[PKMN] SPACE CASE!

[Lilium Mortem]

bones

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
Our heroes came face to face with the threat of death...who knew that traveling on a League journey could be so treacherous?!

Will they continue forward with dread in their hearts, or determination? There's only one way to find out...in SPACE CASE! 

EPISODE 13: Growth and Decay

---

 

FROND: Alright, just a minute more-



 

You are now Stretch.

And you are waiting on breakfast.

Frond had always talked about wanting to get into cooking, but- you have to admit you're impressed. You're usually pretty picky, but- even the charti-seasoned meals sit well with you.

FROND: Aaaand here we go!

 

 

Minerva's food is softened again, and to your relief- she's clearer-headed today.





...still-

MINERVA: S-so-
MINERVA: Why are we...in a house?
STRETCH: ...needed shelter.
MINERVA: oh...
MINERVA: Can I say hi to th-
STRETCH: Owners aren't in.

 

She tilts her head at you, only for you to take the opportunity to get some food in her mouth.

MINERVA: Mmf-

 

She gives you a look as she swallows the food, not buying your evasive maneuver.


You are going to have to bring out the big guns if you want to avoid further questions.

STRETCH: ....good girl.

 

Her face lights up, expression softening immediately.



....mission success.

FROND: ....

 

Frond and Eerie sit off to the side, comparing maps on their navs.

FROND: Looks like we can go up this path-
EERIE: Kinda steep.
FROND: Offroad could keep us out of sight.
FILIGREE: Would Minnie be good for it?

 

The two of them look over at the bat.

EERIE: ...i mean, she can- talk.

 

Frond does a shaky hand, looking back at the map.

FROND: ...maybe this would be better.
FILIGREE: ....

 

The bellsprout folds their leaves, looking particularly uneasy.

FILIGREE: ...don't like that it hasn't worn off yet.
FROND: Me either.
FROND: ...Eerie, does this usua-
EERIE: Wouldn't know.

 

It comes out quickly, the rhyhorn looking guiltily away.

EERIE: Didn't get that far.
EERIE: Never even got close to whatever level that guy was on.
STRETCH: ....level?

 

She doesn't respond.

STRETCH: Eerie.
EERIE: ....it's for the best I didn't, alright?
EERIE: You have to go through some serious shit to get that strong.
FILIGREE: ...I saw it.
FILIGREE: When using the mist.

 

Eerie nods.

EERIE: I-
EERIE: I left before they could push me that hard.

 

You open your mouth, prepping to ask what exactly-





your head wrapped in bandages





-but you hold off.







....some things are best left for another time.

FILIGREE: Whatever it is, it doesn't behave like mine.
FILIGREE: Seems like the mist's effects only last as long as I can hold it...
FROND: Centers deal with this and worse all the time.
FROND: There's one outside of the Institute-
STRETCH: That's our best bet.
STRETCH: ...especially if this has been a problem.
EERIE: ....non-zero chance.
STRETCH: We'll take it.










MINERVA: mmmmmm

 

The golbat hums, extremely pleased with the current arrangement. She occasionally nuzzles against you, getting between your antennae and-

You really really wish this could wait for later.

FROND: Caaaareful there, bud-

 

Like.

STRETCH: i've got it.

 

Maybe.

EERIE: uuuh

 

WHEN NOT ON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF.

STRETCH: I've

 

You grit your teeth, keeping Minnie's tether as close to you as possible, hovering at the best pace you can manage between "getting this over with" and "not dropping both of you multiple stories."

STRETCH: Got

 

Thankfully, she doesn't mind-

STRETCH: It.

 

-when you allow yourself to be a walking body massage.




The second you reach a stable landing, you nearly want to collapse, leaning against a rock wall and panting.



....you've been having such a hard time keeping your breath stable.



Stress.

Minerva gets one last cuddle in, blue energy pulses crackling against her neck.

MINERVA: my herooooooo

 

It's just stress.

 

It takes Eerie a minute to catch up, wincing- she had been lagging behind, insisting it's just to keep Minerva from taking a tumble if you fail.

You all know better than that, seeing her occasionally poke the bandage and wince.

It was healing decently enough on a surface level thanks to some careful potion application, but from your own experience with...certain...blood related events....




It had to be sore internally.

That took more time, especially with less strong meds.

You're going to have to upgrade your supplies as soon as possible if this is what you're going up against.



She lets out an exhausted sigh of relief as she realizes the worst is over.

EERIE: ....thank fuck.
FROND: Still got more to go, unfortunately...
FILIGREE: How much more?

 

Frond taps at his nav screen, the brief look on his face speaking louder than words.

STRETCH: ...right.
STRETCH: Hgh.
FROND: The next bit's pretty smooth elevation-wise, though.
FROND: Flat plateau for the next hour.
EERIE: next hour you have to be kidding me
FROND: And I marked down somewhere we can stop, have lunch, take a bathroom break-
STRETCH: Proper itinerary.
FROND: Somebody's gotta!

 

He sounds more strained than usual, his cheeriness hitting some kind of limit.



Your antennae pulse for a moment.



It sinks in.


Everyone else looks so





so terrible.


You are the only one who doesn't look like like hell right now, at least physically.
Everyone else looks beat up to shit, barely hanging on morale-wise-

-and you're still caught in the middle of the route.

There's no chance to go back at this point, only through.


Even with the upcoming hike being easier for a while-

STRETCH: I
STRETCH: can
STRETCH: ....

 

A deep, agonized breath.

STRETCH: provide. entertainment.
EERIE: Eh?
EERIE: Speak up.
STRETCH: I said I can keep people's-
STRETCH: ....their minds off of things.
STRETCH: While we walk.
FILIGREE: ....uh
FILIGREE: hhhhow?
STRETCH: ....I don't know, I-
STRETCH: i know some stories or something
FROND: Oh, shit!

 

His face lights right up.

FROND: You mean the ones about-
STRETCH: yes frond the clefairy legends that's literally the only ones i know.
FROND: And it's relevant!

 

It takes you a moment to get going.

STRETCH: ....Mt. Moon is-

 

This is not your strong suit.

STRETCH: Mmgh.

