Characters present: Faulkner, Dan
Date: 3/22/24
Season: 3

[Faulkner climbs out of the Nether and into Dan’s base. Its form has returned to normal, how it looked before the confrontation with Ollie, though something has changed. The dragon roars out, its voice echoing throughout the clocktower.]

[21:16:44] <✦Faulkner [rp]> DAN

[Dan startles upstairs, the shout breaking him from rummaging through his shulkers. He slides down the vines, landing at the bottom with a loud thud.]

[21:17:25] <✦ [rp] DAN> oh! hey!

[21:17:40] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Hello

[Faulkner shuffles around, pondering something as it watches Dan.]

[21:18:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> How have you been...?

[21:19:31] <✦ [rp] DAN> ahh i've been well ! thank you for asking

[21:19:53] <✦ [rp] DAN> havent seen you since the dinner with ollie nd the gang, how are um. the both of you doing?

[Faulkner frowns deeply. Their lips peel back in grimace.]

[21:20:33] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Lets not.

[21:20:41] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I have more important things to talk about

[21:20:56] <✦ [rp] DAN> oh

[21:20:58] <✦ [rp] DAN> um

[21:21:06] <✦ [rp] DAN> yeah no worries, we don't have to chit chat

[21:21:23] <✦ [rp] DAN> i assume you're here to search for the egg, then?

[21:21:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh, no

[21:21:35] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I found it already

[21:21:37] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I have it

[21:21:47] <✦ [rp] DAN> oh! wow! that was. really fast

[Faulkner rolls his eyes.]

[21:22:26] * ✦Faulkner [rp] rolls his eyes

[21:22:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Yeah yeah

[Dan breathes a sigh of relief, releasing some tension from his body.]

[21:23:04] <✦ [rp] DAN> well uh. where was it???

[21:23:10] <✦ [rp] DAN> obviously i assume. in malfaction

[21:23:14] <✦ [rp] DAN> but uh. who.

[21:23:14] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Ceph had it

[Dan coughs, deeply surprised, and a little hurt, to hear that.]

[21:23:37] <✦ [rp] DAN> oh!

[21:23:40] <✦ [rp] DAN> wow thats.

[21:23:54] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Ollie knew as well

[Dan crosses his arms, frowning, his heart sinking slowly.]

[21:24:07] <✦ [rp] DAN> thats kinda fucked up

[Faulkner blinks in surprise at the comment, but nods.]

[21:24:50] <✦Faulkner [rp]> At least a bit yes

[21:25:19] <✦ [rp] DAN> well did. um. ollie tell you. where it was?? or did ceph?

[21:25:50] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Neither of them did. I had to find it myself. Ceph didn't put up a fight though, they just let me have it

[Dan sighs with disappointment, hurt.]

[21:27:03] <✦ [rp] DAN> i mean, im not surprised by ceph att least. ceph doesn't have a use for the egg that i know of. or a reason to even have it

[21:32:26] <✦Faulkner [rp]> They told me the same. I doubt they could have stopped me anyways

[Dan clears his throat awkwardly.]

[21:33:19] * ✦ [rp] DAN clears his throat awkwardly

[21:33:40] <✦ [rp] DAN> well im glad that we have it back,

[Faulkner narrows its eyes as Dan says the word “we”.]

[21:33:50] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Right

[21:34:52] <✦ [rp] DAN> which speaking of uh, you have it with you? could i see it? im sure its fine and all but like. it'd be cool to see that

[21:35:10] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I do yes

[Faulkner holds out their paws. A warm purple light begins to glow, shimmering around red starlight, as the egg materializes from Faulkner’s inventory. Dan lets out a breath that he didn’t realize was caught in his throat. The egg looks alright, and with Faulkner, he knows its safe. In a warm wisp of light, the egg returns to Faulkner’s inventory. He doesn’t seem keen on keeping it out very long.]

[21:38:28] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Can I be blunt for a moment?

[21:38:39] <✦ [rp] DAN> um. yeah, sure

[21:39:05] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm not giving it back

[21:39:15] <✦Faulkner [rp]> For several reasons I don't think I need to list them

[Faulkner waves his paw vaguely. Dan stills, frowning. The words coming from Faulkner begin to settle in. Dan laughs dryly.]

[21:40:22] <✦ [rp] DAN> ok. thats not the funniest joke i've heard but sure. very funny kid.

[21:41:11] <✦ [rp] DAN> what makes you think you can keep it

[Faulkner rolls his eyes again.]

[21:41:42] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Well I'm the one who has it right now

[21:41:52] <✦ [rp] DAN> you remember how that went last time, right

[21:42:19] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Of course. How could I forget

[Faulkner’s lips curl into a snarl.]

