Characters present: Ion, Flick, Scarm
Date: 2/3/24
Season: 3

[Scarm settles on Flick’s shoulders as he soars through the air towards where Wisteria has planned to deal with Ion.]

[17:33:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Remind me what are we doing here again, Sub-master Flick.

[17:33:48] <✦[rp] Flick> We're meeting with Ion

[Flick tucks into a dive as he notices a red shape below, keeping the Scarm from asking any other questions. Ion shields his eyes as he notices a shape in the sky above.]

[17:33:21] <✦[rp] Ion> huh

[Flick lands in front of him.]

[17:33:25] <✦[rp] Ion> hey

[17:33:33] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi, Ion :D

[17:33:49] <✦[rp] Ion> this is... an unlikely pairing?

[17:34:25] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Hi! Master Doc was busy, so I am here with Flick smiley face.

[17:34:22] <✦[rp] Flick> Doc was supposed to be here, but ended up being busy with something else

[17:34:49] <✦[rp] Ion> ohh, well pass on my greetings to doc :) im sorry he's busy

[17:35:04] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Will do!

[17:34:15] <✦[rp] Ion> you guys said this was where the cake was, right?

[17:34:42] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Cake.... I don't remember preparing a cake.

[17:35:04] <✦[rp] Ion> no cake? i suppose prince did say the cake was a lie

[Flick opens his mouth quickly, nodding.]

[17:35:09] <✦[rp] Flick> Oh, it's okay, I made it earlier

[Ion clasps their hands together, holding them close to where a heart should be.]

[17:35:25] <✦[rp] Ion> cake!

[17:35:43] <✦[rp] Ion> oh this is fantastic, i knew prince couldn't be right

[17:35:54] <✦[rp] Flick> I guess uh. How have you been? I don't think I saw you much, between the wedding and um. what happened at the festival a few days ago

[17:36:04] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. He doesn't know everything it seems like.

[Ion sighs wistfully.]

[17:36:24] <✦[rp] Ion> the festival feels like yesterday

[17:36:30] <✦[rp] Ion> it was so much fun

[17:36:51] <✦[rp] Ion> wardens are wonderful beings

[17:36:52] <✦[rp] Flick> I had a good time, too! I feel we enjoyed vastly different things but. Yeah, it had been a good time.

[17:36:56] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Honestly, it could be. I don't think I was much conscious afterwards.

[17:37:14] <✦[rp] Ion> oh. does that happen often scarm?

[17:37:51] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Yes, and only after big events like that. Because of. Y'know. Despite how cool it was. Kind of stressful.

[17:38:11] <✦[rp] Flick> a touch stressful, I'll agree.

[17:37:35] <✦[rp] Flick> How did you get in with the wardens? Was it just like. a fairly mutualistic meeting, or...?

[17:38:15] <✦[rp] Ion> prince helped me so much. i can't thank him enough. I really wish i could do something

[17:38:50] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Yeah no surprise there. I didn't think you were at the stage of Warden Manifestation yet.

[17:38:18] <✦[rp] Ion> wait i can

[Ion holds out their hands. Sculk begins to sprout from them, creating piles of sculk, and a few sensors that push out of the soft fabric of their hands. They cross the gap between themself and Flick.]

[17:38:21] <✦[rp] Ion> here

[17:38:38] <✦[rp] Ion> enjoy!

[Flick grits his teeth, forcing a smile. He takes the sculk gingerly.]

[17:38:39] <✦[rp] Flick> ah! this is. thank you!

[17:39:06] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh! Thank you. That's very nice

[Flick holds all of the sculk in his hands.]

[17:39:31] <✦[rp] Flick> so. What do you Do with these, once you've got them? What's the purpose?

[Something pushes through Ion.]

[17:39:51] <✦[rp] Ion> oh i just thought i'd let everyone have the same joy i had

[17:40:03] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't want to be selfish you know

[Scarm jumps around on Flick’s shoulder on its fingertips.]

[17:40:08] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. WOOO!! Hell yeah Ion.

[Ion pauses, blinks.]

[17:40:12] <✦[rp] Ion> wait

[17:40:16] <✦[rp] Ion> huh

[17:40:26] <✦[rp] Ion> that wasn't me

[17:40:53] <✦[rp] Ion> eh its nothing

[17:41:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Hm! Weird.