 

But-

STRETCH: ....thousands and thousands of years ago, this is where Kanto made first contact.
EERIE: ....with-?
STRETCH: Space.
STRETCH: Extraterrestrial life.

 

The interjection you expect never comes.

STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: okay
 

Deep breath.

STRETCH: The people in this region looked to the stars, trying to find answers.
STRETCH: People in villages would claim that they'd heard something whispering to them on the full moon.
STRETCH: At first, it- it seemed like just a couple of crackpots.
STRETCH: Locals no one would believe.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: But they started cropping up more and more around here- where Cerulean and Pewter now stand.

 

You guide Minerva around a rock, falling into a rhythm of checking the ground around you and remembering what comes next.

STRETCH: Eventually, the fullest moon anyone had ever seen came-
STRETCH: And a massive falling star came down, hitting the mountain so hard that it made a tunnel straight through, clean cut and even.

 

You make a finger gun, pretending to fire.

STRETCH: Like shooting a bullet.
EERIE: ....nothing can do that to a fucking mountain.
FILIGREE: But-
FILIGREE: That's what the Institute is shaped like, right?
FROND: Pewter's end of it, yeah!
FROND: They have a dome on top and everything!
STRETCH: ...correct.
STRETCH: People flocked to the crater, connecting the tunnels where cave pokemon lived to the outside to make traveling easier.
STRETCH: Entire populations introduced to each other for the first time-
STRETCH: Brought together by an asteroid.
EERIE: So-
EERIE: I mean-
EERIE: ...what happened next.

 

There's the tiniest bit of satisfaction to hearing her genuinely curious, driving you to continue.

STRETCH: The people made their way down the mountain, carving paths in a tiered spiral down the crater's sides.
STRETCH: When they finally reached the bottom-
STRETCH: The rock had split open, revealing its contents underneath the rubble.
STRETCH: Bodies.

 

The party pales, Minerva, nuzzling up in a barely lucid whine.

MINERVA: Bodies-
MINERVA: that'ssss. scaryy.
STRETCH: no no no they weren't dead
STRETCH: They. They were not dead.
FILIGREE: could've lead with that
STRETCH: MM.
STRETCH: Anyway.
STRETCH: There were dozens, maybe hundreds, of unconscious beings.
STRETCH: They had been hidden by broken meteorite chunks.
STRETCH: Unresponsive, but alive.
STRETCH: The people brought them up the spiral, carrying every single one of them out of the wreckage-
STRETCH: Carving out chambers along the way to tend to them. Housing.
STRETCH: They took to food, water, care- and eventually. They awoke.
STRETCH: ...they could not speak our language, but learned quickly.
STRETCH: Grateful for the help- for their new home-
STRETCH: They were happy to work together.
STRETCH: We know them now as clefairies and clefables.
FILIGREE: ....I thought that was just-
FILIGREE: ...y'know, a fairy tale.
EERIE: Could still be. It did say these are legends.
FROND: Lots of legends are history too!
STRETCH: It-


 

You don't get to finish your sentence.





The sound of someone slamming into the wall next to you sends the world into slow motion, your brain trying to parse what had happened in that split second.

Dust and rubble sprays from the impact, your body moving from instinct to pull Minerva close and shield her from any shrapnel.


Something is here.
Someone.


Your eyes catch a glint of metal, three spheres reflecting the harsh sunlight-

Magneton. No chance of anything else.
Only two local hivemind species with that kind of cerberus-style body plan, not like that.


You can barely make out her pupils as she pushes herself off the wall, a fearful screech bursting out of her.


Panic.
Raw panic-





and in the frantic attempt to get away from whatever's chasing her












she slams into Frond












and everything goes white.







You only hear ringing
A sharp noise.

Sudden light.



You think there's a brief moment of a rock hitting your shoulder hard enough to pierce it, your body repulsing it out and leaving blood dripping down your arm.






You are halfway between here and somewhere long ago






the bright lights shining in your eyes the feeling of












You smell the rot.





Minerva's whimper keeps you grounded enough to keep her at your side, stumbling towards the scent as the world spins.


You have to get to him

You have to


get to


Frond



Your chest hurts.

It isn't working right.


Just stress.

This happens.


You taste blood.

That's fine.

Something just cut your lip.




You hear Eerie's voice, her words indiscernible.


There's a blue shape by Frond.

That's probably her.


You think you see Filigree too.

Your vision swims.




Your heart pounds.



You think you tell Eerie to take Minerva, and the harness loosens,
cut-
maybe torn-



It doesn't matter.


Minnie would be okay.



Fili and Eerie would do better with her than you ever could.




Why would you ever be any good for someone like her?





The rot is so strong as you draw closer, kneeling an inch off the ground, by his side.


Overwhelming.




You think you hear someone retch.





Frond makes a sound, and you feel his hand reach for yours.

STRETCH: Shh.

 

You take it, listening to him gag as the pulse hits him.

And yet he calms,
his breath steadying along with yours.

Edges sharpen, things becoming clear.

FROND: m..
FROND: m'okay.
EERIE: Bullshit-

 

She coughs, covering her snout with one hand and holding Minerva close to her body with the other.

Even with the rot scent dissipating, it's obvious that she's not handling it well.





because she's normal and you are not

EERIE: Y-you just got blown the fuck up-
FROND: J. Just
FROND: A flesh wound.
EERIE: YOUR FLESH SHOULDN'T BE WOUNDED

 

You get your backpack off, your movements still feeling automatic as you root around.

Potions running low.
Not good.
Probably wouldn't help much right now.


You raise a fist at him.

STRETCH: How many fingers am I holding up.
FROND: threeee?
STRETCH: Concussed.
FILIGREE: Does-
FILIGREE: I don't have a brain, I highly doubt he does-

 

Frond clearly tries to crack wise, only to stagger and push at his head.

STRETCH: Biology lesson comes later.
STRETCH: Don't have enough to treat him here.
EERIE: Wh-
EERIE: The hell are we supposed to do?!
STRETCH: ...how far are we.

 

Filigree scrambles for their nav, pulling up the map.

FILIGREE: shit shit shit
FILIGREE: I. I don't-
STRETCH: Focus.

 

It comes out harsh.

You don't care.

