Cyber Fair: DJ Romance (Escape from Club Apophis, 16)

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STORYLINE: Kyra's body, an unresponsive mannequin, sped on rollerblades toward its own destruction.

A sickening CRASH tore a hole in the Forbidden Zone's silence. The shriek of tortured metal and the sharp snap of breaking carbon fiber echoed through abandoned alleys and off decaying buildings. Agony lanced through her leg; a rusted rebar had torn through her shell, impaling her lower leg. She tried once more to reboot her body, but it was hopeless. The pungent reek of her leaking cybernetic fluids filled the air. Then, cutting through the oil and rust, came a cologne so sweet it was rotten.

A plume of shimmering pink smoke swirled before Kyra, twisting into shapes that almost resembled hearts before collapsing in like an unholy tornado. From its folds, a figure emerged with heavy mecha wings beating the air, and armor humming with an electric glow. He hovered just off the ground, demonic and dazzling, a cupid remade in infernal metal. Her optics fuzzed, but the figure was still there. He had simply materialized from thin air. Panic surged, but her body stayed stubbornly locked. She was a doll at the mercy of a predator in no hurry.

His feral eyes gleamed with amusement as he lightly touched down, the corners of his lips curving into a wicked leer. He tilted his head, long heart-shaped bangs swaying, and examined her from head to toe as if she were a sculpture in a museum.

Then as if he were granting her a small mercy, his massive wings folded down with origami grace, leaving only cyber demon horns glowing faintly and a matching tail that swished behind him. He pressed a hand to his heart, like her biography had been whispered into his ear, and began to sing a soft, honeyed melody:

     Poor broken star, with wires and steel...

Kyra's mouth filled with the metallic taste of shame. Yet, in betrayal, her pulse surged, circuits thrumming with heat. The shame curled inward, twining with something she hadn't let herself feel in years: the dangerous thrill of being noticed by eyes completely enthralled by her.

     What would you trade to move and feel,
     shed the ache that cold plates seal

Her pulse tripped. She knew that voice, that face,... not from the street, not from school, but from the shrine of her childhood. A poster on her wall, the one she used to whisper secrets to in the dark. Now that very same idol—the charming, handsome figure known as Saja Romance, leaned close. He was no longer flat paper but living breath warm against her shell, naming the ache she thought no one could see. He looked exactly the same as he did on the poster all those years ago, save for a few cybernetic enhancements that added to his dangerous allure.

He mimicked her awkward impaled pose, a grotesque mirror. Then with a lazy grace, his body flowed into a dramatic idol pose, as if to say, "This could be you." He was a master of performance.

She couldn't look away as he began to dance. She was riveted. A desperate need raced through her mind to replicate the choreography, to show him she could keep pace. Her body-memory yearned to answer his song with movement, but her limbs remained stone.

     You’re a beautiful machine, and so fragile.
     Trust me I know the pain behind the smile.
     I can give you forever, a perfect final bow.
     Just give me the part you’re dying to lose now.

His words burrowed. She was locked inside what appeared to be a perfect mechanical body, the best she could afford on the black market. But in truth, it was painful and flawed. Now it was an immobile burden weighing her down. She was useless. A living person trapped in a shell. The word "forever" echoed in her mind. Even in this sorry state, to him she was lovable, beautiful. He understood the pain she carefully hid.

Her lips parted, a half-protest, half-prayer, the ghost of a single word beginning to form, ...yes.

The idol's hungry gaze stayed locked to hers. His long fingers slid under the edge of her helmet, lifting it as if its airtight seals were nothing, his touch finding her cheek.

Heat bloomed under his fingertips, intimate and invasive, a sear that spread through every wire and plate as though he had pressed his mouth to her skin and breathed fire into her veins. Circuits that had been shrieking with pain fell silent, lulled, as if their suffering had simply… obeyed his command.

Time fractured into stillness as his mask slipped. The smirk drained away, and those molten-gold eyes dimmed into a warm, human brown, searching hers with a naked urgency he never showed on stage. In that instant, Kyra saw not a demon, not an idol, but a soul caught in its own cage of performance—just as she was caught in steel. The recognition pierced deeper than the rebar in her leg: his prison was hers, reflected back at her. In his gaze, she saw a terrible, familiar pain, the kind that begged not to be seen. And then the mask returned, gold light reigniting as his attention snapped away. The moment was gone, but its truth clung to her like a scar that hadn’t yet formed.

