Aug 18, 2025
Today I went to an amusement park with my boyfriend.
He's hawt!
(post was edited on Sep 1st, 9 pm EST)
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Shadow
@this-shadow-lives
LU Shadow RP Blog
Jan 5
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Vio..? The violet hero, you mean? There were a few records of him mixed with yours, I suppose, but I never had any interest in him. [They aren’t very concerned about you hyperventilating; after all, it wont kill you.] I can assure you, I still don’t have any interest, nor intention to bring harm upon your hero friend. Any of them, if memory serves correctly! Four total, not including you, of course.
But thats all I know. All of my interest lies upon you, darling dark angel. You have nothing to fear about your friends.
(Your response is reassuring, but it is still panicked, because what if the knight finds out? It's fairly certain that it isn't supposed to know that Vio is here. If it was, wouldn't the knight have said something to it? That- It needs its brain to turn off.)
"...M'kay."
(It's breathing isn't...calm, but it is at least calm enough to properly speak...Maybe the less you know about the others is better.)
[Smiling, they run a hand through your hair.] Thats it. You’re okay, right? Well, asides the drug, I suppose… Speaking of that, would you say anything has gotten better or worse? I have gotten all the data I need from you, so if you would like me to rid your system of the effects, it is possible. If you feel the need, that is!
(It shrugs. It's barely noticed the drug by now. The panic sort of...overtook that.)
"...'s fine."
(It doesn't really feel like talking anymore. It's just...tired. It wants to go back to sleep. Like it had been before you arrived.)
Alright, then. [Less energy expended on their part.] Tired, then? Sleep now, or would you like a bath first? Or you could always do both, I don’t particularly care. It’s not like you could drown at all.
(It blinks at you, a confused expression making its way onto the shade's face. A...bath. Oh. Oh! You had said something about bringing soaps, hadn't you? That...Hm. It does want to bathe. It's hair still feels gross, but it...That's a level of trust that it doesn't know if it can give up.)
(...It probably has to, though, doesn't it? If it wants its hair to feel normal again, you're going to have to wash it, aren't you? It wouldn't really trust itself with anything either.)
"...Uhm."
I won’t do anything you don’t want me to pertaining washing, you are perfectly capable of doing it yourself, are you not? But if you would like, I can help. I will not even look at you if you don't want me to, as well. Though I am slightly curious about your body, I have seen enough summons to have a vague idea, and therefore it’s not necessary.
I do have to stay in the room, however. So that I can take what I brought back out.
(It shrugs. It doesn't think it could reasonably wash anything without falling over. It also doesn't want you to wash it. It can't make a decision on what it wants, right now.)
"Can you jus'...decide for me?"
(That's easier than trying to think. It doesn't know if it's genuinely just that tired, or if the drug is helping with this. Either way, it just wants to sleep and shut its brain off.)
[They sigh, but it doesn’t sound mean, not whatsoever. More playfully exasperated.] How about I wash your hair for you, and then you can sleep the rest of the drug off and do the rest yourself. Honestly, your hair is the most desperately in need of cleaning… What do you say, darling? Nothing too invasive, might even be nice.
"...M'kay."
(That's fine. Maybe it'll fall asleep quicker, if you do it. It knows that whenever Vio would run his hands through its hair, that made it tired. It was...relaxing.)
Oh, good! I’m glad. [They move backwards a bit, leaving you behind and sitting where you are.] Stay there for a second, will you?
[You can feel a sudden surge of magic, one thats similar to when they created that blanket from magic. Instead, this time, they summon a wooden-looking bucket of sorts. It’s wide, but not too deep. Theres also a cushioned place at the edge for you to comfortably place your neck, but for now, it’s empty and without water.]
[Which is an easy fix! They stand and walk over to the pool of water in the center of the room, sinking a side of the bucket into the water to fill it. Then they materialize a small scoop to put in a bit more water before walking back over and setting the bucket down.]
Warm or cold, darling?
(They watch your actions with pure curiousity. Did you just...make the bucket? Or did you summon it?- Either way it wants to know how you did that. Is it similar to its own storage system?)
"...Warm."
(It never really realized it before getting kidnapped, but it's always cold. It's not really...uncomfortable or anything, but being warm is nice, even if it's not for long...That might be why it enjoyed Death Mountain so much.)
