[TOY] Plaything

[Dzib 9001]

I kind of feel cautiously optimistic? Like yeah things are probably going to work out but it also feels like one wrong step then everything is going to go absolutely fubar at the slightest mistake. We're also kind of wondering how we'll know when we find the right curse, from what I've heard A lot of curses can seem pretty similar if not downright identical except for a few subtle details. I don't doubt the curse were looking for is in the hollowed forest, but you know what they say "the devil's in the details."

[knux400]

I'm still a bit nervous- I mean, spooky dangerous forest and all- but at the same time, I'm a lot more ready than I was before! Not to get all sappy or anything, but it's reassuring to know we can count on each other in a pinch.

((OOC DISCUSSION: do we want to bring up Roulette right now? i feel like we should talk about it at some point, but i also don't want to ruin the positive vibes here))

[Dzib 9001]

((OOC DISCUSSION: It feels like we don't really have much of a better time to talk about roulette, so we might as well.))

[knux400]

Let's save Roulette for last, if we can- but definitely make sure to bring it up before people leave. Its behavior lately is worrying, to say the least.

(Adding to previous suggestion)

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Still a bit nervous, to be honest…but kinda optimistic.
POLKA DOT: Things are probably gonna work out!
POLKA DOT: And we’re gettin’ ready for it, we’re making prep and all…
POLKA DOT: …
POLKA DOT: But yknow, it feels like if we take one wrong step and screw up…
CROSSBONE: We won’t.
CROSSBONE: I mean-
CROSSBONE: I can’t say that for sure, there’s always the chance of something going awry…
CROSSBONE: But I think! We can take it!
CROSSBONE: I have faith in this stuff!
 

Her pixel character smiles, and you can’t help but follow suit.

POLKA DOT: Yeah…
POLKA DOT: It’s good to know we can, like…count on each other when shit gets rough.
CROSSBONE: Mhm!
CROSSBONE: We’ll be a okay!
 

She definitely seems chipper about this…

You keep walking, swinging Cross’s hand along with your own.

POLKA DOT: …do you know when we’ll have found the right curse?
POLKA DOT: Like, the curse is probably there in that forest. No doubt about it.
POLKA DOT: But what if there’s, like…different curses that come up?
POLKA DOT: What do we do then?
CROSSBONE: Hmmm…
CROSSBONE: Admittedly, I’m not sure I have an answer there.
CROSSBONE: But! I think that we’ll get a feel for it as we go.
CROSSBONE: And if it showed up in my dream, it’s gotta happen, right?
POLKA DOT: …yeah.
 

My dreams, too…

POLKA DOT: Just…play it safe, okay?
CROSSBONE: I will.
 

She squeezes your wing.

CROSSBONE: I promise.
 

...which leaves just one more topic on my mind…

POLKA DOT: …
POLKA DOT: We should…probably talk about, the, uh-
POLKA DOT: Yknow.
CROSSBONE: ….?
 

Cross tilts her head at you with an inquisitive beep.

CROSSBONE: What, the bet-?
POLKA DOT: No! Not that, not yet-
POLKA DOT: …about Roulette.
CROSSBONE: Ohhh….
CROSSBONE: …which part in particular?

[Dzib 9001]

First things first, Feels wrong to leave Devo out of this conversation, let's get him in on this.
As for Roulette where do we even start?!
It's self-sacrificial tendencies? It's seemingly ever increasing distance from essentially everybody? It's insistence that if something bad happens to It that it It's fault and we should let it happen instead of letting us help because us helping "might make waves?" Or should we talk about the fact but if we try to bring any of this up, It comes up with some self-justifying reason for all of this?

[knux400]

It seems like it's just... hard on itself. Like, really hard on itself. I don't mean just in training, but in general. It blames itself for a lot of things it shouldn't, and it seems to have this perception that when things go wrong, it's its fault. Even if it's just bad circumstances or complete happenstance.

It seems like it wants to be better, and I'm not sure what "better" means, exactly, but it's burning itself out trying to get there. I think that's why it gets so nervous sometimes, it's just afraid of screwing up again, or not being what it's supposed to be.

...I don't have any idea what to do about it, though. It seems like talking to it just stresses it out more, or makes it think it's done something wrong, but I also feel like we shouldn't talk about it behind its back too much, either. Maybe there's a way to approach it that would make things a bit easier? I don't know. I'm not sure if this is even a thing we can work out, like, immediately. Or even soon. But... I feel like it's something we should at least talk about? Maybe talk to Laurie about it, too?

