I'm here for two things.

This is your Prince speaking. ((Sidebar image by artysammiches.))

[truculenttechnetium]

DIRK: *It's been a short while since his talk with Jake, and Dirk is still feeling... not exactly okay. There's a tense set to his frame that hasn't gone away, but his expression is once again impassive when he exits his own room to fiddle with the dial. Once it's set to Dave's room he gives a few clipped knocks. If Dave doesn't answer, it's highly likely that Dirk will just open the door anyways. Best to maintain manners at some times though.*

DAVE: *Dave hears the knock and removes himself from the comfort of his bed with reluctance. Wasn't someone knocking on his door just a few hours (or days) ago? He wonders if he can play a level to get a peephole installed in the doors. Since that option's out, though, he opens the door and peers through the crack.*

DAVE: yo

DIRK: *Dirk would probably raise an eyebrow at the way his alternate brother answers, under normal circumstances. For now, no expressive reaction.* Are you busy spending quality time with yourself, or can you spare a few minutes?

DAVE: *He squints at Dirk, then steps outside and shuts the door behind him.*

DAVE: i was spending quality time with myself

DAVE: but ill understand

DAVE: maybe ill make it up to myself later

DIRK: *In turn, he backs up a little to give Dave the room to come out. Of his room.* And here I was worried you wouldn't forgive yourself.

DAVE: im a merciful guy

DAVE: i believe in second chances

DAVE: whats up

DIRK: Strife. That is, between you and I.

DIRK: Nothing too extreme since I gave my word that we wouldn't give the place a fucked-up makeover, but the offer still stands. *He doesn't exactly make it sound like an offer, nor does his stance say there's much friendliness in it. So far, he just looks a bit standoffish. He hasn't even moved his hands from his sides yet.*

DAVE: *raises eyebrows* are you slapping me with the metaphorical gauntlet

DAVE: all right

DAVE: im down

DAVE: lets do it

DAVE: do you want to destroy the living room or this room

DAVE: we could play fruit ninja if you pick the living room

DIRK: The living room it is. That was the plan, anyways.

DIRK: Well, not slicing fruits, but still.

DIRK: Don't keep me waiting too long. *And with that, he flashsteps out. MYSTERIOUS. Kind of asshole-ish honestly. He'll be in the general area, assuming Dave follows suit.*

DIRK: *That is to say, the "living room" in case mun was unclear, oops.*

DAVE: *Dave resists the temptation to make an inappropriate fruit joke, shakes his head at his brotherdad's characteristic disappearance, and equips his shitty sword. Oh, man. This is going to be so embarrassing. He steps through the door into the common room warily, ears pricked for the whoosh of air that would accompany an attack.*

DIRK: *Dirk is... hidden. Most likely crouched behind one of the couches. He would prefer giving Dave some time to get nervous about the lack of being abruptly attacked upon entering, but he doesn't really have the patience right now. When Dirk hears the footsteps he tenses, then flashsteps behind Dave. Unbreakable katana already in hand, the spiky-haired Strider decides to start out easy. Just a quick sideways slash, one that he hopes will catch Dave somewhat unaware.*

DAVE: *It does catch Dave somewhat unaware, and he jumps out of the way with less grace than he would have liked. The blade nicks a fold in his t-shirt. Before Dirk can flashstep into invisibility again, Dave regains his footing and feints high, then strikes low.*

DIRK: *A hint of a smirk surfaces when the attack goes as planned, but he's overconfident and goes up for the feint. Dave is quicker than Dirk takes him for, and nearly lands the strike before Dirk is able to counter. The scrape of metal grinds loudly when he parries and tries to knock the blade aside before flashstepping a ways away, further into the common room.*

DIRK: *He's either defending or trying to lure his brother further in. Most likely both.*

DAVE: *Dave is feeling a little better about his abilities now, but he won't rush madly into Dirk's blade. Well, he will rush, but not madly. A little madly, maybe. He doesn't waste time reaching Dirk, and goes again for the low strike in the hope that he can use Dirk's height against him.*

DIRK: *Meanwhile, Dirk waits. And waits. And only once Dave's attacking does he shift his stance at all--then he disappears before the blade can hit him. Almost instantly he appears on Dave's right and looming much closer, going for a downward slash of his own and putting a little more power into the move this time.*

DAVE: *Eek. Dave had almost forgotten how fast this guy was. His blade falls on empty air and he finds himself slightly off balance (which, in a battle, is already too much). He dive rolls out of the path of Dirk's sword and, without getting off his knees, turns and slashes at Dirk's flank.*

DIRK: *Dirk would probably appreciate the fluidity of that move more if he wasn't on the receiving end of it. He does his best to dodge, but the blade still catches along his calf to cut the fabric of his pants. Dirk glances down at the tear for a moment, then lets out a quiet chuckle.* Color me impressed. I didn't think you'd be able to get that close. *He doesn't really wait on a response and instead goes for a low sweeping cut, even though Dave will most likely block it what with already being on his knees.*

DAVE: *He blocks it, but his inferior position is no longer doing any favors. He sweeps Dirk's sword away and scrambles back until he has space to get to his feet and on guard again. Here was something he'd forgotten he missed, and Dirk's remark makes him smirk a little.*

