There’s two of them now.

I wanna make flesh love someone, any suggestions?

[stp-mockingbird]

Mocky Yap Time!!!

The cage isn’t a fake evil version of mocky, and the bird isn’t mocky in its entirety. The cage and the bird are two halves of the same whole, and can’t exist without the other. The cage is mocky’s more violent tendencies, like when it beat the shit out of poppy that one time. And the bird is mocky’s more self-loathing tendencies, like when it ran into the forest because it was scared that it’d only hurt 🪞 further. This arc is going to end in the two sides accepting one another or one of the them killing the other and living the rest of its life empty and incomplete.

Now this may contradict my previous statement saying that the cage was the past version of mocky and the bird was recent version, but that explanation still works if you view it as the past version simply being more open with its violence and the recent being more open with its self-loathing, and the opposite.

[stp-mockingbird]

*Smitten was now somewhere else entirely. Somewhere more fitting for ghouls like them. Even with his body completely shadow, unlike the plush, he felt shaky as the sound of 🪞 screams ringed in his head. It was painful, but he knew he couldn't go back. He made his grave when he took it into his hand. He feels the beating of the heart within, the mere thought of what was inside gave him a chill. His eyes finally dare to look at it.*

@stp-thevoices

And when he did, the eyes looked back. It was grotesque, a completely gross sight to be honest. An inanimate object with organic eyes. It hadn’t a mouth to speak with, but you could tell what it was thinking simply by the look in its eyes.

Something along the lines of: “0h, 1t’s y0u.”

[stp-thevoices]

*He looked back uncomfortable yet try to hide it by his disdain for it. He haf half the mind to let them both rot here where they belong, but he knew better. What would 🪞 think of him if he left? He doesn't deserve to lose another. Yet it's here.*

... what did you do to 🪞 to convince him to take you?

*He asked himself mostly.*

After what you've done. You're not welcome there.

*He had a low growl.*

[stp-mockingbird]

It rolled its eyes at you. It’s quite aware that it didn’t deserve to be taken by 🪞, but it really hates you, and is really petty.

Once more, it doesn’t speak, but you can’t quite make out its thoughts by the look in its eyes this time. You get the general feeling that it dislikes you though.

[stp-mockingbird]

can the plush move at all?

The eyes can move. The plush can vibrate due to the heart beating. But it cannot actually move as it lacks muscles or bones.

[stp-mockingbird]

Is there a way the plushie could be made more comfortable for you, at least for now?

“N0t r3@lly, but th@nks f0r 0ff3r1ng.” It thinks.

[stp-mockingbird]

fun fact! the deluded voice works right next door to wandy's!

“ N0w th@t 1s s0m3 1nf0 ! ! !”

[ very interesting ]

[stp-mockingbird]

how does the heart feel about being in the plushie?

It’s not exactly joyous, but it’s what’s most convenient right now, so it tolerates it.

[stp-mockingbird]

*Smitten was now somewhere else entirely. Somewhere more fitting for ghouls like them. Even with his body completely shadow, unlike the plush, he felt shaky as the sound of 🪞 screams ringed in his head. It was painful, but he knew he couldn't go back. He made his grave when he took it into his hand. He feels the beating of the heart within, the mere thought of what was inside gave him a chill. His eyes finally dare to look at it.*

@stp-thevoices

And when he did, the eyes looked back. It was grotesque, a completely gross sight to be honest. An inanimate object with organic eyes. It hadn’t a mouth to speak with, but you could tell what it was thinking simply by the look in its eyes.

Something along the lines of: “0h, 1t’s y0u.”

[stp-mockingbird]

So you're going back to work now right

The flesh bubbles where a mouth would be on a person. You faintly hear a reply.

“1 gu3ss 1

w1ll!”

It begins walking toward the Wandy’s. Not before it shifts its form to a more familiar one, though.

[stp-mockingbird]

A fierce battle between disgusting, persistent ‘life’, and equally disgusting, consuming rot has ended.

The flesh stands.

[stp-mockingbird]

if you think about it, the whole thing with an anon stealing mocky's heart then mocky replacing it with a stone before it got its heart back was kinda foreshadowing this horrible parent arc.

no i wont elaborate. come to your own conclusions about how that accidentally foreshadowed this/why i think that predicted this.