[Ion places a hand on her chest, the lines of sculk on the outside of her body flare, as she manifests a shrieker. Ion detaches the shrieker and hands that to Flick. Flick holds it for a second before looking confused, miming putting it on the ground.]

[17:40:41] <✦[rp] Flick> the. the shriekers on the ground or?

[Flick sets the shriekers down, before questioning Ion again.]

[17:40:28] <✦[rp] Flick> mhmm. what sort of joy does it bring? I'm just curious :)

[17:41:07] <✦[rp] Ion> the joy - well its hard to describe

[17:41:14] <✦[rp] Ion> freeing i guess

[17:41:46] <✦[rp] Ion> there's none of that nagging fear, just the knowledge that nothing is your fault, you know?

[17:41:30] <✦[rp] Flick> is it like. the sense of getting back at someone that wronged you?

[17:41:47] <✦[rp] Flick> Or like, freedom in enlightenment sort of thing?

[17:42:06] <✦[rp] Ion> freedom from pain - physical and other

[17:42:07] <✦[rp] Flick> Ahh. Absolved of consequences.

[17:42:13] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Freedom from freedom beloved.

[17:42:15] <✦[rp] Ion> its incredible

[17:42:15] <✦[rp] Flick> I see, i see

[17:42:25] <✦[rp] Ion> i never even felt pain before ...

[17:42:32] <✦[rp] Ion> well never mind its gone now

[17:42:34] <✦[rp] Flick> and nothing else would compare?

[17:42:43] <✦[rp] Ion> i can't imagine

[17:42:51] <✦[rp] Ion> maybe vodka - i liked that

[17:43:11] <✦[rp] Ion> scarm gets it right?

[17:43:32] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh! Yes. Of course!!

[17:43:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. My service to Master Doc is freedom.

[17:43:59] <✦[rp] Ion> so you see why i want everyone to know what it feels like

[17:44:37] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Yes! I do. It's a delightful feeling of not being in control.

[17:44:35] <✦[rp] Ion> soon i hope to have everyone in wisteria singing the song of sculk

[17:45:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I hope so as well, but most are prudes that are not as open-minded as you are.

[Scarm taps its fingers on Flick’s head.]

[17:45:05] <✦[rp] Flick> I like the freedom in freefall. Like when you're flying and then just. close your wings to drop. I don't think much anything beats it, for me

[17:45:33] <✦[rp] Ion> that swooping feeling in your stomach before you spread your wings?

[17:46:05] <✦[rp] Flick> Yeah! Like a rollercoaster, except everything hinges on You and what You do, lest you splat against a mountain

[17:46:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Man I've splatted into so many mountains.

[17:45:39] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I think you just havent tried my brand of freedom yet

[Ion considers this.]

[17:45:53] <✦[rp] Ion> thats how i felt coming through the portal at the festival

[17:46:04] <✦[rp] Ion> the wardens spread my wings i suppose

[17:46:38] <✦[rp] Ion> i think you'd enjoy the sculk flick

[17:46:43] <✦[rp] Ion> you seem perfect

[Flick raises his wings, but takes a step back.]

[17:46:52] <✦[rp] Flick> mmm it seems like it'd be a pain to get out of my feathers, though

[17:47:14] <✦[rp] Ion> oh no it doesn't let pain through, so it must be healing. right?

[17:47:29] <✦[rp] Ion> no pain means no injury

[17:47:32] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Exactly!

[17:47:33] <✦[rp] Ion> yup

[17:47:51] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. When you get to my level, pain is just an illusion. Shit just regenerates.

[17:47:52] <✦[rp] Flick> well not. that it'd HURT just that it'd be. it'd clog up the vanes, make it hard to preen them and such

[17:48:06] <✦[rp] Flick> Make flight quite a bit harder.

[17:48:12] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. The sculk could give you wings don't worry.

[17:48:14] <✦[rp] Ion> but imagine how cool sculk wings would be!

[17:48:31] <✦[rp] Ion> you'd be the coolest flyer on the server

[Flick takes another step back.]

