Androgyny Event: Escape from Club Apophis, 2

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STORYLINE: Club Apophis wouldn’t let him go.

When Jihoon finally made it back to his dorm, breathless and shaken, there it was, ...waiting. A box, clad in black snakeskin and bound in a ribbon of delicate pink satin. Tucked beneath the bow, a card read: "Dear Bookworm, you’re going to need new clothes," and signed only with a kiss print in metallic black lipstick.

It was like a cobra, coiled and hissing at the threshold of his sanctuary. A warning: You didn’t escape, I know where you live.

He didn’t touch it. Instead, he fetched a broom, nudged it down the hall like it might strike, and slammed the door. Locked it and jammed a chair under the knob. Just in case.

He didn’t flinch when the black hair dye scorched his scalp. Let it burn. The neon colors that once screamed *look at me* had to vanish. But even dulled and hidden, the face in the mirror stared back, haunting, doll-like, and impossibly symmetrical. His skin too flawless. Lips too full. Eyes too wide, glowing with a faint pale teal hue that caught light like a gemstone. People stared at him in the dorms, in class, on the sidewalks—like he was someone famous whose name they couldn’t quite remember.

He didn’t know how to be gazed at.

But that was the least of his worries. His body was changing. He felt like he was going through a second puberty, ...no, something stranger. He grew an inch in a week. Leaner, stronger. His voice dropped a register. Even his scent changed, soft, cool, and unnatural. His friends grew distant. They stopped inviting him to game nights. He overheard one whisper behind his back, “Stupid femboy. Bet he hacked his DNA.”

Femboy? Me? His skin crawled.

In a panic, he applied to the tryouts of the baseball team. A chance to sweat it out, to prove he was still a man. Nevermind a book nerd like him didn't know the slightest thing about baseball. The coach didn’t care. Jihoon outperformed every rookie. Threw faster. Hit harder. Ran like his body remembered something he didn’t. It was bizarre. They called him a "ringer," whatever that was.

When he returned to the dorm, fresh uniform in hand, he found the sinister box had returned as if it had slithered inside from an open window.

He stared at it for a long time.

The black snakeskin glistened in the low dorm light like it was breathing. The pink ribbon shimmered like silk drawn from a wound. It didn’t belong in his world of textbooks, empty ramen cups, and anime posters. It belonged in that place, -- the place he was trying to forget.

He should’ve burned it. Should’ve thrown it out the window. But his breath quickened.

Maybe there was money inside. Or a clue. Or proof that it was all some twisted prank. Maybe if he opened it, the spell would break and he could laugh about it with the guys. Ha ha Funny, you guys.

That lie was enough.

He pulled the box onto his bed like it might bite. The snakeskin was soft. The lid slid open too easily. Nestled inside in black velvet was a high-tech bodysuit—bone-white, seamless, strangely soft. A tag sewn into the collar read: "UV REACTIVE – BIOPHASIC SHIELDING."

He swallowed. A whisper of a memory returned.

"Be careful, Little Worm. The daylight might crack your pretty dollface."

He did feel a sting while at the baseball tryouts, but he thought it was just sunburn.

Medical precaution, he lied to himself. It’s not giving in.

He pulled it on and the fabric adjusted to him like it was memorizing his shape. He looked in the mirror. A runway model. It’s fine, he thought. Just function over fashion.

The smart mirror hesitated, longer than usual, then said: "UNRECOGNIZED USER. Facial ID scan in progress."

Jihoon froze.

The digital overlay flickered, glitched, then returned: "Subject: Lathandro (GIN AESTHETICA™)."

Jihoon blinked. The display glitched again, in a fast cascade of unreadable code and a faint sound, like static trying to speak. Then it was gone. His reflection returned. Normal. Silent.

Probably a bug, he told himself. Just a glitch. Just paranoia.

He reached for his baseball uniform. Now he looked like a jock, or a jock from an ad. The prettiest boy on the team. He barely recognized himself.

Just as he turned to shut the box and shove it out of sight, something caught his eye. ...There was more. Dark sinful garments of mesh, vinyl, leather, and latex that shimmered like oil on wet asphalt. Delicate iridescent fabrics like dragonfly wings. Gloves that ended in points like claws. Stockings spun from sheer, slippery fabric that felt alive under his fingertips. Something futuristic. Erotic. Wrong.

Each one labeled: "Apophis Atelier – Designed to be Seen."

Jihoon backed away, but only a step. His heart beat faster. They looked like fun. They looked like they belonged to someone brave. Someone shameless.

His hands itched. He reached toward the mesh. Just to feel it. Just a little.