DAVE: youre only a little faster than an imp

DIRK: *Aw, what a cute diss. It makes the taller Strider grin just a bit.* I can step it up a notch. *With that he's gone in a blur once again, popping up behind Dave. This time, however, he lunges in with a flurry of slices. Hopefully Dave is able to block or parry them, as the attacks increase in power the further Dirk drives forward. They're simple attacks, but fast nonetheless.*

DAVE: *Dave doesn't want to die, and he doesn't-- just barely. He parries a few and dodges the rest, stepping backwards the whole time. Finally, he slips up and throws up his hands to protect himself, catching Dirk's strike on the hilt of his blade and one palm. His hand begins to bleed before it begins to hurt, and he yanks it away, pressing it to his t-shirt and jumping backwards, out of Dirk's long reach. He's spurred on by the first blood and recovers quickly, hoping Dirk will be too distracted by his victory to catch Dave's rebound blow.*

DIRK: *The drawing of blood is a small success to Dirk, although it reminds him that he has to be careful. Dave isn't one of his robots that he can destroy and rebuild. In remembering this and trying to adjust appropriately, Dirk is unprepared for a counterstrike. When Dave returns with it, the other Strider hisses out a harsh breath in surprise and swings to block it. It's too unsteady and slides along his blade, but doesn't get to nick him; he flashsteps away before it can, retreating and almost backing up to one of the couches. He makes a "come at me, bro" gesture with one hand, his brow furrowed by the lack of precision in his last move. Keep it together, Strider.*

DAVE: *It's unsettling how easy it is to slip back into old practices with a near-stranger-- who is his brother, but also not. That's a thought for another day, though (so he has been telling himself for the past two weeks or so). He obliges Dirk's beckoning and strides across the room to meet him. Backed up against the couch like that could be a sign of defeat. Not likely with the Bro he knew, but it never hurt to remain optimistic. And then he was at it again- lunging at Dirk, then sidestepping at the last second to swipe at his knees.*

DIRK: *Dirk allows himself a moment's rest, leaning against the couch the way he is. The sword shifts from his left hand to his right, tapping lightly on the floor while Dave nears. To be fair, Dirk remains still until the lunge is made. But then he's flashstepped away again (and damn he wishes he had Cal to back him up right now) to the safety of... standing on top of the back of the couch. Dave probably shreds the side of the furniture while his brother leaps for an aerial assault, his sword flashing downwards with him.*

DAVE: shit

DAVE: *Dave flings himself backwards to avoid Bro's fucking steel magnolia gazelle leap, trips, and lands on his ass, throwing his sword up to protect himself. Steel on steel shrieks for about half a second, and then Dave's sword breaks in half.*

DAVE: fucking shit

DIRK: *He lands with significantly more grace than the Strider currently sprawled on the floor beneath him, probably with more force than necessary in his attacking swing. It's still a shock to him when the weapon actually breaks, and Dirk's momentum nearly sends his own blade straight for Dave. Luckily he's able to angle himself to the side, the katana screeching harshly on the floor next to his brother before it's gone in a flashstep. Dirk's standing to the side now, his battle stance only half forgotten while he looks down at the mess.* ...

DIRK: Wow, you were right. That's a fucking shitty sword.

DAVE: *Dave just stares at the piece of sword still left in his hand and shakes his head.*

DAVE: its the shittiest sword in the world

DAVE: we should put it up on a pedestal

DAVE: its like a bad penny

DAVE: it just keeps turning up and being absolutely fucking useless

DAVE: like hey im here again! you cant fucking use me for anything but you cant get rid of me

DAVE: lets put up a commemorative statue with a little insulting plaque

DAVE: the greatest symbol of male impotence since american imperialism

DIRK: *Dirk sorta just. Watches Dave for most of that ramble. Then he shrugs, returning to his more casual stance.* How did you even play Sburb with such an awful weapon, anyways?

DIRK: Assuming it wasn't broken on entry. That would make it all the worse for battle.

DAVE: uh

DAVE: yeah

DAVE: assuming that

DAVE: i made bigger and cooler swords and then broke those

DIRK: *Squint.* You broke all of them?

DAVE: pretty much

DAVE: yep

DIRK: ...That's pretty ironic.

DIRK: *Belatedly, Dirk steps closer to offer Dave a hand in getting up.*

DIRK: I think I'll wait on doing a one-on-one with you wielding a broken blade until you've got a more improved version of it, though.

DAVE: *He takes Dirk's hand and hops to his feet.*

DAVE: great because i was planning on keeping all my limbs

DIRK: That sounds like a good idea, I'd hardly enjoy the chewing out that would be given by either Lalonde on that. *The thought of that makes him smirk a little as his own sword disappears back into its specibus. He gets quiet for a moment; Rose said they should talk about things, but... finally he speaks up after initial hesitation while he looks away to scan the room.* Did the alternate me teach you those sword skills then?

DIRK: *Kind of a stupid question to ask. He berates himself silently for the clear awkwardness. Way to go.*

DAVE: yeah and he didnt even charge me tuition

DAVE *He can sense that this is going in the direction of a walk down memory lane or, even worse, a feelings talk.*

DIRK: Really? Not a fucking penny? Wow, and here I was thinking I'd be a total cheapskate.

