[TOY] Plaything

[knux400]

One down, two to go. If Devo can regroup with Polka, that would help immensely- I don't want anyone fighting one-on-one unless it's absolutely necessary. Tim and Cross will be fine if they can keep things going the way they are now. As for Roulette, it's kind of far away to start helping Polka, but it should at least start moving in that direction. Have it keep an eye (lens?) out for more bad guys, though.

POLKA: DEFEND
CROSS: ATTACK (blue monster)
TIM: ATTACK (blue monster)
DEVO: MOVE (towards polka)
ROULETTE: MOVE (towards polka)

[palencorgi]

I'd agree with Knux- and I'd also suggest for Tim and Cross to see if either can catch an opening in response to the screech. Losing an ally could startle them, at least long enough to get a good hit in.

[skinstealer]

With the hatchet in its back, the beast locked in combat with Cross and Tim isn't doing so hot, visibly straining and letting out a extra pained tea-kettle whistle when it notices its other comrade going down. It doesn't get a moment to breathe, though, Tim taking advantage of its shock and slicing it across the torso, his eyes stunned for a moment as it cuts through the shadowy half like butter.

Clouds of dust spill out of the wound as it collapses, making an awful wheezing sound before going still.

It is very dead.

You don't have time to celebrate the second victory, the monster lunging forward with its knife without warning. You manage to dodge within a hair's reach, little painted sweatdrops appearing on your brow as you sidestep stab after stab.

You almost don't notice Devo until you see the flash of yellow behind the beast, the creature making a strangled screech as he cuts the back of its neck, following up with a stab down the seam between its two halves, quick and efficient-

Fucking hell, it's just like those hunting documentaries Cross had on one time.

He looks down at the beast, nudging it with his foot.

DEVO: The seam's where dusters are most weak.
DEVO: That, and the dusty half.
DEVO: While a horizontal strike is good to surprise them, vertical is the best way to dispose of them-
POLKA DOT: Wh-
POLKA DOT: Where did you learn that?
DEVO: Oh, that?
DEVO: Books, of course!
 

He has the most cheerful expression you've ever seen him make.

Roulette makes its way over later than Devo.
Seeing all three defeated, it moves its scythe to its back.

ROULETTE: Let's see if that's all of them.
 

It watches the barrier at the entrance.

The barrier sparkles for a moment before dissipating, Tim letting out an audible sigh of relief.

TIMOTHY: F...first fight went well, at least.
 

Cross leans down to grab her hatchet out of the duster's back, straining for a moment before tucking it into her coat.

CROSSBONE: Is everyone holding up okay? Any injuries?
DEVO: None here!
ROULETTE: None.
ROULLETE: Well done, everyone.
POLKA DOT: Not bad for our first adventure out...
DEVO: Oh, those were little ones.
DEVO: We shouldn't get too cocky!
DEVO: These things can wield guns, you know.
ROULETTE: They can be bigger, yes.
ROULETTE: Though, I would say the victory is worth celebrating, still.
ROULETTE: ...We should move through the building and keep going, while it is safe.
POLKA DOT: Seconded.
 

You move over to Cross' side, giving her a pat on the back.

POLKA DOT: You were awesome out there, Willow.
CROSSBONE: Hehe...thanks...
CROSSBONE: It was pretty scary, but I like to think I did okay!
POLKA DOT: You were a fuckin' slayer.
CROSSBONE: Cmon, silly...
 

Tim makes a throat-clearing noise and the two of you straighten out, blushing.

TIMOTHY: L...let's get through this.
TIMOTHY: When we settle down for the night, we can chitchat.
 

Devo bounds over as best as he can, his eyes closing in a warm expression.

DEVO: I'm looking forward to it! We can have a nice dinner together!
TIMOTHY: After we get moving.
 

Roulette makes its way over.

ROULETTE: ...We should keep moving, yes.
 

It leans in a little, speaking low and quiet to Tim without drawing attention.

ROULETTE: Do you need a moment?
TIMOTHY: ...I'll manage.
TIMOTHY: T...thanks, though.
 

He gets a better grip on his sword, not sheathing it as he walks forward, almost tunnel visioned.

The robot follows along, keeping its eye glancing about for danger.

The hallway Cross had been investigating has a ratty- but ornate- rug along its length, some window-shaped holes cut into the hallway's walls. It's more than a little ominous, but you're grateful for the light being let through as the party makes its way through.

The room on the other side has a massive hole in the floor, everyone tiptoeing around it. Devo seems to peer over into it for a moment, dragged back by a worried looking Tim.

TIMOTHY: Careful...
DEVO: I was!
DEVO: There could be all kinds of weird things down there-
 

He notices Tim's fraught expression.

DEVO: We! Do not have to go look.
DEVO: But another time, maybe!
ROULETTE: ...I am not sure it's the best idea to look down there, in the dark.
 

The robot takes the lead as they make their way through the unbroken entrance doors of the building.

The world outside is...significantly darker than you'd expect. It feels like you've only been out here for a few hours since leaving, but the sun's already setting...

DEVO: Huh....
DEVO: Time sure does pass weird!
CROSSBONE: Should we set up camp here?
 

Devo shakes his head.

DEVO: If there's dusters here now, that means there'll probably be more later.
DEVO: It's said that they like to relay good gathering spots to each other.
TIMOTHY: They're...
TIMOTHY: Not people, are they?
DEVO: Oh, no.
DEVO: There's rumors of ones that are, but there's no proof.
DEVO: They're just really smart! Good at tool use and social behaviors.

Tim doesn't look too assured about the difference there.

POLKA DOT: So...we walk a bit further out and set up shop?
DEVO: That's what I think's safest, yes.
ROULETTE: We can look for a proper spot to set up.
 

The robot scans the horizon, looking for any sort of cover.

Cross follows suit, peering out into the distance.

