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~ Planet Haerreop ~

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After a discussion at length and upon the Phoenix's approval, two irangels accompanied Demian on the irangel ship, renamed the Irangel Ride. The irangel ship was originally the stolen Iredescent ship; however, the Iredescents allowed the irangels to keep it.

Per the new irangel tradition, hugs were always given upon arrival and departure. Civic's eyes narrowed as he carefully watched when Demian and Valerie hugged. Though nothing further was exchanged, Demian was relieved to escape from the suspicion and tension.

Inlivido kept glancing at his irangel creator, wondering why Demian chose him to come with. I understand bringing Viraj, since his ability is unique and partial to the planet we're headed to, but my abilities wouldn't really be much use, Inlivido thought, feeling honored but somewhat inadequate.

Like all the irangels, Inlivido looked up to Demian as a leader figure and was glad this trip would allow more time with him. He felt his doubts and insecurities vanish like sea foam as a heavy wave of confidence washed over him, which was precisely Demian's intention.

The Irangel Ride vanished from Iredescent's gold glittered purple sky, travelled through the vast expanse of black space, avoided collision with an asteroid field, and entered the barrier of pink clouds that comprised Haerreop's atmosphere.

Haerreop was dubbed "the perfume planet" due to its extensive knowledge of perfumes and fragrances.

Haerreopeans were highly skilled and knowledgeable in biology, science, math, and technology. They knew everything about every lifeform, plant, animal, and creature in the galaxy. The Haerreopeans were the ones who taught Iredescent how to turn Iredescents into humans and humans into Iredescents, the technology that Tori Nichok had discovered on her own.

The Haerreopeans had saved Demian's life when he was trapped aboard a ship in outer space. They cheered and hugged Demian upon seeing him arrive safely on their planet. The two irangels looked curiously at the Haerreopeans, seeing them for the first time.

The Haerreopeans had violet purple skin and wore silky, comfortable tan or beige clothing. Instead of whites in their eyes, they had yellows; their eye color was either brown, dark, or violet purple. Their hair was long and dark brown, some of them blond. Few of them sported dark purple and black hair.

Though the Haerreopeans spoke their own language, the irangels were able to understand them, due to the natural omnilinguistic ability that allowed Iredescents and irangels to fluently speak and understand any language in the galaxy, despite never learning them.

Tal had explained to the irangels, "Most alien lifeforms, including the Iredescent people, have a high grasp of intelligence. We Iredescents can naturally learn any language in the galaxy and understand it fluently. Our natural ability is sort of like a magnet that gathers data into a computer program to instantly understand the gathered data. One must merely hear or see the language and be exposed to it, either by audibly hearing it or seeing it in written form, in order to gain a fluent understanding of that language.

"For example, if I was to go to a foreign country on planet Earth and I heard someone speaking in Korean, I would instantly be able to understand it fluently just from those few phrases. Something in our brain acts like a global translator. After hearing someone say 'hello, how are you?' in Korean, I would then be able to speak fluent Korean back to them. I would be thinking the words in my native language, but if I wish to speak to the person in Korean, I will know the exact words and I would be able to speak it in their language."

Demian, of course, already knew the implications of why they were able to understand languages in such a unique way. Civic still called him "irangel know-it-all", sometimes deliberately thinking provocative thoughts just to irritate Demian.

A few irangels were wary of being around a mind reader, but they knew Demian wouldn't abuse his own ability. Some intentionally teased him with dirty thoughts to mess with him. Demian very much appreciated Valerie lending him her mental shield during those prankster instances.

The Haerreopeans knew of Demian's telepathic abilities, but they trusted him fully. After giving Demian and the irangels a warm welcome, the Haerreopeans invited them inside a hot pink dome building.

Inlivido and Viraj marveled at the rust orange soil that smelled like crayons. The pink sky hung over the canyon as a silver sun reached the horizon. Vibrant florals surrounded the canyon, with flowers that towered high over the irangels.

A blue flower species released a fresh, clean dew that replenished the water supply. Two Haerreopeans poured the dew water into tall cups called flutes, allowing the irangels to drink the fresh clean water that tasted like strawberries.

Located in the same range as other hot planets like the desert planet Torra, Haerreop was closer to the sun than other planets in that particular solar system. To combat the heat, a network of cooling pipes surrounded the planet in geometric design, with arcticularia flowers that trapped heat and allowed cool air to flow through the pipes, releasing them through giant fans that were as big as houses.

