric. She threw her arms out as she walked, letting the spotlight catch the glitter sprayed across her chest.

“Raze, sponsored by five Capitol designers before she even touched the platform. Is she a threat? Or just a fashion icon with sharp nails?”

The crowd loved her.

She felt a ripple of unease settle in her chest. These people—they weren’t scared. They wanted to be seen. Wanted to be remembered.

She, on the other hand, had only wanted to save a child.

“Don’t compare yourself to them,” Caleb said under his breath.

“I’m not,” she lied.

Caleb didn’t call her out.

Instead, he shifted slightly, standing a little closer—not enough for anyone to notice, but just enough that she felt the heat of him again, like a wall behind her spine.

The screen continued flicking through more districts—some subdued, some flamboyant. Only a few stood out.

But none of them volunteered.

None of them came into the Games by choice.

Except her.

And him.

And now, all eyes would be watching to see what came of that.

A/n : umm I feel like this was short I might post another chap too of this ngl I like this a little more than my other one but anyways thanks for reading.

Tags :

@mysticcollectionvoid

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

CH. 4 - trigger and trust

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A/n : well hopefully this isn’t getting boring thanks for all the likes and comments I really appreciate it after being in a writers block for years.

☆ Content: choosing weapons, more combat.

📌 Synopsis:

When a Wander breaches the ship, Sylus faces his first real combat—and his first real choice. With Y/N by his side, he learns that victory isn’t just about skill, but trust.

Characters: Sylus, Kaela, Reyna, Nova, Y/N.

As Sylus tapped Continue Story, the screen faded to black before transitioning into a new scene. A soft hum of the ship’s engines filled the air as the game resumed, and a notification popped up:

[Chapter 1: Into the Unknown]

(Into the unknooooooooooooooon)

The camera panned in on the training bay, a high-tech facility lined with reinforced walls and holographic combat dummies. Y/N stood at the center, their fingers tapping nervously against a small wrist console.

They glanced up as Sylus approached, shifting slightly on their feet. “Oh… you’re here.”

Nova was leaning against a nearby wall, arms crossed. “Took you long enough. The Captain needs to learn how to fight if he’s going to survive out here.”

Kaela smirked. “Or at least, not embarrass himself in front of us.”

Reyna simply adjusted her glasses, scanning a data pad. “This will be useful. Everyone needs a specialty.”

Y/N cleared their throat, drawing Sylus’ focus back to them. “Um, the others might be better at fighting, but I know the basics… and it’s important to be ready. Sometimes… things get inside the ship.”

A soft chime echoed, and a weapon selection screen appeared:

[Choose Your Weapon]

Each crew member had their own unique weapon, displayed on the menu beside their character profile. Sylus scrolled through the options, reading over their descriptions:

1. Nova’s Dual Blades – High-speed, close-range combat. Requires agility and precision.

2. Kaela’s Plasma Gauntlets – Heavy-hitting melee attacks with shockwave capabilities.

3. Reyna’s Precision Rifle – Long-range sniper weapon. Deadly from a distance.

4. Y/N’s Energy Bow – A versatile weapon with charged shots and silent takedown capabilities.

At the bottom of the screen, a fifth option appeared:

5. Prototype Combat Knife & Sidearm (basically a pistol) – A balanced choice with melee and ranged potential. Recommended for first-time users.

Y/N hesitated before speaking. “Each of us uses a weapon suited to our strengths. But you… you get to choose your own.”

Nova smirked. “No pressure, Captain. Just don’t pick something you can’t handle.”

Sylus hovered over the choices, weighing his options.

Each weapon felt like more than just a tool—it was a reflection of his playstyle, his approach to the game. Did he want speed? Power? Precision? Or something entirely unique?

His gaze lingered on each weapon, considering how they would shape not only his fighting style but also his role among the crew.

Nova’s Dual Blades were sleek and deadly, perfect for fast, agile combat. If he wanted to rely on speed and precision, this was the way to go.

• Kaela’s Plasma Gauntlets offered raw power—close-quarters devastation that could send enemies flying. Heavy-hitting, but it would require strength and endurance.

• Reyna’s Precision Rifle appealed to the strategist in him. Keeping enemies at a distance, picking them off with well-placed shots—it was a cool, calculated approach.

• Y/N’s Energy Bow was silent, precise, and versatile. It required patience, but its charged shots packed a punch. Something about it intrigued him.

And then, at the bottom of the list, there was the Prototype Combat Knife & Sidearm. A balanced choice—good for both close-range and ranged engagements. It was the safest option, but also the most neutral.

As Sylus hovered over the choices, a soft notification popped up in the corner of the screen:

[Your weapon choice will influence combat interactions, story events, and crew relationships.]

He smirked. Of course it will.

Nova pushed off the wall, arms still crossed. “What’s it gonna be, Captain?”

Kaela leaned in slightly, watching with interest. “Better choose wisely.”

Reyna remained quiet, simply observing. Y/N, on the other hand, fidgeted slightly, eyes flickering to their bow before looking away.

Sylus’ thumb hovered over the screen.

Sylus’ decision wasn’t just about combat; it was a statement.

He tapped the screen, locking in his selection: Prototype Combat Knife & Sidearm.

The option glowed beneath his thumb, and the soft chime of confirmation echoed through the room. Balanced. Versatile. Unaligned. This wasn’t just a weapon—it was a choice that would define how he fought, how he led, and how the crew would see him moving forward.

Nova nodded approvingly. “Interesting choice. Fits your style.”

Kaela smirked. “Going for the well-rounded approach? Smart.”

Reyna offered a small nod, her eyes flicking toward the interface before returning to her datapad.

But it was Y/N’s reaction that caught his attention. For a moment, he thought he saw a flicker of disappointment in their expression—barely there, quickly hidden as they looked away.

He wasn’t sure why that hit him the way it did.

But it disappeared as quickly as it had come. Instead, Y/N gave him a small nod, their fingers tightening around the strap of their wrist console.

“That’s… a good choice,” they murmured, though there was something hesitant in their tone.

Sylus raised an eyebrow, watching them carefully. Y/N wasn’t the type to speak their mind openly, but for some reason, he felt like they had wanted him to choose differently.

Before he could ask, the screen flickered, and a combat tutorial prompt appeared:

[Combat Basics: Learn to Engage]

Objective: Use your chosen weapon to eliminate a simulated enemy threat. Test your reflexes and accuracy.

The environment around them shifted—the training bay’s walls transformed into a holographic simulation, revealing a dimly lit corridor filled with flickering emergency lights. The ship AI’s voice echoed overhead:

“Scenario loaded. Simulated hostile detected. Begin engagement.”

A humanoid figure materialized at the far end of the corridor, its glowing red eyes locking onto Sylus. It was an automaton—likely a training drone—but its movements were eerily lifelike.

Y/N stepped closer. “You’ll want to start with the basics—your knife for close-quarters, your sidearm for distance.”

A new interface appeared on the screen, mapping out his controls:

• Tap to shoot

• Swipe to dodge

• Hold to switch between melee and ranged attacks

Sylus smirked. Let’s see what this thing can do.

The drone rushed forward. His instincts kicked in—he tapped the screen, firing off a precise shot. The bullet struck its shoulder, making it stagger. But it didn’t stop.

“Careful!” Y/N warned. “They adapt—go for a weak point!”

A target reticle flashed over the drone’s exposed leg joint. Sylus quickly swiped, switching to his knife, and lunged forward. A quick slash, a vibration from his phone, and the drone collapsed.

[Simulation Complete! Combat Skill +3 | Weapon Proficiency Unlocked]

As the holographic scene faded, Nova let out a low whistle. “Not bad, Captain.”

Kaela grinned. “You didn’t trip over yourself, so I’d call that a win.”

Reyna gave him an approving nod. “You learn fast. That’ll serve you well.”

Y/N, however, simply watched him, their expression unreadable. Then, quietly, they spoke.

“There’s more to combat than just skill. You’ll see that soon enough.”

A small chime rang out, signaling the end of the tutorial. Another notification appeared:

[Chapter 1: Mission Unlocked – Intruder Alert]

Not all threats come from outside. When a Wander infiltrates the ship, the crew must work together to neutralize it before it’s too late.

Sylus exhaled, gripping his phone a little tighter.

This game wasn’t playing around. And neither was he.

As Sylus stood amidst the flickering holographic remnants of the training simulation, a new system prompt appeared on his screen:

[Partner Selection: Choose Your Combat Ally]

Each crew member has a unique combat style and special abilities. Choose wisely—the bond you form in battle may shape future encounters.

The screen displayed each of the four women, their character portraits subtly animated as if waiting for his decision. Beside their images, their Default Combat Cards were displayed—special abilities that could be leveled up as the game progressed.

Nova – The Bladed Storm

• Weapon: Dual Blades

• Default Card: Phantom Strikes – A flurry of rapid slashes, overwhelming enemies with sheer speed.

• Playstyle: High-speed melee combat, focusing on quick evasion and aggressive offense.

Nova’s portrait had a confident smirk, her arms crossed as if daring him to choose her.

“Pick me, and we’ll make quick work of whatever’s coming.”

