Ask Hazard and Caution

Ask blog for AvCW's Hazard and Caution (and others) | Run by Uber the Sky Kid Primary

[mindthe-gap]

Hey dere, internet, my name is Hazard

And my name is Caution

And dis is our blog!

If ya don't know who I am, I'm one a da heads of security here at Rocket Corp.! If ya have any questions fa me, I'd be happy ta answer dem. My Bug's also able ta answer questions, but I'll be readin' dose ones, too, just ta be safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Hello! Call me Nathy, She/Her. My primary blog is "Uber the Sky Kid Primary". I also run thatskyanon. I decided to have my Hazard from my Ao3 series enter the AvTumblr scene.)

(I'm an adult, but please try to keep things SFW. Any questions aimed at Caution must be SFW, as she is a minor. Any attempt at asking the child NSFW questions will result in my disapproval.)

(Thank you for visiting this tumblr! Be nice, be silly, and let's have fun! Submit as many asks as you'd like! :D)

Characters that can be asked questions currently:

Hazard

Caution

The Chosen One

Orange

Alan

[mindthe-gap]

Hey Chosen who do you get along with more among rgbyp (except for Orange) :0

Hmm… I’d say Yellow, with Red being a close second. Red loves animals, as do I, but he’s a bit too prank-happy. Yellow will be working on some kind of coding and I’ll go in and start rambling about birds and we just, uh, chill like that for an hour or so. He’ll talk to me about what he’s working on, and sometimes I get to be the one who helps him solve a coding problem!

It’s nice.

[windowsv-sta]

Happy New Year, Mx. V! We sent over some cookies; I hope they arrived alright.

-Cho

@mindthe-gap

Happy new year, Cho. I believe they have been delivered and received by now.

[mindthe-gap]

Yay! I hope you enjoy them! Blue worked really hard on them!

There should be enough to share with others, too!

[windowsv-sta]

Hi Mx V! I hope you’re doing well. Do you have plans for the holidays? Ballista’s gonna take me and my siblings shopping later.

-Cho

@mindthe-gap

It's good to hear from you, Cho. I don't celebrate any of the hegemonic holidays myself, so my only plans are to stay healthy and well-rested.

I hope your shopping trip goes well.

[mindthe-gap]

Those are great plans! It’s good to be well-rested and healthy! Also, what does hegemonic mean?

[windowsv-sta]

It means the predominant holidays. Specifically in this context I'm referring to Christmas, but other holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween and Fourth of July also fall under the umbrella as well.

[mindthe-gap]

Cool! I’m gonna tell Yellow I learned a new big word today!

We’re also getting baking supplies so Blue and Caution can make cookies and hot chocolate! Maybe we can somehow send you some, if you’d like that? Even if you don’t celebrate, it’s still nice to get cookies and a warm drink!

[windowsv-sta]

That would be kind, but make sure you have enough for your celebrations first.

[mindthe-gap]

Of course! Blue always tends to go a bit overboard, so I’m certain there will be plenty extra!

Ballista’s here! Gotta run! Hopefully I can talk to you later! Bye, Mx. V!

[windowsv-sta]

Hi Mx V! I hope you’re doing well. Do you have plans for the holidays? Ballista’s gonna take me and my siblings shopping later.

-Cho

@mindthe-gap

It's good to hear from you, Cho. I don't celebrate any of the hegemonic holidays myself, so my only plans are to stay healthy and well-rested.

I hope your shopping trip goes well.

[mindthe-gap]

Those are great plans! It’s good to be well-rested and healthy! Also, what does hegemonic mean?

[windowsv-sta]

It means the predominant holidays. Specifically in this context I'm referring to Christmas, but other holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween and Fourth of July also fall under the umbrella as well.

[mindthe-gap]

Cool! I’m gonna tell Yellow I learned a new big word today!

We’re also getting baking supplies so Blue and Caution can make cookies and hot chocolate! Maybe we can somehow send you some, if you’d like that? Even if you don’t celebrate, it’s still nice to get cookies and a warm drink!

[windowsv-sta]

Hi Mx V! I hope you’re doing well. Do you have plans for the holidays? Ballista’s gonna take me and my siblings shopping later.

-Cho

@mindthe-gap

It's good to hear from you, Cho. I don't celebrate any of the hegemonic holidays myself, so my only plans are to stay healthy and well-rested.

I hope your shopping trip goes well.

[mindthe-gap]

Those are great plans! It’s good to be well-rested and healthy! Also, what does hegemonic mean?

[mindthe-gap]

Hey Chosen I was wondering if there is possibility if you miss The Dark Lord if so what is your favorite memory?

Also do the others like victim, agent, or Alan know that Dark did technically raise Chosen if so when?

Another thing does your Chosen have a scar on his ankle from when he was enslaved by Alan?

…

U-Um… I mean…

…

I don’t know…

He… he was nice to me whenever I got sick, but… other than that? … He… he wasn’t the best. He’d… He’d make me feel… small…

The others know he raised me… and y-yeah… I… I have the ankle scar…

Can, uh… can I ask… why you’re asking me that?

[mindthe-gap]

hazarrrd what are ur hobbies

I like paintin' garden rocks. Liddle ones, even some biggah ones. I gave Chosen some fa his treehouse. Dere's a liddle grove dat he's curated dat he gets food from and he's used dem ta decorate.

[mindthe-gap]

heyy any update on orange's condition?

"...and that theory that... what did you call them? Anons? That theory that they posited might hold some water. There are... changes that Doctor Nile says happen to sticks who have latent powers before they awaken. Orange definitely has powers, but his body doesn't appear to have gone through all the necessary changes for him to control or use his powers safely. In short: his powers awakened prematurely. His body can't handle the output of power."

How do we... How do we fix this?

"Right now we don't have a way... I'm sorry... I'll speak with Doctor Nile, and see if there are any leads on a potential treatment. The scan we did doesn't show any increased damage; he'll stabilize with rest... I wish there was more we could do currently."

You're doing what you can, and... thank you for that...

[mindthe-gap]

Hey, happy Halloween! Are you or Caution dressing up as anything?

Mr. Tango and his son are gonna come ovah ta take ma bug trick or treating later.

I’m gonna be dressed as Cinderella! She my favorite princess!

Chosen and Orange helped her make da costume.

