Transcript | [UNTITLED] SMP

[Finch flies across the server, speeding towards the looming mansion in the heart of the Malfaction. They land on the snow in front of the mansion, and begin calling out for Prince.]

[20:50:08] <?[rp] Finch> helllooooo! HELLOOO

[20:50:22] <?[rp] Finch> i know you're probably, odds are, round here somewhere.

[Rumbling all around them, a voice begins reverberate. The House itself speaks to Finch.]

[20:50:44] <?[rp] House> Yes?

[20:50:52] <?[rp] Finch> oauh thats fucking weird.

[20:51:17] <?[rp] House> What is it you want, cat thing.

[20:51:27] <?[rp] Finch> I'm lookin for someone. two someones actually

[The House begins to move. It lifts itself up, stretching. It’s beginning to look like something humanoid.]

[20:52:06] <?[rp] Finch> eeueuauugyh

[20:52:09] <?[rp] Finch> i dont like that.

[20:52:45] <?[rp] House> Which someones?

[20:52:56] <?[rp] Finch> is the wizard around here? i mean its not like you're gonna be honest with me if he was.

[20:53:04] <?[rp] Finch> and prince. you know. the guy that lives here. the problem here.

[20:53:13] <?[rp] Finch> i can't believe im asking this of. whatever that thing is

[20:53:09] <?[rp] House> No. The Wizard has left the premises.

[20:53:20] <?[rp] Finch> oh so i WAS right. he was here

[20:53:35] <?[rp] Finch> joco was fucking wrong. take that. fucker.

[20:53:36] <?[rp] House> Ohoho... Well, you're in luck, cat thing

[A figure steps out at the top of the house. Prince’s form is familiar but he looks…different.]

[20:54:13] <?[rp] Finch> ...........

[He’s glowing, but his face strains in pain as purple energy seems to seep from his body. A purple aura cloaks him, the two points light behind his shades have turned into pits of violet.]

[20:54:25] <?[rp] Finch> HEY FUCKER.

[20:55:08] <?[rp] Finch> GET THE HELL DOWN HERE. i dont know what the hell you were doing to keep the wizard here

[20:55:11] <?[rp] Finch> but it fucked shit up!

[Prince’s face is turned skyward. The House rumbles.]

[20:55:21] <?[rp] House> He is... not paying attention. To you right now.

[20:55:33] <?[rp] House> There are other matters for him to attend to.

[20:55:52] <?[rp] House> Namely...

[20:55:57] <?[rp] Finch> oh like what? being a sad little bitch? being the worst thing this wo-

[Tentacles burst from the ground and surround Finch.]

[20:55:52] <?[rp] House> Capturing you.

[20:55:57] <?[rp] Finch> HEY

[20:55:59] <?[rp] Finch> FUCKER

[The tentacles writhe around Finch, snapping towards them.]

[20:56:15] <?[rp] House> Stay still and the conversion will be painless, cat thing.

[20:56:18] <?[rp] Finch> fuck fuck fuck fuck

[20:56:24] <?[rp] Finch> NO . i am NOT fucking dealing with this

[Finch begins snapping at the tentacles, baring their teeth.]

[20:56:45] <?[rp] Finch> bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch

[Prince raises a hand into the air. Fire burns in his palm, licking between his knuckles. He squeezes. Cracks begin to spread.

The tentacles lunge forward, it wraps around Finch and begins to squeeze.]

[20:57:25] <?[rp] Finch> OW OW YOU FUCKING BITCH. cant you

[20:57:25] <?[rp] Finch> do anything else

[20:59:31] <?[rp] House> Tentacles are awesome. So you know.

[20:59:40] <?[rp] Finch> T-THEY FUCKING ARENT???

[20:59:51] <?[rp] Finch> WHY-

[20:59:56] <?[rp] Finch> ARE YOU FUCKING LIKE THIS.

[21:00:11] <?[rp] House> I think you're the second new player ive seen here.

[21:00:24] <?[rp] Finch> nnew?

[21:00:30] <?[rp] House> Oh, forgive me

[21:00:35] <?[rp] House> I am not Prince.

[Finch continues to wiggle and scratch, trying to get themself more space.]

[21:00:55] <?[rp] Finch> oh great. cool. i really dont damn care-

[21:01:08] <?[rp] Finch> i-

[21:01:10] <?[rp] House> I am Corona. The Sculk is harnessing my powers for a bit. This was as suitable a body as any.

[21:01:27] <?[rp] Finch> thats a stupid fucking name-

[21:01:29] <?[rp] Finch> by the way-

[21:01:51] <?[rp] Finch> corona. how the hell are you even meant to-

[21:02:12] <?[rp] Finch> spell that? kay oh aye are en ay aych?

[21:01:41] <?[rp] House> Oh you're in need of discipline aren't you?

[21:02:16] <?[rp] Finch> bitch.

[Finch continues to try and claw at the tentacles. Prince raises his arms, waving them in specific motions through the air. Finch’s legs are grabbed by one of the tentacles, and they are slammed into the snow.]]

[21:03:01] <?[rp] Finch> OAWUGh

[21:03:03] <?[rp] Finch> BITCH

[21:03:08] <?[rp] House> Such a potty mouth.

[21:03:20] <?[rp] House> You need to get that washed out.

[Finch spits snow and dirt out of their mouth.]

[21:03:20] <?[rp] Finch> i have a cool dad.

[21:03:26] <?[rp] Finch> taught me things.

[21:03:48] <?[rp] House> Your dad is insufficient.

[21:03:48] <?[rp] House> You must be Better.

[21:03:55] <?[rp] Finch> im fine as-

[21:03:57] <?[rp] Finch> i damn am

[21:04:02] <?[rp] Finch> you're the one who needs fucking help.

[21:04:31] <?[rp] Finch> look-

[21:04:32] <?[rp] Finch> prince-

[The tentacles raise Finch up by their leg, like they’ve tressed up a rabbit for dinner. Prince glides down from the top of the House to look at them, silent. His gaze is blank, but there is a fire in his eyes.]

[21:04:34] <?[rp] Finch> corona-

[21:04:36] <?[rp] Finch> whatever-

[21:04:41] <?[rp] Finch> OW

[21:04:46] <?[rp] Finch> you.

[21:04:50] <?[rp] Finch> just.

[Finch tries to upright themself, but goes back to hanging.]

[21:05:16] <?[rp] Finch> go crawl back in whatever hole-

[21:05:18] <?[rp] Finch> you came from

[21:05:25] <?[rp] Finch> you need to fucking stop.

[21:05:17] <?[rp] House> You must be remade.

[21:05:30] <?[rp] House> Prince, my dear boy, will you do the honors?

[21:05:32] <?[rp] Finch> IM-

[21:05:33] <?[rp] Finch> FINE-

[21:05:35] <?[rp] Finch> AS-

[21:05:36] <?[rp] Finch> I-

[21:05:37] <?[rp] Finch> AM.

[Prince’s arms extend. His skin stretches into thick purple tentacles, climbing slowly across the landscape. They slither towards Finch’s face.]

[21:06:20] <?[rp] House> You. Will. Be. Remade.

[Finch pushes themself back, trying to move as far away from the tentacle as possible. The tentacle moves towards their mouth, but they can’t help but scream out for help.]

[21:06:33] <?[rp] Finch> DAD. DAAAAD. PLEASE

[The tentacle slithers around their foot.]

[21:07:12] <?[rp] Finch> DAD.

[21:07:19] <?[rp] House> Your father is weak and does not care for your success. You Shall Be Remade.

[Finch continues to try and right themself.]

[21:07:29] <?[rp] Finch> WAIT.

[21:07:29] <?[rp] House> Taught manners.

[21:07:30] <?[rp] Finch> HEY.

[21:07:34] <?[rp] Finch> YOU-

[21:07:35] <?[rp] Finch> BITCH

[21:07:36] <?[rp] House> Taught discipline.

[21:07:43] <?[rp] House> Taught usefullness.

[Finch grabs for their pants pocket.]

[21:07:50] <?[rp] Finch> MOTHERFUCKER.

[The tentacles moves nearer and nearer.

Finch rips the thing from their pocket, or close enough at least. A single flower falls out of their pocket ungraciously, tumble onto the snow as they hold out a pawful of Void Roses.]

[21:08:22] <?[rp] Finch> HEY. YOU. BACKOFF. I-

[21:08:27] <?[rp] Finch> HAVE THESE-

[21:08:30] <?[rp] Finch> THESE ARE BAD-

[21:08:32] <?[rp] Finch> i think.

[Prince flinches and steps back.]

[21:09:11] <?[rp] Finch> HAH!

[21:09:14] <?[rp] House> Void flowers. Clever. I'll have a talk with someone about that.

[21:09:19] <?[rp] Finch> You'd be glad to know-

[21:09:25] <?[rp] Finch> your own faction member handed-

[21:09:26] <?[rp] Finch> these over.

[21:09:31] <?[rp] Finch> hows it feel-

[21:09:36] <?[rp] Finch> weird blue cat-

[21:09:46] <?[rp] Finch> betrayed!

[21:09:38] <?[rp] House> You miss the fact that I am Not Prince.

[21:09:54] <?[rp] Finch> you look like him you talk like him-

[21:09:56] <?[rp] Finch> you're prince enough.

[21:09:58] <?[rp] House> I am an Unknown, cat thing.

[21:10:02] <?[rp] Finch> cool

[21:10:04] <?[rp] Finch> i couldnt care less.

[21:10:26] <?[rp] House> Seems like I need to teach you a fear response as well.

[21:10:30] <?[rp] House> Very well.

[21:10:33] <?[rp] Finch> maybe you need-

[21:10:42] <?[rp] Finch> to fucking do anything else

[21:10:44] <?[rp] Finch> with your life-

[21:10:49] <?[rp] Finch> like fishing. its a good hobby-

[21:10:52] <?[rp] Finch> you know

[21:10:58] <?[rp] House> Prince? you know how it must happens most.

[21:11:28] <?[rp] Finch> you aren't making any sense-

[21:11:28] <?[rp] House> Be a good boy and turn that cat into Sculk

[Prince nods silently.]

[21:11:36] <?[rp] Finch> NONO fuck you f-

[21:11:37] <?[rp] Finch> uck you

[Finch claws at the tentacle holding onto their foot.]

[21:11:53] <?[rp] Finch> goddamn it.

[21:12:02] <?[rp] Finch> the shit i do for joco i-

[21:12:05] <?[rp] Finch> swear

[More tentacles burst from the ground, but are careful to avoid the dropped flowers. The tentacles launch at Finch, trying to cover them in a thick sludge of Sculk. Finch has the flower gripped tightly between their teeth. Is this safe? Probably not, but their is the situation.

Finch claws away at the tentacles, ripping at them. The sculk hisses angrily at them.]]

[21:13:31] <?[rp] Finch> guurgh

[21:13:44] <?[rp] House> You are only prolonging this.

[21:14:08] <?[rp] Finch> i-

[21:14:09] <?[rp] Finch> m

[21:14:10] <?[rp] Finch> not-

[21:14:14] <?[rp] Finch> prolo-

[21:14:16] <?[rp] Finch> nging-

[21:14:17] <?[rp] Finch> shit

[21:14:19] <?[rp] House> Make your next move and when it fails. You will fall.

[21:14:50] <?[rp] Finch> coul-

[21:14:52] <?[rp] Finch> dnt you-

[21:14:54] <?[rp] Finch> have done-

[21:14:56] <?[rp] Finch> anything-

[21:14:56] <?[rp] Finch> else-

[21:14:58] <?[rp] Finch> with-

[21:14:59] <?[rp] Finch> your-

[21:15:00] <?[rp] Finch> life-

[21:15:01] <?[rp] Finch> more-

[21:15:03] <?[rp] Finch> useful?

[21:15:10] <?[rp] Finch> or-

[21:15:11] <?[rp] Finch> whatever-

[21:15:13] <?[rp] Finch> man

[21:16:21] <?[rp] House> Re-education is necessary for a successful child.

[21:16:25] <?[rp] Finch> fuck-

[21:16:27] <?[rp] Finch> you

[Finch continues to use anything they can to fight at this point. They grab random items, their axes, pieces of steak, a handsewn plush of Dan.]

[21:18:55] <?[rp] House> You even struggle weakly

[An unlit firework and an arrow. Desperation kicks in.]

[21:19:05] <?[rp] Finch> fuck-

[21:19:06] <?[rp] Finch> off-

[21:19:07] <?[rp] Finch> bitch

[21:19:19] <?[rp] House> What was your goal coming here, cat thing?

[21:19:27] <?[rp] Finch> revenge-

[21:19:29] <?[rp] Finch> a talk-

[21:19:30] <?[rp] Finch> anything.

[21:19:49] <?[rp] House> oh that would've been dramatic wouldn't it?

[21:19:55] <?[rp] House> do you harbor hatred for my boy?

[21:20:04] <?[rp] House> oh you must do dont you

[21:20:11] <?[rp] Finch> who-

[21:20:12] <?[rp] Finch> doesnt-

[Finch cycles through their weapons. They throw a shovel, their pickaxe, their axe again, their gun…their gun.]

[21:20:17] <?[rp] House> you want to scream at him for making your life worse, didnt you?

[21:20:18] <?[rp] Finch> made my life so-

[21:20:21] <?[rp] Finch> much-

[21:20:23] <?[rp] Finch> worse

[21:20:26] <?[rp] Finch> fuck you dont-

[21:20:28] <?[rp] Finch> steal my words.