CROSSBONE: ...there's some trees over there.
CROSSBONE: Could hide the tent a little better...
POLKA DOT: Anywhere's good with me, as long as it's away from any more ruins.
ROULETTE: That works.
 

The party makes their way over.

The clearing you all find is perfect to set up the tent, everyone shuffling to figure out how to set the damn thing up.

But...once it's unfolded, it's a rather large playset made of blue plastic, sculpted to look like fancy fabric.

POLKA DOT: ...wow.
POLKA DOT: Surprised that can even fit in a backpack.
DEVO: Lots of things can fit in backpacks, if you're smart about it!
 

The bear walks over to Tim, the dog still looking barely kept together.

DEVO: ...hey Tim, you want to go lay down a bit before dinner?
DEVO: I'm pretty tired, and could use a hug and some talking time.
TIMOTHY: H-huh?
TIMOTHY: Y...yeah. That sounds good.
 

The yellow-tinged bear takes Tim's paw, the bean dog finally putting away his sword and following him in.

 

You step inside.

The tent is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, a small campfire miniature in the center of a ring of sleeping bags. The bags look moulded into the ground- though you notice Tim move one with his foot, the bag seemingly sealing and unsealing from the ground on contact. It's cozy, and you can already feel the warmth of the fire as Devo sets it up.

The bot makes its way in, taking note of the space, and the sleeping bags.

ROULETTE: ...Here, give me a moment.


 

It unrolls several opaque blankets from its bag,
which it begins attaching to the walls of the playset with sturdy pegs.

Two sets of two are hung up to make little room-like spaces at the sides,
while another is put up not too far from the entrance to make a much smaller division.
Roulette drags two sleeping bags into the larger 'rooms', and one into the smaller one.

ROULETTE: There.
ROULETTE: I thought you all might want privacy.
ROULETTE: ...I hope that's alright.
DEVO: Oh!
DEVO: Thank you, Roulette!
TIMOTHY: Yeah, thank you...
CROSSBONE: You didn't need to-
CROSSBONE: But...thanks.
ROULETTE: Let me know if you would like anything adjusted.
ROULETTE: I'll be keeping watch.
ROULETTE: Feel free to rest as needed.
 

With that, it quickly leaves the tent.

You can't even get a word of protest out towards it staying inside before it's gone.

DEVO: ...it'll be okay.
DEVO: It probably needs space, after that...

He gets up with a strained noise and heads to his room, Tim rushing to his side to support him. While he's still looking rattled, it seems like he's starting to focus on helping his partner.

TIMOTHY: I got you...
DEVO: Hehe, thanks...

You're left alone with Cross, now- as alone as you can be, anyway.

The two of you stand by the fire, not saying anything yet.

It feels like there's too much to say, and no idea where to start.

[knux400]

"Are you doing okay, Cross? Emotionally, I mean.

That fight wasn't... too bad. No one got seriously hurt, and we managed to handle everything. But I have a feeling it's going to get tougher from here, you know?"

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: ...you doin okay, after all that?
 

Cross makes a beep of surprise, as if broken out of deep thought.

CROSSBONE: Huh?
POLKA DOT: Just making sure you're all good.
CROSSBONE: Oh, yeah...
 

She looks down at her hands, just enough to be noticeable.

CROSSBONE: ...it's...weird how easy it was.
CROSSBONE: I feel...okay?
CROSSBONE: But...it's so weird that it was over so quickly.
CROSSBONE: No one even got a scratch.
CROSSBONE: We didn't even train that long, but it was so-
POLKA DOT: Yeah. I get what you mean.
POLKA DOT: We handled...everything. Went without a hitch.
POLKA DOT: But what if it gets tougher, you know?

She nods, walking back over to the two of you's sleeping bag setup.

CROSSBONE: I think it will.
CROSSBONE: There's no way that it won't- everything we've been told cautions us that things are going to get harder.
POLKA DOT: Yeah...
CROSSBONE: I'd say that I hope it's worth it, but...
CROSSBONE: I know it will be.
 

I hope so too...

You sit down next to her after taking your pack off, giving her a quick head bump before leaning back.

CROSSBONE: ...weird to see Devo so...excited, though.
POLKA DOT: Guess he really likes monsters.
POLKA DOT: Like Roulette said, he's allowed to have interests.
CROSSBONE: Yeah. That's probably it...
CROSSBONE: Still, he could have told us!
CROSSBONE: Knowing this stuff in advance could be really useful...
CROSSBONE: I think I'll ask him about it in the morning.
POLKA DOT: Solid idea...
 

You reach around into your bag, pulling out some jerky and...the hardtack.

Both of you look at the solid hardtack miniatures- somehow, despite being made of the same plastic as everything else, it looks completely unappealing.

CROSSBONE: ...we should probably-
POLKA DOT: Yeah.
POLKA DOT: Wanderer was nice enough to hand these over, they must be useful-
 

Cross is already reaching for one, bonking it against her face and taking a bite.

The pixel character on her screen makes a face, wiggling from side to side with a displeased beep.

POLKA DOT: That bad, huh?
CROSSBONE: It's-
CROSSBONE: It's fine!
CROSSBONE: You...should try some.
CROSSBONE: Get some nutrients.
POLKA DOT: ...
 

You give the horrible little thing a wary look.

POLKA DOT: Can't I just stick to jerky?
CROSSBONE: We should probably save that where we can.
POLKA DOT: I guess.
 

You go to take a bite before you're jumpscared by a familiar yellow-tinted bear's face poking into your "room".

DEVO: Hello!
CROSSBONE: AA-
POLKA DOT: W-
POLKA DOT: Scared the shit out of me!
DEVO: Sorry, sorry!
DEVO: I overheard the two of you are trying the hardtack-
DEVO: Try soaking it in some water first.
DEVO: It won't help the taste, but it will help the texture.
POLKA DOT: ...you know this how?
DEVO: Reading!
CROSSBONE: Well...thank you, Devo.
DEVO: No problem!
DEVO: Enjoy your meal!
 

