Evolto City: The Nexus of Eternity

Night in U.A. Dorms – Nyxia's Room

The room is dim and quiet, the only light a soft blue glow from the support device resting nearby. Nyxia's massive frame is curled carefully on the reinforced sleeping platform, his monstrous form subdued by rest. His golden eyes blink slowly in the dark.

Nestled safely within the folds of his thick tentacles, Eri sleeps soundly, her small figure bundled in a blanket. Her fingers still loosely grip one of his tendrils like a stuffed toy.

She snuggles closer in her sleep, her tiny breaths calm now nothing like the terrified girl who clung to him in the alley.

Flashback – Earlier That Evening

After Nyxia had gently brought Eri back to his room, he sat quietly in the corner, uncertain. The room had been adjusted for his size, but not for guests, especially not for scared children.

He looked down at her as she stood silently near the door, clutching her oversized coat.

Then, remembering something, he reached behind him and pulled out a strange support device a small wrist-plate with buttons and a thin screen. Mei Hatsume had handed it to him weeks ago, grinning wildly.

"It syncs with your brain through your tentacles. Type or tap out sentences. Even if you can't talk, you can still communicate. Also, it shoots glitter. Don't ask why."

He'd never needed it until now.

Nyxia slowly extended one of his tentacles, carefully strapping the device on. A second tentacle hovered above it, tapping gently. The device buzzed, then displayed glowing letters.

"Hello."

Eri blinked.

He typed again, slower this time.

"You are safe."

"I won't let him hurt you."

She didn't answer. Her eyes were hollow and distant. But she stared at the screen for a long time.

Nyxia curled a tentacle forward, placing it near her gently, as if inviting her to sit.

And after a moment's hesitation… she did.

Back to Present

Now, she was snuggled in his tentacles, breathing steadily.

Nyxia didn't sleep. Not really. Not deeply.

But he watched over her, unmoving.

And for the first time in days, Eri slept without nightmares.

Dawn in U.A. Dorms – Nyxia's Room

The first golden rays of sunlight gently filter through the tall windows, casting faint warmth across the reinforced room. Dust motes dance in the air, glimmering like tiny stars in the silence.

Nyxia stirs.

His massive frame shifts slightly tendrils uncoiling from their resting position. His golden eyes blink open, glowing faintly as he adjusts to the morning light.

He freezes.

Eri is asleep on his chest, her tiny hands fisted in the threads of his tendrils like they're the edges of a blanket. Her white hair is slightly messy from sleep, but her face… it's peaceful. For once, completely free of fear.

She had crawled up during the night, likely in search of warmth, comfort… or just safety.

Nyxia doesn't move.

He lies perfectly still, not wanting to disturb her. One of his giant gorilla-like arms lifts slowly, shielding her from the light seeping in from the window. Another tendril softly curls around her side, keeping her secure but loose enough to not trap her.

On the small support device at his side, a gentle blinking icon shows a short message:

"Heartbeat: Calm."

His void-filled core rumbles softly not in danger, but something else. A feeling he hasn't quite put into words. Maybe he doesn't know how. But he feels it when she's near.

For just a moment, the monstrous form doesn't feel so monstrous.

Not when she trusts him this much.

Nyxia remained completely still.

The great rise and fall of his breathing was slow, calculated, so he wouldn't disturb the small form resting against his chest. Eri's little fingers twitched now and then, still curled into the soft fibers of his tendrils like she was holding onto a stuffed toy. Her breathing was light, lips parted slightly in sleep.

Then… her nose scrunched.

Her eyes fluttered open red irises still foggy from dreams. For a second, she blinked up at the strange pattern of golden eyes looking back at her. But she didn't scream. Didn't flinch.

She just murmured softly, "...Morning," and yawned.

Nyxia responded with a low, comforting rumble somewhere between a purr and a sigh. Slowly, one of his long, sinewy tentacles shifted beneath her and gently lifted her off his chest. The motion was smooth, like a giant cradle moving her from one cloud to another.

