UNTITLED SMP
UNTITLED SMP
Characters present: Joco / Wizard / Doc / Prince
Date: 9-23-23
Season: 3
[The Wizard and Joco rush up the stairs to Doc’s portal]
[19:24:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc sent the message about a half an hour ago, do you think he's okay?
[19:24:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm worried, he sounded frantic
[19:24:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah
[19:24:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He seemed panicked
[The two of them burst through the portal. The Wizard throws open the door to the manor, and he and Joco hurry inside.]
[19:25:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc?
[19:25:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is everything alright?
[19:25:32] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I brought bread.
[Doc sits close to the fireplace. The firelight dances against his glasses.]
[19:25:35] <✦[rp] Doc> Oh, it started doing it again. I think
[19:25:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You think?
[19:25:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is it still speaking?
[The Wizard walks over to inspect the arm.]
[19:26:06] <✦[rp] Doc> I'm having a difficult time with- figuring out if it's talking outside or not.
[19:26:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ah, yeah, that makes sense
[19:26:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm sorry you're dealing with this, buckaroo
[The Wizard reaches forward for the arm, but it flinches away from him.]
[19:27:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dear Void I think it just twitched
[19:27:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I mean, not the worst thing it's done.
[19:27:21] <✦[rp] Doc> You haven't seen it do- the thing yet.
[19:27:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ...The thing?
[19:27:43] <✦[rp] Doc> Joco did you tell him about the thing that it does? With the- with the speaker?
[19:27:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do you mean a speaker?
[19:28:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah, we discussed it as a group?
[19:28:28] <✦[rp] Doc> Well Joco saw it
[The Wizard pinches the bridge of his nose. His face is weary with exhaustion.]
[19:28:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right, it's like a shrieker or something
[19:28:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm remembering now
[19:28:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Funky bone shrieker. Fucked up stuff.
[19:28:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dear Void maybe I've not been getting enough sleep
[19:28:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wow. Am I the most well-rested here? That's weird.
[19:29:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, when it spoke earlier, what did it say to you?
[19:29:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You seemed mighty panicked
[19:29:49] <✦[rp] Doc> I'm not really sure how much of that went through the communicator, honestly.
[19:30:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It was mostly muffled background noise, and your voice through the receiver
[19:31:11] <✦[rp] Doc> Uh- I can't remember, really. The specifics.
[The Wizard furrows his brow, but nods.]
[19:31:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Do we think it'll do the thing if we just like. Say his name? Like summoning a ghost?
[19:31:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He does like the sound of his own name
[19:32:07] <✦[rp] Doc> He can hear some things, yes. If you ask it'll probably come out.
[19:32:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Are you okay with calling him?
[19:32:44] <✦[rp] Doc> Mhm
[19:32:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alrighty, well,
[19:33:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince? You wanna chat with us?
[19:33:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, Prince, are you there?
[Doc reaches over and pokes the arm. It begins to tremble and shake. The Wizard shuffles forward with curiosity. Something…writhes under the skin. Tendrils snake their way beneath the surface of the flesh, almost as if something is trying to push its way out. Doc whips his other hand up, grasping onto the arm, his face contorted in pain. The Wizard watches the arm move with a strange look in his eye.]
[19:35:20] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Eugh
[Joco cringes back, looking away from the arm and into the fire.]
[19:35:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That. Didn't happen last time.
[The Wizard speaks as if stuck in a trance.]
[19:35:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, let it go
[19:35:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think he's just showing off
[Doc’s voice breaks.]
[19:35:53] <✦[rp] Doc> It hurts- just give me a moment
[This seems to break the Wizard out of whatever mindset he had fallen into, he backs away.]
[19:36:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right, sorry I wasn't thinking-
[Doc’s arm begins to shake, pustules appearing on the surface of the skin. At first they look like dark welts, then the skin begins to pucker. All at once whatever it was that writhed beneath the flesh bursts to the surface. Black tentacles slither from the pustules on the surface, wriggling above the skin.]
[19:36:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh!
[With an almost medical fascination: ]
[19:36:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Horrifying...
[Doc wrenches his other hand back from where it had gripped onto the infected arm, not wanting it to get infected as well. His palm flicks up into the air, the skin in the center of it shivering. One of the lines in Doc’s palm opens, revealing a dark maw sharp with rows and rows of teeth.]
[19:37:14] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> you called?
[The Wizard’s voice is uncharacteristically cold.]
[19:37:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hello Prince
[19:37:51] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh! wizman. Hiya.
[19:37:58] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> why r u here
[19:38:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> To see this whole...display in action
[19:38:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince do you like body horror or something
[19:38:17] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> wdym
[19:38:26] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> what's horror
[19:38:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think the grotesque is just his prerogative
[19:38:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not enough to just infect Doc's arm, gotta control it as well?
[19:39:04] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> just felt particularly stronger is all
[Joco finally stomachs a look, and then double takes.]
[19:39:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh wow there's teeth.
[Doc grips at his stomach, looking like he might pass out.]
[19:38:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah, Doc, let's have you sit down
[The Wizard remembers himself again, he moves to help Doc sit down, but Doc drops to sit on the floor.]
[19:39:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh-
[19:39:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well alright
[Joco joins Doc on the floor. The Wizard continues to stand, haloed by the fire behind him. The arm shrugs.]
[19:39:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> could manifest more. yknow how it tis
[Doc’s voice is a whisper.]
[19:39:40] <✦[rp] Doc> Please don't do that
[The pustules begin to ooze a thick, dark liquid. Doc shudders at the awful sensation.]
[19:39:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And you went with tentacles?? And teeth?
[19:39:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And pustules?
[19:40:15] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i mean.
[19:40:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> sure
[19:40:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alrighty
[19:40:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Well.
[The arm lifts up into the air, leaving a miserable Doc sitting on the floor with one appendage dangling in the air. It almost gloats as it hangs above his head. The Wizard reaches forward with his metal arm, and grasps Doc’s infected arm in a vice grip.]
[19:40:53] <✦[rp] Doc> Ah-
[19:40:32] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hey ehy ehy
[19:40:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This is a bit excessive, Prince
[19:40:35] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hands off
[The arm tries to wiggle out of the Wizard’s grip.]
[19:40:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He just wants to look at your work
[19:40:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Admire it, and whatnot.
[19:41:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It is impressive, for all that it's. The absolute worst thing ever.
[The arm continues to wiggle, shifting and spasming beneath the Wizard’s grip.]
[19:41:04] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> don't care. don't wanna be touched
[Doc winces, it’s clear the sudden movement was at least slightly painful.]
[19:41:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> Garghp
[19:41:23] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> no no no
[19:41:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> stop
[The Wizard grips tighter onto the arm, keeping it in his grasp.]