[21:20:42] <?[rp] House> how sad that your only way of hatred is only violence and words.

[Finch lifts the gun up in their shaking arms. They are half covered in a sludgy-sculk substance, half able to see, shaken upside down in the cold. Still, they try.]

[21:21:25] <?[rp] Finch> what-

[21:21:26] <?[rp] Finch> else is-

[21:21:26] <?[rp] Finch> there really?

[21:21:51] <?[rp] House> torture. psychological games. war. Bigotry

[Finch shoves the muzzle of the gun up into the tentacle holding them.]

[21:22:03] <?[rp] Finch> sounds more boring than-

[21:22:04] <?[rp] Finch> just-

[21:22:06] <?[rp] Finch> taking-

[21:22:08] <?[rp] Finch> the damn-

[21:22:09] <?[rp] Finch> shot

[Finch pulls the trigger, hoping that this will do anything. The heat of the sudden combustion makes the tentacles flinch, and the ones that were grappled around Finch loosen for just a moment. Finch tumbles onto the ground.]

[21:23:30] <?[rp] House> Oh, you're escaping

[Finch is winded for a moment, but as soon as they get their footing, they begin scrambling to their feet.]

[21:23:50] <?[rp] Finch> yeha, fucker.

[21:23:53] <?[rp] Finch> bitch.

[Finch shoves all of the flowers they can manage to grab back into their pocket, they don’t want to lose this. Nor do they want to lose their chance.]

[21:23:57] <?[rp] Finch> i hope i never see you again

[21:24:17] <?[rp] House> You say this as if you have a choice in the matter.

[21:24:27] <?[rp] Finch> oh but i fucking do

[21:24:38] <?[rp] House> you wont.

[Finch tries to shake off as much of the sculk as they can, and starts to bolt.]

[21:25:05] <?[rp] House> Prince dear boy- oh fleeing are we?

[Finch sprints towards the cliffside, opening their wings and flying off into the sky. They don’t want to be anywhere near the ground right now.]

[21:25:22] <?[rp] House> That must be changed as well.

[Finch’s communicator begins to ping with the Emergency Broadcast Frequency, but that is nothing compared with the ringing in their ears, and the pounding in their chest.]

[21:25:48] <?[rp] House> Well. There, are other things to do.

[21:26:00] <?[rp] House> It is time to rampage, dear boy.

[Prince’s body cracks like ceramic. A pained smile blooms on his face.]

…

[Across the world, at nearly the same time as the confrontation began, Flick arrives at Doc’s home in Wisteria. They knock gently on the door, before a few minutes later, Doc answers.]

[16:54:43] <?[rp] Doc> "Flick? What brings you here?"

[16:55:09] <?[rp] Flick> Just been a while since I'd seen you, thought I'd check in. How are things going?

[16:56:10] <?[rp] Doc> "Things are going alright here. How have you been?"

[Doc walks into the house, letting Flick follow him inside.]

[17:01:37] <?[rp] Flick> Things have been pretty good! I've been making rooms in my tree for other folks if they ever want to come visit. You've got one.

[17:02:09] <?[rp] Doc> "Oh, that's nice. Who else has a room? How many rooms are there?"

[17:02:49] <?[rp] Flick> I've got rooms for Cinder, Joco, and the Wizard. Joco's is the only one that's like, fully habitable- every other room just has beds and maybe a couple paintings at the moment.

[17:03:03] <?[rp] Flick> Decorating? Way more difficult than I thought it'd be.

[17:03:22] <?[rp] Doc> "I think a bed and some paintings is habitable. Why do you think otherwise?"

[17:04:05] <?[rp] Flick> It just seems, I dunno. Empty? Joco's got a faction banner and some bookshelves, a couple barrels to store things in, stuff like that.

[17:05:22] <?[rp] Doc> "Habitable doesn't have to mean pretty."

[17:06:23] <?[rp] Flick> Y'know what? That's fair. Maybe habitable was the wrong word, I just want places to be. nice, I guess? Pleasant to be in. Have some atmosphere.

[17:06:46] <?[rp] Flick> Like you've got some nice shelves around here, nice bits of decor, potted plants. It's just nice.

[17:06:53] <?[rp] Doc> "Ah, you want it to look nice"

[17:09:24] <?[rp] Doc> "Oh, I see. Yes, habitable is not the right word. You don't even technically need a bed for something to be 'habitable' after all"

[17:10:12] <?[rp] Flick> True! Don't need one but it sure makes everything more pleasant. Is there anything in particular you'd like? A particular color, plant, other decoration..?

[17:12:21] <?[rp] Doc> "Oh, I suppose just the same kinds of things I have here"

[17:13:00] <?[rp] Flick> Mmmm. Greys and purple? Some blue? Sound good?

[17:14:03] <?[rp] Doc> "Sounds fine to me"

[17:14:51] <?[rp] Flick> Awesome :)

[Doc frowns slightly, more out of confusion than anything else.]

[17:15:02] <?[rp] Doc> "What does that mean?"

[17:15:48] <?[rp] Flick> It's. inspiring awe. it's when something's really great and cool or something. I'm not a linguist by any means but. Yeah. Awesome!

[17:16:22] <?[rp] Doc> "Why is what I said- inspiring awe?"

[17:17:30] <?[rp] Flick> I. I guess I don't mean it like that. Like. For awe-inspiring awesome it'd be something like Ion's church, or some of Ceph's cathedrals

[17:18:05] <?[rp] Doc> "Then why did you say it?"

[17:19:39] <?[rp] Flick> because it was in that more second definition- that great or cool part. sounds great, sounds awesome. It's. I don't know. slang? Is that the word??

[17:20:09] <?[rp] Doc> "Slang-

[17:20:14] <?[rp] Doc> What is that?"

[17:20:54] <?[rp] Flick> Honestly. I don't have much of a definition for it. Words used informally maybe?? Or like, a general populace giving a word a definition that the dictionary wouldn't have.

[17:21:21] <?[rp] Flick> Like how. Cool can be when something is good or popular, not necessarily the temperature??? I'm not sure.

[17:22:15] <?[rp] Doc> "Ah, I am not familiar with many of those words. This is not my first language"

[17:23:11] <?[rp] Flick> That's so fair dude, I've never really tried to learn another language but I imagine it'd be pretty difficult. Especially with some of the native nonsense.

[17:25:56] <?[rp] Doc> "I still do not know much of the native things in this language"

[Flick nods in agreement.]

[17:27:13] <?[rp] Flick> It's. a weird language with a lot of silly rules, to be sure.

[17:27:51] <?[rp] Doc> "So then this is your first language?"

[17:28:16] <?[rp] Flick> it is mine, yeah. what was your first language?

[17:29:38] <?[rp] Doc> "French."

[17:29:44] <?[rp] Doc> "Have you ever heard of that?"

[17:31:20] <?[rp] Flick> I don't think I have. Where do they speak that?

[17:32:23] <?[rp] Doc> "France, it's where I'm from"

[17:33:13] <?[rp] Flick> That sounds like an interesting place. What's it like there? Is it like. Warm? Cool? Does it rain??

[17:33:23] <?[rp] Doc> "It does all of those things, yes"

[17:33:49] <?[rp] Flick> Like it rains a lot? All the time?

[17:34:00] <?[rp] Doc> "No, not all the time"

[17:35:20] <?[rp] Flick> But at least somewhat frequently then? I like the rain

[17:36:38] <?[rp] Doc> "Yes, it still rains, just not constantly"

[17:37:45] <?[rp] Flick> That sounds nice. The rain's nice when you're inside.

[17:38:33] <?[rp] Doc> "Yes, I remember it well."

[17:39:11] <?[rp] Flick> I hope you get to go home someday.

[17:42:24] <?[rp] Doc> "Me too, thank you"

[Flick goes to open his mouth to say something more, but both of their communicators go off at once, pinging with an Emergency Broadcast. Flick opens the channel, and the two listen to the message being wired through in the Wizard’s voice.]

…

Across the World–

[16:53:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ATTENTION! ATTENTION! All residents of Untitled, we are in a calamity level event. Something has allowed an Unknown to penetrate into our world, something has happened to Prince. I am recommending that anyone who values their life to head towards Doc’s home in Wisteria. There is something there that could be our salvation. The coordinates are [XXX, XXX, XXX]. Grab anything you can and run, do not engage with anything that seems strange or out of place. Be safe. I REPEAT:

[The Wizard lets go of the button of the receiver, and clicks over the repeater to broadcast the message over and over again. He turns back to see Joco running up the hill towards the broadcast station. Joco kicks open the door to the broadcast station, Ion wrapped in moss carpet on their back in a fireman’s carry. Their face is red and splotchy, with tear tracks running down their cheeks.]

[16:53:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> WIZARD

[16:53:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco?!

[16:53:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What the FUCK

[16:54:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What the hell, what's going on?

[Joco gently sets Ion down onto a countertop as the Wizard watches him with confusion.]

[16:54:15] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What's going on?

[16:54:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What's GOING ON?

[16:54:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I mean, maybe you heard-

[16:54:26] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cinder's fucking DEAD is what's going on

[The Wizard stops.]

[16:54:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What-

[16:54:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do you mean?

[16:54:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cinder's dead, the Void is here, and everything's gone to shit

[16:54:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's not-

[16:54:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cinder. Fucking. Died.

[16:55:09] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> The ritual killed them. I held them in my ARMS, Wizard, as they were eaten by the Void

[16:54:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That can't be possible

[16:55:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The Ritual couldn't have done that, that's-

[16:55:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Don't you DARE tell me what isn't possible when I had to reassure them that I wasn't mad at them for failing to get the actual VOID out of themself

[The Wizard goes very quiet.]

[16:55:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Where were you?

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[16:55:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What could have been SO important?

[16:55:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I got a letter...

[16:56:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> From Prince, he said he was leaving

[16:56:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I knew the Ritual would've been fine, I heard it go off-

[16:56:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Did you?

[The Wizard’s voice begins to raise to begin to meet the fury in Joco’s.]

[16:56:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I heard something, I don't know what the hell it was!

[16:56:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Was it the shattering sound? Cause that wasn't us.

[16:56:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That was before we even started the ritual

[16:56:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That wasn't you-?

[16:56:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Before...?

[The Wizard goes quiet again. His eyes search the ground, as if he’s trying to find an explanation for all of this. He blinks.]

[16:56:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can't, I can't think about that

[He looks up, his lower lip quivering.]

[16:57:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How...how did it happen, you said, the Void?

[16:57:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They can't be gone

[16:57:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's just, it shouldn't be possible

[16:57:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It possessed aer, and ate aers wings, and then it ate the fucking rest of aer

[16:57:37] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> As I cradled them in my FUCKING arms, Wizard

[16:57:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It absolutely was possible, it just happened.

[The Wizard raises a finger.]

[16:58:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not but MY calculations-

[16:58:07] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOUR CALCULATIONS

[16:58:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And now Cinder's gone, after I promised them they'd be okay.

[16:58:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You chose to not be there in favor of, what, saying goodbye to Prince?

[The Wizard’s chest begins to rise and fall.]

[16:58:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I PROMISED THEM TOO

[16:58:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> GIVE ME A FUCKING MOMENT JOCO

[16:58:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I JUST FOUND OUT THEYRE GONE

[He shakes. He seems ashamed in many different ways all at the same time.]

[16:58:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Give me-

[16:58:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Give me a MOMENT

[The Wizard and Joco both walk to either sides of the room. Joco takes in a deep breath, tending gently to Ion, trying to make sure they’re comfortable. On the other side, the Wizard moves a dial over on the repeater with shaking hands. He waits for the broadcast to reach the end before clicking a button to record. His voice shakes as he speaks.]

[16:59:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> "We have reason to believe that...that the Void may have returned as well. We are in imminent danger. I REPEAT."

[He moves the dial back over, and leans over the controls. His arms are shaking, his eyes grow prickly with tears.]

[17:00:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Cinder....

[Joco speaks up from across the room.]

[17:00:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch left to go fight Prince.

[The Wizard rubs his face.]

[17:00:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh VOID

[He turns around.]

[17:00:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco you've gotta know something too-

[17:00:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He was trying to leave, but something went wrong, that sound went off and the portal-

[17:00:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> An Unknown came through it

[Joco’s back is still turned. They spit out their answer.]

[17:01:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Fucking fantastic

[17:01:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It did something to Prince

[The Wizard speaks quietly.]

[17:01:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And then it dropped and entire damn cavern on my head

[Joco turns around.]

[17:01:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Shit

[The Wizard stands so small in the recording booth.]

[17:01:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner, and I'm sorry I trusted that everything was fine

[17:01:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I didn't-

[The Wizard covers his mouth.]

[17:02:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They can't be gone-

[17:02:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There was-

[17:02:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There was so much left for them to do

[17:02:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I told them I'd see them grow old, and I'd make fun of them for it.

[The Wizard begins to cry.]

[17:02:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They didn't deserve ANY of this

[Joco takes another, deeper breath.]

[17:03:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> They didn't. They really, really didn't.

[17:03:14] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You. On the radio, you said something about evac?

[The Wizard nods.]

[17:03:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Shit, yeah

[17:03:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We really gotta go

[The Wizard wipes his eyes.]

[17:03:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We can. We can mourn them when we're not in danger.

[17:03:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, yeah

[17:03:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We gotta get to Doc's

[17:03:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Let's make them a memorial, when we get wherever we get

[Joco picks Ion back up, hefting them into the fireman’s carry. They nod towards the door. The two begin to rush across the server, and towards Doc’s.]

