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Today's Document
Aqua Utopia｜海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
★
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@dancing-for-my-life
"I'm just glad you're not alone with... that." "...Yeah. That'd be a nightmare..."
----- ♥ ▽ ♦ -----
Surprise collaborative ask blog for Cadence and Merlin from Crypt of the NecroDancer! Begrudgingly accompanied by the NecroDancer himself.
This would initially just be Cadence and ND, but another idea cropped up when talking with Drako. So Merlin's here too now, thanks to her ^.^"
I hope you enjoy the ride! ~ Clone
[To Merlin]: Where is Heph? How did he take you setting off to the crypt alone?
[Merlin looks... pensive.]
"... He's home. He wasn't thrilled with the idea- but our worry about Cadence was mutual. I hope he's handling himself ok."
[She wrings her hands nervously...]
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
"... Not exactly."
She pauses
" If you can survive long enough to transmute it- it becomes powerful- but otherwise... it's nothing but a hazard."
Oh.
...She glances back at the charm. ...Uh. That sounds...
Horrifying, I know.
W-Wh-!? Suddenly, Cadence jumps back, for a reason Merlin was not entirely sure of. (No, she could NOT hear whatever the Ominous Purple Text said.)
"... Cadence?!"
She yelps a little as Cadence startles, and reaches out as if to offer her a hand.
" What's wrong? Did you see something-...?"
You've GOTTA be kidding me.
Exactly my words when you picked this ol' thing up, too...
This time, these words could clearly echo through the Crypt. For the both of them. And they both knew this voice well.
Merlin went stiff, and almost hissed as she heard that voice. Magic, a cold and crackling energy, began to cover one of her hands- and she tried (unsuccessfully) to stand up.
"YOU! - Even now you still hang around? Really? How many years has it been, now?"
ApPARENTLY not long enough.
That's enough of that, then. Cadence begins to take off the cha--
...She suddenly freezes up. Heheheh... Not. So. Fast.
" What do you think you're doing to her?"
Merlin is *scowling*. A rare expression on her ever calm face
Oh, that's not me. That's purely the thing I'm stuck within. The NecroDancer's voice notes, forcing the charm back on.
...Cadence swings back to motion, with a sharp inhale.
...The hell was that about!? Simple. Don't take the Reaper's Charm off, and you live.
.........So you're telling me I'm STUCK with you now?! Look, I didn't want this either.
Merlin makes an almost exasperated sigh.
" Cadence. This is why we don't put on magic items we don't recognize..."
She forces down the unsettling wave of anxiety, and grimaces. The magic crackling at her hand fades, and she slumps slightly.
"... So we're stuck with... a ghost of a... how many times now? Thrice? Dead man. Who neither of us enjoy. And who enjoys neither of us in return. Just ... great."
Whoooops. She says, slumping down herself.
...Right. Now that my presence is acknowledged...
This charm, it's... not even meant to be worn-- Amazing. Just. PERFECT! SILENCE.
Gah, she's right, I'm tired of this already. I WAS going to try to HELP you for once, but evidently that isn't happening. Good luck.
The charm's eyes lose their color. Did I mention they were glowing before? Finally, thank God.
...Wait, what was that last part?
"... He claims he was going to help... and then promply got sick of us."
Merlin frowns, and almost rolls her eyes. She then leans closer, and presses her chin against Cadence.
"... I'm just glad you're not alone with... that. "
...Yeah. That'd be a nightmare...
...She sits down in the middle of the room, settling her torch in the ground.
(To be continued.)
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
"... Not exactly."
She pauses
" If you can survive long enough to transmute it- it becomes powerful- but otherwise... it's nothing but a hazard."
Oh.
...She glances back at the charm. ...Uh. That sounds...
Horrifying, I know.
W-Wh-!? Suddenly, Cadence jumps back, for a reason Merlin was not entirely sure of. (No, she could NOT hear whatever the Ominous Purple Text said.)
"... Cadence?!"
She yelps a little as Cadence startles, and reaches out as if to offer her a hand.
