[PKMN] SPACE CASE!

[Headful_of_Eyeballs]

Get some pizza and play some boardgames, nice and simple

[Guest]

hell yeah party time!
- Whack Stretch back and fourth like it's an air hocky puck
- Roast marshmallows in Minerva's mouth
- Frond T-shirt teirlist by committee
- Sidewalk chalk doodle on Eerie
- Ring toss onto Filigree's spikes

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
The Shooting Stars won their first gym challenge- physically stable, but mentally wiped. Hopefully a fun night in helps them get their heads on straight...

Route 3 is no simple affair, though! How will our heroes plan ahead? Find out...on SPACE CASE!

EPISODE 10: A Rocky Voyage Begins!

---

Your mind is like a VCR-


The tape rewinds.








Hi, I'm Fern!
I live down- yeah! Down the street.







My mom knows-






Yeah, higher! I can do it-


It'll totally fly from here-
You got the wings perfect!









Look, mushrooms-!
These ones aren't poisonous, I read about it in the book you gave me-









The other day, I found this-








Let's come back here again, just us, okay?









Why are you crying?
Oh, no-


They're just mean. You would never-
You're my friend, never mind those guys-










My mom keeps asking me what I want to be what I grow up-
Ohh....well, that's stupid!
I think you should be whatever you want!








Uh huh, I remember-
....oh! Wow!
I never thought about that before-
I guess it's kind of like my mom, right?
Gotta think about this...
Being a boy sounds kind of fun-


















He's soooo cool-
He said he can-
Yeah!
Incredible, right?
Full moon and everything-









Good to see you two didn't chicken out-

Not many girls your age would be so brave-
Shows you're-







Not much further-








Don't worry.
It'll be-

















Just count to ten-
I-It-
It's not so bad-
i'm scared, i-
we just
have to do what my mom says
count to ten













They're-








Over here-
Get the chief, comb the-







What the hell's wrong with her?!-
Who fucking cares, just-









Can you hear my voice?
We're losing her.

Get her to the OR-












We just need a minute, just a minute-
This is a breaking story-
The community wants to know-



Do you remember his-


We can't help you unless you tell the truth.





She doesn't know anything-
Bullshit. She has to-













....











You're not going back to school.
You should have thought about that.


Don't guilt me-


Do you even-
Everyone's talking!
You were on the news!
Do you know how many people ask-








This is all your fault.


















Your eyes snap open as you gasp for breath.







Minerva's wings are wrapped around you, keeping you safe-






....you stop mid-oncoming sob, the bat snoring with her mouth wide open. It's- glowier than you remember, more like something lit by a candle than any maw you'd seen.





....cute....





Wait-



Had she slept?!



Ohh, no. You've made her fucking diurnal.

What have you done.



Congratulations, your traumatic panic attack has now been interrupted with a brand new panic attack about defying the natural order- all while you grip her like a life raft, still not ready to detach from her fuzzy body just yet.




Her nice, fuzzy...soft body...




Your face sinks back into her chest, sighing as you let yourself feel the slight breast tissue there. You have no idea how long it would stay like that- while the guilt of your hubris lingers in your mind, you're too tired and freaked out to really-





An enormous snore snaps you out of it.





Oh.

Right.



The sleepover.

FROND: Gotta say, Eerie-
FROND: You are not wrong about this pizza.
EERIE: Best place in the city.
EERIE: Was scared as hell it'd close with Osteo barging in-

 

She takes a huge chomp out of her slice, cleanly biting off half in one go.

EERIE: But SOME kinda justice prevails.

 

Filigree's more...nibbling....? At their own slice, their ring shaped mouth pinching and pulling off little pieces before letting the "bites" dissolve in their mouth.

FILIGREE: Mmf-

 

They swallow the presumed mush.

FILIGREE: I wish my family went out to eat more-
FILIGREE: Never got stuff like this back at the quarry.
EERIE: What, complaining about homemade food?

 

The bellsprout shrugs, sampling the crust this time.

FILIGREE: Didn't say my folks were good chefs.




 

Minerva, meanwhile, is staring down the pizza slice on her paper plate with wide eyes.

STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: .........
STRETCH: Min-
MINERVA: I can do it.


 

Minnie fidgets, trying to figure out how to approach.





...She'd been trying to navigate picking it up for the past ten minutes.

EERIE: Last I checked, you can't pick up a pizza with your brain.
FROND: Ooh, but what if she could?
FROND: Psychic type moves would be SO useful on our squad.
MINERVA: ......

 

She pokes at it with a claw, making a brief face at the cheese sticking to it.

STRETCH: Minerva.

 

Your golbat companion looks over at you with the saddest, wettest expression.

STRETCH: Do you
STRETCH: ....want a tip.

 

She lights right back up.

MINERVA: O-oh!
MINERVA: Y-
MINERVA: Yes, I-
MINERVA: I want to figure this out myself, but-
MINERVA: ....perhaps a little point in the right direction could help.

 

You move in closer, holding your hands out-

-and folding in every finger aside from your middle and indexes.

STRETCH: You don't have a huge range of motion-
STRETCH: And no thumb.
STRETCH: But-

 

You spread your fingers apart, and then back together.

STRETCH: Pinching.
MINERVA: R-right!
MINERVA: Yes, I-
MINERVA: I know that plenty, of course...
MINERVA: But picking things up, when they're flat on a surface, and thin-
MINERVA: It's...rather difficult without pulling it off an edge first.

 

She pokes at the pizza again.

MINERVA: If I do that, it'll simply go everywhere-
EERIE: ....never ate pizza back at the family manor, huh?
MINERVA: Oh, no-
MINERVA: I-

 

She taps her claws against the plate.

MINERVA: No, I never did.
MINERVA: My family preferred more- liquid diets.
FROND: Did you drink blood?
STRETCH: frond
FROND: Like, just blood?

 

Minerva blushes, looking incredibly embarrassed.

MINERVA: A-and soups!
MINERVA: Teas...
MINERVA: ....and more soup...
FROND: Blood soup?
MINERVA: O-only sometimes!

 

She pulls into her wings, only for Frond to beam.

FROND: Awesome!!
FROND: I can't eat much easy either-

 

He waves his featureless hands.

FROND: Lotsa slurping and stuff big enough for me to hold between 'em.
FROND: Burgers and sandwiches are the best, because I get all the flavors and ingredients without needing a fork!
FROND: We're like two peas in a pod!

 

The golbat eases up- and you're unable to hold back your own sigh of relief.

MINERVA: Well-
MINERVA: Maybe you could-

 

She looks back at you, and you nod.

STRETCH: Better to learn from.
STRETCH: Someone more experienced.






 

Maybe it's the exhaustion, but...




You let yourself savor the feeling as you watch them figure out pizza logistics.











.....












........you feel a lot less enthusiastic about the event with your brand new morning stomachache.









You scoot, peering over the top of Minerva's wings. Eerie is crashed on the other bed, snoring with her full mouth open. That- she should probably see someone about that. You make a mental note-




For fuck's sake, are you playing doctor now to your team? First day of having a badge and you're already doting on them.



Okay.

Alright.



It could be worse.




Eerie is asleep, and- looks like Frond and Filigree went out somewhere. Their things from last night are still here, so- likely just getting their bags from their other rooms...


You have survived your first time sleeping in the same room as other people outside of Minerva in years- and you've only been doing this whole, thing with her, for a few days.


Allllriiiighty.



cool.





....you aren't sure if waking up from a nightmare or a wet dream would have been worse.


Equally viable options.


Eugh.





You consider staying inside the comfortable burrito. You could just live here forever- or at least until people get back-






Someone knocks on the door, and you scramble out of her grip, Minerva making a little grumbling "oof" in the process.



Thankfully, she doesn't wake, and you manage to bullshit a casual sitting position at the end of the bed.



Filigree walks in first, Frond following-



A tray of coffee cups in hand.



He lights up when he sees you, but stays quiet- pointing to Eerie and Minerva as he sets the cups down-





-and then gesturing to the door, and the tray.



You sigh- his request clear.






You grab your jacket.

STRETCH: ....
FROND: .......


 

You sip at your coffee- still hot, but not burning.
....he either timed it perfectly, or got your preference on accident.



You think about how he calmed you down during the gym, sighing into your next sip.

FROND: Feels like way longer than it has been, huh?
STRETCH: ...hasn't even been a week...
FROND: And yet here we are!


 

You can see him watching you out of the corner of your eye.

STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: .....

 

It doesn't feel bad, though.

Weirdly.

STRETCH: .........
STRETCH: thanks.
FROND: For?
STRETCH: ....the dark ride.
FROND: Oh!
FROND: I mean- cmon, dude.
FROND: .....

 

He taps his hand against his knee, trying to figure out the wording.

FROND: .....you needed it.
STRETCH: I-
FROND: And I did too.

 

You blink.

FROND: Kiiiinda left me hanging all these years, yknow?
FROND: Go through hell together and you just-

 

He gestures in the air.

FROND: -gone in the wind.





 

....




Oh.

STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: I never-
FROND: I know! It's alright.

 

His tone is shockingly light.

FROND: I'm not, like...mad about it.
FROND: ....I just wish-

 

His smile grows just a bit strained-
-and yet still not upset with you.

FROND: If I have to be stuck on that night, I don't wanna have to be alone for it.
FROND: And I extra didn't want you to be.
STRETCH: ......



 

There's a bit of wetness at the corners of your eyes.

STRETCH: .....how much did they show?

 

It's Frond's turn to sigh, tapping his knee harder now.

FROND: Less than I'd have expected-
FROND: ....but more than I'd like.
STRETCH: Shit.
FROND: Nothing anyone could trace, not unless they were reeeeeally determined.
STRETCH: Or familiar with the incident.
FROND: yyyyyeah that is an issue.
STRETCH: They'll.
STRETCH: Recognize me anyway.
FROND: .....
FROND: With the waivers-
FROND: I-

 

He shakes his head.