[stp-mockingbird]

so this whole thing also kinda predicted the ghouling arc as well! how the hell did i do this?

[stp-mockingbird]

how separate are the bird and its cage? does the bird sense what the cage feels, and vice versa?

The answer to that question depends on how you define separate. Where does one end and the other begin?

…

Is what I would say if I was a certain cryptic goddess.

The cage and the bird are quite separate, but not completely. The separation is mostly self-imposed, based on how much the two reject each other. The cage and the bird are separate, because they consider themselves separate. And because they consider themselves separate, they can’t sense the other’s feelings.

Perhaps that could change, but not right now.

[stp-mockingbird]

can the flesh still talk without the heart? how's it feeling right now?

The flesh continues to grow like a cancerous mass. It is not alive enough to feel much, but it can feel. Like how a plant reacts to ‘pain.’

A gurgling comes from somewhere within the meaty mass.

[stp-mockingbird]

what are you going to do now?

The flesh bubbles and boils in opposition to the fast rot. It will overcome it. It cannot die now. It refuses to.

[harsh-reflection]

_pop_

.....

_pain and anger_

Are you alright?

_a fire licking at the back_

you find 🪞 huddled in an alley, exhausted and wheezing. there's something in their lap, wrapped up in their cloak.

at your voice, they look up at you, the fear in their eye quickly sapping away into relief. they say — no, try to say something. your name, maybe? but all that comes out is a strained, breathy sound.

@stp-thevoices

@stp-mockingbird

[bringer-of-masks]

Oh....

_steps closer_reaches_gently and hesitantly_towards them_

...if I ask yes or no questions can you answer them?

_hand palm up_not to pull_just to hold_

[harsh-reflection]

they nod, taking mask's hand in a tight, tight grip.

please don't go

[bringer-of-masks]

_returns the hold_sits next to them_

...did it hurt you?

_leans into them_warm_soft_hands are a little cold_

[harsh-reflection]

hesitantly shakes their head 'no'

...

then a small nod, then a more vigorous head shake.

[bringer-of-masks]

..I guess that makes sense. Did it physically hurt you? At least enough to need care?

_squeezes the hand gently_

If you don't want to answer, I'll understand.

[harsh-reflection]

their other hand briefly rises to touch their throat. it's a light touch, with little to no pressure, but nonetheless they wince in pain.

the hand returns to its previous position, holding the cloak-wrapped bundle protectively.

[stp-thevoices]

*Without any warning, faster than they could have blinked, Smitten suddenly dive down turning back to give🪞 a tight one arm hug. Making sure not to bleed on either of them with the wound*

I'm so sorry I wasn't back sooner! Heavens are you hurt?! Did that creature do anything to you?!

*He didn't wait for an answer already checking for any damages, seemingly is the most focus on the limbs. It might not be hard to guess why.*

[harsh-reflection]

their breath hitches sharply in a voiceless version of their usual startled squeak. they let go of mask and wrap both arms around the bundle in their lap, shielding it from smitten's embrace as they bury their face in his feathers.

almost as soon as the hug is over, they catch sight of smitten's injury. concern in their eye, they silently point at his bleeding shoulder. what happened to him?

[bringer-of-masks]

_shock_then worry_

Are you ok? Was....

_a piercing gaze_

Did it do that?

@stp-thevoices

[stp-thevoices]

Oh hello mask sorry I didn't-

*He took a second to a process what they were talking about too worried about other things completely forgetting that half of his arm was completely ripped off.*

Oh- oh! It's uh-

*Right they hid it from Mask earlier. Frankly he's surprised that it worked.*

Mocking- whatever it is now did that to me when I was retrieving your stuff. Thankfully I was able to get away, but that was only because of my... abilities.

*There was a sort of sadness when he said abilities.*

[bringer-of-masks]

.....

_there are complicated emotions in the eyes_anger and grief dancing around pain_

I see.

_turns to 🪞_

I don't expect answers now, but when you can, I have questions for you.

.....

We're in it now, aren't we?