He set her down on a padded seat nearby, the one he had reinforced just for her size. The tentacle withdrew like a ribbon, giving her space.

Eri rubbed her eyes and looked at him.

"You stayed with me the whole night," she said sleepily.

Nyxia gave no verbal response he couldn't in this form but one of his tentacles reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, gentle and deliberate.

Eri smiled.

Then her stomach growled.

"…Are you hungry too?" she asked, tilting her head.

Nyxia gave a small, amused flick of one tendril.

U.A. Cafeteria — Morning

The halls of U.A. were mostly quiet, the early morning sun casting long golden shadows through the windows. Only the faint hum of security systems and the occasional chirp of birds filled the air.

Nyxia moved slowly through the corridor, his massive, towering form silent despite his size. His tentacles coiled protectively around Eri as she sat nestled on his back like a princess being carried by a mythical beast.

They reached the cafeteria, still quiet before the rush of students. Kitchen staff, used to seeing strange things at U.A., only nodded as the monstrous figure stepped in.

Eri's eyes widened as she saw the variety of food laid out. "Can I... pick what I want?"

Nyxia gave a slow nod.

A tentacle gently lifted her off his back and placed her in front of the counter. She walked along it, looking carefully. Eventually, she picked something simple rice, some grilled vegetables, and miso soup. Comfort food.

Nyxia, not needing food himself, simply followed her, his golden eyes watching every twitch, every glance, every shadow around her.

As they sat down Eri on a cushioned bench and Nyxia crouched beside her in a respectful guard posture he noticed the oversized hospital gown still hanging off her small shoulders.

It had been washed, but it still looked like something borrowed. Temporary. Fragile.

He made a quiet mental note.

As soon as she finished eating, he would find Principal Nezu.

He would ask for proper clothes.

Not just because she needed them.

But because she deserved them.

Eri sat at the table, legs swinging a little beneath the bench, her small hands clutching the pair of chopsticks she'd bravely insisted on using. The cafeteria was quiet, sunlight filtering in through the tall windows in golden beams that painted her hair in soft hues of silver.

She tried. Oh, she tried.

But after a few minutes, bits of rice clung to her cheeks. Some soup sloshed into her sleeve. Her fingers trembled frustration building but she didn't cry. Not yet.

She was used to getting punished for mistakes. Used to harsh words, cold silence.

But none came.

Instead, Nyxia stared quietly, unmoving but his tentacles slowly twitched with tension. His golden eyes dimmed with quiet fury.

Not at her.

At him.

Overhaul.

The man who had taken everything from her including her basic knowledge of how to be a child.

When a glob of rice tumbled from her chopsticks and splattered against her chin, Eri froze. She looked down, shoulders tensing like she expected to be yelled at.

But then… she felt something warm and gentle.

A soft touch brushed her cheek. Nyxia had reached out a napkin with one of his tentacles. Slowly, carefully, he dabbed her face clean.

She blinked up at him, surprised. His monstrous face didn't change, but his movements were slow measured gentle.

Then, another tentacle extended, expertly grasping the chopsticks.

He scooped up a bite of rice and gently raised it to her lips.

Eri hesitated, her lips parting slightly. When the chopsticks touched her mouth, she opened them instinctively and took the bite.

"…mm." She chewed, smiling just a little.

Nyxia continued feeding her, calm and patient never rushing.

For the first time in a long time, Eri felt something unfamiliar.

Safe.

The doors to the cafeteria swung open with a cheerful clatter. The Big Three Mirio, Nejire, and Tamaki strode in, laughter and energy filling the room.

Nejire spotted Nyxia instantly and practically sprinted over, waving her arms. "NYXIA! HEY, NYXIA!"

Her loud shout startled Eri, who was nestled safely behind Nyxia's tentacles, her small body flinching. She pressed closer to Nyxia's chest, eyes wide with fear.

