ReverseStuck X Act 3.1: Fast Travel Unlocked

[apocryphalPrognosticator]

You arrive at a section of the forest not yet explored, even by Soreim. Underlings are seeming to roam far more frequently. It's a bit daunting, considering your previous encounters, but it doesn't seem as bad with a teammate. After a quick rundown of strategy, you decide to put your skillsets together to take down these enemies. You're better suited for fast movement and incapacitation, and Soreim seems to be specialized to create big damage, with a little AoE thrown in as well. As soon as you take down the first couple imps, you realize how much better things go as a team. To this point you've been trying to shoulder the burden of everything yourself, but with another troll or two, things get vastly easier, you decide. 


After downing quite a few imps, you notice a few ogres arriving. Should be able to get in a nice little bit of revenge for earlier. As you start taking them down though, you realize how much more progress  Soreim is making than you. It seems you're a little underpowered. Damn! You thought you fixed this already, but it seems the sliding scale of power doesn't end with “barely besting an ogre, even with the element of surprise”. You make a point to emphasize your Attack as well as your Speed. 


You seem to daze off thinking about new weapon combinations and how best to min-max the shit out of your equipment. Soreim doesn't really seem to notice as they keep cutting down ogres like they're nationally protected trees. That is to say, pretty easily, but with no reverance for them. Just before your eyes totally glaze, a large figure comes into focus. Oh shit! No way even Soreim's firepower can take that down! You issue the order to retreat to a nearby cave.


You two manage to make it to cover before that...thing...could see you. Soreim gives you a goofy grin you can't seem to parse. Just as you're about to say something snarky, a rumble comes from outside the mouth of the cave. You hit the deck, but Soreim goes and peers outside. No point in hiding now, you jump up and run forward, NORTH STAR brandished. 


Oh crap! There's like five ogres out here! Soreim readies his pens as you prepare to jump into action. You whip NORTH STAR to the right of the leftmost one, wrapping it around its legs and toppling it. Soreim downs it execution-style as you wrap around to the next one. You ready NORTH STAR for the same maneuver, but it steps on your shot, sending the chain to the ground. Soreim manages to standard-whip its leg out, but only just before it brings its large fist down. Just as that happens, you draw STARPOWER and shoot it at an ogre behind Soreim. You manage to hit it in its eye, stunning it!


The last two ogres start to charge, but Soreim manages to slow them a bit with some deft penshots. You reel STARPOWER in, but just before you try to help, The Antlerknight grabs his tower-shield from his back and sidearms it right at the charging ogres. They poof from existence just as the other two ogres stand. One is right behind Soreim! As they're aiming at on e of the downed ones, you whip out your AIRGLIDER and shoot toward the menacing one. You club it with POCKETFUL OF DREAMS, look back, and see Soreim standing over some smoking grist.


As the last ogre falls, you exhale a huge sigh of relief. "wow ->that's uh => I think that should be enough grist /right\" Wiping the sweat from your brow, you bend over and retrieve your twin pens from the ogre's eyes, poofing it in the process. "that last one was pretty fast considering he only had the one leg hehe"



"Oh my gosh who knows! There's a good cha~ce we're well short, A~tlerk~ight!" you retort knowing full well the spoils are plenty. In fact, you probably reached the necessary grist quota for your Mechanized Biosuit quite a while ago, but you were quite interested in Soreim's new equipment and fighting skills. You decide you like him more and more as you go. He seems to have a plan as he fights, but not as he talks. It's interesting.



"alright <if you say so>" You're pretty sure you counted just about every bit of grist that fell to the ground by your hand, but you were never all that good with numbers, so you're going to trust Demoma on this one. As you are pulling your massive shield from the ground in which it was embedded almost vertically (how did that happen? you vaguely recall launching it like a throwing disc at some point), you realize you're having trouble seeing out of your left eye. You reach up to your glasses and take them off, squinting at them. "uh -> I can't see all that well right now <= /do you see anything wrong with my glasses demoma\ + everything's sort of blurry on my left side"



You glance over at Soreim even though you are having SO MUCH FUN. Seriously, after all of the shit that's happened to you recently, this is like a dream. Just mauling and eviscerating and macing. You only wish Katrin were here. But hey, Soreim is actually a good time. You didn't know what much to think of him at first, given his total disregard for your notes and plans. But after seeing him launch that tower-shield like a goddamn frisbee...I mean holy shit that was amazing. Wait. Oh. He's having problems. now. It's just an imp, I mean...you used to have problems with these but....to be quite honest they're a fucking joke.
"uh -> I can't see all that well right now <= /do you see anything wrong with my glasses demoma\ + everything's sort of blurry on my left side"
Aw. Soreim got a little owie. Or, actually, on second thought, you remember his history with head injuries. It might be about that time to get him back.
"A~tlerk~ight, our work is do~e ~ow. Forget what I said before. We should get back. Gotta lear~ stuff from your sprite, remember?"



"<oh> + right => i think i dozed off half-way through their explanations hehe <= i think they wanted me to prototype them <again> /for some reason\" With another series of pulls and twists, you finally manage to dislodge the shield, which you strap back on to your back. You put your glasses back on then turn to Demoma, flashing your brightest smile. "<alright> <=> <let's go> + i think my hive is uh that way <- no this way <- no no that => hmm" You spin around several times, trying to remember from where you came, but give up when you become dizzy. You look to Demoma. "ah -> haha I'm already lost -> /you wouldn't happen to remember where we came from\"



"Ah, haha." Nope, you don't. "It's this way!" You charge forward through the beautiful jungle. By some miracle through a clearing you manage to see Soreim's....hive. Looks more like a ruin from this far away.  You beckon carefully towards the hive, deliberately making sure their vision is ok by prodding them now and again. You end up reaching the clearing where you came from.
"Phew! That was a bit of a workout, huh? Good to thi~k we wo~'t ~eed to go through this much trouble agai~, huh Soreim? We're go~~a stylize you some ~ew gear! Maybe eve~ spice up that sta~dard of yours!"
You saunter on into the hive, without looking if anyone is following you, as is per usual.



As you're about to follow Demoma into your hive (your vision isn't that bad - you would recognize that shape anywhere!), you pause, hesitating for once, and glance up towards the very top of your hive, but fail to see anything. In and of itself, this isn't unusual, because your lusus likes to fly far away during the day. The question is, did it fly off after you came to this strange place, or is it--
Wait, new gear? Hell yeah. You quickly catch up with Demoma. "oh yes absolutely -> i think that's actually a priority + /what kind of a knight would i be without\ hehehe" You look around your hive for drawing implements and are once more reminded of your vision problems. You prod your glasses a bit. "oh -> and i guess we should fix these glasses too <=> I've tried drawing without before => <not good> haha"



As you start wandering down into the depths which house Soreim's computer, you hear a faint plea about glasses. Always about them, huh? You JUST want to alchemize this biosuit and help EVERYBODY ALIVE IN EXISTENCE, but this guy is whining about their glasses. It's ok. You're on a bit of a kill-high right now and to be fair, the whole point of this excursion was to create new, cool items.
You throw them the encyclopedia. "Flip through this a~d see what you like!"



You grab the encyclopedia as it is flying towards you and are thrown on to your back by its momentum. Moving into a sitting position, you open up the massive book lovingly, caressing its spine, and start leafing through it. You feel little pangs of pain and guilt when you see the remains of the torn pages, but you press on. It's all part of the game after all.
Bah, this book is too big anyway. You won't be able to find anything if you don't know what you're looking for. Hmm... Oh, that could work! You remember a beautiful page that detailed all sorts of exotic ancient troll masks. If you alchemized one of them with a pair of glasses, you would look pretty awesome. Let's see... yep, the page on glasses is right there. Some of those look like they'd fit really well with a mask too. And as for the masks, they're on page... oh. It's been torn out. That's... you guess Demoma must have already used them for alchemizing something? Better ask for the code then.
"hey <demoma>" you shout down your stairway, as you start making your way down, "/did you ever alchemize something with masks from this book\ <- i'd like to make something with them => so i need their codes"



You're barely listening at this point. After all your trials and tribulations with your glider, you are ready to have something that makes you much more ambulatory. Soreim yells down to you though, interrupting your thought process. Something about masks? You guess it's about their glasses but is that really an issue right now? You mean seriously, you're trying to better the chances of your entire group in their efforts to survive, and they're whinging on about their reading glasses. "I thi~k I ripped it out. ~ot a lot of ~eed for masks whe~ you look this good!"
You shoot Soreim a knowing glance as he downs the stairs. You're really warming up to him, despite his selfishness.



"haha -> yeah you do look p--" you start to say, but then trail off as you think about what she said. What she's been saying for some time now, actually. Didn't she mention ripping out some other pages before? Before the game? You open up the book again, glancing back and forth at Demoma as you skim through it. A lot of pages are missing - a lot more than should have been necessary to alchemize all the gear she's currently wearing. You feel a sickening lurch in your stomach at the thought, but you hold back. You've come to appreciate Demoma as a great planner (well, at least a better planner than you); surely she had a good reason?
"/what did you do with all the other pages demoma\" you ask her quietly. "/the ones you didn't use for alchemy\"



"Oh, it was actually a great gift, Soreim. I did~'t thi~k so at first, but oh my gosh some of the stuff i~ there was amazi~g! A lot of it I just threw out, but some of it I put o~ my wall! Before it got destroyed of course..." You really did get a lot of use out of it. Between the glider and what you're about to make, that pays for itself! Hahaha. You feel yourself starting to laugh. It really is funny, isn't it? Just think about what Japhy would say, if you tore one of his books. Oh, hahaha, you love Japhy...Hahaha, he's a card, haha...
You didn't even realize the pun there! A card!! Like the starcards you found in his library! Full of books! HAHAHA! It's fucking hilarious!!!!



You agree. It is funny. You start to chuckle. You look back at the encyclopedia, which you now realise is now only about 4/5ths of its original size, at most. An incomplete encyclopedia. That's pretty funny too. Your chuckle turns to a laugh. What a great gift. Ancient knowledge, desecrated, thrown away, turned into wallpaper. That's not very funny, but it's all part of the joke.
You walk up to Demoma. She's laughing too. She gets the joke. You get the joke. Those two imps got it too. Everyone here's getting the joke. That's great. You take a look at your standard, still being held aloft in your right hand.
"hey demoma -> i got an idea for the standard + /how about adding a little red\" You bring the standard down, then swing it quickly at Demoma's side, knocking her to the left.



You turn around, excited for a new idea about a weapon. Especially involving color! You pretty miserably failed to make a solid weapon the last time you alchemized stuff so Soreim's creativity might help here. That is if he can get past his fucking glasses. It just feels like a repetitive drone to you by this point, just on and on and--
"AAAIIIIGGGHHH"
Ah. Oh. You. What? You are. Ok. No. This isn't. Yes. Ok. Ahhhhhggghh. Oh no. Are we? AGGGHH. WHAT!!! No. NO! WHAT??!?!
You're totally helpless.



You walk up to Demoma lying prone on the floor, seemingly dazed. There is an unusual gleam to your eyes as you pick her up by the throat. You're not that strong, so you don't lift her up very high. "<no> -> you're supposed to <laugh> <=> i was just joking /see\" With your rage-fueled might, you throw her to the other side of the room, onto the stairway, and walk towards her again. "it's all a matter of perspective" You pick up the encyclopedia as you approach Demoma, swinging it slightly with your left hand. "take this for example -> for you <=> just a tool or some wallpaper + but not for me <=> it's so much more than that" You start to lift the book higher.



You feel yourself thrown across the room like a balled up piece of paper. You get flashes in your mind of when Soreim tossed that tower-shield like a goddamn frisbee. You're realizing your mistakes. You're realizing everything could be a mistake. Everything is your fault. The whole game, the whole apocaly--wait NO! No, wait a second. What the fuck is Soreim talking about? Perspective??? You'll show him some FUCKING PERSPECTIVE!!! Hahaha!! You draw STARPOWER and wield it like a fucking cross, haha. "So much more tha~ that, haha, huh??? That was, hahaHAHAHA, part of my hive!!! I'LL FUCKI~G KILL YOU A~TLERK~IGHT!!!" You entirely do NOT find this funny anymore.



You're not sure you find this funny anymore either, but you laugh anyway as you pull out your shield in front of you. You throw your standard into Demoma's face and quickly take out one of your pens. You aim it at her feet and click it twice, instantly blasting the ground beneath Demoma away as you continue to approach her, shield held high.



They're...they're still laughing! You're FREAKING OUT!! WHAT IS GOING ON?? Not a CHANCE you could have planned for this! HAHAHA!!!

BOOM!!
​

First, you feel a smack to your face. Next, you feel an incredible shockwave blast your feet and lower legs. It's likely they're broken. This isn't what you wanted! You're going to have to pull out all the stops! Ah...haha...you don't feel good about this...
"I...I...I'm..."



You lean down, looking directly at her face. Looks like her nose is bleeding - maybe you broke it. "heh -> now you're the one who could use a mask" You get up, and look at her legs. More blood. Something at the back of your mind is screaming at you, but you're ignoring it for now. Not everyone appreciates a fine joke, you accept that.
You put away your pen and hold the shield with both arms, swinging it a bit in the air to test it. Then, with one last chuckle, you slam its broad side against Demoma's forehead.

PHWOOM
​

You...aren't...you can't....you're seeing stars. Stars just like the Land you're in. Crazy, perfect, almost cartoon stars. The last thing you see is a grinning face looking down at you. Just before your vision succumbs to darkness, you manage one last phrase.
"I'm....sorry......"



You blink. Once. Twice. You try to laugh, but nothing comes out. You start to breathe heavily as you keep looking at Demoma. You don't like this joke anymore. There's more blood coming out of her forehead now. You look at your hands, flecked with tiny crimson dots, and you start shaking.



You reach out to her forehead and examine the wound. It's not as bad as you thought; the blunt edge could only do so much damage. You're more concerned about her feet - they're not a pretty sight. Your breathing is ragged as you gently pick Demoma up in your two arms, leaving the shield behind. You try to avoid touching her legs or head. You look up at the stairs in front of you, and you start to climb.
It is slow going. You're not used to being careful, but you're not the only one you have to worry about this time. You begin the long trek upwards, one step at a time. Demoma is quiet in her sleep. Occasionally, you pause and check her pulse; it's a bit slower than you would have liked, but it seems stable. You hope that's a good thing; you vaguely remember a book mentioning... no, best not to think about books right now. Only a few more steps.



Finally, you reach your very own respiteblock. You kick at the piles of objects strewn about the floor as you make your way to the recuperacoon by the window. You hesitate - is it really a good idea to place her in the slime in this state? You've gone in with cuts and bruises and before and emerged fine, but maybe some injuries are different. But then, you can't think of anything better right now, so you slide her in slowly, ready to pull her out if anything goes wrong.



Once she is entirely submerged, you stay a while to ensure she is still sleeping without issue, before exiting the room and heading straight to your bathroom for medical supplies. Maybe you should alchemize some more too, like you suggested to Japhos. You don't know how serious it is, but you had better not take any chances.



You wipe away some tears. You have a new quest. And a knight must not fail his quest.

 

[Lyro]

====> Soreim: Do the lifey thing.



You don't know what that is. It sounds stupid. You're not in the mood for bad jokes right now. Maybe later.


====> Well, do something.


You've already done it. You searched high and low in your hive for anything that could help, starting with bandages, then came back to your room. You then gently took Demoma out of your recuperacoon and placed her on the nearby desk table. Grabbing several rolls of bandages, you did the best you could to stop the bleeding where you could. A great gash across her lower back (probably caused by her back hitting a stair step) proved particularly tricky - you hope Demoma doesn't mind that you removed her armor in the process.


You didn't know what to do about her legs. You poked hesitantly at them a few times, but this made Demoma's brow furrow in her sleep, so you quickly stopped. You didn't see any bleeding, though - maybe it's not that bad? You'll have to ask Demoma when she wakes up.


Your work done, you slide Demoma back in to the recuperacoon, then sit down at your desk, distractedly tracing patterns in the little droplets of blood left behind by Demoma.


====> Wait.


You don't like waiting. You wish the others would arrive soon, you're still not feeling very well. An imp screeches somewhere in your hive.


====> Answer phone.


What? Your phone isn't ringing... oh, but it looks like Demoma's is. You took it out from her pocket to avoid getting slime all over it, when you brought Demoma to your room. Should you answer it? It's not your property, and you know a lot of people get easily upset when you start using their stuff without permission. Often because said stuff ends up broken shortly afterwards.


But then, it might also be an emergency. You can't let someone else get hurt by your fault today. You reach for her phone and see who's messaging Demoma.


Oh...

 

[TripTripleTimes]

======> Japhos: Update.


ERROR. You are unable to proceed to the present. Instead, you are taken sometime in the past, but not too far into the past.


You dash around in your hive, running from block to block picking up various sorts of items that you think that will help you create something to heal your little purrsister. A carrying cage, a couple of first aid kit, an oxygen tank with a mask, you captchalogued those items but you feel like those are not enough to help. You curse yourself unable to think properly, to be a little more creative. Your mind continues to deviate from the task at hand and think how great a beast hospital would be great at a time like this. You would fly your copter to a specialist and everything would be taken care of. They will know what to do for that crushed kitten laying on the ruin of your respiteblock and for your lusus with a wounded leg, laying down with her offspring. You’re not a healer, you’re a business troll.


Your communication device shakes in your hand and the memo on the screen blurs as you continue to drown in your thoughts. You look up, vision impaired, only to smash your face to a wall. A confused blep cries out from your mouth and you sprawl out on your back, flailing limbs around. You are wasting time here! You have to get back to your flock! You grab your fallen communication device and dash back into your respiteblock.


You have no idea what to expect when you come back to your block. Fluffmum and the kittens are where they were before but much what was left of your block are all over the place. You keep your lips tight, knowing that Soreim was keeping your family safe from the strange creatures crawling close to them by throwing your possessions. Your first stop is your Fluffmum but she growls softly at you when you reach an arm out to see if the crushed little one is doing ok. You keep your hands to yourself. At least the little one is breathing… Its little body lifts up and down and- You are at the Alchemiter in a blink of an eye. You cannot bear to stand there and listen to its sickly wheezes.


======>Japhos: Alchemize.


There seems to be a lot more in-game items employed by your server, but you waste no more time to marvel at the strange items. You have already read the memos that Demoma wrote and you proceed to create without further adieu.

Carrying Cage && First Aid Kit = PORTABLE TINY AMBULANCE
​

An adorable small box with basic healing properties. Perfect for small beasts!
​

 
​

Portable Tiny Ambulance && Oxygen Tank with Mask = O2 RICH HEALTH MINI
​

With the power of Oxygen, tiny creatures will recover faster. There is a screen to provide basic information about its inhabitant.
​

You feel unsatisfied by the items you made. Something is missing. You create Portable Tiny Ambulance once again but suddenly got the idea of filling the box with SOPOR SLIME. You punched the card and continue your Alchemizing.

Slime filled Portable Tiny Ambulance && Oxygen Tank with Mask = HEALING POD MINI
​

Heal while having a restful sleep. Enhanced by oxygen and soper slime and has the convenient info reader screen! You feel like you seen this from somewhere but don’t know where....
​

You look at the final product with a reluctant gaze. You doubt Healing Pod Mini will do much to the little one, seeing that she was crushed and probably have bones to rearrange and blood to supply… There is just so much the First Aid Kit lacks for a confident insurance.


You take the Healing Pod Mini to your lusus anyways and you show her the item. She sniffs at it and then gestures you to her little, broken kitten. With the okay, you swoop your purrsister into your arms and place the oxygen mask firmly to her tiny muzzle. Your long black sleeve feels wet against your grey skin and you shoos the kitten as she mews weakly as you handle her the whole time. She finally quiets down once she is submerged in the slime in the Healing Pod Mini. For now, this will do.


You close the lid and stare at the pod. It is not the time to stare at it. Leaving the pod alone, you bring your attention to Fluffmum. Fussing over her wounds and petting the remaining two kittens, you realise that you should talk to Soreim soon.