Jan 5
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Vio..? The violet hero, you mean? There were a few records of him mixed with yours, I suppose, but I never had any interest in him. [They aren’t very concerned about you hyperventilating; after all, it wont kill you.] I can assure you, I still don’t have any interest, nor intention to bring harm upon your hero friend. Any of them, if memory serves correctly! Four total, not including you, of course.
But thats all I know. All of my interest lies upon you, darling dark angel. You have nothing to fear about your friends.
(Your response is reassuring, but it is still panicked, because what if the knight finds out? It's fairly certain that it isn't supposed to know that Vio is here. If it was, wouldn't the knight have said something to it? That- It needs its brain to turn off.)
"...M'kay."
(It's breathing isn't...calm, but it is at least calm enough to properly speak...Maybe the less you know about the others is better.)
[Smiling, they run a hand through your hair.] Thats it. You’re okay, right? Well, asides the drug, I suppose… Speaking of that, would you say anything has gotten better or worse? I have gotten all the data I need from you, so if you would like me to rid your system of the effects, it is possible. If you feel the need, that is!
(It shrugs. It's barely noticed the drug by now. The panic sort of...overtook that.)
"...'s fine."
(It doesn't really feel like talking anymore. It's just...tired. It wants to go back to sleep. Like it had been before you arrived.)
Alright, then. [Less energy expended on their part.] Tired, then? Sleep now, or would you like a bath first? Or you could always do both, I don’t particularly care. It’s not like you could drown at all.
(It blinks at you, a confused expression making its way onto the shade's face. A...bath. Oh. Oh! You had said something about bringing soaps, hadn't you? That...Hm. It does want to bathe. It's hair still feels gross, but it...That's a level of trust that it doesn't know if it can give up.)
(...It probably has to, though, doesn't it? If it wants its hair to feel normal again, you're going to have to wash it, aren't you? It wouldn't really trust itself with anything either.)
"...Uhm."
I won’t do anything you don’t want me to pertaining washing, you are perfectly capable of doing it yourself, are you not? But if you would like, I can help. I will not even look at you if you don't want me to, as well. Though I am slightly curious about your body, I have seen enough summons to have a vague idea, and therefore it’s not necessary.
I do have to stay in the room, however. So that I can take what I brought back out.
(It shrugs. It doesn't think it could reasonably wash anything without falling over. It also doesn't want you to wash it. It can't make a decision on what it wants, right now.)
"Can you jus'...decide for me?"
(That's easier than trying to think. It doesn't know if it's genuinely just that tired, or if the drug is helping with this. Either way, it just wants to sleep and shut its brain off.)
[They sigh, but it doesn’t sound mean, not whatsoever. More playfully exasperated.] How about I wash your hair for you, and then you can sleep the rest of the drug off and do the rest yourself. Honestly, your hair is the most desperately in need of cleaning… What do you say, darling? Nothing too invasive, might even be nice.
"...M'kay."
(That's fine. Maybe it'll fall asleep quicker, if you do it. It knows that whenever Vio would run his hands through its hair, that made it tired. It was...relaxing.)
Jan 5
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Vio..? The violet hero, you mean? There were a few records of him mixed with yours, I suppose, but I never had any interest in him. [They aren’t very concerned about you hyperventilating; after all, it wont kill you.] I can assure you, I still don’t have any interest, nor intention to bring harm upon your hero friend. Any of them, if memory serves correctly! Four total, not including you, of course.
But thats all I know. All of my interest lies upon you, darling dark angel. You have nothing to fear about your friends.
(Your response is reassuring, but it is still panicked, because what if the knight finds out? It's fairly certain that it isn't supposed to know that Vio is here. If it was, wouldn't the knight have said something to it? That- It needs its brain to turn off.)
"...M'kay."
(It's breathing isn't...calm, but it is at least calm enough to properly speak...Maybe the less you know about the others is better.)
[Smiling, they run a hand through your hair.] Thats it. You’re okay, right? Well, asides the drug, I suppose… Speaking of that, would you say anything has gotten better or worse? I have gotten all the data I need from you, so if you would like me to rid your system of the effects, it is possible. If you feel the need, that is!
(It shrugs. It's barely noticed the drug by now. The panic sort of...overtook that.)
"...'s fine."
(It doesn't really feel like talking anymore. It's just...tired. It wants to go back to sleep. Like it had been before you arrived.)
Alright, then. [Less energy expended on their part.] Tired, then? Sleep now, or would you like a bath first? Or you could always do both, I don’t particularly care. It’s not like you could drown at all.