Nyxia turned, the subtle protective curl of his tentacles around Eri tightening just a bit.

Nejire's smile faltered for a moment as she noticed Eri's reaction, then she grinned again and, still full of enthusiasm, leaned down and cheerfully greeted, "Hi! Who's this cutie?"

Eri shrank further behind Nyxia, trembling softly.

Mirio, ever perceptive, immediately caught the unease radiating from Eri. He gently put a hand on Nejire's shoulder and said kindly, "Hey, Nejire, maybe let's take it slow. She's clearly nervous."

He then stepped forward with a warm, reassuring smile and crouched a little to Eri's level. "Hey there, I'm Mirio. No need to be scared, okay? We're all friends here."

Eri peeked out cautiously from behind Nyxia's tentacles, her eyes still wary but less frightened.

Mirio smiled softly and looked up at Nyxia. "So, Nyxia… who's your little friend here?" He nodded toward Eri, still shyly hiding behind Nyxia's tentacles.

Nyxia gently lowered one tentacle to lightly rest near Eri, who peeked out again, still hesitant but curious.

Nejire tilted her head, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity. "She seems really scared… Has she just arrived at U.A.?"

Nyxia nodded slowly, not speaking aloud but communicating with a soft gesture of his tentacle toward Eri.

Tamaki, standing beside Nejire, offered a comforting smile. "Well, whatever her story, she's safe here. We're glad she's got you looking out for her, Nyxia."

Eri's small voice finally broke the silence, barely above a whisper. "I… I don't want to be alone."

Mirio crouched down a bit more. "You won't be alone. Not here."

Nyxia's tentacle gently wrapped around Eri in a protective hug, giving her a little squeeze as reassurance.

Nejire nodded. "We're all here if you need us. And Nyxia's strong he's got your back."

Eri looked up at Nyxia's face, then back at the kind heroes, still a little unsure but feeling safer.

Nyxia gave a subtle nod, silently promising to protect her no matter what.

Mirio gently patted Eri's head, and she flinched slightly, but didn't pull away this time. Tamaki stayed quiet but offered her a small rice cracker from his tray, which she hesitantly accepted.

Nyxia looked at each of them, then gestured with his tentacles one curling into a "please" motion and another writing with a utensil on a napkin:

"Can you watch her for a bit? I need to find Nezu. Clothes."

Nejire blinked. "Oh! Of course! We'll take great care of her!" She crouched down near Eri and gave a cheerful thumbs-up. "You'll be just fine with us, sweetie!"

Mirio nodded, still crouched beside her. "We've got this, Nyxia. Go ahead we'll make sure she's okay."

Tamaki mumbled, "I'll… uh… get her some warm milk maybe. That's… that's comforting, right?"

Eri looked up at Nyxia with wide eyes. "Will… will you come back?"

Nyxia gently extended a tentacle, brushing her cheek like a parent would with the back of their hand. He nodded slowly, tapping his chest once, then pointing back to her a promise.

She gave a timid nod in return, still clinging to the napkin he used earlier.

Nejire watched with a softened gaze. "She really trusts you."

Nyxia gave one last look, then turned, his heavy footfalls echoing through the cafeteria as he headed toward the faculty wing to find Nezu.

Back at the table, Eri sat silently while the Big Three settled in around her.

"Okay!" Nejire said brightly, pulling out her phone. "Let's find a cute anime or storybook to show her."

Mirio chuckled. "You're gonna make her an otaku before lunch is over."

Eri blinked up at them, confused… but her shoulders relaxed just a little.

Nyxia's heavy, echoing footsteps reverberated through the pristine halls of U.A., each step muffled slightly by the gentle shifting of his monstrous tendrils trailing behind him. Though imposing, his silhouette had become a familiar if still slightly intimidating sight to the faculty.

As he passed through the corridors, a few teachers greeted him warmly:

Present Mic, leaning against a doorway, gave him a thumbs-up.

"Yo, Nyxia! Looking after the little one, huh? You're doing great, man!"

