Masa con Papas: Proxy's Memory

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

TRIAL OF MANZANA, MAGICIAN REVERSED
[Third Trial]
CW: Existentialism, Discussion of Traumatic Abuse
Perspective: Manzana

 You step in the the room, finding yourself looking at your body in isolation from yourself.

A shadowy rabbit sits across from you.

Your form takes a mechanical spin, more machine than flesh.

The rabbit talks to you in a voice you immediately recognize.

Platino: Ey, looks like we’re dragged into this one together.

Manzana: What did they do to our house…?

Platino: It’s temporary, wouldn’t worry.

Platino: Just don’t get too rowdy.

Platino: Zinnia’s gonna give us a bit of a talk just like the others.

Manzana: Together?

Zinnia: The thing I want you to address is something I think best done as a pair.

Zinnia: You are both split off the original rabbit after all.

Manzana: Mm..

Manzana: Guess that’s true, just try not to get too…

Zinnia: Too…?

Manzana: It gets existential thinking too much about it. Don’t push it too much.

Zinnia: That’s fair. Anything to avoid?

Manzana: Don’t give us the whole “Who’s the real Manzana?” talk, freaks me out.

Zinnia: I mean the answer is both of you.

Manzana: You know that how?

Zinnia: I can see into souls, and you’re both just as validly so.

Zinnia: You share the same memories, the same highs and lows.

Zinnia: Common traumas and common fortunes.

Zinnia: Think you two are lucky to have each other.

Platino: I mean I’m glad we do you know?

Manzana: Mm.. don’t say it enough but..

Platino: Don’t gotta, I always know what you mean.

Manzana: Still… appreciate you.You do a lot for me.

Manzana: Is… that not why we’re here though?

Zinnia: No, unfortunately not as much as I’d love to tell you so.

Zinnia: I’m talking about the big issue.

Zinnia: Hate to put this weight on you but…

Zinnia: Something big is coming.

Manzana: What do you mean?

Zinnia: Your mother’s about to drag everyone into quite the nasty.

THey look over at your body, the third person at the table.

Zinnia: The way you proceed about all this is going to be decisive if she shows her face.

Zinnia: Might have to take that deal from your friend.

Platino: I can take that if I gotta, I trust him.

Zinnia: You’ll also have to learn to make new allies.

Zinnia: Nothing stronger than numbers.

Zinnia: You're special though in another way.

Zinnia: The most qualified to end the strife in your family.

Zinnia: A spade among hearts.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Manzana: You’re going to ask me to fight my mother.

Zinnia: It’s unavoidable that you’ll have to confront her at some point.

Zinnia: I hate to speak in such definitives but…

Zinnia: I feel it coming one way or another.

Zinnia: Your safety and that of your friends will one day be determined by such a task.

Manzana: I just met most of them.

Platino: Geezer’s in there.

Manzana: Geezer’s smart, he’ll figure it out.

Platino: I get that you don’t want to fight her, I don’t either you know?

Manzana: I know.

Platino: But.. I wanna protect those people. They’re good folks as far as I can tell.

Platino: Geezer looks out for you, and Charon’s my friend you know?

Platino: You both got a lot in common, think you’d get along.

Manzana: Not over the nerve he had.

Platino: The contract? Yeah I.. he didn’t mean wrong at all.

Manzana: He’s been through the same shit, you’d think he’d be better about that?

Manzana: I’m so sick and tired all the time and one bad handshake’s all it took.

Platino: I mean…

Manzana: Everytime someone promises me something big it blows up in my face. I’m done.

Platino: I know. But..

Platino: We wouldn’t both be here like this without that, you know?

Platino: I don’t wanna think about a world where I’m alone like that.

Manzana: What do you mean?

Platino: Don’t know if I could’ve gotten through all of our mom’s shit without you.

Platino: Much as the contract did a number on is… it kept us safe you know?

You linger on that for a moment and realize your mistake.

Manzana: It did. You do a lot for me, can’t really thank you enough.

Manzana: And I’m sorry about going off.

Manzana: Whole thing did hurt me a lot, but…

Manzana: Also couldn’t get through all that without you. At all.

Platino: I love you man.

Manzana: ….

Manzana: Me too.

Manzana: I just…

Platino: I get it.

Manzana: Mom’s fucked up, really fucked up you know?

Platino: Yeah.

Manzana: And I know I can be like her too.

Manzana: I got my rough edges, I’m bad with people, I’m scared of my own shadow.

Platino: Not scared of me.

Manzana: Guess not but you’re a lot more than that.

Manzana:I just..

Manzana: I want her to get help.

Manzana: The idea of having to fight her.. If we lose we’re done.

Manzana: And the only way to win… I don’t want to hurt.

Manzana: Because hurting her makes me feel like she can’t be saved.

Manzana: I don’t like to think that there’s people like that.

Platino: Me neither.

Manzana: Because then.. Maybe I’m one of those too..

Manzana:...

You turn toward Zinnia.

Manzana: You’ve gone all quiet for a bit now.

Zinnia: Don’t really have much to say just yet.

Zinnia: Feel confident enough in you two. Truth be told, I think you both need to figure out most of it between both of you.

Zinnia: You have good heads on your shoulders.

Manzana: Is that it then? You wanted us to talk to each other?

Zinnia: Still plan to give you advice, and a gift to make the upcoming trials easier.

Zinnia plants a weapon on the ground, a family relic.

Manzana: What are you doing?

Zinnia: You fixed me up and woke me from my slumber.

Zinnia: I’m trusting you with my life.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Zinnia: When my time with all four of you is done, I want you to take my polearm.

Zinnia: I am choosing you as my heir.

Manzana: What if I refuse?

Zinnia: You’d like to save yourself and your mother, yes?

Zinnia: Then you need the strength and guidance to do it.

Zinnia: Once Geezer finishes his trial, I’ll have him pass it along. It’ll allow me to stay close to your entire group.

Manzana: Can’t you knock some sense into her?

Zinnia: Maybe…  but I think she’s aiming to usurp me more than anything.

Zinnia: I’d rather not find out the hard way if I’m quite honest.

Zinnia: So with that all said, I have more faith in you.

Zinnia: A challenge from me is a reason to stray further from the light. Her namesake rebelling against her ambition, a reason to cut off from the family as a whole.

Platino: From us it’d be better?

Zinnia: I’d be proof she raised you to have a spine.

Platino: I hate that you’re probably right on that.

Manzana: Same.

Platino: Don’t think I could take her but… if Manzana is in I am too.

Platino: Whatcha think?

Manzana: I want a better plan.

Platino: The others could help us…

Manzana: Maybe.

Platino: I don’t want to run away…

Manzana: I know.

Manzana: I’m going to talk with everyone.

Manzana: Can’t let my mom go off any deeper. Not for their sake or ours.

Manzana: And especially not hers.

Platino: Yeah.

Platino: You think we can really save her?

Manzana:.... I’ll have to think on that but.

Platino: But it’s worth a shot?

Manzana: It’s that or we let it happen.

Zinnia: Well spoken…

Zinnia: I’ve said what I’ve needed to, are you all done?

Manzana: Got a question actually.

Manzana: One in private.

Manzana: After that, you can send Geezer in.

Zinnia: Hmm… okay.

Manzana: You… got experience with relationships yeah?

Zinnia:... Ah. I suppose we can have a little talk there. What do you need?

Manzana: Well… 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

A Group Intermission
[Trial Intermission 2]
CW: None
Perspective: Charon

 Charon: So what is this place exactly?

Styx: My kingdom, every crack and treasure included.

Charon: Yes but… how am I here while waiting in the bus?

Styx: You’re your own entity now, you always have access to my domain no matter where your physical form lies.