[19:41:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> If Doc didn't get to chose to be a host, you don't get to choose what you want here either
[Strained: ]
[19:41:29] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i know your look
[19:41:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You don't want to be touched, Doc doesn't want to be infected
[19:41:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've tried to be nice about this, Prince, but this has gone too far
[19:41:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The power's gone to your head
[19:42:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You should really let him go
[Doc's Arm squirms and tries to break free from the grip]
[19:42:02] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> stop stop stop
[It stutters with every word: ]
19:42:45] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> you're not my dad
[Doc squeezes his eyes shut tight, tears of pain forming in the corners of his eyes. The Wizard moves his arm to grip at the base of the arm, where the tourniquet had been, hoping to keep Doc from too much pain.]
[The arm takes the moment to try and bite the Wizard’s hand. The teeth bounce off hard brass.]
[19:42:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> pfft
[19:43:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hope you didn't break any arm-teeth
[19:43:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Haha! Good try, Prince
[19:43:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Wrong arm for biting
[He tightens his grip around the base of the arm.]
[19:43:23] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hughuha ouch ouchies
[19:43:35] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> why do you have a metal arm??
[Through gritted teeth: ]
[19:43:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A void-damned Unknown took it from me
[19:44:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I have little patience today Prince
[Joco pipes up as the mouth recoils from the attempted bite.]
[19:43:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Is there rabies in this world? Do we need to worry about arm-rabies?
[19:43:54] <✦[rp] Doc> Rabies has a vaccination
[19:44:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We don't have vaccinations, here, Doc
[19:44:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Not in this specific world
[19:44:25] <✦[rp] Doc> Then probably not- rabies either.
[19:44:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> im vaccinated either way
19:44:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alright
[The Wizard’s voice is sharper than normal.]
[19:44:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It doesn't matter
[19:44:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do you want with Doc?
[The arm devolves into manic giggling.]
[19:44:57] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> an asset shouldnt be lost when it is gained
[19:45:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Now what in the hell does that mean
[19:45:08] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> a piece always has a use even in reserve
[Almost disappointed: ]
[19:45:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Another tool, Prince?
[19:45:50] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> a card to be played is worth more in the hand than it is in the field
[19:45:58] <✦[rp] Doc> I. am. a. PERSON.
19:46:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He's a. Doc, you're a human, right?
[19:46:36] <✦[rp] Doc> I am a human. As far as I am aware.
[19:46:11] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> shush. the adults are talking
[19:46:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He is a person! And it would be in your best interest to get your grabbers out of him
[The tentacles begin to twist and coil.]
[19:46:55] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> make me
[19:45:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think you're looking at Doc as an inanimate object, rather than a living being.
[19:46:15] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He is more than a tool in your hotbar, he's an adult man.
[19:46:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He's a human being, a player, and so much more than some Thing you can use
[19:47:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think Prince might have lost his humanity a long time ago
[19:47:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I don't think Prince ever had any
[The arm roars.]
[19:47:10] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> I WAS NEVER A HUMAN!
[19:47:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Mortality, then
[19:47:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You don't have to be human to have humanity, dude.
[19:47:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm not human, but I have humanity, that's very true
[19:47:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's a universal, I suppose
[19:47:44] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> eh potato potato
[19:48:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince, if you're talking all high and mighty, then why not be here in person?
[The arm writhes and squirms beneath the Wizard’s grasp.]
[19:48:15] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> because you called me here!!
[19:48:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i was watching looney tunes!!
[19:48:37] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> wil e coyote just fell down from a cliff
[19:48:46] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> and he had a sign that said 'help' it was very funny
[19:48:42] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What in the world is a looney toons.
[The Wizard loosens his grip on Doc's arm.]
[19:48:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I suppose he's right
[He grimaces, tightening his grip again.]
[19:48:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But that doesn't make what he's doing right
[19:48:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince, what you're doing to Doc is cruel, unusual, and unneeded.
[19:48:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> He's not useful to you, look at him. He's so old. And sad.
[19:48:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Doc I love you to bits. Not the best weapon, you are.
[19:49:01] <✦[rp] Doc> I'm not a very good weapon. I'm not good at fighting.
[19:49:14] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> ive never said you were a weapon, angel
[19:49:28] <✦[rp] Doc> Stop calling me that
[19:49:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's like you reached for a gun, grabbed a dove, and called it good enough
[19:49:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Like! That's not a weapon OR an object, that's a living being. And that living being ain't gonna fulfill your purposes
[Joco reaches over to give Doc’s normal hand a supportive squeeze.]
[The arm writhes.]
[19:50:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i use what i have okay, sheesh
[19:50:23] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> this nerd just got the unfortunate draw of the card
[19:50:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What would you even use him for?
[19:50:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There's nothing you want that you can get by force, is there?
[19:50:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The one thing you want Prince, has to be earned, and you can't get it by doing this, I promise you
[19:50:57] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> well. i mean
[19:51:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i can kick and scream about it though
[19:51:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You can
[The tentacles moving about on the arm coil into spikes. The arm compresses and shoots into Doc’s other limbs.]
[19:51:48] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hey.
[19:51:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince. Stop that.
[19:51:54] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Mean.
[19:52:07] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You're a big boy, throwing a tantrum does nobody any good.
[19:52:10] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> try me jocster
[19:52:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Try you what?
[19:52:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You're not like. a thing to try. I don't know what you mean.
[19:51:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, Void
[In the horror of what he’s caused, the Wizard lets go of the arm try try to get the spikes to retract.]
[The tentacles don’t retract, and instead seem to be pumping something from the tentacles into Doc’s limbs. Doc screams out in pain and terror, he begins to grab at the spikes helplessly to try and get them to let go..]
[19:52:41] <✦[rp] Doc> Don't do thAT-
[The Wizard snaps into focus.]
[19:52:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh, SHIT
[19:52:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hey!
[The Wizard grabs a knife from his belt to slash at the spikes.]
[19:53:12] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hey! that's my favorite tentacle!!
[19:53:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Knock that off you bastard!
[The tentacles deflate and slither back, and from where the new holes were punctured, new sculk spreads through them.]
[19:53:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> NO
[19:54:09] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ok Prince what if we stop stabbing Doc.
[19:54:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> This is just bullying.
[Doc, with a shaking hand, reaches up to touch where the sculk begins to bloom under the dermis of his skin. It seems to have punctured the bottom part of his jaw, as well as the side of his neck.]
[The Wizard steps back.]
[19:54:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc I'm so sorry
[He drops his knife.]
[19:54:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Stop hurting him, for void's sake, Prince
[The arm seems to stretch, like that was a hard fought victory.]
[19:54:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> geez this guy is weak
[19:54:37] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i had to get my brain futzed with for my whole life for this thing to start talking and entering me
[19:55:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> this little pipsqueak just needs a whiff of it and he's already falling under it
[19:55:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You? What?