He ducks out as quickly as he came, leaving the two of you to figure this out.


....thankfully, with his advice, it's significantly easier to eat- Cross says so, anyway.

The two of you lay down in your sleeping bags, scooting them next to each other and looking into each other's eyes.

CROSSBONE: ...hey, Polka?
 

Her voice is soft, speaking at a volume just for you.

POLKA DOT: Yeah, Cross?
CROSSBONE: Thanks for coming with me...
CROSSBONE: ...
CROSSBONE: Are you scared, at all?
CROSSBONE: Of what's coming?
CROSSBONE: Of...
 

She trails off, looking away.

POLKA DOT: You can tell me.
CROSSBONE: ...of what I'm going to become, by the end of this.

[knux400]

"You're not going to "become" anything. You're always going to be my gay spooky girlfriend, the only difference is that you're going to get a bit bigger and a bit spookier- and neither of those are a bad thing in my book!

The only things I'm concerned about are stuff like... Doorways. And chairs. You're probably going to have to throw out most of your old furniture, I think, depending on how monster-y you end up getting.

But I'd never be afraid of you."

[palencorgi]

Change is scary. It'll be new. But seeing you be more you...

It'll matter, so much more. It'll be worth all of it.

Something can be good, even if it's scary, y'know?

Just like a big scary mouth fulla' teeth, hehehe.

[skinstealer]

It takes you a few moments to think over your words, wanting to make sure you get it right.

POLKA DOT: Change is scary, but...
POLKA DOT: You're always gonna be my spooky girlfriend, yknow?
POLKA DOT: It'll just be more of you to care about.
 

The pixel character on her face smiles.

CROSSBONE: Always is a nice word.
CROSSBONE: I know we haven't been dating for that long, but...
CROSSBONE: It's nice to have something to hold onto.
POLKA DOT: Well, I'm not planning on going anywhere!
CROSSBONE: You mean that?
POLKA DOT: Yeah.
POLKA DOT: I like what we've got going on.
POLKA DOT: And I want to keep that safe, even if it means, like...
POLKA DOT: Dealing with things being weird while you adjust.
 

She makes an inquisitive beep, gesturing for you to clarify.

POLKA DOT: I don't mean, like-
POLKA DOT: I'm not gonna have problems or anything.
POLKA DOT: But, there's stuff like. Yknow. Doorways.
POLKA DOT: Chairs.
CROSSBONE: ...yeah....I've been thinking about that.
CROSSBONE: They may need to get me a bigger apartment...I know that Cindi has a larger scale one, I could definitely ask...
POLKA DOT: Yeah. We can figure it out together.
POLKA DOT: Besides...bigger place means more space for me when I stay over.
CROSSBONE: Are you considering my offer?
POLKA DOT: A little.
POLKA DOT: Kind of a big change, but....
POLKA DOT: Sometimes big changes are good.
POLKA DOT: Like your girlfriend getting a biiiig, scaaaary-
CROSSBONE: Oh, cmon-
 

You lean in for a little beak boop.

POLKA DOT: Mouth full of teeth!
CROSSBONE: You would like that.
POLKA DOT: What, like you don't?
CROSSBONE: No, I'm thrilled about it.
CROSSBONE: It's just so funny how much you like it...
POLKA DOT: Yeah, well...
 

You give your girlfriend a nuzzle, which she eagerly returns.

CROSSBONE: ...thanks, Polka.
CROSSBONE: I love you, okay?
POLKA DOT: I love you too, dork.

The two of you share a little kiss, and before you know it, you're dozing off.


...something feels strange about sleeping here, in the wild.

What do you dream?

[palencorgi]

(ohhhh theyre both so cute)
After spending the day exploring the ruins-

Dreaming about places that once were. Before they faded, became overgrown and forgotten. What were they like when people poured their lives into them?

You aren't the first to walk a path like this.

[knux400]

Dream of... ribbons. Lots and lots of ribbons stretching as far as the eye can see, all tangled up and confusing.

[MarxzVulpez]

a fire, a blizzard, ash and snow, vines and ribbons and wires and string and guide ropes tangled together. also your party members are there

[skinstealer]

...You open your eyes.

There's a castle in front of you, its doors opening as if by magic, beckoning you in. Its gray plastic walls are familiar, its sculpted bricks good as new.

...the ruins, maybe? But...


...Before it all went to shit.

Stepping inside fills you with a deep sense of unease, but you do so anyway, almost as if you're compelled to. Something about it draws you in-

How does it feel like...the right thing to do, but so terrifying?

The inside is how you remember, but cleaned up- there's no more rubble on the floor, no more holes in the ceiling. There's even a beautiful red carpet, made from the finest threads you've ever seen. On the carpet itself is a woven circle, made of a shining gold thread.

The compulsions continue, drawing you in and leading you to stand on the edge of the circle, your feet feeling tingly even through your boots.

Before you can process what's happening to you, your ribbon choker unfurls, as if so much longer than it actually is- still wrapped around your neck, but extending towards the center of the circle, collapsing into a tangled heap.

You feel a tug, against your choker.

It's forked, another branch having grown out of it while you weren't looking, veering off to your right side.
Your eyes follow along it, finding

Roulette.
The many-eyed scarf around its neck wrapping tighter than you imagine is comfortable.
Your lace ribbon has tied itself into a knot around Roulette's scarf, not too far from its neck.

It pulls its head back, but the scarf doesn't budge.
The robot seems to resign itself, standing still.

Its scarf extends, gaining a sort of iridescent sheen as it reaches the middle, and reluctantly coils itself with yours.

As soon as it does, it feels like your vision goes dark.







Another place.
Elsewhere.





A dark indigo, almost black room.

Giant, white eyes drawn in chalk line the walls in two great lines on both sides.
You watch Roulette walk past you into the room.

