Biome Connections Network

Welcome to the Biome Connections Network! (Rp blog run by @dracl-dragon )

[biome-connections-network]

(introduction.)

"Hello, and welcome to the Biome Connections Network," *Viridis greeted in a happy yet calm voice,* "My name is Viridis. Everyone is welcome here. If you have any questions, please, feel free to ask me or one of the other members."

*Heart suddenly appears behind him, as if he had somehow teleported...* "Heyyyy...! I'm Heart. It's nice to meet everyone..." *His voice is a little less drawn out than most desert steves' voices are. He seems calm and laid back, but definitely happy.*

*Viridis sighs but smiles, patting Heart on the head.*

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis is lying on his side on the floor, his breathing slow and wheezing.*

*Blood is still dripping down from his mouth, nose, and eyes.*

*He's pretty badly bruised, as if he had repeatedly fallen.*

*He's still laughing, but its quieter now.*

*The vines that have spread across the floor slowly coil around him, engulfing his limbs and torso in thorns..*

*He looks... deceptively harmless.*

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis' once quiet laughter is now loud and echoing. It sounds.. distinctly pained.*

(BLOOD WARNING UNDER CUT)

*Blood is dripping out of his eyes, mouth, and nose. His eyes are foggy and glassy. He's awkwardly stumbling around, hardly even able to stand at this point.*

*His laughter is beginning to sound more like agonized sobs...*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[Cayenne can feel his small lungs calming down too, his little body lifting up and down in his arms as he breathes. He softly nuzzles his hands.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he very gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He snuggles into his touch.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He smiles warmly,* "You're so cute."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He giggles quietly. His voice isn't nearly as shaky as it was.]

Why thank you :>

[biome-connections-network]

*he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He purrs louder, smiling a tiny bit.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he pats him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little more.]

I'm glad you found me..

[biome-connections-network]

"I am, too.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He glances back at the base.]

I'm glad you can bring food to him, too..I was worried...

[biome-connections-network]

*he nods,* "I wouldn't let him go hungry. I may not be able to see him right now, but I still want him to be safe."

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[Cayenne can feel his small lungs calming down too, his little body lifting up and down in his arms as he breathes. He softly nuzzles his hands.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he very gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He snuggles into his touch.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He smiles warmly,* "You're so cute."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He giggles quietly. His voice isn't nearly as shaky as it was.]

Why thank you :>

[biome-connections-network]

*he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He purrs louder, smiling a tiny bit.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he pats him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little more.]

I'm glad you found me..

[biome-connections-network]

"I am, too.."

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[Cayenne can feel his small lungs calming down too, his little body lifting up and down in his arms as he breathes. He softly nuzzles his hands.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he very gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He snuggles into his touch.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He smiles warmly,* "You're so cute."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He giggles quietly. His voice isn't nearly as shaky as it was.]

Why thank you :>

[biome-connections-network]

*he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He purrs louder, smiling a tiny bit.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he pats him.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[Cayenne can feel his small lungs calming down too, his little body lifting up and down in his arms as he breathes. He softly nuzzles his hands.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he very gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He snuggles into his touch.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He smiles warmly,* "You're so cute."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He giggles quietly. His voice isn't nearly as shaky as it was.]

Why thank you :>

[biome-connections-network]

*he hugs him.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[Cayenne can feel his small lungs calming down too, his little body lifting up and down in his arms as he breathes. He softly nuzzles his hands.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he very gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He snuggles into his touch.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He smiles warmly,* "You're so cute."

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[Cayenne can feel his small lungs calming down too, his little body lifting up and down in his arms as he breathes. He softly nuzzles his hands.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he very gently pets him.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He slowly hums with him, his tiny heart starting to finally calm down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he seems to find feeling Rainbow's little heartbeat as he holds him comforting.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He huffs, before purring quietly, closing his eye.]

[biome-connections-network]

*after a couple minutes, he starts quietly humming.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stares wistfully at the water, comforted by his cradling.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he starts gently rocking him.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He clings to his arm, taking note of how far in they went. ....He really could've been caught earlier, couldn't he? He nods wearily.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He goes down the steps and walks out onto the small dock nearby, sitting down and cradling Rainbow again.*

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Y-you should probably bring him his food before it gets cold, haha...

