[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

JESTER: Wh-
SYNNA: What's going on over there?
MAES: Jester-
JESTER: J-judgment just lit up, something's wrong-

 

The floor wet and warm, blistering winds indoors heading toward Maes' direction.




The proxy starts to spasm mechanically.







The karacel reels back, letting out a snarl as she readies her sword-

JESTER: MAES, THAT'S-

 

[Image Description: A hyper-stylized silhouette of Charon leaping with sword in hand at the mysterious creature, the background adorned with stars on a reddish background.]


Immediately a loud clash, the impact sparking light just enough to see just a glimpse of the action.


[Image Description: Charon makes a attempt to use his sword to fend off the creature, a living embodiment of space and void contrasting with the similarly colored star pattern of his cape. The point where the sword blocks the beast has a cutoff from the borders of the comic itself, magic of the void manifested in breaking and rearranging the medium of illustration and comics themselves to be used as a tool by the canine knight]


A large writhing mass of loose humanoid shapes poorly clinging to make a larger figure.




As Charon is thrown back, his proxy tags in- guarding against the attacker's weight what isn't quite Mar, hissing hymns- its presence too angry and threatening to be her.





The dog shifts to the opposite side to protect the others, audibly growling- light yet animalistic, with a electronic cackle.

MAES: WH-
JESTER: IT'S NOT THE GHOST-!
MAES: WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN IT'S NOT THE-

 

Ice, ice cold feeling floods the room, enough to make Rosetta shudder and lose her grip, convulsing and covering her ears from some unheard sound.



The figure immediately thrashes, the new proxy diving in to grab and slam it down toward the opposite direction.










The noise, the shaking from both fighting- unearthly, unknowable-

JESTER: It's- it's okay, it's-!

 

The mass looks to Maes.





And lunges.







It does not reach its target.



A colossal thud, enough to shake the room, echoes as a massive wall of flesh wedges itself between Jester, Maes, and the fight, shielding the two of them-




[Image Description: A sequence of events depicted in 3 panels, frames collapsing to represent the blur of the moment. In the first panel Maes, wearing the hazard suit, is being stalked by a mysterious creature, tendrils creeping into frame past the usual comic borders. Second panel is a cut depicting the creature directly above and about to lunge at Maes, a mysterious figure rushing in to interrupt the attempt to bite off her head. Third panel, largest of all, depicts Maes reacting to the figure, a very large feline creature with multiple heads layered around each other, taking the impact of the piecing monster. There is a unspoken sense of familiarity between the two. ]


-Eight glowing lights materializing on its form, different shapes, colors and sizes-











...eyes.



Just like Jester's.



Jester acts fast, snatching up Maes and leaping back as her breath gets labored.




It feels like the moment lasts forever, everyone but Charon and his proxy shielded by the twisted shield of karacel parts.








Pounding, sounds of metal tearing into bone and flesh, proxy screaming and dog howling.






Jester whimpers and clutches at Maes, squeezing his eyes shut as the rawest and most basic of urges rocking the entire floor.

Maes is frozen.

Rose breathes heavily, her hands shaking as her tail writhes from the noise.











An impossibly high pitched noise breaks through.









And then silence, a light so bright it could have been a blinding sun blasting from the other side.



Jester looks up, squinting- the shadows coming off forms all he can see.


[Image Description: A injured Charon with cracked lens and lip dripping with blood looking back at the party as he seals them off from the fight with the creature. In front of him a large humanoid figure with flowing materials growing out of her is holding a large banner on a pole. She faces off against the beast, a ultimate form of proxy against a shadowy fiend not quite fully developed. The entire panel being slowly swallowed by tendrils and square framings, cracking under the strain of being assaulted.]


Cracked outlines in the surrounding area reveal glimpses of something not meant to be encounter, feelings of divine hate no person could fathom on their own.





A sense of body and soul barely being attached, living briefly among the stars beyond.




Jester cannot look away.








And then a return to darkness.










Proxy still rattling.




There came a sound that could only be the attacker slinking away, its pathetic, pained cries like a kid who's knee had been scraped.







And then it's all gone, proxy trembling and dog whimpering remaining as the last sounds of struggle.

MAES: ...Judgment?

 

Maes' voice is shaky, snapped out of her shock.

MAES: J-jester, put me-
JESTER: Maes, it's-!

 

He keeps his grip tight on her, even when she thrashes.


The mismatched pupils turn towards the pair, a silhouette starting to become visible.

Not a wall, but a massive figure, more similar to an insect in body plan than the traditional bipeds found in Taverne-

...a twisted creature not unlike the one that attacked Charon, but both more and less identifiable in its features. A row of karacel heads devouring each other in a chain, forming a bizarre long neck tipped with a singular head. Its body reeks of decomposed flesh, its body and limbs made up of prehensile, matted tails- black sludge leaking from between the different colors of fur.

Each face seems to shift independently, but after a moment, it turns their attention to the trio in front of it.

It shuffles over, lowering its long neck to investigate.

A distorted, stretched calico face peers at Charon and then the proxy, eyes blue and wet looking.

The proxy sobs silently, while the knight's expression is completely lost.

[skinstealer]

MAES: JESTER, LET ME DOWN
????: ...

 

The ghost lowers itself to the ground, its countless legs folding into a loaf-like shape.

It leans its cascading row of heads over to sniff him, and then bumps into the proxy with its main snout.











...It smells fucking horrible.

MAES: JUDGMENT-!

 

Maes' voice cracks, pounding at Jester's leg.

MAES: Jester, what the fuck is going on?!
JESTER: I, I don't- the-

 

His breathing hitches, still frozen.

The dog is too tired to do more than cover his face with a sleeve, blocking out the stench of rot.






[id: The ghost, now fully revealed, sits in a loaf-like position- surprisingly kitty-like and sweet looking despite being made out of corpse chunks. It appears to comfort Charon's new proxy, nuzzling up. Its frontal head has wide, shiny wet eyes, and doesn't look like it fully understands what's going on.]





