[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

Winter sunlight drags over the city with a grand hesitation; lethargic and cumbersome, as if it knows it's expected to rise.
Bundled-up citizens yawn as they fix up coffee.
Watch the news.
Start their cars.

Today's the day.









The alarm clock reads: 6:24 AM

The faintest hint of dawn makes its appearance past the window blinds in the dim room.
Shadowy color bars of soft, grey-blue trickle in from it, coating the dark; fighting for space with the neon red otherwise lighting up the walls.




The alarm clock reads: 6:25 AM

Dull beeps and vibrations fill the air.
The room's clock buzzes at its occupant.

An eye stares back at it.
Already awake.



The robotic claw reaches over, shutting off the alarm, then flicking on the desk lamp.

The robot sits up, looking over the room.
Entirely bare, save for items on the floor: A backpack, some clothes, its key, and an open envelope with a note inside.

It stands up, getting ready.





The light from the window catches its lens.

Roulette can't help but pause, hearing the sounds of the city through the blinds,
one last time.












Change of clothes, out the door.
Placing the key in the envelope. Sealing it.

Off down the hall.








It passes Devo's door.

Twice.


not yet.

A third time.

the decision's been made.
i don't have time for this.



The stairs finally appear, and it makes its way down,
emerging at first floor.

It glances into the bar, spotting Laurie there,
then hurries nonchalantly to his office door.

It glances over, checking for anyone.
Only the key attendant.
They looked to be solving a crossword.

With a quick and quiet motion, it slips the envelope fully under Laurie's door, walking quickly back to the stairs, heading up again.







This time, it takes significantly longer to reach Devo's room.

knock it off.

Finding it at long last.
It takes a breath, and knocks.
Devo opens the door- almost too quickly, as if he'd also been awake.

He looks...frazzled.

DEVO: Hey.
DEVO: We, uh-
DEVO: We doing this? I'm letting Tim sleep a bit more.
ROULETTE: We said we'd meet up at 6:30, I thought.
ROULETTE: To... head downstairs a little early?
ROULETTE: ...Am I Too early?
ROULETTE: I can come back in a little while, if need be.
DEVO: He takes a bit to get up, not gonna be that much extra.
DEVO: I'm good.
 

He reaches to the side and hauls up his bag, getting it strapped to his back.

DEVO: Braces are on.
DEVO: I'm good to go.
ROULETTE: ...No second thoughts?
ROULETTE: It... still isn't too late to back out.
DEVO: I couldn't do that to Cross, not when we're this far into this.
DEVO: Besides, could be...good for me, or something.
DEVO: Figure out some soul searching of my own.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...Could always try and convince her not to, as much as...I know that would be hard to hear.
ROULETTE: I do not know if this is worth her or anyone else being seriously injured over, or worse.
ROULETTE: We...none of us ended up with all that much training
ROULETTE: Not that I don't...understand, why she would risk it, why any of us would, why this is happening, I...
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...I think I might be trying to convince myself, more than anyone.
ROULETTE: But. There...
ROULETTE: ...It still isn't too late to back out.
ROULETTE: I had to bring it up, at least once.
DEVO: ...
DEVO: ...do you want to stay?
DEVO: I know I, uh-
DEVO: Kind of roped you into this myself, but-
ROULETTE: ...You didn't.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: If you're going, then I am going.
ROULETTE: Or I could go, and you could stay-
DEVO: No. No chance.
DEVO: I...
DEVO: I know I'm at a disadvantage here.
DEVO: But...I can do my best, right?
ROULETTE: That isn't why I suggested it at all.
ROULETTE: You are plenty capable of doing this.
ROULETTE: None of us are safe if we do this, is the point.
ROULETTE: And I d-
 

It tightly squeezes the side of its jacket, trying to settle itself.

ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...I do not want anything to happen to you.
DEVO: I've got the anti-curse charm, right?
 

He steps out of the room, carefully closing the door behind him.

DEVO: It'll be okay.
DEVO: Between you and Tim, everybody's worrying about me too much...
ROULETTE: It isn't about...curses.
ROULETTE: Our lives could be at stake-
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...Sorry.
ROULETTE: The worst hasn't left my head.
 

Devo freezes, weighing its words in his own head.

DEVO: ...I've got this weird feeling about all that.
DEVO: Kind of hard to explain, though. Probably won't make any sense.
DEVO: But...
 

He gestures down the hall.