DAVE: you might be right

DAVE: maybe i was actually thousands of dollars in debt

DAVE: and he was just waiting for me to get a fuckin job and pay him back

DAVE: i was a baby so i had like no money

DIRK: That sounds accurate. *No, it doesn't, but Dirk is willing to keep this going. Although Dave's terminology brings a new question to mind.* You don't mean you were literally an infant, right.

DIRK: Just some huge whiny kid or something? That I could see.

DAVE: well at some point i was literally an infant

DIRK: Yeah but I didn't attack you while you were just learning your first steps into Striderhood. *Actually now that he gives it some thought, it sounds like something he might do if he knew the stakes.* Did I? *There's a bit of uncertainty there, whoops.*

DAVE: yeah to be fair i dont remember infancy very well

DAVE: it might have been more like toddlerhood

DAVE: babys first trike and babys first shitty sword

DIRK: *Okay. So he may or may not have attacked a small child. That... doesn't really make Dirk feel too great, but he supposes that it's better than some things he could have done. He nods at Dave's words while his expression begins to turn neutral again.* Only the best for the childhood photos, of course.

DIRK: Well, I'm glad that I didn't fuck you up that badly. Less money to spend on a therapist this way.

DAVE: *Dave is looking at him a little defensively now, although it seems pointless to defend him from... himself.*

DAVE: good deal since the closest therapist in this universe is my sister

DAVE: anyway i wouldnt say he fucked me up

DAVE: more like

DAVE: he taught me how to be totally fuckin rad and kill things before he even knew i was going to spend the rest of my life killing shit

DIRK: *There's a slight eyebrow-raise when Dirk notices the kinds of pronouns Dave is using, and makes a mental note of that.* Just what every growing kid needs, a life dedicated to destroying things with little thought towards a normal lifestyle.

DIRK: Can't say I blame myself, though. And it paid off in the long run.

DAVE: *He flashes Dirk a thumbs-up, and then side-eyes him a little.*

DAVE: who taught you your mad skills then

DIRK: *Cue a shrug.* I did.

DIRK: I built robots that could fight against me, and set the difficulty levels higher each time I beat them. World's greatest CPU-maker right here. DIRK: *He wants to say "world's last CPU maker" but that's a little too morbid.*

DAVE: *He nods slowly. What a lonely child Dirk must have been. How tragic. He almost feels guilty, although it wasn't his fault and he isn't sure he would change anything if he (not him) could do it again.*

DAVE: so youre basically a big computer geek

DIRK: You know it. I made an AI too, when I was thirteen.

DIRK: Which, unfortunately, was a bigger hassle than I had bargained for.

DIRK: But he's no longer around, thankfully. Dealing with a thirteen-year-old version of myself trapped in virtual form is just asking for trouble. DIRK: Turns out I don't get along with myself. Who knew, right? Someone call the press, they'd eat this kind of story right up.

DAVE: oh yeah i could just see the headlines

DAVE: 'if you could tell your thirteen year old self anything you wanted, what would you say? one post-apocalyptic texan boy gets that chance'

DAVE: or even beter

DAVE: the sitcom

DAVE: 'me, myself and i'

DIRK: Starring some lanky nerd of a blond kid who wouldn't have even an ounce of coolness resembling a Strider's, with his AI "sidekick" always around to give snarky remarks at the plights that he encounters in each episode.

DIRK: Hell, throw a robot in there too. Make it look like him, call it Brobot.

DIRK: Considering that's also a thing I built.

DAVE: sounds a little narcissistic

DAVE: which is ironic since you turned out not to like your own company after all

DIRK: Exactly. Although to be fair, Brobot was only around when I had to create him. 

DIRK: After that I sent him off in order to sharpen the dulled edge of the skills possessed by one of my friends. Jade's alternate kid-grandfather actually.

DIRK: *Speaking of Jake and thinking of him is not really what Dirk wants to be doing right now, so his words are just a fraction clipped.* What about you? No alternate versions of you running around, causing mayhem or being useful?

DAVE: uh not anymore

DAVE: but back in the day there was a murder of split timeline daves running around fucking shit up

DIRK: Huh. That was a part of your powers as a Time hero then. Metric fucktons of Daves.

DIRK: That must have had some use. At least nobody would be able to finish you off that way.

DAVE: *He spreads his hands to indicate that yes, he is still here.*

DAVE: one time i used like a zillion selves to manipulate my planets stock market

DAVE: but to be fair i was being manipulated by an alien and she got all the money in the end

DIRK: Damn those broads and their gold-digging ways.

DIRK: Also, how did your planet have a stock market?

DAVE: *elaborate shrug*

DAVE: those crocs were damn smart

DIRK: *Eyebrow-raise. Crocodilian consorts, then. Huh.* It seems they proved useful.

DIRK: Too bad none of that cash was transferrable to where we are now. Living off royalties is always relaxing in its own way.

DAVE: what would we buy anyway

DAVE: i dont see a vending machine

DIRK: And here I was hoping for a soda.

DIRK: It could have proven useful at some point nonetheless.

DIRK: *Actually now he kind of wants a soda. Fuck.*

DIRK: What did the aforementioned alien do to convince you to loan her the fat stacks without repayment, anyways.