" What's wrong? Did you see something-...?"
You've GOTTA be kidding me.
Exactly my words when you picked this ol' thing up, too...
This time, these words could clearly echo through the Crypt. For the both of them. And they both knew this voice well.
Merlin went stiff, and almost hissed as she heard that voice. Magic, a cold and crackling energy, began to cover one of her hands- and she tried (unsuccessfully) to stand up.
"YOU! - Even now you still hang around? Really? How many years has it been, now?"
ApPARENTLY not long enough.
That's enough of that, then. Cadence begins to take off the cha--
...She suddenly freezes up. Heheheh... Not. So. Fast.
" What do you think you're doing to her?"
Merlin is *scowling*. A rare expression on her ever calm face
Oh, that's not me. That's purely the thing I'm stuck within. The NecroDancer's voice notes, forcing the charm back on.
...Cadence swings back to motion, with a sharp inhale.
...The hell was that about!? Simple. Don't take the Reaper's Charm off, and you live.
.........So you're telling me I'm STUCK with you now?! Look, I didn't want this either.
Merlin makes an almost exasperated sigh.
" Cadence. This is why we don't put on magic items we don't recognize..."
She forces down the unsettling wave of anxiety, and grimaces. The magic crackling at her hand fades, and she slumps slightly.
"... So we're stuck with... a ghost of a... how many times now? Thrice? Dead man. Who neither of us enjoy. And who enjoys neither of us in return. Just ... great."
Whoooops. She says, slumping down herself.
...Right. Now that my presence is acknowledged...
This charm, it's... not even meant to be worn-- Amazing. Just. PERFECT! SILENCE.
Gah, she's right, I'm tired of this already. I WAS going to try to HELP you for once, but evidently that isn't happening. Good luck.
The charm's eyes lose their color. Did I mention they were glowing before? Finally, thank God.
...Wait, what was that last part?
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
"... Not exactly."
She pauses
" If you can survive long enough to transmute it- it becomes powerful- but otherwise... it's nothing but a hazard."
Oh.
...She glances back at the charm. ...Uh. That sounds...
Horrifying, I know.
W-Wh-!? Suddenly, Cadence jumps back, for a reason Merlin was not entirely sure of. (No, she could NOT hear whatever the Ominous Purple Text said.)
"... Cadence?!"
She yelps a little as Cadence startles, and reaches out as if to offer her a hand.
" What's wrong? Did you see something-...?"
You've GOTTA be kidding me.
Exactly my words when you picked this ol' thing up, too...
This time, these words could clearly echo through the Crypt. For the both of them. And they both knew this voice well.
Merlin went stiff, and almost hissed as she heard that voice. Magic, a cold and crackling energy, began to cover one of her hands- and she tried (unsuccessfully) to stand up.
"YOU! - Even now you still hang around? Really? How many years has it been, now?"
ApPARENTLY not long enough.
That's enough of that, then. Cadence begins to take off the cha--
...She suddenly freezes up. Heheheh... Not. So. Fast.
" What do you think you're doing to her?"
Merlin is *scowling*. A rare expression on her ever calm face
Oh, that's not me. That's purely the thing I'm stuck within. The NecroDancer's voice notes, forcing the charm back on.
...Cadence swings back to motion, with a sharp inhale.
...The hell was that about!? Simple. Don't take the Reaper's Charm off, and you live.
.........So you're telling me I'm STUCK with you now?! Look, I didn't want this either.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
"... Not exactly."
She pauses
" If you can survive long enough to transmute it- it becomes powerful- but otherwise... it's nothing but a hazard."
Oh.
...She glances back at the charm. ...Uh. That sounds...
Horrifying, I know.
W-Wh-!? Suddenly, Cadence jumps back, for a reason Merlin was not entirely sure of. (No, she could NOT hear whatever the Ominous Purple Text said.)
"... Cadence?!"
She yelps a little as Cadence startles, and reaches out as if to offer her a hand.
" What's wrong? Did you see something-...?"
