[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Okay, so...
POLKA DOT: The pot.
POLKA DOT: Does breaking count as opening it?
POLKA DOT: Not! That we'd intentionally do that, but it's- it looks fragile, yknow?
POLKA DOT: What if someone takes a hit in the wrong spot?
 

Devo shoots you a tired look.

WANDERER: Please do not break the pot.
WANDERER: I do not know what would happen, as I typically do not break magical items.
POLKA DOT: I mean! We're not gonna try to!
POLKA DOT: Would like...wrapping it up work, maybe?
POLKA DOT: Or would that make the rumbling less noticeable...
WANDERER: I usually have it wrapped up in my bag, it's fine.
POLKA DOT: ...cool. Thank you.
 

You sigh in relief.

POLKA DOT: How long do we have after it starts rumbling- is it like, really urgent?
WANDERER: You know, mysterious people bestowing magic items don't normally get asked for an instruction manual to go with it.
POLKA DOT: Look, I-!
 

You slump.

POLKA DOT: Fair enough.
 

Tim makes a throat clearing noise, wanting to take a turn.

TIMOTHY: For...monsters.
TIMOTHY: I'm guessing we'll have to, yknow...
TIMOTHY: ...Kill them.
TIMOTHY: They're not like, people, right?
WANDERER: If I tell you 'no, they're more like animals' does that make it easier, or harder?
TIMOTHY: ...I'm not sure.
WANDERER: Whether it is worse to take a life that has chosen its path, or one who knows nothing else.
WANDERER: One who has hopes, aspirations, connections to others, or one with naught but the blood in their veins and their next meal on their mind.
 

You feel the gaze of Wanderer's large eye settle on you a moment before it fixes its gaze on Devo.

WANDERER: Who can really say, in the end.
 

Her words sink in like cold, freezing water, causing you to avert your eyes and focus on the bear in your party instead.

You feel like you must be seeing things-

Devo's cheeks and eyes seem to tint darker- almost black- if only for a moment.

When you blink, it's gone.

The robot in the armchair nearby is watching Devo intently, studying him. But, it averts its lens soon after; so as not to stare.

The rest of your party doesn't seem to notice.

POLKA DOT: I, uh-
POLKA DOT: I dunno, both options are-
POLKA DOT: ...we'll figure it out.
 

You shake your head, getting a grip. Tim doesn't seem to have an answer either, by the look of it.

POLKA DOT: What's it like directly outside of here, anyway?
POLKA DOT: Monsters aside.
POLKA DOT: Will we be able to like, find shit out there? Supplies, resources, anything.
WANDERER: Directly outside, huh? Well, there's a few landmarks. They shift around though, like everything else out there.
WANDERER: Mostly abandoned old buildings and junkyards.
WANDERER: There's plenty you can get from places like that, if you know where to look.
WANDERER: There are places out there where things will just...
WANDERER: I suppose the best way to put it is they pop into existence.
WANDERER: Also, unless one of you is a knowledgeable forager, don't bother with wild foods.
WANDERER: The wild is a terrible place to get sick.
 

Sick...I don't wanna find out what that's like.

You fidget on your feet.

POLKA DOT: So...
POLKA DOT: You've already given us a lot-
POLKA DOT: Should we get out of your hair?
WANDERER: I have one last thing actually, I was looking for it in my bag when you reminded me to grab the charm.
 

She moves back to her bag, rummaging once again.

WANDERER: If all of you were in danger and needed to run as fast as you could, who would you say would have the most trouble with it?
 

You try not to immediately look at Devo.

Cross coughs, a harsh beeping sound.

CROSSBONE: I-I mean...
CROSSBONE: It feels bad to single someone out...
DEVO: It's fine, Willow.
DEVO: You can say me.
 

He sighs, rolling his eyes.

DEVO: I've got braces on and I'm...understuffed. So I have trouble running.
 

Wanderer nods silently, and pulls a tied bundle out of her bag.

WANDERER: I am by no means young anymore, so I understand a thing or two about being the slowest in a group.
WANDERER: I would like to offer you this, a set of enchanted bolas that work in most parts of the wild.
WANDERER: You don't need to know how to use them, the magic takes care of that.
 

Devo reaches out and takes the bolas, weighing them in his paw.

DEVO: Th...thank you.
DEVO: These should help a lot, if things get bad...
DEVO: Thanks.
 

He pockets them, perking up a little at the gift.

WANDERER: Keep in mind though, the rope is not strong enough to hold larger monsters for long enough for you to get away.
DEVO: ...smaller monsters, then?
 

Wanderer's large eye glances across your party.

WANDERER: That is... one use for it.
WANDERER: But if you ever find yourself falling behind in a chase with the rest of your group
WANDERER: There are other ways to escape.
 

She leans in and whispers something to Devo. You can just barely make out the word 'take,' but the rest of the sentence eludes you.


This time, you don't think you're seeing things.

Another black flash, gone as soon as it came.

This time, Tim sees it, reaching forward-

-Only for Cross to hold his shoulder, shaking her head.

She saw it too.

Devo pulls back, his face conflicted.

DEVO: ...I hope I won't need to use this, then.
DEVO: Th...thank you. Again.

Roulette glances at you, Cross, and Tim,
then steps over next to Devo, addressing Wanderer.

ROULETTE: We very much appreciate the help.
ROULETTE: I think we should be ready to set off tomorrow.
ROULETTE: Let us know if there's anything else you need; anytime.
 

It gives a quick nod, then opens the door to leave.

You look back between Roulette and Wanderer, shuffling on your feet.

There's so much I wish I could ask, but...
Feels...like we should move on. Or at least, Roulette thinks so.

POLKA DOT: We...won't let you down, Wanderer.
CROSSBONE: Mhm!
 

Cross steps forward and bows slightly at the yarn doll.

CROSSBONE: I owe you so much, ma'am.
 

Wanderer shakes her head and waves her hand.

WANDERER: Oh don't be silly!
WANDERER: The only one who who owes me anything is the duck.
CROSSBONE: ...I guess I owe my girlfriend, then.
CROSSBONE: Thank you.
 

She lets out a grateful beep, heading for the door with you in tow, Tim holding Devo's hand and leading him off as well.

You linger in the doorway, for a moment.

WANDERER: I have one last vital piece of advice for you and your friends.
WANDERER: A curse leaves its mark on its user as much as its victims.
WANDERER: Beware anyone in the Hallowed woods with hands that are too filthy.
 

Her small smile widens slightly.

WANDERER: Or too clean.
 

Roulette is beside you, by the doorway; watching Wanderer, eye contact.

ROULETTE: ...Thank you.
 

You make sure to say thank you again, and then-

-the door is closed, leaving the five of you in the hallway.

Tomorrow's the day.
Once we go-

There's probably no turning back.


What do I say?