…

Across the world-

[Faulkner and Ollie arrive at Dan's house through the nether portal, hoping to find him there. They both seem panicked, though for much different reasons. Upstairs, Dan paces frantically, not sure what to do with himself. Ollie gets off of Faulkner’s back, carefully entering through the doorway of Dan’s home.]

[21:26:01] <?[rp] Ollie> oh ...we're here..

[21:26:24] <?Faulkner [rp]> [DAN!]

[Dan jumps, torn out of a whirl of panicked thoughts at the voice. Faulkner was back..! He rushes down the stairs, greeted by a massive dragon in his way.]

[21:28:07] <? [rp] DAN> you're back...!

[Faulkner gets into Dan’s face, towering over him.]

[21:28:37] <?Faulkner [rp]> Where are they?!

[21:28:54] <? [rp] DAN> upstairs, asleep. you could be quieter

[Faulkner huffs, looking up the vines towards the second floor. He returns to his smaller player shape before climbing up to see Stellaris. Dan watches them go, before looking back down to see Ollie, where he was hidden behind Faulkner’s massive form. Ollie’s face flashes over with a hundred emotions at once, overwhelmed by all of the things the need and want to tell Dan.]

[21:30:32] <? [rp] DAN> OLLIE!!!!????

[Ollie starts tearing up.]

[21:31:01] <?[rp] Ollie> Dan!!

[Dan and Ollie rush for one another, pulling each other into a tight hug. Dan begins to cry, massive globs of water forming from the vast blue space of his face.]

[21:32:10] <? [rp] DAN> oh my god, im so glad you're okay!!?

[21:32:13] <? [rp] DAN> are you okay!??

[21:32:25] <?[rp] Ollie> I-I'm....I'm soso sorry Dan

[21:32:57] <? [rp] DAN> ollie its not your fault. IM sorry

[21:33:03] <?[rp] Ollie> I tried ...I-I tried to save them but I-

[21:33:10] <?[rp] Ollie> but I could'nt..,,

[21:33:43] <? [rp] DAN> ollie.. what do you mean?

[21:33:46] <? [rp] DAN> what happened..?

[He pulls away, putting Ollie’s face in his hands, to try and get a better look at him. Ollie’s face is red with all of the tears of the day, and his eyes are puffy. They try their best to hold back the tears threatening to come forward.]

[21:34:42] <?[rp] Ollie> Ceph.....,

[21:34:54] <?[rp] Ollie> ..they- they are gone.....

[21:35:28] <?[rp] Ollie> It all ...it all happened so suddenly- I didn't know I-

[Rainclouds begin to form around Dan’s face. The tears begin to stream out of his face now. He doesn’t…he doesn’t know what to say.

[21:36:08] <?[rp] Ollie> they were- they were sick ...

[21:36:23] <?[rp] Ollie> I didn't know what was wrong with them-

[21:36:39] <?[rp] Ollie> and I couldn't ....I ccouldn't help them,,

[21:36:56] <?[rp] Ollie> Dad I'm sso sorrry-

[Dan chokes on his words, fumbling over his words.]

[21:37:23] <? [rp] DAN> it's okay.. its okay. its not your fault

[Dan tries to wipe away Ollie's tears, his hands shaking. He pulls them back into a tight hug, and chokes out a sob.]

[21:40:38] <?[rp] Ollie> I just...I just don't know *why* ...whhy did this happen to them....

[Dan shakes his head. How could they not tell him they were sick?]

[21:41:50] <?[rp] Ollie> why did this have tto happen to me??

[21:42:00] <?[rp] Ollie> why ...why all of this again-

[Dan hugs Ollie tighter, they press their face against his chest.]

[21:43:08] <? [rp] DAN> ims so sorry..

[21:43:30] <? [rp] DAN> i should have been there for you. im sorry

[21:44:20] <?[rp] Ollie> it's ok... I- get why you wouldn't want to see either of us,,..

[21:44:24] <?[rp] Ollie> I'm sorry...

[Dan shakes his head again, another sob stopping him from speaking.]

[21:46:59] <? [rp] DAN> sstill.. i shouldve been there. i should have been there more, none of that would have happened if i was

[21:48:21] <?[rp] Ollie> they didn't ,,they wouldn't have told us anyway I think.....

[Dan makes a sound like a chuckle, broken by sobs. Of course they wouldn't.]

[21:50:17] <?[rp] Ollie> what...what am I going to do....,

[Dan takes a deep, shaky breath. trying to slow down his tears. Faulkner begins to come down the vine, Stellaris in paw. The young dragon has woken up from its nap, though it seems ready to fall back asleep at any moment.]

[21:55:40] <?Faulkner [rp]> Are you two done. We need to leave

[Dan clears his throat, turning from Ollie to look at Faulkner.]

[21:56:47] <? [rp] DAN> ah.. um. y-yeah, i guess we do. need to leave..

[21:57:19] <?Faulkner [rp]> I would like to live personally

[Ollie tries to rub the rest of the tears out of their eyes. They look over at Faulkner, sucking in a breath. They notice the small creature in Faulkner’s arms.]

[21:58:00] <?[rp] Ollie> wwhat - what is that…

[Stellaris yawns in Faulkner’s arms. It rests its head in the crook of his elbow, looking sleepily at Dan and Ollie.]

[21:58:19] <?Faulkner [rp]> Dragon.

[Dan nods.]

[21:58:30] <?[rp] Ollie> ...

[21:58:36] <?[rp] Ollie> ...oh..

[21:58:41] <?[rp] Ollie> I was

[21:58:46] <?[rp] Ollie> wrong..

[21:58:47] <?[rp] Ollie> hm

[Faulkner lets out a snort of breath.]

[21:59:00] <?Faulkner [rp]> [yeah no shit]

[Faulkner rolls his eyes. Dan shoots Faulkner a glare.]

[21:59:18] <? [rp] DAN> alright

[21:59:27] <? [rp] DAN> um, well

[Ollie tries to tidy himself up, wiping his face and righting his cloak, but the side is stained slightly with blood, which only makes another wave of tears well up in his eyes. Stellaris presses their face into Faulkner’s arm, going right back to sleep, seemingly unbothered by the tension in the room.]

[22:00:43] <?Faulkner [rp]> Well?

[Dan stands up as well, also somewhat awkwardly, a few tears dripping down his face.]

[22:02:09] <?[rp] Ollie> uhh ... I think you two should ...go ahead without me-

[22:02:17] <? [rp] DAN> not happening

[22:02:38] <?[rp] Ollie> I need to make sure everyone is on their way to-

[22:02:43] <?[rp] Ollie> huh?

[22:02:50] <? [rp] DAN> we can do it together

[22:02:59] <?[rp] Ollie> ...are you sure?

[Dan nods frantically.]

[22:03:05] <?Faulkner [rp]> Are you sure thats a smart idea?

[Dan glances back towards Faulkner.]

[22:03:26] <? [rp] DAN> it'll be fine

[22:03:30] <?[rp] Ollie> I don't want to leave anyone behind

[22:03:37] <?[rp] Ollie> not again

[22:03:39] <? [rp] DAN> there's no way im letting you do that alone, ollie

[22:04:25] <? [rp] DAN> someones gotta make sure nothing happens to you

[22:04:25] <?[rp] Ollie> if you don't mind then ...I'd like that

[Dan cracks a small smile, and tussles Ollie's hair.]

[22:05:52] <? [rp] DAN> one last adventure here

[22:05:52] <?[rp] Ollie> alright ...I think we need to go now

[22:06:14] <? [rp] DAN> okay

[22:06:23] <?[rp] Ollie> we've uh- spent a lot of the little time we have uhh.. crying pfft-

[22:06:31] <?Faulkner [rp]> Unfortunately I can't go with you two. I'm sure you understand

[22:06:46] <?[rp] Ollie> that's fine

[22:06:47] <?[rp] Ollie> you can go

[22:06:54] <? [rp] DAN> yeah, make sure stellaris gets there safe

[22:07:30] <?[rp] Ollie> Faulkner ...i'm sorry

[Faulkner blinks, surprised to hear an appology.]

[22:07:45] <?[rp] Ollie> I'll see you soon

[22:08:03] <?Faulkner [rp]> Yeah.

[22:08:26] <?Faulkner [rp]> If you guys aren't at Doc's place after a bit, I'll come look for you, ok?

[22:08:39] <?Faulkner [rp]> Don't do anything stupid

[22:08:43] <? [rp] DAN> thanks, faulkner

[22:08:55] <?[rp] Ollie> I'm sure that won't be necessary but, thank you

[22:08:58] <?[rp] Ollie> we won't

[22:09:09] <?[rp] Ollie> let's go Dan

[Ollie looks at Dan with a faint smile, Dan catches it, and returns the expression in turn. He sounds a short, high pitched whistle. Two green birds flutter out to perch on his shoulders. Ollie slings his elytra around his shoulders. The two head off into the world to search for any stragglers.]

…

[In Wisteria, the Wizard and Joco rush to Doc’s home. They throw open the door as they rush inside, the Wizard looking around for any signs of him.]

[18:21:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc?!

[Doc whips around from where he had been pacing in front of the fireplace. He stares over at them.]

[18:21:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry to barge in like this, I'm hoping you saw the broadcast-

[From somewhere in the house, Scarm’s voice is heard.]

[18:21:42] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Who's there.

[18:21:54] <✦[rp] Doc> "I did- I did. The portal isn't tested, I don't even know if it works yet- Wiz and Joco are here"

[18:22:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I figured it's the best shot we've got at getting out of here

[18:22:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Thing are...dire

[18:22:15] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Untested portal or certain death

[18:22:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Take your pick

[The Wizard nods.]

[18:22:32] <✦[rp] Doc> "What's happened? Is it really that bad?"

[18:22:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, something happened to Prince and....

[18:22:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And...

[18:22:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Shit is Fucked

[18:22:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, things have gone badly

[Scarm crawls into the room on its fingers.]

[18:22:28] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. HI. What's up. Portal's being. booted up.

[18:23:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Scarm!

[The Wizard turns towards the disembodied arm.]

[18:23:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh. The Prince Business. Yes.

[18:23:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Have you heard from your Prime form?

[As Scarm crawls closer, it becomes clear that its skin has cracked, and roiling purple fire spills from the interior of his body.]

[18:23:47] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Something like that.

[18:23:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh look at that

[18:23:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Scarm Scuffed

[18:23:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh by the Void

[18:24:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Things really are looking badly

[The Wizard begins rummaging around in the small bag of things he managed to grab from his apartment before rushing towards Doc’s home.]

[18:24:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna leave a sign for anyone arriving, we should head down to the portal as soon as possible

[18:24:26] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh that's not good- okay, alright. I'll get the portal prepared as best I can, let's go"

[18:24:40] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Woo!! Portal time!!

[The Wizard pulls out a sign, writing a brief message on it for everyone. It instructs any arrivals to head through the secret entrance behind Doc’s fireplace, and down into the portal room below. Doc is one step ahead, opening the false wall and leaving it open as he steps into the back room. Joco adjusts their hold on Ion before leaping into the depths behind Doc. The Wizard follows closely after.

In the cavernous room beneath Doc’s mansion, a prepared portal frame, alongside an assembled command center, waits for them. Doc and the Wizard are immediately at the control center, adjusting buttons and checking wiring.]

[18:26:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How's it looking?

[18:26:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't think I've touched this thing since I asked about it after you first showed it to me

[Joco regards the command center, but stays away from it.]

[18:26:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Looks... tech-y

[18:26:36] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh! Buttons.

[18:26:58] <✦[rp] Doc> "Do not touch any of those- it looks stable, but I've never tested it"

[18:26:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's complicated to say the least, we have to try and pinpoint a location blind, basically

[18:27:14] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. They don't look too complicated.

[Joco looks up as he hears the quiet sound of someone swooping in front above. Flick lands carefully beside Joco.]

[18:27:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi, Flick

[18:27:06] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Welcome to the end of the world.

[Flick has a moss bag of items slung over his shoulder. He gives a little wave.]

[18:27:13] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi Joco, hi Doc hi Wizard

[The Wizard looks up briefly to greet his friend.]

[18:27:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Flick, hello

[He immediately turns back to the controls.]

[18:27:44] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. BIRD GUY. Flick. No hard feelings?

[18:28:07] <✦[rp] Flick> A Few hard feelings but there are infinitely more pressing matters so sure yeah no hard feelings right now

[Doc and the Wizard lean together over the command center.]

[18:27:16] <✦[rp] Doc> "What location are we looking for? Can you give me anything to go on?"

[18:27:20] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I could figure it out.

[18:27:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I tried a few things with Null back when I had it

[18:28:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Scarm might be able to help, it does have Prince's brain in a way, right?

[18:28:44] <✦[rp] Doc> "How will that help with the location we are trying to get to? I need a dimension, a universe or something for the portal to grab onto"

[18:28:45] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I have a Prince Sense. Like Spinneman. My favorite superhero. For Sensing Him.

[18:29:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Damnit, that won't work then

[18:28:59] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. He is not close currently. It's only a matter of time, however.

[18:29:14] <✦[rp] Doc> "He's coming here? Why? How much time do we have?"

[18:29:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He's-

[18:29:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void

[18:29:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Shit? So fucked

[18:29:51] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Well- bzzt hard to determine- he's- stuck on covering the- tundra in Sculk- right now bzzt

[18:30:16] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Pray that he tries to go after Corroded next.

