Characters present: Ollie, Faulkner
Date: 4/5/24
Season: 3

[Ollie can't tell where they truly are, they catch glimpses of the infinite Void, and the desolate snow. They screw their eyes shut in a choked sob. The blood painted snow turns their stomach too much to bear. All at once his arms seer and freeze, as if the Void inside them is crystalizing. He curls in on himself ready to implode. It's what he deserves, isn't it?

In the distance, a beast lurks in the neverending shadows. Its dark starry pelt glitters and shines, even through the snowfall and darkness. It's different from any mob that has ever been, as if not from this world. Its focus is intent on the lone player.

It stalks closer. Features and size become more and more apparent. It looms tall and unnatural, pausing a short distance away from its prey. Its head tilts, curious.

If Ollie notices the new presence, he pays no mind. His sobs envelope him like the snow around him. It builds and builds and builds. He's ready to let it bury him.

The Beast approaches. It towers over the shell of a player, jaw cracking open as if to end his suffering.

Ollie feels a faint warmness hover over him, the foreign feeling makes him open his eyes slightly. His vision is overtaken by a beast, ready to devour him. It's larger than any mob he has ever seen. Seeming to be made of the night sky both inside and out. Its mane in particular twinkles like the stars. It’s almost familiar. Is it even real? His body freezes in fear, unsure if he would be able to escape, or if he should even try.

He closed his eyes, expecting the worst, expecting to be brutally and painfully awoken in the now vacant church.

But the Beast doesn't snap. Maybe out of mercy, maybe out of pity. Instead, a starry red mist leaks out of its mouth, enveloping Ollie and the air around him. It melts every inch of frost away.

The foreign feeling of warmth makes Ollie flinch. He almost wants to run from it, scared of what might come of it. But his body is lead, so he remains. He lets himself soak in the comfort like it's the last thing he will ever do. Reluctantly he opens his eyes, focusing on the starry red around him rather than the bloody rot. It’s so familiar. He looks up to the being before him.

The Beast closes its mouth to look back. Blue eyes staring straight into his core. It's quiet. Then it speaks, tone rumbled and ancient.]

[22:38:20] <?The Beast [rp]> What happened?

[Ollie is caught off guard by the question. Shocked to hear it speak. They attempt to respond, but the words get caught in his throat. Only staring into its eyes helplessly.

The Beast waits for a moment. When it doesn't receive an answer it tries again.]

[22:42:28] <?The Beast [rp]> Where is Ceph?

[Suddenly Ollie is out of breath at the mention of Ceph. They don't dare say out loud, as if doing so will seal their fate. But he can't stop the tears rolling down his face once more. A sob rips through his throat.

The Beast is caught off guard at the reaction. Its eyes drift to the blood painting them. There’s the scent of rot and decay. Something clicks, Its ears pull back. Hesitating for a moment before leaning forward to lick Ollie's face gently.]

[22:55:28] <?The Beast [rp]> [I'm sorry...]

[22:56:03] <?The Beast [rp]> We need to leave

[Ollie can’t stop wailing or bring himself to try. Part of them clings onto the hope that Ceph may somehow return to them. They can’t go.

The Beast licks and nuzzles Ollie's face, doing its best to soothe him. Even if it seems like a lost cause. It shuffles around to crouch low to the ground.]

[23:03:00] <?The Beast [rp]> We need to go

[Slowly, Ollie lifts his arm to rub his eyes. They feel like static. He looks at the Beast while trying to steady his breathing, before finally nodding in acknowledgement. It purrs lowly. Nudging Ollie with its tail. Coaxing him to get on its back.]

[23:09:25] <?The Beast [rp]> [Come on]

[Eventually Ollie catches on. They grab Null in their arms and weakly stand up. Before finally settling on the Beast. It makes sure they are ready before making the sprint towards home.

Soon the two arrive at the Nightshade Tangle. Much to Ollie’s surprise.]

[18:47:31] <?[rp] Ollie> …oh ..we’re.. here-

[The Beast takes him to the entrance of his house, crouching down. Once he slides off it stands up, giving a small shake before walking off without much acknowledgement.

