| wind & chaos |

     | OOC |

     That bath had hit the spot. Both children looked much more relaxed and comfortable, huddled up in the towels that they laid down on the couch once they were up on it. No sense in getting their resting spot wet with any of their still damp fur. Both sets of hands reached for the blanket when it was offered, with quiet thanks being given as they settled in.

     But they did turn their attention to Arrow as he spoke up. There was a pout on thirty’s lips and a look of protest, but she remained quiet and only lowered her ears as fourteen pulled her closer to him.

     “Ya dun wanna worry yer girlfriend.” They understood. They didn’t like it, but they at least understood.

     Wade looked to both the kids and back to Arrow with a nod of his head, reaching into his pocket for his cellphone so that they could trade numbers. Of course it took an extra minute to boot back up after the earlier incident that shut it off. But that allowed the two children to shed their blanket just long enough to raise their arms. If he had to leave, they were going to send him off with something they had seen before when peeking into windows when humans were watching tv.

     A grateful hug for all that he had done for them in that short time since they met.

     “Thanks ya Big Sonic. Fer helpin’ us like ya did. Come back soon, okay?” Thirty said while nuzzling his cheek. Once they pulled away, the children were more than happy to settle back down under that nice warm blanket. Cuddled up against once another with smiles on their faces. Thankful to have a safe space to rest, it wasn’t even that long before both of them were out like a light and the two adults could handle their own goodbyes.

     “Like they said. Don’t be a stranger and I’ll try to make sure to send you updates on them on occasion.” Wade led the way out of the house, since it was common to at least watch a friend leave. “I’m gonna go warn my mom now so she doesn’t panic at seeing the kids on the couch in the morning. Take care of yourself, yeah?”

    {➹} – TO THE POUT, the hero had to offer a look of apology. He knew this was all sudden and not exactly normal, but he did have his own home and partner to get back to. He hoped that some part of the children recognized that, if they were in any danger or if the hero thought for even a moment that such would come to them, that he wouldn’t be doing this. He would have taken them away and found somewhere far more suitable. Right now? He didn’t think there was a safer place than with Wade. 

     “I’ll be back before you know it, don’t worry.” It was a promise, a smile to go with it as he took the offered phone and entered the correct number. Thank Chaos his teammates had managed to make his communicator reachable by just about anyone in any world, something he still wasn’t entirely sure how they had managed but was thankful for. It was utterly helpful for cases like this. 

      After giving the phone back, the hedgehog’s attention turned to the pair once more and that smile of his only grew. Now how could he turn down a hug, or two? All too willingly those tan arms wrapped around both of them, a gentle but firm squeeze given before he pulled away to look at them, and throw in a few bang ruffles to counter the nuzzles.

     “You don’t need t’ thank me, an’ I’ll be visiting soon. Try not t’ give Wade too much trouble, alright?” Arrow gave them a wink, a small laugh, before looking between the two in turn with a slight seriousness. “And the same goes for you two. If you need anything, just call. I can always spare some time for friends.”

     He helped to adjust the blanket around them before going back to Wade, a lingering look to the soon to be slumbering pair before he looked up at the human’s statement and followed them to the door. It had been a busy night, one he couldn’t have predicted even if he had tried, but he was thankful for its ending. Because of it two kids had a safe place to lay their heads and, who knew? Maybe more than that. But the hero was getting ahead of himself and nodded towards Wade. 

     “I’d appreciate it, an’ if you have anymore questions, just let me know. Worse case, I can ask my mum for some advice on your behalf,” he said, lightly but honestly. Rosie would be more than willing to give a helping hand if need be. Especially once he told her about the situation. “And the same goes for you. I know ‘s a lot you’ve taken on but, if you ask me, they’re in good hands.”

      Indeed, Sonic knew he had missed a lot. It worried him, and Arrow’s smile and laughter didn’t do much to quell that worry. Among other things, Sonic was certain he had caught glimpses of something that looked like a scar underneath that bandana his alternate was wearing. Speculation likely wouldn’t be necessary with Arrow about to tell his story, of course.

      The mention of the Master Emerald being shattered and Chaos fighting for Robotnik brought back old memories of his own, but Sonic refused to entertain them. It wasn’t something he wanted to dwell on, and he didn’t want to miss a word Arrow said. He already didn’t like what he was hearing, and the smirk on Arrow’s muzzle was so off.

