Characters present: Finch, Dan, Joco, Cinder, Wizard, Ollie, Faulkner
Date: 12/10/23
Season: 3

[Dan clears his throat, not quite sure of what to say.]

[16:19:06] <✦[rp] DAN> uh, thanks all of you guys for coming with

[16:19:34] <✦[rp] Finch> you're welcome, dad!

[16:19:48] <✦[rp] cinder> No problem! Im not really sure whats going on, but if corroded is working together of course I'm gonna help

[16:19:40] <✦[rp] DAN> not sure how this will go or what we're expecting but. we are one formidable force so

[16:19:52] <✦[rp] DAN> hopefully they just chose to be peaceful and give the egg back.!

[16:20:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hopefully! Not. Realistically!

[Dan tries his best to muster confidence, but it’s difficult as he’s reminded of Ollie.]

[16:20:16] <✦[rp] DAN> haha, yeah

[16:20:29] <✦[rp] Finch> i hope they do too, imagine if it got damaged in transit! our dinner...

[16:20:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We will get the egg back, no matter what.

[16:20:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And it will not be dinner

[16:20:37] <✦[rp] DAN> NOT dinner! finch!

[16:20:47] <✦[rp] cinder> finch I really dont think we're working this hard for a good omelette

[16:20:54] <✦[rp] Finch> i would

[16:21:01] <✦[rp] Finch> i would work this hard for a good omlette

[16:21:05] <✦[rp] DAN> we arent eating the egg. we are on a rescue mission

[16:21:10] <✦[rp] Finch> great! protein. i think thats what protein is

[16:21:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The egg might be alive.

[16:21:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch we're not killing the maybe baby

[16:21:22] <✦[rp] Finch> ... fine.

[16:21:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You can get protein elsewhere.

[16:21:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Egg might have heavy metals and kill you.

[16:20:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The main objective is to just keep the egg safe

[16:20:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And try to cause the least amount of damage we can....

[16:21:40] <✦[rp] cinder> so who is it that even has the egg?

[16:21:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner has it, in Wisteria

[Cinder blinks quickly.]

[16:22:40] <✦[rp] cinder> falkner... Hes the one who lives with Ollie?

[The Wizard raises his eyebrows.]

[16:22:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Uh, yes actually

[16:22:58] <✦[rp] cinder> ... Do you think Ollie will.. be there?

[16:23:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Most likely...did you meet with him?

[16:23:14] <✦[rp] cinder> you could... say that.

[16:23:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah.

[Dan seems uncomfortable with the conversation moving towards Ollie. Still…his curiosity gets the better of him.]

[16:23:23] <✦[rp] DAN> how uh... how is he doing?

[16:24:25] <✦[rp] Finch> in a.. something happened to ollie like it did to punk way or in a ollies just weird way

[16:23:40] <✦[rp] cinder> Ah! Well... He's... Haha.

[16:23:46] <✦[rp] cinder> great! lots of fishing.

[16:23:54] <✦[rp] Finch> he's.. what

[16:23:57] <✦[rp] DAN> ..oh, uh.. cool

[16:24:03] <✦[rp] cinder> we had a nice talk. I just really dont want to see him again right now in particular.

[Cinder claps their hands together.]

[16:24:15] <✦[rp] cinder> anyways egg!

[16:24:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, egg

[16:24:24] <✦[rp] DAN> uh yeah. egg. the egg

[16:24:29] <✦[rp] Finch> right yeah the egg

[16:24:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Shouldn't stall any longer, right?

[Dan laughs, but his voice is tense despite his words.]

[16:24:53] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah. i think i might have a heart attack if we keep standing around!

[16:24:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> This is going to go so smoothly, isn't it.

[16:24:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Don't jinx it, Joco

[16:25:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That was sarcasm, dear Wiz

[The Wizard lifts a hand, bouncing his finger.]

[16:25:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Still-

[Finch looks around.]

[16:25:19] <✦[rp] Finch> so

[16:25:22] <✦[rp] Finch> where does ollie live?

[16:25:27] <✦[rp] Finch> and that other one too i guess

[16:25:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> In Wisteria

[16:25:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can bring us there

[Dan nods at the Wizard.]

[16:25:32] <✦[rp] DAN> thanks wiz

[16:25:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Let's head out

[The group of Corroded travels through the nether. The Wizard flies ahead, leading the group, Dan and Finch following, with Cinder and Joco running along on the soul sand road. They reach the nether hub, and stall for a moment in the center as Cinder pipes up.]

[16:29:22] <✦[rp] cinder> Before we go in, whats the plan?

[16:29:27] <✦[rp] DAN> good question.

[16:29:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ask nicely then ask sharply?

[16:29:30] <✦[rp] Finch> take the egg

[16:29:34] <✦[rp] cinder> No one's really told me anything, and I've never really done this kind of thing before

[16:29:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't know if any of us have

[16:29:43] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> First siege? Nice!

[16:29:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, Joco?

[16:30:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I've done this a few times, usually with more malintent. Don't worry bout it

[Dan manages a slight smile.]

[16:30:11] <✦[rp] DAN> glad we have someone with experience

[16:29:47] <✦[rp] DAN> i just know im not leaving without the egg

[16:30:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We will get the egg. We will not leave without it.

[16:29:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We're going to have to talk our way into finding it

[16:30:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner gave me no idea of where it could be

[16:30:18] <✦[rp] Finch> well

[16:30:26] <✦[rp] Finch> if faulkner or whoever wont just tell us

[16:30:32] <✦[rp] Finch> we can just. search every inch of their house

[16:30:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well..except-

[16:30:25] <✦[rp] DAN> except

[16:30:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There's a cave down below their house, it could be there, but it's dangerous

[16:30:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's like hide and seek. Except we're finding an egg.

[16:30:50] <✦[rp] Finch> or force them to tell us. simple solution

[16:31:01] <✦[rp] cinder> Well Joco, I might just stick close to you. Since you seem to have some expertise here

[16:31:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ...well, we'll see

[The group heads out of the nether hub, sticking together as they get closer. Dan is quiet.]

[16:31:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> They have animals, yes? We could take hostages.

[16:31:06] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Not- Don't kill the animals.

[16:31:19] <✦[rp] Finch> why would taking their animals make them give up the info

[16:31:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch. People have emotional attachments usually.

[16:31:27] <✦[rp] Finch> you can just.... get new animals

[16:31:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh, buddy

[16:31:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> There's. Many folks have emotional attachments to animals and such

[16:32:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That outweigh their attachment to other things, like the egg.

[16:32:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Maybe even their attachment to their own life.

[Finch makes a face.]

[16:32:11] <✦[rp] Finch> kinda silly if you ask me

[16:32:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Maybe it is silly. But.

[16:32:30] <✦[rp] Finch> you can always get new animals, or new eggs, or whatever.

[16:32:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch. Kit, it's the animal as a living being. I.

[16:32:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We don't need to talk about this now actually

[Cinder looks towards Joco.]

[16:32:25] <✦[rp] cinder> If they took the egg.. they might have some form of attachment to it. Why cause problems for no reason?

[16:32:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner took the egg because he believes it’s alive

[16:32:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And that keeping it in the gazebos was wrong

[16:33:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Which...to be fair, it probably was

[16:33:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I mean.

[16:33:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Not a good nest

[16:33:37] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah, in a way isn't Faulkner right about this?

[16:33:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It is, but it went about the wrong way of doing it

[16:34:05] <✦[rp] cinder> Not saying we shouldn't try get the egg back, just... Maybe we should have taken better care of it.

[16:34:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I mean, they're not wrong. But they should have just talked to someone about it.