[18:30:33] <✦[rp] Flick> We're kind of in between there and Corroded, though.

[18:30:37] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Phooey, hard to connect to everything right now…

[Punk stumbles down into the basement, looking confused as he spots everyone below.]

[18:30:39] <✦[rp] Punk> um. guys

[18:30:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi, Punk

[18:30:46] <✦[rp] Punk> the fuck is happening

[18:30:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> World ending

[18:30:59] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. PUNKED GUY. I. Don't remember if we've met.

[18:31:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Void is here, an Unknown is here, what else

[18:31:02] <✦[rp] Punk> what like for serious

[18:31:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm incredibly serious

[18:31:21] <✦[rp] Punk> not the fucking unknown again jesus

[18:31:23] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Prince is rampaging as well

[18:31:33] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. it's wild.

[The Wizard swears quielt under his breath as he and Doc discuss plans.]

[18:30:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hell, we need to get this thing operational

[18:30:43] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh dear, okay. I need a location to put into this thing. Looking for anything in particular?"

[18:30:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, lemme try and remember

[The Wizard rummages through his things again, trying to look for a notebook with his writings in it.]

[18:30:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I wrote things down when I was testing with Null

[18:31:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There should be twelve digits in total for a World Code

[18:31:29] <✦[rp] Doc> "For it to open the wormhole, it needs an endpoint, otherwise I won't be able to turn it on at all- okay, 12 digits."

[18:31:49] <✦[rp] Doc> "Just- what do I put in, random numbers?"

[18:31:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I tried to cross-reference old World Codes I knew with new ones

[18:31:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think if you try 128259789304 that might work

[18:31:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But I don't know

[18:31:54] <✦[rp] Doc> "Alright"

[18:32:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't-

[Faulkner arrives, carrying Stellaris in his arms. The dragon is fast asleep. He reaches the others on the ground floor quickly.]

[18:31:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh hey dragon guy

[18:31:48] <✦Faulkner [rp]> What is HAPPENING

[18:31:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> World ending. Shit fucked. Is that the baby?

[18:32:06] <✦[rp] Punk> the baby???

[18:32:09] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Yes

[18:32:09] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. YOU GAVE BIRTH?

[18:32:14] <✦Faulkner [rp]> No.

[18:32:26] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. woagh... virgin birth.

[The Wizard turns back as Faulkner stops just before the portal.]

[18:32:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry, what's happening back there?

[18:32:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hatchling

[18:32:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The dragon-

[18:32:30] <✦[rp] Punk> holy shitttttt

[18:32:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> By the Void!

[18:32:39] * ✦[rp] Doc it would take him a while to input the numbers into the console with how everything worked, but eventually it was in.

[18:32:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A glimmer of good news among a sea of bad, I suppose

[18:32:47] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Holy shit is that a baby little guy.

[Doc punches the numbers into the console as quickly as he can, but the process still takes him some time. The numbers eventually take, locking into the system.]

[18:32:48] <✦[rp] Doc> "Okay, it's- it took the numbers."

[18:32:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fantastic Doc, good work

[18:32:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Lemme-

[The Wizard nudges one of the gauges.]

[18:33:02] <✦[rp] Doc> "Hm?"

[18:33:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There we go

[18:33:28] <✦[rp] Doc> "Alright, is that the final number? I need to lock it."

[18:33:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think so, try it

[Doc turns one of the dials, pressing it in and clicking it into place.]

[18:34:32] <✦[rp] Doc> "The lock is just to make sure it doesn't change while anyone is in there, else someone could get torn apart."

[18:34:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Roger that

[Joco and Flick approach Faulkner and Stellaris, quickly explaining the events of the past several hours.]

[18:33:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Bad things happened. There's an Unknown here. There's the Void.

[18:33:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> There's. It's not great. They're figuring out portal. It'll be fine

[18:33:02] <✦[rp] Flick> It's a very cute little guy

[18:33:14] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Yes...

[Scarm crawls across the floor to meet Stellaris]

[18:33:17] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Can. I. touch. the baby?

[Faulkner bares its teeth at Scarm, holding Stellaris close to his chest, fur puffed out.]

[18:34:22] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Is that a no on meeting the baby.

[Joco sets Ion down nearby, needing a quick rest for their arms and back.]

[18:34:54] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Trying to touch them and I will throw you in the lava

[18:35:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Do not touch the baby, Scarm

[18:35:05] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Sad face.

[18:35:33] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. But baby! So cute and impressionable! So much clay to be molded!

[18:36:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> This is why you don't get to touch it

[18:35:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Scarm stop talking about the baby now, please

[18:36:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Sad face. Okay, Joco…

[At the command station, Doc presses one last button.]

[18:35:35] <✦[rp] Doc> "That part is done, I'm going to check the connections now"

[18:35:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna take a look under the hood here while you do that

[18:36:33] <✦[rp] Doc> "Alright, just be careful"

[The Wizard lifts up one of the panels, and starts looking over the controls and their wiring. Doc rounds the portal, checking the connections.

Stellaris squirms in Faulkner’s arms, as if trying to get comfortable. It makes a few squeaks before settling again.

One of the last arrivals appears in the cavern. They let out a shout so loud it echoes across the cavern to everyone.]

[18:37:22] <✦[rp] Finch> MOTHERFUCKER.

[18:37:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch

[18:37:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Finch?

[18:37:42] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi Finch

[18:38:07] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh hi there

[Faulkner glares at Finch.]

[18:37:45] <✦[rp] Finch> oh hey seems everyones all here already. mostly. i think. i dunno

[18:37:58] <✦[rp] Finch> got the message. also. yup one of those threats sure are fucking real.

[18:37:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Where'd you end up headed, kit?

[18:38:01] <✦[rp] Punk> finch? did dan not come with you

[18:38:15] <✦[rp] Finch> no, no i went on my own. i was. going to get the wizard. seems thats already taken care of.

[18:38:21] <✦[rp] Finch> i. had other plans. i tried them!

[18:38:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, Joco and I found one another

[18:38:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Did something happen?

[18:38:33] <✦[rp] Finch> i. really think we need to get going. soon as possible.

[18:38:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Working on that.

[Finch looks around.]

[18:38:38] <✦[rp] Finch> uh. joco

[18:38:41] <✦[rp] Finch> where's cinder

[18:38:53] <✦[rp] Punk> oh yea

[The Wizard’s back straightens, but he keeps his eyes on the command center. Joco stares at Finch, throat suddenly tight again.]

[18:38:54] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Who's Cinder again

[18:39:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Could someone throw Scarm into the lava for me

[18:39:09] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'd love to

[18:39:18] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I can check try to extend my percepti- hey! no!! i don't know who the guy is!!

[18:39:33] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. No one introduces me to anyone!

[18:39:20] <✦[rp] Punk> hes just a hand im sure theres not much memory in there

[Joco looks away from Finch. They draw in a quick breath.]

[18:39:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cinder is. Cinder is gone, Finch. They didn't make it.

[18:39:27] <✦[rp] Finch> oh.

[18:39:27] <✦[rp] Finch> okay.

[18:39:28] <✦[rp] Finch> cool.

[18:39:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah. That's. About what I expected from you. Alright.

[The whole room turns towards Joco.]

[18:39:30] <✦[rp] Punk> what

[18:39:33] <✦[rp] Punk> what???

[18:39:36] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh-

[18:39:36] <✦[rp] Doc> "Wait- what?"

[18:39:44] <✦[rp] Doc> "What happened?"

[18:39:41] <✦[rp] Flick> Like. dead, didn't respawn, gone?

[18:39:44] <✦[rp] Finch> alright so looking for the wizard was a waste then

[18:39:56] <✦[rp] Finch> that whole fight was a waste-

[18:39:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh.

[18:39:58] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Sorry for the loss.

[18:39:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> What happened?

[18:39:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We tried extracting the Void from their code, and it went. Wrong.

[The Wizard continues to input commands into the device.]

[18:40:07] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Hm

[18:40:15] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Just. Summoned the Void, and it ate them

[18:40:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> They're gone.

[18:40:31] <✦[rp] Punk> oh god im so sorry man

[18:40:34] <✦[rp] Flick> Oh that's. that sounds horrific.

[18:40:46] <✦[rp] Finch> jeez. didn't even have the dignity to die before i went on a dumbass fucking adventure

[Joco’s breath catches, their hand clenching up. They stare intensely at the obsidian below their feet to keep themself from flying at Finch.]

[18:40:52] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Jeez permadeath... that shit sucks dude

[18:41:05] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Another loss... hopefully there aren't anymore today

[18:41:44] <✦[rp] Finch> just. well.

[18:41:49] <✦[rp] Finch> at least some good came out of that

[18:42:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ??

[18:41:55] <✦[rp] Finch> we do infact need to get the fuck out of here

[18:42:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch. Just. Please.

[18:42:10] <✦[rp] Finch> what.

[Scarm tries to climb up onto Joco, possibly trying to comfort them, but Joco snatches it by the wrist, and throws it away from them.]

[18:42:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No, Scarm

[18:42:21] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. OH HEY JEEZ DUDE.

[The Wizard clears his throat.]

[18:41:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc are you ready to test?

[18:41:37] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh I really do hope this works"

[18:42:11] <✦[rp] Doc> "Okay, everyone stand back. I don't want anyone to get hurt from this"

[18:42:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Everyone let's get to the other side of the portal!

[Everyone begins to move away from the portal. Joco picks up Ion and slings them over his shoulders.]

[18:42:45] <✦Faulkner [rp]> This won't... explode right

[18:42:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hopefully not…

[18:42:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm only so durable

[Flick walks beside Joco, moving in close.]

[18:42:50] <✦[rp] Flick> i'm really sorry dude. i. god.

[Joco just sighs, and stands a little straighter. Their expression is carefully blank.]

[18:42:59] <✦[rp] Finch> also whats with the arm being here

[Doc readies himself in front of the lever. He pulls it down in a swift motion. The portal begins to make many noises all at once. The edges begin to swirl with color, but it doesn’t appear to hold completely stable. Energy surges from the portal, ripping backwards on the wiring. The level sparks with energy.]

[Doc throws his free hand up into the air.]

[18:44:48] <✦[rp] Doc> "It- worked! It worked"

[The portal hums, but the energy inside seems weak.]

[18:44:09] <✦[rp] Finch> no seriously whats with the fucking arm.

[18:44:16] <✦[rp] Finch> why is it here

[18:44:25] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I'm just here dude. I'm the Prince sensor

[18:44:42] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. And not to alarm anyone. But he's Leaving The Tundra.

[18:44:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void-

[18:44:57] <✦[rp] Finch> i.

[18:44:57] <✦[rp] Flick> great. great. awesome. cool, thanks Scarm

[18:44:59] <✦[rp] Finch> alright.

[18:45:00] <✦[rp] Finch> fine.

[18:45:01] <✦[rp] Finch> fine !

[18:45:04] <✦[rp] Finch> sure. sure .

[18:45:15] <✦[rp] Finch> just. if you do anything i will not hesitate to put you in the lava

[18:45:03] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Is- is him doing that an issue-

[18:45:08] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Did something happen with Prince?

[18:45:19] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah didnt the broadcast say sumthin ab him

[18:45:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, something quite terrible

[18:45:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince summoned an Unknown, reportedly

[18:45:25] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah.

[18:45:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It seemed to have possessed him

[18:45:35] <✦[rp] Finch> oh

[Faulkner’s face contorts in horror.]

[18:45:50] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ...I may not have read it too closely

[18:45:40] <✦[rp] Finch> was. that what that was

[Scarm lifts up the length of its arm, showing off the purple energy pouring from the cracks in its skin.]

[18:45:52] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Filled with divine unknowny power. Uh, made this happen to me.

[18:46:24] <✦[rp] Finch> ok yeah that explains sooooo much because like on any other day i think i could split him in half. easily. dead. dead so many goddamn times over.

[Scarm scuttles over to Doc.]

[18:45:14] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Baby's first portal. Proud of you Doc.

[18:45:41] <✦[rp] Doc> "Scarm that's how I got here, a portal."

[18:45:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc we need to check the stability of the portal

[Doc tries to pull away from the lever and let go.]

[18:45:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc?

[He tries again. His prosthetic hand won’t release from lever.]

[18:45:54] <✦[rp] Doc> "Uh- It's not supposed to do that is it?"

[18:46:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you..stuck?

[18:46:04] <✦[rp] Flick> Can you not let go?

[18:46:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void, your arm

[18:46:15] <✦[rp] Doc> "The arm won't- it won't open"

[18:46:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are your fingers clenched around it?

[18:46:26] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh jeez.

[18:46:35] <✦[rp] Doc> "Yes I used this arm to avoid tazing myself but it did this instead"

[The Wizard looks over to the controls, straining to see the readouts coming from the command center.]

[18:46:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I need to-

[18:46:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco do you mind reading out those numbers on the console over there, I need to try and help Doc

[18:46:51] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Did portal energy short circuit it???

[18:47:00] <✦[rp] Doc> "Yes, it did"

[18:47:25] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Jeez. Oh jeez. Uh, that's not good.

[The Wizard begins fiddling with the panels on the fingers.]

[18:47:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Which numbers?

[The Wizard moves up to the shoulder panel, prying it off. He nods towards the commands.]

[18:47:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The ones over there on the readout

[18:47:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Over there by the compasses

[Doc tries to pry himself away from the console, bracing his foot against the base. Joco jogs over to where the readout is on the control station. They search quickly for the numbers before finding them.]