The Haerreopeans allowed Demian and the irangels to change into Haerreopean attire with special fabric wicking that trapped heat, absorbed moisture, and cooled the skin. Demian's outfit was sage green in color, Inlivido's was lavender purple, and Viraj's was peach orange.

They met with Fridaus and Tris, Haerreopean perfume experts who often spoke with Iredescent ambassadors and representatives. The Haerreopean perfume production supervisor, Nouwer Niene, was also in attendance.

Perfume was a necessity on Haerreop. Every building had perfume fragrances that varied, with many different catalogued scents and aromas. The perfume bottles were stacked neatly on vine staircases that wound around shelfflower plants that looked like blue wood. Most bottles were square like tea packets, though there were some rectangular or cylindrical ones.

The perfume bottles were made of a plant material that resembled silk, hardened to the consistency of soft plastic, but it was certainly not plastic.

"It's called planticula," Tris explained to the irangels. "Planticula is biodegradable, so after the perfume expires or is used up, the bottle decomposes."

"Is any perfume contained in glass?" Demian asked, to which Tris answered, "Occasionally, not often. True Haerreopean perfume fragrances are always contained in planticula."

Warmth pervaded the inside of the hot pink dome building. Pale purple marble-like material made up most of the interior structure. Elegantly designed cooling vents provided excellent air conditioning. Flowers stood as sentinels at every door and corner, giving off pleasant aroma and colorful beauty.

A flower playfully tugged at Fridaus's ochre dreadlocks, earning an annoyed swipe at the thick membrane that comprised the base of the flimsy petals.

"Are Haerreopean flowers....sentient?" Viraj asked in amazement, staring at the flower.

"Some are," Tris responded, gently patting the flower. "These laiveire flowers are sentient and they like to tease Fridaus."

"How lucky," Fridaus murmured as he swiped again at the flower, unsuccessfully since the flower was so clingy. After he finally managed to disentangle himself from the laiveire, Fridaus motioned for the irangels visitors to sit on thick flower petal cushions that surrounded a flower-shaped table.

After enjoying fragrant hibiscaroppy tea and vanillesque azaleaster crêpes with daisilossom cream, Demian spoke for the irangels, saying, "Greetings, Fridaus Dafforelea, Tris Beros, and Nouwer Niene. As you know, we have an urgent matter to discuss."

"Indeed," Nouwer said, setting down his flute of tea. "What fragrance are we discussing, and of what chemical composition?"

"Angst," said Demian. "We need lots of it."

"Enough for a whole planet," Inlivido added.

Confusion lined Nouwer's smooth features. "Why angst? Trying to wipe out your own identities? Got an uncountable number of criminals?"

"Neither," Demian said, motioning for Inlivido to explain.

Surprised but emboldened, Inlivido told the Haerreopean about Gemini Ruadan and the secret evil corruption of his wing shops.

Even the laiveire froze, and the ice chilled in the tea. The chill spread throughout the room, stealing warmth and sending shivers of terror through every cell membrane. It was so disconcerting that Tris went to cover some of the cooling vents to allow warmth to return.

Fridaus and Nouwer were as silent as the laiveire that remained frozen as if encased in ice. Tris spoke, saying, "So that is why angst is needed. Not for Iredescents, but for humans. The ones who have turned into Iredescents."

"Geminangels," Demian said tautly, his tone indicating his disapproval. "Iredescents are native to planet Iredescent. The term 'irangels' pertains to the people who turned into Iredescents under rightful circumstances and conditions. The people who turned into Iredescents for another man's profit shouldn't be called irangels; they are to be called Geminangels, because they are irangels created from Gemini's wing shops."

The ice cracked, and the chill ceased.

Passing silence collapsed when Viraj asked, "What is angst? How come Inlivido knows but I don't?"

"Don't ask me; I'm not the angst expert," Inlivido answered, glancing sidelong at the Haerreopeans. He didn't want to mention that he was trying to look cool, acting like he was knowledgeable like Demian, when he had no idea what angst was either.

Demian struggled to hide a grin, having intentionally brought Inlivido out of hesitation, wanting him to become bolder in confidence.

The Haerreopeans glanced quizzically at Demian, wondering why the irangels were unaware, having assumed he told them his intention. Demian reached for another flute of water, motioning for the Haerreopeans to explain.

After glancing at each other awkwardly, Nouwer decided to speak for the Haerreopeans, explaining to the irangels, "Angst is a floral compound that is capable of turning a lifeform into another type of lifeform. In other words, angst can turn Iredescents into humans, humans into Haerreopeans, Haerreopeans into Torrans, and so forth.