FILIGREE: We c-can probably get there tomorrow-
EERIE: With everyone but Stretch this fucked up?!
STRETCH: No choice.
STRETCH: Optimize. Now.

 

Filigree and Eerie exchange panicked looks.

FILIGREE: u-uh
EERIE: I'll take Minnie.

 

The golbat is clinging onto her at this point, Eerie not bothering to protest.

EERIE: Can't deal with whatever happened to Frond earlier.
EERIE: You can...get close to him, or whatever.
EERIE: We'll swap bodyguard duty.
STRETCH: Right.
FILIGREE: I'll l-lead.
EERIE: What happens when YOU get blown up
EERIE: AGAIN.
FILIGREE: The hell other option do we-

 

There's heavy movement in the brush, Eerie yanking both Minerva and Fili into a huddle while you haul up Frond into your arms.



Your eyes widen as the figure steps forward, staggering-





-more exhausted than threatening.





Well.




Aside from xer size.







The venusaur in front of you pants, posture slumped.
Xer eyes widen as xey see your group, backing away as if you were far, far scarier than xer brick wall of a frame-






Lip trembling, sniffling.

VENUSAUR: D-
VENUSAUR: DON'T-


 

Xer voice cracks, on the verge of tears.

VENUSAUR: I JUST WANT TO GET HOME!



 

Uh.



Huh.

STRETCH: We-

 

Eerie lets out an irritated huff, your own posture going slack at the apparent lack of threat.

EERIE: We're not attacking you, idiot!
FILIGREE: F-
FILIGREE: YOU scared US!

 

Minerva lets out another one of her hazy whimpers, Filigree rushing over to pat her side and shush her.
Seeing the golbat gets xer eyes watering, making a wet, anxious croak.

VENUSAUR: I-I-
STRETCH: RELAX.
STRETCH: We're not Osteo.

 

Xey're quiet, clenching and unclenching xer tiny claws as xey try to get a grip.

You keep your eyes on xem.

VENUSAUR: W-well-
VENUSAUR: It's n-not my fault you all look so-
VENUSAUR: So SCARY!
FILIGREE: ....eh?

 

Oh.




You are all covered in blood, bruises, and sweat.

That may explain it.

EERIE: You'd look this shit too if you've been dealing with Osteo-
VENUSAUR: Wh-
VENUSAUR: What do you think I've BEEN doing?

 

Xer voice comes out indignant, hands suddenly on xer sides.

VENUSAUR: I've had to fight for my life out here all day!

 

...





.........





There's a bit of dirt on xem- but that's it.





Hoo boy.







Wait.

Looking at xer outfit-





A simple dress, glasses, and a coat with a star pin.

STRETCH: ....Lunar Institute?

 

The venusaur's eyes widen, xer own posture relaxing.

VENUSAUR: Oh
VENUSAUR: Y-yes!
VENUSAUR: My name-

 

Xey strike a proud pose, looking somewhat ridiculous with xer face all snotty.

VENUSAUR: -is Sweetpea!
SWEETPEA: Proud intern to THE Dr. Asterism!

 

Xey wait for any of you to recognize the name





only to be met with blank stares.

SWEETPEA: ....
SWEETPEA: Cmon, now!
SWEETPEA: S-surely you've-
EERIE: Do we look like moon geeks?
SWEETPEA: HMPH.
SWEETPEA: Well, you HAVE to have-

 

It's xer turn to take you in.

SWEETPEA: ....wait
SWEETPEA: Y-you're-
SWEETPEA: Oh my god.

 

You squeeze your eyes shut.



Please, no.

SWEETPEA: You're the SHOOTING STARS!

 

you just need to get to this fucking mountain

SWEETPEA: I saw your challenge!
STRETCH: Cool. Awesome.
STRETCH: Happy to meet a fan.

 

You gesture wildly to the gloom in your arms and the rest of your nearly-defeated team.

STRETCH: We need safety.
SWEETPEA: ...oh!
SWEETPEA: Yeah, that-
SWEETPEA: ....you do look pretty bad right now.
FILIGREE: thanks.
SWEETPEA: But!

 

Xer eyes light up in a way that fills you with dread.

SWEETPEA: With you by my side, I should be able to get to the checkpoint a-okay!
EERIE: uhhh
SWEETPEA: No Osteo goons will bother me with YOU around!
EERIE: nobody tell xem
FILIGREE: nooope



 

You pick up on a few things about Sweetpea on your trek through the brush.

1) Despite seeming oblivious to the fact that "running from Osteo" also meant "getting our asses kicked", xey definitely know a lot about the area and its risks. Good.
2) Xey're definitely some kind of type variant, the delicate flower at the base of xer tail shifting colors as xey speak. You feel like you've read about this somewhere- an atypical one for sure, though it's on the tip of your tongue.
3) Xey talk a lot.

SWEETPEA: And, it's just-
SWEETPEA: I follow a lot of the gym stuff on TV- casually, yknow?
SWEETPEA: I'm not a jock or anything.
EERIE: Uh huh.

 

It's Eerie's turn to get the Minerva snuggle special, the golbat seemingly enjoying getting some itches scratched by nuzzling up to her crests in between looking painfully disoriented.

At first, the rhyhorn had protested, only to realize it kept her from whimpering and starting to cry- a necessary sacrifice.

SWEETPEA: And Pewter has not gotten anything in so long.
SWEETPEA: It's depressing!
SWEETPEA: No one had even seen the new gym, and all of the rumors!
SWEETPEA: Crazy!

 

You're surprised Frond hasn't gotten sick again in your arms, but he's definitely barely conscious and hiccuping dangerously if you hold him too close to your torso.

It hurts your arms to carry someone so heavy a distance away from your body, but you have no idea how bad he could get with the full brunt of the pulse.




....for all you know you could be making it wor-

SWEETPEA: But they actually don't look too bad!
SWEETPEA: Like, freaky, sure, but let me tell you I went to bat for 'em around the water coole-

 

Xey pause, gesturing widely to a massive gated wall.

You hadn't even notice it come up between your own thoughts and xer chattering.

SWEETPEA: Tada!
STRETCH: ...this the checkpoint?
SWEETPEA: Mhm!

 

Xey stomp over to a keypad, punching in a code and flashing xer pin at a camera.