Charon: Don’t think I like being two places at once but I’ll have to get over that..

Styx: You already practically were, no?

Charon: Maybe.

Styx: Your mind still long ago wandering that desolate land.

Styx: I wonder why you refused Opera’s help getting back home.

Charon: Because she would’ve stayed as long as she needed to..

Charon: Would’ve preferred she went back home after that good… what was it actually?

Styx: In your world? 6 months. Physically? A year. And emotionally an eternity.

Styx: The passage of time is relative to perception, being there aged you to a tired, sad adult no matter how much you tried to return to the joys of youth.

Charon: Mm..

Charon: Why do you still taunt me?

Styx: To build your character, I’m easy mode compared to what comes next.

Styx: I’m not a man of premonition, but I have a good sense for incoming disasters. You’re the king of that.

Charon: I’ve got a migraine, I’d prefer you didn’t.

Styx: Mm… I could ease up for one day.

Charon: Do It and I’ll spare you from fate.

Styx: Oh? What do you threaten me with now?

Charon: A lesson in appreciating the value of the flesh.

Styx: You’ve gotten quite mean.

Charon: Have to be. My line of work isn’t the most forgiving.

Charon: Do you have something to show me?  You usually do.

Styx: No, not this time. Just needed a moment to cool down mentally…

Styx: And perhaps check on you. You were hit with quite the revelation.

Charon: I was…

Styx: Mmm.. how does it make you feel?

Charon: Don’t try to be my therapist if you can help it.

Charon: But… solemn. A little lost and at the same time it feels like the path to resolution is clearer.

Charon: I still need to deal with Esperanto, and very much need to explain to the others…

Styx: Your family?

Charon: Mm..

Styx: At the very least, I’m sure that grandmother of yours would’ve noticed.

Charon: She never commented once.

Styx: Because to her, losing part of yourself doesn’t mean you lost everything.

Styx: You idolize her quite a bit from what I can tell.

Charon: She’s too good to me, but…

Charon: That’s why I worked so hard to return.

Styx: Even when offered so much power. You could’ve become immortal and seeked all the forbidden knowledge needed.

Styx: You’ve seen weapons and disasters that folks across time and space have used to end their realities.

Charon: It scares me how possible it is..

Styx: You weren’t tempted at all?

Charon: No.. I want to focus on saving my people first.

Charon: Because I believe that there’s folks like us everywhere.

Charon: And we’ll do whatever it takes.

Styx: You’ve seen and heard of many like you who failed.

Charon: And yet we won.

Styx: You got lucky.

Charon: Sometimes you have to take what you can get.

Styx: Fair enough…

Styx: I think I want to reveal myself to the others formally today.

Styx: It seems only fair considering our current… partnership.

Charon: Aye…

Styx: Would you be willing?

Charon: So long as you behave.

Charon: You’re potentially an ally too. I’d like to be on good terms.

Styx: As would I. I grow quite tired of our feud.

Charon: Aye.

Charon: If you’re good, I’ll let you join us for supper.

Styx: Maybe, I think I’m more of a solitary dining type.

Charon: Come churro pues.

Styx: I don’t know what that means.

Charon: Eat a churro then.

Styx:... Why?

Charon: You’ll learn with time.

Charon: Think I see Platino coming back, would you like to catch up with him?

Styx: How can you tell the two of them apart?

Charon: I’ve known him since we were kids, plus it’s the ears.

Styx: They’re the same ears.

Charon: You’ll catch on. Are you ready?

Styx: Lead the way.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You give him a nod.

Charon: On my lead.



Styx: Whatever you say.
 You blip together back into reality, the entity keeping hidden under your shadow for now.

Opera: Charon, you okay?

Charon: Me? Mostly. Had a lot to think about after talking to Zinnia. You?

Opera: Doing my best. As much as I can anyway.

Opera: You’ve been so quiet about what happened in there…

Charon: You too.

Opera: I mean… I had a bit of a tough one with them. They’re kind of the reason we all got dragged into that mess to begin with.

Charon: The pocket.

Opera: Yeah. Even if it wasn’t intentional… 

Charon: The pain we went through was very real, things we all live with now.

Opera: Mm…

Opera: I need more than a talk to forgive them over that and like…

Opera: As much as wanna say “It’s okay”, I know that’s a pretty big lie.

Opera: I don’t want to be mad at them but can’t help it, you know?

Charon: Mm. I have a lot of respect for them myself but… can’t say there’s not any hard feelings left.

Charon: Would’ve been nice if they held back frankly. We were all just kids trying to get home.

Charon: Whole experience left me… not myself anymore.

Charon: Couldn’t connect to a lot of the same things after. The kids in town looked at me like a ghost…

Opera: Same! I mean the gang and I still managed to make it work but… everyone else didn’t get it, you know?

Opera: Same thing happened to the other me back there… she didn’t get as lucky.

Charon: Mm..

Opera: Scary to think that either of us could’ve been another husk. Or that there were others like us who..

Charon: Yeah.

Charon: Don’t like to think about that part.

Opera: All those kids…

Charon: I’m feeling a bit raw right now, mind if we skip the subject?

Opera: Sorry..

Charon: You’re fine.

Platino steps onboard the bus, giving you and Opera a friendly little wave.

You return it, managing a tiny smile as best you can.

Platino: Yo, you two doing okay?

Platino: Look exhausted.

Charon: Managing.

Opera: Same.

Platino: That rough?

Charon: They kind of beat my ass a bit.

Opera: They wouldn’t even fight me. Bastard.

Platino: Ah… Manzana’s taking a bit of a break right now.

Platino: She’s here though if you need to talk about anything with her.

Charon: She okay?

Platino: Needs rest. Body doesn’t need sleep but mentally she’s still gotta recharge.

Charon: Same way myself.

Opera: That really a thing for you too? That means you’ve got-

Platino: Contract poisoning. Making pacts with an entity too long’s got a whole list of side effects. Never a fan of it myself.

Charon: What happened with yours again?

Platino: Dunno. We merged but what came out was just me and her. We’re both the original rabbit so to speak.

Platino: Entity kind of just vanished… but we kept that power a bit. How we’re able to cast magic without a scrap or summoning a proxy.

Opera: Huh… you can do that?

Charon: It’s a rare gift for some. Normally magic needs some kind of supernatural source.

Charon: The entity must’ve become that, an oasis of potential to pull from.

Platino: Bit of a flowery way to put it but… yeah.

Charon: So how’d your trial go?

Platino: Me? Good.

Platino: Tiring but.. We had a good talk, all of us.

Platino: Zana’s still a little worried but…

Platino: We wanna help you out. Nobody’s gonna get you prepared better for a job like this.

You can’t help but grin a little.

Charon: Plenty of time to hang out, right?

Platino: Yeah. Geezer too, both of us always wanted a good excuse.

Platino looks directly at Opera.

Platino: And you too of course, lots of new folks to get to know.

Opera: You’re fine, know that you four are all family and stuff.

Charon: Aye.

Charon: Speaking of, I figure that it’s a good time to do this early rather than later…

Charon: I want you all to meet my entity.

Opera: Are you sure you want to do that?

Charon: He’s going to be working with us so…

Charon: I want to get this out of the way.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Opera: Who are you?

Styx: You know.

Opera: Why are you here?

Styx: Charon has given me express permission to confirm my presence.

Styx: And in the case of a couple of you, reintroduce myself.

Styx: You look so shocked.

Opera: Upset actually.

Opera: Don’t have exactly the best history with entities, no offense.

Platino: Yeah, me neither. What happened to him?

Styx: Charon is fine, his resistance to my influence is strong enough that he can boot me out at any point if I’ve crossed a line.