Kaela – The Shockwave Brawler

• Weapon: Plasma Gauntlets

• Default Card: Titan’s Fist – A ground-shaking punch that sends shockwaves through the battlefield, stunning enemies.

• Playstyle: Heavy-hitting melee combat, excelling in crowd control and raw power.

Kaela’s image flickered slightly as she leaned lazily against the training bay’s counter, her smirk playful.

“You want someone to keep the fight fun? I’m your girl.”

Reyna – The Deadeye Tactician

• Weapon: Precision Rifle

• Default Card: Hawkeye’s Mark – A critical shot that locks onto an enemy’s weak point, dealing massive damage.

Playstyle: Long-range combat, specializing in precision and strategic positioning.

Reyna’s gaze was steady and unreadable in her portrait.

“If you want results, you’ll need someone who doesn’t miss.”

Y/N – The Phantom Archer

• Weapon: Energy Bow

• Default Card: Silent Requiem – A charged shot that bypasses armor and disables enemy movement for a short time.

• Playstyle: Versatile mid-to-long-range combat, emphasizing precision and status effects.

Unlike the others, Y/N looked slightly uncertain in their image, their fingers fidgeting near the strap of their wrist console. But there was a quiet determination in their expression as well.

“I-I’ll do my best to help. If… if you choose me.”

Sylus exhaled, his thumb hovering over the options.

The ship’s AI chimed overhead, signaling an incoming threat.

He had to decide.

Now.

Sylus’ gaze was drawn to Y/N’s image on the screen, their expression hinting at a mixture of uncertainty and determination. Their words echoed in his mind:

“I’ll do my best to help. If… if you choose me.”

He glanced at the others—their confident smirks and calm expressions. They were undoubtedly capable, but… something about Y/N’s quiet resolve struck him differently. They were the one he couldn’t quite read, the one whose vulnerability spoke volumes beneath the surface he yearned to uncover.

With a decisive tap, Sylus selected Y/N as his combat partner.

[Partner Selected: Y/N – The Phantom Archer]

• Weapon Equipped: Energy Bow

• Combat Card: Silent Requiem – A charged shot that bypasses armor and disables enemy movement for a short time.

The moment he made his choice, the training bay dimmed, and a loud klaxon echoed through the ship. A flashing red alert appeared at the top of the screen:

[INTRUDER ALERT: WANDER DETECTED ONBOARD]

The environment shifted, transitioning into the real fight. The game’s immersive quality was astonishing—Sylus could almost feel the tension in the air as the ship’s corridors darkened, emergency lighting casting eerie glows against the metal walls.

Y/N stood beside him, gripping their energy bow with both hands. They exhaled softly, their fingers brushing against the bowstring as it crackled with glowing energy.

“We can do this,” they murmured, mostly to themself, before glancing at him with an almost hesitant nod.

“I-I mean, I won’t slow you down, Captain.”

Before he could respond, a mechanical screech echoed down the hallway.

A Wander appeared—a grotesque, shifting mass of shadows and metallic limbs, its glowing red eyes locked onto them. The tutorial combat HUD activated, overlaying the fight mechanics on his phone screen.

[Combat Start!]

• Tap to fire the sidearm

• Swipe to dodge incoming attacks

• Hold and release to charge Y/N’s bow attack

Sylus aimed quickly, tapping the screen to fire off a few sidearm shots. The bullets hit, but the Wander barely staggered—it was armored, resistant to basic attacks.

Y/N’s voice cut through the tension.

“Aim for the joints! That’s where the armor is weakest!”

He followed their advice, targeting the creature’s exposed limbs. A well-placed shot hit its leg, making it stumble.

“Nice shot!” Y/N called out, their voice carrying a quiet excitement.

“Keep going—we can wear it down!”

The Wander let out a distorted shriek and lunged. Sylus swiped his thumb across the screen, making his character roll just in time to avoid the strike. His phone vibrated subtly with the impact.

“Watch out! Stay light on your feet!” Y/N warned, repositioning themself.

A glowing indicator flashed over their weapon—their Special Ability was charged.

“Captain—I can disable it, but I need a clear shot!”

A quick-time event popped up:

[TAP NOW TO ACTIVATE: SILENT REQUIEM]

Sylus reacted instantly. He tapped the screen, and Y/N pulled back their bowstring, a concentrated pulse of energy crackling along the arrow’s surface.

“Steady… and… release!”

The energy shot struck the Wander directly in the chest, sending a pulse through its body. The creature convulsed, its limbs locking up as the disabling effect took hold.

A final “FINISH IT!” prompt appeared on-screen. Sylus raised his sidearm one last time, taking aim—

BANG.

The Wander let out a final shriek before collapsing into a smoking heap.

VICTORY!

[Combat Complete! Battle Experience +10 | Y/N Affinity Increased]

The emergency lighting returned to normal, and the game’s UI faded back into exploration mode. Y/N lowered their bow, exhaling slowly. They looked up at him, a small but genuine smile on their lips.

“We… we did it.”

Sylus smirked, his heart still racing from the fight.

“Yeah. We make a good team.”

Y/N’s blush darkened slightly, and they quickly looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind their ear.

“I-I’m glad you think so.”

Before he could do anything else, a soft chime rang out, signaling the end of the tutorial phase. A new objective appeared on-screen:

[CHAPTER 1 COMPLETE!]

New Ship Functions Unlocked: Crew Missions | Combat Training | Personal Interactions

As the game transitioned back to the Home Screen, the familiar sight of the crew lounge returned. But this time, there was a subtle difference—Y/N, who had been more withdrawn before, was now sitting closer to where his character’s presence would be, glancing up at him between reading on their datapad.

Sylus exhaled, sinking back into his seat.

He had started this game on a whim.

But now?

He wasn’t sure he wanted to stop.

A/n: gonna end here I was gonna add some myth card content but this chap was probably already getting long so sorry if this was boring but thanks for reading.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[nagiwrites]

Chapter Two: The Capitol’s Rules.

Characters: Caleb, you

A/n: I swear formatting on here is a job in itself. Anyways another chap is here if u wanna be tagged feel free to tell me. Also I’ll put content warnings for this fic.

☆ Content: body stripping and forced undressing, non-consensual physical contact, loss of bodily autonomy, mild nudity and humiliation, emotional distress, depersonalization and identity erasure, as well as themes of classism and systemic oppression.

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📌 Synopsis :

On the way to the Capitol, she learns the Games are more performance than survival. Caleb promises to protect her, but his motives remain unclear. Once inside, she’s stripped of her identity and remade for the Capitol’s stage—left feeling like a stranger in her own skin.

The hovercraft hummed through the sky, the engines too smooth, too quiet for something moving this fast. The tinted windows gave nothing away—just endless stretches of blue fading into the neon glow of the Capitol ahead.

The farther they got from District IV, the cleaner everything became. The shanty towns and dust-covered streets disappeared, replaced with pristine high-rises, gleaming transport stations, and well-maintained roads. This was the rich side. The part of the district that still belonged to the Capitol, where officials, Peacekeepers, and the privileged few lived untouched by hunger and fear.

She’d never been here before.

And she wouldn’t have time to take it in now.

Across from her, Caleb sat in perfect stillness, his hands resting against his knees. Not restrained, not worried. Like a man who chose to be here.

She still didn’t understand that.

Or him.

She leaned back, staring at the ceiling as she exhaled. “So,” she said, breaking the silence, “are you going to explain how this works, or are we just supposed to figure it out as we go?”

Caleb blinked once, slow and unreadable. “The Hunter Games?”

“No, the weather,” she said flatly. “Of course, the Games.”

A flicker of something—amusement, maybe—crossed his face before vanishing. He shifted slightly, adjusting his posture like this conversation was a negotiation. “There are three phases before the arena,” he said. “Training, evaluations, and interviews. All designed to entertain the Capitol before the real event.”

She frowned. “Training?”

He nodded. “Weapons, survival tactics, close combat. You’ll be assigned a score at the end of it. Higher scores mean more sponsors. More sponsors mean a better chance of making it past the first few days.”

She absorbed that, tapping a finger against her knee. “And the evaluations?”

Caleb’s gaze darkened. “Private sessions with the Gamemakers. They decide how dangerous you are.”

That made her stomach twist.

“And the interviews?”

His lips pressed into a thin line. “Propaganda.”

She snorted. “Figures.”

She expected him to leave it at that, but after a beat, he continued. “They want a story. Something they can sell to the people. Fear. Tragedy. Romance. It doesn’t matter as long as they can control it.”

She turned that over in her mind. The Games weren’t just about killing—they were about putting on a show. And the Capitol would twist every moment to fit whatever narrative kept the audience entertained.

Her fingers curled slightly. “And you?”

Caleb tilted his head. “What about me?”

She gestured vaguely. “You forced your way in. Which means you’re either my mentor, my handler, or some new Capitol experiment.”

He studied her, quiet for too long, before saying, “I’m here to make sure you survive.”

She didn’t know what to do with that.

Because there was something unsettling about the way he said it. Like it wasn’t just an objective. Like it wasn’t just duty.

Like it was personal.

She looked away first. Outside, the hovercraft was already descending, the glowing skyline of the Capitol stretching beneath them.