[17:48:38] <✦[rp] Flick> I think I'm okay with my feathered ones, really, thank you though

[17:49:01] <✦[rp] Ion> oh, well don't decide just yet. maybe - marinate - in it

[17:49:04] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Better wings. Awesomer wings. Wings with boosts that can manifest from the back and shoot you upwards with sound.

[17:49:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Kind of like a jetpack.

[17:49:32] <✦[rp] Ion> but what about the cake? we where here for cake right?

[Flick nods, keeping distance between himself and Ion, but leading them through the woods to where the pit waits.]

[17:49:46] <✦[rp] Flick> Yeah! Yeah, the cake's over here a little bit more

[17:50:02] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Woo!! Cake.

[17:50:10] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't

[17:50:16] <✦[rp] Ion> it is dark

[17:50:25] <✦[rp] Ion> oh well i trust you

[17:50:28] <✦[rp] Flick> Can the skulk give YOU wings? or is it like, the elytra are fine for yours

[Ion frowns.]

[17:50:40] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't know

[17:50:49] <✦[rp] Ion> i think the sculk is in my elytra

[17:50:55] <✦[rp] Ion> i can't - feel

[17:51:00] <✦[rp] Flick> Can I see your elytra? They look a little torn around the edges there. Do they have mending??

[17:51:01] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Prince's manifest from his back.

[17:51:11] <✦[rp] Ion> ah it must surely then

[17:51:11] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I obviously don't have any.

[17:51:34] <✦[rp] Flick> I don't use elytra but I like to think i'm pretty good at like. mending things when I can, y'know?

[17:51:57] <✦[rp] Ion> oh like tools? i love going to

[Ion goes to take their elytra off, but finds that they can’t.]

[17:52:00] <✦[rp] Ion> huh

[17:52:03] <✦[rp] Ion> let me

[17:52:07] <✦[rp] Ion> why won't

[17:52:12] <✦[rp] Ion> never mind

[17:52:22] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Something wrong?

[17:52:24] <✦[rp] Flick> You doing okay?

[17:52:28] <✦[rp] Ion> im fine

[Ion seems to clear from that.]

[17:52:39] <✦[rp] Ion> im more than fine - im getting cake!

[17:52:44] <✦[rp] Ion> fantastic even!

[17:52:52] <✦[rp] Flick> yeah so. the cake's over here just. a bit more.

[Flick continues to lead the group.]

[17:53:09] <✦[rp] Ion> this forest is so dark

[17:53:25] <✦[rp] Flick> are your elytra stuck?

[17:53:36] <✦[rp] Ion> my elytra

[Ion turns to look at their wings.]

[17:53:58] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't think so

[17:54:08] <✦[rp] Ion> why?

[17:54:16] <✦[rp] Flick> Do they come off? I do think there's a tear back there, I wanted to see if I could fix it, maybe

[17:54:25] <✦[rp] Ion> oh, of course

[17:54:31] <✦[rp] Flick> there on the like, left wing of them.

[17:54:34] <✦[rp] Ion> here

[Ion pulls off the elytra and hands it to Flick.]

[17:55:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Anything wrong with it, sub-master Flick?

[Flick shows the wings to Scarm.]

[17:55:28] <✦[rp] Flick> thank you! :D Man, yeah that's. That's an impressive scraping there. It's real thin on this part, see?

[17:55:45] <✦[rp] Ion> oh i never knew. you are a wing expert i suppose

[17:55:50] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I don't quite understand those words.

[17:56:33] <✦[rp] Flick> Anyways so the cake's down there a ways- A whole party area!

[17:56:48] <✦[rp] Ion> this is strange looking

[17:56:51] <✦[rp] Flick> A jukebox, cake, dancefloor.

[17:56:52] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh really?

[17:56:54] <✦[rp] Flick> Yeah don't. worry about it

[17:56:58] <✦[rp] Ion> amazing!

[17:57:00] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. It looks like a big hole

[Flick takes in a breath, and then shoves Ion into the hole with all of his might.]

[17:57:03] <✦[rp] Ion> oh

[The Scarm leaps to attention.]

[17:57:19] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. OH. ION. ARE YOU OKAY?

[17:57:45] <✦[rp] Ion> im great! i thought falling would hurt. theres no party though

[17:57:56] <✦[rp] Ion> are you sure this is the right place?

