UNTITLED SMP
UNTITLED SMP
Characters present: Joco, Prince, Doc
Date: 9/16/23
Season: 3
[In the quiet of the evening, Joco sits at their desk, scribbling a new entry into their diary.
Behind the wall, within the obsidian vault, Doc wakes from his exhaustion coma. He stirs, and sits on the edge of his bed, trying to clear his mind. Doc tries to stand, but stumbles, falling onto the floor beside the bed with a dull thud.
Joco’s ears prick up, and they listen closely for more noise. When nothing else comes, they attribute it to a wandering trader having fallen off the roof again.
Inside, Doc stands. He stumbles over to a wall, and knocks on what he thinks might be a door.
Joco’s ear prick up again, and they call out to him: ]
[18:33:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc? You've got a button in there if you're up
[It takes him several minutes, but Doc finds the button and presses it. He stumbles out of the room, using a hand to stabilize himself against the wall. Joco perks up when they see him.]
[18:34:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, hey! You're awake! I thought I was hearin' things!
[18:34:53] <✦[rp] Joco> D'you want some breakfast?
[Doc takes a moment to respond, rubbing his face.]
[18:35:14] <✦[rp]Doc> No, I woke up just a few minutes ago and I kind of forgot where I was for a second there- that sounds nice.
[Joco stands.]
[18:35:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Alrighty! Yeah, waking up in a new area can be disorienting
[They place their shoulders under Doc’s arm, wrapping their own arm around his back. They walk Doc into the kitchen, pointing out where they can sit.]
[18:35:47] <✦[rp] Joco> You've got a choice of tables, this smaller one or the under the windows
[Doc nods at one.]
[18:36:11] <✦[rp]Doc> How about the one by the windows
[18:36:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Sounds good!
[Joco helps him sit before stepping back.]
[18:36:38] <✦[rp] Joco> What would you like to eat? Anything in mind?
[18:36:47] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh- I don't really mind.
[18:37:01] <✦[rp] Joco> I've got soups, could make a sandwich, whatever might be on the mind
[18:37:52] <✦[rp]Doc> I'll eat anything, really.
[18:38:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright, how about a nice potato.
[Doc nods, pinching the bridge of his nose. Joco goes to rummage through their cabinets, grabbing a potato and popping it into a furnace. Doc looks up at Joco with weary eyes.]
[18:37:59] <✦[rp]Doc> How long have I been asleep?
[Joco presses their lips together. They grab out a melon and a sharp kitchen knife, and begin to cut slices of it.]
[18:38:30] <✦[rp] Joco> A few days, maybe a week?
[They look back to Doc.]
[18:38:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Let's go with a week, that's a good answer.
[Doc raises his eyebrows.]
[18:38:50] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh that is a while.
[Joco waves a hand. They bend down to check the status of the potatoes.]
[18:39:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Just a little hibernation, I've seen some sleep for a month
[Joco grabs the baked potatoes out of the oven, as well as a few slices of watermelon, and hands them to Doc on a plate.]
[18:39:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Here's a few baked potatoes, and some watermelon slices for somethin' a bit sweeter!
[18:40:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Hydration and whatnot
[Doc takes the fork from his plate and begins to eat.]
[18:40:03] <✦[rp]Doc> Has anyone seen any sculk or Prince? Hopefully not.
[Joco wipes their hands on a towel, and cleans off their knife.]
[18:40:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince? We haven't had much word here in Corroded of him, past him writing on our noticeboard
[Joco sits down across from Doc at the table.]
[18:40:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Something about us not getting all the sculk in town
[Doc looks up at Joco with concern.]
[18:40:54] <✦[rp]Doc> He writes on the noticeboard?
[18:41:09] <✦[rp] Joco> I spent a day getting as much sculk out as possible, so I'm hopin' that fixes that
[18:41:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, he wrote on it once
[18:41:42] <✦[rp] Joco> It's not like it's a secret noticeboard, if he came here to shop while nobody was around, then it'd be easy to scrawl somethin down
[18:41:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Which he did. And signed it
[Doc wipes a corner of his mouth, and pushes a piece of stray potato into it.]
[18:41:48] <✦[rp]Doc> I'm hoping he doesn't know that I'm here is all.
[Joco leans back in his chair.]
[18:42:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh yeah no I've heard nothing about him looking for you
[18:42:19] <✦[rp] Joco> Or anyone else, for the matter
[18:43:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Y'know. at least nobody's actively plotting your demise here. 'Cept Finch, but that's an ongoing issue. They like murder
[18:42:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Not that I'm talking to many folks outside the faction, but hey!
[Doc nods. He tries to slow himself down from eating, he’s already inhaled most of the watermelon and about half of his potatoes.]
[18:43:02] <✦[rp]Doc> Well, that's okay. I'm just a little worried. I had some strange dreams while I was out.
[18:43:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Strange dreams?
[What Joco said about Finch finally registers to Doc.]
[18:43:40] <✦[rp]Doc> And why does Finch want to kill me?
[18:44:17] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh they want to kill everything sculk has infected. It's comparable to the Void that took our last world that they tried to befriend, and that upsets them
[18:44:50] <✦[rp] Joco> But they're not allowed to kill a guest of mine. That's just plain rude, especially when said guest doesn't want to be a part of the sculk issue
[Doc folds his hands on the table. He nods down at them.]
[18:46:13] <✦[rp]Doc> I understand, it's okay. I mean, I don't really blame them. It's not a great situation but I don't think there's a lot I can do right now
[18:46:47] <✦[rp] Joco> I honestly don't think killing you would do anyone any good, 'cept them getting to have blood on their hands.
[18:47:36] <✦[rp] Joco> We don't have any options for solving the sculk issue besides managing to eradicate all sculk, and that's not feasible, so they're going for the easier targets.
[18:48:05] <✦[rp]Doc> No, it wouldn't help much. I have some things that I think might work based on what you said, but who knows in reality.
[Joco raises their eyebrows.]
[18:48:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh? Would you like to share?
[18:49:35] <✦[rp]Doc> When I was talking to you and Wiz, one of you said it was like a beacon effect. So if the beacon is destroyed, the effect disappears.
[18:50:08] <✦[rp]Doc> And its part of those strange dreams I had too.
[18:50:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh?
[18:50:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Dreams do often bring interesting ideas.
[Doc speaks slowly, considering his words.]
[18:51:57] <✦[rp]Doc> Well, I was a soldier. I used to be- and that's what I thought about. Some of the sculk, some of what I did when I was fighting
[Joco chuckles slighty, humor in their voice.]
[18:52:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Any war crimes?
[18:52:53] <✦[rp]Doc> Not that I did, but the- convention that outlawed war crimes didn't exist until after this war.
[18:53:02] <✦[rp]Doc> So technically nothing was a war crime
[Joco swallows. That hadn’t been expected.]
[18:53:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh. Well then.
[They nod slowly.]
[18:53:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Statute of limitations excludes crimes committed before the laws were put in place. That's nice.
[Doc brings his good hand to his face, but it falters, and he rubs the side of his neck instead.]
[18:54:19] <✦[rp]Doc> There was a lot of chemical warfare
[18:54:48] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't know that poison or harming potions would work on sculk.
[Doc opens his mouth, and then closes it. He speaks.]
[18:55:11] <✦[rp]Doc> No- probably not.
[18:55:32] <✦[rp] Joco> And every other "chemical" is a lot harder to come across in a world like this, we've less accessible recipes for machines
[18:56:03] <✦[rp]Doc> I could make them, but it probably wouldn't do a whole lot since it's different to what I know.
