{ Shattered Hope }

{ the golden gates open… } { Welcome to the red kingdom! }

[shattered-h0pe]

{ ~ Welcome to the Red Kingdom! ~}

{ We are now accepting Letters from neighboring kingdoms for our royal advisor to answer for you! How fun!! ~RK }

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance scowls and sighs when he accepts that Thorn has forgotten him, and opts to wait nearby the door, leaning against the wall]

[Close enough to snag a few bits and pieces of conversation, but hopefully far enough away to not get done in for eavesdropping]

-🦂🫟

“What do you mean our last farm was found empty??” 🥀

“Just this morning..border patrol found the place empty.” 💫

“That was..” 🥀

“The last place bordering our kingdom. So whatever’s happening is bound to start getting closer.” 💫

“Which is quite the threat.” 👑

Some words where left muffled without much to be deciphered.

Not until-

“So what’s our plan?” 🔨

“I can gather a patrol to go through the forest, we can sweep our mountains. See if there’s any bigger threat that we may need to call in a creators aid for. Maybe see if we can find any sign of our missing.” 🥀

“If you’re going on a patrol I’m going with.” 💫

“Abel, no you’re needed here.”👑

“No, you need me here. What is /needed/ is for scouts to be sent out to the other kingdoms. Warn the kings of biome and chromatics about ours going missing on our borders.” 💫

Footsteps were heard wandering towards the door.

“When we come back from our trip through the woods we can decide what to do after. We need to gather information on why this is happening.” 💫

“I promise I’ll keep them safe Kaine- like when we’d go exploring when we were younger!” 🥀

“…fine. BUT you better come back, we can’t risk loosing our head guard AND royal advisor in one go.” 👑

“We’ll be fine, besides!” 🥀

The door opened, and Thorn gestured a hand toward Chance

“I already have one person we could bring!” 🥀

Abel let out a quiet groan, rolling their eyes.

Vander simply blinked, not sure if Thorn was really thinking right..

And Kaine waved to the Violet Steve, blindly trusting Thorns- trust..

[shattered-h0pe]

Outside the golden gates, a stranger stands hidden within the dense woods. Barely hidden behind a tree, their form concealed within a light blueish gray cloak. They stand awkwardly. Hesitant. Unsure if they should approach, or return to their endless wandering.

— ¿??? [@thereisnoworldbeyond]

“I wouldn’t recommend standing in those woods stranger” a voice, with a short accent and calm demeanor retorted from somewhere bordering the woods.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

[ CONTINUED | @/shattered-h0pe ]

There's a small, tired sigh that escapes their lips. Their body still tense, although their grip has relaxed slightly. Beneath its hood, their ears twitched, listening, watching.

“ I truly hope so..”

His— their voice.. there's an odd, bubbling dread. He can't bear the thought of watching them all crumble like her people again.

[shattered-h0pe]

“..mm here! Let’s talk about something else. To ease your mind?” At least make it less stressful..

“Where’re you from..? I think I saw some blue on ya..”

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance waved their tail at him and smiles]

"Good luck! Dont get demoted please"

[They say that last part with a jokey tone, but they would feel absolutely AWFUL if Thorn got demoted because of them]

-🦂🫟

“Pshh me? Nah, Kaine likes me too much” Thorn said with a grin, before vanishing behind the door for a second.

Or two, or a few? It was awhile. Though through muffled voices it didn’t sound like Thorn was in trouble.

Actually it sounded more like they had gotten caught up on their meeting.

Key words could be heard if an ear was put up against the door..

Will you Listen in? :]

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance looks at him for a moment]

"Oh perfect! Then i can get in trouble for eavesdropping instead! Yes this works fine"

[They laugh]

"How about, I stand by the door, and you ask the king if im allowed in. You seemed pretty certain he'd be ok with it on the way here. If hes fine with me coming in, great! If not, theres plenty of paintings out here to occupy myself with"

-🦂🫟

“Yeah, yeah! Okay.” He nodded his head. “I’m sure Kaine would be fine with it, he’s usually chill..”

He shook himself out, feathers on his wings and tail fluffing out momentally as he regained his ‘Gaurd’ composure. He went to open the door

“Ah- Wish me luck?” He said with an unconfident tone that did not match his body language.

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance frowned at him]

“I still want answers Thorn, that ‘taking me to prettier places’ offer better also include those”

“Also we have kind of already told Abel I’m going in. I was just trying to get you to think about consequences of hand holding. I would if you asked me to, I just wanted you to be aware of what you’d be getting yourself into”

[They glance at the meeting room door, very aware of the time they’re taking out here]

-🦂🫟

Thorn mentally slapped himself, THINK Thorn THINK!!