Styx: Be glad your friend is a tough cookie.

Opera: Just stay in line, don’t try anything.

Styx: You wouldn’t want to hurt this face, your threat is empty-

You backhand him before he can finish his sentence.

Opera: Charon can take a hit better than you, keep that in mind.

Styx gives you a genuinely upset look.

Opera: Tough it up.

Styx: I sincerely mean no harm to anyone this time. We… have a bit of a deal now. A peace treaty even.

Styx: So long as I remain here, I serve as an ally to you and the party.

Styx: My collection, my castle, they now belong to him and by extension are yours as well.

He gives a bow.

Styx: You are guests in our kingdom.

Platino: Your castle?

Styx: Ah, you need to be filled in.

Opera: It’s a bit of a thing, we’ll show you when Geezer’s back. Speaking of..

Styx: I know I owe him an apology for certain, I don’t think he’ll take well to my presence.

Opera: Yeah no kidding.

Platino: What did he do exactly?

Opera: Styx gave him a proxy that went rogue.It’s a long story.

Platino: Is that how..?

Opera: Yeah.

Styx: I’ll… talk with him at some point.

Styx: My business here is to introduce myself and.. Perhaps even provide a plan regarding a couple of future concerns.

Styx: No shady contracts, they’re all Charon’s domain now.

Platino: That means…

Opera: He can’t really scam us. Any offer we get will go by Charon’s intent, not his. No funny wording, no loopholes.

Opera: Suppose we can have a look at your wares.

Styx smiles wide. It's unsettling on Charon’s face.

Styx: You won’t regret it, I promise.

Styx: So what are you in the market for?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Geezer: I’m gonna cut you off right there.

Geezer walks in and grabs Styx tight by the shoulder.

Styx: Ah.. I knew I’d have to address this.

Geezer: No kidding.

Geezer: Don’t care if you say you’ve changed until I see something more.

Styx: You finished your trial quite quickly.

Geezer: Nah, still in it.

Geezer: Zinnia was straight with me, made it clear that my trial isn’t something they can resolve with a pep talk.

Geezer: Looked me in the eye and said, “Go out there and you’ll find what you need to do.”

Geezer: Couldn’t be any clearer.

Geezer: We need to talk, you and me.

Geezer: Because you’ve hurt me and Charon a hell of a lot in the past.

Styx: This is about your body.

Geezer: This is about everything.

Geezer: Why are you still here? You died back there right?

Geezer: Like, how?

Styx: I’m a master of escaping fate, an entity of defiance if you will.

Styx: It’ll take a lot more than death to kill me.

Geezer: Yeah? Might make you rethink coming back.

Styx: I’m already reconsidering.

Geezer: Hate seeing your smug grin on his face. Can’t believe he let you control him.

Styx: You want to talk to him? You can. He’s the one in control this time.

Styx: I’m simply his vassal handing him over the keys.

Geezer: Explain.

Styx: He’s taking my position, my throne, my power, everything.

Styx: A true successor, whether he wants to admit it or not.

Styx: I’ve been effectively defanged, unable to act without his permission.

Styx: Letting me talk? That’s his choice

Opera: Geezer, I think he’s serious about it.

Geezer loosens his grip slightly.

Geezer: You really lost all your power?

Styx: If I still had it, would’ve struck you down by now.

Geezer: Huh….

Styx: Tell you what, I can make you a peace offering.

Geezer: I don’t want any contracts from you.

Styx: I think this one might be one that appeals to you specifically.

Styx: No conditions, what if I told you I know where your old body is.

Geezer:... You can find it?

Styx: Been keeping it safe this whole time.

Geezer: I could feel it moving but… I thought that was some psychosomatic thing.

Styx: No, your body is very much around and safe.

Styx: Not very active granted, but it’s remained healthy despite the circumstances.

Styx: Would you like to see?

Opera: Geezer…

Geezer: I want in.

Styx: Excellent, I’ll transport you in just a moment. Make sure you have everything you need on you.

Opera: I want to go with him, don’t want any funny business.

Geezer: I’ll be fine. You stay here and make sure Styx doesn’t run off with Charon’s body yeah?

Platino: We’ll keep him safe.

Geezer offers a hand out to Styx.

Geezer: No bullshit?

Styx: I want to make amends and I mean it.

Styx: You’ll see him soon.

 

 

TRIAL OF GEEZER, STRENGTH REVERSED

[Fourth Trial]

CW: None

Perspective:Geezer.

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

You make your way into the world of Red. It’s striking, perhaps a little somber even.

In front of you lies a huge building, one surrounded with the decor of rubble, machines, and angelic formations that echo with the sounds of medical equipment beeping along.

You step inside through the front entrance, finding yourself immediately greeted by a proxy in a nurse’s hat and cloak.

???: I didn’t expect someone to be here so soon..

???: You appear to be more than alive and well though.

???: Are you a visitor or a guest?

Geezer: What’s the difference exactly?

???: If you’re a visitor you’re here to see someone.

???: A guest is here to get patched up and recover.

???: It’s a bit of a makeshift setup admittedly but I assure folks are taken care of.

Geezer: There other people here?

???: Two… well…

???: One has left recently. Styx who’s been dormant for years finally woke up.

???: Just vanished last evening without warning. Seems to have made a mostly successful recovery.

???: Defanged a bit admittedly. Entities without their power intact aren’t long for the world. Hopefully he comes back to recover a bit more…

???: The other is a rabbit. A dopple if I recall correctly?

???: He just showed up one day. Doesn’t seem to talk or anything.

Geezer: That’s who I’m here to see.

Geezer: He alright?

???: Mostly. He’ll starve himself if I don’t remind him to eat but otherwise he’s fairly quiet, harmless even.

???: Might I ask your relationship?

Geezer: Uh…

Geezer: Complicated.

???: I’m sure it’s nothing that odd for this place.

???: So may I ask again? I don’t like strangers disrupting folks.

Geezer: He’s… my original body.

The proxy looks closely at you, “squinting” her eyes just a little.

???: Ah! That checks out.

???: A body without its soul just lives to the most basic of instinct and necessity.

???: Poor thing practically grew up in here…

???: Contract poisoned to hell too. A little sickly.

???: You have any issues with symptoms?

Geezer: Nah, I lucked out I guess.

???: Goood… Oh! I should clarify who I am.

???: I’m the watcher of this facility. Styx’s contracts can’t really erase anything from existence.

???: Things that are lost end up here, including him.

???: I… don’t really have much of a name though.

???: I’ve forgotten it long ago.

Geezer: No memory?

???: It’s a blur. But I feel like whatever name I had back then is one I don’t want to keep.

???: I don’t think I was a good person…

Geezer: What makes you say that?

???: Sometimes your heart just knows. I wronged people in some way.

???: My station here is punishment I think….

???: So if my fate is to stay here and make amends of my own…

???: I’ll take that for now.

Geezer: Huh…

Geezer: Mind if I give you a name?

???: You?

Geezer: Something to call you while I’m here. Just for convenience.

???: That’d be so nice… are you sure?

Geezer: Yeah. Figure it’s easy.

Geezer: Got a bit of a floral thing going on…

Geezer: Something not corny… or maybe that’s what we need?

???: Corny is fine.

Geezer: Elote.

???: …. I see.

???: I actually kind of like that though…

???: Elote it is.

Geezer: Yeah?

Elote: It has a soft sound to it..

Elote: Thank you..

Geezer: I do what I do.

Elote: Elote…

She repeats the sound a few times to let it really settle in.

Geezer: You okay there?

Elote: Me? Fine just…

Elote: Let me get you to your friend. Sorry to get so distracted.

She grabs your hand and leads you down the hallway.