(It blinks at you, a confused expression making its way onto the shade's face. A...bath. Oh. Oh! You had said something about bringing soaps, hadn't you? That...Hm. It does want to bathe. It's hair still feels gross, but it...That's a level of trust that it doesn't know if it can give up.)
(...It probably has to, though, doesn't it? If it wants its hair to feel normal again, you're going to have to wash it, aren't you? It wouldn't really trust itself with anything either.)
"...Uhm."
I won’t do anything you don’t want me to pertaining washing, you are perfectly capable of doing it yourself, are you not? But if you would like, I can help. I will not even look at you if you don't want me to, as well. Though I am slightly curious about your body, I have seen enough summons to have a vague idea, and therefore it’s not necessary.
I do have to stay in the room, however. So that I can take what I brought back out.
(It shrugs. It doesn't think it could reasonably wash anything without falling over. It also doesn't want you to wash it. It can't make a decision on what it wants, right now.)
"Can you jus'...decide for me?"
(That's easier than trying to think. It doesn't know if it's genuinely just that tired, or if the drug is helping with this. Either way, it just wants to sleep and shut its brain off.)
Jan 5
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Vio..? The violet hero, you mean? There were a few records of him mixed with yours, I suppose, but I never had any interest in him. [They aren’t very concerned about you hyperventilating; after all, it wont kill you.] I can assure you, I still don’t have any interest, nor intention to bring harm upon your hero friend. Any of them, if memory serves correctly! Four total, not including you, of course.
But thats all I know. All of my interest lies upon you, darling dark angel. You have nothing to fear about your friends.
(Your response is reassuring, but it is still panicked, because what if the knight finds out? It's fairly certain that it isn't supposed to know that Vio is here. If it was, wouldn't the knight have said something to it? That- It needs its brain to turn off.)
"...M'kay."
(It's breathing isn't...calm, but it is at least calm enough to properly speak...Maybe the less you know about the others is better.)
[Smiling, they run a hand through your hair.] Thats it. You’re okay, right? Well, asides the drug, I suppose… Speaking of that, would you say anything has gotten better or worse? I have gotten all the data I need from you, so if you would like me to rid your system of the effects, it is possible. If you feel the need, that is!
(It shrugs. It's barely noticed the drug by now. The panic sort of...overtook that.)
"...'s fine."
(It doesn't really feel like talking anymore. It's just...tired. It wants to go back to sleep. Like it had been before you arrived.)
Alright, then. [Less energy expended on their part.] Tired, then? Sleep now, or would you like a bath first? Or you could always do both, I don’t particularly care. It’s not like you could drown at all.
(It blinks at you, a confused expression making its way onto the shade's face. A...bath. Oh. Oh! You had said something about bringing soaps, hadn't you? That...Hm. It does want to bathe. It's hair still feels gross, but it...That's a level of trust that it doesn't know if it can give up.)
(...It probably has to, though, doesn't it? If it wants its hair to feel normal again, you're going to have to wash it, aren't you? It wouldn't really trust itself with anything either.)
"...Uhm."
Jan 4
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Vio..? The violet hero, you mean? There were a few records of him mixed with yours, I suppose, but I never had any interest in him. [They aren’t very concerned about you hyperventilating; after all, it wont kill you.] I can assure you, I still don’t have any interest, nor intention to bring harm upon your hero friend. Any of them, if memory serves correctly! Four total, not including you, of course.
But thats all I know. All of my interest lies upon you, darling dark angel. You have nothing to fear about your friends.
(Your response is reassuring, but it is still panicked, because what if the knight finds out? It's fairly certain that it isn't supposed to know that Vio is here. If it was, wouldn't the knight have said something to it? That- It needs its brain to turn off.)
"...M'kay."
(It's breathing isn't...calm, but it is at least calm enough to properly speak...Maybe the less you know about the others is better.)
[Smiling, they run a hand through your hair.] Thats it. You’re okay, right? Well, asides the drug, I suppose… Speaking of that, would you say anything has gotten better or worse? I have gotten all the data I need from you, so if you would like me to rid your system of the effects, it is possible. If you feel the need, that is!
(It shrugs. It's barely noticed the drug by now. The panic sort of...overtook that.)
"...'s fine."
(It doesn't really feel like talking anymore. It's just...tired. It wants to go back to sleep. Like it had been before you arrived.)