The door unlocks, xer tail swaying happily.

SWEETPEA: Let's get you all fixed up!






 

The checkpoint is a small compound composed of tents and first aid stations, some more enclosed structures featuring computers and radios.

Your team is more than a little relieved to have nav chargers available, and even more thankfully- Sweetpea knows first aid.

EERIE: OW.

 

...though xer technique could use a little work.

SWEETPEA: Stop wiggling-!
EERIE: Y-you're the one being too rough!
SWEETPEA: I have large hands, short arms, and tiny claws!
EERIE: I've got even less claws than you!
STRETCH: Please stop bickering.

 

You're on watch duty for both Frond and Minerva, getting both of them some water and rations- helpfully provided by your wonderful host.

SWEETPEA: Hmph.
SWEETPEA: Well-

 

Xey back up, Eerie's arm cleaned and re-bandaged.

SWEETPEA: There you go.
SWEETPEA: How'd you get cut so bad, anyway?

 

Everyone exchanges looks.

STRETCH: ...travel accident.
SWEETPEA: Oh!
SWEETPEA: Well. Sensible.

 

A collective sigh of relief.

SWEETPEA: Good thing you're almost to the Institute, right?

 

Your antennae perk up.

SWEETPEA: The center will treat that just fine!
STRETCH: Yes, that's exactly-
SWEETPEA: A perfect reward for escorting me!
STRETCH: ....
EERIE: .......
FILIGREE: ......
SWEETPEA: It'll be a piece of cake!

 

Your antennae flop back down.

Great.




Another one.

STRETCH: ..... fine.
EERIE: E-eh?!
STRETCH: We're. Going to the same place.
STRETCH: But we need to stay here for the night-
STRETCH: And you need to give us any meds you've got.
SWEETPEA: Hmm...
SWEETPEA: A fair trade, I guess...
SWEETPEA: We don't have a whole lot, but it's doable.
SWEETPEA: I came out here to do routine checks, and-
SWEETPEA: I just can't STAND the idea of dealing with those creeps again!

 

Xey shudder.

SWEETPEA: I'll do anything to avoid that.
FILIGREE: ...where is everybody, anyway?
FILIGREE: Shouldn't people be here to help you?

 

The venusaur goes quiet.

SWEETPEA: It-
SWEETPEA: ....
SWEETPEA: I'm the only one who still does it.

 

Xer eyes start watering instantly, xer tail flower turning purple as Filigree waves their leaves around.

FILIGREE: WHOA ITS OKAY
SWEETPEA: because they all get scared-

 

Probably because anyone else would get their fucking skull caved in.

Minerva shakes off some of the haze, giving Sweetpea a little smile as she manages the first full sentence she'd had in a hot minute.

MINERVA: D-don't worry-
MINERVA: I think-
MINERVA: You're very brave.

 

The flower returns to a more neutral tone, the venusaur wiping xer nose.

SWEETPEA: Really?
MINERVA: You saved all of us-

 

A sickly cough, eased by your speedy back massage.

MINERVA: T. Thank you.
SWEETPEA: ....

 

Finally


the venusaur smiles.




....it makes sense.


Minnie, even when sick like this-





-could make somebody relax.

EERIE: ....

 

Eerie hesitates by your cot before bed, Minerva having assumed her usual burrito mode.

EERIE: Stretch.

 

You ignore her.

EERIE: Hey.
STRETCH: nngh
STRETCH: What.
EERIE: You told me to keep you in the loop.
EERIE: You gotta do the same back.
EERIE: Got a hunch you know more about these lunar guys than you say.
STRETCH: ....
EERIE: We safe here tonight?
EERIE: Fili and Frond're already passed out, but-
STRETCH: We're safe.
EERIE: Yeah? How come.
STRETCH: ....you'll just mock me.
EERIE: Gimme a break.
EERIE: Just say it.

 

.....






Your voice comes out small.

STRETCH: i just know.
EERIE: ....cross your heart?
EERIE: Because if I get killed, I'm gonna haunt you.
STRETCH: ...promise.

 

You bury your face back into Minerva's chest.

STRETCH: Now go to bed.

 

You can practically hear her eye roll.

EERIE: Sheesh.
EERIE: Gnight to you too.

 

You hear her leave, zipping the tent up before she goes.

STRETCH: .....night.




















 

Your breath is heavy- outright panting, your whole body vibrating as it pulses in sync.



Your body feels. Strange.

Your skin is too tight.


Your clothes are even worse- gripping onto your frame, threatening to rip.



This isn't usually an issue for you- the pulse isn't rough enough to do much more than ripple them on a bad day.



Right now, they feel strained.




....





....in some places more than others.



Your environment comes into view, distracting you from the burning sensation between your legs-





You're.





In the clearing.






Under those horrible, horrible stars.






Your breath hitches-

-but it's not panic.
Why? Why
the-


You should be scared.
You should be terrified right now.
This is where it happened-
THIS IS NOT A REACTION YOU SHOULD BE HAVING TO BEING HERE







The scent hits you first, drawing you in towards the brush.







You find him laying there, pulling himself up into a sitting position. His clothes are torn, skirt ripped.




Saliva trickles down your chin, matching the drips of sap off of his own lip.

FROND: ....



 

He opens his arms, beckoning you in to come closer with a weak, bloodied smile.

FROND: It's okay, Stretch.
FROND: If it's you-





 

Your body moves without your permission.














You jolt awake, gasping for air- Minerva stirring at your side and making a tiny noise of worry.

STRETCH: shhh shh sh sh

 

A few pats on her head gets her to calm right down, rolling back over and falling back asleep.






....it feels wrong seeing her passed out at night.





Your guilt, however, is quickly replaced with something far, far worse as the nightmare settles in-


-a panic spike, seeing the mess of fluid staining your underwear.

STRETCH: fuck me nonononono




 

Thank god for the separate room thank fuuuck THANK fuck oh my god you've been scared of this the whole time oh my god no ohh my god this is so, so fucking disgusting what the fuck is WRONG with






....you manage to clean yourself- and the air in your immediate vicinity- in record time, relieved beyond belief that no one came in to check in on you.






....





closing your eyes







just makes you remember his face.














You do not sleep any more that night.