DAVE: she asked for it

DIRK: ...Okay.

DIRK: I thought you said that she was manipulating you into it.

DAVE: yeah she was

DAVE: well

DAVE: it was more like she told me to do stuff and then i did it

DAVE: which is like manipulating if youre stupid

DIRK: Yeah. Why exactly did you listen to her?

DAVE: she seemed to know what she was talking about

DAVE: and she also sent me these shitty jpeg edits

DAVE: which were very convincing

DIRK: *The look he's giving Dave right now is probably something bordering "You can't be serious. Even if you're being sarcastic."*

DAVE: *Dave is totally deadpan.*

DIRK: Remind me, which troll was it that did all this?

DAVE: the blind one

DIRK: Good to know.

DAVE: yeah watch out for that one

DAVE: shes cunning

DAVE: like a fox

DAVE: or chancellor palpatine in the reboot movies

DAVE: speaking of which

DAVE: im going to go take a shower

DAVE: *He tugs at his shirt, which was white but now has a blotchy red stain on it, and then stands up.*

DIRK: The fact that Chancellor Palpatine reminded you of showering is a bit worrying towards what you were thinking, but I'll pin it on the blood loss this time. *Still, Dirk is somewhat relieved to have an exit as well. He offers Dave a fistbump for farewell, remembering to switch for his other hand so that Dave doesn't have to bunp with his injured one.*

DAVE: *Dave appreciates the gesture. He bunps Dirk's fist and then leaves.*

DIRK: *Phew, awkward gone. Dirk follows suit after giving the other Strider some time after exiting.*

[truculenttechnetium]

JAKE: *Jake hurries back out into the central area, a little disappointed at having not been able to find any kind of utility belt amongst his things (blasted game!) but still excited to set out on an adventure with his weird science family… Who don't appear to be outside anymore. He looks around in dismay, dismissing the notion they might have gone on without him. He'd just have to look more thoroughly, that was it, so he crosses over to edge of the hub first to make absolutely certain they hadn't fallen off first.*

DIRK: *With plans to scope out the general vicinity of where a strife may or may not be happening later, Dirk enters the main area with his thumbs jammed into his pockets to resist pulling his sword out. (It's so much more dramatic when he does that, but he doesn't want to alarm any passerbys. His sweeping gaze around the room is meticulous--and then sort of freezes at the sight of Jake. Shit, English still probably hasn't noticed him, he COULD potentially leave, but--no, no aborting the mission now. Dirk moves a bit closer to the searching English and clears his throat, hoping to not utterly startle Jake if he hasn't noticed Dirk's presence yet.*

JAKE: *He is indeed a little too distracted to notice at first, but he manages not to jump too much in surprise. Pretty fortunate considering how close to the edge he's standing. Seeing who it is he feels a subconscious need to play it cool, which less fortunately is something he's never been very good at.* Oh, Dirk! What brings you out here on this fine- *Pausing to look up at the blankness overhead as an excuse not to be looking anywhere else he winces sheepishly.* Not day?

DIRK: *Yikes. Dirk resists the urge to raise an eyebrow at that rather awkward stumble, which maybe saves him from a little awkwardness of his own when he remembers what his intent was on coming into this area.* Oh, just. You know. Running a little perimeter check. How about you?

JAKE: Having a quick shufty about the place, eh? Very good! As for me, well, id meant to be taking a crack at one of these game levels with my kinsfolk. *Looks from side to side again, but the area is still clearly deserted apart from them.* Only they seem to have, er, scarpered away somewhat. But im sure theyll turn up soon enough! Howve you been, anyhow?

DIRK: *nods, he's doing his best not to look completely stiff but it's hard not to when you suppress most emotions in the first place.* I'd been wondering if anyone else was going to get around to the game-playing. Glad to see that the bucktoothed quartet will be on it.

DIRK: Speaking for myself, I've been as well as one can be when trapped in death-defying games.

DIRK: Which is at least tolerable.

DIRK: *Oh man the awkward. His voice is just a fraction unsure as he shifts, pointedly looking at the empty space right next to Jake.* And yourself?

JAKE: *Oh no, sweaty palms - He sticks his hands in his pockets in an attempt to look as casual as possible, which is difficult especially with his conscience prodding at him to actually attempt to speak frankly.* Me? Oh fine, fine. To tell the truth its been a trifle dull for the most part! It has been nice to speak a little with the relatives face to face though, theyre a good sort. Though i must admit i do worry a little, considering the history. I dont know, it all seems well and good to me, i doubt anybodys truly holding a grudge - i know i most certainly dont! - Only poor old jane, you know how she can be. She does tend to let these things weigh on her, and she had such a shocking time of it. *rambliiing*

DIRK: *The nervous rambling is almost enough to get Dirk to laugh, if he weren't bordering on the same situation.* Yeah, she does have something of a dilemma on doing that. I haven't actually had the chance to converse with her yet, but that can and will be easily remedied soon.

DIRK: How about Jade? She seemed a lot less evil when I talked to her.

DIRK: She didn't so much as snarl at me. Really kicked the bad habits to the curb, no doubt thanks to the game's reset.