Jan 4
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Vio..? The violet hero, you mean? There were a few records of him mixed with yours, I suppose, but I never had any interest in him. [They aren’t very concerned about you hyperventilating; after all, it wont kill you.] I can assure you, I still don’t have any interest, nor intention to bring harm upon your hero friend. Any of them, if memory serves correctly! Four total, not including you, of course.
But thats all I know. All of my interest lies upon you, darling dark angel. You have nothing to fear about your friends.
(Your response is reassuring, but it is still panicked, because what if the knight finds out? It's fairly certain that it isn't supposed to know that Vio is here. If it was, wouldn't the knight have said something to it? That- It needs its brain to turn off.)
"...M'kay."
(It's breathing isn't...calm, but it is at least calm enough to properly speak...Maybe the less you know about the others is better.)
Jan 4
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
[Okay! Well, that was completely unexpected. Not entirely, but they certainly had you suddenly having a mental breakdown low on their expectations list.]
[Instead of keeping you standing, they slowly lower you to the ground, away from the mirror and into their lap.] Calm down, dear, I won’t talk about it anymore if you don’t want me to. Stressing you out does nothing for me.
("Calm down," you say. "Calm down." How is it supposed to calm down when you know Vio is here too? It's absolutely hyperventilating now, which...isn't great, given that it was hard to breathe in the first place. There are absolutely tears in its eyes, but they refuse to fall.)
"'m sorry- I can't- I don't- You can't tell him that you know Vio's here- You can't. I don't- It's bad enough that he got Vio, I can't let anything else happen to him. I can't-"
Jan 4
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
[They smirk. So one of those guesses was spot on, maybe a mix of all of them. They have a guess on which, though.] Calm yourself, darling shade, as long as your little friends are hylian I don’t have a use for them. You are the only one I need. It seems like you miss them, hm? Well, once I get you out of here, we can pay them a visit, if my employer allows it. If you’re on good behavior, that is!
(It can't stop itself from overthinking. What if you were lying? What if since you now knew of Vio's existence the knight had you do something?- What if- You could- There are too many outcomes. It doesn't matter if Vio's a hylian because- You could just-)
(The shade's legs nearly give out under it. It catches itself, but it does nearly collapse.)
"Please- Please I don't- You can't- He-"
(It's almost crying. What it's trying to say not even it knows.)
Jan 4
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Hm… [They’re almost disappointed in you.] If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing. Whats on that little mind of yours, hm? Perhaps thinking thoughts on what you’re missing out on outside of this room? Missing someone? Or is there…
Someone on the other side of this wall, I wonder. [Blind guesses, but if they focus, they can almost sense faint traces of something. It’s old, and not very prominent, but still magic. And that happens to be their specialty.] Someone important to you, maybe?
(It tenses again. It can't force itself to relax this time. Not when you're spot on. Not when you could easily go find Vio. Not when you somehow know.)
(It stays silent, but the panic and fear is clear on its face. It can't bring itself to move. It needs to get away from you, but it also doesn't want to. You- Its feelings are so confusing. It needs everything to stop.)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
[They stare for a few more seconds before they stand, put their notebook away under their cloak, and walk over to you. You can see them approaching in the mirror, and then once they step close enough, their arms wrap around your torso and their head rests on your shoulder, also staring into the reflection. Though they look more into yours than theirs.]
What’re you doing, dear? Something interesting in the mirror?
(It tenses ever so slightly but it forces itself to relax. It doesn't want you to know about Vio if you don't already. You- It doesn't want you do anything to him.)
"...No. 'm just looking."
(It's almost obvious with its lie. It used to be such a good liar, why is now different?)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
[…Now that peaks their interest just a bit more. They watch you, wait for you to do something, all attention to their notebook focused right back onto you. You can sort of feel the magic in the air concentrate more around you, as well, going hand in hand with their concentration.]
[They’ll wait to ask what you’re doing after a little more information comes to them.]
(It's ignoring your magic. It's difficult to do, but it...The thought of being near Vio again is too distracting. It can almost see Vio there...Well, it's probably not actually Vio but...It'll take what it can get.)
(The shade almost starts humming a tune of its own as it stares at the mirror. Or is it staring past it? It's hard to tell.)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Suit yourself! [They go back to writing. And then— Oh, maybe they’re just doodling now. It doesn’t look much like writing anymore.] I suppose I should consider this experiment rather unfulfilling… I’ll need more results than just you, it turns out. Though you have been helpful nonetheless.