It pretty and sparkly!

[mindthe-gap]

Have you heard of the all new BLUETOOTH HOSE? Say goodbye to tough stains and unwatered lawns WITHOUT the fuss of a rubber wire! Only $49.99!! (Plus shipping and tax)

… Ya mean a spray bottle?

[mindthe-gap]

Alright, I’m back at da house. If ya wanna ask me anything, feel free ta ask!

(Hazard Siren is back and available for asks again!)

[windowsv-sta]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

[ Hazard Siren is standing to V's right, at the peripheral of the camera view. They're walking back into town. ]

[ "-s certainly helpful," V's voice comes in. He must have started talking before he turned the camera on. "Hopefully the Anons won't cause us any more issues, with those measures in place." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

It’s so nice, in fact, that Hazard can’t help but feel a sense of sleepy relaxation as the two walk back into the community. “‘S a good thing we’re not strangahs ta those kinds of shenanigans da anons seem fond of - ya not da first visitors from anothah universe ta have graced our slice of da Outahnet.” He glances to the side as they pass by a playground. “I’ll admit, tho, ya being an alternate universe’s version of mah boss threw me off. Nevah encountered dat before.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

[ V stumbles suddenly, without warning. The footage is dizzyingly blurry and shaky. There's a quiet yet very panicked gasp of "shit-" somewhere in the split second of chaos. He doesn't fall to the floor, at least. He steadies himself, accidentally grabbing at Mr Siren's arm in the process. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

Hazard cuts off his mumble as his arm is grabbed, but reaches out to try to help steady V. “Ya good? Do ya need ta sit down?” He looks around. There’s a nearby bench, close to the park, that is empty. “H-here, dere’s a place ta sit down ovah here.”

He starts trying to gently lead V over to said bench. If he was being honest, he needed to sit down himself. His right leg was starting to act up…

[windowsv-sta]

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

[ "Ah, apologies, I'm rambling. I suppose I'm still adapting to the multiverse as well." V leans against the back of the bench and sighs. ]

[mindthe-gap]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh, you as well?" he asks. "May I ask what happened? You've every right to decline." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Ah… building collapsed… got pinned by rubble… took a while fa me ta get rescued.” He shudders at the memory of him screaming himself hoarse as he cried for help, of wondering if he’d ever see the sun again, of wondering if he’d ever be able to hug his little girl again… “Not… great memories, I’ll admit… Uh… can’t stand cramped dark places, eithah, ‘cause of it…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ V clasps his hands together. There's a hesitation, a silence broken only by birdsong and indistinct conversation from the citizens around. ]

[ "Mine was from when I first entered the Outernet," V speaks up. "You likely know the story from Vic. I crash-landed in a rocket of my own making. Frightening in the moment, I'll confess, but..." ]

[ V takes a deep breath and stretches his legs out. The left one reaches further than the right. "I've no regrets." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“It wasn’t from Newgrounds.” Hazard pauses for a moment. “Sorry, I know dat when sticks think of collapsing buildings, dey usually think of Newgrounds, which… I was dere… I just… want ta reassure ya dat da injury wasn’t from dat horrid day.” He drums his fingers on the wood of the bench, pondering for a bit. “It was aftah Newgrounds… Some… wackjob kidnapped our Agent… I went ta go rescue him… didn’t know dat da madman had da building rigged ta explode… managed ta get him out before da building collapsed on me…” He leans back. “Dat was… a little less dan a year before I joined Rocket Corp.? I think?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

[ He cuts himself off, and takes a few breaths to steady his tone. "Thinking out loud. I'll stop now; I understand most people dislike talking and thinking about traumatic past events." ]

[ His right leg bounces slightly, the movement at the peripheral of the camera's lens. ]

[ "What I will say is,, I'm glad that both you and your Agent are well." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

He frowns a bit, and turns slightly towards V.

“How, uh… how much do ya know ‘bout what happened dat day, if ya don’t mind me asking…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

[ "I know most of what needs to be known. But, I wasn't there myself, all my knowledge is secondary source. Read or told or shown from others who were there." ]

[ A smaller rest than normal, before V turns towards Mr Siren in turn, the man's expression clear as day. "May I ask something?" V asks. "There is... one part of the Crash that I could never figure out." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

“Sure,” he finds himself saying. “Whatcha wanna know?”

He feels at ease around V.

[windowsv-sta]

[ "How did you and the other survivors escape? Make it back to the Outernet?" His question is quick to come out, but not abrupt. "I understand that because we're of different universes, some of the details may differ, but..." His voice trails off for a breath. "I believe it'd be worthwhile to have a full understanding of that day. Such that we can try to prevent it from ever happening again." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

He remembers the feeling of falling, of hitting the ground, of wandering through the forest until he had reached the city… and then… his memories picking back up in the ER where there was utter chaos.

[windowsv-sta]

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

[ V's right leg gently nudges at Mr Siren's left. A small, barely-onscreen, inoffensive moment of contact. "I'm sorry," V says. "I didn't mean to cause distress." ]

[ V takes out a notepad and pen, and holds it on his lap out of view of the camera, and tilted away from Mr Siren. He writes some notes, and murmurs to himself, "Portals... That's a lead, at least." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

“Volunteers have come forward ta have dere memories scanned and recorded. I may not have witnessed da creation of da portals mahself, but not a small numbah of animations did.”

It had been… awe-inspiring to watch. Of course there had been panic when the young black hollowhead had landed, animations scattering and trying to flee, but the boy had ignored them, instead focusing on the scattered rubble of what used to be the file images of animations. He had crouched down in front of them and punched down at the ground. White glowing cracks had formed with each punch or two, and once there were enough, he grabbed onto the edge and began to pull, and pull, and pull, the strain obvious in the boy’s face, until, often suddenly, the glowing, wavering white portal ripped open. He’d go through and pop back out before either ushering animations through or frantically closing the portal and trying again a little ways away.

