only acting.

find another role, and carry on the show. this blog concluded april 30th 2024 and currently exists as an archive.

[rosadolces]

Uh.

Hi!

Idk if you’re reading the asks anymore, but just in case you are…

I’m that one anon who basically had an emotional breakdown after CC “died” the first time. I’m sure you know what I’m referring to, since you referenced it in your goodbye post.

I may have been a bit… dramatic at the time. I was stressed from stuff and ended up getting really invested, so that’s why I came off as so emotional.

I don’t really know what else to say. I’m just rambling. I just wanted to thank you for writing this. It really shows how good your writing is that I got so invested.

Thank you. 💖

From one artist to another — I understand! RP/writing has always been my outlet for when life gets too stressful and not fun. I'm glad I could be that for you, too. The best years of your life are still ahead of you, though ... Keep going !!

CC believes in you. ♡

[rosadolces]

knife lessons with uncle shadough

[rosadolces]

if it wasn't obvious, these are just some what-if designs! if they had a chance to reach their full potential... their true selves.

[rosadolces]

knife lessons with uncle shadough

[rosadolces]

i n t h e h a n d s o f f a t e .

[rosadolces]

This is the end of Cotton Candy's story.

Which begs the question... rosadolces! What happens now?

Sending Cotton Candy off was not an easy decision for me to make. I was very honored by the impact of her death on the dashboard. The amount of muses affected, the amount of friends begging me to say she'd be okay. That one anon! I still don't know the identity of begging for a sweet ending for her. To think, a silly joke OC would garner so much attention was... insane to me!

...Not to say her follower count ever broke triple digits, but she did have a dramatic presence. Thank you for that. Never, when I created her for a simple joke, did I think I'd be making a sideblog and sending her through character development.

CC found a new family! Reunited with her other surviving siblings from Italy. She played Pokeymanz, made bad desserts, joined cuddle piles, and was loved. By muses and muns alike, even if I never got to interact with all of you... I suppose, combined with my hubby's retirement, it all made me want to... leave something behind. Something special and permanent in this never-ending chase of tumblr RP. Something my friends can use, something that stays with their muses and memories even if I can't always be here.

... I'm not retiring, though. The tumblr RPC is too much of a home for me to leave behind. (I am in desperate need of a detox from technology, however, so expect a hiatus announcement.) But as a chronic muse/blog hopper... I'm tired of leaving loose ends! There was no one I trusted more to write a wonderful ending for my character than Vincent himself.

While all interactions are now closed, this blog will remain up as an archive... as well as the occasional art dump. Expect one of my first pieces soon! (It would've been up with this post, but... That's life!) I still love her dearly, even if this decision seems to suggest otherwise.

So, uhm... Thank you! Really! As someone who struggles so much with her personal demons... This was all such a wonderful reminder of how loved I am. And I love you all equally... maybe even more so. To be able to give and receive the gift of creation may be the highest honor of them all.

Now take this cute icon of Miku to distract from the fact I'm currently bawling my eyes out... As I have been since the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon ost was linked. And even more so because of Erii.

You guys are incredible.

Thank you.

[lordofthelostworld]

In a spiraling flourish of smoke, Death reemerged within the sanctity of the Lost World. Already, he could feel his strength returning to him in droves, now that he was awake and surrounded by a decent number of spirits who wandered the space. A few new wisps decidedly approached to hover about his shoulders, given those which had been with him prior expended their energy. They should regain their form later, albeit not as bright as before. Not like their visibility would matter, because what they had done should prepare them for the journey ahead.

Speaking of. The very reasons why he had hurried home were waiting for him.

“Please excuse me for my tardiness. It’s been a busy night; I’m sure you both understand.”

A wry smile was given to the two figures. They had been a little unclear before, but now he could fully see them for who they were. Did they somehow know he would not have recognized them in their purest states? Regardless, it was pleasant to see their faces one last time, given what they were here for.

The more amicable of the two was the first to approach. Her rosy pink form was just as warm as she was in personality, exhibiting her kindness and the love she felt towards the people who surrounded her. An internal wish for her family and friends to carry on and support each other shone brightly within.

@rosadolces asked: ' ... Could you make sure this gets to someone important to me? ' A familiar, pink ribbon was placed in his hands. The spirit offered a gentle smile. ' And ... Thank you for helping them. I'm ready. '

Oh? Never has anything like this happened before. Spirits usually could not carry physical objects for obvious reasons. However, if he had to hazard a guess, it must have been out of sheer will that she was able to bring it here. After all, it was meant for someone she cared deeply about.

