.

@the-gift-giver

56 posts

(Simply a vessel for a being above me. A puppet if you would.)

(I bring power and freedom.)

(The above is always watching.)

FUCKIN NERD🫵

*At first, they try to protest, but then they look at their computer. They somehow have a steam account and they have geometry dash open.*

(You’re… not wrong.)

*The sounds of explosions play from the unattended computer. There’s a web browser open. A youtube video is playing: “skibidi toilet season 5 (all episodes)” The gift giver is peering into a string.*

(The butterfly will get caught in the web of fate, but so will its creator…)

*They look into another string.*

(It’s time.)

*hands you the worlds shittiest laptop* we’re getting you an upgrade dw. also be careful it smells fear like a horse

*They take the laptop and instantly hit the shrimp posture. They open it slowly. The screen is very dirty and the 4, m, and left arrow keys are all missing*

(Why is it not-)

*The boot up sound plays loudly and causes them to jump slightly. A logo appears for a moment before they see the login screen.*

(How do I...)

*They type slowly for a bit. They occasionally click until they’re logged into an account.*

(Now how do I get to youtube?)

Hey have some physical drawing materials

[You got a sketchbook and a pencil!]

*They reach out from their Minecraft blanket cocoon and grab it*

(...Thank you.)

*They lay the sketchbook on the ground and draw something for a moment.*

#asks.#fun fact I drew this with a trackpad on a Chromebook

Hello, the others from the above have asked me to bring you gifts.

(Go away.)

There’s no need to be grumpy, here:

*I cover them in a Minecraft blanket.*

And here’s the other thing:

*I throw a can of Pepsi at them*

(OW.)

* Where is that new crystal you promised me?

* I returned that sliver to Pancake, honestly I did

* So.. where is it?!

(@triffins)

(I-I DON’T KNOW.)

*Their hyperventilation.*

(I CANT DO THIS ANYMORE I CANT.)

*The presence is gone. They’re too unstable to provide anymore gifts.*

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(HP: 52/80)

(Starpi hugs Pancake, smiling.)

Eh. You're worth better, still.

Pancake is comforted!

He’s slightly smiling.

50/100 mercy!

“…Thank you.”

Pancake attacks with a gust of regret!

-10 HP

(HP: 42/80)

(Starpi hugs again, squeezing a little this time.)

Anytime.

Pancake is comforted!

His smile is beaming now!

75/100 mercy!

Pancake attempts to muster up any hatred that he has into a single bee!

Miss.

(Starpi's breath hitches.)

(He feels genuinely touched.)

Pancake...

(One last hug.)

I'll always be there for you, okay?

Pancake is comforted!

Pancake has always been a tool to be controlled and the feeling of someone actually caring about him is too overwhelming. He starts sobbing.

The gift giver is now out in the open!

(Starpi keeps one hand on Pancake's shoulder and uses the other to hit the iPad.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The ipad screen stops playing noise. When the Gift Giver goes to look at it, the message of colors turns black.

(No. NO!)

You won! Got 1 shadow crystal and a string of fate!

*They shake it violently.*

(TURN ON. TURN ON!)

(He is still uncertain. He does not know what this means yet.)

(We do not know what this will affect)

(I NEED MY IPAD. PLEASE WORK PLEASE WORK!)

*They’re… starting to cry?*

(please please please…)

(He seems more confused than anything.)

(And tired. Very tired.

*The gift giver is very unstable. They’re rocking back and forth, bending the strings around them. Their will is completely lost, I will have to discard them. It seems they will not give gifts for a very long time.*

#chain end #end chain

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(HP: 52/80)

(Starpi hugs Pancake, smiling.)

Eh. You're worth better, still.

Pancake is comforted!

He’s slightly smiling.

50/100 mercy!

“…Thank you.”

Pancake attacks with a gust of regret!

-10 HP

(HP: 42/80)

(Starpi hugs again, squeezing a little this time.)

Anytime.

Pancake is comforted!

His smile is beaming now!

75/100 mercy!

Pancake attempts to muster up any hatred that he has into a single bee!

Miss.

(Starpi's breath hitches.)

(He feels genuinely touched.)

Pancake...

(One last hug.)

I'll always be there for you, okay?

Pancake is comforted!

Pancake has always been a tool to be controlled and the feeling of someone actually caring about him is too overwhelming. He starts sobbing.

The gift giver is now out in the open!

(Starpi keeps one hand on Pancake's shoulder and uses the other to hit the iPad.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The ipad screen stops playing noise. When the Gift Giver goes to look at it, the message of colors turns black.