FROND: Suture was right.
FROND: We lucked out.
STRETCH: ....you made. Requests. Then.
FROND: I'd be an idiot not to!
FROND: ....you did too, right-?
STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: Yeah.
FROND: That's something.
FROND: Something's good!
FROND: Something, is-
FROND: gooood.
STRETCH: .....
FROND: ......
STRETCH: How much time do we have?
FROND: I give our parents 48 hours.
STRETCH: Workable.
FROND: I sure hope so-

 

He snickers.

FROND: I told Mom I was just going hiking.

 

You look at him incredulously.

STRETCH: You LIED
FROND: hehehehe
STRETCH: To YOUR mother?!
FROND: heheeeeehehhehe
STRETCH: You NEVER do that!
FROND: Been ten years, bud!
FROND: Maybe I've been corrupted by dark forces.

 

...a decade


right



it





really has been that long.





Frond notices your grimace.

FROND: Hey.
FROND: I proooomise.
FROND: They're the fun kind.

 

Your lip twitches, threatening an actual smile.

STRETCH: Right.






 

The center doors slide open, someone bursting through-

FILIGREE: S-
FILIGREE: STR-
FROND: Whoa, whoa, where's the fire-
FILIGREE: You guys have to come back NOW

 

You give Frond a brief look before throwing out your empty cup, zooming down the hall with your teammates in tow.













You can already hear the loud voices from inside the room, your antennae back as you burst in.

MINERVA: Unbelievable!
EERIE: Look, you saying in my shoes you wouldn't have-
MINERVA: Of course I wouldn't!
MINERVA: That is, so, so-
EERIE: Say it!
MINERVA: Reckless!

 

A slight growl sneaks into your voice as you wedge yourself between them, the barrier pushing both mons back.

STRETCH: Step off.
STRETCH: Can someone-

 

You notice Frond staring slack-jawed at the room's TV screen.

It's footage from Eerie at the bar, shitfaced and talking to some kind of reporter- a nasty feeling curling up in your gut as you hover just above the end of the nearest bed.

EERIE: And I mean-
EERIE: If ANY of those Osteo goons wanna tussle-
EERIE: I'll take them on!
EERIE: Can't do [*#(@^]  now that I'm in the league-
EERIE: I'm calling you aaaalll the [#*&#$] out!

 

You put your head in your hands.

STRETCH: please tell me you didn't do what i-
EERIE: Oh, so now you're gonna lecture me too!
STRETCH: Yes. A little bit.

 

You drag your fingers down your face as you look back up.

STRETCH: Please.
STRETCH: Please, please, please-
STRETCH: You realize that is challenging a gang.
STRETCH: Formally.
EERIE: ...the fuck you mean?
STRETCH: You have.
STRETCH: Effectively.
STRETCH: Issued a rivalry
STRETCH: WITH AN ENTIRE ORGANIZATION
EERIE: Okay, so?
EERIE: I took the same classes as you, dude-
EERIE: There's no, fucking, regulations on that!
EERIE: It's just for the camera stuff!
STRETCH: I'm AWARE
STRETCH: But did you not consider, there may be a bit of an issue here, when they apparently rule over entire. Cities.
STRETCH: And. Kill people?
STRETCH: You just issued a rivalry with murderers?
EERIE: Yeah, and what of it?

 

She huffs, storming over to you and letting out a warning growl.

EERIE: Those murderers took years of my life away!
EERIE: You saying you wouldn't do the same in my shoes?!




 

don't worry it'll be over soon-

FROND: KNOCK IT OFF!

 

Frond swats at Eerie's arm, not able to do a proper grip.

FROND: We shouldn't be fighting!
FROND: We all came here with issues!
FROND: What's done is done, alright?!
FROND: Can-
FROND: Can we just, shut up, and talk shop?!
FROND: Okay?!



 

You don't realize you're baring your teeth until Frond shoots you a desperate look.


You cover your mouth with a hand, trying to steady your breathing.

STRETCH: ....
EERIE: ..........
STRETCH: ....sorry.
EERIE: .............yeah.
FROND: OKAY!
FROND: Eerie. Minerva. Filigree.

 

He points to the three of them, one at a time.

FROND: You all live here.
FROND: How bad is this.

 

Minerva sucks air through her teeth, making a nervous whine and avoiding eye contact.

FROND: Okay, so, not good.
FILIGREE: We'll-
FILIGREE: ....

 

They sigh, waving a leaf in defeat.

FILIGREE: It's bad.
FILIGREE: But Frond's right, what's done is done.
FILIGREE: ....

 

They wrap their leaves around themself, shrinking.

FILIGREE: ...I...kind of don't blame you, Eerie.
FILIGREE: Team Osteo's-
FILIGREE: It's been bad for years.
FILIGREE: I can't imagine what it was like being under their thumbs.

 

Your chest hurts, guilt starting to creep in.

EERIE: THANK you.
MINERVA: It-
MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: I also understand, just-
MINERVA: These are not the kind of people you want to goad!
EERIE: What, so you wanna let them bully you forever?

 

Eerie's look is...oddly morose, not the aggression you would have expected.

EERIE: That was me shooting my mouth off before I found out about your family, alright?
EERIE: But, like-
EERIE: You were running from 'em when we first met, that's enough for me to figure out something's up.
EERIE: You gotta want a little revenge, right?

 

Minerva's ears flop, clicking her wing claws together.

MINERVA: ...what I want...




MINERVA: isn't always a good thing.


 

Suture's words sting in your mind.

STRETCH: ...We'll handle it.

 

Everyone turns to you, surprised for likely different reasons.

STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: ....no other choice.

 

The gloom gives you a look, his face grave.



No specifics need to be said.

STRETCH: We all came here with issues.
STRETCH: They're going to come up.
STRETCH: That does not
STRETCH: Mean
STRETCH: We should exacerbate them
STRETCH: ....but the last thing we need is.
STRETCH: Fighting like this.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Get something to eat, clean up, regroup.
STRETCH: Then we make a plan.
EERIE: ....aye aye, cap'n.










 

Pick your clothes out- travel gear, shit you won't mind getting dirty. Tank top and jeans will have to do it, your hoodie way too warm for the full sun you're about to deal with.



Brush your teeth. Get the scuzz off. Habit you're going to have to build, especially when it's not going to be as viable on the road.
Do your stretches- haha, funny.
Get in the shower, start cleaning up your fur-



The door opens, panic jolting through your body.

MINERVA: S-sorry-


 

Your golbat companion peeks in, avoiding looking fully at you- but even then, you can tell she's in her underwear, the curves from yesterday still very there.

MINERVA: ...is it okay if I join you?
MINERVA: I don't want to hold things up-
STRETCH: H
STRETCH: Y



 

You shakily raise a thumbs up.







It's hard to believe you had taken a locker room shower together yesterday, if you could even call rushing to wash off that mess of fluids in less than ten minutes that. The day had felt impossibly long, and while you're still wanting to leave before the sun gets too high-


It's a lot different seeing each other like this, unpressured.


Her chest is still mostly smooth, the fat added on from your strange escapades adding just the slightest bit of breast tissue- you'd read about how heavily golbat weight fluctuates years ago- for no reason, none, absolutely not- but it was impressive all the same. Now that you're less freaked out about having done it to her in the first place...


She catches you staring, making an amused giggle.

MINERVA: You really like it?
STRETCH: ...y. Yeah.
MINERVA: I know it's not a lot-
STRETCH: ...s'pretty.
MINERVA: ....

 

She pats you on the head, fumbling for the obligatory provided loofah.

It's clear this is hard on her, even with the pouf coming with handy adjustable loops for those without thumbs. She can only reach so many spots-

MINERVA: s-shoot-
STRETCH: ....

 

You reach out for it, Minerva blinking.

MINERVA: Oh, I-
MINERVA: You don't have to-
MINERVA: I, I should be able to-

 

You keep your hand out, sighing.

She relents, handing it over with soft, guilty eyes.


You start on her back, having her sit in order to reach up her neck and head.

STRETCH: ....you're used to jets, aren't you?
MINERVA: ....y. Yes.
MINERVA: Or baths.

 

You furrow your brow.

STRETCH: ....why didn't you pick a room with those?

 

She shrinks her shoulders forward.

MINERVA: It-
MINERVA: costs extra



 

Ah.

MINERVA: I, well-
MINERVA: I can get by well enough-!
MINERVA: Y-you know, perfume does-
MINERVA: It's quite helpful-!

 

Her voice cracks, clearly embarrassed. You linger around the base of her neck, making sure to work some pulses into sore spots.

STRETCH: ....we're competing now.
STRETCH: We'll have money.
STRETCH: We'll. Get you a better room next time.
MINERVA: ....
MINERVA: please don't tell the others
MINERVA: I- they think I'm-
STRETCH: ...yeah.
STRETCH: I won't.

 

Once she's sufficiently scrubbed down, she shuffles so you can get her front-



-immediately seeing your conspicuously placed hand.



You avoid her eyes, gritting your teeth.

STRETCH: S
STRETCH: sorry.
MINERVA: Hehe...
MINERVA: It's alright...

 

To your horror, she scoots forward, her head...at a very convenient height.

MINERVA: I did want to reward you for being my hero once again, yesterday...

 

She opens her mouth, just enough to see the warm glow inside.




You take a shaky breath.

STRETCH: M-minerva, I-
STRETCH: we still don't know what this would do if you swallowed it
MINERVA: ...maybe just a little, and then you pull out?


 

Ohhh that is


a mental image.




okay.

STRETCH: Y-
STRETCH: your face-
MINERVA: Mhm!
MINERVA: It'll wash right off, right?
STRETCH: Y.
STRETCH: Yes...
MINERVA: So?

 

You nod, unable to resist.