Curiously, he accepted the accessory, holding it delicately. As she handed it to him, a visual of the person she was referring to flickered in his mind. Even still, his powers were a little unstable, though he was not complaining. This made things much easier on him. He could even see where he should be able to deliver it.

“Of course.” Nodding to her, he carefully tucked the ribbon into storage for now. “I know I’ve already expressed my gratitude before, but… you both truly shined out there. What you did, it was nothing short of valiant. I don’t doubt everyone is grateful for all you have done to protect them, as well.”

A soft, low breath was taken. He had only met them during the battle, and yet, it felt so strange to do this. Opening his palms, his scythe materialized, naturally setting in his grip.

“Alright then.” Tightening his hold, he waited for Cotton Candy to revert to a wisp-like state, indicating her preparedness. Then, he raised his scythe high over his head and swung down, cleaving into the center.

It was not painful. It was liberating, in every sense of the word. All the weight of reality which bore on her soul was released, separating it from the mortal world. Shining like a star, a twinkling white light broke free from the flame, and it began to drift away towards the glowing tunnel in the back.

“Safe travels, and take care.” He waved, watching her until she vanished into the gate.

Then, his gaze shifted to the other one. Fittingly, he was a bright burning red, which is a passionate color in itself. Ever the warrior, fighting for the sake of strength itself – until that strength could be used for a greater purpose. One he may not have anticipated, but he adapted. Perhaps he even learned a little more about what it meant to live.

@pizzatrocious asked: "Whatever lies ahead, I hope it ain't too peaceful. A fighter like me needs something to keep 'em sharp, y'know?" The spirit paused for a moment, pondering the possibilities of the afterlife. "...Eh, non è importante. Just send me on over."

Truthfully, Death did not know what lurked beyond the gate. It could be anything, really. For all he knew, the afterlife might cater to everyone who passed certain checks. Whatever those checks might be, he did not doubt either of these two were qualified. They had sacrificed so much, and grew tremendously in such a short amount of time.

“Who knows? It might be everything you could have ever dreamed of and more.” His head tilted. There could be plenty of people like him, just waiting for a new challenge. He most certainly could provide.

Best not to keep him waiting, either way. It looked like he was raring to go.

“Very well. I’ll make this quick.”

Just like before, Death allowed Shadough to shift back into a sphere of spectral fire for the ritual. Again, he lifted his scythe high over his head and swung down, severing his bond with reality. Any burdens he might carry, they were gone in the blink of an eye.

Another star rose from within. Somehow, he felt like this one was going to bolt, so he said his farewells immediately. “May you find what you’re looking for in the great beyond. Take care, now.”

Aaand he zipped off, towards the great unknown.

Silently, the reaper looked back, staring at the entrance to the afterlife with a mild somberness. It was bittersweet, watching them go. But he knew they would be happier there, no longer under the threat of someone else’s control. They were free to be who they wanted to be, without anything holding them back.

His scythe was dismissed.

“Well. That’s that. There’s only one thing left to do now.”

Closing his eyes, he vanished once again, taking the three souls lingering about him. Time to repay the favor.

[rosadolces]

To surpass Peppino.

Cotton Candy was too stunned for words. Would that have been a better or worse? She, her clutch, and the friends who escaped the crumbling tower of pizza and survived that horrid night were programmed to be Peppino. Try as they did, their only success was in making his name too unbearable to carry.

...And that's how they came together. Peppino became Papeeno. Peppino became Tape. Peppino became Jae 2. Peppino became Cotton Candy. They could never imagine what life would be like outside of the tower, or how happy their escape would make them. Cotton Candy got to eat yummy food! She could bake crummy desserts out of dirt without discipline. She could watch Gold catch Pokeymanz, paint, and do everything she couldn't have done under the oppressive machinery of Italy.

Shadough never had that chance to be happy, and that made her ... sad.

So much so, that she almost missed the question.

' Father once mentioned he wanted to be remembered for ... something. ' From his castles, treasures, and video games, he had the ambition to go down in history! She'd caught his half-asleep rambles about how no one expected him to find success and how much he knew they were wrong — how he had his own way of tackling challenges; the Wario way. It's hard not to let that fiery ambition against all odds infect you, Mother once said. How right she was.

' I guess... I understand that, ya know? ' A faint giggle. ' We did something incredible together. Something I never thought I'd be able to do. Ever! In my life. '

Her gaze drifted in the direction of home.

' ... There's no telling if I could even make it, to tell you the truth. ' Indeed, the thought of fixing herself crossed her mind... as well as several concerns that would only bring more grief to all parties involved. ' I think... it's better if they remember me valiantly than to watch me struggle on some minuscule, unfavorable chance. ' She wouldn't let them lose her a second time.