[19:55:16] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> maybe you were already dying
[19:55:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Dude, he's old. Old humans do that.
[19:55:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Don't brainwash him about it.
[19:55:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They can't take abuse like other creatures can
[19:57:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince, if you know what being brainwashed and shit is like, why would you want to inflict that on another?
[The arm muses.]
[19:57:22] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> freedom in chains.
[19:57:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Freedom in chains??
[19:57:28] <✦[rp] Doc> I think I still have control over my mind. I think.
[19:57:46] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> touch me more and you might even lose that
[19:58:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince. Please. Leave the poor guy alone.
[19:58:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> you have done nothing for me to consider that.
[19:58:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I've literally just been sitting here, man
[The Wizard is quiet for a while, his face pinched.]
[19:58:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Why Doc?
[19:58:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Why did you take him?
[19:58:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not me, or anyone else?
[19:59:08] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i already said!!! he was weak!!
[19:59:24] <✦[rp] Doc> I'm sick, Prince. I've always been sick.
[19:59:30] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> EXACTLY
[19:59:56] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i was weak mentally. he was weak physically.
[The arm crosses itself over Doc’s body.]
[19:59:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> none of you seem to listen to me when i say anything about the Echo
[Voice growing louder with every word: ]
[19:59:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Because you seem to say something else every time, it makes no sense to anyone but you Prince
[Quietly, more to himself: ]
[19:59:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's like you and it understand one another better than anything else
[Doc manages to pull his face up from where it had been hanging looking towards the ground.]
[20:00:07] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i mean yeah we're married. communication is good between spouses
[20:00:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry, you're what?
[20:01:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You married. The sculk???
[20:01:06] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> yea
[20:01:09] <✦[rp] Doc> What?
[20:01:13] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> what did you think the Ritual was
[20:01:21] <✦[rp] Doc> WHat- ritual?
[20:01:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Does this make you a monster fucker
[20:01:23] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> yeah
[20:01:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I thought that was an ascension, or something
[20:01:31] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> its both
[20:01:49] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> ascension and marriage ritual
[20:01:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh
[20:01:26] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You hijacked your dad's wedding????
[20:01:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's. Like. The rudest thing you could do, dude.
[Joco tsks: ]
[20:01:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You did a huge disrespect to your dad Ceph.
[20:02:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Honestly, I don't think Ceph cared
[Joco crosses their arms, flicking their ears forward. The tip of their tail flicks about.]
[20:02:14] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No wonder they don't claim you as their kid.
[The Wizard looks at Joco with surprise.]
[20:02:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well Joco that's a bit harsh to say
[20:02:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's true, isn't it?
[20:02:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Even if...it may be true
[The arm tucks itself closer to Doc’s body, suddenly shy.]
[20:02:36] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i mean i didnt think i hijacked the wedding
[It shoots out, pointing at Joco and the Wizard accusatory.]
[20:02:52] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> it was all of YOU who blew it up
[20:02:59] <✦[rp] Doc> I didn't blow it up
[20:03:04] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> not you doc
[20:03:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think using an explosion as a ritual sacrifice might be the definition of hijacking
[20:03:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ceph had their dramatic storm out of the wedding, and the explosion happened, and all of a sudden we find Prince's wedding happened, taking all the thunder from Ceph's disappearance
[20:03:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh they definitely wouldn't have liked that
[20:03:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You knew beforehand about the plan, Prince. You could have stopped the explosions.
[20:03:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> This is on you.
[20:03:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ceph does like being the center of attention
[20:03:51] <✦[rp] Doc> They did say that was one of the reasons they even. Did that.
[20:04:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You could have stopped the bombing, and let Ceph's storming off take centerstage, but instead you were selfish and used the explosions for yourself.
[Doc's Arm starts to shrink from the scolding]
[20:04:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Along with that, you stole Ceph's fiance! Right before the wedding! You infected his arm, so he couldn't show up on time to his wedding!
[20:04:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That is true
[The arm begins to shrink back slowly from the accusatory point.]
[20:05:00] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> okay to be fair that wasnt a part of the plan
[20:05:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You want Ceph to be proud of you? Maybe you should do something they could be proud of.
[20:05:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Something that doesn't hurt their own plans.
[Doc seems to regain some of his confidence as the arm begins to shrink back.]
[20:05:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You're saying you didn't mean to infect his arm?
[20:05:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Or you didn't mean him to be late
[20:05:46] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> wizman. as ive. said. much a lot
[20:05:56] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> the Echo takes what is dead and dying
[20:06:09] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> I dont have control over it as much as i do now before the wedding
[The Wizard looks confused. He stands tall, his tail curling.]
[20:06:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You like to lie, Prince
[20:06:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't know if I can trust anything you say
[The arm coughs out its rhetoric.]
[20:07:11] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> an illness is spread, is it disease's fault or the unintentional spreader's for the death of a sick man?
[20:07:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> One could argue, both, in a way
[20:07:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's not unintentional if you know you have bedbugs and decide to sleep in a guy's house without his permission.
[20:08:11] <✦[rp] Doc> Is it about the intent, or about the result. I believe it is about the result.
[20:08:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think it's a mix of both.
[20:07:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Both kill without malicious intent, but kill still the same
[The arm deflates. It made perfect sense in his head. The Echo agreed. Why can’t they understand?]
[20:08:02] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hmph
[20:08:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You intentionally infected Doc, Prince. All of this, intentional?
[20:08:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You can't worm your way out of the blame here
[20:08:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You choose to work for the forces you worship
[20:08:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You don't have to
[20:08:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You can let Doc go just as easily as you can ensnare him
[20:08:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's a choice
[The arm roars: ]
[20:08:56] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> I NEVER HAVE A CHOICE!
[Almost accusational, picking up in volume: ]
[20:09:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> NO?
[Doc backs away from the arm, trying to hold it out from his body. The arm obliges, like a snake, it faces the Wizard.]
[20:09:11] <✦[rp] Doc> What?
[20:09:17] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> IM JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS!
[20:09:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHOSE
[20:09:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHOSE ORDERS
[20:09:29] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> THE ECHO!
[Joco tries to speak up, but shrinks away from the Wizard’s rage.]
[20:09:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You have a choice to not follow them
[Doc blinks, he seems confused.]
[20:09:35] <✦[rp] Doc> Who's- what- what do they want?
[The Wizard steps forward towards the arm, the cold fury of his voice clear.]
[20:09:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The dead and the dying, we know that now
[20:09:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But it's dead god, nothing real or sacred there
[20:10:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's just the humm of a mold that's ensnared you
[The arm slithers in the air, it raves like a zealot.]
[20:10:28] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i will not believe that when its whisperings are so much more real.
[20:10:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you sure it really whispers to you?
[20:10:45] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> YES!
[20:10:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Or is it all in your head, Prince?