Its pace is slow, and heavy; shoulders low.




It passes into view of the first pair of eyes.
They speak a jumble of words, most of which you think you recognize, but all of it is confusing in the dark, hazy room.

EYES: No need to be shy.

EYES: The nature of this is not anything you need to concern yourself with.
EYES: I cannot afford to rock the boat here.

EYES: Show must go on or something, right?

EYES: This isn't working it out.
EYES: I think...it's something you are meant to be vulnerable with.
EYES: ...It felt terrible.

EYES: ...Your loss.
 

The eyes on the wall close.
Two eyes disappear from its scarf.





It treads forward.
Another pair of eyes.

EYES: ...though, I've never talked to it short of a passing hello.
EYES: From what I hear, it's kinda...skittish.
EYES: It's kinda...the practical type, right?
EYES: ...weird vibes, honestly.
EYES: Like it could crack and fall apart any time...
EYES: ...and you're just...waitin' to see when.
EYES: It's been...reclusive, lately.

EYES: Being in proximity does not mean we have to talk.
EYES: ...there's no reason for you to get this involved.
EYES: Anything to avoid standing out.

EYES: Easy now. Don't break the poor thing.
EYES: ...it's kind of bad at telling people when it needs something one way or the other.
EYES: Just...hard to open up to people.

EYES: ...I am...not really comfortable with...anyone...here, exactly.
EYES: Which brings about feelings of...shame, I suppose.
EYES: ...my presence in the lives of others should be a choice.

EYES: Fair enough, I know this isn't really your scene.

EYES: It was not your fault remotely.
EYES: If it's private to someone, you're doing good by keeping it that way.
EYES: Please don't report it.
 

The eyes close.
It loses two from its scarf.
It walks forward.





Two more.

EYES: Something has to be sticking with it to make it want to hide things like this.
EYES: And nothing good at that.
EYES: It might be a good idea for us to keep our eyes peeled.

EYES: ...I am not sure it's the best idea to look down there, in the dark.

EYES: I don't think it's going to let us go until we do.
EYES: You want outta this training, Roulette?
EYES: Good way to lose your hand, there.

EYES: You can't break down here.
EYES: You can't afford to.
EYES: Not in front of other people.
EYES: Deeper than that, I don't believe we can know.
EYES: And frankly, I hope we never do.
EYES: I do not see the point in trying to sort any of that out.
EYES: ...yeah, that'll be enough.

EYES: Doesn't...seem to be someone who likes to take risks.
EYES: Coward.

EYES: I think...I am running out of options here.
EYES: Forget I said anything.
 

Eyes close. Gone from the scarf.
Four left.
It moves forward.





More eyes.

EYES: You gonna be okay with being on your own for a little bit?

EYES: I only needed some quiet, for a little while.
EYES: ...It is comfortable, in a way.
EYES: ...I don't have to Be Anyone.
EYES: I do not even have to be Me.
EYES: Falling into that.
EYES: No one to get hurt.

EYES: It'd be alone.
EYES: And I don't think it'd make the choice to change that.

EYES: I think it'd be better if it was just me.

EYES: ...Would you like to leave right now?

EYES: It's no issue.
EYES: After this, I am done.
EYES: ...I cannot keep doing this to people.
EYES: ...All I can do is hope it works this time.

They close.
Down to two.





The final set of eyes watch the robot,
as it stands in front of the end of the room.

EYES: Where are you going?

EYES: You do not have to worry; I won't make it an issue.
EYES: The decision's been made.

EYES: ...No second thoughts?
EYES: It...still isn't too late to back out.
EYES: The worst hasn't left my head.

EYES: I would like to get this over with.

EYES: And you'd rather risk dying than be like. Stuck like this.
EYES: Then you don't have to be alone for it, alright?

EYES: I don't have time for this.

EYES: Afraid I don't know you well enough to know what to offer.
EYES: Go on. Get yourselves killed.

EYES: I apologize for wasting your time




 

Closed.
The scarf is pure black; spotless.
The room is dark.





Its scarf extends out from its neck,
fabric becoming rigid,
hard,
metal.

Forming a grid around the end of the room.
Entombing the robot within a black cage,
as more and more bars form,

slowly blotting it out completely.








Roulette turns.




It looks at you.

ROULETTE: ...tell him not to look at what's left.

 

It disappears within the cage as all holes are blacked out with more bars.









The cage suddenly disappears, with little fanfare.

Roulette is gone.

The black cage is gone.



The empty scarf drops to the floor, turning red as if soaking up something.





It smells like rust.











You find yourself back at the golden circle, just as before.
You and Roulette standing at the edges, ribbon and scarf intertwined.

You feel like you've had the wind knocked out of you from all that, almost tempted to rush to its side to ask if it's okay-

I barely know it, why do I...?

Before you can make a move, another figure appears across the circle from you, bursting in in a tangle of- ropes?

Tim stands there, slumped as if carrying a heavy weight on his back- one that's clear immediately. Thick red ropes hang all over him, starting on his shoulders and hanging around him as if they were a curtain. He pants for a moment, and you can tell without any doubt- he's exhausted.

This time, you're taken to a dimly lit room, a figure hunched over in the corner, tending to a stove- a kitchen?

CHEF: ...you're taking too many chances, Curly.
CHEF: You're reckless. Going to get  yourself killed out there.
 

The chef's voice is soft, but stern. Something about it makes you feel...uneasy, more than you would have expected from someone you've never met before.

You hear a soft whimper across the room, turning to see Tim, ropes tightening across his body like slithering snakes.

CHEF: Don't you know how much I love you?
CHEF: You're my little girl, and I know you can do a good job.
 

There's a smile in her voice, and all it does is make you feel sick.

CHEF: But...
 

And then it's gone, her tone full of disappointment.