' I saved them, just as they saved me with their love. ' A careful pause... Somewhere, there's a grateful smile. It's for Papeeno, Tape, Gold, Jae 2, the pink bunny lady, her parents... and especially for Shadough. ' Though I'll miss them terribly... I have no regrets. '

[pizzatrocious]

'...Being remembered as valiant, huh? Sounds nice...'

He definitely understood that one. What with the way he went out on his own terms, when he was certain his death was near. He remembered the growing impatience on the Noise clone's face as Shadough's body grew weaker and weaker, and he knew... his time was up. Better to go out on a memorable note, as opposed to dying with a sad, forgettable whimper. He wasn't exactly the type to stay in anyone's heart, but at the very least... he hoped he made an impression with those watching his final moments.

'...We should get things wrapped up here, though.' He held up one of their hands, the surface of it constantly melting and reshaping, droplets running down their arm. 'I don't think this damn thing's gonna hold together much longer.'

With a bit of a struggle, he picked up the pencil they'd previously grabbed, and got to work. Shadough didn't have much of anything to say, especially to people he's never met... so he decided to let CC take the lead.

It was admittedly a bit of a struggle, but they managed to write out a fairly cohesive message on the receipt paper. Peppino clones weren't exactly known for fine motor control, but luckily Shadough was designed with a little more precision in mind. He focused the last of his energy on guiding CC's hand steadily through the process, making sure that she signed it at the end.

And with that, remained Shadough's own little parting gift... a bit of a parting taunt, as opposed to something with heartwarming intent. He reached into their doughy body, and rummaged clumsily for a moment, until... he pulled one of the broken halves of his blade from their body, holding the hilt in their hand. He stared for a moment, their reflection looking back at them in the pale moonlight, before placing it gently atop the piece of paper.

'Maybe now we can get some rest... See ya on the other side, kid.'

. . .

They turned slightly, staring up at the beautiful night sky. For a moment, they both pondered what could have been, the endless stars in the sky bringing to mind infinite possibilities. A world where they could both live their lives the way they wanted, free from the shackles of their existences.

For Shadough, a world of endless adventure and challenge, a world where he can truly hone his abilities and become a respected warrior.

For Cotton Candy, a world where she could be herself and live a simple life, surrounded by friends and family.

Soon, hopeful daydreams slowly slipped into peaceful dreams, their starry visions gently fading as they slipped slowly, slowly... into a peaceful slumber.

'Thank you for everything . . .' '. . . Good night.'

[pizzatrocious]

'Call it curiosity, I guess.'

He pondered in silence for a moment, thoughts swirling about in their mind like clouds on a windy day. He knew an answer like that was a bit too simple, a bit too dismissive, so he thought of how to follow up. After a moment of silence between the two, he continued.

'I was made for one thing, and one thing alone... to be able to surpass Peppino in combat... But I guess I got a bit ahead of myself there.' Perhaps he should have listened to Pizzahead... but what did that guy know? After all, he created a clone designed to have a rebellious edge, yet never expected him to actually rebel against his orders. What good was sitting around and waiting, for a guy like Shadough?

'Hell, my original plan was to go around absorbing my brethren until I was strong enough. But here I am, helping one of 'em instead.' The clones' body heaved slightly, attempting to let out a pained laugh at the thought of it. 'I stood no chance, the guy's good. But not because of any sorta training or power boosts... nah, the guy just had something to fight for.'

And boy, did he fight for it. Though Shadough had severely underestimated his own body's constitution, that didn't change the fact that Peppino had thoroughly thrashed him. Only in death would he be willing to admit it, but a part of him felt like even under better circumstances, he wouldn't have beaten Peppino. Not in any way that would've mattered, at least.

'...Guess I wanted to see what that was like.' For all his feelings on friendship being a liability, Shadough still wasn't one to shy away from anything that he deemed would make him stronger, physically or mentally. Call it a lame excuse to do something nice, but he'd never gotten the chance to think about right and wrong to begin with. Not many of the clones did... not even the one he briefly worked with, as much as he hated that guy.

'What about you, why aren't you trying to repair yourself? Y'sure are leaving a whole lot behind, yourself. Ya got WAY more of a future than a guy like me.'

[rosadolces]

To surpass Peppino.

Cotton Candy was too stunned for words. Would that have been a better or worse? She, her clutch, and the friends who escaped the crumbling tower of pizza and survived that horrid night were programmed to be Peppino. Try as they did, their only success was in making his name too unbearable to carry.