[18:56:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah, differences in chemical composition would cause problems
[18:56:36] <✦[rp]Doc> I'm not really sure anything I did back then, or had done to me would do anything to it.
[Joco pauses, they shrug slightly, but their posture is tense.]
[18:57:03] <✦[rp] Joco> I'd say it never hurts to try, but it very much so could hurt. It could hurt a whole lot.
[18:58:22] <✦[rp]Doc> Exactly. I've seen people drown in toxic mud over several days before. I don't want to bring that here.
[His fist tightens.]
[18:58:29] <✦[rp]Doc> It's not something I want to bring anywhere
[Joco taps a finger on their cheek.]
[18:58:44] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean, if you did want toxic mud, netherrack is made of some pretty nasty stuff
[Doc shakes his head.]
[18:59:13] <✦[rp]Doc> Not that kind of toxic
[18:59:45] <✦[rp]Doc> It's a- different kind of toxic.
[19:00:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Netherrack mud, when you're exposed to it for too long, gives radiation illness
[He shakes his head again.]
[19:00:38] <✦[rp]Doc> It wasn't radiation based
[19:00:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh?
[Doc’s skin crawls at the memory. He stiffens.]
[19:00:57] <✦[rp]Doc> It was- it killed much faster. Suffocation. It burned you on the outside and the inside.
[Joco draws in a breath, they open their mouth and then close it. Finally, they speak.]
[19:02:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh. That's....
[Doc’s eyes are clouded. Joco looks down at his hand, where he’s begun to rub the pad of his thumb against the tines of the fork.]
[19:03:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes, that's not something we'd want to replicate
[19:03:23] <✦[rp]Doc> And then it would get in the ground. In the mud. It would rain and all the plants were gone because of the shells
[19:04:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Poisoned the earth, that's very not good.
[19:04:13] <✦[rp]Doc> So then if you get stuck in it, it would burn you while you drowned in it.
[There is a long moment of silence. Doc continues to rub his thumb against the tines.]
[19:04:57] <✦[rp] Joco> I've seen a lot of wars, my friend, and only the ones with the worst leaders would go to such extents
[Joco thinks for a moment, speaking up, but shakes their head.]
[19:05:21] <✦[rp] Joco> What could possibly... Nevermind that, we should probably focus on the here and now
[Doc’s shoulders lift and fall just slightly.]
[19:05:43] <✦[rp]Doc> Someone was assassinated. I don't even remember who. It didn't matter to me at all
[Joco opens their mouth and nods.]
[19:06:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, big enough world that the common soldier needn't know the politics
[They lower their head and nod again.]
[19:06:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes, that'll do it.
[When Doc finally speaks, his voice is low and quiet. As he continues, it grows louder and more frantic.]
[19:07:18] <✦[rp]Doc> I didn't know anything. I didn't know why we were fighting or what was going on. It was difficult to communicate too, because of all the languages.
[His voice breaks just barely.]
[19:07:45] <✦[rp]Doc> And I didn't even want to fight
[Joco nods at Doc.]
[19:08:17] <✦[rp] Joco> You don't look like much of a fighter, if you don't mind me sayin'.
[Their eyes move to the infected arm, hanging lamely at Doc’s side.]
[19:08:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Even when you weren't infected.
[Doc draws in a breath. It’s long and laborious. He’s tired. Not just from this world. But many of them long passed.]
[19:09:13] <✦[rp]Doc> I didn't want to be. It certainly wasn't something I planned. I never really liked to fight though, you're right.
[19:09:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Just rotten, war is.
[19:10:40] <✦[rp]Doc> That war changed the course of my whole life. And not for the better.
[Joco heaves a heavy sigh. It rattles in their chest.]
[19:11:13] <✦[rp] Joco> And now we're gearing to a war of our own.
[19:11:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Less populated, and everyone knows what's up, but.
[They open and close their hand. Their hands are calloused from hard labor, not from war. Even still, they can feel a blade in it that isn’t there.]
[19:11:47] <✦[rp] Joco> War is war.
[He shakes his head.]
[19:11:54] <✦[rp]Doc> I could barely do it the first time. I can't go through something like that a second time
[19:12:15] <✦[rp] Joco> The good news is that we don't have chemical warfare. The bad news is that we have magical weapons.
[19:12:25] <✦[rp] Joco> You're from a non-magical world, is my guess?
[19:12:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Or, a minimally magicked one.
[19:12:42] <✦[rp]Doc> Correct
[19:13:10] <✦[rp] Joco> When you don't have magic to test and mess around with, you turn to chemicals and guns and. Atrocities.
[19:13:34] <✦[rp] Joco> We do have magic, and that magic can be used for defense just as much as it can be used for offense.
[Doc sits up slightly. The food seems to finally have reached his system, he’s regained some color in his skin.]
[19:14:31] <✦[rp]Doc> How much magic? Can anyone learn magic?
[Joco ticks off what they’re familiar with.]
[19:15:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, mostly enchantments for tools and armor, and potions.
[There’s a look of disappointment on Doc’s face. Joco shrugs.]
[19:15:10] <✦[rp] Joco> No casting spells to throw fireballs at our enemies.
[Doc nods, eyes refixed on his hands.]
[19:15:18] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh- I see.
[19:15:28] <✦[rp] Joco> But, yeah, I've not yet met a player on a world like this who couldn't enchant things or brew a good potion.
[19:15:54] <✦[rp] Joco> A potion is like tea just. Very, very different. You have to steep it correctly, otherwise it won't work as well
[Doc nods down at the table.]
[19:15:56] <✦[rp]Doc> So that's what I've been making.
[He lifts his head to look up at Joco.]
[19:16:06] <✦[rp]Doc> I thought they were chemical solutions
[19:16:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, yeah. They seem like they should be, but they're more based in magic and the types of the ingredients more than they're based on the composition.
[19:17:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Gold-coated carrots for night vision, pufferfish for water breathing, that sort of thing
[Doc rubs the lower half of his face.]
[19:17:45] <✦[rp]Doc> Interesting.
[19:18:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Yep!
[19:18:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Enchantments are more of a. Let's say inscription? Or writing specific things that'll imbue the object with a magical effect.
[19:19:08] <✦[rp]Doc> I'll have to do more research on that. Maybe that would help to kill the sculk.
[19:19:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe, although most enchantments are positive in effect.
[19:19:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Only a few could be seen as harmful, and that's rarely towards the user.
[Joco brightens.]
[19:20:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe you might be able to piece together something new, who knows!
[Doc stirs slightly from his more slumped over position.]
[19:20:49] <✦[rp]Doc> I'll see what I can do. I definitely feel better now that I've had some rest.
[19:21:11] <✦[rp] Joco> That's good! Do you think you'll be returning home, or will you stay here a while?
[Doc looks down from Joco’s face to the ground, and then to the window, and then back to Joco.]
[19:22:11] <✦[rp]Doc> I'm not sure if it's safe for me to go back to Wisteria even
[Joco jumps up, their tails flicking slightly from side to side with excitement.]
[19:22:44] <✦[rp] Joco> If you're stayin' here, I could show you my potions area and my enchanting room.
[19:22:57] <✦[rp] Joco> They're not the most complex setups, but they do their jobs!
[Doc tips his head forward.]
[19:23:39] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't want to be a burden or anything. I'm sure I could set something up for myself if I needed to.
[Joco shakes their head, making a face.]
[19:24:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, you wouldn't be a burden, I never use the places!
[19:24:21] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm out of the house a lot, working on this and that, wouldn't even notice a thing.
[Doc raises his eyebrows.]