Vic had been able to note the order in which different portals were opened based on how exhausted Chosen had looked, and yet no matter how haggard he appeared, no matter how beaten or tired he seemed, he always managed to make a way out.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's hands pause. "Oh. That's... Well, I suppose that's another way our universes differ. But, any lead helps. I'll stop asking you about that day, you've helped me more than I can thank you for." He writes more in his notepad, away from the eyes of both Mr Siren and the screen. He then puts the notepad back into his pocket, but the pen stays in his hand. ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Hm… Saved a lotta lives doin’ dat. Don’t let anyone tell ya dat our Chosen innit a good kid, ‘specially dat wretched councilman, La Salle.” He practically spits out the man’s name. “Man has beef with a child. A good child!” He shakes his head. “Ah, sorry. Rambling. Saw somethin’ in da papah dat da man said. Makes me all mad. Don’t suppose ya have any experience with ne’er do well politicians?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

[ A taxi drives by. Classic yellow city cab, with an advertisement featuring a man with pale skin, straight deep green hair, and a trimmed goatee and pencil mustache. The advertisement has text in bold, easy to read lettering: 'Vote La Salle! Keep our streets Clean and Green!' ]

[ V's hands go still in concentration. He holds back a laugh, though his chest does heave and the camera shake as a single sharp breath comes out instead. "Didn't you say the fae and Anons operated similarly?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

He notices the held back laugh V lets out and raises an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s an apt comparison, dontcha think? Is… uh… is dere somethin’ funny ‘bout dat?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

[ V watches the taxi and advertisement drive away. "I take it the green he promises has nothing to do with actual environmental care? Actually, no, if I may theorize one step further, fossil fuel companies sponsor him, hence his advertisement being on a cab rather than something more environmentally neutral like a bus or tram." V points to the tailpipe of the taxi, where some faint pale fumes fly from before dissipating into the air. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

Hazard rubs his temples. “Somehow he appeals ta enough folk ta keep gettin’ elected… two-faced bastard.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V adjusts his posture, his legs now tucked under the bench and out of sight rather than reclining out. He also sits more upright. He checks his watch and lets out a soft sigh. "It is starting to get late. I do want to see how my RocketCorp's doing before peak hours end... How is your leg faring?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard looks around. “Eh, mah house innit dat far… mah leg’ll hold out.” Hazard stands up and stretches, his right one trembles a bit but stays steady. “Thanks fa listenin’ ta me ramble.” He extends a hand to V to help him up. “Shall we get goin’?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

[ V doesn't start any conversation. The way back is familiar, and the hoverbike V had parked by Mr Siren's house a few blocks away becomes visible soon. ]

[mindthe-gap]

As the pair approach the house, the door opens. Caution, Alan, and Chosen walk outside, with Orange being carried by Alan.

"Daddy!" Caution starts running up to Hazard.

“Bug!” Hazard scoops her up. “How’re ya doin’?”

“We watched Lilo and Stitch! Orange tired, though…”

“We’re heading to his appointment,” Alan explains. The sleepy Orange is fast asleep, being carried by Alan. Chosen closes the door behind them and waves at V.

“Hi, Mr. V! How was the tour?” He’s just as cheerful as when V first met him.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V trails behind Mr. Siren, and gives Chosen a wave as well. ]

[ "Hello, Chosen," he says. "The tour went well, but I have places to be and so can't chat long." He looks towards Orange and Alan, for a moment. "It looks like you and your family are off somewhere as well. I won't pry." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Orange has an appointment. He has sleep attacks, and they’ve gotten worse.” Alan nods to Hazard. “Looks like your kid wants to stay with you.” Hazard laughs, and Caution cuddles against him before giving V a stare. “I’ll see you around, Hazard. And, V, it was nice meeting you.”

Hazard watches the three head off towards Rocket Corp for a bit before turning back to V. “I’m guessing ya need ta head back ta ya own Rocket Corp., huh? Hopefully we’ll see ya again anothah time. It was nice ta meetcha.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Wishing the best for Orange's health, and it was a pleasure meeting you as well, Mr. Becker," V says before the three depart for the appointment. V watches them go, as they walk the way that V and Mr. Siren had come from. ]

[ He only turns back towards Mr. Siren and his daughter once spoken to. "That I do. Thank you for having me, Mr. Siren. I hope to keep in touch." He offers a handshake. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard accepts the handshake. “I hope so, too. Have a good one!” He waves.

Caution, meanwhile, continues staring at V, suspicion glinting in her eyes.

[windowsv-sta]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

[ Hazard Siren is standing to V's right, at the peripheral of the camera view. They're walking back into town. ]

[ "-s certainly helpful," V's voice comes in. He must have started talking before he turned the camera on. "Hopefully the Anons won't cause us any more issues, with those measures in place." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

It’s so nice, in fact, that Hazard can’t help but feel a sense of sleepy relaxation as the two walk back into the community. “‘S a good thing we’re not strangahs ta those kinds of shenanigans da anons seem fond of - ya not da first visitors from anothah universe ta have graced our slice of da Outahnet.” He glances to the side as they pass by a playground. “I’ll admit, tho, ya being an alternate universe’s version of mah boss threw me off. Nevah encountered dat before.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

[ V stumbles suddenly, without warning. The footage is dizzyingly blurry and shaky. There's a quiet yet very panicked gasp of "shit-" somewhere in the split second of chaos. He doesn't fall to the floor, at least. He steadies himself, accidentally grabbing at Mr Siren's arm in the process. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

Hazard cuts off his mumble as his arm is grabbed, but reaches out to try to help steady V. “Ya good? Do ya need ta sit down?” He looks around. There’s a nearby bench, close to the park, that is empty. “H-here, dere’s a place ta sit down ovah here.”