[21:42:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> However unless you want to find a way to come pull it from my inventory I don't think thats going to work out for you

[Dan’s lips pull back into a sarcastic smile.]

[21:43:13] <✦Faulkner [rp]> The only reason I gave it up last time is because Ollie was being threatened

[21:43:28] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Would you like to hold a sword to your child's throat this time?

[21:44:11] <✦ [rp] DAN> well that. got out of hand

[21:44:17] <✦ [rp] DAN> ollie wasn't supposed to be involved

[Faulkner steps back towards the edge of the nether portal.]

[21:44:52] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Well unless you want to play that game again it's not going to happen

[Dan takes a rushed, almost desperate, step forward.]

[21:45:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> However

[21:45:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I didn't just come here to tell you. If I really wanted to run off with it I wouldn't have said a damn word to you

[21:45:56] <✦ [rp] DAN> how considerate

[Faulkner’s demeanor changes entirely. He gives Dan a wide, wolfish grin, tilting his head.]

[21:47:38] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Well the egg is ready to hatch. So you can throw a fit about me not giving it back, or you can come with me to watch

[Faulkner steps back into the nether portal, slipping between dimensions. Dan rushes in after him. Faulkner sprints down the nether path, practically on all fours. Dan chases after them, the two running towards the Malfaction End portal entrance. Faulkner slips through the other nether portal, Dan close behind. Faulkner reaches the End portal leaping in without a second thought, Dan slips through the nether portal just in time to see the tip of Faulkner’s tail slip into the End portal. He hesitates for a moment before following behind.

Faulkner arrives in the cold, dark expanse of the End. He climbs up to the main End island, completely unphased by the mad dash from Dan’s to here. Dan appears on the portal platform, looking up at where Faulkner stands above him.]

[21:54:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I see you decided to come

[If Dan had eyes, he would’ve rolled them.]

[21:54:17] <✦ [rp] DAN> why would i not come

[21:54:34] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Dunno

[Dan climbs up the side of the island to join Faulkner.]

[21:54:40] <✦ [rp] DAN> the whole reason i care about the egg is because its capable of hatching. of course i want to see it hatch.

[21:54:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You were throwing a fit

[21:54:59] <✦Faulkner [rp]> But, not important

[Dan bites his tongue, opting to sigh. You’re an adult, he thinks to himself, no shitty comebacks.

Faulkner stands at the edge of the End island, looking down into the Void. Dan joins them, looking down into the Void below.]

[21:56:25] <✦Faulkner [rp]> So I'm not sure if you caught it, but I said the egg was ready to hatch

[21:56:35] <✦Faulkner [rp]> However, it won't hatch on it's own

[21:56:49] <✦ [rp] DAN> alright

[21:56:55] <✦ [rp] DAN> what do we gotta do to help, then?

[21:57:27] <✦Faulkner [rp]> They are very picky about the conditions that need to be met. Luckily for both of us I know what to do

[Faulkner steps back from the edge, stretching. Dan glances over to Faulkner.]

[21:58:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> We have to do a ritual

[21:58:40] <✦Faulkner [rp]> By we I mean me, you can just stand there I guess

[21:58:59] <✦ [rp] DAN> i mean. i can help

[21:59:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> It's not complicated enough to bother involving you beyond that

[Faulkner waves its paw. Dan’s faint smile falls. He’s beginning to get really tired of Faulkner’s attitude.]

[22:00:19] <✦ [rp] DAN> okay well. what are we waiting around up here for

[22:00:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I've done this before. I can handle it on my own-

[Faulkner scowls.]

[22:00:41] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm getting there

[22:01:20] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Is there any other fun comments you would like to make to me before we do this? I'm probably not going to talk to you for a bit

[Dan holds up his hands.]

[22:01:28] <✦ [rp] DAN> oh thats fine

[22:01:30] <✦ [rp] DAN> im all good

[22:01:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh good

[Faulkner gives one last big stretch. It crouches down on all fours, red stardust billowing from its mouth. Its form begins to shift and grow, fur thickening, limbs becoming more angular, its horns begin to grow. Teeth begin to hang fully out of its mouth. Massive starry wings sprout from its back. The dragon turns, regarding Dan. Dan’s mouth opens in surprise as Faulkner now stands a head taller than him.

It looks down at Dan, before leaping into the Void without another word. Dan follows quickly after, the two soaring to where a platform waits below for them both. They both land, stepping onto the endstone brick platform.

Faulkner wastes no time getting things started. He places down the egg in the center of the end of the platform, before surrounding it with End crystals. Dan watches with curiosity, a little nervous as the end crystals hum with power.

Faulkner sits down, staring intently at the egg, waiting for it to begin to shake. Dan watches the egg intently from across the platform.