[20:10:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No one else has heard it, just you
[20:10:54] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i mean.
[20:11:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> by technicality it is in my head
[20:11:02] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> but yknow
[20:11:02] <✦[rp] Doc> Is that what you're saying to me? What it says? What you think it says?
[20:11:13] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> yes???
[The Wizard’s voice is pointed, sharp, but he’s quieted down.]
[20:11:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince, one would think, that if you've gotten Doc this far under your spell, that maybe he would hear it to
[20:11:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> no one has heard it because its hooks are only in ME
[20:11:23] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It could just be a. Glitch in your programming, perhaps. You've said your brain is wires.
[20:11:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Maybe the wires are glitching.
[20:11:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've had that inkling for a while, Joco
[20:11:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, do you hear the Echo?
[20:11:35] <✦[rp] Doc> No, I hear prince.
[The Wizard stands before the fire, haloed in the blue flame turning the tips of his white hair an eerie icy blue.]
[20:11:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't think the Echo exists
[20:11:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> it DOES
[20:11:56] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i know it does
[20:12:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Do you?
[20:12:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> what else am i doing this for?
[20:12:10] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> there's nothing else that's making me do this
[20:12:14] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> its all them.
[20:12:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Exactly, Prince
[20:12:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's the Echo in your mind
[20:12:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The echo
[He leans forward.]
[20:12:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you sure you're serving something else?
[20:12:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> YES!
[20:13:29] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> what else is all of this for?
[20:13:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Your own self-gain?
[The Wizard takes in a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.]
[20:13:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's something you need to find for yourself Prince
[20:13:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Purpose is hard
[The arm snarles.]
[20:13:59] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> WHAT HAVE I GOT TO GAIN FROM DOING ANY OF THIS?
[Plainly: ]
[20:14:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Nothing
[Doc nods.]
[20:14:15] <✦[rp] Doc> No one is gaining anything
[20:14:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's the truth, it will give you nothing
[20:14:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The Echo forces you further into isolation
[Doc looks down at the arm.]
[20:14:40] <✦[rp] Doc> What have they promised you. To make this worth it.
[20:14:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i only follow orders.
[20:14:36] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> if the orders bring me nothing, then so be it
[20:14:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's kinda stupid, buckaroo
[20:15:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You should unionize
[Almost like a child: ]
[20:14:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> eat shit joco
[The Wizard sighs.]
[20:15:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The only real thing? The only thing that really matters in this world? The people that you love, and the people that love you
[20:15:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You don't have to follow the path put forward for you by the people who tell you what to do
[20:15:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know that better than anyone
[The arm seethes.]
[20:15:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince, if you weren't like. Deeply entrenched in the sculk shit. I think you could've fit in nicely with the rest of us on this server.
[It snarls, lashing out.]
[20:15:15] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> that does not EXIST for ME!
[20:15:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> not me HERE!
[20:15:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> not the mes ANYWHERE
[20:15:38] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> except for stupid fucking arrogant cidrich
[20:15:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But it could!
[20:15:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It always could, there is always a way!
[20:15:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Who's Cidrich
[Quietly: ]
[20:15:59] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> original
[20:16:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Why do we hate him
[20:16:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He's Prince's original
[20:16:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The original place of memories, of personhood
[20:16:16] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> he gets dad's love. and sister's.
[20:16:46] <✦[rp] Doc> Is that why you are doing this?
[Shaking: ]
[20:16:20] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i get NOTHING
[20:16:30] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> because i am a SPLINTER of a CLONE
[20:16:48] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> I AM A SHARD, OF A SPLINTER, OF A COPY.
[It seethes. The skin ripples like that of an animal.]
[20:17:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> OK have you tried doing your own thing?
[20:17:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Making your own memories?
[20:17:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Being your own individual?
[20:18:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I've met some clone families who just. Were all their own people, despite the shared memories.
[20:17:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You don't HAVE to be Cidrich, you don't HAVE to be Prince
[20:17:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You make something new
[20:18:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The sculk....
[The arm interrupts: ]
[20:17:52] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> that doesnt exist for me.
[20:18:24] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i am MY own PERSON. and i SERVE. the ECHO.
[20:18:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> If your 'personhood' is just you being a tool for something else, that doesn't sound like much of a person.
[20:18:26] <✦[rp] Doc> You don't have to do this, Prince.
[20:19:58] <✦[rp] Doc> I can tell you that being a tool is not very pleasant.
[The arm bares its teeth and growls.]
[20:20:06] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> IT IS FOR ME!
[20:20:12] <✦[rp] Doc> I am not having a very good time right now.
[20:20:22] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> IM BUILT DIFFERENT. SKILL ISSUE
[20:20:31] <✦[rp] Doc> I don't know what that means.
[20:20:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You can stay stuck in your ways, and it will crush you, it will take away everything good you could've had, or you can break free, and become something new
[20:20:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sure the misery feels like kinship right now, but it won't always be that way
[20:21:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Have you ever tried not being a tool?
[20:21:04] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> rude
[20:21:10] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Can you say that that's your best life without trying anything else?
[20:21:16] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> YES!!!
[20:21:39] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i dont know how to tell any of you this. I AM BUILT TO SERVE! MY MIND IS NOT BUILT TO SURVIVE ALONE!!
[20:21:47] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> freedom is DEATH
[20:21:51] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> there is no LIBERATION FOR ME
[20:22:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You don't have to survive alone. You could survive as part of our fucked up group.
[20:22:18] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> BUT ILL BE FREE! AND I DONT WANT THAT!
[Muttering: ]
[20:22:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Huh.
[20:22:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> So you can't understand why others want to be.
[20:22:13] <✦[rp] Doc> Is that why you have attached to me? So you don't have to be alone in this?
[20:22:56] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> no again. you were an accident doc. i get like. how everyone's trying to project an intention for me infecting you. but you were an accident. ill admit it.
[20:23:18] <✦[rp] Doc> But you can't- leave?
[20:23:20] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> OK but like if he's an accident. Just abort the accident. Un-sculk him.
[The Wizard snaps to attention.]
[20:23:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> So I was right, you are just a liar!
[20:23:33] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> WHEN!!
[20:24:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You said you infected him on purpose!
[20:24:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You admitted it was an accident!
[20:24:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Where's the truth, Prince?
[20:24:16] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> when did i say on purpose??
[He roars: ]
[20:24:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> YOU ALWAYS DID
[20:24:35] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> i even gave you the metaphor of the unintentional spreader thing!!
[20:24:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You lie, Prince
[20:24:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> dog i think youre just misinterpreting and misunderstanding me
[Snarling: ]
[20:24:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You lie like a goddamn dog
[20:25:02] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> not your fault for not believing my true ass words
[20:25:15] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> truth bombs be dropping from my mouth and you dont wanna listen to it
[20:25:19] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> tis your fault not mine
[The Wizard shakes his head, he waves his hand as if to try to push Prince away.]