It was beautiful.

And it was a graveyard.

They were about to be thrown into a machine designed to tear them apart. And she still didn’t know why the man across from her had chosen to step inside it with her.

But one thing was clear.

Whatever his reasons, whatever he wasn’t saying—

Caleb wasn’t going to let her die.

And that might’ve been the most dangerous thing of all.

The hovercraft descended into the heart of the Capitol, the neon skyline shifting from a distant blur into something towering and suffocating. Buildings stretched high enough to disappear into the clouds, their sleek metal surfaces reflecting the glow of holographic advertisements. Bright screens displayed last year’s Hunter Games champion, a sharp-jawed boy dressed in golden armor, smiling like he hadn’t torn through twenty other tributes to get here.

The hovercraft docked on a landing platform that was too clean, too sterile. The moment the doors slid open, the artificial scent of processed air and something vaguely floral hit her nose. It smelled like a place that had never known real dirt, never known hunger or desperation.

Capitol attendants were already waiting—dressed in shimmering, impractical outfits, their skin airbrushed to perfection. She barely had time to get her bearings before one of them stepped forward, flashing a too-bright smile.

“Welcome, tributes! Right this way.”

She forced herself to move, stepping onto the platform with the same numbness she’d felt since the reaping.

Caleb was right behind her.

She didn’t know why she kept looking for him—why the solid presence of him at her back made her nerves settle instead of spike. But she did. And it unsettled her almost as much as the Capitol’s suffocating opulence.

A camera drone zipped in close, scanning them both, projecting their faces onto a screen above. The words DISTRICT IV TRIBUTES flashed beneath their images.

People in the town murmured. Some leaned forward, eager for a first look at this year’s new prey. Others watched with the detached amusement of people who would never have to step into the arena themselves.

She could already feel them assigning labels.

Would she be forgettable? A sacrifice? A tragic figure to cry over before the real show began?

And then there was Caleb.

They didn’t know what to do with him.

A colonel in the Games wasn’t normal. The murmurs grew louder, questioning. Whispering. A Capitol official in a crisp suit gestured for one of the attendants, eyes narrowing as he spoke.

She glanced at Caleb. “So… you really weren’t supposed to be here, huh?”

Caleb didn’t look at her, just kept walking forward. “No.”

The admission should’ve scared her. Instead, it made her pulse quicken for an entirely different reason.

The grand entrance of the Tribute Tower loomed ahead—a massive glass structure built solely to house the competitors before the Games. As they stepped inside, a holographic display of the Capitol’s logo shimmered above them, accompanied by a soft, artificial voice.

WELCOME, TRIBUTES. PREPARE FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.

She barely resisted the urge to scoff.

A set of attendants approached, separating her from Caleb in one swift motion.

“This way, dear,” one of them said, guiding her toward a long hallway lined with marble and gold trim. “We’ll get you cleaned up for the Opening Ceremony. You want to look your best, don’t you?”

She turned slightly, just enough to catch a glimpse of Caleb before they pulled him in the opposite direction.

For the first time, his gaze met hers fully.

He didn’t say anything. Didn’t have to.

Because something unspoken passed between them in that brief second.

Something that felt suspiciously like a promise.

Then the doors closed, and she was alone.

The hallway smelled like artificial roses and something chemical, a scent so sharp it stung the inside of her nose. Everything here was too clean, too polished, too perfect—designed for the people who had never known struggle, never worked their hands raw, never bled for something they couldn’t keep.

She hated it already.

The attendants guided her into a pristine white room, the walls smooth and seamless, as if they had been molded rather than built. A glass platform in the center illuminated as she stepped onto it, a soft chime sounding as an AI scanned her body.

“Preliminary evaluation complete. Commencing preparation process.”

The attendants wasted no time. Hands—cold, impersonal—pulled at her clothes, unfastening buttons, peeling fabric from her skin. She stiffened instinctively, her breath catching as they stripped her down without ceremony.

Her clothes, the last thing connecting her to home, were tossed into a disposal chute without hesitation.

Gone.

Just like that.

She was naked before she could process it, surrounded by strangers who didn’t even have the decency to pretend to care.

“Arms up,” one of them instructed. “We need to remove all the excess.”

She barely had time to ask what excess? before a warm, sticky substance was smeared over her legs, arms, and anywhere else the Capitol deemed unworthy.

Then came the ripping.

She bit her lip so hard she tasted blood.

It wasn’t the worst pain she’d ever felt—nothing compared to a deep wound or the ache of hunger—but it was the humiliation of it. The raw exposure. The way they talked over her, not to her, as if she were nothing more than a project being refined into something presentable.

Her skin burned by the time they were done, stripped raw under the bright lights.

Then came her hair.

One of the attendants examined it with a critical eye, fingers prodding at her scalp. “We’ll need to smooth this out,” she murmured, already reaching for a brush.

Her stomach twisted.

She clenched her fists. She knew what was coming.

The first pass wasn’t too bad, but the second—

A sharp pull.

Her scalp screamed in protest, her head yanked back as the attendant worked with mechanical efficiency, oblivious to the sharp sting radiating from each tug.

She held her breath.

Another pull.

Her fingers curled tighter.

She wouldn’t say anything. Wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

But when they reached the knots at the base of her skull, ripping through them without care, the pain sent sharp pricks behind her eyes.

She blinked rapidly, but it didn’t stop the tears from slipping down her cheeks.

Silent. Unnoticed.

Just another thing for them to strip away.

“Almost done,” the attendant said cheerfully, as if she wasn’t yanking her head like a ragdoll. “You’ll look stunning for the ceremony!”

She wanted to tell them she didn’t care about looking stunning. That she didn’t want to be something pretty for the Capitol to admire before they threw her into the dirt.

But she stayed silent.

Because it didn’t matter.

It never did.

By the time they finished, her body felt foreign—smooth where it shouldn’t be, styled in a way that didn’t belong to her.

They wrapped her in a robe, soft and expensive, guiding her toward another room where stylists awaited.

As they led her forward, she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflective wall.

She looked like a stranger.

And she hated her.

By the time they were done with her body, they moved on to her hair.

She sat stiffly in a plush chair, the fabric too smooth, too foreign against her stripped-down skin. The stylists surrounded her like architects examining blueprints, their eyes sharp with calculation.

“We should straighten it,” one suggested, running a comb through her curls with far too much force.

“No,” another chimed in, twisting a section between their fingers. “Texture is in this year. Let’s enhance it.”

She exhaled slowly through her nose, already exhausted. She wasn’t sure what was worse—the pain of them yanking through her scalp, or the way they talked about her like she wasn’t sitting right in front of them.

At least this time, they weren’t completely careless.

The hands that worked through her hair now were more delicate, though not out of kindness. It was precision. They conditioned, softened, twisted each strand into something elegant, something that would look effortless but had taken painstaking effort to achieve.

When they finally stepped back, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

Her hair had been shaped into an intricate design, cascading down one side, threaded with delicate metallic strands that shimmered under the light. It wasn’t her, not really. But at least it wasn’t stripped away.

She swallowed against the lump in her throat and turned away.

Then came the dress.

They led her to a display where rows of shimmering gowns hovered in the air, each one programmed with effects that reacted to movement. Some flickered like fire, others rippled like water, shifting colors as the fabric swayed.

“For the ceremony, you need to make an impression,” the lead stylist said, gesturing to the options. “The Capitol loves a tribute with presence.”

She barely heard them.

Her gaze had already landed on one dress, and something inside her cracked.

Her favorite color.

She didn’t even mean to laugh, but the sound burst out of her—loud, sharp, and broken.

Tears burned at the corners of her eyes as she covered her mouth, shaking her head. “Of course,” she choked out. “Of course they’d have one in my favorite color.”

The stylists exchanged confused glances, unsure if she was amused or unraveling.

Maybe it was both.

She reached for the dress, fingers brushing over the material. It was smooth, impossibly soft, but beneath the surface, she could feel the embedded tech, ready to activate at a moment’s notice.

The fabric pulsed, reacting to her touch. A slow shimmer ran through it, the color deepening, shifting like liquid under moonlight.

It was beautiful.

It was ridiculous.

It was hers.

“I’ll take this one,” she said, her voice steadier now.

The stylists hesitated before nodding, pleased with her choice.

As they helped her into the gown, adjusting the fit, setting the effects to highlight every movement, she stared at herself in the mirror once more.

The stranger was still there.

But this time, beneath all the Capitol’s work, there was something else.

A flicker of her.

And for now, that would have to be enough.

By the time they finished preparing her, the weight of everything settled over her shoulders like an iron chain. The gown clung to her frame perfectly, its advanced fabric shifting ever so slightly with her movements, rippling like water under the bright artificial lights.

The color—her color—stood out against the cold, sterile surroundings.

She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.

A set of attendants ushered her down a corridor lined with reflective panels, the sleek, high-tech design making it impossible to forget where she was. Every few steps, the floor beneath her pulsed, scanning her biometrics. The Capitol left nothing unchecked.

Then, the doors at the end of the hallway slid open, revealing a lavish waiting chamber.

And there he was.

Caleb.

She came to an abrupt stop.