*vague shrugging gesture*

I just want everyone to be safe out there, Roulette included.

EDIT: shit yeah slow down and include tim/devo too, i cant read lol

[Dzib 9001]

but I also feel like we shouldn't talk about it behind its back too much, either.

I'd love to get Roulette in on these conversations too, but I get the feeling if we did It would try its best to stop the conversation before it even begins.

Maybe there's a way to approach it that would make things a bit easier?
Maybe talk to Laurie about it, too?

I feel like getting Laurie in on this would be a good idea, but I get the feeling I could just as easily backfire if we aren't careful.
(Especially since roulette's thinking about leaving Laurie's) we think but don't say out loud.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Where do I even start...
 

You glance back over your shoulder, Tim carrying Devo on his back at this point. The two of them look like they're having a good talk, but...

POLKA DOT: Maybe we should involve those two too.
POLKA DOT: They're part of the party after all...
CROSSBONE: Suppose so...
 

She leans back as well, gesturing for your two friends to come in closer.

Tim takes notice only after Devo starts pointing for him to look, the dog plush catching up with a bit of strain.

TIMOTHY: H-hey! What's up?
CROSSBONE: We're having a serious talk, apparently-
POLKA DOT: -about Roulette.
 

Devo doesn't look too thrilled about hearing it, but from the look on his face...

He knows it's important.

TIMOTHY: ...yeah.
TIMOTHY: That's...probably a good idea...
TIMOTHY: ...Devo, are you good for that?
 

The bear's quiet at first, his bead eyes screwing shut before sighing into Tim's shoulder.

DEVO: I kind of have to be, huh?
DEVO: It's in this mess because of me.
POLKA DOT: I wouldn't look at it like that, just...
 

He doesn't let you finish.

DEVO: I know-
DEVO: I know things look like they might be rough, but I believe in its abilities to get through this. I really do.
DEVO: We-
 

He looks hesitant to go on at first, but Tim gives him a light nudge.

TIMOTHY: Look, there's a big bench a block away.
TIMOTHY: We can all just...sit down for this, okay?
DEVO: ...can I still sit in your lap? Or your arms, or something?
DEVO: Sitting on a hard surface probably wouldn't do me much good right now...
TIMOTHY: Mhm!
DEVO: ...thanks.
 

You and Cross have no objections, the duration of walking the block feeling more and more tense as you get closer to the bench. It takes Cross brushing some snow off before all of you can sit, the four of you crammed in and looking extremely awkward.

CROSSBONE: ...what were you saying, Devo?
DEVO: ...I've known Roulette for a while now.
DEVO: It's a good person.
DEVO: I know that more than anything.
DEVO: We met in a really bad situation, but it being there, and being my friend-
DEVO: My...first friend after-
 

His voice catches.

 
DEVO: After Saddler...
DEVO: It got me through it. We got each other through it.
DEVO: I don't know where I'd be without its help.
 

You try to ignore the knot in your chest, remembering Roulette's words.

It...plans on leaving him after this....

DEVO: I...
DEVO: I know you have concerns, about it being on the party-
DEVO: And it's my fault for putting it into a situation it doesn't want to be in in the first place-
DEVO: But I know it's got this.
DEVO: I know it'll make it through. I know it'll help.
DEVO: And...maybe this'll be good for it, you know?
 

It kind of sounds like he's trying to reassure himself.

 
DEVO: It needs more friends, and-
DEVO: More good experiences.
DEVO: It doesn't really let itself have those much...
DEVO: ...I know it better than anyone else here. I can say that pretty certain.
DEVO: So I guess...if you want to ask anything...
DEVO: ...
DEVO: I'll say what I can.
DEVO: Anything-
DEVO: Anything to keep it alive.
 

The mood feels even more strained after that line drops, Cross's pixel character shifting nervously back and forth.

CROSSBONE: W-well-
CROSSBONE: It was Ribbon who was bringing it up, so-
CROSSBONE: What are, um-
CROSSBONE: Your thoughts, Ribbon?
 

Jeez, spotlight on me...

You tap your wingtips against your thigh.

POLKA DOT: I'm worried about a lotta stuff.
POLKA DOT: I want to make sure everybody's safe. Roulette itself included.
POLKA DOT: And, uh.
POLKA DOT: The whole...self sacrifice, thing-
POLKA DOT: Blaming itself for pretty much anything-
POLKA DOT: And then not wanting to get close to people even when they try to help-
POLKA DOT: Fuck, especially when they try-
POLKA DOT: I dunno. I'm worried.
POLKA DOT: And I don't want this to end in someone getting hurt or worse.
POLKA DOT: ...Ortho seemed pretty clear on who they thought would be in that position.
 