[20:25:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm done with this-
[20:25:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't want to speak with this bastard anymore
[He seethes.]
[20:25:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna go
[He nods, calming himself down.]
[20:25:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna go make some tea
[The Wizard storms towards Doc’s kitchen.]
[20:25:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's a good plan.
[Joco turns towards the other two.]
[20:26:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi Doc, hi Prince, want some bread?
[20:26:16] <✦[rp] Doc> I would like some bread.
[20:26:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I was. Baking when you called, Doc.
[20:26:24] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> This stuff's fresh from the oven
[They pass a loaf over to Doc’s good hand]
[20:26:25] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> can i get bread
[20:26:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Can you eat?
[20:26:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> As an arm?
[20:26:34] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh wait hold on
[20:26:35] <✦[rp] Doc> How would I-
[20:26:37] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> no digestive system
[20:26:39] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> uhh
[The arm makes a “come hither” gesture.]
[20:26:46] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> give it here. put it in my mouth
[20:26:49] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> ill grab it later
[20:26:54] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wh.
[20:26:56] <✦[rp] Doc> What??
[20:27:14] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> just put it in my mouth
[20:27:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince, bud, I'm not feeding your arm speaker mouth. That's too weird for me
[20:27:32] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> no id just be holding onto it
[Doc takes a piece of his bread and puts it in the sculk arm’s mouth.]
[20:27:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hmmmmm
[20:27:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> OK but like what if we just. Don't do that.
[The mouth bites into it and holds on.]
[20:27:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Now you can't talk.
[20:28:01] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> mhgnh mghng mhgh
[20:28:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.
[Joco snorts.]
[20:28:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.
[20:28:05] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hmfh! mghhhg
[20:28:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Not your best plan, bud.
[20:28:28] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Here, Doc, some more bread
[Doc deflates, eyes full of misery.]
[20:28:29] <✦[rp] Doc> What am I supposed to do? It clearly has the ability to infect the rest of my body if I don't do what it wants.
[20:28:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Honestly, Doc? Not really sure there's anything for you to do
[The Wizard walks down the hall, holding three mugs by their handles, and a tea kettle in the other. He looks sufficiently calmed down. The door slams open, and Prince steps inside in all of his sculked up glory.]
[20:28:42] <✦[rp] Prince> hey guys whatd i miss
[The Wizard drops the tea kettle he was holding. Joco seems unfazed.]
[20:28:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You want some bread for real now?
[20:29:03] <✦[rp] Prince> oh yeah give it here
[Joco tosses a loaf to him]
[The Wizard stares at Prince, blinking as he realizes he’s dropped the kettle.]
[20:29:14] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wiz, you want any of this stuff?
[Sputtering slightly.]
[20:29:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, I think I'll stick to tea
[20:29:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Good plan.
[He gestures to the boiling water on the floor.]
[20:29:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I had more, but I've uh, dropped this one
[20:29:13] <✦[rp] Prince> is it like normal bread
[20:29:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah
[20:29:17] <✦[rp] Prince> does it have anything in it
[20:29:26] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wheat. Water. Yeast.
[20:29:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Do we want to sit on the couch instead of the floor now?
[20:29:16] <✦[rp] Doc> Can you come retrieve this one. Please.
[20:29:23] <✦[rp] Prince> give it here
[Doc holds the infected arm out, and Prince takes the bread from the mouth.]
[20:29:44] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> phew thanks dude
[20:29:48] <✦[rp] Prince> yeah no problem
[20:29:53] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> tell me how it tastes
[20:29:57] <✦[rp] Prince> course
[Joco snorts at the conversation between the prime Prince and the arm.]
[20:30:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh that's funny actually.
[The Wizard narrows his eyes at Prince.]
[20:30:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> So. You're here.
[20:30:09] <✦[rp] Prince> yea
[20:30:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Why?
[Prince holds up the bread.]
[20:30:17] <✦[rp] Prince> bread
[20:30:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince could you make your own arm have their own voices. Could you be a 1-man quartet?
[20:30:29] <✦[rp] Prince> ooh maybe actually
[The Wizard frowns.]
[20:30:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm surrounded by madmen
[20:30:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah, yeah…
[20:31:00] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> tell me about it, sheesh
[20:30:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm moving to the couch now.
[Joco helps Doc up onto the couch. Doc nods at him, and settles into it. He begins to think.]
[The Wizard rubs his face.]
[20:31:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco I've been working on that lab you recommended I make nonstop
[20:31:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh?
[20:31:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think it's messing with my head
[20:31:11] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh no.
[He pinches the bridge of his nose.]
[20:31:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think he's messing with my head, something about him
[20:31:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I've got a hut filled with like 15 animals, you wanna spend time in there?
[20:31:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Doc can attest to the many animals
[20:31:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmm, maybe
[20:31:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've been looking through all the artifacts he's given me throughout the time I've known him
[20:31:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Nothing seems to make sense
[20:32:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's like I can't pin anything down
[20:32:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There's no truth to him and it's driving me insane
[Prince stands in the corner doing a dance by himself to music no one else can hear.]
[20:32:07] <✦[rp] Doc> What are you doing.
[20:32:16] <✦[rp] Prince> dancing
[20:32:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No, I've done that before, that's a normal thing. Dancing to head music.
[20:33:07] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Wiz, it sounds like you're trying to piece together a puzzle when what you've been handed is like. A bunch of pieces from random puzzle sets.
[20:33:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think you might be right, Joco
[20:33:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna come uh, join you on the couch
[Prince begins to climb up Doc’s cabinet of curios. Doc begins to stew in thoughts of violence.]
[20:33:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yooo he climb
[20:33:41] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Truly, the cat nature prevails
[20:33:41] <✦[rp] Prince> i like being up high
[20:33:45] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> yup he likes that
[The Wizard looks confused, looking between the arm and Prince.]
[20:33:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How are there two of you
[20:33:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't-
[20:33:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This is-
[20:34:03] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No, that part actually makes sense to me
[20:34:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Join a hivemind, you're gonna get some fun traits
[Joco stares into the fire, contemplating baking edibles after this.]
[20:34:09] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> shards of a splinter, remember?
[20:34:16] <✦[rp] Prince> yeah that
[20:34:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's another clone...?
[20:34:42] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> shard of a bigger whole, that was a splinter of an biggerer whole, thats a copy of someone else
[Doc’s expression changes from exhaustion to anger.]