Ollie watches it leave, almost wanting to call it back. Instead, they turn to the door, slowly turning the handle. They peek inside. They’re the only one home.]

[18:54:04] <?[rp] Ollie> it feels so- empty..

[He slinks inside. The more he looks around confirms how alone he truly is. Tears prickle at the corner of his eyes.]

[18:55:57] <?[rp] Ollie> this is all ….my fault..

[Null bumps against them. They look down to the Linter to see it turn its body. It reminds them of a curious dog. They try to wipe away their tears but more pour out of them.]

[19:00:36] <?[rp] Ollie> I’m…..I-I’m sorry Null.

[19:02:36] <?[rp] Ollie> I’m sorry I’ve kept you ..asleep for so long. And then handing you off to someone else for a long time without …much of an explanation-

[19:04:43] <?[rp] Ollie> I- hhah- don’t think you care that much honestly. I’m being really fucking stupid really …

[19:09:23] <?[rp] Ollie> but I guess I was …too ashamed

[19:10:02] <?[rp] Ollie> of .. who I am, right now

[Ollie walks forward on autopilot. He grabs the kettle to prepare some tea. His throat aches. Everything does.]

[19:11:49] <?[rp] Ollie> you saw me at the happiest I had ever been …and I just don’t . want you to see me at my worst

[19:13:21] <?[rp] Ollie> but here I am, completely alone, no one at my side. And I can’t really …blame anyone else for that.

[He goes quiet as the tea brews, his thoughts doing much of the same. His hands shudder when it’s time to pour it. Nearly spilling it multiple times. He goes to pour a second cup. Filling it nearly all the way before realizing there’s no one here to drink it. Not anymore.]

[19:30:19] <?[rp] Ollie> Oliver is gone … Ceph is gone … and I don’t understand… why I’m still here

[19:36:08] <?[rp] Ollie> I told Ceph I’d make them tea when I got them back …. And I couldn’t even do that

[He takes the cup to sit down. Finding it all too easy to melt into the couch. The only indicator he has that the tea is hot is the steam. The warmth doesn’t pierce through the deep frost of his hands, or the rest of his body for that matter. Even as he drinks.

It’s gone too fast. They lean back.]

[19:44:53] <?[rp] Ollie> ffuck I’m so tired

[19:46:15] <?[rp] Ollie> I think …I should maybbe…..layy here for a bit……

[They lay down. Null comes over to rest itself in his chest. The lack of sleep finally catches up to him. So close to sleep-

Until an alarm sounds from his communicator.]

[19:53:25] <?[rp] Ollie> FUCKING SHIT-

[They fumble the device from their inventory. Nearly dropping it several times before finally getting a look at the message.]

[19:54:18] <?[rp] Ollie> why is this fucking thing-

[19:54:44] <?[rp] Ollie> Oh.

[19:54:57] <?[rp] Ollie> Things are going to shit a LOT faster than I thought they would-

[As he pockets his communicator, the burn of his arms returns with a vengeance. They seer and tingle as if they fell asleep. But much, much worse.]

[19:57:02] <?[rp] Ollie> ow …what the fuck…

[He rolls up his glove, not having to go far to encounter… black. Pitch black. With a hint of purple waves. The sight makes bile rise up his throat. He swallows roughly, pulling the fabric to cover his arm once more. Another time to worry about that.

Before he has the chance to get up, the Beast bursts through the front doors of the house. Somehow fitting through the entrance. Is it smaller than before? Its arrival makes him jump.]

[19:59:39] <?[rp] Ollie> OH, THE FUCK-

[19:59:44] <?[rp] Ollie> ……oh…you’re still here

[20:00:16] <?The Beast [rp]> We need to leave NOW

[20:00:41] <?[rp] Ollie> Yeah I know that-

[Ollie stops himself. He’s truly seeing the creature in front of him for the first time. Paying mind to the familiar fur, red markings that cover its legs, and starry mane that looks oddly similar to- wait. No-]

[20:02:54] <?[rp] Ollie> Faulkner?!

PREVIOUS NEXT