You've GOTTA be kidding me.
Exactly my words when you picked this ol' thing up, too...
This time, these words could clearly echo through the Crypt. For the both of them. And they both knew this voice well.
Merlin went stiff, and almost hissed as she heard that voice. Magic, a cold and crackling energy, began to cover one of her hands- and she tried (unsuccessfully) to stand up.
"YOU! - Even now you still hang around? Really? How many years has it been, now?"
ApPARENTLY not long enough.
That's enough of that, then. Cadence begins to take off the cha--
...She suddenly freezes up. Heheheh... Not. So. Fast.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
"... Not exactly."
She pauses
" If you can survive long enough to transmute it- it becomes powerful- but otherwise... it's nothing but a hazard."
Oh.
...She glances back at the charm. ...Uh. That sounds...
Horrifying, I know.
W-Wh-!? Suddenly, Cadence jumps back, for a reason Merlin was not entirely sure of. (No, she could NOT hear whatever the Ominous Purple Text said.)
"... Cadence?!"
She yelps a little as Cadence startles, and reaches out as if to offer her a hand.
" What's wrong? Did you see something-...?"
You've GOTTA be kidding me.
Exactly my words when you picked this ol' thing up, too...
This time, these words could clearly echo through the Crypt. For the both of them. And they both knew this voice well.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
"... Not exactly."
She pauses
" If you can survive long enough to transmute it- it becomes powerful- but otherwise... it's nothing but a hazard."
Oh.
...She glances back at the charm. ...Uh. That sounds...
Horrifying, I know.
W-Wh-!? Suddenly, Cadence jumps back, for a reason Merlin was not entirely sure of. (No, she could NOT hear whatever the Ominous Purple Text said.)
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
Merlin shudders.
" So you havent found one. They're wretched things... cursed and yet incredibly powerful. While you're wearing one- they make even the slightest injury become grievous."
She pulls her hat over her eyes, and scrunches her face up.
......With a benefit, right? She tilts her head, hoping with all her remaining heart that there is, in fact, a benefit to this Ring of Becoming. There was one to the karate gi she sometimes found Mr. Merchantry selling, after all...
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
"Cadence. As much as I understand you can think for yourself... I don't think that wearing unknown objects from dungeon chests is a good idea."
Merlin gives her a look that can only be described as the 'child, why' look,
"... It reminds me of the ring of becoming- wretched thing that it is."
The Ring of... Becoming...?
Evidently, she knew of no such thing. Poor Cadence. She gives Merlin a confused and worried stare.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
Merlin tries not to stare, but she finds herself glancing at the charm on the other's wrist.
"... What is that, by the way?" She doesn't quite touch Cadence's wrist- but does hover her finger close "... Did you bring it with you.... or?"
Hm?... Oh, this? She nonchalantly points the dagger toward the charm.
It's a wooden carving of a human skull, on a string. About as simple as it gets visually.
Found this in one of the chests. Looks cool, right?
It seems she doesn't know its effect. Yet.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
The ooze was deeply weird feeling on her skin, as it seemed to twitch and pulse.
"Alright. Thank you, Cadence. I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you- about how to get out of here."
She frowned
" but I'm sure theres a way out. There has to be"
It's okay. You don't have to bear news to help...-
...that's what I've been saying to myself the whole time. She notes in a cold tone, finally lifting the dagger off the ground.
Maybe with Merlin on her side, she could finally begin to make progress.
...For now, though, Merlin might note the skull-shaped charm on Cadence's wrist.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
Merlin smiled.
" I'm fine. I just... probably need to rest a bit. I don't want to strain this..."
She reclines slightly against the cold catacomb wall, and just sighs deeply.
"... Anyway. I'll be here- I want to help you get out of here. So you can go home. So we can both go home."
Cadence nods, understanding.
Rest for as long as you need to. I'll try to protect us if anything happens. She says as she reaches for the bloody dagger still on the ground.