JAKE: *He chuckles half-heartedly, thinking how very different she was now from their first true encounter.* Yes, i daresay all canine behaviors are done with, at least as far as i can tell. Shes still rather spirited though! And not in the least bit nefariously-minded, youre quite right. Quite the contrary. *Glancing back at Dirk and seeing he's not looking anyway he takes his hands out of his pockets to cross his arms across his chest, trying to summon up some resolve.* So were all alright, it would seem. How splendid.

DIRK: That's good. *Silence. Now would be the best time to breach that topic that had been briefly mentioned earlier, except Dirk has no idea where to start. Deep breath.* I'd like to apologize. To give an actual apology, I mean.

DIRK: For how I was before.

DIRK: When everything was right along the line edging towards the madness that ensued from the trickster travesty.

JAKE: *He's left speechless for a second, just long enough for him to realize how very unprepared he was for this after all.* Oh come now dirk, you know thats all in the past! Goodness me, its not like you were the one making a complete confectionary-laden tit of yourself. If anything, im the one who should be saying a proper sorry to you. What with everything that was going on, i never- It wasnt, well, there wasnt time and everything was all so terribly out of whack and i still ought to have done it. *He stares at the floor now, face feeling uncomfortably warm.* Everything you said, you were hitting the nail square on.

DIRK: Yes, I know. But your actions weren't completely unwarranted, and it's not like the relationship fell apart wholly due to your misconducts. *his shoulders hunch a bit in the twitch of a shrug, the nervousness getting to him a little.* There were errors made on both sides.

DIRK: The sooner those facts are accepted, reviewed and reflected upon, the sooner that we can come to a conclusion on this.

JAKE: *Rubbing at his arm he feels like he should argue the point more, if only he could. It was the truth, so instead he just nods uneasily.* And uh, just what conclusion would that be? *Even when trying to lighten the mood his voice sounds tight.* Cripes, but you do make it sound rather dire.

DIRK: *Dirk, on the other hand, seems to be trying to keep his expression (and by this, he hopes his tone will also be) flat. Joking is difficult right now.* Well, the preferred outcome would be that we can make a reparation back to how things were before, affiliating with one another in a platonic way.

DIRK: Meaning by a synonymous definition, *and at here he tries to crack a tiny smirk,* we'd just be bros.

DIRK: But if that's not going to fly in your cockpit, then I understand. *There's a certain guarded formality in those words, though.*

JAKE: *He'd thought Dirk had been straying into the overly-formal, and it made him feel strangely hollow to hear him speak so clinically about all of this. The smirk and the notion that comes along with it however comes as a relief, kick-starting a hurried and disjointed mental process. That was what he wanted, wasn't it? To go back to how things were before, if that was possible. He had missed him terribly, if not the him that had made him feel so unbearably guilty. There was a tiny voice that back-talked, suggesting that things could never be that easy, but he quickly squashes it back down.* Double hockey sticks, why didnt you say so sooner? That would be a most amicable conclusion indeed! Us two staunch compadres back in action, i cant think of anything better. *He claps him on the shoulder as a final enthusiastic punctuation mark.* You really mean it, chum?

DIRK: *Woah, okay. Dirk wasn't really expecting such a... enthusiastic reaction, but the touch kind of throws him for a loop and jumbles his thoughts up the most. His eyebrows shoot up in utter surprise before he's able to mask it again, and then gives Jake that teasing smirk again. It probably looks a bit... manufactured, though. The Strider is nowhere near okay enough to give a real one.* Yeah, of course. You didn't think I'd leave my best bro stranded all on his metaphorical lonesome, did you? Give me some credit, English.

JAKE: *The degree to which the ways in which they cope with the stress of the situation are completely opposite would be funny if it weren't also a tiny bit sad. Making sure to keep talking so as to stifle the thinking he takes his hand back, stance seemingly relaxing.* Ill give you that, and more besides! Im just over the moon to know well soon be back at the top of our game, a dynamic duo to look out for and no mistake. And the girls should be thrilled to hear everythings hunky dory again too.

DIRK: *The chipper attitude grinds just a little too harshly on some little part of Dirk, and he can feel his throat contrict as he tries to swallow the unintentional wounding. Jake's just being cheery, after all. Dirk can see that when he finally risks looking at the boy fully.* I'm sure they'll be euphoric. *The tightness gives his voice an off-kilter tone that he doesn't like, and abruptly the urge to leave is stronger than ever. He really, really needs to get back to his room.* Maybe you can let them know at a later time.

DIRK: I've got to get some shit put in order. *He makes a jerky motion with his thumb back to where he had come from.* Flames to stoke. You know how it is.

JAKE: *That hollow feeling seems to ebb back, his chest feeling oddly tight as if to compensate and keep whatever was left lurking inside neatly locked away. Looking increasingly distracted he glances around again, then over towards the escalator.* Yes, yes, of course. Im do worry those pesky scamps have gone on up ahead without me anyway, id better go and see to that now myself. Youll excuse me if i run along to check, wont you?

