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10-28-2020, 01:51 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-13-2023, 02:13 AM by kit_spin.
Edit Reason: automated imgur link replacement
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Crankshaft Darkest Night Special 2020 Part 4:
![[Image: jQyubTu.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/imgur_mirrors/jQyubTu.png)
The group arrived without a single hitch after a not too long walk through town. The memorial, a statue erected in the middle of the little patch of desert just on the outskirts. It was surrounded by lights and people in what looked akin to a sort of makeshift campsite.
The air was filled with little glimmers of color, the pollen making it impossible to distinguish the living from the dead.
The group sat themselves down at the site on some of the "chairs" laid out, various objects placed down more than likely picked up along the way. Targe laid out his instrument on his lap.
Targe: So gist is simple. I'm gonna play here a bit to keep things lively for the spirits. Lex, you mind finding Kurt? Feel like you got the best gauge of where he'd be.
Lex: Yeah I got this.
Dotty: You want me to go with you?
Lex: I'll be fine, you should stick here with Targe and Spice. They've got all your bases covered and it might take me a little bit to find him.
Dotty: If you're sure.
Lex waved and walked off past a small crowd of merchants.
Spice: Don't you worry too much, it’s a peaceful hour and the spirits are just happy to have company today. Just stick to other folks and stay in the light and the heavy amounts of scrap energy won't suck you away.
Dotty: I mean... Lex is Lex. Love her but you know.
Spice: She still gets herself into trouble plenty, huh?
Dotty: A little. She jumps into fights she doesn't need to.
Targe: She's an adult and she knows how important tonight is for a lot of people. She'll be able to hold back for a little while. Sit down with us yeah? Jam a bit.
Targe pats a spot next to himself and Spice on a pile of hay for Dotty. Dotty scoots onto the hay mound.
Dotty: So you're both old friends of hers?
Targe: Think so, wish she contacted more often but glad she didn't forget Darkest Night.
Spice: It's pretty big, especially when there's a full moon. Kind of a rare combo.
Dotty: It's perfectly spooky.
Spice: You get it.
Dotty: Think I do?
Targe: Yeah. You'd make a good witch with that mindset.
Dotty seems to relax a bit.
Dotty: Wouldn't mind if Lex doesn't. Not too weird hanging out with a rando this year?
Spice: Never mind making a new friend.
Targe: Yeah. You're cool, just let us vibe and we'll be all good.
Dotty: Mm.
The three rest for a while and enjoy the chilly breeze and crackle of the fires set all around them. People and spirits unable to be distinguished from each other converse and dance in the glow of all the lights.
Dotty spots a tall hooded figure.. they're carrying two people over their shoulder.
Dotty: Is that uh... Is that part of an act?
Targe: I don't think so. I'm gonna go check it out, hold on.
Spice: You sure?
Targe: Yeah, someone might need help.
__________________________________________________________________________________
You continued through the crowd, getting increasingly worried as each face passing by is not your missing friend's.
He could be late but he's usually pretty timely about things. You hope he's okay.
???: Excuse me, you need help?
A voice came from behind you.
Lex: Maybe, looking for someone.
You turned around.
It was a familiar construct from a long time ago.
A rancher unit.
Lex: Flemming?
Flemming: Yeah. Was worried you weren't showing up, been a good year since we've last seen.
Lex: Yeah well... not a lot of chances to meet each other. Look the same as always.
Flemming: You look... a little rough. Eye okay?
Lex: Sports accident, nothing too serious. The socket got dented a bit much so I can't really replace the eye without some massive repair work.
Flemming: I see. Well I'm glad you're here anyway, be careful alright?
Lex: Yeah... Question, you remember Kurt?
Flemming: Taller than you, big shades, little bit of scruff?
Lex: Yeah yeah.
Flemming: Yeah I've seen him around, I can take him to you but I think he's a little lost.
Lex: Lost? How bad are we talking?
Flemming: Took a wrong turn, He's still in the desert. Think I can track him though.
Lex: Is he safe? Can we go get him?
Flemming: Yeah. I'll take you there.
Lex: Please.
Flemming started off ahead, you keep your pace and trail behind him
The surroundings were dark, unnaturally so despite the glow of the full moon.
You're worried you've gone too far for your own good, all you have to work off of is Flemming's voice and footsteps.
Lex: It's no wonder Kurt got lost, can't see a damn thing. Are you still there?
Flemming: Yeah, hold my hand if you're worried. I don't wanna have to worry about two lost rabbits out here.