[They’ll stay with you until the effects wear off to document anything else, but otherwise, you can tell their attention is less on you now.]
(There's...hesitation in the shade's movement. It's shaking its arms still, but it doesn't seem to be registering that. There's a long while where it just sits there, before it abruptly stands up. It seems like it's going to fall over as it just stands there, wobbling.)
(It doesn't end up falling. It also doesn't seem to have processed your later statement. It walks over to one of the walls of the room, one that holds a mirror. It's staring at it, almost longingly.)
(...It wants to break it. Vio's just on the other side. He's probably watching this happen. That...It doesn't want to think about that.)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
…Do you need assistance, dear shade? [They almost sound patronizing, but it’s mostly just boredom. They remind themself that this research is still necessary to their goal. Who knows what side effects an addict summon-chimera could have? They don’t want to get sued for a patients death! Again! So this is necessary, if boring.]
[Maybe they should just make more test subject summons to experiment on, instead of trying to rely on one that seems so… Hylian.]
(It doesn't want help. It shouldn't need help for something as simple as standing! That- It's not a child. It's not.)
(The shade doesn't answer you, opting to try and stand itself. Of course, it still doesn't work. That doesn't stop it from continuing to try, though.)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
[They hum, and go to write before responding.] Well, feel free to do that then. You have complete permission to walk around, this is your holding cell after all! Though I would be mindful of falling… [With that thought, they get off of you, severing any physical contact besides a bit of brushing between clothes.]
(It almost whines again. It doesn't know how to feel, but it knows that it liked leaning on you. It liked the touch.)
"...Right."
(The shade wants to stand, but it's like it's legs won't cooporate. It can't stand. It's trying to, but nothing.)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
[Well, that sound didn’t mean much in terms of communication. They sigh.] Words, darling, you know how to use them! If you tell me the problem, then I could see if I can help you out a bit! [Really, they just want their data. They don’t have any drug cure-all on them, though flushing it out of your system wouldn't be too hard. But they aren't going to do that! Why would they, when their research is more important?]
(Oh. It just processed what you called it. It doesn't...know if it likes that.)
"'m- Dunno. Jus' need to do something. Need to move."
(It's taken to shaking its hands out. That doesn't help with what it's feeling, but it's better than just sitting there.)
Jan 3
[After a while, you can hear the door unlock with the usual subtle click. Though, the way it’s pushed open doesn’t speak of the knight. And the magical presence you can feel immediately afterwards definitely doesn’t speak of the knight, whatsoever. You know who this is.]
Oh, my darling dark angel~! I’m back! Hope you didn’t miss me too much! [They laugh slightly, knowingly almost.] Oh, you’ll be excited for today, I’m sure! I’m excited! You should be excited too, dear.
[The door shuts behind them, and locks without their input. It’s likely they weren’t given a key this time, either. Though you know that something like that is inconsequential to someone like them. They walk over to you, standing over you with a bright smile with a hint more insanity than normal.]
What do you say about getting started right away?
-@magicdrenched
(It had been asleep, but the click of the door woke it. It had tensed at first, thinking the knight had finally decided to return, but it relaxes as it processes your magic. It still has the blanket you gave it wrapped around it, though it has shifted positions since last you saw it.)
(The shade gives you a hesitant smile. You seem a bit...off? That- That's not the right phrasing but it...doesn't really like the fact that you seem excited. Well, that's not true. It's happy that you're excited and that you're back, it just doesn't like that there are implications as to why.)
"...Started on what?"
[They kneel down, crouching in front of you. Then they touch where the blanket rests over you, and it disappears. The ambient magic in the air increases slightly as this happens.] You won’t be needing that now that I’m back! And, oh, your smile is just adorable! Why not do it more often, darling shade? Hm, anyhow…
There’s some things that I want to test your reactions to, but after that, we can spend some time cleaning you up a bit. I brought a bunch of soaps and stuff for you! Though you have to earn it by doing well, alright? Well, for what you have control over, that is. I have high hopes that with some incentive, you’ll improve even more! Oh, sounds great, doesn’t it?
What do you say? [It’s not like they’ll give you a choice, but still. Asking is polite.]
(It almost whines when the blanket is taken from it, but it is quickly reminded of the fact that you're back. It doesn't need the blanket, it has you here...Of course it'd be better if the two of you were in the room with Vio, but not everything can go its way.)