He was already dressed for the ceremony, standing with the kind of stillness that made people uneasy. His uniform had been replaced with something undeniably designed to impress—black, sharply tailored, lined with faint streaks of silver that pulsed like slow lightning beneath the fabric. The effects were subtle, but when he moved, the suit seemed almost alive, shifting with the kind of controlled power that the Capitol adored.

Of course they’d make him look like a leader. A warrior.

But she didn’t care about that.

She only cared about the fact that he was here. That the Capitol had let him be here.

That he had forced his way into this nightmare right alongside her.

He looked up, his gaze landing on her immediately.

And then—something flickered in his expression.

Not surprise. Not admiration.

Something deeper.

Something unreadable.

She swallowed, suddenly hyperaware of how ridiculous she must look. Dressed up like a doll, painted, polished, made into something more palatable for the audience that would soon be watching their every move.

His gaze swept over her once, calculating, before returning to her face. “You picked that?”

She narrowed her eyes. “What, does it offend you?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Then, in a low, unreadable tone, he said, “No.”

Silence stretched between them.

She wasn’t sure what she had expected. A comment about the absurdity of it all? A reminder that they were about to be paraded around like showpieces before being thrown into a death match?

But he just kept looking at her, as if trying to decipher something she didn’t understand herself.

Finally, she crossed her arms. “Well? Do I look like a proper tribute now?”

Caleb’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You look like someone the Capitol won’t forget.”

She wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or a warning.

Before she could decide, an official strode into the room, checking a holographic tablet before gesturing toward the exit. “You’re up next. Don’t keep them waiting.”

Her heart slammed once against her ribs.

This was it.

The first real moment where the world would see her. Where she’d step into the light, not as a district worker, not as a girl who had volunteered for a child she didn’t even know—

But as a tribute.

A piece in the Capitol’s game.

She inhaled slowly, forcing herself to move.

But just as she passed Caleb, his voice came low and steady, just loud enough for her to hear.

“Don’t let them define you.”

She turned slightly, meeting his gaze one last time before the doors opened—

And the world swallowed her whole.

A/n : thanks for reading maybe I’ll post more later in the night if I’m up but it’s a lot to have for format and edit this ngl. But I appreciate the likes feel free to repost with credits please.

Tags:

@mysticcollectionvoid

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

A/n: no content warnings for this chap just the same stuff and more game mechanics since this is like the 3rd chap. It’s the weekend and I got nothing to do so here’s some more. Reminder his in game avatar is talking unless stated otherwise.

CH.3 - Signals and Sparks

Characters: Sylus, Kaela, Reyna, Nova, Y/N.

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📌 Synopsis:

Sylus continues bonding with the crew, testing both his skills and his charm. From sparring words with Kaela to tactical simulations with Reyna, and a quiet moment of connection with Y/N, the choices are starting to feel real—and so are the consequences. The prologue ends, but his story is just beginning.

But Y/N wasn’t the only one catching his attention.

As they continued through the ship, Sylus couldn’t ignore how each of the crew members had their own unique pull—whether it was Nova’s sharp confidence, Reyna’s quiet intelligence, or Kaela’s playful charm. The game wasn’t just about a single love interest; it was about choice.

And for the first time, he actually cared about the choices he was making.

As they reached another section of the ship, his phone buzzed again. A new notification popped up:

[New Mini-Game Unlocked: Engineering Puzzle – Assist Kaela]

Kaela stretched as she approached a maintenance panel, flashing him an easy grin. “Alright, Captain, since you’re so eager to prove yourself, let’s see if you can handle some real work.”

Sylus raised an eyebrow. “You mean fixing something you were supposed to fix?”

Kaela gasped in mock offense. “Wow, look at you getting bold already. I like it.” She winked before gesturing to the panel. “Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. It’s just a simple circuit alignment puzzle. Shouldn’t be too hard for a guy who just survived Nova’s sparring match.”

A new game interface popped up:

[Mini-Game: Engineering Override]

Drag the circuit nodes into the correct positions to restore power. Bonus points for completing it within the time limit!

Sylus smirked. “Alright, let’s do this.”

The puzzle was simple at first—he had to slide pieces of an energy circuit into the right alignment, making sure all the connections glowed blue instead of flickering red. But just as he was getting into the rhythm, Kaela leaned in over his shoulder, watching his progress closely.

“Careful there, Captain. One wrong move and you might just short-circuit the entire system,” she teased, her voice dropping to something more playful.

Sylus felt the warmth of her proximity—even through the screen, the game made interactions feel immersive. He shook off the distraction and focused. With a final tap, the last node clicked into place.

SUCCESS!

[Mini-Game Complete! Engineering Skill +5 | Kaela Affinity Increased]

Kaela whistled. “Huh. Not bad, Captain. Maybe you are more than just a pretty face.”

Before he could respond, Reyna’s voice chimed in from behind. “If you two are done flirting with the power grid, we should keep moving.”

Sylus turned to find Reyna watching him, her expression unreadable, but there was something in her gaze that made him pause. A challenge, maybe?

Y/N stood just beside her, quiet as usual, but he caught the way they lowered their eyes slightly—almost like they weren’t sure how to react to Kaela’s casual flirting.

A new dialogue choice appeared:

1. “Just proving I can pull my weight around here.” [Confident response]

2. “Flirting? Kaela was just testing me.” [Playful deflection]

3. “You’re right. Let’s move on.” [Neutral response, stays focused on the tour]

Sylus exhaled, his thumb hovering over the options.

The game was throwing more than just mechanics at him—it was testing where his interests really lay.

Sylus was acutely aware of the eyes on him—Y/N’s shy glances, Kaela’s playful grins, Reyna’s almost imperceptible gazes, and Nova’s cool, assessing stare from the corner. The game was throwing more into the mix than just mini-game mechanics. It was testing his own interests, forcing him to decide where his loyalties—and his affections—lay.

He exhaled slowly. This game was getting more complex with every touch of the screen, and the stakes were seemingly higher every time he chose an option. But he was in far too deep to turn back now.

“Flirting? Kaela was just testing me.”

Kaela let out a soft chuckle, crossing her arms. “Oh? And here I thought you were the one testing me.” Her tone was teasing, but there was an undeniable spark in her eyes.

Reyna, however, wasn’t as easily swayed. She adjusted her glasses, arching an eyebrow. “Convenient excuse, Captain.”

Y/N remained quiet, their fingers twitching slightly at their sleeve. If they had any thoughts on the interaction, they weren’t voicing them.

[Kaela Affinity +3 | Reyna is skeptical.]

Sylus had to admit, he liked the way the game tracked these subtle reactions. The way each character responded wasn’t just a generic reaction—it felt personal, layered.

Before he could dwell on it, a new notification popped up:

[New Objective: Tactical Simulation – Assist Reyna]

Reyna turned away from the group and started toward another part of the ship. “Come on, Captain. You handled the physical and technical tests, but let’s see if your brain can keep up.”

Curious, Sylus followed, the others trailing behind. They entered a dimly lit room lined with massive holo-screens. Lines of data, star charts, and fleet formations flickered in real-time.

Reyna gestured toward a glowing interface. “Tactical awareness is crucial. You can have all the strength and charisma in the world, but if you can’t think three steps ahead, you’re just another lost soul in deep space.”

She tapped the panel, and a mini-game interface appeared:

[Mini-Game: Fleet Command Simulation]

Objective: Position your fleet strategically to counter enemy attacks. Use limited moves to anticipate the opponent’s tactics.

Sylus scanned the game board. His fleet of ships blinked in blue, while enemy forces pulsed red. He had a limited number of moves to position his defenses before the enemy fleet struck.

A tutorial message popped up:

“Reyna will be observing your strategy. Make efficient moves to earn her approval.”

Sylus grinned. No pressure, huh?

He dragged his ships into formation, placing his strongest defenses at critical chokepoints. As the enemy forces advanced, he adjusted accordingly, predicting their patterns. He noticed Reyna watching closely, her sharp gaze tracking every move he made.

The final round came—one last chance to secure victory. A quick-time event flashed on the screen:

[TAP NOW TO EXECUTE FINAL STRATEGY]

Sylus reacted instantly, his finger pressing the button. The screen flared as his fleet executed a flawless counter-maneuver, wiping out the enemy forces.

MISSION SUCCESS!

[Mini-Game Complete! Tactical Skill +5 | Reyna Affinity Increased]

Reyna leaned back, folding her arms as she regarded him with an approving nod. “Not bad. You’re not just bluffing your way through this.”

Sylus smirked. “Did you think I was?”

Reyna didn’t answer immediately, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes. “Let’s just say I don’t trust easily. But maybe… you’ll change my mind.”

Kaela whistled. “Well, well, looks like you passed another test, Captain.”

Nova, who had been leaning against the wall, finally spoke up. “You’re lucky Reyna likes a challenge. Keep up, and she might actually respect you.”

Sylus chuckled, but once again, his attention drifted toward Y/N. They were standing slightly behind the others, their expression unreadable.

They weren’t competing for his attention like Kaela, challenging him like Reyna, or pushing him like Nova. But there was something about the way they lingered, like they weren’t sure where they fit into all of this.