[harsh-reflection]

they shrug listlessly, then turn back to smitten with a pleading look in their eye.

i want to go home

@stp-thevoices

[stp-thevoices]

*Smitten gives a small tired smile knowing what the look means. He hardly has to adjust casually carrying him in one arm. He faces @bringer-of-masks.*

Mask, do you want to come too? We're heading back to the cabin.

I'd understand if you want to go home instead however.

[bringer-of-masks]

_a small smile_

I can go home at anytime, but I can't visit you guys as often as I want.

_anger fades_leaving pain and a bittersweet feeling_

[stp-thevoices]

In that case let us go!

*He walks, sure he could abuse his powers but he's not feeling it. He's tired and he doesn't want to be reminded of that anymore.*

( @harsh-reflection )

[harsh-reflection]

they settle into the hold and rest their head against his chest, the cloak-wrapped object securely cradled in their arms.

...they still haven't spoken a word.

[stp-thevoices]

*He was so wrapped up in everything he's only now realizing they haven't actually said anything. He rests his head on top of theirs.*

Are you ok? You haven't said anything since I got here.

*There was worry in his voice*

[bringer-of-masks]

_does it matter_

....I don't want to assume anything, or speak for them, but does it matter?

_a hesitation_

You saw it. You should know what horrors it's capable of. I'd say that someone with a different temperament would go silent too.

_worry_was a line crossed_

@harsh-reflection

[harsh-reflection]

grimacing, they open their mouth to try and say something — but all that comes out is a choked wheezing sound, one that quickly devolves into a dry, breathy rasp.

...

with a look of frustration, they gesture at their throat, then mime squeezing something in their fist.

[stp-thevoices]

*He looks shocked at what they're gesturing.*

Oh dear, that must have been painful. I'm glad it was only that instead of some worst outcome. I'm sure you can deduce what I'm referring to.

Anyway rest your voice. I'm sure one of us can speak for you if need be!

[bringer-of-masks]

.......

_a hand reaching for theirs_

I will help however possible, if you let me.

_a soft affirmation_

@harsh-reflection

[harsh-reflection]

a nod of gratitude. they go to take mask's hand again — wait, what's this?

...?

they tap their fingers against mask's palm, click-click-click. a questioning head tilt.

you've changed

[bringer-of-masks]

Hm? Oh, yeah...

_lifts other hand_

I woke up and my hands were just.... like this.

_glances at them_

We match now, don't we?

_a smile_laughter in the eyes_

[harsh-reflection]

they let out a soft huff of amusement, a small smile forming on their face as they lean back into smitten's feathers.

@stp-thevoices

[stp-thevoices]

Right I should have mentioned that, but I suppose I figured you'd already noticed.

There was actually no body when I first saw them, it was only a mask of their face, and his bag. Putting the mask in the bag they miraculously came back after. Admittedly not entirely sure how that works but I'm grateful regardless!

*They are now in the void because time is a illusion and yada yada *

[harsh-reflection]

🪞 tenses up when they enter the void, a nervous expression on their face. they curl protectively around the bundle as best they can, their single eye peering out from under their hair, watching for the cabin.

better not come crawling back here

[stp-thevoices]

*Smitten notices the nervousness, but they assume it's something else. Today has been a lot after all. After a little bit they finally make it to the path.*

Oh right, uh Mask, I fear I might have difficulties open the door currently so if it's no trouble I would appreciate if-

Skeptic: What happened?

*Smitten was startled by the voice. Skeptic seem to be leaning against the cabin with his arms cross, he gives everyone a once over.*

I saw you leave the cabin in a hurry and you had another arm last time I checked.

Smitten: Oh I didn't realize you... I heard 🪞 was in danger so I was making sure they were ok!

Skeptic: ... Oppor-

Smitten: No, someone else. Or more accurately something.

( @bringer-of-masks )

[bringer-of-masks]

_a grim look_

I appreciate your concern, but two of us are injured, and I just came back. If we don't get rest, injuries could get infected.

_a flash of a snarl_

Let us through.

[stp-thevoices]

Smitten: I don't think being choked can be infected.

*Skeptic narrows his eyes with a scowls*

Skeptic: I'm not stopping you from going inside I'm just asking questions.