STRETCH: I-if it feels weird-
MINERVA: I'll stop if it does. I promise.


 

You are wholly unprepared for the feeling of that fire type heat directly on you, having to clap a hand over your mouth and lean forward, one arm braced against the wall. She can't exactly provide a lot of suction, but the warmth-


God, even more than that- looking down at her is killing you.

It would be so easy to-


To just-



You settle for massaging her ear with your un-braced hand, not wanting to grab anything too hard. She makes a soft hum in response, pleased-




To your embarrassment, you barely last any time at all, not even enough to fully process it, before tapping for her to pull away. She leans back, a strand of drool following-


-only for you to get off on her face, the golbat closing her eyes as half of it lands, half of it floats.

MINERVA: H-hmmmhm....
MINERVA: You were really pent up, weren't you~?
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: N.
MINERVA: It's okay....

 

She smiles, even more delighted as you help wipe her face.

MINERVA: I'm just happy to help!



 

You glance down, seeing her just as worked up.



You



Uh




I mean, it's-


She did this for you, you want to return the-





Your head feels fuzzy as you gesture for her to stand, taking over her own kneeling position.

MINERVA: Oh-!
MINERVA: I-
MINERVA: Oh, that's...
STRETCH: I-
STRETCH: ....want to help too.



 

Okay. Okay okay okay.

Okay this is


Yup

okay




You open your mouth, feeling unpleasantly devoid of saliva.



It's fine
it's
fine


You can-




You get maybe two seconds into putting your mouth on her before the gag reflex kicks in, your heart pounding as you jerk away.


When you can bring yourself to look up at her, her expression is nothing but worried-





...especially as she dabs at the tears at the corners of your eyes.

MINERVA: Shh...


 

She helps you back up, the warmth in her voice ever-present.

MINERVA: ...it's okay.


 

You're hugging her before you can stop yourself, trying to catch your breath.

STRETCH: I wanted to-
MINERVA: Shh....shhh....
MINERVA: You're okay.




 

Her wings wrap around you, steadying your breath.
Neither of you talk, just holding each other.











You definitely do not make good time on that shower

but today, that's going to have to be okay.

STRETCH: Right.

 

You roll the map out on your room's table, team huddled around.

STRETCH: Who's got navs?

 

Filigree, Frond, and Eerie raise their hands.

EERIE: Does mine count if it's shit?
FROND: It get GPS?
EERIE: Sure, if you hold it up high enough.
STRETCH: ....better than me or Minerva.
STRETCH: We'll want to make sure no one is on their own without some kind of phone.
FROND: No getting lost anywhere scary!
STRETCH: Or losing communication.
STRETCH: This'll be more open wilds than Viridian and the routes surrounding it.
STRETCH: More chance of falls, weather issues-

 

Minerva's looking at you with wide eyes.

FILIGREE: ...Minnie, have you never been-
MINERVA: Ohh, haha-
MINERVA: I mean-
MINERVA: Of course I've-

 

She taps her wing claws together.

MINERVA: ...no.
FROND: For what it's worth, me n' Stretch have only ever been as far as Mt. Moon.
EERIE: Huh.
EERIE: Guess I can't talk big, I've only been out through Route 3 a couple times.
FILIGREE: The quarry's off on a side trail, but...
FILIGREE: Yeah.
FILIGREE: My dad said the people at the Lunar Institute were, weeeeeeeeeelll-
EERIE: Nuts.
FILIGREE: ....yyyyep.

 

You sigh.

STRETCH: The Lunar Institute-
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Nn. Not getting into this.
STRETCH: Point is.
STRETCH: It's unknown territory.

 

You point to Frond's nav.

STRETCH: Buddy system.
STRETCH: Minerva and I will always have to be with someone-
STRETCH: ....until we buy our own.

 

Minerva looks even more antsy at that.

STRETCH: Which I am sure we can find a good deal on.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Along with getting separated-

 

You trace a finger over the length of the route.

STRETCH: It's a winding hike.
STRETCH: Rocky, not a lot of trees.
FROND: In other words-
STRETCH: No cover.
STRETCH: Camping in tents is going to be...

 

You raise your brows, thinking over your word choice.

STRETCH: Problematic.
EERIE: ....

 

The rhydon says nothing.

FILIGREE: ....what about caves?
FILIGREE: Mines, uh-
EERIE: ...and get poisoned-?

 

They shake their head.

FILIGREE: It-
FILIGREE: It was a specific-
FILIGREE: It was a whole thing.
FILIGREE: ...not a bad idea to be cautious, though...
STRETCH: Caves are our best option, as well as anywhere we can wedge ourselves into.
STRETCH: Might have to take shifts overnight.
FROND: There's five of us-
FROND: We can make it work, right?

 

You nod.

STRETCH: Not ideal.
STRETCH: But doable.
STRETCH: Once we get through Route 3....

 

You tap the mountain at the end of the trek, the paper rustling as your pulse makes contact.

STRETCH: Mt. Moon Lunar Institute.
EERIE: ....really no other way through?
STRETCH: How much does a flight for five cost?
EERIE: Point taken.
STRETCH: Anyway.
STRETCH: The Lunar Institute has protected travel routes inside the mountain-

 

You squiggle your finger around.

STRETCH: Until-

 

Pointing to the other side.

STRETCH: We exit on Route 4.
STRETCH: Hills. Farmland.
STRETCH: Easier-
STRETCH: ....even if it comes down to renting space at somebody's place.
MINERVA: ....you can do that?

 

Frond nods.

FROND: Huge market for room and board for travelers.
FROND: Some farms even run market stands out front!
MINERVA: Oh!
MINERVA: That sounds lovely, actually...

 

For the first time during this meeting, she gets a cheerful smile on her face.

STRETCH: Necessary, too.
STRETCH: Route 3 takes a few days travel, Mt. Moon as well-
STRETCH: ...the same for Route 4.
FILIGREE: How long are we looking at on the road?
STRETCH: Over a week.
EERIE: Eesh.

 

You count on your fingers.

STRETCH: Rations for big meals.
STRETCH: Supplement with foraging, scavenging-
STRETCH: And buying, trading, bartering, with local merchants.
FILIGREE: ...but-
FILIGREE: Route 3 doesn't have merchants like the mountain and 4 do, right?
STRETCH: Mm.
STRETCH: Right.
FILIGREE: ....and...we're closest to Pewter right now-
FROND: ....

 

Frond makes a particularly stressed hum.

FROND: Well!
FROND: I mean-
FROND: Maaaaybe the Osteo guys will be-
FROND: Busy?
EERIE: With what, bashing in skulls?

 

He shrugs into the air, lost for words.

EERIE: ....

 

The rhydon huffs, guilt sneaking into her expression.

EERIE: ...yeah.
EERIE: .......sorry.
STRETCH: ....The point is-
STRETCH: Brutal journey ahead.
MINERVA: Well-
MINERVA: I've heard that The Lunar Institute can be quite accommodating to travelers!
EERIE: Tradeoff for being full of nutjobs.
EERIE: They call 'em lunatics for a reason.
FROND: Ideally nice ones!

 

You give Frond a quick glance, the gloom nodding back at you.

STRETCH: ....any questions.




 

No one says a word.

STRETCH: Get any last minute rations and gear.
STRETCH: Double check your rooms, sign out of the center.
STRETCH: We leave in 20.

---

Things from Stretch's past are starting to stir...but surely they'll be fine out on the road.

Still...suggestors, I have to ask- what do YOU think Stretch fears? Find out what terrors away our protagonist, next time....on SPACE CASE!

[DanZapman]

Still...suggestors, I have to ask- what do YOU think Stretch fears? Find out what terrors away our protagonist, next time....on SPACE CASE!

Watching Minerva undergo the same sort of experience that forced Stretch's traumatic evolution and explicitly knowing it's being done to her because she befriended it. Build a bit on the Pewter gym's mirrors.

[Lilium Mortem]

Fear of heights

[Guest]

Clowns, mimes, general circus-going miscreants and whatnot

[Guest]

The passage of time, eventually being forgotten. The fact everything decays. Entropy.

[knux400]

Itself. Stretch has come close to giving into its instincts too many times for that not to be on its mind.

[Lucy]

Stretch is scared of cycles. All kids, bi, tri, uni, you name it, theyre all bad and wrong and just dont like em.

[Lucy]

Escalators and moving floors. Elevators arent "great" either but you can tolerate those.

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
Off we go to Route 3, new friends and new powersets in tow- the Shooting Stars are setting out for a terrifying new challenge...

Eerie certainly has caused trouble for our party, too...how much? Find out...on SPACE CASE!

EPISODE 11: Entering the Mirror Mist!

---

The first thing you notice is the looks.


Sure, you all got some stares when you came in- you, Frond and Eerie had been pretty blatant variants, with Eerie being the only normal one of the bunch...

But these linger.


They are looking at you. Not just your hovering, or your pink stripes-





It's like the bar.

FROND: Dude....
FROND: I think
FROND: that guy over there is-

 
 

Except much....more...

EERIE: Don't make eye contact. Don't.
EERIE: Keeeeep walking.

 

Varied.




Your team is now a recognized entity.




It is weird! You're- you're pretty weirded out by this one. You hate people staring at you, and now-



I mean, you expected this.

You knew you'd at least get-


Top of your class, that means you were going to get somewhere-



You've been shooting for the championship position since-





Someone cheers as you pass, and your thought spirals simmer into pure anxiety.




Ohhh this is the. Bad part.
Going on a hike for a week sounds GREAT right now.
No people! The open road!





Filigree has to dodge someone bumping into them, likely on purpose-

Eerie scooping them up and starting to powerwalk.

EERIE: I know a back route lettttt's goooooooooooooo Now.

 




 

You can't say that going through shady alleyways to avoid fans and less-than-fans alike was on your or anyone else's agenda, but you reach the gates outside of the city well enough.