[16:34:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Rather than take the egg.

[16:34:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> My thoughts exactly, Joco

[16:34:10] <✦[rp] Finch> why take the egg and just... hold it AROUND when you can just eat it

[16:35:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We have words. We can talk about things like child care.

[They reach Ollie and Faulkner’s portal. Dan has been standing in front of it for a few minutes, having pulled ahead of the group. The Wizard, Finch, Joco, and Cinder approach.]

[16:27:59] <✦[rp] DAN> is this... it?

[16:28:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yep, through here

[16:28:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> All ready?

[16:28:11] <✦[rp] Finch> mhm!

[16:28:15] <✦[rp] Finch> ready as i could ever be!

[16:28:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dan, you wanna lead us?

[Dan looks like he might pass out. He swallows, his face growing gray. He shakes his head.]

[16:28:24] <✦[rp] DAN> um. yeah!

[Unconvinced of his own words: ]

[16:28:31] <✦[rp] DAN> sounds good!

[The group steps through together.]

[16:28:54] <✦[rp] Finch> its very... green

[16:28:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Such a lovely forest

[16:29:09] <✦[rp] DAN> this place looks nice…

[He stands, admiring the greenery for a moment. As the other start to move forward, Dan seems rooted in place. Cinder looks back.]

[16:39:53] <✦[rp] cinder> Are we... ready? To go?

[Finch smacks their chestplate.]

[16:39:56] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah

[16:39:59] <✦[rp] Finch> im ready

[Dan shakes his head.]

[16:40:06] <✦[rp] DAN> uh yeah. lets go

[16:40:06] <✦[rp] cinder> Dan? You okay?

[16:40:20] <✦[rp] cinder> cause you dont really look it

[He smiles, but it’s forced.]

[16:40:38] <✦[rp] DAN> its fine

[16:40:39] <✦[rp] DAN> im fine

[His voice cracks.]

[16:40:41] <✦[rp] DAN> all is good

[Finch leaps into the air as they lunge forward towards the path.]

[16:40:28] <✦[rp] Finch> lets get that egg! wooo!!!! it's probably big enough to fee-

[Finch lands and looks back at Dan.]

[16:40:28] <✦[rp] Finch> the egg is big.

[Dan sighs.]

[16:40:45] <✦[rp] DAN> lets go get the egg back

[16:40:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Maybe they'll surrender it peacefully

[16:41:01] <✦[rp] Finch> or if not i can make them surrender it peacefully!

[16:41:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That is not.

[16:41:10] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Sure

[16:41:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ok

[16:41:13] <✦[rp] cinder> Do you guys know the way to their place? I was there the other day

[16:41:18] <✦[rp] DAN> no idea

[16:41:23] <✦[rp] DAN> ive uh.. not been in wisteria before

[16:41:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm assuming it's. The path. And the beacon.

[16:41:28] <✦[rp] Finch> why should i keep track of where dad's.. other kid. lives

[The Wizard points down the path.]

[16:41:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just through there, I believe

[Cinder sighs heavily.]

[16:42:28] <✦[rp] cinder> I did not intend to be back here so soon...

[The group reaches the front door. Dan reaches a nervous hand towards it. He knocks. For a moment, there’s no answer.]

[16:42:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Maybe if I set off a firework.

[Inside the house, Ollie makes himself tea. He hears the knock at the door. He wipes his hands on his shirt and goes to open the door.]

[16:43:04] <✦[rp] Ollie> uhhh....

[And finds all of Corroded outside waiting for him…]

[16:43:08] <✦[rp] Ollie> UM

[16:43:09] <✦[rp] DAN> um

[16:43:11] <✦[rp] Finch> hi.. you.

[Ollie slams the door shut, pressing his back against it. He breathes hard, his pulse suddenly skyrocketing. Under his breath: ]

[16:43:44] <✦[rp] Ollie> shit fuck fuck fuck shit

[Outside: ]

[16:43:25] <✦[rp] cinder> I think they just shut the door in our face

[16:43:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah no that makes sense

[16:43:34] <✦[rp] cinder> Cant even complain thats reasonable to be honest

[16:43:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We're. A bit armed to the teeth.

[Dan wants to say something. The words are stuck in his throat.]

[16:43:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Knock again?

[16:43:50] <✦[rp] DAN> um

[16:43:53] <✦[rp] DAN> someone elsle pleaase knock

[The Wizard steps forward.]

[16:43:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ollie we come peacefully

[Finch ignores the Wizard and leaps forward.]

[16:43:59] <✦[rp] Finch> okay!

[They knock on the door forcefully.]

[16:44:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> are you SURE you come. in peace

[Cinder backs up as Ollie speaks again, and whispers to Joco.]

[16:44:16] <✦[rp] cinder> I'm gonna stay back here with you, if thats okay. Dont think Ollie is gonna be happy to see me

[Joco whispers back.]

[16:44:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh absolutely

[16:45:04] <✦[rp] cinder> actually, I dont know if Ollie;s gonna like seeing you me and finch. At all. Not just cause we're armed

[16:45:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> buckaroo none of us are the ideal guest

[16:44:44] <✦[rp] Finch> HEY YOU IN THERE. WE'RE HERE TO TALK TO YOUR WEIRD ROOMATE . I THINK HE'S YOUR ROOMATE

[16:44:46] <✦[rp] Finch> WHOEVER HE IS

[16:44:50] <✦[rp] Finch> WHATEVER HE IS

[Dan grabs Finch’s shoulder and pulls them back.]

[16:44:52] <✦[rp] DAN> ..finch!!

[16:44:56] <✦[rp] Finch> what

[Ollie opens the door a crack, he narrows his eyes at Finch.]

[16:44:59] <✦[rp] Ollie> who brought that fucking child here

[16:45:01] <✦[rp] DAN> i uh

[16:45:07] <✦[rp] Finch> i brought myself!

[Ollie sighs, nervous. He pushes the door open.]

[16:45:22] <✦[rp] Ollie> uh... helllo

[16:45:36] <✦[rp] Ollie> why are you all here ...at once

[16:45:35] <✦[rp] Finch> where's your weird roommate

[16:45:38] <✦[rp] Finch> we're here to talk to them

[16:45:45] <✦[rp] Ollie> ah.

[16:45:48] <✦[rp] Finch> they have my di-

[They look back over at Dan.]

[16:45:48] <✦[rp] Finch> a thing

[The Wizard clears his throat.]

[16:45:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We know what he has

[16:45:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dan?

[Dan looks like a wet raincloud.]

[16:45:58] <✦[rp] DAN> um.

[16:46:00] <✦[rp] DAN> the egg

[16:46:08] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh-

[16:46:11] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah the big tasty egg

[16:46:13] <✦[rp] Finch> we want it

[16:46:19] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh..... yyeah uh

[16:46:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We would like it safely returned, is what Finch means

[16:46:27] <✦[rp] cinder> We dont want to eat it. I think we should clarify

[Ollie grips a tight hand on the door. His eyes flick between all of them, for a means of escape.]

[16:46:29] <✦[rp] Ollie> he isn't- he isn't here right now

[Cinder lifts up on their tip-toes.]

[16:46:31] <✦[rp] cinder> also... hi, Ollie.

[He rubs the outside of his arm.]

[16:46:41] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...hi

[Finch starts walking towards the entrance.]

[16:46:40] <✦[rp] Finch> welp guess we'll just have to look for it ourselves

[The Wizard grabs the back of Finch’s jacket, and pulls them back. Joco leans over to look at Ollie through the gap over Finch’s head between the Wizard and Dan.]

[16:47:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He's. Not here?

