Mizuko & Nando : Edi-M - Welcome to Edi-M’s Astral Haven
In the busy streets of Edi District is Edi Marketplace where income and outgoings are in constant conversation. The local youth have shortened this bustling, neon-lit setting’s name to Edi-M for the benefit of hastening social conversation where here lies a place where almost every youth escapes to—both Psions and Norms alike—Astral Haven.
Astral Haven rests on the south end of Edi-M; born within entangled back alleyways. Arrows only seen through black light goggles (given only to its members) assist in reaching and returning from Astral Haven. Finally, a gleaming violet aura leads one down a set of stairs to the steel door of Astral Haven.
The steel door opens to a large room lit by black light. The youth here play on arcade games consoles, dance and coordinate their movements upon lighting floor panels, enjoy karaoke, socialize over food and drink, and many other sociable activities.
The owner, a young, Piscean woman, scans the room and sees the various unions of Psions and Norms at play without prejudice and discrimination. Her heart warms with delight and a smile appears upon her face. She is then approached by a short, young man with short brown hair and rectangular, wire-framed glasses.
“Daydreaming again, Mizuko?” He questions holding a tray with empty cups.
“I can’t help it.” Mizuko smiles as she bats her long, curled lashes. “Everyone needs a place to belong.”
He places the tray upon the counter and says, “We might just be the generation to assist in that change.”
“I hope so.” She says before looking away to the back of her hand. She reflexes upon her pale, blue skin and how it’s a reflection of her heritage.
“Let’s be sure to keep this place afloat first then.” He jokes. “I’ve got another set of refills waiting.”
“Oh, sure, Nando.” Mizuko apologizes. “Sorry to hold you up.” She sets up the cups to be refilled beneath the beverage dispenser.
“It’s cool.” Nando assures. “What this place really needs is more intellectual conversation. Many come here to escape the discriminations of the outside world, however, we mustn’t repress our emotions for too long or else we will be at fault as much as the generations before us.”
“I know.” She says as she replaces the beverage filled cups onto the tray.
“Well,” Nando says as he retrieves the tray. “Gotta go.” He heads off to serve the drinks.
Mizuko leans onto the counter, rests her chin in her hand and coils one of her bleached blonde dreads with the index finger of her free hand. She found it fashionable to dye some dreads the color of her markings as to appear as streaks in her hair. She looks over to the numbered, dial clock and wonders how long the youth would escape in Astral Haven before returning to the real world if Astral Haven had no closing time. She then smiled at the idea and looked back into the crowd.
Enzo : Haji District - Bathroom in Akin Tenement E
“I really don’t know why you find amusement in worrying me.” Mani says as he tends Enzo’s scars. He dabs an alcohol soaked cotton ball about Enzo’s wound at his temple.
“Ouch, Dad! I know, but I knew that we’d need the extra earnings.” Enzo answers making no excuses as he sits atop the toilet top.
“We’re fine, you need not to worry. Since Pari’s mom has been sick and out of work, I’ve been picking up her shifts.” Mani hands Enzo the blood covered cotton ball and pours alcohol upon another cotton ball and replaces the small bottle of alcohol atop the sink’s small counter.
The ceiling’s suspending, lit bulb sways above them. It illuminates a gritty, off-white bathroom. The two tightly fit this bathroom housing only the essentials: toilet, sink, and bath tube. All shared by tenants on this floor.
“You wouldn’t—”
“No, Enzo.” Mani interrupts. “I insisted on getting her the time off. She told me to take her night watch shifts and to keep the Lukra for myself. What she doesn’t know is that I’ve paid her rent for this month and have given Pari Lukra to buy food already.”
“That’s great, Dad.” Enzo says with a smile. Mani dabs another cotton ball upon the gapping scar upon Enzo’s forearm. “Ouch!”
Mani releases the pressure of the cotton ball on Enzo’s wound. “You don’t have to call me ‘Dad.’ Just call me Mani.”
“Nonetheless, you’ve always been a Dad to me. I’m grateful. That’s why I do the things I do.” Enzo says as he’s handed another blood covered cotton ball.
“And yet you get yourself beat up for it.” Mani readies the needle and thread.
“Not quite. I’ve gotten better. Anji said so.”
Mani freezes.
“Dad?”
Enzo cringes as Mani threads Enzo’s scar on his forearm. He then inquires, “Why don’t you get a job at the plant with me?”
“I wouldn’t make as much as I would if I didn’t fight. Have you asked Arty?”
“You know he doesn't have any plans in that.”
“Even so, if I were doing nothing too, we’d both be living off of you. Now how would you feel working more shifts even though you know that we’re at the age where we’re able to fend for ourselves?”
“I thank you for your efforts Enzo.” Mani says as he knots the thread and cuts above the knot with scissors.
“I only do what I know I am able.”
“Plan on going Pro Fighter?” Mani inquires with a smile.
“No, I’d rather not leave the Akin in such a way.” Enzo answers looking up to Mani. “I wanna be here when life in the Akin flourishes.”