Devo seems to grow more and more tired with every point you bring up, but he doesn't protest.

DEVO: ...yeah.
DEVO: I...didn't like hearing that either.
DEVO: Roulette is....
DEVO: ...it's one of the strongest people I know.
DEVO: But that's. That's the problem.
DEVO: It shouldn't have to be. And it makes itself be.
DEVO: I get the feeling that sometimes, with me-
DEVO: It hides what it's feeling or going through, just so that I don't get stressed.
DEVO: And I think there's like.
DEVO: After hearing Ortho said that, I immediately thought-
DEVO: Oh, god. It's going to get injured out there and not tell anyone.
DEVO: Or it's going to rush into battle and do something unnecessary, because it wants to protect someone.
DEVO: ...probably me, at that rate.
DEVO: And I'm-
DEVO: I'm so selfish for making it come along, for all of that. Knowing that this is something that could happen.
DEVO: Just because I wanted it to go with me.
DEVO: ...
DEVO: But if I leave without it...
DEVO: It'd be alone.
DEVO: And I don't think it'd make the choice to change that.
DEVO: I pretty much shoved myself into its life in the first place, hah...
 

The tiniest bit of blue embroidery stitches itself by the corner of Devo's eye.

DEVO: I care about it, so, so much...
DEVO: But I know it doesn't feel the same way about itself.
DEVO: And I hope-
DEVO: I really hope I can help change that, someday.
DEVO: Or that it can help itself. Either or.
DEVO: ....
DEVO: I didn't use to have a lot of people to love.
DEVO: And when I did, they'd just- hurt me.
DEVO: Roulette's the first person to pick me up and tell me that I deserved help.
DEVO: I just wish I could do the same. That I could be the same.
DEVO: It means the world to me.
 

He takes a deep breath.

DEVO: I guess the question now is just...
DEVO: ...will you help me have its back?

[Dzib 9001]

Do you even have to ask? Of course we're going to have its back, us dumbasses have to stick together!

((OOC:Fuck, do we tell Devo Roulette plants leave after the adventure? The longer we keep this a secret The worst it's going to be one of one of us eventually slips up.))

[knux400]

Obviously! Same as I'd have any of your backs.

((fffffuck, i don't know. it said it planned on talking with devo at some point before it left, but i'm not sure if it meant before the trip, or after the trip, or what- and if roulette finds out we told people prematurely, there's a very good chance it'd be upset with us. i'm genuinely not sure which option is the least bad here))

[Dzib 9001]

Actually Devo, there is something important that me you and Roulette got to talk about before we head out on the adventure. I think we can set up a time to talk tomorrow?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: I mean, obviously.
POLKA DOT: Don't even have to ask that.
POLKA DOT: I'd have any of your backs.
CROSSBONE: Me too.
 

Cross' voice startles both you and Devo, the two of you looking over to look at the virtual pet. Self conscious, she shrinks into herself a little.

CROSSBONE: I-I mean...
CROSSBONE: You're all going on this adventure with me...
CROSSBONE: I'm really grateful.
CROSSBONE: ...I'll do whatever needs to be done to keep people safe.
 

You smile wide at that, looking back at Devo and Tim expectantly- and just as you hope, they're both looking relieved.

DEVO: Thank you...I really appreciate it.
POLKA DOT: There's just one thing-
DEVO: ...oh?
 

His pleased expression fades.

POLKA DOT: I think...there's something Roulette wanted to talk to you about.
DEVO: ...can you...be more specific?
POLKA DOT: ...nope.
POLKA DOT: B-but we could go chat about it tomorrow or something-
DEVO: We?
DEVO: N...no offense, but if it's something Roulette needs to tell me...
DEVO: I think it'd go over better if it was just me.
DEVO: We go back a lot further than you've even been here...I think it'd be best handled just us.
 

You feel your chest tighten, feeling conflict at being left out of something that feels so important.

POLKA DOT: Y-you sure? Could be good for like-
POLKA DOT: Moral support!
DEVO: ...I'm good.
DEVO: Thank you, for all you've done-
DEVO: But when it comes to me and Roulette...
DEVO: I want to handle it more personally.
DEVO: ...like I said, no offense.
 

You sigh, rubbing the side of your face.