[16:47:14] <✦[rp] Ollie> Nope, I have uh

[16:47:19] <✦[rp] Ollie> no idea where he is!

[16:47:34] <✦[rp] Finch> well thats too bad! dad is kinda upset about this for some reason

[Dan lifts off his helmet. It was getting too stuffy. His head hurts. He can’t think straight.]

[16:47:40] <✦[rp] Ollie> well he's not here

[16:47:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Would you like to call him, get him to come here?

[16:47:44] <✦[rp] Ollie> that's all I know

[16:47:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You should call him.

[16:47:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ollie. Comm. Now.

[The Wizard holds up his hands, looking back at Joco.]

[16:47:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We want to do this civil-like

[Ollie starts to push the door closed.]

[16:48:12] <✦[rp] Ollie> you're all in armor, I dont... I don't think you're all here to be civil

[16:48:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulker was...aggressive last time I was here

[16:48:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just precautions

[Finch struts forward again.]

[16:47:58] <✦[rp] Finch> okay listen. liisten

[16:48:13] <✦[rp] Finch> if you help us find it

[16:48:14] <✦[rp] Finch> when we uh

[16:48:40] <✦[rp] Finch> get the egg. we can share some of it with you. dad. might allow that! maybe. Uh.

[Finch looks over at Joco.]

[16:48:47] <✦[rp] Finch> am i doing a good job at negotating

[Joco crosses their arms.]

[16:48:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No

[16:48:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You're really not

[16:49:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I don't think you're. Appealing to any parties except yourself, bud

[Cinder turns to Joco.]

[16:49:00] <✦[rp] cinder> I think we should try keep Finch out of this conversation

[Dan speaks like saying anything is difficult.]

[16:48:58] <✦[rp] DAN> we're not splitting the egg, finch…

[16:49:07] <✦[rp] Ollie> Please do NOT do that-

[He finally makes eye contact with Ollie, or the best sort of “eye” contact he can afford, for the first time.]

[16:49:03] <✦[rp] DAN> i just want it back. please.

[16:49:12] <✦[rp] Ollie> I-

[Ollie swallows.]

[16:49:13] <✦[rp] Ollie> uh

[16:49:15] <✦[rp] Ollie> um

[They Wizard tries his best to keep his voice even.]

[16:49:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ollie if you know where it is, you should tell us.

[16:49:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They would've told you, right?

[Ollie looks it at the ground.]

[16:49:49] * ✦[rp] Ollie looks to the ground

[16:50:00] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...I don't know where it is

[16:50:12] <✦[rp] Finch> welp that sucks guess we gotta search your house

[16:50:27] <✦[rp] Ollie> you are not going in.

[The Wizard raises his voice quickly, very much like a teacher disciplining a student.]

[16:50:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Finch-

[Finch looks back at him.]

[16:50:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Please.

[Finch rolls their eyes, before stomping their feet to go back to standing next to Dan.]

[16:50:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch Please let them two do the negotiating.

[16:50:22] <✦[rp] Finch> sigh... fine.

[The Wizard takes in a breath, addressing Ollie again.]

[16:50:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How sure about that are you?

[Ollie looks worried, and deeply afraid.]

[16:50:22] <✦[rp] Ollie> I didn't even know he had it!! For a while at least-

[The Wizard speaks gently.]

[16:50:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> When did you learn he had it?

[16:51:35] <✦[rp] Ollie> uhhh... a while ago- he told me and I didn't know . how he did it but

[16:51:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And he never showed you where it was?

[Ollie can’t look at the Wizard fully.]

[16:52:11] <✦[rp] Ollie> Why would he..? He's protective of the egg

[16:52:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Indeed, he is

[He searches Ollie’s face, before looking back at the group. He turns to Dan.]

[16:52:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Uh, Dan

[16:52:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Why don't we give you and Ollie a moment

[Dan is startled out of his thoughts.]

[16:52:37] <✦[rp] DAN> um.

[16:52:40] <✦[rp] DAN> yyeah

[16:52:43] <✦[rp] Ollie> uh-

[The Wizard sweeps out his arms, walking towards Joco and Cinder.]

[16:52:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Folks, let's maybe head downstairs for a bit

[Cinder follows the Wizard eagerly.]

[16:53:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We can...admire the scenery

[Joco calls up to Finch.]

[16:52:58] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch, come with us.

[16:53:03] <✦[rp] Finch> okay

[The group walks down to the pond below.]

[16:53:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We should plant more shrooms

[16:53:15] <✦[rp] Finch> they got a pond

[Finch’s pupils go wide.]

[16:53:19] <✦[rp] Finch> do you think they have fishies

[16:53:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ollie does, fish, I'd assume so

[16:53:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Going by the axolotls I can see, I'm going to hazard a guess that any fish die quickly

[Finch wrinkles their nose at the axolotls.]

[16:54:03] <✦[rp] Finch> blehhh those fish aren't really that tasty

[16:54:09] <✦[rp] Finch> trust me. ive had some

[Ollie looks over Dan’s shoulder to watch them all leave. They make sure that everyone has left before speaking.]

[16:53:24] <✦[rp] DAN> im. um

[16:53:30] <✦[rp] Ollie> ....,hi

[16:53:30] <✦[rp] DAN> we can go inside? if you want

[16:53:47] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh ,, uh... sure

[16:53:53] <✦[rp] Ollie> as long as it's just ...you

[16:53:57] <✦[rp] DAN> okay

[16:54:01] <✦[rp] DAN> just me i promise

[Dan and Ollie walk inside together, they idle awkwardly, waiting for one of them to say something first.]

[16:54:10] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...okay

[At the same time: ]

[16:54:22] <✦[rp] Ollie> I'm- I'm sorry about this

[16:54:28] <✦[rp] DAN> im sorry

[16:55:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> I don't ...wanna be apart of this .. at all

[Outside, rain begins to fall as Dan speaks. His voice is thick with emotion.]

[16:55:16] <✦[rp] DAN> i didnt want to drag you into this. im so sorry

[16:55:32] <✦[rp] DAN> i put you through enough. i didnt think you were gonna be the one answering the door

[16:55:46] <✦[rp] Ollie> ......

[Ollie sits down on the couch.]

[16:56:00] <✦[rp] Ollie> this really is.. a mess

[He puts his head in his hands, rubs his face.]

[16:56:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> hhah

[Dan’s face is more gray than before. The sound of the rain is all that can be heard as Dan thinks about what to say.]

[16:56:16] <✦[rp] DAN> ahah

[16:56:18] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah

[16:56:20] <✦[rp] DAN> a bit

[16:56:44] <✦[rp] Ollie> this is ....

[16:56:46] <✦[rp] Ollie> fuck

[Ollie looks up.]

[16:57:14] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...I-I know where the egg is okay-

[Dan nods, almost relieved.]

[16:57:40] <✦[rp] DAN> i figured, i just. i dont want to force you to do anything

[Ollie exhales deeply before finally speaking.]

[16:59:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> I can... tell everyone where it is ..but . I'm not gonna help any more than that..

[16:59:32] <✦[rp] DAN> ..thank you, ollie

[16:59:56] <✦[rp] DAN> i promise i'll make it up to you

[17:00:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> ... I know you won't hurt the egg, but, don't hurt Faulkner either okay- I don't know- maybe you can all work it out ..hopefully

[17:00:10] <✦[rp] Ollie> but... try not to fight okay?

[Ollie stands.]

[17:00:16] <✦[rp] DAN> i'll try

[17:00:20] <✦[rp] DAN> i wont fight

[17:00:54] <✦[rp] Ollie> ....okay

[Dan rubs the back of his neck. He stumbles over his words.]