MINERVA: T...thank you Eerie...

 

Minerva's short fur is a little on end, nerves high.

MINERVA: It's- very nice that people are enthusiastic!
FILIGREE: ....but we could probably go without the glares....
EERIE: ....
EERIE: Least I can do!
EERIE: I got us into this mess.

 

She says it with a huff, but- it's genuine.

EERIE: If we're gonna pay for me talking shit, I gotta step it up.
MINERVA: That's...

 

Eerie gives her a look, the bat waving her claws.

MINERVA: Responsible!
MINERVA: Genuinely, it's-
MINERVA: I respect it quite a bit...
MINERVA: ....thank you.
FROND: Just don't push yourself too bad, alright?

 

Frond gives Eerie a pat on the lower back, the rhyhorn's posture slumping.

EERIE: Let's just get outta here.









 

No trouble at the gate beyond a big thumbs up from the guard on shift, which you halfheartedly return. Smiling isn't in your repertoire even on a good day, but at least this is viable. Frond covers any awkwardness with a proper high five.

STRETCH: ....thanks.
FROND: Anytime, bud.
FROND: Filling each other's gaps!

 


 

....still, sometimes you wish you could return these kinds of looks back.





The doors slide open, revealing the bright, unblocked sun-

MINERVA: W-wow-

 

Filigree steps forward without too much fuss, adjusting their bag strap. It takes them a moment to realize that Minerva and Eerie are busy gawking.

FILIGREE: ....oh.
FILIGREE: Right.



FILIGREE: Uh



FILIGREE: Weeeelcome to-
FILIGREE: Route....3?




 

It's sprawling, an upwards slope winding around cliffs and turns- easier than the mountain looming in the far distance for sure, but....

MINERVA: It's-
MINERVA: Very different than photos-
FROND: Cmon!
FROND: If the view's this good from here, you're gonna love it as we get higher!

 

He joins Filigree, grinning wide.

STRETCH: H-hey-

 

Minerva sticks close to you, almost as if trying and failing to hide behind.

STRETCH: Buddy system.
STRETCH: Buddy system.
EERIE: What, worried my shitnav won't be able to do much?

 

She pats her bag pocket.

You nod, not bothering to be polite about it.

EERIE: Smart.
EERIE: If we're lucky, it'll get more signal the higher we go.

 

The rhyhorn snorts, leading the three of you over to join the group.

STRETCH: ...Filigree.
FILIGREE: Mhm?
STRETCH: You know the way-
FILIGREE: And my nav works, yeah.
FROND: Mine's pretty good too!
STRETCH: Then you two are our hiking leaders.
FROND: I get to LEAD-
STRETCH: inside voice
FROND: Dude, we're outside!
FROND: This is the best place to yell!
FROND: ....

 

He leans over, a goofy conspiratorial smile.

FROND: But I'll behave.
FROND: Wouldn't want to cause any avalanches!
STRETCH: H
STRETCH: Right.






 

It takes Minerva some time to adjust to the rough terrain, figuring out the best way to hop over it when needed.

FROND: I gotta ask-
FROND: How's flying feel?
MINERVA: Oh, um
MINERVA: You're asking me?
FROND: Yeah!
MINERVA: T-truth be told-!

 

She laughs, embarrassed.

MINERVA: I'm not all that good at it.
MINERVA: A flap here, a flap there-
EERIE: Not a fan of airtime?
MINERVA: No, just...
MINERVA: Not much in the way of experience.

 

She avoids a particularly sizable rock.

MINERVA: I suppose I have learning to do...
FROND: Hey, maybe we could get you registered!
STRETCH: That requires a permit, Frond, and courses...

 

You look over at the golbat.

STRETCH: But it could be worth the time.
MINERVA: You really think so??
EERIE: If it means less hiking, I'll raise the tuition myself.
FILIGREE: ....Eerie, you're, like. Best equipped for this.
EERIE: I'm not tired, I'm just
EERIE: boreeeeddddd.
MINERVA: Well-

 

She pauses, taking in the view as best as she can from under her sunhat.

MINERVA: It's definitely lovely scenery...
FROND: You said it!

 

The gloom is eagerly rooting around through some scrub brush, his smile widening.

FROND: Ohhh, this is gonna be good-
FILIGREE: ....oh!

 

The bellsprout smiles as they peek over.

FILIGREE: I had these all the time at my uncle's!
EERIE: Out with it, share-

 

He holds up a decently large berry between his two hands, yellowed and ridged.

FROND: Chartis, baby!



 

You make a face.



You really

really

Do not like charti berries.

EERIE: Heh-
EERIE: Sooomebody doesn't like pickles-
STRETCH: It's.
STRETCH: The taste
STRETCH: Is fine.
FROND: Don't worry, man!
FROND: I'll find some other stuff to combo it with, seasoning only!

 

He's already scrambling off to find more, leaving you to sigh.

EERIE: ...

 

She adjusts her bag strap, smiling at the gloom's back.

STRETCH: ....you two are getting along.
EERIE: Yeah?
EERIE: Frond's cool.
EERIE: Lookin' forward to more time to fuck around and do stupid shit together.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: Yeah.
STRETCH: ....he's good at that.
EERIE: Been friends for like, what-
EERIE: ....

 

She notices the look on your face.

EERIE: ...we don't gotta talk about it.
EERIE: I-

 

She makes a noncommittal gesture.

EERIE: I just think it's cool.
EERIE: I don't got any friends from when I was little.
MINERVA: I never really did at all...

 

Minerva smiles, more guiltily than anything.

MINERVA: It, um-
MINERVA: would have interfered with my schooling
EERIE: No offense to you, Minnie-

 

Eerie huffs, rolling her eyes.

EERIE: I only saw your folks on TV or whatever, but they seemed like real sticks in the mud.

 

Minerva gasps, completely failing to cover her gaping maw-




-only to giggle, gleeful.

MINERVA: You have
MINERVA: no idea how nice it is to hear that.
EERIE: Yeah?
MINERVA: Everyone always told me I should be so, so-
MINERVA: So grateful!

 

She blushes, shyly holding her wing claws together.

MINERVA: Either that, or they lump me in with them...
MINERVA: Thank you!

 

Eerie snorts, her turn to look embarrassed.

EERIE: ...cmon, you're makin' it weird.
EERIE: Just a simple observation.
EERIE: ....yknow, that they look like they belong on some kinda show about haunted dolls.
MINERVA: heheheheeh
FILIGREE: Hey!
FILIGREE: You three are pretty bad at the buddy system yourself, huh?
EERIE: FROND'S FAULT FOR WANDERING OFF!
FROND: I'M HELPING!!!

 

You let out a little noise, the closest thing to a laugh you were gonna get. Minerva looks particularly delighted, pulling you forward.

MINERVA: Come on, then-
MINERVA: I want to see more!







 

You wish the nice part of the hike could have lasted forever.










The mon in front of you snickers, his drills at his hips- definitely some kind of variant, but with only the black fur color to go off of...you can't place it.

BEEDRILL: You really thought this would go well, huh?

 

You had simply been rounding the corner.
Filigree was in the lead, the team making casual conversation.

Early afternoon.

The heat was easing up, even.


And then your bellsprout teammate had gotten backhanded by a drill, slamming into the nearby cliff wall.

BEEDRILL: I'll admit, girl-
BEEDRILL: You've got guts.

 

The seadra next to him snickers, tossing a sharpened rib between her claws.

SEADRA: Figures, if you ask me!
SEADRA: Boss man said that she-
FROND: LEAVE US ALONE!

 

He's rushing over to help Fili up, Eerie's eyes widening.

EERIE: Dumbass, don't-!



 

 

 
 

You manage to dive in before the jab hits, yanking Frond out of the way as a bone-tipped stinger slams into the rock behind him. Fili barely manages to duck, yelping a string of incomprehensible cusses in the process.

EERIE: THAT'S IT

 

The rhyhorn steps forward, taking her club into her hands and charging the beedrill.

EERIE: IT'S ME YOU WANT-!



 

He's too quick.







The blow to Eerie's head crest knocks her back, and then directly into her shoulder joint.







She nearly drops the club, her attempt at a swing completely dodged.

Panic builds in your chest, busy having to get Filigree and Frond up on their feet just to have your pulse making them sway and feel worse-





Eerie can barely stand.




The beedrill takes a step forward, rubbing its drills together.

BEEDRILL: What'd you think was gonna happen, babe?

 

He pulls one back, Eerie's eyes widening.

BEEDRILL: Shame it's not on the air-!




 

You are now Minerva.


He just barely manages to duck out of the way as you launch in, missing a hip check.

BEEDRILL: NICE try!

 

You turn on a dime, your surprise at the slick maneuver derailed











as thorny vines burst from the beedrill's back, unlike anything you've seen before.

EERIE: GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE-
BEEDRILL: Too late.

 

 

You don't even see them constrict around you, pulling your wings tight against your body as the thorns dig in, threatening to tear at the membranes there.

MINERVA: HRK

 

The pain hits first.






Agony.
Burning.
Oh, god-

EERIE: MINNIE-!

 

The world swirls, more with every attempt to struggle.




It's
just like the smog
but so, so much worse.



Your head feels heavy. The world sways in distorted static and colors- are you saying something? Your tongue feels heavy, jaw returning to its natural slack state as your focus is broken.



He says something. A jeer, probably?


Something about it makes your skin crawl.


You catch a smear of pink in the swirling environment.
Stretch?
That's- yes, that's-
Oh, it's protecting....Frond and Filigre...e...



That means that, if you don't-


get it together


They'll be alone-!

You jerk backwards, using your full weight to drag the beedrill closer-







-and slam into him, the vines releasing as he's knocked out cold.



Or, you're hoping that's what the heap on the ground is.


Funny.

Color for a beedrill.


hooooo.


yes.





This is very bad.

Not good.