[17:58:16] <✦[rp] Ion> guys?

[17:58:17] <✦[rp] Flick> yeah! yeah it's. it's down there, you'll find it!

[17:58:18] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Hey Flick, what's happening right now

[17:58:51] <✦[rp] Ion> this doesn't feel right

[Flick points out a half put together cake waiting for Ion.]

[17:59:12] <✦[rp] Flick> There you go there's! Cake!

[17:59:17] <✦[rp] Ion> ohhhhh

[17:59:21] <✦[rp] Ion> thank you

[Flick moves back and forth on the edge of the pit.]

[17:59:24] <✦[rp] Flick> We'll come back for you once we get things all sorted out more, I promise, okay?

[17:59:33] <✦[rp] Ion> huh. you don't want any?

[17:59:50] <✦[rp] Flick> No, no, I'm okay. Too much and it really gets to me, makes me sick, y'know?

[18:00:07] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Are you okay, Ion?

[18:00:11] <✦[rp] Ion> i

[Ion shouts up to the Scarm on Flick’s shoulder.]

[18:00:24] <✦[rp] Ion> scarm i think somethings wrong

[18:00:34] <✦[rp] Ion> i dont understand

[18:00:44] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh. Oh Oh. This.

[18:08:31] <✦[rp] Flick> It'll be alright, things are just super super hectic right now and. It's okay! It's okay. We'll get it all sorted out, and it'll all be alright!

[18:08:57] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Flick you fucking Scoundrel. This is not a party is it.

[18:09:15] <✦[rp] Flick> it is. not. not really a party, scarm. but i am hoping it is for the best in the end.

[18:09:40] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. You are abhorrent. Abhorrent. I hate you.

[Ion speaks up suddenly.]

[18:01:00] <✦[rp] Ion> this feeling

[18:08:39] <✦[rp] Ion> its not that

[18:08:48] <✦[rp] Ion> i

[18:09:04] <✦[rp] Ion> i don;t know how to explain

[18:09:28] <✦[rp] Ion> theres something here thats not me

[18:09:53] <✦[rp] Ion> but it is?

[18:10:08] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Wait hold on that's more concerning. What are you talking about Ion??

[18:10:13] <✦[rp] Flick> Is this the ion speaking that I know from the beginning? Ion?

[18:10:20] <✦[rp] Flick> From when you were first here?

[Ion paces around below.]

[18:10:21] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't understand

[18:10:29] <✦[rp] Ion> please let me out

[18:10:33] <✦[rp] Ion> i think

[18:10:38] <✦[rp] Ion> i think i feel

[18:10:43] <✦[rp] Ion> scared?

[Flick flies down, Scarm holding onto his shoulder for dear life. He lands in front of Ion.]

[18:11:00] <✦[rp] Flick> Is it you-you talking, or the skulk you??

[18:11:17] <✦[rp] Flick> I. am NOT equipped to handle this solo, I think.

[Ion is looking at Flick, but not moving in the slightest.]

[18:11:21] <✦[rp] Ion> its me, its always me

[18:11:32] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. It's always been you.

[18:11:33] <✦[rp] Ion> the sculk, its part of me, not me

[18:11:36] <✦[rp] Ion> i think

[18:11:52] <✦[rp] Flick> Do you want to try to get rid of it?? I, You said you're scared, what's. where's the fear?

[18:12:09] <✦[rp] Flick> What is it of? Something apart from you being in control, or of. the situation, or-

[18:12:11] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't know

[18:12:13] <✦[rp] Ion> its

[18:12:39] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Are you okay? What is wrong? IIIon? Are you okay? What is wrong? IIon?

[Ion still stands still.]

[18:12:40] <✦[rp] Ion> i wanted to walk and my legs didn't? or was it that i was tired

[18:12:47] <✦[rp] Ion> its probably nothing

[18:12:52] <✦[rp] Ion> i think

[18:12:57] <✦[rp] Flick> It. feels like it's Something.

[18:13:13] <✦[rp] Ion> but its making me feel like i haven't in a while

[18:13:18] <✦[rp] Flick> Has something like this happened before? Trying to move and not being able to??

[18:13:33] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't know

[18:13:49] <✦[rp] Ion> usually i don't rememember

[Ion looks confused.]