POLKA DOT: ...alright.
POLKA DOT: Wishing you luck, then.
DEVO: ...thanks.
 

I hope I don't regret that...

 

The rest of the walk goes uninterrupted, you and Cross walking alongside Devo and Tim, talking more about your adventure ahead...




....and you get to Laurie's, Devo and Tim heading back to Devo's apartment and parting ways with the two of you.

CROSSBONE: ...they're probably going to get some rest.
CROSSBONE: Maybe some gay time.
 

She leans on you, her pixel character shifting around.

CROSSBONE: I wouldn't mind a sleepover tonight myself, though we probably shouldn't overdo it...
CROSSBONE: I'm just wondering about what you want for that bet of yours.

[knux400]

Thinking back to our first date night and how much Cross liked the cake, it might be nice to do something like that tonight. Polka definitely seemed to enjoy it, at least.

"Well... I do have something in mind, as long as you don't mind stopping by a patisserie on the way home. We gotta make sure you grow big and strong, right?"

[skinstealer]

Winning this bet...
It has to be something good. Something really fun, and-
I want to make her feel good, too.
I don't want this to just be for me.

Your mind wracks your options, sifting through the memories you've made with Cross.

I really liked the...biting stuff, but I think I...want to go slow with that.
It's exhilarating, but, maybe not today...
Stuff with her projected form would be good. She likes that, especially since becoming a monster in that form.
So that's something...
But...I need more than just that. Like, I could sit around and pat her or whatever, but I gotta step it up a bit more than that.

Then-

It hits you.

POLKA DOT: Hey, Cross.
 

You grin, remembering the incredible look on her face that first night you spent together, eyes locked on yours as she ate out of your palm.

POLKA DOT: I think I've got an idea.
 

Your partner straightens up with an excited beep.

CROSSBONE: Tell me!
POLKA DOT: Mmm, I think we can talk it over after a quick detour.
CROSSBONE: Oh? We're already pretty much home-
POLKA DOT: Yeah, but...
POLKA DOT: Even after that big dinner, I think I could go for one more bite.
 

He chain tail rattles, the virtual pet picking up on your meaning-

-but is she unsure? She must be wondering what my exact implication is...hehehe.

POLKA DOT: Cmon, it's just two blocks away.
 

You extend your wing for her to take, Cross taking it with a nervous pixel shuffle on her screen.

Got her.

She knows where you're going, for sure. You'd been there once or twice before- stepping out of Laurie's for a fifteen minute detour to your day, picking up something both alone or with either Cross or Tim. It was a good place, and a solid option when the cafe at Laurie's was closed.

POLKA DOT: Do you know what you're getting yet?
CROSSBONE: T-that depends-
CROSSBONE: It's your bet, right?
CROSSBONE: So...maybe you should pick.
 

You smirk.

POLKA DOT: You want to leave that up to me?
CROSSBONE: ...yes.
POLKA DOT: Okay, but you gotta stop me if I pick too much.
CROSSBONE: It won't be!
CROSSBONE: It-
CROSSBONE: It won't be too much.
 

She's blushing now, pixel character covering its face with its little orb hands.

Cute...

She manages to regather her cool as you step inside the patisserie, the glass case full of all kinds of goodies. You can tell exactly where her little one-pixel-wide eyes go, though...

The worker at the register smiles at you- a geometric toy that seems to rotate and spin cube-like pieces as it talks.

????: Evening!
????: What can I get you two?
POLKA DOT: I'm thinking...is it possible to get a slice of-
 

You point to a strawberry shortcake, Cross gripping your hand just enough to be felt.

POLKA DOT: -this one right here?
POLKA DOT: It's my girlfriend's favorite.
 

She elbows you subtly, and you have to keep yourself from grinning.

????: Coming right up!
 

The two of you watch as the miniature is cut free, a thick, fruit-stuffed slice resembling the same dessert you had gotten on that first date.

She shouldn't have told me where to get this, heh...

Cross is quiet aside from a quick "thank you!" to the cashier, but when the two of you get outside, she bursts out laughing.

CROSSBONE: Oh, my god, you are terrible.
POLKA DOT: It's called building the mood.
POLKA DOT: I've been doing research!
CROSSBONE: W-well! It's-
CROSSBONE: It was funny.
CROSSBONE: And it is my favorite.
POLKA DOT: I thought so.
CROSSBONE: S-so....
POLKA DOT: Ah ah ah!
POLKA DOT: You get to hear about what we do when we get home.
POLKA DOT: Not on the way.
 

