[TOY] Plaything

[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.