Whoof.







You feel something get closer, slamming into it as best as you can.
You can't see anything, but there's definitely, contact, of some kind-


Something's- glowing over there.

Blue?

Oh, it's- really pretty

Just like-




Something pierces into the side of your head, drawing blood- you're bleeding, right?

Hhhah-

There's more words happening.

It's a different voice now

It's not happy


with you



You can make out your last name


That's

really




bad







You are now Stretch.

FROND: JUST GET IN THERE MAN-!

 

His words cut through the raw panic.
It's all the permission you need.


Launching off of the cliff in a rage, you pull your palms back.



You are about to obliterate this seadra.



She manages to catch you mid-swing with her snout, shifted into a sharp, bloodied beak-




It won't save her.

STRETCH: GET
 

 

One hit.


She screams.

STRETCH: DOWN.

 
 

Second hit strikes hard enough to slam her into the dirt, kicking up a dusty cloud with the impact.





You're panting.

Your fingers twitch.


Your teeth ache.



Your tail lashes-

FILIGREE: .....
FILIGREE: ....Stretch...?

 
 

The bellsprout looks up at you with wide eyes, watching your posture tremble.




Blue energy arcs crackle across your entire body, higher than usual.




Even so-

STRETCH: Minerva.


 

 

You don't make it all the way over to her.






The first thing you notice is the ground shaking, what little peach fuzz you have standing up on end. You bare your teeth at the pokemon entering the clearing, just barely managing to hear Eerie snort in distress.

RHYDON: ....was hoping the rumors weren't true.
EERIE: Fuck off-
RHYDON: Just figured you'd skip town...
RHYDON: Not


 

He makes a sweeping gesture to your party, spread across the dirt.

RHYDON: whatever this is.
RHYDON: Playin' sports?
RHYDON: Games?
EERIE: B-
EERIE: Better-


 

She sounds like she's choking up.

EERIE: Better than working for all of you!


 

The rhydon gets into fighting stance, drawing the bone club at his side.

RHYDON: Grow up.


 

She's panting, freaking out as he approaches.

You have to get to Minerva.

Frond is still-


You can't-



There's too many-

FILIGREE: EERIE-!

 

The bellsprout's voice cuts through the growing panic.

FILIGREE: WATCH OUT-

 

 

You are now Filigree, and you are booking it.


You
don't really know how to use this.
Hunches, guesses, based on freak moments where you accidentally utilized the substance coursing through your body.



No technique.
No training- you were hoping to get time in before doing this.
Hell, the move isn't even registered yet. You're doing this extremely illegally.




...but something's gotta give.




You take a deep inhale, getting dangerously close to the rhydon-

-and exhale as hard as you can, nearly blown back at the force of it.
Unnatural, far more than you put in




and spreading purple mist everywhere, surrounding your opponent.











It's dark.

You can't make out where you are, but it's the same strange feeling you had when you went up against Cleave- your body in reality overlaid by the vision your opponent had summoned.


You can barely make out your hands. A crackle of light somewhere else in the room you're in reveals the edges, stubby claw-like shapes-


Just like Eerie's.


You look up, seeing the rhydon in cast in rim light.


His eyes are wide, panicked.

RHYDON: N-
RHYDON: No, I-
RHYDON: You're-
RHYDON: Not real-!

 
 

This feels....






gross. Intrusive.


Another flash of light- you're in some kind of industrial space, tight quarters, full of electronic clutter.
There's wires on your arms, too, slipped into the joints between a rhyhorn's armor plating.




Like seeing something deeply not yours, something exposed and secret.



There's a sharp noise behind you, causing you to look over your shoulder-



-getting the briefest look at Eerie panicking, primal terror in her own expression.




this isn't right



what you're doing isn't-

RHYDON: YOU'RE NOT REAL!
 

 

The edges of the illusion had faded with your focus pulled away

and you take a nasty bone club to the chest, slammed into a concrete wall




that doesn't actually exist,




The boundary between reality and the realm you'd created feeling distressingly intermeshed.



Poison leaks from your mouth in wisps, like some jar inside of you came uncapped and it's all spilling out now. Can't put that one back easy.

STRETCH: FILI



 

You register the electabuzz' yell before you see it charge in, its pink body a blur as it enters the realm-





-casting the room, no, the workshop, in flashing blue light.




Your eyes widen- oh, god, what the hell even happens now?
You can feel your own form flickering, trying to accommodate for the two inside-

shifting,

changing,

representing their selves?

Their inner fears?


You can't, oh this is just outright headache inducing-


-but you manage to get a grip, tightening the barriers.

Stretch grits its teeth, energy arcs getting stronger as it's properly encased in here with both of you.




The rhydon starts to panic again, backing away as best as he can before hitting a table, clutching at his head.

RHYDON: NnnnNNGH-
 

 
 

He tries to click his claws in the same way you've seen Eerie try- no smog, nothing to help him.



A massive snarl cuts through, Stretch advancing on the opponent.







There is something VERY wrong with your team captain.






It's bigger, for one- significant enough to change its posture, distinctly hunched and panting as if the size change hurts. Its fingers tip in what look like razor sharp claws, fangs extended into proper tusks.




It opens its fingers, enormous arcs of energy crossing them as the spikes form on its palms.





One hit.

RHYDON: WHAT-

 

Two.

RHYDON: WHAT ARE YOU-


 

More futile claw clicks.


You're pretty sure he's crying- but you're too frozen to tell.





The electabuzz pulls its hand back


and you see its full teeth bared in a terrible, enraged grimace.







The burst of light from its strike fills the whole room, shattering the realm you've made along with your focus.







When you open your eyes, Stretch is no longer...that-




-and the rhydon lays in a heap on the ground, completely out cold.





You have to catch your breath, everything still feeling out of whack. By the look of it, Stretch is just as woozy-

STRETCH: Wh
STRETCH: what happened-
EERIE: F-fuck if- If I know-

 
 

The rhyhorn's on her feet, Frond as well- both of them trying to help Minerva back up.

EERIE: You just, jumped on in there-

 

She makes a nonsense gesture with her hand.

EERIE: And got all- blurry.
EERIE: Could barely make you out.

 

She avoids your eyes.

EERIE: ....
EERIE: We gotta make sure Minnie's alright. Get away from these creeps.
FROND: M...majorly seconded-

 

 

Stretch cracks its back, rubbing its forehead.





It really doesn't remember.


Eerie couldn't see it either.



There's a distinct feeling of dread sinking in, but you don't voice it.

All that matters now is getting out of here.









You are now Frond.


The cave's clammy, damp, kind of gross-


But it should be safe.
Hopefully.
Maybe.



It's not deep, more of a hollow in a cliff than any sort of tunnel- but that suits your party just fine, and you don't have the time or privacy for tents. There's still some time before sundown, but you can't be fooling around with Minnie this messed up.


Finding berries doesn't hit like earlier- then it was fun, a little scavenger hunt on an adventure.


Even your positive, clearly charisma-filled enthusiasm can't take the edge off of this one. You had plenty of rations, but with Minerva this messed up....




....if she doesn't recover, you're looking at more travel time.
Slower travel, more vulnerable.



And from the guilty look on Eerie's face, you don't like the look of it.



You hesitate mid-pluck, both hands shaking as you grip the berry between them.




It'd been less than 24 hours since you helped Minnie out with her pizza.

Fuck. fuck fuck fuck
BREATHE

breathe.


You need to get your shit together.
People need food.

FROND: Hey everybody, how're we holdin' up?

 

Eerie looks up at you, exhausted.

EERIE: You're chipper.
FROND: What can I say-
FROND: Somebody's gotta keep us going.

 

Fili's helping stoke a campfire, completely unbothered by its flame.

FILIGREE: ....will this be alright?
FROND: Yeah, just gonna need somebody to help me roast 'em.
EERIE: How's that gonna-

 

You get to skewering an oran berry with a stick, having rolled it in ground charti.

EERIE: .....ah.
EERIE: Like marshmallows.
FROND: Exactly!






 
 

Stretch stays by Minnie's side the whole time, staring directly at her without any idea of what to do otherwise. Occasionally, it looks over at its pack, reaching for medicine-




-and putting it back.




....probably deciding on rationing or not, knowing Stretch. You'd seen it deny potions constantly back at college, waiting until it was down to the last bit of stamina before slamming one back.



From the look on its face, it doesn't like making that decision for others.



You'd think you'd be jealous or something by now, but- you're not.
Your enthusiasm over Stretch opening up is genuine, relieved to see it get out of its shell for literally anyone-





.....but as you watch it check her temperature with its hand, the same exact kind of way it scrutinized you at the gym yesterday when you were looking like shit-




Could you have done something this whole time? Said something, anything-


If-



You had just-

FILIGREE: Hey, Frond-
FILIGREE: You good with taking first shift?
FILIGREE: Me and Eerie are gonna look over the route for tomorrow.

 

You smile, making your way over.

FROND: You got it.







 

You are now Stretch again.




She stirs, every so often. Mumbling, lacking lucidity-



-aside from the times she reaches out to touch something, leaving you feeling lumps in your throat.


You should return it.
You should-




What do people do in this situation? You've never had to sit by someone's sickbed before-





the idea frightens you





And-

MINERVA: S-stretch-

 

You jolt, refocusing your attention.

STRETCH: .....

 

Your throat feels dry.

STRETCH: H
STRETCH: H. Hey.
MINERVA: .....you'reeee all
MINERVA: Glowy...

 

Oh, she is not all there.

STRETCH: .....
STRETCH: ...don't worry, okay?
MINERVA: Mmmkay....

 

Her soft expression looks so out of it, following the arcs of energy coursing across your body.

MINERVA: stretttch
STRETCH: ....uh.

 

You make a face, glad it's at least immediately readable to her as a reaction.

MINERVA: I'm glad- I met you...
MINERVA: ....