(...Oh, you brought soap. It can finally wash its hair. It- Oh Goddesses it wants that so bad. Its hair has been bothering it since...Well, since you arrived. Really, even before that but the dunk in the water the knight made it take had helped...)
"Okay."
(It hesitates for a moment, almost like it wants to ask something.)
Wonderful! You know, this might even be fun for you! Now come here—[They sit by your side, and pull you close. Then they rummage through their cloak a bit until they find what they’re looking for, pulling out a very small vial of what looks to be some sort of juice. They hold it out to you.]—and just drink this! It’s not too much, so you should be fine. It won’t hurt, either. Don’t worry about it! I’ll be by your side the entire time.
[They don’t mention how this is only the first part. They start digging through their possessions with their other hand while they wait for you to take the vial from them.]
(It stares at the vial for a moment before taking it from you. This...is weird. It doesn't particularly...want to drink it. Not because it doesn't trust you, obviously. It just...doesn't feel like drinking anything...Whatever.)
(Grimacing, the shade drinks the juice from the vial. It doesn't really...react to the taste or anything. It does frown as it hands the vial back to you, however.)
[They pull out a notebook and pencil, taking the vial from you and putting it back under their cloak as they do so. Then, they smile, and write something down. While you can clearly see the notebook and its contents from your position, when they write, nothing appears. Neither objects look all that magical, though something must be going on for this to happen.] Good job, dear. Just wait a few moments, you’ll feel it soon.
[They move to run a hand through your hair, gently, soothingly. Their hands seem cleaner than when they left.]
(The shade leans into your side, its head ending up on your shoulder. It wasn't really trying to read your notes, but it...it is interesting. What kind of magic could do that without being detected?)
(When your hand starts to run through its hair, it nearly falls back asleep. It...doesn't, though. Which is weird. It feels extremely tired. The fact it just woke up doesn't help, but this is usual.)
[Their eyes flick over to you for a second, a calculating look adorning them. Well, they’re using the hand they were writing with to pet you, so… They pick up the pencil with their other hand and start writing again. Still, you can see nothing, but you get the feeling that even if you could you wouldn’t be able to read it from the unfamiliar way their pencil moves. With a soft hum, they look back over to you when they’re done with that line of note taking.]
Don’t go falling asleep, now, dear. How are you feeling so far? Anything noticeable that happens to be different? Tell me anything that you think might be out of place.
(There's an unintelligible grumble from the shade when you tell it to stay awake. It just wants to sleep. Leaning further into you, the shade shrugs.)
"I don't...think that-"
(It cuts itself off, its eyes narrowing as it looks around the room. It could've sworn there was something- That- There was something right there- Where did it- How did it get there?)
Hm. [Again, something is written down. They turn back to look at you from the corner of their eye with a soft smile.] Are you sure, dear? Nothing… Odd? Seeing things, perhaps?
[When you lean into them more, they accept it easily. Their hand continues to run through your hair in comforting motions.]
"I don't- Something was just there- It- Where did it go?-"
(Reasonably, it knows something couldn't have been there. Nothing had come in with the mage, after all. That doesn't stop the shade from panicking about it. Something new could be there. Something unusual.)
Oh, nothings there. All just side effects! And useful data, of course. Hm… [They write something down. You have a feeling they’ll be doing that a lot.] So far, it’s observable that you’re experiencing symptoms similar to what a hylian would feel, if a bit faster than usual. Though, of course, you’re not entirely a reliable source for information, but you are the best one I have. Lucky you!
Now, I do need some of your magic while it’s drugged to study. You don’t mind, I’m sure, darling shade. Be good! [As they talk a familiar knife is taken from their cloak, along with a smaller vial than usual. Instead of making a large cut, they remove their hand from your hair and gently hold your hand up. Your finger is then pricked somewhat deeply with the knife, and then held to the vial. It fills quickly.]
(It turns to stare at you. Side effects? Side effects of what? What did you give it that is causing it to- To see something that isn't there? To hallucinate?..Honestly a better question is why.)
"You drugged me?"
(The shade would've asked why but you pricking its finger catches it off guard. It whines. Not from pain, but because you hadn't asked. You- It would've said yes but you- You could've asked instead of just taking.)
Why yes I did! [They don’t seem to see anything wrong with this. They remove your finger from its place against the vial, and then close it. For a moment, they hold it up to their face to look before putting everything back and setting their notebook back on their lap.] You’re not going to be mad at me for it, are you, darling? Oh, it’s certainly nothing to be mad about! Don’t be silly, now. You’re doing a great job, alright?