[18:13:51] <✦[rp] Ion> huh

[18:13:58] <✦[rp] Ion> why did i say that

[18:14:04] <✦[rp] Ion> no

[18:14:13] <✦[rp] Flick> Why did you say what- no to what?

[18:14:26] <✦[rp] Ion> its fine im just being silly

[18:14:28] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. What is-? Are you okay? Ion?

[18:14:34] <✦[rp] Ion> must be the sugar

[Ion moves around finally, the movements are jerky and unsure, like they’re afraid they might suddenly stand still again.]

[18:14:47] <✦[rp] Ion> look i can move normally

[18:14:53] <✦[rp] Ion> nothings wrong

[18:15:01] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. That- that is good. Yes.

[Flick is still apprehensive. He watches Ion with concern.]

[18:15:04] <✦[rp] Flick> That's good, that's. that's good.

[18:15:27] <✦[rp] Ion> why are you looking at me like that

[Flick tries his best to focus the subject of the conversation.]

[18:15:30] <✦[rp] Flick> how about just. just um. hang out here? for a while? I can bring back some books or things so you have stuff to do and I can visit this is just. to try to figure some things out.

[18:15:48] <✦[rp] Flick> It's just for a little while. Just for a little while. I really. I don't think you're okay, man.

[18:15:56] <✦[rp] Ion> i - hmm - yes i'd like that

[They narrow their eyes.]

[18:16:05] <✦[rp] Ion> i think i'd like to go home though

[18:16:13] <✦[rp] Ion> theres no moss here

[18:16:32] <✦[rp] Flick> I. you can, later. just. I have moss! I have a ton of moss, I can bring it down here. I'm sorry.

[18:16:45] <✦[rp] Flick> It's just for a while. Like the world's shittiest vacation

[18:16:49] <✦[rp] Flick> zero stars on yelp

[18:16:56] <✦[rp] Ion> why?

[Scarm speaks up, shouting over at Ion.]

[18:16:27] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. The Princes can be of use to you, they'll bring you home.

[18:16:58] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. You don't have to be here. They can bring you out.

[18:17:08] <✦[rp] Ion> they can?

[Flick speaks quietly to Scarm.]

[18:17:15] <✦[rp] Flick> scarm can you. be quiet, just for a little bit, please?

[18:17:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. No! I do not bow to you. They can help Ion!

[18:17:44] <✦[rp] Flick> This is just. This is going to help, in the long run. This is to help.

[Ion puts their hands around the outsides of their arms.]

[18:17:47] <✦[rp] Ion> but i don't like it down here. i thought cake would make it fun. but that didn't last

[18:18:07] <✦[rp] Flick> It's just for a little bit! Not for long. Not for very long, I'm sorry.

[18:18:31] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I'll tell them. Master Doc isn't here to stop me.

[18:18:43] <✦[rp] Flick> Please do NOT scarm, Please.

[18:18:31] <✦[rp] Ion> i think i need to talk to the princes. im not sure why

[18:18:55] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Try as you might you fucking shitty bird. But you are not keeping it here.

[18:19:16] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Ion. They'll come. Believe me they'll come.

[Ion stares at their hand with a frown.]

[18:19:35] <✦[rp] Ion> i have faith in them

[18:20:02] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. They'll help you. I'm sure they will. You just have to wait until they notice my message.

[Ion looks confused, and then the confusion clears.]

[18:20:31] <✦[rp] Ion> wait i have sculk

[18:20:35] <✦[rp] Ion> im stupid

[Ion runs to the corner of the pit, between their hands they begin to create sculks. They aim it at the ground, where a torrent begins to rush out of their palms, the deepslate ground burbles for a moment before it changes over into sculk.]

[18:21:12] <✦[rp] Flick> ion please stay in the hole ion PLEASE stay in the hole ion PLEASE stop pillaring out of the hole

[A tentacle of sculk begins to rise up, curling around Ion’s middle and lifting them up into the air.]

[18:21:27] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh, wow that's more control than I thought.

[18:21:31] <✦[rp] Ion> i can hear it

[18:21:39] <✦[rp] Ion> its singing

[18:21:45] <✦[rp] Flick> Oh, me too scarm oh this was a horrible plan why the fuck did we think this would work

[18:22:16] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I don't know man, I didn't even think this was happening until like 5 minutes ago.

