Let me 8e your guide.

Aranea Serket||Prisoner

[academic-geniality]

ARANEA: *it's only 8een a couple days since they got 8ack to the ship, 8ut the distance that these short hours have put 8etween her and daelos are incredi8ly trou8ling. she would rather not see him isolate himself, though she's wanted to give him his space as well... may8e now is a good time to approach him? cautiously, she knocks on the door of his 8lock, fidgeting as she waits for an answer.*

DAELOS: } --> *Hearing the knock surprises him somewhat. There are only two people it could...No. Really only one person now, he supposes. It's hard to muster the energy to get up and answer the door. When he sees it's Aranea he's not e%actly surprised although his eyes are dull and listless, like he's half asleep rather than the bright interest she usually receives from him. He backs off to let her in, n

DAELOS: ot questioning her presence.*

DAELOS: } --> Hello

DAELOS: } --> *The Alaskan "adventure" has def. left him worse for wear physically as well as emotionally. The a%e that split his foot for e%ample and all the e%ertion further hampered his mobility. He's leaning heavily on two crutches now, rather than one, and he's also wearing a back brace.*

DAELOS: } --> It is odd to be the recipient of a visit

DAELOS: } --> Usually it is I that goes to you

ARANEA: *she will just have to 8e 8right and cheerful for the 8oth of them! right? she smiles at him despite it all.*

ARANEA: I couldn't help 8ut to stop 8y. I missed you. *turns to him once she's inside, fluttering so he doesn't have to 8end as she plants a kiss to his cheek.*

DAELOS: } --> *He leans into the kiss slightly, even brushing his lips against her cheek in return...but there's something off about it even to himself. He feels guilty for being so cold, but being around her now...It's like a spotlight, illuminating all his flaws. He doesn't make eye contact.*

DAELOS: } --> I have just been acculumating

DAELOS: } --> *Has a moment.*

DAELOS: } --> Sorry

DAELOS: } --> You can sit down

DAELOS: } --> *GESTURES WILDLY...AT EVERYTHING. Darn it. Things are messy. He feels even worse.*

ARANEA: *shakes her head as she drops 8ack to the floor* It's quite alright. I'm a 8it restless, myself... *looks around at the mess though...*

ARANEA: Is there anything I can do to help you settle 8ack in? *clean, may8e...*

DAELOS: } --> *The idea of her cleaning up after him is kind of mortifying. He grunts*

DAELOS: } --> No

DAELOS: } --> It is just a matter of time

DAELOS: } --> I

DAELOS: } --> I will take care of it

DAELOS: } --> I apologize

ARANEA: There's nothing to apologize for, my love. *places a hand on his arm*

ARANEA: I'll offer my company, if nothing else. *her fluttering around is pro8a8ly a little stressful... so she finds someplace to sit just for that.*

DAELOS: } --> *He is grateful when they both finally sit down. Even standing up hurts. His brow is creased and sweaty by the time he gets himself settled again...and even then he 100ks physically uncomfortable.*

ARANEA: *it hurts watching him go through this, her 8rows knitted and eyes wide with sympathy. when he settles 8eside her, she rests her hands on his arm again.*

ARANEA: May8e I can help afterall... Perhaps I can ease the pain?

ARANEA: *8oth in 8ody and mind, 8ut she doesn't have a full grasp on all the ways she can control the powers that she has.*

DAELOS: } --> *It's tempting of course it's tempting, but it's also incredibly frustrating. He can't help but recoil from her touch, like she burned him.*

DAELOS: } --> *He doesn't mean the reaction to be so violent, but after he's done it, he can't take it back.*

DAELOS: } --> ...

DAELOS: } --> *He just clenches his fists. There's so much emotion bubbling up and he lacks the words to properly e%press himself.*

ARANEA: *the recoil startles her too, quickly drawing her hands 8ack to hold close to her 8ody. she doesn't quite understand where the sudden flurry of emotion is coming from, only that he was understanda8ly feeling very raw, and she had done something to trigger it all.*

ARANEA: ... I'm sorry.

DAELOS: } --> -He can't really keep his composure after that, his deep voice coming out a little cracked-

DAELOS: } --> You are not at fault

DAELOS: } --> I am the one with all the

DAELOS: } --> The shortcomings

DAELOS: } --> -He's tucking his head.-

DAELOS: } --> I want to be

DAELOS: } --> Your partner not some...infirm

DAELOS: } --> That you have to 100k after

DAELOS: } --> How could you find such a thing attractive

DAELOS: } --> This is e%actly what I feared...would happen...when we....

DAELOS: } --> When we got together

ARANEA: *8rings her hands together, clasping them and holding them to her chest as she listens.*

ARANEA: Oh, Daelos... How could you think such a thing? I would never see you in such a light.

ARANEA: I only want to care for you as you've cared for me. We're there for each other, no matter the o8stacle. Physical, emotional... It's all the same.

ARANEA: That's what partnership is a8out, isn't it?

DAELOS: } --> I do not see how you could see me another way -his voice is more subdued now, but still full of emotion, although the feelings she's picking up now are is not the frustration, but the undercurrent of black hopelessness beneath it. it's the kind of emotion that sucks the life out of everything and distorts it. it's depression.*

DAELOS: } --> I was f001ish

DAELOS: } --> I thought I could pick up a new atttude

DAELOS: } --> I thought my anger towards our enemies could push me forward with you

DAELOS: } --> But I am falling into the same habits

DAELOS: } --> And a minor physical setback can put me in this helpless state

ARANEA: *she must have some resolve that despite the overwhelming dread she picks up from him, she can only think to protest with determination.*

ARANEA: That's not true!

ARANEA: You've suffered a great deal, and not from physical injury alone. Even if you don't 8elieve it's should 8e enough to 8e detrimental, allow yourself some patience.

ARANEA: And allow me to help you carry some of that 8urden...

ARANEA: I want to. I love you.

DAELOS: } --> *That makes him fall silent for a little while, turning over what she said in his head before speaking up.*

DAELOS: } --> I love you, Aranea

DAELOS: } --> I have no doubt that you love me too despite all odds

DAELOS: } --> But do you tr001y see me as equal, as your partner?

DAELOS: } --> *He wrestles with himself, whether to bring this up. But the fight doesn't last long. He has to know. It's been eating away at him.*

DAELOS: } --> Is there anyone else

DAELOS: } --> *Now he's actually 100king at her face.*

ARANEA: *the question puzzles her, the confusion written very clearly on her face.* Of course not. There's only you, Daelos. You're everything I want.

ARANEA: What prompted you to think otherwise? *she could assume it's only self dou8t, 8ut she worries it's more then that... that it's something she's done.*

DAELOS: } --> *The inquisitve 100k on her face makes him feel all the more self concious. Could he really have imagined it?*

DAELOS: } --> That human....

DAELOS: } --> Dave Strider, I think his name is

DAELOS: } --> I realize the situation was stressful for you to and apart of me acknowledges that you might....seek comfort in a close companionship in such an e%treme situation

DAELOS: } --> *His face is getting a little heated. He's jealous. At least it's a real emotion and not a sucking black abyss.*

DAELOS: } --> However, your intreaction with him was

DAELOS: } --> I found it

DAELOS: } --> Uncomfortable

DAELOS: } --> Especially considering that you have confided in me before about your feelings for him

DAELOS: } --> If there is something to that

DAELOS: } --> I would like to know

DAELOS: } --> I will not be angry with you

DAELOS: } --> *Well, he will but he will accept it because he loves you.*

ARANEA: *her expression shifts after that, wilting into something melancholic as she recalls what happened. the desperation, the fear... the fact that daelos viewed it as he does makes her chest tighten in ways she doesn't quite understand, and yet she can't 8lame him for drawing conclusions.*

ARANEA: Oh... Yes. That.

ARANEA: It's true that Dave is important to me... And I did har8or complicated feelings for him once. *exhales* Perhaps they haven't left me entirely.

ARANEA: 8ut more than that, he-- He was my friend. I was afraid... Afraid of losing him. So soon after losing Terezi...

ARANEA: I only wanted to help give him a fighting chance. That's all.

ARANEA: *looks to him again decisively.* Regardless of what may have 8een 8etween the two of us in the past, it is entirely in the past. I don't want to 8e with him. I only want to 8e with you.

DAELOS: } --> *He listens closely to her e%plaination, hanging on every word. He already wasn't 100king particularily happy or confident, but like her he wilts the more she speaks, this time his guilty compounding. He's been an ass. And not the adorable kind with hooves.*

DAELOS: } --> I should not have doubted you

DAELOS: } --> You have never given me a reason to doubt you

DAELOS: } --> I have been a damned f001

DAELOS: } --> *Carefully takes her hand and presses a cold nosed, apologetic kiss to it.* I am sorry

ARANEA: *she's quiet watching him take her hand up for a kiss.* I can understand... If I were in your position, I can't imagine that I'd react much differently.

ARANEA: *takes his hand up in 8oth of hers. well... as 8est she can, anyway, when it's so much 8igger than 8oth of hers put together.*

DAELOS: } --> *He sighs*

DAELOS: } --> I do not think I would have reacted the same way if it were not for my...clouded state of mind

DAELOS: } --> But that is not your fault

ARANEA: It isn't your fault either, you know. *now it's her turn to offer his hand a kiss.*

DAELOS: } --> *He forgoes the hand kissing and slips one to her mouth instead. It's just a slow, barely there press of the lips.*

DAELOS: } --> *Speaks again as he pulls back from it.* I will not be well again in the near future

DAELOS: } --> *If ever.*

DAELOS: } --> Please be patient with me

DAELOS: } --> As you have been all along

ARANEA: Of course, Daelos. *smiles softly, returning the kiss gently.*

ARANEA: You don't even need to ask. I'll always 8e right here.

DAELOS: } --> *He can't help but think that he doesn't deserve it, but he greedily basks in it anyway.*

DAELOS: } --> *He just closes his eyes and rests his forehead against her shoulder. He doesn't have the energy to do much else.*

[academic-geniality]

-- tenebrousThorns [TT] 8egan pestering academicGeniality [AG] at 20:50 --

TT: You're awake, I presume.

TT: Or will otherwise see this eventually.

AG: Oh. Hello, Rose.

AG: I am awake and present! What can I do for you?

TT: This has probably been something we should have gotten out into the open a long while ago.

TT: Sometime shortly after our encounter with a leviathan.

TT: But you know how things are.

TT: Or occasionally are not.

TT: We do not typically...

TT: Speak, as such.

AG: No... We do not.

AG: That experience has 8een on my mind a lot lately... I suppose Davesprite spoke to you as well?

TT: After a fashion, yes.

TT: What did he tell you about me?

AG: He only said that you and I should talk.

TT: Ah.

TT: Well, I suppose that leaves me a fair amount to potentially explain.

TT: If sharing is what we're meant to be doing.

TT: Have you been noticing anything...

TT: Different about yourself?

AG: I did have one pecuiliar experience some time ago.

AG: You recall Terezi's oath to silence, don't you? And how suddenly she seemed to recover from it?

AG: After having a conversation with her, something... changed. I can't quite explain what happened, as much as I would like to. 8ut she seems to 8elieve I had something to do with it.

AG: And I promise I didn't do anything underhanded! ::::/

AG: It wasn't mental manipulation, 8ut perhaps... Mental healing?

TT: I recall, yes. Her condition improved rather suddenly, but she never mentioned anything like that to me.

TT: It was frankly a bit concerning, in fact.

TT: Given the context, I'm willing to believe you on the circumstances, too.

AG: Ah, thank you.

AG: What a8out you? Has anything strange happened to you?

TT: No, very little has happened.

TT: I have occasionally seen things that seem plainly as though they should not be seen.

TT: Even more occasionally, these things prove to be important.

AG: So... You're having visions?

AG: Of what?

TT: Things, sometimes.

TT: If that sounds frustratingly vague, then the reason is simply because they are, and it is.

TT: I do not control them.

AG: Things... Of course. As they are.

AG: And if they are important, I suppose that must seem coincidental.

AG: Still, I would like to know more a8out these instances.

TT: I'll spare you some of the more mundane instances.

TT: As the personal ones.

TT: Some things aren't really visions.

TT: They are things that I know without having any reason to believe them at all.

TT: A sense of intuition I find maddening, but not half as insufferable as it must seem to everyone else.

TT: I foresaw the attack on Europa. I gave council that we head there immediately, for the possibility that we spare the planet its fate.

TT: It didn't work out like that.

AG: Oh... I see.

AG: Still, we were a8le to make a difference there, weren't we? If we could 8etter understand these things a8out ourselves, who knows what we could accomplish. Isn't that why Davesprite suggested we speak? Al8eit o8noxiously.

AG: I wonder if there are ways we can work together using these a8ilities. Perhaps I could give these thoughts more clarity. You could give me insights on those I should aid.

AG: Or... Perhaps I'm only trying to make sense of my purpose in all this. I don't know.

TT: That is probably what you are doing, yes.

TT: The alternative, that you are living in a state of ignorance to a major and perhaps growing aspect of your being, something akin to paying zero mind to a second head that's recently sprouted from the back of your neck--

TT: Is slightly less likely.

AG: I could do without the grostesque imagery!

TT: Where would you prefer to have the second head grow, in that case?

AG: Nowhere! ::::/

TT: Well, that seems self-destructive.

AG: Anyway... What do you think a8out all this?

AG: And... sharing these experiences with me? I suppose you must 8e curious too if you gave some admission to Davesprite's insistance.

AG: I think it likely to 8low me off entirely, otherwise. I wouldn't 8lame you!

TT: No, I wouldn't do that.

TT: Not at this point.

TT: The metaphor is apt, regardless of how you may feel about the imagery it evokes.

TT: It is there.

TT: And it is not going away any time soon.

TT: It helps if I have time to focus.

TT: And... space. Sometimes that means isolation.

TT: Sometimes it means forgetting precisely what I'm doing, standing in the middle of the hall.

TT: It's... disconcerting.

TT: A constant struggle between understanding and control.

AG: When you descri8e it like that, it seems as if our a8ilities manifest in the complete opposite way.

AG: Whatever I did... It was for the 8enefit of another individual. And it must have come as second nature to me, considering I wasn't even aware of it!

TT: I suppose that's the nature of the choice.

AG: I suppose so.

AG: Hmm...

AG: I do feel... less 8urdened with my own confusion now that we've spoke. If that counts for anything.

TT: It helps to have something to try and focus on.

TT: If you can think of something--

TT: Anything--

TT: Then contact me, and we'll see if we can make any progress.

AG: Thank you, Rose.

AG: The same goes to you!

TT: I will be seeing you later.

AG: Definitely.

AG: Take care.

-- academicGeniality [AG] ceased pestering tenebrousThorns [TT] at 23:25 --

[academic-geniality]

-- ebironicCrest [EC] 8egan pestering academicGeniality [AG] at 14:12 --

EC: serket

EC: aranea

EC: hey

EC: you the ex first mate with the face

EC: i have a question im raising my hand its up in the air like i just dont care except psyche i do

EC: im about to level with you and geek for a minute so bear with me

EC: checked out the museum of yours pretty cool collection could use more dust

EC: i found this book though moldy oldy as shit but hey its just my jam on topics i tend to kind of give a shit about

EC: cetus anyway

EC: whats the deal with that

EC: automatic infomercial troll activate

EC: go

EC: go now

EC: now now now go

EC: back to the bridge

EC: go

AG: Oh for the love of...

AG: Are you the "Davesprite" fellow I've 8een hearing a8out?

EC: yeah hey its me

EC: open up my trenchcoat and there it is the badge of honor

EC: feathery douchebag incorporated

EC: caw

AG: Gr8! It's wonderful to meet you finally.

AG: So, you say you've taken interest in my collection?

EC: just a part of it no need to drop important shit youre probably doing right now

EC: also hey

EC: speaking of fine works loved that candy hype video

EC: a+ you really know how to party

EC: im a fan

EC: in case youre worried that shit wont get documented im way ahead of you editting the video as we speak

EC: this shit is going viral immortalized in sugar glazed deliciousness

EC: youre welcome

AG: ........

AG: What is it a8out Cetus that has captured your attention????????

AG: 8esides 8eing an incredi8le creature of lore!

AG: Would you like me to tell you the story of our encounter with her?

AG: I can do that!

EC: yeah sure

EC: i could use the bg ambiance

EC: if i drop the beat you wring out the iambic pentameters ala shakespeare

EC: lets talk about dick shaped gods and their relevant douche prickery

AG: Oh, I might have known the conversation would take a turn like this.

AG: Are you actually interested or not?

EC: yo i wouldnt be wasting fine jams if i wasnt interested also whys it matter whether im interested

EC: this is your zone im all up in

EC: you got the home field advantage whats up with the wariness

EC: chill

EC: i dont bite

EC: or peck

EC: but i do swag and thats pretty dangerous by itself so nvm carry on as you were

AG: I apologize. Perhaps I am jumpin to conclusions too quickly a8out your intentions.

AG: 8ut then again, yes, you do keep ram8ling!

EC: your point

EC: ?

AG: ::::/

AG: At the time, the crew was in desperate need of gathering funds to keep our mighty ship air8orn and our people taken care of. We arrived at LOMAT with the intent purpose of earning our keep. A small group of us were tasked with scouring ancient ruins to locate a coveted treasure deep within it's recesses.

AG: I was among those chosen, likely for my historical knowledge, 8ut what we found was far 8eyond even my understanding. The walls were covered with runes of 8easts 8oth... familiar to us and not. They led us further down into the interior of the remnants, almost 8eckoning.

AG: Further investigation 8rought us to a li8rary, where I had found the 8ooks now on display in my museum. Inside was a great stone carving upon the wall, apparently a doorway to our next destination, 8ut with no clear way to open it. That is... until a disem8odied voice spoke directly into the minds of only Rose and I.

EC: so you understood what the fuck she was saying and if the context clues are correct she gave you mystical bullshit about feats youre able to accomplish if you choose to accept the role

EC: also

EC: all of that coming with a price

EC: a hefty price

EC: maybe something personal of yours i dunno how it works for everyone else

EC: but the same thing happened with me and hephestus the blacksmithing dude

EC: and its gonna keep happening to anyone who gives a shit long enough to listen

EC: tldr

EC: magic is real and so are the dick shaped gods perpetuating it

AG: ... Well, I was going to get to that part, 8ut yes! To make a detailed and compelling story short, this experience endowed me with a strange, 8ut wonderful a8ility.

EC: do you know what it is yet

AG: Yes, that's how I know I have it. ::::P

AG: It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how it manifests... 8ut it seems to 8e some manner of healing a8ility. I can speak to people, or touch them, and reach into their minds to make them understand things they did not 8efore. It changes them.

EC: thats cool

EC: and damn useful in the context youll probably have to use it in

EC: im talking embracing a mythological role to combat an asshole with godlike destructive powers yo

EC: no joke

EC: doesnt have to be direct either but understanding this shit is whats going to change the tides of wars

AG: You really think so?

AG: That I can make a difference?

EC: shits only logical when you think about it in context

EC: you get a handle on these abilities at seemingly your lowest fucking point

EC: whens it better to reconstruct yourself into someone completely new maybe someone you never thought you could be or did

EC: but was too afraid to think on it like holy shit this is possible

EC: thats what the dick gods look for i think makes people useful to them

EC: dunno if its true but its a pattern

AG: I see... I suppose that would make sense.

AG: It... certainly has given me hope for... change.

EC: well yeah cool

EC: hopefully you wont be the last

EC: you talk to rose about this shit much or

AG: Ah... No, I can't say that I have.

EC: seems weird that you havent just saying

AG: It isn't actually! We have never 8een on the 8est of terms, exactly... 8ut I suppose not so terri8le that we shouldn't address the elephant in the room, so to speak.

EC: ok so go do something about it

EC: sitting pretty only gets you so far

EC: and some people are better at it than others

EC: needless to say its time to put the fucking fuss in hustle

EC: get out there

EC: get that ball bowlin that wheel rollin

EC: the time is now

AG: You needn't say anymore! Consider me motivated.

EC: cool

EC: cuz i will be on you

EC: knowing what you know? we aint letting that sleeping dog lie

AG: That won't 8e necessary, I'm sure.

EC: poking it straight in the eye cockadoodledoo motherfucker guess what time it is

EC: its go time

EC: tweet

EC: for the record thats me blowing the whistle

EC: what whistle

EC: the whistle of your own personal character development hello

EC: youre fucking welcome

EC: i dont sleep

EC: now you dont get no sleep

EC: thats a double negative to emphasis how fucking serious im being about this

AG: Gee! I shudder to think what would have 8ecome of me without your guidance. Thank you ever so much, Davesprite.

AG: Let's nip any other potential ram8les in the 8ud 8efore they grow much too insuffera8le. I will go speak with Rose soon, alright?

AG: It's settled!

EC: cool but ill know if you did

EC: watch yourself

AG: ::::/

AG: Do you have anyone else to harangue with spiritual direction?

AG: 8ecause I would suggest going to do that now.

EC: no youre just special

EC: thats what you want to hear i bet i mean why else are we still talking

EC: is this business as usual martha cmon

EC: you didnt even come to sunday brunch

EC: i made all this fucking potato salad

EC: and bitch youre taking it home in tupperware if its the last thing i do i swear to fuck

AG: ALRIGHT. Then I will just have to end the conversation myself!

AG: FAREWELL, DAVESPRITE.

-- academicGeniality [AG] ceased pestering ebironicCrest [EC] at 16:17 --

[academic-geniality]

-- coltishDaedalian [CD] 8egan pestering academicGeniality [AG] at 23:43 --

CD: } --> Deerheart

CD: } --> Are you

CD: } --> Well

CD: } --> I marely wish to show my support

CD: } --> I understand if you are not in the mood to converse

AG: Oh, Daelos... You are just the sweetest.

AG: I am... holding up fine, I suppose.

CD: } --> I STRONGLY encourage you to be honest with me

CD: } --> I above all others would understand for feelings on this matter

AG: I know. It's only that... I find articulating these feelings to 8e incredi8ly difficult.

CD: } --> Then

CD: } --> It does not simply codify as being

CD: } --> Morose

CD: } --> Or angry?

AG: No, not quite.

AG: It is as if the pieces are there, 8ut I can't...

AG: Perhaps I'm distancing myself from those feelings. From coping properly.

AG: It wouldn't 8e the first time.

CD: } --> Were you

CD: } --> Fond at all of your home?

AG: I never...

AG: I never got to experience it fully.

AG: I grew up in a life of captivity. My lusus, she had taken in many charges, and under their discretion I was to 8e kept inside our hive.

AG: It wasn't until I was older that I was allowed to leave, and even then, I wasted no time to explore 8eyond Europa.

AG: Of course I was educated on the culture. Everything ugly a8out my home, I understood it well, and perhaps that is what motivated me to leave so hastily.

AG: 8ut I never visited the ocean. My initial mission with the taskforce... That had 8een my first time even visiting the capital.

AG: Could this 8e regret? That I...

AG: Had a home I never really appreciated?

AG: It seems so like me. To take something for granted like that.

CD: } --> I do enjoy watching as your trains of thought come into fruition

CD: } --> Although I wish the circumstances were different

CD: } --> Perhaps every survivor will feel as though they took Europa for granted, in some way

CD: } --> Even for what could have been

AG: You're pro8a8ly right.

CD: } --> Not much comfort there

CD: } --> However mi%ed your feelings

CD: } --> They cannot be wrong

AG: Thank you for saying so...

AG: It is difficult to navigate through my own emotions, more often than not. 8ut talking with you a8out them helps me find some clarity.

AG: 8ecause I feel they're safest with you.

CD: } --> You are always safe with me

AG: Daelos... Could I trou8le you to come see me?

AG: It's getting late and I don't think I should leave my 8lock, 8ut I want to 8e with you.

CD: } --> I will be there shortly

CD: } --> In relative terms

AG: Then I will see you relatively soon... heh.

DAELOS: } --> *And she does indeed see him relatively soon. He knocks. He probably doesn't need to at this stage in their relationship, but he always does.*

ARANEA: *please... she might make comments a8out it normally, 8ut it is kind of endearing, and tonight she doesn't really have the energy to complain. she answers the door with a tired smile.*

ARANEA: Hello.

DAELOS: } --> My deer

DAELOS: } --> You 100k e%hausted

DAELOS: } --> Sit down

DAELOS: } --> -tocuhes her shoulder-

ARANEA: *places her hand over his, then nods a 8it reluctantly.* Alright... Come sit with me. *holds onto a claw as she turns towards her 8ed.*

DAELOS: } --> *Trots after her obediently*

ARANEA: *plops down onto her 8ed, letting go of him only so she can squirm 8ack against the wall, giving him plent of room to rest 8eside her.*

DAELOS: } --> *Carefully lowers himself down like a piece of construction machinery*

DAELOS: } --> *Finally his weight is on the bed, and the tips of his horns brush her chest*

ARANEA: *much 8etter. no longer feeling alone, she quietly plays with the tip of one horn 8etween two fingers, casting a soft smile his way.*

DAELOS: } --> *Proceeds to rest his chin on her belly and 100k at her with soulful eyes*

ARANEA: *touches his cheeks, thum8s circling through the wirey curls of his 8eard as she gazes right 8ack at him.*

DAELOS: } --> *limply accepts this treatment for a while. but eventually he catches her hand and presses c001 kisses to her fingers and knuckles*

ARANEA: *her smile widens till tiny fangs surface, and she draws her thum8 over the shape of his lips. she hums with contentment, thinking fondly on how they feel against her own.*

DAELOS: } --> *It's quite easy to get lulled into companionable silence and snuggling here. He's fallen into this web, so to speak many a time. Struggling to resist her vapors, he e%hales a sigh.*

DAELOS: } --> Penny for your thoughts?

ARANEA: *giggles softly, framing his face once more as she speaks.* I'm only thinking of how much I would like to kiss you.

DAELOS: } --> *She can feel him frown.*

DAELOS: } --> Why just think about it?

ARANEA: Why indeed! Come here. *laughs a little more openly.*

DAELOS: } --> *Deep rumbly purr starts up. His large nose bumps her cheek.*

ARANEA: *doesn't he know it's hard to kiss him when she's smiling so much? goodness. it's nice to have all that pain and confusion cast away, if only for this moment that they're together. sliding her hands around to the 8ack of his neck, she angles her head into a soft, sweet kiss.*

DAELOS: } --> *Kissing her always brings to his mind a little butterfly, landing on him for a few moments before fluttering away. That's good. He ought to save that for a future poem.*

ARANEA: *yes, please. she would love to read that. if there were any traces of a 8ad mood left in her, at the touch of their lips, it had all 8een thoroughly pushed to the farthest reaches of her mind. all she could focus on now was him, and she draws away to gaze into his eyes again at this closer proximity, eight irises sparkling with the purest adoration.*

DAELOS: } --> *It will be done in the brightest blue calligraphy, just for you my deer. But heck- one iris would be bad enough. You can imagine how hard it is to deal with eight. He feels as though staring directly into it is sucking out his soul. In a good way of course. His nostrils flare as he e%hales and pulls her closer to him, feeling that familiar flash of possessiveness.*

ARANEA: *she gladly cozies up into his arms, resting her head against his shoulder with a soft chirr of her own. he can 8e possessive all he wants. she eats it right up.*

DAELOS: } --> *It's a guilty pleasure, to settle her in his arms and feel like he's guarding her, although there's nothing currently to guard her from. Perhaps from her own sadness or loneliness.*

ARANEA: *enjoying this stretch of comforta8le silence and a new found sense of security, she drifts in and out of consciousness. when she stirs into a more awake state, she stifles a yawn and nuzzles against his neck.* Mm. Daelos... Will you spend the evening with me?

[academic-geniality]

-- academicGeniality [AG] began trolling coltishDaedalian [CD] -- 

AG: Hello there. I have a question for you... 

AG: Is it or is it not true that you were designated to supervise me? 8ecause I feel as though I am in need of some supervision at this point in time. 

AG: ::::)

CD: } --> Um

CD: } --> I would not say "designated", it was an informal request

CD: } --> I did not think it warranted

CD: } --> Mentioning

AG: A request, hmm? 

AG: Well, whatever the case... Don't you think you ought to 8e looking after me?

CD: } --> Well

CD: } --> I did make a comittment

AG: Then I should hope you would honor that commitment. 

AG: Who knows what I might get up to here in the li8rary?

CD: } --> I would think you would attend to your librarian duties however your canter implies otherwise

CD: } --> I will be along shortly to offer assistance

DAELOS: -he's dressed more casually than usual when he arrives. which just means no welding  mask, apron or boots. he putters around nervously at first, but he smiles when he sees the bell he gave her and triggers it-

ARANEA: -she noticed him come in from where she's hidden among the bookshelves, but she had been hoping he'd use the bell and low and behold, he did not disappoint. she slips on over, perching herself behind the desk before leaning over with her head in her hands.-  You rang?

DAELOS: -Gosh...If she continues to be this fetching for the rest of this encounter, he is going to struggle.- ....

DAELOS: -dabs his face with a hankerchief- I am here for supervise

DAELOS: Here to supervise

ARANEA: -tucks a hair behind her ear, smiling up at him- So I see. How are you intending to keep me out of trou8le, then? -goodness she is being flirty-

DAELOS: -he HAS NOTICED,, and even coming into it, he is already very b100 in the face. a part of him wants to shy away, while another part wants to try and keep up with it as best he can. If he is going to make this work, he needs to try new things.-

DAELOS: -Lowers his voice a little.- My thought was....we might spend some time together and my companionship would potentially distract you from otherwise unsavory activities

ARANEA: -at that, she rounds the desk again to draw in nearer to him, placing her hand on his arm. the look on his face is adorable, and it drives her to behave even bolder when she can get away with it.- That sounds like a solidly founded plan. 

ARANEA: You are an excellent distraction. In fact,  I already find myself entirely unheeding of anything but your company.

DAELOS: -Ah...there she is. Hrk.-

DAELOS: Perhaps I will distract you from your work as well... but I suppose it cannot be helped

ARANEA: Whatever it takes, isn't that right? 

ARANEA: I 8elieve I've worked hard enough for the time 8eing... I've earned myself a 8reak. -trails her hand down to grasp his hand, fitting her fingers between the spaces of his own... as best she can, anyway.-

DAELOS: - he follows the brush of her hand on his skin like it's taking place at half the speed, but once her hand fits with his, his voice sounds more confident. -  That 100ks to be a reasonable conc100sion

DAELOS: And where would you like to be escorted?

ARANEA: Well... If you wouldn't mind too terri8ly, I would like for us to relocate someplace with a little more privacy. -says so a bit carefully, like she isn't trying to be suggestive... but also like she is... hmm.-

DAELOS: -Holy cow. He feels the back of his neck get a little damp again.- That....

DAELOS: That will do.

ARANEA: Wonderful. Then how does my 8lock sound? -she asks the question, but her mind is clearly already set as she begins to lead the way-

DAELOS: -Holy cows and grazing pastures. When was the last time something like this happened? He can't even remember.  He dwarfs her to the extent that he can barely feel her tugging him forward. It's like being pulled by a butterfly on a string. He reminds himself to keep up conversation.- It has been a long while since I have seen your block

ARANEA: It has 8een some time now, hasn't it? So much has changed... Though my 8lock has remained more or less the same. -smiles back at him before pressing onward again. It's a fairly short walk from the library to her living quarters, but there is a pep in her step that suggests she couldn't get there soon enough.-

DAELOS: -She certainly is...bouncy. It makes it a bit hard for him to walk in step with her and also keep his eyes at the appropriate height.- ....Oh

DAELOS: -He can't think of much else to say.-

ARANEA: -say no more, anyway, because in a matter of moments they are at her door and she is tugging him along inside.- Here we are. 

ARANEA: -and with that statement, she turns to look at him, the bright smile still present on her face. As eager as she had been, her words and actions have slowed to a crawl, as if to prolong the mystery of her intentions in bringing him here. Watching him just in that moment, she plays with their still entwined fingers, enjoying the way they fit together.-

DAELOS: -If she wants to toy with him, she is certainly getting her sadistic thrills, because Daelos's face and neck are damp with sweat and it couldn't be more obvious that he's flustered and hanging on her every word and action. He actually pulls a towel from his sylladex and dabs his face with it again.- E%cuse me -....AND THEN HIS EYES WANDER BACK TO HER FACE, and he has an earnest expression, wanting desperately to please.-

ARANEA: -to be the focus of this kind of attention is a new kind of thrill that she would love to get used to. It isn't as if she had never felt desired before, there's just something about the way she seems to disarm him that makes her feel more powerful and important than anyone could ever make her feel before. But she cares much too deeply for him to be irresponsible with that power, so she averts her gaze with an expression that softens.- 

 ARANEA: Would you come sit with me? There are some things I've 8een wanting to tell you. -taking the lead again, she begins to escort him to her bed, of all places. To be fair, it is the comfiest place to sit in the room.-

DAELOS:Yes...yes of course -He sounds a little bit choked, but it's only because when they're alone together like this it's so consuming. He feels like he could genuinley lose himself to it. Once again, he allows himself to be led, seeming a little bit dazed as he sits down. The bed creaks loudly when his weight settles down on it.-

ARANEA: -once she's settled on the bed with her legs tucked up under her, she looks at him with her big blue eyes, now holding his hand in both of her's- 

ARANEA: It is... important that I express to you just how much our relationship has influenced me. It is likely a given fact that I'm incredi8ly happy... At least, I should hope you have taken notice to that! 