[17:00:54] <✦[rp] DAN> i um. i'm glad you arent alone out here

[17:01:01] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh-

[17:01:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> yeah,, I'm glad too

[17:01:10] <✦[rp] DAN> i dont want to hurt either of you two anymore. at all.

[17:01:24] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...maybe this will be alright?

[17:01:37] <✦[rp] DAN> it can be alrigiht. it will be

[17:01:51] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...thanks..

[17:01:54] <✦[rp] DAN> i'm gonna work my ass off making things alright again

[Ollie tries to surreptitiously wipe his eyes. He inhales, the sound almost echoes through the room.]

[17:02:38] <✦[rp] Ollie> yeah... I could definitely try as well

[17:04:24] <✦[rp] Ollie> let's ...focus on the task at hand

[Dan goes silent, besides a small sniffle.]

[17:04:29] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah

[17:05:30] <✦[rp] Ollie> let me take you all there okay…

[The two exit out of the front door and onto the porch. Ollie raises his hands over his head as the rain sprinkles lightly.]

[17:06:15] <✦[rp] Ollie> bleh...rain..

[17:06:21] <✦[rp] DAN> ah.. Yeah

[The Wizard lounges on the balcony, watching the group below play in the water.]

[17:06:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dan, everything alright?

[17:06:26] <✦[rp] DAN> oh uh

[17:06:29] <✦[rp] DAN> .. yeah

[Finch looks up as they heard their dad’s voice.]

[17:06:36] <✦[rp] Finch> oh you two are done talking?

[17:06:44] <✦[rp] Finch> great do you have the egg now

[17:06:45] <✦[rp] Ollie> I'll. tell you all where I think the egg is

[17:06:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Sounds a treat

[Cinder and Joco walk up to join Finch where they look up at the three on the balcony.]

[17:06:56] <✦[rp] cinder> thanks, Ollie.

[17:06:48] <✦[rp] Finch> hurray!

[17:06:51] <✦[rp] Finch> also ollie

[17:06:54] <✦[rp] Ollie> what.

[17:06:56] <✦[rp] Finch> why do you keep the nontasty fish

[Joco shakes their head.]

[17:07:06] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> The. Axolotls.

[17:07:16] <✦[rp] Finch> axolotls don't taste very good, you know

[17:07:13] <✦[rp] Ollie> were you gonna EAT my fucking fish????

[17:07:17] <✦[rp] Finch> uhh

[17:07:20] <✦[rp] Finch> ...no.

[Dan rubs his face.]

[17:07:23] <✦[rp] DAN> finch…

[Finch points up at Ollie.]

[17:07:27] <✦[rp] Finch> this is about your eating habits

[Ollie stares down blankly at Finch.]

[17:07:43] <✦[rp] Ollie> anyway......

[17:07:24] <✦[rp] cinder> Let me clarify finch didnt try to eat your axolotls they just have past experience

[17:08:00] <✦[rp] Ollie> everyone follow me

[Ollie guides them down to the entrance to the cave.]

[17:07:55] <✦[rp] Ollie> I really hope he's ...not there

[17:08:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah?

[They stand in front of the mouth of the cave, where dripstone plunges up towards the sky like hundreds of rows of sharp, pointed teeth.]

[17:08:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, so it is the cave.

[17:08:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Dramatic!

[17:08:35] <✦[rp] Ollie> it's a bit hard to traverse

[17:08:18] <✦[rp] Ollie> in the cave.

[Finch leans down to get a better look.]

[17:08:21] <✦[rp] Finch> large

[17:08:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And pointy

[17:08:23] <✦[rp] DAN> oh

[Finch gets a wide grin on their face.]

[17:08:26] <✦[rp] Finch> hey hey dad

[17:08:32] <✦[rp] DAN> uh.. yeah?

[17:08:29] <✦[rp] Finch> ahem

[Finch cups their hands over their mouth, shouting down into the stomach of the cave, trying to create an echo.]

[17:08:36] <✦[rp] Finch> WOOOEEEEOOOOOEEEEOOOOOO

[Dan shakes his head and sighs.]

[17:08:42] <✦[rp] DAN> finch

[17:08:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Child activities.

[17:08:55] <✦[rp] Ollie> don't- don't do that

[17:09:03] <✦[rp] Finch> .... fiiiiine

[17:08:58] <✦[rp] Ollie> idiot

[Finch pouts.]

[17:09:07] <✦[rp] Finch> you're no fun

[17:09:08] <✦[rp] cinder> Well there goes subtlety

[The Wizard sighs.]

[17:09:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And our advantage

[17:09:26] <✦[rp] Ollie> hopefullly everyone brought their wings

[17:09:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Quite literally no

[17:09:33] <✦[rp] cinder> Ha. Well.

[Ollie begins picking his way down through the dripstone, the Corroded battalion following behind. He stops, gesturing down the way of the cave.]

[17:09:53] <✦[rp] Ollie> right over there... the darker part of the cave

[17:10:02] <✦[rp] DAN> ah

[Faulkner crawls out of the hole he had been in, hearing Finch’s echo rattle down the body of the cave. He’s bristling.]

[17:10:05] <✦Faulkner [rp]> EXCUSE ME.

[Faulkner sees as the majority of Corroded approaches it. It stands atop a handcrafted statue of a dragon, built out of dark materials. It seems more…monstrous and draconic than it’s ever looked before. Black fur sprouts from its skin, its eyes appear dark with no apparent sclera. Two large teeth protrude from its lips. Scales appear across its body. An aura of color seems to flicker across its body.]

[17:10:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> What the fuck

[17:10:20] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi!

[17:10:24] <✦[rp] Finch> hi! we want your thing

[17:10:58] <✦[rp] Finch> you know what the egg is right, big, purple, kinda ta-

[17:10:58] <✦[rp] Finch> tastefully cool looking

[17:11:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch don't eat this.

[They look up Faulkner.]

[17:10:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'll trade you a pufferfish for it.

[Dan pulls to the front of the group, his voice pleading.]

[17:10:34] <✦[rp] DAN> we just want the egg back. please.

[17:10:48] <✦[rp] DAN> we arent trying to fight.

[17:10:54] <✦[rp] DAN> im just. here for the egg.

[17:11:07] <✦Faulkner [rp]> For not trying to fight you seem very equipt to do so.

[17:11:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A precaution

[17:11:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> In case this became dangerous

[17:11:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We don't want a fight

[17:11:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Unless you give us one

[Starry smoke pools out of Faulkner’s mouth. It halos around his head.]

[17:11:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Right.

[They cock their head to the side.]

[17:11:49] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Why do you want it again?

[All eyes seem to fall on Dan. Joco points at Dan.]

[17:12:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's. His egg.

[Dan sighs, guilty.]

[17:11:56] <✦[rp] Finch> dad is really upset about it

[17:12:00] <✦[rp] Finch> and i don't really see why

[17:12:04] <✦[rp] Finch> but if it makes him stop being sad

[17:12:10] <✦[rp] Finch> then i want him to stop being sad

[17:12:07] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Dad?

[17:12:12] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah!

[Finch points at Dan.]

[17:12:19] <✦[rp] Finch> dad!

[17:12:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Does he neglect you too?

[17:12:28] <✦[rp] Finch> what...?

[Cinder leans into Joco, whispering softly.]

[17:12:39] <✦[rp] cinder> harsh

[17:12:46] <✦[rp] Finch> no no i'm so glected!

[To himself: ]

[17:12:59] <✦Faulkner [rp]> what the fuck does that mean

[17:12:50] <✦[rp] Finch> i get. like. fishing trips

[17:12:59] <✦[rp] Finch> and he cooks sometimes

[17:13:16] <✦[rp] Finch> he's a very cool dad

[17:13:37] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm his favorite kid, i think!

