King's Mulligan [Interactive Project]

[MarxzVulpez]

JOB NAME: Illusionist

TOOL OF CHOICE: Paired Hammer and Sickle

JOB DESCRIPTION: Varied Class that specializes in disorienting opponents with a multitude of options. Works best focusing on one or two adversaries at a time, or groups of adversaries in close proximity to each other

PERSONAL STRENGTH: Brilliant Strategist and Trap layer, good at isolating targets

PERSONAL WEAKNESS: Cockiness but also overthinking situations

MAJOR TAROT ARCANA: The Moon

FAVORITE FOODS: Chili, Burritos, Curry. The spicier the better

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Your scrapbook opens up, pages rapidly lined with connecting threads as Jackie is engulfed in light.

Tiles: J-Jackie?!

It becomes blinding briefly, before eventually lulling.

Jackie stands in front of you, looking as strong as you remembered him being as a kid. He clutches a rifle close, adorned with a bayonet and knuckledusting studding  to the stock and scope.

JACKIE HAS PROMOTED

CLASS OBTAINED: TRENCHBUSTER

Name: JACKIE

    Class: THE TRENCHBUSTER

 

Combat Ranges:

 

Close Quarters (A)

 

Mid-Range: (A)

 

Long Range: (A)

 

Class Traits:

TRICKSHOOTER: Rifle fires snares, traps, and flares that debuff opponents in various ways.

SILENCER: Melee attacks attached a tether to the opponent that severely weakens their ability to cast magical abilities. Tether decays rapidly with distance and time but is reset with another successful melee strike.

DECOY: Can use illusions to create various decoys of people and objects by striking a surface.

TROUBLESHOOTER: Effects of abilities are stronger and more disruptive on those with drastically heightened tension. 

Personal Traits:

MIRROR SUMMON: Can only appear in party while in the mirror world or when magic levels in the area are heightened.

“I’ll always be there…”: Gains a random buff when protecting party members.

“Fine, one more time…”: Can play a harmonica to give the ENCORE buff to a party member. ENCORE gives benefits to certain skills when cast twice in a row, such as a free use without burning pages.

“Gotta survive however you can…”: May PICKPOCKET opponents in close range. (Prioritizes FOOD and CASH, will not target those in poor circumstances)

“I am what I am…”: Jackie has a slime based biology without vital organs.

Jackie: Now what’s all this?

Tiles: I… don’t know actually.

Jackie: Feel stronger…

Ibarra: Your brother didn’t seem to get much time in this world. Barely reached the early days of adulthood at best.

Ibarra: This world was merciful enough to give him the tools needed to survive and grow even if it’s a little late for that..

Ibarra: Seeing your reunion… I don’t think I really have the heart for this today but…

Ibarra: Cherish this time, as long as it lasts..

Ibarra: I'm sorry, I refuse to go down after everything..

She whips out a axe, bigger than the three of you combined.

Ibarra: Have at you.

[Ignispark]

Uhh...trying to go in for a pierce hit on the arm to try to Freeze to make wielding that axe harder might be good?

[MarxzVulpez]

Okay so with Jackie's skills we definitely have some advantages, especially since we're trying to incapacitate rather than kill

I think we should start with kicking up dust to give us some cover (we could have Bastion help with this maybe in a similar way to our entrance a bit ago?), simultaneously have Jackie set up some decoys with Decoy, potentially as a part of setting up our dust cover and try to get into position to stun or pin down either or both of our opponents. We should also definitely be cautious of both that Fuck Off Huge axe and of the fact that we're privy to Ibarra being a skilled illusionist; Perhaps try to hit her with a flare? Locking her in place seems to probably be a good idea and probably easier to do if she's disoriented, and it could also help reduce the accuracy and or potency of her illusions.
Speaking of the Really Big Axe we should probably throw up an instance of REINFORCE, cause that looks like it would NOT feel good to get hit with
Also we should keep in mind that we've got help lying in wait. Granted we absolutely should not take this lightly and still be cautious

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You burn a page to REINFORCE yourself, a solid aura protecting your body.