ARANEA: 8ut there is much more I've found in you than that. ARANEA: It used to 8e so important to me that I... 8e some8ody. That I make up for my mistakes, here and now, and 8uild respect with my peers. 

ARANEA: Now when I think a8out who I wish to 8e... When I look ahead, I no longer dread what might 8ecome of me. My possi8ilities seem limitless, 8ecause I see a future we can share. One that extends past a measurement of time I cannot even comprehend yet. 

ARANEA: Perhaps it is presumptuous to think such things... 8ut I feel so secure with you, I really don't 8elieve that it is.

DAELOS: -Perhaps another troll would have balked at such a bold, involved declaration, so soon after they started dating, but Daelos felt instead, a supreme wash of relief. Her intensity was equal to his. He was not coming up short nor going too far. They were matched.-

DAELOS: Aranea....

DAELOS: Please understand that I do not love easily

DAELOS: But I do love you

DAELOS: I know it is premature and irregular to say so

DAELOS: But I cannot have you taking my feelings lightly either

DAELOS: And I have not felt this way about anyone in a long, long time

DAELOS: If you feel happy and secure with me, I am only doing the minimum, I strive to do more

ARANEA: -is this how it felt? to love and to be loved? it struck her much more forcefully then she ever would have expected -- the realization that she had not only never heard those words directed towards her before, but the emotion itself, as well. perhaps vicariously, her empathy would detect it from one person to another. but to her? even platonically? understanding it now leaves her speechless with elation, unable to express little more than a watery laugh of relief (and maybe even a little bit of disbelief) for a short moment. she hadn't expected to react this way, but her strength returns as she clasps his hand tight.- 

ARANEA: I love you too. So much more than I know how to express, 8ut I can think of nothing I wish to do for you more than to discover all the ways I can show you how much you mean to me. -wiggles in closer, releasing his hand so she can place her palm on his cheek instead.-

DAELOS: -He hears the emotion in her voice, and immediately gets the STRONG urge to draw her close to him. It's one part affection, one part protection. And his purr could just as easily be a growl.  He's gently placing his gloved hands around her waist and lifting her up, to his chest to hold her, feeling her curly hair bounce, hearing the rustle of her wings. He dissolves into brooding silence as he nuzzles her. He's the one who feels more secure this way.-

ARANEA: -she's a little surprised when he draws her in so close, but she meets him with that same enthusiasm, wrapping her arms tight around his neck and brushing her cheek back against his. at some point, the nuzzles have become kisses that she works towards his mouth, pressing her lips there with little regard for propriety or cautiousness that she at least attempted to exercise before.-

DAELOS: -Riding the high of emotion they just went through together, it's easier for Daelos to relax and be a little less concerned with propriety, if only for a  fleeting moment, he allows their surroundings to blur and simply focuses on kissing her. It doesn't just count for one kiss, but several library visits and short meetings where he has wanted to do the same.-

ARANEA: -the reciprocation of intimacy only excites her more and she parts her lips to better explore the shape of his, tracing the bottom ever so lightly with her tongue. the intensity is leaving her breathless, but her hold on him tightens and she presses herself to him closer, as close as she can get.-

DAELOS: - He keeps waiting for the illusion to break... to have some excuse to shy away but as Aranea gets bolder,  he seems to grow with her instead of shrinking away.  A hand finds its way to her covered knee,  squeezing gently the kisses deepen.  He didn't even know this part of himself still existed,  but Aranea is bringing  it out in him and he can feel the change like it was happening in real time. The passion and boldness he thought was off limits for him long ago.  But if it's really off limits then why is it so easy for him to keep being with her like this? He knows it can't last forever and any moment might end it,  but kissing her tastes like a brief respite of freedom. -

ARANEA: -she had hardly expected things to end up this way, though her actions speak very little of that, as if she had planned this like she has a tendency to do. in reality, this was the best case scenario, and she would ride this high wherever it might take her. the hand on her knee seems to breathe even more life into her, a soft noise of contentment rising from her core, and she can't help the way her fangs and nails are digging lightly into him.-

DAELOS: - the sharp point of her fangs and claws surprises him,  but it really shouldn't given what he knows about her by now. he shifts under her,  ever so slightly,  feeling his skin prickle in response.  as she clings harder, he's all the more gentle,  and she can feel the heavy thrum of his loud,  deep purr vibrating from his throat.  his kisses continue their slow, soft pace even as she gets more wound up, but they do start to skirt low after a while, first her lower lip, then her   chin and eventually just under it,  at her throat. -

ARANEA: -there's a moment of disappointment as he travels away, but it quickly dissipates into another purr in response to his own, and her fingers knit into his locks, somewhat clumsily pressing a kiss to his forehead. she hopes to encourage him to explore as much of her as he can bring himself to, very nearly desperate for it.-

DAELOS: - He presses a few light kisses to her neck before he hesitates, letting his breath catch up.  Does he want to take this further? Well, it's not a question of whether he wants to...but should he? -

ARANEA: -if she were aware of his internal monologing, with the state she's in, she might just scream that yes, he absolutely should, but as he slows, she is given enough time to piece those feelings emitting from him together for herself, and she responds much more gently. she pulls away, only just, so she can look at him with her hands framing his face.- 

ARANEA: Is everything alright?

DAELOS: - He squirms inwardly as the moment stretches out and draws attention to itself, and his eyes still look uncertain when she puts her hands on his face. - ... Yes

DAELOS: It is alright

DAELOS: It has just...

DAELOS: Well

DAELOS: It has been a long time

DAELOS:... I feel like I have said this before.  - there's a tinge of indigo on his face.-

ARANEA: Hehe... I am getting a faint sense of deja vu. -smiles softly, pressing an affectionate kiss to his flushed face- 

ARANEA: There is no rush. 

ARANEA: 8ut... If there is anything I can do to ease your mind... -trails off after that, leaving him to fill in the blanks, or at least, draw forth some curiosity.-

DAELOS: -Her little kiss and ...incredibly pretty little face starts to melt the tension out of him again, replacing it with those warm...melty feelings but if she's looking she definitely gets the distinct impression of interest mingled with the embarrassment. Clumsily, he draws his hand up from her knee to smooth a piece of her curly hair.- I am...open to suggestions...

DAELOS: -Or directions of any kind, really.-

ARANEA: -her fingers lace between his locks, slowly and steadily while she locks her gaze with his.- There are many ways to 8e intimate with someone. ARANEA: I know it may 8e inappropriate to ask... 8ut if you would allow me to, I could... help you forget those trou8ling, inhi8iting thoughts.

DAELOS: -That surprises him.  Usually he finds it difficult to retain eye contact with someone, but her eyes welcome him in, make him want to stay.  It's more difficult,  in fact, to look away, but he does turn his head so he can consider.  It isn't a small request It's dangerous. But also magnetically appealing... he has often wished some outside force could sweep away his anxiety.  At least for a moment. Perhaps she can read the push and pull in his mind.  He's not blocking her out. -

ARANEA: -it's hard not to sense the inner conflict, but she takes the fact that he isn't blocking himself off at all as an invitation to at least show him a sample of what she can do for him. She concentrates her own thoughts, positive ones, comforting ones, that she can then insert into his own. They aren't demanding. More like a quiet voice at the back of his head, familiar and gentle and reassuring, as distant as they may be.-

DAELOS: - It takes him a few seconds to even realize she's there,  the presence is so deceptively faint but persistent.  The more he focuses on it the stronger it becomes.  Her thoughts smoothing out the roughness of his own,  it's like a little breeze tickling against his skin,  or sunlight warming his shoulders. -

DAELOS: - He almost let's out a surprised laugh, and she can still hear it in his voice.  Still confused. -  That... that is

DAELOS: You...it's nice...

ARANEA: You like it? -she coos, pleased and excited by that reaction. Now she feels justified in exploring his thoughts further, searching his most recent recollection of this moment they had just shared. How it felt to kiss her, everything that passed through his mind as they embraced. If she can find those thoughts, it would be good for her too, to know exactly how he felt, how he perceived her... But the ultimate goal is to bring them to the forefront of his mind, to echo those thoughts with her own, and drown out anything that doesn't involve the way they feel together.-

DAELOS: - It's there for her if she looks for it.  The overwhelming  sense of  freedom he feels when he kisses her and the deep undercurrent of desire and fascination and possessiveness beneath everything.  Quite a lot of desire,  considering how little if it he allows to be shown.  It should embarrass him, but he can't be embarrassed by anything right now.  And it's such a constant, nagging emotion for him that not feeling it is indescribably wonderful.  By the time he's physically kissing her again  it's hard to differentiate it between what's intensifying in his mind,  but it's hungrier than before  in the absence of that constant shame in being himself and existing. -

ARANEA: -well, she can very easily feel the difference when he connects their lips again, despite maintaining the mental link she's established. She lets out a soft moan of surprised pleasure behind the kiss, digging her nails into his hair again as an instinctive reaction. At this point, she begins to implant... Suggestions into his mind. Things she wants. For him to lay her down, for example. To explore more of her with his hands and lips.-

DAELOS: - It's not a mindless thing.  He can feel her tugging at the back of his mind as he kisses her,  but it's so slight-like the prickle of her nails- and he's so absorbed in kissing her  in that moment that it takes him a few seconds to slow down and listen.  And when he does, she can feel the warmth,  the relaxation of understanding in response.  He's receptive because it's pleasurable to be.  A curious thing about it is that it makes actions more fluid.  Usually the transition would seem to take an excruciatingly long time, but one moment he's propping her up. on his lap and the next he's gently laying her down on the platform - *"bed"? *- and it's like laying down a feather.  She literally weighs nothing to him.  He resists her for the first time when he takes a moment to look down at her, rigid against the suggestions that tug more persistently.  Because he wants his time seeing her spread out like this, appreciating the way she looks, as greedy and detail oriented as he is. As he lowers himself down carefully to the side of her,  she can feel him relax into her grip, as he noses between her neck and shoulder and his hand smooths down her waist. -

ARANEA: -the push of resistance inside his mind surprises her, in particular when she collects the details of what he's thinking. her cheeks, already flushed with blue, seem to grow impossibly warm realizing how intent he is in absorbing every detail of how she looks in this moment. she isn't an especially bashful person, but with the way their minds are mingling it's difficult not to feel caught up in the intense emotion of it all. her heart skips a beat when she feels him beside her, touching along her side.- 

ARANEA: I love you. -she has to say it again, and let it echo inside his head with undertones of her desire -- no, her need for him. her need for him to expose her skin for him to explore.-

DAELOS: -He wants to say he loves her too and how much he does. He thinks it. But he's so absorbed in how his pan and limbs are trying to cooperate, his lips don't actually move to form words. A tiny malfunction. Instead they're kissing along her jaw line (he has to pause to brush some of her curly hair aside and the strands bounce), then the crook of her neck, then her throat. Kissing becomes nuzzling and suckling. She's cool-blooded but to him her skin feels warm and very soft. Her influence on him makes one action drip into another and everything has a slower quality, like they are under water. His curly beard tickles along her skin, probably tickling worse as he trails down to her chest. He pauses again because he wants to be nervous, to hesitate, but listening to her voice makes it so much easier to gently get his smooth claws under her blouse and start to pull it up over her shoulders, lifting his chin up slightly so he can see that too.-

ARANEA: -she helps him along, wiggling out of the clothing.- Good... -purrs out the words, petting at his hair and meeting that gaze with a proud adoration. He's doing so well, giving himself so willingly to his desires, acting upon his own thoughts uninhibited. She barely even needs to suggest anything to him, only help him achieve exactly what he wants, and it's beautiful to her that she can find this exchange so satisfying. That she can help in ways she understands without needing to control. It doesn't even feel like mental manipulation. It just feels like he's listening.- 

ARANEA: -the garment left behind after her blouse is removed is white and lacy... And just a little see through. Enough to see the outline of her nipples which are -- strangely, or maybe not -- decorated with four round bits of golden metal each.-

DAELOS: -The praise and petting strikes a chord with him, she can feel that of course, but she can also see it in the way he leans up into her hand and the way his somber eyes meet hers in a warm, appreciative glance. Although he has an easier time getting past it with her help, he's still nervous underneath, still eager to please. However, he is understandably distracted when she reveals what's underneath her blouse. His breath hitches. This wasn't quite what he was expecting. He's not sure if he quite believes what he's seeing. His face gets flooded with heat when he feels a sharper stir of arousal deep in his gut.- ...Oh -Is all he manages to say. However because he's so fascinated, he wants to touch. And under her influence, touch her does. His hand smooths over the scratchy lace, first a flat palm over her collar bone where her heart is quickly fluttering and then smoothing over her clothed breasts, circling the pads of his large fingers over her nipples -and- yes. It's exactly what he thought. Mother help him.- Ah...

ARANEA: -the hum easing out of her at his touch quickly hitches the moment fingertips draw over the framed shape of her nipple. as if his delicate, deliberate handling of her wasn't enlivening enough before. and in that moment, it's as if she's the one under the  control of a hypnotic spell, to the point that she finds herself a little distracted from giving commands. her back arches, instinctively, but with purpose as well as she reaches back to hook the bra.-

DAELOS: -In the back of his mind he notices her hold on him release, but at this point it is easy to pretend that he doesn't and continue on as though he still operating under borrowed confidence. He continues touching her, exploring her body at his own pace. As excited as she is, all his movements are slowed down, and in his mind they feel even slower, distracted by the texture of the little metal balls under the lace and the outline of her nipple.  His hands go from cupping her breasts as gently as possible to feeling out the contour of her waist again, all the way back down to her hips and belly and pelvis. And when they come back up, they roll up the fabric, helping her pull it free as she unhooks it. It's quiet except for her breathing and his steady purr, but after a minute or two, he shly speaks up again.  It's easier to talk without her voice. Usually that's a potentially bad thing, but  sometimes it can be nice.- You....you are so lovely, Aranea

ARANEA: -such an earnest expression of admiration leaves her feeling bashful, cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of blue than it already was.- Thank you. -a soft giggle bubbles out of her as she picks at one of his locks, eventually moving to frame his face in her hands again. she angles them into another kiss, and as their lips meet, she speaks into his mind again, imploring him to kiss her all over. her neck, chest, breasts, stomach, and even lower still.-

[academic-geniality]

ARANEA: -another day in the library, but for the past week or so, her time spent alone had been filled with introspection. she knew full well what it meant when that great beast spoke to her and rose, made them solve her riddles. the only trouble was that she had no idea how the experience had actually changed her... but perhaps obsessing over the question was what prevented her from finding the answer in the first place. still, it's hard not to think about, and she's rather distracted by her thoughts as she distantly puts away books.-

TEREZI: -What better way to spend her time on leave than to educate herself on other things! And ignore the fact she felt a bit...lonely. Yes, she was surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her. She knew that. But a nagging voice deep in her mind reminded her over and over that despite all this, weren't people tired that they couldn't fix the fact that she still wouldn't speak after all this time? With growing conviction, Terezi felt a complete lack of wishing to defend her actions at all. She learned that she didn't have explain herself, nor did she have to make people understand. It would be their decision, and the decisions of others were much better than her own.- 

TEREZI: -She entered the library quietly. It had been a while since she had visited this place, and after she had completed her research and rewritten Alternian law until she was satisfied, she'd fell behind on her reading. For shame.-

ARANEA: -it's easy to pull herself from her thoughts when she hears someone come in. it's fairly rare, so it's kind of exciting... especially since more often than not, it's daelos who is visiting the library, but when she sees terezi instead, she isn't disappointed at all. she is, however, a little concerned and unsure of how to approach her. but darn it, she will try.- 

ARANEA: Hello Terezi. Can I help you find anything? -says while poking her head out from behind a book shelf-

TEREZI: -Her face lit up like the sky on LoMaT when the Strider's did their yearly fireworks celebration. She considered it for a moment, then took out a stack of post-its, quickly doodling a cartoon dragon on it with a couple question marks hovering around. She pretty much Groobled everything under Alternia's sun about them, but if there happened to be a book she didn't read on it, she was going to inhale all the words.-

ARANEA: -smiles at the picture before nodding.- Of course we have all manner of literature pertaining to the topic of dragons. Fiction... Non-fiction... Do you have a preference?

TEREZI: -she nodded quickly when Aranea said "non-fiction," holding up a finger as though to say "that's the one!"-

ARANEA: Hmm... -taps cheek in thought- Aha. Yes, I know just the thing. -starts leading the way towards the nature section of non-fiction- 

ARANEA: It is an account of dragons documented in human mythology throughout history, linking them to counterparts found across the galaxy, and speculating as to how their visage might have 8een happened upon 8y early human life. -plucks the book off the shelf by it's spine.-

TEREZI: -She definitely hadn't perused this one and her eyes are wide with immediate interest. Her smile brightens and she's about as excited as Aranea would be in Belle's library.-

TEREZI: -slowly moves hands forward to take this marvel.-

ARANEA: -it's nice to see her so happy and with a smile of her own, aranea gladly passes the book along to her.-

ARANEA: You seem to 8e doing well. I'm glad.

TEREZI: =just tryna stay positive even as things domino around her, no biggie! With both her and Karkat on leave, they'd been taking turns trying to cope with all the freetime they now had. Some days it was pretty okay. Others she felt like she use her nails to climb vertically up the walls.= 

TEREZI: =She nods, one shoulder cocking up in a shrug. That the easy answer, anyway.=

ARANEA: -if she were anyone else, this conversation might feel a little one sided, but aranea has the benefit of feeling the emotions of others, which paints an image just as vivid as the most colorful of language. she nods slowly, understanding.- 

ARANEA: I take it that it is somewhat of a restless contentment, 8eing on leave and all.

ARANEA: I understand completely how that is. Most days, I find myself feeling the same way. I take a lot of pride in my work here, 8ut an excess of reticence is more fitful than calming for someone like myself who takes most joy in working with others. Perhaps if more people 8othered to read, it would 8e less of a pro8lem, but as it is, occupying those quiet moments easily 8ecomes a 8urden. 

ARANEA: That is what happens when you are left alone with your own thoughts, I suppose.

TEREZI: =Tiny arrow of GUILT! She wondered if it ever got lonely for Aranea, having to be cooped up in here. She was surrounded by things she loved, but in the end they were really only things.= 

TEREZI: =She nodded, and Terezi shifted the book so that she was holding it with one arm. She tapped her wrist (even though she wasn't wearing a watch) and made a back and forth motion between her mouth and Aranea. She had the time. She would stay.=

ARANEA: -brightens up a little. the gesture wasn't lost on her, that's for sure.- Really? You don't mind me talking your ear off? -laughs a little about it, stepping out from behind the bookshelf so she can go to sit.- 

ARANEA: It has 8een a while since we have caught up... Though I understand there likely is little to report, or that you want to talk a8out, I do have some things I would like to update you on. Such as my romantic life... ::::)

TEREZI: =She laughed and tapped her own ear before holding up her forefinger and middle finger together. If she loses an ear, she can cope. She has two! Following Aranea, she sat across from her, placing the book off to the side as she listened.= 

TEREZI: =Her brows raised in interest and she made a....WELL, DO GO ON! gesture with her hands.=

ARANEA: -rests her chin against her folded hands as she looks across at terezi, a smile on her face that's a shade warmer than the kind she usually displays.- Do you know Daelos Zahhak very well at all, 8y chance?

TEREZI: =uhhhhhhh....= 

TEREZI: =oh! they almost verbally sparred that one time!= 

TEREZI: =She nodded, but also waved her hand back and forth. She knew him, but not personally. The first time she met him she wanted to scream to the heavens, but...that was a while ago, and Daelos had since proven to be an asset to the ship and to the crew. The instance with the clowns was definitely on her mind, and she nodded, a grin slowly spreading. So THAT's why when she complimented Daelos that Aranea smelled so dang happy. It was all coming together.=

ARANEA: Heh... I expected as much. He is hardly the most socializing type... 8ut he has always made the effort to spend time with me, even long 8efore we came into the matespritship. -you can practically see the hearts floating around her head. there would be 8 of them, probably.- 

ARANEA: We are so well suited for each other, I often find myself wondering the possi8ility of soulmates as something actually pro8a8le, and not simply a fairytale you only read a8out... Perhaps I'm still caught in the honeymoon period, so to speak, but I really don't think so.

TEREZI: =She may not be able to see hearts, but she can certainly smell the UTTER ADORATION exuding from Aranea like a scent waterfall. It was kind of cute and adorable, actually.= 

TEREZI: =She can't help but feel happy for her, and her grin turns into a soft smile. She was glad that even though things had flown into the horrible sector for a while, stuff like falling in love could still happen. And it put things nicely into perspective.=

TEREZI: =From one end of the table, she walked two fingers then outstretched her other arm, walking two fingers as well. They soon converged in the center. "How did u meet" is what she's asking.=

ARANEA: -doesn't seem to miss a beat on that one, either. it's no surprise by now, probably.- We first crossed paths during our mission on LOWAS... I 8elieve you might have 8een there? When we were hunting for clues. Evidence of Golden Prong activity... 

ARANEA: We took to each other rather quickly. From what I recall, we admired each other's work ethic. -laughs- We 8oth agreed to have a professional kind of relationship... That alone must have doomed us from the start.

TEREZI: =Terezi nodded along, remembering. LOWAS was GREAT, even with the monsters and the massive hole in the ground and the tidal wave of oil. ahhh, good times. When Aranea said the last couple of sentences, she bit down on her lower lip, attempting to hold back a laugh. It comes out anyway.= 

TEREZI: =She shook her head, smiling. It only foreshadowed they were meant to be. Hey, she can appreciate romance, too.=

ARANEA: The 8uild was a slow one... And 8etween the two of us, he had some reservations with entering a relationship with me 8ecause of our age difference. 8ut after... What happened to 8eforus... -glances at the table at the mention of that- We quickly came to realize we needed each other. 

ARANEA: And it is has 8een history ever since. -her smile returns after it's very brief falter.-

TEREZI: =She frowned, somber at the mention of Beforus, and with the return of Aranea's smile, she smiled too and reached across the table, patting her hand.= 

TEREZI: =And then she pulled out a sheet of paper and drew a smiley face, a 4, the word the, a person laying down, the word of, the letter y followed by an oar, and...hmm was Europa's day/night schedule the same at Alternia's? Well, she'll put a sun regardless. The term is universal anyway..=

ARANEA: -looks over this message carefully. "happy for the rest of your days" is how she reads it. whether or not that's accurate, it doesn't matter, because she's left a bashful shade of blue with her smile widening. but as much as she enjoys the message, it's execution is a little curious...- 

 ARANEA: Terezi... If you don't mind my changing the su8ject so suddenly... I'm afraid I can't withhold my curiosity any longer. 

ARANEA: Regarding your... current methods of communication. 

ARANEA: You aren't even writing words now? -tilts her head. she doesn't seem judgmental, only interested.-

TEREZI: =The verdict is Aranea is fantastic at Rebus puzzles!= 

TEREZI: =Terezi snickered then pointed to the 'the'.  She made an 'ehhh' face to express sorta/kinda then briefly scribbled a few words on the bottom. She turned it again so Aranea could see.= 

TEREZI: ="think/consider more when i have to draw"=

ARANEA: Ah yes. There is some very sound logic in that explanation. When there are so many thoughts to express, choosing the right words to express them is no different than choosing the colors for a painting or the notes for a song. 8ut that is why language is so precious to me. 

ARANEA: Of course... I know that something 8rought up this change in communication, 8ut I do have to wonder why you have committed yourself to it so stictly. Words are a 8eautiful thing, Terezi, when they so vividly descri8e what can 8e found within the sactinty of your mind. -she says this with an air of pride, and a strange aura of warmth, like rays of sunshine are bursting from her ideas and shedding their light on whoever steps out from the shade.-

TEREZI: =She was smiling for a while there. Words could turn the tide (not the literal tide), but if said in the right order, it could win over people's hearts just as powerfully, if not more, than fear could. She had words! She had written many of them. Perhaps not as eloquently as Aranea could, but she'd rewritten Alternian law. ALL of Alternian Law. And now it sat with no use, unread and pretty much forgotten, on one of her shelves.= 

TEREZI: =Her smile faded as she remembered what else words could do. Convince people to follow. Convince people to take a path that would result in mistakes and suffering and death. And her small flutter of excitement was soon consumed by hesitation again. And then hesitation turned to the fear that reminded her that words were not her place anymore.= 

TEREZI: =Her face is mostly impassive, however, and aside from a hard swallow, Terezi didn't show her fear externally. She smiled and only shook her head.=

ARANEA: -she didn't need to show it when aranea could sense it. she could dig deeper, to find the source of that fear and hesitation, but the casual invasion of another's thoughts didn't seem as innocuous to her as it once did. no,  aranea was learning to find the merit in reaching out -- which she does, literally, offering a hand to clasp over terezi's. the warmth about her begins to spread at the contact, and terezi might feel it like the exhilirating rush of inspiration.- 

ARANEA: I realize that you cannot 8ring yourself to 8elieve that right now. 8ut I also know your strength and your compassion, and what plagues your thoughts currently is not you. It is not the truth. 

ARANEA: We need those qualities a8out you -- 8ut more importantly, you need them.

TEREZI: =She wanted Aranea to be right - that she could still be deemed strong and compassionate even after what she did, rather than how she saw herself:  a weak and ruthless wretch. Two very different emotions were warring in Terezi's mind, one icy that ran through her colder than her blood, and the warmth that drove it back. Terezi stiffened when Aranea's hand closed over her own, and despite the cold wanting to deny Aranea's words and pull away, the feeling that enveloped Terezi...it made her stay. She was as still as stone, but at least she didn't move from it.= 

TEREZI:  =She could feel becoming inspired again as fear slowly drained away. Aranea's words rang clear despite Terezi knowing she didn't deserve them, and they filled the empty spaces in her heart, in her lungs, to even parts of her mind. She hadn't felt something quite like it nearing four sweeps now. Sure, she'd felt it while she wrote her book, when she set up and attended dates with her quads, when she wanted to make something goofy with the alchemeter... but this sent her reeling backwards in time to when she first felt something that matched its sheer profundity. She was happy then. Happy in the sense she had yet to be disillusioned, and happy to think she could make a difference in a world that hated change.= 

TEREZI: =She heard their laughter in her mind, and in her face was the ghost of who Terezi used to be. The person she had been before she lost her way, her matesprit, and her sight flickered on like a neglected basement bulb.=

ARANEA: -she shouldn't be surprised by silence, but the way she tenses under her hold has aranea just a little concerned and she tilts her head, brows knitted.- Terezi...? Are you alright?

TEREZI: =The League trained them differently than they had in the past. To make better soldiers, they diverted from the usual lone path of the legislacerator and from a sample of one thousand recruits, they formed two hundred groups of five. These team members were to care for the lives of their peers to the extent five would be one, thinking as a unit rather than separate entities. The worst thing wasn't that the High Legislacerator had essentially ordered them to their deaths. It was that she made them care about each other, become utterly reliant on each other, and didn't place into account that there would be survivors with gaping wounds no doctor could heal.  Or maybe she had.= 

TEREZI: =When the laughter turned to screams as it always did when she remembered them, Terezi expected it to take the warmth away. It didn't. In fact, the screams were fainter this time. They hadn't so much faded as...switched places. Like it was shoved to the back while everything her team had strove for, and what some of them died for, came to the foreground. The screams no longer overpowered the sound of when they were all happy and whole and dreaming just like she had that they could make a difference.= 

TEREZI: =When Aranea's words returned to her ears again, the warmth pushed Terezi through time, reminding her - showing her - that Karkat's death was well beyond her control. It was followed by the memory when Dirk reassured her that treating their enemies as they were treated was not the path to take. "You weren't wrong," he'd said. And this time she could believe it.= 

TEREZI: (1...)

TEREZI: =Tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped from her chin onto the varnished table, one after the other. She couldn't stop it so she didn't try. Terezi was back at the library, back in the present. It was the first time she'd come back from those memories without feelings of crippling loss, empty loneliness, and encroaching dread. Now the memories felt like how they were supposed to feel, holding either pleasant fondness or sober reflection. It felt like her wound finally stopped bleeding.= 

TEREZI: (y3s) 

TEREZI: (1 th1nk so) 

TEREZI: =She looked as surprised as her words sounded.=

ARANEA: -her eyes widen at the sound of terezi's voice. hushed, but present. hearing it resonates an understanding in her, though one the person she is now has the graces to question. did she have something to do with this? she finds it hard to believe that her words alone did the trick, but she could vividly recall the echo of cetus' words in her mind. her choice, her promise. it all seemed to add up. could this be what she was meant to do? there had to be some way to make sure.- 

ARANEA: What...? -her lips part into a smile, surprised but relieved, regardless of where this all came from.- 

ARANEA: Terezi... You're talking. 

ARANEA: ... And crying. -now what is she supposed to do about that? she's so bad at these things. it's almost funny to her right now.-

TEREZI: =A part of her was still afraid to speak again, but as soon as the chill began to creep up her spine, the warmth quickly burned it away. She could still feel it like a current through Aranea's fingertips, breaking apart guilt Terezi carried for far too long.= 

TEREZI: =The tears kept coming, and Terezi used her one free hand to try to wipe them away.= 

TEREZI: (1 4m...) =She choked a sob. It wasn't that she'd let slip and forgotten not to speak, and it wasn't anything like she'd given herself this permission. Everything that made her succumb to the poison in her mind and withered away her will and crumbled the walls of her confidence didn't weigh her down anymore. It was almost a loss; she'd used it as a buffer so she wouldn't make the same mistakes again. But she could now see that all it was was her own self-hatred eating away at her piece by piece. it almost succeeded. It almost reached a point where she was no longer herself.= 

TEREZI: =Her eyes lifted from the wood of the table to Aranea's blurry colors. Every color smeared when she cried and all things smelled like salt. She sniffed so she could see better, and her head tilted back down to their hands before looking up once again.= 

TEREZI: (wh4t...w4s th4t?) 

TEREZI: =Terezi knew she hadn't done anything herself to spur this. She'd been trying to move on from her experiences at the League for so long, but after the mind is convinced, the undo button wasn't so easy to accomplish. She felt that she was making some improvement in her sessions with Rose, but this was a whole new level. She thought of her team again, and it wasn't painful. It wasn't painful.= 

TEREZI: (d1d you f33l th4t?)  =she paused, her brows creasing as she tried to understand. 

TEREZI: (d1d you do th4t?)

TEREZI: =The strange thing was it didn't feel like mind control. It was nothing like mind control. She could tell what mental abilities were being used on her and to what extent. She could tell their skill, and she could tell their intent, whether it was to hold her down until reinforcements came or attempt to drive her to insanity.  It wasn't anything like the High Legislacerator's hallucinations, or her judicator's ability of emotion manipulation. Even when she trained with Mindfang who initally took the subtle approach, Terezi could feel her poking at the edges of her mind. Mindfang may as well have been a hoofbeast in a china shop. Whatever this was....Terezi knew nothing of it. It didn't feel invasive, and if it was supposed to be, it was the kindest she'd ever known and far gentler than she thought mental powers could ever be.= 

TEREZI: (4r4n34?)

ARANEA: M... May8e. -she says with uncertainty, but traces of hope when it becomes more evident that the way terezi is feeling right now is good. aranea did something positive, though she isn't sure how, and she's almost desperate to learn how she may do it again.- 

ARANEA: What... happened, exactly?

TEREZI: =Her lips parted as she tried to think of how to describe it, and the tears kept coming. She didn't understand why until she felt her smile reach her eyes and a small laugh bubbled from her throat. Her attention flickered down to their hands, still stacked neatly on top of each other.= 

TEREZI: (th3r3 w4s som3th1ng...som3th1ng th4t p4ss3d from you to m3) 

TEREZI: (1t f3lt w4rm) 

TEREZI: (...s4f3) 

TEREZI: (m4d3 th1ngs cl34r3r, 4 l1ttl3 b1t 4t 4 t1m3) 

TEREZI: (mov3d pieces of m3 4round 4nd now...) 