You can’t help but wonder why a lone nurse is lingering here… or why this facility exists to begin with..

Geezer: Was it really just Styx and my body?

Elote: There were others, mostly proxies. Many of them haven't returned in years so I can only hope they’re doing well…

You two stop in front of the entrance to a rather cozy looking room.

You could practically fall asleep looking at it.

Elote: He should be in here..

Elote: Please be kind….

You nod.

Take a deep breath.

You got no idea what your body looks like after all these years…

It scares you to think too much about what state it could be in after everything…

Just have to find out…

You step through the door. 

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Behind masses of hung up curtains and blankets scattered across the floor, sat a dopple on a bed.

One you can only barely recognize as your previous self anymore.

His hair was overgrown, one ear was shorter than another, and his expression was curious but mostly blank of any complex emotion.

And yet you find yourself struggling in the moment to keep a straight face.

Geezer: Hey…

You’re only met with a twitching ear in response.

Geezer: How long you’ve been here…

Elote: A decade approximately, if I recall correctly.

Elote: He’s been well behaved for the most part but… not really much for words.

Geezer: Yeah…

Elote: If you’d like to take him with you, you can.

Geezer: Mm?

Elote: You want your old body back, don’t you?

Geezer: Maybe?

Elote: Oh?

Geezer: I dunno.

Geezer: I still could feel something you know?

Geezer: Some remnant, something telling me it’s still around somewhere.

Geezer: Nothing just disappears from reality like that, not completely.

Geezer: Even with all the weird creatures and angels, there’s always something that sticks around.

Geezer: All sorts of sensations just…

Geezer: Scared, alone, quiet, lost.

Geezer: Poor thing is probably confused about being in here sometimes, right?

Elote: There’s been episodes from time to time but..

Elote: These days he mostly just sits around here passing time drawing.

Elote: He keeps some sketchbooks.

Elote: Do you want to go through?

Geezer: Maybe….

Elote walks over to a box and pulls out a sketch book.


Elote: Always assumed they were dreams, but seeing you…

Elote: Maybe there’s something more.

Geezer: Yeah?

You take the sketchbook from her and take a look through.



Elote: This one’s recent…

You open up on a picture that startles you.

It's you and Charon meeting up after his boat ride.

That was recent, literally last morning…

Geezer: Huh…

Geezer: You’ve been seeing things too huh?

Elote: Is something wrong?

Geezer: Nah just…

You look through. Various recent day to day events from the past month or so.

Work.

Having an argument with Manzana.

A package from your grandma….

Geezer: Don’t really know what to do here, honest.

Geezer: Been a long time since I’ve lost him.

Geezer: In a lot of ways I’ve moved on but…

Geezer: Same time, seems like we’re still connected.

Geezer: Feels bad to say but..

Geezer: I don’t see me anymore when I look at him.

Geezer: Just a sad, lonely rabbit.

Geezer: Don’t need to go back to him. Doesn’t feel right to leave him here either.

Geezer: Think I gotta sit on this.

Elote: Mm..

Elote: If you need a procedure done to merge back, you can always come back.

Elote: He’ll be more than safe here.

Geezer: Yeah.. that’s good.

Geezer: Think I wanna head back for now, let folks know how things went.

You give the rabbit one more look over.

Geezer: I’m gonna make sure you’re safe just…

Geezer: GIve me time to figure this out, alright?

Geezer: You hang in there..

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You step back into the bus to a large ruckus.

An uninvited guest argues with Opera.

Opera: How’d you manage to track us down? Who’s your employer?

???: That’s confidential!

Opera: Right now the last thing we need is a lurker.

???: I’m not a lurker!

Opera: You were watching us this whole time, weren’t you?

???: Needed to find a good moment, ya’ll seemed busy!

Opera: Yeah? Well…

You step in.

Geezer: What’s all this about?

Geezer: Got a guest?

???: I’m here to deliver a letter but she won’t let me.

Opera: She was spying on us while we were here, I’m just doing my part and figuring out what’s up.

Geezer: Huh.. you think she’s a threat?

Opera: Maybe…

Geezer: Anything on her?

Opera: Not that I can tell, no.

Manzana: Something about her feels pretty weird to me personally but… that’s just me.

Geezer: Let’s hear the kid out.

???: First off I’m only like, a couple years younger than you tops..

???: Secondly, I’m just a courier who was given a spot to look around for a… Chair-ehn Judgment?

Charon gestures from a nearby seat.

Charon: That’d be me.

???: Huh…. you’ve got a resemblance.

Charon: …To?

???: A couple of other fiends I’ve met. Eyes are way different but you got the same spirit I think.

???: Anyway, let me get this to you.

She hands Charon over a folded paper.

He unfolds it.

Charon: Huh….

Geezer: What’s up?

Charon: It’s an invitation for lunch.

Charon: A formal apology from Esperanto…

Geezer: Huh…

Geezer: I’m not  letting you go alone.

Charon: I’d rather not be.

Opera: Same.

Manzana: I’d join but I got plans…. I’ll meet up after though.

Geezer: It’s all good, there’s enough of us here to make sure things don’t go screwy.

Charon looks directly at the messenger.

Charon: Name?

???: Bern, no fancy last name like some of you.

Bern: I’ll be seeing ya’ll again sooner or later, so try not to shoot first next time, yeah?

Geezer: Opera?

Opera: I didn’t-

Bern: Wait, does she have a gun-?

Opera: Geezer!

Geezer: Heh, sorry.

Geezer: That case, I think we should plan for what comes next together.

Geezer: Zana, you sure you can’t come?

Manzana: Got an old friend coming in soon, much as I’d love to…

Geezer: Ah…important, gotcha. Just pop in at the base when you’re done. Maybe invite them over too if you trust them enough.

Manzana: Maybe… I’ll think about it.

Charon: Before I forget, how did your trial go?

Geezer: Complicated. I wanna talk about it at some point but my feelings are all over right now..

Charon: Don’t let me forget to ask later then. I want to make sure you’re okay.

Geezer: Yeah just… tonight, promise. 

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The Lunch
[Esperanto Quest 1]
CW: None
Perspective: Charon

 You are Charon Judgment.

You and your group arrive in a timely manner after parting ways with Manzana and Platino for now.

You’re the first to walk off, Opera and Geezer staying inside and keeping an eye through the windows.

As much as you’d like them with you right now.. They weren’t exactly invited.

Only fair to ask first.

Charon: Good afternoon.

Esperanto: A tour bus…. Seems a bit excessive but I appreciate the courtesy.

Esperanto: You’ve made it. Is there anyone else in there? Can’t imagine you drove that for yourself.

Charon: Mm.. I’d like to bring Geezer and Opera with me, if that’s alright.

Charon: I know you didn’t invite them but…

Esperanto: I’ll allow it, but I want this conversation before lunch to be just us.

Esperanto: If that’s alright…

Esperanto’s gaze tilts over toward your cane.

Esperanto: What’s that now?

Charon: Had an injury long ago, makes it hard to maintain walking normally all day.

Charon: This city being so big and windy absolutely is a lot on my stamina, especially with how much has gone on over the past 24 hours.

Esperanto: I see…

Esperanto: Do you know why I invited you over? The real reason?

Charon: I can only guess.

Esperanto: You have a lot of potential, but you’re rough around the edges as most beginner knights tend to be.

Esperanto: I want to give you an opportunity that you’ve lacked in your life.

Esperanto: No formal training, from what my sources tell me.

Esperanto: All that heart only means so much without the skill to back it up.

Charon: Why should I take that offer from you?

Esperanto: Because you need to be prepared for everything that’s to come on this job.

Esperanto: Between you and me, the one hosting this mission is going to want profit out of this.