The proxy practically lunges for a hug, squeezing the mass of amalgamated karacel flesh.

A cascade of mewls, the creature fluffing up and half backing away, half clinging on back.

????: ....whh-hhhy?

 

After a moment, the proxy backs off, visibly embarrassed and apologetic.

The dog finally breaks the silence.

CHARON: That thing was a fiend... a-angriest one I've ever seen.
SYNNA: A fiend?!

 

Synna's voice goes shrill.

SYNNA: How the shit did we miss that?!

 

Jester finally lets Maes loose, only for her to trip on a stray tail- a rotting tendril stained with long-dried gristle.

MAES: FUCK

 

The proxy dives in to help her up.

CHARON: N-not fully formed, still in progress.
CHARON: Possibly a historical extreme...

 

Maes latches onto the rook in a death grip, trying to catch her breath.

MAES: But- what the fuck do we do about that?!
MAES: What did it even do!
JESTER: It w-went-
JESTER: It went after Maes.

 

Jester's throat sounds dry, shaky on comms.

JESTER: The- the ghost, or w-whatever it was, protected us while the others fought it.
JESTER: T-the fiend.
CHARON: You aren't its true fixation, but it hates you by association.
MAES: ...

 

Maes freezes.

MAES: ...hates...me?
CHARON: It recognizes your position.
ROSETTA: I-it knows you left.

 

Rosetta's tail hacks and wheezes inside her suit as she manages to kneel, finally lucid again.

ROSETTA: ...that you were the one that got special treatment.
MAES: .....

 

Maes makes a soft, stunned noise.

CHARON: : It can't trace you past this room... but it sees you as extension of her.
JESTER: B-but-
JESTER: That's not fair!

 

Jester interjects, his tone turning angry.

JESTER: Maes-
JESTER: Maes works really hard for all of us!
JESTER: She got us out!
ROSETTA: Yeah.
ROSETTA: Us.

 

Rosetta's voice is dull.

ROSETTA: ...Seems like these are the ones that didn't.
ROSETTA: Both the fiend thing, and-

 

Her tail thumps around until she bumps into the "ghost", the figure folding two of its paws in a surprised gesture.

ROSETTA: That.
CHARON: Neither have context.
MAES: ...I...

 

Maes tenses, feeling firm and shaking in the proxy's grip.

MAES: But-
SYNNA: ...Maes.

 

Synna makes a snapping sound on the other end of the line.

SYNNA: Snap out of it.
SYNNA: You can freak out when you're back, and not in its goddamn lair.
MAES: ...r..right.
MAES: You said- you said you found the ghost.
CHARON: Mm... the spirits that remain and the sentiments without closure.
SYNNA: ...Less flowery, please.
CHARON: ...it's a maybecat.

 

Jester reaches out a hand, the ghost sniffing it.

JESTER: ...looks...a bit meatier than I'd expect for a ghost.
CHARON: Manifestation is not an exact science.

 

Jester manages to scritch under its chin, getting a nasty, unsettling purr and a multi-eyed slow blink in response.

JESTER: Feels physical too.
CHARON: ...probably hooked onto any organic matter it can find.
CHARON: Ghosts seek vessels.
SYNNA: Looks like it got into Storage after all.
ROSETTA: Glad this one's friendly..
JESTER: Poor thing must have thought we were lab staff...

 

The ghost moves suddenly, multiple sets of hands grabbing at Jester's suit-

JESTER: H-hey!

 

-until the cookie treasures were stolen.

JESTER: Maybe we should bring it more sweets...
SYNNA: Oh, you're not bringing it anything except right back here.
SYNNA: How big is it?
JESTER: ...bigger than Smith, but not by a lot.
SYNNA: Workable for the large-class dorms?
JESTER: I think so...
SYNNA: Congratulations, we have a new resident.
CHARON: We should probably ask it what it needs accommodated.

 

It was already making grabby hands at Jester, patting him down.

JESTER: ...food.
CHARON: Suppose that's given... I think we should be safe to return without another struggle.

 

Maes shuffles uncomfortably as Jester takes a few of the beast's hands in his own, giving them a gentle squeeze.

JESTER: Let's get you home.


















MATTHIAS: Ohhhh, heeeeeere she is-

 

The karacel doesn't look up, keeping his gaze straight ahead at the gore-splattered wall.

MATTHIAS: The woman of the hour-
MATTHIAS: Cheeeelsea-
MATTHIAS: Smiles!

 

Chelsea's eye twitches as Matthias leaps in front of his gaze, a finger under his chin.

MATTHIAS: And what a frowner she is on this beautiful day.
CHELSEA: Can you not do that.
MATTHIAS: Not so feisty now that we're on even footing, are you?
CHELSEA: I'm not stupid, Matthias.
CHELSEA: Can't say the same for you, but-
MATTHIAS: Doesn't matter now, does it?
MATTHIAS: Youuuu can't blow me up.
MATTHIAS: And neither can your pretty attack dog.

 

Chelsea's eye twitches again.

MATTHIAS: Are you feeling lonely lately, Chels?

 

Do not engage.

MATTHIAS: All pent up about things?
MATTHIAS: After all-

 

He huffs smoke in the karacel's face, Chelsea doing his best not to blink as his eyes burn.

MATTHIAS: Can't imagine being apart for nearly three decades helps the sexual repression.
CHELSEA: ....
CHELSEA: Are you done?
MATTHIAS: Sure.
MATTHIAS: Sure, sure!
MATTHIAS: I just came to drop something off for you- the boss wanted me to pass along a little gift.
CHELSEA: I'm good.
MATTHIAS: I don't think you'll want to turn this one down!

 

His grin widens like a horrible mask as he whisks a photo out of his back pocket, shaking it wrong-side facing Chelsea.