[Flick opens his wings and soars up into the air to meet Ion where they’d been set down gently by the sculk at the very top.]

[18:22:39] <✦[rp] Ion> flick i did not like that place

[18:22:44] <✦[rp] Flick> i'm sorry.

[18:22:51] <✦[rp] Ion> and i don't think the sculk did either

[18:22:55] <✦[rp] Flick> i'm so so so so sorry. shitty party. my fucking bad. shit

[18:22:58] <✦[rp] Ion> that was no party

[18:23:03] <✦[rp] Flick> yeah that. um

[18:23:15] <✦[rp] Flick> oho boy. Um.

[Ion looks suddenly sad.]

[18:23:19] <✦[rp] Ion> i gave you sculk. i thought you understood

[18:24:23] <✦[rp] Flick> I. don't think I do. and I don't think i Ever will. I'm sorry.

[18:23:45] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Boneheaded bird.

[18:24:26] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Stupid stupid stupid. Why did you think any of this would work.

[18:24:34] <✦[rp] Flick> i don't think this is good for you i don't think this is HEALTHY

[18:24:37] <✦[rp] Ion> i wanted to believe you

[18:24:43] <✦[rp] Flick> i'm sorry

[The ground in front of Ion burbles with sculk. Their axe melts out of the sculk in front of them, where they retrieve it. Ion bends down to pick it up.]

[18:24:51] <✦[rp] Flick> really not a fan of that axe there, buddy

[She holds it gently in her hands, voice soft.]

[18:25:11] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't know who to trust flick. everyone seems to be lying to me

[18:25:23] <✦[rp] Ion> the sculk was true and now

[18:25:34] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Yes. Yes, YES.

[18:25:35] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't think i know anything

[18:25:42] <✦[rp] Flick> I can say honestly that joco seems to care about you but. I don't k-

[18:25:48] <✦[rp] Flick> I don't know

[The name “Joco” seems to be the first clear word she’s said in several minutes.]

[18:25:50] <✦[rp] Ion> joco

[18:25:57] <✦[rp] Ion> joco was kind

[To herself.]

[18:26:14] <✦[rp] Ion> can i trust joco

[18:26:32] <✦[rp] Flick> joco was. trying to help. in a different way than this. there were supposed to be other people here and i think i may have fucked up whatever the PLAN was because i am nothing if not good at that

[18:26:40] <✦[rp] Ion> plan?

[Ion steps closer, Flick’s eyes widen slightly, he steps back on one foot.]

[18:26:43] <✦[rp] Flick> but that.

[18:26:51] <✦[rp] Flick> i don't know. we wanted to help you ion, you're not Well, dude

[Ion steps closer to Flick.]

[18:26:56] <✦[rp] Flick> stop inching closer to me. stop that.

[18:27:00] <✦[rp] Ion> im fine

[Scarm crawls down to Flick’s neck.]

[18:27:16] <✦[rp] Flick> please get Off my neck scarm

[Its fingers tickle Flick’s neck. Flick begins to try and pry Scarm off.]

[18:27:38] <✦[rp] Flick> NOPE nope nope nope scarm get OFFsa

[18:27:47] <✦[rp] Ion> flick, please tell me. what was the plan?

[Scarm begins to squeeze Flick’s neck.]

[18:27:58] <✦[rp] Ion> i want to know something at least

[18:28:00] <✦[rp] Flick> SOPT IT

[18:28:04] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Tell her.

[Flick grips the Scarm, trying to throw it off.]

[18:28:16] <✦[rp] Ion> i ... hate? ... not knowing anymore

[18:28:33] <✦[rp] Flick> i didn't KNOW the plan i think i fucked it Up whatever it was supposed to be

[18:28:52] <✦[rp] Flick> we wanted to help you because I like to think we are all friendly here and friends don't blow other people's shit UP

[18:29:19] <✦[rp] Flick> and it was FUCKED that corroded did that to the wedding, because GOD it was a beautiful build it was so so SO beautiful

[18:29:33] <✦[rp] Flick> but. getting back and destroying other stuff doesn't. doesn't make it BETTER

[18:29:55] <✦[rp] Flick> it fEELS like it does like you got back at the person who wronged you, but. it just keeps making a bigger and bigger cycle of pain

[18:30:17] <✦[rp] Flick> because then they retaliate and it just. never stops. i wanted to try to get it to stop.