(No. NO!)

You won! Got 1 shadow crystal and a string of fate!

*They shake it violently.*

(TURN ON. TURN ON!)

(He is still uncertain. He does not know what this means yet.)

(We do not know what this will affect)

(I NEED MY IPAD. PLEASE WORK PLEASE WORK!)

*They’re… starting to cry?*

(please please please…)

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(HP: 52/80)

(Starpi hugs Pancake, smiling.)

Eh. You're worth better, still.

Pancake is comforted!

He’s slightly smiling.

50/100 mercy!

“…Thank you.”

Pancake attacks with a gust of regret!

-10 HP

(HP: 42/80)

(Starpi hugs again, squeezing a little this time.)

Anytime.

Pancake is comforted!

His smile is beaming now!

75/100 mercy!

Pancake attempts to muster up any hatred that he has into a single bee!

Miss.

(Starpi's breath hitches.)

(He feels genuinely touched.)

Pancake...

(One last hug.)

I'll always be there for you, okay?

Pancake is comforted!

Pancake has always been a tool to be controlled and the feeling of someone actually caring about him is too overwhelming. He starts sobbing.

The gift giver is now out in the open!

(Starpi keeps one hand on Pancake's shoulder and uses the other to hit the iPad.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The ipad stops playing noise. When the Gift Giver goes to look at it, the mess of colors turns black.

(No. NO!)

You won! Got 1 shadow crystal and a string of fate!

*They shake it violently.*

(TURN ON. TURN ON!)

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(HP: 52/80)

(Starpi hugs Pancake, smiling.)

Eh. You're worth better, still.

Pancake is comforted!

He’s slightly smiling.

50/100 mercy!

“…Thank you.”

Pancake attacks with a gust of regret!

-10 HP

(HP: 42/80)

(Starpi hugs again, squeezing a little this time.)

Anytime.

Pancake is comforted!

His smile is beaming now!

75/100 mercy!

Pancake attempts to muster up any hatred that he has into a single bee!

Miss.

(Starpi's breath hitches.)

(He feels genuinely touched.)

Pancake...

(One last hug.)

I'll always be there for you, okay?

Pancake is comforted!

Pancake has always been a tool to be controlled and the feeling of someone actually caring about him is too overwhelming. He starts sobbing.

The gift giver is now out in the open!

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(HP: 52/80)

(Starpi hugs Pancake, smiling.)

Eh. You're worth better, still.

Pancake is comforted!

He’s slightly smiling.

50/100 mercy!

“…Thank you.”

Pancake attacks with a gust of regret!

-10 HP

(HP: 42/80)

(Starpi hugs again, squeezing a little this time.)

Anytime.

Pancake is comforted!

His smile is beaming now!

75/100 mercy!

Pancake attempts to muster up any hatred that he has into a single bee!

Miss.

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(HP: 52/80)

(Starpi hugs Pancake, smiling.)

Eh. You're worth better, still.

Pancake is comforted!

He’s slightly smiling.

50/100 mercy!

“…Thank you.”

Pancake attacks with a gust of regret!

-10 HP

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

John Madden!

(Starpi cannot help but return the vocal stim.)

(HP: 62/80)

(Starpi flirts again.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 ATK!

“I know it’s just because you need to beat me but still-“

*He’s blushing.*

Pancake attacks with the bitter remains of betrayal!

-10 HP!

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

(HP: 36/80)

(Starpi calls to Challenger again.)

(HP: 80/80)

Thank you so much kid. You're double un-grounded.

”John Madden! John Madden!”

Pancake stings you with a shadow crystal!

-18 HP!

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Ugh. Here goes nothing.)

(How the hell does one flirt when they are aro, and their puppeteer is also aro...)

(Starpi flirts nonetheless.)

Pancake is flustered!

-10 attack!

*He’s covering his face, avoiding eye contact*

Pancake throws unrequited love!

It wasn’t effective…

-14 HP!

#Not effective since both the puppet and the puppeteer are aro LMAO

(He looks exhausted.)

(He still turns his gaze towards you.)

- @starppins-says

(Hello.)

(I’ve been waiting for this.)

As have we.

(Well.)

*They peer into a string nearby and pluck it*

(What do you need?)

...

(Starpi turns to face behind him. Something in the atmosphere feels awkward, like it spoke out of turn.)

(A puppet who cannot see its own strings. You deny my gift and confront me without the power to understand what’s really going on.)

(The crystals show the truth. Don’t deny their power.)

He HAS enough, and I FORBID him from more-

Wait-

You can hear me.