...not before realizing that she probably got more of Merlin's, uh, "life substance" on her. She tries to shake it off onto the floor next to the two of them, hoping it'll crawl back to Merlin itself, or something.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
This was enough to make Merlin truly start crying, as she slumps in and returns Cadence's embrace.
For a long few moments, all she does is softly cry, and run her fingers through the tangles of Cadence's hair- holding her tightly in an embrace.
But finally, she composes herself enough to utter a response
"... You're right. I'm... me. I was worried I'd scare you, or others- be unsettling... but I suppose that doesn't matter. At least not now."
She takes a deep breath, and sighs.
"... Thank you, Cadence. Truly."
It's... good that you told me, at least. If you hadn't, I'd... probably be very scared indeed... (I mean, it looked like you were about to melt into a pile of blood and gibs...!)
...I'm just glad that you're alright after all.
In other news... it looks like Cadence properly calmed down, too.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
"... I'm... I'm not..."
Merlin sounds about ready to *sob*
"I'm not human. This... this body. It's all a brilliant lie... to look like a human, to be one. But it isn't real. It never has been..."
She seemed deeply uncomfortable with being seen like this, and in a frantic movement covers her face with her arms. Why? Why was this happening now? Why did this have to have happened?
This was supposed to be something nobody else knew...
.........Suddenly, Merlin would feel Cadence hug her again.
But you are still real, Merlin.
...So what if this body is just a lie? One's appearance never subtracts from their main qualities. You're still yourself. Nothing has any power to change that.
...I mean, you've seen Dad. Sure, he looks like a corpse now, due to that whole mess... But he's still Dorian Graves. The same ol' Dad he's ever been.
So it doesn't matter if you look like a human, a monster, a liquid, or whatever.
What matters is that you are yourself.
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
All along the wizard's back... it seemed as if she's melting. And it's clear it's to a significant degree, as when Cadence pulls back... a viscous, dark, fluid coats her palms, from where she had been holding onto Merlin. It was a deep blue color, and glistened with tiny speckles of light... not unlike the color of Merlin's eyes.
For a moment, she's silent... before suddenly shifting, and almost... curling in on herself? Not out of pain... but almost out of fear- as if something was seen that desperately shouldn't have been.
"... Cadence. I... I really didn't want you to ever find this out-" Her voice was *small*, as she forced herself to talk. "sit down. Please."
......... (What. On. Earth?????)
Cadence could barely even process the horrifying sight that laid before her eyes. Watching as Merlin curled up, only revealing more of her thawing back. The starry substance that was now on her own hand. WAS it her "blood" all along...?
Without thinking, she follows Merlin's order - almost too well, falling to the ground with a small thud. She then asks, with bated breath:
F-Find out what...?
...Man, I never really realized just how big this place is until now.
There's just rooms upon rooms of leftover chests, gold... whatever else. Most of the chests are empty, though, which is a bummer.
...Nor do I really see any sign of... any other activity.
.........
It's lonely down here.
Well, there was one sign of activity.
A flickering light, down one of the multitude of twisting dungeon halls- something glowing a faint blue which only seemed to grow brighter by every passing moment.
At closer inspection, it seemed like lines were being drawn across the crypt floor- thin and glowing, like brushstrokes, circling out into some intricate shape.
*Something* was happening, and whatever it was seemed to be ... magical, in nature
-Huh? Cadence looked down the corridor, at the light.
...Then she notices the lines forming on the floor, piecing together what's about to happen:
(Portal. Something's about to pop up here.)
Evidently, it wouldn't be lonely for long. Instinctively, she readies her blood-forged dagger under the assumption that it's an enemy ambush.
Something seemed to be forming- as glittering light manifested into an almost fog like substance, dark and shimmering with tiny star-like lights.
For a moment it was as if the room was beginning to fill with tiny stars... looking closer to the night sky than an empty room in a long doomed dungeon-
Until with a sudden flash, the strange mist was pulled together- forming into... a human figure.
Who promptly collapsed onto the ground, panting.
Cadence knew who this was-
Because who *else* was like this?
...!
MERLIN!