TEREZI: (th1ngs f33l l1k3 th3yre the r1ght sh4p3) 

TEREZI: =before it was like she was way too stretched in areas, forced in all wrong. Now it felt too perfect, but perhaps this was what the comfort of fitting in one's own skin felt like. She sniffed, a little hesitant to admit it, but this new (old?) feeling swirling around found it prevalent that she speak regardless.= 

TEREZI: (1t do3snt hurt 4nymor3) =she doesnt know where she was referencing, her heart or her memories, but whatever it was, it felt like the physical manifestation of untying cannonballs from around her ankles and rolling them overboard to watch them sink to the bottom of the sea.=

ARANEA: -her heart absolutely melts at this explanation. could she have really been responsible for something so significant? for a moment, all she can do is laugh softly with a humbled delight, shaking her head in disbelief, but it doesn't take long for her to fully accept this.- 

ARANEA: Recently... While I had gone treasure hunting to earn money for the ship... I encountered one of those... Grand 8easts. The kind that have supposedly 8een granting us spectacular a8ilities. 

ARANEA: She spoke right to me... Of a choice. Yet I never would have anticipated I would inherit a gift like this.

TEREZI: =Before it had been hard for her to believe in anything like that. Ghosts and rainbow drinkers were only stories, death was final, abilities only came with caste, and the world was dark and horrible and forced their hand to do what was necessary to survive. But the supernatural was real, people got second chances, humans were gifted powers, and the world? Despite all the hardship the crew of the U.U. had endured, the world was a beautiful place to be; she just needed to look a little harder.= 

TEREZI: =She shook her head, still caught up in the wonder of it. Her tears had finally stopped on their own, and she was left with the absence of the weight of guilt of the past and the absence her fears of what might happen in the future. Those didn't plague her anymore. Her memories were so much easier to carry, and she felt lighter. Her heart felt so much lighter.= 

TEREZI: (4m4z1ng...) 

TEREZI: =Terezi laughed a soft, happy laugh, albeit sounding a little soggy, and squeezed her hand.= 

TEREZI: (4r4n34, you g4v3 m3 my m1nd b4ck) 

TEREZI: (wh4t3v3r you 1nh3r1t3d, 1ts 4m4z1ng) 

TEREZI: (th4nk you) =Terezi looked right at her face, her words returning and coming forth with certainty. They were as sincere as they sounded, and Terezi hoped Aranea could feel that.= 

TEREZI: (thank you so much)

[academic-geniality]

ARANEA: *this visit took a regretta8le amount of time to get to, 8ut truth 8e told, aranea was struggling all the while to grip with her feelings on the matter. it... hit too close to home in far too many ways. 8ut that is why she knew with a8solute certainty that she /needed/ to see him. it feels strange to step into holding to meet with rufioh, like she was stepping into some kind of 8izarro world. it's completely 8ackwards, and her chest feels tight as she waits in the meeting area for the guards to 8ring him in.*

RUFIOH: *It's another day of being woken up and escorted to the visitation area. Despite spending hours and hours sleeping, the moth troll still looked exhausted. Like the weight of the world was on his shoulders, his consciousness the heaviest burden he could be carrying. Just like with Meulin, Rufioh had no idea what to expect when he saw Aranea. How he would feel when he saw the look on her face. He ca

RUFIOH: n't know how to feel, not when his insides were full of muck. No appetite past the apathy and tiredness dragging in his limbs. He slides into the chair unceremoniously, giving her a slow blink.* ...hey.

ARANEA: Hello, Rufioh. *her voice is soft and sympathetic, much like the expression on her face. seeing him like this stirs up feelings she thought were lost, 8ut isn't afraid when they resurface. it's relieving, almost. however, it makes it difficult to stop herself from reaching out to take his hand in her own, so she doesn't try to.*

ARANEA: I am... *draws in a 8reath and exhales slowly.* So sorry.

RUFIOH: *It should sting or hurt in some way when she takes his hand but even that is hard to process. He lets her.* ...happens to the best of us, doll. th1nk 1 sa1d that once.

ARANEA: I know that you did, 8ut this... *gaze falls down to his hand and a soft sigh, sort of like a laugh, passes through her lips.*

ARANEA: I never would have expected that this is something we would have had in common. It feels... wrong to see you in the position you are in. 8ut now I 8etter understand what it is you always saw in me.

RUFIOH: *grunts noncommitally, combining it with a dismissive shrug* bad th1ngs happen to good people. somet1mes, 1t turns out they weren't so good after all.

RUFIOH: we just l1ve w1th 1t.

ARANEA: Good or 8ad... It's much more complicated than that, Rufioh. And you don't... you don't just live with something like this.

ARANEA: You weren't just living with any of this even 8efore.

ARANEA: There is... a pain inside of you that I failed to recognize sooner and I'm... so sorry. You had always 8een so wonderful to me and I-- *pauses as her throat starts to tighten.* I should have listened. You deserved that. You still do.

RUFIOH: *chances a glance at her, brows furrowing.* th1s... a1n't your fault, aranea.

RUFIOH: 1t's all on me. and 1t's gonna be on me cuz... 1 knew what 1 was do1ng.

RUFIOH: reasons don't change the fact 1 made a dec1s1on so...

RUFIOH: whatever. *Hand drops from her, discreet.*

ARANEA: *a strange sort of panic sets in upon the misinterpretation of her words. not that she 8lames him, knowing full well she comes across as self centered, even now. she's always 8een that way. 8ut for once, she wasn't trying to 8e, and it hurts knowing she might 8e pushing him away worse 8y not stringing together the perfect tapestry of language to make him understand. there had already 8een a divide, one that couldn't have 8een helped, 8ut he still means so much to her. with her hand now unoccupied, she draws it under her eye to 8rush away a rare tear.*

ARANEA: I only mean to say that the hurt which drove you to make that decision is what matters to me. And I am uncertain as to whether or not you 8elieve it should matter to you, too.

ARANEA: I know how it feels... To have your words stolen from your throat. To feel as if you've never 8een listened to. I know how that pain stokes the flame within you.

ARANEA: It does not remove from your responsi8ility, 8ut it... *purses her lips to try and keep them from trem8ling, 8ut alas, she has a sentence to finish.* It helps to have someone validate those feelings.

ARANEA: At least... it helped for me.

RUFIOH: *can only gaze back at her, the exhaustion pilling off his shoulders in waves. He's been told time and again he should care, that people won't let him stop. But in this moment even as the blue pools at her eyes, Rufioh doesn't. He couldn't. He was incapable of feeling anything but a distinct detatchment of himself and even her pain for him. In the end, he isn't sure what to say. Gathering up words where he could, attempting to remember what they mean.* ...1'm sorry. aranea. *is all he bring himself to say.*

ARANEA: *she searches, to the extent she even 8egins to invade his thoughts, desparate for some kind of emotion to latch onto. 8ut she finds nothing, and it hurts worse than any terri8le thought anyone has ever had of her that she vicariously experienced. her 8lood runs cold, colder than usual, only to flare up with a heat much more familiar to her. a passion against this perceived injustice and an infuri

ARANEA: ating sense of helplessness. 8ut things aren't the way they were 8efore. she's 8een giving a gift, an opportunity to 8e helpful to others, with a power she's only 8egun to tap into. cheeks 8urning cerulean, she fixes a determined stare on him.*

ARANEA: I am sorry, too.

ARANEA: I know... you cannot 8elieve it right now.

ARANEA: 8ut there is much more for you than this.

RUFIOH: *He wished he could believe what she said, to see beyond the steel bars in his mind. He wished he could care what happened to him after this. But there really was nothing, inside and out on his face. The only thing he could really think was how pretty she looked with her wings flared and eyes bright with fire.* ... *looks away, conscious of how open his mind felt to her and the shame that was burning into the perimeters of his thoughts.* ...guess we'll have to see what's true or not.

ARANEA: *exhaling, she calms herself just enough to remain composed, 8ut not enough to quell that fire inside of her. she reaches out to touch his hand once more, nodding firmly.* We will.

ARANEA: I think I ought to go now... 8ut I'll 8e 8ack. I'll keep coming to see you... Okay?

RUFIOH: *a twinge of pain he can't exactly label twists in his bloodpusher... but he nods, speaking quietly.* ...thanks, aranea.

ARANEA: Of course, Rufioh. *she manages a small smile. she knows it won't do much to 8ring him any cheer, 8ut she can still try, 8efore she can do /real/ good for him. she let's go of his hand, al8eit reluctantly, and rises to her feet, quickly making her leave. she has some practicing to do.*

[academic-geniality]

-- academicGeniality [AG] began messaging coaxialCoralition [CC] at 21:17 --

AG: Hello, Feferi. May I have a moment of your time?

CC: O)( bouy. T)(is sounds like t)(e beginning of a lecture about w)(et)(er or not I've welcomed t)(e Mirt)(ful Messia)(s into my life!

CC: I )(ave actually!!! But t)(ey're not really my cup of crappy soda flavor. 38)

CC: GLUB GLUB GLUB GLUB!

AG: Well, it would seem you are as 8u88ly as ever. I'm glad!

AG: In actuality, I simply thought it would 8e nice to catch up. Our little adventure the other day lead me to realize that we have not spoken in quite some time.

CC: It s)(ore was an adventure! I was glad to sea you trout and aboat!!!!

CC: You look so adorable wit)( your new wings, )(e)(e)(e! W)(ale, kind of new.

CC: T)(ey're new and cute to me! 38D

AG: Aww. Thank you, Feferi. I am rather frond of them myself.

AG: Er... fond...

CC: I would be too if I looked T)(AT CUT-E. )(-E)(-E)(-E!!!!!!!

AG: You are such a flatterer!

AG: 8ut enough a8out me and my adora8le wings, I am interested in what is new in your life.

CC: New in my life?? )(mm.

CC: You mig)(t be aware I'm dating Jo)(n... But now you're )(erring it from me!

AG: Ah yes. I took notice of that and what a very handsome match it is! Congratulations to the 8oth of you. ::::)

CC: T)(ank you! As for ot)(er stuff...

CC: I'm kelping t)(e s)(ipman and security department INT-EGRAT-E into one! It's reely -EXCITING!!!

AG: Oh? Is that so? I had no idea such a thing was even happening!

CC: Yea)(! Redglare seems to reely value t)(e stuff I say and it's kind of a relief )(onestly.

CC: I always kind of felt like s)(e didn't t)(ink I )(ad good enoug)( leaders)(ip skrills. 38/

CC: Well I say s)(e's wrong! I )(ave GR-EAT leaders)(ip skills and I can apply t)(em no matter w)(ere I am!

CC: And I'll earn -EVERY RANK. Just watc)( me!

AG: Was that ever really a question? Of course you are a capa8le leader! The signs of these skills have always 8een there. Starting with all that charisma, of course.

CC: AWWWWWW!!! And w)(o's t)(e flatterer again??? )(oly mackeral!!!

AG: 8ut it's true! I always found your strong personality to 8e quite admira8le. Not to mention your a8ility to intigrate into our ranks so easily. I should not expect any different from an Alternian heiress, and neither should anyone else.

CC: I'm so glad you t)(ink so! But I mean... maybe I wasn't always meant to be )(eiress?

CC: )(onestly, if I would )(ave stayed back on Alternia wit)( all t)(is stuff )(appening, I would )(ave been culled for s)(ore!

CC: But I've always felt like I was living on borrowed time anyway. It's funny )(ow t)(ings work out!

AG: Yes... I can certainly agree with that sentiment.

AG: Whatever the case may 8e, however, I know you are well suited to take on whatever task you set your mind to around the ship. At the very least, I 8elieve in your a8ility.

AG: And should you ever need some support with anything... Well, I did help run things around here for quite a while.

CC: And w)(o says you can't still )(elp as it is!

CC: T)(at sea monster seemed to t)(ink so... at least t)(at's w)(at I can GU-ESS from t)(e way you spoke wit)( )(er!

CC: I'M SO J-ELLYFIS)(. UG)(.

AG: Ah... You're jealous? Really?

CC: S)(-E WAS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I )(ave no idea w)(at s)(e mig)(t )(ave been saying but you and Rose seemed reely invested!

AG: Well... Of course we were! When a grand 8east of legend speaks to you personally, you tend to pay very close attention to what she is saying.

CC: So w)(at DID s)(e say?

CC: It looked important.

CC: Legendary, even!

AG: It is difficult to recount in words... Even in the strange language she spoke, that only we seemed to understand, it was as if she were speaking in riddles. I 8elieve that the story was meant to test us... To give us some kind of choice.

AG: I don't know if that makes much sense.

CC: Of course it does! And I'm not surprised eit)(er.

CC: T)(ere are some forces out t)(ere wit)( BIG PLANS for us!!!! IT'S NOT T)(-E ----------END OF T)(-E JOURN-EY Y-ET! 38D

CC: Aren't you -EXCIT-----------------------ED???

AG: I...

AG: I am, actually.

AG: I'm very excited to think there is more for me to do.

CC: Of course t)(ere is!

CC: T)(e universe isn't t)(is tiny s)(ip.

AG: That is... true. I suppose I forget sometimes.

CC: It's probably because t)(ey don't understand w)(at it's like being reminded of w)(at you've done wrong -EV-ERY DAY you're awake.

CC: A lot of people are just lucky t)(is is t)(e place t)(ey can go to escape all t)(eir own g)(osts.

AG: Yes, that is... An excellent way to put it.

AG: Feferi... I did not expect you to understand what it is I feel so readily. I 8arely even needed to say anything. I realize my situation isn't exactly a secret, 8ut... the empathy is a little unusual.

CC: )(ey! I'm royally bound to ALT-ERNIA of all places.

CC: It's not exactly t)(e nicest empire to )(ave responsibility for. Or to like... )(ave been representing.

CC: I just don't want to pretend like I'm... totally absolved of guilt over anyt)(ing. I know I didn't do any of it myself but... it's a complicated feeling!

AG: I suppose you got me there. I can only 8egin to understand how that must feel... 8eing someone who has made choices they regret, and all. It is hardly compara8le to what you're experiencing.

AG: 8ut I appreciate the compassion all the same. And it is just another prime example of excellent leadership skills, to 8ring us 8ack around to the previous topic!

[caligulasacquisition-deactivate]

Keep reading

[academic-geniality]

Temple of the Sea Serpent

[This merry band of adventurers will find themselves just outside the mouth of a cave overlooking the sea. It’s a good day for treasure hunting. The sun is casting a brilliant light upon the crew as a gentle breeze urges them towards their destination. Nevermind the intimidating entrance’s jagged maw…]

[Their employer has described the artifact in question as a star shaped geode sculpture with a rainbow of colored gem shards inside.]

FEFERI: *This is EXCITING!!! She's done plenty of treasure hunting back in her day... even if she hid all the treasure herself and played elaborate games about it. She's just about bouncing off the sand, trying and failing to not be distracted by the sea far off.*

FEFERI: W)(O'S R-EADY TO FIND TR-EASUR-E??? *trident in hand*

ROSE: -Rose is hanging around the looming cavern's entrance, idling away with her needles. She looks a bit on edge, focusing on trying to keep her hands busy and distracting herself from the weird feeling about all of this.- I suppose it's likely enough we aren't being led into a trap.

ROSE: Or as sacrifices to a primordial sea god.

TAVROS: *Adventure is always fun, and he is definitely here for fun based on rainbow shards! He looks away from the grand view when Feferi exclaims, chuckling.* dEFINITELY US, aND FOR ALL OF IT, mEANING THE TREASURE AND ADVENTURE BOTH,

FEFERI: PS)(. If we were being sacrificed to a PRIMORDIAL S-EA GOD, I t)(ink t)(ey'd use a bigger cave. *waves hand at Rose*

ARANEA: *peers into the mouth of the cave alongside rose* 8esides... It wouldn't 8e a treasure hunting adventure without a little 8it of danger, right?

FEFERI: *If there's danger, Feferi will POKE IT.*

FEFERI: *Poke it with her whole trident.*

ROSE: Quite possibly, yes.

CRONUS: *he spotted two of his quads leaving the ship and decided to follow them and is only just now catching up* hey, vwheres the party?

ROSE: Else someone else would have grabbed it by now.

TAVROS: *Runs a hand through his hair and shrugs one shoulder.* wELL, uH, i THINK WE WOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT,

TAVROS: sO LONG AS WE STICK TOGETHER,

MEENAH: *she totally ran ahead somewhere who even knows where she went*

ARANEA: *dammit, meenah.*

ARANEA: *why are you and all your iterations like this...*

MEENAH: *because 38) *

FEFERI: I'm ------------EXCIT-----ED!!!! *BOUNCING!!!*

ARANEA: Shall we proceed, then?

CRONUS: vwhat are vwe doing?

ROSE: We are descending into a cave in search of a supposed treasure.

ROSE: Because that is simply the kind of planet we're on.

ARANEA: Oh! Hello, Cronus. I did not know you signed up for this.

ARANEA: *isn't it gr8?*

FEFERI: Also known as t)(e Temple of t)(e S-EA MONST-ER. *pokes him gently* 38)

CRONUS: i didnt im just here because i sawv rose and fefe- .... sea monster? treasure?

ROSE: -She begins to walk into the cave, holding up her needles for a bit of light in case she needs it.-

ROSE: Yes, and yes.

TAVROS: i'M SURE THAT WHATEVER MONSTER IT IS THAT, wE WILL ENCOUNTER, iT WILL BE NOT SO BAD, *Optimism is go. He starts following after Rose.*

ARANEA: *eagerly follows along 8ehind rose. she too is feeling anxious, like something grand awaits her.*

CRONUS: vwell as long as it isnt a bear i think im good.

FEFERI: Maybe we can befriend it! *Right Tavros??*

ROSE: High probability that it is not a bear, no.

ARANEA: *may8e a sea 8ear...*

TAVROS: *Grins over his shoulder at Feferi, thumbs up.* i'M SURE THAT WE CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THAT,

[Just inside the moss covered mouth of the cave, there is a pool surrounding the doorway -- rather, two ionic columns and an engraved frieze framing an opening in the stone wall -- which leads into the temple itself.]

[The opening can be reached via the pathway of scattered mossy stones that stretch across the water. Try not to slip! Though there are likely worse fates, as the pool is almost crystal clear. There do appear to be fish swimming inside with twinkling scales, but they are small and unthreatening.]

FEFERI: *And vulnerable... oogles the fish.*

CRONUS: *he really hasnt had fish in awhile........ also oogles the fish*

ARANEA: *oh no, what a dilemma... except not. she'll just as readily cross the divide with the help of her wings.*

ROSE: -focus on not eating natural wonders plz-

TAVROS: *Oogles the fish as well, but more because he wonders what kind of species they are.*

ROSE: -she's floating across as well, rather easily.-

ROSE: This place is kind of.

ROSE: Unusually pleasant.

ARANEA: I would even go so far as to say its downright 8eautiful! *she's just excited to get out and do things, ok?*

TAVROS: i WOULD RATHER BE HAVING UNUSUALLY PLEASANT, tHAN USUALLY HORRIBLE, tO BE HONEST,

CRONUS: *starts walking across the mossy pathway, nearly losing his footing* vwoah.

FEFERI: *Good thing her shoes are slip resistant. Hops onto a mossy rock before glancing back at Tavros.* )(ey! Do you need me to kelp you across? 38o

CRONUS: hey, vwhy arent you offering me he- *SLIPS AGAIN and falls into the pool because he's beauty, he's grace*

TAVROS: *Gives Feferi a crooked sheepish smile.* i UH, tHINK i JUST MIGHT NEED IT, yES, i DON'T THINK MY FEET ARE DESIGNED FOR MOSSY ROCK CLIMBING, *Lifts a robo leg and gently knocks on the soft surface of his foot.*

ARANEA: ...

ARANEA: *mmwhatcha saaaay*

TAVROS: bUT, *Stares at Cronus.* mAYBE YOU SHOULD BE HELPING HIM FIRST,

FEFERI: *scurries right on back and PLUCKS THE LARGE MOIRAIL UP. So strong.* )(e can swim!!!

FEFERI: *And then runs across the mossy pathway.* Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! 38D

CRONUS: *SURFACES* vwowv im so abandoned, howv could evweryone be so cruel. *he decides he really should just swim to the other side and does just that*

ROSE: It builds character.

ARANEA: *she 8rings out a towel to offer cronus when he gets to the other side. she just carries these around now.*

ROSE: Besides, it's not terribly deep.

CRONUS: of course you vwould say that.

CRONUS: *crawls out and takes the towel, giving aranea a WINK*

TAVROS: *Oh! Welp, there he goes. He is carried on over, ears lowered bashfully. Dorky snickers.* (i AM SWOONING, vERY MUCH RIGHT NOW, fROM YOUR STRONGITUDE AND ALSO CHIVALRY,)

ARANEA: *tries not to look too turned off 8y the wink* ... Anyway! Let us proceed. *eagerly makes her way towards that opening, admiring the column entryway*

FEFERI: *sets him back down, beaming* My strongitude and c)(ivarly levels are off t)(e )(OOK!!!

ROSE: -She lands on the other side, peering into the opening and taking a few steps in.-

[As they make their way through the opening, they are greeted by a descending corridor. But there’s more to see than the ominous blackness at the end of stairs, as the walls and high ceiling surrounding them are covered with hieroglyphic drawings in faded colors.]

[Somehow, they can make them out with ease should they look closer, though by all accounts it should be pitch black in here when there are no torches or the like to be found. Where is the light coming from?]

TAVROS: *Fans himself when he's put down.* sO FAR OFF IT, i CAN'T HANDLE THE OFFHOOKIDINESS, (uHH, tHAT IS A WORD NOW,)

FEFERI: Off)(ookidness... you DORK. *wheezes and flounces off after Aranea and Rose. Hey where's Cronus? Glances his way.*

ROSE: -She's a bit distracted by the symbols on the walls, running her hands along them as she continues to pass through the corridor.- Huh?

CRONUS: he's still drying himself off... he looks up and everyones already left without him. oops. He starts hurrying in the direction he's PRETTY sure they went which is down this corridor thing*

TAVROS: hOW IS JUST A WORD DORKY, *He says it with a smile, but follows on after Feferi. Pauses to let Cronus catch up.*

CRONUS: *huffs and puffs, running is haRD*

ARANEA: *she's quite taken 8y the glyphs herself, looking them over with wonder... hey, she should 8e documenting this! she might 8e inciting the wrath of a higher 8eing, 8ut it wouldn't 8e her first display of hu8ris.*

[Most prominently, if they were to look up, are the drawings spreading across the ceiling. Colorful crackles -- or maybe they're just cracks in the stone -- extend down, at the center of which a large black swirling circle is displayed.]

[But along the walls are depictions of... monsters? Great beasts of all shapes.]

TAVROS: aRE YOU OKAY, *To Cronus once he catches up.* i HAVE SOME WATER BOTTLES, aND OTHER SUCH ADVENTURE ESSENTIALS, wITH ME CURRENTLY, uHH, iF YOU NEED IT,

TAVROS: *....Beasts u say.*

FEFERI: *standing there totally Judging Cronus*

[A man set ablaze. A serpent with a face bright like the sun. A wild eyed, horned beast... A weird gremlin.]

CRONUS: *SHUP*

CRONUS: i vwas just in vwater i dont need more.

[A rooster headed serpent. A quilled woman with a long tail. A whale like sea serpent. Women draped in purple and golden cloths... Plenty more that travel all the way down the corridor.]

TAVROS: i WAS THINKING THAT YOU SHOULD BE TAKING THE WATER, oN THE INSIDE ACTUALLY, bUT i UNDERSTAND, *Crooked smile.* bUT NOW YOU KNOW i HAVE SOME, aT LEAST, iF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND,

TAVROS: *Gonna shuffle on by to look at all these beast symbols cuz he's curious.*

CRONUS: *purses his lips and squints at tavros*

ROSE: -Some of them look... well, not quite familiar. But significant. It's difficult for her to put her finger on how, though.-

FEFERI: *also peering at the symbols with big eyes* 38)

ROSE: ...Does this seem... familiar? To any of you?

[One in particular might seem particularly familiar to Tavros. A great green serpentine creature.]

**- one of those particulars...

ARANEA: *snapping shots.* No... Though I feel as though they should. Pecuiliar.

GRANDPA: *Appears and looks over these creatures, running through his memory of old things he's read and seen in ancienty books*

[As well as the rooster headed beast to Cronus, though perhaps more vaguely.]

CRONUS: hey that roster guy looks kinda familiar.

TAVROS: *He's going to point at the serpent creature with the rooster head.* wELL, tHIS ONE UHM, rEMINDS ME OF A COCKATRI-- *Trails off upon seeing the great green serpentine one.*

[Yes, like that.]

TAVROS: yES, i UH, aM ALSO FEELING THE FAMILIAR THING, bUT WITH THAT ONE, *Points over at it.*

CRONUS: ... *squints really hard but then his eyes widen*

FEFERI: )(ey! I saw T)(AT GUY in a dream! *points trident at the sun face snake* 38O

ARANEA: *looks at where feferi is pointing* ... Oh.

ROSE: -Rose nods, slowly.-

ROSE: Answers a little, I suppose.

ARANEA: *she feels a little unsettled, suddenly.*

ROSE: That all of this is assuredly connected, as though that needed more confirmation.

CRONUS: *yaldy winks from the beyond but not rly*

TAVROS: *Rubs at his arm a little.* tHE GREEN ONE, tHAT IT REMINDS ME OF, uHM, iT WAS BACK ON LOWAS,

TAVROS: nOT, tHE SYMBOL BUT THE WHOLE, *Gestures with his hands.* aCTUAL THING,

FEFERI: ...

ROSE: The thing that the symbol is representing. Presumably.

ARANEA: *puts her camera away* What did they call him...? *tries to remem8er*

FEFERI: Do you t)(ink t)(is temple is )(ome to one of t)(em? 38?

TAVROS: yES, wHICH WOULD BE, uHH, a WHOLE BIG SNAKE THAT LIKED A LOT TO TALK IN VERY CRYPTIC RIDDLES, *He'd rather not think about it honestly.*

TAVROS: aND, iT MIGHT BE,

ROSE: I'm beginning to wonder if we're going to find any non-metaphorical treasure here that we can sell for non-metaphorical money.

ROSE: I'd be fairly disappointed.

CRONUS: *he tears his eyes away from the one he was staring at and stays quiet*

ARANEA: *scoffs as she hurriedly makes her way down the rest of the stairs.* That would 8e our luck.

FEFERI: *ushers Tavros and Cronus ahead. Get going bouys!*

GRANDPA: I rather hope we run into one of these suckers! *happy grandpa noises from the back*

ROSE: Do you, now?

FEFERI: *Ugh. She forgot he was here...*

GRANDPA: Most certainly, i wager t they would make fine additions to my collection!

GRANDPA: It has been some years but i'd love a good legendary beast brawl. :D

ARANEA: Only Jamison would think to stuff and mount a terri8le 8east of ancient lore. ::::P

ARANEA: *we're neigh8ors, so o8viously we are friends*

CRONUS: *augh he's being USHERED*

TAVROS: *Is ushered and begins to walk, but looks backwards at Grandpa. He'd rather not, but also what's the worst that can happen? Optimism. Yes.*

FEFERI: *ROLLING her eyes all the way over here*

GRANDPA: Oh most certainly! *Hi neighbor* They would make fine specimen to day as well. *mozies on further in, his glasses got pictures of the symbols*

[When they reach the end of the corridor, the steps open up into an antechamber, but the larger room beyond, which can be seen through opened archways, is almost entirely blocked off by rubble and fallen columns. There seems to be a hole somewhere above, casting a spotlight on the temple ruins and reflecting off the puddles on the floor, but also guiding them to a path through the mess.]

[There is a door at the end of the room that isn’t blocked off, and can be reached through careful navigation.]

TAVROS: *Notices the eyerolling from Feferi and tilts his head a little in inquiry. Small smile. ???*

GRANDPA: *immediately looks at the hole and HMMs at it loudly*

ROSE: -She goes up on her toes as she eyes this conspicuous path. Strange, how they'd have constructed it to illuminate the path through the debris in such a way-- there was no way the placement of the reflective puddles was incidental, but it would almost have to be, right??-

CRONUS: *instinctively and nervously pulls out a cigarette without thinking about it and just puts it in his mouth to chew on the end as he stares up and around at this place*

GRANDPA: *approaches the rubble and hmms at this as well, how stable does it look?*

ARANEA: *who even KNOWS anymore, rose! all she knows for certain is that her wings will come in handy once again as she flutters a8ove the path.* It would seem we have very little choice, doesn't it?

[The rubble it packed pretty tightly. It would take a lot of work to move it all out of the way, and even then it's a gamble.]

**is

GRANDPA: *hands on hips and backs up* We might if you youngsters were up for a game of chance with a side of wishful thinking!

GRANDPA: *rubs mustache* But that also depends on how far back this blockage goes.

ARANEA: *tilts head* It is not as if I prefer to take the path of least resistance... However, I am in favor of covering as much ground as possi8le 8efore we resort to that.

CRONUS: *stares at grandpa and just starts navigating because fuck that*

ROSE: Considering how far underground we've gone, we may be pushing our luck already.

GRANDPA: *Wimps, alla you*

GRANDPA: I suppooooose... *Says that with a disappointed and thoughty voice inflection, his dynamite itches*

FEFERI: *Hehe. Get wrecked, old man. Feferi follows Cronus in navigating.*

CRONUS: remind me vwhy you evwen like doing stuff like this again?

GRANDPA: *He ought to do it ANYWAY, but in adventuring teamwork makes the dreamwork so he just gracefully tromps through the path*

ARANEA: You don't find this exhilirating, Cronus? *nevermind the fact that her nerves are starting to get to her, too.*

ROSE: It's.

ROSE: ...The rational answer is that we were hired to do it.

ROSE: -but that's not the real answer. She's growing increasingly convinced of that.-

CRONUS: vwowv, that explains a lot.

GRANDPA: Haw! Imagine that! Paid money to speelunk a temple ripe for the exploring!

CRONUS: if i die im haunting all of you.

GRANDPA: *Laughs to himself while jumping over debris with his big clunky boots* If you die you may be bound to this location old chap!

GRANDPA: Unless you thought one of us to be the cause for your demise then you may haunt a singular one I suppose...

ARANEA: *lands just 8eside the door, turning the handle... wow, how old fashioned. a door with a handle! it gives her a little trou8le, 8ut she gets it open.*

FEFERI: G)(OSTS can go anyw)(ere t)(ey like. *says this as a matter of factly*

ARANEA: *holds the door open for the others.* ::::)

CRONUS: yeah you hear that? i can go anyvwhere.

GRANDPA: That would depend on which manner of ectoplasma our dear deceased friend would find himself as! *ducks into the door* Thank you Aranea!

ROSE: -She nods as she passes through.-

FEFERI: *Why is he talking!!! She huffs.*

TAVROS: *He stumbled a little so he's in the back, but catched up with the others now.*

FEFERI: *follows Tavros*

TAVROS: *Offers a hand to Feferi. Hand holding is good.* }:)

FEFERI: *Omg... yes. Adventure hand holding!* 38D

CRONUS: *he's gunna start keeping close to rose even though he can't float like she can*

[Beyond the door is, curiously, a library. Someplace as damp as this hardly seems the place for one, and the state of disarray that it’s left in is no surprise. Several shelves have been knocked over, leaving books to rot in the pools of water on the floor. The shelves along the walls are fine, however, even if they are apparently missing a large portion of their collection.]

[What may catch the eyes of the adventurers are the few scattered shiny things. Unfortunately, none fit the description of the one they’re after…]

[They will also notice the bookshelves lining the walls ending as they meet a large stone door, inlet with a relief of what appears to be a mermaid.]

TAVROS: *Big grin and gives her hand a squeeze. Looks ahead.* oH, uHH, wELL THIS IS NOT A THING, tHAT i EXPECTED TO BE HERE,

GRANDPA: *BOOKS!*

FEFERI: ??

FEFERI: *A MERMAID.*

[Just like you!]

GRANDPA: *Old man scampers over to the books that remain but also eyeing that door, he knows where they're going next*

TAVROS: i MEAN, mORE NONTHREATENING THINGS, tHAT CAN'T BITE OUR FACES IN ANY MAJOR WAY, uH, uNLESS THE BOOKS ARE ENCHANTED, aS THEY SOMETIMES ARE,

ROSE: Have you encountered legitimately enchanted tomes before, Tavros?

ROSE: I suppose here would be the place to find them if such things ever existed.

ROSE: ...As much a sin as it is to see them in this state.

ARANEA: *she is a8solutely DELIGHTED 8y this find. this is clearly the treasure they should 8e after.*

TAVROS: iF YOU CAN CONSIDER WIND UP TOY BOOKS AS ENCHANTED, wHICH, i MEAN, sCIENCE IS SORT OF MAGIC, iN A WAY,

TAVROS: tHEN YES,

ARANEA: Oh, it's awful that they've 8een left like this...! I wander if we could salvage them. *starts to stuff 8ooks into her sylladex without a second thought 8888) *

ARANEA: **wonder

CRONUS: *WELL he's going to look at the shiny objects because reading isn't for him*

ARANEA: *reading is GOOD FOR YOU, cronus...*

GRANDPA: *Reading tells you how to specifically punch legendary beasts, he is also hoarding books*

ROSE: -She eyes the others. She only takes one book-- as long as it's in good condition, anyhow-- before heading over to look at the shiny things, too.-

ROSE: -There may be a key or something, if it comes down to that. If not... well. Perhaps the Mermaid Door will have answers after all.-

[The shiny things seem to be little more than expensive decoration, unfortunately... But probably worth something.]