DEVO: If you want me to try, we can walk and talk.
ROULETTE: I can listen.
DEVO: Cmon, then.
 

He starts down the hall, hands on his backpack straps.

It follows along.

DEVO: ...it's like...
DEVO: I dunno.
DEVO: I had a rough time back at Saddler's, I know that, you know that.
DEVO: ...but the more I do this, like, training stuff-
DEVO: It feels like I'm remembering something.
DEVO: When I fight with my knife, it's weird.
DEVO: I both know what I'm doing, and I don't.
DEVO: And it's so-
DEVO: It's so confusing.
DEVO: But the more I do it, the more correct it feels.
DEVO: Like I've unlocked some kinda door.
 

He pauses, realizing how he sounds.

DEVO: N-not! Like I like using a knife or anything, not like that.
DEVO: ...but I think...doing this will help me unlock more doors.
DEVO: ...yeah.
ROULETTE: I like using my scythe.
ROULETTE: Or...sickle. It's about the same length as a scythe, anyway.
ROULETTE: ...I do not really enjoy...combat. At all.
ROULETTE: But there is something to training or sparring - with strangers, or those I know very very well - that can be satisfying.
ROULETTE: My life is often very slow, and I feel I often have little control over where it goes. It often feels as if things happen...'to' me.
ROULETTE: But, with something like that in my hands, I can control a little of what's happening, for a little while.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...Again, not real combat. But. Duels for fun. Or simply practicing.
ROULETTE: There's a sense of control in the ring. I know what I'm doing there.
ROULETTE: And you can only focus on what is directly in front of you.
ROULETTE: It is not nearly as...complicated, as...Everything Else.
ROULETTE: ...Even with other skills, it...
ROULETTE: Cooking, for instance.
ROULETTE: There is such an...art, to that. So much expression to it.
ROULETTE: ...I could not figure it out at all.
ROULETTE: It felt-
ROULETTE: I think...it's something you are meant to be vulnerable with.
ROULETTE: And Vine described similar, from what I could glean.
ROULETTE: ...It felt terrible.
ROULETTE: In the ring, I don't have to Be Anyone. I do not even have to be Me.
ROULETTE: I become only the actions that I have to take. The steps to follow.
ROULETTE: It is very easy to disappear into that.
ROULETTE: ...It is comfortable, in a way. Falling into that, for a little while.
ROULETTE: When there aren't real stakes at all. No one to get hurt.
ROULETTE: Not even me. Only...a tool, acting on its own.
 

It stares off down the hall.

ROULETTE:  . . .
ROULETTE: ...Sorry. I lost my train of thought.
ROULETTE: And, I was rambling far, far too much. Apologies.
ROULETTE: My point was simply that: It isn't a bad thing, if you find satisfaction in using your weapon.
ROULETTE: Perhaps you may have used it to protect yourself, more than you remember?
ROULETTE: So...it could feel like...holding control that was taken from you.
ROULETTE: ...Only a guess, and filtered very much by my some of my own feelings on it.
ROULETTE: Apologies.
ROULETTE: Your thoughts?
 

Devo takes it all in, nodding to himself as Roulette talks.

DEVO: I think...it's definitely something to do with Saddler.
DEVO: Maybe a lot to do with Saddler, I dunno.
DEVO: Like...
DEVO: ....
DEVO: It's weird, right? That I...
DEVO: ...that I feel most comfortable using the weapon that gave me a ripped seam.
DEVO: Maybe it's the control thing you mentioned. I dunno.
 

It falters a step.

ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: I wasn't aware that...that was what-
ROULETTE: ...Well.
ROULETTE: It could be some of that, then. Though...
ROULETTE: ...I would be careful, there, if that's the case.
ROULETTE: ...Could be there is...still a lot to process.
DEVO: ...yeah.
DEVO: I'll watch out.
 

A tiny speckling of black, on the edges of his cheeks.

DEVO: Got it under control, I guess.
ROULETTE: ...Not what I was...meaning-
 

The stairs suddenly appear.

ROULETTE: Well.
ROULETTE: We can always talk more about it later. Anytime you'd like.
 

The pair descend down to the lobby, Roulette giving a subtle glance over at Laurie's door - making sure Devo doesn't see it look.
Still there. A relief.
Turning its attention back to the bear.

ROULETTE: We have a few minutes beforehand.
ROULETTE: We can go spend some time somewhere down here, if you'd like.
ROULETTE: Though, I do have something for you...if you'd like it.
DEVO: Huh?
 