He starts trying to gently lead V over to said bench. If he was being honest, he needed to sit down himself. His right leg was starting to act up…

[windowsv-sta]

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

[ "Ah, apologies, I'm rambling. I suppose I'm still adapting to the multiverse as well." V leans against the back of the bench and sighs. ]

[mindthe-gap]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh, you as well?" he asks. "May I ask what happened? You've every right to decline." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Ah… building collapsed… got pinned by rubble… took a while fa me ta get rescued.” He shudders at the memory of him screaming himself hoarse as he cried for help, of wondering if he’d ever see the sun again, of wondering if he’d ever be able to hug his little girl again… “Not… great memories, I’ll admit… Uh… can’t stand cramped dark places, eithah, ‘cause of it…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ V clasps his hands together. There's a hesitation, a silence broken only by birdsong and indistinct conversation from the citizens around. ]

[ "Mine was from when I first entered the Outernet," V speaks up. "You likely know the story from Vic. I crash-landed in a rocket of my own making. Frightening in the moment, I'll confess, but..." ]

[ V takes a deep breath and stretches his legs out. The left one reaches further than the right. "I've no regrets." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“It wasn’t from Newgrounds.” Hazard pauses for a moment. “Sorry, I know dat when sticks think of collapsing buildings, dey usually think of Newgrounds, which… I was dere… I just… want ta reassure ya dat da injury wasn’t from dat horrid day.” He drums his fingers on the wood of the bench, pondering for a bit. “It was aftah Newgrounds… Some… wackjob kidnapped our Agent… I went ta go rescue him… didn’t know dat da madman had da building rigged ta explode… managed ta get him out before da building collapsed on me…” He leans back. “Dat was… a little less dan a year before I joined Rocket Corp.? I think?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

[ He cuts himself off, and takes a few breaths to steady his tone. "Thinking out loud. I'll stop now; I understand most people dislike talking and thinking about traumatic past events." ]

[ His right leg bounces slightly, the movement at the peripheral of the camera's lens. ]

[ "What I will say is,, I'm glad that both you and your Agent are well." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

He frowns a bit, and turns slightly towards V.

“How, uh… how much do ya know ‘bout what happened dat day, if ya don’t mind me asking…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

[ "I know most of what needs to be known. But, I wasn't there myself, all my knowledge is secondary source. Read or told or shown from others who were there." ]

[ A smaller rest than normal, before V turns towards Mr Siren in turn, the man's expression clear as day. "May I ask something?" V asks. "There is... one part of the Crash that I could never figure out." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

“Sure,” he finds himself saying. “Whatcha wanna know?”

He feels at ease around V.

[windowsv-sta]

[ "How did you and the other survivors escape? Make it back to the Outernet?" His question is quick to come out, but not abrupt. "I understand that because we're of different universes, some of the details may differ, but..." His voice trails off for a breath. "I believe it'd be worthwhile to have a full understanding of that day. Such that we can try to prevent it from ever happening again." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

He remembers the feeling of falling, of hitting the ground, of wandering through the forest until he had reached the city… and then… his memories picking back up in the ER where there was utter chaos.

[windowsv-sta]

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

[ V's right leg gently nudges at Mr Siren's left. A small, barely-onscreen, inoffensive moment of contact. "I'm sorry," V says. "I didn't mean to cause distress." ]

[ V takes out a notepad and pen, and holds it on his lap out of view of the camera, and tilted away from Mr Siren. He writes some notes, and murmurs to himself, "Portals... That's a lead, at least." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

“Volunteers have come forward ta have dere memories scanned and recorded. I may not have witnessed da creation of da portals mahself, but not a small numbah of animations did.”

It had been… awe-inspiring to watch. Of course there had been panic when the young black hollowhead had landed, animations scattering and trying to flee, but the boy had ignored them, instead focusing on the scattered rubble of what used to be the file images of animations. He had crouched down in front of them and punched down at the ground. White glowing cracks had formed with each punch or two, and once there were enough, he grabbed onto the edge and began to pull, and pull, and pull, the strain obvious in the boy’s face, until, often suddenly, the glowing, wavering white portal ripped open. He’d go through and pop back out before either ushering animations through or frantically closing the portal and trying again a little ways away.

Vic had been able to note the order in which different portals were opened based on how exhausted Chosen had looked, and yet no matter how haggard he appeared, no matter how beaten or tired he seemed, he always managed to make a way out.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's hands pause. "Oh. That's... Well, I suppose that's another way our universes differ. But, any lead helps. I'll stop asking you about that day, you've helped me more than I can thank you for." He writes more in his notepad, away from the eyes of both Mr Siren and the screen. He then puts the notepad back into his pocket, but the pen stays in his hand. ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Hm… Saved a lotta lives doin’ dat. Don’t let anyone tell ya dat our Chosen innit a good kid, ‘specially dat wretched councilman, La Salle.” He practically spits out the man’s name. “Man has beef with a child. A good child!” He shakes his head. “Ah, sorry. Rambling. Saw somethin’ in da papah dat da man said. Makes me all mad. Don’t suppose ya have any experience with ne’er do well politicians?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

[ A taxi drives by. Classic yellow city cab, with an advertisement featuring a man with pale skin, straight deep green hair, and a trimmed goatee and pencil mustache. The advertisement has text in bold, easy to read lettering: 'Vote La Salle! Keep our streets Clean and Green!' ]

[ V's hands go still in concentration. He holds back a laugh, though his chest does heave and the camera shake as a single sharp breath comes out instead. "Didn't you say the fae and Anons operated similarly?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

He notices the held back laugh V lets out and raises an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s an apt comparison, dontcha think? Is… uh… is dere somethin’ funny ‘bout dat?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

[ V watches the taxi and advertisement drive away. "I take it the green he promises has nothing to do with actual environmental care? Actually, no, if I may theorize one step further, fossil fuel companies sponsor him, hence his advertisement being on a cab rather than something more environmentally neutral like a bus or tram." V points to the tailpipe of the taxi, where some faint pale fumes fly from before dissipating into the air. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

Hazard rubs his temples. “Somehow he appeals ta enough folk ta keep gettin’ elected… two-faced bastard.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V adjusts his posture, his legs now tucked under the bench and out of sight rather than reclining out. He also sits more upright. He checks his watch and lets out a soft sigh. "It is starting to get late. I do want to see how my RocketCorp's doing before peak hours end... How is your leg faring?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard looks around. “Eh, mah house innit dat far… mah leg’ll hold out.” Hazard stands up and stretches, his right one trembles a bit but stays steady. “Thanks fa listenin’ ta me ramble.” He extends a hand to V to help him up. “Shall we get goin’?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

[ V doesn't start any conversation. The way back is familiar, and the hoverbike V had parked by Mr Siren's house a few blocks away becomes visible soon. ]

[mindthe-gap]

As the pair approach the house, the door opens. Caution, Alan, and Chosen walk outside, with Orange being carried by Alan.

"Daddy!" Caution starts running up to Hazard.

“Bug!” Hazard scoops her up. “How’re ya doin’?”