ROSE: -Well... it's practical, at least. She holds up a bit of shiny jewelry to inspect, cocking her head.-

TAVROS: *Are there any books that happen to have any images of more beasts inside or on the cover? He is flipping through some of the less damaged ones really quick.*

ROSE: It's got a bit of a patina, but it certainly looks like something we could offload at a pawn shop.

GRANDPA: *Now that he's stashed his own little swiped collection away he wonders out loud while walking to the stone door* I wonder if the rest of this collection is truly on the floor or if others had first pickings....

CRONUS: *WELL he's totally going to snag some of these shinies for himself because why not*

ARANEA: *she follows jamison after completing her quest to steal 8ooks, as well. the door is especially interesting to her, though she can hardly see WHY a door would 8e. such is the nature of these mystical temples, apparently!*

FEFERI: *Inspecting the mermaid... of course...*

GRANDPA: *leans his ear on it*

GRANDPA: *hard knock*

TAVROS: *Did he lean his ear on the mermaid tiddy.*

GRANDPA: *Definitely*

TAVROS: *Yikes.*

[The door seems to be sealed shut, but as they inspect it and... TOUCH IT... the silence is washed away in waves of whale songs. The noises are distant, yet somehow speaking directly into the minds of everyone present.]

ROSE: ...!

FEFERI: 38O *WHALE SONGS!!!*

ROSE: I think you scandalized the lady.

CRONUS: uh. vwhats happening?

CRONUS: vwhat is this?

GRANDPA: *moves his head fro mthe door and looks around* Whales! *fiddles with his ear, though it's in his head*

GRANDPA: Now temple dear you'll have to do better than that!

[After a moment, the sounds become more intelligible -- but only to Rose and Aranea. The cooing voice of a woman asks: “Tell me a story… The story of the owl.”]

GRANDPA: *leans back on the door, fuck the police*

ARANEA: ????????

ARANEA: Did you hear that? *looks around*

TAVROS: iT IS, dEFINITELY WHALES YES, *Puts the books he'd been paging through away.* bUT, uHM, i CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING CLEARLY,

TAVROS: *Looks at Aranea like ???*

ROSE: ...I, um. Yes.

ROSE: I heard something, definitely.

GRANDPA: I hear whales.

TAVROS: *Now looking at Rose too like ???*

ARANEA: No, not that. The voice!

TAVROS: *Glances between the two of them.*

TAVROS: uHH, nO i CAN, oNLY DEFINITELY HEAR WHALES, aND NOT, aNY VOICES,

GRANDPA: Hmm. *Looks at Rose and Aranea* No voices that aren't aquatic mammalian.

ROSE: Well, I don't want to be presumptuous.

ARANEA: ... *looks at rose*

ROSE: ...As to whether it's an aquatic mammal.

CRONUS: feferi dont you speak vwhale?

ROSE: You never know.

CRONUS: i bet rufioh does but hes not evwen here.

ARANEA: Then you heard it too?

ARANEA: Rose?

ROSE: Yes.

ROSE: It asked a question.

GRANDPA: That's a fair assumption.

TAVROS: i UH, dO SPEAK WHALE, bUT, tHEY ARE TOO FAR AWAY,

FEFERI: *rubs her earfin and throws Cronus a LOOK.*

CRONUS: vwell i vwasnt talking to you, fatty.

[The voice repeats itself, over and over. “Tell me the story. Do you not know it? Have you not read the words? Do you not understand its sequence?”]

ARANEA: Shut up! There it is again!

TAVROS: wELL, mAYBE i WAS THROWING IT OUT, aS A GENERAL FACT, *Shrug.*

ROSE: Eating mice and shrew, perhaps? Spitting out pellets?

ROSE: -Rose folds her arms, glancing over some of the books again. A little bit of a squint at them-- wracking her brain. Basic animal trivia is probably not what the echoing voice was after.-

ARANEA: I know of some stories... with owls... Ah...

[As the voice/song grows more insistent, a distant rumbling follows -- but with less mysterious and more tangible results, as small white, scaly imps crawl from the cracks in the walls. They blink their murky eyes until they focus on the group, then flexing their fins and rows of pointed teeth, hissing behind them.]

CRONUS: *makes a TCH sound at feferi* can you evwen believwe this guy? *he's not interested in SHUTTING UP*

CRONUS: ...

CRONUS: *stares*

GRANDPA: *THE GUNS ARE OUT AND AIMED* Back you mini mites! I'd rather not waste my ammunition on the likes of you!

TAVROS: *Is it possible for him to commune with the imp? Because hey lil buddy it's okay my man. We're not here to cause troub--... PAY NO MIND TO THE MAN WITH THE GUNS.*

ROSE: -She eyes the imps, stepping back.- I'd rather you didn't, yes...

GRANDPA: *PAY HIM PLENTY MIND, HIS KNEES ARE BENT. IT'S GONNA GO DOWN*

[The imp Tavros starts to speak with tilts it's head curiously, but cautiously, since that other man is BRANDISHING A WEAPON. The others carefully try to maneuver around the group and towards the shelf covered walls.]

ROSE: ...And I stand here, pondering if some undersea deity is attempting to twist my arm into being complicit in a play on words. "Who" is what I am compelled to ask at this very moment.

FEFERI: *flexes fins back at the imps. Do they know fin language? Flick flick flutter.*

GRANDPA: *Ok no, he said he wouldn't want to waste his ammo but he can fight them still. You guys were hissing don't back down so easily. he is disappoint*

TAVROS: uH, jAMISON, iS IT OKAY TO NOT, hAVE THE GUNS UP, i AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY WANT, bUT GUNS IS NOT A THING THAT MOST PEOPLE WANT TO BE SEEING, dURING CONVERSATIONS, gENERALLY SPEAKING,

[The fin fluttering does seem to relax them, but they're still making low rattling noises from their chests threateningly.]

TAVROS: *It's okay guy! They're not out for trouble, just... Is there something they can help them with? Awfully sorry to have come on into their home without an invitaion, they didn't know anyone lived here.*

GRANDPA: Hmm. More often than not temple creatures are looking for a fight. *Or he just fights them*

FEFERI: *Awww! They're cute! FIN FLUTTERS!* 38D

GRANDPA: *Teamwork, dreams work, lowers weapons* I suppose I'll lower them...

ARANEA: *cute is rather su8jective...*

ROSE: -SHE'S STILL PUZZLING OVER THE GODDAMN OWL-

FEFERI: *They're cute!!!!!*

ROSE: It's a symbol of wisdom. It wound up on Athena's shoulder somehow, through some historical quirk lost to antiquity. Presumably because owls have an air of dignity about them, like little men in feathered suits, whose eyes tell you that they have far too little time for you.

ROSE: ...

ROSE: I am willing to double down on the mice and shrew thing, though.

ROSE: Completely.

CRONUS: vwait, vwhy are you going on about owvls vwhen theres things in the vwalls?

ROSE: It's important.

[The imp looks around some more, before he scuttles to a nearby shelf and slips a piece of paper off of it, then carefully... carefully... goes over to Tavros and holds it up to him.]

[THE VOICE IS NOT APPEASED, ROSE. It continues to ask about the story.]

ROSE: A long, storied history as figures of guidance. Presumably because they have eyes that can see with incredible clarity in near complete darkness.

ROSE: I don't.

ROSE: Know what you want from me.

FEFERI: *shiny eyes and holding her face as the imp waddles over to Tavros. Why are you so cute??*

CRONUS: uhhh, that sure doesnt sound important. youre sounding a little crazy, honestly.

ROSE: Sh.

ARANEA: OR me, for that matter! Why are we the only ones who can apparently hear this?

CRONUS: *WOW!!*

TAVROS: *He crouches down low so he's more on the same level as his new imp friend. He stays still, smiling calmly. Reaches for the note when it's offered.* tHANK YOU, aND i, hAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU TOO, *Reaches into his pocket and takes out a biscuit. He wasn't lying when he said he had adventure goodies with him.*

TAVROS: *Hands the imp the cookie with a smile, turning the note over to read it.*

[!!!! the imp... he nibbles.]

[What the imp has handed to him is a page from a book, tattered and damp. There is an illustration of a sad owl above a short paragraph, and the page is not numbered.]

[This page reads: “She became distressed as the more she learned, the less she realized she knew, and it filled her heart with darkness.”]

ARANEA: *NOSILY PEERS AROUND TAVROS*

TAVROS: *He's been focused on the imps, but he vaugely heard something about owls in the background voices. His brows furrow, reaching into his pocket to hand the imp another biscuit. Thank you very much friend.* uH, rOSE YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT OW-- oH, hELLO, *Looks up at Aranea.*

ARANEA: *she's feeling agitated with this voice in her head... may8e this exchange will distract her*

ARANEA: Hello! *trying to read*

ROSE: I was talking. Yes.

ROSE: What is thaT?

TAVROS: uH, tHE IMP GAVE ME A NOTE, aBOUT OWLS, aND HER BEING SAD, *Holds the note up to Aranea since she's trying to read it.*

ROSE: ...That looks like it was pulled from one of the books.

ROSE: -She turns back towards the books.- ...Do these... little things know where it came from?

ARANEA: *looks it over carefully* I certainly hope the rest of the story is in one piece. *don't JINX IT.*

TAVROS: oH, uHM, i'M NOT SURE, tHE PAGE DOESN'T HAVE A NUMBER, bUT i CAN ASK, *Gently places the note in Aranea's hand then turns back to the imp.*

TAVROS: *"Sorry to interrupt the eating. But do you, or any of your friends, happen to know where the books are from? Or the general everything. We are struggling with a riddle. I think?"*

ROSE: -she's not gonna wait for no IMPS, poring over the shelves herself for any loose pages or books of fables.-

FEFERI: *Oops. She got distracted offering the imps some minnows from her sylladex.*

FEFERI: *FEAST ON FISH, FRIENDS.*

ARANEA: *she's with Rose. whatever will get this insistent voice to stop! she starts to look around as well.*

[Biscuit imp looks up at Tavros, blinking before it chirs at it's friends... Also feasting on TREATS. With the apparent threat gone, the imps (or some of them, anyway) return to what they were doing, scattering around the library and scaling shelves in pursuit.]

[With most of the shelves uncovered, and now that she's looking for it, Rose will easily spot a page half hanging off it's perch.]

ROSE: -She squints at the imps, JUST IN CASE they get any funny ideas, carefully extracting the page. She doesn't want to rip it or anything. That voice was soothing, at first, but it was only getting worse the longer she didn't have an answer.-

[This page reads: “The owl accepted the book, achieving her deepest desire. But after endowing herself with infinite knowledge, she came to realize that there was nothing left for her to learn.”]

CRONUS: *he decides he's just going to sit on the floor being useless*

TAVROS: *Watches the imps climb about and feast, waiting patiently for a potential answer. Just handing the imp more biscuits. Thumbs up at Feferi for feeding the imps though. See? The friendship thing is WORKING JUST AS PLANNED.*

FEFERI: *She's so happy...*

ROSE: ...Hm. -She reads over it a little bit, still rummaging through the books. It presumably came sometime after the page the imp gave them. Something just before a conclusion, maybe...-

ARANEA: *when she actually decides to walk, she ends up slipping on a page. WHOOPS.* What is that???????? Oh.

ARANEA: *she hopes she didn't rip it...*

ARANEA: *picks it up*

[This page reads: “But then one day a stranger offered her a chance at peace: a book of light that contained the answer to everything.”]

ARANEA: *flutters over to rose* What does yours say?

TAVROS: *Cranes neck upward to look around the room.* aRE YOU GUYS UHM, fIGURING IT OUT OR, fINDING MORE PIECES TO DO SO, *Is it going well.*

[One of the imps finds another page and hops down to the others. Tavros? Feferi? Grandpa? Cronus? Anybody want to read this?]

ROSE: Here. -She offers the page over to her.- Infinite knowledge. And buyer's remorse, it would seem.

CRONUS: *he's not going NEAR those things*

FEFERI: *GIVE IT TO HER, CUTE IMP.*

ARANEA: Hmm. *looks 8etween their two pages* Mine seems to come 8efore yours. And 8oth after the first?

ROSE: -She nods.-

ROSE: We're missing a beginning and an end.

[Here you go, lady with delicious fish. This imp might expect more as payment for a job well done.]

[This page reads: “The owl searched all the land, far and wide, in search for all the answers -- all the information, all the knowledge. All of it.”]

FEFERI: *passes the fish... so discreet...*

FEFERI: I found anot)(er page! *raises it!*

ROSE: -She holds a hand towards Feferi.- Let me see.

CRONUS: *pulls off his boot and starts picking at his toenails*

FEFERI: Glub! *bounces over and presents it to Rose*

ARANEA: *repulsive...*

TAVROS: *Big smile at the interaction between Feferi and the imp. That's so cute!!! He could cry. Instead he will try to calmly broaden the communing link to give a personal thanks to all the imps for helping them out! He has snacks for all of them in thanks.*

FEFERI: *eyes Cronus* UG)(. Do you )(AV-E to do t)(at )(ere? Rig)(t now??

ROSE: -She nods, reading it over. Then she hands it over to Aranea.- Here. It should be fairly obvious. -she's ignoring this GROSS DISPLAY, too focused on this owl-

[Oh shit, snacks? That gets them working double time. Another finds another page, but after that, the rest of them follow as the imp brings Tavros the page... And then they promptly sit and stare at him for biscuits.*

CRONUS: vwhat else am i going to do? i dont knowv vwhat you guys are evwen looking for.

ARANEA: Ah! Yes, this is coming together nicely... I wonder how much is left?

ROSE: Best case scenario?

ROSE: A page or two.

FEFERI: Pages of a BOOK. About... an owl?

ROSE: Worst, an entire book dedicated to the life and times of LIterary Owl.

TAVROS: oH, tHANK YOU, *Big smile and takes the page from the friendly imp. Holds it out in the air.* tHEY FOUND ANOTHER, sO, iN BEST CASE SCENARIO, nO MORE, oR ONE, *Smiles.*

CRONUS: okay this sounds really pointless.

CRONUS: vwho cares about some dumb owvl?

FEFERI: Put your glubbing boot back on.

CRONUS: make me.

ROSE: Please stop flirting in here.

TAVROS: *Then starts pulling out sack bags from his pocketses! Opens one with his teeth and holds it out to them. SO many biscuits!*

CRONUS: *grumbles*

FEFERI: *almost about to stab the boot with her trident*

CRONUS: *puts t he boot back one but only because of ROSE*

CRONUS: *on

ROSE: Thank you.

TAVROS: fEFERI, wOULD YOU LIKE A BISCUIT TOO, *Stab a snack???*

[A chorus of delighted imp noises follow! Hooray! They come get their biscuits and sit again. They're done, apparently.]

[ALSO Tavros’s page reads: “The owl declined the book. But in doing so, she doomed herself to never knowing every answer in the universe.”]

TAVROS: *"Everyone..... Thank you..." Quietly hopes the imps will somehow take this generic anime reference. Regardless he reads the note now.* uHM, tHIS ONE TALKS ABOUT THE OWL NOT WANTING A BOOK,

TAVROS: aND THUS NOT KNOWING ANYTHING,

TAVROS: *This is weeeeird. A cool story though!*

FEFERI: No, I'm fine! *replies late... She doesn't need COOKIES.*

ARANEA: *8links over at tavros* That doesn't make much sense...

ROSE: ...I...

ROSE: Hm.

ROSE: -She reaches over to take it from Tavros.-

TAVROS: iT IS KIND OF WEIRD, yES, *Gives the note to Rose.*

ARANEA: *stands 8eside rose with the rest of the pages, trying to figure out the order again*

ROSE: So the owl is faced with a binary decision.

ROSE: And there are two outcomes.

ROSE: Is that what interests you?

ROSE: .She eyes the mermaid door, stepping closer to it.- ...The story of the owl is the story of an entity who is incomplete, regardless of the choices she makes. There is no right or wrong, but there is regret.

["Regret, perhaps, is a loss. But surely there is also something to gain. Which ending would you choose?"]

ARANEA: ... *she doesn't exactly know how to answer that, glancing down at her feet 8efore 8ack to rose.* I...

ARANEA: Why is she asking /us/? *frustrated*

CRONUS: i dunno maybe its that vweird choice thing they make you do. *stares at her*

CRONUS: *he has no idea what's going on but he has a WILD GUESS*

ROSE: -She folds her arms, staring defiantly at the carving in the door. She doesn't really want to answer or play into this game.- I am not an owl. And unless you are offering omniscience, I'm unconvinced by your fable.

ARANEA: *looks at cronus with knitted 8rows, a8out to o8ject, 8ut...*

ARANEA: ........

ARANEA: (What if she is?)

ROSE: -She hesitates, glancing at Aranea.-

ROSE: -...That would certainly be a call to her bluff, yes.-

FEFERI: *watching all this with big eyes. Do it. Do the magic thing.* 38)

ARANEA: *huffs* However... if it puts an end to this insistent madness, then I will choose an ending. The owl should... *pause* She should decline the offer.

ROSE: ...The owl has a lot to lose. If she doesn't know the right things at the right time. -She's growing even more uncertain of all of this. She could hardly give an answer confidently.- ...I don't suppose you're waiting on me, are you? Before your next appointment to be tattooed upon a sailor's arm?

[The whale song quiets as it seems to listen to their deliberation. And after a moment, the door slowly slides open upwards without another sound, leaving just enough space for them to slip through. The imps return to their homes in the wall with their biscuits and fish. Apparently, that was a satisfactory answer from the both of them.]

ROSE: ...I would suppose not.

ROSE: -The steps through the somewaht narrow opening.-

ROSE: If I had demanded knowledge, infinite knowledge, that would inevitably include what sort of machinations we're taking part in here.

ROSE: I suppose the prophetic owl-story was right. That's a regret in itself.

GRANDPA: *He was seeing how quickly he could disassemble and reassemble his guns but the door opens!* Well done!

TAVROS: *Perks when the door opens.* aH, yOU GUYS SOLVED IT, *Big smile, then waves goodbye to the imps with more grateful words aimed in their direction.*

ROSE: -She takes a deep breath, and nods, but doesn't really answer either of them.-

ARANEA: *manages a smile at the others, only to 8e polite, 8efore passing through the opening*

TAVROS: tHIS IS GOING PRETTY WELL, i AM THINKING, *Though he doesn't want to think about what Cronus pointed out of more weird deals happening. Those deals are freaky. Stands up and dusts himself off.*

[Another passage follows the library’s exit, but unlike the rest of the temple thus far, there is no mysterious and convenient light guiding their way. They will have to grope around in the dark for a moment, until a faint sliver of light and a cool breeze awaits them at the end.]]

GRANDPA: *He has no problem groping around, here come his hands walls and air!*

FEFERI: *thank goodness for seadweller freckles*

ROSE: -She trudges on ahead, hands pressed against the walls. She kind of wishes she hadn't gone ahead first, but at least she's got a little bit of light from her needles.-

TAVROS: *Gonna follow close to Feferi and her glowy freckles. Truly, the light of his life.*

[At the end of the tunnel, they will find that their efforts have been rewarded as a treasure trove inside a grotto reveals itself. And even more conveniently -- the cave opens up outside to the sea and can likely be accessed as an exit route.]

[All manner of treasure can be found -- gold, jewels, chalices, accessories, weaponry… Of course, with the piles and piles of riches to sift through, finding what they’re looking for might prove to be a challenge.]

ROSE: ...Oh.

ROSE: That's a big pile.

GRANDPA: A whole heaping pile of untouched golden booty?? Why there can't be nothing here to protect it!

GRANDPA: *Jumps in*

GRANDPA: *Rummages*

FEFERI: 38D!!!

FEFERI: Wow!!! T)(is is t)(e S-ECOND largest pile of gold I've ever seen in my life!

ARANEA: ... Unless that's precisely why it's untouched! *glances around nervously. she's a little paranoid now.*

GRANDPA: *RUMMAGES*

TAVROS: *So many shiny bits! He gasps, but then snickers.* tHE BIGGEST ONE THAT IS, bEING YOURSELF, bECAUSE YOU ARE THE GOLDEN GAL, *A clumsily worded complimet, dang.*

TAVROS: *He is on the ball today.*

ROSE: -Rose eyes the weaponry collection. This is some... interesting looking stuff. Maybe even something useful...-

[The water is a little murky, so when a dim spot of light glows as it bobs around in the depths, it might go unnoticed...]

CRONUS: *he's totally rummaging through shit too*

GRANDPA: *He's not THAT blind, he's rummaging around a lot and catches that glow. A good adventurer has a keen eye!*

ROSE: -She glances over at the little spot of light, stepping a little bit closer to the water.-

ROSE: ...Is that what we're here for?

FEFERI: ? *Too busy inspecting this coin.*

GRANDPA: *PEEPS* Are you certain it's no beasty protecting it's hoard?

ARANEA: *peers over rose's shoulder. she sure wishes she hadn't joked a8out danger 8efore...*

FEFERI: Tavros? *DO THE COMMUNING THING! LOOK FOR ANIMAL MINDS!*

TAVROS: *Perks! He'd gotten a little distracted looking at things too.* oH, rIGHT YES, gIVE ME A SECOND, *He communes! Hello? Anyone around?*

CRONUS: *captchas some weapons and junk*

FEFERI: *boinks this coin off Cronus's head*

CRONUS: OWV.

FEFERI: 38;)

CRONUS: vwhat vwas that for?!

FEFERI: 38;) 38;) 38;)

ROSE: -She turns back to the weapons, brushing aside some rustier-looking armaments. A long, sharp needle catches her eye-- along with its mate. Strange, twisted, branchlike quills, the color of alabaster and feeling like they weigh nothing in her hand. Sturdy, yet somehow... hollow.-

ROSE: -She picks them up, stowing them away in her sylladex.-

CRONUS: *almost chucks it back at her, but then remembers rose's words* ... *huffs* youre lucky i feel like being nice tonight.

[The light seems to grow closer and closer, a large white shape forming around it as bubbles surface until finally... POP! The light springs from the depths on an giant bobber -- like an angler fish? Someone is around, alright, and as the giantess continues to breech the water's surface, her bulbous eyes and rows of sharp teeth seem to be pointed right at the group.]

GRANDPA: *Lights up* I knew it!!

FEFERI: *About to reply to Cronus when. There she is. Feferi's true love.* ..................................... 38'O

ROSE: Oh.

CRONUS: .......................

GRANDPA: *JUMPS RIGHT IN TO PUNCH IT IN THE FACE*

ROSE: -nO

FEFERI: STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GRANDPA: TALLY-HO!!!!!!!!

TAVROS: *Big friendly smile at the angler fish friend! What a beauty! Hello there ma'am don't be scare--* nO!

ROSE: -Rose kinda just. TELEKENETICALLY JERKS THE GRANDPA BACK-

GRANDPA: *let him brawl* Awah?? *JERKED*

TAVROS: *Wheezes.*

ROSE: I don't.

ROSE: Think we should do that.

ROSE: Also, you'd have been eaten.

ROSE: Probably.

GRANDPA: *Is he landed if so a big offended noise* This is hardly the first or largest guardian I've encountered young lady.

[Definitely not. She doesn't seem to like this, her giant mouth opening to emit another whale song, much louder and harsher. The voice inside Rose and Aranea's head returns, and she almost sounds betrayed. "Why are you here?"]

GRANDPA: But i do appreciate the concern!

FEFERI: *She's so pretty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Feferi is silently fangirling with great big star eyes.*

ROSE: -She winces at the sound of the voice.-

ROSE: ...That should be our question.

ROSE: This is too good to be coincidence.

ROSE: And you managed to make them believe we're insane, ranting about owls and the like with your little riddle--

ROSE: --So we have some importance to you.

ROSE: Or someone, or something. Somewhere.

ARANEA: And honestly -- We cannot 8e held responsi8le for Jamison's actions. *she sweat*

CRONUS: *scratches his belly as he stares at this thing*

["But why? What have you come here for? I have provided you the light." She surfaces further, and water begins to flood on the rock pathway there they stand.]

FEFERI: *splish splash... it water.*

GRANDPA: *It's not too late for him to punch it*

CRONUS: *well, he's already drenched anyway, but this is still pretty intimidating*

[You are all so jaded.]

ROSE: That is a more complicated question than you realize.

ROSE: We're here now because we were tasked to find something.

ROSE: A jewel, or bauble, or... something. And we need to do that because it's important we have the resources to keep our ship in the sky.

TAVROS: *She's so big and beautiful and scARY. He wants to collect a sample of her, but now is likely not the time. Maybe try commune, yes??? At least try to make some soothing noises in her head if he can. If not then just... In his own head.*

ROSE: And it is even more important that we do that, because of the cosmic ramifications surrounding some kind of chattering green skull-man and his extremely destructive rainbow vomit.

CRONUS: *pulls out his communicator and nervously snaps a picture of the thing and sends it to rufioh being all like get a load of this thing*

FEFERI: *If Tavros collected a sample of her... Feferi can have tiny clone monster angler fish to love forever and ever.*

ROSE: -I CAN'T TAKE YOU PEOPLE ANYWHERE-

FEFERI: *You mean you wouldn't want tiny monster angler fish???*

CRONUS: *here, have some fish monster pics, rose, even though y ou're here*

CRONUS: *it's probably got some lame filter on it too, like one of those custom things to make it look like he's bench pressing the creature*

CRONUS: *it's for b abes but thisll due too*

[That seems to stop her, and she idles, riding in place along her own waves. "And why is that so important?" Genuine curiosity, as opposed to bitterness.]

ROSE: -she can't check to see how ridiculous it is but somehow SHE KNOWS-

TAVROS: *If he's able to then he will definitely make Feferi one of those, yes. The soothing sounds continue, yes.*

CRONUS: *good, he totally sends her shit like this all the time probably*

FEFERI: * <> *

ROSE: -She opens her mouth a moment, but pauses. She seems to have been ready to explain quite a lot, but it all seems kind of... distant, here and now, facing down this titan of a creature.-

ROSE: ...It is important. For the unclaimed slaves and the visions hidden in clouds, and the things that live in darkness far beyond our galaxy's stars.

ROSE: It's important.

ROSE: It is everything.

ROSE: There won't be much of an everything left if it weren't, I gather.

ARANEA: ... *this is all very confusing, and it leaves her feeling more uncertain than she had 8een when she was choosing the ending to the story.*

[The beast begins to lower in the water again. "Then perhaps, you have already chosen your own light to follow. Both of you."]

["I have granted you the knowledge you require."]

["Now choose your ending." And there she goes, back into the water.]

FEFERI: *Nooooooo! She's gone.* 38(

CRONUS: huh.

[As the waves recede, some of the treasure is washed around, revealing the star shaped geode sculpture they had been looking for in the middle of one of the piles. WOW. how convenient!!]

TAVROS: *So long beautiful princess... He runs a hand through his hair, silent, then lets out a small laugh as his hand falls.* tHIS, uH, wENT A LOT BETTER THAN EXPECTED,

TAVROS: *The optimism worked out! Fancy that.*

ROSE: -WE DID IT TOGETHER AND IT WAS GREAT-

ROSE: And we didn't have to punch a sea monster.

ROSE: Take whatever you can carry out of here, I suppose.

ARANEA: ... Fancy that! *sweating*

CRONUS: so its time to head back nowv right?

ROSE: It's all worth something.

TAVROS: bUT ROSE, iS NOT THE REAL TREASURE, tHE FRIENDS WE MADE ALONG THE WAY, }:)

ARANEA: ...

TAVROS: bUT ALSO GOLD, aS WELL, sINCE THAT IS EASIER TO EXCHANGE FOR GOODS AND SERVICES,

ARANEA: *gra8s the thing they came here for, pretending she isn't side eyeing tavros for that corny line*

TAVROS: *You know you love it.*

ROSE: AH.

ROSE: Yes.

ROSE: ...That.

ROSE: -she needs a bath or something. something to unwind. something feels STRANGE-

FEFERI: *puts a gold chain all the way up on Tavros's horn.* )(e)(e)(e!

ARANEA: *she feels similarly unsettled, 8ut she does pocket a few more things for her museum... er, and to sell, of course.*

TAVROS: *Grins wide down at Feferi when he's suddenly blinged up.* nOW WHO IS THE DORK, *Snickers.*

[Feel free to back track or escape from the cove opening.]

CRONUS: vwowv, okay, i think im done vwatching this.

CRONUS: *HE LEAVE*

[So long and thanks for all the fish.]

[ardentcupid-blog]

Keep reading

[academic-geniality]

DAELOS: -Lately, the world has gone all topsy turvy because he finds himself going 100king for Aranea and seeking her out rather than just sitting in the dark waiting for someone to find him.-

ARANEA: -she is still in the library at this hour, reorganizing that books that had recently been messed up by SOME PEOPLE. if she knew that some striders were the culprits, she'd be even more peeved than she already is.-

DAELOS: -THOSE BARBARIANS!!! Daelos finds her after doing some slow roaming. He slips in quietly for somebody so BIg Big.-

ARANEA: -he might be quiet, but she easily catches a glimpse of him coming through the door and brightens up.- Hello Daelos! What 8rings you here?

DAELOS: } --> Oh

DAEOS: } --> -HANDS-

DAELOS: } --> Ah

DAELOS:  } --> You, mostly

ARANEA: -wings flutter. of course that's why! but she wanted to hear it.- Hehe. Well, here I am. -returns to putting the books back- 

ARANEA: I'm just a8out finished with this. Someone came in here taking 8ooks right off the shelf and shuffled them around. Is is so difficult to at least TRY to put them 8ack where they 8elong?

DAELOS: -HUFFS-

DAELOS: } --> Those ruffians! How dare they

DAELOS: } --> Just wait until I install security cameras in here too, and make them regret the day they were hatched!

ARANEA: ... -she smiles a little behind a book at his enthusiam. hehe.- 

ARANEA: I'm looking forward to it. Honestly, this is the last place to conduct that sort of 8ehavior! In a place of learning. -shakes her head- Deplora8le.

DAELOS: -baritone rumbling- } --> I am inclined to agree

DAELOS: } --> Ungrateful louts, making you clean up their messes

ARANEA: Such is the life... At least until you help improve my conditions with the new security cameras, of course. ::::) 

ARANEA: 8ut enough a8out that, -slides the last book back into it's place- What have you 8een up to today?

DAELOS: -settles and clears throat.-

DAELOS: } --> Well, as you know I've been continuing to work hard on those probes and making sure the cameras are in working order but

DAELOS: } --> I took a break at some point today to

DAELOS: } --> Erm

DAELOS: } --> To make a gift for you

ARANEA: -blinks at him, tilting her head curiously. oh...- 

ARANEA: You did? -the smile on her face widens, framed by blue tinted cheeks-

DAELOS: -removes a fist-sized object from his sylladex. it's a little bell, the kind you push down to get a librarian's attention, except it makes a more pleasant tinkling sound, and it's heavier. obviously hand-made.  he passes it to her, so she can try it.- } --> It isn't anything  e%travagant

ARANEA: -she's surprised by what she sees, but it's clear by her expression that it's pleasantly so. she accepts it gingerly, despite how heavy it is, as if she's handling some precious treasure, and maybe to her it is.- 8ut it's wonderful...! -she's decided this without even pressing the bell yet, but she does try it out then.-

DAELOS: -It makes a pleasant little ring There is a bit of color on his cheeks, relieved that she appears to genuinley like it as he was not surehow such a gift wouldbe received.- } --> I conc100ded that if youmust be summoned by a bell, it should at least be a nice one

ARANEA: -something about the noise makes her pusher flutter, just a bit.- Thank you, Daelos. I love it. -she looks up at him from the bell and can't resist drawing in closer to him for a hug.-

DAELOS: -he looks around briefly to make sure no one else is around, and then gratefully accepts the hug, unable and strangely unwilling to disguse his own happiness.-

ARANEA: -she holds onto his for as long as she can get away with it, nuzzling against him and enjoying the security of his embrace. while she continues to hold on, she does pull away enough to rest her chin on his belly, gazing up at him.- Did you have any plans for the rest of the evening?

DAELOS: -He can't handle it when she gazes up at him like that. It makes his pusher work double time and also makes it hard to focus on anything else except her.-

DAELOS: -Err- I ....was going to return to work

ARANEA: -shiny eyes- Is there anything you need help with?