 

[Lad]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Still in the past but not very far ======>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are the land of glass and fractures. Your glittering cracked surface shifts slightly against the fissures that run through your core. Testament to this, the space surrounding you is littered with shards of glass that have broken away from your surface. Your inhabitants say this tectonic instability will one day cause you to fracture to pieces floating off into the medium like so many asteroids. That is, unless the Knight can fix it . For now the broken segments of your land shift against each other, frequently subject to dangerous seismic events.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You suspect this will soon be a problem for your newest inhabitant. Soon but not yet. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Right now this newest inhabitant is rather pre-occupied.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Be the Inhabitant======>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]There is a satisfying SPROING as your trusty new SPRINGNEEDLE ricochets you off one imp and into another. You deflect a blow from one imp by flinging up a fractured shard of your planet in the way with your psionics, which is convenient because your new outfit, although a pleasingly colored  and definitely fierce sailslayer lass costume, offers little in the way of armor. The point of your new needle is poofing fish imps and hippo imps left and right, leaving a trail of grist in your wake, and you are having THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. What started as a few hesitant excursions into the glassy landscape littered with sharp shards just beyond your hive to find some more grist for your alchemizing has quickly become a full blown excursion. Dodging monsters, talking to all the pale furry squeakbeasts, slaying imps and salamanders. You hardly ever get to have this kind of fun! Glitch-mam has been trailing along with you the whole time, or well shifting and blinking and pixelating along…. The old husktop you added to her sprite really seems to have done a number on her. Actually when you started along you were worried she might be disappointed. Mam never approved of you fighting or using psionics on Alternia...[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With good reason of course! Yeah, really it wasn’t safe and neither of you would have wanted any higher bloods getting the idea that you  were prone to feeling foam mad. But now, you think...there's no Alternia…., after the meteor and all…, which of course would mean There's no culling drones and no imperial fleet to join next sweep! Really once you’ve had some time to think about all of this things keep looking better and better![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Check your messages======>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Messages? What messages you see no - oh Carp! You uncaptcha your compushades and equip them to see that you have in fact been out hunting longer than you thought and have missed a good portion of the latest memo. Apparently you’re supposed to meet up on Soriems planet.  Thats no problem you have plenty of grist! You should message Demoma and see if she can add a few stories to your hive, you both have so much to talk about! There was something she wanted to tell you when she thought you were dying that should probably get brought up again, and you still haven’t talked about her thing with Aphoph, you are both long overdue for a jam. Speaking of which you remember to captcha one of the piles of gear you alchemized for yourself earlier.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Message Demoma!======>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Open Chatlog[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]-- senatorialOphelia [SO][/SIZE] began trolling lambentSnowfall [LS] --


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: Hey...., Demoma?...., Are you there?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]LS: oh -> katrin + it's soreim <=> i'm on demoma's phone -> she's not[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]LS: wait => let me switch over to mine[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]-- lambentSnowfall [LS][/SIZE] gave up trolling senatorialOphelia [SO] --


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]-- waveringLight [WL][/SIZE] began trolling senatorialOphelia [SO] --


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ......,Oh Hi Soreim!....,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ....., ah......, sorry..., but...,how did you get dems phone?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: hi hi -> demoma is -> uhm -> hmm + wait <- /aren't you demoma's moirail\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ....., yes! I was calling her we needed to talk about......, uh sorry...., is she with you?shes ok right?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: oh + oh i feel so awful[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: demoma is sleeping right now but <- well she's pretty badly hurt[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: and it's my fault[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: she's hurt! what happened!?....., its your fault......, Soriem...., what happened......,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: we went on a hunting trip <= she needed grist for something <- a suit i think[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: that went well <=> we got along pretty well + got a lot of grist[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: when we got back to my hive she lended me the encyclopedia i had given her for her wriggling day[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: told me to use it for alchemy[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: but -> it was full of ripped pages[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: she said she'd thrown some away[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i got angry -> so so angry[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ......,What did you do to her![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i attacked her[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i think i broke several bones[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: knocked her unconscious[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: might have done more <=> i'm not sure[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: .....,is that why you said shes......., sleeping![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: yes -> i put her in my recuperacoon <=> i wasn't sure what to do[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: .....'where are you two....., if you did worse i swear...,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: at my hive[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i think we're on different planets[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: katrin => i'm so sorry[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Sorry...? They ATTACKED your moirail..., over one of their books?!? Soriem doesn’t know the first thing about being sorry! You can taste electricity arcing over your tongue as your psionics flare. All you can think about is Demoma, hurt and scared, and the troll who did that to her,.…,There’s the smell of burning as poorly controlled psionics spark in your hands…., you want them to feel like she did, you want to make them p-[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Open Spritelog[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam: ERROR< %% abort%$# run-> K@TR!NS70P.txt ##[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam: read.me // %$#%>Insert speech here< calm v  & run> th!nk.first!>>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ….,THEY HURT DEMOMA…..,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam:#0#0!!! @ Katrin -> run_package; D4#%nger.st0p![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam:%DANG0101ER%#$ >>abort %DANG0101ER%#$[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …,I KNOW!...., BUT THEY’RE GOING TO PAY FOR TH-[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam: ##RUN> ST()P.TH!%$N/< Success package found: Ang3#ry.txt -> delete file!&& d0n’%at y3// y0u#g >error< >>txt lost<<[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: I DON’T[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam:!!!! Rec0101ver fi#le!!!! >D0n%t ye// yov##ng lady<!!![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …,oh! Sorry I..., no!…, I’m going over there! And I’m going to-[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam: @ KAtrin%% ><>>lost/files; #eeror# r3(over>> “7hink.txt, regret.txt, fr13#nds.psd, R#GR#7.txt”>> @K4T ^^: run>think.txt##[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …,I….,I…, okay…,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]What are you going to do?======>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]Open ChatLog[/SIZE]


SO: ......,I am coming over.....,


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: .....,and IF you do ANYTHING else before I get there I will......,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: no no -> i swear + i've only bandaged her up a bit[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i'll be waiting here[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ......,I....., need..., to calm down....,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ....,sorry..., no im not...., i... dont know....., I'll be there soon[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i understand -> see you then[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]-- waveringLight [WL][/SIZE] gave up trolling senatorialOphelia [SO] --


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You close the chat window already digging through the mess of random gear you alchemized half by hand and half by psionics. Where is that glider? You know you alchemized it right after you got the code from Dem! Items fly across your room with greater force than entirely but you can’t stand it! You have to do something to keep you from seeing violet just thinking about- There it is! You grab the glider and captcha the pile of fabric it was buried in, and then a tray of pins for good measure. Climbing out on your roof you’re about to fly off when your mam starts pestering you again.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Aren’t you even going to say goodbye to your lusus? ======>[/SIZE]


Open Spritelog


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam: $#$33>,,.,<<>> foundpckg -> w#ere_rRr_ you_going.??<[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:...,Mam…, I have to go…, So don’t tell me to stop!....., I know you said it wasn’t safe to fly up ahead…., but …, I think Demoma really needs me….,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Glitchmam:.....%#loading#%..... ‘ruok(dot)?’ <>ERROR  << play; good.bye_text$#$ …..>Hurr33 %#$..back <[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …,I…., Of course i’ll be back!....,and uh....., thanks…, mam….,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Pchoooo!======>[/SIZE]

 

[Lyro]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As the minutes pass and Demoma remains unconscious, you become restless, pacing to and fro in your room. You feel like you ought be to doing something right now, and you’re unaccustomed to not being able to act on that. You sit down by your window and glance at your land outside, tempting you with all of its unspoiled beauty.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]It’s all you can do to will the glider will go faster as you finally pass through a gate and are spat out on a planet where you can hear faint melodies in the distance. You wish too that there was a little more space between you and Soreim’s hive, you still aren’t sure what you're going to do. But you don’t have any more time to think. You land outside their hive and put away the glider. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....,Soreim!..., I'm coming in.....," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You're not waiting for permission, you let yourself in the other troll's hive.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You hear a cry from downstairs and leap to your feet. Katrin - she’s here! Finally, something to do. You smile as you push open your bedroom’s door and rush downstairs to greet her. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<coming> + <coming>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you yell, before bursting into your hive’s entrance lobby just in time to see her walking in. You stretch out your arms to your side. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"katrin -> i’m so glad to see you again <= i thought for sure japhos would get here first"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim comes running in the room grinning, telling you how they're glad to see you and you feel your psionics crackling at your fingertips again. In that moment you can't think of a troll you'd rather see less. Have they already forgotten why you came so quickly in the first place? They beat Demoma unconscious! They- but...they had seemed so worried on trollian, maybe she was okay then...[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Where is Demoma...,?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You say stiffly, taking a step back as Soreim approaches with outstretched arms.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your smile fades as you take note of Katrin’s tone. Of course, she’s worried; for that matter, so are you, and you become all business. You point upstairs. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i put her in my recuperacoon <= i wasn’t sure what to do + she’s still sleeping now <- but the bleeding had stopped the last time i checked <=> i think that’s good /right\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You start to climb up, leading Katrin to your bedroom. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i was trying to think or more things to alchemize that could help her => she probably has a few broken bones <- so i was thinking things like bone saws or barkbeast treats"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You don't know if that's a good thing. You wonder as you follow them to their block. It might not be...what if it was- no! Demoma was a tough troll she was going to get better, but you don't know how to help her.. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....,that's...., a really good idea..., actually....," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You should have thought to bring something that could help like Soreim said. They were already doing more to help Demoma than you. All you'd brought were some pins and your weapons and the fabric you captcha'd. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...,I have...., um....,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You whisper your secret to uncaptcha a long half circle shaped needle from you inventory,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...,it's for stitching....., on trolls I mean!...,”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You take a look at the pins Katrin brought, miss a stair step, fall down and get back up in one practiced fluid motion. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"hmm <- she does have a few wounds that might need stitching => i didn’t try because the last time i did some stitching i lost my favorite sweater <=> but /maybe we could also combine it with something so it could knit bones together\"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You arrive at your bedroom, and gesture for Katrin to enter as you walk up to your recuperacoon. Peering inside, it seems Demoma is still asleep peacefully - at least you hope it’s a peaceful sleep. Her expression doesn’t reveal much. You grab her and slowly pull her out, laying her to rest on the table next to you, and turn to face Katrin. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i was going to wait until she was awake before trying out any sburb tools"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px], gesturing to the pile of alchemized objects next to you as you speak. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i didn’t want to hurt her <- i never did"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you add quietly, looking back at Demoma.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your blood pusher swells with pity seeing Dem. She looks a wreck, there’s a cut on her forehead and her legs are… Your hands are unsteady as you go over to the table and wipe sopor away from Demoma's face.  You should have checked the memo earlier, you could have been here and you could have done...something. Soreim is talking again you want to block it out, you want to tell him to be quiet. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...,It was..., good to wait,...., and....,I...., believe you...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your voice is strained, it's not what you want to say, but, it is true. You do believe Soreim when they say they didn't want to. It doesn't make the urge to shove them and make them get away from your moirail any weaker. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....,it's...,you couldn't help it anyway."[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Could you have helped it? You don’t know. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Thinking about it even now still makes you feel some of that earlier rage. No, it’s best not to think about it and just move on. You reach into your pile of potential ingredients, pulling out a large, empty syringe (its origins, as with so many of the things in your hive, are a total mystery to you). You start to think of things you could combine it with when you notice one of Demoma’s fingers twitch.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<she moved>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you exclaim, leaning over the side of your table to get a better book at her face, syringe still in hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"demoma <- /can you hear me\"[/SIZE]

 

[TripTripleTimes]

======> Japhos: Update.


ERROR. You are unable to proceed to the present. Instead, you are taken to the near past.

Open Chat
​

Spoiler

-- alphabeticalClassification [AC] began trolling waveringLight [WL] --


AC: S•re!m , ! need y•ur ass!stance .


WL: <oh> -> japhos -> /what’s up\


AC: ! am br!ng!ng Fluffmum and the k!ttens up .


WL: uhm -> /okay\ <- /what do you need me to do\


AC: ! need y•u t• see h•w much •f my h!ve !s present . ! have a feel!ng that n•t all •f !t !s br•ught !nt• th!s realm . Kn•w!ng h•w much •f my h!ve there !s , the better est!mate ! can make •f what ! can create .


WL: ok -> just a sec => need to go back down to my computer


WL: ow ow ow -> i should carpet these stairs one day => someone* might get seriously hurt one day *(well someone other than me haha <- obviously)


WL: anyway => let’s see


WL: oh no -> your beautiful hotel <= <<it’s all gone>>


WL: and <<<your library>>> <- noooooo


WL: there’s just this tiny part left <=> /i think it was the spot at the very top\


WL: looks like a small part of it is missing too <- oh no wait <=> those are just the walls that got knocked down earlier hehe


AC: S• the very t•p •f my h!ve / h•tel !s st!ll !ntact , yes ?


WL: well <mostly> intact -> some walls are missing <= but i think everybody must have a bit of that


WL: mine actually seems to have weathered the entry pretty well considering haha


AC: C•ns!der !t luck that y•u have a server w!th•ut butter f•r f!ngers then .


AC: But thank y•u anyways , ! w!ll be arr!v!ng sh•rtly , after ! create a s!zeable transp•rtat!•n . D• y•u have any plans wh!le y•u wa!t f•r me ?


WL: i’m about to go explore my land some more and do some <fighting>


WL: <i think demoma might be coming too> <- so it should be lots + lots of fun hahaha


AC: Alr!ght then . Y•u d• that , and ! w!ll see b•th y•u and Dem•ma s••n . Be careful dur!ng y•ur adventure .


WL: ohhh i’m <always> careful <= <you know that>


WL: good luck with the little ones <- maybe you should bring them to my hive when you come visit haha


-- waveringLight [WL] gave up trolling alphabeticalClassification [AC] --

You look up from your mobile communication device when your lusus starts growling. She makes an attempt to get up but you quickly pat her back and assure her that you will get rid of the nuisances. She makes herself comfortable on the ground and soon the two healthy kittens is all over her. Your lusus then takes the time to gently carry the Healing Pod Mini in front of her like the good mum she is.


You witness none of that, instead you focuse on the creatures called underlings. They are smaller compare to the ludicrous giant monster that greeted you earlier. The black creatures, who kept their distance until now, stands on the ruin rumbles of your respiteblock. Seeing you coming closer to them, they chatters noisily and in turn, you bare your fangs.


======> Strife!


You startle the underlings by dashing straight towards the gathering mob. With a running start, you eject a book, and then two from your sylladex. The hardcover books knock the three underlings from their feet. You jump toward an underling, grab the rebound book mid air, and hammer the hardcover at its face. You then quickly captchalogue the book in your hand and eject it again, this time at one of the underling recovering from the first wave of attack. You follow the book and smash the book’s spine onto the creature’s face.


======> Fast Forward


You step on a fallen underling. It tries to crawl out from under your feet but you pay no attention to it and swing your arm down, letting the worn out book slip from your finger and to the creature's head. It explodes colourfully littering the area with more Grists.


“Beat 'em ap! Claw their eyes out, Jaaaph!” Fluffball cheers at the side, clawing an underling of his own like a doormat. One of the kitten manages to escape Fluffmum and paws at the littered Grists, collecting those things for you at a grueling slow pace. She's trying, you will give her that. You pick the stray kit up and place her back to mum.


As much as you want to stick around and take your pent up stress on these creatures, you really need to get going. You turn your attention back to the underlings.


“Get back •r ! w!ll k!ll y•u !”


======> Mind Fuck Them!


You shout across the area with as much anger you can muster. Channel your command to those pathetic imps! Bend them to your will! The lowly imps tremble before you.


Whao, whoops. You are too low on the Echeladder to perform such task! The imps continue their noisily chatter at you. At least, they seem a little bit weirded out.


This is a good time than any to finally catch up to your to-do list. You leave to captchalogue the copter sitting in the small transportation hub couple of floors down. Being a royal blood really has its perks. You can never say that enough. There, beside your trusty copter, is the 4-wheeled cycle (dirt bike, some would say), the snow vehicle (snowmobile), and there is all the extra attachments for large lusus like Fluffmum! You take all of them into your sylladex.


Some of the larger items will take a while for you to use them again. Your Fetch Modus, Cabinet and Folder file, is very versatile and usually you don't need to wait to take items out from their spot, but all items have a load time and larger items, such as the copter, has a longer load period.


You return back to Fluffmum just in time to see Fluffball rocket punch an imp and killing a mob with an explosion of bronze flames. You stare at the scene for a second longer but Fluffmum seems to not care and licks clean the miniatures.


“Did ya saw that!?” Fluffball flies toward you and snuggles his head against you, causing you to stumble backward. You try to push him away. Fluffball is a lot bigger than he used to be and that rocket arm attack is a bit unsettling. Looking at Fluffball’s side, his arms look back to the normal, fur covered limbs.


“Pet me!” Fluffball yowls angrily, so you did.


======> Fast Forward x2!


Fluffmum sits idly on the wide platform of 2xCopter watching all four of her youngs going back and forth from the Cruxtruder, to the Totem Lathe, the Alchemiter, and back again. You have yet to create a new weapon for yourself, but everything else you have combined and rearranged, and got carried away with what you can create. Sure, you are missing your Recuperacoon, but it is now the larger version of the Healing Pod Mini, Healing Pod King Size! You admit, the size is over the top but you had no way to shrink it down for a normal troll size. It's not like you can have an upgrade while your Server is away on an adventure with a much hotter troll! Hotter as in the hemospectrum and not in appearance, because no way in hell is De- Aaaahh, never mind.


You are ready to leave your planet, hauling in Furball and Cottonball in the 2xCopter, when Fluffball finally breaks a news to you.


“Jaaph, ya go have fun with ya friends, okay!” Furball calls out to you and hovers again too close to you before giving you your space again.


“What d• y•u mean ?” You are planning to bring all of your family with you, that includes Fluffball.


“I can't follow ya, silly!” Fluffball is still cheery at this news. “Ya haven't unlocked the second gate for me to follow ya to Soreim’s hive! It's all part of the game!”


All of your good mood seems to disappear with that fact. “Why d!d y•u n•t t•ld me earl!er !” All of your hard work seems to be for not and you are not ready to leave the floating kitten behind. He isn't old enough to be left behind!


“Don't worry about me, Jaaph. I'm a sprite, nothing can hurt me.” Furball tries to calm your wool down. "Plus, I can still talk to ya on Spritelog, so ya won't miss hearing gold 'ld me! It's a Sgrub thing,” He quickly adds when you crock your head to a side. “Anyways, ya shad meet ya friends and catch ap! Ya’ll see me again soon. Just level up if ya really want me around ya next time.” He grins wide.


You hesitate to agree with him. He does bring up good points and there is no good staying here until you meet up with the rest of the living trolls. You guys need a plan of some sort and… stuff. You look at Fluffball and finally you nod.


“! w!ll c•me back s••n , •k ?” Fluffball nods and you get on the 2xCopter. Without looking back down to your tiny hive below, you enter through the gate to Soreim's hive.


======> Japhos: Update


You are now finally in the present. Congratulations!


As soon as your 2xCopter lands and the door to the vehicle opens, Fluffmum pounces out and shakes herself. Despite getting a hurt, she seems ready to hunt- and there she goes, into the woods she goes. Oh, wait never mind. You lusus stops just before the ground gives way to a vertical drop. She growls and stalks to a different part of the ledge to see if she can get to the woods below her somehow. You tried calling out to her but she seems more interested in the forest below her. Does she sees that as new territory? Maybe she's just hungry. Fluffmum definitely didn't act this way in the new environment you were teleport into. Fluffmum disapears from your sight. You will have to take her out for a walk later, and perhaps hunt with her too. That, you haven't done in a while.


You pick up the two kittens by the scruff of their neck and place them down on the ground. With the Healing Pod Mini in hand, you leave the 2xCopter behind and enter Soreim's hive. The kittens follows you in.


“S•reim , Dem•ma . Are y•u !n ?” You call out.


@Lyro  @Lass  @apocryphalPrognosticator

 

[Lyro]

======> Soreim: Call out to Japhos


You hear a voice call out from below and recognize it as belonging to Japhos. "up here* japhos" you yell back. "you're just in time => i think demoma is waking up *(we're in my respiteblock)" You're glad Japhos is here too - between the three of you, you should be able to heal whatever damage you did to Demoma. You allow yourself a smile, and already begin to think of what you'll do after. You heard some of the consorts mention something about musical problems, and you're a great musician (though you tend to favor experimental genres, certainly). That might be worth looking into.


Your thoughts are interrupted as you hear Japhos moving below. A thought strikes you, and you quickly glance about your room. A quick calculation, and... no, it should be fine.


======> Soreim: Close the entrance to your hive before underlings come in


You are too busy to worry about that. Besides, you think you just heard the sound of the door closing, so Japhos probably already took care of it.