[He smiles awkwardly.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He nods and moves to hold Rainbow in one arm. He stands up and grabs the pot, going inside.*

*He puts it on a side table in the entrance room and very quickly goes back outside.*

"He'll come get it soon. He always does."

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just quietly sighs, overwhelmed by how much seems to happen when he's elsewhere...]

Th-thank you....

[biome-connections-network]

"of course."

[biome-connections-network]

[Rainbow blinks. Something has changed...]

*He's in the jungle base, but...*

*It's completely overgrown. Flowering vines have overtaken the walls completely, growing at an unnatural rate, crawling up the legs of furniture like a living being..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls along, quietly whimpering. He wants to call out for Heart - where did he go? - but he won't risk it. He gets caught up in the vines a few times, but finally manages to get into another room.]

[biome-connections-network]

*The left door in the short hallway is completely blocked. His only option is the right door, down into the house part of the base.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He crawls down, further in...It's so deafeningly quiet....He can't help but worry...where is Cat? Mar...? Viridis, Viridis, Viridis....where are you...?]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears laughter coming from Viridis' bedroom..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stiffens up, but he immediately crawls closer. ....He can't leave him alone. Even in this state, even if he gets infected....He enters his bedroom.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees Viridis walking in circles, laughing. His pupils are pinpricks, eyes unfocused. Foam stained red with blood is pouring out of his mouth.*

*The vines in here are sharp, with jagged thorns. Some of the thorns are stained with crimson.*

*There's no sign of Cat.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

Eep-! V-Viridis-???

[How long has he been here, like this?? Oh, god, how much does that hurt?? And- the thorns- He immediately tries to crawl closer to the thorny vines to try to loosen or pull them apart.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis freezes, eyes locking onto Rainbow...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks and sounds like he's about to cry. He crawls up to him, not afraid of him, but FOR him.]

V-Viridis?? Does-does it still hurt?

[biome-connections-network]

*His eyes remain locked onto him, he takes a small step back, as if bracing himself for something..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He doesn't move, but looks up with worry in his little eye...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He attempts to lunge at him, barely missing. He craches against the floor, arms and face getting cut by the vines.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He screams, skittering halfway out the door. His heartbeat fills his head, it's so loud...But somehow, he still looks back. He can't, he promised he won't, he can't leave him like this...!]

I'm so sorry..

[biome-connections-network]

*He pushes himself back up, slowly standing. He's clearly disoriented. He glances around, trying to find Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He skitters behind the doorway. He's very good at staying undetected these days...he just. Didn't know...]

[He pants a little, trying to come up with some sort of plan. He...Can't. He can't leave him, he can't...! But he's so little, and those vines clearly were the only thing that even let him escape...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears Viridis start making a horrifying, inhuman noise. Somewhere between choked laughter and snarling...*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He immediately freezes up. He can feel the dread seep into his bones...what the FUCK was that...? His eye is wide, but he doesn't dare look. How much of him is gone now...? Should he just run....?]

.....

[Every instinct in his tiny body is telling him to R U N.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears dragging footsteps coming closer to the door..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He quickly skitters further away, looking for any open room and/or large vine he could hide behind..]

[biome-connections-network]

*The kitchen and guest room are open. Or he could try his luck with getting up the stairs.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He decides to hide in the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He hears the sound of the vines across the bedroom door being torn off. He hears Viridis's unsteady footsteps coming down the hall..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries to find the smallest place he could fit...between tables or under counters or anywhere that would be hard to reach...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He could probably get himself into one of the cabinets, or maybe under the table.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He goes for the table, not wanting to make more noise trying to pry open a door..]

[biome-connections-network]

*It's less overgrown in here.*

*Viridis enters the room, thorny, flowering vines trailing behind him. It seems his powers are going a bit haywire..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He has to pinch himself to avoid speaking again, his breathing shallow and rapid...He desperately wants to stay by his side. He can't leave him here...he's...he's going to get himself killed-! At the very least, he's not going to come out of it okay at all. He has to find some way to stop this, somehow....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis doesn't look under the table. With how much he's trembling, he'd probably collapse if he tried to bend down like that...*

*He leaves without finding Rainbow.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally lets out a long sigh, not coming out from under the table. He stays there, trying to regain his composure.]