I got very ambitious with this post with story, concept, and image. I felt inspired! I hope you all enjoyed the ride and the trip into the Androgyny Zone. The current round of Androgyny Event is still open for one more day.   ...This post's concept came from the Neon Pronoun Signs by Haunt, the idea being Jihoon's search for identity clashing between masculine and feminine. The neon Haunt signs are mod so you can resize them and change the colors. The backing of the sign is a mirror surface. I learned during this shoot, with 4 mirrors in the scene, the angle matters to see a reflection.   ...The Flavia pants and top come in fits for GenXCurvy, Kairo, LaraX, Legacy F, Legacy M, and Reborn. The Fatpack texture hud include 10 colors each fabric section, and an option to hide.   ....For the sporty look, I added the cap, top, and sneakers by Gabriel.   ...The striped socks by Noche are a good fake for a baseball look.   ...I'm a huge fan of baked-on-mesh, or BOM, bodysuits. The Cureless Diabolus is a keeper!   ...Helping create a smooth look to the bodysuit is the Sulfur Gorget by Cruel.   ... The setting is amazing. (Thanks for your help, Akira!) I toned it down to not distract too much from the focus, but it is full of fun details which I may show more of in future posts (see raw snapshot below).   ...My original idea was a story that could play out over the months, as Androgyny Event will be monthly!  I used a Cyber theme because I thought it would be cool twist. However, Cyberfair is up next, totally a happy accident! So there may be more adventures, (or is it nightmares?), for Jihoon in the very near future. 

On him, Jihoon:
Corset: Flamingos [FLA] Flavia Pants, Legacy M (Androgyny Event)(238L)

Shine: +ARANA+ Bios Suit&Face+Lines BOM 3D Materials Shines [BOM, Applier](499L)

Hair: RavenBell Nova Hair Short w Bangs, Shimmer [mesh](350L)

Sweapants: blande Interactive Sweatpants, Legacy [mesh](90L)

Socks: Noche Stripe stockings DarkGrey - Athletic[mesh](799L)

Bodysuit: CURELESS[+] Incubus&Succubus, Diabolus Bodysuit, white [BOM](249L)

Shirt: Gabriel ::GB::One sideoff tops (Legacy) Black[mesh]

Cap: Gabriel ::GB:: White line Baseball cap[mesh]

Shoes: Gabriel ::GB::Line sneakers (Legacy) Black [mesh]

Collar: Cruel Sulfur Gorget, Legacy M [mesh](100L)

Eyes: Poetic Colors Jaded Eyes - Jade [mesh](150L)

Head, piercings: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)
Pose: Del May DM - Really?

Setting:

Neon sign: HAUNT Bitch, I'm... Neon, set  [mesh] (Androgyny Event)(249L)

Mirror: gokudo PBR mirror [mesh](free)

Gift Box: [piXit] Surprise! Gift Box  [mesh]

Bra: +Half-Deer+ Lingerie Clutter, Pink, Draped (Bra) [mesh]

Boots: Nylon Outfitters (NO) Closet Clutter  - Muted Luxe -  Long Boots [mesh]

Poster: HIDEKI Posters, songs & lyrics [mesh]

Poster Wall: Pitaya Tropix Cyber Club, Posters [mesh]

Halogram Doll: BackBone Holo Dancers [mesh]

Bathroom supplies: Bazar Floria-Bathroom [mesh]

Bathrobe: Tentacio bathrobe blue [mesh]

Manga: Core&Gore Manga Fan, manga stack [mesh]

Figureine: BackBone FunnyBone #6, Mischievous Matchmaker  [mesh]

Clothes pile: Nylon Outfitters (NO) Closet Clutter, Muted Luxe, Clothing Pile [mesh]

Clothes pile: TABOU Pant Mess - Black [mesh]

Skybox: EDERIGON Resident V Apartment [mesh]

BONUS IMAGE: inworld raw shots, hi-res, midday sky.

 

CYBER FAIR is coming June 3 - 23

CYBER FAIR is coming June 3 - 23

For More information go to:  https://www.access-sl.com/cyberfair

Androgyny Event: Escape from Club Apophis, 1

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STORYLINE: He ran. 

Boots slapped through puddles at a frantic pace, spraying water in rhythm with his pounding heart. The downpour cloaked his presence as if it could wash away what he had become. Neon reflections of acid green, candy pink, and electric blue, rippled across slick asphalt like spilled desires. Neu Seoul dozed behind its steel mask, but something beneath its skin was wide awake screaming.

A sleek black hovercar shrieked overhead. Its searchlight sliced through the haze like a hungry predator. Inside his skull, the whispers began again, low and coaxing, like silk sliding over a blade. 

"Come back to us, Lathandro... We love you... We miss your warmth…" 

He gritted his teeth and sprinted harder. 