DAELOS: -Those eyes. What was he going to do again? Why was it important?-  ...} --> Well...not particularily

DAELOS: } --> However, if you would not find it too dull

DAELOS: } --> Perhaps you could come down anyway

DAELOS: } --> I'd clear a space for your books

ARANEA: Oh, I never find it dull. I simply enjoy having your company. -she draws away finally, only so she can leave the bell on her desk.-

DAELOS: } --> -he very gently brushes her hair back before she pulls away, watching her place the bell down and feeling proud at seeing it sitting there.-

DAELOS: } --> Nonetheless...one day I will not be working this busily and we shall meet in a place that is more suitable for companionship

ARANEA: -she pauses after placing the bell down, waiting to look at him again.- There will 8e time when we leave LOCAS again. -she knows he doesn't want to leave, but maybe she can pretend that she forgot.-

DAELOS: -Surprisingly, he doesn't react.- Yes. I have sped up preparations for our ascent.

ARANEA: -that's curious! she's glad to hear it, but she still has to pry.- I see you're less apprehensive a8out that, then. -returns to his side, offering him her hand.-

DAELOS: -he takes her hand and allows her to walk in step with him, which is always a little slow and awkward compared to her movements, but it just gives them more time to talk.- ...Well

DAELOS: My perspective on matters has shifted

ARANEA: This is wonderful news for me. -smiles up at him, happily slowing her pace to keep with his. she's never in any rush when she's with him.- May I ask what changed your mind?

DAELOS: -gives her a long, grateful look in return for her smile. she's so good at making him feel comfortable.-

DAELOS: -it takes him a bit to find the right words to respond.-  I thought I had nothing left to do.

DAELOS: When we were fighting, I realized that is not the case. There is work for me, If I want it.

ARANEA: -her cheeks tint blue, just a little, and she looks ahead again with her smile widening.- I was hoping you would come to that kind of conclusion. I knew that to 8e the case all along, after all.

DAELOS: - his voice could be slightly teasing- It lends credence to the theory that you are always right

ARANEA: -giggles about it- I'm so glad you seem to 8e catching on! I have 8een correct a8out a great many things, now haven't I? -gives his hand a tiny squeeze-

DAELOS: So fortunate that you are here to advise me. -Walks with her on his arm like they're in a park.-

DAELOS: Otherwise there may be no end to my foalish decisions.

ARANEA: Heh. At least we won't have to worry a8out that anymore. ::::) -she is eating this up. the sweet public affection and flirtation. tame, but so very meaningful to her. and to see him in such good spirits is remarkable. she can only hope she's made that difference, too, but for once her influence means a whole lot less than it normally would.-

[academic-geniality]

ROXY: *She's been walking around the ship and now finally around the base. Poofing into rooms that didn't open for her. She was looking for Aranea and was being very thorough in her search of the spider troll*

ARANEA: *the spider troll has 8een making herself at home here on the 8ase, running errands and helping repair the damage left 8ehind 8y the clowns. 8asically anything she could do with daelos, 8ut right now she's milling around the halls on her own, just going for a stroll, completely unsuspecting of her PURSUIT*

ROXY: *Stroll interrupted! Honestly she is she's making eye-contact with Aranea and walking right in her path. once they get close enough the only thing she says is* we need to talk

ARANEA: *nearly jumps right out of her skin* !!!!!!!!

ARANEA: Oh!

ARANEA: Ahem.

ARANEA: Hello Roxy.

ARANEA: What would you like to discuss?

ROXY: im working on something that might help to prevent future psychic attacks on our crew

ROXY: what i need is a psychic trolls brain

ROXY: i need 2 analyze it

ARANEA: ... *looks at her warily, uneasily* That's a very forward request! And I... Well, I'm in no position to turn it down.

ARANEA: I'd like to help.

ROXY: *She brought this SAW for nothing, Roxy's expression doesn't change however. She just brings out a clipboard* then im going to need you in my lab two days from now

ROXY: preferrably with a volunteer that wouldnt mind your influence but i can also try to take care of that

ROXY: hows 3 pm?

ARANEA: That's a good time for me! *fidgets uneasily* I may 8e a8le to find someone willing to aid the cause, as well. I'll let you know ahead of time!

ROXY: fantastic *writes that down*

ROXY: be sure to let me know that morning if u have someone

ARANEA: Naturally. *puts on a smile*

ARANEA: May I ask... what sort of tests you'll 8e running exactly?

ROXY: *looks up from the clipboard* frequency and a thorough neurological scan

ARANEA: *that doesn't sound so 8ad...* I see.

ARANEA: Well then... I'm looking forward to 8eing a8le to assist you with this. It's... the least I can do, really.

ROXY: ....thanks *puts the clipboard away and turns on her heel* see you then

ARANEA: ... Take care, Roxy! *waves after her, even though she won't 8e a8le to see. a nervous reflex, she supposes.*

[academic-geniality]

DAELOS: - When Daelos blinks awake it usually takes him a moment to get the dark shapes coiling, twisting and hissing in his dreams out of his head long enough to ground himself, but this time that doesn't happen. He feels immediately present, because he feels another smaller and ever so slightly warmer body against him- well more like nestled on top of him.  He can sympathize. It's hard not to feel sleepy so close to the fire. He realizes that half his face is buried in her hair, but rather than pulling away he closes his eyes again and goes still not quite ready to commit to being awake and talking...things of that nature.-

ARANEA: -she had been out like a light since the moment she fell asleep against him. there were few things quite as comforting as the exact situation she had found herself in, after such an extended period of desperate loneliness. even when there were people in her life, there was always a distance she could never quite cross. but it wasn't that way with daelos. so when the walls came tumbling down between them, she sought to meet him as quickly as possible, only to end up here tucked against his shoulder. her breath is soft, but the fingers curled against his shirt are knitted tight as though even as she slept comfortably, she was afraid of letting go. she could feel herself stirring, and as tired as she was from the weight of everything going on, she could coax her eyes open enough just to look at him and make sure he was still there with her. even when she sees it, it's hard to believe.-

DAELOS: -Yes, he is here, real and quite solid beneath her. Its just as much a surprise to him as it is to her. The thick fog of depersonalization he has been drunkenly navigating through can't seem to hold when she's clinging so tightly to him like that. He finds that his fingers are in her hair too, somehow, so he pulls them through as gently as possible.-

DAELOS: We have been sleeping a long time

ARANEA: -the hand in her hair tugs a small sleepy smile onto her features, but it makes her eyelids droop again as well. she hums thoughtfully, and contently.- Well... It is very cozy right here.

DAELOS: -He's scolding but he sounds amused.- Eventually, we will have to move -But he's not going to be the first one. Oh no. He stretches and frees up more room on his chest but that's about it.-

ARANEA: -she moves with him easily, slipping into another position just as comfortable to her as the last.- Yes... eventually.  -she releases her grip on his shirt to rub a small circle there instead.-

DAELOS: -It feels nice to be treated this way, but he watches it with a bit of stiff detachment. The only way he has interacted with any closeness has been pale. Of course this isn't pale. He feels clumsy and stupid, when he tries to respond.-

ARANEA: -the affection is a little unusual for her as well, but she won't question how easily it comes to her when she's with him. she doesn't mind the quiet, but she isn't quite prepared to fall back asleep again until he does the same, so she forces her eyes open to look at him with many pupils. her hand moves to touch his cheek, running along the rough hair of his beard.-

DAELOS: -As she touches his face, he softens. Her expression makes it nearly impossible not to. At first he can feel the oafish weight of his hands, not knowing where to put them but then he settles them around her waist lightly and feels better for it. He's holding her. She's protected and secure.-

ARANEA: -she definitely feels that security, curling in a little closer, her body aligned with his in a way that would almost seem scandalous if she hadn't become so accustomed to the contours of him so quickly already. her thumb drifts to explore more of him, lightly brushing over the shape of his lips and along his jaw again.-

DAELOS: -If there's any indication that he's noticing this...configuration it's that he fidgets under her a bit. However, with her thumb dragging along the sharp contours of his face, he feels incapable of argument, as if she's relaxing all the muscles. As her fingers brush his jaw a certain way however, something tickles and his face can't maintain the same baleful expression, he snorts in amusement, brow knitting.- What are you -HMM- what are you doing

ARANEA: -her smile widens into a still sleepy grin at his reaction- I hope it doesn't sound weird... 8ut I find the shape of you to 8e quite alluring. I wanted to 8etter acquaint myself with it. -she returns to petting his beard, fixating her gaze on his lips. as flirtatious as she sounds, her intentions are rather chaste for someone like her. not that he would know such things about her yet.- 

ARANEA: You're really very handsome.

DAELOS: -Well. Those are assuredly NOT descriptions of himself that he is at all accustomed to. Aranea might consider this tame, but to Daelos it is shockingly obscene.  All at once, he feels like he's 9 sweeps again and there's heat and dampness on his neck, under his hair, creeping up his face as she looks at him. He manages to look at her face (pouty lips and mischievous grin at all) and finds that he just can't maintain eye contact, his gaze dropping.- ,,,Well...

ARANEA: -even without empath abilities, one could easily sense the nearly palpable anxiety he's exuding. it was forming in beads across his skin, in fact. still, she keeps her eyes trained on him and her hand steadily tracing along his cheek.- Are you alright...?

DAELOS: -Clears his throat.- I...

DAELOS: To be perfectly honest, I feel a bit foalish

DAELOS: F001ish

DAELOS: It's been...so long, you see....

ARANEA: Foolish? -blinks at him inquisitively- 

ARANEA: I don't mind, Daelos. -lowers her hand to his chest again, drawing circles there- I'm completely content just to 8e here with you like this. 

ARANEA: 8ut I must confess... I would like to kiss you.

DAELOS:-Oh fiddlesti%, that's what he was afraid of.. Of course the idea of kissing Aranea is appealing to him, of course he's THOGUHT about itmany times but the idea that he could do it wrong or be bad at it...This sort of cowardice is exactly why he's not fit for quadrants. One of the many reasons.-

DAELOS: -He just ends up looking down again, falling silent.-

ARANEA: -well, she certainly isn't feeling discouraged. finding herself in this situation in the first place is enough evidence to her that daelos has been holding himself back from all manner of things he desires. whatever was being an obstacle for him, it wasn't anything that could stop her. so she nudges her nose against his cheek, hoping to draw his attention back to her. look at me, please.-

DAELOS: -That little nuzzle brings his focus back up at her (not before making his heart do something he would have had to describe as a STRONG flutter), though his expression is best described as uncertain and pained.-

ARANEA: -her arm comes around his shoulder in an attention to comfort him with the security of her embrace. his expression is met with one very steady and certain. serious, but with eyes wide with anticipation. she can feel the skip of his heart in his wide chest in their close proximity, and she hopes he can feel her's as well when she moves just enough to brush her lips against his.-

DAELOS: -She knows how to keep him rooted to the spot- to her attentions- with just a look. Even he is surprised by how much power the little troll has over him that way. But he's relieved she's doing it, he likes and desires the closeness but he gets in the way of himself. He does go instinctively still when their lips brush, he knows he could still hurt her by accident, but time and experience has stuck with him. He presses back into the kiss gently as every other time he touches her, as the pad of his gloved thumb restlessly strokes hers. It's very chaste and sweet. *

ARANEA: -as chaste as it may be, to aranea it was still more intimate, more  satisfying, more real than any other kiss she's ever shared. holding herself back from deepening the kiss is difficult, but she knows he's nervous and afraid... and there's no reason to rush anymore. she draws away, only to nuzzle to his cheek again, a small smile creeping across her lips-

[technetronictactician]

We Are Not Down To Clown

Keep reading

[academic-geniality]

Trepidation Part Two

[[Falling down the rabbit hole is what everyone is doing. At least until they all plop into what appears to be a pit of ooze to their waists. It's warm and goopy and sticks to their bodies easily, and is like walking in molassas to move. ]]

[[ Their surroundings glow and eerie green, and the only way out of the pit they've just fallen in is a tunnel carved into and up the wall about 40 yards from where they fell. Looks like they'll have a bit of a wade and then a mudclimb if they want to follow the struggle that was yaldy and the weird snake from before.]]

ROXY: OOOOHHH MY GOD mmmthis is my shit yup im just 100% all about this

PORRIM: *ah yes... just what she wanted. MORE GOOP.*

WQ: -internal screaming-

FEFERI: *SPLORCH.* ----Eug)(!!!!!! *dumps Cronus in the goo. Bye loser.*

RUTH: -She fell into this hole accidentally during the snake fight, actually, and she's just sort of half stuck, half floating and disoriented.-

CRONUS: *X____X* *TIME TO DROWN IN THIS SHIT*

VRISKA: -thankfully she and aranea descended peacefully and she doesn't even NEED this slime-

ROXY: *he was so young*

VRISKA: Hahahahahahahaha losers!!!!!!!!

ROXY: lmao girl

ROXY: girlll

KALINK: Aw crap. *He fell awKwardly.* It's everywhere.

ROXY: lemme see that ankle

ARANEA: *flutters over the goop. she's just as pleased as vriska, 8ut she will 8e more reserved a8out it* ::::)

KURLOZ: *UUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRG he can TELL his makeup is being messed up and he is not down to clown with that*

WQ: -wades over to Kalink and offers a goopy hand so that he may right himself.-

ARADIA: -catches herself via wings right before dropping into the slime and just happily floating above-

KALINK: *Poor angry clown.*

KALINK: So... I guess only one way out, again. Does anyone else feel liKe we're being herded?

FEFERI: S)(ut up, Vriska!!!

VRISKA: Uh, how a8out no? To Rocky or whatever. And Feferi, you have to admit it's kind of funny!

VRISKA: Especially from THIS point of view.

VRISKA: Right Aranea?

FEFERI: It'll be funnier LAT-ER. *scooping up a big ol wad of goo and flinging it up at her*

SOLLUX: -SPLOOP. fuck. he wasn't anticipating this-

ARANEA: Ah! It isn't very nice to make light of the misfortune of others. *and yet she's still smiling*

WQ: -to Kalink- Yes, it is starting to seem that way, does it not? -OR it felt like this well beforehand and she did not wish to say and have it confirmed.-

JAKE: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS WITH THE NEVERENDING NICKELODEON SLIME! *he struggle furiously*

SOLLUX: i have 0fficially given up trying t0 make sense 0f it tbh.

JAKE: I dont even like slime!

ERISOL: *ii2 floatiing above iit all too* wwoww my luck ju2t keep2 gettiing wwor2e an wwor2e noww ii havve to deal wwiith you a22hole2 wwiith your a22hole2 liiterally fiilled wwiith 2liime.

ARANEA: *makes a face at that*

KALINK: *He frowns.* Yeah. I don't Know what's controlling this, but it can't be natural. We're here on purpose. Not- Not on /our/ purpose, obviously.

ERISOL: a part of me t hiink2 iit would be amu2iin iif you wwerent 2uch a buncha wwhiiner2.

KALINK: *ew Erisolsprite* Well you're sort of made of slime, right? Should be used to it.

ERISOL: uh no? iim made from 2un energy k thnx.

FEFERI: )(ey!! Let's focus on getting t)(e glub out of )(ere if t)(at's okray wit)( everyone! *wading with all her might here. Where the fuck is Cronus?*

CRONUS: *his feet are sticking out of the slime*

ERISOL: ju2t becau2e iim green doe2nt giivve you the excu2e to be a wwhole back of diick2

FEFERI: ... *reaches over to STRONG heave him out*

CRONUS: *SCHHLOOOOOOORP*

CRONUS: *A CRONUS IS LIFT*

FEFERI: *SHE WILL THROW THIS IDIOT.*

RUTH: -she's sort of still trying to make sense of what just happened and may have gotten bludgeoned by snake butts-

KALINK: *He's trying to wade, maKing grossed out little fussy noises.*

KALINK: Well. You are pretty green.

JAKE: *Why can't this be something he can PUNCH his way out of??? Jake is definitely going to attempt to do so.*

JAKE: *He's too FRUSTRATED.*

DISCIPLE: -CAT ACTIVATE-

KALINK: *cat!*

ROXY: *wads her unhappy self towards that exit* uugggghhhhh

DISCIPLE: -active cat is on the move-

SOLLUX: -do not punch him jake-

WQ: -schlorp schorp shlorp- I find the sooner we obtain an advantageous higher ground, the sooner we shall be freed from this molassas-like substance.-

WQ: *no -

ARANEA: *flies over to the hole, peering cautiously into it*

VRISKA: -Follows Aranea-

VRISKA: -actually tries to fly AHEAD of her so it looks like SHE'S taking the lead-

KURLOZ: >:o( KNOH. *an anti-honk he is so unhappy*

ARANEA: *typical!*

PORRIM: What the fuck.

PORRIM: *stfu kurloz she aint got time for this*

KALINK: *KNOH oh my god*

KURLOZ: *he is wading towards that tunnel too, the surliest clown*

KALINK: *He's wading through, maKnig faces as it squishes through his toes.*

ROXY: ...thats fair i guess no is right

FEFERI: *tunnel wading!!*

ROXY: *salt clown is on the loose*

FEFERI: *dragging Cronus behind her*

CRONUS: feferi, am i dead?

RUTH: -okay. she is sort of. following everyone else????-

KURLOZ: *NO IS VERY RIGHT.*

TYRENA: -she 1s als0 gett1ng her hand h0ld-

FEFERI: No! But if you W-ER-E, I'm s)(ore t)(e afterlife would be a lot less CULLS)(IT T)(AN T)(IS!!!

FEFERI: Just ask Aradia!

RUTH: -she's very disoriented from being bludgeoned by snake butts, thank you for the hand hold-

TYRENA: 1 K1ND 0F 1MAG1NED 1T W0ULD BE A L0T L1KE TH1S, ACTUALLY

TYRENA: 1T SEEMS APPR0PR1ATE S0MEH0W

RUTH: A-- greed.

CRONUS: *:

KALINK: I don't feel liKe this serves any after-life morality purpose.

CRONUS: *:|* no thanks.

TYRENA: SAY WHAT Y0U W1LL BUT A DE1F1C F1GURE JUST JUDGED US >:P

TYRENA: -why d1d she st1ck her t0ngue 0ut 1t tastes l1ke gr0ss-

ARADIA: the afterlife is way better than this

TYRENA: plbleh

ARADIA: take it from me!

JAKE: Rrrrgh! Where do i go? Where do i move???? *aggressively flailing. He still can't see for shit.*

SOLLUX: c00l st0ry aa.

FEFERI: T)(ank you! Sea???

SOLLUX: -holds onto Jake's ANGRILY FLEXING BICEP-

ARADIA: thanks sollux

ARADIA: i can tell it again if you want me to

ROXY: omg *looks back to jake and sollux* are yall ok

ROXY: i mean nothins ok

ERISOL: wwoww ii2 thii2 guy fuckiin bliind or wwhat?

KALINK: *Sollux: continues memeing in all circumstances*

SOLLUX: n0.

ROXY: but i mean as in which way to waddle urselvs

ROXY: while bein tit deep in mystery slurry

SOLLUX: n0 i g0t this.

ERISOL: iid kiill my2elf iif ii evver wwent bliind.

ARADIA: -looks at camera-

JAKE: NO FOR FUCKS SAKE. IM BLIND AS MOLASSES! *WHO SAID THAT?*

ROXY: jake use ur echolocation

KALINK: Don't KnocK it til you try it, buddy.

SOLLUX: h0ly ass grenades.

ERISOL: iill knock iit a2 much a2 ii fuckiin wwant nubno2e

SOLLUX: -he cannot handle all these people happening at once-

SOLLUX: jake can y0u flail in the directi0n 0f the many v0ices until they st0p talking.

SOLLUX: i am literally feeling a n0stalgic headache here.

JAKE: Uh. Yes! Okay!

JAKE: Vamonos!!! *STRONG WADDLING NOW*

SOLLUX: thanks babe.

ROXY: jake im like

KALINK: *True romance. KalinK is trying to lift his legs up as high as he can for more mobility. This is horrifying.*

[[well they're probably nearing the mudwall. Good luck climbing this slippery slope]]

ROXY: a zillion percent pissed off the charts

ARANEA: *continues to investigate this HOLE with her SPECIAL EYES*

ROXY: but later ill appreciate the strength of ur thighs dude

ROXY: fight on man

JAKE: Im with you!!!!!!! Also thank you!

SOLLUX: -investigate THIS hole0

WQ: -eyeing that slippery slope with slight disdain.- I must say. -huff- This is certainly undignified.

ARANEA: *NO*

ARADIA: -looks at the slope before looking at the others- i can probably help some of you up

RUTH: That would be great, actually.

FEFERI: Me, please!!!

ERISOL: *float2 up wiithout helpiing anyone*

SOLLUX: -just fuck that guy-

FEFERI: *Oh and Cronus, she GUESSES.*

WQ: You are too kind, Ms. Megido.

ROXY: that would be p nice rara

SOLLUX: -he COULD help, but will he?????-

KURLOZ: *he starts up on his own with zero help, and his legs are still sinking pretty far into it, but fights onwards and upwards*

KALINK: Are there any Kind of footholds, or anything? *He's groping the slope.* LiKe under all the slime?

DISCIPLE: Rrr.

ROXY: *bye cloun*

SOLLUX: -ILL GROPE YOUR SLOPE!!!-

JAKE: Fuck this bread and bologna i say!!! *bumps into the wall and starts scrambling up*

ARADIA: -helps kurloz up with telekinesis HAVE A BOOST-

ROXY: *sol chill*

SOLLUX: -HE HAS NO CHILL RN FUCk-

DISCIPLE: -She digs ther claws onto the slope as well.- She can carry one.

DISCIPLE: And only one.

DISCIPLE: Not too many.

JAKE: *very clumsily. This is probably not going to end well.*

[[your slope groping is fruitless. There are no fruitholds for gropeage]]

DISCIPLE: -climb on the ass naked cat-

ARADIA: -who the hell can she carry in her arms to make this go by faster-

KALINK: *He looKs at the cat.* Uh- could you, maybe-

JAKE: *SLIPS AND FALLS* AHOY.

ROXY: *she can also appreciate the ass naked cat for various reasons*

KALINK: Help me out?

ROXY: jake

SOLLUX: ...

SOLLUX: jake.

KALINK: *Yes the naKed cat is incredibly beautiful we all Know this*

SOLLUX: -just FLOATS HIM-

FEFERI: *Aradia. Baby, please. You have telekenesises.*

ARADIA: -attempts to pick up feferi while simultaneously dragging cronus by his foot with psionics up the slope.-

DISCIPLE: -she's gonna yowl until someone does but if not she's just gonna start CLIMBING her own dang self-

FEFERI: Weeeeee!!!!! *it's okay. She has his ankle.*

ARANEA: *drifts down* Would anyone like my help? *yes she is framing it so that people have to ask for her help shh*

CRONUS: noooo stop. feferi, be gentle.

KALINK: *OKAY HE'S GONNA TRY TO CLIMB THE CAT*

WQ: ... -looks at disciple. Thinks about it.-

FEFERI: S)(ut up!

DISCIPLE: :33

DISCIPLE: Hold her neck, yes.

RUTH: Okay.

ARADIA: -plops them down t the top of the slope-

RUTH: I can probably do this.

KALINK: *Arms on cat, maKing an attempt to hold on tight.* OKay. I don't want to hurt you.

KALINK: ThanK you.

RUTH: Play me off if this goes terribly wrong.

JAKE: Aranea?? *Hes totally going to ask her but he's too busy wiping slime off his face*

DISCIPLE: -and she begins to ==> Catbutt: Ascend-

ARADIA: -gives the disciple and co a psionic boost up that slope

ARADIA: -

KALINK: *THE ASCENCION*

KALINK: Hup! ThanK you!

DISCIPLE: -She's sinking her claws in pretty deep, since it's nothing but MUCK, but it's a little easier now-

SOLLUX: -he's just using psionics fuck this-

TYRENA: 1 HAVE FA1TH 1N Y0U

JAKE: *Everybody's leaving without him!!! HE FLAIL.*

ARANEA: Hello Jake! *its too 8ad sollux already floated you*

TYRENA: 1 W0ULD 0FFER T0 THR0W Y0U S0 L0NG AS THERE'S S0METH1NG S0FT T0 LAND 0N

TYRENA: ...

TYRENA: BUT THAT'S K1NDA R1K

WQ: -waiting at the bottom with PATIENCE-

TYRENA: R1SKY*

ARADIA: -LIFTS UP WQ-

ARADIA: -WITH TELEKINESIS-

ARADIA: -there u go to the top-

RUTH: I always love a good risk.

ARANEA: *DAMN YOU PSYCHOKINETICS*

FEFERI: 38D *STARTED AT THE BOTTOM NOW WE'RE HERE!*

FEFERI: *Dumps Cronus and gives Aradia a big gross slimy smooch on the cheek*

ARADIA: :)

TYRENA: YES, BUT THAT W0ULD MEAN A P0SS1B1L1TY 0F CAUS1NG DAMAGE T0 A FACE 1 0NLY JUST N0W REC1EVED V1SUAL C0NF1RMAT10N EX1STS

TYRENA: THE GU1LT W0ULD DESTR0Y ME >:(

WQ: WQ: -nods her head in gratitude- Thank you, sincerely.

DISCIPLE: -plops up on the top with her KALINK package-

ARADIA: youre welcome!

DISCIPLE: -flop-

CRONUS: *time to drown in mud this time*

ARADIA: -who's still down there-

RUTH: Guess we'll have to do this the hard way.

DISCIPLE: >Xoo

ROXY: gey *unless she's still at the bottom then she's thinking it loudly*

ARADIA: -PSIONIC LIFTS ROXY-

ARADIA: -GET OVER HERE-

RUTH: -lets go of Tyrena and makes an attempt to climb-

JAKE: *He's floating!!! And lands on his feet, BATTLE STANCE READY.* D:<

ARADIA: -also ruth-

ARANEA: *HUFFS*

TYRENA: -she's watch1ng her fr0m the b0tt0m, wa1t1ng 1n case she g0tta catch her-

ROXY: *HEY HO LETS GO* ty bby

ARADIA: -get your ass up here ruth-

ARADIA: -and last but not least TYRENA-

ARANEA: *flutters dejectedly 8ack to the hole*

RUTH: O-oh-- Okay--

WQ: -PLOPS at the top and reaches a hand out for those who attempted the climb.-

TYRENA: >:0

TYRENA: -W0WW FL0AT1NG-

TYRENA: -she's way heav1er than she l00ks tbh but there she g0es-

VRISKA: We are losing SO much time w8ting on everyone!

ARANEA: It would 8e wise to scout ahead.

FEFERI: *flings mud at Vriska*

ARANEA: 8ut not too far! We don't want to put ourselves at risk-- *omg mud slinging*

VRISKA: HEY!!!!!!!!

VRISKA: Come on Aranea.

KALINK: ThanK you. *He says, putting a gentle hand on the cat arm.*

DISCIPLE: Mrowrl.

DISCIPLE: Yes.

DISCIPLE: -pets his face-

DISCIPLE: -pat-

DISCIPLE: -it's a muddy hand-

SOLLUX: -just kinda chillin up here-

DISCIPLE: -his face is muddy now-

KALINK: *Omg. He grins at her and pats her face bacK.* Appreciated.

KALINK: Let me Know if I can do something for you, too.

WQ: -ARE YOU SURE THATS MUD-

WQ: -THINK OF WHERE WE ARE-

ARANEA: *drifts ahead of the crowd*

JAKE: *running!! He accidentally steps on Cronus though and trips.* ZOINKS.

ROXY: *NAH SON*

[[SB)]]

ROXY: *NO*

KALINK: *Do not imply we are in a bowel, WQ*

CRONUS: OWV!!!

CRONUS: VWATCH VWHERE YOURE GOING, FUCKHEAD.

WQ: -IF it smells like a bowel, she doesnt even have to imply-

JAKE: Fuckhead???? Cronus???????????? *IS THAT ANY WAY TO TALK TO YOUR BEST FRIEND????????*

DISCIPLE: Do not be lost. Do not die.

CRONUS: *sits up angrily*

CRONUS: *rubs where jake stepped on me* you stepped on me!

WQ: -Does it smell like a bowel?-

JAKE: Gad fucking zooks brother. Why didnt you say so?? *offering a hand to pick him up?*

CRONUS: *>8C accepts jakes hand and is LIFTED to his feet*

KALINK: *He nods.* I promise. I'll do my best. You too. Stay safe. Not that I thinK you need any help with that, you could clearly beat up this entire cave.

VRISKA: -keeps pace with aranea, glancing around-

JAKE: *claps his hands on his shoulders* Attaboy!

JAKE: I say. Are you daring to venture in the nude too?

DISCIPLE: H33. She hopes this is true, yes.

CRONUS: *blinks at jake confusedly*

CRONUS: oh right.

CRONUS: yeah.

CRONUS: yes.

CRONUS: i would.

KALINK: *He claps a hand on her shoulder, with a lil grin.* LooKs pretty true. *He looKs around.* Where can we go from here, then? More one-way tunnels?

DISCIPLE: Rr. She wonders this, herself, yes.

[[lol yeah]]

DISCIPLE: -She sniffs the air, hoping for a whiff of something other than EVERYONE ELSE.-

DISCIPLE: -they stink-

JAKE: Oh shucks how embarrassing. Well! No time to dwell on it!

[[more one ways]]

JAKE: Whats a few ass nude adventures between buddy bros?? I say we get our cabooses moving!!!

WQ: Well. It seems we have no choice.

JAKE: OFF WE GO. *lad scampers after the group*

ARADIA: -makes sure nobody's falling behind-

WQ: -aradia u are such a good-

VRISKA: -MAKING SURE SHE STAYS AHEAD-

[[The walls shake and tremble and as they do these weird glowing worms start to crawl o ut]]

ROXY: *looking around as they go down the tunnel but she fixes her gaze forward not sure she wants to know what its made of*

VRISKA: What the fuck????????

[[It almost sounds like fighting betwene giant snakes can be heard]]

ROXY: eugh

WQ: -immediately gets some distance between herself and these walls. 8(-

TYRENA: -she k1nda th1nks the w0rms are pretty tbh-

FEFERI: *Awww, they're kind of cute! Feferi tries not to get distracted.*

[[The worms almost look like they may be forming pictures]]

FEFERI: *38O*

ARADIA: -watches these worms with interest-

TYRENA: -0kay that's actually gett1ng her a l1ttle m0re d1stracted than just aesthet1c apprec1at10n-

ARANEA: *definitely lurching away from the walls... 8ut if they're taking a particular shape, she can't help 8ut 8e interested*

ARADIA: are they trying to tell us something?

WQ: -watches the worms with interest at a distance-

[[And while they're too busy watching the worms, the area around them just out of eyeshot if they're looking at them, starts to melt away, revealing a very empty landscape with nothing but a very injured yaldabaoth laying on the ground]]

[[There are creatures gathered round him]]

RUTH: ...

JAKE: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *is what he would say if he could see this*

ARANEA: *glances in that direction away from the worms... DOU8LE TAKES. oh dear...*

VRISKA: W8sted.

RUTH: Something's wrong here.

[[gdi jake, ur glasses are back on ur face magically dont ask how]]

RUTH: Outside of the obvious.

ROXY: yeah theres idk a lot

ROXY: wrong....

JAKE: *HOLY SHIT.*

JAKE: *He can see... he can. FIGHT.*

ARADIA: :(

[[The worms themselves seem to be forming the various aspect symbols]]

ROXY: *da fuq is this sheeit*

DISCIPLE: >:oo

[[BUT NOW THEY'RE DEVOURING EACH OTHER]]

KALINK: *Oh my fucKing god what*

DISCIPLE: -as nature intended-

KALINK: What. I- What.

ROXY: *nature is amazing*

ARANEA: Eugh.

WQ: -which aspect is devouring which?-

DISCIPLE: ...-she frowns, pointing ahead.-

ARADIA: beautiful

DISCIPLE: ...It...

DISCIPLE: rrr.

ARANEA: *she was TRYING to commit these sym8ols to memory!*

[[It'd PANDAmonium]]

ROXY: *SHIT THERES PANDAS*

DISCIPLE: Do we help it? Can something be done?

ROXY: *WHERE*

KALINK: We should at least try- Yeah.

KALINK: We have to-

KALINK: *He steps towards Yaldabaoth*

FEFERI: *It's the ciiiiiiiircle of life.*

KALINK: Are you dying?

NO. I CAN NEVER DIE. [[Even in his weakened state, his voice booms]]

ROXY: ...well that answers that

KALINK: Well- do you need help? Are you hurt?

RUTH: -frowns at Yaldy-

[[The creatures surrounding yaldy turn to face the approaching crowd. Once again, the crew is seeing the other, living members, of the crew, but they're melted, deformed, inhuman.]]

[[They're grotesque blobs of their friends]]

ROXY: mmmmmmmmmmmmm

WQ: No.

WQ: -she is anger-

ARADIA: -squints-

DISCIPLE: --!

DISCIPLE: -She backs away, letting out a choked noise.-

DISCIPLE: No!

[[Noteable peoples missing from the melty crowd are eridan and karkat]]

DISCIPLE: Why do we see this??

CCP ceased responding to memo.

RUTH: ..

RUTH: -Just takes in a breath and exhales.-

SOLLUX: 0h fuck this.