MATTHIAS: Just for you!
CHELSEA: I'm not falling for the dead children bit again.
MATTHIAS: You sure?
MATTHIAS: This one's alive- or, well, all grown up...

 

He twirls it in his fingers, Chelsea's face paling as the image reveals itself.




[id:]Matthias, revealed to be a canine individual with a stitched face and jagged smile, sporting bicolor hair long hair and fresh, modern glasses. He holds out a photograph of a very familiar fiend- Charon's hair down loose, messy, and his eye markings visible.]

MATTHIAS: For now!

 

The karacel leaps out of his seat, stumbling as he tries to claw at the canine's eyes- only for Matthias to catch his emaciated arm, cackling.

MATTHIAS: Ohhh, THANK you for the confirmation!
MATTHIAS: Gonna be honest, you pulled a hell of a magic trick with this one!
MATTHIAS: Didn't think you had the equipment to knock her u-
CHELSEA: DON'T TOUCH HIM

 

His gravely voice cracks, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes before he can stop it.

MATTHIAS: What, you acting like you've got claim to some bastard kid you chucked at her parents?
MATTHIAS: Has he even met you?
MATTHIAS: Some kinda mommy you are.

 

His shoulders are shaking, breath coming out haggard.

CHELSEA: If you- if you even-
MATTHIAS: Do you really think I'd show you if I thought you could stop me?
MATTHIAS: Consider this a little equivalent exchange.
MATTHIAS: Since your dumb bitch just had to take my arm...

 

He leans in, giggling between syllables.

MATTHIAS: I'll do the same to your cute little spawn.
MATTHIAS: Of course, who's to say I won't get a little excited-
CHELSEA: Y-
CHELSEA: You-

 

Matthias throws the cat to the ground with zero hesitation, Chelsea falling flat on his back.

MATTHIAS: How many decades has it been, Chels?
MATTHIAS: Since you started to look down on me?
MATTHIAS: Kept me in check?
MATTHIAS: Go ahead.
MATTHIAS: Come after me.
MATTHIAS: Second you assert yourself as somebody who gives a shit about an incredible, powerful knight of such a prestigious family-
MATTHIAS: Your rep dooms him.
MATTHIAS: That's why you never visited, right?

 

Matthias mock pouts.

MATTHIAS: Didn't wanna give your baby boy a mark on his head.
MATTHIAS: Too late!
MATTHIAS: Now he's got a different one.

 

He clasps his hands, snickering.

MATTHIAS: Let's not make that worse.

[skinstealer]

[id: A photograph of a much younger Charon and a rose-headed figure next to him lays on a corkboard, pins and twine connecting more photos out of frame. Blood lightly trickles from his mouth.
Text reads:
UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS
Episode 7: Sel(ves) Love]







...Something was wrong.





He didn't know what, or how-
-but something had gone terribly wrong.












Gone.











When Charon had come out of the locker room, Maes had just- gone.

The usual spot at the break room table where she would wait for him was empty- no sign of anyone having even sat in the chair.

It was just a tiny thing. A small change in routine that they'd had for what felt like both such a short period and a long one, something that most people wouldn't even think of.










She had waited for him every time.









Maybe she was running late. Maybe she just- fell behind in her own decontamination. Needed a breather. She had looked like shit coming out of there, something hollow about her expression even through the visor.




He had tried to comfort her on the way to the elevator, only to get a complete non-reaction in the process.





He told her they could catch up after cleanup and get some well-needed rest together.














He waits and he chair remains empty.






Stay or go. If she needed him back at her place, he was neglecting her there. If she was just delayed, he would be leaving her behind. Was she going to be okay navigating after that? She had stumbled as she walked back to the rehab center, body shaking despite her attempts to cover it up.








No amount of chest pain and staring at the chair makes his partner manifest.













....

























He chooses to go to the apartment.







The hallways are the same. Every bit of floor tile and carpet and pristine, well maintained surface haven't changed at all, but there's a lump in his throat that grows. Passerbys greet him, knowing him as the charming knight who visits the Director and makes her smile-












Maes' door lays in front of him.












As Charon reaches for the handle, the door swings open- no one there.











The apartment door is unlocked.

CHARON: ...Boss?







 

No response.








He steps inside, tail plates audibly shifting around.

One of the kitchenette's chairs had been thrown to the side, other furniture jostled and shoved out of place, the bathroom door flung open-









-and a lump made of all of the blankets and sheets on the bed, tightly curled and making indiscernible noises.
Black sludge bleeds through, leaving dark, blotted stains.

CHARON: ....
CHARON: ...Is it okay if I stay with you right now?

 

The lump curls up tighter.

[id: A person-sized lump under black-stained blankets, Charon looking down at it with a deeply distressed grimace.]

CHARON: ...I can leave you alone too if it'd be easier.

 

Tighter, a little noise of distress.

The dog makes his way over, patting the side of the bed.

CHARON: Then I'll keep you company until you can come out.
MAES: Nnn.

 

Even then, she seems to untense just a bit.

CHARON: Felt wrong having you so scarce at the end of the day...

 

Her words are muffled, but clearly very, very unhappy.

CHARON: I was worried.

 

Fumbling, only for the cat to allow her snout to peek through.

MAES: I-
MAES: I already made enough mess.
CHARON: We all knew it'd be a risky job, I'm just glad everyone got out fine.
MAES: .....
MAES: This...isn't fine.
MAES: This is the exact- it's-
CHARON: Something we'll have to handle, and we'll do so together.
MAES: You could have DIED-

 

Her voice cracks.

CHARON: I know.
MAES: I-
MAES: I could have lost everyone, the whole program, residents, you, everyone, all because- b-because of my idiotic-
CHARON: We picked a crew that had the best chance of survival, made a crucial discover, and now can sit and assess how to navigate it in the future.
CHARON: What matters here next is how you're willing to address what was found.
MAES: H-how can you be so calm?!
MAES: I fucked up, Judgment!
CHARON: Days like these are a expectation I operate under, a occupational hazard no different than you having to bare the bulk of responsibility for this entire facility.