For a moment, nothing happens. The Void is silent, besides the crackle of energy from the end crystals. Then, the crystals begin to dim slightly, and the egg begins to shake. It rises into the air, crackling with energy. Pulses of purple light emanate from the interior, and are almost so blindly bright they illuminate the Void itself. There is a sound like a shriek, and then a violent cracking. This is followed by a blinding flash, and then everything goes still.

In the center, where the egg once sat, is a tiny baby dragon.

Dan holds in a sound of adoration for the tiny creature. Faulkner stands up slowly, creeping over to the baby. They give it a sniff, before giving it a soft lick on the head.

The baby looks up, and opens its eyes. It lets out a little snort, before it stretches. Dan takes a slow step closer.

The Baby Dragon seems to register Faulkner and begins to wag its tail. It stands on unsteady legs, bowing in deference to an elder.]

[22:16:54] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [hello little one]

[The Baby Dragon immediately begins licking Faulkner’s face. Faulkner makes a rumbling sound in his throat, almost like a laugh. He presses his face against the little one.]

[22:18:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [I'm happy to see you too]

[Dan watches the two of them curiously. The baby dragon begins to purr softly, closing its eyes. Faulkner lays down the best he can in the small space, curling around the baby. The baby dragon begins happily trying to nestle into Faulkner’s fur, half head butting into their side.

Dan quietly watches the two of them, a little afraid of starling the little creature. He stays as quiet as possible. The dragon looks up from head butting Faulkner, and turns to look at Dan. At first, it stares intently at him. Dan smiles softly at it. The dragon’s tail begins to wag, and it leaps up from Faulkner’s side, romping across the ground towards Dan. Faulkner flinches, surprised.

Dan bends down slowly to kneel on the floor, and greet the baby dragon. The dragon bows gently to Dan, before also leaping up to lick his face as well. Dan chuckles softly]

[22:22:00] <✦ [rp] DAN> hello little baby

[The baby dragon lets out a little yip. Dan pets the dragon’s head and chin. The baby dragon hiccups, and a cloud of purple smoke, much like Faulkner’s breath weapon, plumes out of its nose. Dan laughs again.

Faulkner sits up. It walks over, grabbing the baby dragon carefully in its mouth. The baby dragon lets itself be picked up by the scruff, and dangles in Faulkner’s mouth. Dan looks up at Faulkner, who looks back down with an unreadable expression. They walk over to the opposite end of the platform, which is much less crowded than the other part. It lays back down, setting the baby dragon in its fur. The baby dragon nestles into Faulkner, happy to be with them.

Hesitantly, Faulkner beckons Dan over with his tail, in spite of everything. Dan slowly walks over to join them. He kneels down beside Faulkner. The dragon lets out a happy little yip, shuffling across Faulkner’s body so its legs can rest on Faulkner’s paws, and its head can rest on Dan’s knee.

Dan smiles down softly at the baby dragon. Faulkner clears its throat, sounding more menacing than it probably should. When it finally speaks, its voice is deep and rumbled, and a bit difficult to understand.]

[22:27:33] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I've chosen a name

[Dan looks up at Faulkner, still gently smiling.]

[22:28:07] <✦ [rp] DAN> what'd you pick?

[22:28:59] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Stellaris

[22:29:20] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [a dragon of the stars]

[Dan looks back down at the small creature curled between them.]

[22:30:02] <✦ [rp] DAN> whatcha think of that, Stellaris? you think thats a good fit for you?

[The baby dragon lifts its head, and lets out a little plume of smoke from its nostrils. Dan and Faulkner both chuckle at that.

Faulkner’s expression changes for a moment. They seem to be troubled by something. Dan looks up, seeing Faulkner’s face change.]

[22:35:50] <✦ [rp] DAN> ... faulkner?? is everything okay?

[Faulkner sighs almost with his full body, much like an animal.]

[22:36:30] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [this just... reminded me of things]

[22:36:36] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I... miss him

[Dan’s smile falls, but his expression is sympathetic.]

[22:40:19] <✦ [rp] DAN> do you... miss your.. boyfriend?

[Faulkner cringes, giving Dan a look of disgust.]

[22:41:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [What? No?? Who even- ugh]

[Dan awkwardly looks away from Faulkner, who shakes its head, sighing. Dan clears his throat.]

[22:41:42] <✦ [rp] DAN> s.. sorry. i kinda just assumed

[22:41:47] <✦ [rp] DAN> y'know

[22:41:48] <✦ [rp] DAN> yeah

[22:41:40] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Child... dragon

[22:41:57] <✦Faulkner [rp]> In my old world

[22:42:11] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Had to leave

[Dan nods, suddenly understanding more of what Faulkner had meant. Faulkner curls around the baby dragon closely.

Stellaris begins to purr softly.]

[22:42:50] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [I'm not leaving again]

[Dan nods, understanding.]

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