It was just salvia juice, and only enough for some more intense effects while being non-threatening. Not that you could die from overdose! But still. If someone were to drug you out in the world, that’s probably how much they would have given you to get you high enough to be out of commission for a while. Or, just the amount someone would take who’s looking for a good time! Really nothing to be concerned over, dear.
[They don’t really explain the purpose of this experiment of theirs to you whatsoever, just telling you random, somewhat relevant information about it. After all, they don’t exactly want you to know their true purpose of specifically latching onto you.]
(It stares at you with a hurt look. Also one of mild horror, but the hurt is more present. You...You could've asked both about the drug and pricking their finger. It would've willingly went along with anything you had asked of it.)
(It's about to say something but the thing is back. It knows it's a hallucination now, but that doesn't...That doesn't make it feel any less real.)
[Theres no sign of anything but mild amusement in their eyes, and they hum slightly as they look to where you’re looking. Then, they shrug it off. It’s of no consequence to them, what you’re seeing right now. Looking back at you for a second, their smile grows a bit wider, and they write something down again. Though, this time, it’s almost playful, likely not related to anything they’ve previously written. They laugh to themselves quietly before wrapping their arm around you and pulling you more into their side, rubbing your shoulder comfortingly.]
Oh, don’t look so sad, darling! It’s just too cute! I do hope you know I don’t need permission to do things to you, though. Waste of time when they’re going to happen anyway, don’t you think? You exist to be taken from, dear, better to just embrace it. Let yourself be appreciated by being compliant, hm?
Anyhow… You wouldn’t mind explaining your current hallucinations, would you? Anything audible, just seeing things? Extra panicky, a bit more tired than usual, any feelings of yours more erratic? Headaches, pains, the like. Please do describe your experience, that’s the entire purpose of this! Wouldn’t want your adorable hurt expressions to be for nothing, now!
(The hurt look remains on its face. Just because it's going to happen anyway doesn't mean you can't ask. If it said no that-...It doesn't think it would say no, but that- That isn't important right now!)
"...I don't know. It- I just see this thing. It's...weird."
(There's a moment of silence as the shade turns to face you again.)
"I'm...tired but I don't know if that...I don't know if that's from just waking up or from...this. I don't think I could sleep, though."
Hm… [More notes are taken.] Alright then. Tell me if it gets more distinct or you manage to find the words to describe it more accurately. You’re likely not feeling the full effects yet either, so expect things to get even weirder as time goes on!
[Still, they hold you close to them when they're done writing.]
"...Okay."
(It's not...excited for this. It's not even remotely happy about this. It's going to get worse? That...It doesn't like the sound of that.)
[All they can do for now is wait. While they do so, they hum a tune, as usual. It’s still eerie, but comforting nonetheless. Eventually, they look down at you, searching for something with a soft smile.]
[They can tell you seem a bit nervous.] You’ll be alright, darling. I’ll make sure of it. This is just a little harmless experiment.
(It's not. Well, for you it's harmless. It...definitely is going to harm it though. It doesn't know how, it just knows that it will be harmed...somehow during this. Your humming is...it's nice. It doesn't know why it's nice now, all of a sudden. But it is. Is- That's probably not one of the things you would've wanted it to describe, right?)
(It goes to say something, but it pauses. It can't remember what it wanted to say. Which is odd. It's not important, though. Probably.)
[They constantly watch you, rarely looking away. The most they break their staring is to write notes down, and even then they constantly look from their paper and back to you. They write something down, and then instead of trying to shift your position, they actually lean a bit onto you. You’re surprisingly comfortable, if a bit cold for them. They continue to hum melodies as they wait.]
(It needs to move. It needs to get up, but it's too tired. If it stood up, it'd fall...Honestly that may be better than just sitting here. At least it'd feel something. At least it'd be moving.)
(Everything is too confusing. There are so many thoughts in its head. Too many, if it's honest. There are too many things that it needs to do. Too many things that it can't do.)
Stressed yet? [They can sort of tell, from how… Tense you seem. They can at least read the magic coming off of you well enough.]
(It whines. It needs something to do. If it doesn't get something to do, it might- It doesn't know what it might do! There's too much and yet there's not enough. Of what, it doesn't know.)
(The shade is getting warmer, as well. Not by much, mind you. But it's not as cold as it was. As it usually is. The shade doesn't notice this, of course. It's too...distracted.)