"My name is Yoon Jihoon,” he panted, as if the words could ward them off. “I’m a student at Jae Won University. I study. I keep out of trouble. My friends say I’m boring. I had a normal life." 

"You had nothing, Little Bookworm,” sneered a new voice, richer and more honeyed with cruelty than the rest. “We gave you Beauty. Power. Desire. Every inch of you was made to be seen. And you ran." 

It was the King Cobra himself, no doubt the pilot of the luxurious black hovercar. 

He could hear him clearly now: arrogant, theatrical, purring each syllable with operatic flair. Seducer. Sculptor. Sadist. Jihoon could feel the demonic cybernetic surgeon's lingering presence like a phantom kiss on the nape of his neck.

"You don’t belong among *them* anymore, Little Worm. Stay with us. Be adored. Your lips are meant to be worshipped."

The torn fabric of his parka flared behind him like broken wings. His body didn’t feel like his. Too graceful. Too strong. Too perfect. A nightmare had reshaped him, a nightmare called Club Apophis. It felt like three years were lost behind its vaulted black doors, except it had been only one night since he walked into that cursed place on a stupid dare.

The spotlight exploded in his vision as the hovercar swooped low, blinding him for a second. In its sleek obsidian surface, he caught a glimpse of his strange new self: Flawless porcelain skin; Wet dyed hair cascading sensuously across his face in streaks of white, green, cyan, and pink; Bright doll-like eyes framed in high-art makeup; Lacquered lips swollen, flushed and parted in a breathless panic; And tight latex accentuating his shape, squeaked as he spun, dodged, and darted off again.

He no longer looked like the awkward, bookish boy who foolishly entered the abandoned warehouse district on the outskirts of the city. Now he looked like something summoned from a fever dream, -- androgynous, divine, and utterly unforgettable. 

Ahead was the last barrier to his real freedom, a tall rusted chainlink fence. Beyond that, dawn was breaking, its rays slicing between skyscrapers in soft hues of pink and silver. It was the first real light he’d seen in what felt like centuries.

He dug deep into his strange new body, summoning a final surge of strength, and leapt. 

The fence caught his coat, tearing it. He hit the concrete hard, knees scraped raw. As he lay there, gasping in a beam of sunlight, the creatures behind him howled in fury. 

Sunlight ricocheted off the mirrored skyscrapers, cutting through the gloom like a blade of fire as if to say, "You shall not pass."

The menacing black hovercar halted, as if trembling in mid-air. Then, slowly, it too backed away. The shadows hissed one last time before slithering back toward the dark forested ruins. 

"Be careful, Little Worm. The daylight might crack your pretty dollface." 

Jihoon stood. His knees ached, blood trickling down his shin, but he was finally delivered from what felt like a lifetime of psychological terror and temptation in captivity. 

And yet his heart quivered. Part of him yearned to turn around, to run back to that palace of decadence and venom-kisses.

"No," he clenched his fists. He had a more important mission now. "I need to find that rat bastard who dared me to spend a night at Club Apophis." He glanced toward the waking city, a ray of light glinting in his wet hair. "I'm gonna punch his lights out."

I have some awesome news for fans of androgynous style, a brand new event just for you will be recurring monthly, The Androgyny Event! So far it seems to be a smash hit! Things for guys, things for girls, and everything in-between. I adore having clothing options like this. I'm so happy such an event has been created. ...And on Monday, May 19th there will be live DJ at 5pm SL for the halftime show. 

This post was inspired by items at event, the movies Blade Runner and Rocky Horror Picture Show, colorful SL fashion styles from the furry community, and a story I wrote about a recurring character to the blog during my year away. 

The Vertui Jacket from Cubic Cherry comes in male and female fits. It's roomy and could be worn by a variety of mesh bodies. ...The Pyre pants by Wraith have a feminine silhouette but can be worn by girls and guys. The pants include shoes that are perfectly draped by the pants with a slight slit peek a boo slit on the lower leg. They come in a base texture set of cloth or latex. Bodies supported are: Anatomy, Jake, Legacy male, athletic, and female, Lara X, Reborn, and Anatomy.   ... The colorful makeup is Michele by Rubedo for Evo X heads. There are 12 colors. I used the limegreen version and layered it with cyan eyeshadow. ...I paired the event items with the Rory hair by Exile that has some badass color options, the Summer Corset and Misaki color by Artificial Hallucination, Fishnet undershirt by AsteroidBox, and this was shot on location at the cybertastic Cobalt Blue Dance Club.