[Dan stares at Finch.]

[17:13:56] <✦[rp] DAN> i dont have favorites...!!

[17:14:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Clearly

[17:14:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think Dan's favorite right now is the one not yet born

[17:14:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> The one we're here to. Get back.

[17:14:32] <✦[rp] Finch> why would dad care about that stupid egg more than me

[17:14:38] <✦[rp] Finch> i can talk and i am so much cooler

[Dan looks at the ground. He might be crying, but it’s hard to tell.]

[17:13:35] <✦[rp] DAN> ... i want to fix things.

[17:13:27] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh I'm sure

[17:12:28] <✦[rp] DAN> i fucked up. letting it be used as a token of unity for everyone

[17:14:26] <✦[rp] DAN> i know its alive, faulkner. i want it back. its safe with me.

[17:14:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh so we are acknowledging its alive now

[17:14:37] <✦Faulkner [rp]> A little late for that

[Dan tries to stay calm despite the insults from Faulkner. Cinder shuffles awkwardly next to Joco. They feel awkward about hearing any of this. Finch holds out a paw expectantly.]

[17:15:39] <✦[rp] Finch> so... can you just hand it over or something

[The smoke coming from Faulkner’s mouth becomes more intense. It’s thicker and darker, and he exhales out of his nose, two thin streams of smoke blasting out and making his eyes glow an unearthly blue beneath the plumes of it.]

[17:15:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> No

[17:15:53] <✦[rp] DAN> why

[17:15:52] <✦[rp] Finch> we can trade it for like. a rock

[17:15:55] <✦[rp] Finch> thats about of equal value

[17:16:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch.

[17:16:04] <✦[rp] cinder> Finch. Kid. Not helping.

[Faulkner ignores Finch, focusing on Dan.]

[17:16:10] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Why should I trust you?

[17:16:34] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You didn't exactly show it much love or care before

[17:16:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Peer pressure is a powerful thing

[The Wizard speaks up.]

[17:16:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It was my fault

[17:16:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not his

[17:17:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I was the one that had him agree to give it up

[17:16:48] <✦[rp] DAN> why do you think you're the one to dish out trust? you think the egg is yours all the sudden?

[Faulkner hisses.]

[17:16:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I doubt you know anything about what it needs

[17:16:58] <✦[rp] DAN> you dont know how i treated it before i had to give it up.

[Joco shouts from the back of the crowd.]

[17:17:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> How many kids do you have, Faulkner?

[17:17:23] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Depends on what you consider a kid

[17:17:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> How many children have you raised, how many hatchlings have you cleaned?

[17:17:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What makes you more qualified?

[17:18:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I had one before. I lived in a world full of dragons

[The Wizard looks confused.]

[17:18:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Then you should've told us the egg was viable

[17:18:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It was negligence on your part to say nothing to any of us

[17:18:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You could have spoken up at the meeting.

[17:18:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Quite literally, you could have stopped this.

[Faulkner snorts, more thick smoke pours from his nostrils.]

[17:18:37] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I also am a dragon. Though I'd hope you are smart enough to piece that together

[17:19:01] <✦[rp] DAN> so? you are different dragons. thatt doesnt mean you can take my egg.

[17:20:10] <✦[rp] cinder> If the egg is still alive after it was in Dan's care for a while, then surely Dan was doing a good job?

[17:18:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Never make assumptions about someone's species.

[17:18:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's a poor decision.

[17:19:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco's right about that

[17:19:31] <✦[rp] cinder> Species doesnt decide everything. Not every avian is a good parent, even if their kid is one. Same goes with dragons I would assume

[Faulkner looks taken aback. They pause, thinking.]

[17:19:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Differing dragon specie need different nests. Different environments, temperatures, humidities, etcetera

[17:20:32] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm aware it has different needs!

[17:19:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What if you were making the wrong assumptions about this egg's needs?

[17:20:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You were at the meeting where the babe was placed on a pedestal, why did you not speak up then? Voice your concerns for the child?

[17:20:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We trusted that the people of this good server wouldn't hurt the egg where it was

[17:21:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> If you knew it to be viable. Why not stop the harm then and there.

[17:21:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Exactly, why now?

[17:22:43] <✦[rp] cinder> Look, Faulkner. You seem upset which is fair enough. Dan is upset too. Maybe we can just... talk this out.

[17:22:56] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah! lets talk. ... we're already talking

[17:22:57] <✦[rp] Finch> right uh

[17:23:26] <✦[rp] Finch> hm

[17:23:41] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I didn't trust you all to listen to me. Nor did I realize it was an actual egg initially

[17:24:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I didn't think you all would treat it so poor if it was

[17:24:10] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Why didn't you talk to someone when you realized it???

[The Wizard nods at this.]

[17:24:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, we spoke before the wedding, you never said anything about it

[17:24:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Why steal the egg, the symbol of peace, during a time of turmoil?

[17:25:36] <✦Faulkner [rp]> STOP CALLING IT A SYMBOL OF PEACE!

[17:25:43] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ITS NOT AN OBJECT

[17:26:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It is both a symbol and a living being yet to come into the world.

[17:26:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It is getting those 20 years of job experience.

[17:25:45] <✦[rp] Finch> lets call it what it is! that weird fucking egg!

[17:25:51] <✦[rp] Finch> dad's weird egg

[17:26:01] <✦[rp] Finch> or your weird egg. you can share maybe

[17:26:14] <✦[rp] Finch> dad can get the egg some days, you can get it other days

[Faulkner shakes with rage. The temperature in the room cools several degrees.]

[17:26:31] <✦[rp] Finch> also means we don't have to keep that fucking thing all the time

[Joco looks up at the shaking Faulkner.]

[17:26:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch. Darling. Shut

[17:26:44] <✦[rp] Finch> what!

[17:26:50] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm giving a reasonable suggestion

[17:27:15] <✦[rp] DAN> i know i fucked up leaving it there. but what the fuck was i supposed to do?

[17:26:54] <✦[rp] cinder> We;re sorry, Faulkner. We're sorry we didn't know and now we want to set things right. Can we do that?

[Faulkner draws the line in the sand.]

[17:27:20] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You can set it right by leaving.

[17:27:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No.

[17:28:15] <✦[rp] Finch> listen, dad won't let us leave until you hand over that egg

[17:28:21] <✦[rp] Finch> and i wana go home at sooome point

[Dan takes a few steps towards Faulkner.]

[17:28:35] <✦[rp] DAN> what was i meant to do... everyone i fucking care about was so divided. i wanted to try to fix something, because i know i keep fucking up. i just want the egg back, i can at least fix something now

[17:28:52] <✦[rp] DAN> and finch is right, ii dont plan on leaving without the egg

[17:29:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's the only thing Finch is right about, to clarify.

[17:29:09] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm always right, your statements kinda silly

[17:29:17] <✦[rp] DAN> but i also promised i wouldnt. hurt you, or anyone

[17:29:34] <✦[rp] DAN> so i wont raise any weapons against you for it. i just... please, give it back.

[17:29:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ...

[17:30:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm not giving it to you

[17:30:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Please return the babe. Please.

[17:30:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Please listen to reason

[17:30:06] <✦[rp] cinder> we don't want to fight. I'll be honest I cant even fight. We can just sort this out calmly right?

[17:30:13] <✦[rp] cinder> diplomacy and all that?

[Faulkner growls.]

[17:31:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Leave.

[17:31:23] <✦[rp] cinder> sorry Faulker. Dont think we can leave.