THEY ARE WHAT YOU WILL BECOME. IF YOU CONTINUE YOUR FOOLISH QUEST OF CHARGING FOURTH WITHOUT THOUGHT.

VRISKA: Well this is gr8!

WQ: I am inclined to agree, Mr. Captor.

[[Yaldy coughs yaldyblooder]]

ROXY: *bruh my shoes*

ROXY: *oh wait*

ROXY: *MY FEET*

WQ: WQ: -....Kneels down and offers hanky-

RUTH: ...

RUTH: -She's stepping a little closer. She's pretty sure there

ARANEA: *draws 8ack with disgust, and just a little 8it of frustration. she's getting tired of 8eing told how foolish she is!!!!!!!*

RUTH: 's something very wrong about what's being shown, or being done.-

RUTH: **said not done

YOU WILL BECOME DEFORMED FROM MALGROWTH.

AND EVENTUALLY.

[[The giant green snake from before emerges from shadows]]

DESTROYED.

ARADIA: -aggressive wing fluttering-

ROXY: yknowwwwwwwwwwww

ROXY: theres constructive critism

[[The giant green snake blasts lord english blast, which engulfs everything]]

ARADIA: -EVEN US???-

WQ: -Just...places hanky by Yaldy's mouth. There. AN O SNAP WHAT-

[[yes]]

CURRENT convincingPeacekeeper [CCP] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

KALINK: *I'd rather not have that happen.*

ROXY: *BYE*

KALINK: *the deformed from malgrowth*

KALINK: *ULP*

DISCIPLE: -She hisses, doubling back defensively as the blast overtakes them-

FEFERI: *FRIED FISH.*

KALINK: *Wait are we dead or what*

TYRENA: -she d0esn't even fl1nch, star1ng 1nt0 the blast 0f energy-

[[Everything goes completely white, but somehow everyone is still in tact in this stark, suddenly magically clean landscape]]

ARADIA: wow

JAKE: *First he sees then he regrets that he can and now there's... nothing! Nothing at all!*

KALINK: Oh, where the fucK are we NOW?

ROXY: bullshitopia

VRISKA: -She's looking angrily at all her surroundings-

KALINK: We've been in bullshitopia this whole time.

TYRENA: MUCH THE SAME PLACE AS BEF0RE, 1 SUPP0SE

ROXY: tru that

[[ripples happen on the ground, but they're gentle and completely silent]]

[[in

FEFERI: *tests the ground. It's so wavy...*

ARADIA: this reminds me of the area between death and the afterlife

ARADIA: :)

ARADIA: -SOMETHING FAMILIAR-

KALINK: Well, i basically refuse to be dead.

WQ: -She's...just.... o_o-

JAKE: Here here man!

TYRENA: -Tyrena s1ts 0n the gr0und, cr0ss1ng her legs.-

VRISKA: I am DONE with this shit. Let us out, assholes!!!!!!!!

ARANEA: *there's something strangely inviting a8out these peculliar ripples, 8ut she's comforta8le floating a8ove it, thanks!*

TYRENA: TAKE A DEEP BREATH, SERKET

KALINK: *He's trying not to move too much.*

FTA, CTA ceased responding to memo.

ARADIA: -aradia lowers herself to the ground and starts walking around, watching the patterns of the ripples as she does-

SOLLUX: wh...

SOLLUX: -the fuck-

KALINK: What do we even- there's nowhere to go, is there?

JAKE: *Rippling floors is kind of neutral ground for him. It's niether scary nor infuriating so he doesn't wanna fight it. He'll be curious though.*

RUTH: -somehow, this doesn't faze her so badly. Maybe because she's used to seeing transitions that are just as bizarre. But it's making sense of it that's important. She just starts walking.-

JAKE: *Walking?*

TYRENA: WHERE ARE Y0U G01NG

RUTH: I'm trying to figure that out, mostly.

KALINK: Is it a good plan to just wander off without a place to go?

RUTH: That seems to be our plan through most of this.

RUTH: I think it's fair.

TYRENA: YES

TYRENA: BUT THAT W0ULD SEEM C0NTRARY T0 WHAT THE ALLEGED G0D 0F M0NSTERS JUST T0LD US

KALINK: Also, I don't see any way out this time. It's all just- spread out.

WQ: Did the creature not just recently mention that charging forward mindlessly is not an idea to entertain?

WQ: Yes.

FEFERI: *tilts her head curiously* So we )(ave to accept it?

RUTH: He's also kind of a dick.

FEFERI: *slowly lowers herself to sit too*

KALINK: We don't have to accept shit, but maybe we could strategize first? There has to be a way.

TYRENA: WELL, THE PHALL1C 1MPL1CAT10NS 0F G1ANT W0RMS WERE N0T L0ST 0N ME, N0

JAKE: Roxy? *looking towards her for an opinion*

RUTH: I know this might not make much sense,

ROXY: *she's been thinking about turns to Jake* well it didnt give us much of what we need to do

RUTH: But I feel distinctly as if the situation we are in is one intended to force us into such black and white thinking.

RUTH: So I am summarily choosing to ignore it.

ROXY: cuz i mean its not like we HAVE been jumpin into shit so much of us just bein flung a buffet of doodie

ARANEA: I will say... this change of environment does give me a 8it more clarity! We should assess our situation more rationally, without those disgusting distractions. *flutters around ruth*

ARANEA: *she is navi now*

ARANEA: *HEY HEY LISTEN*

JAKE: Hehe. *She said doodie*

VRISKA: -I'm Tatl. I'm 8etter, stupid.-

TYRENA: -she wr1nkles her n0se, patt1ng her hand aga1nst the r1pply surface 0f the water.-

TYRENA: -er... gr0und?-

ARADIA: -still stepping and walking and watching the ripples-

TYRENA: -whatever 1t 1s.-

ROXY: jake *bby plz*

RUTH: -She knows what these Monsters do, and this seems like a very strange imitation of a Choice. Maybe even some kind of riddle-esque foreshadowing. And she has no interest in entertaining more of that than she already has.-

RUTH: Everyone can make their own decisions on the matter.

TYRENA: D0 Y0U TH1NK 1T 1S THE K1ND 0F DEC1S10N THAT MATTERS?

JAKE: Well im not the brightest hue in the coloring box but... even if all the glow worm sir were true... its all a mind trick as it is isnt it?

TYRENA: 1N THE WAY Y0U'RE TALK1NG AB0UT THEM

TYRENA: 1F TH1S 1S JUST S0ME PUZZLE, 0R A L0CK T0 TURN THE KEY

RUTH: Maybe not.

JAKE: Think on what happened with karkat! He went and CEASED TO FUCKING BE upon fainting!

TYRENA: F1NE

TYRENA: 1 PREFER 1T

RUTH: I'm sure we'll find out regardless of the choice we make.

TYRENA: 1 W0ULD RATHER N0T TH1NK 0N THE FATE 0F WHAT'S LEFT 0F MY S0UL

TYRENA: -She starts t0 cl1mb t0 her feet, rubb1ng her neck as she g0es t0 f0ll0w.-

JAKE: Maybe the answer really is to surrender? *anxious hand fiddling at Roxy* Were still ourselves and all right? Thats all that matters in this puzzles?

JAKE: Regardless of what a godly dick has to say about it!

ROXY: oh fuck that jakey boi

RUTH: It seems like we haven't been given any choice so far.

ROXY: idk im not so for surrenderin to some asshole worm

ROXY: weve had p much everything on our asses

KALINK: It /can't/ be real, can it? This is clearly being influenced.

ROXY: i draw the line at a wiggly worm tellin me to bite it

KALINK: It's liKe a set. It's faKe.

RUTH: To sit down and let the options be narrowed for us by nothing other than a vague warning seems a little bullshit to me.

JAKE: Well yes... *fiddles with his hands even MORE*

DISCIPLE: -She's jumping up and down on the ground, pouncing at it every few seconds.-

KALINK: So what do you suggest we do? There's no way to Know which way to head.

DISCIPLE: -It might be she's looking for a pattern, but she also does just like watching it ripple.-

KALINK: *Disciple is so cute.*

JAKE: I... would just like to go home. :(

JAKE: *sits*

ROXY: lbr the way we go doesnt really matter

KALINK: I meant her, not you. I want to go home too.

FUTURE trojanAbstruse [FTA] 4:20 HOURS FROM NOW responded to memo.

MITUNA: -He's just being tugged about. He gives up.-

RUTH: -she's just going to keep walking-

ARADIA: i wonder if theres some sort of ceiling to this place

ARANEA: *glances upward at the thought, 8ut decides to continue following ruth instead*

[[shapes start to form out of the ground. Completely black shapes of high contrast against the white background]]

KALINK: *He frowns, and looKs around. Gravitates towards Disciple*

KALINK: Whoa- what?

ARANEA: *DOU8LE TAKE*

DISCIPLE: :OO

DISCIPLE: -She bounces on the ground a few more times to ripple at them.-

JAKE: *He can't help it. Thoughts about Dirk and Eridan and his grandma are just making him so sad... Glances over at the shapes, tensing up all over again.*

ARADIA: -watches these shapes as she walks-

RUTH: --!

WQ: -strides over the Jake and holds out her hand.- If this truly is a scape created by our tormentors, it would not do to succumb to it, yes? ^_^

KALINK: What are they?

DISCIPLE: Moving.

DISCIPLE: Shadows, perhaps.

DISCIPLE: Our shadows?

WQ: -to help him to his feet-

DISCIPLE: No, no, is too different.

ARANEA: *curiously lowers herself to step on a shape?*

[[As they approach.... this time it is the corpses of their dead friends. Jake Claire, Dolorosa, numerous nameless NPCs, Meenah, Cidney, and also included among them appears to be Eridan]]

ARANEA: *NOPE NOPE*

ARANEA: *A8ORT*

ARANEA: *INTO THE AIR AGAIN SHE GOES*

[[They all lay there silently and still]]

JAKE: *???? He's not sure he's seeing these things right.*

FEFERI: ... *she's getting up and approaching the figures*

DISCIPLE: -She stops jumping, growing more still and quiet as she stares at them.-

VRISKA: -She HAS to keep going, as much as she actually FEELS something like sadness a8out Eridan and Meenah, she has to GET OVER IT. FRIENDS DIE SOMETIMES. At least this time she wasn't responsi8le for it.-

KALINK: *He frowns.*

ARANEA: *she can't 8ring herself to face any of this*

WQ: -She isnt entirely certain of what she's seeing, either.-

RUTH: ...

RUTH: -She can't bring herself to feel much, unfortunately.-

ARADIA: -aradia follows feferi, also approaching the figures-

[[as they watch there appears to be things growing out of each corpse. Something... treelike? Yep, those are trees]]

TYRENA: -same as ruth th0ugh wh00ps-

FEFERI: *How sad... It doesn't deter Fef in the slightest.*

TYRENA: -s0rry, SHe'S DEAD 1NS1DE-

KALINK: More mind tricKs.

WQ: -If it's making squishy noises, she's gonna nope-

KALINK: I'm gonna touch a tree.

SOLLUX: h0ly fuck.

KALINK: Wait- no, maybe I shouldn't do that.

SOLLUX: -WHAT TEH FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU DUDE-

SOLLUX: -he thinks loudly-

[[The trees just keep growing and growing and growing, taller and taller, reaching into the sky]]

ARADIA: -she's touching a tree-

SOLLUX: -mostly because he's too busy freaking out-

SOLLUX: -ARADAIDA NO-

KALINK: *It's FAKE*

KALINK: *SEE THE URGE IS NOT MINE ALONE*

FEFERI: *follows the line of the tree up and up and up, kind of marveling* 380

SOLLUX: -ARADIA WTF IS WRONG WIT HYOU-

SOLLUX: -except he knows-

SOLLUX: -and he loves you anyway-

[[A gate seems to appear up in the sky, but anyone trying to fly probably suddenly feels very heavy and pulled towards the ground]]

DISCIPLE: -she backs away as the trees grow taller and taller. It's... majestic, and kind of beautiful, and kind of horrible, too. Horrible to think about. - It is... natural. -she says, trying to comfort herself.-

ARANEA: *dammit she's going to try anyway*

[[ur gunna FAIL]]

RUTH: ...

WQ: ...............

RUTH: Are we supposed to ascend on the graces on the fallen?

KALINK: But should we do what this thing wants us to do? For all we Know, it'll just taKe us deeper.

ARANEA: *she is too determined to get away from these ghosts of her past. even if she continues to fail.*

CAG ceased responding to memo.

WQ: Perhaps. It is with their sacrifice that some of us have made it this far at all.

FEFERI: Yea)(... *touches tree too. Hi tree.*

TYRENA: AS P0ET1C A TH0UGHT AS THAT MAY BE, 0NE 0F TH0SE B0D1ES 1S ST1LL WARM, 1N ALL L1KEL1H00D

CAA ceased responding to memo.

[[The tree feels welcoming to feferi's touch]]

TYRENA: -she d0esn't trust y0u, nature.-

KALINK: How long has it even been?

FEFERI: * 38) *

KALINK: Shouldn't- some of these be more decomposed than this?

FEFERI: I t)(ink we s)(ould climb t)(em!

DISCIPLE: -disciple on the other hand watches feferi touch the tree, and then decides to full on all four limbs cat leap onto one of the trees.-

[[The trees are definitely tall enough to reach the gate]]

KALINK: But I thinK it wants us to climb them!

KALINK: *LooKs at Disciple oh no*

DISCIPLE: -She yowls a soft noise at Feferi in agreement as she begins to climb-

DISCIPLE: -naked cat ON A TREE NOW-

ARANEA: *eventually she finds the ground again, exhausted with her shoulders shaking*

ARANEA: *stares at the trees with wide eyes*

FEFERI: So w)(at?? All of t)(is stuff )(as been majorly INCONV-ENI-ENT. Let's just G-ET over it and remember w)(at's important!!!

FEFERI: Going back )(OM-E! *immediately starts her own climb*

KALINK: But if we're being tricKed we're just following the lines they've set for us. This could be a trap.

FEFERI: T)(en at least I died trying!! Just like everybody else!

FEFERI: *she is DETERMINED*

KURLOZ: *he's already halfway up a tree he dont even care*

KALINK: *Angry clown, angry clown, does whatever an angry clown does.*

KALINK: *He frowns really deeply, and starts looKing around the trees.*

JAKE: *he's so unsure of himself and is glancing towards Sollux and Roxy. Help him make a decision!!!*

SOLLUX: -he absolutely does not fucking want to touch any of those trees-

SOLLUX: -says his expression-

JAKE: :(

JAKE: *But he doesn't want to stay here either... Also seeing himself as a corpse was all kinds of sad and confusing.*

JAKE: *If sollux wants to stay, Jake will stay with him then.*

KALINK: *No JaKe it's oKay it just looKs liKe you*

MITUNA: -1f he just lays. 1f he just lays here.-

CURRENT artifactualAnnihilation [CAA] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

ARADIA: -she's going to climb a tree as well, she LOVES climbing shit-

FEFERI: *furious climbing! Nobody is going to stop her!*

ARADIA: -where u go i go bay-

CURRENT arachnurasGall [CAG] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

VRISKA: This is so fucked up. I for one am getting out of here! -And when she can't fly upward, she groans and lands 8efore clim8ing up another tree-

ARANEA: *hugs her arms to herself. this is 8y far the most difficult leg of this personal journey. why did it have to 8e so damn poetic? she couldn't just escape it, forget a8out it... she had to face it.*

ARANEA: *reluctantly steps towards a tree, reaching out to place her palm against the 8ark.*

VRISKA: -git gud aranea-

[[As they climb towards the gate, crackles start to fill the sky, their original world starting to show through]]

VRISKA: -It helps if you don't think a8out the 8odies and you imagine them as inanimate o8jects instead. That's exactly how Vriska killss people-

RUTH: -she's still standing for a bit, looking around, but the cracks catch her attention.-

FEFERI: *SHE WILL BREAK THE FUCK OUT OF HERE JUST WATCH HER.*

PORRIM: *she's been lagging behind this whole time too, but she feels a strange twinge of hope. a familiar kind.*

KALINK: *Oh. He looKs up, biting his lip.*

JAKE: *just holding Sollux's hand.* :(

KALINK: I'm- what if it's another tricK?

WQ: -points to the sky and smiles at Jake.- Mr. English. Have hope.

ARADIA: -climbing climbing and climbing climbing and climbing climbing-

PORRIM: *looks over at mituna and tries to offer him her hands* Mituna?

JAKE: Theres always hope to be had!

[[THE CRACKLES PROBABLY MAKE THE SHAPE OF A GIANT PAIR OF WINGS]]

KALINK: *Probably*

DISCIPLE: -She pauses, climging to the tree, staring in awe at the cracks filling the sky.-

MITUNA: -He just kind of sniffs and groans, but eventually gives her his hand-

TYRENA: -She watches a l1ttle l0nger.- 1F WE WA1T MUCH L0NGER 1'M FA1RLY CERTA1N WHATEVER 0PP0RTUN1TY THAT REPRESENTS

VRISKA: -Clim8ing faster than ever-

TYRENA: W1LL N0T REMA1N

SOLLUX: ... -fuck.-

ARANEA: *shivering, she takes her first few steps up the tree. she's not very good at this, 8ut she's trying. it doesn't feel so 8ad after a while.*

RUTH: Yeah.

KALINK: *AUGH. Fine. He grabs a tree and starts to climb.*

RUTH: I guess we're the ones waiting around, now.

ARADIA: :D -this is kind of fun-

RUTH: Let's go.

WQ: -jumps to grab one of the branches because the last thing she wants to do is climb over someone's face.-

SOLLUX: ... jake.

JAKE: Huh yes? *he was too busy staring up at the giant wings*

TYRENA: -she k1nd 0f hes1tates.-

TYRENA: 1T WAS

TYRENA: G00D

TYRENA: 1 MEAN

TYRENA: F0R A N1GHTMARE

SOLLUX: i really d0n't fucking want t0 d0 this.

TYRENA: TALK1NG T0 Y0U L1KE TH1S

RUTH: ... Heh.

JAKE: Then i will stay with you!

KALINK: *That's gay.*

RUTH: -Okay, she can't not look at Tyrena after that.-

PORRIM: I do+n't kno+w what's waiting fo+r us up there, but... I'm just glad we'll be to+gether. *it's corny, she knows, but it means a lot more to her then just a cliche. despite the uncertainty in everything, she really is thankful mituna's been with her through it all*

TYRENA: -She takes a deep breath. She l00ks a l1ttle sheep1sh, f0r 0nce, eyes t0wards the t0ps 0f the trees and the w1ngs spread1ng acr0ss the sky.-

RUTH: It's nice to look forward to an uncertain future with you.

RUTH: For a moment.

TYRENA: -she lets 0ut a small laugh, and there 1s, f0r a m0ment, s0meth1ng 0f a sm1le 0n her face.-

TYRENA: WELL

TYRENA: THERE'S 1MP0RTANT W0RK T0 D0 0UT THERE

SOLLUX: i'm-- n0t g0ing t0 d0 that t0 y0u.

SOLLUX: -he sucks in a breath- fuck.

RUTH: Yeah.

MITUNA: -He rubs his face. His eyes aren't leaking yours are. He's so mad at himself for being useless and dead weight, but he's still so happy she's chosen to be with him and stay with him. Maybe he can still get something right.-

MITUNA: M3 700

MITUNA: C0M3 0N

TYRENA: She latches 0nt0 the nearest tree, beg1nn1ng t0 sh1mmy upwards.-

ARADIA: -WE'rE GONNA CLIMB THIS WHOLE TREE-

RUTH: Hey.

MITUNA: -7H3Y'R3 500000004R1N 7H3Y'R3 FLYYYYYYYYYY1N-

RUTH: Remind me to kiss you, later.

KALINK: *He's digging his feet in and trying to maKe this worK. He's not that good at it, but he is maKing progress.*

KALINK: *GAY*

RUTH: -grabs a tree-

PORRIM: *THERE'S NOT A STAR IN HEAVEN THAT WE CAN'T REACH*

MITUNA: -he takes a tree and grasps it F1RMLY-

SOLLUX: let's just get this stupid shit 0ver with.

JAKE: ...It will all be alright no matter the turn out. Youll see! *takes Sollux's hand with both of his and pats*

JAKE: Aye aye!

PORRIM: *she's right there with him, giving him a hand should he need it.*

SOLLUX: -well, Jake at least makes him want to believe it-

SOLLUX: -he's gonna hold his hand a little longer before moving for the terrible grove-

TYRENA: -She sn1ckers.- 1 W1LL TRY T0 MAKE SURE WE B0TH SURV1VE F0R THE PLEASURE >:)

ARANEA: *she MIGHT JUST MAKE IT TO THE TOP and the thought is making her eyes sting. weird.*

TYRENA: D0N'T W0RRY AB0UT THANK1NG ME F0R 1T

JAKE: *LET'S DO THIS SOLLUX. LET'S CLIMB THIS TREE TOGETHER.*

VRISKA: -IM GONNA DO IT-

KALINK: *If he can climb up, and theyre right, and this is the end of this bullshit runaround, then he can see if Nyalah's oKay, and that would be really good. Osiris too.*

ROXY: *shes all up in this arbor hot damn*

MITUNA: -He hates climbing the trees of his dead friends but 1 mean what're you gonna do.-

SOLLUX: -fuck this tree, but he's gonna do it-

WQ: -she is trying not to think of that actually.-

[[TO BE CONCLUDED]]

[academic-geniality]

Trepidation Part One

[[When each individual wakes, they'll find themselves in what appears to be... well, they won't be able to see too well where they are because there's something very warm, wet, and slimy encasing them. There's not much air in here, and it smells like decay]]

DISCIPLE: -She gasps and pants as she slowly, dimly becomes aware of where she is. She doesn't sleep in a recuperacoon. She doesn't LIKE the feeling. She begins very quickly trying to claw her way out, hissing out loud.-

DISCIPLE: HSS!!!

JAKE: *jolts awake and immediately starts thrashing too, feeling like he's inside the belly of some awful beast.* HOLY SMOKES IN A HAND BASKET! WHAT IS THIS!!! HELLO??? I CANT SEE!

ROXY: *Wakes with a start and heckin audiible gasp becuse what? WHAT? She hears Jake and shoots up* jake! *She's makin a flashlight, fuck this darkness*

SOLLUX: -almost immediately, he's squirming, too, making some attempt to use his psionics to free himself from.. whatever the fuck this is.-

JAKE: Roxy!!!! *Save him!! He's trying to flail in her direction*

[[Both Jake and Disciple will quickly find themselves ripping out of the sac of... something. As they hit the ground, they will splat onto another very moist and warm thing, but it's also sticky. Oh, and they're also completely nude.]]

KALINK: *KalinK opens his eyes with a gasp, and wriggles in the damp disgusting enclosure. He has no idea where he is. He also has no idea what this is, and he feels distinctly uncomfortable. His clothes are sticKing to his sKin. He can hear other people, though, so that's a good start.* Uh- Hello?

[[Sollux is also free as is anyone else who thrashes]]

DISCIPLE: -she effortlessly lands on her feet ,sniffing the rancid air and feeling the substance beneath her.-

DISCIPLE: ...Is...

DISCIPLE: Flesh.

DISCIPLE: Feels like flesh.

KALINK: *He's wiggling.*

DISCIPLE: What is this?

ARANEA: *the sticky sensations are only somewhat unfamiliar, 8ut that stench is new and it jolts her awake with an EUGH*

JAKE: *SPLAT* ...Eeeouch.

JAKE: ...

JAKE: ...

JAKE: IM BUCKASS NUDE.

ARADIA: -when aradia wakes up in this thing, she's a bit disoriented, but she fights enough to shake through and bust out, trying to shake her wings of whatever this stuff is-

KURLOZ: *He's already out there, standing all nude with a very unhappy look for some reason, but it's obviously not at the fact that he's naked*

TYRENA: -Tyrena lands 0n the gr0und 1n a d1sheveled heap. She's... naked, that's f0r sure. Surgery scars all acr0ss her back, her fr0nt, even parts 0f her arms and legs. Her eyes, unc0vered by a bl1ndf0ld, d0 n0t appear t0 be empty s0ckets, 0r bl1nd eyes, but rather mechan1cal s0ckets, as th0ugh s0meth1ng 0nce plugged 1nt0 them.-

TYRENA: -She v1s1bly sh1vers.-

SOLLUX: -Sollux splatters free, too, and the first thing he notices is the fact that.... he can see. And also, he's seeing Jake. Naked. Okay. This is happening.- what the fffuuuuck.

KALINK: *He plops down with a crash. Blargh.* OKay, what is- what is happening? *He's trying to get up but it's SLIPPERY.*

JAKE: *Does he at least have his glasses???*

[[NOPE]]

VRISKA: -what the FUCK is this SHIT. Vriska doesn't have the TIME for this 8ullshit. She 8reaks out also and stands, groaning.- What the fuck???????? -her wings flutter in annoyance-

ROXY: this is SUCH BULLSHIT! *Can she make a flashlight? She's gonna make a frowny flashlight she's anger*

JAKE: Consarn it all im blind as a bat! *patting the floor uselessly.* Curse all this wretched stickiness!

PORRIM: *well, these are strange conditions to find herself waking up in, and instinct tells her to claw her way out, so she does. THERE SHE GO.*

SOLLUX: jake???

[[SOMEHOW her trying to make a flashlight is not working, but luckily everyone can definitely see each other once they're out of the sacks of whatever the fuck those things dangling from the ceiling of this damp cave are]]

{{ her as in roxy

ARANEA: *wiggles til she's splorching free and lands to the ground with the rest of them.*

KARKAT: *EUGH! He's pushing against this grossass... whatever. He has a migraine and this just fucking SUCKS*

ROXY: *FINGER WAGGLES AGGRESSIVELY*

JAKE: Sollux! *of course is going to crawl over as soon as he can. He really cant see anything.* I lost my glasses i cant see for SHIT BISCUITS.

KALINK: Are we in a stomach? I feel liKe we might be in a stomach.

ROXY: *GROAns*

TYRENA: -She sh1vers, back1ng away fr0m the 0thers and lurk1ng cl0ser t0 a c0rner. She d0esn't have a t0n 0f shames, sure, but tw0 0r three 0f them are c0mpletely exp0sed r1ght n0w, and the v1sceral sensat10ns make her feel m0re s1ck than she's ever felt.-

RUTH: -Ruth splaps out belatedly, standing up slow and looking around. It's... quiet. Oddly normal here for her, despite the circumstances. She can't hear and see a thousand things at once, and it's confusing and nostalgic. Enough that she isn't considering too much what's actually happening.-

DISCIPLE: Maybe. Is something similar, maybe. but no. It is not-- not like any she has felt herself.

CRONUS: *he finally wakes and... AUGH, startled flailing releases him* *lays on the ground for a moment and sits up*

ROXY: *looks around* while im already gettin an eyefull of all yall has no one seen dirk or eridan or fuckin rose or dave or mom or ANYONE aside from the mofos weere lookin at

ROXY: rn

DISCIPLE: -look at all these naked bodies. she don't even CARE-

ROXY: because apparently i cant make a consarnate flashlight up in this bitch

SOLLUX: i, uh. can see???

ROXY: which is pretty fucking horseshit

ROXY: sol

ROXY: sollux

ROXY: so lucky charms

SOLLUX: rx??

ROXY: plz

SOLLUX: this is kind 0f a big deal f0r me 0kay.

TYRENA: S0 CAN 1

CRONUS: vwell this is a pretty fine predicament vwere all finding ourselvwes in huh? *might be waggling his brows*

TYRENA: AND 1 D0N'T HAVE EYES

ARADIA: oh my god

SOLLUX: me either.

TYRENA: 1 GUESS THAT MAKES 1T A M1RACLE

ROXY: ...what

ROXY: for real for real

TYRENA: -She sh1vers, huddl1ng a l1ttle m0re.-

TYRENA: YEAH

TYRENA: 0NE 0F Y0U L00K F0R A WAY 0UT

FEFERI: *This weird stickiness and smell of decay is oddly comforting to Feferi. She takes her time waking up... Until she splats out of whatever weird sac thing she was in..* ... *slowly sits up like?????*

KALINK: Uh. No, I haven't seen anyone but the peeople here. I- What the fucK. *He looKs at Disciple?* Have you felt a lot of stomachs?

TYRENA: 1'D REALLY L1KE 1T 1F WE C0ULD FUCK 0FF 0UT 0F HERE

ARADIA: -she's going to attempt to walk around-

ROXY: HAHA WELP

ROXY: agreed

DISCIPLE: She knows a lot of things about a lot of natural bodies, yes.

DISCIPLE: This is...

DISCIPLE: Unnatural to her.

DISCIPLE: The rot.

JAKE: Sollux?? You can see????? *he's nowhere near wherever sollux is. How the tables have tabled.*

KALINK: *Ugh.* This is disgusting. *He's managed to pull himself up by digging his claws into the wall.*

ROXY: *That is very nice and all but she's going to start walking around for a way out because she's got a bad feel*

ROXY: *a bad bad feel*

SOLLUX: yes, it's a thing and i'm kind 0f freaking the fuck 0ut ab0ut it.

KALINK: *Cronus we are not having an orgy in this wet cave.*

ERISOL: *who the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck ii2 thii2 a22hole floatiing over here???? It'2 liike a combo of two mega douche2, the mega douche2 known a2 eriidan and 2ollux.* wwoww a part of me really wwant2 twwo crack 2omethiin wwii2e here but another part of me 2ay2 dont evven fuckiin bother

DISCIPLE: -She hops up to try to help Kasvik, to help him down CAREFULLY.-

SOLLUX: h0ly m0ther fucking shit tiddies what the fuck is that.

SOLLUX: -HORRIFIED-

KARKAT: *squints*

KARKAT: WHAT. THE FUCK.

JAKE: I see a light! *staring blindly at all the green*

VRISKA: I don't know a8out you guys 8ut I am getting the fuck out of here.

VRISKA: Wow, another freak show!

ERISOL: wwoww another a22hole but iim not evven 2uprii2ed.

KALINK: *Not KasviK, but thanK you. He gives her a smile.* ThanKs. Sorry.

FEFERI: Ummmm. *THIS IS KIND OF EMBARRASSING. She is slowly wobbling to her feet.*

ROXY: *She would love to shoot the breeze with the new guy but she's trying to see what else is in here*

ERISOL: *pfffffff*

ARADIA: whoa wait a second -sees erisol-

PORRIM: *wipes her hair out of her face, frowning, but that voice sounds vaguely like someone who SHOULD be in half and looks to erisol*

PORRIM: *now wiping goop away from her eyes*

KURLOZ: *he's already stomping off some dark passage because he is having none of anything right now* :o|

ARADIA: im not sure eridan and sollux should ever find a way to procreate

RUTH: -eventually, she wanders over slowly to Tyrena. This whole situation is weirdly sobering.-

ARADIA: i mean

ERISOL: and fuck you twwo wwhoevver you are

KALINK: Maybe they already did.

ARADIA: i guess hes kind of cute

ARADIA: good point

SOLLUX: N0.

VRISKA: Hey, w8 up you fucking mime! -runs after kurloz-

JAKE: Sollux where did you go! *he's all the way fuck over here.* Why am i doting my birthday suit???

ARADIA: i dont know what you get up to

KURLOZ: *HE'S NOT WAITING FOR HER, he keeps walking*

ARADIA: i wouldnt judge

ARANEA: ???????? *she notices vriska and decides to follow her*

SOLLUX: i d0n't fucking kn0w, everything is awful all the time right n0w.

ARANEA: Vriska!

VRISKA: -She stops to turn and THERE is Aranea- Aranea! You're here!

SOLLUX: -attempts to float over to Jake because this touching gross stuff is not his favorite thing-

ERISOL: wwelcome twwo my liife no one knoww2 the meaniin of awwful better than me

ARANEA: *holding herself so her tiddies aren't out all over the place*

SOLLUX: jesus christ please st0p talking.

VRISKA: Let's ditch these losers.

JAKE: *flailing and patting the ground* Who is that?

ARADIA: -everyone is in their natural state and i think that's really beautiful-

ARANEA: *aradia no*

SOLLUX: -ARADIA WHY-

KALINK: Who is- Everyone??

ARANEA: I really don't think that's a good idea!

KARKAT: *We're not looking in the same places Aradia*

SOLLUX: y0u d0n't want t0 kn0w 0kay trust me.

FEFERI: *screams internally, also hugging herself*

SOLLUX: -puts a hand on Jake's shoulder-

ARANEA: Where even are we and why are we-- *avoiding looking at vriska now that they're close*

ARANEA: Nevermind.

ARADIA: -finally sees feferi- feferi!

KALINK: We fought our way out of the first thing- we can probably slice through the rest?

VRISKA: Move now, ask questions l8r! Who knows how much time we have?

JAKE: There you are! *turns his way and immediately starts groping at him* ...Youre nude too??????

SOLLUX: --hrk.

JAKE: IS EVERYONE NAKED AS BROAD DAYLIGHT???????