...And that's how they came together. Peppino became Papeeno. Peppino became Tape. Peppino became Jae 2. Peppino became Cotton Candy. They could never imagine what life would be like outside of the tower, or how happy their escape would make them. Cotton Candy got to eat yummy food! She could bake crummy desserts out of dirt without discipline. She could watch Gold catch Pokeymanz, paint, and do everything she couldn't have done under the oppressive machinery of Italy.

Shadough never had that chance to be happy, and that made her ... sad.

So much so, that she almost missed the question.

' Father once mentioned he wanted to be remembered for ... something. ' From his castles, treasures, and video games, he had the ambition to go down in history! She'd caught his half-asleep rambles about how no one expected him to find success and how much he knew they were wrong — how he had his own way of tackling challenges; the Wario way. It's hard not to let that fiery ambition against all odds infect you, Mother once said. How right she was.

' I guess... I understand that, ya know? ' A faint giggle. ' We did something incredible together. Something I never thought I'd be able to do. Ever! In my life. '

Her gaze drifted in the direction of home.

' ... There's no telling if I could even make it, to tell you the truth. ' Indeed, the thought of fixing herself crossed her mind... as well as several concerns that would only bring more grief to all parties involved. ' I think... it's better if they remember me valiantly than to watch me struggle on some minuscule, unfavorable chance. ' She wouldn't let them lose her a second time.

' I saved them, just as they saved me with their love. ' A careful pause... Somewhere, there's a grateful smile. It's for Papeeno, Tape, Gold, Jae 2, the pink bunny lady, her parents... and especially for Shadough. ' Though I'll miss them terribly... I have no regrets. '

[pizzatrocious]

They watched the night sky with a hollow sense of longing as they made their way toward the building in the distance. The night felt as though it'd gone on forever, and for them, it would. Both of them had accepted their fates long ago, long before this. For one of them, their fate was relinquished to passion. For the other, it was given out of love.

It was fairly easy to leave the battlefield, once the fog began to clear. Despite their struggle to stay together, the clones that littered the battlefield were little more than child's play to one of them, all the effort to dispatch them being in swinging the weapon itself. When the fog began to clear, they knew it'd be for the best to make their exit as well. After all... a sad, prolonged goodbye would be too much for one of their hearts to bear, and too much of a time-waster for the other, who was barely managing as it is.

The Peppino clone shambled through the slightly-damaged, unlocked doors of Peppino's Pizzeria, their body bubbling and struggling to hold its shape. Managing to find a pencil and blank receipt paper after a bit of a struggle, they sat down at one of the tables that'd been pushed to the side, the night sky through the windows illuminating them.

One of them spoke, but... not verbally. Instead, a voice echoed through their head, his otherwise rough demeanor declawed by his exhaustion.

'Well... hell of a workout, but we're here.'

@rosadolces

[rosadolces]

Dizzy is her vision through his eyes. Would she have known where they were if Shadough never spoke up? She poured the last of her strength into operating their shared form, and her trust into his abilities. Cotton Candy hadn't noticed they left the field until they were trekking through the night, comforted by the stars above.

' Thank you ... ' Her conscious meekly managed. By the time Shadough was consumed, most of what made Cotton Candy herself had been... lost. A damaged, doughy core barely clinging on if only for the slim, slim chance of being able to do something more. She fought for every second she could, even if her strongest, fiercest effort resulted in a mockery of her original self.

Then he joined her in the belly of the beast, sparking the last bit of hope her soul could muster.

' ...Why did you let me stay? ' CC couldn't question it in the chaos. When she reached out, she'd fear he'd reject her for being too weak. When he accepted, she was ready to relinquish the rest of herself to him. Now they were sitting where her new life began, hidden away in a silence unfitting of her happier memories. ' You're stronger than me. CC thought for sure, you'd... ' Her thoughts cut off, as if cursing herself for almost making such a cruel comparison.

Not even he, as terrifying as he'd been to her, deserved that.

' Why did you help me, Shadough? '

[rosadolces]

See you in the morning, honeypie...

[pizzatrocious]

What a way for things to go, huh? There was many a time where he could've stopped far sooner, or even avoided this situation all together. Yet from the very moment he escaped from containment, it's all been just one big manic blur. Could you truly blame him, someone living his life as a scared, cornered animal? Constantly trying to run on gut instincts, even if they don't make sense to others?

"The hell's a guy gonna do when he's dealt a hand like that...?"

Time moved at a snail's pace for the two, the thoughts running through his head becoming slower and slower. He kept trying to pull himself together, but his body had other plans, the surface of his being constantly melting and re-forming. A pair of droopy, anxious eyes met the other's comforting ones, lingering for a while as he stared off.

