Just a Passing Assassin...

[Lilium Mortem]

Aww, she's cute when she's flustered.

Put a hand on her shoulder while keeping the other holding her hand and help her into a seat. be gentle, just support her, don't push if she doesn't want it.

"no place to face your fears like a place where they can't hurt you. I'm here for you, we go at your pace."

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You place one hand on the spider’s shoulders and offer her another.

The spider takes the offer as you start leading her in.

Cabinetta: Thank you! I’m just… admittedly bad with the unfamiliar sometimes.

Cabinetta: A common sentiment among my kind really..

Cabinetta: You’d think eternal halloween would make this trivial.

Spiral: No worries, we’re going at your pace.

Spiral: Besides! No better way to face your fears like a place where they can;t hurt you, right?

Cabinetta: You are correct. I would like to go to a place like this in person some day though..

Cabinetta: Even if we do keep this somewhat casual, I wouldn’t be opposed to going on a few ride together but…

Cabinetta: Either way, I like being here.

You both are seated, the little mascot friend makes sure the two of you are safe and secure in the road before the others start putting it into motion.

The spider seems startled at first, clinging onto you.

She calms down though as the two of you lift toward the top.

Cabinetta: You can see it all here…. It does remind me much of town during evening.

Cabinetta: Don’t think this place is within a path of traveling fairs and carnivals though, finding one would likely require me to travel.

Spiral: You do much of that?

Cabinetta: Not really… I’m very much a homebody.

Cabinetta: Though perhaps one day maybe..

You spot a castle at the distance, much grander than anything from this town.

Spiral: That anything?

Cabinetta: It’s the representation of my mind!

Cabinetta: A look into my head, so to speak… Yours should be on the opposite end..

You take a look around, seeing a cleared out lot for construction. Framework for what appears to be the start of a cozy little cabin.

Spiral: Not much there yet…

Cabinetta: If your memories are so lost, that would make sense..

Cabinetta: It’s not a blank though, there’s a sense of you there still.

Cabinetta: How it builds up overtime? That really depends…

Spiral: Will mine get as big as yours?

Cabinetta: Difficult to say, it will grow for certain.

Cabinetta: Maybe wider, maybe deeper underground.

Cabinetta: The interior is what matters more really.

Spiral: And what’s yours like?

Cabinetta: Mm… complicated.

Cabinetta: A maze perhaps? Many of the rooms abandoned yet not mine to claim.

Cabinetta: I am a remnant of many, so to speak. So there are parts formed from what belonged to others once, even if they are not there. There’s certainly aspects I’d like to share for certain, but I do warn you’d no longer be on neutral ground if you are curious.

Cabinetta: Just a hunch, but I do suspect you are capable of similar connection yourself now that we are linked like this.

Cabinetta: Could be useful on your future ventures, but there are dangers when going that far in. Could get snagged by some rough memories, could disconnect while still inside in which case well..

Cabinetta: You can picture how that goes.

Cabinetta: But it’s something I could pass along, if you’d like to do something a little more productive with the time we have now. I don’t mind anything really..

 

[Lilium Mortem]

"I don't want this time to be 'productive'. I just want to enjoy your company. enjoy living again. later, it's going to be hard, I'm gonna have to fight. Fight for my life, fight to be free, and that feels so painfully familiar. But I won't let that be my entire life. gotta build something in that lot I'll be proud of."

Lean on her and enjoy the moment

[Ignispark]

learning is fun. who doesnt love learning. nothing bad has ever happened from learning cool skills. but also lets not be TOO productive

[skinstealer]

i think thatd be a great idea...but let's savor this moment first, and then go have An Adventure

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Spiral: Don’t think I really want this to be a productive thing, not right now..

You lean on her shoulder, she gives you a little pat on the head in return.

Spiral: I just wanna enjoy the moment, being alive again.

Spiral: There’s a lot of work ahead of me, a lot if I want to get my freedom back I guess…

Spiral: But it’s nice to like.. Think there’s something to build up to, you know?

Spiral: Maybe in a little bit but… for now just let the moment be the moment I guess.

Cabinetta: We can do that later, after you walk me home perhaps..

Cabinetta: I did need this break myself..

Cabinetta: It’s been quite hectic lately, and with how little anyone’s been able to deal with the threat to the town..  I just needed a bit of a distraction. Here where we’re safe and there are no limits but our imagination..

Cabinetta: It’s nice…

Cabinetta: Admittedly I wish it could be like this more. I have good people around me but.. Having someone around all the time. I don’t know..

Cabinetta: Even if our adventures tonight are merely a shared dream..

Cabinetta: Because at the end of the day, the feeling is real.