Midnight, walking past with a tablet, offered a smile.

"Didn't peg you for the gentle caretaker type... but it suits you."

Nyxia gave a low, rumbling grunt his equivalent of a nod and continued forward.

Finally, he stopped at a tall door with a brass nameplate:

Principal Nezu – U.A. High School Headmaster

He gently raised a tentacle and gave three soft taps on the door.

From inside came Nezu's ever-cheerful voice: "Come in, Nyxia! I've been expecting you."

The door creaked open on its own rigged, no doubt, with one of Hatsume's quirky inventions and Nyxia had to duck slightly to enter. The room was lined with shelves of books, screens, and models of city layouts, with Nezu seated behind a tidy desk sipping from a large cup of tea.

Nezu looked up at Nyxia with a pleasant smile.

"I heard about the cafeteria. And the girl."

Nyxia gave a slow nod, then used his tentacle to pull out the small whiteboard he'd strapped to his arm again. He scribbled quickly: "She needs clothes. Something soft. She's still scared."

Nezu sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Of course. I'll arrange something immediately. Children like Eri... they need gentle environments and consistency. And you've already provided her with a sense of safety which is no small thing."

He opened a drawer and pulled out a sleek tablet, tapping a few buttons.

"Consider it done. We'll have her new clothes delivered to your room by this evening. Something warm, simple, and pastel psychologically, soft colors help calm trauma."

He looked up again, voice quieter now.

"She's lucky to have you, Nyxia."

Nyxia paused, then bowed his head slightly a quiet, respectful gesture. His tendrils curled inward, a subtle sign of gratitude.

"Also," Nezu added, "when you have time… I'd like to discuss the idea of making her your ward officially at least while she's at U.A. But we'll save that for later."

Nyxia blinked his golden eyes in surprise, then slowly straightened up. His board flicked up again: "…I'd like that."

Nezu's eyes gleamed warmly. "Then let's make sure we do this right."

With that, Nyxia turned and made his way back to the cafeteria where Eri waited, no longer just a girl he saved, but someone now tethered to his world.

Nyxia's return was quiet but noticed.

As he reentered the cafeteria, the towering doors hissed open with a gentle whoosh, drawing the attention of several nearby students. His monstrous form entered shadow stretching over the tables yet again accompanied by his soft, deliberate steps.

At the far end, where he had left them, Eri sat curled up beside Mirio, who was gently telling her a story about a dog he once tried to rescue that ended up chasing him. Beside them, Nejire had toned her energy down, humming softly while trying to braid a small section of Eri's hair with careful fingers, though the attempt was clumsy. Tamaki, ever the quiet one, sat nearby reading, casting the occasional glance at Eri as if trying to offer presence rather than pressure.

As soon as Nyxia came into view, Eri's red eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she slid down from her seat and ran toward him, arms outstretched.

Nyxia lowered himself slightly, catching her with one tentacle as she hugged into his shoulder and nestled in, eyes squeezing shut in relief.

Nejire smiled.

"Awww, she really does like you."

Mirio chuckled and stood up. "She barely let us near her after you left. Took about ten minutes and a ton of patience."

Tamaki nodded. "She's… scared. But not around you."

Nyxia's eyes softened slightly. He used one of his smaller tendrils to pat Eri's head gently. Then, with a curl of another tentacle, he wrote on his board: "Thank you for staying with her. Nezu is sending clothes. They'll arrive soon."

Nejire lit up. "Oh! Clothes, perfect! I think she'll look cute in anything! Maybe a little hoodie? Or something with bunny ears!"

Tamaki blinked. "Why bunny ears?"

"Because it's adorable, duh!"

Nyxia scribbled something else: "She's still scared of a lot… but I think she's trying."

Mirio stepped closer, offering a gentle pat to Eri's shoulder.

"She's lucky she's got you. You've got that gentle giant thing going for you well, gentle terrifying god-beast thing, but still."