“Right!! Uh, right. Okay just to avoid any more trouble you can uh..maybe just stand by the door?” He tried to piece together a ‘try not to get in trouble’ plan on the spot. Slightly swinging their hands as he thought..

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance looks VERY amused]

“I don’t mind at all! I’m just trying to think how it would look if you disobeyed the kings brother to let me into the meeting, and then entered holding my hand. With Vander knocking you on your ass earlier I don’t know how much more your reputation can take…”

[Despite everything they’ve said, they’ve not pulled away]

-🦂🫟

“Well I-“ He hesitated,,Chance had a point…Abel wasn’t really known for letting Steve’s get away with- anything..

“Okay. How about you just wait out here! Yeah? And when we’re done I can bring you to some of the prettier places in this kingdom!” He offered, a short flicker of hope in his eyes. He liked chance. In the- ‘made a new friend and already are best friends’ kinda way

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance stared at the map too]

“…Seems like I’ll have to teleport out of here whenever I decide to leave. I’m not risking the woods a second time”

[They glance at him]

“You gonna be alright in there? Or do you want to stay holding my hand?”

[He smiles a bit at that last part. A little teasing, but also a little genuine]

-🦂🫟

He paused, looking down and suddenly realizing he was holding the Violet Steve’s hand, his face growing a slight shade of red.

“Ahh- I mean! If- if you want to…” Thorn stumbled over words, but slowly gripped the others hand..just a little tighter. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you..kept holding my hand..it would be nice to have a friend..?”

[shattered-h0pe]

Outside the golden gates, a stranger stands hidden within the dense woods. Barely hidden behind a tree, their form concealed within a light blueish gray cloak. They stand awkwardly. Hesitant. Unsure if they should approach, or return to their endless wandering.

— ¿??? [@thereisnoworldbeyond]

“I wouldn’t recommend standing in those woods stranger” a voice, with a short accent and calm demeanor retorted from somewhere bordering the woods.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

The stranger became visibly startled at the sudden voice, instinctively hiding further into the woods. Or, well, more accurately— making themselves smaller as to be less likely to be seen. There's a small, bit of silence, before they spoke. Its sound echoing, not loud, quiet even— yet it seems like the very air begs it to be heard. Their voice is.. cautious, weary. It shakes just the slightest bit.

“ Why should I not? ”

[shattered-h0pe]

They came into view, they seemed to be a mix between a Red and yellow Steve? Their outfit seemed to suggest a tradesmen..?

“Those woods have something dark lurking within its shadows..Traders and farmers alike have vanished without a trace if they get too close.”

They looked over their shoulder, eyeing a distant farm house. It looked as if it had been left abandoned for a week..

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ ... Ah. That explains why I haven't found anyone. ”

Abandoned and ruined structures were not new to them, not when it was the first things it saw as it came to the Overworld. Lifeless building broken from unknown forces or untouched but overgrown due to its lack of use. In a way, it was comforting, because no one would find them. And yet, that very comfort. is one it dreads the most. To never be found

“ If... you're here, then. There's still people here too, aren't there? I apologize, it's been... months? Since I've last seen a living soul. ”

Oh, but they already know the answers to that, don't they? So many soul signatures, more then what they saw in all its time roaming in the Overworld. Time is finicky, they're not used to it.

[shattered-h0pe]

They tilted their head, they’ve met many on the road before but this was new..they haven’t heard that one before. “I’m simply coming in to visit the kingdom. A scout I suppose? The other people are off in that kingdoms just down that a way.” They flicked their tail to point down the path.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

Slowly, they moved into view, each step stumbling and limping, as if they're not used to the ground beneath the.. oh. They don't have a leg, that's why. Both of their hands firmly held onto the tree, its head— or hood, more accurately, turning to face where their tail flicked towards.

“ That way...? I must've been blind, to have missed it so easily... ”

... They don't sound that energetic, to say the least. Exhausted, disappointed. Must've been quite awhile of just roaming only to be told they went the wrong way.

[shattered-h0pe]

“Well it’s not really meant to be obvious, the red Steve’s are very introverted cultural-“

The micro feathers on their tail seemed to bristle with sudden worry at the sight of the others- LACK of a leg. “Are- are you okay??” They took a carful yet quick step forward. Hands put out to try and help the other walk if needs be.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Ah— I'm alright, I'm alright. ”

The stranger looks, way too close to falling over then they should be. Trying to move their only leg to balance itself without completely losing said balance, mainly using the tree as assistance. They're... not even attempting to stand without it. Good news is that there doesn't seem to be any blood, so it's not actively bleeding, meaning no open wounds that may be a problem. But that seems to be the end of it.