Cabinetta: I’m scared to go too far from home often because I know not all people are this kind toward fiendish folk.

Cabinetta: The Hunter is kind but… he’s too busy with the town.

Cabinetta: Turnip is wonderful but tends to be bad at crowds too.

Cabinetta: Until I feel braced, this is a good alternative when someone is willing to meld minds like such..

Cabinetta: Steady was able to show me many things too but.. There’s something nice in someone who’s also figuring quite a bit out.

Cabinetta: The two of you have quite the distinctive taste by the way, not that I mind.

Cabinetta: You’re really not from around here..

Spiral: No idea where I’m from.

Cabinetta: You and your friends are always welcome to visit if it’s difficult out there though. I don’t mind having guests.

Cabinetta: And honestly I’m sure I could find a means to help you escape from those clutches if they bother you so much..

Cabinetta: Negotiate, perhaps find you both work where I’d be able to oversee things so they can’t hurt you. Worst case scenario I could smuggle you out by letting you stay in here and let them sort out where you went on their own.

Cabinetta: I don;t know… I wish I could help you there too.

Cabinetta: Steady has.. Her own complicated feelings on this from what I can tell. She doesn’t seem to have a place to go despite being more than capable of paying off her debt. At least there she has people she knows and cares for. People she can protect Here it’s all a mystery I think.

Cabinetta: Guess I’m just… coming to terms that the first kind people I’ve met in so long are going to be scarce in opportunities to spend time with them.

Cabinetta: Do let me know if.. anything really.

She pauses, lost in thought for a moment before taking a good look out the window.

Cabinetta: We're so high up right now... I can't imagine how people work on aircraft daily...

[Lilium Mortem]

I don't think I mind doing the jobs(any more than I'd mind doing some corporate gig), and the body mod stuff they have set up is a pretty sick benefits package. If the gilded cage had no bars it'd be a swanky place to live, ya know?

Hopefully by the time I figure out myself and what I want from a second life I'll have gotten to the point where I can pay off the debt. But I'm not going to end up like Steady. I'll visit as much as I can. Having connections to people who live in the world instead of just being transient mercenaries is important, I think. Plus you're wonderful and I love you spending time with you.

[skinstealer]

offer to hold her hand, but no pressure.

as for talking, ask her what she would do in your position, stuck in this job but unsure of where to go from here

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Spiral: Don’t really mind doing the jobs from what I know about them, don’t hate it anymore than I’d be into a corporate gig.

Spiral: Body mod stuff is a pretty nice deal I guess. What I’ve got for now works but nice having all those options, you know?

Cabinetta: Mmhmm! Steady has certainly commented as much herself.

Cabinetta: She wasn’t even a mammal when she first started according to her. From what I understand both of your friends are modified to preference after collecting enough samples.

Cabinetta: I do hope you’re able to fill the gaps for yourself!

Spiral: We’ll see, maybe this mission will give us something to work with.

Cabinetta: If you’ve scanned me, which I presume from how Steady explained it works, I would greatly advise  the fiend gaze.

Spiral: THe what?

Cabinetta: It’s a thing!

Spiral: What does it do?

Cabinetta: Well… you’ll have to find out really!

You reach out for the spider’s hand.

Spiral: Maybe I will…

Spiral: Haven’t been doing this for much, being a blank slate with a bunch of options though kinda feels right?

Spiral: If the gilded cage had no bars well.. It’s honestly not too bad. Maybe even better than my old life if I was in that much debt…

Cabinetta: Mm, I understand..

Spiral: But I have plans, I’m not gonna end up like Steady where I feel stuck there you know?

Spiral: I wanna live in the world, know people there. Be more than a mercenary. I’ll visit as much as I can really…

Spiral: Really love… spending time with you I guess. It’s been wonderful.
Cabinetta: Ah! Well…

She smiles.

Cabinetta: Mm. I do hope you’re able to pay what you owe.

Cabinetta: I do think you’re in good hands, Steady seems already quite attached to you despite your short time knowing each other.

Spiral: Mm…

Spiral: Can I ask something?

Cabinetta: Mmhmm!

Spiral: You got any advice for all this?

Cabinetta: What do you mean?

Spiral: Like.. being stuck here. What would you do if it were up to you?

Cabinetta: Me?

Cabinetta: I don’t think I’d do well in such a climate, if I am to be entirely honest.

Cabinetta: Even with good people, I think the lifestyle is far from stable…

Cabinetta: I’d make plans of course, an endpoint to look forward to if I choose to return up there…

Cabinetta: But I do not think I’d be able to feel right knowing every aspect of myself is not truly my own..

Cabinetta: Even if you pay off your freedom, Steady has told me they keep you longer by charging you for anything they provide if you wish to walk out. That includes your physicality.