 

Charon sits himself on the side of the bed.

CHARON: But my expectations are a chosen torture, I signed up for this.
CHARON: You didn't get a chance to pick.
MAES: You-

 

Maes sniffles, a little trace of black sludge still on her lip.

MAES: You didn't sound like you s-signed up for this.
MAES: Not with that thing.
CHARON: If I had no idea there'd be days like this, I wouldn't be standing here right now.
MAES: And what if y-you had lost?!
MAES: What if you weren't standing?
MAES: What would have happened then!
CHARON: You wouldn't be here either, and I wasn't remotely willing to let that happen.
MAES: Willing doesn't mean you're i-invincible.
CHARON: No... but that thing and myself are the same type of being.
CHARON: If it could hurt me, I can absolutely do the same.
CHARON: What I wasn't expecting is something this full of targeted hate that even being associated sent it off.

 

She flinches.

CHARON: When two fiends clash, emotions meld for a moment.
CHARON: You are not its true fixation, but you're pretty close to the blast zone.
MAES: Too close.
MAES: People could have gotten- it's still down there-!
CHARON: Something to keep an eye on... it can't find its way out because it doesn't understand its real target is dead.
MAES: ..I can't bring back my mother for it to kill.
CHARON: You cannot.
CHARON: It's incredibly raw, still not quite fully formed, and desperately seeking catharsis.
MAES: Then what?
MAES: I can't have the program therapists come down and get disemboweled!
CHARON: I'll be the one to go down and reason.
MAES: Judgment.
CHARON: Now that I've fought it once, it can't jump me twice.
MAES: Judgment, you're-
MAES: You can't just-
MAES: What if you lose?!
CHARON: I've seen inside its head and it's looked into mine. As of now I am the one person who understand it most and it knows that.
MAES: I-
MAES: I can't just-
CHARON: We don't need to resolve this now.

 

Maes curls up tight, hiding her snout again.

CHARON: ..What would you want to do?
MAES: I- I don't know-

 

The blankets rustle, the movement catching Charon's eye. The dark stains on the sheets are especially prominent on the lower half of her body, freshly wet and smearing.

CHARON: ...Are you sick?
CHARON: ...Hurting yourself?

 

She makes an unpleasant whimper.

CHARON: It's okay, just... talk for now.

[skinstealer]

MAES: I- I just couldn't stand it- 
MAES: I t-thought about- 
MAES: Everything that could have been lost, all because I said not to look-
CHARON: I think if we managed this long without incident, it's incredibly lost in multiple senses.
MAES: B- 
MAES: The...the- ....there's- 
MAES: The other one, that-

 

She audibly swallows, choking a little.

MAES: ...It was all alone. 
MAES: I decided that for it. 
MAES: I- 
MAES: I even yelled at Jester for s-showing it kindness-
CHARON: It protected us despite sharing a common source.
MAES: That just means I l-left it there. 
MAES: It- 
MAES: ...I can't forgive myself for leaving a sibling in the dark. 
MAES: For years.
CHARON: You didn't believe in ghosts.
MAES: Everyone told me to check. 
MAES: Jester knew for god knows how long. 
MAES: I ignored all of it!
CHARON: "Doesn't really matter, everyone knows now.
MAES: B-but-
CHARON: But?
MAES: ...what do I do now?
CHARON: Think on it.
MAES: I don't have time.
CHARON: I'll give you the time.
MAES: ...how?
CHARON: ...My castle.
MAES: ...castle? 
MAES: Is-

 

She pokes her face out again, this time all the way. What little can be seen of her hair is a mess, as if she'd been pulling it out.

MAES: The...is that where your armory is?
CHARON: Mm...

 

The dog tries to scoot closer.

CHARON: Castle is a better way to describe. 
CHARON: In there time doesn't work the same way. 
CHARON: A day can be a week, a month, any number of eternities your mind can make it.
MAES: ...just like that?
CHARON: Easy as it sounds, a timeless world where you can rest and study a decade in a vacation's break.
MAES: ..okay. 
MAES: I'll...allow it. 
MAES: I can't show up to work like this...
CHARON: Mm.. 
CHARON: When?

 

She pushes herself to untangle the blankets, looking more and more worse for wear the more she emerges from her hiding place. Fur torn out in clumps, hair a mess, self-induced oozing black wounds on her hips and thighs and stains all over her chest... 

She can't find the strength to cover up.

MAES: ...I h-hate that you're seeing this.
CHARON: We'll clean you up.
MAES: O-oh...you'll all be there, isn't that how it works?
CHARON: No limitations on proxy summoning in their own home.
MAES: ...You'll have to carry me.
CHARON: I can do that.

 

She pulls herself out entirely, holding out her arms weakly. 


He scoops the cat up carefully.

 

[Image Description: Charon scoops up an exhausted, injured and bloodstained Maes in his arms. His face has a number of scratches from the previous fight, his eye slightly visible through his glasses lens. In the background a number of square portals showing a night lit world filled with stars and clouds and a singular large mysterious tower slanted.]

CHARON: Just tell me when.

 

She presses her face into his chest fluff.

MAES: ...take me away from all this.

[skinstealer]

There's a sudden shift in air pressure, cool but not how the lab's air conditioners feel.
It's a proper draft-


MAES: ...is that...wind?

Her nose twitches, ears perking despite the weakness.

CHARON: Mmhmm.. we're located on the beach right now, so you'll get a bit of that breeze at times even inside this place.
MAES: Oh...

Her eyes widen, looking more alert.