He thought back to Italy, and the comfort she brought him even while in that loud, chaotic, otherwise lonely room. He thought about the way she'd bring him comfort when that hollow feeling in his chest lingered, a feeling brought about by being an incomplete set. He thought about the time they'd spent together, and the way it felt like a distant, lost dream.

He could never truly be mad at her, could he?

Not when she was always there for him in spirit. Not when everything she'd do for him was always for his own sake, even when he constantly set himself up for sabotage. Despite his protests as he was dragged off, he secretly knew she was right to do so.

They were two halves of the same coin, after all. Even if none of it was real.

"I know you're lookin' out for me... Sorry for draggin' you into this mess, Rosepetal."

[rosadolces]

They were cruel to bring him into this world alone. Longing for something that could never be, lost without his other half. He'd done everything to claw his way out, and when he finally found that missing piece, the one to make everything okay again...

She'd turned her back on him.

Noise 2 never had vivid memories of Italy ... she only knew of the dreams of his name in dazzling lights, red carpets, and fancy dinners. He'd shower her with gifts after a long day of maintaining her store, and they'd relish in their success together. All of these hopes and dreams pushed The Noise through the static of his miserable existence.

Mutated from his isolation, plucked from delusions dreams of grandeur, his diligent Rosepetal couldn't have been a better actress. Cook his favorite foods, set up shop, and cheer him on as they both pursued their dreams. He could work any amount of hours, vanish for months for the sake of the job, and she'd understand. She wouldn't be lonely, she wouldn't fret, because she knew they'd always be connected.

Even now, he hurt. Even now, he needed her. Noise 2 pulled him into her arms and buried her head into his shoulder. It was time for her to take her bows.

Merci beaucoup, mon amour. For giving me a chance to exist in this world. For giving me the chance to be with you. The line between her yellow dress and his yellow vest disappeared as she held onto him even tighter, her form sinking and mixing into the other. Though it was over fast, there couldn't have been a happier girl on the planet.

It's warm, unlike anything he's been shown since he was brought into this world. Her legs wobbled before the rest of her form toppled into him, savoring the final seconds of their embrace. This was how she could repay him. Fake Noise would be overwhelmed with a sense of devotion as she continued to slip away.

Her gratitude kissed his cheeks.

Her love rebuilt his foundation.

'Til the stage calls again.

Her smile persisted, even as the last of her began to fade, even as she grew terribly sleepy. It was as if he were tucking her into bed. Like he had gently pressed a kiss onto her forehead to wish her pleasant dreams. He'd see her in the morning, he'd promise, with the most delicious breakfast to motivate her for the day ahead.

Further and further, she sank...

Until she was no more.

[pizzatrocious]

It took him a while to process where he was, as you could imagine. Especially when he'd slammed into the ground face-first. It took him a moment, but he eventually sat up, melting and bubbling eyes surveying the area. They were FAR from the studio, that's for sure. And this place... it seemed familiar.

He stared for a long, LONG time at Noise 2. He had so much to say, and it was fighting for dominance as it all made a mad rush from his brain to his mouth. After what felt like an eternity, his arms were thrown into the air in sheer rage, slamming the soft earth beneath him. He lurched upward, his body still struggling to keep shape.

"...WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" His high-pitched scream echoed through the area, birds scattering to the skies. "I NEARLY HAD 'EM! HE WAS RIGHT THERE, BEATEN TO ABSOLUTE $#*%, AND MINE FOR THE TAKING! ALL I HAD TO DO WAS ABSORB HIM, AND THE LIFE OF LUXURY WAS IN OUR #&^%ING CLAWS!!"

He thought back to that moment, the other Noise completely beaten to a pulp and barely clinging on. Ready to be absorbed. First him, then Pizzahead. Then that world of caviar and fast cars was all his.

"I HAD THEM TRAPPED!! TRAPPED LIKE THE UGLY LITTLE WORMS THEY ARE, AND YOU JUST GO AND—"

And save him?

He thought back to that moment. He thought back to the way that girl that shared his Rosepetal's face jumped in front of his attack. The fear and hope in her eyes as she shielded his mirror image from harm. The fear of the inevitable, and the hope that her sacrifice would be enough to protect the love of her life. It was all so picturesque, like a scene directly out of a film... and it made him feel so hollow.

"I nearly... I just... I just wanted..."

Fists clench, shake, and melt. He tries to think of what to say as he stares at her, to absolutely no avail.

[rosadolces]

I'm sorry.