Also you said something about being choked?

*He looks at 🪞 like he was trying to figure out something.*

( @harsh-reflection )

[harsh-reflection]

against their better judgement, 🪞 attempts answering him verbally. just like before, they produce a harsh, wordless wheezing sound — only this time, it's cut off abruptly by a storm of painful, rasping coughs.

[stp-thevoices]

*He gives a huff. Patting them the back focusing on the other two.*

Skeptic: Make sure to focus on the limb first. I'm not sure how long it's been like that, but it will get infected if it doesn't get clean. I think there's still some bandages in your room so you can do that after.

*Smitten nods going inside.*

( @bringer-of-masks )

[bringer-of-masks]

.....

_a rather pointed glare at Skeptic_then moves on_

I'm not a professional, but I can probably help patch that up decently well.

_a glance at 🪞_then back to Smitten_

I have extra bandages, too, if we run out.

[stp-thevoices]

Smitten: Good! Any help would be useful. But I should probably-

Cheated: So how- Jesus what the hell happened?!

Hunted: I knew I smell blood. are you both injured like that?

Smitten: No! I got the worst of it, he was also injured, but not as severely.

*Contrarian suddenly appears out of nowhere getting right next to 🪞. Startling smitten a little*

Contrarian: Hey, how's it going?

Smitten: He can't talk right now. He was... choked by whatever attacked us.

Hunted: We should focus on your injuries first. I'll-

Smitten: No need, I have bandages in my room and I'm focusing on 🪞 for now.

Hunted: He'll be fine, it will get infected if you don't deal with it.

Smitten: I'm sure it can wait just a second!

*Smitten quickly hurries to his room*

[harsh-reflection]

they grow more tense once inside, their gaze fixed on the faintly pulsing bundle in their arms. contrarian's sudden appearance startles them enough to look away from it for a moment, but not long.

it isn't until they're back in smitten's room that the tension finally drops. they make a tired gesture at the floor, then point at his bleeding arm, stern despite the exhaustion.

put me down and get that bandaged up already!!

[bringer-of-masks]

_a low hiss_aimed at the swarming birds_

Leave us alone.

_then enters the room_

Let's get you bandaged up, I can take 🪞.

_gently pulls 🪞 into arms_

I've got you...

@stp-thevoices

[stp-thevoices]

*The voice in the room give Mask a annoyed look. Smitten finally catches the hint when 🪞 gives him a stern look and is promptly took away.*

Smitten: Right. Let's bandage it up.

*He closes the door looking for the bandages until he finds them.*

Found them.

[harsh-reflection]

🪞 looks thoroughly miffed about being grabbed, but they don't fight, simply pointing at the bed. or maybe at the bedside table? in that general area, anyway.

@bringer-of-masks

[bringer-of-masks]

....sorry.

_sets them down on the bed_

I didn't know how else....

_turns_

There are more important things anyway.

_yells at Smitten_

Clean the wound first with warm water and an antiseptic. Do you have any isopropyl alcohol?

_stern_but correct_

[stp-thevoices]

Uh right- no. We do have water tho, I'll do that real quick

*He leaves to clean the wound before coming back with a towel around it*

Done. Now we can bandage.

[bringer-of-masks]

_steps up_

It's still bleeding, so we need some kind of padding. We should probably stitch it up, but that isn't going to happen, most likely.

_grabs gauze_

I'm going to add a layer of this, then use some medical tape and more bandages to keep it all in place.

_starts adding some gauze_

[stp-thevoices]

Well I could create those if you need.

*He suddenly spawns a needle, and some string.*

Some things are harder to make than others but I can try.

*Smitten is wondering if reviving would just be easier than this. Less stressed definitely. Not like this would be the only time he has revived.*

[harsh-reflection]

🪞 looks up from where they're sat, rummaging in their sidetable drawer. they point at the needle and thread, then at themself. then, after a pause, they mime cutting something with scissors.

[stp-thevoices]

*Smitten watches taking a second.*

Oh don't worry. If we need to cut the thread I can just use a talon.

*He shows by cutting a little of the string with a claw. He's pretty sure that's what they want anyway.*

I can also make scissors if need be.