“We watched Lilo and Stitch! Orange tired, though…”

“We’re heading to his appointment,” Alan explains. The sleepy Orange is fast asleep, being carried by Alan. Chosen closes the door behind them and waves at V.

“Hi, Mr. V! How was the tour?” He’s just as cheerful as when V first met him.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V trails behind Mr. Siren, and gives Chosen a wave as well. ]

[ "Hello, Chosen," he says. "The tour went well, but I have places to be and so can't chat long." He looks towards Orange and Alan, for a moment. "It looks like you and your family are off somewhere as well. I won't pry." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Orange has an appointment. He has sleep attacks, and they’ve gotten worse.” Alan nods to Hazard. “Looks like your kid wants to stay with you.” Hazard laughs, and Caution cuddles against him before giving V a stare. “I’ll see you around, Hazard. And, V, it was nice meeting you.”

Hazard watches the three head off towards Rocket Corp for a bit before turning back to V. “I’m guessing ya need ta head back ta ya own Rocket Corp., huh? Hopefully we’ll see ya again anothah time. It was nice ta meetcha.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

[ Hazard Siren is standing to V's right, at the peripheral of the camera view. They're walking back into town. ]

[ "-s certainly helpful," V's voice comes in. He must have started talking before he turned the camera on. "Hopefully the Anons won't cause us any more issues, with those measures in place." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

It’s so nice, in fact, that Hazard can’t help but feel a sense of sleepy relaxation as the two walk back into the community. “‘S a good thing we’re not strangahs ta those kinds of shenanigans da anons seem fond of - ya not da first visitors from anothah universe ta have graced our slice of da Outahnet.” He glances to the side as they pass by a playground. “I’ll admit, tho, ya being an alternate universe’s version of mah boss threw me off. Nevah encountered dat before.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

[ V stumbles suddenly, without warning. The footage is dizzyingly blurry and shaky. There's a quiet yet very panicked gasp of "shit-" somewhere in the split second of chaos. He doesn't fall to the floor, at least. He steadies himself, accidentally grabbing at Mr Siren's arm in the process. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

Hazard cuts off his mumble as his arm is grabbed, but reaches out to try to help steady V. “Ya good? Do ya need ta sit down?” He looks around. There’s a nearby bench, close to the park, that is empty. “H-here, dere’s a place ta sit down ovah here.”

He starts trying to gently lead V over to said bench. If he was being honest, he needed to sit down himself. His right leg was starting to act up…

[windowsv-sta]

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

[ "Ah, apologies, I'm rambling. I suppose I'm still adapting to the multiverse as well." V leans against the back of the bench and sighs. ]

[mindthe-gap]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh, you as well?" he asks. "May I ask what happened? You've every right to decline." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Ah… building collapsed… got pinned by rubble… took a while fa me ta get rescued.” He shudders at the memory of him screaming himself hoarse as he cried for help, of wondering if he’d ever see the sun again, of wondering if he’d ever be able to hug his little girl again… “Not… great memories, I’ll admit… Uh… can’t stand cramped dark places, eithah, ‘cause of it…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ V clasps his hands together. There's a hesitation, a silence broken only by birdsong and indistinct conversation from the citizens around. ]

[ "Mine was from when I first entered the Outernet," V speaks up. "You likely know the story from Vic. I crash-landed in a rocket of my own making. Frightening in the moment, I'll confess, but..." ]

[ V takes a deep breath and stretches his legs out. The left one reaches further than the right. "I've no regrets." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“It wasn’t from Newgrounds.” Hazard pauses for a moment. “Sorry, I know dat when sticks think of collapsing buildings, dey usually think of Newgrounds, which… I was dere… I just… want ta reassure ya dat da injury wasn’t from dat horrid day.” He drums his fingers on the wood of the bench, pondering for a bit. “It was aftah Newgrounds… Some… wackjob kidnapped our Agent… I went ta go rescue him… didn’t know dat da madman had da building rigged ta explode… managed ta get him out before da building collapsed on me…” He leans back. “Dat was… a little less dan a year before I joined Rocket Corp.? I think?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

[ He cuts himself off, and takes a few breaths to steady his tone. "Thinking out loud. I'll stop now; I understand most people dislike talking and thinking about traumatic past events." ]

[ His right leg bounces slightly, the movement at the peripheral of the camera's lens. ]

[ "What I will say is,, I'm glad that both you and your Agent are well." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

He frowns a bit, and turns slightly towards V.

“How, uh… how much do ya know ‘bout what happened dat day, if ya don’t mind me asking…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

[ "I know most of what needs to be known. But, I wasn't there myself, all my knowledge is secondary source. Read or told or shown from others who were there." ]

[ A smaller rest than normal, before V turns towards Mr Siren in turn, the man's expression clear as day. "May I ask something?" V asks. "There is... one part of the Crash that I could never figure out." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

“Sure,” he finds himself saying. “Whatcha wanna know?”

He feels at ease around V.

[windowsv-sta]

[ "How did you and the other survivors escape? Make it back to the Outernet?" His question is quick to come out, but not abrupt. "I understand that because we're of different universes, some of the details may differ, but..." His voice trails off for a breath. "I believe it'd be worthwhile to have a full understanding of that day. Such that we can try to prevent it from ever happening again." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

He remembers the feeling of falling, of hitting the ground, of wandering through the forest until he had reached the city… and then… his memories picking back up in the ER where there was utter chaos.

[windowsv-sta]

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

[ V's right leg gently nudges at Mr Siren's left. A small, barely-onscreen, inoffensive moment of contact. "I'm sorry," V says. "I didn't mean to cause distress." ]

[ V takes out a notepad and pen, and holds it on his lap out of view of the camera, and tilted away from Mr Siren. He writes some notes, and murmurs to himself, "Portals... That's a lead, at least." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

“Volunteers have come forward ta have dere memories scanned and recorded. I may not have witnessed da creation of da portals mahself, but not a small numbah of animations did.”

It had been… awe-inspiring to watch. Of course there had been panic when the young black hollowhead had landed, animations scattering and trying to flee, but the boy had ignored them, instead focusing on the scattered rubble of what used to be the file images of animations. He had crouched down in front of them and punched down at the ground. White glowing cracks had formed with each punch or two, and once there were enough, he grabbed onto the edge and began to pull, and pull, and pull, the strain obvious in the boy’s face, until, often suddenly, the glowing, wavering white portal ripped open. He’d go through and pop back out before either ushering animations through or frantically closing the portal and trying again a little ways away.