A new choice popped up:

1. “That was fun. What’s next?” [Neutral response, keeps things moving]

2. “What about you, Y/N? I haven’t seen you in action yet.” [Directs attention to them]

3. “I think I’m getting the hang of this crew.” [Confident response, appeals to the whole group]

Sylus hovered over the options, the weight of choice settling in again.

This game wasn’t just about missions and mechanics.

It was about connections.

Sylus stared at the options, his gaze darting back and forth. His eyes flicked to y/n, her quiet presence drawing more of his attention than the other women.

She had remained largely silent as the others talked, her gaze flickering across the group. She seemed hesitant, almost nervous about being in the spotlight. But there was a curiosity about her, a depth to her shy demeanor that he had yet to fully explore.

His gaze softened, his thumb hovering over choice 2.

He wanted to know more.

Sylus tapped the screen.

“What about you, Y/N? I haven’t seen you in action yet.”

A brief silence followed. Y/N’s eyes widened slightly, and their fingers twitched against the fabric of their sleeve. It was clear they hadn’t expected him to single them out.

Kaela raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Ooooh, Captain’s got a special interest, huh?”

Reyna remained composed, but there was an unmistakable flicker of intrigue in her gaze. Nova, on the other hand, just exhaled through her nose. “Hate to break it to you, Captain, but Y/N’s not exactly the combat type.”

Y/N’s shoulders tensed slightly at Nova’s words, but they quickly shook their head. “I—I mean… she’s right. I don’t fight like the rest of you.” They paused, glancing at Sylus before hesitantly adding, “But… that doesn’t mean I’m useless.”

A notification appeared:

[New Mini-Game Unlocked: Decryption Challenge – Assist Y/N]

Y/N took a small step toward a nearby console, their fingers hovering uncertainly over the interface before they spoke again. “I handle intelligence gathering, ship diagnostics, and decryption tasks. It’s… it’s not flashy, but it’s important.”

Sylus felt a tug of curiosity. He had seen the way Y/N kept to themselves, always lingering on the edges of conversations, but this was the first time they seemed willing to show him what they were capable of.

They glanced at him briefly before turning back to the console. “I can show you, if you want. It’s just a basic decryption task… but it’ll give you an idea of what I do.”

A new interface appeared:

[Mini-Game: Data Decryption]

Objective: Reassemble fragmented code to unlock a secure file. Match data sequences before time runs out!

Sylus grinned. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”

The screen filled with a grid of shifting symbols and code snippets. A timer appeared at the top, ticking down as he swiped through the data pieces, trying to align them correctly.

Y/N watched closely, occasionally murmuring quiet instructions. “That one—move it two spaces left… No, wait—flip it first, then match the pattern.”

Their guidance was subtle but precise, and with their help, Sylus managed to slot the final piece into place just as the timer hit zero.

SUCCESS!

[Mini-Game Complete! Intelligence Skill +5 | Y/N Affinity Increased]

Y/N let out a small breath of relief, a soft smile touching their lips. “You did well.”

Sylus chuckled. “I had a good teacher.”

Their cheeks darkened slightly, and they quickly looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind their ear. “It—it was just a basic puzzle. Nothing special.”

Kaela leaned on a nearby panel, watching with amusement. “Huh. You’re the first person I’ve seen actually get them to talk this much.”

Reyna nodded slightly. “Impressive.”

Nova didn’t say anything, but she gave Sylus a knowing look—like she was beginning to figure out his angle.

A new dialogue choice appeared:

1. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Y/N.” [Encouraging response]

2. “Well, I had to redeem myself after getting beaten up by Nova.” [Playful response]

3. “Everyone on this crew is skilled in their own way.” [Diplomatic response]

Sylus exhaled, his thumb hovering over the choices. Right now, he was more invested than ever.

Sylus tapped the first option.

“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Y/N.”

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly at his words, their fingers stilling against the console. For a moment, they looked like they weren’t sure how to respond.

Kaela let out a low whistle. “Smooth, Captain. Real smooth.”

Reyna gave an approving nod, and even Nova seemed to acknowledge his choice with a small smirk. But Sylus’ focus remained on Y/N.

They swallowed, their gaze dropping slightly. “I just… I just do my part.”

But there was something different in their expression now—something softer, like his words had reached them in a way they weren’t expecting.

Before he could do anything else, the screen suddenly dimmed, and a system message appeared:

[Prologue Complete!]

Thank you for playing the introduction to Love and Deep Space! Your choices have shaped your first impressions with the crew. Continue exploring relationships, missions, and ship upgrades in the full experience.

Sylus blinked as the game transitioned to the Home Screen. The futuristic menu spread out before him, filled with different options—Continue Story, Crew Interactions, Mission Log, Ship Upgrades—each offering a deeper dive into this world.

But what caught his eye most was the animated background. The main screen wasn’t just a static menu—it was alive.

The ship’s common area stretched behind the UI, and the crew members were there, each engaged in their own activities.

Kaela lounged in a chair, sipping her ever-present drink with a lazy smirk. Nova was leaning against a wall, arms crossed as she idly checked some data on a holographic screen. Reyna sat on a couch, reading through a tactical report, occasionally adjusting her glasses.

And then there was Y/N.

They were seated by a window, bathed in the soft glow of the galaxy outside. One leg tucked under the other, they held a datapad in their hands, but their attention wasn’t fully on it. Every now and then, they would glance up—toward the screen, toward him.

It was such a small detail, but it made the game feel even more real.

Sylus exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

What the hell did I just get myself into?

With a smirk, he tapped Continue Story.

He was all in.

A/n: thanks for reading hope this was long enough. I’m gonna post more Caleb story too also today. I may also have a Raf story in mind I don’t know yet if it would be good for a long term thing idk.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[nagiwrites]

Chapter One: The Reaping

Characters: Caleb, y/n

☆ Content:

sci-fi dystopian world with advanced technology and strict government control, Caleb being Caleb, The hunger games AU, survival, violence, and gore. a slow-burn with a power imbalance, military and rebellion themes. Psychological mind games, emotional manipulation, and moral dilemmas. Eventual smut (I have yet to write an actual smut scene in any fic hahaha)

📌 Synopsis:

Watching from the sidelines, Colonel Caleb should remain detached. He barely knows her, has only glimpsed her in passing. But something about her defiance—her willingness to throw herself into the arena for a stranger—unsettles him. And for the first time in his career, he makes a reckless move of his own.

He’s going in with her.

Whether she realizes it or not, she just became his to protect.

[→ next]

A/n: well I had a Caleb fic cooking too (look I am unemployed right now so don’t come for me at least I am writing) I just be watching old movies and think what if this specific chara was in this and yeah, this kind of stuff happens. Also y’all I made a love and deep playlist like some while ago if u wanna listen it’s not cliche probably idk but (shameless plug) listen here

In District IV, silence was a kind of ritual. It fell like static from the tall speakers lining the square—clean and clinical, just like the Capitol liked it. Drones hovered above the crowd, scanning faces, cataloging expressions. One tear too many and your name might be filed under “potential rebel.” One frown too deep and your family might disappear.

Caleb stood near the perimeter, arms behind his back, silver insignia of a colonel gleaming on his jacket. His military stance was rigid, but his gaze wandered. Not to the stage. Not to the trembling officials preparing for the draw.

To her.

She stood near the back, half-shadowed beneath one of the solar shade panels. Civilian clothes, dirt on her boots. He’d seen her before—once, maybe twice, during the Capitol’s monthly parade. She’d been in the crowd, eyes sharper than most, like she could see through the polished lies. He hadn’t forgotten that look.

He didn’t even know her name.

A drone zoomed in near the front of the crowd, its lens blinking red as the Capitol escort reached into the bowl. It made a soft clicking noise, and the screen behind her lit up with the chosen name. The escort barely had time to read it before a small cry broke out.

It was a child. Couldn’t have been more than ten.

The girl stepped forward, legs shaking, as the crowd fell into a stunned silence. Her name had been pulled. Random. Meaningless. Efficient.

Caleb’s jaw tightened.

The Capitol always said it was fair. That their system left no room for bias. But how was this anything close to fair?

Before anyone could react, another figure shoved past the front line—her. The girl from the crowd. The one with the eyes.

“I’ll go,” she said, her voice steady, even as her body trembled. “She’s just a kid.”

The escort blinked. “You’re not related to her.”

“I don’t have to be.”

The system hesitated. A holographic interface blinked to life, projecting her citizen file in the air. Minimal infractions. District worker. No known affiliations. No family ties. “Eligible,” the AI confirmed with a sterile tone.

Caleb’s pulse spiked. Something inside him twisted. He didn’t know this girl—didn’t owe her anything—but watching her step into the center of the square, unflinching, made the cold inside him crack.

This wasn’t bravery. It was sacrifice.

And it was stupid.

So damn stupid.

He turned sharply toward the Peacekeeper beside him. “Access the draft system.”

“Sir?” the Peacekeeper blinked, confused. “You’re not—”

“I don’t care. I’m going in.”

“Colonel, you’re needed at command. You’re military, not tribute material.”

Caleb stepped closer, lowering his voice to a growl. “Then file me as a mentor. Handler. Strategic escort. I don’t care how you do it—get me in that arena. With her.”