What can either of them say to each other? They may have been temporarily safe, but the air felt as oppressive as Italy. (Did it?) The extremes they were driven to and the consequences that crawled up their spines. He began to shout, but she didn't flinch. It's not she he's mad at — at least, not entirely.

. . .

She gently clasped one of his gloves, carefully pressing its substance back into the mold of a hand. Noise 2 gave it a squeeze and moved on to the other deformed fist. She is gentle, careful, and quiet... But very clearly has a lot on her mind. She just needs to sort it out.

I know— I– I'm sorry, honeypie... She flattened his bowtie next. You were brilliant, too... Even if her first customers accused him of awful things. Even if they wanted to... A hiccup. The prop that wasn't really a prop, all of the shouting, and the vitriol against the pair just trying to survive. That girl in the trench coat, the employee she dubbed 'Noise 3.'.. was the only one that made her feel welcomed, as short-lived as that was.

Noise 2 smoothed out the edges of his mask, then cupped his cheeks.

But you were ... hurting. I was scared. I'm so, so sorry. I had to do something– I'm sorry. If I lost you —

...

Her hands rested on his shoulders as a sad, yet hopeful smile struggled to form.

I'm here.

[rosadolces]

@pizzatrocious

It didn't matter what she had to do. As long as she got The Noise anywhere safe, where he wouldn't be found...

! ! TERRAIN ! ! TERRAIN ! ! PULL UP ! ! PULL UP ! ! ... They'd be able to pick themselves back up again.

They crash against the pavement, scraping to a halt. She yanked down on her ears in a feeble attempt to block out the cacophony in their brain. Terror. Betrayal. Guilt. Heartbreak. She recused The Noise in his time of need. She helped the other clone in the pizzeria reunite with Peppino. Hadn't she done the right thing?

Noise 2 sat up and scanned the horizon. Once she snatched her honeypie, her mind blanked — no true destination in mind. She sees... an ornate, black fence. A stunning mansion that'd surely make the drool in any other situation, fancy hedges, lush trees, and... her beloved lying with his face buried into the ground.

This was not how their second meeting was supposed to go. Bits of her polarized flesh returned to both her and him as she ran to meet him. She watched as he stirred, tears threatening to spill. Noise 2 wanted their reunion to be a happy one. One where she'd shower him in kisses as he scooped her up and spun her in his arms. They'd share a laugh, nuzzle noses and he'd ... propose, ready to begin their newly-forged future.

He locked eyes with her as he sat up, flesh still dripping.

And she is frozen.

As much as she wanted to wrap her arms around him... She understands the gravity of what she's done.

[asterismas]

...

It all happened so fast, didn't it?

Hiding in her little corner of the stadium - hiding in her little corner of the world - and desperate to NOT be found, Noisette simply never saw it coming-- not until it was too late. Not the stone rain of what had once apparently been the Tower, not the fog that managed to keep her more hidden from everyone else, not the clones somehow becoming more violent than usual. But even as the world seemed to turn on itself, Noisette remained miraculously unharmed and even more surprisingly unnoticed. Scared out of her mind, definitely, but unharmed.

Maybe there was a little Cartoon Comedy left to protect her.

(Or maybe she really was more useless and insignificant than she thought she was, if not even the narrative seemed interested in her).

Either way, it didn't matter. She had resolved to stay out of the fight and keep everyone else safe for her stupidity until it was all over, didn't she? So no matter if stone rained or if fog fell, she would stay hidden. She would NOT get in the way, no matter what she'd hear. She would stay put with Lonnie, close her eyes and plug her ears, and she would NOT cause more trouble for everyone else!

And yet.

Trouble had other plans for her.

Because in that moment, what had been distant yelling suddenly became much clearer dialogue. Unmistakeble voices. A sound not even her worst nightmares could've conjured on their own.

It was enough to get her to open her eyes.

It all happened so fast, didn't it?

The thick ocean of fog parts, making way for the pink shooting star she's become. Toon Logic or not, can her skates even go that fast? Can they handle that speed? It doesn't matter. She doesn't care. She'll force it anyways, if she needs to. There's just no time; no time to say goodbye to Lonnie --left behind, quickly yet safely tucked behind a piece of Tower debris, where hopefully no clone would find them. A kiss on the forehead is all she can give them in the end. There is so much more she wishes she could leave them, more she could've done with them but there's just no time and they are gone fast asleep. Maybe it's better if they are, in the end.

...

She wishes she could say she's doing this for better reasons. And well, she DOES have plenty of them! To make it up for what happened to that poor kid at the pizzeria. To make it up to that Peppino-who-was-not-Peppino. To make things right by CC, and that other kid (she's never known him, yet she doesn't think she'll be able to forget the name 'Ronnie' now). To make it up to Giuse...Gustavo, and Brick, and Peppino.