 

---

 

A new friend (...?) in tow, demanding escort to the Lunar Institute....will Sweetpea be a help or a hindrance on the Shooting Stars' journey?

There's revelations to be had in next week's episode- both about our new venusaur companion and MORE! That dream's got to be haunting Stretch...but who cares about that?! Suggestors, what kind of questions do you hope to be solved...at the Lunar Institute!

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!

[DanZapman]

Stretch crossed its heart... that's going to come back later. Anyway: who was the first 'mon to piss on the moon?

[knux400]

So... who exactly is THE Dr. Asterism? Sweetpea made them seem like such a big deal!

[Lilium Mortem]

hear me out: is the moon... an Egg?

for serious though, I can't think of anything too pressing that won't get exposition anyway so... what's the deal with the moon and fairies? seems weird how much they're linked. are fairies from the moon?

[skinstealer]

 

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
With just a little bit further to go, the gang's teamed up with a new ally....will they reach the Lunar Institute with Sweetpea's help-

And can they keep it together that long?! Find out now- on SPACE CASE!
EPISODE 14: The Lunar Landing!

 

---

SWEETPEA: Up and at 'em!

 


 

Way ahead of xem.






You have been staring at the ceiling for hours.

FROND: Hey man-

 

He stops mid greeting, definitely seeing your expression.






You would rather look anywhere than at him right now.

FROND: ....you, uh....good....?

 

Your frown worsens, eyes boring a hole into the tent fabric above you.

FROND: ....stretch?

 

You should probably say. Something.
Anything.
Play this off.


You make some kind of garbled hissing noise.
Shit.
That's not even close to a word.



His face pales.

FROND: .....
FROND: ....hey, uh
FROND: i'll be back in a bit, okay?
FROND: ....

 

There's a tone to his voice you don't want to analyze.




You say nothing.

FROND: ....okay.

 

You aren't sure how much time passes before Minerva stirs, immediately distressed with the lack of her comfort object and scrabbling around for you.

She shouldn't
have to rely on someone like you.
You're disgusting.
You're-

You drag yourself into a sitting position, the world feeling hollow as you force yourself to tap your fingers against her claws.

She calms, no longer panicking.

MINERVA: ....Stretch...?
STRETCH: ....
MINERVA: mmornin...

 

She looks cloudy still.
Guilt squeezes your chest.
Look at all these people you're failing.
She's sick because of you.
She wants to be your friend and what have you given her?
For all you know, this whole incident could have messed up her head as bad as yours!


Fucking idiotic piece of shit DISGUSTING R-

EERIE: Hey, asshole!

 

You whip around.

EERIE: Get up and help!

 

Eerie's voice is startlingly harsh- you'd heard her go off of you, sure, but-

This was different.

EERIE: ....

 

She huffs.

EERIE: Whatever the fuck is going on with you-

 

Her volume drops.

EERIE: Knock it off.
STRETCH: I-
EERIE: Just get Minnie ready and come out for breakfast.

 

The rhyhorn storms off before you can ask for clarification, Filigree poking their head through the door with a pale expression.

FILIGREE: uh
STRETCH: .....

 

You rub the back of your head, your confusion visible along with the prior distress.

FILIGREE: s. sorry.
FILIGREE: Something-

 

They make an indiscernible gesture with their leaves.

FILIGREE: I don't really knooow what's happening?
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: You and me both.

 

 

Piece of shit.

STRETCH: Cmon, Minnie...













SWEETPEA: Good morning!
 
 

You're supporting Minerva on your shoulder as you walk into the main clearing, relieved that she's at the very least moving around better.
The rest of your team is working on getting rations prepped for breakfast, Sweetpea helping contribute xer own stash.

MINERVA: G- gmorning!

 

You manage a grunt, still feeling extremely sick to your stomach.

Frond looks over, managing a forced smile as he hands Filigree their portion-



....his cheeks look a little wet.



Ohhh no you understand now.



Eerie shoots you a dirty look at you.



ohhhhh no. god no. fuck



Sweetpea seems completely oblivious to the interpersonal drama- drama fixated ENTIRELY on you being a fuckup, mind you- Filigree giving you a panicked gesture out of sight.



This time its meaning is clear.




Fix this, now.




You help Minerva sit, taking a deep breath-

-and taking your own place next to Frond.

The gloom is shocked, eyes wide as you lean over.
You hate this.
You hate-

STRETCH: ...nightmare.
STRETCH: sorry.

 

His face contorts into a further grimace.

oh god NO that was supposed to help

FROND: we-
FROND: can talk about it later
FROND: okay?

 

GREAT now you've made it MORE complicated FUCK your stupid ass life and your stupid ass brain and stupid ass dick oh my god you do NOT want to think about that-

SWEETPEA: Okay, so-
SWEETPEA: My nav's only half working.
EERIE: Join the club.
EERIE: Signal gone to shit?
SWEETPEA: Mhm.

 

Xey rub xer cheek, looking deeply embarrassed.

SWEETPEA: I- I feel like such an idiot-
SWEETPEA: Even with me doing this for so long, I'm still so bad at getting back to the campus from here...

 

Filigree seems infinitely grateful for the excuse to not focus on the dread radiating from you and Frond.

FILIGREE: Guessing it's easy to get lost?

 

Xey nod, looking even guiltier.

SWEETPEA: Before recently, I mainly worked inside-

 

Your golbat companion makes a noise, thankfully able to eat her own food today.

MINERVA: We'll...we'll get you home!
MINERVA: I bet you have a cool....job...thing.

 

She smiles, nearly wobbling to the side before you catch her.

Sweetpea beams at the compliment, though tinged with concern.

SWEETPEA: ...is she okay-?
FILIGREE: She got poisoned on the way.
SWEETPEA: Whoof.
SWEETPEA: Pretty bad for it to last overnight....
STRETCH: ...a few days.
SWEETPEA: O-oh.

 

Xey make a face.

SWEETPEA: Oh. Very bad.
STRETCH: Nn.
SWEETPEA: Well-!
SWEETPEA: More reason for us to get moving!
MINERVA: yaaaay
MINERVA: A-and-
MINERVA: You could tell me about. Jobs.

 

The smile comes right back.

SWEETPEA: I'd love to!