JAKE: *Only nominally waiting for his reply he begins walking over in a slight daze, looking back to wave a jerky farewell.*

DIRK: Of course. *The words are barely spoken before Jake's leaving, and... Wasn't this talk good? It was supposed to be good. It was supposed to make things better, except now Dirk feels a lot worse. The tightness in his throat has turned to a burning ache that sinks down lower, leaving a sore trail as Jake absconds. There's an extra pang with the somewhat wooden movement of English's goodbye, to which the blond just responds to with a nod before he turns back the way he had came. It feels like he's leaving with his tail tucked between his legs more than anything, and for the first time since getting into this new level of the game, Dirk wishes that he didn't have to have emotions.*

JAKE: *Boarding the escalator he feels increasingly ill, sure that for all he'd said he'd handled that far less well then he could have. Maybe this was how it was supposed to feel? Trying to reassure himself during the long journey up towards the game terminals he begins to run as if to distance himself from what has just transpired, feeling all the more dizzy and out of breath by the time he reaches the portals. One is already glowing blue, and with a gasp far too panicked to be warranted for the situation he slaps his hand on the touchpad before jumping in after who he mistakenly thinks will be his closest relations.*

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[tenebrifictruth]

Read More

[ascendantgambler]

Read More

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[loonaposting]

crushes are terrible

[bewbin]

[captivatingclamency]

Read More

[truculenttechnetium]

DAVE: *he smacks his forehead at roxy's real lack of subtlety and shakes his head.*

DAVE: ok come over here and marvel at the sights

DAVE: its a big ass stat board and all your secrets are quantified and revealed here

DAVE: as you can see gamzee is really dumb and im moderately dumb

DIRK: *Casual, oh-so-casual sigh over Roxy. Thank you Ro-Lal. Anyways, Dirk edges out of his room as Dave talks.* Yeah, Jake told me about that but I haven't gone to view it personally yet.

DIRK: Or hadn't, I suppose.

DAVE: its about as interesting as reading a gossip blog

DAVE: you know kind of insulting but also fascinating

DIRK: And also mostly degrading to others, for your own amusement.

DAVE: yep

DAVE: weve mostly been pointing and laughing at gamzee

DAVE: to hide our own insecurities and all that

DIRK: Of course. He's the only one who can't participate in the new game, right?

DAVE: thats what i heard

DAVE: which sucks because i heard he was really good at the old game

DIRK: Really? He was terrible for our session.

DIRK: He gave our sprites the most horrendous fusion of several dead corpses.

DIRK: *Dead corpses. Please ignore that Dirk is nervous I'm sorry*

DAVE: i mean he helped his own session win

DAVE: he totally fucked over ours

DAVE: but it was kind of my fault

DAVE: in a circular time travelling fashion

DAVE: what did he do to you guys

DAVE: *ignores the dead corpses bit and wipes his clammy palms on his jeans. heck.*

DAVE: yeah roxy mentioned that

DIRK: I'm not surprised.

DIRK: Some of the aforementioned horror-worthy sprites also happened to self-destruct.

DIRK: Actually, all of them.

DIRK: It was a confetti parade of fleshy bits, and not even in the erotic sense.

DAVE: i dont think sprites have any of the necessary parts to explode in an erotic sense

DAVE: even if you think people exploding is erotic

DAVE: anyway sounds pretty gory but thats still small potatoes compared to the other shit this guy has done

DIRK: I can assure you with 100% sincerity that even I'm not that fucked up, bro.

DIRK: What did he do to your session?

DAVE: he went back in time and gave us lifelong nightmares

DAVE: he really didnt like me

DAVE: *contemplates the stat board*

DAVE: he also did a lot of time travelling for someone who isnt supposed to be a time traveller

DAVE: and then creeped all around the meteor i lived on for three years and stole my girlfriend

DIRK: *side-eyes Dave at that* Wow, sounds like a pretentious asshole.

DIRK: Maybe we can kick his ass in some game later on.

DIRK: For now, I've heard that the current game will most likely be taken up by our alien companions to restore their newly re-deceased party member.

DAVE: yeah fingers crossed but my starter weapon is shit

DAVE: might win a better one later but ill just break it

DIRK: Really? Damn. It's like I'm the only one with a kickass weapon around here.

DAVE: what the fuck why do you have a kickass weapon

DIRK: Well it's an unbreakable katana, so.

DIRK: I had it when we started our game.

DAVE: *curls his lip in a "well aren't you fancy" expression*

DAVE: thats pretty sweet

DAVE: did you get it at swords r us

DAVE: those werent on sale when i was on earth

DIRK: Fucking as if. This shit is legitimate. Said to be forged from the... *scoffs and raises a hand in a halfhearted waving-off gesture.* You know what, I spat out that shit years ago and I'm not gonna say it all again.

DIRK: It's the shit.

DIRK: That's all there is to say on the matter.

DIRK: Better off than a shitty breakable sword, anyways.

DAVE: no fuckin kidding

DAVE: you dont have to tell me

DAVE: although if you ever want to test the veracity of that claim just hand it over

DAVE: i once broke a fucking enormous legendary sword in half

DAVE: by accident though

DAVE: its always by fuckin accident

DIRK: By all means, have a go at trying to break an unbreakable sword. That shit's so strong it'll just bend, and probably throw you to the ground.

DIRK: In which case, I apologize on the sword's behalf in advance for the condition of your face.

DAVE: *suddenly remembers a certain sword he bounced off of in a similar way, belonging to a similar guy, and shakes his head.* nah keep your sword and ill keep my face

DIRK: *shrugs* If you change your mind, you know where to find the kickass weaponry.