“A whole new army..?” That could mean a number of things. Sonic’s first thought was badniks. The last time his friends and himself had to deal with them there were not only more of them, but they were tougher, and some were gigantic. He wondered if Arrow had dealt with the same, or if it was something… even worse. Either way, he did know that all those elements combined- broken Master Emerald, the God of Destruction, scattered Chaos Emeralds, an army- added up to serious trouble. More than serious. Sonic’s eye-ridges furrowed, there was no hiding the concern welling in his chest.

“… What happened?”

     {➹} – ARROW KNEW THAT CERTAIN EVENTS were different for him when compared to other Zones, and it had taken him very little time to realize that it wasn't exactly a good thing. In the case of Chaos, and all that had happened after it, not just to him but Grand Metropolis, he would argue that things were far from ideal indeed. He had to wonder if the younger hedgehog had an event like his own, but didn't ask. That wasn't the point at the moment.

    "Bigger, better 'bots. Harder t' beat, and smarter than we expected but still nothing compared t' Chaos," he said with a small shake of his head, this time his expression falling to something more neutral. "It took a while t' figure it out but when he let Chaos loose Robotnik managed t' corrupted them somehow with negative energy. Oddly enough that was his undoing in the end."

     But he was getting ahead of himself, Arrow knew, and he made an off gesture as he glanced at his alternate before backtracking a little bit. "We decided t' go after the emeralds first, and for the most part it went off without a hitch, minus a few run-ins with the new 'bots and having t' liberate a city or two. Between all of us, all The Freedom Fighters I mean, we...managed t' find six of them before walking right int' an ambush Robotnik set up. Instead of finding the seventh emerald we found him and Chaos, and...things didn't go well."

{{ L }} Once again, the perfect chance to strike him down presented itself as he turned away… whether punching him or electrocuting him… yet, she faltered once more. Her fingers curled into a tight enough fist that her palms bleed… silver. She couldn’t even feel it and once she relaxed the wounds stitched shut.

Dammit all… why did she always feel so… insignificant when around Sonic, any Sonic. She had put hers in an coma, so why did this feelings always return?

"Tsk, that wind bullshit… that’s not normal for you blue fucks, is it?”

   {➹} – THE HERO WAS, for the most part, paying no mind to the green one as he set down their previous path again at a careful pace. He knew she was still there, but didn't turn when she spoke even though the question did have him thinking as they came to the first lane of flames.

     "Hard t' say," he started as he held out a hand, and immediately the air around the pair shifted, grew lighter to an unnatural degree. "I haven't really meant others who can do what I can, not t' the same degree anyway."

     For just a moment, there was a sincere flash of relief when Sonic, or Arrow as he was calling himself had mentioned that the two in the bathroom were trying to avoid that organization. Something about them just seemed to spell bad news and that was just from his first encounter with them outside of the Mean Bean Coffee Shoppe. The rest he had heard came directly from his best friend. The look had shifted to a more determined look as he turned his gaze back to the older hedgehog.

     “I wouldn’t have become the deputy sheriff if I expected an easy job, but I’m not gonna let anything happen to those kids. Even if it means I’m gonna be using a lot more of my vacation days.” It might have seemed like he was trying to make a joke of the situation, but Wade was serious. He never really used his days off since he didn’t have anything to do during them, but if it was for those kids…

     If it was for those kids, he would do whatever he had to.

     There was a bit of a look of interest as Arrow described himself. The mental image of the hedgehog playing an instrument alongside others of his kind. It seriously sounded like something out of a television show, but he wasn’t going to say it allowed. Especially when he got an answer to his question and realized that what the other said was true. The kids, Sonic and his friends… They were all similar to humans just a little smaller and fuzzier. But he still had a small laugh at the mention of waffles.

     “They’re going to have to make due with my mom’s homemade pancakes until we go grocery shopping, but I’ll keep that in mind.” As the sound of splashing came to an end, it wasn’t long after that the two children came out of the bathroom. Mostly dry save for a few thicker spots of fur (mainly their tails) and the towels being held close to their bodies. 