[18:47:37] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> 54171878 1485415 1454

[18:47:41] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> 57?

[18:47:40] <✦[rp] Finch> what the fuck is going on

[18:47:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc's caught on here

[18:48:00] <✦[rp] Finch> oh. well that sucks for doc i guess.

[Scarm crawls up Doc to perch in front of him, trying to see if it can help.]

[18:47:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, Scarm can you try to pry that bar in there free?

[18:48:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You've got smaller grabbers than me

[18:48:17] <✦[rp] Doc> "Just- we might be able to pull the lever out? But it might kill the portal"

[Joco calls over from across the way.]

[18:48:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What if we just. Cut the prosthetic off?

[18:48:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We can make a new one. We can't make a new Doc

[18:48:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's true, Doc you can always disconnect it

[Scarm bobs its body in a nod, and starts to try and pry the arm off.]

[18:48:30] <✦[rp] Doc> "It's not responding to me"

[18:48:37] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's. Ok.

[18:48:43] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What if. Hear me out. Axe

[Faulkner steps forward.]

[18:49:10] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I could try to pull the arm off you

[18:49:15] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Shouldnt be too hard

[18:48:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco we are not cutting it off again, and we are not pulling it off

[18:48:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Could always use me next!

[18:48:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We could also use scarm

[18:48:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And we are not putting Scarm back on

[18:49:02] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Arm modifs are still fitted for me i think- oh okay

[18:48:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Why not?

[18:49:05] <✦[rp] Finch> many reasons.

[18:49:17] <✦[rp] Finch> such as uh. you know. its a fucking prince

[18:49:43] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Can't stress how I'm not much affiliated with Prime anymore.

[Finch grumbles.]

[18:50:12] <✦[rp] Finch> ok my points still stands youre some kinda prince

[18:49:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I meant use Scarm on the lever.

[Wizard reaches under Doc’s coat, detaching the straps keeping it snug to his body, and letting Doc free. Doc moves away from the lever, his prosthetic still tight around it.]

[18:49:51] <✦[rp] Doc> "Okay- alright. Now we know not to touch that."

[The Wizard quickly rushes over to the command center, taking Joco’s place reading the information being generated. Doc lifts his good hand.]

[18:50:03] <✦[rp] Doc> "No one touch anything metal attached to the portal. It WILL taze you"

[18:50:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The portal is on, but it isn't stable

[Scarm crawls up Doc’s shoulder.]

[18:50:20] <✦[rp] Scarm> I won't be your arm but i can grab stuff for now!

[18:50:32] <✦[rp] Doc> "Hold on, I'm coming"

[18:50:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We need some sort of stabilizer to get it grounded

[18:50:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Can we stabilize it? Or just. Jump in and pray?

[18:50:39] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Stabilizer?

[18:50:42] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Expand on that, Wiz

[18:50:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm worried about what might happen if we don't double check everything

[18:50:53] <✦[rp] Doc> "We don't have time to double check anything, in all honesty."

[18:50:49] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oooh doodads and buttons.

[18:50:52] <✦[rp] Flick> what would work to stablize it?

[18:50:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Stabilizer?

[18:51:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We need some sort of power source, and...I have some idea of what to use

[The Wizard looks to the gem embedded in his arm. He mumbles to himself.]

[18:51:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It may have enough latent power to work...

[18:51:39] <✦[rp] Doc> "Power source- right, it has too much energy. It needs a sink"

[18:51:49] <✦[rp] Doc> "What would?"

[18:51:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What if we just plug Scarm into it

[18:52:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> That sounds like a bad idea

[18:52:13] <✦[rp] Doc> "Scarm is not built for holding energy. We need a large battery- it would probably explode"

[18:52:28] <✦[rp] Finch> i would pay to see the arm explode tee bee aych

[18:52:38] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh, I'm a bad battery. Yeah.

[The Wizard looks up.]

[18:52:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I...honestly don't know what would happen if we did that

[He brushes his hand against the emerald gem.]

[18:52:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But this...is what remains of...my sister

[18:52:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> ...

[18:52:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> She had the power we would need

[He taps his finger against it.]

[18:52:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It might still exist in here

[18:52:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And you want to. Hook it up to the portal? And leave it behind?

[18:52:37] <✦[rp] Doc> "The- gem? Are you sure?"

[18:52:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I could channel it through the arm, which means I would have to hold the portal open

[18:53:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I should be able to run through

[18:53:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But we can only hold the portal open so long

[18:53:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We need to make sure everyone's here before I do that

[The Wizard surveys the crowd.]

[18:53:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It seems we're still missing people

[Faulkner leans down to Finch as they make the comment about Scarm exploding.]

[18:52:53] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I would pay to see you explode

[18:53:07] <✦[rp] Finch> you could also explode.

[18:53:08] <✦[rp] Finch> i wouldnt mind.

[18:53:22] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm much more durable than you

[18:53:40] <✦[rp] Finch> and im cooler so like.................... i think thats a draw

[18:53:43] <✦[rp] Finch> but a draw favored to me

[18:53:47] <✦[rp] Finch> so thats practically a win

[18:53:53] <✦Faulkner [rp]> It's really not

[18:53:58] <✦[rp] Finch> yuhhuh

[18:54:25] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I would throw you in if my paws weren't full right now

[18:55:10] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah its kinda silly to do anything to ya right now. i mean we can always like. do that.... uh after we aren't in immenent danger of prince, my buddy, and whatever that third thing was

[Faulkner rolls his eyes, walking away from Finch. Joco furrows their brow at the Wizard.]

[18:53:41] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wizard, if it risks leaving you behind at all, that's not a great plan.

[18:53:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It'll be fine, I'll be okay

[18:53:51] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Worse comes to worse, I can be the last Prince here.

[18:54:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wizard.

[18:54:18] <✦[rp] Doc> "Yes, if you do that the stability window will be short, a minute at most. But it shouldn't close on you. It'll only close if it burns out."

[18:55:00] <✦[rp] Doc> "If it doesn't have a sink, it won't collapse immediately. He can hold it open from the other side"

[18:54:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> See, what Doc said

[He lowers his voice just slightly.]

[18:54:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What happened to Cinder is not gonna happen to me Joco, I promise

[18:55:07] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cinder.... they told me to tell you they forgive you. Please don't take unnecessary risks.

[The Wizard sucks in a breath and nods. He turns away, looking back at the controls.]

[18:55:39] <✦[rp] Doc> "Do you want me to hook your arm up to the portal."

[18:55:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can do it, don't worry

[18:55:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just tell me when everyone's arrived, and then I'll activate it

[18:56:02] <✦[rp] Doc> "The sink- hold on."

[Doc begins to pull a few wires out, getting them prepared to attach to the Wizard’s brass arm.]

[18:56:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Thank you Doc

[Faulkner steps forward.]

[18:58:12] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I could keep watch for the others arriving

[18:58:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes Faulkner if you wouldn't mind doing a sweep, or maybe-

[18:58:16] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Prince has landed in. Wisteria. By the way. Not to make anyone. Panic.

[18:58:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh shit

[18:58:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void-

[18:58:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Uhm

[The Wizard nods towards Faulkner.]

[18:58:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You do have the baby with you

[18:58:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Stay here

[18:58:29] <✦[rp] Finch> oh no. ooooh nope.

[18:58:38] <✦[rp] Finch> i already tried to deal with him once

[18:58:31] <✦[rp] Punk> uh . thats not good

[18:58:34] <✦[rp] Doc> "Okay, we're out of time"

[18:58:33] <✦[rp] Flick> So he's still a good ways south? For what it's worth

[18:58:38] <✦[rp] Flick> If he's in Larkspur

[Scarm stands straightened up.]

[18:58:35] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. i can distract him

[18:58:42] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. If that's what you want.

[18:58:47] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Hm

[18:58:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Scarm? How so?

[18:58:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You are an Arm

[18:58:48] <✦[rp] Doc> "What? Distract him? What do you mean?"

[18:59:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't know if you've seen what he is, I don't think anyone stands a chance against him now

[18:58:54] <✦[rp] Finch> elaborate.

[18:58:56] <✦[rp] Finch> plus

[18:59:00] <✦[rp] Finch> what if you TEAM UP with him

[18:59:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Bug in the system. I'm still connected to the Whole of The Sculk. And i've still got some influence over it. Not as much as Prime... but you know, I can stall,

[18:59:46] <✦[rp] Finch> oh. have i seen him? yeah. yeah i have

[18:59:53] <✦[rp] Finch> fucking weirdo.

[19:00:01] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Programming's different between him and me.

[18:59:31] <✦[rp] Punk> fuck

[18:59:45] <✦[rp] Punk> then what about ceph are they going to come here and fucking run into him and die or some shit

[19:00:33] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I wouldn't last long, but i can try to distract and give maybe an hour to stall if i'm lucky.

[19:00:41] <✦[rp] Finch> cool

[19:00:56] <✦[rp] Finch> if it destroys you both itll be better for us all. one less threat to deal with

[19:00:07] <✦[rp] Doc> "That's- okay. It's the best chance we have."

[19:00:19] <✦[rp] Doc> "We're deep in here, but not deep enough"

[Faulkner approaches the Wizard.]

[19:00:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Could I trust you to watch Stellaris for me?

[19:00:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, of course

[19:00:34] <✦Faulkner [rp]> It will be easier for me to keep watch without having to worry about them

[19:00:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right, but be careful yourself, too-

[19:00:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Any sign of trouble you come running back down, okay?

[19:06:19] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I will be fine

[19:06:34] <✦Faulkner [rp]> If something happens to them you will be less fine

[19:06:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I will make sure that does not happen, I've got them

[Faulkner hums softly, before handing Stellaris over to the Wizard. He cradles them gently in his arms. Doc and Scarm continue to discuss Scarm going out against Prince.]

[19:06:47] <✦[rp] Doc> "An hour is a long time. Will you be able to come with us, scarm?"

[19:07:07] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Tee-Bee-Aich. No Idea.

[19:07:35] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Death is a big possibility.

[19:07:37] <✦[rp] Finch> i wouldnt mind if that thing doesnt fucking come with us

[19:07:42] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Permadeath I mean.

[19:08:05] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Rude. Cat thing.

[19:08:19] <✦[rp] Finch> im not rude im just being practical

[19:08:09] <✦[rp] Flick> Scarm I hope you stay as safe as you can.

[19:08:24] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Guerilla warfare!

[19:08:26] <✦[rp] Doc> "That's no ideal- but I don't think we have another option. Do we even know if the others are alive?"

[19:08:28] <✦Faulkner [rp]> If anything happens up there I can't promise theres much I can do, but I will try to make sure everyone gets here in time

[19:08:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Thank you, Faulkner

[19:08:39] <✦[rp] Punk> thanks faulkner

[19:08:49] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I'll make sure Faulkner also doesn't get got.

[19:08:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Let's not. Think about the possibility of us all being the only survivors, yeah?

[19:08:57] <✦[rp] Finch> well

[19:08:59] <✦[rp] Finch> if we are

[19:09:08] <✦[rp] Finch> i mean this isnt a bad group to be stuck with i.. guess?

[19:08:58] <✦[rp] Punk> better fucking not be …

[19:09:18] <✦[rp] Finch> id rather have my dad here, wherever he is.

[19:09:22] <✦[rp] Finch> but.... you know

[19:09:26] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.

[19:09:33] <✦[rp] Punk> dans making it hes making it

[19:09:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> There's. We're missing quite a few folks

[19:09:40] <✦[rp] Finch> having a small group of survivors is more useful then having just one

[The cavern is very quiet. There are many, many, less of them than there even were at the Treaty signing just less than a year earlier. So many less than even when they arrived, almost two years ago now. The Wizard cradles Stellaris in the crook of his arm, eyes scanning quickly over readouts. Faulkner gets onto all fours, taking his full dragon form. Scarm looks over at Faulkner.]

[19:09:41] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I think i hauve covid

[Faulkner rolls his eyes, trying to keep a distance between himself and the arm. They head up through the cavern entrance and disappear. Finch continues to ramble and muse about those left.]

[19:10:06] <✦[rp] Finch> like. listen

[19:10:17] <✦[rp] Finch> having multiple people alive is good for. uh. skills or whatever

[19:10:40] <✦[rp] Finch> like the wizard can do smart wizard things or something.

[19:10:53] <✦[rp] Finch> you are... i dont know what you do best. persistence? you can do things.

[19:10:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch! We're not! Talking about this anymore!

[19:11:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Let's Stop talking about this!

[19:11:11] <✦[rp] Finch> im just going over who we have!

[19:11:12] <✦[rp] Punk> please please stop

[19:11:15] <✦[rp] Finch> im trying to make you feel better!

[19:11:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's making me feel Worse, in fact

[19:11:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Stop

[19:11:29] <✦[rp] Finch> ... oh okay...

[19:11:34] <✦[rp] Flick> Thank you for trying though.

[19:12:09] <✦[rp] Finch> you're welcome bird guy who i forgot the name of!

[Joco sighs. Doc monitors the machine to make sure it isn’t overheating and he and the Wizard quietly discuss the readouts. Scarm stands in the room stuff.]

[19:13:53] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Faulkner's leaving, I'm gonna be going with them. Keep track so he doesn't die. Have I been given permission

[19:14:10] <✦[rp] Doc> "I- do you really want to go?"

[19:14:35] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I'd rather Prince not get here as quick, don't you?