 

Oh, thank god, no more storytime from you.





.....







You catch Frond's eye, both of you looking aside as soon as you make contact.




....time to handle this first.












The corner you and Frond have tucked into feels claustrophobic, even when exposed completely to the air.

No one knows how to start this off.

Does he know?
Did he-
oh god, did he watch you clean up last night-

FROND: I know this- talking about this is hard for you.
FROND: I get it.
FROND: I, it's-

 

His lip trembles.



Fuck, fuck, goddamnit-

FROND: ...you haven't-
STRETCH: Frond, I-

 

please don't know PLEASE don't know-

FROND: you haven't sounded like that since it happened-

 

uh

FROND: And, I-
FROND: I just want to help-

 

he doesn't
hate?
you?

STRETCH: It
STRETCH: was just
STRETCH: a dream...?

 

He shakes his head.

FROND: It's not a "just" thing, I have them too-

 

He takes a deep breath, running a hand down his face.

FROND: ...sorry.
FROND: I shouldn't-

 


 

You pull him in for a hug before you can stop yourself.




Your heart is pounding.



You try not to think about how he can hear it.




the faint scent of

FROND: Hgh-!
STRETCH: ....

 

You release him, looking away.


Words don't come.

Frond


smiles.

FROND: ...thanks.

 

You nod.


For now, somehow-
it's enough.







Eerie takes Minerva's tether today after Frond ties the harness, heavily implying that you'd be better off being muscle in the process.
Still- she seems infinitely less hostile now that both you and Frond talked.

Sweetpea doesn't even question your bizarre setup, too focused on getting home- and rambling.

Xey're not wrong, the trail is winding- your inability to keep track of how many times you'd turned left or right raising your anxiety with every fork in the trail. Still, Frond helps point out the way when they come up, and Sweetpea is allowed to chatter xer head off.

SWEETPEA: With Osteo running around- we've lost so many signs, indicators of where to go-
SWEETPEA: And all the injuries! It's-
SWEETPEA: Just horrible!
SWEETPEA: You really are so brave for standing up to them...
EERIE: I, uh-
EERIE: W-well-
EERIE: ...somebody's....gotta?

 

Filigree makes a little noise of distress, Eerie shooting them a look.

SWEETPEA: And we here at the Institute appreciate it!
SWEETPEA: We can't pursue our research with all this going on...

 

Xer ears perk up, remembering Minerva's request.

SWEETPEA: And we do a lot!
FROND: Do you work on the alien stuff?

 

His energy's returned a little- thank god- but you can recognize an attempt to cheer you up from the gloom immediately.
Still, your lip twitches.

SWEETPEA: Oh, no-
SWEETPEA: We only work with the extraterrestrial department when necessary.
SWEETPEA: I work in evolutionary studies!

 

...wait

STRETCH: ...Asterism.
SWEETPEA: Hm?
STRETCH: The name you said earlier.
STRETCH: You work with the Asterisms.
SWEETPEA: OH!

 

Xey grin.

SWEETPEA: You do recognize him!

 

.....


Now that you know his field



It'd be hard not to.


The Asterisms were a husband and wife pair known for their research into evolutionary anomalies, particularly in relation to stones.
Calling them famous would be going too far, more recognized in niche enthusiast circles and scientific journals.



....after your own changes...

STRETCH: I've seen them around.
STRETCH: Online.
STRETCH: ...yeah.

 

Xey're thrilled.

SWEETPEA: It's the job of a lifetime...
MINERVA: They sound...really nice...

 

Eerie keeps Minerva going, embarrassed as she pats the golbat on the back.

EERIE: yeah yeah we're all very excited to get you home
SWEETPEA: I'm sure both of them will be very grateful.
SWEETPEA: And just a bit furth-

 

 

She lets out a sharp croak, something jerking xem forward-





A tentacle striking out from behind a cliff, ensnaring Sweetpea's arm-



-a smug looking tentacruel striding out and poking at xer pin.

TENTACRUEL: Well, well....
TENTACRUEL: Looks like we got a lunatic!

 
 

You immediately try to zoom forward, a brief spark of energy blinding you-

TENTACRUEL: Frog-faced bitc-

 

He doesn't get the chance to finish, Sweetpea swinging xer leg directly into his gelatinous body



and splattering him against the closest rock wall, instantly knocked out.

FILIGREE: ....
EERIE: ......
FROND: ............
STRETCH: ....that explains the magneton.
EERIE: yyyep.
FROND: Wh- you were packing that much firepower?!
SWEETPEA: W-well, I-

 

Xey tap xer claws together.

SWEETPEA: It's not that much of-

 

You give xem a look, hovering over and holding out your hand.

SWEEPEA: Wh-
STRETCH: Move cards.
STRETCH: Now.
STRETCH: Skill sheet too.

 

She shuffles in her hip pouch, looking utterly miserable as she forks them over.



Your eyes widen.

Filigree darts over, letting out a whistle.

FILIGREE: Whoa.
FROND: Let me see-
FROND: ....
FROND: Wow!
FROND: You really need us to-?
SWEETPEA: Of course I do!

 

It comes out indignant, wobbly.

SWEETPEA: I -
EERIE: Dude, these are trained stats.
SWEETPEA: B-but!
SWEETPEA: I'm here to research!
SWEETPEA: Fighting, fighting isn't-
SWEETPEA: I don't want to!

 

You take a deep breath, forking everything back over.

STRETCH: ....one question. Then.
STRETCH: Self destruct card.
STRETCH: How and why.

 

Xey don't respond, shrinking back as much as a wall of a venusaur can.

STRETCH: ...fine.
STRETCH: Just don't use it.
SWEETPEA: Of
SWEETPEA: of course.
STRETCH: Let's go.









 

The Lunar Institute.

You remember going here as a kid on a couple field trips, your parents reluctant to spend the money to fly all the way out. It had felt so magnificent, a whole campus built into a mountain-


And yet, it hits even harder as an adult.


The mountain itself looms overhead in a way that couldn't fully be appreciated on the hike, feeling impossibly large now that it's not a part of the backdrop. A natural spectacle that made the trek make so much sense- of COURSE you'd have to travel all that way to get to something like this.