DIRK: What did you have before this new-level shit reset your strife specibus?

DAVE: a pretty sweet blade made out of the previously mentioned legendary sword

DAVE: it was broken obviously

DAVE: but it was still really cool and i slayed with it so whatever

DAVE: i guess if you have an unbreakable katana you dont really need to upgrade huh

DIRK: Nah, not really.

DIRK: When our game went apeshit on trickster, they couldn't even find a Zilly-upgrade.

DAVE: whats trickster

DIRK: A highly unpleasant experience.

DIRK: Don't ask any of our group about it.

DIRK: *suddenly inspecting the Stat board closer* Holy shit, one of these guys has a fuckton of strength on here.

DIRK: Someone drank their milk.

DAVE: yeah hes also really into horse anthros

DAVE: ask him about his poetry

DIRK: Will do. *glances over at the name, then frowns a bit.* ...On second thought, I might wait a little while before talking to him, but I'll still consider the thought.

DIRK: *turns a bit, looking Dave full-on now with a neutral expression* By the way, it's nice to really meet you without the game casually Striderblocking.

DAVE: ditto

DAVE: the life and death situation was kind of distracting

DIRK: *Kind of wants to say Dave is shorter than Dirk thought he'd be, but he's gonna let that one slide.*

DIRK: Yeah, a little bit.

DIRK: Good to see you guys didn't die in your session though.

DAVE: *at the exact same moment dave is noticing that dirk is taller than him and sulking a little inside.*

DIRK: We also just barely managed.

DAVE: i saw you got your godtier steeze on though

DAVE: so i guess you did experience some of the other side

DIRK: A little more than some considering there was a stunt involving self-decapitation with getting us into the medium, but it worked out in the end as per the usual.

DAVE: thats hardcore

DAVE: who decapitated themselves

DAVE: *he raises an eyebrow at dirk. was it you.*

DIRK: *There's a slight twitch at Dirk's lip, yeah he can't help the faint amusement at that look.* I did.

DIRK: It was sort of necessary at the time.

DAVE: oh because here i was thinking you probably did it for the jollies

DAVE: hey kids its pretty boring here in the boonies in the summer you know whatd be really fun

DAVE: im going to cut my own head off

DAVE: but its okay because ive got a couple of continues in my back pocket

DIRK: Yeah, clearly. Didn't you know that casual self-execution is the one way I can get my rocks off? It's just a go-to for me.

DIRK: It always comes around to decapitation, eventually.

DIRK: ...Okay that sarcasm was just a little too gross even for my tastes.

DAVE: i was about to say you and lalonde will get along great

DAVE: i mean my lalonde

DAVE: rose

DAVE: one of our more memorable sibling squabbles involved fighting over which one of us was going to sacrifice themself to save the universe

DIRK: Sounds hardcore. Who won?

DAVE: she won technically

DIRK: Damn. I'm gonna have to meet this girl.

DAVE: she knocked me out and left without me

DAVE: it was pretty cold

DIRK: She's my ecto-daughter technically, right?

DAVE: yup

DIRK: Good.

DIRK: Roxy's one helluva Lalonde, but she never had to knock me out for anything.

DIRK: I'm sure she would have tried, but the point still stands.

DAVE: just wait till they start learning from each other

DAVE: i mean the knockout ended up being pointless anyway but i guess it gives her street cred

DIRK: By that I'm guessing that you did something to even the odds.

DAVE: yeah we basically ended up going around in another idiotic circle

DAVE: i didnt knock her out though so its still 1-0 lalonde

DIRK: I think it might be for the best, seeing as knocking broads out is still pretty highly frowned upon.

DAVE: good point

DAVE: im a feminist and i want all my fans back on good ol dead earth to know that

DAVE: i would never knock rose out unless i absolutely had to

DIRK: Of course. The corpses over on dead Earth thank you for your feminist values. You are the hero, it's you.

DIRK: Anyways, I'm gonna go back into my room and do some plotting shit. I need to figure this *gesturing to holoboard* out.

DAVE: *waves hand* scheme away

DAVE: you know where to find me if you need

DAVE: uh

DAVE: nothing

DIRK: I'm sure there'll be some use having you around here. Time players don't tend to be useless, after all. *Pauses for a moment before deciding to just fuck it. He offers a brofist for the fellow Strider.*

DAVE: *he bunps the fist and gets a helluva kick out of it, although it doesn't register on his face.*

DIRK: *Same, bro. Dirk offers one last nod of farewell before returning to the thing leading to his room.*

DAVE: *he nods his farewell back, coolly.*

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[truculenttechnetium]