CHEF: You're going to get into trouble, hanging out with these...hooligans.
CHEF: You think you're invincible?
CHEF: You're destined for great things, but...
CHEF: That little temper of yours, hanging around with people who-
TIMOTHY: Th...
TIMOTHY: They want what's best-
CHEF: I want what's best for you.
 

She sets down the spoon you didn't even realize she was stirring with.

CHEF: You think that boy loves you?
CHEF: You think the robot trusts you?
CHEF: What about that...pet, you think she's got good ideas in her head?
CHEF: She's going to get you murdered out there.
CHEF: Wanting to become a monster. Please.
 

The ropes slither around Tim's neck and wrists, tightening enough for you to see the fabric scrunch.

CHEF: And then, god, that little duck.
CHEF: You and her make a sick pair.
TIMOTHY: She's-!
CHEF: Your best friend?
CHEF: I'm your best friend.
CHEF: She's going to drive you off a cliff.
CHEF: Just look at how tense you are...
 

Tim looks away, the ropes tangling around his waist now.

The chef takes a stride towards the two of you, dread building deep in your chest.

CHEF: You should have stayed with me.


 

The room shatters.


You're back in the circle. Tim is completely bound now, his hands held at his sides by a rope circling his entire torso.

He says nothing, his ropes tangled in the center of the circle.

Your mouth feels gummed up, as if you can't speak to ask him what's wrong, what happened back there-

A long, slow beep sounds from your left, making your chest twist even more.

When you look and see Cross, you feel sick, seeing a "LOW BATTERY" symbol on her face as the beep sounds again, an alarm asking for help that you cannot move to give.

The room that fades in is white, stark and clean, surrounding the two of you. Cross sits on the ground, facing away from you- it's impossible to see her face, her head rotating to avoid your gaze no matter which way you try to approach her.

POLKA DOT: Cro-!
 

Your voice echoes in the massive room, its size not apparent to you until you say something- only to be cut off by your own throat closing, a strangled squeak mangling itself at the end.

Cross speaks, her voice just as low as the battery sound earlier.

CROSSBONE: Was it really worth it?
CROSSBONE: I can feel it.
 

Feel what? You want to say, but you can't.

CROSSBONE: I can feel the tension.
 

A panel on her back seems to unscrew itself- you'd touched those screws what feels like thousands of time, but Cross told you firmly never to open it.

Put it back, put it back, she needs that-!

The panel falls to the ground, revealing a round battery held in place by little claws.

A small button sits underneath it.

CROSSBONE: I can...feel it.
CROSSBONE: The ramifications.
CROSSBONE: What I've...done.
CROSSBONE: What I will do.

 

Wires begin to snake out from underneath the battery, thin and worm-like.

CROSSBONE: I've dragged them all into this.
CROSSBONE: I...
CROSSBONE: Should never have...
CROSSBONE: ....
 

She turns to face you, the low battery symbol flickering with less and less intensity, as if dimming.

CROSSBONE: ...you could just push it, and fix me.
CROSSBONE: I wouldn't remember a thing.
CROSSBONE: A...
CROSSBONE: Fresh start.
CROSSBONE: No more monster.
 

She taps the battery on her back, tracing her arm down to the button.

CROSSBONE: A reset.
CROSSBONE: Consider it.
CROSSBONE: For everyone's sake.

 

The room fades in a flurry of pixels, blowing past you like a blizzard and making you hack and splutter.





The circle remains, a mass of wires extending up and over Cross's back, suspended in the air until they cascade down, entering the circle's tangle. They wrap around your ribbon in a death grip- but what startles you most is how they engulf Roulette's scarf, swallowing up so much of it as if consuming it.


There's silence, the air feeling sickly and wrong. You want to leave, you want to get out-

And then there's a "pop!" sound, a pile of fabric materializing from the floor and filling itself with stuffing from the inside, forming a familiar bear with surprising speed.

He looks just as tired as Tim, his eyelids fluttering.

Before he can speak, the two of you are in a room, just as with the others- but none of it can be made out, just blurs and smears of colors.

Red, yellow, blue, black.

You can't see Devo, just a white silhouette, moving throughout the smears as if they were water- dye, your mind tells you.

DEVO: I don't understand.
DEVO: It's so-
DEVO: They're scared of me. Scared of what's happening.
DEVO: What you're doing to me.

You go to object, fear creeping its way into your mind- before he answers himself, his voice higher pitched.

The colors around you shift, tinting him and the rest of the room red.

RED: I'm trying to help you.
RED: To save you!
RED: You don't know what you're doing!
RED: You-
RED: You're-
RED: Please, come back to me...
 

The colors shift to yellow, the tone that follows similar to the one you heard earlier- though significantly more solemn now, all of the excitement from seeing monsters long gone.

YELLOW: We are, trying to help-
YELLOW: Please, don't push us away.
YELLOW: You have amazing friends, they're here to care about you!
DEVO: Says you.
 

Devo's voice cuts through like ice.

DEVO: You...
DEVO: They're scared of you, too.
DEVO: ...They're scared of me.
DEVO: How do I-

 

The yellow tinted voice doesn't respond, the scene changing rapidly to black static, every sound vibrating and echoing with a horrible buzz.

STATIC: ...
STATIC: They'll understand the real you soon enough.
STATIC: I'll make them see.

 

The room bursts, colors flooding your vision and blinding you for a moment.

When your sight returns, the colored parts of Devo's face- his cheeks, his eyes- all drip multicolored thread, falling onto the ground and tangling in Tim and Roulette's tethers.


You feel like everything is too much. It's too much, why are you being put through this?

That's the burden of it all.
Caring.

You feel tear-paint prickle at the corners of your eyes.

Your voice doesn't come, all you have is thoughts.

S..sandy...

You wear it well.

Before you can respond, the ruins start dissolving around you, plastic giving way to erosion.





As the ruins begin to fade into nothing,
Roulette raises its scythe up.

To the scarf at its neck.