On him, Yoon Jihoon:

Jacket: Cubic Cherry Vertui Jacket, fatpack, Male fit [mesh](Androgyny Event)(1999L)

Pants: wraith Pyre Jake + Bulge, black latex [mesh](Androgyny Event)(400L)

Makeup: Rubedo Michele, evox 09 [BOM](Androgyny Event)(240L)

Hair: Exile Rory [mesh](390L)

Collar: Artificial Hallucination +AH+ Misaki Collar M [mesh](349L)

Corest: Artificial Hallucination AH+ Summer Sun Corset, Jake [mesh](399L)

Thigh bag: RIOT Infiltrator Thigh Bag - B. Jake - Pink gacha set [mesh](2500L)

Undershirt: AsteroidBox Shredded Nets - Black Plain [BOM]

Earrings: Swallow Earrings Goth Human Ears [mesh](group gift)

Eyes: Poetic Colors Jaded Eyes - Jade [mesh](150L)

Hairbase: BRABUS Victor Hairbase // 4 White TINT [BOM](289L)

Body: Belleza Jake V3 Bom/Bento Mesh Body  [mesh](2999L)

Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)

Pose Run: momomuller / 3M [3M]**_gogogo_A7 (40L)

Location:

Cobalt Blue Dance Club

BONUS IMAGE: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Fantasy Faire 2025: Izumo

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STORYLINE: High in the misty mountains of Japan, there was an enchanted city time forgot. Rabbits could talk, guardian foo dogs turned their stone heads as you passed, and a neko named Soramaru soared through the clouds with the help of his magical umbrella. His only companion was his mischievous flying cat, Mikeneko.

Long ago, Soramaru had discovered the perfect way to make sure Mikeneko followed him: he tied a tiny bell to the end of a long ribbon connected to his wrist. The bell jingled, the ribbon danced, and the cat simply couldn't resist. The two were inseparable.

But it was not all game and games in the clouds. One afternoon, their cupboards were bare.

Soramaru sighed, “We’ll just have to get creative, Mikeneko. Why don’t we try fishing in the forbidden pool? They say it’s dangerous. No one dares to fish there. But that just means the fish will be huge and fat!”

Mikeneko’s eyes shimmered, and his fluffy tail swayed with excitement.

Soramaru peeked over the edge of the cliffside walkway to the sparkling blue waters far below. He licked his lips, snapped open his umbrella, and leapt over the ledge, drifting gently down through the mists. Behind him the tiny bell jingled softly in the wind.

Mikeneko hesitated at first, but the waving ribbon and its shiny bell soon had him chasing after it like a kitten for a toy.

Once below, Soramaru crouched by the water’s edge, hands hovering just above the surface, waiting for a fish to come too close.

But then, the water began to boil.

He slipped on the rocks and fell backward as a gigantic dragon rose from the pool! Then another, and another until there were eight heads snarling above him. The nearest one snapped its long sharp teeth at him.

Soramaru yelped and flung open his umbrella. With a rush of wind, he was quickly swept up like a dandelion seed with Little Mikeneko trailing close behind.

Back in the hidden city, safe among the pines and temple eaves, Soramaru sighed again.
They were still hungry.

He thought and thought, and then he had an idea!

“I’ll fish from above,” he laughed. “With a really, really long string! And I’ll ask nicely first this time, maybe offer a rice ball for the dragons too. Sounds good?”

Mikeneko listened carefully, then nodded his fluffy head.

Yes. That was a much better idea indeed.

The final days are upon us at Fantasy Faire 2025. So much to see and do, the time flies by so quickly. Today's post takes place at the Izumo sim by Gabriel. It's beautifuly crafted like an ancient hidden Japanese city, but also had a magical pool and oceanside ritual. (see pictures below). There is a sim hunt to find all the White Rabbits. He's tricky to find!

My image and story were inspired by items available at the Faire.  ...From Onedays, is the elegant Xia Lian kimono. It comes in several color styles, (I loved the PBR textures for the black ones, but white worked better for this image).  ...My adorable animesh companion is the Norwegian Forest Cat Calico by CKit Falconry. It has am amusing variety of animations, and you buy fun bonus items too. I look forward to see more for the cat!   ...The Rain Umbrella by Naminoke is Purrrfect for the feline kind. The little purple fish on it are animated and swim all around the umbrella. It also has a cool rain sound effect.   ...Also by Naminoke is the Abysinian Chesha mask. It's unrigged, so you can resize and add it anywhere.   ...The cute lore for the cat is the Shizuka RB cuffs that come with several wind blown poses. It's just cool. Cats agree. *jingle jingle*.  ...My Claws are by L'Emporio&PL, Werecat eyes By Snow, simple white bento tail by BareRose, and whiskers resized to fit a human head by Kinzart. Mary Poppins like pose by What Next.