(Starpi turns to the face of his puppeteer.)

(The real one.)

(...less imposing than he had imagined.)

*They stare at their own in turn. A very… interesting sight.*

(Your puppet needs my gifts.)

I'd rather not.

(He can feel more of himself slipping away the longer his puppeteer is there.)

(The puppeteer can also feel more of themselves slipping away the longer they focus on Starpi.)

(Two minds are merging into one.)

Enough talking. Onto the main act.

(Oh? What are you planning?)

*They eye a nearby string, a glowing slightly brighter than the ones around it.*

All four of us know.

(He will not start the battle himself. At least, not yet.)

*Their grin grows wide.*

(A battle of puppeteers it is.)

ATTACK

ACT

ITEM

SPARE

DEFEND

(As always, Starpi ACTs first. He checks the Gift Giver.)

The Gift Giver.

ATK 14 DF 11

The master of the strings. Able to summon anything at will. Will sometimes get distracted by videos on their ipad.

(Looking at the other acts, our attention is drawn to one in particular.)

(Starpi plays a random youtube video.)

You played “Satisfying Slime ASMR”

• Their attack is less effective!

They whip their tail in your direction

• -10 hp!

(HP: 70/80)

(Ouch - even with the attack reduced, that hurts. We'll need to figure out the best time to heal...)

(Alright, let's give plucking a string a go.)

You pluck a string.

A dark candy appears in your hand!

The Gift Giver peers into a string and cuts it.

-11 hp!

(HP: 59/80)

UGH!

(He hits the ipad in frustration.)

The Gift Giver panics!

They examine the damages for a moment with a slight grimace before they continue.

+15% mercy!

They send shards of time in your direction!

-9 HP!

(HP: 50/80.)

(Okay, that did something!)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. The screen is now slightly cracked

30/100 mercy!

They cut through you with a string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 39/80)

(Yeah it's healing time.)

(Starpi has an idea.)

(He calls out into the void.)

Challenger, you're un-grounded!

(And right on cue a green butterfly lands on his arm.)

(HP: 78/80)

(What the- that actually worked???)

(Starpi smiles.)

Thanks, kid

(The vessel is misunderstood. I wish the above would build them a ladder of hope out of the docks.)

The gift giver shows you a piece of the past.

-10 HP!

(Flashes of the fight with Bap cycle through Starpi's mind.)

(He loses focus for a moment.)

(He hears singing.)

"holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant

ar hyd y nos"

(Somehow he recognises it.)

(It calms him.)

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The screen is now shattered! The giver is frustrated at not being able to choose videos!

45/100 mercy!

They cut a nearby string!

-11 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(It's working!)

(The song continues. Starpi joins his puppeteer in singing.)

Dyma'r fford i fro gogoniant

ar hyd y nos

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

He inspects the ipad. A slurry of colors makes the screen impossible to see but the sounds of a Minecraft let’s play are still audible through the speakers.

60/100 mercy!

They hurl a glimpse of the inevitable at you!

-12 HP!

(HP: 55/80.)

(The song continues, despite the loud Minecraft.)

Golau arall yw tywyllwch

i arddangos gwir brydferthwch

(He hits the ipad again.)

The Gift Giver panics!

The speakers are now playing fried audio. The Gift Giver is horrified.

75/100 mercy!

The fires of lost hope rage around you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 46/80)

(He calls to Challenger again.)

(Another butterfly comes to heal him.)

(HP: 76/80)

(The vessel once again. A kind soul that ended up in the wrong place.)

Their cloak stretches to snap at you!

-9 HP!

(HP: 67/80)

(Starpi hits the ipad again.)

(He resumes singing.)

Teulu'r nefoedd mewn tawelwch

ar hyd y-

The Gift Giver panics!

The audio from the ipad has turned into a mush of buzzes and tones. The Gift Giver is angry.

(I can’t let this continue.)

He stares at the string that’s brighter than the others, then plucks it.

Suddenly, Pancake is blocking the way!

PANCAKE???

(It sounds like two voices yelling at the same time.)

(Fine. We can work with this.)

(Starpi hugged Pancake.)

Pancake is comforted!

His expression is still blank but you now see the life in his eyes.

25/100 mercy!

…

A swarm of strange bees surrounds you! You are stung!

-30 HP!

(OUCH!)

(Starpi looks a little panicked.)

(He calls out to Challenger again, more frantically.)

(HP: 80/80.)

(He sighs in relief. He internally vows to bring Challenger something nice next time he visits.)

“It- h-“

Pancake gives an empty hug!

-30 HP!

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