Spiral:..What?

Cabinetta: Mm… If you do not have a vessel awaiting you outside of there, you’d have to buy one.

Spiral: Nothing’s ever that easy.. Nobody mentioned that.

Cabinetta: She planned to explain that once you received your check for the job, would prefer to cover how the debt is handled once you have means to pay some of it off from what I understand.

Cabinetta: On the brighter side.. Steady has told me this job being promoted in scope means you’ll certainly have a good chunk paid after however so that’s nice..

Cabinetta: But if you wish to leave quickly, you’d be doing a good number with such a risk level, if not moreso. The idea of having this kind of work gamified is scary to be quite honest.

Cabinetta: But perhaps it’s just me, every detail I heard when we were linked up just makes it sound dystopian in concept. Is this really what the future of our world looks like? 

Cabinetta: I am not sure I’m a fan.

Cabinetta: To properly answer your question, I think I would just… run away from it all myself.

Cabinetta: Even if things were to all go perfectly, I find the idea too bleak to dedicate so much of my life to.

Cabinetta: Once this town is rid of the thing that trapped you here and your comrades, you can be beamed up at any moment though. So running away wouldn’t get very far…frustrating.

Cabinetta: If you wish to continue, I will support you as much as I can. There are people in your same situation who share solidarity, you will be cared for.

Cabinetta: But I do offer a potential out, albeit a rather extreme one.

Spiral: And what’s that?

Cabinetta: Right now we are existing in what is effectively a neutral mental space, an even melding of our thoughts and emotions.

Cabinetta: When I release you, you’ll wake up back where you belong.

Cabinetta: But if you were to stray too far into the other person’s mind and not leave before the connection is cut off? Very real chance you would not go back to your body.

Cabinetta: And at that point it becomes very difficult for anyone to claim you.

Cabinetta: I would make what accommodations I could and I more than likely would be able to put you back, should you regret it.

Cabinetta: I recognize it’s an extreme however.

Cabinetta: I am conflicted myself. I'd like to have you around more for certain but... it's a leap of faith for both of us, even if I am willing to.

Cabinetta: Living as a fiend has many hardships of its own in this world. I cannot promise it'll be the better choice for you long term. But it’s an option I place on the table for you because I do feel you deserve some out.

[Lilium Mortem]

Wait holdup what do you mean 'future of your world'? I thought this was multiverse bullshit, not time travel bullshit!

And I appreciate the offer but I think it's too soon to be making rash decisions about my person-hood. I can work within the system while I get my bearings, I don't remember much but I think I used to do dangerous work, got a big fuck off hammer, had to be for something. also barring extreme circumstances like we're here to save someone from, I think I can't die. I'll be fine for at least a little while, so I can figure my shit out.

[skinstealer]

...as tempting as that is...

i want to figure this situation out first. but if shit gets bad, like, Really bad, i may seek you out and take you up on that. it's nice to have an out, at least...

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Spiral: Future of our world.... What do you mean?

Spiral: I guessed we were just from different ones? Are we time traveling-?

Cabinetta: Speculation admittedly, I just figured that…

Cabinetta: What I understand of where you came from, it’s not too far off from where our world is advancing.

Cabinetta: And some regions are so distantly apart, nothing to say we aren’t close ourselves. Maybe not in this town but..

Cabinetta: Just a thought. I mean… if it is this world, that does mean I can eventually find you if it’s a simple matter of waiting.

Cabinetta: I will live incredibly long, should all things go well.

Spiral: Mm..

Spiral: I guess then just… thinking about the offer.

Spiral: I can hold out longer, tempting as it is.

Spiral: I remember doing plenty of dangerous work. I’ve got a big hammer from my past life.

Spiral: And extreme circumstances like what we’re in right now aside, pretty sure most days none of us can actually die.

Spiral: Think I’d need a little time to decide on things, and I can tough a lot out myself.

Spiral: Tempting as it is, I think I’ll keep it in as just an option for now.

Cabinetta: Understood. I did say it was rather extreme for a reason.

Cabinetta: Admittedly I’m somewhat disappointed, it’ll be difficult to go back once we’ve handled the danger and all of you return…

Cabinetta: But I look forward to staying in touch however we’re able to..

She tries to smile, but there’s a very clear unsureness to her whole face.

The wheel wraps up, descending back down until it was at a full stop.

The doors open up, allowing both of you to exit.

Your mascot friends give you a little wave to catch your attention. They pause to look at the spider, whisper amongst themselves, and glance back directly at you.

One gives you a little gesture, seems like they’re more than ready to wingman right now.