[10:05] -- grinagogTirailleur [GT] began pestering truculentTechnetium [TT] at 10:05 -- [10:05] GT: Still engrossed with further attempts to resurrect your career as a famous pixel artist, i take it? [10:06] GT: Youve missed out on a brainstormer, my man! And quite the important one too. [10:07] TT: I take it that you were out with the girls, then. It was my plan to go out and meet up with Roxy, but I was temporarily rendered unable to perform motor functions while my brain went for a systematic reboot of the human variation. [10:07] TT: In short, I fell asleep. [10:08] TT: Kind of unexpectedly. [10:08] TT: What'd I miss? [10:08] GT: Oh right! Fair dos. [10:09] GT: Well, it was the strangest thing! We all went out there, completely unprepared, and out of bally nowhere there was this tremendous great board thing! [10:09] GT: Just floating in mid-air, innocent looking as you like. [10:10] TT: Sure, floating boards are always highly innocent. [10:10] TT: Maybe not naive, but surely innocent. [10:11] GT: Regardless it seems to list all of our various statistics, as far as I can tell. [10:11] TT: Really? That's pretty kickin'. [10:11] GT: Things like speed and stamina, and so on. [10:11] GT: You can take a butchers yourself, if youd like! [10:12] TT: I'm glad there's context around that word so that I understand it. I'll probably go out to look in a little while. [10:12] TT: That's all it had, though? Just stats? [10:13] GT: A butchers hook! Look! My apologies. [10:13] GT: But no, not at all! [10:14] GT: We were poking around, trying to get a hold on whats all going on, you understand. [10:14] GT: When suddenly a new screen thing popped up? Something to do with game information? [10:14] TT: What kind of game information? [10:15] GT: It was all various mysterious; I believe there was something about a fungii kingdom? But mainly i believe they were intructions of some sort. [10:16] GT: There was a listing of "required" stats for the game, and something about objectives? [10:16] GT: Oh! And another screen too, but with less on it. [10:16] GT: Thats for more general game data later, i should say. [10:17] TT: Alright. So has anybody decided to take a metaphorical swing at this mushroom kingdom shit? [10:17] TT: Oh fuck me. Mushroom kingdom. [10:17] GT: Is there a problem? [10:18] TT: No. Just a small realization, don't worry about it. [10:18] TT: A theory that will be proven or disproven upon playing this game. [10:19] TT: The question still stands. Has a group been accumulated? [10:19] GT: Well alright then. As for the swinging, i fear its a little more complicated than that. [10:19] GT: You noticed the trolls were all up in arms (even the one with only one) about something, correct? [10:20] TT: Yes. [10:20] TT: I'm assuming it's about their deceased party member. [10:20] TT: Or re-deceased, I guess. [10:21] GT: Precisely, amongst other things. They seem to have taken it into their heads that they can retrieve her by besting this kingdom of mushrooms. [10:21] GT: So i believe they intend on undertaking the venture themselves. Might be a bit rude to barge in, ey? [10:23] TT: Sure, but if they're one alien down then someone might have to step up to get the job done. Seeing as it'd be better than just lying around here doing jack, I'll attempt to persuade them to have me on their side. [10:24] TT: Kinda don't want to fuck with these trolls, but I'm not really feeling the whole "sit here and do nothing" vibe like anyone else might. [10:25] GT: Oh garn, better you than me lad. Theyre a tetchy lot - And so very rude to the girls! [10:25] TT: Duly noted. Jane didn't punch anyone out, did she? [10:26] TT: Or Roxy for that matter. [10:26] GT: Oh no, no, haha. It came close, but everyone kept themselves in check admirably. [10:28] GT: I must say, I admire your can-do attitude greatly, strider! All the same, i would advise caution. Call it a hunch, but i sense a great deal of tension connected to this whole dead troll girl situation. [10:29] GT: I couldnt say for sure, but i rather fancy theres a history there. [10:30] TT: The fact that nobody was decked only means that they're more tolerable than that immoral dick that we formerly knew as uu. They shouldn't be half as bad as him, and I handled him just fine. [10:30] TT: Your worry is appreciated but wholly unnecessary. [10:31] GT: Urgh, id prefer we didnt bring up my former patron man-bro. What an absolute tosser. [10:32] TT: I wouldn't use those words. Something more along the lines of "selfish asshole" suits him better. [10:32] TT: Anyways, I should get going now. Gotta see what strings I can pull to get a foot in around here. [10:33] GT: Ah, one more thing! [10:34] GT: Roxy assures us after much scientific research that jumping into the great void of space would be a singularly bad idea. Seems obvious enough, but she wished me to pass it on all the same. [10:35] TT: What kind of scientific research verifies the need to outright state that idea? [10:35] GT: It was implied she tried it for herself. [10:36] TT: ...You know what, I feel like I should be surprised but I'm not. [10:36] GT: You know, that was my exact reaction too? [10:36] TT: We've known Roxy too long to assume she'd do anything else. [10:37] TT: Okay, I've got to go. [10:37] TT: Also, uh. [10:38] GT: Yes dirk? What is it? [10:38] TT: We should probably. Have a discussion sometime later. If you're okay with that. [10:39] GT: Oh er, yes. Yes i think we better had. [10:40] GT: Well do that soon then! After this whole mushroom debacle, perhaps? [10:40] TT: Yeah. [10:41] TT: Until then, English. [10:41] -- truculentTechnetium [TT] ceased pestering grinagogTirailleur [GT] at 10:41 --

[o0forever--young0o-deactivated2]

Here I am - this is me I come into this world so wild and free Here I am - so young and strong Right here in the place where I belong  It’s a new world - it’s a new start  It’s alive with the beating of young hearts  It’s a new day - in a new land And it’s waiting for me Here I am

[tatougunarchy]

Read More

[tatougunarchy]

Tutorial; Initiated

Read More