Cross nods, sending a little pixel smile your way.

She swings her tail from side to side as the two of you walk home, clearly excited over what's to come.

She's probably running the times we've tried this through her head right now...thinking it over...

You have to admit, the anticipation's killing you, too. So much that as soon as you get up the stairs and into Cross's apartment, you nearly jump a foot as Cross lets out an excited, expectant beep.

CROSSBONE: O-okay! We're home!
CROSSBONE: You said-
POLKA DOT: Wow, you're really eager.
CROSSBONE: I!
CROSSBONE: You built this up!
POLKA DOT: Hehehe...
 

You set your stuff down, still carrying the miniature in a little plastic bag as you sit on the couch. Crossbone speedwalks after you, keychain tail thumping against the ground at this point.

She can barely contain herself!

POLKA DOT: Alright, uh-
POLKA DOT: I want your projected form for-
 

You blink as she immediately projects, looming over you as a hungry, expectant monster.

 

...oh.

You forgot about the size difference.

With more than a little blush coming to your face, you take out the cake slice and waggle it at her.

POLKA DOT: On your knees.
 

She follows instructions perfectly, her face now coming up to your chest.

Jeez, she's still huge...

POLKA DOT: Good girl.
POLKA DOT: You sure you're good for a big ol' slice after your ramen bowl?
CROSSBONE: Mmmmhm!
CROSSBONE: I'll tell you if I need to stop, ok?
POLKA DOT: Nothing wrong with leftovers.
POLKA DOT: But for now...
 

The look on her skull face is perfect as you get ready to give her the first piece.

POLKA DOT: We're gonna make you big and strong for your trip.



 

In her arms, you dream.




Of what?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Dream of something funny but concerningly prophetic.

[Dzib 9001]

Dream of a hard won victory, and the treasures you and your friends have earned with it!

[skinstealer]

It's quiet at first, noise fading in with a soft hum.

You're not sure what to make of it at first-

Cheering.

You're surrounded by incredibly happy people, congratulating you, shaking your wing- you won! You made it to the Hallowed Wood, and-

Cross wraps you up in a huge hug, her body monstrous yet familiar. You think she might be crying, so overcome with emotion at her new form, so wrapped up in all the sensations...

You're so proud of her, for coming so far.

You turn after sharing her embrace, seeing Devo and Tim supporting each other with arms over their respective partner's shoulder, whistling and hollering in support of everything that's happened, your complete and utter success.

But where's-

Looking around for Roulette brings nothing, just masses of people you don't recognize, toys of all types- but all with spooky features, a sea of purple, green and orange.

All of a sudden, though-

Your eyes are drawn to a figure on the side.

A rabbit, not quite a bunny but at the same time maybe too much of one. It doesn't sit well with you.

The rabbit is in the middle of a exercise routine, very intense until your gaze lingers a little too long.

Its head tilts toward you, locking directly onto your face and suspended mid squat. It feels like a eternity.

POLKA DOT: I, uh-
POLKA DOT: Who-
 

...is...this thing...even a toy?

POLKA DOT: What are you...doing?

Cross doesn't even seem to notice it.

???: Why're you lookin?
POLKA DOT: I don't-
 

You break away from your girlfriend, walking over to the squatting rabbit with your wings on your hips.

POLKA DOT: I don't know, but something about you's fucking weird.
???: I ain't done anything. You're weird.
POLKA DOT: I called you weird first!
POLKA DOT: You're-
 

It doesn't belong here, somehow.

A piece from a different puzzle.

Is it even a toy?

POLKA DOT: You're not from here, are you?
 

The awareness that this is a dream hits, and even though you're not really in control, you can tell that something is off.

Your words spill out.

POLKA DOT: My head.
POLKA DOT: My...vision for this. This whole thing.
POLKA DOT: You're not part of the plan.
 

It goes back to its routine, squatting with unmoving eyes.

You go to ask another question, but you're snapped out of it-

The only sound in the room is Cross' electronic heartbeat.

No more weird rabbit.

Awake.

Safe.

POLKA DOT: Fucking hell...
POLKA DOT: ...maybe a bit more sleep would be good.

 

Your dreams are lapine-free.

 

A week passes.

You get some more training sessions in- mostly with Cross, some with Tim, but Devo and Roulette are harder to come by. Scheduling, people tell you.

Makes me more nervous than I want to admit...

...Probably fine, though.

The day comes when you're ready to hit up Wanderer, you and Cross getting dressed up in some of your most respectable clothes before heading down to the motel-styled rooms.