Tiles: I’m going to approach, need to disorient.

Jackie nods and looks down his sight, a little uncomfortable with the rifle’s weight but prepared regardless.

You start approaching, Ibarra slowly starts building momentum with her axe.

Tiles: Flare! Bastion, dust!

Big flash of light blasts toward you and your foe, you duck your head just enough to avoid the blinding effects.

Bastion… seemingly never shows up. You haven’t seen them once since Jackie showed up…

What was it that Ibarra said?

“During this fight, our allies will temporarily become vessels of the past, manifestation of our memories. “

Right… seems like Bastion and Jackie can’t exist at the same time for now..

Ibarra knocks the flare away with a massive swing, derailing her attempt to hit you.

You manage a shoulder tackle to knock her off balance… only for her to seem to vanish into thin air.

You’re shoved in return, her full weight knocking you to the ground.

Tiles: Jackie decoy!

Jackie starts running in, pulling a throwing device out of one of his pockets.

Ibarra swings her axe through the ground, a massive wave of raw force and rubble flying across the room pushing him back.

Not intended but…. It gives you enough time to get back on your feet.

Suddenly the dust starts kicking up again..

Must be your allies overhearing you during all this. You manage to catch a bit of Courier in the corner.
You thrust your lance for a PIERCING blow toward her Axe.

On impact it’s instantly buried in a deep layer of ice, weighing it down.
Her eyes seem to fixate on your weapon, pause in thought.

Ibarra: Where did you get that?

Ibarra: That technique, swore it’d never see the light of day.

Ibarra:  She made that for you…

She dropped her axe.

Ibarra: You have backup ready to take me out, she’s desperate enough to give you… that monstrosity.

Ibarra: I suppose I’ve had this long coming… sins had to catch up one day.

Ibarra: I don’t want her to take me to be quite honest, rather just be done with altogether.

Ibarra: Besides, being felled by one such as yourself…

She blushed a little.

Ibarra: It’s more ideal than the alternatives for me.

Ibarra: Just… be quick about it. I don't want to feel it for more than I need to.

[Ignispark]

...yeah I don't really think there's a reason to play along with that 'last request'. Like, this is someone who chose to made weapons for the crown...so, continue as planned Pierce tactically to reduce movement and work on ensuring things go to plan. Definitely be careful to try to avoid, any possibility of major harm happening before Creme gets in for the finisher.

and i guess if there's something to say to justify this maybe. something along the lines of 'yeah no...use your extended time, in this mirrorworld, as an opportunity to rethink what's important, focus on your craft, or other things'. not much to say in terms of comfort to someone who you know, aided the crown.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 
You proceed to jab the lance into her armor, frost quickly building up over it.

She squeaked in genuine shock.

Tiles: Don’t think there’s any reason to play into that last request really.

Tiles: You made your decision to side with the crown, this is something you’ve done to yourself.

Ibarra: I did what I needed to out of necessity.

Ibarra: Took my peers, my family, my proxy… gone.

Ibarra: Threatened to confiscate all my tools as well.

Ibarra: Should I have not made the choices I’d done right now, I’d have lost everything. Knowledge of thousands of contributors lost all in one night..

Ibarra: I could not allow that. If I’ve paved a path to hell, so be it.

Ibarra: I picked the side I know will continue long after I'm gone, the one who will be able to keep their efforts and struggles in history.

Ibarra: But I refuse to let the work of everyone else vanish from the world forever.

She started reaching for her axe but the icy glaze was too heavy.

Ibarra: She has her heart in the right place, but she doesn’t have what it takes to survive in that world.

Ibarra: I can’t let her burn it all down. She wasn’t there when it happened, she doesn’t understand the burden of being the last one alive…

Ibarra: They'll catch her, and when they do? It'll be like neither of us ever existed...

[Ignispark]

...OH. This sounds like a discussion that needs, the other invested party involved. Not really something that can be decided upon alone.