 

She sniffles, paranoia that you've done something wrong spiking immediately.

MINERVA: so many guys just, suck
MINERVA: and you're nice to me
MINERVA: I don't-
MINERVA: i'm bad with all the, girlfriend, things-
MINERVA: but it's okay with you.
MINERVA: being friends.



 

Oh.



You sigh in relief.

STRETCH: Y....yeah.
STRETCH: I'm. No good with that stuff either.
MINERVA: Can we just-

 

She coughs, nuzzling against your knee and calming at the vibration.

MINERVA: cuddle and mess arouund and be friends and not worry and



 

You help her get cozy, letting her use you as a comfort object- somehow more confident this time, so much of the tension eased away.

STRETCH: Yeah.
STRETCH: ....we can do that.
 
 

---

Filigree's new powers have been revealed, along with dark implications about Team Osteo...surely this means nothing, right?

Suggestors, it appears Stretch and Minerva have mutually settled on friends with benefits...what does Stretch bring to the situationship table? Hopefully this helps it and Minerva keep on trucking... next time....on SPACE CASE!

[DanZapman]

uhhh honestly? emotional baggage mostly. and the dick. stretch doesn't strike me as the type to be much capable of approaching a situationship much differently from a friendship other than the fucking. better get stretch's dong a costume as a gas pump and start fillin er up.

[Guest]

Wicked cool situationship secret handshake that inspires jealousy in all that see it

[Aabcehmu]

Crippling anxiety and a desire to be valued and appreciated despite it, and also the most dexterous hands (and other bodyparts) that Minerva has ever seen (or felt).

[Guest]

Honestly, it's just a project for her, isn't it. And if it ever relapses after making progress she'll lose patience. That's how this goes.

[knux400]

Stretch has a few physical benefits that can make sexual encounters more enjoyable, but being in a relationship is extremely new to it- this is the same person who ditched Frond for 10 years rather than talking about the issues it was having.

The reality is that it's going to take a lot of time and dedication from both parties in order to develop a proper, healthy relationship. It's not impossible by any means, but it's definitely something both Stretch and Minerva would be willing to commit to.

[Lilium Mortem]

powerplay kink with the captain?

[skinstealer]

LAST TIME...on SPACE CASE!
A confirmation that Team Osteo is after the Shooting Stars is the last thing the team needs, but words can't be taken back now- especially on the air!

 All our protagonists can hope for is that things won't get worse from here.....surely they can't, right? Find out...on SPACE CASE!

EPISODE 12: Caught in the Blast Zone!

---

 

STRETCH: ...okay.
STRETCH: Yesterday did.
STRETCH: Not go to plan.

Eerie rubs the back of her neck, avoiding your eyes as you sigh.

STRETCH: But we have to keep going.
STRETCH: Team Osteo is.
STRETCH: Nn.
STRETCH: After us. Officially.
FROND: ....
FROND: You think they'll get bored?
EERIE: Not likely.

Her voice is laden with guilt, outright hiding her snout in her hand.

EERIE: ....I fucked up.
FROND: Hey-
STRETCH: Yes. You did.

Everyone whips around to look at you, shocked.

STRETCH: Get used to it.
STRETCH: We're all going to.
STRETCH: Discipline can wait.

You grimace as you look at Eerie's crestfallen face.

STRETCH: ...and you feel bad enough.
STRETCH: All we can do is survive the route.
FILIGREE: ...so what do we do?
FILIGREE: You say survive, but-
FILIGREE: You've got a plan, right?

You nod.

STRETCH: Barely slept.
FROND: Dude-
STRETCH: Napping comes later.

No one looks satisfied with this, but
SOMEONE
had to figure out how to not die.


You're the captain.



It's your job.







You avoid eye contact.

STRETCH: We can't sleep in tents.
STRETCH: Too visible, and they'll be looking for it.
STRETCH: Caves like this?
STRETCH: Viable.
STRETCH: The brush and watch shifts worked.
STRETCH: If we need to turn in early and there's one around-
STRETCH: We do it.
EERIE: What about rations?
STRETCH: It's going to be longer.
STRETCH: Foraging is now necessary.
EERIE: Shit.
STRETCH: Mm.
STRETCH: Frond-
FROND: I've got it under control.
STRETCH: Cool.
STRETCH: Food is Frond's job.
STRETCH: Fili-
STRETCH: ...
STRETCH: How're you feeling on.
STRETCH: The. Poison stuff.
FILIGREE: ....

It takes them a second to think it over.

FILIGREE: Not sure yet.
STRETCH: You comfortable enough using it?
FILIGREE: ....think so.
FILIGREE: For...now, anyway.
STRETCH: Only if we have to.
STRETCH: Don't be stupid about it.

The bellsprout makes a face, but nods.




you're

probably being too hard on them.





....but this is getting closer to life or death than you'd like.

STRETCH: Eerie-

She flinches, but pays attention.

STRETCH: You know what we're dealing with.
STRETCH: I want you on lookout.
EERIE: ...yeah.
EERIE: I-
EERIE: I can do that.
STRETCH: Don't hide anything from us.
STRETCH: ....okay?
EERIE: ...you got it, boss man.

You take a deep inhale, letting it out slow.

STRETCH: Minerva's still sick.
STRETCH: I'll wake her up and.
STRETCH: Figure that out.
STRETCH: Rest of you, pack it up.
STRETCH: Best to use daylight.

....Minerva is worse today.




You feel a growing pit in your stomach, watching she sways while standing.

STRETCH: ....Min-

You swallow, unused to nicknames.

STRETCH: Minnie.
STRETCH: Can you hear me?
MINERVA: Mmmghm.

She manages a nod, your guts feeling even worse.

STRETCH: Okay.
STRETCH: Good.

A deep breath.

STRETCH: ...shit.
FROND: ....she having issues still?

You nod.

FROND: Why not some kinda harness?
FROND: It'd at least keep her from wandering off or lagging behind.
STRETCH: ...hm.
STRETCH: It'd...be something. Maybe.
EERIE: Yeah, if we had something like that.
FILIGREE: We've...got rope, but-
FROND: I can work with that.

Before you can protest, he grabs some from his inventory-in-progress pile, tapping Minerva on the side.

FROND: Hey Minnie, we're gonna get you outta here nice and safe!
MINERVA: Ohh, that's
MINERVA: thaaat's. good.

She nods, barely there.

FROND: I'm gonna tie some rope on you, okay?
FROND: Just so Stretch can lead you around.
MINERVA: ...like...a pet?




FROND: ....

He gives you a look, easily picking up on your attempt to stare holes into the cave wall.

FROND: Yeah!
FROND: Exactly!









EERIE: ....

This is your punishment.




This is how the world has decided you must atone.





Every sin you have committed has lead you to this very moment.

EERIE: dude.

FROND: And if we just get this last part done-


FROND: Hold niiice and still for me-


EERIE: dude.



FROND: Annnd pulled tight!



FILIGREE: ....impressive.
FILIGREE: How'd you pick that up without digits?

Frond makes his best imitation of a chef's kiss gesture, standing back to observe his craft.

FROND: Like I said-
FROND: I like to look things up and learn a few myself!

Help.









Minerva is sitting contently, looking genuinely pleased as she tests moving around in the rather ornately made rope harness.

MINERVA: It doesn't even hurt...
MINERVA: And so stable-
MINERVA: T-thank you, Frond!

You have serious, serious doubts as to this being a good idea.

EERIE: This is, like-
EERIE: Somehow, this is the most perverted shit you people have put me through.
EERIE: And I tolerated the shrink wrapped gyrados cock.
FILIGREE: I mean-
FILIGREE: Yes, this is commonly-
STRETCH: It is fine
STRETCH: And we will make it work.

Minerva reaches out for you to come closer, giving you an awkward, clumsy hug.

MINERVA: I know you'll d-do a good job...

You slowly reach for the untied end of the rope, taking a deep breath.

STRETCH: ...alright.
STRETCH: Just.
STRETCH: get it over with.

On the one hand, Minerva is delighted at the gentle vibration traveling from your body and through the rope- like a calming massage, making her simultaneously more lucid and more relaxed.





On the other





You have been trying to think about nothing the most boring shit imaginable.

Fading wallpaper.

Crushed soda cans.

Weird buzzing noises that piss you off.

FROND: You're a really good model, Stretch!


FROND: Take a look!

You get to your feet, grateful that you somehow, somehow managed to keep your composure.

Somehow.



Despite the rope rubbing against your chest.

minerva's right it doesn't even hurt

FOCUS.

STRETCH: ...I can feel it fine.
 

Frond gives you a big smile that you deliberately avoid looking at.

STRETCH: ....we're leaving.

Besides your brand new bondage harness adventure, the morning goes quietly- the only real struggle being the sun beating down and humidity getting worse.





That doesn't mean it feels good, though.



The energy of the day prior has been shot, everyone on edge.
It's only natural- what was going to be a hike is now something far more terrifying, and the physical and environmental risks were already going to be hard.




you



wonder if anyone regrets this.






Regrets coming with you.
Inviting themselves.


Getting more than they bargained for if they had asked anyone else but you.





It makes your stomach hurt.


Even more than the generalized anxiety, Minerva's condition really has the team worked up.


Staying close to her and holding her wing claws, gently leading her around rocks and foliage is less nerve-wracking with the added tether, but it is definitely slower.


People ahead help point out issues that you would have floated over and missed, leading you to fight off the shame of your condition interfering. Minerva, for all of her disorientation, occasionally mutters a "thank you", and woozy hums.

FILIGREE: ...I've got an idea.
FILIGREE: We've gotta pass the time, right?
FILIGREE: I! I know a lot of the rock formations out here.

Eerie huffs.

EERIE: Yeah?
EERIE: What's so big about that?
FILIGREE: ...figure I could point some out and share facts.
EERIE: Eh-

They gesture their head towards Minerva, looking barely in reality.