Headlights slashed the fog behind them as an EV skidded to a stop at the Forbidden Zone’s border. Lisa’s frantic voice cracked through the signal rot. "Kyra! I see you! I'm coming!" 

From deeper in the Zone, the gruff voice of Kyle Baek called out: “Hey! Hey, you—stop! Don’t come in here, it’s dangerous!”

She felt the metallic click of something fastening to her cheek, a wafer-thin object locking in place with cold magnetic weight. It pulsed faintly, the weight of a promise. "Such perfect form, even when you're broken. You must have been the best," Romance whispered low, lips brushing against her nano skin.

"Get away from her, you freak!" Kyle roared.

The ghostly idol glanced behind him in surprise just as a thrown rock passed through him, leaving a temporary swirl of pink fog. His attention quickly returned to her. "Until the next performance. Think about it, lovely machine." His warm touch withdrew, and the impossible relief it offered vanished instantly. A cold sting raced down her circuits, the soothing effect gone, building into a cascading failure. His words clung to her like a virus corrupting her core. "I'll be waiting." A promise she feared she might secretly want.

Digital narcolepsy. Full stop. No sight, no sound, no feel. Then, mercifully, the reboot took. The spell shattered like glass. Kyra let out a strange, glitching laugh, the joke ripping her from the terror. Did he just save me—or mock me?

When her vision flickered back, the world was smeared. She had no idea how much time had passed. Sound came to her like static, voices warped and distant. She saw Lisa’s face close to hers, panicked, shouting. Kyle’s mouth moved in some sharp retort, his hands rough as he lugged her heavy body across the perimeter of the Zone. Her severed limb was spraying sparks and leaking an inky black trail of fluid.

But she barely registered what was happening around her. Their quarrel and her injury were a blur, their words meaningless shapes. What cut sharp was elsewhere: the phantom touch still lingered on her cheek, and—out there in the gloom—his eyes, radiant, amused. Watching her. Then they blinked out, dissolving into the Zone’s haze.

Heat still ghosted on her cheek where his hand had been. She reached up, expecting a scar, but her fingers struck metal: a wafer-thin chip clinging to her skin, pulsing faintly. The symbol burned on its face: a heart coiled by a cobra on a vinyl record. A key. A pass. An invitation she hadn’t asked for, yet suddenly ached to follow.

Romance, of Kpop Demon Hunters, returns in Cybernetic Devilishness! The was a big chapter was pretty intense, but on with the details of cool stuff from Cyber Fair.   ...Giving Romance a cyber devil makeover are the Darconic Horns and Tail by Hallow. Both have texture hud options, the horns can edited for position and size, and the tail is animated Bento. Just touch it to pick a pose or play animated overrider.   ...Every Demonic Cyber Cupid is gonna need some wings, and Nebur Cyborg delivers with the Mech Wings Prototype! These wings have clever animations, the shards move up and down and wiggle, as well the wing flap. Plus, you can fold it down into just back spine spikes. These are awesome and original!   ...Romance is a DJ in Forbidden Zone, and he wears the Zeroichi C heaphones. They are adjustable for the perfect fit from earmuff, and head straps. While by the NK Store are the gorgeously made Sosumi Eighty-Two Dj set turntables. Touch the record to start its spin. Both headphones and DJ turntables you can buy in a color theme.   ... I did something a little tricky for Romance's hand. I used the R2 Fashion R2LX Yakumo Arm made for Lara X on Legacy Male. It totally fits, however there is one issue, the thumb's bones are slightly off. To fix that I used a hand pose that hold the thumb straight. Handy trick.   ...The outdoor setting for the Street Party created with the Zeroichi G Shelter Backdrop, the Neon signs by EC3D. I used the Mod version of the Shelter to change up the colors. For the lighting, I used the Midwest Streetlamp which has a fusion of Asia, Victorian, and Cyberpunk. It was mod, so I also edited it for color theme. Stay Awake indeed.   ....Bonus: to create that iconic cyberpunk feel of wet pavement I used the cobblestone PBR by JU PBR Materials and tinted it black.   .... Next post, if all goes well, will have the theme "Game Night." Please look forward to it!