======> Japhos, a few seconds in the past: Close the door


Oh no, you're not about to start obeying commands from strangers just like that. And in any case, something large and white just closed the door behind you. Soreim must be very lucky to have such an attentive lusus.

 

[TripTripleTimes]

======> Japhos: Thank the nice host.


Aw hell no, you're not listening to any voices in your head. Who the heck do the voices think they are ordering you around like a maid. Just to let them know, you were planning to thank the 8 feet tall white featherbeast who you assume is Soreim's lusus without the voices’ command, thank you very much.


You thank your host.


======>


You look around the hive to find the source of the voices. Not Soreim's voice, who you heard coming from upstairs, but these whispers telling you what to do (it used to a single voice but that multiplied when you were on your planet). Didn't someone mentioned about the voices in a chat or in a memo? You will figure that out later; right now you have other matters to attend to. 


Just meeting the old lusus and not yet trusting it, you gather the kittens into your arms before you climb up the stairs. As you make your way around the hive, you, noticed, through the windows, that Soreim's hive is not on a treacherous platform like you first thought. Instead, you realize that the hive is in fact on top of a hill. You just happened to land where the steep drop is. Why you didn't realized this earlier is beyond your knowledge. Fluffmum must have realized this also since you see a trail of grists going into the forest just beyond the grassy plane. The forest… is very unique with its grubbish drawn outline, all thick and thin and kind of an eye sore.


======> Fluffmum: Level Up!

You have no idea this is a thing for you! You climb the ECHELADDER to a new height anyways and make that sweet sweet boomdollars for your babies! Lusii are just too OP for this game.


======> Japhos: Follow Fluffmum's Example.


Ah, ah, ah. What did you just said about voices in your head earlier?


You reach Soreim's respiteblock.


“What d!d y•u say , ab•ut Dem•ma ?” You ask as you open the door. The kittens squirm their way out and starts exploring the new environment.  “Katr!n , y•u are als• … here .” You are surprised the cooler blood is in the block also but you hesitate seeing the look on her face.


@Lyro @Lass @apocryphalPrognosticator

 

[Jaye]

=====> Join in on all this dramatic action


You feel strangely flattered, as if someone thinks what you're doing is quite dramatic. You're not so sure it is. It's just GRIEFING after all.


While partly trying to find Aracharisprite and partly heading back to the gates, you came across some more inhabitants of LOLAI. These ones were less inclined to sit down and have a teaparty with you, forcing you to retrieve your NETKIND.


You've already thrown one of your basic nets at a group of Underlings, letting them get hopelessly tangled until they turned themselves into grist. Now you've equipped IT'S A HARD KNOT LIFE so as to destroy the tougher underlings advancing on you. You roll out of the way of one large underling - a big brutish thing with tusks - and swipe your net at it. A group of smaller imps rush at you and almost blindside you, except that GOLDEN NET swaps into your hands just a moment before and almost throws itself at the group. You swipe IT'S A HARD KNOT LIFE at the ogre yet again, hoping this will be the time it dies.


It explodes, finally, into grist and you stand, panting. You set off once more.


You don't get far before you're ambushed again. You go through the motions once more, trying to subdue the underlings and tricking them into gristing themselves. You managed to whittle them down to one last Ogre. You throw your ragged looking IT'S A HARD KNOT LIFE at it and-!


And it grabs the net and tears it apart.


=====> Oh shit.


Oh shit.


You pull out DEFYING GRAVITY.


The ogre roars.


You mount your broom.


The ogre lifts it's fist.


You turn your broom away.


You feel the rush of wind as the ogre's fist just barely misses you and you fly hard and fast away from there. Sometimes you just need a good ABSCOND. Someone's gotta survive this mess, after all.


=====> Good job, kid. Now what?


Now you certainly need to return to your hive. You need to do more alchemy and you need to meet up with the others. You check Trollian, but only find a brief thank you from Soriem. You wonder what everyone is up to.


You better try get to at least Soriem's planet after you do some alchemy. Maybe you'll troll them again before you surprise them with a visit. 

Spoiler

Heya folks. I am here. I've still got a little bit to finish up in my RL but I'll be more free soon. I'll hover around the Skype chat when I can and see if we can get some chats and/or plotting in :3 See you all around.

 

[apocryphalPrognosticator]

======> Be Demoma.


You are Demoma again! You wake up instantly, feeling pretty good. You're having a hard time really remembering what happened before your little nap. Probably all those shots you've taken to the old coconut recently. It's ok though. You love this place, even despite the dead bartender you came across last time.


======> Admire the spikes.


You spend an inordinate amount of time quietly pondering all the spikes, while flying over and surveying the landscape. Some of the people wave to you, but that usually ends when they catch you lightly caressing some of the barbed spires. Yeah, you're being kind of weird.


======> Is that the Dignitary?


You can't tell! Mostly because you don't know who that is. You do notice a very shady-looking fellow sauntering on down one of the walkways. You decide it'd be a great idea to absolutely not go talk to him, ever.


======> Better get back! This dream's gonna end soon.


Haha, you know this isn't a dream. You're just as real as ever! And just, like, super happy to be here. Remember when you and Bee were chatting about it earlier? Man, Bee got so ticked at you. Haha. Wow, everything is so great! But, you know you usually don't get much time here. That's the rule, you guess! You really should head on back. Once you get to your spire, you climb into your recuperacoon, drifting off, thinking about the shiny shellmen and the spikes and Katrin. 


======> Wake up.


Your fingers twitch and your eyes flutter. You feel the warm embrace of your recuperacoon around you, just like when you went to sleep. That seemed like quite a quick little sleep! You are really excited to go out and explore now, though! It's...uh, wait. You really aren't feeling well. You can't really focus your vision; and you don't feel nearly as spirited or as impassioned as you were before you went to bed. That means you're back in your own stupid world. In fact, you notice yourself losing more and more...energy, you guess? You don't feel tired, necessarily, but you really can't bring yourself to care about much. 


======> That's no fun!


Maybe not. Listlessness envelops you. In the back of your mind, there's a part of you screaming to do something, to just GET UP, YOU USELESS ASS! You don't know. You don't mind. Everything's ok, you guess, but EVERYTHING IS NOT OK LOOK AT HER WHY IS SHE HERE?? Doesn't really matter. Your head REALLY HURTS. You want to go back to sleep, just to STOP FEELING LIKE THIS, but you aren't tired. You can tell from the fuzziness around you that this isn't your recuperacoon. This isn't your hive, and this isn't your Land. Yeah. You realize that. There is a sort of numbness to your thoughts. There's nothing really left to say EXCEPT THAT YOUR SKULL MIGHT BE EXPLODING! You seem to feel that, but there's nothing that can be done about it.


======> YOU NEED TO GET UP


Agh. Ow. The pain from your head is becoming a little bit UNBEARABLE. You subconsciously bring a hand up and touch your forehead. Oh. A little blood. Your own blood. Ah. This is NOT GOOD NEWS, TO PUT IT LIGHTLY. Your vision begins to clear a little bit, if only because the need to focus on something in particular outweighs your entire lack of will. A figure comes into view.


======> Recognize.


It's Kat, you guess. Wait, what? That's not what you think about Katrin. You guess?? No, you're pretty happy to see her. You scream to yourself that you should be ELATED to see her, but you just aren't. She gives you just enough of a lift to bring you slightly out of your apathetic stupor. You're even shocked at that. You put your arms on the side of the recuperacoon and push yourself up. Just as you start, your back howls in agony. No matter. Nothing really matters, but you HAVE TO TALK TO KAT!! You continue pushing, trying to ignore the searing explosion traumatizing your nerves. You've never really gotten hurt badly before, so you aren't really experienced with pain. Sure, you FLARPed back in the day, but you tended to dominate in that, just because of the intense planning you put into clouding others and traversing your own campaigns. Two other figures come into view, but you still can't quite make them out. You work yourself over the edge and swing your hips to land in front of her. 


======> Land already.


As your feet hit the ground of the respiteblock, you feel pain. It'd be useless to explain it in a loquacious or grandiloquent way, it's just pain. It's a pain unlike any other and you immediately collapse. A shriek fills the room. As you try to right yourself, the Antlerknight comes into view and a wave of memories flood back. You don't really FEEL FEAR, but you try to scuttle away, only to be met by punishment, courtesy of your legs. Your eyes flick to the other figure who you recognize as Japhos and you feel a SURGE OF SHAME. You really like Japhy. You're a bit afraid of him, but he respected you, which you can't say about most anyone else, past Kat. Maybe that was his hemobsession taking lead, but having him see you like this still MAKES YOU UPSET. Your callous reverie is fading away. Soreim looms over you and an ABIDING SENSE OF TERROR FILLS YOU. You put your hand up, HOPING to every plan you've ever made that you can survive this.


======> Be the Thief.


The hope emanates throughout your body, and the pain is dulled a little. You no longer feel afraid. More than that though, you feel emotion wash through your mind. Every bit of adoration for Katrin, every ounce of admiration for Japhy, every sliver of...ambivalence for Soreim. You almost lost yourself there. Pushing yourself into a sitting position against the recuperacoon, you look over at Kat and say "I love the get-up, Kat."


You turn to Soreim and make fierce eye contact. "Whaddya say we go agai~, A~tlerk~ight?" Shocks of pain rack your body as your eyes glaze over.

 

[Lyro]

======> Soreim: Rejoice


As Demoma rises up, you feel a surge of relief washing over you. She is fine after all! Okay, so, she seems to be struggling a bit, sure. And it looks like the bleeding has resumed in several parts. But at least she's awake and moving! And so finally everyone can move on and get back to--


She lands on her feet. The ensuing cry seems to echo in your mind, etching itself into your memory. Almost reflexively, you step forward, hand stretched out to help her back up. She needs to get back up. Or at least sitting on something. People who are fine don't lie writhing on the floor. Were you wrong? Is it more serious than you thought? No, don't think that, it's just a temporary thing. It'll get better. Everything does at some point. 


At least her eyes seem more alert now. That's another good sign! Alright, she tries to shrink away from you when she sees you, and even puts her hand up to defend herself. You can understand that, and you probably deserve it. You'll find a way to make it up to her, somehow.


======> Assist her


Looks like she's trying to sit up now. You should help, she's still not in great shape. You're about to lean forward to help her once more when she says something about Katrin. You barely listen. In her new position, you have a better view of the state of her lower legs. It's not a pretty sight. In fact, after landing on the floor, they look even worse than before. You should've done something about them. But what was there to do? You still don't have the faintest idea. Maybe she'll have to go through the whole session like this. Are there healing items in this game? This horrible game. You haven't seen any yet, apart from your failed alchemy attempts. What kind of game does that? This horrible game.


But then, this isn't even the game's fault - it's yours. You did this. You could have brushed it off, like so many other things - just a book, just a few pages. And you failed, and now someone else is paying the price. Perhaps a permanent one. Because of you.


She's looking at you.


"Whaddya say we go agai~, A~tlerk~ight?"


You shrink away from her stare. Shouldn't you be laughing at this point? You usually do. But how can you laugh now? She hates you. Katrin probably hates you too. Even Japhos will, once he learns what happened. You take a step back, trip on your clothing and collapse by your respiteblock's wall. Your head bumps against the wall, and you feel a bit of pain. Are you supposed to be crying instead? But you don't feel like doing that either. Maybe you should apologize? That sounds better, but how do you apologize to someone for nearly killing them over nothing?


======> Say something


You look out your window at the twilight land beyond.


"i do not think that would be wise milady"

 

[TripTripleTimes]

======> Japhos:


You didn't look at Katrin for long and instead down to her arms. Your breath catches in your throat, your mind blanks out for a moment, and you just stand there on the spot by the door, staring at Demoma. That is your neighbour, right? The loud mouth, energetic candy red troll. You take a small step forward when you hear Demoma groaning awake. You stop completely and watch the scene unfold in front of you. 


Something thumps heavily in front of you. 


======>


Shit.


You quickly jump to your feet when your arms feel weightless and realize that you dropped the Healing Pod Mini. You scramble to pick it up, but doing so, you accidently catalogue it. Shit, but you do not waste any more time with it. Mewfluff will be safe in there. Seeing that both Katrin and Soreim not doing shit: Katrin is just frozen and Soreim is backing the shit away. You came here to get help for your sister and not to deal with this again. Something in you drains to null. You notice the bright red smear under your feet that drags all the way to the recuperacoon. The red is a sharp contrast to the green sopor slime that is splattered all over the block. You need to snap out of your stupor and do something.


"!ce ," You snap at Soreim. "We need !ce. We need l•ts •f !t , •r s•meth!ng c•ld ." You cross the block and grab a large towel. Why, you don't know but "We need t• reduce the swell!ng . Qu!ck ." 


You near Demoma and the closer you to her the more you harden your heart. The familiar guilt and dread of killing Aphoph raise in you. You watched him die. You are fully aware how he suffered during his death but you did nothing and watched the brutality from the safety of hive. You didn't caused this to Demoma, so all feelings are irrelevant. Demoma is still alive, awake. They just need to keep their mind straight and do things they can do. Her legs might be gone, but oh well. 


"Dem•ma , y•u need t• lay d•wn ." You kneel down close to her.


"N• , actually , we need t• m•ve y•u t• my c•pter •uts!de ." You quickly say to yourself. A stretcher. They need a stretcher to move Demoma without hurting her further. It's not like you're physically capable of lifting the dead weight without hurting her. Her morial would certainly try to kill you if hurt Demoma further. You look at the towel in your hand. Oh. "Lay •n th!s . Katr!n and ! w!ll carry y•u d•wn t• the c•pter •uts!de ." As you prepare the large towel on the ground, you realize that there are stairs. Aw shit, if only there was a psionic s... server with levitation ability. 


Down below just outside of the hive, you can hear Fluffmum returning. Surprisingly, it seems that she brought back a loud, panicking prey. She usually kills them on the spot. Is it already time for the youngsters to kill their food now?

 

[Lad]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You need to calm Demoma down, you see her scrambling and you want to pat her and hush her but the slime and the blood everywhere, you're worried you might end up hurting her.  Demoma gathers h we self and puts on a fierce face and you're supposed to be the one who says it's okay she doesn't have to be strong all the time….but...you can't embarrass her in front of everyone like that… You don't know how what to do to fix her legs...[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Katrin: stop staring and do something======>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos gets his act together before you laying out the towel and telling you to help. But even lifting her with the towel would-[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]“.....,No! Don't…., move her I can…, I think I can do it….. ,Dem, just……, don't move ….,or I might…,just ……,try not to move?”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]While it occurred to you that [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]saying[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you might accidentally drop someone is not the most trust inducing turn of phrase,You aren't sure you think you can do this at all. You'd never say Demoma was a heavy troll but the heaviest thing you'd picked up in a long time was that rock earlier. Holding out your hands, psionics crackle at your fingertips, it’s not so hard you think. Psychic power curls out from your palms, tinged faintly purple. It's going to be easy! It’s going to be e- the thought makes your blood pusher drop into your guts. If someone tells the drones, the fleet -Your concentration falters, sparks fly and the psionics flicker as you try to keep the look of panic off your face. For a moment you wish you hadn’t said anything and you had just helped Japhos with the blanket...[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]No! That's dumb, you pause, and breath and begin to regather your concentration. There's not any reason to be nervous. It doesn't matter if you think you can or can't you just have to do it! Single-mindedly you ignore noise from the other trolls and the sound of yawping from outside. Again you reach out with your psionics and lift Demoma all at once until she's floating a few feet above the floor of Soriems respite block. Hesitantly you take the first few steps out of the room and towards the stairs carrying Demoma with you.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]“....., if its…, if i’m hurting you …., please say something….,” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You say as you begin down the stairs.  You aren’t really sure at what psionics feel like to other people. They don’t hurt for you not really you can just feel a strain like the beginnings of a headache. Sometimes it does hurt other trolls you know, but you’re trying really hard. By the time you reach the bottom of the stairs your head is pounding, just get her to the copter you can do that.  You can see Japhos’ lusus outside holding onto some some squealing creature but you see the copter just beyond and you dont know how much longer you can keep this up.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.6667px]“....,ah…, uh …,I’m scared of swimming in deep water!” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A pile of fabric ejects from your sylladex onto the floor of the copter and as carefully as you can you put Demoma down on top of it. The pressure in your head alleviates and you collapse next to the copter letting out a shaky breath.[/SIZE]

 

[Lyro]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Soreim: Acquire ice[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Ice. Or something cold. Japhos is in charge now, you should do as he says. You scramble to your feet and dash out the door of the room, not ready to make eye contact with Demoma again. Something in the way she looked at you… it didn’t feel right. Best not to think about it for now.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/where am i going to find ice around here\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you mutter to yourself; you don't make a habit of it, but it tends to help when you need to keep your thoughts straight. Straighter. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"maybe i still have some cubes in the meal vault + the meal vault is downstairs => i need to go downstairs <- for the ice cubes <- for demoma"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You keep muttering to yourself as you run down two steps at a time. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"maybe alchemize something with the ice -> /freeze gun\ <= no too violent <- guns kill"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You arrive in your hive's lobby.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Deal with your visitor[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Ain't nobody got time for that! You just keep hurrying downstairs; your meal vault is only one level above your computer. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i really should install an elevator -> but then i'd have to rearrange all the blocks => mustn't upset the balance haha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] It feels good to laugh again, if only for a bit. You start to smile again as you reach the meal vault.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You've always thought other trolls often exaggerate when they call it a vault. You decided early on that yours would live up its grandiose name. Your swing open the massive metal door and immediately start to shiver as you enter the hollowed-out cavern behind. Maybe having a cavern-sized sub-zero meat vault isn't always terribly convenient, but at least you've got enough food to...[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Well, to survive an apocalypse. That is actually pretty funny. You chuckle to yourself as you walk deeper into the cavern, where it is coldest. If you still have any ice cubes, that is where they'll be.[/SIZE]


INTERMISSION


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Be StareBird[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are the sagacious STAREBIRD. This is not your actual name. It is simply what your DERANGED CHARGE calls you. You do not spend much time in each other's company. This DOES NOT BOTHER YOU, nor does it seem to bother them.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You were sleeping when all this commotion began; you believe it is important to be WELL-RESTED. When you woke up, you were in a strange new land, which you then promptly set out to EXPLORE VALIANTLY. You had many EXCITING and PERILOUS adventures over the course of the past few hours while your charge was presumably WASTING AWAY their eyesight playing some CHILDISH COMPUTER GAME.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As you were coming back, you noticed an UNKNOWN CREATURE was approaching your charge's hive, following a troll with a RIDICULOUS HAIRSTYLE. You landed just in time to close the door behind said troll, and turned to face the creature.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> StareBird: Defend your territory[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You tower before the entrance to your home. A loud nuisance is attempting to gain unauthorized entry. You silently stare at it, as is your custom.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The nuisance in question does not stare back, as it is too busy holding a tiny shrieking creature in its mouth; you dismiss the latter as irrelevant and focus your attention on the feline before you. Ancient genetic reflexes urge you to fly away as quickly as possible, but you have long since learned to ignore such base instincts. This specimen does not seem violent at least, and is merely scratching ineffectively at the door next to you.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You assume it desires entry. You are not predisposed to grant it entry. A conflict. You consider your next move.[/SIZE]