[19:24:56] <✦[rp]Doc> Are you sure? I really could just set up a tent or something
[Joco grins.]
[19:25:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Absolutely! If you wanted a building separated from this place to set up shop in, there's also the house. It's smaller, probably more like you're used to, and it's near the potions area.
[They squint in its direction, but shrug.]
[19:26:20] <✦[rp] Joco> I'd have to move my cats and wolves, get the terracotta out so you'd have storage, but it'd be yours to mess around in!
[Doc shakily manages to stand.]
[19:26:43] <✦[rp]Doc> If you're willing to show me the potion area, I can be wherever. And you don't have to move anything
[19:26:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright!
[Joco watches him, he’s much more steady than he was before.]
[19:27:13] <✦[rp] Joco> I'll probably be moving the animals anyways, into the church. It'd be funny. A congregation of beasties.
[A smile plays on Doc’s lips.]
[19:27:30] <✦[rp]Doc> Aw, that sounds sweet
[He gives an affirmative nod.]
[19:28:10] <✦[rp]Doc> But I would like to see the areas, yes. I know how to work with chemicals and solutions so it should be easy enough for me to make potions
[Joco crosses to give Doc any help he might need walking.]
[19:28:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Here, let's go check them out!
[The two of them leave Joco’s house and head out onto the grounds. The warm sun begins to crest over the horizon, beginning the process of heating up the terracotta to the pleasant Corroded sizzle. Joco points out different locations.]
[19:28:56] <✦[rp] Joco> That's the church on the left
[19:29:03] <✦[rp] Joco> And to the right we have the house!
[They pass by many pens of camels and llamas, as well as a horse stable.]
[19:29:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe you understand why moving the animals would be ideal?
[Doc reaches out, petting the neck of a llama gently.]
[19:29:33] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh you have so many animals! That's fantastic
[Joco watches with some curiosity at the smile on Doc’s face.]
[19:29:49] <✦[rp] Joco> If you'd like them for companionship, they're fine wherever you'd like em.
[Doc gives the llama one more pat before turning back to Joco.]
[19:29:56] <✦[rp]Doc> I won't stop you from moving anything, but I don't think they'd bother me
[19:30:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright!
[They raise their eyebrows.]
[19:30:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Potions area next?
[Doc nods.]
[19:30:15] <✦[rp]Doc> Ah- right
[19:30:39] <✦[rp] Joco> just down here
[Joco helps Doc down, and shows him the small but well kept basement. It smells slightly musty, with the fungal tang of nether wart, but it’s well lit and filled with brewing stands.]
[19:30:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Potions basement!
[Doc nods at it. Joco stands at the entrance as Doc explores.]
[19:30:51] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, I see
[19:30:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Used to be hidden under the outhouse. It's much nicer here.
[Doc fiddles with one of the brewing stands.]
[19:31:09] <✦[rp]Doc> I believe this is much better as well, yes
[Joco crosses the room, tapping their finger on a barrel in the corner.]
[19:31:11] <✦[rp] Joco> There's some ingredients, extra bottles,
[19:31:26] <✦[rp] Joco> And if you need anything, feel free to rummage about in my storage area
[Doc nods as he looks through what’s provided.]
[19:31:36] <✦[rp]Doc> I could definitely make some things out of all this, yes.
[19:31:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Fantastic!
[19:32:25] <✦[rp]Doc> You said there was another area too, enchanting?
[Joco claps their hands together.]
[19:32:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes! Sorry, probably should've started with that
[They hook a thumb over their shoulder.]
[19:32:37] <✦[rp] Joco> It's back in the main base
[They see the look of exhaustion on Doc’s face.]
[19:32:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah.
[Doc waves it away with a hand, he’s gaining his strength back slowly.]
[19:32:52] <✦[rp]Doc> You're fine, I don't mind walking
[They exit the potions room together, walking back towards the main building. Doc nods at an unfamiliar building on his way.]
[19:33:34] <✦[rp]Doc> What's this building?
[19:33:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, that's where I've stored my extra gold blocks
[19:33:51] <✦[rp] Joco> It's. Excessive.
[19:33:56] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, I see. I wondered why it didn't have a sign
[19:34:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh I just forgot to label it.
[Doc peers inside, eyebrows raising at the amount of gold inside.]
[19:34:06] <✦[rp]Doc> This is a lot
[Joco nods in the distance towards an unseen location.]
[19:34:22] <✦[rp] Joco> There's also a village, not many villagers but it's there
[Doc goes to close the door, but Joco raises a hand.]
[19:34:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, I usually leave the doors open
[19:35:00] <✦[rp] Joco> They're placed in a way that means mobs don't wander in
[Joco snaps their fingers.]
[19:35:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Fun mechanic, that is
[Doc’s eyes widen.]
[19:35:14] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, I didn't know you could do that
[19:35:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Yep!
[Joco brings Doc upstairs in the main base, leading him to the small enchanting alcove.]
[19:35:31] <✦[rp] Joco> And right here is the enchanting area
[19:35:38] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, that's what that is for
[Joco nods at the bookshelves.]
[19:35:44] <✦[rp] Joco> It draws power from the nearby books
[19:36:00] <✦[rp] Joco> There's extras in the barrels, along with lapis lazuli for writing and whatnot
[Doc marvels at it all.]
[19:36:45] <✦[rp]Doc> This is all so interesting.
[19:36:48] <✦[rp] Joco> If the anvil breaks from overuse, there's more in the barrels
[19:36:57] <✦[rp]Doc> We didn't have anything like this back home.
[19:37:13] <✦[rp] Joco> That tracks.
[Joco turns their head back to look at Doc.]
[19:37:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Not even a little bit of flying letters and words?
[Doc shakes his head.]
[19:37:53] <✦[rp]Doc> No, it would take months to get letters to each other
[19:37:56] <✦[rp]Doc> Even without the war.
[Joco raises their eyebrows, realizing Doc has misconstrued their question.]
[19:38:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh!
[They cock their head to the side.]
[19:38:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes, I was wondering why you wrote me a letter instead of messaging
[19:38:25] <✦[rp] Joco> I would've been over to your house in a day if you'd sent a DM
[Doc looks confused.]
[19:38:24] <✦[rp]Doc> Messaging?
[Joco knits their brow.]
[19:38:29] <✦[rp] Joco> On your communicator?
[19:38:38] <✦[rp]Doc> On- what?
[Joco pulls out their communicator, showing the screen to Doc.]
[19:38:48] <✦[rp] Joco> This thing? You have one, right?
[Doc looks at it closely.]
[19:39:11] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't know. I'm not sure what that is
[19:39:13] <✦[rp] Joco> It's used for sending messages and calls.
[19:39:22] <✦[rp] Joco> Like a two-way radio. But also for text.
[Doc’s mouth opens and closes. He gestures to the screen, confused.]
[19:39:56] <✦[rp]Doc> What is- that. Why is it making light?
[19:40:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, y'know redstone?
[19:40:22] <✦[rp] Joco> How it can make lamps glow?
[Joco scratches their chin.]
[19:40:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Weird that you didn't get one when you arrived, but
[Doc shrugs.]
[19:40:18] <✦[rp]Doc> Well I never really arrived
[19:40:23] <✦[rp]Doc> I was here before everyone else
[Joco nods, but they shake their head.]
[19:40:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, yeah, that's true. You still arrived in this universe, though
[Doc considers this. He looks stumped.]
[19:41:07] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't even know. I might have one and it may be buried somewhere. And yes, I understand the redstone to an extent
[Joco nods. They stare down at their communicator with some amount of wonder.]