Esperanto: And while I trust this person not to end the world…

Esperanto: I don’t imagine it to be a satisfying conclusion to anyone with personal stakes here.

Charon: Not at all.

Charon: Why are we even relying on this person to begin with? What makes you so crucial?

Esperanto: They’re the one giving you invites to the event.

Esperanto: And I’m the only buffer between you and our employer. Mercury knows a little but not enough to make a good call on this.

Esperanto: Bless her for trying.

Charon: Mm..

Charon: So what’s the diagnosis? You’re clearly looking at something I’m doing wrong and concerned.

Esperanto: You sure you want that? It’s harsh.

Charon: I can take criticism.

Esperanto: You try to take hits like you’re bigger than you are, your fighting style is completely unrefined, your proxy is the best asset you have and you use it to middling results, and you’re completely reliant on surprise factor against stronger opponents.

Esperanto: If you want to get far as a knight on the field, you need to be aware that one day you will fight someone skilled enough to do you in.

Esperanto: Your fiendish nature especially…

Esperanto: It’s underexplored.  Your metamorphosis is coming in and you need to know how to get the most out of it.. Should you choose to embrace it.

Esperanto: You have the conditions to become what some call a “tempered” fiend.

Charon: And that means?

Esperanto: Your body’s endured so many extreme conditions that it’s hardly canine anymore.

Charon: And you know how?

Esperanto: It’s not that hard to get your records.

Esperanto: Managed to get a good conversation in with Arabis as well. Your grandfather back home?

Charon: You… know where I live?

Esperanto: Mm..

Esperanto: Don’t worry about it, I’ve got no plans against you or your family.

Charon: Don’t like that, I have to consider that possibility.

Esperanto: I’d never.

Esperanto: They’ve done plenty for me, I’d never return that with a knife to the back.

You fall silent as you ponder the details..

Charon: How did you meet exactly?

Esperanto: Can’t tell you that out here. When the time comes though.

Esperanto: You should go get your friends, Bern needs to know we’ve got a big table today.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 By the time you and your friends gather up, all that waits outside is Bern.

You give a tiny little bow of the head to her, she nods back.

Bern: Polite. You’ll go pretty far with that, least that’s what Esperanto says.

Bern: Think it’s true. THey went up ahead, we got the place to ourselves it looks like.

Bern: You gonna be okay for this? You look a bit nervous.

Charon: I’ll be fine.

Bern: Can we get a proper list of names actually.

Geezer: W. J. Geezer.

Opera: Just Opera’s fine.

Charon: You already know mine.

Bern: Mm. Right this way then.

You’re led down the rows of tables up to a corner where a fiend is sitting on their own.

You tilt your head in confusion. Their voice is immediately recognizable.




Esperanto: Good, you gathered everyone.

Esperanto: Surprise.

Charon: What’s this?

Esperanto: You seem disappointed.

Charon: I assumed you were a fiend but…

Esperanto: But what?

Opera: Something wrong?

You shake your head.

Charon: Nothing. Perhaps I’m paranoid.

Charon: But… that does explain everything.

Charon: So what is this place anyway?

Esperanto: Just a little dine I’ve managed to rent out for the afternoon.

Opera: Really? What kind of money you’ve got?

Esperanto: Not a ton, just got a favor from the owner to get the hour before the lunch rush.

Esperanto: I wanted some privacy with the right setting.

Esperanto: I’m lying of course, we’re just here early enough that nobody will pester I don’t think.

Geezer: Had me thinking you were some big shot for a moment.

Esperanto: I am, in the right circles. Not to brag…

Esperanto: Regardless. I am here to train those of fiendish descent to reach their full potential.

Esperanto: In this case…

Charon: Me..

Esperanto: Caught you just in time for your metamorphosis to trigger. Hopefully you won’t cocoon up.

Charon: Is… is that a thing?

Esperanto: Mm. You were born as a worm after all. Though it seems you never quite developed full solidity..

Charon: My limbs require braces to maintain solid form. Otherwise I just ooze…

Charon: It’s not too bad but it does limit my mobility to a degree.

Charon: THey’re quite heavy…

Esperanto: Mm..

Esperanto: No issue though, you’re more the witchy type.

Esperanto: Slinging proxies around, yes?

Esperanto: How’s yours doing?

You manifest your proxy briefly. Maddogs them before immediately phasing out.

Esperanto: Bitter. I take it you have some hard feelings?

Charon: I’ll get over them.

Esperanto: Mm..

Esperanto: The true Charon lies in that ghost of yours I think.

Esperanto: I ponder why you keep your emotions sealed up in that thing.

Esperanto: The way you talk.. It’s perhaps just an act but.

Esperanto: You seem genuinely convinced it’s your true voice.

Esperanto: We’ll have to explore that too.

Charon: Not without confirmation of a rematch.

Esperanto: You’ll get plenty of those under my wing. The question is, can we get you substantial progress before the gig?

Esperanto: We can’t afford any unstable crew with something this high risk.

Charon: Honestly..

Charon: I want to say yes but..

Charon: I think I learned a lot about myself in the past day that I rather have not…

Charon: But now that I have, there’s no way out of this.

Charon: I’m committing to it, to become a more whole person.

Esperanto: And your friends will be with you during this?

Charon: If they’ll give me that.

Geezer: You know I’m gonna say yes.

Opera: We promised to look out for each other.

Charon: Mm… I just like hearing it out loud admittedly.

Geezer: Sometimes you just need a reminder, you know?

Geezer: To the end.

Opera: To the end.

Charon: I’m really fortunate…

Esperanto: You have good people in your life, of course you are.

Esperanto: Bern will be grabbing our food in a moment and join us for this. I want to get to know the lot of you since I’m not familiar with folks at the safehouse besides Mercury and Rosario.

Charon: You really know them?

Esperanto: I’ve done plenty of good work with them in the past. Small world if you managed to already know them however.

Esperanto: Mercury is one of my few equals in swordsmanship I’ve met, and Rosario’s father taught me quite a bit about the ins and outs of scrap magic while I was traveling. I couldn’t help but want their aid in all this.

Esperanto: Tell me, are you a sensitive?

Charon: No, proxies are effectively my bridge to any sort of magic right now.

Esperanto: Hmm..

Esperanto: By the time I’m done with you, I’ll have you casting real spells.

Esperanto: Scrap manifested forms, also known as awakenings by some are considered the peak of physical and spiritual state for some. It can take years for many to truly understand their own awakening.

Esperanto: I’m going to unlock yours in two weeks.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Charon: That seems a bit absurd.

Esperanto: You’re turbulent right now. Your proxy has shifted, your biology is on fire, and you’re more than likely about to revisit quite a bit of your trauma based on all this.

Esperanto: Awakening is all about getting in touch with those extreme emotions.

Esperanto: You’re perfectly ripe for this.

Charon: I suppose…

Esperanto: You brought two long time comrades with you, yes.

Charon: Mm..

Esperanto: Met under rather extreme circumstances as well.

Esperanto: I have a question for you.

Charon: Oh?

Esperanto: Who do you care about more?

Charon: Where are you getting at?

Esperanto: You have to have someone you’re closer to, no?

Esperanto: You may love both of them but if you had to pick-

Charon: We’re not having this conversation.

Esperanto reaches behind their seat.

Charon: Don’t you dare-

Two knives are flung out.

In the heat of the moment you jump in front of Geezer while your Proxy manifests directly in front of Opera.

You close your eyes, bracing for impact….

Only for it to never hit.

It’s an illusion.

Esperanto: The power to protect both is rare.

Esperanto: Thankfully for you my attack is purely fabricated. You are spared from any real danger.

You crumple onto your knees, on the verge of hyperventilating.

