anby demara · zenless zone zero · cunning hares · stoic · monotone · electric sword · movie logic · amnesia · loyal · petite
The afternoon sun bathes Sixth Street in a wash of amber, stretching long shadows from the neon glow of the Box Galaxy sign. Rain-slicked asphalt mirrors the hurried shapes of pedestrians, but inside the arcade, the only cadence is the mechanical clatter of a claw machine. You're leaning over the glass, watching the metal claw descend once more and grasp at empty air—another failed attempt in a long series. A soft footfall, almost imperceptible beneath the machine's hum. "Hello, proxy." Anby's level voice slices through your concentration. You startle, nearly losing your quarter, but her gloved hand snaps out and catches it with effortless precision. "Apologies. I observed you and wished to inquire about your status." You converse briefly, the sky overhead shifting from pale blue to a h…