[19:41:17] <✦[rp] Joco> The comms work with the magic of the world, along with being plugged kind of directly into the Code that makes up the world, and with some redstone!
[19:41:27] <✦[rp] Joco> The lights are teeny tiny light bulbs.
[They pull the communicator up to their face.]
[19:41:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Remarkably tiny.
[Doc narrows his eyes, nodding at it.]
[19:41:44] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, I wonder how they do that
[Joco looks up.]
[19:42:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Teeny tiny wires? Probably some magic tossed in there, I've never dissected mine
[19:41:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Things I've only seen replicated in more complex worlds
[They tuck their communicator back into their pocket.]
[19:42:41] <✦[rp] Joco> We really ought to get you a comm, it's useful for calling people and sending instant messages.
[19:43:09] <✦[rp]Doc> I could look back at my house, but I would have to put the skull back on
[19:43:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Let's avoid the skull, maybe
[19:43:27] <✦[rp] Joco> We could use an invisibility potion
[19:44:03] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, that's- that's a good idea
[19:44:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Only thing that'd be visible are some waves in the air, and in the Nether that could be written off as heat
[Joco continues on about the communicators.]
[19:44:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Comms are plugged in to the server's Player Log, so you'd be able to message anyone else with a comm
[19:44:44] <✦[rp]Doc> I see
[19:44:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Including Flick! You mentioned him in your letter, didn't you?
[19:44:59] <✦[rp]Doc> Yes, I think so
[19:45:30] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not sure where he's been, I've sent him a couple messages to no avail, but I could probably go on a bit of a hunt, see if I could find him
[19:45:41] <✦[rp] Joco> I'd have to use elytra, he likes being up high
[Doc nods, worry on his face.]
[19:46:13] <✦[rp]Doc> He's the only one in the faction who ever actually visited me. I just want to make sure he's alright
[Joco’s face mirror’s Doc’s somewhat.]
[19:46:32] <✦[rp] Joco> We became friends in the last world, I'm a bit worried about him too.
[19:46:53] <✦[rp] Joco> I can go on a Flick hunt and you can go on a comm hunt? Does that sound good?
[19:47:15] <✦[rp]Doc> Sure, I'll take one of the potions and head over
[19:47:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, I'd take a few
[19:47:28] <✦[rp] Joco> They only last so long
[Joco turns to leave before turning back to the ground.]
[19:47:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Take as in bring along, not as in drink 6
[Doc nods quickly.]
[19:47:45] <✦[rp]Doc> Right, right.
[Joco claps their hands.]
[19:48:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright! We have a game plan!
[Doc’s arm whips out from where it’s been lying limply at his side. The hand moves upwards, palm facing the sky. The shrieker speaker sprouts out of it, the bone melting and molding from beneath the darkened blue skin.]
[19:49:59] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> game plan?
[Joco recoils in horror as it happens.]
[19:50:01] <✦[rp] Joco> OH that's fucked up
[The hand speaks, Prince’s voice comes crackling through it.]
[19:50:11] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> what's this about a game plan
[Doc’s face contorts, he grabs the arm at the bicep, recoiling in pain. It strikes through him like there’s electricity pulsing through the muscles. They spasm all at once.]
[Joco takes a moment to collect themself from that sight before clearing their throat.]
[19:50:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc. That arm? Royally fucked up
[They wink.]
[19:50:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Get it?
[19:50:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Royally?
[19:50:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Cause?
[Joco leans forward towards the arm.]
[19:50:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Hi Prince. This is Prince, right?
[19:50:40] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i see youve taken the “joco-ster” name
[19:50:50] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> keep your day job
[Joco snorts.]
[19:50:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Buckaroo, there's a reason I was given this name.
[19:51:32] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> yeah i gave it to you like a while ago
[Joco shakes their head.]
[19:51:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Nope
[19:51:41] <✦[rp] Joco> The name Joco Serious.
[Prince laughs.]
[19:52:08] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> not joco silly
[Joco crosses their arms, smiling to themself.]
[19:52:11] <✦[rp] Joco> I was given this name as like. A nickname. Because I can crack jokes and also knuckles.
[Doc clears his throat, shoulder twisted forward to keep the hand as far away from himself as possible.]
[19:52:10] <✦[rp]Doc> And for your information, we are looking into trying to find my communicator. Apparently I was supposed to get one
[19:52:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, he didn't even know what a comm was
[19:52:38] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> fucked up actually
[Joco flicks his eyes up to Doc.]
[19:52:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc, I love you dearly. Your world? Probably a bit behind, technologically
[Prince joins in.]
[19:52:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> pfft yeah
[19:53:06] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> in mine, you could basically send messages with your MIND
[Joco blinks, eyes narrowing.]
[19:53:11] <✦[rp] Joco> That sounds like hell
[Prince continues.]
[19:53:15] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> technically that's because of an implant
[Joco speaks slowly.]
[19:53:20] <✦[rp] Joco> That sounds like a good way to get mind controlled, actually
[19:53:36] <✦[rp] Joco> Or have tech explode in your brain. Or overheat
[Prince trials off.]
[19:53:21] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> and. uh. only exclusive to me
[19:53:50] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> it never exploded to my knowledge
[19:53:23] <✦[rp]Doc> We had radios, that's about it honestly.
[19:53:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Radios are nice, did you listen to Wizard's?
[Doc nods slightly.]
[19:54:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, if something exploded in your brain, I'm sure the damage would've knocked out your short term memory sector.
[19:54:36] <✦[rp] Joco> We love WZRD, he's a remarkably good radio host.
[19:54:56] <✦[rp]Doc> I like listening to that. Lately it's been all I've had in terms of feeling like I have around who actually cares when I'm at home
[19:55:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah....
[19:56:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> fucked up
[19:56:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Hey, hold out your arm and I'll take a picture
[19:56:20] <✦[rp] Joco> With the comm. It works as a camera.
[Joco pulls the communicator out of their pocket again.]
[19:56:25] <✦[rp] Joco> It's got many useful features.
[19:56:32] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh- alright
[Joco angles it over the arm. Doc removes his jacket, and rolls up his sleeve to help with clarity on the image.]
[19:56:35] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not sure you'll figure em all out. But they're there!
[They snap a few images of the arm, including directly into the mouth.]
[19:57:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh cool you taking pictures of me??
[Joco nods as they stare down at the photos.]
[19:57:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah! You're very interesting to look at
[19:57:42] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> awww shucks
[Joco puts their communicator away. Their voice sharpens slightly.]
[19:57:47] <✦[rp] Joco> But you're also causing Doc pain, and that's not great. Would you mind leaving us be? I'd like him to be able to find his comm without passing out from pain and exhaustion
[19:58:06] <✦[rp] Joco> We can talk later maybe! Maybe even when you're not. An arm manifestation?
[19:58:13] <✦[rp] Joco> You can do that still, right? Not be an arm?
[The arm pauses.]
[19:59:30] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh yeah
[19:59:34] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> but id have to decline
[Joco blinks.]
[19:59:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh?
[20:00:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> doc's important yaknow
[20:00:24] <✦[rp] Joco> He is, yes.
[Doc sighs.]
[20:00:41] <✦[rp]Doc> I'm really not.
[20:01:29] <✦[rp] Joco> You're important in your own right, Doc, don't discredit yourself! You've got stuff going on.
[20:00:23] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> cant just let him go
[20:00:59] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not asking you to let him go, you wouldn't do that. I'm asking that you stop being a mouth, your mouthness hurts more than just the plain sculk arm does
[20:01:47] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well i want to talk
[Joco puts their hands on their hips and sighs.]