“ I am in no mortal danger. It.. had been this way for quite awhile now, I apologize for startling you.

The...Red Steves, was it? They wouldn't mind a visitor, would they? ”

There's a small, quiet chuckle from the cloaked stranger. It sounded more so to reassure themselves then the scout.

“ It would be nice to see a lively kingdom. Perhaps even a place to rest... ah, or not. It would be rude to intrude. ”

[shattered-h0pe]

“They- no they’d have you. They’re fairly welcoming to new comers..maybe there’s someone there who could make you a crutch- or a prosthetic if you want..?” They took another step forward, holding an arm out to the hooded Steve who seemed to be struggling with the lack of balance.

“Here, lean on me. I can help walk you into the kingdom” They also just wanted to keep their distance away from the forest..feeling a sense of unease when looking into the trees.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Prosthetic...? ”

The strangers's voice trails off, as if the idea was entirely new to them. Its "head" snapped towards the other Steve as they stepped closer, their gaze lingering on the arm held out for them, taking a moment to think. Eventually, the hooded steve reaches out and held onto the scout's arm, letting go of the tree completely and leaning onto them instead. It's... a lot lighter then a normal steve should be. ... In better lighting, their hands are blue, with indigo nails. A sharp contrast to their cloak. It looks scarred, how long have they been out here?

“ Thank you so much. You're a kind soul, ”

A pause, have they been introduced yet?

“ Ah. I've never gotten your name. ”

[shattered-h0pe]

They gave a short smile to the other. “You can call me Calamity, Cal for short.” Calamity readjusted the Steve so they where leaning against Cals side. Supporting the weight of the hoodied figure.

“And..you?”

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Calamity? A wonderful name. ”

An event that can bring heavy misfortune to both innocent and guilty parties alike, uncaring of those who stand in its way. A series of dominoes falling all at once. What an admirable name to choose. The steve lets the other readjust them, resting more comfortably by their side. They seem a little more prepared to be moving.

“ You may call me ‘Rtar.’ ”

[shattered-h0pe]

“Rtar..like star? But with an R?” Calamity questioned, beginning to walk away from the forest and towards the kingdom.

The two passing by the ‘abandoned’ farmhouse Calamity had pointed out earlier. The space felt empty, almost soulless in a way…something horrible had happened there recently but..what?

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Yes, you're correct. ”

The steve did their best to keep up, their head turning to look around themselves, searching, watching. The Farmhouse, empty and desolated, it reminds them of the town where it once was. Everyone has left, one way or another.

“ ...I suppose you wouldn't have a clue as to what had happened here. ”

Its detection has been.. rusty, after all this time, with only itself around. And the... Ah, but that's neither here or there.

[shattered-h0pe]

“Not fully..talk among traders in other towns are speaking of something lurking in the woods. A beast? Something dark that’s scaring the red guard and the king..”

They spoke with a quiet tone, as if afraid to speak too loud. Like whatever was roaming those woods could hear them..it wasn’t a great sign.

“Steve’s have been vanishing from their homes for about a month now..”

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ ... I see. ”

The Steve's voice matched their tone, a gentle whisper against the wind, almost lost within it. There's worry, in it— yet it doesn't say anymore. How strange. It feels as through they're holding onto Calamity a little bit tighter in response. Not enough to be suffocating, just enough to be noticeable. Looks like they're keeping a frequent watch around them.

[shattered-h0pe]

“Not to scare you..I’m sure the guard have things covered!”

Calamity could only hope…things felt a bit heavier in the kingdom. Especially with the coming fall season..

They looked to the other, the sudden raised guard seemed to concern them. Their own grip tightened on the Steve as they gave a hesitant smile.

“Bu-but hey!! I’m sure it’ll all work out..”

[shattered-h0pe]

“That… is an uncomfortably high number. Especially considering I was out there not two hours ago”

“The missing farmers. Is it just the farmers? Or everyone who lived there?”

-🦂🫟

“Mostly farmers, or anyone living outside of the kingdom..but some trading carts where found empty so..traders seemed to be targets too. Anyone on the outskirts and near the woods just…vanish..”

Thorn looked back at the map, Vander and Abel walk past the two and into the meeting room. Thorn seemed- stuck for a moment. Just staring at that map..

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance leans in to whisper to Thorn]

“What are the X’s on that map?”