Your proxy can’t help but snarl at them in response.

Geezer steps in to help you back up while Opera tries to calm down your proxy.



It practically melts into her embrace, sniffling a bit itself.

Geezer: Slow down, get some air. You okay?

Opera: What happened?!

Charon: Threatened you…

Geezer: Huh? What do you mean?

Esperanto: An illusion only he could see, needed the two of you not to duck out of the way.

Opera: Fuck off.

Geezer: Yeah no, not a fan of being used as a prop here.

Geezer: You seriously want him to train with you while you’re doing shit like this?

Opera: Don’t do it Charon, it’s not worth it-

Charon: Esperanto.

Esperanto: Mm?

Charon: Duel, outside.

Esperanto: Right now? Haven’t you had enough from this morning?

Charon: If you don’t I’m walking out right now.

Esperanto: If you don’t sit down I’m cutting all three of you out from this job, and letting our financier take the husk herself.

Esperanto: You have no idea what you’re messing with here.

Charon: We’ll figure it our ourselves-

Esperanto: Ali Judgment.

Geezer: Hey no, you can’t just drop a name like that-

Esperanto: Ali Judgment is the one funding all this.

Esperanto: As a family friend I’ve been asked to prepare the lot of you to be ready to take her down.

Esperanto: And as you Charon are the most volatile element on the team, you’re going to get special training from me.

Esperanto: Now you understand.

Geezer:Ali....

Geezer: Opera, you know about this?

Opera: No, didn’t know who was involved besides Huck and Fenton saying it was someone they trusted.

Opera: That’s Zana’s mom right?

Geezer: Lot more than that.

You pull away from Geezer and sit yourself down at the nearest table.

Geezer: Charon?

Charon: Can’t afford to underperform if that’s what we’re up against.

Charon: Train me.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 You and your friends sat down at the table across from Esperanto and Bern. The latter has a guilty look across her face.

You can’t muster much eagerness for the meal in front of you. Despite that, your force yourself to pretend to enjoy it if only to hide your frustration.

Mentally you’re hardly here right now, split between the old castle and reality.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Styx: You surrendered…

Styx: That’s something new to me.

Charon: Not much choice here, I’m being strong-armed hard.
 
Charon: Sometimes you just… compromise.

Styx: That’s what you call it?

Charon: What would you?

Styx: Abuse, frankly.

Styx: If you’re being put through this right now, can’t imagine what the actual training will look like.

Styx: It’s incredible that one of your friends would vouch for a person like this at all.

Charon: Mm…

Charon: Mercury’s got some explaining to do.

Styx: I’m curious why this whole process feels so… targeted.

Styx: Especially considering your recruitment was somewhat of a surprise, yes?

Charon: According to everyone, I wasn’t even on anyone’s radar.

Styx: Hmm.

Charon: Geezer and Opera are so quiet right now.

Styx: They’re upset too I’d imagine.

Charon: Mm…

Charon: I don’t think I’m going to finish my lunch right now.

Charon: Stomach still turning.

Styx: That’s normal in a situation like this I’d think.

Styx: I want a talk with them.

Charon: I’m not giving you control again.

Styx: You won’t, but your proxy might.

Charon: Pardon?

Styx: All those feelings you try and bottle up. Fear, sorrow, anger, insecurity..

Styx: They’re part of what makes you a whole person, no?

Styx: Your proxy has so much bottled up.

Styx: Every rejection, every failure, every moment you know deep down was completely unfair and yet you chose to suck it up regardless.

Styx: You know how you truly feel, but the proxy is the only one who’ll be honest about this.

Styx: Besides, I want a rematch.

Styx: Nearly died covering for you previously.

Charon: For a moment, thought you did.

Styx: I’ve survived worse than a brute like them, you really expect me to go down so easy?

Charon: Did you in back then.

Styx: Yet I stand!

Charon: Barely.

Styx: Rude…

Styx: Just…. Be kinder to yourself.

Styx: For both our sake.

Charon: Mm….

Styx: Hmm?

Charon: Why show concern now? Why at all?

Charon: We killed each other back then, can’t imagine you’re happy about that.

Styx: Because…

Styx: May I confide with you?

Charon: I suppose.

Styx: If you’re only a shell of the original Charon…

Styx: I think I might be in the same situation myself.

Styx: Staying up late waiting for grandmother to return from work.

Styx: Watching shows from other parts of the world and wishing there was more than just woodland around.

Styx: Listening to that one song on loop before bed. You know the one, yes? The one from Monte?

Charon: 3 cups in the morning.

Styx: 7 pills at night.

Charon: Two shots as a warning.

Styx: Third one wrongs a right.

Charon: Moon outside is howling.

Styx:  Migraines’ on the run.

Charon: My head feels like a loaded gun-

Styx: Don’t you make my day.

Charon: You… remember that?

Styx: Mm…

Styx: Distressing but…

Styx: It’s comforting as a memory.

Charon: Huh…

Charon: Mind if I share something with you?

Styx: Go ahead.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

ROUNDABOUT
[Styx Memory One, Part 1]
Perspective: Styx

 ???: You up yet?

???: Need to ask you a bit of a favor.

Styx: Mm?

Styx: …Who’s that?

???: What do you mean who’s that? It’s been a good half decade and you suddenly forgot?

Styx: ….

???: You serious? You okay?

Styx: Roundabout?

Roundabout: There we go, had me worried.

Styx: I apologize for that, had a bit of a rough sleep I think.

Styx: So what is it?

Roundabout: Could you take charge with the meetup at the checkpoint tomorrow? Got too much on the mind to be good for talking trade politics.

Styx: I suppose I’ve got a knack for making deals happen. I wonder though, what has you skipping out?

Roundabout: Former work partner of mine will be there, we didn’t break things off on the best of terms.

Styx: I see…

Styx: Do I dare ask?

Roundabout: Can’t promise I’ll say much if you do.

Styx: Then I will. What happened between you two?

Roundabout: A lot to be quite frank. But to keep it short, he’s kind of a jackass?

Roundabout: Dragged me into trouble frequently, pressured his crew constantly to take his side on things.

Roundabout: Hella controlling really. Don’t want to risk confronting him.

Styx: So you want me in control in case he walk up to us?

Roundabout: Aye, you’ve got a better with for this sort of thing I imagine.

Styx: And yet I get you in plenty of trouble myself.

Roundabout: Your trouble is fun, his isn’t.

Roundabout: He gets you put on a bounty board to make sure you don’t flake out. Otherwise you lose his “protection.”

Styx: Never told me about this.

Roundabout: Never thought I’d see him again in this line of work. Friend of mine managed to find out and let me know in advance

Styx: No promises I won’t be rough with him.

Roundabout: I’d encourage it, so long as you’re careful.

Styx: MM.. I think I’d win.

Roundabout: I can believe it.

Styx: Have him begging for a treaty by the end, net us a nice profit.

Roundabout: Would love to see that.

Styx: You probably could fight him just fine though.

Roundabout: Mm.. hard to say.

Roundabout: Think I’d just freeze up, honest.

Styx: Has you that scared?

Roundabout: Has me terrified but..

Roundabout: You’ve been my good luck charm for awhile now.

Roundabout: Maybe you could bring some of that for me.

Styx: Good luck charm… I quite like that.

Styx: You’ll owe me after but… I’d be glad to ease things for you at least a little.

Roundabout: Aye…

Styx: Take me to a nice dinner after and consider it more than done.

Roundabout: So you’ll do it?

Styx: Mmhmm. Might as well. Don’t get an excuse often to shred someone’s ex.

Roundabout: Love you a million for this, really do.

Styx: Just think about what you want for dinner later, we’ll be treating ourselves after…

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Styx:...Before we go out, I have a question…

Roundabout: Something on your mind?