A look over your shoulder confirms it, the upward hike far less steep, reasonable even, compared to the behemoth in front of you.

And even so, the mons of Mt Moon, and the Lunar Institute especially, have carved into it- respecting its structure and all of the natural intricacies while making terraces, landings and tunnels that circle around its sides.

The main entrance to the facility may have been a large, reinforced archway- but you find yourselves watching the workers and scientists scurry along the mountain's outside. They look so used to going in and out of the caves that it seems second nature even from this distance, their own ecological niche within a workplace.

SWEETPEA: oh thank god

 

Xey nearly collapse in relief, wiping xer forehead.

SWEETPEA: Th...thank you all so much.

 

The venusaur had gone quiet during the rest of the trip, distraught at the reaction to xer moves- but you push the guilt away as best you can.

Which.

Is not very well, admittedly,

but it's not like you had asked for anything out of line.



Xey were the one who got you into the whole magneton situation in the first place.



injuring frond and



You shove that thought into the depths of your brain.
No more of whatever that is.
Focus.


The community center outside the mountain looks similar to the one back in Pewter-




-up until you actually make your way inside.



There are food stalls, trading centers- while the front had looked the exact same, standardized, it's clear that this too is embedded into the mountain.
It goes way deeper than any you've seen, having expanded in the time since your last visit to practically be a whole market in and of itself.


There is one place you do recognize, though. You hadn't been allowed near it on your school trips, too focused on the science museum aspect of the affair...


Mons in caving gear chatter a ways from the entrance, leaning on signs advertising their services.


You skid to a stop, leaning over and gesturing for Filigree to come closer.

FILIGREE: E-eh?
FILIGREE: Something up-
STRETCH: Got a task for you.

 

You point over to the group of cavers.

STRETCH: Need a cave guide to use the travel routes.
STRETCH: I need to get Minnie in for treatment.
STRETCH: Get us a good one.
FILIGREE: uh
FILIGREE: Sure! I mean, sure, but-
FILIGREE: Why...me?

 

You tip your head over their shoulder.

Eerie and Frond, on their way to dropping Minerva off, have gotten derailed by a particularly shiny looking tourist trap stall.
Minnie is not helping, entranced by sparkly, overpriced trinkets.

FILIGREE: ....point made.
STRETCH: Budget is low.
STRETCH: Find somebody who's cheap-
FILIGREE: Didn't you say to get a good one-?
STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: You'll.
STRETCH: Figure it out.

 

They give a stressed salute.

FILIGREE: On the case.











NURSE: .....
 

The magnemite in front of you sighs, but seems relieved as Minerva's eyes follow her magnet hands.

NURSE: That's the fifth case this week...
NURSE: Osteo's poison is no joke.
NURSE: The symptoms should be fully gone overnight, but she'll be fatigued and stressed.
NURSE: No battling for at least a week, you understand?

 

You nod, perhaps too quickly.
Your fault. You-
you pushed her this far-




Your skin crackles.

NURSE: You got lucky....
NURSE: She's going to be okay.

 

Minerva smiles, laying down on a table and looking properly blissed out from the center treatments. Instant-acting painkillers and status relief weren't exactly available for travelers on your budget, let alone the healing acceleration. You'd bet that everyone else is getting the same care-

NURSE: You, however-

 

-while you're relatively....fine...

She doesn't miss a thing,

NURSE: Are you aware that you're-?
STRETCH: Yes I am fine.

 

The words come out hurried.

She squints.

NURSE: ....you should rest too, then.
NURSE: I dunno the nature of you two's relationship-
STRETCH: Friends. We're friends.
NURSE: ...uh huh.

 

She presses a small bottle into your hand.

NURSE: But if you can stand it, or have someone else who can- you can give her this lotion nightly.
NURSE: It'll reduce her anxiety, get her better sleep-
NURSE: And for the love of god, let her sleep during the day.
NURSE: Poor thing's exhausted.
MINERVA: A nap sounds
MINERVA: soooo good right now.
NURSE: See?
NURSE: It's early enough that you can get her on track.
NURSE: Rent a room and get some damn sleep.
NURSE: ....

 

She gives you one last look, her suspicion clear.

NURSE: ...and be careful.
NURSE: No good to be traveling these caves while...wound up.

 

You feel your skin crawl, like she sees something you don't want to admit.

STRETCH: ...yes ma'am.







MINERVA: ....

 

Minnie's able to walk better now, only needing you to stay nearby just in case, instead of having a guaranteed fall risk.

MINERVA: I...
MINERVA: I'm sorry, Stretch...

 

The happy feeling had worn off along with the initial injections, the golbat looking as guilty as you feel.

MINERVA: i can't believe i, was like that for days-
STRETCH: Hey.

 

You look away, trying to sound more confident than you feel.

STRETCH: ...s'fine.
STRETCH: It's- my job.
STRETCH: ....as captain.
STRETCH: and your. friend.

 

Her soft smile returns, just the tiniest bit.

MINERVA: Still...
STRETCH: I'll handle the fighting.
STRETCH: And. Caring for you in the caves.

 

You don't see the headpat coming, instantly realizing just how much you missed them even after just a few days.

MINERVA: ...my hero.










 

.....

You don't try to hide the look on your face.

STRETCH: Filigree-
FILIGREE: Hear me out.
????: Hello!

 

The omastar in front of you is dramatically posing, or at least trying to.

OMASTAR: My name-

 
 

 

She flexes, completely confident in whatever her abilities are.

OMASTAR: Is RAPPEL!
RAPPEL: And I'll be your guide!

 

Frond claps, Minerva joining him. Your look of exhaustion passes over to both of them, the gloom shrugging.

FROND: What?
FROND: I like her. Good showmanship.
STRETCH: How long have you been-
EERIE: Met her like two minutes ago.

 

Eerie's working on a sandwich, eating half of it in a bite.

EERIE: She knows knife tricks.
STRETCH: We are not-

 

You raise your hands up, taking a breath.

STRETCH: Please tell me we did not hire you based on knife tricks.
RAPPEL: My experience with blades is just one trick in my toolbelt-

 

She raises a tentacle, fishing in her jacket pocket. She's not like any kind of omastar you'd ever seen- though you're not exactly in any place to judge. Her hair tentacles look more like arrows, flattened and not entirely following the movement of her head.
Psychic type?