Cadence rushed over to the fallen figure, dropping the dagger entirely. Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Is-...
She had never seen Merlin this... weak before. She could only silently wonder what happened.
Cadence is grabbed, and practically pulled into the wizard's arms- being crushed in a strong, if shaky, hug.
"... Cadence-! You're... alive...!" Merlin's voice was trembling, as she struggled to catch her breath. Yet she sounded elated. She barely even noticed that she was being questioned, as she held closely to the other.
After a moment, of barely restrained tears and gently running her fingers through the other's hair- she cleared her voice.
"... I'm not hurt, I don't think. Just... tired."
...Yeah. I'm fine. It's okay.
She returned the hug - admittedly a bit tighter than Merlin expected. Her voice was a bit dampened, too, as if she wasn't just reassuring her, but also... herself?
Regardless, she was just happy that someone came for her.
...She soon realizes, though, remarking in a much lighter tone: D-Did you just come here to see me again?
" I've been... we've all been..." Merlin's voice cracks, as if she can barely keep herself from sobbing " We've all been looking for you. I'm just... so glad you're not hurt."
While Cadence didn't seem to be injured, it was clear Merlin was worse off. Whatever magic she had done to break into the sealed crypt... seemed to have been hard on her body.
She looks bedraggled- and as she's hugged, a strange almost fluid texture can be felt on her body.
(Woah. That... doesn't feel right.) Cadence didn't know yet what this feeling exactly MEANT, but she knew it wasn't normal.
I... would probably be worried more about your own condition. You don't seem well at all... She says, somehow gripping even tighter into the wizard.
Was she... bleeding? It seemed as if something was dripping from her body... but it didn't feel like blood.
"... Getting in here wasn't easy. Something... and I don't know *what*, really did not want me in here. It was as if something was trying to fight my attempt to teleport in."
Merlin returns Cadence's hug, and presses her face against the other's shoulder.
"... I think I'll be alright. Is there somewhere less... out in the open we can sit and talk? I doubt here is the safest."
...Sounds like it's blocked hard, then. (Is that why not even Eli was able to...?) ...No. Merlin can't be bleeding, right? It's not blood - it felt too different from her own. But... if it was strong enough to do WHATEVER this is to her...
...Cadence tried her best to push that thought away with Merlin's question. I... could dig a hole in the wall, maybe? Not like it'd matter, since... I think I took care of... Most creatures. Down here... already... ...But her mind couldn't help but wander in that direction again. And again. Her voice trailing off with a much heavier tone than before.
(Not again...!)
" If most of the monsters are gone... then we should be safe."
Merlin sighs.
As Cadence's voice trails off, she frowns.
"... What's the matter?"
.........A-Are you sure... you'll be okay?
She suddenly asks again. Maybe by now you'll start to realize why.
oh.
OH.
Merlin makes a soft whine, as it settles in what's wrong.
Gingerly, she adjusted her grip, so that she could look Cadence firmly in the eyes
"... I promise. I promise more than anything else. I'll be alright."
She leaned in, and for the briefest of moments, planted a small kiss on Cadence's brow... as if the other was a small child.
" I'm not going anywhere."
!!!?
...Well. That seemed to ease her worries a bit. Through an entirely unexpected move rather than reassurance, but still.
It did cause Cadence to relive a memory, though.
.........If you say so...
She looks away, slowly starting to let go.
As Cadence pulls away, Merlin gently grabs at her wrist.
"...Listen. I know none of this is ideal..., being trapped here- and whatever's bothering you."
She squeezes the other's wrist slightly
" But I'm just happy I'm here- so I can help. You don't understand how worried I've been."
...Honestly... I've been just as worried about you all. I couldn't bear to think how my family would live with the fact that I'm... basically gone. I know Mom and Dad are definitely worried sick, at least...
It's... brave of you to even try to break in like this, Mer--lin... ...She trails off as she looks back at the wizard. Her eyes widen, now properly assessing what had just happened. Or, perhaps more precisely, what she had just felt happen.