Nyxia gave him a flat look.

Mirio smirked.

Then Eri spoke up, voice barely above a whisper: "…Thank you, everyone."

The three Big Three members went quiet for a moment, and then Nejire leaned in with a soft smile.

"You're very welcome, little one."

Nyxia gently lifted her back onto his shoulder pouch. The cafeteria buzzed around them, but in that small circle of calm, something had changed.

The others didn't know yet what Eri had been through but they didn't need to. All that mattered for now… was that she wasn't alone anymore.

Evolto City

Grainy, handheld camera zooms in through the murky haze of Evolto City's underbelly. A flickering neon sign barely spells out:

"THE FORBIDDEN WISH"

The alley is damp, industrial, pulsing with the low hum of distant Exo-Guard patrols. Somewhere, a drone buzzes like a fly with PTSD. Static sizzles in the audio feed.

Hooded Figure (narrating, theatrically ominous): "Welcome… welcome, to all who seek the darkest thrills of Evolto City… where your most forbidden desires "

She suddenly rips off her hood with a sharp gesture. Her eyes glow an ethereal purple. Her skin is a fractured stone-gray, faint voidlight pulsing like cracks in reality. A jagged, obsidian bone-crown is fused into her scalp. The theatrics die instantly.

Necroid Woman (deadpan, blunt): "Ugh. Why the fuck are we filming a commercial? This is the fucking black market."

Camera whirs, pulling back to show the desolate street. Outside, everything is sterile. Too clean. Too... lawful. Exo-Guards march past in flawless formation. Even the shadows behave.

Necroid Woman (voice thick with sarcasm): "Black market, my ass. These days you can't sell a cursed eyeball without a 20-page liability waiver, an Exo-ethics inspection, and a glowing Merchant License stuck up your exhaust port."

She gestures to her shop a crooked, reality-bending building shoved in between corporate high-rises. Its flickering sign reads:

"WHISPERS & WARES: NEARLY ILLEGAL EMPORIUM"

Necroid Woman (grumbling): "Barely Legal Market™. That's what this is. We're bleeding credits selling sanitized souls and declawed demons."

A mechanical grunt escapes from the camera. The cameraman her robotic adoptive Dad lets out a wheeze.

Necroid Woman (rambling on): "I've had to hire actual agents licensed, no less to haul in Void Relics, bottled Necraliths, a Basilisk larva… I paid in Exo-Guardian-grade reactor cores. Know what I got back?"

She yanks out two ancient tomes from under the counter with all the flourish of a magician pulling out expired coupons.

One is labeled:

"Necronomicon – Sanitized Edition™"

The other:

"Darkhold (Unbounded): Now legally 'mostly harmless'!"

Necroid Woman: "These used to melt souls. Now they tickle nightmares. Ever since the Head of Magic figured out how to remove dark magic's side effects, it's like selling haunted mansions with goddamn guided tours by cheerful paladins."

She hurls one tome over her shoulder it smacks into a vial labeled:

"Pure Addiction – Now with 0% Addiction!"

Necroid Woman (mocking ad voice): "Buy now and experience the thrill of emotional dependence... for a full five minutes!"

She leans on the counter, smoke curling up from a glowing voidstick cigar that sputters like it wants to die.

Necroid Woman (flatly): "And drugs? Forget it. Some hyper-genius intern, fifty million years ago, invented anti-addiction nanomeds. Now even Void-Crack comes with a fucking warning label and a redemption hotline."

She stares directly into the camera lens, a void-choked glare of exhaustion.

Necroid Woman (muttering): "Y'know who shops here now? Desperate loners. Sad bastards trying to buy emotion-stim perfumes and knockoff succubus contracts with broken self-esteem clauses. That's it. Mind control and synthetic loneliness. The only markets still breathing."

She slouches lower, flicking ash off her voidstick. The silence hangs heavy for a moment.

Necroid Woman (deadpan): "...I should've opened a cursed bakery."