MAES: Oh, it's-
MAES: I've never-
CHARON: We're still indoors, you won't have to worry about waves and sand.
MAES: No, it's... It feels nice...
CHARON: Mm... should we start with getting a room going?
MAES: ...Where do you stay?
CHARON: Varies, plenty of guest rooms to work with.
MAES: ...but...yours.
MAES: I...I think I'd like yours.
MAES: I-if you'll have me.
CHARON: I don't really have a dedicated room admittedly... I sleep wherever.
MAES: Then show me somewhere you'd like to share.
CHARON: There's a nice spot to rest in the library...
MAES: Yes, please.

Her face goes right back into his chest fluff.
He starts walking, his metal steps lightly echoing through the halls.

CHARON: Any preference drink-wise?
MAES: Lemonade?
CHARON: Can be arranged, easily.
CHARON: Canned alright?
MAES:  Mhm...
CHARON: I'll call someone-

Hello!

CHARON: Well, there we go...

A new voice, distinctively a proxy from the somewhat uncanny sound...but none of the Rooks Maes knows.

MAES: W-who is?!

She fluffs up, looking particularly awkward while naked and her fur all uneven.

Housekeeping, so to speak..

[id: a tall, curvy figure wearing a patchwork dress- a striped snake tail curls behind her, her posture curious yet polite.]

CHARON: That's Lash, she watches the place.
CHARON: Takes care of the castle and the Rooks when there aren't enough hands on deck..

Mm... tending to Mar today but I have time to get you anything you might need.

MAES: I-I, ah- maybe something to cover up.
MAES: I didn't- realize there'd be other people-

Maes flinches for a moment as a light blanket is tossed on her, Charon helping draping it over her body.

I'll have one of the others bring you something comfortable.

CHARON: Pajamas sound good?
MAES: M-mhm.

Mm.. One moment then.

The proxy zooms off, a gust of wind blowing behind her.

CHARON: Spot's just ahead, sorry about that...
MAES: I-it's fine...

The dog finally arrives at a couch and table setup, laying the cat down gently.

CHARON: There we are.. curl up as much as you need.

[skinstealer]

Maes takes a moment to acclimate, unused to...everything. Her ears twitch at slight noises, the unfamiliarity with both the environment and the situation only offset by Charon's presence.


MAES: ....you...really aren't mad?
MAES: I- I figured you'd...be furious.
CHARON: Why would I be?
MAES: ...I left you.
MAES: You...
MAES: You sounded like you needed me.
MAES: I couldn't face that after me causing the situation in the first place.
CHARON: I just want you to be okay, really...
MAES: ...but I want you to be okay.
CHARON: If you are, then so am I.
MAES: ...

She reaches out a hand.

CHARON: Mm?

Charon lightly grasps on, only for Maes to tug on his arm, gesturing for him to kneel.
He follows, ever-ready to take commands.

CHARON: Boss?

As soon as he's close, she leans in, giving him a gentle, shy kiss on the forehead.

MAES: ...for doing a good job.
CHARON: ...First time you've done that.
MAES: You saved a lot of people.
MAES: A lot of my family.
MAES: ...I'd be a bad boss if I didn't give you a bonus.

The corner of her mouth twinges into a subtle smile.

CHARON: Maybe I should save people more often...

[id: charon leaning over maes, nestling his muzzle into her hair to give her a tender forehead kiss. both of them are shyly smiling, a moment just for them in a surreal, dream-like library.]

The dog returns the gesture, muzzle pushing through messy hair as he sits up just enough to reach.
Maes purrs as she leans in closer, whispering right into his ear.

MAES: That's the first time I've done that,
CHARON: Is that really so?
MAES: Mhm.
CHARON: Well, maybe that's the first time I've had a little kiss on the head.
MAES: Surely not.
CHARON: Is that so hard to imagine?
MAES: You're very sweet.
MAES: Sweet people get that, don't they?
CHARON: Less so when you're a traveling swordsman.
MAES: Makes even less sense now.
MAES: Where's the sense of...whimsy, or something.
CHARON: Appears to be how it goes.
CHARON: Confident you can handle me?
MAES: I'll be sure to wield you well.
CHARON: Might have a initial curve.
MAES: I think I'm a fast learner.

The distance between them feels smaller and smaller.

CHARON:  I suppose you did adjust to the whole witch thing better than people expected...
MAES: And now you've taken me home to your magic castle...
CHARON: Mmhmm.. how are you taking that?
MAES: ...it's hard to say.
MAES: I...might be a little in shock.
MAES: This is a lot of new things, to say the least, and-

She gestures to the somewhat stained blanket around her legs.

MAES: I...am still in pain, admittedly.
MAES: While I can tolerate this much when my mind's busy like this...
CHARON: Mm... I'll call someone-
FLOR: I'm way ahead of both of you.
FLOR: Need a little first aid?

Flor makes their way inside, a pack of canned drinks in one hand and a medical kit in the other.

MAES: ...Flor.

Maes can't help but blush, looking...embarrassed as the proxy enters the room.

MAES: I-I'm sorry you have to see me like this-
FLOR: You're good, this one right here's had me patch him up from worse.
FLOR: Lemonade?
MAES: ...yes...

The proxy slides her a can, nicely refrigerated.

FLOR: Just tell me where it hurts.
FLOR: Charon will be my assistant today.
CHARON: Assistant?
FLOR: You're good at that sort of thing, yeah?
MAES: He certaainly is.

She can't help but smile, still hesitating before undoing the blaanket covering.
Her thighs are still scratched up  badly, half of the wounds still oozing...the other, beginning to scab already.

MAES: ...I...should not have gone as deep.
MAES: I heal quickly, but-
FLOR: You're going to have time to recover.
FLOR: Mr. Judgment?

The proxy hands the dog a few warm towels.

FLOR: Gonna clean you up first if it's alright.
MAES: M-mhm...
FLOR: Tell me if it stings.

The dog carefully gets to work on wiping away any remnant slime, Flor prepping the disinfectant.
Maes keeps her expression even, but the shame breaks through- one more unfamiliarity to this.