     At least they were so much cleaner now and looked a little more comfortable.

     “Thank ya fer the bubble bath Mr… we’re all clean now.” Thirty gave him a bright smile as they made their way over to where the adults were. For a moment, the hesitated at the furniture until fourteen helped thirty onto the cushion and followed suit. They continued to stay huddled together, yawning despite their wants to stay awake. Wade just offered them a smile and a nod before getting up to take one of the blankets his mother kept draped over her rocking chair. Who cared if it got a little damp.

     “Your welcome guys. But call me Wade, okay? You’re gonna be nice and safe here, so rest up.” The most he had done was lay the blanket over them. “We can always talk more in the morning. Promise.”

     {➹} – IT HADN’T SEEMED LIKE a joke to the hero. He could recognize the tone in the human’s voice, and he had no reason to doubt it. He reckoned Wade was right anyway, they wouldn’t have taken such a job if they expected an easy ride through it, though he had to wonder if the small town had been through much to warrant such a claim. But Arrow wouldn’t question it. He could see the determination in the other’s eyes, and the hero found it to be a relief. He was just glad he had found someone worthy of watching over the strange pair.

     Or, rather, that they had found them but that was beside the point. Tonight could have easily gone so much worse, but Arrow was glad that it hadn’t. He wasn't entirely sure what he would have done if Wade hadn't come along. He didn't think taking them back to his own Zone would have been ideal, if only because of the shock of it all, but the choice had been taken from his hands. And he was somewhat glad for it, smiling at the other's laugh.

     “I don’t think they’re going t’ argue against a homemade meal,” he said with a light chuckle, even though he knew it was utterly true. The kids deserved the best, and he dared to believe that they would get it there in that house as an ear swiveled back at the sudden silence. When Thirty's voice rose up, the hero turned to smile at the pair. They looked far better now, and he dared to think happier too, if not tired.

     Which made the next step all the more obvious as they yawned and Wade had fetched the blanket. It had been a busy night for all of them, and the night wasn’t getting any younger. The hero didn’t exactly sleep, but he knew the same couldn’t be said for the others there in the room. And as much as he would have liked to make sure the children slept the whole night through, safe and sound, he knew he couldn’t. Not this time. 

     “Speaking of the morning...” he started, that tone of finality in his voice as he glanced between the other three in the room. His time there was just about up, he thought. But he wasn’t one to leave without making sure things were on the up and up. Especially in this case. “’M afraid I can’t stay that long. I have someone who would worry if I did. But if you need anything, any of you, I can leave my number an’ if anything comes up you can call. I’m usually good at answering when need be.”

     Beyond their occasional blockade, that Harmony easily discarded like paper, there wasn’t much to stand between the two speedsters. Just like they had mentioned in the briefings, Eggman never paid much mind to the ventilation systems, despite how often the Freedom Fighters used them to get in and out. The man either thought they wouldn’t repeat the same trick, or he just was that confident in his skills.

     At least they worked as intended for the pair and they could have a breath of fresh air once again when they reached the roof.

     Thankfully there seemed to be no one willing to follow the pair through the vent, but that wasn’t to say that the roof would just be the three of them for long with the nearby roof access door within sight. The sound of the familiar biplane being music to the preteen’s ears even if their enemies were coming up the stairs inside and while her expression was similar to her dad’s as he landed, she wagged her tail upon seeing Tails.

     Just from that small nudge, Harmony was dashing forward and hopping up into the rear cockpit seat. This time there was no argument about where she was sitting and Tails nodded to the hero once he was sure that they were both secure.

     “Then hang on.” For a bulky plane, it had quite a bit of speed behind it as he pushed the throttle and took off from the roof just as the door access opened. A few minor laser fire that plinked against the metal plating of the plane but nothing that would stop their escape. And there was a vocal sigh of relief when they got out of range and Harmony felt safe enough to pick her head up to look back out at their surroundings.

     All that was left now was to make the trip back to Freedom Fight HQ where they could discuss the findings on the flash drive and hopefully come up with a game plan. Tails didn’t have much to say. Since a good portion of their conversations were had over their headsets while they were searching, he knew what they had found. How little information was available. They had a long road ahead of them, but he was confident that they would find a cure.