[harsh-reflection]

they frown and shake their head, frustrated.

not what i meant

they grab the edge of their blanket and start miming — first 'cutting' the fabric, then 'stitching' it back up.

[bringer-of-masks]

....ah. Do you want to do it? I....

_a melancholy memort_

I know how, if you don't.

[harsh-reflection]

...

they shake their head, turning back to the drawer with an irritated sigh.

nevermind

[bringer-of-masks]

.......

_guilt_

I'll get you something to write with, I promise.

_grabs the needle_turns to Smitten_

This will hurt.

@stp-thevoices

[stp-thevoices]

*He seems to perk up by the writing suggestion.*

Wait before that! I can give you something to write with!

*He summons a fancy pen and paper giving it to 🪞.*

Apologies for not considering that sooner.

( @harsh-reflection )

[harsh-reflection]

they jot down a message, holding the papers up for the two to read.

"THANKS"

"I NEED A NEEDLE THREAD & SCISSORS IT'S IMPORTANT"

[stp-thevoices]

Oh, my bad!

*He gives them all of those items*

There, better?

[harsh-reflection]

they give him two thumbs up, a tired smile flashing briefly across their face. satisfied, they go over to the drawer at the foot of their bed and pull out a large plushie crow, examining it thoughtfully.

yeah, this'll do.

[bringer-of-masks]

_a fond smile_

Well,

_turns to Smitten_

Let's get you patched up!

_holding a hand out for a needle_

You'll get me the supplies I need, won't you?

@stp-thevoices

[stp-thevoices]

Aww is that not precious!

*He pats the crow plushies head. Then actually paying attention to mask*

I said I would didn't I?

What do you need? Other than the stuff I've already given.

[bringer-of-masks]

Just.... sit.

_a slightly maniacal smile_

I've got you covered.

[stp-thevoices]

*He sits on his bed*

Alright, I trust you.

[bringer-of-masks]

....good choice.

_it hurts_but that's to be expected_

I'm sure you don't want to comment on it, but I do have one question.

_the skin is convinced closed through the pulling of thread_

....was that really Mockingbird?

[stp-thevoices]

*He feathers raise up a little bit but other than being tense he doesn't seem to have much of a reaction.*

I... I'm not sure what it was. I don't believe that monster is it. That thing wasn't a person, it's just a scraps of whatever was left of one...

[bringer-of-masks]

_scowls_

I'm not shocked. It..... Mockingbird cares. Whatever or whoever that was... did not.

_the wound is closed as much as possible with stitches_

There. Now for the gauze.

[stp-thevoices]

*He didn't say anything on the matter seeming to glance away, frowning a bit. He spawns the item handing it to them.*

[bringer-of-masks]

....

_applies the guaze_gentle but thorough and strong_

You're going to have to change it every so often.

_a thought_like a bitter taste in the throat_he could die_reset all over again_

.....

_squints eyes_stops the thought before it finishes_

...I'm going to secure the bandage in place, now.

[stp-thevoices]

*He nods*

Alright. Thank you for all of this.

I hope this wasn't too much of a hassle.

*He said with lighthearted guilt like the situation wasn't about his arm being ripped off.*

[bringer-of-masks]

....it wasn't too much of a problem. I'm just... good at it.

_sets aside the extra supplies_keeps the needle_

Sorry if I was.... rough, earlier with your flockmates. I tend to get protective of those I care about if they're hurt.

[stp-thevoices]

I understand completely! They can be quite nosy I will say, but they don't mean any harm. Usually.

I'm sure 🪞 is grateful of how protective of you are of them. It's very sweet!