It catches you watching.
Its eye is half-shut.

ROULETTE: Close your eyes.
ROULETTE: Please, close your eyes.
ROULETTE: No one should have to see this.
ROULETTE: Not any part of it.
ROULETTE: You. Don't have to.
 

The scythe taps against the scarf.

ROULETTE: ...It is Not your fault.
ROULETTE: You have to know that.
ROULETTE: None of this is. None of it ever has been.



ROULETTE: ...It's nobody's fault but mine.
 

The scythe slices through.





Every inch of the scarf turns red.
Unfurling from every other knot.

It melts to the ground, dropping in spatters of red,
forming puddles.



Roulette is gone.



It smells like rust.
It smells like blood.


I couldn't make it stay.


Then Tim, the ropes tightening and tightening until he bursts.

I couldn't give him a home.



Then Devo, the threads dripping out more and more, until he's completely unraveled.

I couldn't hear his cries.




Cross.

She stares at you, with that low battery face.

It's so dim now.

I couldn't be what she needed.

You try to say you're sorry.




She fades.







You wake up, gasping and choking.



You only have a moment to reorient yourself before you realize you hear fighting-

Tim's voice coming through, and-

...the red one from the dream?

TIMOTHY: I don't understand-
DEVO: Don't.
DEVO: Don't touch me.
 

His voice sounds more cold than you've ever heard out of the bear, enough to make you flinch.

DEVO: Go find someone else to screw.
TIMOTHY: I wasn't-!
TIMOTHY: Devo, please-
 

There's the sound of boots storming away, bringing you to your feet and immediately looking in the main tent.

Tim's standing by the fire, looking stunned. Devo's nowhere to be seen.

TIMOTHY: I-
 

He sees you, and makes an indiscernible gesture with his arms.

TIMOTHY: I have no idea-
TIMOTHY: He-
TIMOTHY: Can you-?
 

You nod, getting your friend's drift immediately.  Tim may have been at a loss for words, but you've gotten to know him enough in the past month to recognize a "help me."

You quickly rush back in to check on Cross, seeing her sound asleep. Her pixel character's all tucked into her futon and everything.

Okay, good.
Rest up...





You make your way to the tent entrance, stepping outside into the open air.

Devo's standing there in shock, his- now red- eyes so wide you almost don't notice what he's staring at.

The entire clearing is covered in orange, plastic tracks, wider than your head and capable of floating in the air, curving everywhere and forming loop de loops in places.

Your eyes follow the tracks as your beak hangs open, gobsmacked.

...and then you see it.

Roulette is snoozing softly by the side of the tent, in a sitting position. Its head and arms are leaned against the blunt side of its sickle blade, as if it'd leaned over to rest on it a moment, and passed out.

A fairly large creature, maybe around three feet long and covered in lime green and black banded stripes. It has a long snout and wide eyes, currently snuffling at Roulette's sleeping face and giving it curious bats with its- ...wheel?

You realize you are basically looking at a weird....weasel...car.


Devo stomps, the sound of the snow crunching under foot startling you.

DEVO: ROULETTE-!
DEVO: THERE'S A BEAST-
 

Roulette startles awake with an uncharacteristically-terrified gasp - to the point that it startles You, to hear it make such a noise. Its fans run into overdrive instantly as it topples over itself.

The car-beast is sent flopping over, writhing around for a moment before managing to catch itself on its wheels and clamber back onto one of the orange tracks.

Everyone's frozen for a moment-

-...before its eyes land on the package of jerky in Devo's paw.

Before anyone can react, it rushes towards the bear's legs, orange track materializing in front of it like magic as it zooms by and snags the jerky bag in its mouth with a little hop. It's too fast for anyone to react to, already halfway across the campsite and jumping back onto its pre-existing track.

Devo's eye twitches as he takes in the shock.

DEVO: You little shit!
DEVO: That's MY food!
 

He reaches into his pocket, pulling out his knife.

POLKA DOT: WHOA WHOA WHOA-
DEVO: I'm getting that...that thing!
 

A purple, distorted barrier shoots up in a circle around the campsite, the weird car bonking into it and snuffling on its way out. Realizing it's trapped- and from the look of the barrier sealing off the tent, so are you- it immediately panics, making track in an upward circle before jumping onto some as far away from you as it can in the arena.

Roulette scrambles to its feet, looking disoriented and still fairly exhausted; you don't think it got much sleep.

It raises its weapon, anyway,
piecing together what happened as best it can.

ROULETTE: ...I'm-
ROULETTE: It-
ROULETTE: Did it hurt you?
ROULETTE: Is everyone alright?
POLKA DOT: I'm fine, but-
 

Devo seems...preoccupied.

DEVO: It took my goddamn food-
 

With that, he's bounding after the car, stumbling through the snow with reckless abandon.

ROULETTE: Hold on, do Not Rush Straight At It-
 

It chases after the bear.

POLKA DOT: Fuck's sake-!
 

You pull your hammer out of your pockets.

Time to skirmish, you guess.

Show Content

stats and arena desc
The campsite - your tent, currently sealed off - is set up on a hill towards the southeast end of the square arena.
A modest scattering of tree surrounds the campsite, providing some cover but also obscuring things on the other side of them.

The beast has made its way to the far northwest end of the arena, at the very bottom of the hill.

Devo is currently making his way down the hill after the beast - currently at about the center of the arena, halfway down the hill.
Roulette is not far behind him.
You are still at the campsite, at the top of the hill.

Orange tracks are scattered throughout the entire arena in random patterns, making it difficult to move too quickly without tripping over them.




POLKA DOT  
EQUIPPED: Claw Hammer
STATUS: Fine  
 
Polka Dot can always…  
-Taunt the Enemy  


DEVO...?
EQUIPPED: Butcher's Knife
STATUS: Fine

Devo...? can always...
-Endure the Pain

ROULETTE
EQUIPPED: Scythe
STATUS: Fine

Roulette can always...
-Protect Someone

[knux400]

Run after them, I guess???