     They had to.

    {➹} – THE HEDGEHOG DIDN'T NEED to be told twice, the last thing he planned to do was end the day by plummeting down the surface because he slipped off the craft. At least in that respect he had the reassurance of knowing that he could, technically, catch himself. But why risk it in the first place? All the hero did was fortify his grip a little bit more, and he was glad he had by the time the plane was pulling forward again. It had a little more power than what he was used to.

    It didn’t stop his eyes from narrowing when he heard the door near them open, the hero already expecting some other fight before he noticed they were a safe distance away. And that this version of the bi-plane was not only faster, but more resilient than his own. All mental notes for another time, when all of this was over and the small family could go back to their lives in the village. Something Arrow knew was going to, unfortunately, take more time now than he originally thought. 

     A somber thought if there ever was one, but the hero was far from giving up hope. Despite not knowing them as well as his partner or daughter, he trusted this Zone’s heroes. Trusted their resources and their ability to do the right thing. If he hadn’t then he wouldn’t be there right now. He would have been elsewhere, seeking assistance from those he did know but he wasn’t. He had chosen to go on this mission, and despite its results, he still believed it was necessary.

     They would find a cure. That much he was sure of. He couldn't afford to think any differently when everyone was trying their hardest to end this. 

     Besides...he thought he knew of a way to help beyond lending a hand to Sally when she needed it. Or, rather, he knew who he could recruit into this mess. He just needed to talk to them first. 

“I would like that, yes please!” Later, of course - but Starfire looked forward to listening to Sonic’s music.

“Certainly not!” As long as he had the space for keeping them, of course, but she simply assumed that to be the case. Starfire now turned back to the plushies once more, and after a few moments, picked a white thing (it didn’t really resemble a person or an animal, it was probably some made up creature or something) that had a purple outfit on. “I will take this! It is looking adorable.”

     {➹} – THAT WAS ALL the convincing the hero needed, his mind was made up and the cup held carefully in his hands as he watched his companion choose her own item. Even he couldn’t say what the little creature was, but it was interesting if nothing else. No doubt work had gone into it, and that alone made the creature special in his eyes. The same with his new cup, and he couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the mall had.

Flask switched her phone off before coming into Arrow’s room. She wouldn’t allow anyone or anything to disturb her most important person. She could have personal time too! She doesn’t have to be availible 24/7, right? That’s what Cotton would always tell her at least.

The albino held the hedgehog’s hand again. When did it start? That unbelievably soft and gentle feeling that would appear every time she would see Arrow? The first time they met, the chemist looked up to him, a hero, a fighter and just a great person that helped her find her way around. But with every encounter it turned into something deeper and the albino could no longer deny it: every time he smiled at her, it felt like Arrow was holding her heart in his hand.

His cheek was so soft and plushy. When did Arrow get comfortable enough to nuzzle into her hand with such a delighted expression? Come to think about it… A lot of things that he had done were going beyond being platonic, weren’t they?

“I’ve missed you too.” Flask replied without even thinking. A short pause. Wait, did she really just say that out loud… Ah, who cares, he started it! “A lot. I am really happy to see you again.” Stating the obvious, but she wasn’t quite educated in detailes of romance.

Arrow did seem a bit out of it though. He definitely needed sleep. Staying awake was pretty taxing for the poor guy. The small scientist hesitated and carefully moved the hand, that was cupping his cheek, up, starting to stroke gently between the triangle ears. “How are you feeling now? I won’t mind if you fall asleep, okay? I will stay here regardless, I promise.”

    {➹} – IT WOULD HAVE BEEN a question even the hero couldn't answer. He didn't know when he had gotten so comfortable around her, when he had come to miss their time apart or felt guilty when he couldn't visit as often as he wanted. But as clueless as he was, he wouldn't change the developments for much. After all, Flask seemed to enjoy their time together as well, or she wouldn't have kept seeking him out.

     Right?

     Maybe a small doubt had flared at the thought, but it dissipated when her response came. He didn't even notice how natural it was, merely taking merit in the words themselves. Obvious or no. He was glad to hear them, that same warmth coming to play again as his transitioned hues looked into her unique red ones, holding ruby with that soft smile beneath emerald. For a moment it seemed he might have missed her question, but a slow blink was proof he had registered it.