*He shifts where he sat to look at 🪞 with a smile like he was expecting them to ""say"" something.*

( @harsh-reflection )

[harsh-reflection]

(while smitten's being sewn up)

🪞 lays the plush on their bed, face-up, with both wings spread to expose its torso. they shoot a glance at the cloak-wrapped bundle sitting next to it. faint, but still beating.

the scissors are nice and sharp, cutting a clean vertical line in the plushie's torso. they add two smaller snips on either side, making a T-shape. like one might peel back the skin of a frog for dissection, they carefully pull the fabric back, exposing the stuffing within.

they take out three handfuls of the crow's stuffing, pushing what remains to the back and sides to leave a mostly empty space in the center.

that ought to be enough room

carefully, they begin to unwrap their cloak, removing something red and pulsing from within its folds. gently, so very, very gently, they set the heart in the plushie's chest. a little more stuffing adjustment, and... there.

with messy, uneven stitches, they start sewing it back up, sealing the heart within.

please let this work

---

they look up from their sewing at the mention of their name. they glance from smitten's arm to mask, give a thumbs up, then go back to work.

[stp-thevoices]

*He tilt their head before looking back at mask.*

See they're grateful!

*He said with absolutely no self-awareness that they were not paying attention.*

( @bringer-of-masks )

[bringer-of-masks]

_nods_

Right, yes.

_does not laugh_almost_just barely doesn't_

Grateful.

[stp-thevoices]

Yes he-

*He pauses seeing their expression as they try not to laugh. He looks between masks and 🪞 a few times. Actually now that he's looking what is 🪞 doing with that plushie? Still not seeing what he's missing deciding to brush it off.*

Yes. Of course he would be! I'm also quite grateful if I haven't said it enough.

[bringer-of-masks]

.....thanks, then.

_still smiling_

But I don't want them to alienate 🪞 because I'm protective. So if I'm going too far, please tell me.

[stp-thevoices]

I doubt that would happen but I'll make sure you don't stray too far!

...Perhaps the hissing wasn't entirely necessary earlier.

[bringer-of-masks]

_an embarrassed glance away_mutters something intelligible_in_out_

I know.

[stp-thevoices]

As long as you're more aware of your tone and actions I'm sure everything will be fine! It is understandable after the stress we were in.

*He gives a small smile but then focuses his attention on something else. Back on 🪞 mostly because curiosity.*

( @harsh-reflection )

[harsh-reflection]

they're just quietly sewing, in their own little world. the unfolded cloak sits next to them on the bed, the large bloodstain on it now plainly visible. if one were to look closely, they would see that there's also some blood on their hands.

[stp-thevoices]

*He was almost tempted to let them enjoy themselves whatever thing they were doing until he notices the blood. Quickly getting up going towards them.*

Are you alright 🪞? Are you bleeding? Or is that mine?

*He holds the cloak for a second before noticing the hands also with blood.*

[harsh-reflection]

they look up from tying off the thread and shake their head firmly.

neither

[stp-thevoices]

*He looked back awkwardly forgetting they couldn't talk for a moment still he understood what the head shaking meant.*

Then... where did this come from?

*His voice was kind of quiet like he was mostly talking to himself as he hold one of their hands looking at the blood.*

[harsh-reflection]

...

🪞 just looks down at the stitched-up crow plushie, a solemn expression on their face.

[stp-thevoices]

*His eyes were locked on to the stitches on the crow. It took him a bit before he spoke again.*

... What did you put in it?

*His voice wasn't harsh, or scared. It was just a simple question. His eyes still glued on the plush.*

[bringer-of-masks]

_follows their eyes to the plus_it looks like_

Mockingbird.

_steps closer to the bed_whispers just loud enough to be heard_

I knew it wasn't Mockingbird who attacked you.

@harsh-reflection

[harsh-reflection]

...

they give a small nod, holding the plush close to their chest. even cushioned by stuffing, they can still feel the heart beating within.

please work. please.

[stp-thevoices]

*He takes a step back instinctively. He's conflicted as many emotions go through him disbelief, fear, angry, sadness, dread. It's the heart. He somehow knew it was the heart, the same one that attacked him without rhyme or reason. A mindless beast of an already horrible person.*

Why did you- We can't keep that thing here. It hurts you- it hurt us! It will hurt everyone else as well.

I refuse to have that thing hurt anyone else! Anyone else I care for! It is already done enough damage even before it became this creature.

*He spoke with clear fear in his voice. He almost seemed betrayed somehow being serious for once.*

[bringer-of-masks]

_a near growl near him_

No. It stays.