...definitely something that requires some tact though. It'd, be less than good for the world to lose a lot of important knowledge. Which...would probably have been lost if a kill happened too? I doubt they'd take care of information after you die. Or if they did...well, that's arguably worse as itd probably be heavily weaponized.

...finding a way to prevent knowledge from being lost would, be good though, before flipping off the crown and setting things on fire.

[Shifter55]

Don't shut her out anymore, then. Her body will be your body, and you can do better with her. Even this demonstrates a lack of idleness.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: She’s repeatedly tried to talk to you, no?

Ibarra: What does it matter? It goes nowhere…

Ibarra: She spills her dreams of heroics but she doesn’t have any endgame in mind.

Ibarra: At least here I can accumulate resources and stall-

TIles: This is a discussion that needs the invested party involved, nothing that can be decided on alone.

Ibarra: It’s a waste of time-

Tiles:Stop.

Tiles: Don’t shut her out anymore.

Tiles: Her body will be your body, and you can do better with her.

Tiles: You’re clearly not happy kissing the boot that kicked you.

Ibarra: I… I have so little control of my life at this point…

Ibarra: I don’t want to lose what’s left....

Tiles: You were willing to die to prevent your knowledge from being lost to time. You trusted it in the hands of the crown.

Tiles: As much as you would’ve despised it being lost, I don’t imagine they care a lick of preserving your art.

Ibarra:... 

Ibarra: It really has been a downward slope for a long time..

She glances at your lance.

Ibarra: You can come out now…

Creme’s form projects itself from your weapon, taking it from your hand.

Creme: Been looking forward to this for a long time but..

Creme: Now that it’s here, I’m.. feeling disappointed.

Creme: It would’ve been easier to do this if you were kicking and screaming…

Ibarra: Mm..

Creme: All it’d take is one swift blow and our positions would be switched.

Creme: Your life tied forever to this sad little world.

Creme: But… I’ve lived here enough that I know it wouldn’t be much fun frankly.

Ibarra: And I’ve distanced myself up there to know that you’re lacking quite a bit of crucial info.

Ibarra: You make take my life over but well..

Creme: Never ran a business.

Ibarra: Never had to please suits.

Creme: Certainly never have or ever will bow for the king.

Ibarra: Mm…

Creme reaches over to pick up the axe.

Creme: Poor thing…

Ibarra: Mm…

Creme: What… happened up there? Never knew the details but… it’s been clear for a long time.

Ibarra: Unresponsive, felt hollow ever since to be honest..

Ibarra: Crown forbids those with a vendor’s license to have a proxy..

Creme: Mm…

Creme: I… I think I want to form a pact.

Ibarra: Pardon?

Creme: A friend I’ve been in talks with for a while now taught me something.

Creme: My kind count as entities, albeit of a lesser form.

Creme: Your power is long lost but… I think I can restore it.

Creme: But the conditions have to be made clear..

Creme: I need your body to exit this place…

Creme: But I want to give you the opportunity to be part of this as well.

Creme: So we’ll be returning to the surface world together so long as you don’t harm my allies.

Creme: And in exchange, I will replace what strength you’ve lost..

Ibarra: Is.. that really possible?

Creme: Mmhmm.

Ibarra: I see…

Ibarra: So we’ll be…

Creme: Sharing one body, yes. My time will take priority when it comes to helping the resistance, but you will have plenty of your own as well.

Ibarra: Hmm…

Creme: The alternative is I go up there without you, and our odds are much worse.

Ibarra:... can your allies ensure our safety?

Creme: I believe so…

Ibarra:.. I suppose this is the best option for both of us..

Creme hands both you and Ibarra your weapons back.

Creme: Tiles?

Tiles: Yes?

Creme: Should she pull anything, stop her.

Creme: Protect me, my knight…

Creme: Now um…

She slides a card into your free hand.

Creme: Normally I’d need a vessel according to him but… you can do this part for us.

Creme: You can assist us in finishing this.

Creme: Picture something in your head, something powerful and return the card.

Creme: It will help us make a new proxy.