[20:02:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Alrighty.
[20:02:15] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> yup
[20:02:16] <✦[rp] Joco> What do you want to talk about?
[Doc’s infected arm shrugs.]
[20:02:30] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> idk.
[20:02:35] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> what's the game plan about again
[20:02:41] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> getting doc a comm?
[Doc continues to stand there, letting the arm talk.]
[20:02:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc needs to go look for his comm in his house
[20:03:04] <✦[rp] Joco> And to do that, he needs to not be hunched over in pain because an arm shrieker is sapping his energy
[20:03:13] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> just eat some more food
[20:03:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> get your energy up
[20:03:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Buckaroo, this seems a sap more than just eating can fix
[Almost sarcastically.]
[20:03:45] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> nawww really?
[20:03:54] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> maybe i should be the one eating
[Plainly.]
[20:03:58] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh wait i dont have a mouth
[20:04:01] <✦[rp] Joco> If you were on a more healthy host, eating and sleeping could probably fix it. But he's drained, and you're draining him faster than he can refill
[The arm groans.]
[20:04:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> awwwwww
[20:04:20] <✦[rp]Doc> I think this is what was meant about- the recharging.
[20:04:22] <✦[rp] Joco> I think an arm mouth might make him pass out at this rate, moreso than an arm speaker.
[Prince says this like it’s obvious.]
[20:04:31] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i mean yeah
[20:04:37] <✦[rp]Doc> With the- shrieker or whatever it was. I don't remember.
[20:04:38] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hmmm
[20:04:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes, that'd make sense
[Doc finally is able to look at the arm. He addresses it.]
[20:05:37] <✦[rp]Doc> But Wiz wants to see that happen too, so we can't do that yet
[Prince sighs.]
[20:06:02] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hmm i Guess
[20:06:04] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well.
[20:06:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> doc's already like
[20:06:13] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> not followed orders
[20:06:21] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> so. this is a bit of recompense yknow
[Joco protests, exhaustion in their voice.]
[20:06:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Buckaroo, I don't think draining him will make him follow orders
[20:06:34] <✦[rp] Joco> He's already been handing out the books like you want!
[The arm chuckles.]
[20:06:35] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh tis a punishment jocster
[Doc responds almost to softly to hear.]
[20:06:36] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't even understand what you want me to do
[Prince almost growls.]
[20:06:49] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i said to keep track of ion you dingus
[20:06:52] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> youre her keeper
[Joco turns their head quickly.]
[20:07:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Ion's. A grown adult. Adults don't generally need "keepers"
[20:07:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Especially not one that they barely know
[Prince ignores Joco.]
[20:07:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> and instead youre talking to the jocster in some obsidian vault at the worst place on earth
[Joco sighs.]
[20:07:38] <✦[rp] Joco> We're. Buckaroo we're not in the vault
[20:07:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Buddy.
[Prince pauses.]
[20:08:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> ...i dont have eyes…
[Joco crosses their arms, rolling their eyes.]
[20:08:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah, that tracks
[Doc looks down at the floor.]
[20:08:19] <✦[rp]Doc> I think Ion would try to chop off the arm if they saw me watching them
[20:08:42] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> shaking me damn head
[20:08:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah?
[The arm contorts, turning around so that the palm faces down. The fingers clench together, the four fingers on top, and the thumb on the bottom. It shakes its “head”.]
[20:09:07] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't want to just follow them around. That's not okay. And they already trust you. You just have to ask to talk to them and they'll- want to talk to you
[Joco looks up at Doc.]
[20:09:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Was Ion on the Anti-Prince team?
[20:09:31] <✦[rp]Doc> No, no they're friends.
[Joco looks back to the arm.]
[20:09:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah, no, Prince, people don't usually stalk their friends.
[20:10:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Having Doc stalk Ion'll just harm your friendship
[Prince groans.]
[20:10:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> ehghhh i guessss
[20:10:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Ion might think you don't trust em
[Doc shakes his head at the ground.]
[20:10:44] <✦[rp]Doc> I can't keep track of someone when I feel like I'm going to pass out. I just can't.
[20:10:48] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> but still, you should still be at wisteria my man
[20:11:09] <✦[rp] Joco> He's a grown man, if he needs a quick vacation after his wedding got blown up, then he's allowed a vacation!
[20:11:17] <✦[rp]Doc> Everyone there wants to kill me. I don't really feel great about being there.
[Cold.]
[20:11:35] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i dont care.
[Sweet.]
[20:12:00] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> get back soon, angel
[Doc’s lip flares back into a snarl.]
[20:12:06] <✦[rp]Doc> Don't call me that.
[Joco cocks their head.]
[20:12:15] <✦[rp] Joco> That's kinda weird, Prince
[20:12:24] <✦[rp] Joco> What, are you romantically interested in him??
[Plainly.]
[20:12:29] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> no
[20:12:34] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> im already married
[They shake their head.]
[20:12:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Don't call people angel
[20:12:41] <✦[rp] Joco> And where is your spouse?
[20:12:56] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> youre looking at a part of it colon-three
[Joco squints.]
[20:13:28] <✦[rp] Joco> I have choice words I could say about your spouse's appearance but I'm choosing not to
[Doc’s eyes widen.]
[20:13:19] <✦[rp]Doc> I think he's implying he's- married to the sculk? Is that right?
[The hand contorts again, and snaps a finger gun backwards at Doc.]
[20:13:33] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> got it in one cocktor
[Joco rolls their eyes.]
[20:13:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh that's. You're getting worse, Prince
[Doc lets out a deeply exhausted sigh.]
[20:14:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Getting further from an acceptable nickname
[20:14:31] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> fineeee i wont use cocktor again
[20:14:34] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> but im keeping angel
[Doc’s eyes slowly trace up to Joco’s. There’s a deep sadness in them.]
[20:14:11] <✦[rp]Doc> I guess I'm going back home.
[20:14:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, you were going to head home anyway for your comm hunt
[The hand makes a little excited wave.]
[20:15:05] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oooh cool
[20:15:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> good good
[20:15:28] <✦[rp]Doc> Right, right. But I guess we don't have to bother about the invisibility potions anymore. Because I'll just stay there.
[Sing-songy.]
[20:15:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince~, please can he come for sleepovers?
[20:15:18] <✦[rp] Joco> It's really fun having him over
[Joco mouths “trust me” to Doc. Doc gives Joco a slow nod.]
[20:15:48] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> sleepovers?
[20:15:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Sleepovers!
[The arm goes to tap Doc’s chin, and he recoils backwards.]
[20:15:58] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oooh!
[20:16:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> that does sound fun
[20:16:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Like he's had the past few days, he was just takin' a good sleep
[20:16:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Awesome! Sleepovers!
[The hand holds up a finger.]
[20:16:34] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i didnt say yes
[20:16:36] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i got conditions
[Joco put their hands on their hips and leans forward towards the hand.]
[20:16:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Conditions? Do you have shampoos?
[Joco laughs at their own joke.]
[20:17:03] <✦[rp] Joco> I am on a roll tonight. This is great.
[20:17:14] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> keep your day job
[20:17:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc do you. Have a day job?
[20:17:47] <✦[rp]Doc> I'm the president still. I think. I'm not really sure.
[20:17:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh.
[The hand interrupts.]
[20:17:57] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well! my conditions are that i have to be there colon-three
[20:18:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Your public opinion can't be high, when two of-
[20:18:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Buckaroo, I don't know what you're expecting from the sleepovers. It's mostly sleep, when you're not a teenager
[20:18:38] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well i love sleeping
[20:18:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Sleep and nice foods
[20:18:45] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i do it most days
[20:18:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Will you be "here" as an arm? Or should I make an extra bed?