If you can, try and get a better look at the situation. Are there more of these things? How much track is in the area already? Anything else important you should know?

[skinstealer]

You try to take in the scene as you're rushing down the hill, the sheer amount of orange track dotting the scene- hanging in midair, swirling around, and forming loops and twists- suddenly dawning on you. Most of the room to move around is free, as if this thing was content to zoom around in circles around the campsite and its nearby territory, with some track going up and down the hill in order to pick up speed and launch itself at the end.

It'd be pretty cute to think about if you weren't rushing down a snow covered incline with a hammer clutched in your wing.

There don't seem to be any more, at least-

Jeez, this thing made this much by itself?

-and while it is fast, really fast, it's very much blocked by the barrier right now.

Devo's gait is stumbling and frantic as he tries to catch up to it, clearly at odds with how much he wants to take the weasel-like creature out.

DEVO: F...fuck!
DEVO: Nowhere to go now, you little rat!
 

Its robotic friend still looks somewhat out-of-it - which makes sense, given the rude awakening - but it's rushing along just the same, now nearly caught up with Devo.

ROULETTE: We don't know what it can do!
ROULETTE: I will get your food back; I'll handle this!
ROULETTE: If we run straight at it like this, when it's this fast-
DEVO: I can take it!
 

The creature is still trying to get away, looking frantically between your party and the barrier-

-before it seems to realize that the barrier isn't going away no matter how far it gets.

It turns on a dime, doing a little hop as it rotates back to face Devo and rushes him.

Before anyone can react, it's already upon him, jerky bag clenched firmly in its mouth as it does a tight ring around the bear, laying down track in an upward spiral before launching itself off and away from him at about waist height.

Devo starts cussing and fumbling with the track, completely tangled up as it puts some distance between itself and the party- completely past you and Roulette.

Roulette has to stumble to the side to get out of the way when the creature whizzes past the both of you.

It faces the train, scythe drawn, getting between it and the tangled-up bear.

The creature glances over its shoulder, seeing the barrier still up and looking more nervous.

DEVO: S...stop standing there!
DEVO: Get it!
ROULETTE: The barrier is only up because you're attempting to attack it.
ROULETTE: This creature could be dangerous, I don't think it's worth trying to hunt it down and risk injury or worse over a bag of jerky.
DEVO: I-!
 

He huffs, glaring at his friend.

DEVO: You say that now, but we need that food!
DEVO: Now please-
DEVO: Do something!
ROULETTE: I think we would have enough, we have extra, I think... but I can try to get the bag back, if it means that much.
ROULETTE: I am Not going to move first until I know what it can do, though.
ROULETTE: ...Silk Ribbon, are you alright?
 

It addresses you without taking its eye off the creature.

POLKA DOT: I, uh-
POLKA DOT: I have no idea what to make of this shit.
 

The weasel car is beginning to roll back and forth, as if deciding what to do.

POLKA DOT: ...but if Devo's gonna insist-
 

You get your hammer ready.

ROULETTE: If you tend to Devo, I can handle this.
ROULETTE: Can you do tha-
 

The car rushes forward before it can finish-

Charging you.

Show Content

stats and arena desc
The campsite - your tent, currently sealed off - is set up on a hill towards the southeast end of the square arena.
A modest scattering of tree surrounds the campsite, providing some cover but also obscuring things on the other side of them.

Orange tracks are scattered throughout the entire arena in random patterns, making it difficult to move too quickly without tripping over them.

Everyone is at the northwest end of the arena, at the very bottom of the hill.

The creature is charging at you.
Devo is west of you, about ten feet away; on your right as you face the creature.
Roulette is southwest of you, just a few feet from the path of the charging creature.




POLKA DOT  
EQUIPPED: Claw Hammer
STATUS: Fine  
 
Polka Dot can always…  
-Taunt the Enemy  


DEVO...?
EQUIPPED: Butcher's Knife
STATUS: Scrambled, Trapped

Devo...? can always...
-Endure the Pain

ROULETTE
EQUIPPED: Sickle
STATUS: Fine

Roulette can always...
-Protect Someone

A reminder....
You can suggest for all party members, though they may not listen.

[knux400]

If Polka can wait until the last possible second, this is the best chance for her to take a swing. The little gremlin is faster than everyone here, which means it's going to be able to choose when it wants to engage.

POLKA: ATTACK

That said, the tracks might be a vulnerability if we can use them right. If they're flexible enough to grab and shake, we can disrupt the thing's movement as long as it's close enough.

EDIT: Reread the post and it seems like Roulette is potentially in range of it, so

ROULETTE: PROTECT

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Go for a low sweep kick into a launcher so you can go for a easy takedown when it lands.

[skinstealer]

As the creature rushes forward,
Roulette makes its way between you and the creature, attempting to intercept the charge.

You're already in the middle of grabbing the track, leaning over to grip the sides in your wings-

The bot glances back just in time to witness your plan in action, and hurriedly slides off the track.

With Roulette out of the way, you lift the track up-

-and slam it down, a ripple effect going down the track and launching the weasel car into the air with a terrified squeak.

The robot dives towards the creature and...



catches the car.

The weasel looks up at Roulette with wet eyes, belly up and wheels wiggling futile-ly around. It keeps making distressed squeaks, trying to wrench itself free out of its grip.

The bot snags the jerky,
then sets the creature down.

It pulls a jar of peanut butter and spins the lid open,
offering it up to the car.

ROULETTE: ...Here.
ROULETTE: Please take this instead.
 

Arm outstretched.

One claw is still holding the sickle tight, at the ready.
Just in case.

The beast looks between the sickle and the peanut butter, leaning forward to sniff at it. Looking at it up close, it appears to be covered in little scribbles- as if vandalized by something else.