You take a look.

There’s a picture of a spectral figure wielding a weapon.

It’s quite fancy.

You feel a heavy responsibility right now…

Don’t try to think about it too hard just..

What are:

Your Feelings on Creme?

Your Feelings on Ibarra?

The first thing you want after returning from this job.

What you want most at the feast Creme promised..

 

[Shifter55]

Hand it to Jackie, then, if nothing else you'll be thinking of him afterwards, so why not share that with someone else?

[King-Clod]

Feelings on Creme: I feel like there's still much I don't know about her, but I find her kind. Far kinder than she should be, perhaps, in this circumstance, but I cant say I blame her. I hope she can regain her strength, as well as her confidence, in this coming deal. I hope in her attempt to recover the life that she lost that she's able to fashion her life into one she can call her own.

Feelings on Ibarra: I can understand what it feels like to have the Crown take everything, but in that...I find her weak. We both know loss - but while I've taken it, fashioned it into a weapon, she become one of the wolves at her door for her own safety. I hope in taking this deal she can do better. But I cannot help the malice I feel towards someone in her position, no matter how reluctantly she took it.

The first thing you want after returning from this job: A hot drink. Some time to myself. A clear night so I can see the stars, and refocus. I have a long fight ahead.

What you want most at the feast Creme promised: Good company. And alcohol.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You think about it.

You reflect on the kindness Creme’s managed to present you despite everything. It’s almost too kind under her circumstances but… you really hope she can recover. Her strength, her confidence, everything.

You wish for her to find the best life she can.

You have a little sympathy considering Ibarra’s situation but… you find it hard to find something nice to say all things considered. You find her weak but…. No. You worry you’ll taint the impression.

You hand it over to Jackie.

Jackie: Everything okay?

Tiles: Help me here, what are your thoughts on Ibarra?

Jackie: I mean… she brought me back. Can’t help but give credit there but..

Jackie: I don’t know. She sold out quite a bit, but it’s clear she was cornered.

Jackie: And well.. Your friend has the right to choose how she wants to engage with her other half, yeah?

Tiles: Does bother me how after all that build up she really didn’t seem to put up much fight…

Gallows: Maybe she was tired.

The rabbit enters the frame with Courier and Motley.

Gallows: Sometimes you have to admit you’ve made a mistake. Sometimes you need help.

Gallows: Whatever happens, better to build alliances than risk losing allies.

Tiles: Were you up to this?

Gallows: Had a heart to heart, though I’m not the one who discovered this opportunity on my own.

Gallows: You’ll meet my friend in the shadows eventually. Got an eye in the sky and all that.

He tosses you something, a card.

Gallows: Should assign your own sibling an arcana. Can’t bring him back with you otherwise.

Tiles: Is…

Gallows: He’ll fade without something to anchor him. Right now your little mate is hosting him but… eventually you’ll want your friend back, no?

That’s true, can’t imagine Bastion wants to nap forever…

Gallows: Could also pick another personal item as well to tie him to. Might bring you luck. Working with fragments of the dead is well… I think Mot’s got more to say on that.

Motley: Simply put, this guy's not gonna be the way you remember him, not all the way, anyway.

Motley: If you wanna flesh him out a bit, you gotta give him stuff to latch onto! Preferably stuff from the old days, but eh- if you're willing to accept you're not getting "the" guy, you can help by asking him questions and giving him scraps and things to help him get what he needs.

Motley: Just, whatever you do- don't try to get your old brother back. What you've got is great, but there's no such thing as bringin' back a person wholesale. Take what you can get and get to know this guy as a new person if it comes to that.

 Motley: ...that's what I know from working with my gang and playing scavenger for 'em.

Tiles:... Is he not...?

Motley: I'm telling you as a professional necromancer: there's no way to fully bring back the dead.

Motley: He seems to remember you pretty good, and that's real. So's all the feelings going on right now. She manages a wide smile, trying to look reassuring.

Motley: You got really lucky in that regard! Most people don't get that far, not by a long shot!