     "Terrible, but...good company." He was definitely out of it, that bleariness far too evident in his response and in the way his eyes had begun to droop. Almost as if his body had been waiting for permission to rest again, if only to not be a bad host. A ridiculous thought, yet he was reassured by her words nonetheless. He didn't know why he had wanted to hear that she would stay, but he did. Maybe to not be alone at such a trying time, even though he knew his teammates weren't too far away. Or maybe to start making up for lost time with the mouse. Who knew?

     Regardless, his eyes had closed at the scratching between his ears. A rare gesture that not many bothered with, but he thought he could grow to like it as he lightly nudged her hand in a sign of gratitude. Yet his eyes remained closed, quills relaxed, even as he spoke a soft, "thank you."

It had taken a lot out of her, just like last time.

But unlike last time, he hadn’t the chance to cause mass destruction. Rebuilding efforts could continue as they were planned, and the monsters that came from the Evil King’s resurgence would be dispatched of when she had the energy to spare. They were always happy to see him, the Lizalfos especially. He granted them supplies, and food in exchange for harming travelers, and attacking cities.

Not anymore.

“Now that this matter is taken care of, I will be just fine.”

But the change in her eyes was already obvious. There was more confidence, rather than the fear that she wouldn’t be able to maintain things. Her worst nightmare had come true, and she’d come back from it stronger. All thanks to family.

“And you?”

Of course she was worried for him. It had felt wrong to push him into helping solve her own problems, but oh, was she glad she did. She couldn’t hold the beast while simultaneously striking him, so Sonic’s presence was crucial. Without it, the Evil King would still be reigning.

“This will never happen again. I can feel it. I feel so much power over the darkness.”

Yet she fell to her knees in exhaustion. There was no trouble with the darkness, rather, she was just weakened from expending such extreme amounts of magic in such short periods of time. She was going to need a long rest to get back to one hundred percent, but that was possible now. Safely.

“I couldn’t have done it without your assistance. So I must thank you. All of Hyrule thanks you.”

   {➹} – THE WORSE HAD BEEN AVOIDED this time around, and the hero couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief with that realization. And if he felt that way he could only imagine how it was his friend felt at that moment. Compared to the last time this had all happened, things seemed infinitely better. Still unideal that it had happened at all but he knew that it wouldn't be rearing its head again anytime soon.

     Something in the way she stood there, at that moment told him as much. After this, he knew she had changed, that something had shifted. He could see the confidence shining through, and it was well deserved. Now that he had seen what she could really do, he knew the Kingdom was in good hands.

     Then again, he had known that from the start. And now it seemed that the two of them were finally on the same page.

     Sonic was just glad she was okay, though it didn't stop him from giving her a quick once over just in case. Satisfied, he smiled at her, a gesture of relief and joy as he raised his hands. He didn't regret any part of the last few days, merely happy he could be there for her when she needed him to be.

     "'M fine, maybe in need of a brushing, but fine," he assured only after looking at his disheveled fur. All fixable, of course. Nothing to fret about, unlike his friend's collapse which, if he were honest, he had been expecting. The concept of magic was still strange to him, more so when it came to the strength and energy it took to pull off such a feat. Still, he came to her side without hesitation, crouching next to her as he softly took up one of her hands.

↳ @lilbluespeedster​ asked: "I still haven't been able to replicate even remotely what happened during that fight...Merely only the sensitivity for other chaos users...And that's arguably gotten more clearer since that day." *The hedgehog sighed and looked over at a few of the markings he had remained from the event.* "Anyone you know that might be able to help?"

                                                              —————

    {➹} – FOR A MOMENT, the elder looked at the very same marks, both puzzled and fascinated by them. Some might have found the transformation Lil had gone through odd but, given that his own had lead to the white bands and cuff along his limbs, Arrow couldn't help but see it as a good thing. He just wished he remembered more about the event in question, his brain was still a little fuzzy regarding those events.

     But, regardless, it seemed that it had set Lil their next path and it was one the elder was curious to see. Not just what it was comprised of, but where it would lead the younger hedgehog.