You reached for his hand and held on. It's large, cold, and metallic.
Lex: Appreciated. Can't believe you still show up out here.
Flemming: Not like I have a choice. You know how it is.
Lex: Yeah... you dealing okay?
Flemming: As good as I can. Seeing an old friend helps though.
Lex: I mean of course! You helped me through a lot growing up.
Flemming: I'm just a lost sentry helping out a kid.
Lex: Not a kid anymore though.
Flemming: Guess so.
You feel Flemming let go of your hand suddenly.
Lex: Is everything okay?
Flemming: Think we hit a bit of a turbulent snag. Hold on out there...
The wind is picking up. An unnatural cold unlike anything you've ever felt starts dragging you across the dirt.
Flemming: Just tank it out! I'll find you but don't wander about!
Lex: I don't know where I am!
Flemming: Just lay low and I'll find you if you keep talking! I-
The wind becomes louder, Flemming becomes impossible to hear.
You're lost.
Really lost, the most you ever have been.
You're not even sure you're anywhere near you started.
You hear a voice.
It's from the other side.
There's a familiar smell in the air, like someone you once knew.
Lex: Flemming? You there or...?
???: Who's Flemming?
Lex: Uh... just a friend. Who's there?
???: Don't say dumb things like that! You know who it is.
Lex: I think? I mean...
???: You're okay right? You need us to take you to see someone? Is the medication giving you trouble?
You feel a lump in your throat.
Lex:... Yeah.. Yeah sorry I'm just a bit tired.
???: It's because you don't rest enough. You should lay down a bit.
Lex: No, no it's fine....
???: If you're sure, really can find something if you're having any issues.
Lex: I'm good! Think I just had a really bad dream but I don't remember most of it.
???: Mm. Feel like it's been forever since we talked honestly. Your eye okay? Let me take a look at it.
Lex: Just a minor sports accident, it'll be good in a couple of days.
???: Black eye?
Lex: Just a black eye. Nothing serious.
???: Well... be careful. You going out later? It's into the afternoon, I haven't seen you all morning.
Lex: Yeah, gonna meet some friends later. I'll try not to be back too late.
???: Well if you are just remember to bring your keys. Eat out while you're there if you can.
Lex: I will.
???: Will say I'm surprised you're dressed for Darkest Night though. Aren't you a little old?
Lex: It's just witch stuff, no big deal.
???: You're still doing that?
Lex: Yep. With some friends, you remember Spice?
???: Spice? Uhhhh....
Lex: Short guy, floppy ears. Kurt's gonna be there too.
???: Kurt! You two have been friends forever! Say hi to all of them. Gonna head out now?
Lex: In a sec.... I just missed you a ton.
???: I miss you too, we don't talk enough lately.
Lex: I'll try to be better about it. Anyway I... I guess I should go now.
???: A hug?
Lex: Yeah...
You feel the cold start hauling you. You don't want to let go yet.
It's been so long.
She doesn't know.
You still have so much to tell her.
Your mind is racing.
You feel a familiar voice.
Jam: You got all gross back there.
Lex: Sorry.....
Jam: It's dark as hell though.
Lex: Yeah....
Lex: Can't move.
Jam: Me neither... Someone is dragging us though.
Lex: Are we gonna be okay?
Jam: Hope so honestly.
Lex: Same.....
It's quiet.
You lose and then regain feeling in your body.
You feel the warmth of a fire near you. There's a constructed hand rubbing your shoulder.
You open your eyes.
It's Dotty.
Dotty: Lex!
Lex: Sorry...
Dotty: I should've gone with you!
Lex: I'm fine now...
Spice: You gave us all a massive scare...
Dotty: I'm not letting you go out on your own like that again! Shit you scared me...
Lex: Are you uh... I'm so fucking sorry I...
Targe: Shhh, relax. You're good.
Lex: I never found Kurt....
Targe: He found you so... points for that.
Targe points over at Kurt talking to Spice on the bundle of hay.
Lex: Kurt!
Kurt: Yo Lex! You were passed out on the ground in the middle of nowhere, what happened?
Lex: I went out looking for you, asshole!
Kurt: I was just a little lost, don't worry about me too much. Glad you're okay though, could've froze to death honestly.
Lex: Yeah well..... I mean thank you but...
Targe: Rest for now, really just... take it easy.
Dotty: Please. We’ll treat ourselves after.
Lex: Yeah...
You lay down and rest for another good ten minutes. After that you feel good and ready to go again.