[19:14:54] <✦[rp] Doc> "Okay- okay. Alright."

[19:15:04] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I can come back to check if I don't die.

[19:15:09] <✦[rp] Doc> "Please."

[Softly: ]

[19:15:30] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Okay.

[Doc nods slowly, watching as Scarm goes limp. A bolt of Sculk travels from the arm to somewhere outside, above them. Joco sets Ion back down on the stairs, now that the portal no longer seems at any risk of exploding. Finch notices Ion’s body.]

[19:16:56] <✦[rp] Finch> oh.

[19:16:59] <✦[rp] Finch> thats a corpse.

[19:17:06] <✦[rp] Finch> why are you carrying that thing around

[19:17:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's. They're.

[19:17:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> They're gonna get better. Reportedly.

[19:17:29] <✦[rp] Finch> uh

[19:17:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm not. I can't. I won't leave them behind. It's fine.

[19:17:34] <✦[rp] Finch> i mean

[19:17:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Don't worry about it.

[19:17:38] <✦[rp] Flick> Give it a bit of time, they'll be fine.

[19:17:38] <✦[rp] Finch> good luck to that. i guess.

[19:17:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch?

[19:17:43] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah?

[19:17:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Don't Worry About It

[19:17:51] <✦[rp] Finch> oh im not worried about the dead body

[19:18:09] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> They're not dead. Just. Comatose. Torpor. It's.

[19:18:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I.

[19:18:17] <✦[rp] Finch> oh so not a dead body

[19:18:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What if we stop talking about Ion

[19:18:21] <✦[rp] Finch> looks kinda dead flopped over like that

[19:18:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah. Stop talking about them, Finch.

[19:18:40] <✦[rp] Finch> eh your choice

[The room is very quiet, besides the hum of the portal and the quiet tamber of Doc and the Wizard’s voices.]

[19:19:03] <✦[rp] Finch> so...................

[19:19:06] <✦[rp] Finch> next world, huh.

[19:19:12] <✦[rp] Finch> didn't expect itd come this soon.

[19:19:18] <✦[rp] Finch> yknow. leavin.

[Joco has sat down on the steps beside Ion. Flick perches up above them.]

[19:19:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We've been here a while

[19:19:21] <✦[rp] Flick> I mean it's been a while, hasn't it?

[19:19:22] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah

[19:19:23] <✦[rp] Finch> its just.

[19:19:25] <✦[rp] Finch> you know

[19:19:29] <✦[rp] Finch> you dont wana go.

[19:19:31] <✦[rp] Finch> its kinda sudden

[19:19:37] <✦[rp] Finch> at least last time we saw it comin more

[19:19:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm quite alright with leaving, actually.

[19:19:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm very alright with leaving.

[19:19:54] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah. it solves a lot of our problems

[19:19:55] <✦[rp] Finch> you know.

[Finch gestures vaguely.]

[19:20:02] <✦[rp] Finch> him.

[19:20:45] <✦[rp] Finch> but eh! hey at least the void stuff worked in the end

[19:21:15] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch. Please shush.

[19:21:34] <✦[rp] Finch> what!

[19:22:08] <✦[rp] Finch> everyone keeps telling me to shut up

[19:22:12] <✦[rp] Finch> be quiet! oh you should shush!

[19:22:21] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah cuz you spout shit all the time

[19:22:16] <✦[rp] Finch> what the hell am i doing wrong here.

[19:22:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You're. Saying things that are insensitive.

[19:22:48] <✦[rp] Finch> i'm just saying the facts!

[19:22:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And I cannot emotionally handle that right now. I don't think anyone can at the moment

[19:23:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Not everything needs to be stated.

[19:22:59] <✦[rp] Finch> important things! im trying my fucking hardest to be nice right now.

[19:23:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You're pretty shit at being nice, kid

[19:23:32] <✦[rp] Finch> hey at least im fucking trying. shouldn't that count for something?

[19:23:48] <✦[rp] Flick> Your trying is appreciated but it's not really um. Helping the stress levels? Sorry.

[Finch grumbles.]

[19:24:19] <✦[rp] Finch> if we weren't at least a little stressed we wouldn't be hurrying to get a move on

[19:24:37] <✦[rp] Finch> we'd just be lying around. doing nothing. all the time. every day. no motivation to run.

[Joco’s gaze moves from watching Flick, to staring at the stalactites hanging from the ceiling.]

[19:24:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hey, Flick, you're right under a stalactite. That's fun.

[19:24:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Perhaps. Move a little . Yeah.

[Flick scoots slightly to the side of the stalagmite he’s perched on.]

[19:25:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Punk you also have one above you. This is fun

[19:25:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm having fun.

[19:25:33] <✦[rp] Finch> i mean. at least thats helping

[19:25:36] <✦[rp] Finch> what if they fall!

[19:25:41] <✦[rp] Finch> you cant just. die. before we all leave

[19:25:47] <✦[rp] Finch> thats how you become food for that.. other cat.

[19:25:54] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Doc you have a Big one above you

[19:26:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's so fun. This is so fun.

[19:26:09] <✦[rp] Finch> see? this is being nice

[Punk quietly murmurs to Joco.]

[19:25:57] <✦[rp] Punk> you want a hug dude

[Joco grins toothily, but also pained at Punk’s offer.]

[19:26:51] <✦[rp] Finch> um

[19:26:57] <✦[rp] Finch> you know before we all leave or whatever

[19:27:08] <✦[rp] Finch> im glad you guys are around.

[19:27:15] <✦[rp] Finch> you guys are useful to be friends with

[19:27:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Useful is a choice word

[Doc speaks up, getting everyone’s attention.]

[19:27:01] <✦[rp] Doc> "Okay, who's going to go through the portal first. We need to get anyone injured over first, that means Joco should take Ion first."

[19:27:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> The baby needs to be a priority, given its. Being a baby.

[19:27:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think.

[19:28:06] <✦[rp] Flick> I agree on kids and injured through first

[19:27:41] <✦[rp] Finch> oh! figuring out order already?

[19:27:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I also agree, Faulkner should take Stellaris through quickly after Joco and Ion

[19:27:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch could go first. Test the portal.

[19:28:05] <✦[rp] Finch> nah.... you shoudl throw ion through first

[19:28:19] <✦[rp] Doc> "Yes, okay. Finch could go first with a light, then the baby and then-"

[A Bolt of Sculk travels from outside and re-enters Scarm’s body]

[19:28:14] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement-

[19:28:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi Scarm

[Scarm lets out a digital, bitcrushed wheeze.]

[19:28:14] <✦[rp] Scarm> Shit's fucked. Sh-Shit's fucked.

[19:28:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void-

[19:28:23] <✦[rp] Doc> "What happened?"

[19:28:29] <✦[rp] Finch> oh that things back

[19:28:30] <✦[rp] Flick> Are you okay, Scarm??

[19:28:31] <✦[rp] Finch> booo

[19:28:40] <✦[rp] Flick> Hush, finch, please,,

[19:28:45] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Ambush. Faulkner got away but I took the brunt.

[The Wizard quickly looks up, trying to see any sign of Faulkner above.]

[19:28:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Shit

[19:28:51] <✦[rp] Punk> ambush the fuck

[19:28:52] <✦[rp] Finch> shit

[19:28:59] <✦[rp] Finch> shit shit fuck oh no

[19:29:01] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Guy is still gonna wait for the other two.

[19:29:12] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Or keep looking i guess

[19:29:28] <✦[rp] Punk> two

[19:29:43] <✦[rp] Punk> what about ceph where are they

[19:29:09] <✦[rp] Finch> thats fucking ridiculous

[19:29:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Surely.

[19:29:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Surely they should be here by now

[19:29:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Dan has long legs.

[19:30:13] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Dunno about Ceph. Can't hear them.

[19:29:26] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Doc. Do I have permission to s-stay out.

[19:29:44] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I-I-I-I don't think those three are gonna live without me

[19:29:46] <✦[rp] Doc> "If- you want. If you want to help."

[19:30:16] <✦[rp] Doc> "You're probably right. I'm proud of you, for trying to help them"

[19:30:28] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Do I have permission?

[19:30:35] <✦[rp] Doc> "Yes, you do"

[19:30:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. This will be the last you see of me.

[19:30:53] <✦[rp] Finch> ok

[19:30:54] <✦[rp] Finch> cool

[19:31:00] <✦[rp] Finch> best news ive ever had of my life

[19:31:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Goodbye and good luck, Scarm

[19:31:09] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Damage is not minimal. I will not survive another blow.

[19:31:16] <✦[rp] Finch> GREAT !

[19:31:25] <✦[rp] Finch> please make sure the other you finishes you off well

[19:31:30] <✦[rp] Finch> i dont want to see you again.

[19:31:26] <✦[rp] Doc> "I'm proud of you for helping. For going against your other selves."

[19:31:31] <✦[rp] Punk> thanks for looking out for them scarm

[19:31:45] <✦[rp] Flick> Sorry scarm. Thank you

[19:31:47] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I was only ever following orders.

[19:31:57] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe you shouldve followed better orders

[19:32:12] <✦[rp] Finch> if you guys didnt . go team up with that fucking thing

[19:32:07] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I'm ignoring you.

[19:32:12] <✦[rp] Punk> good choice

[Joco reaches over and slaps Finch upside the back of their head.]

[19:32:20] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe you could've been a useful frie- OW

[19:32:23] <✦[rp] Finch> what the fuck

[19:32:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Shush

[19:32:31] <✦[rp] Finch> what the FUCK is your problem

[19:32:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Currently? A number of things

[19:32:21] <✦[rp] Doc> "You're doing a good thing. This is a good thing."

[19:32:43] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Speaking of orders. Snagged something when i came back.

[Scarm turns towards the Wizard.]

[19:32:43] <✦[rp] Scarm> the uh. Big Daddy Sculk wanted you to have this.

[19:32:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> For me?

[19:32:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You are the only one that's immediately solvable.

[19:33:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Big Daddy Sculk.

[19:33:00] <✦[rp] Flick> Big Daddy Sculk,,,,,

[19:33:22] <✦[rp] Finch> big daddy sculk... what a horrific ass title

[The Wizard crosses the room, still holding Stellaris tight. Scarm’s body begins to unravel. Parts of him are gathered in his palm, and by the end, there’s only a hand left.]

[19:34:01] <✦[rp] Finch> ew

[19:34:09] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Said that you were the last person that cared about the Big Cat in Blue

[19:34:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ....Oh

[19:34:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I suppose I do

[19:34:34] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. You get to have this now. The Sculk gives you its blessing.

[Scarm’s palm opens to reveal: Shades. Triangular Shades. They seem to be a copy, but they’re extremely similar to Prince’s shades. They seem to be dormant. The Wizard takes them gently in his free hand, and holds them close to his chest.]

[19:36:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Thanks, Scarm

[19:36:41] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Don't let the Sculk down, old man.

[19:36:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'll- I'll try not to

[19:37:15] <✦[rp] Scarm> Exclamation. Good bye Doc. You were the best fa- master I could have. Sorry it ended like this.

[19:37:50] <✦[rp] Finch> hey uh. before you go-

[19:37:48] <✦[rp] Doc> "It's okay. You did your best. I know you did-"

[Scarm turns into a bolt of Sculk, and disappears to the outside. Never to be seen again.]

[19:37:52] <✦[rp] Finch> oh

[19:37:55] <✦[rp] Finch> well.

[19:37:56] <✦[rp] Flick> Bye scarm! :(

[19:38:02] <✦[rp] Punk> BYE SCARM!!!

[19:38:09] <✦[rp] Punk> you fucking RULE!!!

[Finch sighs.]

[19:38:24] <✦[rp] Finch> i never get to finish my damn sentences today do i

[The Wizard looks at the shades in his free hand, holding Stellaris close.]

[19:39:53] <✦[rp] Finch> so... wizard. wizguy. magic pal.

[19:39:56] <✦[rp] Finch> what'd you get

[19:40:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The Sculk gave me his shades

[19:40:30] <✦[rp] Finch> oh. thats it ?

[19:40:41] <✦[rp] Finch> i was expecting for something so dangerous itd give you like. a super weapon

[19:40:47] <✦[rp] Finch> not some flimsy ass peices of glass

[19:40:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think...

[19:40:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I have an idea of what it wants

[19:41:00] <✦[rp] Finch> you arent putting those on.

[19:41:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Please share

[19:41:37] <✦[rp] Flick> Please share the idea yes

[Doc turns back to the Wizard.]

[19:40:05] <✦[rp] Doc> "How long should we wait for the others"

[19:43:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm still not sure-

[19:44:07] <✦[rp] Finch> well whatever it is. just. i dont know. i dont trust them. i dont trust him

[The Wizard spots movement from above.]

[19:44:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is that?

[19:44:12] <✦[rp] Finch> hm?

[The Wizard sees Faulkner, Dan, and Ollie rushing down the stairs towards them.]

[19:44:45] <✦[rp] Finch> DAD!!

[19:44:50] <✦[rp] Punk> THANK FUCK

[19:44:50] <✦[rp] Ollie> hope we didn’t keep you all waiting…

[Dan’s gaze softens seeing Punk and Finch here safe, or as safe as they can be in this situation. Finch runs into his arms, with Punk close behind.]

[19:45:01] <✦[rp] Finch> oh great! we have everyone important I think!

[19:45:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is there anyone else?

[19:45:08] <✦[rp] Punk> fucking ceph

[19:45:15] <✦[rp] Finch> i said important

[19:45:21] <✦[rp] Punk> fuck you

[Dan shoots a glare towards Finch. Ollie looks away.]

