[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

It's quiet at first, noise fading in with a soft hum.

You're not sure what to make of it at first-

Cheering.

You're surrounded by incredibly happy people, congratulating you, shaking your wing- you won! You made it to the Hallowed Wood, and-

Cross wraps you up in a huge hug, her body monstrous yet familiar. You think she might be crying, so overcome with emotion at her new form, so wrapped up in all the sensations...

You're so proud of her, for coming so far.

You turn after sharing her embrace, seeing Devo and Tim supporting each other with arms over their respective partner's shoulder, whistling and hollering in support of everything that's happened, your complete and utter success.

But where's-

Looking around for Roulette brings nothing, just masses of people you don't recognize, toys of all types- but all with spooky features, a sea of purple, green and orange.

All of a sudden, though-

Your eyes are drawn to a figure on the side.

A rabbit, not quite a bunny but at the same time maybe too much of one. It doesn't sit well with you.

The rabbit is in the middle of a exercise routine, very intense until your gaze lingers a little too long.

Its head tilts toward you, locking directly onto your face and suspended mid squat. It feels like a eternity.

POLKA DOT: I, uh-
POLKA DOT: Who-
 

...is...this thing...even a toy?

POLKA DOT: What are you...doing?

Cross doesn't even seem to notice it.

???: Why're you lookin?
POLKA DOT: I don't-
 

You break away from your girlfriend, walking over to the squatting rabbit with your wings on your hips.

POLKA DOT: I don't know, but something about you's fucking weird.
???: I ain't done anything. You're weird.
POLKA DOT: I called you weird first!
POLKA DOT: You're-
 

It doesn't belong here, somehow.

A piece from a different puzzle.

Is it even a toy?

POLKA DOT: You're not from here, are you?
 

The awareness that this is a dream hits, and even though you're not really in control, you can tell that something is off.

Your words spill out.

POLKA DOT: My head.
POLKA DOT: My...vision for this. This whole thing.
POLKA DOT: You're not part of the plan.
 

It goes back to its routine, squatting with unmoving eyes.

You go to ask another question, but you're snapped out of it-

The only sound in the room is Cross' electronic heartbeat.

No more weird rabbit.

Awake.

Safe.

POLKA DOT: Fucking hell...
POLKA DOT: ...maybe a bit more sleep would be good.

 

Your dreams are lapine-free.

 

A week passes.

You get some more training sessions in- mostly with Cross, some with Tim, but Devo and Roulette are harder to come by. Scheduling, people tell you.

Makes me more nervous than I want to admit...

...Probably fine, though.

The day comes when you're ready to hit up Wanderer, you and Cross getting dressed up in some of your most respectable clothes before heading down to the motel-styled rooms.

You haven't been in yours much, lately. You top it up just to be safe, but your time's starting to stack up on your keyfob, unused from all the hours spent at Cross'. Sometimes you like having your own space, but....it's nicer to be around her, and share her company.

Laurie seems fine with it, at least.

You're not sure you're heading in the right direction up until you see Tim, fidgeting and shimmying in place outside a motel room door.

POLKA DOT: Hey!
TIMOTHY: Oh, thank god-
TIMOTHY: I was worried I was in the wrong place.
TIMOTHY: Double checked the number you sent over text, triple even-
TIMOTHY: But I'm never sure about stuff like this...
POLKA DOT: You're good, man.
CROSSBONE: Narrative got us to the right place in the end, probably!
CROSSBONE: ...are Devo and Roulette coming separately?
TIMOTHY: Yeah, hopefully not too long...
TIMOTHY: ...Devo said he'd try to get Roulette, anyway.





 

It takes a few minutes before you hear the voice of a very familiar bear.

DEVO: Damn, got here faster than I thought we would!
DEVO: Cmon, almost there.
 

Tim waves down the hallway, his tail wagging as his partner comes closer.

Your camera-headed...friend? Acquaintance?
It trails behind Devo as he approaches, hanging back an extra few feet.
It keeps quiet, only giving the occasional quick glance at everyone.

POLKA DOT: H-hey, Roulette!
POLKA DOT: It's, uh-
POLKA DOT: Good to see you here.
ROULETTE: Likewise.
 

...I can't get a read on that.
It's fine. It's Fine.

You clear your throat.

POLKA DOT: So, uh-
POLKA DOT: Should I do the honors?
CROSSBONE: I can, if you're nervous.
CROSSBONE: It's my mess that got you all into this, after all.
 

The virtual pet strides forward, straightening her back before knocking on the door.

You hear footsteps on the other side of the door before the latch clicks and the door opens, Wanderer sticking her head out, her voice and demeanor quite different for just a moment before she realizes it's you.

WANDERER: Why hell- oh. I see, it is you.
WANDERER: I was assuming you had given up on your dangerous endeavour.
CROSSBONE: N-no, ma'am-
 

She sticks out her hand, pixel character darting around nervously on her screen as she keeps her posture rigid.

CROSSBONE: I am-
CROSSBONE: Very intent on doing this.
CROSSBONE: It's a p-pleasure to meet you.
 

You see Wanderer's wings shake, and she tilts her head a moment before reciprocating the hand shake.

WANDERER: You are the one looking to get cursed.
 

You feel like that should have been a question, but she somehow already knew.

CROSSBONE: ...yes.
CROSSBONE: I know it-
CROSSBONE: I know it probably sounds foolish.
CROSSBONE: But to me, it's- it's becoming the true me.
CROSSBONE: That's worth it to me.
WANDERER: An understandable and admirable goal to be sure.
WANDERER: Is there anything anyone wants to be more than their true self?
WANDERER: But I ask this with all the compassion I have.
WANDERER: This is dangerous.
WANDERER: These friends of yours could get hurt, or worse.
WANDERER: Is your heart ready to weigh your true self against the consequences of attaining it?
 

Cross is quiet.

CROSSBONE: Yes.
CROSSBONE: I'll do my best to protect them just as they are for me.
 

Wander sighs and drops her head slightly.

WANDERER: That is not what I am asking. You cannot protect everyone.
WANDERER: Even if they are all willing to pay what price must be paid...
WANDERER: Will you ever be able to see your new self in the mirror without thinking about what... or who it cost?
 

Cross' pixel character stops fidgeting.

CROSSBONE: ...I think so, yes.
CROSSBONE: And if I...If I can't-
CROSSBONE: I'll...process that.
CROSSBONE: It's a risk I'm willing to take.
 

Wanderer lets out a bitter chuckle.

WANDERER: Everyone always thinks so.
WANDERER: When you get to be my age...
 

She trails off and stands there silently for a moment.

WANDERER: Nevermind. I know you won't be turned away, you're clearly as stubborn as I used to be at your age.
WANDERER: Come in.
WANDERER: Before I begin giving out gear and showing you how it's used, do you have any questions for me?