[20:35:22] <✦[rp] Prince> doc u look p angry rn
[20:35:24] <✦[rp] Prince> whats up
[20:35:33] <✦[rp] Doc> You're in my ARM, PRINCE
[20:35:41] <✦[rp] Prince> not this one specifically
[20:35:46] <✦[rp] Doc> OF COURSE I'M UPSET
[20:35:57] <✦[rp] Prince> damn
[20:36:03] <✦[rp] Prince> you want some golden carrots
[20:36:12] <✦[rp] Prince> fresh from the slaves- i mean villagers
[20:36:40] <✦[rp] Prince> they taste p mid but i like eating em
[20:36:46] <✦[rp] Prince> fills me right up
[20:36:45] <✦[rp] Doc> NO! I can barely eat anything anymore! I feel awful all the time
[20:36:51] <✦[rp] Prince> fucked up. why
[20:36:57] <✦[rp] Doc> WHY?
[20:37:00] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> cant imagine why
[20:36:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc does indeed have a right to be upset
[20:37:19] <✦[rp] Doc> Did you seriously just ask me that? You're KILLING MY BODY, PRINCE
[20:37:22] <✦[rp] Prince> so like. do u want the golden carrots or
[The Wizard looks between Doc and Prince.]
[20:37:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I wonder what would happen if I killed him, Doc
[20:37:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do you think would happen?
[20:37:38] <✦[rp] Prince> i could answer a part of that
[20:37:41] <✦[rp] Prince> nothing
[20:37:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just dirty my blade
[Doc begins to crawl up the couch.]
[20:37:55] <✦[rp] Doc> I want to test it
[Doc, on all fours, crawls over the back of the couch.]
[20:38:35] <✦[rp] Doc> Prince. Come here.
[20:39:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Prince, if killing this form of you does nothing, why would cutting off the arm do anything?
[20:39:23] <✦[rp] Prince> yeha what were you saying
[Doc falls onto the ground and pushes himself up off of it.]
[20:39:29] <✦[rp] Doc> COME HERE
[20:39:37] <✦[rp] Prince> oh
[He holds up a finger as he begins to back away from Doc.]
[20:39:42] <✦[rp] Prince> hold on let me answer joco first
[Doc begins to crawl his way towards Prince, dragging himself to his feet.]
[20:40:07] <✦[rp] Prince> i mean like. you get like how chopping an arm is different from killing a player right
[20:40:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I don't actually
[20:40:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He lies, Joco don't listen to him
[20:40:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Cause like.
[20:40:37] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> The arm's at this point separate from Doc. It's like its own player thing.
[Doc pulls his sword from his belt.]
[20:40:46] <✦[rp] Prince> an arm cant just. come back. yknow. on the person
[20:40:52] <✦[rp] Prince> if it get chopped off
[20:40:53] <✦[rp] Prince> right
[20:40:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think it can, if it's made of sculk
[20:40:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yknow
[20:41:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh there he goes
[He sniffs, before roaring as he runs at Prince. Prince straightens at attention as Doc runs him through with the sword. The body goes limp as Doc successfully kills it, Prince’s body melts into sculk, and disapears, save the head.]
[20:41:07] ✦[rp] Prince was slain by ✦[rp] Doc
[20:41:24] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> rude dude
[Doc begins to cackle with sudden mania, picking up Prince’s head.]
[20:41:27] <✦[rp] Doc> HA! HAHAHAHAHA!
[20:41:35] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.
[20:41:46] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh damn he left the door open when he came in.
[20:41:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Rude of him
[20:41:55] <✦[rp] Doc> He's DEAD
[20:41:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> So rude, smh
[20:42:04] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> ... congrats?
[20:42:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not permanently, of course
[20:42:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But it's good to have it quiet for at least a little
[20:42:24] <✦[rp] Doc> I want him out of my HOUSE and out of my BODY
[Prince walks in the front door as the arm speaks up.]
[20:42:27] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> do you guys got like food
[20:42:27] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hi Prince
[Doc snaps around.]
[20:42:38] <✦[rp] Doc> GET OUT
[20:42:45] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> oh wait am i still. on speaker phone with this
[He roars.]
[20:42:56] <✦[rp] Doc> GET OUT OF MY BODY
[20:42:47] <✦[rp] Doc's Arm> hold on
[The arm makes a schlurping noise, and folds back together, the tentacles sucking back inside. The mouth closes, and the arm returns to its normal, sculked state.]
[20:43:35] <✦[rp] Prince 2> hey
[20:43:49] <✦[rp] Prince 2> sorry for the feedback that was definitely happening all this time
[20:44:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Feedback is normal for amateurs, don't worry about it
[20:44:27] <✦[rp] Prince 2> ahh okay
[Doc stumbles over to the couch and collapses into it. He giggles in the mania as he puts Prince’s head on.]
[20:44:57] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Doc, please take the head off
[The door opens, and Prince enters.]
[20:45:00] <✦[rp] Prince> hey guys what id miss
[20:45:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh. Yeah.
[20:45:06] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah. That's.
[20:45:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> OH VOID
[20:45:17] <✦[rp] Doc> I didn't know it was- on.
[All three react to there being two Princes in the room.]
[20:45:18] <✦[rp] Prince 2> prince??? what are YOU doing here??
[20:45:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHY IN THE HELL ARE THERE TWO OF YOU
[20:45:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think I like the nude look, more than the flasher look.
[Prince giggles.]
[20:45:33] <✦[rp] Prince> well haha, i was just in town
[Doc sits up, pointing aggressively at the two of them.]
[20:45:39] <✦[rp] Doc> GET OUT OF MY HOUSE
[20:45:45] <✦[rp] Prince> thought i should visit my favorite little brother
[One Prince punches the other, and it melts into sculk.]
[20:45:47] ✦[rp] Prince 2 was slain by ✦[rp] Prince
[20:45:50] <✦[rp] Prince> ope
[20:45:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> One's just like. Yeah ok, nudist. The other feels more disrespectful. Like, yeah, I own clothes, I'm just choosing to do thi-
[20:45:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> oh
[20:45:52] <✦[rp] Prince> hm
[The other Prince melts out of the wall.]
[20:46:11] <✦[rp] Prince 2> im fine
[20:46:15] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ok then
[20:46:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I-
[20:46:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I-
[20:46:22] <✦[rp] Prince> see he's okay
[20:46:23] <✦[rp] Prince> its fine
[20:46:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What's going on?!
[The second Prince points to Prince prime.]
[20:46:35] <✦[rp] Prince 2> that my head bro
[20:46:38] <✦[rp] Prince> yeah
[20:46:49] <✦[rp] Prince> sorry that i punched you to death
[20:46:57] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yeah no its fine
[20:47:04] <✦[rp] Doc> I think I'm hallucinating
[20:47:10] <✦[rp] Prince> nah ur fine
[20:47:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> No, no, we're all seeing this
[20:46:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> This is kind of like if a play was just very fucked up
[20:46:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Deranged Comedy.
[The second Prince begins pulling pamphlets out his body. He begins to try and hand them out to those there. When no one takes them he starts throwing them onto the ground.]