SOLLUX: yes.

SOLLUX: yes they are.

KARKAT: FOR FUCK'S SAKE CAN YOU STOP SHOUTING? UNLESS SOMEONE FOUND SOME CLOTHES JUST--

ARANEA: *glances around* Until what? *afraid of the answer*

KARKAT: SHUT.

KARKAT: THE FUCK UP.

SOLLUX: -groans-

KARKAT: *Follows after, sure he'll just fuck right off in this direction*

ERISOL: wwoww iif iit2 clothe2 you wwant ii knoww wwhere 2ome are but you really dont wwant them tru2t me theyre ba2iically 2hiit

VRISKA: I don't know! The point is we HAVE to get a head start while everyone is acting like an idiot!

SOLLUX: why is this happening t0 me.

ERISOL: ju2t liike everythiin el2e here

KARKAT: JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE HERE. EVERYTHING IS SHIT AMAZING CONCLUSION.

JAKE: Those fussed bastards! Leaving us all naked and afraid! *finally climbing to his feet. HE DOESN'T LIKE FEELING SO EXPOSED LIKE THIS.*

ARANEA: W8! Did that sprite just say something a8out clothes?

KURLOZ: :o| *WALK WALK WALK. He's trying to ignore the noisy serkets following him*

JAKE: Why when i see them ill give them the WALLOP OF A LIFETIME.

VRISKA: -waves her hands around- We don't have TIME for clothes!!!!!!!!

ERISOL: hey fiinally 2omeone ii can agree wiith *at karkat*

ROXY: *Are there even walls? She's been stomping the ground for like five minutes but careful to not wander too far from everyone*

VRISKA: -gra8s Aranea's arm and attempts to pull her along- Come on!!!!!!!!

SOLLUX: -muttering to himself but probably also jake- aa and ff and kk and rx plus s0me 0ther fuckheads but i d0n't see anyb0dy else.

KALINK: What do we have time for?

SOLLUX: **fuckheads are here

ARANEA: What????????

KURLOZ: *well, walking sure got him nowhere, because this path led right back to the main area* .... >:o|

PORRIM: *all this chaos is making her head ache. or maybe it already was? she's very confused and concerned and frankly upset*

RUTH: -Porrim's looking about as disoriented as she is, but probably for very different reasons. Ruth just feels like her head is TOO clear. It's scary that it's almost sort of nice.- Hey.

ARADIA: -approaches feferi regardless- hey are you ok?

FEFERI: *Cronus and Aradia are here. But what about Eridan?? John??????? SHES VERY UPSET RIGHT NOW TOO.*

FEFERI: Yes, I am! *fins pinned, still hugging herself* W)(ere t)(e glub are we??

CRONUS: *HE SURE IS HERE, he WAS checking everyone out until he realized how gross and slimey he was and now he's trying to get this stuff off but it's NOT WORKING*

CRONUS: *he's very occupied with this*

VRISKA: No one's going to know what's going on here, so we just have to keep moving forward!

VRISKA: -ARANEA COME ON-

JAKE: *blindly fussing at Sollux* But you say you can see now? What kind of a christmas miracle is this???

ARADIA: -she gives her a reassuring smile despite the chaos- i have no idea actually!

SOLLUX: i d0n't kn0w, a really untimely 0ne because i wasn't expecting to see this many naked ass0ciates t0day.

ARADIA: but i think it calls for some exploring

FUTURE trojanAbstruse [FTA] 80:08 HOURS FROM NOW responded to memo.

MITUNA: -naked and afraid-

SOLLUX: -no regrets tho-

ROXY: *Either Roxy ended up back here or she doubled back because you can't leave people behind and no one is moving* alright! so hey

PORRIM: *snaps out of her thoughts and looks to ruth* Oh... Hey.

PORRIM: Ruth, right?

RUTH: Yeah.

RUTH: Are you alright?

RUTH: Other than..

RUTH: All of this.

ROXY: standin around and gawkin isnt really gonna help us get anywhere and theres like

ROXY: a full busload worth of tits in here that are bared freely and thats not really great for us

ROXY: so we should probs get a mozy on over the fuckin yander

ARANEA: *let's vriskers drag her away, with words or force, it doesnt matter*

FEFERI: *nods at Aradia, her fins still pinned* Okay. T)(at sounds fine. Um.

ROXY: because there are a fuckload of peeps MISSING and possibly yknow INJURED as shit

FEFERI: *scrambles over to Cronus as best she can* Are you )(urt???

MITUNA: -here he is. he is naked and grinning at all of these naked bodies. 5ome he could have gone without seeing but regardless it's hilarious-

ARADIA: -THIS GUY-

SOLLUX: where the fuck d0 we even g0??

ARADIA: -she's going to stay near feferi but not engage in conversation with that douchebag-

MITUNA: -squish squish slides up to porrim-

ROXY: somewhere not here!

PORRIM: *glances away* ... I feel alright. But-- *OH TUNA*

SOLLUX: lead the way i guess??

MITUNA: -gives her the ol razzle dazzle-

CRONUS: *looks up at her* no, somehowv. i thought my life vwas ovwer for sure, though, you knowv?

ROXY: im not a fan of naked digestion bat bondage so i mean

SOLLUX: i mean i c0uld try punching a h0le in s0mething maybe.

CRONUS: its not evwey day you find yourself in THAT kind of sack.

JAKE: Uhhhh well! We find our bearings dont we? *linking arms with Sollux* If you dont mind being the escort.

SOLLUX: n0t literally.

ARADIA: -maybe it's a better idea to just start heading ahead, so she does!-

SOLLUX: -DOKIS SILENTLY.- well this is g0ing t0 be a first.

KALINK: *Squinting around. He's gonna follow the others. He's really uncmomfortable.*

ROXY: *Since she can't make anything she's assuming no sylladex and weapons? Does she have a gun:*

ROXY: *A gun would be so good*

ERISOL: wwell ii gue22 everyone here wwant2 to 2tay nude, but iif that2 wwhat you really wwant iill ju2t be judgiin you from ovver here

[[YOU HAVE NOTHING!!!!]]

TYRENA: -w0w she has never hated a str1ng 0f w0rds sa1d 0ut l0ud m0re-

ROXY: im just a lil more worried about my ass and various other asses over my ass

MITUNA: -1 got two willies-

ROXY: but if my beauty of vision is that distracting ill cover up

ROXY: just for you

FEFERI: Ug)(. S)(ut up. *she ALMOST regrets coming over to talk with him. Almost! She eyes the sprite and comes over to talk with him now.* Do you know )(ow you ended up )(ere? Like personally?

ROXY: where are those nastyass linens uve been juttin about

TYRENA: -She sl1nks 0ver, sl0wly.- SH0W ME

TYRENA: T0 THE CL0THES

TYRENA: THAT'S THAT Y0U'RE G01NG 0N AB0UT

PORRIM: *takes mituna's squishy hand*

ERISOL: ii 2uppo2e ii cant take you to them noww but a part of me wwould really rather ju2t 2iit here and not aiid a bunch of douchebag2 ii dont evven care about

JAKE: *sniffs a little bit, hating how blind he is* Is dirk not here too?

CRONUS: nah, its all pretty much a blur besides being in a room that suddenly vwent dark.

CRONUS: this is vwhy i dont go to those dumbass ship meetings.

ARADIA: -aradia turns around, remembering something that was said that she didn't really process before but her head's apparently all over the place-

SOLLUX: .... i haven't seen him.

ARADIA: -back to the erisol mutant-

FEFERI: *giving him such a look of disapproval*

ARADIA: wait you said there were clothes somewhere?

ERISOL: *WOW.*

ARANEA: *glances around* Where are we even going, Vriska? We're surely not following Kurloz anymore so-- Um. Are you SURE you don't want us to get clothing?

TYRENA: -She grunts, arms wrapped ar0und herself.- 1 W0ULD BE HAPPY T0 GRAPPLE W1TH THE PR0JECT10N 0F Y0UR M1SANTHR0PY ANY 0THER FUCK1NG DAY BUT T0DAY

VRISKA: I GUESS we could. -Sighs and turns around, pulling her in the other direction-

[[aranea nad vriska should be back with everyone else too if they really did keep walking]]

TYRENA: THAT WAS N0T A REQUEST

TYRENA: 1'M N0T STAY1NG L1KE TH1S

TYRENA: S0 GET M0V1NG

TYRENA: N0W

ARANEA: *everything works out for her*

MITUNA: -Just kind of bouncing up and down nakedly-

PORRIM: *idly removing goop from his hair*

RUTH: -she's drifting over to Tyrena again, pretty quiet.- Um,

RUTH: I'm here.

PORRIM: *fusses because she's nervous and feels sick*

JAKE: Well well find him so long as we stick together! *shuffles his feet awkwardly. He also hates being so EXPOSED.*

KARKAT: *He's gonna follow Tyrena she knows what's up and he's done telling people to not yell hes just so ugh*

TYRENA: -She j0lts.-

ERISOL: fiine 2iince youre beggiin to knoww maybe iill fiind iit iin me to do iit anywway *2tart2 FLOATING iiff iin a random diirectiion*

TYRENA: 1

KALINK: There's got to be a way out of here, there HAS to be.

TYRENA: YEAH 1 GUESS Y0U ARE

ARANEA: *now SHE will drag vriska to follow erisol*

TYRENA: -she's n0t sure she's HAPPY ab0ut that-

TYRENA: 1'M

SOLLUX: l00ks like every0ne's f0ll0wing the m0st terrible thing in the universe.

SOLLUX: wanna g0?

MITUNA: -squish squishes past after the floaty douchetin-

VRISKA: -Is dragged-

TYRENA: -she hes1tates aga1n, 1dly reach1ng t0 just s0rta. hang 0nt0 her arm l1mply.- PRETTY SURE

TYRENA: 1 HATE TH1S

TYRENA: M0RE THAN M0ST TH1NGS 1 HAVE ALL0WED MYSELF T0 HATE

CRONUS: *he just SHRUGS at feferis look* vwait, vwheres evweryone going?

CRONUS: *stands up*

ARADIA: -follows erisol. can she fly in here?-

RUTH: It is definitely... not high on my list of favorite things.

TYRENA: MAYBE ALL 0F THEM

PORRIM: *awkwardly following the half eridan guy along with mituna*

FEFERI: ... *shoves him back into the slime and takes off after everyone*

[[welll aradia has wings so sure]]

CRONUS: *SPLUT*

RUTH: But I can hear you. Very well, in fact.

RUTH: So that's a thing.

TYRENA: -she starts try1ng t0 f0ll0w t00, l00k1ng back at her.- D0 Y0U

ROXY: *She's fastwalking behind them all, no nugget left behind*

TYRENA: SEE ANYTH1NG?

JAKE: Yes! And quickly!!!! *also looks around like ???* Is that you cronus buddy???

RUTH: Not anymore.

MITUNA: FR33 W1LL135

CRONUS: yeah, someone cruely pushed me to the ground.

CRONUS: i cant get back up, help me jake.

SOLLUX: (0h my fucking g0d.) -@ mituna-

SOLLUX: -leading jake tho-

JAKE: Ahhh??? *wobbling over to him, accidentally unlinking himself from Sollux* Ill help you!

TYRENA: -She lets 0ut a b1tter l1ttle laugh- 1 AP0L0G1ZE THAT Y0U HAVE T0 SEE ALL 0F TH1S 1N FULL CLAR1TY

TYRENA: THAT 1S K1ND 0F AN 1R0N1C D0UBLE EDGED S0WRD

TYRENA: 0R MAYBE JUST S0RD...

MITUNA: -8runcle rihanna.gifs at her from somewhere-

RUTH: Possibly some kind of sard.

RUTH: I am making my peace with it.

RUTH: Even if it is... entirely new. Which is a thing I forgot how to deal with somewhere along the way.

TYRENA: TH1S PLACE 1S T00 MUCH

TYRENA: T00 MUCH EVERYTH1NG, ALL 0VER THE PLACE, ALWAYS

KALINK: I don't even Know what it's too much of, but I agree.

MITUNA: -5uddenly 7una booty-

TYRENA: ...AND 1 HAVE FRESH MEM0R1ES 0F S1GHT

SOLLUX: -MORE LIKE CONSTANTLY TUNA BOOTY-

KARKAT: *Where the fuck is Sollux actually he's going to look for him its been forever*

TYRENA: THAT'S G01NG T0 BE 1N MY BRA1N ALWAYS N0W

TYRENA: F0REVER

TYRENA: THAT'S A PART 0F MY 1DENT1TY N0W, RUTH

TYRENA: GET READY T0 DEAL W1TH THAT SH1T

RUTH: Well, hey.

ARADIA: -marching on-

RUTH: We're here, witnessing miles of bare, glistening posterior. Together.

VRISKA: These clothes 8etter 8e worth it, that's all I'm saying.

MITUNA: -booty booty rockin everywhere-

SOLLUX: -LOOK FOR HIM HE'S LOWKEY FREAKING OUT AND JAKE LEFT HIM FOR CRONUS-

FEFERI: *scampering after Aradia. Everything underfoot is very squishy.*

TYRENA: -sN1CKER LAUGH-

KALINK: *There is so much butt. The ground is disgusting and wet between his toes.*

TYRENA: YES

JAKE: *JAKE IS FLAILING HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE HE WANDERED OFF TO.*

TYRENA: THANKS F0R THAT, BY THE WAY

KARKAT: *touches his face even though he can clearly see him* SOLLUX. IS THAT YOU.

TYRENA: F0R BE1NG AS ATTRACT1VE AS 1 ALWAYS 1MAG1NED

TYRENA: EVEN WHEN EVERY 1NCH 0F TH1S G00 MAKES ME FEEL REPULSED BY THE AB1L1TY T0 FEEL TH1NGS

SOLLUX: why are y0u f0ndling me naked with y0ur slimy t0uch stubs.

SOLLUX: there is s0 much g0ing wr0ng ab0ut this day.

TYRENA: >:0

RUTH: Oh.

JAKE: *Who's doing WHAT.*

KARKAT: OH SHUT UP. IT'S WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED. AND NONE OF THIS IS WHAT ANYONE WANTED.

SOLLUX: yeah 0kay.

SOLLUX: fuck.

JAKE: *Excuse me sir. Jake is coming up back here. Or at least in the direction of their voices* SAY. Shall we get a move on??? *literally coming between Karkat and Sollux. HELLO HE'S HERE.*

SOLLUX: -oh hi again-

KARKAT: I JUST NEED TO HEAR THE VOICE OF REASON AND NO ONE ELSE IS MAKING FUCKING SENSE. *TOUCHES JAKE* HO MY GOD EW.

SOLLUX: -fucking snORTS-

KARKAT: *reaches around to wipe hand on Sollux* FUCKING.

KARKAT: EUGH@

SOLLUX: 0h my g0d st0p str0king me fuckburglar.

JAKE: *he just got a handful of chest hair* >8I

KARKAT: I'M TRYING TO WIPE HIS SLIME OFF MY PERSON! DEAL WITH IT!

SOLLUX: y0u're just putting m0re 0f 0ur slime 0n each 0ther, 0h my g0d.

SOLLUX: there is n0 way this is g0ing t0 w0rk 0ut f0r any0ne inv0lved.

KARKAT: IT WAS LIKE THE SHITCAKED FURR OF A PROWLBEAST I'M SO OVER THIS SHIT.

SOLLUX: -okay that is making him laugh despite all this-

KALINK: *What happens if you claw at the walls?*

JAKE: Up at em mister vantas!!! Lets get a move on!!!! *SHOO. STOP TOUCHING SOLLUX SHOO.*

KALINK: *Head shoots up.* Mister Vantas??

KARKAT: DON'T YOU VANTAS ME. *hE'S MY FRIEND I'LL TOUCH HIM ALL I WANT*

KARKAT: UP AND AT EM

KARKAT: FUCK

KARKAT: I'M DEALING WITH A MIGRAINE ALREADY.

KARKAT: DON'T MAKE ME WASTE WHAT LITTLE FOCUS I HAVE ON YOUR BUSHY ASS.

SOLLUX: 0h my g0d.

ARADIA: -turns and waits for feferi to catch up- you good?

KALINK: *He is confused. Gonna jog after all the people and try not to fall on his face.*

JAKE: EXCUSE ME. Youre looking for a quick route to a fat lip BUSTER.

JAKE: THIS WILL GET ROWDY.

KARKAT: WHAT PART OF *MIGRAINE* DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND??

SOLLUX: 0h my g0d????

DISCIPLE: NO ROWDIES. SHE WILL BITE EVERY ONE ON THEIR NECKS AND TAKE THEM TO PODS AGAIN.

KARKAT: LOWER YOUR DECIBLES YOU SHRIEKING HARPY FUCK.

MITUNA: LM40

JAKE: I will wrestle a man back into the slime so help me god! *Aaaaaaaaaaah!!!*

SOLLUX: BRUH.

SOLLUX: let's bring it 0FF.

VRISKA: I can't 8elieve we're stuck with THESE nerds. Out of all of them!

KARKAT: *Oh so now the talking cheese is gonna preach to us*

JAKE: Yes lets!!! *herding Sollux outtie. No more bad touch!*

SOLLUX: -jake pls-

KARKAT: *he would touch Sollux right on the face out of spite but no he's just gonna get his other arm because fuck everything right now*

SOLLUX: -he's gonna take Karkat's arm too because he is a NICE GUY but mostly because he is freaking the fuck out-

SOLLUX: -just clings to them both probably lbr-

JAKE: *No means no!!! But also Jake is blind and has no idea Karkat is there too. This episode of idiocy is done with.*

KARKAT: *He's only holding because his brain hurts NO OTHER REASON.*

FEFERI: *back to Aradia forever ago.* Yes, I am. *she is looking serious but otherwise determined. This is nothing compared to her weird dreams.*

RUTH: -SHE IS RECOVERING from Tyrena's intense compliments and also considering touching her. Would that be terrible in this scenario?? She can't seem to decide.- If I heard correctly, we are supposedly on a mission to be clothed any time now. I'll enjoy what moments of bare bonding we have left.

ARADIA: -she reaches for her hand as they walk IN THE NUDE. this isn't the scariest place she's ever been either. that's what happens when you get fucked up at night-

MITUNA: -booty scootin while holdin baes hand-

JAKE: *can Jake hold Karkat's hand too.*

KARKAT: *NO, he's desperate but not THAT desperate*

MITUNA: -he is holding the hottest hand. 3veryone get owned-

TYRENA: -tyrena k1nd 0f made the ch01ce f0r her anyh0w, 0ne hand s0rt 0f cl1ng1ng t0 her arm. She's clearly 0verst1mulated, but 1t helps, as far as her nerves are c0ncerned.-

ARADIA: -will fight for that title-

ROXY: *She's holding her own hands, wringing them nervously*

MITUNA: -he'll hold your hand too aradia-

RUTH: -OH GOOD-

FEFERI: *Well... if she takes her hand, she'll only have one hand to cover her chest with. Sacrifices need to be made so she does.* 3B(

RUTH: -she decisively puts a hand over that one, too-

MITUNA: -hashtag free the nipple-

ARADIA: -thanks mituna-

ARADIA: -sorry babe-

ARADIA: -ur boobs r gr8-

FEFERI: *Thank you. It's Aradia's opinion that matters the most anyway.*

MITUNA: -Mituna appreciates all the tiddy. they are a plus tiddies. good job everyone-

RUTH: -IS JUST TIDDIES FREE APPARENTLY-

RUTH: -she has long since stopped caring about things like exposed titties-

FEFERI: *WELL SHE STILL CARES.*

ROXY: *you go auntie*

DISCIPLE: -THAT'S THE SPIRIT-

RUTH: -ilu2 roxy free them tidders-

MITUNA: -how could you not want to show this happy dandelion the boobers. look at that innocent smile.-

SOLLUX: -get the fuck away from my tiddies-

MITUNA: -suckles on solluxs tiddies tbh-

PORRIM: *mituna no*

SOLLUX: -d o NOT-

ARADIA: -feferi boob appreciation post-

PORRIM: *jake will fight you*

JAKE: *Jake will berk loudly.*

MITUNA: -jake will get his sucklin next. line up boys-

KALINK: *MITUNA NO*

SOLLUX: -why are you like this-

MITUNA: -because he's you but more fucked up-

ARADIA: -remember that one time she made a huge mistaek and talked about ur similarities-

MITUNA: -relationship ending-

ERISOL: -okay well erii2ol'2 here leadiing everyone 2tiill oh man where are they even goiing-

ARANEA: *WHERE ARE WE GOING TO A8OMINATION*

ROXY: *shes just gonna up an ask him some questions* so youve been hangin out in wherever the fuck

MITUNA: -Mituna doesn't even know but he's tuggin porrim along-

KALINK: *Where aRE WE GOING*

MITUNA: -to hell-

ARADIA: - :) -

ERISOL: *well, one of the2e many diirectiion2 that roxy, aranea, kurloz, vrii2ka, and anyone el2e who had triied wanderiing before ii2 2uddenly leadiing to an actual place and not riight back to that maiin area, thii2 place beiing a iinlet cave thiing where there'2 piile2 of what look2 to be diirty, 2oaked clothe2. Good for coveriing your2elf, but nothiing el2e*

ERISOL: *they are cold, damp, and wiill 2tiick to you liike glue*

MITUNA: ...

SOLLUX: ... -squints at the pile-

MITUNA: -He chooses nudity-

SOLLUX: what the fuck.

MITUNA: WH47 71DDLYFUCK5

MITUNA: WH47 H3LL

CRONUS: *probably got back up on his own since jake abandoned him*

ROXY: what no chanel

FEFERI: *SHE'LL WEAR THEM ANYWAY. Scrambling for a shirt.*

ARANEA: (... I have some reserv8tions with this. Perhaps I was h8sty in wanting clothes.)

CCP ceased responding to memo.

ARANEA: ::::/

SOLLUX: -he's kind of feeling sick just thinking about putting any of those on-

JAKE: *What is happening!*

TYRENA: -as much as she'd l1ke t0 wear s0meth1ng c0mf0rtable, she'd much, MUCH rather c0ver up s0me 0f these scars. Espec1ally s1nce she herself als0 has t0 see them.-

VRISKA: Hey, your call. -She shrugs-

KURLOZ: *he wasn't interested in clothes anyway*

PORRIM: ... *picks up a bigger shirt and starts wringing it out*

MITUNA: 7H353 CL07H35 5UCK D0NK3Y GL083

TYRENA: -She sl1ps away fr0m Ruth's s1de t0 d0 the same as P0rr1m.-

TYRENA: >:|

ARADIA: they seem very uncomfortable

ERISOL: ii 2aiid clothe2, ii never 2aiid GOOD clothe2

ROXY: descriptors woulda been nice like

MITUNA: ...

MITUNA: F41R

ERISOL: iin fact ii dii2tiinctly recall calliing them 2hiit

PORRIM: *her stomach is churning, though. this is not good for someone who already felt ill*

ROXY: idk man u seem prone to exagerrate

ARADIA: i think we know you tend to- -roxy said it-

ERISOL: of cour2e no one beliievved me. no one evver beliievve2 me

ERISOL: wwhat you dont evven knoww me

SOLLUX: -grrooooaaaan again-

ROXY: *she's gonna wring out a shirt* its ok

ROXY: well have plenty of time to get to know you

ROXY: as we stalk off into the squishy pulsating abyss

ROXY: also while everyone else we know is bein fucked over

VRISKA: -She sighs and goes to get a shirt-

SOLLUX: my fav0rite set 0f w0rds t0 describe a thing.

ROXY: likely like we are

MITUNA: -picks up a shirt and starts wringing it out. Maybe someone will use it. maybe it will be him. 5poilers: it won't-

ROXY: *she's folding this shirt over and using it as nothing else but to hold her boobs in place.*

VRISKA: -Gonna wring this shit out and put it on. it's 8ig, she doesn't need pants. this is how it's going to work-

KARKAT: *He's got standards. He's not wearing these. Hope you all like his ass there'll be more of it*

CRONUS: *at everyone putting clothes on* vwowv, vwhats vwrong vwith all of you? ashamed? heh, i guess not evweryone can be as comforttable as me.

ARANEA: *aranea does the same as vriska*

MITUNA: ...

ARANEA: *frowns at cronus tho*

RUTH: -she's going to keep standing there. she just wants to pass on this whole thing.-

ROXY: *ties it on her side* shup

RUTH: ... -except Cronus makes her want to-

MITUNA: -offers the oversized shirt he was ringing out to Ruth tho-

JAKE: *Can he put shorts on too? Are shorts a thing that is happening right now?*

RUTH: -takes it from Mituna to put it on purely out of spite-

RUTH: Thanks.

ARADIA: -decides to join and go full on survivor here, following roxy's lead to contain her own chest. and then she uses something else to wrap around her waist like a skirt-

PORRIM: *hrks and drops the clothes she was holding. she can't do this.*

MITUNA: N0 PR4WN8L3M

MITUNA: ...

MITUNA: PR08L3M

[[There is probably damp, gross, dirty shorts in that pile, jake]]

DISCIPLE: -she needs NONE of these soiled garments!!!-

SOLLUX: -jake no-

TYRENA: -1t's a l0ng sh1rt that k1nda falls cl0se t0 a g0wn f0r her, and that's g00d en0ugh.-

ERISOL: 2o once all of you are done diingliin your dongle2 ii 2uppo2e youll wwant me to giivve you the full tour of thii2 place

FEFERI: *Following Aradia's lead and tying on a skirt rag for herself*

SOLLUX: -he is never done dingling his dongles than kyou VERY MUCH-

PORRIM: *turns away from the pile*

ROXY: ....if youknow where we are

JAKE: *FINALLY. It's not like he has standards. But it's not like he can get them himself... He just stands there moist and naket.*

ROXY: then YEAH

ROXY: thatd be fuckin great

MITUNA: -rings out another shirt and offers it to porrim as skirt tribute? maybe? bae why...-

ROXY: it woulda been great FOREVER ago when everyone was wonderin oh hey jim

ROXY: where the fcuk are we

ROXY: idk man

ROXY: shits crazy right

DISCIPLE: Is this, yes.

DISCIPLE: -Nod.-

ERISOL: of cour2e ii dont knoww wwhere wwe are ii ju2t 2eem to knoww howw to avvoiid the paradoxal endle22 2hiit you a22hole2 kept landiing your2elvve2 iin

SOLLUX: ten 0ut 0f ten batshit cat ladies agree.

SOLLUX: shit is g0ddamn bananas.

ROXY: well GEE

ROXY: thats even MORE useful

ERISOL: okay wwell ii gue22 wwere goiin then

TYRENA: -she just k1nda c0vers her face w1th her hand, m1serably sl1nks up t0 Ruthe aga1n and bur1es her face 1n her sh0ulder.- (1 c0mmend y0ur genet1c k1n's ab1l1ty t0 c0nt1nually sl1ng her z1ngers 1n the m0st d1sgust1ng 0f s1tuat10ns)

ARADIA: im sure we can all use a guide that knows a bit more than we do

PORRIM: *takes the shirt and tries to wrap it around herself. hhhhng. she really doesn't look good.*

TYRENA: (that 1s a great legacy t0 have)

TYRENA: (c0ngratulat10ns)

ROXY: lead the way my lime! *She's not gonna think about how much he looks like eridan nope*

VRISKA: (I'd rather find my own way.) -t8h-

JAKE: (Golly are there trousers out there for me sollux?) *nudging pathetically. Help him.*

MITUNA: -rubs Porrims back-

MITUNA: 4R3 Y0U G0G1N 70 83 4LR1GH7

RUTH: Me, too, honestly.

SOLLUX: unnggghhh pr0bably.

PORRIM: *nods, trying to keep the grossness down* I'll be o+kay.

CRONUS: *man, he really wants attention, time to drift over to aradia and feferi again, since he has a feeling feferis' the only one will give him any*

SOLLUX: -squints uncomfortably and tries to float some QUOTE UNQUOTE TROUSERS out of the pile to him-

MITUNA: -worried tuna noises-

CRONUS: *sliiiips an arm around her shoulder*

ARADIA: -glances over at cronus-

ARADIA: hi

KARKAT: (IF HE PUTS THOSE ON I'M GOING TO HEAVE. I DON'T HAVE IT IN ME TO HEAVE MAN.)

SOLLUX: d0n't fucking.

ARANEA: *she's wearing a 8ig shirt and its very unpleasant, 8ut at least her 8oo8ers aren't out anymore*

SOLLUX: talk ab0ut it 0r i'm g0nna d0 it t00.

JAKE: Do... what?? *DO YOU WANT HIM TO STAY NUDE?? He is feeling the fabric in his hands, suddenly indecisive.*

JAKE: Isnt it what everyone is doing?

SOLLUX: i am taking a s0lid pass 0n that r0ute my dude.

KARKAT: IF YOU WANT TO COVER YOUR CROTCH IN QUESTIONABLE SLIME COATED FABRIC HAVE AT IT.

FEFERI: *the arm around her shoulder is very squishy* Are we still following t)(e -Eridan Sollux sprite?

KARKAT: JUST HOPE WHATEVER DICK FLU YOU GET ISN'T DEADLY.

JAKE: Oh. Well. *sad face. He just drops the shorts. Guess he's going home free now. Sorry Grandma.*

SOLLUX: a wise decisi0n.

ARANEA: *grandma's disappointed face watermarked in the sky over jake*

JAKE: * 8C *

CRONUS: looks like it, but vwhat say vwe ditch that doorknob and find some place alone?

KURLOZ: :o| *tapping his foot impatiently*

ARADIA: lets say you dont do that

CRONUS: uh, vwas i talking to you, svweet cheeks? dont think so.

SOLLUX: -he just wants to get the fuck out of here and he will follow a terrible creature to do it-

MITUNA: WH3R3 5H175CR4WNCH 4R3 W3 G01NG WH47 15 H4PP3N1NG FUCK 7H15 GL083F3LL471NG W4573 W1GGL3 W473R

FEFERI: O)( my COD, w)(at is wrong wit)( you?? *clearly DISGUSTED. She does snatch up his wrist and drags him off after the sprite parade.* Come on! And don't talk to )(er t)(at way!

FEFERI: *She will crush ur wrist you little man.*

JAKE: *follows after Sollux! Vamoose!*

CRONUS: ACK!!

ARADIA: -makes a face but walks along with them-

TYRENA: -she unbur1es her face w1th a schlurp 0f g00, vaguely aware pe0ple are m0v1ng-

TYRENA: -start1ng t0 TR0D-

ERISOL: *WELL, tiime to fly, he 2tart2 leadiing the crowd agaiin*

RUTH: -oh that was a nice noise. nic e-

VRISKA: (I don't know WHY we're following this guy.) -to aranea-

MITUNA: -pouts and trudges-

TYRENA: -1T'S GETT1NG ST1CK1ER TBH SHE HATES 1T-

ARANEA: *flicks goo off her wings while she follows erisol* (I suppose 8ecause we don't know what else to do!.)

CURRENT convincingPeacekeeper [CCP] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.

KALINK: *This is digusting. It's easier to nto even try to put clothes on.*

DISCIPLE: -she's prowling on all fours following the glowy green thing. She would try to taste the goo but it's REALLY bad. That strikes her as a bad idea.-

[[As they walk, they start to see shapes ahead that almost look like they may be their other friends from the uu. They do look pretty friend shaped]]

VRISKA: (We should 8e a8le to carve our own path!)

SOLLUX: ... ??

SOLLUX: -SHAPES LIKE A FRIENDS??-

KARKAT: *It took him a second to realize he and Sollux were walking again since he waholding onto him*UGH.

ROXY: *friendshAPES*

SOLLUX: kk l00k.

ARANEA: ! *IGNORES VRISKA to look at the friend shapes*

ARADIA: hey look!

FEFERI: *staring up at the shapes* 38O

ROXY: *Talks faster*

ARANEA: *scans for a 8ig Shape*

ROXY: *jogs*

[[there is def a big shape]]

ROXY: hey!

JAKE: *Are we looking at shapes now???*

[[there is a shape for all sized friends]]

VRISKA: -MAY8E MEENAH'S OVER THERE. Or Eridan. Or Kanaya. Or something.-

JAKE: Hey???

DISCIPLE: >:OO!

SOLLUX: l00ks like we might have f0und them.

KARKAT: WHAT.... OH. FUCK.

MITUNA: -He's looking for a Latula shaped friend-

DISCIPLE: -She starts to bowl ahead of the group.- Is others!

KARKAT: *lead me steed*

MITUNA: GUY5

ARADIA: i think i see john over there!

MITUNA: GYU5

KALINK: *Squinting. is it moving?*

MITUNA: 7H3R3 7H3Y 43R

KALINK: *He would be so much comfier with Nyalah here.*

DISCIPLE: -she's gonna pounce on the FIRST one she sees-

FEFERI: *FEFERI AND ARADIA WILL FREE YOU JOHN.*

JAKE: Our friends??? *he sounds so hopeful*

[[as some particularly familar looking shapes appear to turn around to wave, there is a terrible noise. A giant, fat, pulsating worm comes burrowing out of the wall and devours those friendshapes up just like that, burrowing into the next wall immediately after

TYRENA: 0R PRETTY MUCH ANYTH1NG ELSE!