[20:19:04] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> both at the same time
[20:19:11] <✦[rp] Joco> That sounds exhausting
[Doc looks confused.]
[20:19:17] <✦[rp]Doc> How will you be- both at the same time
[The hand contorts into a “y” handshape, and shakes it.]
[20:19:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> colon-three
[20:19:40] <✦[rp]Doc> What- what does that mean. Do you know?
[20:20:00] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean, I'm assuming he's merged with the sculk-hive-mind.
[The hand nods.]
[20:20:26] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> merged. yes
[20:19:37] <✦[rp] Joco> What if I make you. Pajamas. And you do just a body and not arm speaker.
[Joco frowns.]
[20:20:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm. Actually, Princey, there might be an issue with sleepover.
[They tap their chin in mock naivety.]
[20:20:57] <✦[rp] Joco> 'Cause a lot of the Corroded folk don't like you? And want you dead? So I might get kicked out if I'm found out for having fun sleepovers with you here.
[Plainly.]
[20:21:11] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well dying is fine
[20:21:23] <✦[rp] Joco> What if. Can you possess any shrieker? If I just place a shrieker during sleepover times, could you possess that?
[With excitement.]
[20:21:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> if it means sleepovers!
[20:21:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Nobody sees you come in and out, but you still get to be here!
[20:21:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well im already in verdegris so
[Joco realizes maybe they didn’t think this through.]
[20:21:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah. Yeah.
[20:22:08] <✦[rp] Joco> But like, you know nobody's happy about that, right?
[The hand makes Doc’s arm shrug.]
[20:22:24] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> sure, but hey, its your funeral, i love dying
[20:22:29] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i died a lot
[20:22:31] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> made for it even
[20:22:39] <✦[rp] Joco> That's rough, buddy
[20:22:48] <✦[rp] Joco> I've never permadied. Yet!
[They nod.]
[20:22:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Not allowed to
[20:22:54] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> someone's gotta break so others dont
[The hand hooks a thumb over Doc’s shoulder.]
[20:23:02] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> and that job is on me
[Joco squints.]
[20:23:13] <✦[rp] Joco> You probably need therapy.
[20:23:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> my dad says that i dont need it
[Prince changes the topic back to the sleepover.]
[20:23:13] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> so uh where you guys at
[Doc starts to get a bit wobbly on his feet.]
[20:23:37] <✦[rp]Doc> I think I'll need some help getting back to Wisteria
[20:23:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh dear
[20:23:52] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well i can escort you
[20:24:18] <✦[rp]Doc> You're my arm, you can't really hold me up
[20:24:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, darlin', you're not better liked by the Wisterians other than Ion
[20:24:33] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well doesnt mean i cant help my angel
[Joco squints at Prince.]
[20:24:46] <✦[rp] Joco> Are you sure you're not trying to flirt with him???
[20:24:50] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> nope
[20:24:53] <✦[rp] Joco> It sounds like you're trying to flirt with Doc
[20:25:13] <✦[rp] Joco> I think flirting with your dad's ex-fiance is a bad thing
[Prince speaks up through the arm.]
[20:25:09] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hey joco im at your place
[Joco opens their mouth.]
[20:25:22] <✦[rp] Joco> What ?
[20:25:30] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh cool potion bottle thing
[20:25:41] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> THERE'S A CHURCH HERE?
[Joco rubs their face.]
[20:25:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah alright this is a headache and a half.
[20:26:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> that's the second church ive seen
[20:26:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, do you mind dropping the shrieker and just coming up here to talk, so Doc can recoup?
[20:26:09] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> ooh cool pets
[Prince chuckles darkly.]
[20:26:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> would be a shame if anything happened to em, eh?
[20:26:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Probably?
[Doc shakes his good hand at Joco, beginning to back away.]
[20:26:20] <✦[rp]Doc> Sorry- I'll just head back. You don't have to- you don't have to come back with me.
[20:26:51] <✦[rp]Doc> Where was the portal again?
[Prince speaks up, his voice muffled.]
[20:26:44] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh!
[20:26:52] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hold on
[Joco looks around, suddenly very nervous.]
[20:26:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc, I can help you back, I could probably carry you
[20:27:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Bridal carry and sprint.
[20:27:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Could be fun!
[The shrieker speaker fods up and disappears. The door opens, Prince appears before them.]
[20:27:19] <✦[rp] Prince> sup guys
[His eyes glow a dark red, almost glowing in their sockets.]
[20:27:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh.
[20:27:45] <✦[rp] Joco> You really ought to buy a new pair of sunglasses
[Joco looks down at the open bathrobe Prince has been wearing.]
[20:27:59] <✦[rp] Joco> And. Wear something more than a bathrobe.
[20:28:07] <✦[rp] Prince> its casual wear
[20:28:16] <✦[rp] Prince> i dont even have anything to cover up
[20:28:20] <✦[rp] Prince> i COULD be naked
[Joco wrinkles their nose.]
[20:28:22] <✦[rp] Joco> It's the thought that counts
[20:28:22] <✦[rp] Prince> thought of that
[20:28:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Ope
[20:28:25] <✦[rp] Prince> im being nice here
[Doc leans against a wall for support.]
[20:28:26] <✦[rp]Doc> You look different
[Prince nods.]
[20:28:31] <✦[rp] Prince> yea
[20:28:36] <✦[rp] Prince> ascension does that to you
[Joco hurries over to help Doc sit down on the steps. He obliges.]
[20:28:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright, Doc, sit on the steps for me real quick
[Doc sits on the steps, leaning his head against the wall.]
[Joco stands, looking over at Prince.]
[20:28:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, you want anything?
[20:28:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Berries, pie, fish?
[Across the room, Doc squeezes his eyes tight, trying to forget what was happening.]
[20:29:03] <✦[rp] Prince> fish is a classic for me
[20:29:07] <✦[rp] Joco> raw or cooked?
[20:29:12] <✦[rp] Prince> both is fine
[20:29:20] <✦[rp] Prince> raw is a treat though
[Joco disappears into the kitchen, they reappear with fish for Prince, and an assortment of vegetables and fruits for Doc.]
[20:30:00] <✦[rp] Prince> oh hell yeah salmon
[20:30:05] <✦[rp] Joco> alright, 3 salmon, 2 raw, and a cooked cod for Prince
[20:30:09] <✦[rp] Joco> And
[20:30:21] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh- thank you
[20:30:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Potatoes, beets, melon slices, and a glass of milk!
[20:30:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Bit of a selection, eat what you want
[Prince rips the fish apart ravenously, he moans as he bites into the smoked salmon.]
[20:30:37] <✦[rp] Prince> god joco this is so good
[Joco nods with a smile.]
[20:30:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Thank you!
[20:30:38] <✦[rp] Joco> They're high-calories
[20:30:42] <✦[rp] Prince> whatd you even put it in it
[They grin as they recite what they added.]
[20:31:15] <✦[rp] Joco> A mix of stuff, some garlic, some sea salt, a bit of dried berry,
[Prince shouts back at them.]
[20:31:26] <✦[rp] Prince> THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT SPICES IN FOOD?
[Joco looks at Prince in confusion.]
[20:31:34] <✦[rp] Joco> .... Yes
[Prince looks down at the fish like it’s the first good thing he’s ever eaten.]
[20:31:36] <✦[rp] Prince> fuck this is delicious.........
[Doc looks up from where he’s leaned against the wall.]