[19:45:08] <✦[rp] Ollie>…

[Dan takes a deep breath, he pulls Punk in to him.]

[19:45:10] <✦[rp] Dan> I’m sorry..

[Faulkner pants heavily, whatever it was engaged in outside clearly took a toll on it.]

[19:45:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner did you see anyone else?

[19:45:37] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [Ceph is gone. This is everyone]

[19:46:07] <✦[rp] Punk> what

[19:45:57] <✦Faulkner [rp]> [We need to leave NOW.]

[19:45:23] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh they're here- okay everyone bundle around the portal"

[Joco hefts Ion up onto their shoulders, hopefully for the last time.]

[19:46:05] <✦[rp] Finch> so.. is me or joco goin first?

[19:46:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch, how about you do the honors, once Wiz says so?

[19:46:34] <✦[rp] Finch> sure

[19:46:36] <✦[rp] Dan> for the love of god. Just… be careful.

[19:46:46] <✦[rp] Finch> i'd be glad to get as far as i fucking can away from. that thing. as i could

[The Wizard hands Stellaris to Faulkner, who takes them in its mouth.]

[19:46:50] <✦[rp] Doc> "And then the baby and Faulkner, and then Joco and Ion"

[19:47:06] <✦[rp] Doc> "And then everyone else follow them, okay?"

[Everyone begins to gather around the portal.]

[19:47:20] <✦[rp] Punk> right ok

[19:47:39] <✦[rp] Finch> alright cool

[19:46:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Almost there everyone, just a few more connections!

[19:47:22] <✦[rp] Flick> You're coming through too, right?

[19:47:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wizard, you're not allowed to not come with

[19:47:59] <✦[rp] Finch> i hope the next world, whatever the hell it is, doesnt have that blue shit

[19:48:17] <✦[rp] Doc> "We are all going through, okay? We just want the injured and the baby to go first-"

[TREMORS SHAKE THE GROUND. THE WALLS QUAKE. THE CAVERN SHUDDERS.]

[19:48:28] <✦[rp] Flick> oh dear

[19:48:17] <✦[rp] Ollie> shit-

[19:48:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh hell-

[SOMETHING HAS FOLLOWED THE DRAGON HOME.]

[19:48:42] <✦[rp] Doc> "We're out of time"

[Faulkner crouches low, its fur sticks on end.]

[19:48:42] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> IS THE PORTAL READY YET?

[19:48:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ALMOST

[19:48:54] <✦[rp] Flick> maybe we go now maybe we Go now? Perhaps Going Now is good

[19:49:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Do NOT go before portal is ready

[19:49:06] <✦[rp] Finch> alright alright

[19:49:09] <✦[rp] Doc> "Few more seconds, okay? Just a few more"

[A voice echoes through the cavern.]

[19:49:17] <✦[rp] PRINCE> ANYONE DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWN THERE?

[The Wizard’s free hand flies over the controls. Doc does his best with one arm to connect the necessary wires to the Wizard’s arm.]

[19:49:22] <✦[rp] Finch> goddamn it

[19:49:30] <✦[rp] Finch> we need to go

[19:49:32] <✦[rp] Finch> we need to fucking go

[19:49:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> C'mon, c'mon

[19:49:44] <✦[rp] Finch> i dont want to deal with him again today

[Faulkner hastily beckons Ollie onto its back. Ollie climbs on. Flick flutters down from above to stand near to Joco.]

[19:50:10] <✦[rp] PRINCE> oh like BUGS under a rock

[19:50:17] <✦[rp] PRINCE> foound- found you. you.

[19:50:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Fuck OFF, Prince

[19:50:48] <✦[rp] Finch> shoo nobody fucking WANTS you here you peabrained little shit

[Stellaris whimpers and whines, shaking in Faulkner’s mouth.]

[19:51:41] <✦[rp] Finch> cant you just fucking leave?

[Prince appears at the entrance to the cavern. Royal purple sculk crawls across the walls around him. An aura of violet light pulses around his form. Ollie scrunches up their face in disgust.]

[19:51:32] <✦[rp] Ollie> uh oh.

[19:51:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How close is he now, we need to-

[19:51:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Void these shaking hands-

[19:51:47] <✦[rp] Doc> "We don't have any more time"

[19:51:50] <✦[rp] Punk> hes here man hes fucking here

[Prince stumbles closer. He does not look well. Pieces of him are missing, a chunk of his jaw is gone, and his body is covered in cracks. Searing hot flame licks out from between the cracks in his skin, as if trying to explode out of him.]

[19:51:58] <✦[rp] Finch> we're sick and FUCKING tired of you

[19:52:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hm

[Fire rules his body. Every step looks agonizing. His mouth roils like the inside of a furnace. Doc takes over the controls after the Wizard is completely attached. He opens a panel inside of the machine, preparing to stabilize. He just needs to connect one more wire.]

[19:52:52] <✦[rp] PRINCE> J-Just need you d-d-d-d-dead

[19:52:59] <✦[rp] Finch> great! i need you deader!

[19:52:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince!

[19:53:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Stay back!

[Prince mumbles under his breath.]

[19:53:12] <✦[rp] PRINCE> fuck this shit hurts

[19:53:14] <✦[rp] Finch> do you know how much youve made my life fucking miserable?

[19:53:35] <✦[rp] PRINCE> i met-met-met you like twice d-ude

[19:53:47] <✦[rp] Finch> it was more than twice, actually

[19:53:49] <✦[rp] Doc> "Wiz, it's ready, start channeling."

[19:53:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right-

[The Wizard can’t keep his eyes off of Prince’s form.]

[19:53:54] <✦[rp] PRINCE> and i don-t think- i was conscio-us for the recent- one-one-one

[19:54:03] <✦[rp] Finch> if i count correct it was five times

[19:54:08] <✦[rp] Finch> six actually

[19:54:10] <✦[rp] Finch> it was six times

[19:54:10] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Why are you keeping count

[19:54:16] <✦[rp] Finch> why wouldnt you

[19:54:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I. Yknow what. I don't want to know

[19:54:45] <✦[rp] Finch> six fucking times! you've decided to personally stop by and make my life worse!

[19:54:47] <✦[rp] Finch> this makes number seven, by the way

[19:54:21] <✦[rp] PRINCE> GOD YOU GUYS DONT KNOW HOW MUCH THIS HURTS

[19:54:26] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Then stop doing it?

[19:55:05] <✦[rp] Finch> do you know how much i've lived my life in fucking fear because of you?

[Prince pulls out his sword. Princely, no, KINGLY, flame, climbing up the blade. The Wizard takes in a deep breath. He considers something. There is only one wire to connect but-]

[19:55:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince wait!

[19:55:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wiz?

[19:55:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You don't need to do this

[19:55:26] <✦[rp] Finch> heya prince there buddy lower your goddamn sword its pissing me off

[Faulkner smacks Finch with its tail.]

[19:55:59] <✦[rp] Finch> HEY-

[Surprisngly, Prince stops advancing.]

[19:55:38] <✦[rp] PRINCE> wha-t- what- old- old- old- old-

[19:55:48] <✦[rp] PRINCE> m-an

[The Wizard almost smiles. He steps away from the controls, trying to stand strong. Heat licks off of Prince’s body in waves.]

[19:56:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know you think you need that creature to be your master

[19:56:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know you need someone to hold the reigns

[19:56:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hold the leash

[Flames rages in Prince’s body. The cracks are beginning to widen.]

[19:56:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But maybe it was the wrong person the whole time

[The Wizard holds up the shades in his hand, the one free of wires.]

[19:57:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I promise you that I will be the guidance you have always needed

[19:57:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Let it burn out

[19:57:12] <✦[rp] Finch> weirdo

[19:57:20] <✦[rp] Finch> you want to fucking help this thing?

[19:57:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Finch, shut up again please

[19:57:37] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Sensitive scenario

[19:57:39] <✦[rp] Finch> im just not allowed to say anything, huh

[A torrent of flame roars out of Prince’s mouth as he tries to speak.]

[19:57:16] <✦[rp] PRINCE> The King Daddy Is F-F-Fi-FI-NE. its. its. its. its. its fine. im happy.

[19:57:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No it's not, it's killing you

[19:57:43] <✦[rp] PRINCE> im happy. im happy. i dont. i dont.

[Molten metal streams down his body like tears.]

[19:57:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know that's what you said you wanted...

[19:57:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But it's not what I want!

[19:57:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I want you to live!

[19:57:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I want you to be happy!

[19:57:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I want you to thrive!

[19:58:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Will you listen to that command?

[19:58:37] <✦[rp] PRINCE> i- i- i- i- i- i- i- i-

[Prince lunges like a robot, hurtling towards the Wizard, his sword burning brighter than the sun.

The Wizard doesn’t move.

Prince lands and his knee shatters. He slams into the ground face first, something crunches. Something breaks.

The sword clatters to the ground.]

[20:00:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Rest

[20:00:18] <✦[rp] PRINCE> i- i- i- i- i- im im no good. cant even. cant even. cant even kill you right. right. right

[20:00:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't mind if you can't do things right

[Prince’s other leg disintegrates.]

[20:00:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No one can do things right, or at least the way we want to

[20:00:58] <✦[rp] PRINCE> it - hurts

[20:01:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know

[20:01:03] <✦[rp] PRINCE> it hurts-

[The Wizard reaches out, and touches Prince’s face.]

[20:01:14] <✦[rp] Finch> ew

[20:01:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Shh, kit

[Faulkner again smacks its tail over Finch’s face.]

[20:02:02] <✦[rp] Finch> mhphgm

[Prince’s face is hot to the touch. The heat sizzles against the Wizard’s palm.]

[20:01:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Rest

[Prince’s shades shatter. His eyes are visible.]

[20:02:14] <✦[rp] PRINCE> i. i.

[20:02:47] <✦[rp] PRINCE> i'm not doing it for- for you

[His eyes shut.]

[20:02:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know

[20:02:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Rest

[20:03:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> When you awaken anew, all of this will just be like a dream

[The sculk that covers Prince’s body strips away as if soaked in gasoline, as the fire continues to rage. Finally, all that is left of Prince is his skull, his heart, and his ribs. All, strangely, not remade in sculk.]

[20:04:31] <✦[rp] Finch> eeugh

[The body is reduced to ash. Prince is dead. Long live Prince. The Wizard seizes slightly as the pain in his hand suddenly seems to reach him. He steps back.]

[20:04:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We need to go

[20:04:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah. I. Yeah.

[20:04:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Sure. Why not .

[20:05:15] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah lets go.

[20:05:27] <✦[rp] Finch> that was fucking weird by the way

[20:05:45] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah yeah i dont want to be near the remains of the other cat guy

[20:05:57] <✦[rp] Finch> …

[20:06:01] <✦[rp] Finch> and i know he cant hear me

[20:06:01] <✦[rp] Finch> but

[20:06:05] <✦[rp] Finch> im still cat guy number one

[20:06:12] <✦[rp] Finch> and he's cat guy number three.

[20:05:25] <✦[rp] Flick> so. Finch, Joco and Faulkner first?

[The Wizard approaches the open panel on the command machine. He pushes his arm inside, and grasps onto something in the interior.]

[20:05:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This is going to go quickly, when it activates, get ready

[Everyone faces the portal.]

[20:05:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ready?

[Faulkner nods.]

[20:05:58] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yes

[20:06:00] <✦[rp] Doc> "I'm looking for the connection, I'll set a countdown so we know how much time we have"

[Ollie walks towards the Wizard.]

[20:05:57] <✦[rp] Ollie > Um, I hope it’s not a big ask Wizard… but I’d like to go last

[20:05:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Of course, but we’re gonna need to run together once everyone is through, we’ve only got a small window, does that work?

[20:05:57] <✦[rp] Ollie> Yes, yeah, thank you

[The Wizard nods, he and Ollie both stand together. He squeezes his hand on the bar inside.]

[20:06:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Engaging…

[Green light begins to emanate from the inside of the gem. The portal begins to hum, and a cracking sound clicks off as particles begin to swirl inside of the portal frame. They fizzle for a moment, before growing strong. Fissures of green are seen flitting between the purple swirl. It’s time.]

[20:06:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> GO!

[20:06:18] <✦[rp] Finch> well!

[20:06:22] <✦[rp] Finch> see you all on the other side!

[20:06:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> GO, Kit

[20:06:24] <✦[rp] Doc> "NOW"

[20:06:25] <✦[rp] Finch> make it safely!

[Everyone begins sprinting into the portal one by one, disappearing into the Void. As Joco runs through the portal, Ion’s body sheds a single tear. Doc, Ollie, and the Wizard remain.]

[20:06:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You now, Doc

[20:07:00] <✦[rp] Doc> "Alright, I'll stay near in case I need to pull you through"

[20:07:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Thank you

[Doc rushes through the portal. Green energy hums as he passes through. The Wizard gives Ollie a nod. He lets go.

The Wizard sprints through the portal, disappearing. Ollie follows closely behind, taking one last look. The cavern has begun to grow dark. Prince’s body smolders on the floor. The ground itself seems to hum. Ceph is still gone.

Ollie can hear the portal begin to sputter behind them. They turn towards it, and throw themself within.]

[The Third world of Untitled disappears.]

[And the Fourth world begins.]

…

[Darkness. Silence. The absence of feeling. And then…a voice, singular, and soft.]