[17:31:11] <✦[rp] DAN> why wont you give it back. why do you get to keep it.

[17:31:27] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I don't see why I should

[17:31:03] <✦[rp] Finch> just hand over the egg i want to go home already

[17:31:31] <✦[rp] Finch> please.

[17:32:05] <✦[rp] Finch> if you don't hurry up and hand it over soon i'm gonna have to speed things up

[17:32:14] <✦[rp] Finch> i want to get home at a decent hour today

[Joco slowly pulls out their crossbow.]

[17:32:43] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch PLEASE stop trying to negotiate

[17:32:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You are SO bad at it

[17:32:49] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm helping!

[17:32:54] <✦[rp] Finch> you can tell this conversations not going anywhere

[17:32:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You're really not

[17:33:11] <✦[rp] Finch> just let me try it my way.

[17:33:21] <✦[rp] Finch> please

[17:32:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You're really not helping, Finch

[Dan takes another step forward towards the statue.]

[17:31:56] <✦[rp] DAN> its not your egg faulkner.

[Faulkner rolls his eyes. Dan steps closer again, trying to reason with his words. He steps a little too close, and Faulkner reacts in a fraction of an instant. He opens his mouth, ice red cold spewing forward like dry ice. It rockets forward, stabbing Dan in the chest. Dan’s skin immediately frosts over in an icy white, as the thick red smoke of the breath weapon hangs heavy on the ground around his feet. Faulkner pulls a bow from its back, aiming a shot at Finch as it leaps from the statue, landing on the ground in front of Dan. The shot pings Finch in the shoulder.]

[17:33:31] <✦[rp] Finch> OW OW . fuck you

[Cinder backs up frantically.]

[17:33:41] <✦[rp] cinder> Shit, Shit!!

[Ollie peers out from where they’ve been hiding behind a column of dripstone.]

[17:34:23] <✦[rp] Ollie> what the FUCK

[Finch runs for Faulkner, the Wizard not far behind. Dan is frozen in place, both by fear and also by the breath weapon. His skin slowly melts free. Joco rushes towards the statue, searching the corners of the room, Cinder does the same.]

[17:34:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Goodness. Where would he hide it.

[17:34:44] <✦[rp] cinder> This is a mess. way more of a mess than it needed to be!

[Finch and the Wizard trade blows with Faulkner, but the fighting seems in vain. Faulkner fighting against the two of them seems evenly matched. Ollie runs forward, waving his hands.]

[17:34:44] <✦[rp] Ollie> STOP !!!!!!!!

[Finch’s ears ping up as they see Ollie. They rush away from where they had been fighting Faulkner, and head towards Ollie.]

[17:34:51] <✦[rp] Finch> IDEA

[They swing their blade at Ollie, cutting across his back.]

[17:34:57] <✦[rp] Ollie> ow- fuck

[Faulkner whips around at the sound of Ollie swearing in pain. Dan does the same, a look of agony on his face.]

[17:34:59] <✦Faulkner [rp]> HEY

[17:35:04] <✦[rp] DAN> hey.. wait stop..!

[Finch slams the flat of their blade into Ollie’s back, knocking him to the ground.]

[17:35:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> what are you DOING

[Finch roars: ]

[17:35:06] <✦[rp] Finch> EGG OR OLLIE GETS IT

[Dan tries to move, but he’s stuck in place.]

[17:35:13] <✦[rp] DAN> dont hurt ollie what the fuck!

[17:35:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> stupid ...stupid child

[Ollie tries to get up, but Finch leaps on top of them. They sit on top of Ollie. From the ground: ]

[17:35:47] <✦[rp] Ollie> what the FUCK GUYS

[17:35:54] <✦[rp] Finch> listen it was my only idea

[Faulkner sees Ollie downed across the room, he shoves the Wizard to the ground.]

[17:36:48] <✦Faulkner [rp]> HEY. LEAVE HIM OUT OF THIS

[Finch whispers from on top of Ollie.]

[17:36:53] <✦[rp] Finch> this means we're winning the conversation

[Joco notices Finch over with Ollie, and jogs to them.]

[17:36:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi Ollie where's the VOIDDAMN EGG

[Ollie looks up at Finch with disdain, trying to struggle out from underneath them. Finch looks happily at their “catch”. Joco pushes Finch off of Ollie, and helps him to his feet, but puts a sword to his neck. Faulkner stops short as he rushes to Ollie’s defense.]

[17:36:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Faulkner. Egg, or I will use one of the Many torture methods I know.

[17:37:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I know so many

[17:37:12] <✦[rp] DAN> ..joco!!!

[Finch pulls out their own blade, and pokes Ollie in the back with it. Ollie roars at Finch.]

[17:37:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> YOU ARE SO STUPID!!

[17:37:13] <✦[rp] Finch> no i'm not! i'm so smart

[17:37:19] <✦[rp] Finch> you just don't see my smartness expertise

[Dan manages to pull himself to turn towards where Finch and Joco stand with Ollie at knifepoint.]

[17:37:14] <✦[rp] DAN> what…

[The Wizard pulls himself to his feet from where he was thrown to the ground. He brushes off his pants, carefully moving his way in between to the groups.]

[17:37:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is a hostage situation really such a good idea....

[Cinder creeps in from the shadows where they were searching with Joco, they stand beside the Wizard.]

[17:37:27] <✦[rp] cinder> no. no its not.

[17:37:53] <✦[rp] cinder> guys, maybe we should leave Ollie out of this. What does that even mean Joco

[Faulkner paces, face contorted into a snarl. They’re like a caged tiger, trying to think.]

[17:37:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Faulkner. Egg, or Ollie gets to experience pufferfish ear infection.

[They pull out a bucket of pufferfish]

[The Wizard cringes back.]

[17:37:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dear Void...

[17:37:43] <✦[rp] DAN> i

[Finch nods with enthusiasm.]

[17:37:48] <✦[rp] Finch> oooo thats a good one

[17:37:49] <✦[rp] Ollie> what the FUCK

[17:37:54] <✦[rp] Ollie> you all PROMISED-

[Finch pokes Ollie in the back again.]

[17:37:55] <✦[rp] Ollie> OW

[Faulkner bristles at the action, he lunges forward like a cornered predator, circling as close as he can get without Ollie getting hurt.]

[17:38:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> and you wonder why I didn't want to fucking talk to you all

[Faulkner snarls.]

[17:38:21] <✦Faulkner [rp]> damn the stars!

[17:38:01] <✦[rp] Finch> i didn't promise anything

[17:38:02] <✦[rp] Finch> i think

[17:38:03] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe

[17:38:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We promised we would try for nonviolence, Ollie.

[17:38:22] <✦[rp] Finch> we tried!

[17:38:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You want no more violence, get your roommate to give back the egg.

[17:38:30] <✦[rp] Finch> and your weird roomates being noncooperative

[17:38:34] <✦[rp] Finch> so lets kill him!

[Joco holds up the bucket containing a pufferfish in their free hand.]

[17:38:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I can also try. Pufferfish enema, Faulkner

[Ollie shouts.]

[17:38:41] <✦[rp] Ollie> NO YOU WILL NOT.

[Dan finally is able to move forward. He moves his hands in slow, laborious movements.]

[17:38:47] <✦[rp] DAN> no killing!!!!

[Ollie rolls his eyes, scoffing.]

[17:38:51] <✦[rp] Ollie> im not gonna let a toddler kill me bitch

[17:39:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> FUCKERS

[17:39:20] <✦[rp] cinder> I'm really sorry about this, Ollie. Its not my fault really but I still am sorry

[Joco whispers to Ollie.]

[17:40:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ollie you're being a really good hostage. Could you cry more?