Motley: But...

Motley: He's gonna have holes, probably in his memory. From what I can tell, you've got emotions well intact, and that's really good for a situation like this...but you're probably gonna need to coach him a bit. More than a bit.

You nod and take a look over at Jackie. He's avoiding eye contract, face with a tinge of guilt.

Tiles: Is there... any good way to keep in contact? You know a lot on this and I want to make sure this second chance is given the best it can.

Tiles: Admittedly feels strange taking care of someone who used to do the same for me but... he deserves that much.

Motley: Hmmm....

Motley: Eh, sure! Hold out your hand!

You do so.

She focuses for a moment, clenching her fist- before tossing something marble sized into your own palm. It's...wet.

Motley: Give it a little poke.

It unfurls into a pulsating orb of flesh, an ear sticking out on one side, and a mouth on the other.

Motley: Pocket sized communication, a direct line to me and my gang!

Motley: Just focus on it and give me a shout. I'll hear.

Tiles: That simple?

Motley: Well, you gotta feed it regularly for it to stay up and running- but I assume that'll be fine! She grins even wider, and you can't help but feel a bit uneasy at how excited she is over this...thing.

Motley: Just let it bite your finger every so often. No big deal!

Gallows: You'll get used to it fast... now um.. shall we commence?

Jackie walks on over to hand Creme her card back.

Gallows: Figure if we do both of these at once, the magic will rub off. Something special and all, controlled simultaneous rituals and such.

You nod.

Gallows: Pick a item, arcana. We'll handle this quick and clean.

Jackie's current Major Arcana is: The Sun.

A secondary Arcana can add a lot to his current spread.

It will also apply its benefits to yourself.

Pick wisely....

[King-Clod]

This I think we need to ask Jackie's opinion on. Let him know the options and pick which ones he feels best suits him.

I don't want to try to make him as I remember him. Someone's identity is an important thing for them to choose for themself.

...If he gets struck by indecision, however, we can suggest Temperance for the arcana, and his harmonica for the item.

[Ignispark]

Seconding the asking his opinion and the harmonica and such.

However, I'd like to suggest the Wheel of Fortune if he's not sure as I think that'd be an interesting read into indecision. (That or the Magician. not really a reason for this I just feel it'd be fun)

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

You look over you see Jackie and Courier helping Ibarra’s assistant up from the floor, surrounded by the shattered fragments of the axe.

Jackie: I’ve got you..

Courier: Careful not to step on anything sharp.

???: Two rebels…. A ghost and a body snatcher..

Courier: I… don’t really like seeing it framed like that but that’s not wrong really…

???: You’re… not going to hurt her are you?

Jackie: Hmm? What do you mean?

Courier: I’ll handle the talk, you need to be filled in on a lot…

???: Don’t hurt Ib.

???: I really need the money… and without her, the crown’s going to lock me up. Working for her’s part of a deal we worked out.

???: Long as I make myself useful to an associate, I’m out of prison.

Courier: We wouldn’t let that happen.

Courier: You’re not going to-

Ibarra: You’ll be fine. Creme and I will be… cooperating from now on. You’ll see a little less of me but I’ll be here.

???: What’s going to happen to you?

Ibarra:  Just… a change in management. That’s all.. If they pull anything, I’ve done plenty to ensure you’ll be safe..

She looks directly at you.

Ibarra: I’m trusting you with Dive….

Ibarra: I’ve come to realize that my days are numbered anyway..

Ibarra: I yielded for his sake.  If he wasn’t here, this entire fight would’ve been completely different.

Gallows: Why did you take him here in the first place?

Ibarra: I suppose I should disclose something since Creme is going to be sharing this body now..

Ibarra: I come here for the sake of seeing my fallen. That’s something she should be aware of.

Ibarra: This site connects you to those you’ve lost…my family, my peers..

Ibarra: I’ve sustained injury of which I do not want to disclose to anyone but my other sellf.

Ibarra: I need him here to make sure I can make it back after….