On him, DJ Romance:
Horns: Hollow Draconic Horns [mesh](CyberFair)(350L)

Tail: Hollow Draconic Tail, V2  [mesh](CyberFair)(500L)

Hands: R2 Fashion R2LX Yakumo Arm1, Silver, Lara X [mesh](CyberFair)(188L)

Wings: Nebur Cyborg Mech Wings Prototype, Male, pink [mesh](CyberFair)(399L)

Headphones: ZEROICHI C headphone Silver [mesh](CyberFair)(240L)

Hair: Dura B137 Light [mesh]

Coat: ARCHIVEFACTION HURRICANE Trench Coat_Black [mesh]

Pants: AVEC TOI Kai Pants, Turmoil, LegacyM [mesh](595L)

Boots: Nebur Cyborg Taktik Boots / Legacy Male [mesh]

Bodysuit: Bas de Laura Store Laura's Black Sheer Bodystocking with Long Sleeves [BOM](150L)

Hat: Dope+Mercy Saja Gat, Sheer [mesh](Gift)

Top: KIKI KAIKAI ..KK.. short length jacket, LegacyM, Black Semitransparent [mesh]

Eyes: Poetic Colors classic gen4 - oriental pearl [mesh] (150L)

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

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: Poseidon  Flight 9 (with firestorm poser edit)

Setting:

DJ Turn tables: NK Store [NK*] Sosumi Eighty-Two Set, Black, 7LI [mesh](CyberFair)(500L)

Sign: EC3D Kanji Love W Backplate Static [mesh](CyberFair)(250L)

Sign: EC3D After Dark [mesh](CyberFair)(250L)

Street Light: Midwest Sentient Street Light, Black 02 [PBR] [mesh](CyberFair)(299L)

Set: ZEROICHI* G SHELTER Backdrop (MOD) [mesh](CyberFair)(540L)

Sign: HIDEKI LIVE MUSIC SIGN, gacha [mesh]

Sign: EC3D Hearts Static [mesh]

Microphone: Infinite Karaogay Microphone [mesh]

Table: Rumah Kita Vision Collection - Desk, Chair & Lamp [mesh](50L)

Table Top: HILTED Xero Collection, Table [mesh]

Set: ANTINATURAL[+] Post-Human / Meeting Point, gacha [mesh]

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shots, hi-res, midday sky

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 and nudged it down the hall like it might bite, then slammed his door and barricaded it with a chair. Just in case.

Later, he scoured his hair with jet-black dye. He didn’t flinch when it 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.”

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. But the coach didn’t care. Jihoon threw harder. Hit further. Ran faster than anyone. It felt like his body remembered things 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 maybe if he opened it, it would all fall apart like a prank taken too far. Haha. *Funny, guys. You got me.*

That lie was enough.

He pulled the box onto his bed like it might bite. The snakeskin was warm. The lid slid open like it had been waiting for him. Nestled inside in black velvet was a high tech bodysuit, -- 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 display 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 [mesh](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.

 

Midnight Order: Diva Hyrda of J-Rock band ONI

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STORYLINE: As the world celebrates the Month of Love, we at Midnight Magazine thought it fitting to uncover the intriguing story behind one of rock music's most charismatic lead singers, -- Diva Hydra, of the acclaimed J-rock band ONI. 

My adventure into surreal starts backstage during soundcheck to that evening's sold out Arena concert. The atmosphere is electric. As I observe silently from the sidelines, it occurs to me that Diva is the center of gravity with all else orbiting around him. Every gaze is drawn him, and everyone seems to be waiting for their turn to bask in his glow, like planets to his sun. 

I am amazed to witness the "Diva Effect" in person. A woman passes by and her hand lingers on his shoulder for a moment too long. Then a Personal Assistant leans in close, whispering to him in hushed tones like a lover. And when I think the scene can't get more bizarre, an agitated young man storms in and slaps Diva hard across the face right in front of me!

Judging from all these subtle hints, I wonder if I was the only one present who hadn’t slept with Diva. I better be careful to not become his next conquest. 