-🦂🫟

“It’s for both the farms we’ve found empty with no traces of any Steve’s, or empty trading carts without any signs of steves or their animals” he’d whisper back, being carful to keep an ear out for Abel. They’d have his head for spilling secrets!

…not really but..still they’d be mad.

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance sticks him with an 'ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??' look, before turning away again, exhaling sharply]

[They atleast take the opportunity to let their eyes roam around the building as they walk]

-🦂🫟

The small group of Steve’s walked through the halls, Chance could see that each wall was decorated with an assortment of art pieces, some seeming to be gifts from other kingdoms.

They passed by the map Abel had gone by before, the silver coated Steve gave it a side eye.

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance gives him an alarmed 'what is the plan here??' look once theyre out of sight of the other two, but continues letting themselves be led around]

-🦂🫟

“Look I honestly Donno what else to do here, I kinda panicked. But it’s fine!! It should be fine..” Thorn sounded unsure, he really didn’t have a plan here..

Abel was walking behind the two with anger in their stance, Vander seemed more use to these antics…

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance matches Thorns grin, even if theyre completely bewildered]

"Wonderful! I'll follow you then friend"

-🦂🫟

Abel looked stunned

Vander looked tired

And Thorn looked satisfied. “Well then! Off we go, you’ll like our king Chance” he started walking into the building while dragging the Violet Steve along.

Abel just stood in complete silence, their eyes seemed to burn with silent fury. Vander simply patted their shoulder.

[shattered-h0pe]

Outside the golden gates, a stranger stands hidden within the dense woods. Barely hidden behind a tree, their form concealed within a light blueish gray cloak. They stand awkwardly. Hesitant. Unsure if they should approach, or return to their endless wandering.

— ¿??? [@thereisnoworldbeyond]

“I wouldn’t recommend standing in those woods stranger” a voice, with a short accent and calm demeanor retorted from somewhere bordering the woods.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

The stranger became visibly startled at the sudden voice, instinctively hiding further into the woods. Or, well, more accurately— making themselves smaller as to be less likely to be seen. There's a small, bit of silence, before they spoke. Its sound echoing, not loud, quiet even— yet it seems like the very air begs it to be heard. Their voice is.. cautious, weary. It shakes just the slightest bit.

“ Why should I not? ”

[shattered-h0pe]

They came into view, they seemed to be a mix between a Red and yellow Steve? Their outfit seemed to suggest a tradesmen..?

“Those woods have something dark lurking within its shadows..Traders and farmers alike have vanished without a trace if they get too close.”

They looked over their shoulder, eyeing a distant farm house. It looked as if it had been left abandoned for a week..

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ ... Ah. That explains why I haven't found anyone. ”

Abandoned and ruined structures were not new to them, not when it was the first things it saw as it came to the Overworld. Lifeless building broken from unknown forces or untouched but overgrown due to its lack of use. In a way, it was comforting, because no one would find them. And yet, that very comfort. is one it dreads the most. To never be found

“ If... you're here, then. There's still people here too, aren't there? I apologize, it's been... months? Since I've last seen a living soul. ”

Oh, but they already know the answers to that, don't they? So many soul signatures, more then what they saw in all its time roaming in the Overworld. Time is finicky, they're not used to it.

[shattered-h0pe]

They tilted their head, they’ve met many on the road before but this was new..they haven’t heard that one before. “I’m simply coming in to visit the kingdom. A scout I suppose? The other people are off in that kingdoms just down that a way.” They flicked their tail to point down the path.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

Slowly, they moved into view, each step stumbling and limping, as if they're not used to the ground beneath the.. oh. They don't have a leg, that's why. Both of their hands firmly held onto the tree, its head— or hood, more accurately, turning to face where their tail flicked towards.

“ That way...? I must've been blind, to have missed it so easily... ”

... They don't sound that energetic, to say the least. Exhausted, disappointed. Must've been quite awhile of just roaming only to be told they went the wrong way.

[shattered-h0pe]

“Well it’s not really meant to be obvious, the red Steve’s are very introverted cultural-“

The micro feathers on their tail seemed to bristle with sudden worry at the sight of the others- LACK of a leg. “Are- are you okay??” They took a carful yet quick step forward. Hands put out to try and help the other walk if needs be.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Ah— I'm alright, I'm alright. ”

The stranger looks, way too close to falling over then they should be. Trying to move their only leg to balance itself without completely losing said balance, mainly using the tree as assistance. They're... not even attempting to stand without it. Good news is that there doesn't seem to be any blood, so it's not actively bleeding, meaning no open wounds that may be a problem. But that seems to be the end of it.