Vic had been able to note the order in which different portals were opened based on how exhausted Chosen had looked, and yet no matter how haggard he appeared, no matter how beaten or tired he seemed, he always managed to make a way out.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's hands pause. "Oh. That's... Well, I suppose that's another way our universes differ. But, any lead helps. I'll stop asking you about that day, you've helped me more than I can thank you for." He writes more in his notepad, away from the eyes of both Mr Siren and the screen. He then puts the notepad back into his pocket, but the pen stays in his hand. ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Hm… Saved a lotta lives doin’ dat. Don’t let anyone tell ya dat our Chosen innit a good kid, ‘specially dat wretched councilman, La Salle.” He practically spits out the man’s name. “Man has beef with a child. A good child!” He shakes his head. “Ah, sorry. Rambling. Saw somethin’ in da papah dat da man said. Makes me all mad. Don’t suppose ya have any experience with ne’er do well politicians?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

[ A taxi drives by. Classic yellow city cab, with an advertisement featuring a man with pale skin, straight deep green hair, and a trimmed goatee and pencil mustache. The advertisement has text in bold, easy to read lettering: 'Vote La Salle! Keep our streets Clean and Green!' ]

[ V's hands go still in concentration. He holds back a laugh, though his chest does heave and the camera shake as a single sharp breath comes out instead. "Didn't you say the fae and Anons operated similarly?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

He notices the held back laugh V lets out and raises an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s an apt comparison, dontcha think? Is… uh… is dere somethin’ funny ‘bout dat?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

[ V watches the taxi and advertisement drive away. "I take it the green he promises has nothing to do with actual environmental care? Actually, no, if I may theorize one step further, fossil fuel companies sponsor him, hence his advertisement being on a cab rather than something more environmentally neutral like a bus or tram." V points to the tailpipe of the taxi, where some faint pale fumes fly from before dissipating into the air. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

Hazard rubs his temples. “Somehow he appeals ta enough folk ta keep gettin’ elected… two-faced bastard.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V adjusts his posture, his legs now tucked under the bench and out of sight rather than reclining out. He also sits more upright. He checks his watch and lets out a soft sigh. "It is starting to get late. I do want to see how my RocketCorp's doing before peak hours end... How is your leg faring?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard looks around. “Eh, mah house innit dat far… mah leg’ll hold out.” Hazard stands up and stretches, his right one trembles a bit but stays steady. “Thanks fa listenin’ ta me ramble.” He extends a hand to V to help him up. “Shall we get goin’?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

[ V doesn't start any conversation. The way back is familiar, and the hoverbike V had parked by Mr Siren's house a few blocks away becomes visible soon. ]

[mindthe-gap]

As the pair approach the house, the door opens. Caution, Alan, and Chosen walk outside, with Orange being carried by Alan.

"Daddy!" Caution starts running up to Hazard.

“Bug!” Hazard scoops her up. “How’re ya doin’?”

“We watched Lilo and Stitch! Orange tired, though…”

“We’re heading to his appointment,” Alan explains. The sleepy Orange is fast asleep, being carried by Alan. Chosen closes the door behind them and waves at V.

“Hi, Mr. V! How was the tour?” He’s just as cheerful as when V first met him.

[windowsv-sta]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

[ Hazard Siren is standing to V's right, at the peripheral of the camera view. They're walking back into town. ]

[ "-s certainly helpful," V's voice comes in. He must have started talking before he turned the camera on. "Hopefully the Anons won't cause us any more issues, with those measures in place." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

It’s so nice, in fact, that Hazard can’t help but feel a sense of sleepy relaxation as the two walk back into the community. “‘S a good thing we’re not strangahs ta those kinds of shenanigans da anons seem fond of - ya not da first visitors from anothah universe ta have graced our slice of da Outahnet.” He glances to the side as they pass by a playground. “I’ll admit, tho, ya being an alternate universe’s version of mah boss threw me off. Nevah encountered dat before.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

[ V stumbles suddenly, without warning. The footage is dizzyingly blurry and shaky. There's a quiet yet very panicked gasp of "shit-" somewhere in the split second of chaos. He doesn't fall to the floor, at least. He steadies himself, accidentally grabbing at Mr Siren's arm in the process. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

Hazard cuts off his mumble as his arm is grabbed, but reaches out to try to help steady V. “Ya good? Do ya need ta sit down?” He looks around. There’s a nearby bench, close to the park, that is empty. “H-here, dere’s a place ta sit down ovah here.”

He starts trying to gently lead V over to said bench. If he was being honest, he needed to sit down himself. His right leg was starting to act up…

[windowsv-sta]

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

[ "Ah, apologies, I'm rambling. I suppose I'm still adapting to the multiverse as well." V leans against the back of the bench and sighs. ]

[mindthe-gap]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh, you as well?" he asks. "May I ask what happened? You've every right to decline." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Ah… building collapsed… got pinned by rubble… took a while fa me ta get rescued.” He shudders at the memory of him screaming himself hoarse as he cried for help, of wondering if he’d ever see the sun again, of wondering if he’d ever be able to hug his little girl again… “Not… great memories, I’ll admit… Uh… can’t stand cramped dark places, eithah, ‘cause of it…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ V clasps his hands together. There's a hesitation, a silence broken only by birdsong and indistinct conversation from the citizens around. ]

[ "Mine was from when I first entered the Outernet," V speaks up. "You likely know the story from Vic. I crash-landed in a rocket of my own making. Frightening in the moment, I'll confess, but..." ]

[ V takes a deep breath and stretches his legs out. The left one reaches further than the right. "I've no regrets." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“It wasn’t from Newgrounds.” Hazard pauses for a moment. “Sorry, I know dat when sticks think of collapsing buildings, dey usually think of Newgrounds, which… I was dere… I just… want ta reassure ya dat da injury wasn’t from dat horrid day.” He drums his fingers on the wood of the bench, pondering for a bit. “It was aftah Newgrounds… Some… wackjob kidnapped our Agent… I went ta go rescue him… didn’t know dat da madman had da building rigged ta explode… managed ta get him out before da building collapsed on me…” He leans back. “Dat was… a little less dan a year before I joined Rocket Corp.? I think?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

[ He cuts himself off, and takes a few breaths to steady his tone. "Thinking out loud. I'll stop now; I understand most people dislike talking and thinking about traumatic past events." ]

[ His right leg bounces slightly, the movement at the peripheral of the camera's lens. ]

[ "What I will say is,, I'm glad that both you and your Agent are well." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

He frowns a bit, and turns slightly towards V.