To prove that she CAN be useful.

To prove that she ISN'T stupid.

To prove that she IS a good person.

But the truth of the matter is: when Noisette finally brakes smack-dab in the middle of his trajectory, arms spread open and eyes shut tight, she does it above all else for very, very selfish reasons. Because at the heart of it all, underneath that pink bunny mask, Hazel is a very, very selfish woman.

A selfish woman who loves Theodore Noise more than anything.

...

It all happened so fast,

didn't it?

[emptyzone]

This wasn't how this was supposed to end.

Theodore was prepared to pull out all of the stops for the finale. You know, go super, Peppino conveniently getting up, all of that stuff always happens in the movies. But this is so very real and it's extremely terrifying. He's going to die-- No, worse. He's going to be a part of this thing. Screaming and struggling the whole time, going out with a whimper as he contributes to the worst thing he's ever needed to deal with. What happens when he's absorbed? Does he become Fake Noise, or is he just trapped in his subconscious, forced to witness him finally get his claws on Pizzahead, and...

No.

He keeps firing. Even when the other stumbles, it doesn't give him hope. Snoise knows he needs a grand finale. Even if it destroyed him in the process, he would do anything for it. He keeps firing and firing. Theodore doesn't even run out of ammo, but he watches as the other takes those deliberate steps. The gun was no longer a barrier between him and the other. It never was. Theodore sees that smile. He's prepared to shut his eyes. Just to feel the pain and not see himself just turn into nothing.

Noisette.

The thought is forced into his head as the sticker notices before he does. His eyes widen even more. What? What do you mean? She's here? No, she can't be-- Of course she is. Everyone and their granddad is here, why wouldn't she be here? Why didn't I see her before? Oh god. Oh god, no. No. NO. NOISETTE, Y--

He sees his world suddenly in front of him. The gun drops from his hands. Nothing matters anymore. If Peppino had gotten up, he wouldn't have noticed. If the audience was gone, he wouldn't have noticed. If the world was crumbling around him in the physical way, he wouldn't have noticed.

Theodore reaches out with tattered gloved hands. It's blinding. Terror isn't eclipsed. It intensifies, it burns away at him more than the snake's touch, it truly engulfs him when he barely sees it as she puts herself between him and the beast. No. No, let him take me. Not you. No. No. No. Nothing matters anymore. No. No. Please. Please, you deserve to live. You...

He wails. There's still noise within him, but.

"HAZEL--"

It's too late.

[pizzatrocious]

He stared at her. Stared at her. Stared directly through her. His eyes were filled with so many emotions. Anger. Fear. Betrayal. Sadness. His entire being wavered as he watched what he saw as his beloved crumple to the ground.

"Rosepetal… what…? What the HELL are you doing? Why… why did you stop me, it—this is what we've been waiting for! SO WHY—"

He trailed off mid-sentence, eyes still locked onto her. He couldn't understand it. He couldn't understand ANY of this. Why was she here? Why wasn't she waiting in the Pizzeria like they'd agreed upon? Why is she PROTECTING him!?

"I KNOW things didn't go as planned, but we were SO CLOSE to finally being free! Free from the labcoats, free from the torture, free from THAT PRISON we called Italy!"

"WE DESERVED A CHANCE TOO, DAMN IT...! And if the ONLY way out was violence..." The show must go on.

Violence was the only answer that ever seemed to work for him. It helped him escape his prison, helped him to get his first contestant, and helped him to scratch the constant burning itch that was his deeply-embedded desire to make Peppino's life hell. It was, after all, in The Noise's nature to torment the Italian. Yet, at the same time... all the situation did was escalate further and further, into the deepest darkest void. Left with nothing but a world of people that hated him down to his very core.

. . .

Nowhere to go now but even further, right?

He took a step forward, raising his claws. Eyes darted between his Rosepetal, and his inferior. HOW? Since WHEN? Haven't they ALWAYS been together, through both the good and the bad? Whenever things would get bad, she'd always be there with her lovely food, that wonderful smile, and a nice big hug! Back in Italy, they—

. . . . . . This . . . . . . . . . This isn't her.

He supposed it made sense. Fake Peppino. Fake Noise. His precious 'Noise 2' was yet another, wasn't she? She was the one that was always there for him, through thick and thin, not the original that lay before him.

And yet, why do my memories of her in Italy feel so foggy...?

. . .

And why did that hollow feeling in his chest eat away at him as he stared at the original?

. . .