You join the other 4 in your group and relax by the fire...
You're a little tired emotionally after.. whatever went down. You still hold out despite this.
You can’t help but wonder.
The group arrived without a single hitch after a not too long walk through town. The memorial, a statue erected in the middle of the little patch of desert just on the outskirts. It was surrounded by lights and people in what looked akin to a sort of makeshift campsite.
The air was filled with little glimmers of color, the pollen making it impossible to distinguish the living from the dead.
The group sat themselves down at the site on some of the "chairs" laid out, various objects placed down more than likely picked up along the way. Targe laid out his instrument on his lap.
Targe: So gist is simple. I'm gonna play here a bit to keep things lively for the spirits. Lex, you mind finding Kurt? Feel like you got the best gauge of where he'd be.
Lex: Yeah I got this.
Dotty: You want me to go with you?
Lex: I'll be fine, you should stick here with Targe and Spice. They've got all your bases covered and it might take me a little bit to find him.
Dotty: If you're sure.
Lex waved and walked off past a small crowd of merchants.
Spice: Don't you worry too much, it’s a peaceful hour and the spirits are just happy to have company today. Just stick to other folks and stay in the light and the heavy amounts of scrap energy won't suck you away.
Dotty: I mean... Lex is Lex. Love her but you know.
Spice: She still gets herself into trouble plenty, huh?
Dotty: A little. She jumps into fights she doesn't need to.
Targe: She's an adult and she knows how important tonight is for a lot of people. She'll be able to hold back for a little while. Sit down with us yeah? Jam a bit.
Targe pats a spot next to himself and Spice on a pile of hay for Dotty. Dotty scoots onto the hay mound.
Dotty: So you're both old friends of hers?
Targe: Think so, wish she contacted more often but glad she didn't forget Darkest Night.
Spice: It's pretty big, especially when there's a full moon. Kind of a rare combo.
Dotty: It's perfectly spooky.
Spice: You get it.
Dotty: Think I do?
Targe: Yeah. You'd make a good witch with that mindset.
Dotty seems to relax a bit.
Dotty: Wouldn't mind if Lex doesn't. Not too weird hanging out with a rando this year?
Spice: Never mind making a new friend.
Targe: Yeah. You're cool, just let us vibe and we'll be all good.
Dotty: Mm.
The three rest for a while and enjoy the chilly breeze and crackle of the fires set all around them. People and spirits unable to be distinguished from each other converse and dance in the glow of all the lights.
Dotty spots a tall hooded figure.. they're carrying two people over their shoulder.
Dotty: Is that uh... Is that part of an act?
Targe: I don't think so. I'm gonna go check it out, hold on.
Spice: You sure?
Targe: Yeah, someone might need help.
__________________________________________________________________________________
You continued through the crowd, getting increasingly worried as each face passing by is not your missing friend's.
He could be late but he's usually pretty timely about things. You hope he's okay.
???: Excuse me, you need help?
A voice came from behind you.
Lex: Maybe, looking for someone.
You turned around.
It was a familiar construct from a long time ago.
A rancher unit.
Lex: Flemming?
Flemming: Yeah. Was worried you weren't showing up, been a good year since we've last seen.
Lex: Yeah well... not a lot of chances to meet each other. Look the same as always.
Flemming: You look... a little rough. Eye okay?
Lex: Sports accident, nothing too serious. The socket got dented a bit much so I can't really replace the eye without some massive repair work.
Flemming: I see. Well I'm glad you're here anyway, be careful alright?
Lex: Yeah... Question, you remember Kurt?
Flemming: Taller than you, big shades, little bit of scruff?
Lex: Yeah yeah.
Flemming: Yeah I've seen him around, I can take him to you but I think he's a little lost.
Lex: Lost? How bad are we talking?
Flemming: Took a wrong turn, He's still in the desert. Think I can track him though.
Lex: Is he safe? Can we go get him?
Flemming: Yeah. I'll take you there.
Lex: Please.
Flemming started off ahead, you keep your pace and trail behind him
The surroundings were dark, unnaturally so despite the glow of the full moon.
You're worried you've gone too far for your own good, all you have to work off of is Flemming's voice and footsteps.
Lex: It's no wonder Kurt got lost, can't see a damn thing. Are you still there?
Flemming: Yeah, hold my hand if you're worried. I don't wanna have to worry about two lost rabbits out here.
You reached for his hand and held on. It's large, cold, and metallic.
Lex: Appreciated. Can't believe you still show up out here.