]]

TYRENA: TH1S 1S N0T --

TYRENA: 0H

JAKE: *?????????????*

[[ur friends got ate]]

ARADIA: -gasps-

ROXY: *Stops in her tracks* ......

ROXY: wh

ARANEA: WH8T?????????

TYRENA: WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?

ARADIA: :(

KALINK: *THEY DID NOT YOU'RE ILLUSIONING US.*

ROXY: WHAT

SOLLUX: 0hmy fuck ing--

DISCIPLE: -stops dead.-

DISCIPLE: ...hss.

MITUNA: 7UL4

MITUNA: -he scream at own worm-

ARADIA: -she takes a deep breath-

KALINK: What the fucK /was/ that thing???

CRONUS: *O___O*

VRISKA: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME????????

SOLLUX: -he IMMEDIATELY stops-

KALINK: I-uh-

TYRENA: AS 1 WAS G01NG T0 SAY

TYRENA: 1T C0ULD HAVE BEEN

TYRENA: ANYTH1NG UP THERE

TYRENA: S1NCE WE D0N'T KN0W WHERE WE ARE

KURLOZ: >:o| *unphased and just keeps walking*

TYRENA: 0R WHAT TH1S 1S

TYRENA: 0R THAT ANY 0F TH1S 1S REAL!!!!

TYRENA: -she waves a hand 1n fr0nt 0f her 0wn eyes f0r emphas1s-

SOLLUX: that-- that, that didn't just happen.

ROXY: *pants and she's crying, hahahaha fuck* YUP

TYRENA: PR0BABLY N0T

TYRENA: KEEP M0V1NG

ERISOL: uh wwoww evven ii wwa2nt e2pectiing that

ROXY: could be a ruse

ROXY: MUSCLE THE FUCK ON

TYRENA: -pr0bably sh0ves s0me0ne 1f they d0n't keep m0v1n-

ARADIA: -even she has tears in her eyes but wipes them away-

KALINK: There wasn't any screaming, or anything, too, right?

FEFERI: *still staring* ...Yea)(! It could be!!! *THANK YOU ROXY. She's crushing Cronus's wrist tight.*

KARKAT: *Well hejust feels.. infinitly shittier*

JAKE: What? What didnt just happen? *worriedly baps at Sollux's arm.*

SOLLUX: n--

ROXY: *time to play desperately try to pull yourself together. It's like a puzzle but your emotions*

SOLLUX: ffffuck.

CRONUS: * he doesn't even notice how tightly she's holding his wrist as he's stunned and shocked, and any idiocy that had been running through his mind was immediately wiped clean in that moment*

SOLLUX: -is probably shove by Tyrena lbr-

ARANEA: *more nervous wing flickering* ... Yes! Let's 8e rational! Nothing here is what it seems, so--

ARANEA: *8ut she's still standing there*

RUTH: Either way, we'll have to keep moving.

VRISKA: -pulls her along- Come on, Aranea.

ERISOL: wwell okay iif you wwanna beliievve that *look2 kiinda nervou2 about all thii2 de2piite beiing 2uch a knowiing 2priite*

TYRENA: -n0 mercy f0r u bl1ndy-

JAKE: Sunny delightlux?? *holds the meme steady. He is definitely worried now.* 8C

ARANEA: *IS DRAGGED AGAIN* R... right! I'm coming!!!!!!!!

MITUNA: -sniffles a little but starts moving. 7his is the shittiest pyrope, he has confirmed.-

FEFERI: *It's okay, Cronus! Feferi is leading you along.* >38'I

KALINK: *Oh no Mituna.*

SOLLUX: -fuck. he's just stumbling a little because apparently moving is still happening, he's totally got this guys-

PORRIM: *puts a hand on mituna's shoulder, in an attempt to relax him and herself. everything sucks.*

[[As they approach where the worm came out, they came up to what seems to be a dead end besides the two holes in the wall, one where the worm came from, and the other where the worm went]]

*come

KARKAT: *They can stumble together Sollux*

KARKAT: *wouldn't it be shit if they fell*

ARANEA: ...

ARANEA: *glances 8etween their two options*

JAKE: *Jake will protect Karkat and Sollux with his BODY.*

ROXY: the ole fork in the road!

ARANEA: *maryam style*

SOLLUX: i ca-- fuck. -he doesn't want TO GO EITHER WAY HE CAN'T DO THSI SHIT-

KALINK: Well-

RUTH: Unfortunately, I've got bunk.

KALINK: We probably shouldn't split up.

MITUNA: UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH

ROXY: FUCK NO

ROXY: so

ROXY: idk

FEFERI: Maybe t)(e one it left in?? I really don't want us to come across t)(at t)(ing again.

DISCIPLE: :cc

FEFERI: Like face to glubbing face.

ROXY: lucky lefty

ROXY: lets do that that seems pretty cool

DISCIPLE: Is good reasoning.

DISCIPLE: Is...

DISCIPLE: Is smart reasoning, yes.

ARADIA: thats the one i would choose

MITUNA: 7H3 54F357 PL4C3 W0ULD 83 83H1ND 17

ARADIA: i imagine its not going to have an easy time turning around in the same hole

ROXY: to punch it in the ass amirite

MITUNA: 175 4 FUCK1GN D1CKW0RM 17 C4N7 533 0U7 175 CHU73H0L3

JAKE: Darn it to betsy! Why cant i fucking SEE. *HE'S SO MAD*

DISCIPLE: Mrr....

ROXY: *laughs and starts to fuck right off into this hole*

SOLLUX: i-it was just-- a stupid g0ddamn m0ther fucking w0rm, dude.

JAKE: A worm?? Is this like tremors?

KARKAT: *pats Sollux's arm* WORMS ARE PRETTY GODDAMN DUMB. IT WAS A SHITTY THING WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IS A REAL THIN-

KARKAT: KIND OF YEAH.

KARKAT: ANYWAY WE SHOULD GO BEFORE WE FIND OUT FOR OURSELVES.

MITUNA: 1 FUCK1N

MITUNA: 1 H473 4LL 0F 7H15 M0R3 7H4N 1 H473 MY5L3F 3XP073N714LLY

JAKE: Then i say we light that motherfucker up first chance we get! *He is going to hope so hard for this to happen. He has decided.*

MITUNA: -yanks porrim after roxy-

DISCIPLE: -She murrs again softly, awtching as more follow after Roxy.-

DISCIPLE: ...Is... this way. To stay together. -She points.-

SOLLUX: -the worst part is thinking maybe he could have done something but he couldn't and didn't so that's a fucking thing, but does it even matter??? jesus- let's just fuck 0ff after it, i guess.

ERISOL: *he 2eem2 to be at a lo22 and ju2t follow2 behiind them, what ii2 even wrong wiith thii2 my2teriiou2 guiide who ju2t kiinda 2howed up for no rea2on*

KURLOZ: :O

KURLOZ: *:o|

JAKE: *He's personally missing Dirk a lot. Where are you brain ghost dirk???*

SOLLUX: -EVERYTING-

MITUNA: -he can't do anything he just a naked asshole with a naked asshole and he's hating every second of this-

KURLOZ: *GOES DOWN THE HOLE*

DISCIPLE: -she's gonna sit there making sure everyone gets to fucking off down that there hole sooner or later.- >:cc

RUTH: -she is definitely fucking off down that hole-

ARADIA: -here we go-

FEFERI: *LETS GO CRONUS. Feferi will carry you if she has to.*

VRISKA: -Marches on with Aranea-

ARANEA: Here we go! *this is fine*

DISCIPLE: -HOPS ON DOWN-

CRONUS: *WELL she might because he's weak in the knees and basically being dragged at this point*

TYRENA: -she t00 d0es th1s, hav1ng gr0wn fr0m vulnerable t0 tw1tchy t0 fl1nty and sc0wly-

FEFERI: *For real??? This always happens. She's gonna lug him up piggy back style and carry him that way. LOSER.*

FEFERI: *He's getting such a cake to the face later.*

SOLLUX: -he's probably leaning on Jake a lot at this point. IT HELPS.-

[[as they go down the tunnel, the floor starts sucking at their feet, making it harder and harder to walk forward, nasty squelching sounds filling the air with every footstep]]

ROXY: *mmmmNOPE*

MITUNA: -He's squeezing Porrims hand harder.-

KALINK: *He's following, but this is getting really gross.* Is this supposed to be happening?

TYRENA: -she SHUDDERS, clutch1ng even t1ghter.-

TYRENA: >:(

VRISKA: This is fucking gross.

SOLLUX: 0h fuck this fucking fuck--

DISCIPLE: -She pauses after a few moments of this, just to squeeze and test at the spongy substance-- maybe flesh? -- under their feet.-

DISCIPLE: Rrr...

ARADIA: what a weird texture

JAKE: Yuck! What is this?? Mucus???

KALINK: This is disgusting- where are we? I swear, it feels liKe a /body/.

DISCIPLE: A dead one.

DISCIPLE: A rotting one.

MITUNA: -resists the urge to meme-

ROXY: sure as shit donest feel like its rotting!

FEFERI: *It is SO WEIRD. But nothing she's never experienced before. She's pretty unfazed by walking on it.*

SOLLUX: f0r fuck's sake.

PORRIM: *covers her mouth after a while and stops. SHE CAN'T DO THIS.*

ARADIA: -it's pretty fascinating-

[[the harder it gets to walk, the more open the tunnel becomes, and there even appears to be a light coming up ahead]]

MITUNA: -almost F4LL5 because suddenly anchor Porrim-

MITUNA: HRK

MITUNA: P0P0

FEFERI: O)()()(, look! T)(ere's lig)(t! *she's getting EXCITED. Lugs her useless supermodel of a boyfriend with even more vigorousness*

KALINK: *He's excited by the sight of light!* Is that a way out?? And- I don't Know about dead. It sure seems to be producing liquid liKe there's no tomorrow. *:/*

ROXY: we should just

ROXY: we should get to the light

KALINK: *USELESS SUPERMODEL OF A BOYFREIDN I'M WHEEZING.*

MITUNA: -7R135 PULL1NG P0RR1M 70 7H3 L1GH7-

DISCIPLE: Dead. Dead. Decomposers are EATING it. The worm? The worm lives in-- in--

KALINK: It'd be a big body, though, right? What Kind of body could possibly be this big?

DISCIPLE: -She growls and pulls at her limbs, standing upright now-- and nearly falling over again.-

DISCIPLE: --hhhhssss...

KALINK: *Oh dear. He reaches for Disciple.* Do you want, uh- some help?

PORRIM: I can't-- *hrrngg*

ARADIA: -squish splorch squarsh-

PORRIM: I think I'm go+nna be sick.

KALINK: *You remind me of Nyalah :(*

SOLLUX: -he's definitely floating himself now, and, thankfully, he's noticing that someone else has stopped because this shit is fucking gross too. he's looking in mituna and porrim's direction- hey, uh-- fuck. want a lift?

KARKAT: *He's pretty not up for this now either, wheezing in Sollux's ear probably*

KALINK: This is disgusting, how do we-

DISCIPLE: It is.

DISCIPLE: It is getting THICK.

KARKAT: *oh WHOOP*

DISCIPLE: Is this a trap?

DISCIPLE: Is it?

PORRIM: *looks up at sollux and nods slowly* Please.

DISCIPLE: -She looks at him, he looks a lot like Kasvik, too. It's... something, maybe.

JAKE: *has definitely fallen down by now* HORK. *splat*

VRISKA: -remem8ers she has wings and awkwardly adjusts her shirt so she can use them and hover a8ove the ground-

DISCIPLE: -Her eyes are almost pleading as she stares at him.-

SOLLUX: 0h my fucking--

SOLLUX: -JAKE NO-

KARKAT: *he's laugh but this isn't fucking funny. Reaches for Jake*

ARADIA: -she's not going to use her wings because this is really fun-

KARKAT: *get up you lameass punk, is probably what he'd say*

KARKAT: *goddammit aradia*

JAKE: *SAVE ME, SMALL JESUS TROLL.*

KURLOZ: *hed be with aradia there if he weren't so SALTY right now*

KARKAT: GET. UP. *he sounds tired if anything*

ARADIA: -fun natural fun-

SOLLUX: -cautiously floats mituna and porrim up a little and closer?? jesus. he has to help jake and karkat too doesn't he. he's gonna give that a shot and pretend he's not gonna hear anything squelchy-

SOLLUX: -PSIONIC TUG GO-

JAKE: YIKES. *is being lift* What is that????

SOLLUX: what's what??

KARKAT: *Doesn't really react to being lifted for a second* ...OH. FUCK. THANKS.

MITUNA: -sighs. just gets psionic'd along-

KALINK: *Oh no. He looKs bacK, frowning.* It could be- but there is light, over there.

KALINK: There has to be something. A way out, a bigger room.

KALINK: We just have to push through.

DISCIPLE: But it is so far. And it only gets--

DISCIPLE: worse.

KALINK: How can I help?

DISCIPLE: ...

DISCIPLE: hh.

DISCIPLE: Take her hand please.

JAKE: Im flying! *fliails helplessly*

KALINK: *He taKes her hand and squeezes it, trying to trudge along.* Of course.

KALINK: It'll be oKay.

DISCIPLE: -She lets out a whine as she pushes along.-

ARADIA: -splorch shlorp-

FEFERI: *still trudging along* Glub!!!

SOLLUX: y0u're flying the fuck 0ut 0f the disgusting shit, it's a blessing, let's g0.

SOLLUX: -nyooms this whole sick party after the group ahead-

[[Once they actually ended this bigger area with the light, it'll be another dead end of a room with no way of telling where the worm actually went. What they can see, however, is that the light source appears to be dozens of translucent eggs clustered in the center of the floor]]

KALINK: *Did they all maKe it to the light?*

ROXY: yep this is *huff* my shit

ROXY: what the fuck is this

ROXY: im alla bout it

SOLLUX: 0h fuck this.

TYRENA: >:/

ARADIA: look at all this light

ROXY: lmao watch itll be some aliens shit up in here

KALINK: See? We, uh, we made it. To wherever this is.

PORRIM: *why does the sight of those eggs make her feel ESPECIALLY sick??*

FEFERI: *creepy fauna are exactly up her alley* 38o

DISCIPLE: ...She does not understand.

VRISKA: -Considers stomping on all the eggs-

DISCIPLE: ...hs.

DISCIPLE: Or maybe she does.

DISCIPLE: Too much.

DISCIPLE: They will break free eventually.

DISCIPLE: While Mother feeds.

MITUNA: -oh. okay wow. fuck all this.-

KARKAT: *Looks at the Eggs* ...WELL... WE SHOULD HAVE THEM NOT BREAK FREE.

SOLLUX: y0u sh0uld g0 ask them nicely.

JAKE: Break free? *has tucked himself up, hugging his knees as he floats. Help.* Ask nicely??

MITUNA: -gurgles-

[[There sure is something suspicious about how these eggs look]]

FEFERI: *Hey Cronus. Wanna come with Feferi to poke one?*

FEFERI: *Too late. She's coming.*

CRONUS: *AUGH*

KARKAT: *He's just gonna... is he still floating. He's going to stumble on over to look at the eggs*

ARADIA: -I'LL COME TOO-

ARADIA: -here comes me-

[[When people get close to them eggs... inside appear to be young babies and grubs that LOOK VERY VERY ODDLY FAMILIAR. IN FACT... you might even say they almost look like babies of all crew on board the uu]]

[[Young, innocent, unbirthed, and untouched]]

VRISKA: -May8e she won't step on them then-

ARANEA: *oh thank god its nothing important*

VRISKA: Uhhhhhhhh. This is weird.

SOLLUX: -he will put them down-

FEFERI: O)( my glub. T)(is is so creepy. *hand touch on egg. Not as weirded out as she could be.*

ARANEA: *honestly though, she's regretting looking in that direction*

ARADIA: its

ARADIA: all of us?

DISCIPLE: -oh. She might've gone to SMASH one but it makes her really sad to look at them now.-

ARADIA: and everyone else?

[[even dead crew appear amongst these wee babes]]

KARKAT: WELP.

ARADIA: :(

KARKAT: THATS

KARKAT: OK

MITUNA: -He's just gonna...go find somewhere to sit. he's officially noping out-

KARKAT: *Help, he's so dizzy right now, touching his head and hissing* I'M GONNA FUCK

KARKAT: OFF

KARKAT: OVER HERE.

ARADIA: -tries to get a closer look-

SOLLUX: -can he break his because gross-

DISCIPLE: -She nestles up against one of the eggs.- :((

FEFERI: *Also trying to get a closer look.* 38O

[[Suddenly the ground starts to rumble again]]

FEFERI: !

KALINK: Uh- what the fucK, I was not- I

KALINK: *Oh shit.*

SOLLUX: 0h fuck n0.

JAKE: *Is he still floating* What in tarnation????

SOLLUX: -no he is not-

SOLLUX: -but sollux is-

VRISKA: -still not touching the ground-

JAKE: *he sits on the ground then* >8O

ARADIA: -looks up-

ARADIA: -and around-

[[a large mass starts to emerge from behind the eggs, somehow not disturbing them, but definitely rumbling everything else. It's another worm, but this one is very different from the one before. This one is a bright red, with a head like the sun]]

DISCIPLE: -Her eye opens.-

SOLLUX: ggghhhhfffuck--

KARKAT: *FUCK YOU SUN HE HAS A HEADACHE*

DISCIPLE: -And then she tumbles backwards as it BURSTS through, scrambling back onto all fours as she hisses.-

SOLLUX: -covers his stupid dumb eye-having eye ass-

TYRENA: -THAT HURTS HER EYES. her n0n-eyes. th1s 1s c0nfus1ng and pa1nful-.

ROXY: *This is fine. Great. Amazing. Looks up into the sun and cries laughing probs*

RUTH: -SHE SLIP-

JAKE: IM BLINDER! *shields his eyes*

RUTH: Shi--

RUTH: -SLIDES ON THE GROUND INTO AN EGG. FUN TIMES.-

PORRIM: *ok, sensory overload. she can't take it anymore. she is going to Hork.*

DISCIPLE: -she's gonna jump on it.-

DISCIPLE: -and bite it.-

VRISKA: -Looks a 8it terrified-

ARADIA: -looks up at this AMAZING creature-

TYRENA: -well jeeze she g0es d0wn w1th ruth THANKS G1RLFR1END-

[[it speaks to them in a booming, yet calm voice, as it towers over them.]] WHY HAVE YOU COME HERE.

DISCIPLE: -hesitates at the sound of a voice.-

DISCIPLE: ....

ARADIA: well

MITUNA: -He's frozen. call that troll elsa...-

ARADIA: we were following this path

RUTH: -YOU'RE WELCOME-

FEFERI: *one hand is holding Cronus's butt behind her and shiedling her eyes with the other. Hisss.*

ROXY: its just a bitchin vaca spot WHAT CAN WE SAY

RUTH: ...

RUTH: I.

ARADIA: it was kind of a dead end

CRONUS: *he is def hiding behind feferi right now*

ARADIA: and were trying to get out of here so

ROXY: its great to be fucking ambushed and show up buck ass naked with over half our firiends and family missing

RUTH: (Know of this one.)

ROXY: its great

ROXY: so good

KALINK: We're not here on purpose and we would really liKe to leave.

ROXY: i love it

ROXY: were just here to suffer hoenstly

KALINK: *Oh no Disciple*

KALINK: *Roxy pls maybe it doesn't understand sarcasm.*

DISCIPLE: -HHHSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

[[If disciple actually jumped him, he shakes his mighty head to try and remove her]]

JAKE: No wait! *It talks?? Jake is scrambling to his feet.* Were trying to understand where on gods green we are! And how we can get back home!

JAKE: *It's not like he can see anyway.*

DISCIPLE: -down she goes again-

DISCIPLE: -she's still hissing a lot but more in confusion and pain then overt hostility-

DISCIPLE: --hssss

JAKE: Our friends and family! Can we find our way back to them?

YOU ARE IN A PLANE WHERE YOU ARE NOT WELCOME, NOR DO YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO LEAVE. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WEAK AND HELPLESS, WHICH IS PRECISELY HOW YOU WOUND UP HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.

ROXY: GEE

ROXY: THANKS

JAKE: Thats a preposterous accusation! I say you tell it to my face right here right now sir glowworm!!!! *HE'LL FIGHT.*

JAKE: Were strong as all mighty! Just you see!

DISCIPLE: STRENGTH!!! It wishes STRENGTH she will BITE and TEAR with her FANGS she will RIP OPEN and BITE until they are OUT OF THIS PLACE!!!

SOLLUX: --jake why-- 0h my g0d.

DISCIPLE: -her hairs are pretty much on end-

YOU CANNOT FIGHT. YET YOU CANNOT HIDE. YOU DEMAND RESPECT. YET HAVE NONE TO GIVE.

JAKE: Respect is earned i say!!! What planet are you from???? *he's getting so riled*

TYRENA: -she pretty much tr1es t0 pull up 0nt0 her feet.- HUMAN

TYRENA: THAT

TYRENA: 1S PLENTY

TYRENA: CALM Y0UR METAPH0R1CAL RUMBLE SPHERES

PORRIM: *there's a lot of dry heaving happening here. she can't seem to throw up. this is nice.*

YOUR FLAWED NATURES ARE YOUR WEAKNESS, YET YOU CHOOSE TO IGNORE INSTEAD OF FACING.

RUTH: -ruth is just sort of. Walking toward the big worm.-

DISCIPLE: What does this thing think it knows of us?

I KNOW EVERYTHING.

KALINK: *He rushes towards Disciple, feet sliding on the gross floor.* Are you hurt?

KALINK: *Hey asshole stop psychoanalyzing us*

ROXY: i cant believe a glowing fuckin dildo is tryin to lecture us on facing facts im so over it

FEFERI: *He does look pretty phallic. Just sayin.*

DISCIPLE: -she isn't really sure or know how to answer that so she just makes a rumbly noise in response-

YOU INSOLENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES.

*YOUR

ARADIA: are you saying you want us to acknowledge our weaknesses?

ROXY: like it wasnt obvious enough!? getting our asses kicked and people killed across the galaxy while we WATCHED wasnt enough to know were WEAK

ROXY: we havent done SHIT to stop everyone from sliding a freshly lubed boot up our asses!

KALINK: But we /aren't/ weaK.

KALINK: Hey, wait, hold up! *PeaceKeeping hands up.*

KALINK: Everyone here has tried to fight a corrupt system even though it was dangerous, when they could have bailed and made things worse for everyone else to save themselves!

KALINK: *He is a REBEL SPEECHWRITER* Having weaKnesses doesn't maKe you weaK!

KALINK: We are all trying, facing impossible odds, and this ISN'T OUR FAULT.

YET MANY OF YOU CHOOSE NEVER TO AWKNOWLEDGE YOUR SHORTCOMINGS.

ROXY: the answer was in us all along

KALINK: Well, you're condemning an entire group of people without speaKing to individuals, so how about you acKnowledge that shortcoming?

RUTH: -stares up at yogurtboner-

ARADIA: why dont we hear them out?

ARADIA: first

RUTH: Its logic doesn't work the same as ours does.

ARADIA: just in case

[[Stares back at ruth]]

ROXY: well mostly cuz the first thing out of its mouth was a barage of rudeass insults

JAKE: I can acknowledge my shortcomings! I can do it until im blue in the face if it means... *ahhhh!!! He's too frustrated and in agreement with Roxy.*

RUTH: I don't know what to do here.

VRISKA: -she's going to...carefully...fly...8ackwards...-

ROXY: *lets just fucking fight this worm tbh*

ROXY: *shes stressed out and worried and sweaty and its pissing her off*

VRISKA: -there WAS that other hole-

THAT ONE. [[nods at Disciple]] FIST INSTINCT WAS TO ASSAULT AND ASSAIL. THE FIRST STRIKE WAS NOT MY OWN.

ROXY: that mighta been cuz ur friend "ate" our friends

ROXY: and u are also a giant worm

ROXY: sorry our bad that was probably wormist or some fucking bullshit

THERE ARE NO FRIENDS HERE.

ROXY: NO KIDDING

RUTH: It's... possible this thing has nothing to do with what we're currently experiencing.

RUTH: As far as I can recall, it doesn't show its face often anywhere.

TYRENA: Y0U

TYRENA: KN0W WHAT 1T 1S?

RUTH: Somewhat.

RUTH: It calls itself the God of all Monsters.

THE DEFENSIVENESS OF THIS GROUP IS ALSO ITS WEAKNESS. IT WILL NOT SURVIVE LONG ONCE AN ESCAPE IS REACHED.

TYRENA: >:/

TYRENA: 1F THAT 1S WHAT Y0U ARE

TYRENA: W0ULD Y0U HELP US

TYRENA: 1F WE MET Y0UR STANDARDS

PERHAPS

PERHAPS NOT

MITUNA: -He's just sitting with his knees to his chest.-

DISCIPLE: ...rr.

ARANEA: *wings flicker* 8ut... we will escape?

ONLY IF THE ONE OF RED AND GREEN WILLS IT.

DISCIPLE: ...sss... she. Should not have attacked. -She says a LITTLE TOO QUIETLY for addressing a gigantic monster, but it just kind of falls out after a bit.-

ARANEA: *tilts her head, very confused*

JAKE: *It would help if he could see red and green things.*

TYRENA: ARE THEY

TYRENA: HERE?

NO.

[[The rumbling starts again]]

TYRENA: SH1T

KARKAT: *ALL THIS GODDAMN RUMBLING*

RUTH: -she just tenses, waiting-

KALINK: *He reaches for Disciple's hand agai*

DISCIPLE: -SQUEEZE-

ARANEA: *flutters up again. STOP WITH THE RUM8LING.*

JAKE: *ends up stumbling backwards and lands on his ass in goo* !!!!!!!!!!!

[[The worm from before that had devoured everyone erupts from the ceiling above the light eggs and DEVOURS THEM. This is a very green worm with red cheeks, and now that it has eaten the young, it GOES FOR YALDYBONER]]

ARANEA: *YELPS and flies 8ackwards, away from all this chaos*

MITUNA: -Y0GUR780N3R N0-

[[It is now a tussle of twistly dicksnakes, and almost as soon as the fight starts, it ends, as they disappear into the muddy earth without a trace]]

TYRENA: -!

ARANEA: *how lewd...*

KARKAT: *Alright, well that's just about all he can handle between all the ground shakings* ..... *stumbles*

ARADIA: ...wow

KARKAT: *falls the fuck over*

MITUNA: WH47 7H3 FUCK 15 3V3N G01GN 0N 4NYM00R

KARKAT: *peace everyone*

DISCIPLE: THE RED AND THE GREEN!!!

VRISKA: Well, that whole exchange was stupid. -she's only saying that cuz she doesn't get it-

FEFERI: *That sure was a tussle of twisty dicksnakes.*

[[Where the eggs once were, there is now a pit]]

RUTH: -well fuck, she was VERY CLOSE TO ALL TIS HAPPENING-

DISCIPLE: -She skids down the opening.- We follow its words! In! IN!

ERISOL: iivve got no other choiice *float2 to the openiing and goe2 on iin*

RUTH: -she may even already be in the pit-

KALINK: Oh fucK, oKay. Do we just- jump?

KURLOZ: >:o| *does the same*

TYRENA: -meet me 1n the p1t-

MITUNA: -he's just gonna stay here no thank you he's over all of this-

ARADIA: well

ARADIA: ill see you guys later

ARADIA: -jumps in-

ROXY: *sure WHY NOT, into the pit she goes*

KALINK: *Sollux no.*

VRISKA: What the hell????????

KALINK: *He jumps, this is gross.(

PORRIM: *shes definitely sitting here with mituna feeling just as done*

FEFERI: Let's go!!! *FOLLOWS ARADIA, still carrying Cronus.*

ARANEA: ... *floats down the hole? what choice does she even HAVE*

VRISKA: -Groans and floats down with Aranea-

JAKE: Sollux?? I think everyone is leaving buddy!

ARADIA: -freefalling is so serene-

KARKAT: *Let Sollux and Mituna stay with Karkat's unconscious body, they can eat it later probs*

SOLLUX: -HE'S HERE-

CRONUS: *IS CARRIED*

MITUNA: -Honestly Mituna is just hoping he drops dead at some point so he doesn't have to deal with this anymore. he just doesn't have the capacity or the strength-

SOLLUX: ...

SOLLUX: shit.

SOLLUX: we can't leave every0ne else.

JAKE: *accidentally steps on Karkat* Karkat?? *nudging him with his foot*

KARKAT: *no ones home sorry my dude*

SOLLUX: shit.

KARKAT: *hes reliable in a pinch*

SOLLUX: g0d damn it.

SOLLUX: kk i swear t0 g0d.

SOLLUX: every fucking time.

JAKE: Karkat are you okay? *he can't see this but... reaching down to pat hands on him?? Glances up to the sound of Sollux's voice* Shall i carry him?

SOLLUX: yeah i guess.

SOLLUX: -looks over at mituna and porrim-

KALINK: *Is KarKat oKay :C*

[[Well, unfortunately to those around Karkat, he starts slowly fading out of existence]]

SOLLUX: whAT THE FUCK-

KALINK: *WHAT*

JAKE: Aye aye. *reaches for Karkat when* WHAT. WHERE DID HE GO?

JAKE: Karkat?? *PAPPING HIM??*

PORRIM: *witnesses this with wide eyes*

SOLLUX: 0h fuck this.

JAKE: Karkat?????????? *he is panicking in earnest*

SOLLUX: -floats down to try to grab at him too, FUCK-

SOLLUX: dude!!!

MITUNA: H0YL 5H17

MITUNA: -he's lowkey jealous tho-

KARKAT: *rhianna winks @ mituna*

MITUNA: -you FUCK-

PORRIM: ... *trembling a little, holding onto mituna* This is to+o+ much.

SOLLUX: we--

SOLLUX: fuck.

SOLLUX: we need t0 get the fuck 0ut 0f here.

SOLLUX: fuck it.

MITUNA: FUCK 4LL 0F 7H15

MITUNA: 1M 50 FUCK1NG D0N3

MITUNA: JU57 53RV3 M3 UP L1K3 4 534R3D RUMP 5734K 1M 0V3R 7H15 JU57 C4LL 7R0LL L4M8CH0P

JAKE: *is crying definitely right now and stares up at Sollux, helpless* Fuck it????

SOLLUX: i d0n't kn0w what the fuck is happening.

JAKE: I wish i could just fucking SEE.

SOLLUX: but i can't-- stay here.

SOLLUX: i wish i c0uldn't.

SOLLUX: but what the fuck ever.

JAKE: *reaching for his hand????*

MITUNA: -he's just gonna...shrink into himself-

SOLLUX: -he just takes Jake's hand because there's nothing else he can do, and Karkat just ollied the fuck out, and he doesn't know how to feel anymore. people just not being there is an inevitable thing apparently but he's not gonna stop clinging like a thirty goddamn koala-

SOLLUX: -THIRSTY-

SOLLUX: -he's tearing up too, but WHAT ELSE IS NEW-

MITUNA: H3Y 50LLUX

SOLLUX: what.

MITUNA: C4N Y0U D0 M3 4 F4V0R 3V3N 7H0UGH Y0U 0W3 M3 L173R4LLY N07H1NG L355 7H4N J4CK 5H17

MITUNA: C4N Y0U 74K3 P0RR1M W17H YU0

SOLLUX: y0u m0ther fucker.

SOLLUX: -looks over at Mituna and Porrim- b0th 0f y0u better just cl0se y0ur fucking eyes 0r whatever the fuck because i'm n0t leaving anyb0dy else t0 r0t in this shitsh0w.

JAKE: Porrim? *She's here? He's trying to squint and see her.*

MITUNA: -sollux you are severely underestimating how done and useless he is here PL3453. Leave him to get eaten by erect dairy-

SOLLUX: -suck each and every one of his bulges, mituna-

SOLLUX: -he's hovering them both up-

MITUNA: -why is this happening to him-

PORRIM: *she is FLOAT*

PORRIM: *also, still holding onto mituna, so he's stuck either way*

PORRIM: *sorry babe*

SOLLUX: -looks at Jake-

SOLLUX: let's bl0w this shit festival n0w please.

MITUNA: -is float while hating everything rn, himself most of all-

JAKE: Yes siree boss!!! *Where'd everyone go?? He's gonna run in that direction and not realize they all jumped down a hole.*

SOLLUX: -rip jake-

SOLLUX: -if he tries to trip in Sollux will catch him tho-

SOLLUX: -TIME TO GO GUYS, HOVERS AWAY-

JAKE: *Heart eyes motherfucker!*

[[SEE YA, SPACE COWBOY....]]