The speckling disappears.

DEVO: You didn't have to get me anything!
ROULETTE: I wanted to.
 

It rummages through its bag, pulling out a little black present with a white ribbon.
Handing it out to him.

The bear looks at it for a moment with an almost stunned expression, picking it up and carefully undoing the ribbon.

As it opens, he finds:
A metallic choker - mostly a deep blue, but the metal was iridescent with a slight pattern burned into it in wavy shapes; the iridescent metal changing with many colors depending on the angle you looked at it.
And, a set of many metal tags in different shapes and colors: White, black, blue, purple, red, and several others, in plenty of fun shapes.

ROULETTE: Both of those are-
ROULETTE: Well...I wanted them to be able to go with any outfit you would happen to pick out.
ROULETTE: The choker has a hard plastic circle where the tags can attach - on the front there-
ROULETTE: But I mainly got them for your collar, when you get it. They're blank, so you can add whatever you like to them.
ROULETTE: Should also be near-noiseless, with how short the plastic attachment is, so as not to draw attention while we're in the wilds.
ROULETTE: ...If you want them. I won't take offense if they don't suit you. I am not the best at fashion.
 

Devo blinks.

DEVO: ...h...where did you get this?
DEVO: It's gorgeous.
DEVO: It's-
 

He looks like he's almost tearing up as he reaches to unfasten his current, simplified black choker, replacing it with the new one with great care.

DEVO: Th...thank you....
 

It leans in slightly as if for a hug, only to hesitate, patting his shoulder instead.

ROULETTE: ...I hope you like it.
ROULETTE: There is a custom jewelry store towards the edge of this side of town.
ROULETTE: I had been saving up.
ROULETTE: You might like to look in there sometime.
ROULETTE: You could also still exchange it, if you need to. I left the receipt in the bo-
DEVO: No way in hell, I'm keeping this forever.
DEVO: You're the best, Roulette.
 

He mirrors its shoulder pat, smiling with his eyes.

DEVO: You really  are.
ROULETTE: I-

ROULETTE: ...thank you.
ROULETTE: I'm very glad you like it.
 

The robot glances away, fans running a little faster.

keep it together.
decision is made.

ROULETTE: ...Well. Be- Before we leave. While we wait.
ROULETTE: Is there anywhere in Laurie's you'd like to go?
DEVO: Right now...
DEVO: I think I'm good just being here with you.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: I'd like that.









 

Sunrise flows in through yellow curtains, creating an array of color across the vibrant purple sheets of the bed.

It's not too crowded yet.
An occasional knick-knack here and there, but there's a noticeable clutter;
a telltale mark that someone, in fact, lives here.





The duck's phone plays a tune, signaling her to wake.

You stir, patting around the bed until you roll over and grab your phone, staring bleary-eyed at the time.

Fucking hell, so early...
...
Big day, though.
Cross'll be waiting for me.

You had already packed up your stuff last night, but it's good to get everything together one last time, rifling through things-

Cross calls you in the middle, and you have to spend a good minute or two trying to get her to chill out, and saying that you'll be right there.

Here goes...

CROSSBONE: Do you have your hammer?
POLKA DOT: Yep.
CROSSBONE: Everything in your backpack?
POLKA DOT: Yeah, yeah, I checked twice-
CROSSBONE: You sure you didn't forget anything back at your room?
POLKA DOT: I came over as soon as I did like, five checks.
CROSSBONE: You said you checked twice.
POLKA DOT: Cross, cmon...
 

Your girlfriend is running all over her apartment, your stuff packed and by the door. Lugging your pack up the stairs had been unpleasant, but you couldn't help but come over when Cross called you, sounding nervous and needing help getting the courage to leave.

CROSSBONE: I just!
CROSSBONE: This! Is a big deal!
CROSSBONE: There's noooo takebacks on this!
CROSSBONE: This is the start of my whole new life!
POLKA DOT: I know this is huge, but like...
POLKA DOT: You're gonna make yourself sick.
POLKA DOT: You barely look like you've slept...
CROSSBONE: I got! Enough sleep!
CROSSBONE: I just...shit.
 

She stops running around, leaning against the counter. You get close to her, unzipping her coat for a moment, smirking when she tilts her head in confusion.