Flemming: Not like I have a choice. You know how it is.
Lex: Yeah... you dealing okay?
Flemming: As good as I can. Seeing an old friend helps though.
Lex: I mean of course! You helped me through a lot growing up.
Flemming: I'm just a lost sentry helping out a kid.
Lex: Not a kid anymore though.
Flemming: Guess so.
You feel Flemming let go of your hand suddenly.
Lex: Is everything okay?
Flemming: Think we hit a bit of a turbulent snag. Hold on out there...
The wind is picking up. An unnatural cold unlike anything you've ever felt starts dragging you across the dirt.
Flemming: Just tank it out! I'll find you but don't wander about!
Lex: I don't know where I am!
Flemming: Just lay low and I'll find you if you keep talking! I-
The wind becomes louder, Flemming becomes impossible to hear.
You're lost.
Really lost, the most you ever have been.
You're not even sure you're anywhere near you started.
You hear a voice.
It's from the other side.
There's a familiar smell in the air, like someone you once knew.
Lex: Flemming? You there or...?
???: Who's Flemming?
Lex: Uh... just a friend. Who's there?
???: Don't say dumb things like that! You know who it is.
Lex: I think? I mean...
???: You're okay right? You need us to take you to see someone? Is the medication giving you trouble?
You feel a lump in your throat.
Lex:... Yeah.. Yeah sorry I'm just a bit tired.
???: It's because you don't rest enough. You should lay down a bit.
Lex: No, no it's fine....
???: If you're sure, really can find something if you're having any issues.
Lex: I'm good! Think I just had a really bad dream but I don't remember most of it.
???: Mm. Feel like it's been forever since we talked honestly. Your eye okay? Let me take a look at it.
Lex: Just a minor sports accident, it'll be good in a couple of days.
???: Black eye?
Lex: Just a black eye. Nothing serious.
???: Well... be careful. You going out later? It's into the afternoon, I haven't seen you all morning.
Lex: Yeah, gonna meet some friends later. I'll try not to be back too late.
???: Well if you are just remember to bring your keys. Eat out while you're there if you can.
Lex: I will.
???: Will say I'm surprised you're dressed for Darkest Night though. Aren't you a little old?
Lex: It's just witch stuff, no big deal.
???: You're still doing that?
Lex: Yep. With some friends, you remember Spice?
???: Spice? Uhhhh....
Lex: Short guy, floppy ears. Kurt's gonna be there too.
???: Kurt! You two have been friends forever! Say hi to all of them. Gonna head out now?
Lex: In a sec.... I just missed you a ton.
???: I miss you too, we don't talk enough lately.
Lex: I'll try to be better about it. Anyway I... I guess I should go now.
???: A hug?
Lex: Yeah...
You feel the cold start hauling you. You don't want to let go yet.
It's been so long.
She doesn't know.
You still have so much to tell her.
Your mind is racing.
You feel a familiar voice.
Jam: You got all gross back there.
Lex: Sorry.....
Jam: It's dark as hell though.
Lex: Yeah....
Lex: Can't move.
Jam: Me neither... Someone is dragging us though.
Lex: Are we gonna be okay?
Jam: Hope so honestly.
Lex: Same.....
It's quiet.
You lose and then regain feeling in your body.
You feel the warmth of a fire near you. There's a constructed hand rubbing your shoulder.
You open your eyes.
It's Dotty.
Dotty: Lex!
Lex: Sorry...
Dotty: I should've gone with you!
Lex: I'm fine now...
Spice: You gave us all a massive scare...
Dotty: I'm not letting you go out on your own like that again! Shit you scared me...
Lex: Are you uh... I'm so fucking sorry I...
Targe: Shhh, relax. You're good.
Lex: I never found Kurt....
Targe: He found you so... points for that.
Targe points over at Kurt talking to Spice on the bundle of hay.
Lex: Kurt!
Kurt: Yo Lex! You were passed out on the ground in the middle of nowhere, what happened?
Lex: I went out looking for you, asshole!
Kurt: I was just a little lost, don't worry about me too much. Glad you're okay though, could've froze to death honestly.
Lex: Yeah well..... I mean thank you but...
Targe: Rest for now, really just... take it easy.
Dotty: Please. We’ll treat ourselves after.
Lex: Yeah...
You lay down and rest for another good ten minutes. After that you feel good and ready to go again.
You join the other 4 in your group and relax by the fire...
You're a little tired emotionally after.. whatever went down. You still hold out despite this.
You can’t help but wonder.