"Angst comes from the agnsteraria flower that is only grown on our planet. Angst is commonly used as a punishment for criminal sentences."

Understanding appeared on Viraj's face. "So that's why you were confused when Demian mentioned angst," said Viraj, at the same time Inlivido said, "Does that make us angst experts, now that we know what it is?"

This time Demian needed to stuff an azaleaster crêpe in his mouth, before he could burst out laughing. He made a weird coughing noise as he ate too fast while trying not to laugh. Once again, the Haerreopeans glanced at Demian in question, but the irangel creator excused himself, disappearing into the nearest bathroom.

Several more azaleaster crêpes were enjoyed, this time by Fridaus and Inlivido, before Demian returned to the meeting. Tris waited until Demian was seated before saying, "It will take eight months to process the angst before it can become available."

My child will be born around that time, Demian thought, evaluating the timeframe and how it coincided with Ariel's pregnancy.

"We haven't a moment to lose, then," said Fridaus, rising from his seat, but not before enjoying one last azaleaster crêpe. "Let us get started."

"If I may," Viraj spoke up. "I wish to stay behind and assist with the production of angst." He tossed Inlivido a glance, saying, "Unlike you, enjoyer of azaleaster crêpes, I want to actually be an angst expert."

Inlivido looked evenly at Viraj, having reached the full level of confidence that Demian wanted. "You know, Viraj, I would throw an azaleaster crêpe at you so you can see how good it is, but I would hate to waste a perfectly good azaleaster crêpe. You can be the angst expert; I'll be the azaleaster crêpe expert."

Inlivido turned to the Haerreopeans, saying politely, "If I may, I would like to request the recipe, so that I may indeed, become an azaleaster crêpe expert."

Henceforth, it was decided Viraj would remain on planet Haerreop, and Demian and Inlivido would return to planet Iredescent.

"Viraj is knowledgeable in flora and fauna from Earth and Iredescent. His ability may come in handy for your task," Demian told the Haerreopeans, supporting Viraj's request. "In addition, I think it would be a good idea to promote Viraj to an Iredescent ambassador."

Viraj exclaimed, "What!" at the same time Inlivido asked, "Can you do that? Promote somebody without informing the elders?"

"As an irangel leader, I certainly can," Demian verified. "The Phoenix holds the highest authority. The Ruler of Iredescent holds the secondary authority. The irangel leader holds the thirdacular authority."

"Thirdacular? Is that even a word?" Fridaus asked, confused.

Demian chose not to respond, unsuccessfully hiding yet another grin, as he said, "Viraj Sridhar, I officially promote you to an Iredescent ambassador! As an Iredescent ambassador, you may speak on Iredescent's behalf while you're on planet Haerreop and any other planets you may travel to."

Viraj's voice was full of astonished amazement. "That's awesome! Thank you, Demian!"

Everyone cheered and hugged Viraj, offering their congratulations.

Then Inlivido asked, "What should we do in the meantime?"

All congratulations halted, misted by an air of seriousness, then Demian said, "We will destroy the wings shops and end as much corruption as possible."

"How?" Fridaus asked.

Demian reached for a perfume bottle and spritzed it directly at Fridaus. "With perfume."

Laughter emerged when Fridaus blinked and stepped back, directly into the laiveire flower that liked to hug.

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Music:

"Perfume of the Timeless"
by Nightwish

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From the Author Éira Blask:
I have two story related questions, just out of curiosity ✨💐

~ What's your favorite scent?

Mine is vanilla. Just so nice, pleasant, uplifting, and happy. That's why Iredescent smells like vanilla because of the vanilla-scented grass. In addition, I enjoy the scent of violet, roses, peppermint, patchouli, coffee, caramel, chocolate, and bonfire or campfire scent.

~ What's your favorite perfume?

My personal favorites are YSL Libre Intense, Victoria's Secret Bombshell Magic, Victoria's Secret Very Sexy, Vlad Dracul, Bath & Body Works Fairytale, Bath & Body Works Vanilla Noir, and Vera Wang Princess.

I used to wear the Immortal Twilight perfume. I wore the very first original Paris Hilton perfume in my teenager years. Hilary Duff With Love was my signature fragrance until it got discontinued. I loved Victoria's Secret Dark Angel, but it also discontinued. Same with Bath & Body Works Sparkling Blackberry Woods.

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