<Voice> Arcanus-

[Or maybe not soft, but familiar.]

<✦Ivy> Arcanus!

<✦Ivy> Hey, are you there?

<✦Ivy> Please please PLEASE don’t tell me you’re dead that would really fucking suck

<✦Ivy> None of the idiots you talk about even know who I am

<✦Ivy> …

<✦Ivy> Hey come on, you didn’t survive all that shit just for jumping through an untested portal to kill you. Ughh, and I did most of the work anyway.

<✦Ivy> So-

<✦ Ivy> COME ON, CHEESE!

[The Wizard gasps, his eyes flying open. He tumbles backwards slightly.]

<✦ Ivy> Thank the VOID

[The Wizard tries to right himself, but realizes suddenly he’s weightless in the Void. Or maybe…a void.]

<✦ Wizard> Where am I? What’s-

<✦ Wizard> What’s happening, where are the others?

<✦ Wizard> Oh god the portal, did the portal fail, am I dead, is this the return to Code? Is it empty, is it nothing, is this it?

<✦ Ivy> Calm your tits you’re literally fine

<✦ Wizard> By the Void!

[An emerald, bright and luminescent green, suspends itself in front of the Wizard. It shimmers as it speaks. The shape is alien, the space is alien, but the voice is one he never thought he’d hear again.]

<✦ Wizard> Ivy!

[Pleased: ]

<✦ Ivy> Yeah, yeah, yeah

<✦ Ivy> Hiya, Cheese

<✦ Wizard> Ivy-

<✦ Wizard> Wait, Cheese?! I thought we left that behind years ago!

[The gem snorts with laughter.]

<✦ Ivy> Well, I had to make sure you knew it was me

<✦ Wizard> Of course I know it’s you, how could I not know my own sister!

<✦ Wizard> It’s…it’s really good to hear your voice, if I could hug you I would

<✦ Ivy> Well you would be able to hug me if you hadn’t fucking trapped me in this stupid fucking thing

<✦ Wizard> …

<✦ Wizard> Ivy I never knew it would do what it did, I thought it would-

<✦ Wizard> If I had known what it would do, I never would’ve used it. I’m-

<✦ Wizard> What I mean to say is that I’m sorry

<✦ Ivy> Wait really?

<✦ Ivy> Are you seriously apologizing?

<✦ Wizard> Isn’t that…what you want to hear?

<✦ Ivy> No it’s just when have you ever apologized?

<✦ Ivy> Caretaker would say that you were admitting defeat Cheese

[The Wizard goes quiet.]

<✦ Wizard> Caretaker was wrong about a lot of things

<✦ Wizard> But, Ivy I am more deeply regretful of my actions than you will ever know

<✦ Ivy> …Sure.

<✦ Wizard> I suppose I should be asking then, are we…dead?

<✦ Wizard> We are dead right?

<✦ Wizard> I never gotta-

<✦ Wizard> Dammit I got us all killed didn’t I, idiot. I never even got to talk to Joco about-

<✦ Wizard> I guess it doesn’t matter

<✦ Ivy> Hey, hey, hey slow the fuck down cowboy!

<✦ Ivy> We’re not dead!

<✦ Wizard> What?

<✦ Ivy> Well more accurately, I was never dead

<✦ Wizard> WHAT?!

<✦ Ivy> Yeah stupid! I was trapped in here the entire goddamn time! You imprisoned me in here for however long, and you didn’t even check if I was alive!

<✦ Ivy> I was trapped, alone, inside of that gem, I don’t even know for how long, I didn’t even know if I was alive or dead, if I’d been returned to the Code-

<✦Ivy> I was- It was horrifying- I was-

<✦ Wizard> You were scared…

<✦ Ivy> What, no

<✦ Ivy> I was uninformed of the situation, I was just fucking tired of being alone, I was angry mostly

<✦ Ivy> Cause FUCK, MAN, WHO DOESNT CHECK IN ON THINGS

<✦ Ivy> ESPECIALLY someone like you, Mr. Perfectionist

<✦ Wizard> Ivy, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t-

<✦ Ivy> You couldn’t? What like it was so hard to take a peeksy-weaksy into the gem

<✦ Wizard> You don’t understand, I was exiled, I had no one else-

<✦ Ivy> You were a motherfucking Esteemed Scholar of high regard! You didn’t think to LOOK?!

<✦ Ivy> Sometimes you really have no damn sense, brother

<✦ Wizard> They told me you were dead

<✦ Wizard> …During the trial

<✦ Wizard> There was no sign of you anywhere, they couldn’t find any trace of your Code in [The Academy]. I had your emerald-

<✦ Ivy> You mean my prison?

<✦ Wizard> …Your prison…I had it the entire time, I just assumed-

<✦ Wizard> That I had killed you.

<✦ Wizard> If I had, I didn’t really want to go poking around in what I thought was your remains

<✦ Ivy> Well man you clearly had no issue with using me like a stabilizer

<✦ Wizard> There was no other choice, we would’ve all died without you

<✦ Ivy> Wait, wait, wait,

<✦ Wizard> What?

<✦ Ivy> No can you just say that again

<✦ Wizard> Say what?

<✦ Ivy> That you would’ve died without me

[The Wizard sighs.]

<✦ Wizard> Yes, Ivy, you were the reason all of us managed to escape

[Ivy cackles with glee.]

<✦ Ivy> You owe me one now Cheese

<✦ Wizard> I think I owe you a lot

<✦ Ivy> You really do honestly

[The siblings go quiet.]

<✦ Wizard> So…what now?

<✦ Wizard> Hey wait a minute, you mentioned the “others” earlier, how do you know about them?

<✦ Ivy> Oh your friends in Corroded?

<✦ Wizard> Yes exactly, if you were in here, how do you even know that name?

<✦ Ivy> You like to talk a lot on that radio show of yours, brother

<✦ Wizard> You could hear the broadcasts?!

<✦ Ivy> Yep, all of em, I think

<✦ Ivy> When I first heard your voice when you were testing the broadcast frequencies, it was the first time I hadn’t felt alone since I woke up in here. At first I thought maybe you’d found me, but no, you were just chattering away about music and the status of your world.

<✦ Wizard> So the frequency must’ve resonated with the gem…

<✦ Ivy> I mean duhhhhh even I could figure that one out

<✦ Ivy> So yeah, I heard everything, I know all about your little friends, and all about your shitty taste in music, andddd everything from that one time I think you and…Joco I think? Had an entire conversation accidentally while on air about desert plants

<✦ Ivy> I like that one

<✦ Ivy> Reminds me of an old Subject Rameses was working with, they have the same timbre of voice…

<✦ Ivy> That was years ago though

<✦ Wizard> …

<✦ Wizard> Ivy, speaking of years ago…

<✦ Wizard> You never presided over a world where you gave over your abilities to a child of royalty? Someone who may have used the Void to wipe out their world

<✦ Ivy> Uhhhh

<✦ Ivy> I dunno

<✦ Ivy> Maybe?

<✦ Ivy> I don’t remember all of my assignments

<✦ Ivy> Is it important?

<✦ Wizard> Maybe it was, but I don’t know anymore. Cinder is-

<✦ Ivy> Dead?

<✦ Wizard> …How did you know?

<✦ Ivy> Guessed

[The Wizard sighs.]

<✦ Wizard> Yes…they were involved with the Void, and something happened to them that I had wondered if you were involved in, but seems not. They’re gone now anyway, not sure how much use that information would be to anyone

<✦ Ivy> How did they die?

<✦ Wizard> The Void. It was my fault, I should’ve been there and I wasn’t, I chose to follow the whim of someone else instead, I trusted my own judgment and I was wrong

<✦ Wizard> I will not make a decision like that hastily again

<✦ Ivy> Oooh so serious

<✦ Ivy> Arcanus people die all the time

<✦ Wizard> Ivy please, Cinder meant more than that to me

<✦ Wizard> They put their life in my hands and I let go

[Ivy begins making raspberry noises.]

<✦ Wizard> IVY

<✦ Ivy> Okay, okay!

<✦ Ivy> I’m being serious, serious time

[The Wizard sighs.]

<✦ Wizard> I’m sorry. I’m just tired.

<✦ Ivy> You look tired

<✦ Wizard> Thanks a lot

<✦ Ivy> Sorry, no, I mean it, you look…different than the last time I saw you

<✦ Ivy> Older-

<✦ Wizard> Hey-

<✦ Ivy> But not in like a mean sister way, in a like-

<✦ Ivy> When I last saw you, you were so…angry. At the world, at yourself, at Callius, at me, at Caretaker. Now you’re…mature, almost. Not that you weren’t before, but you seem grounded.

<✦ Ivy> And you do actually seem older

<✦ Ivy> There’s more white in your beard, and in your hair

<✦ Wizard> Do you think I’ve been aging like a Player?

<✦ Ivy> Yeah, I would think so. Arcanus, you know what that means, right?

<✦ Wizard> Yes.

<✦ Ivy> Do you-

<✦ Wizard> I really would not like to think about what the means right now

<✦ Ivy> …Okay

<✦ Wizard> I’m sorry.

<✦ Ivy> You keep saying that, I’m sorry, I’m sorry

<✦ Ivy> Seriously, when did you start apologizing?

<✦ Wizard> A few worlds ago. I found that it worked better than saying nothing at all. It kept people around.

<✦ Ivy> Huh

<✦ Wizard> You should try it sometime

[Ivy snorts.]

<✦ Ivy> As if

<✦ Ivy> No thank you I will stick to what I know

<✦ Ivy> Which is beating the shit out of the issue

<✦ Wizard> You really haven’t changed at all, have you?

<✦ Ivy> Being trapped in a gem will do that to you

<✦ Wizard> Oh-kay

<✦ Ivy> I’m not gonna drop the issue until I’m out of here Cheese

<✦ Wizard> Clearly

<✦ Wizard> …And of course for good reason

<✦ Wizard> So, where do we go from here?

<✦ Ivy> Well first of all I was thinking a beautiful new body for yours truly

<✦ Ivy> Or at least a reversal of this damn curse

<✦ Ivy> But I don’t even know if you can do that anyone

<✦ Wizard> I don’t think I’d be able to. If I had been in the first place, none of this would’ve happened

<✦ Wizard> But yes, a new body can be made

<✦ Wizard> And I can introduce you to everyone!

<✦ Wizard> And we can finally catch up, and we can-

<✦ Ivy> I’m being actually genuine, who the fuck are you

<✦ Ivy> Did you kill and eat my brother and you’re some sort of parasite whose taken his place

<✦ Ivy> I had to INSERT myself into your divorce because you wouldn’t talk to me about it

<✦ Wizard> To be honest, I don’t think I realized the change until now

<✦ Wizard> I don’t think I realized how horrible the world we grew up in was until I got out of it. The way [The Academy] worked, and the way we were taught the world was supposed to work, how wrong all of it was

<✦ Ivy> What in the hell do you mean

<✦ Wizard> The way Players are treated is horrible, they treat oddities like flaws and use normal Players like lab rats

<✦ Ivy> Because they are

<✦ Ivy> They weren’t created like us, they aren’t like us

<✦ Wizard> Ivy I think you would find that the line between a Player and an Unknown is very thin

<✦ Ivy> We never called them that

<✦ Wizard> What do you want me to call them then, our friends and family? Our peers? Our teachers and students?

<✦ Wizard> Not all of them were bad, but not all of them were good either

<✦ Wizard> We both did things we regretted in their name

<✦ Ivy> You regretted

<✦ Wizard> …I regretted.

<✦ Ivy> I did those jobs because they were what we were made to do

<✦ Wizard> But what if we didn’t have to do what we were expected to do?

<✦ Wizard> What if there’s something beyond anything we could imagine?

<✦ Wizard> These people I’ve met, they’ve proven that to me over and over again

<✦ Wizard> Aren’t you a rule breaker, Ivy?

<✦ Ivy> …

<✦ Ivy> If we’re honest, you were the real rule breaker in the family. Marrying Callius, divorcing him

<✦ Wizard> Yes, yes, I suppose so-

<✦ Wizard> Ivy I promise you that the same change that happened to me will happen to you too

<✦ Wizard> These people will change you for the better

<✦ Ivy> …

<✦ Ivy> Okay.

[Silence spreads across the Void.]

<✦ Wizard> I’m so goddamn happy you’re okay

<✦ Wizard> I should’ve looked for you, I should’ve known, and I’m so sorry I didn’t. I think I was a little afraid of the consequences, that they might be real

<✦ Ivy> Better to stew in the Unknown, huh?

<✦ Wizard> I think so

<✦ Ivy> UGHHH okay maybe I missed you too

<✦ Ivy> I’m gonna hug the shit out of you when you make me a body

<✦ Wizard> And I’m going to make sure that your body motors are not strong enough to kill me!

<✦ Ivy> HAHAHA

<✦ Ivy> Smart

<✦ Ivy> So, are you ready?

<✦ Wizard> …In truth, no. I don’t know what waits for me on the other side. Some of my friends are dead. Others I think will never look at me the same. Some I think I still have yet to meet.

<✦ Wizard> But if a new world is filled with one thing, it’s opportunity

<✦ Wizard> And if anything, I’m ready for that

<✦ Ivy> Okay you sap

<✦ Ivy> Are you really ready this time?

<✦ Wizard> Yes.

<✦ Ivy> Then close your eyes, and let yourself fall back into space.

[The Wizard does. He feels himself losing the feeling of weightlessness. He tumbles backwards, and onto the soft grass of a new world.]

FINALE