END OF INTERMISSION


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]What a stupidly tiny intermission. You are very disappointed to leave StareBird's shenanigans behind so early. You take some solace in the knowledge that there will surely be a follow-up to this tantalizing episode in later posts.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Soreim: Grab an ice cube[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As you struggle to maintain your hold on the slippery object, you wonder briefly why you thought it was a good idea to make all your ice cubes the size of your head. You waddle back to the entrance, closing the vault door behind you with a kick. As you're about to start the long climb back up, you glance down and see the entrance to your computer room at the bottom of the stairwell; the candy red blood drops are still visible even now. You swallow and are about to go up when a thought strikes you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/what was it demoma wanted anyway\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] After looking up what the library code for ice is, you captchalogue your ice cube, hoping the warm inside of the library within won't melt it too quickly, and enter the room.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Taking care to avoid the drying blood puddles, you walk over to where the encyclopedia is lying, along with the torn-out page Demoma was looking at. You captchalogue the encyclopedia and pick up the page, skimming through it. It mostly describes various recent biomechanical innovations, but one detailed schematic stands out. Looks like some sort of powered armor? Or maybe something more complicated than that? It certainly seems advanced. Wait, what does that paragraph say…[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]TES 413 Mk. III[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A marked improvement over previous models, the TES 413 Mk. III offers unprecedented protection and mobility to its user. Its patented bioengineered nanites can repair almost any injury in a matter of hours, allowing for virtually uninterrupted warfare in any environment. Side effects include:[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]This is perfect! And now you have more than enough grist to afford it. You grab the page and start rushing throughout your hive, going through all the necessary steps to alchemize the desired gear. It's a tedious process but you're starting to get used to it; still, maybe you could ask Beewan to move the machines closer later.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Admire this marvel of alternian engineering[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Yeah, it's pretty cool, you suppose. But there is no time to provide a detailed description of it right now; someone else will surely take care of that. Still, you can't help but feel it looks somewhat too utilitarian, what with its tasteful tones of white and gray and elegant curves. It needs some pizazz, some spice. It needs… [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<got it>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you exclaim, reaching into your sylladex for your most eye-bleedingly colorful set of crayons. One library modus check-out later and you produce:[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]COLORING CRAYONS && MECHANICAL BIOSUIT = [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]F[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]B[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]U[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]L[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]O[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]U[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]S[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] MECHANICAL BIOSUIT[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]An improved version of the [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]TES 413 Mk. III[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px], this new suit passively disrupts enemies' senses by overloading their visual cortex.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Now we're talking! Finally you can hurry back to Demoma. You quickly captchalogue it, then check out your ice cube, waiting patiently for your reference card to be processed. Finally, it is neatly and gently ejected from your sylladex - no need to run for cover with this modus; that kind of behavior just doesn't belong in a library.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Unfortunately for you, neither do ice cubes. Its time in your sylladex has reduced it to a cube no bigger than your fist. You hope that'll be enough as you grab it and prepare to dash back up the stairs.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are interrupted by an empty command. You're not sure what that means exactly, but it has always seemed like the best way to describe the sensation you feel when your lusus reaches out to you. It has a way of making itself understood without any words. And right now, you are feeling very strongly that you should be at your hive's entrance. You obey grudgingly; you know from experience it is best not to make it wait.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You reach your hive door just as Katrin is shouting something about swimming in deep water. StareBird is nowhere to be found, but it looks like Katrin and Japhos managed to carry Demoma down the stairs without issue. You spot Japhos's copter nearby; are they preparing to airlift her out of here? That sounds like a good idea. You glance at her, lying on Katrin's pile of fabric, and your good mood dissipates. The unfamiliar feeling in your gut returns, but you force yourself to keep looking at her. She seems to be still awake, so you force a smile, retrieve the [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]F[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]B[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]U[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]L[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]O[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]U[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]S[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] MECHANICAL BIOSUIT and hold it at arms' length towards Demoma. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"h-hey -> i got some ice + and that suit you wanted too <=> it's supposed to have healing abilities <- /maybe it could help\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You're not too sure what you're supposed to do with the ice cube, so you just try to hand it over to Japhos.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You don't even notice the consort in the fluffbeast's mouth, as it went quiet the moment it saw you appear.[/SIZE]

 

[TripTripleTimes]

======> Japhos


Bless poor Katrin for having a troublesome moirail named Demoma Thredo, but in all honesty, you were not paying any attention to the low blood, seadewller and have expected her to follow your words. Waited just enough, you were about to turn to snap at her but then was stopped. You looked at Katrin, violet static coursed out from her body, and then turned to look at Demoma, floating in the air. You and Katrin have met a handful of time before the fated party all with Demoma as their middle troll. Back then, you only thought of her as a soft, stuttering girl and a sea dweller (not that you had an opinion about them in the first place). However, the fact that Demoma, of all troll, have a moirial had you rather... curious. Before this, you knew her to have psionic but never have you thought to this extent. Demoma suddenly stopped a foot and your reflexe kicks in to try and catch the girl. It was a relief that Katrin took a hold of her psionic.  


You follow the two girls down the stairs but went outside, ahead of the girls, realising that your copter is being ransacked by imps. Of course, Fluffmum bothered you with the creature in her mouth by headbutting you. You take a look at the shaking and still chattering featherbeast thing and then tell your Fluffmum to go bother the others with it. You are quite busy with the imps at the moment. You do give her a small pet for a good job. This will tell them where its village is. She growls at your but heads off towards the hive. 


======> Be the Fluffbeast.

YOU. ARE. THE FLUFFBEAT. Finally! Well, it would be a celebration if your stupid brother hadn't stranded you and your sister at the TOP OF THE STAIRS! Curses your SHORT and STUBBY legs! You will not "SLINKY" down the stairs again! 


"Mom! Mom!" Well, that is what you WOULD DAY if you CAN speak troll! You mew your little pump blood out. 


======> Be the Bigger Fluffbeast, AKA Fluffmum.


You are Fluffmum once again, and gosh darn it! You should have killed this loud feather beast and feed it to the kids. All Fluff knows that there is one wiggler back in the hive that will need the extra iron. However, as soon as you got a mouthful of the feathered creature, you changed your mind and decided to bring it to the indigo smelling hive that you have often seen before during your hive. Your wiggler is a smart boy and he'll follow the creature to its nest and they will all have feast tonight! Hahahahah, you are just kidding, hahahahah.


But of course, once you arrive at the hive where all the kittens and wigglers are, you are DENIED entrance by an old coot. You have no OPPOSABLE THUMBS and your mouth is FULL, so opening a door is a challenge at the moment. The door finally opens but you are RUDELY IGNORED by your son and are directed to his little friends. You are not happy with this but you do as he says for now. You go to the pretty seadweller soon after but the girl smelled heavy and... wet... like after a heavy thunderstorm. Ozone-y. The next conscious troll is the indigo troll. They just bounce past you and towards the flying machine now free of those inky pests. This is going nowhere, so you walk up towards the copter and just spat out the quiet feathered creature. You can hear the rest of your babies calling out to you back inside the hive.


======> Japhos: Feel disgusted.


You are counting to ten to keep yourself from yelling harshly at the indigo blood who just returned with a measly ice cube and a healing suit. This fool, how do they expect to wrap both of Demoma's legs with just a pathetic piece of ice, and are they saying that they wasted all that time making a thing that Demoma can't even equip in the state she is currently in? The small chunk of ice seems to melt faster in your clenching fist.


It may be good timing that Fluffmum has come up to the copter's platform and dropped the creature. The feathered creature goes down with a loud squawk but the most notable thing about it is that it is drooled heavily on. You are not impressed by it.


"! ' m n•t k!ll!ng !t ." You say.

 

[apocryphalPrognosticator]

======> Demoma: Jump up and assert yourself!


Ahh, yeah, no, you really want to. You really do. But that'd really not be the best idea now considering your situation. Soreim slinks away from you anyway. You feel powerful, energetic.  "i do not think that would be wise milady" . God damn right. You're less ambulatory than ever but you just know you can do the impossible. You can do anything! Well, except see straight. You're having a really hard time willing the blurriness from your eyes. This pain is something else. You realize with a shock that on Alternia, this kind of injury would mean culling. Maybe not at first cause of your status...but definitely at some point after people got tired of you. 


======> Do what you're told.


Japhy is telling you to lay down. He thinks ice is gonna help your shattered gams. Or no, you guess he's got some sort of portable healing device? Seems like Japhy. As you sit there quietly respecting Japhos' alchemical foresight, nodding your head like a weirdo, you feel a strange sensation.A sort of weightlessness, you guess? Wait are you dying??? Your adrenaline surges, dovetailing with your newfound HOPE, and your eyes sharpen. You're being carried! There's a noticeably violet aura around you. Is it *Kat* moving you? She's never moved anything bigger than a sewing needle in front of you! You start grinning wildly as your pride swells. You get gently placed onto a pile of assorted fabrics just as the Antlerknight approaches. They seem skittish and bashful; their eyes seem to flicker as they try to stay focused on you. Somehow, since you were so focused on reading their movements and eyes, you totally missed the  [SIZE=14.6667px]F[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]A[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]B[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]U[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]L[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]O[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]U[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]S[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px] MECHANICAL BIOSUIT being thrust at you sheepishly. It sort of resembles an exoskeleton of sorts, but it's got a sleekness to it as well as a whole bunch of bright colors! You notice an energy pack on the back as well as hydraulic apparatuses all connected through it. [/SIZE]

Spoiler

Sort of like like this minus the helmet and backpack: 

======> Power up.


You crawl prone using your arms to where Soreim placed the BIOSUIT. As he goes to give the ice cube to Japhy, you captchalogue your ~EO~ ARMORED GOWN, leaving you just in your tanktop and shorts and topple over the BIOSUIT. It clanks as it lands facing up. You struggle forward, wriggling around until you manage to situate yourself into it. You begin to affix the bindings, being extra delicate with the ones for the legs. Sensors around the suit read your biometric data and adjust various machineries slightly to fit you better. It hums as it fully engages power. You feel a mildly unpleasant sort of pressure sensation begin in your legs. It seems these are the healing abilities the Antlerknight mentioned. With no pain or effort whatsoever, you rise to one knee, resisting the urge to scream some sort of Troll Anime catchphrase in triumph. You hop to both feet, and you know instantly that you need to talk to Kat about everything, in person, in private. Before you rush to spirit her away, though, you've had an idea. All the while eyeing Soreim, you draw SUPERNOVA from your specibus. Not only can you hold it upright, you can swing it like a stick while inside the suit. You wave it back and forth before putting it back in your specibus. 


======> Ascend.


You're not really sure who exactly has been paying attention to your shenanigans while powering up, but just to get everyone's attention, you shout "Me a~d Kat gotta head out for a bit, guys!" You look directly at Soreim and with a very level voice, say "I appreciate the help maki~g the suit, A~tlerk~ight." You look them up and down with a very hollow look about you. When you're done scanning Soreim, you rush over to Kat and lead her by the hand to the stairs. Before you leave, you yell to Japhos as well: "Oh a~d Japhy, tha~ks for taki~' care of me! Your lusus' babies are fucki~ adorable!" With that, you bolt outside, moirail in hand, and draw your MECHANICAL AIRGLIDER from your deck. You let go of her hand, and fly off. You double back once you're in the air, and effortlessly swoop Katrin up! As you use the gates to fast travel, you begin to think about everything that just happened. You're all optimism and vigor right now though. You finally reach The Land of Glass and Fractures.


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As you swoop down carrying Katrin, you notice a little bit of friction between your airglider and your new biosuit. You remind yourself to remedy this later, but right now there are more pressing matters. Like, oh maybe, Kat’s crazy psionics she displayed back there?? It felt so weird, almost like a million needles were carrying you, but it didn’t hurt at all! Oh my gosh she looked so cool. You should tell her that.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Kat, you looked SO COOL!!”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]That went well. Not articulate, but right to the point. You deftly swoop down and land near Kat’s hive, gently setting her down. You are SO EXCITED![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Demoma is right back up and at it, grabbing you up so quickly you only had a chance to shriek and laugh. But you're so relieved she's okay, you were beside yourself with worry, still you know she tries really hard to seem fine. You flush with violet from the tips of your fins grinning with delight as she Sets you down in your lawnring. You don’t remember if you looked cool, you just remember being so scared you were going to drop Demoma.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....,reely?....,and...,you're sure..., you're..., okay?..., To be running around..., like this?" [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Hmm. Are you fine? You can walk okay, but that's the exoskeleton just supporting your weight. You feel good, though! Maybe a dull kind of throbbing, but that’s about it. You really want to seem fine in front of Kat, so you reach down and punch your shin--oh, oh god, no, mistake, bad mistake. The suit is obviously gonna take a little time to fully heal you. You wince but you snap out of it, put on your best shit-eating grin, and say [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Seeeee??” [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You pause for a second, still brimming with energy and sheer faith. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“You came to my rescue! Where did badass, take-~o-priso~ers, hella-teleki~etic Kat come from??”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You lurch forward to catch Demoma as she hits her shin, preemptively panicking and getting ready to call Japhos for that healing pod. But in spite of your worries you catch nothing,the suit holds and Demoma only winces and pulls a grin "Alright, I believe you!" You exclaim smiling back anxiously before she gets any other ideas about how to prove she’s actually totally okay. You amend your catching motion into a ginger hug,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "...,just...., don't...., do that..., again"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Came to her rescue, you let go of the other troll. You were just watching. Guilt washes over you, you should have come faster read the memo sooner. Maybe you could have been there when...[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "I didn't..., I just..., did what...., Japhos told me....,I really, just didn't ...,want to hurt you..., anymore."[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Oh no, she’s...faltering. Is she upset? You push the thought out of your mind, wrap your arms around her, and swing her around you once! [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“You could ~EVER hurt me! You were amazi~g. I’m so sorry I made you worry! I made a mistake a~d got my legs broke, that’s all. ~othi~’ that could stop me for lo~g.” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You try to redirect the conversation from praising her to alleviating her worry. You really should probably tell her exactly what happened, but now is not the time for that. You notice the interesting landscape around you and inquire. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Do~e much explori~g arou~d here?”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You giggle as Demoma swings you around, she really honestly doesn’t think you could have hurt her. It didn't feel so certain, it felt dangerous. It occurs to you that Dem doesn’t know what Soreim told you. You don’t think it could rightfully be called a mistake, from what Soreim told you. It was hardly something Demoma could have expected.  You look around at the translucent landscape. Its been thankfully still since you two got here, but you can see the more opaque cracks where you don't remember them being before. Evidence of more earthquakes,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., A Little bit..,earlier..., I fought some..., imps..., with my lusus."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] The crystalline trees with their shard like leaves twinkle, ringing prettily. Wind? Aftershocks? It's hard to tell, but you don't feel the trembling from the leaves in the ground, not yet anyway,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "You know....,it’s okay to...., stop....,sometimes...,"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You feel a strange stillness in the air as Kat responds. Immediately, you’re jealous that her lusus was able to help fight enemies, but to be quite fair, Bilious Mam IS the best. That will never stop being true. You’re hit with a bit of a haymaker, though, when you hear Kat’s conclusion. It’s ok to...stop? You stop. You stop all the time! You stop so hard. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]After thinking about for a second, you realize that she’s right. Gosh she’s so smart. You’re so happy and stimulated and eager and… wait, you aren’t even listening. It’s ok to stop. Oh no, now she’s disappointed. You have to make it better, fast. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“~o,you’re right. Actually, I think I ~eed to talk to you. Wa~~a fi~d a pile?”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A strange look goes over Demoma's face when you mention your lusus. you should have been more thoughtful, you know Dem has a, rocky, relationship with her lusus. But the expression passes quickly. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., a pile!...,Of course!....., uh, if you..., want to...,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Any concern about an oncoming earthquake flees from your pan, oh gosh you haven't really talked in so long! You take a quick look around the sharp uneven landscape around you, and grab Demoma's hand to lead her to your hive, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., you should...., come inside!..., The only piles out here....,are going to be ...., rather uncomfortable."[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As Katrin grasps your hand and begins leading you, you feel a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, she’s excited to jam with you and you’re excited to jam with her. On the other hand, there’s some difficult things to talk about. You have a really hard time admitting weakness, even to Kat (especially to Kat), and the last few hours have not been your proudest moments.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You follow Kat down the familiar corridor. As you enter her block, you feel ready to explode with thoughts and sentiment, but you let her lead you instead. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Where should we stop, the~?”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You lead her into your block gathering scattered sewing materials along the way. dumping them on the floor in the middle of the block and pushing together some remaining lengths of fabric and old sewing projects until you have a pretty nicely sized pile going. It's not going to be an easy jam, you think waiting for Demoma  and settling yourself into the fabric, but good jams rarely are. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., Are you...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You begin and then stop,  she's already told you she’s okay, you rephrase your question with just enough fierceness to make sure she knows you mean it [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px],"..., Tell me really...., do I...., need to go..., hurt Soreim?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px][/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You plop down into the hill of textiles. Before you can even jump into it, she gets straight to the point. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., Tell me really...., do I...., need to go..., hurt Soreim?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your aplomb and fervor immediately dissipate. You feel guilty and angry at the same time. Some part of you is screaming at you to just say how unpredictable and dangerous Soreim is, but your better(?) half is telling you in no uncertain terms to downplay it. The last thing you want is Kat being hurt because of you. You recall just a few hours ago being ready to encourage Kat to talk to them because of how great they got along at the party. It is the best course of action. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Defi~itely ~ot! It was all miscommu~icatio~. Eve~ so, I’m so proud of you for tryi~g to help me! Hey, I have some good news!”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Of course not, it’s the saltwater in your blood getting the better of you that makes you think going [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]to beat the indigo out of Soreim is a good idea. But it feels like hitting a wall, when Demoma praises you for..., trying. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...,I don't..., they told me..., some of what happened...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You don’t mention how you flippered out when they told you, Demoma is taking it so well. Some of it is certainly bluster you know that well enough but still it makes you embarrassed. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., oh! reelly?...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You perk up at Dem's sudden announcement,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]" ..., what is it?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You’re having a tough time, now. The throbbing in your legs is eminating and the extreme energy and forwardness you had before is dissipating. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“I might k~ow of a way to gai~ a~ extra life i~ the game! I did it with Aph a~d it seemed to work! Have you encou~tered a weird sto~e recuperacoon?” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The doubts you had before are rushing in like a tidal wave. What did Soreim tell her? Should you clarify what happened? Maybe they lied about what happened! You really should tell her what went on. It could change everything!! [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“A~d! A~d... hey, Soreim is really feeli~g broke~ up about this...will you help me keep a~ eye o~ him?”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You failed miserably in being truthful. At least you managed to divert well enough.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]An extra life, does that mean, the game expects you'll die? You've heard the beasts in your dreams whispering ominous things. You had best get on finding that cocoon if that’s the case though,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "...,I haven't seen..., anything like that...., I'll ask..., mam about it...., and the squeakbeasts..., does it...,Aphoph? ..., did he ...,die?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] It worked on him though? So he can't still be dead. Demoma's insistence that you look after Soreim is starting to unnerve you, You nod slowly and reach out for Demoma's hands [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Of course...., I will!...., if you tell me too..., but...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You can hardly lie that you'd feel conflicted, and she keeps deflecting the issue, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"They said..., you showed them..., a book.., you tore up?..., and they.., got angry...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You finish bitterly, grinding your teeth, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., if that's..., true..., you know..., its not..., your fault?..., they shouldn't have...., there’s no excuse ...,for them...., hurting you."[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Aphoph did NOT die. Aphoph is alive. The sky shone because you did what you did. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“He died but I brought him back. A~ amazi~g thi~g happe~ed. I laid him dow~ o~ this rock cocoo~, a~d the sky flashed a stra~ge symbol. My...my sprite told me he would…asce~d? The Bard of Void. Sou~ded importa~t. But he came back to life, that’s what matters.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You start to think about Kat’s second response. Your first reaction is anger. Anger at Soreim for downplaying the situation and anger at yourself for not realizing the extent of your mistakes. There is no reason for you to protect them. And yet, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming need to protect Kat from your misdeeds. You don’t know what could set Soreim off now, and not provoking another fight seems to be the best idea for now. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Oh, they told you about the book? I thought it was just such a great read I wanted to keep a passage or two for myself. Soreim, u~dersta~dably, did~’t appreciate me...archivi~g...their prese~t! Miscommu~icatio~.”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., ascend....," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]It does sounds important, you wonder if you mam hasn't been telling you everything, or if this is part of that cagey mysterious sprite business. It sounds...impressive,  [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Right..., of course! ...,that’s what matters!"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You think so anyway, but...you do have to, die to ascend then. You wonder if it would be dark and cold, or if it’s like sleeping and you'll just wake up on that purple place. And there she goes avoiding the issue again, she wanted to keep it to read? But she had the whole book and it..., just sounds off, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., if....,you're sure..., then...., you know..., I can..., protect you if...., you need it?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You’re feeling quite a bit less enthusiasatic now. The suit must drain off of your own energy, that’s the only way it’d have enough sustainable power. But you’ll have to find a new power source if that’s how fast it fades. Luckily the structural components hold, or else you’d probably collapse due to your legs. As you realize this, Kat offers her protection to you. You at once feel split. You are so proud of Kat for everything she has accomplished and you are grateful for her pity. But, you cannot show weakness. She has to believe in the you that believes in her! [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“I’ll call o~ you the seco~d I ~eed it ~ow that we have FULL-POWER KAT o~ our side!” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You feel sick lying to Katrin. You just want her to be safe. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You really want to believe her, you really want to be there if anything happens to Dem again. But her exclamation makes you grin, even though you don't feel suddenly powerful like she seems to think.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., Yes!.., right!"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] If that's what she thinks though you want her to think that! You'll have to make it true, or prove it whichever! [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., uh sorry....,I...., dragged on...., with that...., you needed..., to talk about..., anything else?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]_____[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Phew. Looks like everything should go to plan, then. You don’t have anything else pressing to say so you make your next statement more emphatic by strutting and grandstanding a little bit: [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“We’re go~~a be ok, Kat.” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You cuddle up in the pile as you start parsing potential future outcomes in your head.[/SIZE]

 

[TripTripleTimes]

======> Japhos


You watch Demoma and Katrin fly away yelling and stomping on the ground. Where does that young lady think she is going with that broken leg of hers? She needs to see a doctor or someone, and Katrin shouldn't be encouraging her moirail by escaping with her!