With a quick motion, it lunges forward to shove its nose in the jar, hopping up and getting on a freshly-made track to zip away- the jar still stuck to it.

Seemingly content with the offering....the barrier fades, leaving the three of you in a mess of track.

POLKA DOT: ...fucking hell.
 

Roulette's systems whirr, winding down as it gradually lowers the sickle.

It walks back over to Devo, helping the bear out of the mess of track and handing over the jerky.

ROULETTE: ...I apologize.
 

Devo says nothing, giving it a glare as he snatches it back.

The bot flinches, looking away.

It's a few moments of awkward silence before he actually speaks.

DEVO: ...don't know why you wasted your own food on that thing.
ROULETTE: The creature was incredibly quick and had capabilities that weren't well understood.
ROULETTE: Giving up some food is a small price to pay to resolve the conflict quickly.
ROULETTE: That, and I didn't want to kill it if I didn't have to.

ROULETTE: ...Besides, it is entirely my fault that this happened; I fell asleep when I was supposed to be keeping watch.
ROULETTE: So, me taking a loss with my own supplies instead of yours is appropriate.
DEVO: ...hmph.
 

He starts walking away, going back up the hill towards the tent-

-and then past it.

POLKA DOT: Y-
POLKA DOT: Where are you going?!
DEVO: To get some goddamn space.
 

You can't help but flinch at his tone.

DEVO: I'm not leaving.
DEVO: Just.
DEVO: Leave me alone.
 

You're left in near-silence, only hearing the wind, and Roulette's fans spinning fast.

ROULETTE: ...Are you alright, Silk Ribbon?
ROULETTE: After the encounter with that creature, I mean.
 

It's quiet, not making eye contact with you.

POLKA DOT: I-
POLKA DOT: ...yeah.
POLKA DOT: Weird...little car guy.
ROULETTE: ...Yes.
ROULETTE: I will...keep watch again.
ROULETTE: There won't be issues this time.
 

It makes its way up to the hill, posting up just outside the tent.
Roulette gives a look in Devo's direction, but stays where it's at.

You head up the hill yourself, pausing a bit away from the tent.

Roulette's right there, and you can see Devo sulking in the snow a ways away.

Tim and Cross are inside, too.

The tension's killing you, and you should probably talk to someone about whatever the hell is happening.

[knux400]

As much as I'd like to know what's going on with Devo, I don't think talking to him directly is the best course of action. Maybe go see if Tim and Cross are okay, and if Tim is willing to talk about the argument he was having. It seemed like it was something personal, so don't pry too hard.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Second this, after that encounter try to help people steady their nerves a bit. Have to imagine it soured plenty of moods.

[skinstealer]

...I kinda want to go see what's up with Devo, but...
...maybe...not yet.
Probably just piss him off.

You grip and ungrip your wings before turning to go inside the tent.

Tim is sitting by the fire, pulling his knees to his chest and burying his face in them. Cross is still in your little section of the tent, tucked up in her sleeping bag- even in all that chaos, she's still knocked the fuck out.

Something to do with her internal clock...it's really hard for her to wake up early, I think.

POLKA DOT: ...hey.
 

Tim flinches as you speak up, not having heard you step in.

POLKA DOT: I-it's just me.
POLKA DOT: You, uh-
 

You can tell he's been crying, blue embroidery all over his face- a stark contrast with his red accents.

POLKA DOT: ...you don't look so good.
TIMOTHY: N...no shit, huh?

He huffs, trying to wipe his face off- he's clearly embarrassed, but unable to keep the tears from leaking out still.

TIMOTHY: W-was there some kind of scuffle out there?
TIMOTHY: Couldn't leave the tent to see what all the noise was about.
TIMOTHY: ...was worried one of you, like, fought Devo or something.
 

You make your way over, plunking yourself onto the ground next to him.

POLKA DOT: Nah, it was-
POLKA DOT: Some kinda animal.
POLKA DOT: Was rummaging around in Roulette's stuff, but it ended up taking Devo's food.
TIMOTHY: Is he okay?
POLKA DOT: He got his pride hurt, but...
POLKA DOT: Physically, he's fine. Got the food back too.
TIMOTHY: Phew...
 

He sniffles.

TIMOTHY: I just-
TIMOTHY: I don't know what's going on-
TIMOTHY: Everything was going so awesome!
TIMOTHY: I h-had this partner who I cared about so much, and he cared back-
TIMOTHY: But this morning, he just, I just-
POLKA DOT: ...you can tell me what happened.
 

The scottie dog nods, taking a deep "breath" before continuing.

TIMOTHY: He woke up before me.
TIMOTHY: This happens a lot when we're sharing a space, like-
TIMOTHY: He'll wake up earlier than me, because he tosses and turns and has nightmares.
TIMOTHY: So if I wake up and he's already up, I'll reach over and put my hand on his back.
TIMOTHY: If he's o-okay with more, I'll give him a hug.
TIMOTHY: It's our little signal. A check-in.
TIMOTHY: But today he just-
TIMOTHY: It was like I burned him.
POLKA DOT: Eesh...
POLKA DOT: That bad of a reaction?
TIMOTHY: He yelped, Ribbon.
TIMOTHY: I'm surprised it didn't wake you up immediately, it felt so loud-
TIMOTHY: Maybe it...maybe it was just because it was my hand, but it felt like I had done the worst thing to him, just by a light touch.
TIMOTHY: He started- he started swearing at me, slapping my hand away-
TIMOTHY: Accusing me of trying to-
 

He has to stop, choking up.

TIMOTHY: Assault him-
TIMOTHY: I would never, ever, not in a million years.
TIMOTHY: We talked so, so much about that kind of stuff, it's- it's a major aspect of our BDSM relationship.
TIMOTHY: But the look on his fucking face-
 

Tears start pouring out before he can stop them, his voice hitching.

TIMOTHY: I-I don't think I've ever felt worse in m-m-my whole life-