[Ollie snarls in their face.]

[17:40:33] <✦[rp] Ollie> fuck you.

[Faulkner sighs heavily. There’s a deep growl in its voice. It knows it can’t fight while also defending Ollie.]

[17:39:25] <✦Faulkner [rp]> FINE FINE

[17:40:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You.

[They point to the Wizard.]

[17:40:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> come here

[17:40:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What’d you want

[The Wizard carefully makes his way over to Faulkner. His hip seems to have been hurt from the fight, and he walks with a slight limp, wincing slightly. Finch leans over to Ollie.]

[17:40:46] <✦[rp] Finch> hey ollie after this is all over

[17:40:49] <✦[rp] Finch> can i still beat you up

[Joco shakes his head.]

[17:40:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Dude I literally have no idea how to perform an enema.

[17:40:58] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> The. Pufferfish.

[17:40:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I.

[Joco digs around in their pockets. They produce a golden apple, and push it into Ollie’s hands.]

[17:41:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Here, golden apple

[17:40:54] <✦[rp] Ollie> ????????????

[Finch plays with their sword.]

[17:41:18] <✦[rp] Finch> i think it'll be really fun for the both of us

[17:41:23] <✦[rp] Finch> for me to kill you

[17:40:56] <✦[rp] Finch> please

[The Wizard reaches Faulkner, who sighs heavily. They produce a slim book.]

[17:41:05] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You're the only one whos going to be able to read this so

[They drop it into the Wizard’s hands.]

[17:41:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh. Draconic?

[17:41:21] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Just take the damn book and leave

[17:41:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> All of you

[17:41:30] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Before I change my fucking mind

[17:41:41] <✦[rp] cinder> .. thank you, faulkner

[Joco cups their hands over their mouth and yells.]

[17:41:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's not an egg!

[17:41:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's a book!

[17:41:45] <✦[rp] Finch> not an egg! i can't eat a book

[17:41:46] <✦[rp] Finch> actually

[17:41:49] <✦[rp] Finch> i can eat a book

[The Wizard skims the book quickly, before snapping it shut. He nods at Faulkner, before looking to the other.]

[17:41:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've got it, let's go

[The Wizard begins walking towards the entrance of the cave. Dan stammers.]

[17:41:39] <✦[rp] DAN> but. the egg

[17:41:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, Dan, I've got it

[17:41:55] <✦[rp] DAN> uh

[17:41:58] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wh

[The Wizard turns back to them, he gestures to them to follow him.]

[17:42:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We need to leave

[Joco nods, immediately convinced.]

[17:42:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alrighty, boss

[They toss another item to Ollie, and one to Faulkner.]

[17:42:20] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Here, enchanted gapple for your trouble

[Joco hurries to the Wizard’s side, swinging their arm under his shoulder to help him walk easier. Finch sighs]

[17:42:08] <✦[rp] Finch> fiine

[Finch narrows their eyes at Ollie.]

[17:42:16] <✦[rp] Finch> can i still hunt ollie down later and try to kill them

[The Wizard whistles loudly, the sound echoing around the cavern. His voice is firm.]

[17:42:30] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Let's go!

[17:42:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We've caused enough damage as is!

[The rest of Corroded seems spurred into movement.]

[17:42:37] <✦[rp] cinder> im sorry about all that, Ollie. I hoped theyd leave you alone

[17:42:43] <✦[rp] cinder> it was.. nice meeting you, faulkner.

[17:42:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cinder, c'mon birdy!

[Cinder follows quickly after Joco and the Wizard. Finch watches Ollie while waiting for Dan to join them.]

[17:42:30] <✦[rp] Ollie> sigh…

[Dan glances back at Ollie, guilt in his eyes.]

[17:42:54] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...bye ..Dan.

[17:43:02] <✦[rp] DAN> im sorry, ollie

[Dan hurries to leave, Finch close beside him. Ollie watches them go, he winces as the adrenaline begins to wear off, he stumbles, and Faulkner is there in a flash, catching him.]

[17:43:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> are you ok?

[17:43:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> uh... yeah…

[17:43:23] <✦[rp] Ollie> sorry about that-

[Faulkner looks over Ollie carefully. He looks half sick with guilt, half filled with fury. He gently places some food into their hands.]

[17:43:34] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Here

[17:43:49] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh,, thanks..

[Corroded meets together outside of the portal on the overworld side.]

[17:43:14] <✦[rp] Finch> booo we didn't even get the egg

[Joco nods towards the book as he helps the Wizard sit down on an outcropping of stone.]

[17:43:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What's in the book?

[The Wizard pages through it.]

[17:43:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner gave me the coordinates

[17:43:54] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> How do we know. That we can trust the book?

[17:43:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don’t know. It's far...probably a bit of a flight

[17:44:01] <✦[rp] DAN> i have rockets

[17:44:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco, can you carry Cinder?

[17:44:06] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I did not bring. My wings?

[17:44:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I do not like. Battle in wings. I. Bad.

[17:44:20] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Bad time.

[17:44:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, no, we’ll head back to Corroded. I’m still sort of out of it, got knocked pretty hard. The location is in the end, we’ll need to go back to Verdigris anyway.

[17:44:42] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Awesome

[17:44:51] <✦[rp] cinder> alright, sounds good.

[17:44:22] <✦[rp] DAN> i can go. by myself. i dragged you guys through too much.

[17:44:47] <✦[rp] Finch> well if its the egg i wana see it!

[The Wizard struggles to his feet, to stand a put a hand on Dan’s shoulder.]

[17:44:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We'll go together, Dan

[17:44:49] <✦[rp] DAN> ..are you sure??

[17:45:01] <✦[rp] cinder> we've gone this far together. May as well finish the job

[The Wizard nods. The group heads back to Verdigris, before meeting again in the End. The Wizard, Finch, and Dan fly off towards the location of the nest. Joco carries Cinder in a chest harness as they fly through the end over the void together.]

[17:45:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You good?

[17:45:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You don't seem. Much of a fighter. That was a lot.

[Cinder nods.]

[17:46:23] <✦[rp] cinder> yeah, not hurt. I never learned how to fight, really. By the time I... left my home world, I was too young to have started proper training.

[17:45:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah. Yeah, that'll do it.

[17:46:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm sorry you had to leave so young.

[17:45:46] <✦[rp] cinder> You know, just. After how last time I saw Ollie went, I was hoping this would be a lot less.. direct.

[17:46:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What happened when you saw him last?

[17:47:03] <✦[rp] cinder> I went to see ollie about void stuff. Not our void stuff, but about my wings, and my... well, my brain I guess. It all got really personal. And then I... said more than I should have and Ollie got upset. really upset.

[17:47:18] <✦[rp] cinder> They found out about our void plan. And theyre not happy.

[17:47:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh dear

[17:47:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> They're. Did you tell them where the pits are?

[17:47:48] <✦[rp] cinder> No. No, they don't know that

[17:47:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Good, good.

[17:47:58] <✦[rp] cinder> they barely even know about the flowers. just that they exist.

[17:48:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I. It's not the greatest plan to be fair? But it's better than no plan, I think.

[17:48:34] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah, thats what I think. What I thought, anyway. But Ollie seemed so upset.

[17:48:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I mean, it makes sense.

[17:49:34] <✦[rp] cinder> we're a lot alike, I think, and that was nice. But I upset them so much. I just... Feel bad. i don't know.

[17:49:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.

[17:49:42] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No, yeah, I get that.

[Ahead: ]

[17:47:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We're gettin close now

[They three at the front land on a small end platform, decorated to hold the small body of life within.]