A pause. A beat. Then the Peacekeeper nodded, slowly.

Caleb turned back to the stage, his gaze locking on the girl now being led toward the hovercraft. She didn’t look back.

But he did.

Something about her felt like unfinished business. Like a thread the Capitol had pulled too hard.

And Caleb had never been one to leave threads dangling…..

The moment her name was confirmed, the silence in the square shifted. It wasn’t relief. It wasn’t gratitude. It was something else—something heavier.

The girl she’d saved was crying, held back by trembling hands that didn’t belong to her parents. Maybe she didn’t have any. Maybe she was just another orphan, another casualty of the Capitol’s system.

The crowd wasn’t celebrating her sacrifice.

But they weren’t stopping it either.

Some looked away, unwilling to watch. Others clenched their fists, their rage swallowed whole, too afraid to let it show. A few—mostly the older ones, the ones who had lived through too many reaping days—stared at her with something almost like mourning.

No one stopped the Peacekeepers when they grabbed her arms.

She didn’t fight them.

Didn’t flinch when cold metal cuffs snapped around her wrists, when the escort gestured toward the awaiting hover transport.

She only allowed herself one last glance at the crowd—at the people who would keep living their quiet, regulated lives, while she was sent to die.

And that was when she saw him.

Not on the stage. Not in the front.

But at the edge of the square.

The colonel.

Unlike the others, he didn’t avert his gaze. He watched her, sharp and unwavering, his expression unreadable. A soldier’s face.

And yet, something was wrong.

It was the way his jaw tensed, the way his hands curled just slightly at his sides, like he was restraining himself.

She didn’t know him—not really. But she knew when someone was about to make a choice they couldn’t take back.

The Peacekeepers shoved her forward before she could look any longer.

The doors of the hover transport slid shut behind her.

And just before the engines roared to life, drowning out the world outside—

A single, sharp command cut through the static.

“Access the draft system.”

Her blood turned to ice.

Because she knew that voice.

She just didn’t know why he was with her in here right now.

The moment she stepped onto the hovercraft, the silence of the square was replaced with the low hum of advanced engines and the cold sterility of polished metal. The door sealed behind her with an airtight hiss, locking her inside.

Her pulse was steady—too steady for someone who had just thrown their life away. But she wouldn’t regret it. Couldn’t. If she hadn’t volunteered, that little girl would be sitting in this seat instead, too small to even reach the straps across her chest.

Her hands curled into fists against her lap.

She was alone now. At least, she thought she was.

Until a heavy bootstep sounded across the floor.

Her head snapped up, eyes locking onto the last person she expected. The man standing near the entrance was tall, built like a soldier—because he was one. The colonel.

The same one she’d seen in the Capitol parades, the one who never smiled, whose presence made the officials stand straighter and the civilians look away.

What the hell was he doing here?

She stared at him, wary. He wasn’t in tribute clothing. His uniform was crisp, dark, and lined with the silver trim of his rank. Definitely not a tribute. Not an escort either.

Which meant this was wrong.

“You—” Her voice came out harsher than she intended, but she didn’t correct it. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Caleb didn’t flinch. He simply sat across from her, exuding an unsettling kind of control, like none of this was strange to him. Like he hadn’t just forced himself into the Hunter Games.

“That makes two of us,” he said, voice smooth, unreadable.

Her fingers dug into the armrest. “No. I had a reason to be here.”

He tilted his head slightly, observing her. “And you think I don’t?”

A slow chill crept down her spine.

She didn’t know him, but she knew men like him. Men who followed orders without question. Men who enforced the Capitol’s will. Men who let the system grind down people like her without a second thought.

But then why was he here?

The hovercraft shifted into autopilot, and a soft robotic voice crackled over the speakers, confirming their course. The Capitol skyline blurred through the tinted windows, its neon glow sharp against the evening sky.

“Let me guess,” she said, eyes narrowing. “You’re a new type of handler. A Capitol experiment. They’re sending soldiers into the Games now?”

Caleb leaned back in his seat, fingers clasped loosely in his lap. “Think whatever you want.”

That wasn’t a denial.

Her jaw tightened, but she forced herself to focus. It didn’t matter who he was. Didn’t matter why he was here. She had bigger things to worry about.

Like surviving.

Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his presence meant something.

And when he finally spoke again, voice quiet but firm, it only made the unease worse.

“You shouldn’t have volunteered,” Caleb said.

Her breath caught. Not at the words themselves, but at the way he said them—like they weren’t an insult or a judgment.

Like they were a warning.

She turned away, staring out the window, but she could still feel his purple eyes on her. Calculating. Measuring.

And she had the sinking feeling that whatever thread had been pulled between them at the reaping—

It wasn’t going to snap.

It was going to tighten.

A/n: if u wanna be tagged then comment, thanks for reading!!! I’m not sure if this is too little or long for a first chap or idk but here it is.

[nagiwrites]

✦ MASTERLIST ✦

◈ Love and Deep Space (Sylus Fic)

☆ Content: interactive romance, sci-fi, fantasy, slow burn, reverse harem, Black MC coded but anyone can read.

🚀 Genre: Sci-Fi, Interactive Romance, Slow Burn, Reverse Harem

✦ Ch.1 – A Captain’s Arrival → Read Here

◈ Other Works

Taglist: If you want to be tagged in updates, let me know! Also I didn’t know my anon on asks were off but they are on now so feel free to request

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

A/n: hello I’m sorry I’m late with this chapter I’m gonna post chapter 3 also soon. Tbh I’ve been writing this on my own time and reading it myself 😂 I’ve been lazy but thanks for the patience. Also to refrain from saying in-game chara a lot when sylus is moving and speaking it’s the chara unless I say otherwise.

CH.2 – First Impressions

[← back] [→ next]

☆ Content: interactive romance, sci-fi setting, shy!love interest (Y/N), slow burn, reverse-harem, eventually smut maybe, Black MC coded but anyone can read, Black Mirror-ish, ocs also in the chap u can imagine what u want them to look like though

Characters: Sylus, Kaela, Reyna, Nova, Y/N, and the crew.

📌 Synopsis:

A new captain, a new crew, and a ship that runs on more than just fuel—it runs on trust. Sylus might have thought stepping aboard was the hard part, but fitting in? That’s an entirely different challenge.

Sylus pressed the choice.

“Bold move? Should I be worried about hazing rituals?”

The first woman let out a short laugh, shaking her head as she lifted her mug to her lips. “Oh, you’re sharp. I like that.” She took a sip before setting it down again. “Don’t worry, Captain. We’re not that cruel. Well, most of us.”

The second woman, the one with the glasses, simply raised an eyebrow. “Hazing? Hardly. But fitting into a crew like ours… that’s another matter entirely.”

The third woman, who had yet to speak, finally leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she regarded him with cool amusement. “Hazing rituals are for rookies,” she said, tilting her head. “We just watch and see if you can handle yourself.”

Y/N shifted uncomfortably beside him. “Um… we should probably start with introductions,” they interjected, their voice quieter than the others.

As soon as Sylus seen the girls, the screen in front of him flickered, and a sleek HUD overlay materialized—an “Introduction Protocol” prompt activating automatically. Each crew member’s name, role, and specialty appeared in glowing text beside their image, a faint pulse marking their presence in real time. A small “Crew Compatibility Rating” hovered at the bottom—currently unavailable.

[Press to Continue] he pressed.

Meet the Crew

☄️Kaela – Ship’s engineer, weapons specialist, and general problem solver. “If something’s broken, I fix it. If something—or someone—needs taking care of, I handle that too.”

📍 Reyna – Navigator and tactical analyst. “If you want to know where we’re going or how to get there in one piece, I’m the one to ask.”

🛸 Nova – Pilot. “Don’t get in my way, and we won’t have a problem.”

📡 Y/N – Communications and research specialist. “Data analysis, language interpretation, signal tracking… um, things like that.”

Sylus noted the stark differences between them—Kaela’s confident, teasing demeanor, Reyna’s composed and methodical approach, and Nova’s no-nonsense attitude. It was a dynamic crew, and it was already clear that they weren’t the type to follow just anyone.

His eyes flicked back to Y/N on the screen, you stood slightly apart from the group, hands clasped in front of yourself. You hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“I… I handle communications and research,” they said softly, almost like they weren’t sure their role was as important as the others. “Data analysis, language interpretation, signal tracking… um, things like that.”

Kaela shot you a grin. “And she makes a mean cup of tea.”

Y/N’s face turned a shade darker, and they ducked their head slightly. “I just… like to be useful.”

Sylus couldn’t help but find the contrast between them and the others fascinating. Where they were bold and direct, Y/N was quiet, reserved—yet there was an undeniable sincerity to them.

Dialogue Choice Appeared:

🔹 1. “Sounds like an impressive crew. I’m lucky to have you all.” (Leader-like response)

🔹 2. “I get the feeling I’m going to have my hands full with you guys.” (Playful response)

🔹 3. “I’ll do my best to keep up—just try not to leave me in the dust.” (Confident response)

Sylus hovered over the options, his mind already racing with possibilities.

Sylus pressed.

“I get the feeling I’m going to have my hands full with you guys.”