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“C●me back , damn !t !” [/COLOR]You yell for the last time.


Soreim barely seems to register your outburst, as they stand still, looking at the gate Demoma and Katrin just disappeared through. They seem to be struggling with something, one of their hands idly playing with their pen.


[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"/do you think she liked the suit\"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR]they finally ask, still looking up at the sky. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"she didn't want my ice cube <- /is that a bad sign\"[/COLOR]


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“She !s be!ng a l!ttle sh!t r!ght n●w, that ‘ s what !”[/COLOR] You replied to the other troll. From your pocket, you pull out your mobile device and rapidly starts messaging the two missing girls. No response. A huge huff of breath escapes and you cross your arms. Back in the 2xcopter, you can hear a squawk.


Upon hearing the squawk, Soreim blinks and seems to emerge from whatever mental struggle they were engaged in. They turn to look at the 2xcopter, only now acknowledging its presence. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"your copter's making funny noises [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]japh[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)] --> <oh>" [/COLOR]The consort that Fluffmum had spit out earlier is looking at them accusingly, still covered in some of Fluffmum's drool, as if asking them how they could have allowed such an undignified situation.


[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"you poor thing <=> /how did you get here\"[/COLOR] Soreim rushes over to its side and picks it up delicately.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]i'll bet you're lost <= don't worry <[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]i[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]'ll take care of you now>"[/COLOR] The consort vehemently protests this, which Soreim interprets it as an invitation to hug them. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"aw <- you're so cute <=> [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]i want to keep you + maybe you can make friends with japhos's fluffbeasts[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)] <too>"[/COLOR] Its squawking immediately ceases as it looks back at Soreim completely terrified, slowly swivelling its head to look at Fluffmum walking back inside the hive.


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“St●p c●ddling !t , S[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]●reim[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)] ." [/COLOR]You narrow your eyes at the taller, but thin, troll and the at the terrified thing in their arm. You walk closer to them and looks down at it.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“We are g●!ng t● need !t t● guide us t● a t●wn ." [/COLOR]Demoma may has absconded out of here, but sooner or later he'll make her go see doctor. Plus, he still has-


[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)]“[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]●h sh!t !” [/COLOR]From your sylladex, you quickly pop out the Healing Pod Mini. You are tempted to open the pod and check of Cottonball is doing well but you also do not want to risk damaging her further.


Soreim looks up at you, rocking the consort back-and-forth in their arms.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"/something the matter\ + [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]i[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)] know where the village is already <- don't worry"[/COLOR] They spot the deployed pod and walk over to it.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"oh -> /what's this cauldron for\ + [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]i'm not really hungry[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)] to be honest japhos haha"[/COLOR]


You shake your head vigorously and hug the pod close to you.


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“Th!s !s [/COLOR]You say and narrow your eyes at them for laugh. "[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]C●tt●nball ,[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]” [/COLOR]


They stifle a giggle. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"odd name for a cauldron -> /why'd you bring it here\"[/COLOR]


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“Th!s !s n●t a c●●k!ng un!t !” [/COLOR]You gasp in horror finally realizing what they are talking about. You bare your fangs for offending you and Cottonball. [COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“Th!s !s a heal!ng [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]p●d , y●u ass ,[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]” [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)]You growl. [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“C●tt●nball !s ●ne ●f the k![/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]ttens .[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)] There was an acc!dent back at my h!ve and she needs med!cal attent!●n .”[/COLOR]


They scratch their head with one of their hands, seemingly unfazed by your reaction, and the consort takes advantage of the moment to try to escape. Unfortunately for it, Soreim just grabs them by the leg without looking at them and bends down to try to open up the pod. "oh -> /is she okay now\ + <maybe i can make her a biosuit too>" They giggle at the mental image they have conjured up.

​

[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“N●, bad [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]S●reim .[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)] D●n ‘ t t●uch .” [/COLOR]You swat at the grabby, grubby hands and turn your body away from Soreim. [COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“She d●esn’t need that ugly p!ece ●f sh!t, she just need t● see a healer . Dem●ma needs t● see a healer  .”[/COLOR] Under your breath, you grumble how stupid that girl is to recklessly move around. She will stuffer a limp if she doesn't seek professional help.


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“!f y●u w![/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]ll[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)] be n● use, give me the feather creature s● ! may be ●n my way t● the t●wn .”[/COLOR]


Their hand shrinks back from your touch and they look at you grumpily. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"it's not <that> ugly"[/COLOR] they mumble as they walk back to you and hand over the consort.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]i'm not sure why you want to go there anyway <= i mean they throw some <great> parties => but for some reason i doubt that's why you want to go hehe + i'll[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)] still come with you though <=> wouldn't want you getting lost haha"[/COLOR] Putting their hands to their mouth they whistle loudly, and a few seconds later their antlerbeast appears from behind their hive, nonchalantly making its way towards you. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"<mopris'll help speed things along> <= /won't you boy\"[/COLOR]


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“Are y●u sure !t can h●ld all ●f ●ur we![/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]ght[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)] ?" [/COLOR]You stare at the antlerbeast, skeptically.


They leap on to the beast's back and pat the spot just behind them with a wink.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"<of course it probably can> + hop on <- /unless you'd rather ride fluffmum\ haha"[/COLOR]


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]Fluffmum[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)] !”[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR]You yell for your lusus. There is a long stretch of silence. You yell for her again only to be replied back with an angry, loud roar from Soreim's hive.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR]


[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)]“[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]Tsk .[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)]” [/COLOR]You glare up at Soreim and then throw the feathered consort roughly onto their lap. You try your best to climb up the beast, but with one hand, it is a tedious task. Finally, you hold up a hand silently for them to help you up onto the beast.


Soreim pulls you up faster than you'd expected and you land hard on Mopris's back.[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"<hold on>"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR]they cry, before pointing forward with the hand that isn't holding the consort. [COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]mopris[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)] -> <away>"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR]With a start, the antlerbeast starts running towards the thick of the jungle at a run.


You flop onto the antlerbeast belly down and are definitely not in the best of position to ride the thing at full speed.


[COLOR= rgb(134, 48, 22)]“Baaah! S - s - st●p !” [/COLOR]You are juggled up and down at the back of the beast as you do your absolute best to hang on and hold on to the Healing Pod Mini at the same time.


Soreim laughs wildly, sounding genuinely happy for the first time in hours. S[COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 86)]"/stop\ + japhos => <this is just the beginning>"[/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 0)] [/COLOR], the beast and its passengers disappear into the dense foliage, and SoreimWith another cry from Soreim'shive is quiet once more.

 

[Lyro]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Fast-forward several weeks[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Deep in the jungle of the Land of Music and Stars, a darkness moves beneath the tree tops. A horde of underlings makes its way through as stealthily as they can manage. They pause every few minutes, and the vanguard imps scout out the area while the basilisks stand guard around the three liches they are escorting. They have been journeying for many days now and the end is in sight: the gaping mouth of an enormous cavern, in the middle of a clearing.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The imps are on edge. For some time now, the group has been hearing reports of a demon in the shadows, targeting ever stronger groups of underlings seemingly at random; what few survivors manage to make it out can only babble incoherent sentence fragments in between bouts of wild laughter. At least there haven't been any reports of liches being aggressed yet - surely three should be enough to keep it at bay.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Far above, nestled in a tree branch, a demon smiles.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Soreim: Accelerate[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUTMw7rEsDk[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With a gleeful cry, you jump down from your resting place, your PEN-ULTIMATE WEAPON pointed below. Two clicks, a cap twist and a scribble later and half of the salamanders are dispatched in a sequence of concussive blasts powerful enough to throw the surviving salamanders several feet away. One of the liches looks up just in time for you to land directly on its face, sending it crashing to the ground. Still using your downward momentum, you swing your pen at the very center of its skull. Its skull shatters before it has any time to react, killing it instantly. You roll to the side and spring back up, facing the two remaining liches. You wink at them.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]They move quickly, too fast for you to utter the killer one-liner you had prepared. The nearest one swings at you with its clawed hands faster than you had thought possible. You dodge to the best of your ability. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"whoops -> missed me + missed me + missed me <again> + mi-- <ow> <- ok => got me that time"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You leap back out of its range, clutching at your left side. It feels like your bandaged wound has re-opened. That's going to be a pain to deal with. Haha. A pain. That's funny.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As you leap behind a tree, narrowly avoiding the lich's grasp, you spot the second one behind it preparing to cast a spell. You also notice that some of the salamanders have gotten to their feet and are now rushing towards you. As for the imps, so far they seem content to stand back and watch from the sides; that's good, you'll need them later. Thinking quickly, you climb up the tree closest to you. Its cartoonish branches make it easy to find grips and it isn't long before you're standing above the battle once more.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Just as you reach a branch big enough to hold your weight, the lich finishes casting its spell. A swarm of tiny black missiles fly out towards you, hitting you in the shins. Your legs explode with pain as tiny indigo lacerations appear all over them. You start to slip. Desperately, you look for something to hold on to. Your eyes latch on to a nearby vine, and you get a [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]fantastic[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] idea. You clutch at the vine and let yourself swing off from the branch.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Rain death from above[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With a whoop you soar over the befuddled combatants below, holding on to your vine for dear life. Destructive blasts shoot out from your pen, raining down upon the remaining salanders, dispatching them with ease. Unfortunately for you, the liches seem to simply catch the blasts with their hands and toss them away, carelessly killing several imps in the process. You frown; without the element of surprise, these are a lot tougher to defeat. You alight from your swing on to another branch, and immediately swing back away, just as more lich darts fly past.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you think out loud, as you keep swinging from branch to branch randomly. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"can't shatter you anymore + you won't let yourselves be surprised either + can't slash you <- you're far too fast for that => sooooo"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You look around for something to use, but all you see are more of these giant cartoon-ish trees as far as the eye can see. Maybe you could crush them with the trees? No, that's stupid, but maybe…[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You aim your pen at the roots of a tree right behind the two liches and send off another blast. It flies through the air and impacts the tree, completely destroying the trunk at the point of impact. With a loud groan, the entire tree collapses to the side. The liches step out of the way without even sparing it a glance and continue trying to fire at you. You keep dodging and swinging, repeating the process several more times, slowly creating a ring of fallen trees around both the liches and the spectating imps, some of which start trying to climb out of the ring once they realize what is happening.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Several blasts later and your foes are completely surrounded. Focused as they are on you, they do not seem concerned. You swing one last time to the tallest tree, in the very center of the ring, and climb up to the highest branch you can reach. Below, the two creatures are readying another spell, while the imps are all crawling on top of the ring's tree trunks in a bid to escape. You take out your pen, and slide the red switch at the top, changing the point's color. You take aim and fire several shots at the felled trees.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Watch the world burn[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The incandescent projectiles hit. Your jungle, for all its beauty, is a very dry land. You have only encountered a few odd rivers and lakes so far. To this day this still puzzles you, as these trees were clearly meant for lusher climes; they shouldn't even be able to grow here. Right now, however, all that matters is that they burn. And they burn well.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The flames rise up in a flash, surrounding the liches and setting the escaping imps ablaze. Shrill shrieks fill the air as they begin running around in panic. The sound breaks the liches' concentration, interrupting their spellcasting. Taking advantage of their confusion, you switch your pen back to its concussive mode and blast the ground next to them. The shockwave sends them hurtling forward and into the pyre, setting them both on fire. Their mouths open to scream silently as the fire begins to consume them. You watch with a satisfied smile as their bodies wither away to nothingness.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]And now to get out of here. This fire is going to rage for a while, considering how dense the foliage is. The surrounding mountains and rivers will eventually stop its progress, but they are too far away for you to reach. Your best bet is still your original destination - the cavern in the middle of the clearing. You lean out from your branch and blast the base of your tree. You hang on to the trunk as it starts to fall down. It looks like it will be just enough to clear the wall of fire. You close your eyes as you pass over the stinging smoke.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Land already[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You crash down to the ground with a loud groan, the impact ejecting you from the tree. You land on your back several feet away, bruised and still bleeding from your earlier wound, but otherwise unharmed. You breathe a sigh of relief. That was harder than you had imagined. Looks like the game just introduced a noticeable bump in difficulty. Are all encounters going to be like this from now on? You certainly hope not. At least you managed to climb another rank of your echeladder during that fight, so the experience is still coming in at a good rate.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Before you can give this further thought, the acrid smell of smoke reminds you that you're still not in the clear yet. You still have to reach that cave entrance. With some difficulty, you start to get to your feet, only to collapse back down with a sharp intake of breath. You feel your energy draining away, and realize with a panicked start that you had been running on empty for some time now. The last Life you took must have been well over four days ago, and that was just from a low-level ogre. You can feel your brain shutting down even now as your body's natural tiredness seeps back in. You try to fight it, but you know deep down it's only a matter of time before you succumb. You don't even remember the last time you slept or ate - it might have been two or three weeks ago. And now you're empty, rapidly succumbing to your body's need for sleep, right next to a raging fire. You have to at least warn someone, let them know what happened. You reach to pull out your phone when a chittering sound interrupts you.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Standing right in front of you is an imp. Perhaps the only imp that managed to escape your trap. Its expression is uncertain, as it balances its fear with its instinct to agress you. You don't particularly care. Right now, this imp is good for one thing and one thing only. You reach out faster than it can react and grab it by the throat. With your other hand, you raise your pen and bring it down hard on its skull. Your eyes flash green. The imp vanishes.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]

[/SIZE]

Spoiler

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Many thanks to @TripTripleTimes for drawing this! Source: [/SIZE]http://triptripletrolls.tumblr.com/post/156343165345/soreim

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You slowly get back to your feet as your fatigue is washed away in waves by stolen vitality. At your current level, a simple imp will provide you with energy for a few hours at the most. Your wounds remain, however; no matter what you try, you can't seem to heal yourself. You'll just have to wait until you're back at your hive to deal with the pain.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Abscond[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With a slight limp in your right leg, you clear the jungle and emerge into the clearing. The fire has spread to all the trees behind you by now and is rapidly encircling you. There is a certain beauty to the raging inferno behind you, in the perpetual twilight of your land. You watch the flames for some time, but must eventually press on as the smoke becomes too thick. It's getting pretty hot too. You take a look at your tattered clothes, worn and torn from so much time spent in the wild. You've gradually been losing piece after piece, and this latest attack just tore it open completely on the left side. You sigh and take them off, discarding them into the inferno behind you, keeping only your boots and a short you'd captchalogued during your alchemical experimentations.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]

[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]That's better; you actually feel less constrained in your movements. You clear the remaining distance to the cave and collapse in its entrance. Your leg feels like it's on fire - whatever the liches threw at you, it was strong. At least the air here is fresher - a breeze seems to be wafting from below. You breathe in deeply and smile as you pull out your communications device.[/SIZE]

 

[Lad]

Katrin: Damage control======>


[SIZE=14.6667px]“...,10…,11…,12…,13…. That’s ….,everyone!”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You exclaim tallying up the last of the squeakbeasts in the little village. Everyone is a little worse for wear, but not a single one missing after the last earthquake! Looking over the swathes of fabric and haphazard clumps of sticks. You’ll just have to put the tents back up and things will be back to normal!  A notification pops up on your glasses and you switch tabs to check who it is and when you see the username you call back to the squeakbeasts, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]“...., I have to take this!..., uh.., start on the frames…,if they’re broken…..uh…., Just…, use the alchemiter if you need new tents!”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]waveringLight [WL][/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] began trolling [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]senatorialOphelia [SO][/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <hey katrin> <- hope this isn't a bad time for you[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:....., Glub!...., Soreim! …, where have you been![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:..., no its fine…, timewise….,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: oh i've just been really busy with my quest <=> this place is <amaaazing>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: besides -> /it hasn't been that long has it\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: only <- wait let me check[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …, no one's…., heard from you in….., a week!...,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: wow -> </really\> <=> </a week\>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: uhhh => okay + huh <- uhm <=> whoops[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i'll blame it on sleep deprivation haha[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: /everyone doing okay\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …., no. .., everyone. …, is fine…., concerned is all…,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:...., carp soreim…., how long …,have you been. .., awake?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: weeell -> you've said i've been gone a week /right\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: so <- /how about one week\ hehe[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: but it's okay <= don't worry -> really[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: there's this --> /thing\ + oh no sorry haha => <fin> i can do[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: and it lets me stay awake so long as i keep up the fight[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <it's pretty awesome>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …., that sounds….., awesome is …., a term you could. …, use to describe that…..,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ……, it might be good….., to take a….., nap…., sometime….maybe[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <that's exactly what i was thinking> <- and it brings me to the reason why i messaged you[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i think i uh -> /what's the word\ => /overexerted myself a bit earlier\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: and i managed to steal a bit of energy back -> but now i'm almost empty[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: so i think i'll be going for a nap soon[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: but the thing is => it's getting a bit hard for me to keep going on my own[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: and uh <= i was wondering[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: /would you like to come help me\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <if you're not too busy*> of course haha [*](totally understand)[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i can help you out too <=> <we could alternate>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …., No, I can come!...., of course…., uh[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ……, what…., do you ….., need help with. …..,?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: oh <great>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i asked my sprite a while ago about all of you[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: he was a bit grumpy + didn't always have very kind words for everyone hehehe[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: but he <did> tell me the knight of heart[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: no wait -> this needs proper emphasis haha[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: that the Knight of Heart was one of the strongest warriors on our team[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: and that's <you> => /right\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <because i could reeeeeeeeelly use some help with fighting right now>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: it's been getting uh -> rough[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …, uh…, Yes! …, that's what …, the squeak beasts…., and mam…., say…,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ….., so yes!...., and I can…., definitely. …, help……, you, do that![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <fintastic> <= i'm so glad[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: /do you still have something that lets you fly\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: …. Oh yeah!..., Japhos gave me……, a copter board!...., it's violent![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO…, *violet![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: haha -> that sounds <perfect> <=> can't wait to see it[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: ah <- uhm <=> /do you know if smoke would mess up its engines or something\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: like super super thick smoke that blots out the sky kind of smoke[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:....., uh……,I don't. .., think …., it would….., is everything….., okay?.....,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:..., on your land……? [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:....., is it burning?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <part of it is> + but it shouldn't spread too far -> there are rivers and mountains and stuff[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: sooo => /maybe just avoid it for the next few hours\[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <and then i'll be waiting for you in the middle of the ashes>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: there's a nice little cave here where the air is cool and fresh[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:....., are you…., in the middle…, of the fire…, right now?![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:...., ok…., thats….., I'll be over…, as soon as I can….![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <no rush> -> i'm safe here <- don't worry[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: in fact => i think i'll have my nap right now[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: if there are enemies in the cavern => they're really deep down[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: i'll try to find a softer rock or something haha[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: just don't hesitate to punch me or something if i won't wake up hahaha[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WL: <i'm looking forward to seeing you again>[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO:......, right, okay….., I'll bring you….., a pillow …., something….,[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]SO: ….., yeah! …, it's good to hear from you again….., im…, looking forward to it too![/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]senatorialOphelia [SO][/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] ceased trolling [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]waveringLight [WL][/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Sprinting back to the collapsed tents you pull some bedding from the wreckage of one. Ejecting your copter board you jump on it at a sprint. Leaning sharply you make your way to the gates heading for the Land of Music and Stars.[/SIZE]