POLKA DOT: I know what'll help you out.
CROSSBONE: If this is you trying to get saucy like ten minutes before we leave-
 

You hum a little tune as you lift Cross' sweater up, exposing her buttons-

-and navigating to her screen's item menu, taking out a pixelated plush bird graphic.

It drops next to her character, the ghost on screen shimmying before picking it up and giving it what you assume is a squeeze.

You had earned it for her through playing games on her screen, something the two of you started doing before bed- it helped her fall asleep, bit by bit.

POLKA DOT: Just hold that until we get down to the bar, okay?
POLKA DOT: Saying goodbye to Vine won't take too long, and I'm sure Tim won't be too late.
POLKA DOT: Okay?
CROSSBONE: ...Okay.
CROSSBONE: Thank you...
 

She puts her sweater back and zips up, planting a little kiss on your forehead as her character scoots around the screen.

CROSSBONE: ...it does help.
POLKA DOT: Knew it.
 

The last of Cross' quadruple checking goes without a hitch, your virtual pet partner calming down significantly as she verifies everything's in its place.

Going down the steps to the bar is significantly easier than going up, but each step down feels heavy with the pack on your back- and it's not just the weight itself. You can tell that this is it, and...

Vine is sitting at one of the tables in the bar, not noticing you at first. There's a lump in your throat as you move to wave, stopping as you realize-

Oh god, Laurie's here too.
What the hell?
What's he doing here?

Cross also seems to tense up, reaching for your hand as she notices the tie dye bear. He'd been nothing but kind to both of you, but seeing your weird boss here-

As you step forward, Vine recognizes the two of you, getting out of her chair and walking to face you.

VINE: Look at you, all bundled up.
VINE: You've got quite the look there.
VINE: Very...festive.
 

She pokes at your pompom hat.

POLKA DOT: I like my hat.
VINE: Good. You even got it in purple.
VINE: You going to be okay out there, Ribbon?
POLKA DOT: Gonna try, best I can.
VINE: Don't let anybody eat any trash out there, you hear me?
VINE: You may not be able to cook like you can here, but-
VINE: If I hear any of you got sick off of something you ate off the ground, I'll never let you hear the end of it.
POLKA DOT: Heh....I'll keep an eye out.
VINE: You better...

Without warning, she pulls you into a tight hug, squeezing a squeak out of you.

VINE: I'm gonna miss my best student.
POLKA DOT: I'm...I'm gonna miss my best teacher.
VINE: You're going to have a lot of teachers, Ribbon.
VINE: But I'm happy to be the best chef.
 

She pulls away, clearly emotional.

VINE: You've got this.
VINE: And as for you...
 

She turns to Cross, the virtual pet straightening up.

CROSSBONE: Y-yes?
VINE: Don't you go getting anyone into more trouble than you have to.
VINE: Things happen, but if things go wrong-
VINE: Make sure you make things right.
CROSSBONE: Y-yes! Yes ma'am!
VINE: Good.
 

She turns to sit back in her chair, sighing.

VINE: I was just telling Laurie about us meeting up.
LAURIE: I'm not usually up this early!
 

He sounds incredibly...strained, as if running on even less sleep than Cross.

LAURIE: But! I had a feeling something would happen.
LAURIE: I'm glad I came to see you two off, even if it's by chance.
LAURIE: You're both very diligent helpers to our cause here, and I wish you well in your quest.
 

He winks at Cross.

LAURIE: Perhaps we'll see a different side of you by the time you return!
CROSSBONE: That's the plan, hah...
LAURIE: Embrace it!
LAURIE: It's your journey! Have fun!
LAURIE: Meet new friends! See new sights!
LAURIE: Oh, but-
 

He leans back in his chair, almost enough to tip over.

LAURIE: Watch out for dust bunnies.
LAURIE: They have a nasty bite.
 

Your face pales, remembering your dream from before.

Vine interrupts before you can ask for clarification.

VINE: That's a tall tale and you know it, Laurie.
VINE: Don't listen to him, he loves spooking newbies with stories like that.
LAURIE: Oh, but they're true!
LAURIE: Dusters gone wrong-
VINE: Laurie.
LAURIE: Hehehe...
LAURIE: You're no fun.
 

You stumble over another attempt to ask what the hell he's talking about, only to hear a familiar dog cause another interruption.

TIMOTHY: S-sorry! I'm not late, am I?
 

He skids in, nearly knocked over by the weight on his back.

TIMOTHY: Whoof! Okay!

He gives a shaky wave, Cross returning it.