CHARON: You're doing good right now.
MAES: I wouldn't call slicing up my own thighs 'good', Judgment.
FLOR: You're accepting help, aren't you?
MAES: Help I could have avoided needing in the first place...
FLOR: Are you going to repeat that?
MAES: ...I can't guarantee anything.
FLOR: Does it help knowing you have a whole crew committed to picking you up after?
MAES: I- I don't-
MAES: ...it does help, I just-
MAES: ...sorry.
FLOR: You'll be safe, have time to relax and think about it all.
MAES: ...

She sighs, allowing herself to slump back on the couch.

MAES: You're certainly coolheaded about this...
FLOR: Maybe that's what you've needed?
MAES: It hasn't exactly been an option.
FLOR: And now that it is?
MAES: ...it's...new.
MAES: All of it is.
FLOR: Get used to it.
MAES: I am.
MAES: Months ago this would have been unthinkable...
CHARON: Lucky that Synna pushed you to put up that application, mm?
MAES: ...very.
MAES: I don't regret it for a second.
CHARON: Likewise.

She can't help but smile again, tiny but warm.

MAES: ...how are they looking?
CHARON: Good, should be ready.
FLOR: This is the part that stings.

Flor gets into position.

MAES: I can handle it.
MAES: I've-

She trails off, her voice unpleasantly small.

MAES: ...I've had to do it myself plenty.
FLOR: You're pretty tough then, yeah?

The proxy starts applying the disinfectant with care, watching her face for any wincing or gritted teeth-



-a slight tensing, but no other reaction.

FLOR: Mm, quiet.
FLOR: Usually we gotta have to keep folks from wiggling.
FLOR: You're gonna say something if need a break, alright?
MAES: I can take a lot more than disinfectant. Just stings.
FLOR: Still...
MAES: ....

She keeps her thighs still still, just leaning back and letting them work.

FLOR: Can I ask a question?
FLOR: Unrelated to this.
MAES: Mm.
MAES: Go ahead.
FLOR: What's got you making cute little faces around me already-
CHARON: Flor!

The blush immediately hits, the cat unable to shrink into the couch and get treated at the same time.

MAES: W-well, I'm not sure-
FLOR: I mean I appreciate it.. just wasn't expecting to find out I'm your type.
MAES: I'm still coming to terms with having a type, let alone multiple...
FLOR: Keep talking, I'm nosy.
MAES: It...hasn't been an option for me.
MAES: Felt foolish to consider.
FLOR: And now?
MAES: ...in some ways it still feels like that.
MAES: Like a beautiful dream that'll be over soon, but with no warning.
FLOR: And if I'm-.. if we're all there when you wake up?
MAES: ...I suppose that's an option.
FLOR: It'd be nice, right?
MAES: Dream come true...

The proxy moves on to bandaging things up, the wounds properly clean.

FLOR: Gonna have a nice rest after this and wake up in the castle.
MAES: I'm not used to sleeping in new beds, admittedly...but...
MAES: ...it is late, considering the day we had. You must all be tired.
FLOR: Not really.
CHARON: Stopped needing sleep over a decade ago, side effect of exposure to uncategorized radiation.
MAES: ....then, last night?
CHARON: Purely done for the comfort of it.

Her smile returns.

CHARON: Is that odd?
CHARON: To do something biologically redundant just because it feels nice?
MAES: Many species do.
MAES: Eating, sleeping, messing around...
CHARON: Suppose that's true...
CHARON: I didn't even realize it initially.
CHARON: Had to stay up for over 48 hours and it became obvious, cousin was worried.
CHARON: It's a perk but you still crave the restful warmth, moreso with company.
MAES: ...well...
MAES: I suppose we can both be mutated together.

She reaches out to pat his head.

CHARON: Go for it,

He positions himself in reach.

MAES: You're getting a lot of sweet out of me lately.
CHARON: That good?
MAES: Mm, but I worry about you forgetting your place.
CHARON: Am I now?
MAES: If you keep seeing me like this, you could lose respect for me as your dominant...
CHARON: Impossible.
MAES: Even now?
CHARON: Always.

She scratches behind his ears, letting out a warm sigh.

MAES: ...thank you.
CHARON: Of course.
MAES: I have a request, then.
MAES: ...as your boss.
CHARON: Mm?
MAES: I'd like to have dinner in bed.
MAES: ...my back is killing me, and I didn't eat at all when I got back...
CHARON: I can absolutely arrange that.
CHARON: Anything you've craved particularly?
MAES: Something simple, maybe a repeat...and a Rook to keep me company.
CHARON: Anyone specific?
MAES: Whoever can tend to me best right now.
CHARON: Flor?
FLOR: I wouldn't mind more time.
MAES: Then it's settled...

[skinstealer]

Charon had wrapped up tucking the cat into bed, Flor lounging at the foot the entire time.


MAES: ...

Maes kneads the blanket gently with her claws, taking inn the new environment with more than a little shyness. Everything felt entirely different, from the sense of fresh air just outside a window- an actual window, with scents she'd never even imagined properly, to the feeling of the old, well-loved quilt covering her lower half.

FLOR: Cozy?
MAES: It...feels more worn in.
MAES: Older.
FLOR: What do you mean?
MAES: I'm used to things being made in relative recency, what with being on the surface for only 7 years.
FLOR: Everything here has been around longer than us, older than the lab and much of the nearby city.
MAES: It's...comforting.
MAES: I never realized.
FLOR: It's very much a labor of love maintaining this place, you'll see Lash and the Rooks doing quite a bit of maintenance.
MAES: And you do all this while Judgment goes out and about?
FLOR: Yeah, wherever we can.
FLOR: There's other folks from across time and space who stop by in a crisis.
MAES: Oh...I didn't realize there could be visitors.
MAES: ...or Lash.
FLOR: She's as old as the castle.
MAES: ...well, she seems kind...
MAES: ...thank you again.
MAES: I-
MAES: -appreciate you allowing me here.
FLOR: It's what it's made for.
FLOR: A break room for folks in crisis.
MAES: You can take one too, then- while we eat.
FLOR: Mm.. he's got Broth and Mar helping him, prepping big portions so ya'll will have enough.
MAES: ...some time together beforehand, then. I, ah-

Her shyness returns, Maes' tailtip nervously twitching visible even under the blanket.