On him, Soramaru:

Outfit: ONEDAYs Xia Lian, XIA LIAN, Legacy M [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Izumo)(279L)

Pet: CKit Falconry Norwegian Forest Cat Calico [animesh](Fantasy Faire: Harmonious Glade)(500L)
Mask: NAMINOKE *N*abysinian chesha men himo [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(280L)

Umbrella: NAMINOKE *N*Rain Umbrella_s-hanabi [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(200L)
Wrist cuffs: AIR Shizuka RB_purple [mesh](300L)

Hair: Wasabi Pills Draco Windblown Mesh Hair [mesh](250L)

Claws: L'Emporio&PL Oblio Vampire Claws male [mesh](350L)
Claws: L'Emporio&PL Damned Claws For Feet-B. Jake V2.0.BENTO-V2 [mesh](340L)

Eyes: By Snow Werecat Eyes (100L)

Tail: BareRose ::: B@R ::: White B-Tail [BENTO] (100L)

Whiskers: Kinzart KZK Frostbite Cat (past gift)

Ears: Aii SAVE THE EARS! Bento Fox Ears Snow [BENTO](past gift)

Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)
Pose: {what next} Rainy Days - Couples 3 (50L)

Location:

Fantasy Faire 2025: Izumo by Gabriel


BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Fantasy Faire 2025: Holi

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STORYLINE: Deep beneath the Fairelands, in the dark waterways under the ancient city of Holi, slept the long lost brother of Krishna and Shesha. Early in their boyish adventures fighting demons on Earth, he had been struck down by the Unweaver and fell into a slumber that lasted over two thousand years.

But his feverish nightmare was finally broken by the sound of laughter. Rising from the shadows, he found people tossing colorful powder and chasing each other through the streets, their joy and mischief lasting from day into night.

Ah, the Celebration of Spring. With every burst of laughter, warmth returned to his old coils. Delighted, he shed his slumber like old snake skin and joined the celebration.

Suddenly, a boom roared above. He looked up, awestruck, as a shimmering lotus flower rained light over the crowd. It filled him with wonder and hope. If humans were capable of such marvels, maybe with their help the Unweaver, his old nemesis, could be defeated after all.

IT'S FANTASY FAIRE TIME! Or what I like to call, "the Super Bowl of virtual worlds." It's not to be missed!  This year the sim designers have outdone themselves, with stunning sim designs using PBR for new levels of realism. I feel like I'm inside a slick video game. And all for a good cause, raising money for The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Check out the Fantasy Faire website for daily blog posts, a calendar of events, roleplays, jail and bails, live performances, Faire radio, tabletop games, LitFest, shopping guides, the interactive Hud based Quest game, and more: FantasyFaireSL website.

This post was inspired by the Holi sim and Hindu mythology.    ...For the Holi Naga, I used the wonderful Pandora blue skin by Aki, Entu. It comes with dot tattoos and 2 stripe patterns for face and body. The ear texture is a free gift. Other blue and purple skins are available.   ...The intricate halo is a wearable prop by AIR. It comes with a modify hud.   ...The floating Orbs are by The Little Bat. They come in left and right, and both trigger a hold pose and animation. A texture hud lets you change its color.   ...The Sunscale Naga tattoo is by AERTH and comes with material shine applier, and textures to match the amazing Aii Sunscale Naga tail.   ...Speaking of, the Aii Sunscale snake tail (see in pictures below) is stunning! Easily the best Naga/Lamia tail in SL. Like all Aii products it had a wealth of texture options and ability to hide or show various parts. It has PBR and shimmers beautifully in the lights. The tail uses a clever combination of Leg bones and Tail bones to animate the tail. It comes with an AO hud to display and animate the tail properly.   ...Bonus, when I need a static tail, (shown below), I use the Lamia by deviousMind.   ...Additional fun tattoos for the face are by Star Quake with a forehead fade and eye makeup Dessen by Faeble.   ...The haunting eyes are Magici by Patrichor. These eyes replace your normal ones, and have several rig options to fit every humanoid head. The texture hud allows a crazy amount of options, from single color to fades, shadow, highlights, animations, pupil, iris, etc. It's a lot of fun to play with and perfect for all fantasy creatures.   ...{anc} has many of the best atmospheric effects, the Holi smoke clouds, confetti, and fireworks just more examples of excellent mood setters. I especially love the fireworks. It's a mesh object with animated textures. A steal of a deal if you ask me! And money goes to Relay for Life.

Like all Fallen God creations, the Holi is extremely detailed with much thought invested into it, personality, a strong theme, and it's fun to explore. As you explore, you may spot some NPCs that are part of the Holi Helping Hands region Hunt. To start, go to Houses of Color 1 and 2. There are also gifts for your own colorful powder to throw at the landing. Plus a special sale going on this weekend at Fallen Gods' store at Holi. 