Arrive======>


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A short distance from the cave's mouth, Soreim is lying collapsed on the ground. Their eyes are closed and they seem to be asleep, their pen clutched in their right fist. Their chest is wrapped in a bandage several layers thick, darkened in several places by indigo patches, most noticeably on their left side where the fabric still seems wet. Their right leg is also covered in tiny lacerations, some of which are still bleeding. Various other scars cover their body, some years old and some much more recent. You also notice their phone lying to the side, still open to the conversation you had not long ago.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You jump off your copter board racing into the ashy clearing to Soreim's side. They said it was getting rough fighting alone but this isn’t just rough, they're covered in blood and their glasses are utterly shattered. A nap! They need a hospitroll. You uncaptchalogue a sewing kit, you've stitched them up before it will just have to do. Needle threaded while you look for a place to start you attempt to rouse them you placing a hand lightly on spot on their shoulder that seems mostly unbruised,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Soreim!..., can you hear me?...,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Whatever’s under those bandages must be bad you think for there to be so many dark patches, grabbing a set of shears you start cutting away the layers of covering, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., I'll stitch you right up!...., and then we'll back to you hive..., for sopor...,"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim mumbles something in their sleep but otherwise makes no other movements. It is only when they hear your shears start to cut that their eyes snap open. They sit up in a flash, grabbing you by your arm and holding up their pen to your face, looking directly into your eyes with a hungry look. Then, just as quickly, their expression goes back to its usual mirthful state, the tension draining out of their body and sporting a warm smile. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<katrin> + you startled me there hahaha <- thought you were another lich or something"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They twirl their pen in their fingers and put it away, then look down at your scissors. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"oh i think you'll have a hard time making me a new outfit out of that haha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Using their left arm for support, they start to get up but collapse after putting strain on their leg. Their expression becomes a little more pained. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ah right => yeah i might need some help walking hehe + <come on> => <let's go explore this cave>"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Starting at the sudden movement and the look in Soreim's eye's you worry for a minute that you’ve done something to make them angry. You remember what happened to Demoma's legs and your gaze flashes to the pen right in your face. But the moment passes and Soreim recognizes you, and you return their smile with a nervous giggle, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“..., I’m sorry!...., I didn’t mean to ….,startle you….,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Make a new set of clothes, if you’d known the state they were in you would have brought Soreim a change of clothes as well. Making them would take time and from the looks of things Soreim doesn’t much want to wait. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“..., Wait!..., I’m not…., Im trying to stitch you up!..., You can’t go fighting like this!”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"hahaha => i guess that's true"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They grab on to a nearby rock in the wall and unsteadily rise to their feet, taking care to avoid putting any strain on their right leg. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i've got something in my hive which should help* <= but come oooooonnnn we're <right> here + i don't think there even are any enemies in this cave => it's only happened in twin prime caves so far and this is cave 37"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They hold down their pen's button and a long silvery pole extends from it, which they use as an improvised crutch. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it won't take long <i promise> [*](then we can go back and relax for a bit) + it looks worse than it really is <- believe me"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"But if ..., something, is down there....,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You don't like this not at all. It would be best to come back at full health, well rested, or at least bandaged up a little more. But Soreim knows their planet better than you, and it seems less inherently inhospitable than yours. If you do run into anything there are two of you now, Packing up your things you hover near Soreim as they lean on their pen, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Would...., some bandaging..., on your leg ..., help...?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You offer anxiously, and then after looking towards the back of the cave, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"what, is, usually..., down in the caves..., if theres no underlings?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim shakes their head, not looking at you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"nah <- the leg is lich stuff => doesn't go away easily + i've only fought them a few times* <- usually takes a day or two to fade way [*](never fought three at once though -> that was fun haha) + ah here we go"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You reach an archway that has been carved into the stone. Intricate glyphs cover it from top to bottom, with a pair of faded digits featuring prominently at the top. It looks like part of the cavern has caved-in just past it, preventing you from seeing what lies beyond. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<the 37th power relay> + ah => you might want to stand back"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Standing in front of the door frame, they take out their pen and click it several times. The rocks beyond explode into tiny fragments, none of which collide with either of you. A staircase leading deeper underground is revealed. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/see\ <= blocked <=> no way they got in there + nah if we're lucky it's just a few cables we need to tie together => but if we're <really> lucky => it's a <puzzle> + /don't you just love puzzles\ <= puzzles are great hahaha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They keep chuckling to themselves as they continue on, starting the downwards climb.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You step back as the blockage explodes revealing a staircase further into the cave. "[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]37th..., you've gotten ..., far along...., with your quest, then?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A power relay, that must be why Soreim's land looked so strange it didn’t have any energy, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., oh shore!..., sometimes anyway...., clothes can be like puzzles!"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<you're telling me> hehe"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They start carefully walking down the stairs. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it's not that far in though <= i still have something like 60 more relays to reactivate + i'll bet they get a lot tougher too => but it's all part of the fun <- all part of the fun haha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] While holding on to the wall with their left arm, they gesture vaguely in the air with their right one. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it's like uh -> like a series of big rings around the planet /you know\ + not really a grid <- but not really a well-traced circle either <=> and it's become all smashed up and sabotaged => so i have to set it back up again + /and then\ => <surprise> hahaha + good game good game"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They pause to breathe for a few seconds then turn to look at you. Their cheeks are flushed indigo and they look noticeably more tired than just a few minutes ago. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"uh <- /mind if i lean on you for a bit\ + these stairs are a bit hard"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You rush to help Soreim using your psionics to help ease the weight on both of you. Half supporting them and half bracing them with your psionics. Arranging it to keep the pressure off their injured leg. You want to be able to let go of them in case it does come to a fight, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“ I'll. .., carry you down the stairs …, if you need…., let, minnow…,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] What if they pass out or something from this? What then? [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]”..., can you tell me...about your puzzles?...., for the quests?...., just in case I ...need to help…,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"the puzzles => yes <the puzzles>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] they nod distractedly as they resume their descent, not acknowledging your assistance. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"whoever did this wanted a way to reactivate each relay at some point i think <- /second thoughts\ <- or maybe just game contrivances => it's <irrelevant> <- they're fun"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Raising their pen-cane, they point to several inscriptions on the wall near you. "[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]/see those\ => old schematics of the system => what part goes where how it all works <- input and output and so on"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You begin to hear a distant drip of water as the steps become slightly slippery; Soreim slips several times but manages not to fall. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"simple puzzles just involve reading the schematics + putting it all together => bam <- the place is alive again + boring but it's a nice break sometimes hehe"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]They pause as you both reach a small antechamber carved into the bedrock. Whatever it once contained has long since rotten away or been buried under rock, save for one side of the room, where the last few pieces of a faded mosaic still depict the land you're on. You can just barely make out a circle denoting the planet, surrounded by a myriad of star symbols arranged in a ring around it. One of the stars stands out more than the others, and Soreim points to it. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aha <- we're in one of the super-relays* + see it's not just a land network [*](well i call them super-relays at least haha) => it also ties in with the stars at some stations + looks like this is one of them"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They continue downwards, leaning more heavily on their pen. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"their puzzles are better because they're against someone -> something -> i don't know <=> never figured it out <- /residual ai maybe\ + and they're smart => so /do you like playing music\ + <let minnow> <- i just got that hahahaha"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]They halt their progress to giggle belatedly at your pun, some of their laughter turning into coughing. They turn to look at you, and for the first time since you woke them up, you have the impression they're really seeing you and noticing you. Their eyes widen as they look you up and down. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"katrin <- <you've got a new outfit> + or /did you already have it last time\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They frown and shake their head. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it's so blurry => can't remember + but /how have you been\ <- /what have you been up to\ <= i really should have asked before"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You gaze up at the grand architecture of Soreim's planet, sure footed as always on the wet stone. Feeling dwarfed by the ancient artworks. You feel Soreim lose their footing and make sure to grab them before they can fall. Looking down, away from the mosaics, you focus on keeping soreim from tripping down the stairs. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"I don’t ….,play much music….” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You say, though you think their question may have been mostly rhetorical, the only claim to instruments you might claim was the time you messed up the coding on a synthesizer when you were younger. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“..,Oh!..., this?...,it’s old…, but, thank you!...,” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You grin as they chuckle at your fish pun, which is quickly replaced by a look of worry as they start coughing, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“....,nothing much…., I made some clothes…., for my consorts….., and help…, rebuild their towns…,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Put on edge by their coughing you peer into the dark for the bottom of the stairs or an underling or anything really. You try to distribute more of their weight onto your psionics[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px],“..., We should hurry…., you need to get back…., to your hive..,”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"no rush -> no rush"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They smile confidently at you, but the effect is somewhat marred when they follow it up with another wince of pain from their leg. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it's really not that bad <= as long as i keep using up underlings* -> i can push back the pain indefinitely + none of these injuries are life-threatening anyway [*](gotta admit -> right now i do wish there were at least a few enemies in here)"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They resume their trek downstairs, moving slightly faster now that you are supporting them more. The stairs are narrower now, and you think you can see a faint light at the end. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you worry too much haha -> and not about the important things either <=> if anything you should be worried that you don't play music <- it won't like that hehe => good thing i'm a pro though"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As they finish their sentence, the stairs end and you both enter into another cavern, one much bigger than the previous one. Despite its size, there isn't much space to walk around in, as most of it is occupied by a byzantine network of cables, pipes, catways, chains, all connected to one enormous metallic tube in the very center of the room, reacing up to the ceiling and beyond. The structure is by far the oldest construction in the room, much of it being rusted away, exposing some of the wiring underneath, but you can still hear a very faint hum coming from it. Or is it coming from the pipes? It's hard to tell. The hum seems to be all around you, at the very limit of your hearing.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim doesn't seem to pay any of it much attention as they walk straight to a set of rusted computer terminals and start flicking switches, pushing buttons and kicking the machines when they are too slow to comply. They continue talking throughout the whole procedure. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"besides <- there isn't much time => stars are dying + healing items take a long time to act on me for some reason <=> but with you by my side that won't matter + <oh>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They turn to look at you, an excited look on their face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i could do the same for you => keep you awake the whole time <= we'd never have to stop -> could go on playing forever + i've never tried it on somebody else <- but it should be safe + let's go find some underlings right after this /okay\"[/SIZE]

 

[Lyro]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]It’s not going to like that?[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] “Soreim…., what is….,’it’...,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Didn’t they just say there wasn’t supposed to be anything down here? When Soreim said puzzle you were thinking more like, the kind where you fit shapes together. If …, it wants a music puzzle you sure hope Soreim is right about being a pro at this, you were really hoping you’d be dealing with things you could hit. You watch Soreim messing with the computers, your own checkered past playing with your own husktops precluding you from offering to help. Having only just found out about their ability to keep themselves awake indefinitely the suggestion that they might be able to do the same to you is, surprising to say the least. It’s not an unattractive idea. There have been times when whole consort towns have been swallowed in fractures, it would be mightily helpful. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“..., I think…., yeah…., we could…., try that sometime….,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]In small doses though. An entire week of staying awake…, and then a nap in a cave with no slime…., the nightmares would be terrible, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“...., Are you…., you really just….., want to keep going ….., for the next…., sixty?..., relays…..,” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Perhaps you’ll be trying that staying awake thing sooner rather than later. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<certainly hope so>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They leap up to reach a giant lever and pull it down with their weight. The entire cavern slowly lights up with a combination of lights emanating from the ceiling. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i mean => i'd have to take breaks <=> the pain goes away -> but a wound is still a wound + fortunately i made some stuff last time i was at my hive* <=> a few hours back there and i'm good to go [*](hurts like hell -> but you make the pain go away by fighting => /beautiful system right\ haha)[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]" Soreim then starts to climb a ladder, gesturing at you to join them.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "but that's for later + right now -> it's time to use our pans"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]They reach a large platform that overlooks much of the cavern, resting at about two-thirds of its total height. The platform is bordered by a metallic railing, beyond which the massive central structure towers, while its center is occupied with an assortment of electronic machines. Some of them almost seem to be synthesizers, though if so they are considerably more advanced than any synthesizer you have seen before. All of said machines seem to tie into the vast network of cables spanning the entire cavern, though you can't see where the connections end up from your current position.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i'm not sure what <it> is -> i call it the guard + the super relays always have one"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They kneel down to look beneath the machines and you hear them fiddling with several cables. One by one, the machines in the center light up, and you start hearing an extremely faint buzzing sound in the cavern, like a speaker with no input. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"whoever sabotaged these places must have put it here + they're all different from one place to another -> but they all serve the same purpose => disrupting the music + ugh"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Soreim grimaces suddenly, like they've felt a bad taste on their tongue while they fiddle with several controls. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/can you feel that\ + it's starting to notice us <- it's like a wrongness in the air /you know\ + it's preventing this place from working -> from communicating with the star => so the poor star is starving + /could you stand over there\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They point to the back of the platform, near the cavern wall, where the biggest cables come in from. The biggest one, about the thickness of your waist, lies unplugged from its giant extension cord. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"well -> i say poor <=> it's going to try to suck the life out of us the moment you plug that cable in haha"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]They finish fiddling with their knobs, then lean over one of the synthesizer-like machines and look at you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so -> when you're ready => plug that cable in + we're going to have to fight the star <and> the guard => <with music>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They wink at you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"my land has the best puzzles + if you have any questions <- now's the time hehe" [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Oh, shore…!” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You make your way over the catwalk through cables and wires to stand by the unplugged cable. Whatever Soreim can sense is wrong in the air, you don’t feel it. Or hear it perhaps. If it can sense you it hasn’t done anything yet that you can see. Perhaps it’s like your denizen, and only just waking up. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“..., So I, just…, plug it- …, what, wait…., ….shouldn’t we have, talked about that!?”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] IF you have questions, your fins flush with frustration. You could write a book about all the questions you have. What does sucking the life out of you entail? So you can’t use a needle to fight this gaurd? Defeat it with music, how does that even work? But seeing as their injuries, which seem certainly more severe than they seem to think they are, amounted to little more than an inconvenience in trying to finish this quest, and their caginess, or absent mindedness, so far, it seems doubtful they’ll really be all that receptive.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“...,No no…, we’ll just…., I am…, fine, with this…,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Or well you’ll have to be, you can’t very well abscond now and leave them here by themselves. You think you are beginning to see how miscommunications with Soreim can lead to maiming. Picking up with the cable with a combination of your arms and psionics again you stop just before you plug it in and clench your teeth,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“...,You…., had better ….,know what you’re…, doing here Sor…,”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim smiles and closes their eyes as you plug the cable in. Several additional lights turn on, but otherwise it doesn't seem to have any other effect. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i'm glad you're still here kat => 3 -> 2 -> 1 -> and"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They abruptly move one of their sliders up, and reality breaks around you.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The cavern's walls seem to melt away, dissolving into nothingness. An unending blackness lies beyond. Everything that was inside the cavern is still there, except it seems sort of faded. Only you and Soreim remain sharply in focus, as well as the controls to the machine Soreim is using. The faint buzzing you had been hearing before has turned into a loud, regular beat that sends sound wave after sound wave crashing over your body every second or so. Soreim moves some additional sliders, and the effect lessens. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"alright <- we've got its attention now"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The air in front of the platform seems to shimmer. You can almost make out a silhouette in it, but whenever you try to focus on a specific area the effect seems to vanish. It's large, though - easily ten times your height. It seems to hover in front of both of you, and the air feels heavier the closer you get to it. You then begin to hear another sound - a strident, dissonant sound that makes your skin crawl. It quickly gathers strength, soon becoming louder than the regular booming around you; as it does so, it somehow manages to shape itself into a melody. A horrible and repulsive melody, but a melody nonetheless. The air around you seems to become even heavier, and you find yourself breathing more heavily.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aaaand -> boom"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Soreim finishes a series of adjustments and flicks another switch. The muted regular booming changes suddenly: while still preserving its underlying rhythm, it shifts into a melody of its own, repeating a simple but catchy tune. They begin nodding their head in keeping with the beat. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aww yeah <- that's more like it"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] As Soreim's melody gains in strength, the air around you returns to normal, and you feel its strong beat coursing through you once more. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/what do you think\ <- it seems to like high pitched sound -> so i figured i'd go for the opposite + you might want to get closer => the star should be noticing us soon <- and that's where you'll come in => maybe grab that piece of pipe if you don't have anything to hit it with"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They point to a section of metallic pipe that seems to have fallen off the ceiling nearby; it's about the length of your arm and seems pretty solid.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The walls dissolve and you feel the buzzing as the sound hits you. You see the air move in front of you, like a current in the water, but it has a definite shape of… of something more than a shift in temperature fronts. You pull out a sword sized needle holding it between you and the thing. As the air grows thicker your gills flutter of their own accord trying to process the new sensation. The music changes again evening out into a more pleasant sound and suddenly your breathing is no longer strained. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., I think...., it's, working..., Keep doing, that...!" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Which is about the extent of your appraisal. You take the chance to race across the catwalk back to Soreim, standing with them behind you brandishing your needle at nothing, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., Do I hit, the thing?…Or ...., what am I ..., looking for...?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]They shake their head. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"not that -> <that>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They point to an area above your head, where an intricate tangled mess of pipes and cables pass over you. You don't initially see what they are referring to, but then suddenly the pipes start moving. Like a collection of snakes, they slowly start untangling themselves and sliding towards you. Their extremities are covered with dozens of tiny little jagged edges looking almost like needles, and they are slowly but surely reaching down to you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"don't let those touch us"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Soreim adds, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"think of them as leeches <= they're slow-moving and easy to swat away because the star is so weak <=> but let them touch you and you'll lose some of your life + even i don't know how they manage that"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]While you're looking at the star's leeches coming towards you, you feel the air becoming heavier once more and you realize the guard has added another layer to its music. Its melody now has distinctive movements, all of which seem to follow a general pattern of a slow build-up followed by a pronounced, high-pitched climax. You feel the air tightening around you every time the sudden shift happens. Soreim furrows their brow. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"hmm -> trickier <= this one might take a little longer"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Don't let the pipes touch you, there's something you can do! You stab your needle at them and they retreat a bit. Far enough for you to be comfortable but Soreim is half a foot taller than you. Leaping you swing the blunt edge of your needle at them throwing them back towards the ceiling. If they're slow now you imagine once the star gets some power the pipes will become faster. For now the only threat they pose is that they don’t give up your earlier swat set them back but did nothing to discourage them. The air catches in your throat as you breathe. The discordant sound of the guard's melody makes your stomach twist [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., No problem...!"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim is completely oblivious to your situation. Their eyes are closed, and their feet are tapping to their beat. They seem to be trying to figure something out. You see them move several sliders around, but they don't seem to have any effect on the surrounding air, despite altering the melody. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"maybe -> oh yes <- that could work"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They open their eyes again and switch to a different synthesizer, this one much smaller than the previous one but sporting a keyboard. They experiment with the keys for a few seconds, trying to find the desired sound, then finally settle on a slow-paced sound that reminds you of waves in the sea.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As the sound is added to their existing melody, the air arround you becomes normal once more, except this time something else is happening you. You feel a refreshing breeze on your back, almost like you're near the ocean, and around you the lights acquire a mixture of low-key indigo and violet hues. Faint ethereal lights begin appearing and fading out all around you, floating in the air for a few seconds before disappearing. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/you like that\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Soreim asks with a grin. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"we're going to wash its filth away from this place hahaha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] They go back to their previous control panel and start flicking more switches, anticipating the guard's counter-attack.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The familiar sounds of rushing water seem to wash away the thickening air. As a breeze blows through the room the pipes redouble their push forward, just a little bit faster this time. Your steps take on a practiced sway, like keeping balance with the tide on a dock. But the ground is still beneath you so every shifting step translates into lunge, strike, jump, turn, repeat. In spite of your earlier frustration you grin back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“...,It’s…, shiny!...,”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You glub, resisting the urge to follow the lights like bioluminescent cuttlefish blinking around you. The pipes are proving manageable thus far, even as they drop downwards anticipating you to be distracted by the next onslaught.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<keep it up kat> => <second phase>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Before the guard can even react to their previous changes, Soreim slides several additional sliders forward. The song takes on a whole new dimension, and while the previous part can still be heard underlying it all, an entirely sound has been layered on top of it. The whole room seems to come alive as the new fast-paced melody takes a hold of the surrounding air, the faint lights turning into swirling vortices flickering all about you like currents. You can barely see any part of the world beyond the platform as everything becomes surrounded in a deep blue haze. And beneath it all, you can still hear the wave-like pulsating rhythm, rising and falling over and over again.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it's weakening => <look>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Soreim points to the area directly in front of the platform. The shimmer in the air has become noticeably smaller, though you think you can see it moving now, circling the platform. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"it's going to counter this hard though <= <take a deep breath>"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The urge to go chasing the light disappears as they shift spinning sickeningly fast around the platform. The pipes dive down again too far apart this time for you get both of them with your needle. You grab them with your psionics and push them back up. Drawn by the source of energy, there's an almost sticky feeling as you release your psionics and the pipes continue trying to draw from them. You recoil from the feeling with a disgusted exclamation, bad idea, that felt gross. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Soreim directs your attention to the guard, smaller than you remember seeing it as it circles you both, as they warn you about the next wave. You've never had any reason to find out if you're any good at holding your breath. You inhale and brace yourself.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The air around seems to vanish entirely. Soreim's song becomes washed out by an alien sound, though you can still hear the original tune the guard was playing at first. You struggle to describe it, it almost sounds like thousands of needles clicking together and breaking over and over again. The air around you becomes cold too, and the deep blue from before is replaced by an almost total blackness. Beside you, Soreim is also holding their breath, quickly trying out all sorts of combination of instruments. None seem to have any effect, and you see them hop over to another set of smaller machines and start fiddling with them instead. At least it looks like the star itself is feeling the effects too, as its movements have reverted to a more sluggish and erratic state for now.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You wonder if this is what the landwellers call drowning, as the air rushes away from the room. The air becomes cold, even for you with your cold blood it feels chilled. Thankfully the pipes slow as well, keeping up without breathing would be near impossible. The sluggish pipes are parried easily, as your gills flutter again looking for water to make up for the lack of air. Shadowing Soreim as they dart around trying to find the right tune to counter the attack. You want to ask what you can do to help but you don’t know that the sound would even travel and it would waste your precious mouthful of air. With the pipes taking up less of your attention more of your swaying becomes little more than nervous movement.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The pipes move in again and you hit them sound out of the way feeling the force running up your needle. And it gives you an idea. Still swaying with the waves you can’t hear you wait drawing the sluggish pipes dangerously close. Then you strike your needle against it twice before a third stronger hit sends it back to the ceiling, and again with the next one playing the same simple set of notes each time. You don’t expect it to help much maybe to buy a little breathing room while Soreim figures out what to really do.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The notes played on the pipe make no sound at first, as the rarefied air is too thin to let sound pass. A few seconds pass, and both you and Soreim seem to have more and more trouble holding your breath, when a clear sounds starts ringing in the air. The notes you play have a piercing, clear quality to them that somehow manages to cut through the void around you just enough for you to feel your own song's breeze once more. Soreim stares at your improvised instrument confusedly, then looks up at you and grins. They move to the smallest machine at their disposal, shift a few controls and hit a button.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The sound of a triangle being struck in rapid succession rushes in and you feel the air around you explode with a newfound vitality as you find you can breathe once more. The rest of the melody follows shortly afterwards, and you feel a new energy coursing through your veins. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<brilliant> kat => <brilliant> + it hates clear sounds <- i should have seen that before"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Soreim rushes from machine to machine, their limp slowing them down somewhat, activating more and more instruments. All manner of new sounds appear all around you, from bells to xylophone notes to tuning forks, melded into the harsher electric sounds below. The air vibrates all around you, a whirlwind of colors and sounds almost physical in their intensity. The shimmer in front of you is shrinking by the second now, each note seeming to chip away at it. Soreim is swaying to the rhythm; you're pretty sure they'd be dancing if it weren't for their injuries. They move over to the biggest knob yet, a giant volume dial that goes all the way up to eleven. They start pushing against it, trying to turn it up to the max setting. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"help me finish it -> it's almost there <= forget about the star"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Inhaling in grateful gasps as the air rushes back in, you grin at their sudden epiphany following them as they race from machine to machine. You feel revitalized, not just from being able to breathe again but from the sudden explosion of sound. You take quite measure steps fending off the pipes as Soreim all but dances a jig around the platform. Looking back at the dial at their insistence that you forget about the star you  jab a needle through a pipe point first pinning it to the ground as you rush to join them at the dial.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With your combined strength, you manage to turn the dial all the way up just as one of the pipes hits Soreim in the arm. They cry out as it immediately retreats, its extremity glowing, but they manage to remain standing, though their legs are shaking violently now. The sound of the melody is now almost deafening, but it doesn't feel like it's pressing against you. Instead it feels like you are part of it somehow, rushing through and out of you. Both you and Soreim's skins start to glow as you feel yourselves being lifted up into the air on currents of basslines and arpeggios. The entire room becomes saturated with colors, blindingly melting into each other until you see only a permeating white glow that blots out everything else. The only thing you can still make out is the shimmering air in front of you, and soon even that disappears, absorbed by the all-consuming whiteness.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]And then, it all disappears. The music stops, the colors go away, the cavern's wall flashes back into existence. You and Soreim both land with a thud back on to the platform. You hear a clanging sound and notice the star's pipes falling to the platform too, inanimate once more. Far in front of you, on the massive structure in the centre of the room, a huge light is now a gently pulsating green. The whole room hums with the sound of machines working, and there is now a faint electric feel to the room that makes your hair stand slightly on edge.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Besides you, Soreim groans and turns to look at you. They seem even more tired than before, but they have a triumphant look on their face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"--> won + good job kat + now let's -->"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Their voice trails off as their eyes close, and soon you hear them slowly snoring once more.[/SIZE]