MAES: Forgive my nerves.
FLOR: You're a long way from home, you're allowed.
MAES: No, it's-
MAES: ...I suppose we're having our after hours after all.
MAES: As promised.
FLOR: The longest after hours, time moves different in Castle Styx.
MAES: I'm not even sure how to make the most of it.
FLOR: Indulge, take a 7 hour nap in minutes.
MAES: But then I'd lose 7 hours in here with you.
FLOR: Which wouldn't be a single hour out there.
MAES: Bizarre to me.
FLOR: You'll get used to it.
MAES: Is that an invite to come over more?
FLOR: Only if that'll tempt you.
MAES: Lots of things tempt me about you all.
FLOR: Mm.. we can all exist at once here.
MAES: Mm.
MAES: Especially that.
MAES: Maybe an inappropriate time to mention my thoughts brewing about it...
FLOR: You're gonna have to share with the class.
MAES: Not an ideal time to be messing around with wounds like this...but...
MAES: Uninterrupted time together...
FLOR: Full board covered too.
MAES: And meals...

Maes reaches out her hand, her claws looking oddly delicate.

FLOR: Looking forward to that part?

The proxy latches on, their own skin somewhere between artificially smooth and a bizarre softness, fitting for how careful their touch is.

MAES: All of it.
MAES: Learning all of you, finding all the right spots to press...
FLOR: Think you're all spots on the right day.
MAES: And today?
FLOR: With all of us here?
FLOR: You're fucked.

Blush covers Maes' face, the cat coughing.

MAES: And- how literal is that?
FLOR: That one's on you to decide.

Flor leans in, nuzzling against their partner's cheek. Maes returns it readily, tracing her claws up the proxy's arm.

MAES: I'm still figuring out some things, but...
FLOR: But?
MAES: I'm...open to trying more, I think.
FLOR: I'm game.
FLOR: Explore me, get to know what you'e working with.
MAES: Are you sure?
MAES: I haven't exactly been handsy with any of you directly outside of cuddling.
FLOR: Mmhmm.
MAES: ...

She takes a deep breath before massaging a claw into their collarbone.

FLOR: Feels good...
MAES: And here?

Against their neck now.

The proxy shivers at that, clearly loving the pressure point.

FLOR: Curse of being part of a dog's psyche.
MAES: A weakness to keep in mind...

Down their chest, then along their side- feeling each curve with a pleased purr.

FLOR: Know there's not much but...
MAES: Shh.
MAES: Don't downplay yourself.

With more than a little hesitation, she moves her other hand lower.

Flor is completely smooth and featureless- their null patch the same material as their hands, including the lovely soft feeling.

FLOR: I know...
MAES: Have you been worried?
FLOR: Never been involved directly like this.
MAES: ...neither have I, in some senses.
FLOR: First times for both of us.
FLOR: I can live with that.
MAES: I've never actually-

She presses her claws down against the flat surface, rubbing softly with the blunt sides to avoid scratching.

MAES: Touched someone like this.
MAES: Not of my own accord.
FLOR: Y-you're really good at it.
MAES: I've barely started.

A little harder, still avoiding her clawtips.

FLOR: H-hope it's alright..
MAES: Why would I judge, Flor?

She leans in, nuzzling the proxy's neck.

MAES: ...you've likely figured that I have similar insecurities by now...
FLOR: Little obvious, but with me it's a bit of freak shit I think.
FLOR: Ghost bunny robot thing.
MAES: Feels more easy to process than my own...
FLOR: Does it really?
MAES: Mm....

She pauses before pulling her hand away, taking Flor's and bringing it underneath the quilt- and between her own legs.

There was a slight bulge in Maes' pajamas- the cat slowly pulling them down just enough to let the same black tendril Kettle had worked with unfurl out.

FLOR: Cute...
MAES: It's-
MAES: I didn't even mean for you all to realize-

[id: Maes struggling to stay composed with her lower body exposed, still trying to hide behind and old quilt and crossed arms. She's nervous- but clearly excited at Flor's attention.]

She isn't sure what to do with her hands, fumbling vulnerably with her upper body and settling on a nervous, self embrace. 

FLOR: I like it.
MAES: ...you'd be the first.
MAES: It's not exactly what was meant for me...
FLOR: Nobody here was meant to be in general.
MAES: Mm...
MAES: My mother- she had a plan for me, start to finish.
MAES: This would never have fit.
MAES: I-
MAES: ...I don't know.
MAES: It's not even all that uncommon for slime-based mutations, to develop a preference in how one presents-
FLOR: Nothing stopping you in here.
MAES: Aside from myself.
FLOR: You really want that though?
MAES: I-
MAES: I don't know.
MAES: It's never been an option, like something forbidden.
MAES: It doesn't fit the "image"-

Maes makes large, exaggerated air quotes.

MAES: -I've had to build up.
FLOR: Things change.
MAES: I suppose they already have.
FLOR: What's a change of setup going to really do to hurt you, right?
MAES: ...I don't know either.
MAES: It- it hasn't hurt so far, but-
FLOR: Worst case scenario, you keep it to here while you figure out how you feel on it.
MAES: ...alright.

She lets out a long sigh, bumping her face againt the proxy's.

FLOR: This place is a safehouse made to protect its guests from the end of the world.
MAES: ...quite the title.
FLOR: Gotta push a little whimsy.
MAES: Certainly sounds safe enough to...experiment a little...

She moves the proxy's hand back and forth, allowing them to feel her up.

The proxy follows along, fingers occasionally tracing her on the verge of grasping.