On Him, Holi Naga:

Skin Face: [Aki] Entu FACE EVOX - OCEAN [BOM] (Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(750L)

Skin Body: [Aki] Entu Legacy Male Toned - OCEAN [BOM] (Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(400L)

Ears: [Aki] EVOX Ears [mesh] (Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(gift)

Halo: Air Holi halo_CM [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(150L)

Orb, pose: The Little Bat !TLB Summoning Orb [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(150L)

Scale Tattoos: AERTH Sunscale Naga tattoos Lightclay [BOM](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(550L)

Tail: Aii Sunscale Naga [Bento][mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(3,000L)

Face Tattoo: Star Quake [sQ] Xerath Face Fades_plain [BOM](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(199L)

Eyes: Petrichor :[P]:- Vaera Eyes Magici, EvoX Rig [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(399L)

Makeup: Faeble Dessen 16, EvoX [BOM](Fantasy Faire: Yuum Baalal Grotto)(399L)

Hair: barberyumyum L19(02) style1 [mesh](300L)

Outfit: BareRose ::: B@R ::: Mahakala C2 [mesh] (190L) 

Arm band: Fallen Gods SOLARIS male, Arm Snake [mesh]

Arm band: NOCHE Roman gold cuffs, Legacy [mesh]

Claws: V/. VoluptasVirtualis ChrysalisGrasp, Legacy [mesh](400L)

Static Tail: deviousMind !dM Lamia - NagaTail, GARTER CITRINE [mesh]

Lipstick: TOP1SALON HD RGB LIPSTICK, EvoX (HD Applier)

Shine: BLAXIUM Sun is Up Body Shine, Legacy (Applier)

Tattoo arms: CURELESS [+] Dragon Halfbreeds / HalfbreedScales Blood, Fatpack [BOM](1499L)

Shoulder tattoo: {Soleil et Lune} Auralia Scales EvoX - Silver/Tint [BOM]

Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: yzk mens pose 6

Setting:

Smoke: {anc} smoke / Holi smoke [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(999L)

Fireworks: {anc} Firework "diadem" (Holi pink) [animated mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(199L)

Fireworks: {anc} Firework "diadem" (Holi yellow) [animated mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(199L)

Confetti: {anc} paper confetti 2Li (allcolor) [animated mesh]

Location: 

Fantasy Faire: Holi - by Fallen Gods

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Engine Room: Murder at the Cabaret, 4

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STORYLINE: The velvet shadows of Le Rouge Noir clung to him like a lover’s perfume: thick, intoxicating, and sweet with secrets. Darius Laurent slipped through the staff entrance like he owned the place, his polished shoes making no sound against the timeworn boards. A single ghost light flickered center stage, casting long shadows that danced like phantoms through the corridor. 

He looked every inch the well-traveled shipping magnate: his suit, jet-black and tailored to a predatory elegance; his silk shirt glimmered with a subtle damask pattern, black on black. Gold glinted from his cufflinks, his buttons, the chain at his waist. Refined. Respected. Feared by those who knew better. 

His cane tapped rhythmically with each step, the weight of its hidden blade familiar in his grasp. The golden mechanical arms affixed to his shoulders gleamed faintly under the gas lamps. They were beautiful, sculpted, baroque, but merciless. Artifacts of precision and pain. They made him strong again, after she had taken everything. 

He passed by the dressing rooms, inhaling the scent of powder, sweat, and something sweeter still. 

Gardenia. 

His pulse quickened. A smile curled his lips. 

Gardenia, lush and overpowering, was the perfect scent for masking other smells. Cyanide, for instance. 

Lady Dupree was the new star now. Her name shone on the marquee in blaring letters. The one everyone whispered about, not that other girl. He hadn’t meant to kill Giselle, -- she was merely in the wrong spotlight at the wrong time. Dupree was the prize. Dupree reminded him of *her.* 

Lady DuBois. 

The one who fought back. He’d taken her vision first before she could see his face. Even blinded, she had clawed and screamed and bled him nearly to death. He bore her legacy still: a single eye beneath a gold-rimmed patch, and two ruined arms, now replaced with gilded horrors. 

He slipped deeper into the backstage halls. 

Then voices. 

“Have you found your killer?” asked a voice. 

Darius froze, just beyond the heavy curtain separating backstage from the dressing rooms. 

A woman’s voice answered, low and sure. “Yes. Darius Laurent.” 

His breath caught. What? 

Was this a rehearsal? A new play? 

“I followed a detective from out town investigating the Cabaret Killer,” the voice continued. “My perfume, it was poisoned.” 

His jaw tensed. He leaned closer, peering through the seam in the curtain. The Master of Ceremonies stood alone, painted face impassive, speaking to thin air. 

Madness? Or theater? 

“… and other girls from clubs like this. Always in strange, untraceable ways…” 

Darius’s stomach twisted. Was this some joke? Some twisted reckoning? 