[Ion holds up a hand. Scarm lets go of Flick’s neck. It drops to the ground.]

[18:30:00] <✦[rp] Ion> friends are strange on this server. i see so many contradictions i don't know what really makes a friend

[18:30:21] <✦[rp] Ion> i definitely don't understand what cephs relationships are

[Flick puts a hand up to his neck, rubbing the now quickly bruising skin.]

[18:30:37] <✦[rp] Flick> Ceph's relationships confused the ever living hell out of me i'm not going to lie to you.

[He clears his throat.]

[18:30:59] <✦[rp] Flick> but. friends are. friends care about you. deeply. I consider Doc a friend, even if i'm not sure it's reciprocated. Joco and the wizard are my friends.

[18:31:20] <✦[rp] Flick> I. everyone else. I'm not sure we're Friends?? But I like to think we can at least try to stay *friendly*

[18:31:39] <✦[rp] Ion> so you can be friendly without being friends?

[18:32:22] <✦[rp] Flick> You can be friendly without being friends. I was raised to believe that was just. common courtesy. decency.

[18:32:36] <✦[rp] Flick> it's gotten me in trouble before. but. usually worked out okay.

[18:31:38] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I'm sure the Princes are your friends.

[18:31:05] <✦[rp] Ion> the cycle stopped with the wardens. i swear that was - tit for tat?

[18:32:07] <✦[rp] Flick> The cycle may stop for you with the wardens, an eye for an eye, a whole world blind, but. That doesn't mean the corroded folks won't feel the way you felt then. And want more payback.

[18:32:17] <✦[rp] Ion> oh

[18:33:20] <✦[rp] Ion> i thought everything was fair exchange. equal balance.

[18:33:29] <✦[rp] Ion> thats what i saw at least

[18:34:49] <✦[rp] Flick> I don't. I. Things being totally equal doesn't help anything. that's not how good relationships should be.

[18:35:23] <✦[rp] Flick> I. like. if I help out Doc. that doesn't mean he's like permanently indebted to me. for lending him a hand on a project, or something.

[18:35:50] <✦[rp] Flick> the same way like. i can understand. pain and agonies. but. inflicting that same pain just means you get a feedback loop of hurt people.

[18:36:02] <✦[rp] Flick> who maybe wanted to be friendly. but. keep getting blinded.

[18:35:07] <✦[rp] Ion> strange

[18:35:17] <✦[rp] Ion> i hope i understand some day

[18:36:21] <✦[rp] Ion> do you think i should do something nice for corroded to make up then?

[18:36:31] <✦[rp] Ion> stop them from hurting me?

[18:37:09] <✦[rp] Ion> and i suppose, i shouldn't be angry that you tricked me

[18:37:20] <✦[rp] Flick> I. I think that might be something good to take up with Joco, maybe. He gave you a hug, before you left, right? So. obviously even if he's upset. It can't be an entirely unrepairable thing.

[Ion begins to smile.]

[18:38:01] <✦[rp] Ion> i think i want tha-

[The smile drops.]

[18:38:03] <✦[rp] Ion> no

[18:38:06] <✦[rp] Ion> i can't

[Ion rubs their throat uncomfortably.]

[18:40:47] <✦[rp] Flick> Is your throat okay, Ion?

[18:40:54] <✦[rp] Ion> yeah

[18:41:00] <✦[rp] Ion> its nothing

[Flick leans his head forward slightly.]

[18:41:02] <✦[rp] Flick> , Are you sure?

[Ion frowns suddenly.]

[18:41:25] <✦[rp] Ion> i could've sworn -

[She coughs.]

[18:41:42] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Are you okay?

[18:41:50] <✦[rp] Ion> no i just have a cold?

[Ion looks up at the rain beginning to fall.]

[18:41:56] <✦[rp] Ion> from the rain of course

[18:41:54] <✦[rp] Flick> Do you want like. Some tea or something?

[18:42:24] <✦[rp] Flick> You can stand a little more under this tree, if you want. Y'don't have to stay in the rain.