Kaela grinned, leaning back against the counter with an easy confidence. “Oh, you have no idea, Captain.” She lifted her mug in a mock toast before taking another sip. “But hey, at least you catch on quick.”

Reyna smirked slightly but said nothing, merely observing him as if making her own silent assessments. Nova, on the other hand, gave a quiet scoff, arms still crossed. “As long as you can keep up, we won’t have a problem.”

Sylus raised his eyebrow, he really wished he could respond on his own, he looks back at his screen, the camera then pans to a small shift in movement beside his in-game avatar.

Y/n fidgeted slightly, her fingers curling at the hem of her sleeve again. She wasn’t laughing or teasing him like the others—if anything, she looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.

“I-I think you’ll do fine,” she murmured, glancing up at him briefly before quickly averting her gaze.

Sylus felt an odd twinge in his stomach at the way she said it—like she truly meant it but wasn’t used to speaking her thoughts aloud. The others may have been testing him in their own ways, but…it felt like you was rooting for him.

He sighs, what am I even feeling right now he thinks. it must be all the coffee I drunk earlier coming back to me yeah…must be that…

Before he could dwell on it more a chime rang out from his device. The ship ai had interrupted.

“Captain, your presence is required at the Command Center for further mission briefing.”

Reyna shut her tablet with a quiet snap. “That’s your cue.”

Kaela stretched, rolling her shoulders. “Looks like playtime’s over.”

Nova was already pushing herself off the couch. “Let’s see if our new Captain can handle the pressure.”

Y/n hesitated before taking a small step toward the door. “I’ll… I’ll show you the way.”

Sylus in-game character nodded, following as she led him out of the common area and down another long corridor. The others trailed behind them, their presence a silent reminder that his thoughts about just being a casual player was dwindling by the second.

As they walked, a notification popped up in the corner of Sylus’ device.

[New Tutorial Unlocked: Crew Bonding Mini-Games]

Objective: Engage with crew members in interactive scenarios to build rapport and unlock unique character moments.

Below the prompt, a smaller window displayed an alert:

[Mini-Game: Synchronization Test – Assist y/n]

A brief description followed: Help y/n calibrate the ship’s internal communication relay. Improve synchronization for better teamwork!

Sylus blinked as a glowing waypoint appeared just ahead of them, leading to a small control panel embedded in the wall. Y/n noticed it too, her eyes widening slightly.

“Oh… this relay needs recalibrating,” she murmured, half to herself. She hesitated before looking up at Sylus. “Would you, um… mind helping me? It won’t take long.”

A mini-game interface overlaid the screen, displaying a series of circular nodes connected by shifting energy lines. A small tutorial prompt explained the mechanics:

[Tap the nodes in the correct order to match the synchronization sequence. Time your inputs carefully for a higher accuracy rating.]

Sylus smirked, cracking his knuckles getting ready for this mini game. Alright, let’s see what this game’s got.

He began the mini-game. The nodes pulsed in a rhythmic sequence, and he had to tap them in order, matching the glowing pattern as it flickered across the screen. The first few were easy, but soon the pulses sped up, testing his reaction time.

Y/n voice cut through the game interface. “Oh! That was close—try again!” As if taunting him to try harder, he rolls his eyes continuing.

Sylus barely caught the mistake in time, adjusting his timing just as the final sequence locked in. The screen flashed SUCCESS! in bright letters, and a soft chime signaled completion.

[Mini-Game Complete! Crew Bonding +5 | y/n Affinity Increased]

Y/n let out a small breath of relief, a tiny smile forming as she glanced at him. “You’re… really good at that. Thank you.”

Sylus in-game character talks. “Told you I had this under control.”

Her expression softened for a moment, and for the first time, she met his gaze fully.

Then, another notification popped up.

[New Mini-Game Unlocked: Combat Training – Spar with Nova]

From behind them, Nova’s voice cut through the moment. “Alright, Captain. Time to see if you can actually fight.”

Sylus sighed, rolling his shoulders. “No rest for the wicked, huh?”

He didn’t think he would actually be excited to explore this game even more. If Luke and Kieran ever found out he would have to kill them. He laughs a little to himself going back to the game.

As soon as Sylus tapped the screen, the game transitioned seamlessly into Combat Training Mode. His phone vibrated lightly in his hands, and a sleek UI overlay appeared, displaying his health bar, a stamina meter, and a set of virtual buttons for dodging, attacking, and countering. They were just fighting with bare hands for now.

A tutorial prompt popped up at the top of the screen:

[Combat Mini-Game: Spar with Nova]

Swipe to dodge | Tap to attack | Hold to block

Nova cracked her knuckles on-screen, shifting into a ready stance. A countdown appeared.

3… 2… 1… BEGIN!

The moment the match started, Nova lunged forward. Sylus instinctively swiped left, making his in-game avatar dodge just in time. His phone buzzed slightly with the motion, adding to the immersion.

“Not bad,” Nova commented, smirking. “But let’s see if you can keep up.”

She struck again, this time faster. Sylus tapped quickly to block, but Nova’s next attack broke through his defense. His screen flashed -5 HP, and a sharp vibration signaled the hit.

Okay, this is more intense than he expected.

He adjusted his grip on his phone and tapped to counterattack, landing a quick strike. Nova’s health bar dipped slightly, and she let out a small grunt.

“Finally fighting back? Good.”

The game picked up in pace, forcing Sylus to react faster. Nova was relentless, weaving in feints and sudden bursts of speed that made dodging tricky. His thumb flicked across the screen, narrowly avoiding a heavy strike that could’ve ended the match.

Then, a notification popped up:

N Strike – Tap when prompted to execute a perfect counter.]

Right on cue, Nova went for a strong attack. A glowing circle appeared on the screen with a quick-time prompt: TAP NOW!

Sylus reacted instantly, his thumb slamming the screen. His avatar ducked low before delivering a precise counterstrike, sending Nova stumbling back.

KO!

The screen flashed VICTORY, and a new notification appeared:

[Mini-Game Complete! Combat Skill +5 | Nova Affinity Increased]

Nova dusted herself off, rolling her shoulders as she studied him with newfound respect. “You’re not bad, Captain. Maybe this won’t be so boring after all.”

Sylus exhaled, shaking out his hands. He hadn’t expected a mobile game to get his adrenaline going like that.

Y/n, who had been watching quietly from the sidelines, looked both impressed and relieved. “That was… really good.”

A new dialogue choice appeared:

1. “That was intense. Think I earned my place here?” [Confident response]

2. “You weren’t holding back, were you?” [Playful response]

3. “I got lucky. Next time, you’ll probably destroy me.” [Humble response]

Sylus hovered over the options, a smirk tugging at his lips.

This game was way more immersive than he had expected.

With a smirk, Sylus tapped the second option.

“You weren’t holding back, were you?”

Nova raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Would you rather I did?” she shot back, her tone edged with amusement.

Sylus’ phone vibrated as a new prompt popped up:

[Nova Affinity +2 | She respects your confidence.]

He grinned to himself. Nice.

Kaela, who had been lounging nearby, chuckled. “I’d say she went easy on you, Captain. But if you’re happy with a small win, who am I to ruin your moment?”

Sylus exhaled a laugh, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the tension from the fight. “A win is a win, Kaela.”

[New Objective: Continue the Ship Tutorials]

Y/n, still standing a little apart from the others, cleared her throat softly. “Um… should we move on? There’s still a lot of the ship to see.”

Her quiet voice was enough to shift the energy in the room. The crew members exchanged glances before stepping aside to let her take the lead again.

As Sylus followed y/n down another hallway, his phone buzzed again, displaying another mini-game notification:

[New Mini-Game Unlocked: Engineering Puzzle – Assist Kaela]

He sighed, shaking his head with a grin. This game was seriously going all out with immersion.

He moved the screen around changing the perspective. Moving the camera to y/n, he noticed how she kept stealing quick glances at him, as if debating whether to say something. Maybe it was just her shy nature, or maybe…

Sylus smirked.

This game wasn’t just about romance or adventure—it was about connection. And the more he played, the more he realized he wasn’t just here to pass the time.

Ok he was hooked.

A/n: ok I’m gonna stop right here I’m not sure if this is long I think it’s long enough… Also I’m not sure if u guys want all the extra game stuff in the story with the other girls but I won’t make it too much I think. Anyways if u wanna be tagged then comment. Also could use some mc pics for my chapters so feel free to message me if u want.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

[nagiwrites]

New chapter soon maybe 2 since I am late sorry for the wait

[nagiwrites]

Starlit Bonds

CH.1 – A Captain’s Arrival

Characters: love and deep space sylus and you.

📌 Synopsis: “A new captain. A new mission. And a crew unlike any other. Sylus didn’t expect much when he booted up a game he downloaded on a whim—but from the moment he stepped aboard, something about this journey felt different. Especially when he met her.” Basically love in deep space but in reverse.

[→ next]

☆ content: interactive romance, sci-fi setting, shy!love interest (y/n), slow burn, reverse-harem, eventually smut maybe, black mc coded but anyone can read, black mirror-ish.