“How, uh… how much do ya know ‘bout what happened dat day, if ya don’t mind me asking…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

[ "I know most of what needs to be known. But, I wasn't there myself, all my knowledge is secondary source. Read or told or shown from others who were there." ]

[ A smaller rest than normal, before V turns towards Mr Siren in turn, the man's expression clear as day. "May I ask something?" V asks. "There is... one part of the Crash that I could never figure out." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

“Sure,” he finds himself saying. “Whatcha wanna know?”

He feels at ease around V.

[windowsv-sta]

[ "How did you and the other survivors escape? Make it back to the Outernet?" His question is quick to come out, but not abrupt. "I understand that because we're of different universes, some of the details may differ, but..." His voice trails off for a breath. "I believe it'd be worthwhile to have a full understanding of that day. Such that we can try to prevent it from ever happening again." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

He remembers the feeling of falling, of hitting the ground, of wandering through the forest until he had reached the city… and then… his memories picking back up in the ER where there was utter chaos.

[windowsv-sta]

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

[ V's right leg gently nudges at Mr Siren's left. A small, barely-onscreen, inoffensive moment of contact. "I'm sorry," V says. "I didn't mean to cause distress." ]

[ V takes out a notepad and pen, and holds it on his lap out of view of the camera, and tilted away from Mr Siren. He writes some notes, and murmurs to himself, "Portals... That's a lead, at least." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

“Volunteers have come forward ta have dere memories scanned and recorded. I may not have witnessed da creation of da portals mahself, but not a small numbah of animations did.”

It had been… awe-inspiring to watch. Of course there had been panic when the young black hollowhead had landed, animations scattering and trying to flee, but the boy had ignored them, instead focusing on the scattered rubble of what used to be the file images of animations. He had crouched down in front of them and punched down at the ground. White glowing cracks had formed with each punch or two, and once there were enough, he grabbed onto the edge and began to pull, and pull, and pull, the strain obvious in the boy’s face, until, often suddenly, the glowing, wavering white portal ripped open. He’d go through and pop back out before either ushering animations through or frantically closing the portal and trying again a little ways away.

Vic had been able to note the order in which different portals were opened based on how exhausted Chosen had looked, and yet no matter how haggard he appeared, no matter how beaten or tired he seemed, he always managed to make a way out.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's hands pause. "Oh. That's... Well, I suppose that's another way our universes differ. But, any lead helps. I'll stop asking you about that day, you've helped me more than I can thank you for." He writes more in his notepad, away from the eyes of both Mr Siren and the screen. He then puts the notepad back into his pocket, but the pen stays in his hand. ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Hm… Saved a lotta lives doin’ dat. Don’t let anyone tell ya dat our Chosen innit a good kid, ‘specially dat wretched councilman, La Salle.” He practically spits out the man’s name. “Man has beef with a child. A good child!” He shakes his head. “Ah, sorry. Rambling. Saw somethin’ in da papah dat da man said. Makes me all mad. Don’t suppose ya have any experience with ne’er do well politicians?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

[ A taxi drives by. Classic yellow city cab, with an advertisement featuring a man with pale skin, straight deep green hair, and a trimmed goatee and pencil mustache. The advertisement has text in bold, easy to read lettering: 'Vote La Salle! Keep our streets Clean and Green!' ]

[ V's hands go still in concentration. He holds back a laugh, though his chest does heave and the camera shake as a single sharp breath comes out instead. "Didn't you say the fae and Anons operated similarly?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

He notices the held back laugh V lets out and raises an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s an apt comparison, dontcha think? Is… uh… is dere somethin’ funny ‘bout dat?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

[ V watches the taxi and advertisement drive away. "I take it the green he promises has nothing to do with actual environmental care? Actually, no, if I may theorize one step further, fossil fuel companies sponsor him, hence his advertisement being on a cab rather than something more environmentally neutral like a bus or tram." V points to the tailpipe of the taxi, where some faint pale fumes fly from before dissipating into the air. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

Hazard rubs his temples. “Somehow he appeals ta enough folk ta keep gettin’ elected… two-faced bastard.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V adjusts his posture, his legs now tucked under the bench and out of sight rather than reclining out. He also sits more upright. He checks his watch and lets out a soft sigh. "It is starting to get late. I do want to see how my RocketCorp's doing before peak hours end... How is your leg faring?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard looks around. “Eh, mah house innit dat far… mah leg’ll hold out.” Hazard stands up and stretches, his right one trembles a bit but stays steady. “Thanks fa listenin’ ta me ramble.” He extends a hand to V to help him up. “Shall we get goin’?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

[ Hazard Siren is standing to V's right, at the peripheral of the camera view. They're walking back into town. ]

[ "-s certainly helpful," V's voice comes in. He must have started talking before he turned the camera on. "Hopefully the Anons won't cause us any more issues, with those measures in place." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

It’s so nice, in fact, that Hazard can’t help but feel a sense of sleepy relaxation as the two walk back into the community. “‘S a good thing we’re not strangahs ta those kinds of shenanigans da anons seem fond of - ya not da first visitors from anothah universe ta have graced our slice of da Outahnet.” He glances to the side as they pass by a playground. “I’ll admit, tho, ya being an alternate universe’s version of mah boss threw me off. Nevah encountered dat before.”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

[ V stumbles suddenly, without warning. The footage is dizzyingly blurry and shaky. There's a quiet yet very panicked gasp of "shit-" somewhere in the split second of chaos. He doesn't fall to the floor, at least. He steadies himself, accidentally grabbing at Mr Siren's arm in the process. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

Hazard cuts off his mumble as his arm is grabbed, but reaches out to try to help steady V. “Ya good? Do ya need ta sit down?” He looks around. There’s a nearby bench, close to the park, that is empty. “H-here, dere’s a place ta sit down ovah here.”