Clearing my throat to regain focus, I was impressed by Diva's ability to handle the touchy situation. The angry lad was now completely pacified, and Diva turned to me with a wink, as if this kind of thing was just a normal part of his day. "Apologies for that little disturbance," he says, offering me a charming smile. "Shall we start the interview?"

I nod, a hint of eagerness in my eyes. "Will you sign this for me?" I hand him my favorite Diva Hydra picture.

Diva obliges, but his head snaps up from the picture as I blurt out, "Your real name is Steve, isn't it?" 

The room falls silent for a moment. Then he breaks the tension with a slight chuckle, “That’s all you got?” He passes the autograph back to me. “I thought you were a School of Journalism type of girl.” 

"Challenge accepted," I smile back playfully. Then with a theatrical flourish, I hit record on my cellphone and, slam a photo onto the table from a high school yearbook. "Poor Steve," I feign sympathy. "He wasn't exactly the ladies' man. More like an awkward nerd, albeit one blessed with the 'voice of an angel' if you believe his classmates'. I wonder whatever happened to that sweet innocent boy...."

Diva's gaze drifts towards a girl passing by in a red dress. "You're wasting my time," he says, his patience clearly starting to wear thin.

I lean forward, sensing an opportunity. "Rumor has it 'Steve' had dreams of making it big in the music world. And, according to the rumors, he signed a contract with ONI when the previous lead singer met an unexpected demise." I pause for dramatic effect before continuing, "And speaking of contracts, I just happen to have a copy of this unusual one right here." I slide the document forward, watching Diva's reaction intently.

I can practically see the confidence draining from his face as he snatches the paper. For what feels like an eternity, his eyes dart back and forth, scanning every word meticulously. 

Savoring the moment, I lean back, “If I didn’t know any better, Diva, I would think this is the first time you’ve ever actually read it.” My grin grows larger like the cat who caught a mouse. "I find the fine print especially interesting."

Despite my momentary advantage, Diva swiftly regains composure, effortlessly slipping back into his charming persona. He slouches back, clad in black latex that emits a slight squeak as he casually crosses his long legs. "It's just an entertaining fabrication," he assures me. "Our manager has done a splendid job of keeping the fans hyped with these rumors. People love the fantasy that ONI is not just a band, but possessed by real life monsters embodying each of the seven deadly sins. Raven, for instance, is Greed...." 

With a knowing nod, I respond, "And Diva is Lust.” I gesture to the signatures on the contract and the photo he just signed for me. "There's an interesting resemblance between Steve's signature and your handwriting, wouldn't you agree?

Diva burst out laughing. It's impossible not to be affected. It's infectious nature makes it hard to resist joining in. He really was stunningly beautiful.

“No more questions for today," his eyes glint with mischief, "...but” he reaches into his pocket and tosses to me a hotel room card key. “We can pick up this conversation after the show tonight.”

On him, Diva Hydra:
Mask: CRYPTID Dokkaebi Mask [mesh](Midnight Order)(240L)
Kimono: NAMINKOKE !H! Bento Uchikake Gashadokuro Male [mesh](Midnight Order)(480L)
Top: [Gild] Hades tank legacy, basic tiger [mesh](Midnight Order)(250L)
Hair: CAMO Venus F-Locs, fatpack [mesh](Midnight Order)(599L)
Eyes: TEETH [T] Mythic Eyes, Pink [BOM][mesh](Midnight Order)(350L)
Parasol: Soapberry SB. Jing Silk Parasol [Animesh](Midnight Order)(500L)

Belly Piercing: Aii & Ego BlackMage, Athletic, Full Outfit [mesh](Midnight Order)(2,500L)
Hands: Dreadmorne [DM] // Phantom Arm [mesh](750L)
Facestrap: TERIYAKI _TRK_ Kankuro Mask [mesh](90L weekend sale)
Face Piercings: CerberusXing Chained Bridge - Silver [mesh](300L)
Earrings: Badwolf Batwings Earrings, male Evo [mesh](270L)
Pants: toksik Leather Leggings, Black [BOM]
Head, piercings: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

Microphone: HIDEKI Old Vintage Mic [mesh]

Truss and speakers: [MMc] Club Stage & Dance Floor [mesh]
Pose: Del May DM Need Socks

BONUS IMAGE: inworld raw shot, midday sky