[biome-connections-network]

*Viridis goes back to his room..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally crawls back out, surveying his surroundings.]

[biome-connections-network]

*There's a trail of vines from where Viridis had been. Strange..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's definitely not following him. He decides to check the cabinets, see if there's anything that could help him. Or, at least, maybe find something still edible he could secretly bring to Viridis...]

[biome-connections-network]

*Most of the food in the cabinets is either stale or rotten, unfortunately.*

*He finds a small knife.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He picks up the knife, sighing. He can't do much in here, and the bedroom probably won't have much more...He is armed now, though...Maybe he can risk it and...no, he can't...But.....]

[Viridis wouldn't want him risking himself staying here longer. Finally, with a shaky breath, he drags himself out of the kitchen.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He can hear Viridis pacing around the bedroom and laughing again..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks back wistfully for a good long moment. Steadying his grip, he finally turns away, slowlyyyy crawling back outside....]

[biome-connections-network]

*Maybe if he's quiet enough, Viridis won't notice him..*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He stays quiet as he can, making sure to carefully cut any vines he might trip over.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He manages to get upstairs without Viridis noticing him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He gets outside as soon as he can, not wanting to risk getting attacked...]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sees an orange steve coming up the steps towards the door.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He struggles to find his voice for a moment...he manages to cough out a greeting.]

H-h-hello....?

[biome-connections-network]

*He looks a bit startled for a moment.* "Oh, hello!"

*He's carrying a pot of. Something. Some kind of food.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He's still holding the knife as he crawls out, his voice cracking a little.]

Its- it's nice to see someoNe out-out here-

[biome-connections-network]

*He walks over, looking unintimidated by the knife.* "Oh, you're Rainbow, right?"

[trapped-in-my-story]

O-oh-! Y-yeah-!

[He finally drops the knife to skitter closer, looking up at him.]

[biome-connections-network]

"It's nice to finally meet you! I'm Cayenne. Mar and Viridis have talked about you a lot."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He smiles a little, though he's still shaking.]

It's- it's nice to meet you too! I uh- I don't know where Mar and Heart went- :(

[biome-connections-network]

*He puts the pot down on the ground and picks Rainbow up.* "Marmalade is at my house, and Heart is at the Treehouse base."

[trapped-in-my-story]

Good, good..

[He's still shaking.]

I....uh.....almost got attacked by Viridis...

[biome-connections-network]

*He gently cradles him like he's a baby.* "Viridis.. isn't himself right now. I'm sorry.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I..I know..

[He hides his face against his chest, trying not to cry.]

[biome-connections-network]

"I know you're worried about him. I am too. But.. he's gonna be ok."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I hope so.....

[His voice cracks a little as curls up in his arms...]

I-I just wish I was bigger so I could help or-or do anything at all-!

[biome-connections-network]

"I know.. I get it.." *he hugs him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He finally just breaks down sobbing.]

[biome-connections-network]

*He sits on the ground, hugging him close.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[In between sobs, he chokes words out.]

I- just- want- to- protect- you- *hic* guys-!

[biome-connections-network]

"You've done everything you can.." *he gently pets him.*

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He looks up at him with one soaking wet eye as he bites his lip, trying and failing to hold back his tears.]

I-I can't even- I couldn't even make him food if I tried....I-Maybe I-I am just a useless pickaxe....I couldn't even keep my other form for more than a day...

[He balls his hand into a fist as he looks away.]

I wish I were anyone but me...

[biome-connections-network]

*He holds his hand,* "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

I-I know that-! B-but........I can't even help...

[He curls up in his lap again, crying.]

[biome-connections-network]

"deep breaths.. you're ok.."

[trapped-in-my-story]

[He tries his best to get his little body to breathe again. He clings to Cayenne's shirt for a long time, as his tears ebb and flow. Slowly, slowly, his sobbing dies down.]

[biome-connections-network]

*he gently squeezes his little hand.*