☆ a/n: I got this idea from a quiz I took earlier. Thank you for reading in advance —if you guys have any pics of your mc u wanna give me for the chapter pics then feel free to dm me because I don’t have enough space on my phone to get pics. 🥺 I also encourage people to write about the other lads in this perspective tag me too.

Sylus sighed, drumming his fingers against his desk as he watched the download bar inch forward. Love and Deep Space—a dating sim set in some futuristic galaxy where you played as a starship captain. He wasn’t really into these kinds of games, but boredom had won. It was just something to mess around with, something to click through without thinking too hard.

With a soft chime, the game finished installing.

A sleek menu appeared, glowing in neon blues and purples. He clicked Start New Journey.

The screen faded into a starry expanse before four silhouettes appeared, their figures slowly illuminated by the glow of distant planets.

“Welcome, Captain,” an AI voice greeted him. “Your mission is to navigate the stars… and the hearts of your crew.”

One by one, the characters stepped forward, their names appearing in elegant fonts beneath them.

But his attention caught on one in particular.

You.

She stood slightly apart from the others, her hands clasped in front of her, her posture a little hesitant. She wasn’t making direct eye contact, her gaze flickering away as if unsure of her place among the others. There was something quietly intriguing about her, something that made her stand out—not in an obvious way, but in a way that made him curious.

For a moment, Sylus hesitated. He wasn’t supposed to be taking this seriously, but something about her pulled him in.

Just for fun, right?

He clicked on her.

And somehow, in that small, seemingly meaningless decision, everything changed.

The game opened into a first-person perspective. There was a ship, a few control panels and… a woman.

Y/N.

She stood before him on the bridge of the starship, her eyes downcast, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her uniform. She was a vision—delicate features, beautiful curves, a calm, quiet air about her. Almost immediately, Sylus found himself drawn to her.

There was something about her he couldn’t quite put his finger on, an underlying strength that made her more attractive.

You glanced up at him briefly before quickly looking away again, as if unsure whether she should be speaking at all. Her voice, when she finally did, was soft—hesitant, but steady.

“Captain… It’s an honor to serve under you.”

Her fingers curled around the fabric of her sleeve, her posture careful, reserved. You seemed unsure, as if you wasn’t used to being noticed.

Sylus didn’t know why, but he found himself wanting to hear more from you. To see you lift her head, to meet his gaze without hesitation.

A dialogue box appeared at the bottom of the screen, offering him three choices:

1. “You don’t have to be so formal with me.”

2. “The honor is mine.”

3. [Say nothing—just watch her reaction.]

He hovered over the options, hesitating.

For a game he had only downloaded on a whim… why did this moment suddenly feel so important?

Sylus pondered the options on the screen. He had been expecting a mindless game, yet here he was, staring face to face with a virtual character, and he actually cared about what he said next.

His eyes lingered on the third option, the one that said to just watch her reaction. It was the choice that would reveal the most about her, right? To see what she did when she thought she wasn't being observed.

But even as he thought it, something stopped him. He didn't want to just observe. He wanted to interact.

So he made his choice.

He selected the first option. “You don’t have to be so formal with me.”

He watched as a look of surprise crossed your features. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she processed his words, and her hands fidgeted a little bit more with the fabric of her sleeve. But there was a hint of something else too—a look of relief, perhaps, as if she had been waiting for permission to treat him differently.

And just like that, the tension in the air seemed to ease a bit.

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something but wasn’t sure if she should. She hesitated, her gaze flickering to the control panels behind him before slowly returning to his.

“…Are you sure?” Her voice was quiet, uncertain. “I mean, you’re the captain. I don’t want to be disrespectful.”

She shifted her weight, her fingers still gripping her sleeve, but there was a softness in her expression now—like she wanted to believe him but wasn’t quite ready to let go of the formality that had been drilled into her.

For a moment, silence lingered between them. Then, almost cautiously, she allowed the smallest smile to form. It wasn’t much, just a brief flicker, but it made something stir in Sylus.

“I guess… that might be nice.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper, but there was something genuine about it—something that made Sylus feel like he had just taken the first step into something deeper.

His gaze drifted to her hands, still worrying the fabric of her sleeve. He had the sudden urge to reach out and touch them, to see if her skin was as soft as it looked but he knew he couldn’t I mean this was a game get a grip.

As y/n soft words lingered in the air, a subtle chime echoed through the ship’s bridge. A translucent interface appeared in front of Sylus, the game’s sleek UI seamlessly blending with the futuristic environment.

[Welcome to Love and Deep Space. Before we begin, let’s set up your captain’s profile.]

A customization menu unfolded before him, displaying sliders, color palettes, and various hairstyle options. It was a standard character creation system—face shape, eye color, hairstyle, and even small details like scars or cybernetic enhancements.

Y/n shifted slightly, stepping to the side as if giving him space. “You can configure your identity in the system,” she said, her voice still soft but carrying a hint of curiosity. “It helps the crew feel more connected to their captain.”

Sylus smirked a little. Immersive, huh?

He scrolled through the options, adjusting a few details until he was satisfied. As he finalized his selections, a confirmation message appeared:

[Captain profile confirmed. Welcome aboard, Commander Sylus.]

Y/n glanced at him again, a faint look of approval in her eyes. “That suits you,” she murmured.

Before Sylus could respond, another notification popped up.

[Mission Log: Prologue]

[Objective: Learn the basics of your ship and crew interactions.]

A soft hum filled the bridge as the control panels flickered to life, and the voice of the ship’s AI cut in. “Initializing orientation. Captain, please proceed to the command console for further instructions.”

Y/n took a step forward, folding her hands neatly behind her back. “I can show you around, if you’d like,” she offered, her voice still hesitant but laced with an unspoken hopefulness. “The ship is… big. It’s easy to get lost at first.”

A new set of dialogue options appeared before him:

1. “I’d like that. Lead the way.”

2. “I think I can manage. But thanks for the offer.”

3. “Only if you promise not to get us lost.” [Teasing tone]

Sylus hovered over the choices again, his curiosity growing.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, taking in her soft features, her quiet composure... He could feel something stirring within him, an unexpected interest in this virtual girl.

As the game presented him with three options, Sylus couldn't help but be drawn to the third choice. “Only if you promise not to get us lost,” he choose, he snickered aloud at the dialogue choices. Seriously what am I doing I’m a grown man He thought to himself.

A flicker of surprise flashed across y/n face. It was clear she was unused to such banter, but there was something almost endearing about how she suddenly looked at a loss for words.

She turned quickly, walking toward the exit of the bridge. Her steps were a little too fast at first, like she wanted to get this over with, the camera moving fast with her but she slowed down after a few moments—whether because she realized he was keeping pace behind her or because she was trying to seem more composed, he wasn’t sure.

The ship’s corridors stretched before them, sleek and futuristic, lined with glowing panels that pulsed softly with energy. A low hum of machinery vibrated beneath, and the occasional automated announcement echoed through the halls.

As they turned a corner, y/n spoke again, her voice quieter this time.

“I don’t usually give tours… but I’ll try my best.”

Before Sylus could respond, the doors to what looked like a common area slid open with a soft whoosh. Inside, the space was sleek but cozy, lined with seating, a high-tech display screen, and what appeared to be a small café section tucked into one side.

Three figures were already inside, engaged in their own activities.

Y/n hesitated just inside the doorway, glancing at Sylus before she cleared her throat gently. “Um… these are some of the other crew members.”

The first woman was leaning against the counter of the café area, lazily stirring a drink in a sleek, futuristic mug. She had sharp eyes and a smirk that hinted at a dangerously playful nature. When she noticed them, she raised an eyebrow.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to leave the bridge,” she teased, setting her drink down. “And you brought the new captain with you. Bold move, y/n.”

Y/n fingers curled slightly at her sides, her shoulders tensing. “I… I just thought he should meet everyone.”

The second woman, who had been seated on one of the lounge chairs reading a holographic tablet, looked up with a more measured expression. She adjusted the sleek glasses resting on the bridge of her nose and gave Sylus a polite nod.

“Welcome, Captain,” she said smoothly. “I’m sure you’ll find our crew… interesting.”

The third woman, perched on the armrest of the couch with her arms crossed, simply looked him over with an appraising gaze. She didn’t speak right away, but there was something intense about her stare, like she was already deciding whether or not he was worth her time.

Y/n shifted slightly, glancing at Sylus as if unsure how he’d react to the different personalities before him.

“Um… this is—” she started, but the first woman cut in with a smirk.

“We can introduce ourselves, sweetheart. No need to be shy.”

Y/n eyes turned a shade darker, and she quickly lowered her gaze.

Sylus exhaled, already getting the feeling that this crew was going to keep him on his toes.

A new dialogue choice appeared:

1. “It’s nice to meet you all. Looking forward to working together.” [Diplomatic approach]

2. “Bold move? Should I be worried about hazing rituals?” [Playful response]

3. “Guess I’ll have to see if I can keep up with all of you.” [Confident response]

As his finger hovered over the options, Sylus found himself more invested in the game than he had expected.

This was just the prologue… but something about Love and Deep Space was already pulling him in.

A/n: I think I’m gonna leave it off here just to see if people even like this sooo if u like this please like the post lol. Also if u wanna be tagged just say so.