He continued to stand there, completely frozen in place, claws at the ready. There was nothing left now, and it was clear the other Noise was no longer in anything resembling fighting condition. Nothing left but to claim his prize, and continue the show as always. The show must go on. Forever and ever, show after show.

Show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show, after show—

He felt something suddenly, forcefully clutch at the back of his cape, yanking him close. Little time to react, as he was immediately whisked away, whisked away by... oh.

Noise 2 was quick and efficient in her rescue. In one swift movement, she managed to scoop him up and carry him off, her jetpack doing most of the heavy lifting as it propelled them. Kicking and screaming in protest, the Noise clone flew off with the other, past the main arena, past the barrier to the audience, and through the door that led directly to the NTV building.

In only a fraction of a second... they were gone.

Slowly, the arena began to close in, further and further... first, slowly reverting back to a circus tent, the barrier quickly dropping. Then, back into a television studio, much of the decor of the cooking show still remaining. Then, finally... a supply closet. Most of the debris was quick to be absorbed the the room itself, the Tower sharing much of the same magic that created the clone's studios.

As for anyone still remaining inside? They were forcefully ejected out of the room, spilling into one of the hallways of the original Noise's TV studio. Rows and rows of the previously-created magical doors sat outside, seemingly also ejected by the room. A long, heavy silence filled the hallways, only broken apart by the occasional murmurs of the still-confused audience and the denizens of the Pizza Tower.

. . .

. . .

. . . This was it, right?

With the clone completely gone, all parties exhausted, and the studio reverting back to normal…

The battle was, by definition, over.

[phonypizza]

The following events are harrowing.

The scream. The multiple duplicates. The fighting. The swarm of people -- there's Gustavo, there's Brick, there's Papeeno, there's the thief who sneaks in for flour sometimes and his robotic friend, there's--

There are so many who are helping...

But then the Tower swings down and

Dough Rat presses its face against the screen, hardly paying attention to the feeble growl. Noise 2 sees its shoulders tremble, arms quivering... and hears the faintest sob.

"Stop it... he's in pain, stop putting him in pain, stop..."

All thoughts of revenge have (temporarily) fled. Right now, it's busied itself with a heart that feels like it's been torn out of its chest. Even if it doesn't have a real heart.

It's far too overwhelmed to focus on anything but the screen.

[rosadolces]

Something swirled, trembled, and almost made her throw up. He's overexerting himself. He's going to get hurt. He's going to get hurt and leave me alone if I don't do something he's—

Something clicked.

Peppino.

Is that what it felt about Peppino right now? Hopelessly surveying as he lay unconscious, just as she could not do anything but watch Fake Noise tear himself apart on the screen before them. Praying for something, anything, to be done in all the on-screen chaos that erupted in the minutes that passed like eons.

She understood, now.

Just as Fake Noise went in for the final blow, a burst of pink takes her attention. The very same shade she saw moments ago, shining brilliantly as she guarded the inferior double with all the courage she could muster. Unscripted, defiant, and against any wishes but her own — would the target even be here if she hadn't stepped in? The first one to try her food. Someone who cooked her something in return and understood. Her first, genuine friend. 

It was an act that could only be the result of one thing. A senseless, selfish thing that drove the former events in the kitchen. What those customers felt for Peppino, what she felt for the host, and what that girl felt for the one staring in horror as the host began to recoil from the impact.

 Love.

  She loved him.

...Just as Noise 2 loved The Noise.

Noise 2 clicked her heels thrice, hopping as wheels appeared beneath her soles. Her arms stretched out, seeking stability before the girl stomped and kicked forward on those skates before splattering against the ground. Why could she never get that right? Wasn't skating supposed to be her favorite thing? Or — No. There's no time to dwindle on the lack of ability. 

She rose with a flourish, tugging her suspenders with her thumbs. In the next few seconds, what should appear on her back other than a jetpack!

The girl snatched Dough Rat under her arm, uncaring of his panic. They'd understand soon enough. She runs to the furthest ends of the pizzeria as the engine warms up and fire begins to spew. Her free hand charted her path toward the center of the crimson monitor. Her feet lift off the ground and she's off like a bullet! 

... The pair enter the television screen,  leaving Peppino's Pizza deserted.

[rosadolces]

THE MUSCLES!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE THE MUSCLESSSSSSSSSSSSSDHDHFJDJAHAHHSJDHDHDKFJDHSHDJFKSKKAJAJAJJAH&♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡☆♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

11, 12, 13, 10000000000!!!!!!!!!!!

WHISK HER AWAY, O HANDSOME KNIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

[rosadolces]