A spread of cards is thrust in your face.

STRETCH: uh
RAPPEL: Pick one!
STRETCH: not exactly in the market for card tricks either
RAPPEL: You're the team captain, yeah?
RAPPEL: Allow me to impress you!
RAPPEL: Take your pick.

 

You hesitate, already tired of this-

-picking the middle card and pulling it out.


Your blood runs cold.

RAPPEL: An excellent choice.
RAPPEL: That, my good friend-
STRETCH: ....the Cosmos.
RAPPEL: Ahhh, a fellow occult enthusiast!
RAPPEL: You know this card.



 

You stare down at the painterly nebula, stylized swirls around a falling figure.

STRETCH: ....
RAPPEL: Well-

 

To your relief, she lowers the intensity.

RAPPEL: In that case.
RAPPEL: Allow me to keep this short.
RAPPEL: You're a traveler- but you knew that.
RAPPEL: But your path is warped, unworldly-
RAPPEL: To many, beyond understanding!
RAPPEL: ....

 

A strange look crosses her face.

RAPPEL: ...it's interesting.
RAPPEL: This is my card as well.
RAPPEL: How curious.

 

.....
Every bit of sense tells you this is some kind of ruse.
You've seen plenty of conmen doing this exact kind of bit.





Your eyes meet.





She sees right into you.




And you see back.

STRETCH: How much.
RAPPEL: My rates?
STRETCH: Nn.
RAPPEL: For you, a discount-
RAPPEL: 500 a day!

 

Eerie pales.

EERIE: That's barely enough to eat-
RAPPEL: Ah ah-!
RAPPEL: I value opportunity far more than funds!
RAPPEL: Besides.

 

She leans in.

RAPPEL: Many of the locals hook me up with their leftovers.
RAPPEL: I'm quite the favorite around here!

 

Filigree shrugs.

FILIGREE: She's got all the qualifications we'd want-
STRETCH: You're hired.

 

Rappel pumps her fist, striking another pose.

RAPPEL: You won't regret it, my new friends!
RAPPEL: A beautiful new partnership begins-
STRETCH: yes okay alright
EERIE: ....so, you're gonna, like-
EERIE: Take us through the mountain?
RAPPEL: That I am!
RAPPEL: The Institute may be safe to traverse- but Mt. Moon itself is no joke!
RAPPEL: The tunnels- precarious!
RAPPEL: The cliffs- quite dangerous!
RAPPEL: Peoples' homes- private, and not to be intruded on!
FROND: You're required to hire one to be let through-
RAPPEL: Or have a license yourself!

 

Another flex.

RAPPEL: I'm completely certified.
STRETCH: Let's see your numbers.

 

You'd kick yourself for not checking her sheets before agreeing to hire her-

-if they weren't so damn good.

EERIE: Eesh, two powerhouses in one day.
FROND: Hey, I'll take that luck!
MINERVA: So strong-!
RAPPEL: Fully evolved!
RAPPEL: An incredible typing!
RAPPEL: And moves that hit hard-
STRETCH: ...with prep time.
RAPPEL: WITH prep time!
STRETCH: ...it'll work.
STRETCH: For now-
STRETCH: Rest up. Rent rooms.
STRETCH: We'll regroup later.









 

Minerva flops onto the bed, fully flattening herself out.

MINERVA: ouuuuuu

 

You sit by her side, hovering above the sheets.

STRETCH: ....how-
STRETCH: How are you doing.
MINERVA: Better...

 

She rolls over, pancake-ing on her back now.

MINERVA: Can you help me get undressed, though...?

 

You swallow, nodding.




It'd been one thing doing this to help Minnie go to the bathroom and getting cleaned up during the adventure- a simple matter of practicality, your mind too focused on getting her through this and out of that nightmarish fucking route. But, with rest-




Your peach fuzz-like fur stands on end, breath getting heavy again.




You don't like it.




You-

MINERVA: ....Stretch?

 

She lays there, soft and fully unclothed.

MINERVA: ....do you want to lay down?

 

She has enough manners to not look over at the obvious, sparing your pride as you curl up beside her.



Minerva doesn't push you to talk, reaching up to stroke your hair-antennae.

MINERVA: ...Eerie mentioned you and Frond had a fight.
STRETCH: shit.
MINERVA: The stress must be...a lot right now.
MINERVA: I'm sure he understands...
MINERVA: ....

 

The golbat opens her wings, and you immediately scoot in.


You feel disgusting, still.



She would hate you if she knew your dream from last night.




She would think you're vile, just like anyone with sense-

MINERVA: ....do you need to let off some steam?

 

You let out a huff of frustration, fully aware of your body rubbing against hers.

STRETCH: It's-
STRETCH: it's too risky-
MINERVA: Shh....
MINERVA: We don't have to go all the way. Just-
MINERVA: Enough for both of us to relax.
MINERVA: I can lay on top of you, weigh you down-

 

 

You swallow.

STRETCH: ....nn.
STRETCH: are
STRETCH: you sure?

 

She nods, giving you a nuzzle of affirmation.

MINERVA: As long as you're gentle.
MINERVA: Then we use the lotion and take a nap for real, okay?
STRETCH: ....okay.
STRETCH: yes, please.

 

Minerva rolls over on top of you, her weight so, so welcome after all of this-




She actually gets to hear your voice this time.

 

---

Their location reached, but this is only the beginning...the Shooting Stars must now prepare for their mountainous voyage!

And what's the deal with this omastar woman, anyway? Suggestors- what intrigues you most about the Shooting Stars' new companion? Surely there's secrets to be had...

Find out next time...on SPACE CASE!

[DanZapman]

Is she forklift certified? If yes, has she ever done a wheelie with one? If no, in what other ways has she adapted to being hurled into a technological world?

[knux400]

Honestly, it's harder to find something that's not interesting about Rappel. She's so insanely over-the-top, it's overwhelming. She does knives, and cards, and performances... It's a good deal, to be sure, but also exhausting.

[Lilium Mortem]

I like that she poses.

[Aabcehmu]

Because I have brain-worms, I'm curious what Rappel's religious sensibilities are.