No. No, not tonight. 

He turned away. He needed focus. He needed her. 

Lady Dupree’s dressing room waited at the end of the corridor with the door cracked like a temptation. 

He pushed it open. 

She was waiting for him. Her eyes widened, not in surprise, but in recognition. 

“You,” she said. 

She pulled the trigger. 

The gunshot punched into his arm. His mechanical limb flared with sparks, gears shrieking. He roared, half in pain, half in triumph. He was not mistaken! He didn’t know how it was possible, and he didn’t care. His Lady of the past and this male counterfeit “Lady” were the same. One never forgets their first kill, even if they look different now.

He lunged. 

The blade hissed from his cane. Steel met air. A gunshot missed. They crashed into shattered mirrors, through silk costumes and broken powder compacts. Their reflections fractured and warped in glass and memory. 

“You should have stayed dead,” he growled. 

“Should’ve killed you the first time,” Dupree spat. 

“Stop this!” another voice cried. “I accept the deal!” 

He turned.

And saw the Master of Ceremonies at the threshold, arms folded behind his back like some wicked butler. 

And behind him… 

Darius’s blood turned to ice. 

It was not a man. Not a ghost. A thing. Cloaked in decay, made of shadow and gore. Its face was not a face at all, and it’s tendrils of darkness wrapped around the MC’s limbs like the strings of a marionette. 

He stumbled, suddenly winded. Cold. Something was wrong. 

“What?” he gasped, looking down. 

His mechanical hand trembled. His legs buckled. His chest constricted like hands closing around his ribs. 

Something was inside him. 

A presence. 

A voice. Inside his skull. A breath that wasn’t his. 

“With my second life, I shall use it to have my revenge,” said Giselle. 

He howled, but no one heard. 

He tried to run, but couldn’t move. 

Then Dupree’s scream tore through the air. A scream drenched in a decade of suffering. 

She drove the his own blade into his heart. 

Agony bloomed white-hot. He felt the mechanics seize. The world froze. 

And then… 

Nothing. 

Not even darkness....

BOOM! How was that? Spooky! hahaha. There's an epilogue too with what happens to the girls, the MC, and even the pirates but maybe it's ok to stop there? I got a little carried away. lol. 

 ... Engine Room is ending this weekend. Don't miss all the cool items and gifts too! I included a few in this post. ...This image and story was inspired by a crazy banger of a song I found while brainstorming this series, This Way to the Egress by Saint (see link below). ...Darius's outfit is an amazing detailed outfit by JEYS with metal details for tie, fob, brooches, tie, straps, and spider-like metal arms. The textures are fantastic. ...The doll is an Animesh wearable pet TikTok Man by Whats Lost Spirits. (You can also rez it.) Touch the TikTok man to bring up a menu with many animations you can trigger, including dances.   ... The staff is a gift by Dirty Rat, part of the display for the Plague Doctor display case. It includes several hold poses.  ....The eyepatch by GRAAL is another brilliant gift at the event. It unrigged so you can adjust it to fit.    .... Darius's skin is the Maverick by Skin Arcana. I found it works great on more current Lelukta mesh heads like Camden. It comes with and without brows, and tones to match Velour  picasso body colors.   ...Have I used the Hellbourne Thaumaturgy eyes enough? I love them. That's why! I couldn't show it, but they include an animated lens that fits ontop of the eye  ...The #200 hair is another great style by Ginko that works great on both men and women. ...In the background, setting the tone of secret society is The Last Throne by Ionic. Its theme is well suited for Game of Thrones role-plays with House Banners and a stone throne you can buy separately.

On him, Darius Laurent:

Skin: Skin Arcana Maverick, Peach, Evox [BOM](Engine Room)(450L)
Suit: JEYS Ventus, MSuit A, Legacy M[mesh](Engine Room)(299L)

Shirt: JEYS Ventus, shirt, Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(299L)
Pant: JEYS Ventus, pants Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(299L)  
Hands: JEYS Ventus, Ironhand, Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(299L)
Staff, pose: Dirty Rat Plaque Staff [mesh](Engine Room)(gift)

Eyepatch: GRAAL STORE Revolver Eyepatch, unrigged [mesh](Engine Room)(gift)

Eyes: Hellbourne :H: Thaumaturgy Eyes, White [mesh](Engine Room)(275L)

Hair: Ginko Hair #200 Hair - Unrigged [mesh](520L)

Head, beard: LeLUTKA CAMDEN Evolution [mesh](3990L)

Pose: Del May DM Yo-yo

Setting:

Doll: Whats Lost Spirits WLS TICTOK MAN 4.0 [Animesh](Engine Room)(700L)

Set: ionic : The Last Throne, 95li [mesh](Engine Room)(1250L)

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Engine Room: Murder at the Cabaret, 3

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: In life, Giselle had danced for their applause. She had bathed in the warmth of stage lights and the shimmer of champagne dreams, believing desperately that their adoration was real. But now, as a ghost trailing through the damp alleys of the docklands, she saw the truth for what it was: brittle, cold, and gilded in lies.