Tiles: That seems reckless…

Ibarra: As are you…

Ibarra: We’ve both lost plenty, and you had nothing left.

Ibarra: So to understand each other better, I’ve burdened you with something to lose again…

She gestures over to Jackie..

Ibarra: Protect my comrade and I’ll protect yours…

She looks over as Creme walks closer…

Ibarra: Can only hope to become allies and not a prisoner by the end of this now…

Ibarra: I’ll carry my weight.

Creme: I really never wanted to hurt you…

Ibarra: That’s why you were so weak before… but now you’ve managed to find the strength to commit to such a mindset.

Ibarra: If only it were not in a way so reliant on others.. They can be taken so fast.

Creme: Don’t say that Ib… I haven’t lost you..

Ibarra: You’re too nice for your own good…

Ibarra: But that’s part of your charm now isn't it?

Creme:....

Ibarra: I’m ready..

A light flashes from the tiles on the ground, engulfing the two of them and tightening in a coil.

All that was left behind was a single cat.



She sprints toward you and pulls you into a hug.

Creme: You’ve all actually managed it..

Creme: With a better conclusion than I could’ve ever made happen..

Tiles: Yes well….

Creme: She’s here by the way but..I plan to be in charge for the rest of the day.

Creme: Very much not happy about having to invite you all over for the feast however…

Gallows: She’ll warm up to us..

Jackie approaches you, Dive quiet in the background..

Jackie: My turn next, yes? I overheard everything…

Tiles: Mmhmm.. You need to decide on an arcana, something to bind you with too….

Jackie: My harmonica. Long as my music is in the world somehow, I am too..

Jackie: And as for arcana… I want something to help our new allies.

Jackie: Something that’ll bring good luck.

Tiles: Oh?

Jackie: Birth arcana was the Sun, something I clung onto a lot admittedly…

Jackie: Like to think that it worked out for me in the long run. May not have lived long but…

Jackie: Seeing you all grown up. Makes it worth it, you know?

Jackie:  I think now… I want the Wheel of Fortune.

Jackie: Because I want to be that change for everyone.

Jackie: We’re going to knock the crown down a peg and make a better world for the people.

Tiles: Mm…  I can do that…

There was a flash coming from his pocket.



He pulled out his harmonica, now engraved with a marking… a single X.

Despite its roughed up nature, the instrument had a gleaming feel about it.

Gallows: Honesty, a fantastic pick..

The rabbit holds out his hand to Jackie.

Gallows: Welcome aboard.

Jackie reaches over and shakes with enthusiasm.

Jackie: Looking forward to this.

Gallows: Likewise, we’ll get you set up as soon as you return.

He looks over at Creme.

Gallows: You too, if you need a place to stay for the night.

Courier: Aye! We have a lot of two and three person units set up at this base.

Courier: Might want to think about roommates for the next few days we’re stationed there.

Creme: Ah well… I don’t know for sure there…

Creme: Everyone’s still quite new to me.. But I’d be fine with any of you.

Gallows: Mm. Courier?

Courier: Tempted to mix it up, but don’t mind either.

Gallows: Oh?

Courier: Figure it’d be a good way to get to know our new recruits.

Gallows: Mm.. Likewise.

He turns directly toward you.

Gallows: What about you?

Tiles: Me? Hmm.. well.. I’m used to being on my own but… that’s actually difficult. I hate to sound needy but…

Tiles: I need a spot for my familiar.. And a place to hold Jackie’s harmonica.

Gallows: We can accommodate.

Tiles: In that case… I suppose I can room with someone else.

Gallows: Mm.

Tiles: If I had to pick…

 

[Ignispark]

hmm

Courier or Creme seem like interesting picks.

if you want to be very silly you can make a suggestion of sharing a bed w/someone or two people sharing a bed or something like that to up the space for people in a room

[skinstealer]

share the bed with creme right now

[King-Clod]

I think it's best Dive stay with Gallows or Courier, someone they'd connect with easier than...us, and our deal.
I'd like to keep an eye on Creme, to be honest.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Tiles: Hard to think, would like to get to know everyone a bit more in general.