[17:55:18] <✦[rp] Finch> well! there it is

[17:55:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> So here it is…

[Joco and Cinder land, and Joco unhooks Cinder from the harness. Dan sighs in relief when he lays eyes on it.]

[17:55:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, Dan?

[17:55:27] <✦[rp] Finch> lets just take it already

[17:55:52] <✦[rp] DAN> cool, yaeh

[17:56:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Did anyone bring a piston. Or.

[Dan is a little suspicious of the structure, but steps up onto it.]

[17:56:08] <✦[rp] DAN> i have a torch

[17:56:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Good, Good

[17:56:16] <✦[rp] cinder> it's a nice place. Faulkner clearly cares about the egg quite a bit

[The Wizard pulls out the slim book again.]

[17:56:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There are notes in the book it gave me

[17:56:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Notes?

[17:56:35] <✦[rp] DAN> ..notes?

[17:56:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It does seem like they were taking care of it

[17:56:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Huh

[Dan stops mining the block under the egg, and listens as the Wizard reads aloud.]

[17:56:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> "Egg has been doing well. It seems to be at ease now that it is back in a familiar environment."

[17:56:58] <✦[rp] cinder> I suppose keeping it in the end might be good for it, yeah.

[17:56:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> "At ease" how in the world

[17:57:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> "Hatching still appears to be far off, however."

[17:57:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> "Larger nest with be necessary closer to hatching."

[17:57:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's all it says

[17:57:29] <✦[rp] DAN> i'll make it a nest. in my house

[17:57:31] <✦[rp] cinder> so it is gonna hatch, huh? Into a full on dragon?

[17:57:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> At some point, it might

[17:57:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We don't know if it will

[17:57:34] <✦[rp] Finch> so do we just. keep it here in the end?

[17:57:36] <✦[rp] Finch> or...

[17:57:43] <✦[rp] Finch> i mean i wouldnt be opposed to just keeping it here

[17:57:44] <✦[rp] Finch> and waiting

[Dan looks back at it.]

[17:57:58] <✦[rp] DAN> im gonna, um. take it. bring it home

[17:58:08] <✦[rp] Finch> i just dont want it near malfaction if it has any possibility of hatching and dad won't let me get rid of the problem

[17:58:15] <✦[rp] DAN> its not a problem, finch

[17:58:22] <✦[rp] DAN> it will be fine in my base. its huge

[17:58:22] <✦[rp] Finch> it could be a problem

[17:58:26] <✦[rp] Finch> you never know

[17:58:39] <✦[rp] Finch> what happens if.... you know. finds it!

[17:58:28] <✦[rp] DAN> it wont be a problem. finch.

[17:58:56] <✦[rp] DAN> im watching over it. no ones gonna do anything to it

[17:58:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think keeping it near a parental source seems like a good idea

[17:58:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I could make you an egg papoose

[17:58:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh that'd be so cute

[17:58:43] <✦[rp] DAN> papoose..?

[17:58:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh! It's like a little backpack that goes on your front, and holds a child

[17:58:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Baby carrier.

[17:58:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> In this case, the egg

[17:59:00] <✦[rp] DAN> oh! hah

[17:59:04] <✦[rp] cinder> Aw that would be adorable

[17:59:05] <✦[rp] DAN> if you have the time

[17:59:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I should, as far as I know

[17:59:19] <✦[rp] cinder> Are we gonna be its godparents

[17:59:33] <✦[rp] DAN> huh, i suppose so

[17:59:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A godparent...what a concept

[Finch pouts.]

[17:59:30] <✦[rp] Finch> dad why do we have to keep it.

[17:59:31] <✦[rp] Finch> why.

[17:59:38] <✦[rp] DAN> and we are keeping it

[17:59:41] <✦[rp] DAN> its your sibling finch

[17:59:41] <✦[rp] Finch> its a risk.

[Dan tries not to snap at Finch as he holds the egg close.]

[17:59:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch, you remember me talking about people caring about other things?

[17:59:54] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> More than even their own safety?

[17:59:55] <✦[rp] Finch> yes well its still a hazard!

[17:59:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.

[18:00:10] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch, I understand you don't understand this. But I need you to accept it.

[18:00:01] <✦[rp] Finch> what if malfaction finds it

[18:00:12] <✦[rp] Finch> what if it gets into prince's hands and now we have . that to deal with!

[18:00:16] <✦[rp] Finch> i don't want that!

[18:00:19] <✦[rp] Finch> nobody wants that

[18:00:17] <✦[rp] cinder> Dan wont let that happen, kid.

[18:00:33] <✦[rp] cinder> he'll protect it, and he'll protect you.

[18:00:39] <✦[rp] DAN> we didnt go through this whole ordeal. i didnt possibly make ollie hate me more for. a risk. its important. its alive, im keeping it safe. it will hatch.

[18:07:44] <✦[rp] cinder> If you need any help with anything Dan, feel free to let us know.

[18:07:58] <✦[rp] DAN> thanks, guys

[18:08:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We can help you with whatever you need Dan

[18:08:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We've got your back, king

[Dan smiles softly at everyone, extremely grateful for the help despite the violence that happened.]

[18:08:33] <✦[rp] Finch> fine fine fine we can keep the egg for now

[18:08:51] <✦[rp] Finch> if .... prince... gets a hold of that thing and we have to deal with some sort of sculk-dragon whatever the fuck

[18:08:54] <✦[rp] Finch> thats your problem

[18:08:56] <✦[rp] Finch> and you are dealing with ti

[18:08:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Scagon

[18:08:58] <✦[rp] Finch> not me.

[18:08:59] <✦[rp] DAN> it wont happen, finch

[18:09:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We'll make sure that doesn't happen

[18:09:09] <✦[rp] cinder> We should all be careful. We could expect some retaliation from Wisteria, maybe. Everyone should keep their wits about them

[18:09:27] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah. thats true

[18:09:33] <✦[rp] DAN> we should all head home, i think

[18:09:39] <✦[rp] cinder> God yes.

[18:09:44] <✦[rp] Finch> i want to go home

[18:09:56] <✦[rp] DAN> hah, same. i want to sleepp.

[18:09:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, please, let's go home

[Faulkner stumbles and falls over as Ollie helps them back to their home. Their body is heaving.]

[18:11:45] <✦[rp] Ollie> are.... are you okay??

[Faulkner shakes, their tail thrashing back and forth.]

[18:12:26] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm

[18:12:28] <✦Faulkner [rp]> fine

[Ollie steps back, apprehensive.]

[18:12:48] <✦[rp] Ollie> ,,you don't ..you don't seem fine-

[18:12:52] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Fighting all of them just took it out of me…

[Faulkner waves a paw, feeling the hollow of his throat.]

[18:13:55] <✦Faulkner [rp]> breathing out that stuff takes a lot of energy

[18:13:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> ah-

[18:13:29] <✦[rp] Ollie> yeah .. maybe I should have intervened earlier-

[18:14:04] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Its not like you could have done much anyways

[18:14:13] <✦[rp] Ollie> ....yyeah..

[18:14:21] <✦[rp] Ollie> I didn't really. help much

[Two trails of glittering red smoke flutter up in whispers from the corners of Faulkner’s mouth.]

[18:14:46] <✦Faulkner [rp]> its fine

[Ollie hesitates, before putting their hand on Faulkner’s back and rubbing. Faulkner flinches, but doesn’t pull away.]

[18:16:07] * ✦[rp] Ollie hesitates, before putting their hand on Faulkner's back and rubbing

[18:16:32] <✦[rp] Ollie> ..are you sure you will be okay,?

[Faulkner clenches their paw into a fist.]

[18:16:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'll get it back.

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