TIMOTHY: N-no running with this thing on. Got it.
POLKA DOT: You okay there?
TIMOTHY: Yeah! Perfectly cool!
 

He wheezes.

TIMOTHY: I thought I was late, so I, uh, ran the whole way, and-
TIMOTHY: The narrative must have thought that was funny or something-!
 

You grimace.

POLKA DOT: Infinite hallway?
TIMOTHY: Y...yep.
TIMOTHY: I'm cool, though! I'm cool!
TIMOTHY: Can already feel myself chilling out.
TIMOTHY: Do you think Devo and Roulette are ready yet?
TIMOTHY: I know Devo left extra early to go meet up with it...
CROSSBONE: They said they'd meet us at the entrance, so...
CROSSBONE: Let's go together.
 

It's barely a walk to the front door, getting one more hug for Vine out of your system before making your way over and finding the last two members of your party right where you expect.

The robot and bear sit on a bench in the lobby, idly chatting.

As you appear from down the stairs, the robot motions to its bear companion,
standing up and offering a small wave.

Devo gets to his feet fast, and Tim's eager to rush past you and see how he's doing.

TIMOTHY: How's- Whoa, what's that?
DEVO: You like it?
 

He turns his head to better show off the blue, metallic choker on his neck.

DEVO: Roulette picked it out...it even gave me some tags to use with our eventual collar.
TIMOTHY: That's incredible!
 

The dog peeks over at Roulette, tail wagging.

TIMOTHY: Thank you, Roulette!
TIMOTHY: It's perfect for him.
 

The robot does its best not to glance away as the spotlight is placed on it.
Instead, it nods politely.

ROULETTE: ...It  was nothing.
ROULETTE: I had some money saved up.
 

Swiftly changing topics.

ROULETTE: ...Is everyone ready to leave?
ROULETTE: Anything else we need? Or, second thoughts?
POLKA DOT: I think I'm good.
CROSSBONE: I just want to get the show on the road...
CROSSBONE: I've been told we won't have to worry about traffic or anything, but I'm still antsy and want to beat any waves of adventurers.
TIMOTHY: I'm set as well...
DEVO: Then we're good to go, right?
ROULETTE: Seems so.
 

The metal toy moves to the back of the group, ready to follow.

CROSSBONE: Then we're off!








 

The first leg of the walk is quiet, nobody saying much as you walk on the slush-covered sidewalk.


Cross is the first to break the ice.

CROSSBONE: I've only seen the gate once or twice, never gone out.
POLKA DOT: ...the gate?
DEVO: Eh, it's a gate. You see it once, you see it a million times.
DEVO: Keeps the monsters and animals out, and us inside.
TIMOTHY: Is that why there's no animals around?
DEVO: Yeah, they built it tall enough that even flying ones don't bother much.
DEVO: Kind of a waste if you ask me, some wildlife would be cool...
POLKA DOT: How does it...work? Like, getting out of here.
CROSSBONE: You apparently don't need paperwork or anything, you just have to say where you're going or where you're coming from.
CROSSBONE: No one really knows what they do with the info, but they ask before they let anyone in or out.
TIMOTHY: ...well! Hopefully it goes fine...

 

The party grows quiet again, watching the sun rise in the distance as you see it- The Gate.

It's a massive plastic wall, towering over even some of the nearby buildings- with a simple box-like opening in the middle, barely big enough to let a car through.

POLKA DOT: I...is that it?
CROSSBONE: Yep...everybody look your best.
 

Cross takes the lead, approaching the opening and watching as a window in the gate rolls down. A toy truck leans out, his boxy head craning to see all of you.

CROSSBONE: H-hi! Party of five, heading out-
GUARD: Where to?
 

His voice is deadpan, as if he'd been waiting here for some action for hours.

CROSSBONE: U-um!
CROSSBONE: T-the Hallowed Wood!
 

Without warning, the toy guffaws, leaning over in his window.

GUARD: What are you, stupid?
GUARD: Couldn't you have at least waited for the snow to melt?
POLKA DOT: H-HEY
POLKA DOT: We're not stupid! We're just-
POLKA DOT: We're on a quest!
GUARD: Sure, sure.
GUARD: Seen a million toys with that kind of attitude.
GUARD: But how do you expect to even get past the outpost?
GUARD: Pack of newbies like you'll get eaten alive by the dusters.
GUARD: You even have a plan at all?