Tiles: Also would be willing to save space by sharing a bed with someone.

Tiles: I’ve seen the other safe house, imagine you folks can use all the room you can get.

Gallows: Mm… I suppose so. As much as I’d love to get you a place of your own, those are somewhat difficult with how much of a struggle things in our part of town are.

Gallows: Paradiso has a depressing number of people living on the streets.. But you know that I imagine, you’re local, yes?

Tiles: Mm. I was one of those for a long time…



Gallows: I’m sorry to hear that… I hope we can do this much at least to thank you.

Tiles: It’s fine. Made it easier once knights became fugitives in the eyes of the crown… I won’t say no to a bed.

Tiles: The kindness everyone here has shown me is very appreciated…

Gallows: More than proven a friend of the cause.

Tiles: Hmm…

Tiles: I think someone should take up watching Dive for the night.

Gallows: I’m actually going to be busy late so it might be tricky…

Courier: One of those nights?

Gallows: Mm… sorry…

Courier: Then I can handle the job. As much as I’d like to get to know you more, we can wait til tomorrow then…

Tiles: Are you certain?



Courier: Aye, you probably need to rest anyway. Count on me.

Tiles: Mm.. I guess in that case… Creme?

She’s immediately flustered, hairs poofing up.



Creme: Yes?

Tiles: Would you like to join? Would be nice to familiarize myself with you more.

Creme: Gladly… yes? If you are certain.

Tiles: Mm. Do wonder if you’d consider sharing a bed though, it does seem like the safehouses are tight…

Creme: I’m a bit large…



Gallows slides in, giving you a wink before opening his mouth.

Gallows: We have a extra large bed for guests who are especially tall. You’re a little under the height limit though so it could be good to fit two together. We’ll accommodate if you need space but-

Creme: If you insist well…

Creme: I can make such a sacrifice.

Gallows gives a little smirk before pulling out a piece of glass and placing it on the floor.

Gallows: In that case, we’re pretty close to our destination. We’ll flip back into the surface world.

He turns over toward Motley.

Gallows: Think you can afford a little cooldown time, or is the gang thing urgent?
 
Motley: I gotta run for sure, as much as I'd love to stay...
 Motley: Though, I may steal Gally for the night once he's all done.
 She saunters over and places a kiss on his forehead.
 Motley: I promise I'll return you by the morning...it's just been too long…

Gallows: I understand, fighting battles of your own.
 Gallows: Try to keep yourself safe, alright? Let me know when you're done.

Motley: I will, and we can lick each other's wounds when you're back with me.
 Before you can wonder whether the flesh-warping clown is being more literal, she turns to the rest of your party with a grin.
 Motley: Best of luck with the crown thrashing! I'm off!

Gallows gives her a little wave before shattering the glass. The rift opens up, a secluded alley now within view.

Courier leads the party through, Gallows closing the portal behind himself.

You can’t help but smirk.

Tiles: The two of you are silly together.

Gallows: Way it should be, talent of ours really.

Tiles: It’s good on you. Very slick earlier by the way.

Gallows: I’m not going to let you waste an opportunity. Worst case, you make a new friend.

Tiles: Suppose you’re right. I’ll let it slide for now.

Gallows: Just doing my job. Two recruits today…

Tiles: Don’t know about Creme yet but… for now, you’re certainly making a good impression.

The rabbit’s ears perked up at that.

Gallows: Glad really, worried that the mirror trip getting so derailed might’ve put you off..

Gallows: You ready to meet Starman?



???: Better be. You all had me a bit worried, was about to start a search myself.

The two of you are interrupted by a tall figure with a starfish across their face, the mark of a fugitive punished by the royal guard.

???: This the knight? Didn’t think I’d see one of you ever again.

???: Good posture, plated gear… really are the real deal.

???: Not that it would’ve mattered that much, anyone for the cause is an ally I’m grateful for.

???: Starman, head of the community safehouse project. Honored to meet you. And you?