[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As the room returns to normal and deposits you back on the ground, you think you suddenly understand how Soreim could spend an entire week doing this. That last bit with the music where it was… with you… that felt great. And this isn’t even your land. Soreim turns to you to say something and for a moment you forget about how worried you were earlier, you really want to go on another one of these quests. Then you hear them fighting through exhaustion  to keep talking. Pulling yourself to your feet as they begin to snore you uncaptchalogue the bedding you took from the consort village earlier. Carefully lifting them into the blankets with your psionics you take out your copter board again. Taking a moment to adjust to the sensation of keeping your balance with another troll you race back out of the cave towards the other troll's hive.[/SIZE]

 

[Lyro]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"--> won + good job kat + now let's -->"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your last spark of stolen Life fizzles out and your body finally reasserts itself. You fall into a deep sleep before your eyes have finished closing.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Soreim: Dream[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your eyes snap open. You feel strange. What just happened? You raise your hand to your forehead as you struggle to remember. There was a lot of music, wasn't there? You were having fun. There were other people too, you think. Was it a party? Did you just get kicked out of another party? No, probably not, you're great at parties. You know all the jokes, all of them.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Well, wherever you were, you're somewhere now. Perhaps even somewhere else. That's a good point to establish, isn't it? Yes, it certainly is Soreim. I am glad we are making such good progress, Soreim. And, if you look closely, you'll notice there seems to sort of ongoing color theme to this place. Is there now? Yes, yes, take a closer look. Notice how every building seems to be colored golden? And every bridge? And your own clothes? Woah, those are pretty neat too. You've got a keen eye Soreim! Oh, stop it, you'll make me blush. I think I'm noticing something else too. What's that? Notice how your head kinda hurts, our leg feels a bit stretched-out and the buildings are on the ceiling? Yeah, now that you mention it, I did think that was odd. Do you think it'd be unreasonable to say it's because we're dangling upside-down out of a window by our leg? Not at all, that seems like a legitimate theory. Should we do anything about it, though? We could start by removing our foot's hold on it, it's starting to hurt. Way ahead of you, already did that. Haha, great minds think alike don't they? You said it, not me.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Say, I've got another question. What's that then? What are we going to do about the ceiling that's rushing towards us? Ah, not to be pedantic, but technically, it's called the ground. My mistake, my mistake, the ground then. Well, we could always try flying. Did that ever work before? I don't think we've tried to be honest, but I remember reading a book once that said the trick was just to start falling and then miss the ground. That easy? That easy. Alright, so where is this ground we're supposed to miss? I don't know, I seem to have lost track of it. It used to be up but now it seems to-- oh there it is, beneath us now. But it's getting farther and farther away. Dang it. Oh well. Guess we'll have to learn to fly another day. Let's take a look at that tower we were in right before instead. Capital idea. Oh, and Soreim? Yes, Soreim? Do shut up.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You float back up to your tower's bedroom to take a look, but fail to see much to look at. It looks like the top of your spire was blown apart by an explosion. Apart from the window you were dangling out of, not much seems to have survived. You do notice some dried up patches of what looks like indigo paint near the window. That's weird. Maybe the people from this place decided to go for a change of palette with your room? You can't say you blame them. All this gold is pretty, but you imagine you'd get sick of it too if that was all you had to stare at all day. You idly scratch at the scorched edges of your pyjamas, where several scars and burn marks cover your exposed skin.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Alright, this place is pretty boring.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Explore[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You decide to fly away. Oh hey, you can fly now. When did that happen? No idea but you're not about to question it! You practice swooping up and down in the air, yelling with joy as you feel the air rushing all around you. This is great! Much better than plain ol' falling! You should try this more often.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You still feel a little strange though. Aren't you supposed to be feeling horribly tired? You're pretty sure that's how you were feeling before… before what? You can't remember that either. It's just details anyway, because you certainly feel great right now. In fact, you feel more than great. You're practically overflowing with energy! Your whole body feels like it's on fire, except not the kind of bad fire that burns you up, but the good kind that… uhm... Like you said, you feel great! Shouldn't you be glowing or something like that with this much energy saved up? Yes, you definitely should be glowing. And look at that, you are glowing now! This place is certainly very considerate to go to all these lengths for you.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You wonder if it has a library.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]======> Wake up[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Two-thirds of a day pass before you wake up. You instantly wish you hadn't, as pain floods your body the moment you regain consciousness. At least it's pretty muted compared to before… before? Before! Katrin! Where is she? Where are you for that matter? You struggle out of the recuperacoon - your recuperacoon, you quickly realize - and take a look about your room. Looks like you're back at your hive; did Katrin bring you back here? That's so considerate of her. You need to thank her.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As you land to the ground you stifle a yelp of pain. That lich stuff is still having an effect. At least it feels a little better than last time? You think? You can walk without support now at least, though it still hurts every time you apply pressure on your injured leg. Maybe you can hop instead? Hop, hop, hop. Yeah, that works! It's kind of fun too! You grin as you hop your way out of your room and into your stairway.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/katrin\ + /are you down there\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you start to hop down the stairs but leap too far and miss several steps. You fall on to your side and start rolling down the steps, bumping into the walls every so often. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ow -> ah <= ouch + ow -> nope + stupid -> ack <- stairs"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Your journey finally ends in your vestibule as you roll out from the stairs and into your front door. You rub the back of your head gingerly and look around.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Sitting in the entryway surrounded by a spread of fabric and half cut out patterns you jump up as you hear Soreim call your name. With a hurried wave the mess gets swept together haphazardly by psionics. You make it nearly to the first step before stumbling back as Soreim come crashing down them. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Soreim!..., are you..., how are you...?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You run over and kneel down next to the other troll. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....., I'd have...., come up there!"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]There she is! Has she been staying in the entrance hall the whole time? [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<this was faster>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you reply with a smile as you try to get up. Only then do you notice the series of fresh bandages covering your body. So not only did she carry you by herself, but she also managed to stitch you up? That deserves a hug. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"come here you"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You leap forward and give her a big hug. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so glad you're my friend <- i couldn't have done any of that without you"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You don’t think that’s entirely true, they did some thirty odd alone, if they would take a nap once in awhile it would probably be easier. But Soreim jumps on you enveloping you in their arms and coating you in slime from their recuperacoon.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "...,It...,wasn't so bad....,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You grin returning the hug after a beat, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"It was fun!....,uh..., sorry I..., snappered..., at you....," [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You let go, oblivious to the slime that's all over you; it's just another detail. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"haha -> silly katrin <= you don't have anything to be sorry for + and it looks like you took care of me afterwards too => <i feel great> + well <- better => <but even better is great>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You spot the pile of fabric swept up in the corner. Does she ever travel without her materials? [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/you've been keeping busy too\ <= actually /how long have i been out\"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...,Its...., no problem...., I’d…, have done it…., sooner….., but…," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]But there was a cave and monster made of music, You wipe some of the slime off on your skirt,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....,Uh...,about...…,twelve, plus hours?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You thought it was best to let them sleep as long as you could, suspecting it would be another week or so before they decided to, or burnt out and needed to sleep again.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your eyes widen. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<twelve> hours + oh no* <- oh no no no no"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Your expression becomes panicked as you turn to leave. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i've got to get back out there => the stars need me[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]" In your haste to get out, you exert too much pressure on your injured foot and fall flat on your face, grasping your shins. But it's more than that, you realize. Your whole body feels broken, like it's been stretched far beyond its normal capacity and snapped. Some of the fresh bandages on you are still wet, and not just from the sopor slime. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aaah <- guess <- guess i'm not going anywhere right now [*](twelve hours /really\ + that's not good => so much could happen during that time)"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You struggle on to your side and drag yourself up on a chair where you sit down, trying to find a more comfortable position. You turn to look at Katrin with a weak smile. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"but it's not your fault => i probably needed that + it's just => frustrating"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., I ...,should take you back....., upstairs...," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You say getting up from the floor, in a day or two you'll both be much better suited to going on another quest like that. Or you think so anyway, you haven't found anything like this on your land. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...., It's ok...., I, get it....,I still don't know..., what I’m supposed to do...., about the fractures....," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]All you've managed to do so far is keep your consorts mostly alive and make tents, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"....,you...., probably really...., need to take a break...., anyway....,"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/fractures\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You let yourself be accompanied back upstairs to your room, holding on to the ramp this time. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<maybe i could help you figure that out too> <= i told you i was great at puzzles /right\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You chuckle and shake your head. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"but you're right <=> i think a break would be good <- for <both> of us actually"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You're relieved they agree, you'd hate to have to insist that they take a few days off, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...Yeah..., I probably need to....,see how my consorts are doing..., and..., you should....let everyone know that you're...,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You stop for a moment longer than your usual pause to think, okay is not really what you’re going for,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "...,not dead....,"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"<oh>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Japhos! Demoma! How long has it been since you last chatted with them? Especially Demoma. Demoma… [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"yeah -> i really should => you're right"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You take out your phone but look at Katrin as you're walking up the stairs. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"but /what will you do in the meantime\ + you can go home you know => i think i'll take it easy at least for a day or two <= you'll get really bored here <-> there isn't that much to fight haha"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..,right!..., I was..., mostly waiting..., for you to wake up....,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Making sure they didn't think you just up and ran away. What are you going to do… getting into a fight does sound like a good time though,[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "...., I'll probably go..., see if any underlings are ...,causing problems in a canyon..., somewhere." [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You both reach your respiteblock, and you settle yourself down on a cushioned chair surrounded by precariously-perched stacks of books. You sigh contendedly as you rest your feet and take out your phone. You look back up at Katrin with a warm smile. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"thanks again kat -> i'll be in touch + the next few relays should be easier => but i'll let you know if i think i need your help again <- <and the same goes for you> => i can come to your land any time"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"...,Okay!..., I'll let you know..., if I need help!...,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You call out heading back down the stairs with a wave. Stopping at the bottom to organize the pile you had tried to clean up earlier, sorting and folding the fabric from the patterns before you captcha them, when you hear Soreim up stairs. You race back up before they can get the chance to stumble back downstairs to meet you, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"..., did you..., uh..., want something?..., before I go?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are busy typing on your phone with a perplexed look on your face when Katrin comes back. You quickly look at her and point to your phone. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"demoma says she wants to talk to you <= said she'd had some trouble getting a hold of you recently + i told her you were probably just busy with your quest"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You go back to typing, looking at the screen. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i don't think it's anything serious -> she's probably just concerned <= she seems a bit uh -> /down\ i guess + well not quite -> more like"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You struggle for a moment to find the words, before giving up and looking at Katrin again. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i don't know + just maybe hit her up when you can /ok\"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Oh bouy, you haven’t talked to Dem…, and to top it off you turned off your glasses so you could focus on Soreims quest earlier and never turned it back on. She’s feeling upset too, you can’t believe you left her alone for so long! [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“....,Oh! …., Thank you!...., I…., will…, yeah!”[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You rush back downstairs  and grab your stuff before jumping back on the copter board and turning on your glasses  as you head back to your land.[/SIZE]

Spoiler

Hopefully this should be last mega-post from me for a while! There was just so much I wanted to cover, and Tiff and me like long interactions apparently haha.

 

[apocryphalPrognosticator]

======> Be Demoma.


You've returned to your hive from the Land of Glass and Fractures. You had such a nice jam with Kat. You might not be feeling the drug-like euphoria from before, but you feel good. You really feel good about yourself, which is the first time you could say that in a long while. Everyone has been so hard on you. Beewan attacked you for not being clairvoyant, Aph is still trying to make you feel like you caused all this by not talking to you, apparently, and even Yasnon said she wanted to kill you. For a minute there, you would've let her. Not anymore. It always shocks you; the effect Katrin has on you. It's part of what attracts you to her so much. She keeps you honest. She pacifies and invigorates you at the same time. She's a miracle. Even after the ecstasy you felt earlier wore off, she lifted you up and even wanted to defend you?? You could take on ten ogres right now. But there's no one home.


======> Who's home, then?


No one. You just spelled that out. No one is home, not even you. This isn't home. You look around at the ruins and remember the times before the game. You remember building it yourself. You remember meeting Katrin. You remember the first time you worked up the courage to go visit the hotel across from you. You remember your first standoffish encounter with the runt in the swamp below. It doesn't make you feel regret. Only determination. You'll find a new home. Something about the ruins you find here remind you of your friend, Soreim. 


======> Reminisce.


No. You think about what happened and excise it from your mind. You destroy any thoughts about it before it can matter. This is very healthy and definitely contributes positively to your overall psyche. You remember not too long ago, sitting here and planning the party that would launch all this chaos. There are more pressing matters now. You keep playing this...this game, but you don't know the end goal. If there's no saving some of your friends, then how do you end this nightmare? This is now your goal. There is no problem that isn't caused or can't be solved by a little preparation. This was your issue before. You were compelled to act irrationally, involuntarily, improvisationally. Now you can get down to business. Now, you have time. 


======> Bide your time.


You spend an entire day practicing and parsing through different possibilities. You entirely avoid any thought of Soreim. You know how to handle something that can't be handled. You ignore it, and hope it doesn't come back. You think about combining your own strengths with Kat's psionics. You two could make for a deadly team, now. You ponder about Japhy and wonder exactly how to fully get him on your side. Japhos being your ally would be a great boon. Mostly, though, you think about yourself. Specifically, some of the strange things that have happened to you since you've been here. You remember live-dreaming about the purple, spiky place, and daydream about the mysteries it could hold. You work up new tactics on how to deal with larger enemies, or even packs of smaller ones. And, without delving into what happened specifically, you think about the strange surge of energy you received on the Land of Music and Stars. Even with broken legs, you KNEW something had made you stronger; more capable. Even after you landed on Kat's land, you felt hyper, energetic, and positive. You meditate on it and remember a moment when you raised your hand at Soreim. There's no way to test it with no enemies around, but you think you know what to do. You sleep for a while and in your more determined state, you manage to snoop around a bit while dreaming. Something still seems a little fake; a little fantastical about this part of your life, but you try to invoke your new power at one of the inhabitants of this land.


======> Wake up.


You snap up. Ahh!! Dammit!! There's no way to tell what happened!!!! As you think this, you notice your thoughts having more exclamation points than normal. This makes perfect sense to you despite being utter nonsense. You feel fired up. You feel AWAKE, MORE THAN EVER. You feel ready to go.


======> PCHOOOOO.


You blast off dramatically, not toward anything in particular. Not like you could aim, anyway, your newfound clarity and energy can't see through fog. You angle down past your little island, hoping beyond hope you don't meet any of those structures you found before. Using your now more deft accoutrements, you make a clean landing on the strangely warm crystal beneath you. 


======> Decisions, decisions.


Not at all. This is random chance selection, right here. There are dark spots in your prediction methods when entire obfuscation shows up. It's ok. You feel like....ah, you feel like you know where to go. You guess. Uh. Hm. It appears as if the effects have worn off. You walk off blindly in a random direction hoping for some sort of revelation. Instead you meet an imp.


======> Dispatch of this small obstruction.


Remembering how one of these bastards destroyed your hive, you raise your hand in anger expecting to destroy this puny creature with your might. Instead, you do jack shit and get hit by a fireball. It really is a godsend, this new exosuit. It isn't like platemail--after all, most of your skin is exposed--but the crazy dexterity you now have combined with the instant healing capabilities this thing has make for just a slight burn on your thigh. You once again raise your hand, enraged. Inaction ensues. The imp fires another ball at you and you dance around it. You realize you can use this thing as a test, of sorts. You are determined to harness your powers. You hope with all your might and raise your hand at the underling, who stops moving. That did it.


======> Finish him.


