#compose oneself

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei brought Phillip down to Karn’s Weavenest, luckily it wasn’t too far and they still remembered where it was.*

*They entered the Weavenest, finding their way to their old nest and going inside, setting Phillip down on the large moss bed and laying down beside him.*

*They began to knead the moss, purring happily and closing their eyes. It had been so long since they last were here, they were surprised that everything was still where it used to be. They didn’t think that they’d be able to see it again, but they were glad that they did.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Incubo tugs at Phillip’s essence, buried but not gone. It is still tainted with his love, if only faintly.

@masterofthistroupe

...

*The Radiance does not notice anything, focusing on moving Phillip's body toward Bone Bottom, intent on infecting anyone there.*

*A small light flickers dimly from the infected soul of Phillip.*

[midwife-of-deepnest]

*Tebby came happily trotting up to Midwife, though their legs were really wobbly and they stumbled over a few times. They were holding something in their claws, it looked like a dirtcarver.*

"I- I got....gift.....!"

*They held up the dirtcarver to her, smiling happily.*

@something-within-the-dark

"Oh my goodness! A tasty for me!? You're too sweet! Where'd you find it?" the Midwife takes the prey, holding it with a sort of reverence, as if it was holy.

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei eventually got Phillip out of Deepnest, past the Mantis Village again and into the Fungal Wastes. They stopped, crouching down to poke a mushroom out of curiosity.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led Tein and Amba through Shellwood and to the Blasted Steps. They stopped at a large boulder in the long hallway of a cave that lead out of Pharloom.*

"Tein can you move the boulder?" *Mei asked their Sibling, looking up at them.*

"One would, though one has become too old to do so. ... One is sorry, Mei." *Tein replied.*

*Mei frowned* "Awh....." *They looked to Amba.* "Do you think you could move it?"

@amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*After a bit, Mei shifted a little in their sleep, squeaking a few times. They stretched, which caused them to almost fall off of the bench, practically teetering over the edge.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*After Mei had spent some more time with Amba, they decided to go out to look for Phillip. To be honest, they kinda forgot about him due to all the things that had happened- They hoped that he was okay.. Lucent did beat the Radiance though, right? So he had to be okay... at least somewhat.*

*They scoured all of Pharloom, looking in every nook and cranny until they eventually made it down to the Marrow. They had never really been to the Marrow that much so they had the opportunity to explore a bit.*

*They did their best to avoid falling into lava and to avoid the various Caranids that were around. They eventually found a cave that they thought seemed safe enough to take a break in.*

*Mei stopped in their tracks when they saw that Phillip was there too. They stared at him for a moment before smiling and running up to him.*

"PHILLIPPP!!!!!!!!"

@meifen-within-the-dark

M- Mei?

Mei!

*Phillip runs up to them and hugs them tightly, his infection stained mask clinking against them quietly as he does so.*

I thought you would've left!

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

(Ooc: answer this when u want! Ik Phillip is still talking to Incubo :])

*You feel a warm presence, though it is faint. Nothing is around you, at least not that you can see. The warmth feels like a nudge on the side of your face, then it disapears for a moment before returning, now within your lap. A faint voice calls, it's muffled and sounds.. "blurry".*

"friend.... please wake up..." *The voice was familiar. It sounded like it was Mei. Though there is no one within the dream realm with you.*

@meifen-within-the-dark (sorta?)

Mei!

Oh, they can't hear me, of course...

Wait, why isn't it red anymore.

*He squints and rubs his eyes.*

It's bright...