#tylani

A very late submission for the starborn art challenge of autumn. So here’s Tylani in an oversized sweater!

This is only the second time I drew Tylani properly and I can say one thing: I can’t seem to keep her design consistent; tail length, bandage, hair. （＞д＜）Anyways, a very short story!

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Tylani noticed how beings of a certain planet will change clothing and fashion during certain times of the year. During a season called ‘autumn‘, the beings would dress themselves up in sweaters, often oversized. Tylani liked the fashion and found a sweater of her liking(despite it being oversized)

I don’t celebrate Halloween where I’m from but Happy Halloween to everyone! I don’t really have the time to color this, so I just sketched 〳 •́ ﹏ •̀ 〵 I wrote a little story of how Tylani dressed up for Halloween.

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Tylani found out there was a festival celebrated widely on a certain planet(even the whole universe) called ‘Halloween’ in which they honor the dead. Recent years show that beings now dress up in various costumes and go around collecting candy and pulling pranks to scare people.

Tylani, fascinated by the festival, needed a costume to fit in. Especially during the gathering of Starborns for the Halloween celebration; or on any planets. She found a quite creepy looking costume and put it on; walking around the towns and cities with it. To her surprise and relief, everyone complimented her costume and welcomed her during their celebrations and parties.

‘Sigh...’

Tylani let out a huge sigh. She's had to hide herself again from others who bully her.

Hugging her knees, she's hid in a shed on an unknown planet. It was only because it was the nearest to run to from other Starborns. She doesn't know which planet she's on or what time it is; her thoughts are the only ones that are clear to her and are in focus.

It was a typical day for Tylani. Wandering around the galaxy and minding her own business; until a group of Starborns would come up and harass her. She avoided the option of conflict as much as possible but the group persisted, eventually using force and attacking her directly. She fought back. However, she was already tired and couldn't keep up long. Hence, she hid on this planet and waits until she feels in the mood to move. For now, she's exhausted and wishes to do nothing.

As she sat hugging her knees, her thoughts that were not a bother before now turned up.

"Why?" "Why do they pick on me?" "I know it's because of my... ability.... And I wasn't exactly an 'angel' back then too... but-" "I've... changed, haven't I? Somewhat, at least..." "It's also not my fault... that I was born with this... ability..." Tylani whispered to herself, her thoughts flowed out in whispers that only she could hear; not that anyone was there to hear it.

As Tylani continued, she noticed some light illuminating through the window of the shed. She moved closer and looked out. She couldn't see much at first, everything was a blur. After rubbing her eyes, she could see better; the sky was shining with stars, like the galaxy itself. Tylani was very much impressed, as it was not common to have such a clear view of stars from planets. The sight at such a beautiful view made her happy and it was relaxing. Her lips parted in a small smile before quickly fading away as she felt her stomach growled. She quickly looked away and stepped to the corner farthest from the window.

"I'm hungry... But..." "Is it wrong? Am I wrong to be born this way?" Tylani questioned her appetite. "It's just who I am, it's not like chose to eat other stars. It's not like I would choose to be this way; especially if I knew I had to deal with this."

Her stomach growled louder. If Tylani had been her past self, she would be out there already, feasting on the many stars and soon fighting with Starborns. This time, she didn't. This proves how much she had changed; that she could control her appetite and herself, she would not blindly get into fights. 'I've changed' she thought.

"But, they don't care. They're so unfair. They want me to change something I cannot. They want to change who I really am. They want me to change, but that's impossible! Why can't they understand?! Why must they be so selfish?! Why are they so unfair?!" Tylani shouted as she gripped her stomach that growled louder with each passing moment, holding back the urge to eat.

".....Why?...." Tylani collapsed to her knees, tears flowing down her cheeks as she silently cried. "It's just... not fair..."

"But..." Tylani wiped her eyes and face, so as to not look as if she had cried and stood. She walked out of the shed and departed the planet, towards the stars.

'Even if it's unfair, it's how it will be. It's how it's been for my whole life. Even though I got tired of it and felt like giving up a few times, I never did. I've persisted. I'm not a fool to deny the truth or run away from it. I've embraced it. I've accepted it.'

As Tylani had finished her 'meal', a few Starborns came up to her, some who were the ones bullying her earlier. "Hey, finally found you!" "She ate them! Did you see that?!" "Murderer! Freak!" "Get her!" They rushed towards her as insults rolled out of their mouths smoothly one by one as if they had rehearsed the whole thing.

---

"Argh..." One Starborn held his arm in pain, panting. "She's strong, even though it's a group against one!" "We'll get her next time. Let's go!" "No, I wanna to get rid of her! She's a murderer!" The stubborn injured Starborn rushed towards Tylani. Tylani just needed to whack him with her tail and he flew back. "We're weak now. We'll come back stronger and with a bigger group next time! We'll take her down for sure!" "Fine..."

The group had finally left Tylani, alone in the galaxy. When she was certain that she is safe, she relaxed her body. It was then she noticed the damage she took, as she felt her body sore. It was not severe but she was surprised at how she didn't notice it earlier. She watched the group of Starborns earlier leave in the distance. She turned away and headed for home. She recalled her thoughts from before; about her being alone.

'Who knows... Maybe I'll see the day where, at least someone gives me the benefit of the doubt; a chance, to know who I am.'

~

Inspired by this image