_staring directly into his eyes_for some reason_he can't see any looking back_

[stp-thevoices]

But it hurt us! I know it must be difficult, but we cannot keep it!

I vowed never to let that thing into into the cabin and I mean it! After what it's done that certainly hasn't changed!

[bringer-of-masks]

Like I haven't changed? Like 🪞 hasn't changed? Or am I supposed to forget how it held me as we died together? How it called me "de@r" with love in its eyes?

_a near flawless imitation of its voice_anger seeping too much to be perfect_

I may forgive, I may accept, but you'll find it takes a lot for me to forget.

_then_the perfect image of the calm mask_

So, if you want to plead your case, go ahead, tell me what you remember from your encounter.

[stp-thevoices]

You know that's not what I meant-

*He seemed shocked by the familial love they describe. It sounded sweet. Caring. Why didn't 🪞 ever get that?*

I remember... everything. I found your stuff by it. It was a still beating heart with eyes. I reached out for it but stop by self when I realized the flush growing around it. It threatened me before doing this to me.

*He showed the missing arm.*

And tried to seep into my skin after the fact to do who even knows what to me. Like I mentioned I only got out because of my ability.

Are you saying my fears are invalid?! Like I don't have the right to be concerned after that! Fearing others will be hurt in the same manner! Even if it was nice to you doesn't mean it would do the same for us or if it is even like that at all anymore...

I'm sorry Mask.

[bringer-of-masks]

_a cold face_

Your fears aren't invalid. But there's one thing I wonder.

If the heart was what tried to hurt you, why would 🪞 grab it?

_turns to them_

I won't make you, but when you feel comfortable with it, I'd also like to hear your side of the story.

_the cold facade breaks_smiles gently_

@harsh-reflection

[harsh-reflection]

while the other two argue, 🪞 curls around the plush, shielding it with their own body. they're shaking terribly by the time mask addresses them, lifting their head to reveal tears streaming down their face.

[bringer-of-masks]

_guilt_

Oh... I'm sorry.

_sits near them_

I didn't mean to scare you.

[harsh-reflection]

clinging to the plush like a lifeline, they scoot closer, leaning their head on mask's shoulder. their eye stays locked on smitten, wide and fearful.

[stp-thevoices]

*They give an equally as surprised and fearful look as eyes locked on theirs. It hurts to see them like that because of him but he doesn't feel safe. He's afraid that is more afraid of 🪞 feeling unwanted, when he is only trying to keep them both safe.*

🪞... I'm so sorry.

*He carefully walks over still keeping a decent distance*

I... I want us to be safe. After everything I don't want another unfortunate event like the others.

I want an answer of why... Whenever you're ready.

[harsh-reflection]

...

their gaze shifts back down to the plush, its heart held near their own.

please wake up. i miss you.

@stp-mockingbird

[stp-mockingbird]

The heart beats, like a car jumpstarting. The beat slows, matching your own. You can’t tell if it’s awake, but it’s certainly alive once more.

[stp-mockingbird]

is the heart still alive? is it aware?

It’s alive, but barely. Forcibly stopping its own beating wasn’t exactly safe. It is not aware right now.

The heart beats very slowly.

[stp-mockingbird]

what does the flesh think of the heart?

The flesh generally dislikes the heart, but requires it to beat for it to stay ‘alive.’

[stp-mockingbird]

there's someone approaching.

- @harsh-reflection

ooc: i’m gonna stop using the large spaces and different lines so that the dialogue doesn’t get confusing if it gets longer.

The thing turns to face the person approaching. At a first glance, it looks identical to how you remember it looking. It doesn’t seem to recognize you yet.

“H3ll0-H3ll0! H0w d0 y0u d0?”

[harsh-reflection]

a familiar voice.

Mockingbird?

the figure steps a little closer.

[stp-mockingbird]

“Y3s, th@t 1s [ mine own personal name ]! Wh0 ar3 y-”

It recognizes your voice. The ‘disguise’ falters for a moment, before returning.

The eyes that are most definitely on the body of its own stare into you.

“ Y 0 U . ”

[harsh-reflection]

...it's me.

another step forward. there's a faint quaver to their voice.

...s'been a while...