[20:47:31] <✦[rp] Prince> dude
[20:47:34] <✦[rp] Prince> spreading the word?
[20:47:35] <✦[rp] Prince> nice
[20:47:44] <✦[rp] Prince 2> ikr
[20:47:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void, not your literature
[The Wizard crosses his arms.]
[20:47:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't like that there's two of em, does anyone else not like that there's two of em
[20:47:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Trash
[20:47:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's.
[20:47:44] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You've thrown it on the ground
[20:47:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Therefore it's trash.
[20:47:55] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Here, lemme just
[Joco begins gathering up the pamphlets off the floor.]
[20:47:59] <✦[rp] Prince 2> see joco likes it
[Joco crosses the room and throws all of the “word of the Echo” into the fire.]
[20:48:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> See that's the way to deal with things!
[20:48:08] <✦[rp] Prince> um bro i think he's burning it all up
[20:48:12] <✦[rp] Prince 2> ah
[Joco holds their hands over the fire for a moment, before pulling them back.]
[20:48:09] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Anyways
[20:48:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It's a good way of getting rid of things
[20:48:27] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Especially unwanted junk
[20:48:22] <✦[rp] Prince 2> what were we talking about again
[Doc, growing increasingly unnerved: ]
[20:48:34] <✦[rp] Doc> It's like. A hydra.
[20:48:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think we were talking about. Your existence as an eternal slave, maybe.
[20:48:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You getting the hell out of Doc's arm
[20:48:50] <✦[rp] Prince> oh yeah chances of that are nada and zilch my good man
[20:48:55] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yup
[20:49:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah, thought so
[There’s a long and tense silence that falls over the group.]
[20:49:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> So uh. What's your favorite strain of weed.
[20:49:26] <✦[rp] Prince> uhhh the ones that ceph buys
[20:49:32] <✦[rp] Prince 2> thats the only one ive tried
[20:49:36] <✦[rp] Prince 2> well. we've tried
[20:49:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anything grown in Verdigris
[20:50:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think that might be the only way I could understand whatever the hell Prince is talking about
[20:49:47] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Huh
[20:50:30] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I've been comprehending most of this fine, just gotta think about it in the way one might comprehend a child's doll game
[20:50:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> A bit of nonsense, it all comes together somehow.
[20:50:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ceph probably buys Yaoi
[20:49:58] <✦[rp] Prince 2> probably. who knows tbh
[20:50:02] <✦[rp] Prince 2> i dont look for em on my own
[Doc stands suddenly, a look of mania on his face.]
20:51:07] <✦[rp] Doc> Please just get out of my house. Please.
[20:51:22] <✦[rp] Prince> i mean r u gonna poke and prod again
[The Wizard claps his hands together.]
[20:51:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes...Princes I do think it's time for you to leave
[Joco holds up a hand.]
[20:51:27] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Hey. Question.
[20:51:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Princes.
[20:51:29] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yea
[20:51:32] <✦[rp] Prince> shoot cowboy
[20:51:37] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Do you have reproductive organs.
[Both Princes look suddenly somewhat confused.]
[20:51:41] <✦[rp] Prince> um
[20:51:46] <✦[rp] Prince 2> why do you ask
[The Wizard looks mortified.]
[20:51:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco what the hell
[20:51:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And if you somehow could mate. Would the baby be another Prince, or its own person?
[20:52:00] <✦[rp] Prince> uhhh
[20:52:06] <✦[rp] Prince> we're reproduce asexually
[20:52:26] <✦[rp] Prince> we repoduce asexually not. we're.
[20:52:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alright. So, another Prince?
[20:52:29] <✦[rp] Prince> yeah probably
[20:52:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Huh.
[20:52:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> New question. If you had a baby that wasn't another clone. What would you name it.
[20:53:22] <✦[rp] Prince 2> hmmm... idk. soul maybe if the baby was a girl. uhhh. scope jr if it was a baby maybe
[20:53:36] <✦[rp] Prince 2> wait i mean a boy
[20:53:38] <✦[rp] Prince 2> not a baby
[20:53:49] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Mhmhm.
[20:53:54] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Scope?
[20:54:04] <✦[rp] Prince> named after me dad
[20:54:07] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ahhh
[20:54:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Makes sense
[20:54:27] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> and, Soul?
[20:54:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Any inspiration for that?
[20:54:34] <✦[rp] Prince 2> sister
[20:54:40] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Ahhh
[20:54:52] <✦[rp] Doc> Soul. That sounds familiar.
[One of the Princes laughs.]
20:54:54] <✦[rp] Prince> oh man, prime us is watching that episode where bugs was at the orchestra
[20:55:03] <✦[rp] Prince 2> ohhhh hell yeah
[20:55:07] <✦[rp] Prince 2> that episode is p funny
[20:55:09] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Bugs?
[20:55:14] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yeah the bunny
[20:55:17] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Huh.
[20:55:22] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah no I don't know them.
[20:55:24] <✦[rp] Prince 2> bugs
[20:55:27] <✦[rp] Prince> bunny
[20:55:27] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> But I'm glad they're entertaining you
[20:55:35] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yeye, its p funny tbh
[20:55:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alrighty.
[20:55:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Well.
[The Wizard blinks.]
[20:55:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No matter what they say it still makes not a lick of sense to me
[20:56:01] <✦[rp] Doc> I agree.
[The Wizard rubs his face.]
[20:55:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think I need.
[20:56:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I need some sleep.
[20:56:02] <✦[rp] Prince> i think ur just a boomer
[The Wizard gestures to the two with both hands.]
[20:56:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> See? Nonsense
[20:56:16] <✦[rp] Doc> Go get some rest. At least one of us should.
[Joco smirks, smarmy.]
[20:56:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think if this conversation continues any longer, Wiz might snap and try experimenting on you two.
[Both Prince flinch, one flicking their ears back.]
[20:56:43] <✦[rp] Prince> yeah dont
[20:56:46] <✦[rp] Prince 2> dont do that
[The Wizard looks at both of them with a certain curiosity.]
[20:56:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I would like to understand how you work
[20:56:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> What if. Y'all call it a night, go back to your Bugs Toons.
[20:57:00] <✦[rp] Prince> i mean sure
[20:57:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I would recommend that
[20:57:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Safety from science wizard.
[20:57:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> To use something I think you'll understand, it's better to go to the source than fiddle with the imitation
[20:57:13] <✦[rp] Prince 2> you aint gonna prod the arm more?
[20:57:23] <✦[rp] Prince 2> ill still be around if youre gonna do shit with it
[20:57:41] <✦[rp] Doc> No. No more arm.
[20:57:32] <✦[rp] Prince 2> this guy might be watching the toons
[20:57:27] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Nah, I'll make sure he stops so y'all can enjoy your thing
[20:57:38] <✦[rp] Prince 2> cool thanks joco
[20:57:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Go get your toons
[20:57:42] <✦[rp] Prince> ur the coolest
[Both of the Princes walk into the flames of the fire. The sculk melts off of their forms, and the disintegrate into a black, pulp-like material.]