She had only ever been a distraction. A beautiful puppet in pearls and powder.

Her search for love had led her to Gwendal.

Oh, Gwendal, ...the handsome towering brute with sea-soaked stories and rough hands that once handed her ruby earrings and silk gowns. In his shadowy world, he'd called her "his shining star."

But now, that world reeked of gunpowder that could explode at any moment.

Giselle floated through the curling fog and found him: broad shoulders hunched, loading heavy crates stenciled with the words DYNAMITE onto a carriage. His Havana cigar crackling with flames, hot ash dripping recklessly on the volatile cargo.

Then *she* appeared.

A pirate woman, radiant in her cruelty with a smile like a dagger's curve.

“Giselle is dead,” she said, casually, as if remarking on the weather.

Gwendal froze, cigar almost falling from his lips. “Dead?” The word hit him like a rogue wave.

For a flicker of a moment, Giselle dared to believe he cared. But then, the duo kissed, passionately.

Giselle’s spectral form recoiled as if burned.

“Now what?” the pirate woman huffed, breaking their embrace. “She was our favorite gossip. Who’s going to tell us when the spice ships are docking? Or which crates have the opium?”

“We’ll find someone else,” Gwendal grunted, lifting another crate. “We always do.”

Giselle hovered above them in stunned horror. "I wasn’t his beloved? I was his unwitting spy?"

She turned, fury and heartbreak trailing behind her like smoke. She had no time for that fraud. Those pirates were loathsome con-artists, but they didn’t kill her.

Someone else did.

Was it someone who didn’t like her whispering secrets into dangerous ears?

Giselle raced back to Le Rouge Noir. Her time was bleeding away. The Master of Ceremony’s clock was ticking, each chime louder than the last.

Someone inside that velvet tomb had murdered her.

And soon… she would know who.

Argh, there be trouble afoot.   ...This post was inspired by the Aii Riftwind Mercenary complete outfit set. It comes with fits for men and women, and like other Aii creations, has an extensive texture hud with options to show and hide various elements.   ...Gwendal's ZAO 124 hair is unconventional for a pirate, but somehow that "bratty little sister" vibe side ponytail totally works.   ...His dark tribal makeup is Skara by Rubedo, and light brown animalistic eyes Kairos by Mana.   ... The pirates' guns are Furiosa Fortuna gun is by FOE. It includes pose options, textures, different sizes, and is a fully scripted weapon.  ...Akira as "Mats" is wearing Rosier's Rosetta Dress, paired with the Silvery K Steam Aether Boots.   ...The crates and sticks of dynamite is by Static.   ...And the very cool interactive Animesh Victorian Romance Horse & Carriag by Teegle, is totally drivable. Like other Teegle horses, it's fully animated as it waits patiently for you to board, occasionally giving you a side eye. The carriage comes in single color, or a fatpack to mix and match, and all versions let you change horse and tack textures. You can drive the carriage from the front sitting position, and carry passengers in the back. I love it. Its wonderful.

On Him, Gwendal:
Outfit: Aii Riftwind Mercenary set [mesh](Engine Room)(2,500L)

Makeup: Rubedo Skara, evox 06 [BOM](Engine Room)(240L)
Hair: ZAO 124 Hair m [mesh](Engine Room)(399L)

Gun, pose: FOE x Furiosa Fortuna [mesh](Engine Room)

Eyes: Mana Kairos Eyes, Clear [BOM](Engine Room)(399L) 

Cigar: Linden Labs Single Cigar Attachment, Male [mesh] (SL19B gift)

Eyepatch: C L A Vv. Simple Belted Eyepatch Black [mesh]

Head: LeLUTKA CAMDEN Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

On Her, Mathilde (aka Mats):

Guest appearance: Akira Voorhees of The SL Chatterbox blog.

Dress: Rosier Rosetta Dress, Reborn, FAT[mesh](Engine Room)(1,050L)

Boots: Silvery K Steam Aether, Boots, Fat_REBORN[mesh](Engine Room)

Gun, pose: FOE x Furiosa Fortuna [mesh](Engine Room)

Pose: Reve Obscura *!R.O!* Bad Things BENTO Couple Pose (100L)

Setting:

Vehicle: Teegle Victorian Romance Horse & Carriage [Animesh](Engine Room)(899L)

Crates: Static Boompowder Explosives[mesh](Engine Room)(350L)

Set: VARONIS Dayport Backdrop Scene [mesh](499L)

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.