[Ion looks away.]

[18:42:17] <✦[rp] Ion> i can't trust you flick

[18:42:36] <✦[rp] Flick> That. I think I deserve that.

[18:42:36] <✦[rp] Ion> i think i know now. friends are the people you trust

[18:42:56] <✦[rp] Flick> I'm sorry for violating any trust that might've been there. I really did just want to help.

[Ion scoffs at that.]

[18:43:09] <✦[rp] Ion> again with this help

[18:43:15] <✦[rp] Ion> i don;t need help

[18:43:16] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Your help is unwanted.

[They look up at the sky, and then at the ground beneath them.]

[18:43:27] <✦[rp] Ion> you all need help. i don't understand you all

[Ion balls their fists up in frustration.]

[18:44:00] <✦[rp] Ion> im offering something that will take away all pain - and you want to get rid of it?

[18:44:03] <✦[rp] Flick> Perhaps i meant just. help as in being. safer from others. in the interim

[18:44:40] <✦[rp] Flick> A life with no pain is a life I don't want any part in. I like the pain I carry with me. It sucks ass, sometimes, a lot of the time, but it's Mine.

[18:45:06] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Wow you are fucked up, sub-master Flick.

[18:45:18] <✦[rp] Flick> Scarm i Promise you do not know the half of it.

[18:45:26] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Why would you want to keep your pain. Insane. You are so weird.

[Ion puts their hands around their arms again, almost to pull the sculk on their chest closer to them.]

[18:44:57] <✦[rp] Ion> im safe. the sculk protects me. the wardens guard me, the song guides me. what could you even help with

[18:45:07] <✦[rp] Flick> Not getting exploded by corroded again?

[18:45:21] <✦[rp] Ion> they promised

[18:45:27] <✦[rp] Flick> Who promised?

[18:45:31] <✦[rp] Ion> the wizard apologized

[18:45:42] <✦[rp] Ion> i think its settled

[18:45:48] <✦[rp] Ion> i know its settled

[18:45:56] <✦[rp] Flick> Oh. I may have missed that. My ears were ringing a bit throughout the whole. festival. fiasco.

[18:46:00] <✦[rp] Flick> i'm sorry, again.

[Ion narrows their eyes.]

[18:46:14] <✦[rp] Ion> that finch though

[18:46:32] <✦[rp] Ion> maybe you're right

[18:47:17] <✦[rp] Ion> finch seemed afraid of me. i don't think we're settled

[18:47:51] <✦[rp] Flick> I. You're kind of scary. You're not acting the way you did when we met. It's. jarring.

[The axe melts in a sudden display of sculk emanating from Ion’s palm.]

[18:47:55] <✦[rp] Ion> woah

[It gleams into a sharp sword, and Ion begins to advance towards Flick with it.]

[18:48:25] <✦[rp] Ion> i

[Flick leaps back, wings open, almost as if trying to make him look larger.]

[18:48:26] <✦[rp] Flick> ohoho

[Ion pulls back suddenly.]

[18:48:32] <✦[rp] Ion> i think i need to go

[Flick nods quickly, hands up in surrender, wings poised to run.]

[18:48:38] <✦[rp] Flick> I. that is . that's fine

[18:48:45] <✦[rp] Ion> its fine

[18:48:51] <✦[rp] Ion> everythings fine

[18:49:50] <✦[rp] Ion> so long flick. i hope -

[18:49:55] <✦[rp] Ion> i -

[18:50:02] <✦[rp] Ion> never mind

[Scarm speaks up.]

[18:49:02] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Remember that the Prince's will help you. I'm sure of it.

[18:49:34] <✦[rp] Ion> i will go to them. my friends i suppose

[18:49:50] <✦[rp] Flick> I'd. implore of you to not. And try to make more friends with other folks.

[18:50:09] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Goodbye!

[Ion nods towards both of them. They disappear into the woods. Flick finally finds the words he wanted to say. He stares off into the distance where Ion once was.]

[18:50:11] <✦[rp] Flick> I. yeah. that's. Goodbye

[18:50:22] <✦[rp] Flick> Hey scarm i think I'll just. drop you off at Docs

[18:50:30] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Good.

[18:50:19] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Take me home, bird.

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