[skinstealer]

get in close with the one who's gesturing and ask them what they think should be done, i have no idea if they talk but maybe they can gesture more (but subtly)

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You step out ahead, holding the door for Cabinetta behind you. A little crack of appreciation across her face, though she remains fairly quiet for now.

It’s clear there’s a melancholy to her, she’s been trying to avoid letting linger to now.

You walk up to the staff, friendly little guys. They’re here to help, as a theme park would imply.

Spiral: If you’ve got any ideas, let me in.

Spiral: Don’t want to end things on a bad note.

The Mascots whisper amongst themselves before looking back to you, making direct eye contact.

You can head a voice echo in your head, its tones prompting you to keep your vision locked naturally.

???: You were once a witch, and this world is your station.

???: Though you forgot the spells you’ve cast, the rest of your mind does not.

???: While you are locked, there’s a frequency, a means to wow with magical arts.

???: A surprise with a gift may be what you need, to ease the kind fungi’s mind.

Spiral: I thought she wasn’-

???: She lied. It’s not very flattering to be called a mushroom.

Spiral: I mean it’s cute in a way…

Spiral: Are you talking or-

???: I’m more of a interface, a very responsive one.

???: Your bench in a way.

You find yourself with a signal and blank vouchers.

One that links you to every other witch and every pact they’ve sealed.

Beyond the short life you’ve lived so far.

Beyond what memories of before you’ve tapped into.

You recognize you’re in here because of a deal with someone you should not know.

And it’s only fair that further bargains gain you your freedom.

Whatever your past life did you trap you here, they certainly had a backup plan.

Spiral: Is this safe?

???: For now, yes.

???: You have free gifts to redeem. Effectively a blank check to bend the world you are currently in.

???: Give me a name, any name.

Spira: A-

???: Before you say anything, I mean any name.

???: Anyone who has ever touched the print of a witch, whether you knew them or not.

???: Whether you should know them or not.

???: And you will have their guidance and blessing soon enough.

[Lilium Mortem]

Call upon See

[Ignispark]

Hmm...Gallows would probably be a decent choice...seems like a figure that might have some decent advice?

However, maybe something else would be more interesting...so
I suggest Frida.

[skinstealer]

gonna say frida as well as hilarious as see would be

[MarxzVulpez]

Thirding Frida and seconding Gallows

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Spiral: Frida,

???: Don’t think you ever knew a Frida but…

???: Somehow that seems like a good pick. Natural one.

???: Ah… an entity.

???: That’s the logical choice it seems.

Electronic noises start to echo around you, static and buzzing with a distinctly silky hymn tattered backing.

???: Be wise with your bargaining chips, you only have so many before you’ll face real consequences.

Spiral: Should I be worried?

???: Connection made.

???: Good luck.

You are in a room.

Across is… a rabbit??

A very strange looking one at that.



Frida: Hi! Know I'm uh.. kind of spooky looking but you know. Don't bite.

Frida: Guess no point in worrying about that, you're a witch and right now you got teeth in your throat as we speak so...

Frida: You seem pretty brave? Like she could just steal your soul and all of your blood right now, kinda impressed.

Frida:I've got the footnotes on what's up out there, up to speed probably?

Frida: In the middle of a date, currently linked your mind to a spider woman, had a talk that might’ve gone in a few places, offered to merge with you?

Spiral: Mm.

Frida: That’s pretty intense for a first date actually.. I mean I’m guilty of stuff like that so guess I can’t make fun of anyone. Got kinda serious in a way where she’s kinda just sad now.

Spiral: Yeah, trying to lift the mood a little.

Spiral: Looking for a gift?

Frida: Uh…

Frida: I mean if you’re still linked to her we can easily find something to take ideas from but that feels kinda rude without asking.

Frida: But… I can help you, Make something maybe? A plush? A blanket? Maybe a nice little thing to put on the shelf. Pricing uh… we can talk later. Not really big into making deals that clients have to super commit to. Maybe a favor at some point if I’m in the area.

Frida: Not much of an entity I guess, don’t like the word all that much either. I’m just Frida…

Frida: If you want some help besides that I can? I do proxies, I can loan some of my power, hell people don;t like to bring it up either but if you wanna be an avatar for a bit go nuts I guess? Just don’t be a dick about anything and we’re cool.

Frida: And um.. Ideas? If you got any I can see what I can do. Don’t really want much in return, know you got some wild goods on you right now but eh… don’t meddle in that kinda currency. Maybe grab me a bite later or something. Not all that picky.

[Ignispark]

Uh...a plush or something sounds like a good idea...ideas.

Are probably the most needed, advice. Like...

There's so much. To worry about. What's even a good decision here? If you were in this situation would you be looking for power? What DO you even do here. It's really overwhelming. The mystery, the omens, the choices.