FILIGREE: Could be
FILIGREE: Grounding.
EERIE: ...right.
EERIE: yyyeah.
FROND: Oh! Oh!
FROND: I can help!
FROND: You know rocks, I know plants!
FILIGREE: Okay. Yeah!

They pause, turning around to the dazed golbat.

FILIGREE: Hey, Minnie-
FILIGREE: You wanna play a game?
MINERVA: I do like games...
FILIGREE: Cool!
FILIGREE: You're gonna point out interesting shapes, colors, whatever you want-
FILIGREE: And me and Frond can tell you what they are.
MINERVA: O-oh, that-
MINERVA: that sounds nice...

It takes her a moment before she manages to focus on a tower-like structure a ways ahead, Filigree enthusiastic.

FILIGREE: Okay, so that's what we call a "cloud pillar-"

You stay quiet as the party keeps Minnie occupied, continuing to lead her along. Her gait grows more steady-




-even if you can't allow yourself to feel relieved, this is something.








And then Minerva sees a different shape




A person hunched over something in the brush, swearing to itself.



You freeze, a light growl growing in your throat.

STRETCH: ...get down.
EERIE: Wh-

Frond and Filigree yank on her arms, getting her to crouch as you slowly lower Minerva into a kneeling position.

MINERVA: whhat's-
STRETCH: shhhh

You're on the verge of panicking as you give her a gentle pat on the side of her head, gesturing for Frond to go get a better look.



The gloom peeks around the corner,


and then whips back around.

FROND: big kabutops.
FROND: messing with something on the ground, weird thing on its-
EERIE: is it a cannon?
STRETCH: wh
EERIE: like is it a-
FROND: i don't know? wh-

Eerie gestures to her arm, making a big circle around it.

FROND: oh.
FROND: wow, i did not want that to be a cannon-

She grimaces.

EERIE: shit. i know that guy.
FILIGREE: osteo?

The rhyhorn nods, looking more and more tired of this shit.

EERIE: with a fucking temper.

You try to peek out, only for Minerva to make a nervous whine.

STRETCH: sssshit.
STRETCH: minerva-
FROND: ...she scared?

You nod.

STRETCH: ...think so.
FROND: okay.
FROND: we gotta- gotta sneak by, right?
EERIE: oh, yeah, great idea-
FROND: we can do this.
FROND: stretch and minnie should go....llllast....?
EERIE: how the hell are we gonna hide a bat twice my size?
STRETCH: ....if you all get past it, i have the best chance of taking it out.
EERIE: and if we don't?
FROND: borrowing trouble.
FROND: smallest first- fili, me, eerie.
STRETCH: ....we'll try it.
STRETCH: just
STRETCH: be careful.

Fili goes first, tiptoeing light on their roots-





-finding a serviceable path, making sure to get gesture to a trail that'd accommodate everyone's sizes.
Your tail lashes as you continue to massage your thumb into Minerva's cheek, occasionally making more "shush"ing sounds.





Frond waits for the signal






and makes his way out







stepping on a twig maybe three quarters of the way.

STRETCH: oh for fuck's-

The fossil mon panics, whipping around with a nasty look. Before Frond can even do anything, it raises its arm- cannon pointed directly at his head.





Frond throws his hands up, nervously laughing.

FROND: H-hey man, I-
KABUTOPS: Stand down!
FROND: I'm standing! Standing very down-
KABUTOPS: Who sent you?!
FROND: Nobody- nope, nobod-
FROND: I am juuuust trying to get to the mounta-
KABUTOPS: Bullshit!
KABUTOPS: You're not a lunatic, no way you're not spying-
FROND: Nooonononono you- you have it all wrong-

The cannon starts to whirr, charging up-






You remember how bad GY got.

STRETCH: FROND-!

He can't even react to your cry before he gets blasted,

flame hitting him square in the chest

and slamming him back against the cliff wall

 

EERIE: SHIT

Everything slows down.




Think.

You need to





think



and assess the issue.




The kabutops is-

it's reeling back, as if the cannon has some kind of recoil.

Now that you're getting a good look at it-
it looks like the scythe material on its other arm-
grown out?
Around its arm?
Eugh.



Probably hurts.
Good.
Easy weakpoint.


Frond is getting back to his feet-
okay,
good.

Good.

Good good good.
Fuck.
Okay.
Good.





Not good that the cannon's still pointed at him though.
You have to-




-Minerva is wobbling, whining beside you. Whimpering.



This isn't good.
You're tethered to her and she's completely reliant on you for safety and comfort.

You wonder why you agreed to this.

No one should be reliant on your-
no.
Nooo no no not time to go down that self hate hole.





FOCUS.





One thing is clear.


Objectively,
logistically-



You cannot leave her side.



Eerie- oh, she looks like shit.


Her mouth turned into a grimace, mid-reach for her club-





You snap back into real time as Frond fires off a swift-star at the kabutops, stumbling as he tries to get some ground



only for the fossil mon to shoot off another pulse of flame, incinerating the star and catching Frond's knee in the process.

FROND: SHIT-

His voice is pained.


There's a distinct scent of rot in the air-

his defense mechanism




one you remember all too well




There's a buzzing in your head


arcs of energy crackling all over your entire body


your breath gets
heavy



your teeth feeling too big for your mou-

FROND: STAY WITH MINNIE-!
FROND: I-
FROND: I GOT THIS-
KABUTOPS: Who the fuck is-

You are now Filigree


and you are hauling ass to keep Frond from doing something stupid.


Your gloom teammate's eyes widen as you tank the kabutops' incoming shot, barely hurt by the flames scorching your body.

You thank your foresight to get your poor button pins coated in flameproof sealant, because this is hot.

You don't like fire- hate it, actually!
Feels bad!
Distinctly unpleasant, freaks you right out!
You avoided it in GY's challenge and the dark ride for a reason!






But you're registered as a fire type yourself- it's a type advantage either way.


The fossil mon reels back with a sharp hiss, both out of shock, confusion, and what appears to be pain- its wrist wobbling and looking weighty.

KABUTOPS: Motherf-
KABUTOPS: BULLSHIT

Don't freak out.
Don't.
Freak.
Out.



Stand TALL

FILIGREE: Back off!

And don't show fear.

KABUTOPS: Or what?!
KABUTOPS: Little flower freak-

Let's see if this works a second time.


Its blast hits, but it's not going to go uncountered.


The mist comes out easier now- almost too easy.
Don't think about it.
Not the time.






The kabutops staggers as the haze encapsulates both of you-





....huh.



You're back in

the workshop again.
At least, one similar- different tools, but the same walls.
The same tile.
The same darkness, illuminated by crackling, sparse bursts of light.



Frond makes a noise behind you, but this time, you have to lock in.
No distractions-


The kabutops lets out a sharp hiss, shaking with rage and staring directly at you.


A brief glance down at yourself reveals-


You do what you can to avoid screaming in horror, repeating to yourself that this is just a vision.
Oh, god, the mon in front of you doesn't seem to think so.

KABUTOPS: That's-
KABUTOPS: You're-

The fossil mon raises its cannon, its voice wobbling.

KABUTOPS: Y-you're-
KABUTOPS: That's not ME anymore-

You swallow-

-and do your best to rush forward


body slamming in reality and grabbing a large box in this world, struggling to carry it with your tiny kabuto arms oh this SUUUCKS


and get a hit in.





The kabutops staggers, letting out a screech and barely catching its balance.

KABUTOPS: BULLSHIT

You don't get a chance to react, blasted backwards with another cannon shot- even if it does more pushback than actual damage, it hurts in the false world, more than you expected.
Your body is so small, and surely it




it would hesitate



It storms over, breathing hard.

KABUTOPS: I GOT

A barely dodged slash.

KABUTOPS: STRONGER

Another, the kabutops attempting to bash your head in.

KABUTOPS: THAN YOU EVER WERE!

Too close for comfort.

KABUTOPS: ISN'T THIS WHAT YOU WANTED?

Too close

KABUTOPS: STUPID

Way too close

KABUTOPS: MOTHERFUCKING

A strike nearly takes you out-






-only for you to hit the cliff wall, cornered into the back of the workshop.

KABUTOPS: CHILD!

Its cannon arm is trembling.


You think you can see blood around where it connects to its main carapace.

KABUTOPS: And I'll take you out with me.

The whirr that comes from the cannon is deafening




you think this may have been a mistake





and with a piercing shriek, the world goes dark.





You are now Eerie.


Filigree's wiped out.


Your hands are trembling, forcing you to grip your club with enough strength to hurt.


You never wanted to deal with this guy again-


Why did you even, say ALL that-




The cannon's pointed at Fili's battered body, the kabutops holding it against the cliff wall and panting.



It is going to kill them.


You're on your feet so fast that you're on top of it within seconds, knocking it down and raising your club above your head.
You'll crack its fucking skull open.
You'll-

 

KABUTOPS: GET OFF OF M-

You bring it down-


-only for the club to bounce out of your hand, rebounded with a glowing purple flash.

KABUTOPS: Ex-team, huh?!
KABUTOPS: Knew you were spying!
EERIE: SHUT UP-

It tries to go for a slice, scratching at your arm

KABUTOPS: Traitor.

and getting its scythe stuck in a pinch point.


Your left elbow.





You scream, the blade digging in deep and drawing blood-
but it can't move its arm when you hold it tight.



You hit it in the face.
It bounces.

Again.
Nothing.



Your eyes flick to its flailing right arm.

EERIE: I SAID

You grip the part where its wrist connects, watching it screech in agony.

EERIE: SHUT UP!

You slam it with its own cannon



Again



and again



until it's down.




Its scythe goes slack.


You stay kneeling on its unconscious body.

Still alive, but beyond out cold.






Fuck.








You are now Frond.


You're
really tired.



Filigree had fought for you, and everything after that is a blur.