FLOR: Not so bad, right?
MAES: N-no, it's...very nice...

She sinks into the pillows, letting out a gentle noise as she allows herself to unwind.

FLOR: There you go...
MAES: I don't even allow myself to do this alone...
FLOR: Sometimes you just need a extra hand to be fair.
MAES: Is that the same for you?
FLOR: In what way?
MAES: Have you needed help this whole time?

Her free hand wanders back to Flor's thigh.

FLOR: I mean I've been thinking about something like this, just never thought it'd happen so sudden.
MAES: You and I both.
FLOR: Happy it did though.
MAES: ...me as well.
MAES: Though I imagine Judgment is rather jealous right now.
FLOR: He'll just find a way to squeeze in here,
MAES: Is that so?
MAES: He looking forward to his first night taking me home?
FLOR: More than anything, we all are.
MAES: A shame that I'll be limited...if I knew that this was going to be how my night would go, maybe I...

She shakes her head.

MAES: You're resourceful subs. I'm sure you can work with my injuries...
FLOR: If you wait just a moment we'll have you set with plenty to eat.
MAES: And we'll resume after?
FLOR: Mmhmm, with a few extra folks.
MAES: ...thank you.

[skinstealer]

Without much time to really process, the dog descends from the ceiling like a bat, door following suit shortly to reveal Mar and Kettle carrying a full feast.

Maes startles, accidentally rubbing against Flor's hand in the process and making a gargled whine.

MAES: A-ah-!

[id: charon posing dramatically with his cape, flor, kettle and mar standing at the ready to help set up trays and bowls to give maes her feast. everyone looks very fancy and poised to serve her, a shot straight out of a romance novel.]

CHARON: Dinner is ready.
MAR: We made pulled meats...
MAES: W-wonderful... She immediately tried to save face.
CHARON: You both take good care of each other while waiting?
FLOR: You have no idea...

Maes tries very hard not to look conspicuous, her dick still clearly out as she coughed.

The dog seemingly hasn't noticed- or at least, is polite enough to not call attention to it.

CHARON: You need something for your throat?
MAR: I can go grab some drops...
MAES: N-no, no.
MAES: Just.

Crossing her legs.

MAES: Excited for dinner.

Charon smiles, small and warm.

CHARON: Guessing you'll eat in bed?
CHARON: I can have Mar set up.
MAES: M-mhm.
MAES: Yes.
CHARON: Mar?
MAR: Would you prefer a table over the side or on the bed itself today?
MAES: Bed itself should be fine.

Mar makes a silly little rattle as she assembles the setup, Flor scooting back oonto the corner of the bed to make room.

MAR: Just don't make too many sudden moves and you should be good..
MAES: I'll be very careful.

Maes gave Mar an appreciative smile, still visibly anxious over being walked in on.

MAES: Thank you.

The large proxy finishes setting up the cat's dinner.

MAR: There you go...
MAR: I'd recommend a fork for this one.

Maes gets herself settled in, not hesitating to grab her utensils and take a large bite- all of the shyness she had gone, the familiar dish a welcome treat.

Flor positions to lean on her shoulder and keep her company.

CHARON: Both getting along?
FLOR: More than a little it seems...
MAES: F-flor is...very accomodating.
CHARON: Gotta be tuned to take care of you, know how it is.
MAES: I suppose it's all a dominant could really ask for...though I will have to make sure you're all cared for in turn.
CHARON: Mm, some of us are high maintenance.
MAR: You just want to be spoiled.
FLOR: Is that so wrong?
MAES: If I want my subs to be their best, they have to be in good condition.

Another huge bite, licking sauce off her lips.

MAES: It's my job to ensure that.
FLOR: What's the plan there?

The rabbity construct nuzzles her arm.

MAES: Well...I've got to get my wounds healed, but this will  be a good opportunity to get to know those I haven't as much, and figure out how you all tick.
MAES: From there, I can scheme.

Mar chimes in.

MAR: I do think Kettle and Broth would be good to spend time with in that case, though they can be tricky to wrangle...
MAES: Would they miss this opportunity, though?
MAR: They wouldn't, Broth is probably checking every trying to find us...
MAES: I'd like to get to know it better...
MAR: Mm.. just be gentle with it.
MAR: Poor thing, even with all its progress still has its points of being timid.
MAES: Mm...

She pauses her feast, thinking.

MAES: Anything I should avoid?

The dog sits himself down at a nearby desk to work on his own plate.

CHARON: Don't scream at it.
MAES: I would never.
CHARON: Otherwise.. you can probably trust your instincts... I wonder how a skeleton feels about being bit.
MAES: Gnawed on, even...

She takes a hearty bite of her meal, clearly enthused at the thought.

MAES: Admittedly the skeleton thing is superficial, closer to the others but..
CHARON: Technically a skullhead.
CHARON: Different concept.
MAES: And what things does a skullhead like itself grow weak in the knees for?
FLOR: I mean the obvious answer is you.
MAR: It's like Kettle's vent-

Kettle lets out a grumpy noise.

MAR: True...
CHARON: This place gets network now?
FLOR: Yeah, actually.
CHARON: ... Huh.
MAES: ...internet connection aside-
MAES: That doesn't give me a lot to work with.
MAES: There could be a million different angles there.
FLOR: It's actually quite soft...
MAES: I gathered...
MAES: ....I will have to use a lighter touch.
CHARON: Non-verbal too, as we went over.
CHARON: But... you pretty much know it by now even if you haven't talked all that much.
CHARON: We're all pieces of each other after all.
FLOR: I'm the cute one.
MAR: I mean, Kettle's probably the cute one.
FLOR: If Kettle's the cute one, then I'm adorable.
CHARON: That's Mar.
FLOR: Throw me a bone, my guy.

Maes can't help but smile, too caught up in enjoying the banter and her meal to interject.

I...am very lucky, I think...