Styx:.. This happened, right?

Roundabout: What do you mean?

Styx: None of this is made up?

Roundabout: Why would it?

Styx: Because you’re answering my questions right now…

Roundabout:...

Styx: Is this a dream or a memory?

Roundabout: Both I think.

Styx: Mm..

Styx: I hope you’re okay, wherever you are now.

Styx: Missed you a lot but…

Styx:  Think in the end it was my fault.

Styx: Wasn’t strong enough..

Styx: Became a liability at such a crucial point…

Styx: You had every right to end our contract really…

Roundabout: Why would I want that?

Roundabout: I'd miss you.

Styx: You mean that?

Roundabout: Told you plenty of times before, right?

Styx:  You have..

Roundabout: We're partners in crime, where would I be without you?

Styx: Can't really say..

Styx: But...

Styx: If I'm really so important to you.

Styx: It does make me wonder why..

Styx: You said it was to protect me but..

Styx: I can't help but fear that you were sick of me.

Styx: Wasn't always the best to you.

Styx: Not great to most of my clients.

Styx: Can't be helped at this point. What's done is done.

Styx: Don't know what you see in me..

Styx: But I'm happy that you managed to find something worth giving a chance.

Styx: Might've been a bad call.

Styx:... You're quiet.

Styx:... Are you still there?

Styx: Please talk to me…

Styx: Love you…

Styx: …I’m sorry…

???: What’s wrong? Charon?

???: Talk to me dude, You crying?

Styx: It’s nothing…

???: You need some air? We can step outside. You want me or Opera with you?

???: Yeah, I’ll walk out with you.

Styx: Opera?

Opera: Mmhmm.

Opera: Let’s get you some air.

Geezer: Yeah. Esperanto? Mind if we-

Esperanto: Don’t, that’s the intruder being flushed out.

Esperanto: I want to talk to him. 

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Styx: Think both of us have had more than enough of your word for today frankly.

Styx: Why should I hear you out?

Esperanto: Because you’re a liability.

Esperanto: I have no idea who you are, but you’re not a factor I want around on a job like this.

Styx: Unfortunately for both of us, I have no choice in the matter.

Styx: Charon has inherited my soul, for better or worse. I cannot be dismissed unless he’s willing to go through the process himself.

Styx: And right now, I think we both need to rely on each other.

Esperanto: You’re invasive.

Styx: Not my choice, would’ve preferred to have faded long ago to be quite honest. But…

Styx: Fate has decided I’m here for at least one more task.

Styx: I’m passing the torch to Charon, my entire legacy is his to decide what to do with.

Styx: Just as you wish to pass on yours.

Esperanto: I beg your pardon?

Styx: Your motives are more than you’re willing to say, but you’re certainly adamant about needing this boy to be your disciple.

Styx: Do you see great potential? Or are there more personal motives?

Esperanto: Both can be valid I’d like to think. Yourself?

Styx: He did me in, there’s no better successor than your superior now is there?

Esperanto: Superior…

Styx: I’m able to admit when I’ve lost.

Styx: I’m exhausted anyway, the burden of such power needs a stronger pair of shoulders than my own at this point.

Styx: He may be short tempered, stubborn, honest to a fault but..

Styx: I think that is what makes me root for him. And by extension of that…

Styx: I hope he surpasses you too.

Styx: I think you could do with some humility in your life.

Esperanto: Mouth on you.

Styx: Learned from the best.

Esperanto: He’s a long ways away.

Styx: But you’re confident you can shape him up in two weeks.

Styx: I think you see it too.

Styx: You’re right though on one thing, he needs a true mentor.

Styx: I’m expecting nothing but the best from you.

Esperanto: Hmm.

Styx: Is something wrong?

Esperanto stands up from their seat.

Esperanto: I want to spar. Call out Charon.

Styx: He’s already been overextended for the day, let him rest.

Esperanto: If he’s tired this early, he’s not going to make it far. Fight me.

Styx: This isn’t fair and you know it.

Esperanto: That’s the point, I want him at his limit.

The fiend slides a large weapon out from under the table.

Esperanto: Though I’ll settle for you as well, given the circumstances. Raise your guard.

You feel a hand on your shoulder.

You take a look over.
Geezer steps up from his chair.

Geezer: Nah.

Geezer: I’m not in the mood for playing around like this.

Geezer: You want a spar? Have it with me.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Esperanto: I’m not really in the mood for this-

Geezer: But you wanted to kick someone who’s already had enough of your shit for the day, right?

Geezer: Coward.

Esperanto: The conditioning process is admittedly extreme-

Geezer: Then how about we get back home yeah? Parking lot brawls don’t look good.

Esperanto: I suppose you’re quite correct there.

Geezer: If you’re gonna fight now, come at me. If not? Hold off a bit.

Esperanto: A return to base before anything continues then.

Esperanto: A fair request.

Esperanto: But he did agree to train under me at some point. I expect it to be honored eventually.

The fiend gets up from their seat.

Esperanto: I’m going to ponder for a bit. Are you all wrapped up with your meals? No dessert?

Geezer: Think we’re good.

Esperanto: Head back, I’ll meet you there and perhaps with can have a conversation on the conditions of this, yes?

Esperanto: Until then, cool off.

They make their way out the side exit, Bern giving your group a guilty look before leaving the building.

Styx: You didn’t have to do that-

Geezer: Did what I had to. Not for you but for Charon.

Geezer: Grandma would’ve done the same thing, so I played it like she showed me.

Opera: Surprised they backed off, would’ve expected them to take the fight.

Geezer: They’re a coward is what, really don’t think the training is worth it.

Opera: Yeah… I don’t like how obsessive they are.

Opera: Even if they’re a family friend it just doesn’t make sense…

Geezer: Never one heard of them, have to call Gran later about this.

Geezer: Anyway, mind telling me why you’re in control?

He glares directly at you. You’re too scared to move.

Geezer: Thought you weren’t gonna make a regular thing of this.

Styx: Accident, I assure.

Styx: We were talking and… something set me off I think.

Geezer: Yeah? What’s that?

Styx: A memory.. I can give him back in a moment. Just still cooling off really…

Your eye waters just a bit, still feeling tender over earlier.

Opera: Maybe you could ease up on him, I don’t think I’ve seen him like this before…

Geezer: Yeah… crying is new.

Styx: Being merged with your comrade is having effects on me more than I was prepared for.

Styx: Don’t very much like it.

Geezer: Sooner Charon comes back, sooner you’re out of this pickle, right?

You gulp hard.

Take in a deep breath.

Just hand back the reins…

I’ve got it from here…

Charon: Sorry about that, he didn’t mean any harm.

Charon: Thank you for sticking up for me.

Geezer: You sure you’re okay keeping him around like that?

Geezer: How long is this gonna last?

Charon: Until he fades out or we figure out a way to split things. Either way I promise he won’t be a problem.

Geezer: Long as you’re sure, I trust you.

Opera: Same.

Charon: I think… this is good for both of us. If only so we can both potentially be at peace with what happened back then.

Geezer: Mm…

Geezer: I’m gonna go warm up the bus. We’re gonna head home and have a few serious talks with people. Sound good?

Opera: Mmhmm..

Charon: Yeah.

 

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The Other Lunch
[Lunch Reverse ]
CW: None
Perspective: Manzana

Needle: Hey! Knock knock?

Manzana: Oh shit, you’re here.

Needle: Said I would be. Didn’t forget, right?

Manzana: No, just… been a busy morning. I’ll explain over lunch.

Needle: You could explain now, I don’t mind.

Manzana; It’s a lot..

Needle: Did something happen with your date..?

Manzana: No? That went fine.