[20:57:50] ✦[rp] Prince went up in flames
[20:57:54] ✦[rp] Prince 2 went up in flames
[20:57:56] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yeah.
[20:57:58] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Okay
[The Wizard leans against the wall.]
[20:58:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm gonna-
[20:58:12] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Go sleep.
[20:58:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I think I'll be seeing Prince soon
[20:58:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But uh, yes, sleep
[20:58:19] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Worry about that after sleep
[20:58:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right
[20:58:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Right.
[20:58:25] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Go take a shower
[20:58:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And then a long rest.
[The Wizard looks to Doc.]
[20:58:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry Doc, for everything
[20:58:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry that it came to all this, I think I'm losing myself
[20:58:51] <✦[rp] Doc> I feel the same.
[20:58:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's that damned cat
[20:59:36] <✦[rp] Doc> It's in my head. And I can't get it out now. I used to be able to block it out. But now it's in my head
[The Wizard looks to Joco.]
[20:59:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco
[20:59:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Perhaps it's time I helped you with the Void
[20:59:20] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh?
[20:59:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Maybe it will lead us down the right path towards destroying the sculk
[20:59:29] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Are you good at math. Triangle math.
[20:59:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'll see how I feel in the morning
[21:00:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Math is easy
[21:00:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Destroying sculk is harder
[21:00:10] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Great!
[21:00:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I will swiftly finish both tasks
[21:00:19] <✦[rp] Doc> Fire, maybe.
[21:00:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc, I will do everything in my power to try and fix this
[21:00:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I dragged you farther into this thinking he could be reasoned with
[21:00:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I understand now that when you deal with a parasite you need to kill it at its head
[21:01:03] <✦[rp] Doc> At least you're not giving up. At least you're not trying to kill me. That's all I can ask for. Right now
[21:00:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Most of this is my fault
[21:00:36] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I don't think it is
[21:00:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I think it's Prince's fault. And maybe the sculk's fault, if he's right.
[The Wizard nods, but the words don’t seem to reach him.]
[21:01:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes. Of course
[21:01:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I need sleep
[21:01:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Goodnight, friends
[21:01:26] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> G'night, Wiz
[He waves.]
[21:01:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Farewell
[21:01:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Remember to shower first
[21:01:32] <✦[rp] Doc> Goodnight. And please disinfect your arm.
[The Wizard stands in the doorway.]
[21:01:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I will, thank you both
[21:01:47] <✦[rp] Doc> Removed any- sculk teeth. Or whatever. That was.
[The Wizard leaves.]
[21:02:01] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Goodness, he really did make teeth out of your arm
[21:02:05] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> That's. Wow.
[21:02:22] <✦[rp] Doc> I think it's made of what my bones used to be.
[21:02:27] <✦[rp] Doc> I can't be sure.
[21:02:38] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> It'd make sense, but also. Weird to think about bones being malleable
[21:02:53] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Like dough.
[21:02:53] <✦[rp] Doc> The inside of bones are spongy
[21:03:02] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Yes, the insides, but the outsides?
[21:03:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> And spongey isn't doughy, it's just sorta squishy
[21:03:33] <✦[rp] Doc> He probably got into it from the inside. Who knows what he's able to do with it.
[21:03:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Damn
[21:04:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Well, are you needing a sleep, after all that? Or do you want to play card games and talk about. I don't know. Foods from your home, see if I know any of em
[Something in Doc’s face warms.]
[21:04:52] <✦[rp] Doc> Most foods from my home were breads, actually- at least most of the fun ones.
[21:05:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh, new breads
[21:05:00] <✦[rp] Doc> There was one shaped like a moon
[21:05:08] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh, a crescent?
[21:05:13] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Flakey, buttery?
[21:05:38] <✦[rp] Doc> Croissant
[21:05:50] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Huh.
[21:05:59] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Close enough, I guess
[21:06:07] <✦[rp] Doc> They're- its a different language from what you speak here.
[21:06:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Different languages are fun
[21:06:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Older servers sometimes end up making their own languages.
[21:07:00] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> We're a young enough group, still on our first generation, so us developing a separate way of speaking's unlikely as of yet.
[21:07:25] <✦[rp] Doc> There were many languages where I was from. I heard a lot of them, they were all so different
[21:07:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh, that's delightful!
[21:08:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Do you have a set of cards of your own, or perhaps an ender chest lying about somewhere?
[21:08:42] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I haven't played King in the Corner in a bit, but I think I've still got it down
[Doc nods.]
[21:10:53] <✦[rp] Doc> Oh- yes I think I had some
[21:11:06] <✦[rp] Doc> When I came through. I always had some during the war. That's how we kept busy.
[21:11:16] <✦[rp] Doc> They might be a little worn out though
[21:11:18] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh, you probably know more games than I do, then!
[21:11:34] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Worn out cards just have more experience, nothing wrong with em!
[Doc digs around in his coat pockets and produces a small, well loved and well worn deck of cards.]
[21:12:32] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> You wanna move to a table for this, or Floor Time?
[21:12:57] <✦[rp] Doc> Ah, right. I don't mind one way or another.
[21:13:33] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I don't think I've actually hung out in much of your house other than this room, I'm not going to lie
[Doc nods towards the upstairs.]
[21:14:46] <✦[rp] Doc> Oh, there's a table upstairs that might be nice
[21:14:52] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Alright! Card Time!
[They move upstairs, walking through many winding halls and coming upon a spot with a table and chairs, overlooking a piano.]
[21:15:21] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh this is such a lovely area
[Doc pulls the cards out of the sleeve and places them on the table.]
[21:15:52] <✦[rp] Doc> Excuse me if I'm a little out of it- after all that.
[21:16:31] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Oh, that's alright. I figured out the best way for me to handle him is to halfway zone out. If I was fully focused on that conversation I think I would need to take a long underwater nap.
[21:16:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> An actual nap, I should say, not just. Drowning myself.
[21:16:58] <✦[rp] Doc> No, I get it. The water is nice.
[21:17:41] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> So, what game are you thinking of first? I only know a few, BS, King in the Corner,
[21:17:45] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> ... others
[21:19:01] <✦[rp] Doc> I learned Poker when I was older, I actually liked it a lot.
[21:19:16] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> Poker! That's one I haven't touched in a while
[21:19:39] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I might not know the proper rules. I was taught by a flock of 11 year olds.
[21:20:35] <✦[rp] Doc> I was taught in a desert town. I don't know if the rules are official, but I liked playing it.
[21:20:51] <✦[rp] Joco Serious> I'm sure between the two of us, we'll figure it out!
[The two play card games into the night, enjoying one another’s company.]