With righteous fury, you bop him softly on the head with an open fist and poof him. Doesn't take much with the suit, honestly. All the more worth it though, it seems each power-drain you perform powers your suit as well as your consciousness. It has a battery-pack on the back, so you assume you can store power in there as you need it. You realize this might be a game-breaker.


======> Skip ahead.


Once you realized how to game the system, combat became easy. Interactions became effortless. Every event in the so-called game became trivial. There was a secret to it, you see. After visiting a couple of rhino ghettos and buying some interesting collaborative powers, you returned to your hive to take stock of where you were. Because no matter how powerful you happened to be now, nothing good could ever come from a lack of preparation. You've played a lot of games in your day. There'll be some sort of enemy power-hike soon, and you have to combat that. It is entirely apparent you have some pretty high-leveled gear, and your skills might not be quite up to par. In response, you draw up some potential schematics for items and ways to make them. As it turns out, predicting item combinations is basically impossible, but you found one you have your eye on. It'll need quite a bit more grist though. Quite a bit more than the quite a bit even your exosuit needed. A half a day is spent deciphering the future. You prepare to head out and fly through the third gate.


======> Weave forward.


You still haven't heard from anyone. You're starting to worry. You've messaged Kat a couple of times but haven't heard back. Before you returned to your hive yet again, you uncovered an interesting plot to sabotage you. This is why you explore. It turns out the Fog here isn't really a game mechanic in the strictest sense. It's a power of the Great Obscurer. You heard about it from the first consort you met, but really didn't pay it any mind. Turns out there's something called a Denizen. You remember hearing this word from your stupid fucking lusus but thought it was just some of her bullshit. Looks like she was trying to help you, in her own god awful way. The Denizen is through the seventh gate, and is truly the size of a mountain with endgame powers. If you could defeat this monstrosity, it'd bring clarity not only to this land, but to you as well. During your last trip, you had really gotten invested in helping the little rhinos. They aren't the smartest, but they persevere through every hardship, like nothing ever happened. You admire and are inspired by their optimism. You're through thinking of this as a game. This is your destiny, now. All that said, the radio silence is less than comforting. You know what happens to friends that don't respond to you. You carve it into your mind to get in touch with Japhy and Kat after your next excursion. You check your grist total and are displeased with the results. You've made significant headway towards your next alchemizational goal, but still aren't really all that close. You guess you'll have to put your true skills up against the difficulty of your planet, next time up. Before you depart, you manage to find a couple alchemical deals such as the SHOOTING STAR, which is a combination of STARPOWER and one of Katrin's sewing needles. It functions identically to STARPOWER, but has a long, deadly point on one end, making for a sort of shootable lance. You also manage to merge your COMLAMP into your BIOSUIT for a wholly reasonable cost, allowing for even more on-the-go communication. 


You feel a sense of invariability wash over you as you bound through the third gate, but realize it's just your high wearing off.


=======> Skim over the rest.


It gets harder, but not too much. The puzzles begin to test your mettle, but you inevitably make it through. The enemies become bigger, but your pre-planned tactics turn out to be masterworks. You continue to visit groups of displaced rhinos and realize there's an inevitable teamwork component to your quest. The Great Obscurer cannot be defeated alone. You are told this over and over and over again. There comes a point where you begin to encounter strange choices on your quest. Almost like a branching story section of a video game. The problem with these choices is their construction. You're well versed in making decisions, but these aren't true decisions.You're meant to make a choice and that choice is supposed to have consequences, but it really doesn't. For instance, in one encounter, two rhino ghettos were being attacked by underlings, and you were meant to only be able to save one and make your way forward. You realized instantly that saving both was possible, and you did just that. The game keeeps throwing these perfectly solvable ultimate scenarios at you. It became boring to you. In true Demoma fashion, you become enraged with the monotony and try to brute force your way after a while. The apparent problem with this seems to be your attitude. It's almost like the game is trying to teach you something. You start to lose the ability to Hope-Drain, and as such, can't complete your branching objectives like you once could. It is particularly harrowing when you watch a group of Mini-Rhinos in a cage get firebeamed by a flying underling as you rush to save them.  There's some extreme force opposing you, throwing these sadistic (and now incorruptible) choices at you every which way you go. Just as you realize this, your suit vibrates. Japhy is contacting you! You respond immediately!

 

[Lad]

Really quick! Be someone a few days ago======>

You’ve never had a highblood in your hive before. Well, okay that’s not true. Demoma has seen your hive before, but she’s your moirail, its different. Technically Japhos is coming to see your land not your hive, even though thanks to Dem it has come quite a ways since you all got here. Still you’ve tidied up your hive as much as you can and you’ve been practicing thinking about what you’re going to say all morning. This will be the perfect chance to thank him for helping your moirail! You think pacing while you wait in a clearing of sparkling glass run through with cobwebbing cracks near your hive. No problem! You’re not even nervous!

There is a hum of a copter noise outside of your hive. The sound gets louder and louder but it did not got as loud as the 2xcopter that the whole group rode on couple of weeks ago. The noise dies down and then a knock echos throughout the hive.


You are already racing to the door as soon as you hear the copter outside. Though not to appear too eager you wait until the knocking echoes through the no longer flooded first floor of your hive before you open the door immediately.

“..., Hello Japhos!” All of your careful scripting and practicing leaves your thinkpan, “....,ah…., do you….., want to come in?....,Or …., We could take a walk!......, there are…, some nice…., towns, and ….,canyons…., uhm….,”


Japhos lets out a short chuckle and grins politely. He looks past you to the inside of your hive and pauses before he replies.


“!t w●uld be n!ce t● c●me !n but ! w●uld als● l!ke t● expl●re y●ur planet . !t !s a l●t d!fferent than m!ne . !t !s a n!ce change ●f scenery .” An item pops out from his sylladex, beside him, and he hands it to you with two hands. It looks exactly like the one floating leisurely beside him. It is a long, metallic board with a grippy material at one side. The other side has two large round spots made of metal grills at each ends. It is the Copter Board, Japhos’ choice of aviation. However, unlike his, this one has its rim colour yours and your sign in painted at one end of the board. He looks away and pushes it towards you.


“Y●u m!ght have s●meth!ng t● fly w!th , but here . Use !t !f y●u l!ke .” He says.


You look at the copter board as it drift over to you and you feel your fins flushing violet. It’s even violet! A delighted smile break out on your face as you pick the board up to look it over. Did he , paint your symbol on it too? Looking up at his averted gaze you couldn’t say you wouldn’t use it even you had wanted to.

“....,Oh it’s….,I love it Japhos!,….,You shouldn’t have…..,I could have made it ….,if you sent me the codes…,” You say, but you know that is, in part, the point. Glub, maybe you should have made Japhos something too? ,”...., I’ll…., I didn’t get you….., uh….., I’ll think of something!..., for you……, for next time?”


Stepping outside, you put the board back down and climb onto it unsteadily, but it holds steady under your weight.


He steps back to let you out and stands in front of you. “Glad y●u l!ke !t, but n● need t● g!ve me anyth!ng . ! … just wanted t● g!ve y●u th!s pers●nally s!ce ! was c●m!ng here . Th!nk n●th!ng ●f !t .”


He looks up at you worriedly. “D● n●t g● t●● h!gh up. Y●u are new t● !t …” He gives you a few detailed instructions to how to use your new transportation. Soon after, he gets on his own, brown rimmed Copter Board and joins you in the air.


You don’t have any intention of getting that high. But you think this flying thing isn’t so different from swimming, except for the whole…..gravity thing. But this is such a good plan! If you’re flying you don’t need to worry about earthquakes or underlings heckling you both.

“.....,Okay right…., there’s some…., reely deep canyons…..,everywhere actually…,” You say as Japhos joins you taking on a tour guide type of role, “....., The squeakbeasts say ….,some of them run …..all the way through to the core….., but….,uh…., mam says it’s…, dangerous…., to go that far in…,”


Japhos just hums a note and looks around the area that is now your lawnring. He then says, “We sh●uld l●●k f●r th●se cany●ns then .” Effortlessly, he raises higher to the sky. Looking down at your, he adds, “Y●u w!ll need t● f!nd them eventually , s● why n●t l●●k f●r the ●ne that g●es all the way d●wn n●w wh!le ! am ar●und ?”.

“....., uh…., well…,Shore!...., yeah why not!” Mam has always said a lot of things are dangerous, But you’ve done pretty well fighting the monsters here so far.. “...., The deepest ones …..,I’ve seen….., are…., over there…, past that ridge….,” Leaning forward experimentally to see how fast the board goes, you shoot forward a couple of feet before steadying yourself and looking back at the other troll eagerly.


The troll follows you right behind following you. Seeing you looking back to him, he frenetic waves his hand in a back hand, pushing motion.


“L●●k f●ward !” He yells at you and speeds up to catch up to you, with a scowl.


You wobble suddenly and hold your arms out to right your balance then do as Japhos says and keep you eyes ahead of you.The canyons are wide and deep, but their edges are sharp glass fractured recently from the tremors of underlings moving too franticly below the surface of your planet. , "....,Mam says....,my denizen is...., in the center....., somewhere..., But there's mostly ....,liches .....,and bass ilisks...., as far as I've gone...," You stop, hovering at the edge of the cliff, a long ways down to the bottom


Japhos peers down the passing canyons and admiring the view that is Katrin's planet. The ground below is far away and most likely have too many sharp objects, but the glasses reflect the light brilliantly and it is a far cry from his own planet.


“We d● n●t need t● g● all the way d●wn . ! just want t● survey y●ur planet and that cany●n ●f y●urs !nterests me . !f y●u d● want t● g●, we can g● as far y●u can handle . That would be a g●●d way to measure your level and strength , ! bel!ef . ! am tak!ng my t!me w!th my ●wn , but Fluffball has t●ld me ●f my den!zen als● .” He says, hovering beside you.


“...., yes…, I’m waiting…, as well…., I have to be…., stronger….,” You have to be strong, Demoma thinks you are, and you want to prove her right. And you think you’ll need to ascend before you face your denizen, although your lusus is still being cagey about that and more in the I’m-your-mam-and-I-said-so way rather than a weird game mechanic way. Maybe you should see how far you can go down. “...., Is it?...., Interesting…, I mean?..., if you …, want to go down there…, we’ll have to watch out…, for earthquakes…, I don’t mind…, if you want…,” You hover a little further over the crevice, starting to drift a few feet down. You want to go on but you’re not sure how to continue with what you need to say….,”....,I really…., wanted…, to …., thank you…, you know….,”


Japhos doesn't replies to you straight away, sensing that there is more to your usual mumbling. He quietly follows you over the opening and drifts downward, keeping an eye on you and the canyon walls. When you thank him, he just crocks his head to a side.

“Y●u d● n●t need t● thank me . Y●u already d!d that and !t !s my pleasure t● v!s!t th!s planet . Th!s !s a l!ttle get away fr●m the planet ●f mine .” Japhos looks at your face, brows lowering over his eyes. “! am guess!ng that !s n●t what y●u mean “ He says.


“..., Oh! No not for…, visiting…, or the board…, not that…., I'm ungrateful….but….,” you stop and pause to start again, “...., When Demoma….,was hurt…, and I….,” you were panicking, when you should have been doing something. Anything, just not standing there watching your moirail in pain, “ …., anyway…,at Soreim’s…..,you got everyone…, organized…., and I should…,” that should have been you, you should have been the one jumping to help her, “Just….., thank you for helping her….,”


“●h that ,” Japhos replies and looks away to look at the land below. “!t !s n●t a pr●blem . S●meb●dy had t● d● that and y●u and S●re!m were n●t the best ●f c●nd!t!●n at the m●ment . ! cann●t bel!ve that she absc●nded ●ut ●f there s● fast there .” The older troll sighs then shrugs. “What can we d● th●ugh , th!s !s Dem●ma we are talk!ng ab●ut . She better c●unt her stars t● h●w lucky she has t● have y●u as her m●!ra!l .“ When he looks back to you, there is a small twitch of a smile on his lips.


You couldn’t imagine Dem sticking around to be fussed over by everyone. , while you didnt quite expect her to bust out of there in such a grand fashion you could hardly have anticipated anything less. “..., oh!..., I'm n…., thank you….,” Blushing to the tips of your fins in delight, “If….., you ever…,uh…,”Abruptly you change the subject again, “..., Do you…, uh want to…, check out what’s in the canyon then?”


“Yes .” Seems that Japhos does not mind the subject change. “We are here f●r that reas●n after all .” And with that, Japhos lowers himself into the canyon.

 

[Lad]

Past Katrin: You should respond to Demoma======>

You will! Definitely!

When?======>

....,Later!

The Earthquakes have been getting much worse lately. Like really often, maybe every other day. You yawn hovering on yur copter board as as you examine the solid face of unbroken glass that shifted in the late hours of the afternoon just today. Glitchman pixelates and shifts and reappears next to you as you try to figure this one out.. The entrance to some kind of cave now sits some three feet above where the actual rest of the cave is. And through a thick pane of warped glass you can see a cheese critter scrambling around. You can't tell what they're doing through the warped glass, but you asked around all the villages like you do after every earthquake and counted all the mice and you've narrowed this one down to a mouse called Algernon who you can't recall meeting.

What you really remember is the outfit you made for him; Vest and pants comfortable fit but not baggy, hardy fabric, excessive pockets, all with flat felled seams. Durable, utilitarian not the kind of ostentatious mis-matching colors and excesses of fabric most of the mice have a taste for.

Break the glass======>

Mhm, that was an idea you had several minutes ago. The plane of glass along the fault lin here is some couple of feet thick, and despite several minutes of determined stabbing you can't see to get through it.

Spoiler: Open Spritelog

SO: ..., Mam, repeat uh..., Cheatshelp.txt....,
Glitchmam: >>>Cheatshelp.txt<<<< File found/$%#...retreiving///>repeat
Glitchmam:
>fullscreen on/off
>constrainFloorElevation [true/false]
>RestrictBuildBuyInBuildings [on|off]
>freerealestate
>enableLlamas [on/off]
>jokePlease
>hideHeadlineEffects [on/off]
>quit
>Cheatshelp
>slowMotionViz <level>
>ResetLifetimeHappiness
>resetPlayer <ID>
>buydebug [on/off]
>HideHeadlineEffects (on/off)
>fps on/off
>DisplayLotPackageFileName [on/off]
>fadeObjects [on/off]
>testingcheatsenabled true
>unlockOutfits on/off
>AlwaysAllowBuildBuy (true/false)
>DisableSnappingToSlotsOnAlt On/Off
>disableSnappingToSlotsOnAlt [on/off]
>kaching
>motherlode
>moveobjects on/off
SO:..., Great...., uh...., enable, moveobjects on...?
Glitchmam: >>>moveobjects<<< //3n4abl3d!
SO:..., Move object ID: Algernon...., to Player ID: Katrin
Glitchmam:////>r !!3rr()r!! r..r..r
Glitchmam: Run> Move object< parameter 1 (one):'K$tr!n'//// para-meter(two2): Lagernon!
Glitchmam: //# Override Sburb func.tion >'object fixed'.....Enalbed #// Move. (1->2)
SO:....., Wait...! No the other-

Move Objects======>

There is a worrisome moment where you blink out of existence and it occurs to you that there might be consequences for trying to exploit cheat codes in this game. The moment passes and you are suddenly on the other side of a thick pane of glass looking out at the blurry...er than usual form of your sprite. This is not what you were going for, alright, but this is still okay! At least now you can- Something tugs at your skirt. You turn away from the entrance of the cave to see the beaming cheese critter with his paw outstretched.

"Hi Miss Knight!"

"...,Hi Algernon...," You shake his paw quickly looking further back into the cave, It seems like it keeps going for quite a while, Grasping his paw again you start heading off, "..., Come on! ...,lets get you back...,"

After a moment of heading into the dimming light of the tunnel it becomes very clear that the squeak beast can't keep up with your longer strides.

"I don't know if you've been down this way before but- oof!" Interupting the critter midentence to snatch him up you continue on the way carrying him under your arm not really paying attention to what hes saying, "Oh huh… Have you ever been down this way before?"

"...,Uh...., not specifically..., I think.....," You not used to questions from the consort npc's, usually its a lot of 'the tents are broken again' 'can I have another outfit?' 'Thanks miss knight!' You suspect you are about to receive some kind of extended side quest.

"Well, do you know any of the old legends about Logaf?"

"....,uh...., there arent any...? ...., I got told...., that there's..., no time for..., stories or building cities...., because ....,of the earthquakes....?" A lore sidequest? well that should be an interesting departure from the endless save-a-critter fetch quests.

You feel Algernon kind of shrug," There were stories and cities before the earthquakes, when the core was still and-"

The path drops off suddenly, and you are suddenly faced with a a cavernous darkness. For a moment you hold up your hand and sparks fly from your finger tips, illuminating the edges of glassy shapes in the cavern. Not enough to see any reasonable distance. Frowning you set Algernon down to try again.

"Oh! Miss?"

"...,Not, right now..., Alg..., I'm trying to-"

"Would you like a flashlight, Miss?"

".., oh," You see Algernon pulling out flashlights from one of his expansive pockets, "...,sorry..., thanks....,"

Check out the cavern======>

Below you glass spires spread out through the cavern, looking at first like random natural stalagmites. The longer you look you start to see an order to the arrangements. Clear spaces wind between them, and the clusters of stalgmites grow thicker in certain ares until you realize you're looking at-

"Oooh! I was hoping this tunnel would lead here! Which city is this? Oh we have to go down there!" Algernon exclaims waving his own flash light excitedly over the city, then immedietly going to look around the drop off for a way down.

"...., you were hoping...., for...?" You don't see any reason you can't go down there, in fact it seems like its probably the only way your getting out of here. Scooping up Algernon again you hop off the ledge creating platforms with your psionics to break your fall as you jump from one to another down to the subterranean streets, "...., uh is...., something down here?"

"Oop thanks Miss Knight! Of course theres something down here! Look at all of this! Its magnificent, the old cities im sure they're full of lost stories, and-"

"Yeah..., sure...., uh...," You've never seen an npc this enthusiastic about..., anything...., its weird and off putting and kind of genuine? Stranger still this is the first evidence of any troll made (mouse made?) structures other than tents. Carved or melted or something to the glass spires are tiny doors and windows and you can see the blurred glassy outlines of walls and other structures inside the buildings. Still carrying Algernon as you walk through an area cleared of spires that acts as a street you'd put him down if you weren't sure he'd go running off to investigate. And it kind of seems like he has some game imbued knowledge about these cities, you might not be able to find him. It is kind of magnificent though, the critter scaled buildings extend far above your head and you're only at the edges of the city right now. Past the tips of the buildings you see the light catch on some thing else. Spikes hanging from the ceiling, "...., We should...., probably...., get back up to the surface...., if an earthquake happens when we're down here...., The buildings could fall and-"

"Oh no! this is the safest place to be on the whole planet if there's an earthquake!" Algernon exclaims grinning again you can feel his tail whipping back and forth excitedly, "I've been looking for these places for sweeps! The natural caverns are all very stable!"

"....Sweeps,...?"

"Oh yes, I've been interested in archaeology my whole life!"

"Oh....," Again you're struck by how genuine that sounds. It..., hadn't really occurred to you that the consorts had lives, or interests like archaeology. The concept makes you feel somewhat anxious. You stop to put Algernon down suddenly, "..., uh don't...,get too far away....., So...,Why doesn't any one...., live here now?"

As soon as his paws hit the ground Algernon scurries off to look at the buildings examining doorways and gardens and street corners, but manages to stay in sight anyway. He perks up ears twitching at your question, "That's what I was telling you about! The legends! Back when the core was quiet and the planet was still, Everything was peaceful and mouse kind flourished. It was said LoGaF is not a planet but a great egg, A birthplace for The King of Monsters Yaldaboath. In time Yaldaboath would grow in strength and power in the core until he broke free and destroyed the planet. When the first tremors of his growing occurred the planet cracked, and the first monsters spilled up out of the core. With monsters spreading slowly from upwards plaguing the cities, and tremors still faint and infrequent, the surface became the safest place to live. Of course this was hundreds of years ago and-"

"....,Plaguing the cities?...., wait do they still-" You pull a needle out of your strife syllabus as you hear the sound of shattering glass, monsters live here and you've been walking around chatting and waving flashlights. Feeling a sudden surge of concern for Algernon, you sprint forward snatching him up again with your flashlight arm and running down the street, "...,Alg!...., tell me, about the monsters...., first next time..., please!"

Past Katrin: Book it all the way back into the present======>