Needle: Just fine.

Manzana: I mean better than that just… wanna come in and sit down with me?

Needle: Sure.

You gesture toward your couch in the dimly lit apartment.

Needle: Keep this place pretty dark still…

Manzana: It’s easier on me. Not a fan of bright lights.

Needle: I know. You been okay health-wise?

Manzana: Trying my best, there’s a lot to work on but I’ve been trying..

Needle: Mm.. Platino helps you though, yeah?

Manzana: Yeah. He’ll be here soon. Just grabbing a few things for the place, no biggie.

Needle: That’s fine! I’m just happy to get some time outside of the office.

Manzana: Yeah…

Needle: So who’s this mystery person you went out with?

Manzana: Mm?

Needle: Wanna know the details.

Manzana: I mean.. Their name is Budgie. They’re a mimic. Local variant.

Needle: You really got a type, huh?

Manzana: I mean..

Needle: Are they cute?

Manzana: Y-yeah. It’s a little bit of an experimental period since all the traveling makes it hard to have a long term relationship but…

Manzana: They took it seriously, and they made sure it was fun and safe….

Manzana: Made it clear that even if it doesn’t end up being a thing they want to stay friends, you know? That’s nice…

Needle: Mm… traveling work is kind of just like that.

Manzana: Yeah… still, had a fun time.

Needle: What’d you end up doing?

Manzana: Darkest Night stuff has been going up since it’s this month so… we went to some festival for that.

Needle: Did you go in costume?

Manzana: Me? No… kind of wish I did.

Needle: Still time!

Manzana: Y-yeah.

Needle: Maybe you’d be down to go together? Platino can come too.

Manzana: Maybe. I’ve really got a lot going on today after this.

Manzana: Met up with my cousins?

Needle: Plural? As in more than just Geezer?

Manzana: Mm.. we’ve got a job that we’re working on over the next couple of weeks. Could be dangerous.

Needle: Witch stuff?

Manzana: Yeah..

Needle: Maybe I could help?

Manzana: You? Aren’t you busy?

Needle: I can make time, just tell me what you need.

You ponder for a moment.

Right now you really do want another familiar face keeping you comfort through this.

You nod and tell her everything you can, you know she won’t snitch.

She seems a little confused by certain details just like you were but… ultimately she seems to get the gist.

Needle: So you might be going up against your mom’s goals a bit?

Manzana: Yeah…

Needle: Good. Fuck her.

Manzana: It’s scary to be honest.

Needle: Course it is, she’s unhinged. But..

Needle: I think you’ve been needing this for a long time.

Needle: Granted stealing a corpse-

Manzana: It’s still alive apparently.

Needle: Yeah that’s weird. What kind of heist is this?

Manzana: I don’t knoooow.

Needle: You think your friends will be okay with me?

Manzana:I don’t think they’d reject another set of hands right now.

Needle: Then sign me up. Once Platino gets back we’ll head to grab lunch, make our way over to the safehouse after.

Manzana: You’re really good for that?

Needle: Yeah, we’re friends. You look out for each other.

Manzana:... Yeah, friends.

Needle: I know you try to avoid that word but… I really think of you as one.

Manzana: Me too..

Needle: We’ll make it work. Got a lot of heads to put together.

Manzana: …We will.

You pause as your phone vibrates.

You check, a text from Platino.

I’m outside, need some help.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The Break
[A Cooldown Session]
CW: None
Perspective: Charon

You and your group made it back home without a hitch.

Esperanto doesn’t seem to have returned yet themself.

The others seem to either be off in their rooms or running errands of their own.

You can’t help but find yourself exhausted after everything.

Despite your efforts toward finding a little time for yourself, Opera manages to slide in and sit next to you.

She wants you to talk but….

You probably should, I imagine her and Geezer are worried about you after this

Charon: Mm….

Opera: Sorry to pop in but… wanted to check on you quickly. I’ll leave you alone in a sec.

Charon: Not really much to say after that, tired.

Opera: Yeah, can’t blame you.

Opera: You’re not going to really do training with them, are you?

Charon: Need to be ready for the job, if that’s what it takes..

Opera: Yeah but, it wouldn’t be something that’d make you happy.

Charon: Honestly? Don’t think anything will until I see it through.

Charon: Feels like a lot of weight on our shoulders to not commit.

Opera: What if you get hurt?

Charon: Occupational hazard.

Opera: And that occupation is?

Charon: Knighthood. I signed up for days like these when I took the job but I figure if my family can keep up with it, so can I.

Charon: Still just…

Opera: You can talk.

Charon: Hard to keep a passion for it when you weren’t even considered of all people involved.

Opera: I mean your aunt was the one who probably made the list-

Charon: She hates Geezer, there’s no reason she should’ve picked him if it came down to just personal preference.

Charon: I don’t think she sees me as legitimate.

Opera: I mean… why did she hire us to begin with though?

Opera: She wasn’t around for the incident, right?

Charon: Her sister was. And she’s not involved at all…

Opera: You don’t know that either. This whole thing reeks.

Charon: Mm..

Charon: All bothers me in a lot of ways and I feel like nothing I do can really fix that.

Charon: I’m crumbling in the first 24 hours.

Opera:  Me too honestly.

Charon: You? Can’t see it.

Opera: I am! Tired, confused, kinda pissed if I’m honest….

Opera: Only difference is you’re not much of a smiler, you make it pretty clear.

Opera: I grin through it because that’s what works for me.

Opera: I love seeing everyone again but… under these circumstances it sucks.

You offer your arms out, she gives a quick hug in return.

Opera: Honestly as much as it gives me grief though, nice having someone who gets it around.

Charon: I mean… we’re two versions of the same person in the end, right?

Opera: Yeah but like, you’re still you. We’re not THE same person even if we play the same role in our own worlds.

Charon: You have it together a lot more than I do.

Opera: I wish I could say that but.. I’m not sure myself.

Charon: You don’t have a ghost in your head.

Opera: But I got one on my shoulder.

Charon: Paige is different…

Opera: Still a ghost!  They’re happy to see you too by the way.

You reach out to pet the proxy, it lowers its head to make it easier to reach.

Charon: Must be nice having company wherever you go…

Opera: I mean, you got one too right?

Opera:  Just gotta make better friends with it.

Charon: I suppose..

Opera: Just give it a hug next time you two are alone, watch it react.

Charon: Could give it a shot…

Opera: Hehe…

Opera: You also got Styx but.. I dunno…

Charon: Oh?

Opera: Feels like his time here is nebulous and I still don’t think he should be entirely trusted.

Opera: But he does seem to genuinely be on our side this time. What do you think?

Charon: Think so too…

Charon: We’re both just fragments of our original selves so we can’t afford to be at each other’s throats…

Opera: I think you’re still you. Maybe a bit sadder than before but…

Opera: Talking to you feels right, just like back then.

A tiny smile creeps onto your face.

Charon: And if I’m not the original Charon?

Opera: Then you’re still my friend. I’m not moving on that.

Charon: And if Styx isn’t the original Styx either..

Opera: Then you got a new chance to make things right between you.

Opera: Truth be told, you tend to be a pretty different person as a kid and as a adult.

Opera: No matter what, you’d be a different person…

Opera: But I’m glad that who we are now, we still got each other.

Charon: ….You’re right.

Opera: Have to be sometimes.

Charon: Mm..

Charon: I want to take a nap in a sec but… could you stay with me until then?

Opera: Yeah, I’ll be out here when you’re done too.

Charon: Thank you. You’ve given me a lot of much needed clarity today.

Opera: It’s what friends do, you’re fine.

Charon: One day I’ll do the same for you. Sound fair?

Opera: I’ll keep you to it.