“ I am in no mortal danger. It.. had been this way for quite awhile now, I apologize for startling you.

The...Red Steves, was it? They wouldn't mind a visitor, would they? ”

There's a small, quiet chuckle from the cloaked stranger. It sounded more so to reassure themselves then the scout.

“ It would be nice to see a lively kingdom. Perhaps even a place to rest... ah, or not. It would be rude to intrude. ”

[shattered-h0pe]

“They- no they’d have you. They’re fairly welcoming to new comers..maybe there’s someone there who could make you a crutch- or a prosthetic if you want..?” They took another step forward, holding an arm out to the hooded Steve who seemed to be struggling with the lack of balance.

“Here, lean on me. I can help walk you into the kingdom” They also just wanted to keep their distance away from the forest..feeling a sense of unease when looking into the trees.

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Prosthetic...? ”

The strangers's voice trails off, as if the idea was entirely new to them. Its "head" snapped towards the other Steve as they stepped closer, their gaze lingering on the arm held out for them, taking a moment to think. Eventually, the hooded steve reaches out and held onto the scout's arm, letting go of the tree completely and leaning onto them instead. It's... a lot lighter then a normal steve should be. ... In better lighting, their hands are blue, with indigo nails. A sharp contrast to their cloak. It looks scarred, how long have they been out here?

“ Thank you so much. You're a kind soul, ”

A pause, have they been introduced yet?

“ Ah. I've never gotten your name. ”

[shattered-h0pe]

They gave a short smile to the other. “You can call me Calamity, Cal for short.” Calamity readjusted the Steve so they where leaning against Cals side. Supporting the weight of the hoodied figure.

“And..you?”

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Calamity? A wonderful name. ”

An event that can bring heavy misfortune to both innocent and guilty parties alike, uncaring of those who stand in its way. A series of dominoes falling all at once. What an admirable name to choose. The steve lets the other readjust them, resting more comfortably by their side. They seem a little more prepared to be moving.

“ You may call me ‘Rtar.’ ”

[shattered-h0pe]

“Rtar..like star? But with an R?” Calamity questioned, beginning to walk away from the forest and towards the kingdom.

The two passing by the ‘abandoned’ farmhouse Calamity had pointed out earlier. The space felt empty, almost soulless in a way…something horrible had happened there recently but..what?

[thereisnoworldbeyond]

“ Yes, you're correct. ”

The steve did their best to keep up, their head turning to look around themselves, searching, watching. The Farmhouse, empty and desolated, it reminds them of the town where it once was. Everyone has left, one way or another.

“ ...I suppose you wouldn't have a clue as to what had happened here. ”

Its detection has been.. rusty, after all this time, with only itself around. And the... Ah, but that's neither here or there.

[shattered-h0pe]

“Not fully..talk among traders in other towns are speaking of something lurking in the woods. A beast? Something dark that’s scaring the red guard and the king..”

They spoke with a quiet tone, as if afraid to speak too loud. Like whatever was roaming those woods could hear them..it wasn’t a great sign.

“Steve’s have been vanishing from their homes for about a month now..”

[shattered-h0pe]

[All that shows of Chance’s annoyance is a small twitch of their stinger. He keeps his expression neutral]

“I’ll just be wandering around the hall then. I’m sure I can find the artwork in my own.” [They turn to Thorn] “I assume you’ll come find me once you’re done with your meeting?”

-🦂🫟

Thorn gave a side glance to Abel, then back at chance. Before putting an arm around their shoulders “now now! Who said anything about leaving you alone? You could totally come with if you want” he said with a big grin

“Wait- what? no- thorn! This is a private matter you can’t just-!” Abel tried to protest, looking a bit baffled at Thorns bold statement. Even Vander had a.. ‘wtf are you doing??’ Face.

“C’monnnn!! They could be a fun asset!!” 🥀

“OR completely get in the WAY” 💫

[shattered-h0pe]

[Chance startled a little at the intrusion. Theyre a bit frustrated, they'd been just about to get some answers after all, but they curl their tail back into something more polite and relax their posture]

[They dip their head as a greeting] "Chance! Pleasure to meet you. Who might you be?"

-🦂🫟

The silver coated Steve raised an eyebrow at the tail movement, but fixed their face. “Ahem. I’m Abel, advisor for the Red King and this kingdom. It’s nice too meet you” they said with a grin, though forced or not..who’s to say.

Thorn cleared his throat. “Uh..so the king needs me for- something?”

“Yes. You and Vander”