He starts trying to gently lead V over to said bench. If he was being honest, he needed to sit down himself. His right leg was starting to act up…

[windowsv-sta]

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

[ "Ah, apologies, I'm rambling. I suppose I'm still adapting to the multiverse as well." V leans against the back of the bench and sighs. ]

[mindthe-gap]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh, you as well?" he asks. "May I ask what happened? You've every right to decline." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Ah… building collapsed… got pinned by rubble… took a while fa me ta get rescued.” He shudders at the memory of him screaming himself hoarse as he cried for help, of wondering if he’d ever see the sun again, of wondering if he’d ever be able to hug his little girl again… “Not… great memories, I’ll admit… Uh… can’t stand cramped dark places, eithah, ‘cause of it…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ V clasps his hands together. There's a hesitation, a silence broken only by birdsong and indistinct conversation from the citizens around. ]

[ "Mine was from when I first entered the Outernet," V speaks up. "You likely know the story from Vic. I crash-landed in a rocket of my own making. Frightening in the moment, I'll confess, but..." ]

[ V takes a deep breath and stretches his legs out. The left one reaches further than the right. "I've no regrets." ]

[mindthe-gap]

“It wasn’t from Newgrounds.” Hazard pauses for a moment. “Sorry, I know dat when sticks think of collapsing buildings, dey usually think of Newgrounds, which… I was dere… I just… want ta reassure ya dat da injury wasn’t from dat horrid day.” He drums his fingers on the wood of the bench, pondering for a bit. “It was aftah Newgrounds… Some… wackjob kidnapped our Agent… I went ta go rescue him… didn’t know dat da madman had da building rigged ta explode… managed ta get him out before da building collapsed on me…” He leans back. “Dat was… a little less dan a year before I joined Rocket Corp.? I think?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

[ He cuts himself off, and takes a few breaths to steady his tone. "Thinking out loud. I'll stop now; I understand most people dislike talking and thinking about traumatic past events." ]

[ His right leg bounces slightly, the movement at the peripheral of the camera's lens. ]

[ "What I will say is,, I'm glad that both you and your Agent are well." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

He frowns a bit, and turns slightly towards V.

“How, uh… how much do ya know ‘bout what happened dat day, if ya don’t mind me asking…”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

[ "I know most of what needs to be known. But, I wasn't there myself, all my knowledge is secondary source. Read or told or shown from others who were there." ]

[ A smaller rest than normal, before V turns towards Mr Siren in turn, the man's expression clear as day. "May I ask something?" V asks. "There is... one part of the Crash that I could never figure out." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

“Sure,” he finds himself saying. “Whatcha wanna know?”

He feels at ease around V.

[windowsv-sta]

[ "How did you and the other survivors escape? Make it back to the Outernet?" His question is quick to come out, but not abrupt. "I understand that because we're of different universes, some of the details may differ, but..." His voice trails off for a breath. "I believe it'd be worthwhile to have a full understanding of that day. Such that we can try to prevent it from ever happening again." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

He remembers the feeling of falling, of hitting the ground, of wandering through the forest until he had reached the city… and then… his memories picking back up in the ER where there was utter chaos.

[windowsv-sta]

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

[ V's right leg gently nudges at Mr Siren's left. A small, barely-onscreen, inoffensive moment of contact. "I'm sorry," V says. "I didn't mean to cause distress." ]

[ V takes out a notepad and pen, and holds it on his lap out of view of the camera, and tilted away from Mr Siren. He writes some notes, and murmurs to himself, "Portals... That's a lead, at least." ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

“Volunteers have come forward ta have dere memories scanned and recorded. I may not have witnessed da creation of da portals mahself, but not a small numbah of animations did.”

It had been… awe-inspiring to watch. Of course there had been panic when the young black hollowhead had landed, animations scattering and trying to flee, but the boy had ignored them, instead focusing on the scattered rubble of what used to be the file images of animations. He had crouched down in front of them and punched down at the ground. White glowing cracks had formed with each punch or two, and once there were enough, he grabbed onto the edge and began to pull, and pull, and pull, the strain obvious in the boy’s face, until, often suddenly, the glowing, wavering white portal ripped open. He’d go through and pop back out before either ushering animations through or frantically closing the portal and trying again a little ways away.

Vic had been able to note the order in which different portals were opened based on how exhausted Chosen had looked, and yet no matter how haggard he appeared, no matter how beaten or tired he seemed, he always managed to make a way out.

[windowsv-sta]

[ V's hands pause. "Oh. That's... Well, I suppose that's another way our universes differ. But, any lead helps. I'll stop asking you about that day, you've helped me more than I can thank you for." He writes more in his notepad, away from the eyes of both Mr Siren and the screen. He then puts the notepad back into his pocket, but the pen stays in his hand. ]

[mindthe-gap]

“Hm… Saved a lotta lives doin’ dat. Don’t let anyone tell ya dat our Chosen innit a good kid, ‘specially dat wretched councilman, La Salle.” He practically spits out the man’s name. “Man has beef with a child. A good child!” He shakes his head. “Ah, sorry. Rambling. Saw somethin’ in da papah dat da man said. Makes me all mad. Don’t suppose ya have any experience with ne’er do well politicians?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

[ A taxi drives by. Classic yellow city cab, with an advertisement featuring a man with pale skin, straight deep green hair, and a trimmed goatee and pencil mustache. The advertisement has text in bold, easy to read lettering: 'Vote La Salle! Keep our streets Clean and Green!' ]

[ V's hands go still in concentration. He holds back a laugh, though his chest does heave and the camera shake as a single sharp breath comes out instead. "Didn't you say the fae and Anons operated similarly?" ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

He notices the held back laugh V lets out and raises an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s an apt comparison, dontcha think? Is… uh… is dere somethin’ funny ‘bout dat?”

[windowsv-sta]

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

[ V watches the taxi and advertisement drive away. "I take it the green he promises has nothing to do with actual environmental care? Actually, no, if I may theorize one step further, fossil fuel companies sponsor him, hence his advertisement being on a cab rather than something more environmentally neutral like a bus or tram." V points to the tailpipe of the taxi, where some faint pale fumes fly from before dissipating into the air. ]

[mindthe-gap]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

Hazard rubs his temples. “Somehow he appeals ta enough folk ta keep gettin’ elected… two-faced bastard.”