Where-


The smell of blood snaps you out of it, eyes snapping open and stumbling to your feet.

STRETCH: FROND, get-
STRETCH: Medical kit, fuck-

Stretch is fumbling with Minerva, trying in vain to guide her out into the clearing as she mumbles in distress.

STRETCH: shhhh it's okay it is Okay it's okay minnie-

Okay.
Not either of them-


You turn and see Eerie, pressing her hand into her elbow in a desperate attempt to keep crimson from pouring out.

FROND: Holy SHIT
FROND: OKAY

Even with your unsteady gait, you manage to get to your pack, thrown aside in the fight-

Okay okay OKAY okay find it find it-

You pull out a tourniquet, immediately realizing that it's not gonna work- it's between the plates, fuck-

A potion and bandages are going to have to do, grabbing some sanitary wipes for good measure.

FROND: fuck fuck fuck i'm sorr-
EERIE: J
EERIE: Jjjust shut up and-

She extends her arm, letting you fumble around as best as you can without fingers. You'd done this before enough times to know how to pinch and move safely enough- for your own wounds, no less- but it's kind of different doing it for someone at risk of BLEEDING OUT.

The rhyhorn grits her teeth hard when you sanitize and spray the wound, clearly holding back snorts of pain as you bandage her up.

FROND: I-
FROND: I'm sorry, this is-

Your eyes are welling up, not able to mask the panic threatening to make you sob then and there.

EERIE: Frond.

You freeze.

EERIE: ...stop it.
EERIE: Feels weird seeing you worked up like that.

A shaky smile sneaks on your face, managing a nod.

FROND: Y-yeah...
FROND: Gotta p-put a smile on, right?
EERIE: Yep.
EERIE: And, uh-

She nods over her shoulder.

EERIE: Maybe make sure Fili's not dead.
FROND: FUCK

Stretch watches you work, having to hold Minerva at his side the whole time. Your golbat teammate looks horrid, feverish even- to the point where you're almost more worried for her sake than Filigree's.
At least Fili's vitals were stable, even when out cold.
Some rest and medicine should be fine for them, but....

FROND: Stretch, she gonna be-
STRETCH: I.
STRETCH: I don't. Know.

It swallows, its downward gaze looking harrowed.

STRETCH: i couldn't-
FROND: Stretch.

You take a deep breath.

FROND: You're helping.
FROND: Okay? You're helping.
STRETCH: ....
STRETCH: okay.
FROND: Minnie would have gotten hit by that jerk without hesitation.
FROND: Like, the rest of us-
FROND: We're able to think.
STRETCH: ...right.

It manages to get Minnie to stop hyperventilating, giving her a squeeze. Being so close and intimate with another person,


especially in a situation like this



is clearly uncomfortable for it.

FROND: Okay.
FROND: Fili's gonna be alright. But we gotta get out of here.

Eerie's back on her feet, wobbling as she extends her free arm.

EERIE: Gimme.
STRETCH: ...

It raises its brows.

STRETCH: Eerie.
EERIE: Frond can't carry them and you'll make them hack up. Chlorophyll or something.
STRETCH: not how that works
EERIE: Quit being a wiseass and fork 'em over.

Despite her injury, Eerie's surprisingly stable as she carries Filigree in the crook of her arm, Stretch carrying her shoulder bag in turn.



The sun beating down is bad enough-


-but Stretch's face contorts into worry as clouds roll in, its predictions seemingly right on the money.

STRETCH: ...We need shelter.
EERIE: W-we've-

She takes a moment to huff- she's clearly masking, now that you're getting a better look at her.
Stable, not as much as you thought- playing tough, yes.

EERIE: We've been going for. What?
EERIE: An hour?
FROND: T-thirty minutes.

You'd been checking your nav just a bit obsessively.

FROND: We're on the right track, but-
STRETCH: shit.

The humidity hits after another half hour, Minerva starting to sway.





Stretch sends you ahead, scrambling around- and then you find it.




An abandoned house- or at least, what looks like one.



It'll have to do.





You help keep Minerva steady as Stretch breaks down the door, two twin needles more than doing the trick.
Eerie carefully carries Filigree inside after you get Minnie through, leaving the three lucid team members to figure out a gameplan.


Checking for safety risks is first- Stretch's harness is untied, letting it zoom around the house as you and Eerie secure the doorway and windows from the oncoming rain.

STRETCH: All clear.

It goes straight to Minerva's side after, checking on her with a furrowed brow.
Thankfully, she had no objections to being laid down on a dusty couch, moving her head towards the blue crackling arcs lighting the room.

STRETCH: ...are you. Okay?

She manages a nod, Stretch clearly relieved that she can respond at all.

FROND: ...We gotta get food going.
FROND: Saw a garden out back through the window-
STRETCH: ....right.

It's not in the best shape, but it's plenty of berries and veggies you recognize, and clearly meant for the former occupant to use for meals.
Whatever happened to them-




noooo you don't really want to think about that actually




....you hope that they'd understand.





You catch a soft, stifled noise as you pull up a particularly nice looking root vegetable. Over your shoulder, you can see Stretch's posture hunched as it gathers berries into its bag




sniffling.

FROND: ....hey....

You set your food down and go to his side, the electabuzz trying to wipe its eyes as soon as it hears you coming.

FROND: Hey, it's-
STRETCH: im fine-

Its breath hitches, a bright pulse of blue crackling across its body- the energy enough for you to feel it even from a short distance.

STRETCH: nnn
FROND: ....okay, you're-
FROND: You don't look fine, man.

It recoils as you take a step forward, but doesn't run.

FROND: ....you wanna count together until it feels better?

Silence-





and then a nod.

FROND: Alright, here we go...

...You can't pin down what's different about its eyes.












Cooking always gets you in the zone, and with the help of some tool straps and a lot of fiddling, you're able to fasten some utensils to your hands and get to sauteing up dinner.
Eerie and Stretch helped you get a makeshift setup in the fireplace going- it's not ideal, let alone entirely safe, but-

EERIE: ....so you cook those ones longer?

She'd asked to watch you work, and of course you accepted. It keeps your mind off of the situation at hand, and...it's nice.

No one really asks for stuff like this.

FROND: Yup, they take more time to soften up.
FROND: We want everything to be easy to swallow right now, 'specially with Minnie's jaw control being...kinda...

You both look over at the golbat, her mouth wide open as Stretch pet her head- despite being a more natural posture than her polite smiles, it feels distinctly out of place.

EERIE: ...guessing we gotta cut it up too.
FROND: Yyyep.
FROND: I'll let you do that, okay?
EERIE: H-huh?!
FROND: hehehe
FROND: Mostly kidding.
FROND: I am going to give you a berry to try it on.
FROND: You've signed up for the Frond culinary class!
EERIE: Heh....
EERIE: Alright, fine.
EERIE: Let's do it.








FILIGREE: ...ough....
FROND: Theeere they are!

You grin wide as the bellsprout comes to, holding their head.

FILIGREE: ...feel like a train hit me....
EERIE: ...more like a kabutops.

Her voice is drenched in guilt, sighing.

EERIE: I-
EERIE: i'm sorry.

They rub their leaf hair and make a noncommittal noise, their eyes widening as they see your offer.

FROND: You woke up just in time for dinner!

They hesitate before taking it, giving you a grateful look-





-before realizing where the hell you are.

FILIGREE: uh
STRETCH: ...we had to camp somewhere.

Minerva had managed to get herself into a proper sitting position, Stretch feeding her the stir fry carefully.

STRETCH: Pouring out there-
EERIE: ....and we kinda got trashed.

They notice her arm next, face growing pale.

FILIGREE: Eerie-
EERIE: Don't wanna hear it.
EERIE: I got us into this mess-
EERIE: ...least I can do is get you out of it.
STRETCH: ....

Stretch sinks into its seat, setting Minerva's now-empty plate aside.



It doesn't go unnoticed.

EERIE: Hey.

It flinches, not expecting to be addressed.

EERIE: Last I checked, you're not the one who should be throwing a pity party.
STRETCH: ...I-
STRETCH: I didn't.
STRETCH: Help much.
EERIE: ...dude.
EERIE: For being some kinda prodigy, that is one of the dumbest things I've heard you say.

It blinks.

EERIE: Minnie'd be dead if you didn't keep her safe.
EERIE: Knock it off.

Minerva leans on it, nuzzling up.

MINERVA: Mmgh-
MINERVA: you're doingggg
MINERVA: a good job.
MINERVA: be nice to stretch.

It sighs-



-antennae flopping as it gets a clumsy attempt at a headpat.

STRETCH: okayyyy










FROND: ...hey.

You sit next to Stretch, the electabuzz putting the finishing touches on the heap of sleeping bags and worn down, abandoned bedding.
Pulling mattresses out of the bedrooms to make a sort of group sleeping pile felt a bit silly, but once it's all together...

STRETCH: ...nn.
STRETCH: Should be good now.
FROND: Yeah? You, or the slumber party?

It gives you a tired look.

FROND: hehehe
STRETCH: ...better than earlier.
FROND: ...good.
FROND: Want somebody to help you keep watch?

It hesitates-





-and then nods.

STRETCH: ...just for one shift.
FROND: You got it.

 

---

Things could be better for the Shooting Stars...their first brush with potential death has left the bunch rightfully rattled! And yet the journey must press onward...

Well, suggestors sure like to put Stretch through the wringer. Let's give someone else a turn. Suggestors- what is Eerie scared of most? Let's see how she copes with it all... next time....on SPACE CASE!

[knux400]

Eerie's seen firsthand what Team Osteo is capable of. She knows better than anyone how Beedrill and Kabutops got the way they did, and now that entire organization is gunning (literally, in some cases) for her and her friends.

[DanZapman]

Suggestors- what is Eerie scared of most?

Despite everything else that seems like it could be relevant, aging.