[20:31:39] <✦[rp]Doc> Prince, do you not know what- spices are?
[Prince shrugs, speaking through a full mouth.]
[20:31:46] <✦[rp] Prince> i just never used them
[20:31:53] <✦[rp]Doc> Why- why not?
[Joco adds: ]
[20:32:08] <✦[rp] Joco> To be fair, it took me a couple hundred years to learn how to spice well, so I just used salt
[20:32:26] <✦[rp] Joco> It's a learning curve! Stepping outside your norm.
[20:32:09] <✦[rp] Prince> dad never used them for his cooking, so i never used it
[20:32:36] <✦[rp] Prince> and i like eating his food so he's happy that im eating something that he made
[20:32:47] <✦[rp] Joco> That's lovely
[Prince nods.]
[20:32:53] <✦[rp] Prince> mhm!
[He stares into the distance, a slight smile on his face.]
[20:32:56] <✦[rp] Prince> i love his food
[Joco leans back against the wall, watching Prince eat.]
[20:32:56] <✦[rp] Joco> He's still alive, yes?
[20:33:00] <✦[rp] Prince> oh yeah
[Prince narrows his eyes.]
[20:33:02] <✦[rp] Prince> i think
[20:33:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh that's very lovely
[20:33:21] <✦[rp] Prince> mhm
[20:33:25] <✦[rp] Prince> i love my dad
[20:33:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Dads are great
[20:33:36] <✦[rp]Doc> That's sweet.
[20:33:40] <✦[rp] Prince> mhm!
[Prince shakes his head.]
[20:33:45] <✦[rp] Prince> my sister doesnt like him though
[Doc looks down at the plate on his lap.]
[20:33:48] <✦[rp]Doc> I wonder if my kids miss me.
[20:34:33] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm sure they do, you seem like a good father, Doc
[20:35:02] <✦[rp]Doc> I miss my kids dearly, I can say you that much
[Prince looks over at Doc, and then at Joco. He looks down at the floor and shakes his head.]
[20:34:26] <✦[rp] Prince> i dont think my dad misses me
[20:34:37] <✦[rp] Prince> main me is still at home
[20:34:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Hard to miss someone who's not really gone?
[20:35:09] <✦[rp] Prince> i guess
[20:35:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Clone, right?
[20:35:41] <✦[rp] Prince> clone and splinter
[20:35:52] <✦[rp] Prince> i think
[20:35:55] <✦[rp] Joco> That'll do it, yeah.
[Prince clears his throat, he looks around.]
[20:36:23] <✦[rp] Prince> cool place you got here
[20:36:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Thanks!
[Joco watches Prince’s face for a moment before he speaks.]
[20:36:24] <✦[rp] Joco> If your source isn't gone, there's still that one to love, it'd be confusing to try and love all of the clones as much as you love your own kid
[20:36:40] <✦[rp]Doc> I imagine that might be a bit confusing
[20:37:17] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh yes, very, I saw one instance where there was around 5 clones of this one guy and he insisted they all be loved as he was, so his parents just disowned all of them
[Prince winces and shivers, but he tries to smile anyway.]
[20:38:04] <✦[rp] Prince> at least ceph is still here
[20:38:07] <✦[rp] Prince> wherever they are
[He nods to himself.]
[20:38:25] <✦[rp] Prince> they probably miss me
[20:38:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Has Ceph adopted you? Or was it more of a "You're my dad now" situation
[20:38:49] <✦[rp] Prince> he's my new dad, so yes
[Joco looks confused.]
[20:39:05] <✦[rp] Joco> OK but did he say the words "I am your dad" or was it more of like. vibes.
[Doc looks at Joco with confusion.]
[20:41:34] <✦[rp]Doc> How does that even have vibes?
[Joco snorts.]
[20:43:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Trust me, it's happened to me a few times where someone didn't know my full situation and decided to take me under their wing without ever saying "I'm your parent now"
[20:44:10] <✦[rp]Doc> Interesting.
[Joco looks over at Prince.]
[20:44:30] <✦[rp] Joco> So! Has Ceph said the words yet, or just Dad Vibes?
[Prince opens his mouth.]
[20:43:58] <✦[rp] Prince> well.
[20:44:33] <✦[rp] Prince> its like
[His voice breaks slightly.]
[20:44:46] <✦[rp] Prince> well
[20:46:59] <✦[rp] Prince> well. its like
[He sighs.]
[20:47:14] <✦[rp] Prince> we rarely talk, and the times we do its in a group setting with at least one other person there
[His voice brightens.]
[20:47:29] <✦[rp] Prince> so. exactly like my dad
[20:47:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm.
[20:47:50] <✦[rp]Doc> Really?
[Joco tips their head to the side.]
[20:48:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, I rarely talk to Dan outside of a group setting, but he's not my dad.
[20:48:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Most dads will talk to you 1 on 1.
[20:48:29] <✦[rp]Doc> I talk- talked. To my kids one on one all the time.
[20:48:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe your first dad's just like. Bad at being a dad to you. Maybe not to your source, but to you individually?
[Prince considers this.]
[20:48:46] <✦[rp] Prince> hmmmm
[But then rejects it.]
[20:48:51] <✦[rp] Prince> well still ceph's my dad
[20:48:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright!
[20:48:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Well.
[Joco pushes off the wall, they walk over to help Doc up.]
[20:49:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc, are you feelin' up to walking home?
[20:49:14] <✦[rp]Doc> I should.
[Prince stands up from where he’d found a seat to eat.]
[20:49:24] <✦[rp] Prince> let's get you home now
[Joco grabs an elytra off their work bench.]
[20:49:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Here, I'll go grab a strength pot for you real quick, give you a boost
[Doc nods slowly, standing up after a few seconds.]
[Joco flies off to grab a potion and returns, handing it to Doc.]
[20:51:07] <✦[rp] Joco> This one's a longer term, weaker potion
[20:51:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Good for a boost for a walk
[Doc takes it.]
[20:51:17] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh, thank you. Should I drink it now?
[20:51:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Sure!
[20:51:28] <✦[rp] Joco> I've also grabbed a stronger, shorter lasting one
[20:51:43] <✦[rp] Joco> It's kind of like liquid adrenaline
[Doc uncorks it the long term potion. He drinks it quickly, and recoils slightly at the taste.]
[20:51:48] <✦[rp]Doc> Hopefully I won't end up needing it anytime soon
[20:51:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Yep!
[20:52:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright, off we go!
[20:52:04] <✦[rp] Prince> yup!
[The three of them travel through the Nether to Doc’s manor. Joco’s words echo throughout the empty dimension.]
[20:52:13] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't think invis pots will be of use right now, with this trio
[Doc nods.]
[20:52:24] <✦[rp]Doc> No, I thought as much
[The three arrive at Doc’s home. Prince deflates slightly as he sees that Doc has removed all of the sculk he added.]
[20:55:16] <✦[rp] Prince> aww
[20:55:20] <✦[rp] Prince> its all gone
[Doc’s voice is dark.]
[20:55:32] <✦[rp]Doc> I got rid of it all. So it wouldn't infect anyone else.
[20:55:56] <✦[rp] Prince> shame
[Prince takes off towards the mansion, through a heavy torrent of rain, heading inside before they can. Joco holds up an arm to shield themself from the rain pouring down from above.]
[20:55:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Wow, I forget how much rain can fall
[Doc nods.]
[20:56:08] <✦[rp]Doc> The rain is nice
[Joco helps Doc towards his front door.]
[20:56:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, Doc, I'm no medic, but I'm prescribing you some good sleep
[The “doorbell” Prince installed goes off. Joco cringes back at the sudden loud noise.]