You haven't been in yours much, lately. You top it up just to be safe, but your time's starting to stack up on your keyfob, unused from all the hours spent at Cross'. Sometimes you like having your own space, but....it's nicer to be around her, and share her company.

Laurie seems fine with it, at least.

You're not sure you're heading in the right direction up until you see Tim, fidgeting and shimmying in place outside a motel room door.

POLKA DOT: Hey!
TIMOTHY: Oh, thank god-
TIMOTHY: I was worried I was in the wrong place.
TIMOTHY: Double checked the number you sent over text, triple even-
TIMOTHY: But I'm never sure about stuff like this...
POLKA DOT: You're good, man.
CROSSBONE: Narrative got us to the right place in the end, probably!
CROSSBONE: ...are Devo and Roulette coming separately?
TIMOTHY: Yeah, hopefully not too long...
TIMOTHY: ...Devo said he'd try to get Roulette, anyway.





 

It takes a few minutes before you hear the voice of a very familiar bear.

DEVO: Damn, got here faster than I thought we would!
DEVO: Cmon, almost there.
 

Tim waves down the hallway, his tail wagging as his partner comes closer.

Your camera-headed...friend? Acquaintance?
It trails behind Devo as he approaches, hanging back an extra few feet.
It keeps quiet, only giving the occasional quick glance at everyone.

POLKA DOT: H-hey, Roulette!
POLKA DOT: It's, uh-
POLKA DOT: Good to see you here.
ROULETTE: Likewise.
 

...I can't get a read on that.
It's fine. It's Fine.

You clear your throat.

POLKA DOT: So, uh-
POLKA DOT: Should I do the honors?
CROSSBONE: I can, if you're nervous.
CROSSBONE: It's my mess that got you all into this, after all.
 

The virtual pet strides forward, straightening her back before knocking on the door.

You hear footsteps on the other side of the door before the latch clicks and the door opens, Wanderer sticking her head out, her voice and demeanor quite different for just a moment before she realizes it's you.

WANDERER: Why hell- oh. I see, it is you.
WANDERER: I was assuming you had given up on your dangerous endeavour.
CROSSBONE: N-no, ma'am-
 

She sticks out her hand, pixel character darting around nervously on her screen as she keeps her posture rigid.

CROSSBONE: I am-
CROSSBONE: Very intent on doing this.
CROSSBONE: It's a p-pleasure to meet you.
 

You see Wanderer's wings shake, and she tilts her head a moment before reciprocating the hand shake.

WANDERER: You are the one looking to get cursed.
 

You feel like that should have been a question, but she somehow already knew.

CROSSBONE: ...yes.
CROSSBONE: I know it-
CROSSBONE: I know it probably sounds foolish.
CROSSBONE: But to me, it's- it's becoming the true me.
CROSSBONE: That's worth it to me.
WANDERER: An understandable and admirable goal to be sure.
WANDERER: Is there anything anyone wants to be more than their true self?
WANDERER: But I ask this with all the compassion I have.
WANDERER: This is dangerous.
WANDERER: These friends of yours could get hurt, or worse.
WANDERER: Is your heart ready to weigh your true self against the consequences of attaining it?
 

Cross is quiet.

CROSSBONE: Yes.
CROSSBONE: I'll do my best to protect them just as they are for me.
 

Wander sighs and drops her head slightly.

WANDERER: That is not what I am asking. You cannot protect everyone.
WANDERER: Even if they are all willing to pay what price must be paid...
WANDERER: Will you ever be able to see your new self in the mirror without thinking about what... or who it cost?
 

Cross' pixel character stops fidgeting.

CROSSBONE: ...I think so, yes.
CROSSBONE: And if I...If I can't-
CROSSBONE: I'll...process that.
CROSSBONE: It's a risk I'm willing to take.
 

Wanderer lets out a bitter chuckle.

WANDERER: Everyone always thinks so.
WANDERER: When you get to be my age...
 

She trails off and stands there silently for a moment.

WANDERER: Nevermind. I know you won't be turned away, you're clearly as stubborn as I used to be at your age.
WANDERER: Come in.
WANDERER: Before I begin giving out gear and showing you how it's used, do you have any questions for me?

[knux400]

"Are you deliberately trying to be ominous, or is it just sort of happening naturally?"

[Dzib 9001]

"Less a question for you and More one for everybody else, have you guys been having dreams lately? Like weirdly ominous and prophetic dreams? Because I've been having them lately and I get the feeling we should talk about them."