[stp-mockingbird]

“0h, 1t c3rt@1nly h@s… 0 d3lus10n@l 0n3. H@v3 y0u c0m3 t0 ass3rt y0ur… 1ns@n1ty 0nc3 m0r3?”

It stands taller, attempting to intimidate you.

A quiet voice slips through.

“D0n’t… l1st3n… t0… 1t…”

[harsh-reflection]

hesitance. what was that last bit?

N-no, I...

their heart pounds with terror, but their words hold only remorse.

I'm here to apologize.

another step forward.

[stp-mockingbird]

“A

…

p0l0g1z3?”

This won’t end well.

“Ħ@ħ@ħ@ħ@ħ@ħ@ ! ! ! ! Y0u r3@lly ar3 d3lus10n@l ! ! 1t’s l@ugh@bl3 ! !”

It steps closer to you. It looks… wet? Like it’s sweating. Which is impossible, because birds don’t sweat. Its ‘feathers’ shift to a ever so slightly lighter shade of black? Or was it maroon? There’s something clearly wrong with it.

[harsh-reflection]

they give it a tiny nod, singular eye fixed on the ground.

I... I know it's not enough to make up for how I hurt you, but...

their head tilts up, their eye meeting its own.

I really am s —

...

concern.

Are... are you alright? You look...

[stp-mockingbird]

“And why w0uld y0u b3 c0nc3rn3d f0r m3 ? ? ? Th@t’s s33ms awfully 0ut 0f ch@r@ct3r f0r a wr3tch l1k3 y0u.”

It… winks(?) at an audience that doesn’t seem to exist as it says ‘out of character’. Well, it winks to the best of its ability considering the fact that it doesn’t actually have a face—

Wait… how the hell does it have a face? (Well, I know why but you don’t) That’s definitely not right.

And as you look closer, the more wrong it looks. Its arm is on the wrong side, and its feathers look meaty compared to how you remember. Not to mention its complete lack of stitches and exposed stuffing.

It shifts closer to you.

[harsh-reflection]

Because I...

their voice trails off, eye flitting from face to arm to feathers. realization hits. they take a step back, eye wide with fear.

Y-you're not Mockingbird.

[stp-mockingbird]

“ [ What did you just say ] ?”

Its face shifts and changes, the rest of its body follows. Its form twists into a vaguely familiar shape. Well, ‘familiar’ if you saw it in the dark and you were at least legally blind.

The thing is faceless, its eyes disappearing during the reshaping. Its chest… how to describe its chest? It looked more like the maw of a monster, with its ribs being the teeth. It lacks any feathers, but thats not to say it looks smooth or freshly-shaven. It resembles a clay statue of a monster… if they used human entrails instead of clay. A heart with two eyes sits in the center of the maw, I guess you know where the eyes went. It seems terrified. Not for itself, but for you.

Its ‘arm’ latches onto your neck.

You can still escape, its grip is still loose.

[harsh-reflection]

Y-you — you're not —

hands come up to claw at the 'arm', loosening its grip further. their terrified gaze meets the heart's own —

memories. gathering the scattered scraps of meat. sewing them back together with clumsy, amateur stitches. returning the heart to its owner.

"Th@nk y0u, fr13nd."

— their arms fall to their sides, their eye closing in acceptance.

I'm sorry.

this is what they deserve.

[stp-mockingbird]

Its grip gets tighter and tighter, you can’t breathe anymore. Your neck almost snaps. Tiny tendrils prod at your skin.

A voice coming from seemingly nowhere speaks.

“D0nt b3.”

The heart stops beating, and the flesh starts untensing, fibers unraveling.

“Wh-wh@t ? ? 0h y0u fuck1ng pr1–”

It doesn’t finish its sentence. Its vocal cords unwind.

The eyes look at you fondly before closing shut.

The corpse starts falling apart, quickly rotting. The stench is awful. The rot hasn’t reached the heart yet, there is still a chance to make things right. Take it, take it far away from this flesh. Put it into something, even if its just temporary.

The corpse fights the rot, bubbling and growing like a cancer. Quickly, take the heart and run. Before a heartless monster ‘g3ts up’ once more.

Continue this reunion somewhere safer.

Good luck.