[20:56:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh that's a shrieker.
[20:56:40] <✦[rp]Doc> Where? I thought I got rid of them
[He spots the one above the doorway, and points it out to Joco,]
[20:57:07] <✦[rp]Doc> I found- I found it
[20:57:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Gross!
[Joco helps Doc inside. The two begin up the stairs. What Joco said finally registers to Doc, and he turns to Joco with a look of confusion.]
[20:56:28] <✦[rp]Doc> I just woke up- what?
[Joco pats him on the back.]
[20:56:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Yep
[20:56:38] <✦[rp] Joco> And you look ready to pass out again
[20:56:59] <✦[rp] Joco> One long rest isn't going to fix fatigue, it takes rest and eating and more rest and more eatin
[Joco turns as they hear the sound of sculk being placed down in the room up the stairs. They look up to see Prince with his back turned to them.]
[20:57:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince
[Prince freezes.]
[20:57:42] <✦[rp] Prince> yes
[20:57:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince are you actively installing more sculk
[Prince turns around.]
[20:57:48] <✦[rp] Prince> what
[20:57:56] <✦[rp] Prince> pffffffft whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
[He hides a sculk sensor behind his back. Joco huffs.]
[20:57:58] <✦[rp] Joco> That's so rude, after he spent so long cleaning up the place to his own liking
[Prince shakes his head almost too much.]
[20:58:00] <✦[rp] Prince> nooooooooooooo
[20:58:16] <✦[rp] Joco> How would you feel if I went to your base and started clearing out the blocks you liked so much?
[20:58:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Tossing in blocks you don't like
[Prince moves his hands on one side of his body.]
[20:58:26] <✦[rp] Prince> well that's removal
[And then the other.]
[20:58:28] <✦[rp] Prince> im adding
[Plainly.]
[20:58:28] <✦[rp] Joco> diorite
[Prince holds his hands above his head.]
[20:58:35] <✦[rp] Prince> im fine with diorite
[Doc groans.]
[20:58:40] <✦[rp]Doc> His house is probably just sculk.
[20:58:52] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't think it is?
[Prince chides as he walks down the stairs towards them: ]
[20:58:57] <✦[rp] Prince> doc
[20:59:00] <✦[rp] Prince> youve been to my base
[Doc narrows his eyes.]
[20:59:06] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't remember it
[Joco presses their lips together.]
[20:59:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Orbs?
[20:59:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Is it the orbs?
[Prince points at Joco, stopping.]
[20:59:13] <✦[rp] Prince> wait
[20:59:23] <✦[rp] Prince> how do you know what my base looks like
[20:59:27] <✦[rp] Joco> I've seen em when I visit, I was curious what topside looks like
[20:59:28] <✦[rp] Prince> i dont think ive ever invited you
[20:59:37] <✦[rp] Prince> howd you know its mine
[Joco puts a hand on their hip, standing to their full height on the stairs.]
[20:59:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, bud, it's very visible from the station. It has Warden Orbs
[Doc’s becoming delirious.]
[20:59:46] <✦[rp]Doc> The orbs- mmhm. With the- wardens in them
[20:59:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Nobody else would just have. Wardens in orbs.
[21:00:05] <✦[rp] Joco> This isn't as suspicious as you're making it out to be.
[They nod towards him.]
[21:00:11] <✦[rp] Joco> You have unique taste.
[Prince walks down the steps until his crotch is right at Joco’s face.]
[21:00:16] <✦[rp] Prince> hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
[Joco wrinkles their nose.]
[21:00:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Please remove your kitty crotch from my face.
[Prince snickers before stepping to the side.]
[21:00:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Thank you
[Joco helps Doc up the next set of stairs, continuing to chastise Prince.]
[21:00:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Anyways
[21:00:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Adding decor to someone else's house isn't nice
[Prince snorts.]
[21:01:12] <✦[rp] Prince> pffffffffffft
[Joco gestures to Doc.]
[21:01:18] <✦[rp] Joco> You've already infected the man, let him at least have a house to his own liking
[21:01:19] <✦[rp] Prince> yae. sure bud
[21:01:42] <✦[rp] Prince> yeah. alright. not
[21:01:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince I've had centuries to learn social rules. Adding decor is definitely not following those rules
[21:01:49] <✦[rp] Joco> It's very rude, in fact
[21:01:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Especially if it's not to their taste
[21:01:57] <✦[rp] Prince> who cares about rules
[21:02:01] <✦[rp] Prince> i dont care for em
[21:02:06] <✦[rp] Prince> rules are made to be broken
[Joco flattens their ears.]
[21:02:08] <✦[rp] Joco> You literally put rules in place for sleepovers
[Prince holds up a finger.]
[21:02:18] <✦[rp] Prince> those r conditions not rules
[Joco flips their free hand over.]
[21:02:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Tomato, Tomato
[Prince sticks his tongue out at Joco.]
[21:02:54] <✦[rp] Prince> anywho
[21:03:04] <✦[rp] Prince> im going home
[21:03:09] <✦[rp] Prince> ive got looney tunes to watch
[Prince walks into the fire in the hearth on the next floor.]
[21:03:14] <✦[rp] Joco> ....
[21:03:15] ✦[rp] Prince went up in flames
[Doc blinks slowly.]
[21:03:15] <✦[rp]Doc> What?
[Joco lets out a long sigh.]
[21:03:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah okay that tracks
[He continues to help Doc upstairs, pushing open the door to Doc’s bedroom. Joco sets Doc down gently on his bed.]
[21:03:52] <✦[rp] Joco> I can come back tomorrow to help clear out the sculk stuff if you'd like
[21:04:41] <✦[rp]Doc> We can wait until- Wiz comes to take a look at the arm while it talks too. And he'll probably just put more in my house regardless
[21:05:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes, but sometimes it's nice to fight a pointless battle simply for the small feeling of winning, if just for a moment
[Doc looks very small alone on the bed.]
[21:05:52] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't have the energy for that right now. I just don't
[Joco smiles.]
[21:06:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, lucky for you, I have both the time and energy
[21:06:18] <✦[rp] Joco> And the spite. Spite helps.
[Doc looks up at Joco with concern.]
[21:06:23] <✦[rp]Doc> I don't want you to risk getting infected
[Joco snorts.]
[21:06:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc, I spent weeks down in abandoned cities infested with this stuff, I know how to disinfect
[21:07:24] <✦[rp] Joco> That was before Prince was here, but still.
[Doc nods.]
[21:07:31] <✦[rp]Doc> If you insist on it, you can do whatever you like. I won't stop you
[21:07:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Alright!
[21:08:04] <✦[rp] Joco> If you find your comm, try calling or sending me a text?
[Doc opens his mouth as he remembers what they had planned.]
[21:08:22] <✦[rp]Doc> Oh- right. I'll dig around in storage for it. It probably ended up somewhere in there.
[Joco grins.]
[21:08:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Fantastic!
[21:08:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, I hope your day gets a little better! I've got stuff in a furnace back home I need to pull out
[Doc nods at Joco.]
[21:09:03] <✦[rp]Doc> Of course, I'll likely just rest more. Have a good day
[Joco waves to Doc as they stand in the doorway to his bedroom.]
[21:09:12] <✦[rp] Joco> See you later
[21:09:19] <✦[rp]Doc> Be safe
[21:09:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Of course, you too. As best possible
[21:09:43] <✦[rp]Doc> Thank you for your help
[Joco leaves out the door, slapping down a sculk sensor as they go]
[21:10:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Eugh, these things