Luckily no hunters have come during those few days the duo stayed in the town. It was a relief and an honest breath of fresh air for the two. Sure here and there a not so friendly individual would come along and try to pick a fight with Kokoro over being “not pure” while she tried to help run the establishment but the hybrid herself would rather deal with that than to take on the more crazed and dangerous individuals from their homeworld.

That sadly doesn’t mean they are out of the picture though. They both can tell that the hunters are getting more desperate at completing their so called “cleansing”. They know that it wouldn’t be long before they reach them and both know they must rescue Arrow before then.

When the knock and the rabbit’s message finally happened Kokoro, without saying a word, simply grabs her bag that was already packed and walks up to him with the most serious look on her face. She didn’t have to say anything as she swiftly gives him a nod, while staring him in the eyes, silently telling him “I’m ready to face anything”.

This kind of thing isn’t new to them and they know this wouldn’t be the last either. Kowai just sighs, stretches, and casually hops off the bed. The feline trots to the two before speaking up. “What is this "plan” and if it even does work how sure do you think we would be successful at rescuing Arrow? I mean death and other unwanted things can happen at anytime and any place. One slip of judgement and either you or everyone around you can die or at least be debilitatingly crippled.“

Upon hearing her companion say such things Kokoro places a hand to her forehead, closes her eyes, and produces a frustrated groaning sigh as if she can’t believe she is even friends with this individual but as much as the hybrid hated hearing that from Kowai the cat does have a point. With a much quieter sigh she regains her composure, allowing Johnny to answer.

    {➹} – IT WASN’T THE REACTION the rabbit had been hoping for but he also couldn’t argue with it. Her determination was a relief at least, though not for the first time he had to wonder if this was a good idea. They didn’t know each other, knew nothing of one another’s abilities or what they were capable or even how they handled stressful situations, and yet they were about to embark on a dangerous mission together. Chaos, he could only hope she was like the rest of the hedgehog’s friends: strong and stubborn to a fault. 

     Kowai, on the other hand, had brought up good points. Ones that Johnny and the rest of the team had considered time and again over the last few weeks. But they were ready to face whatever came, for the sake of their leader. Their friend. But bringing the pair up to speed would be easy enough as he motioned for them to follow. They might as well get started, Jungle Zone was a ways away. 

     “On the surface, the plan’s simple,” he would begin as they exited the restaurant and started for the forest. “If you can open the same portal that Sonic did, we can go through it into The Special Zone. Unfortunately we don’t know much about it, next to nothin’ actually. Which is why our only goal once inside is to find Blue and get the hell back out. No exceptions.”

    The last two words had a strong emphasis as he glanced to the pair. Again, he knew little about them but he was the leader in this situation, technically. He needed things to go according to plan. “I’m not sayin’ we won’t have to fight, but if we do we need to split up. One group will take him back to safety and the others will be a distraction for as long as that takes. With any luck, it’ll be enough.

{{ L }} “Hmph.” Infinite could hold back his scowl. “With how close to death’s door he is, I would say that is a bold face lie. Doubt you were ignorant to his health, sonI could only surmise that was your plan… to let him merely die a pathetic death.”

“They will have to forgive me… I don’t think I can let you live.”

Aware of the spikes closing in, Infinite bent forward with his left hand hovering near his swords handle. Pushing the guard with his thumb, A crimson flash rockets toward the entity with enough force to shatter the lamp posy with a deafening ‘boom’. With a tight grip on the handle, Infinite once more unsheathed his sword with blinding speeds swinging the crimson blade at the other’s neck. This time a ring of red hypercubes surrounded Infinite quickly morphing into the shape of swords, blades pointed outward, that spun around Infinite. A defenseless little ring of sorts.

   {➹} – SLIGHT AS IT WAS there was a small tick of a frown on Dark's part. The hero dying...well, that hadn't been his plan at all but he wasn't going to waste time explaining his reasoning. That was between him and Sonic. It always had been. This jackal wasn't a part of the entity’s plan, no more than the hero's friends were. The friends watching the fight with bated breath, Chaos included.

     And this jackal...they were so strange.

     And, oh, he was fast, and that was a rare thing to come across. But Dark's eyes could track them, even if his energy was a little slower. Defense had never been their strong suit, but the wall of energy that shot up the moment the lamppost all but exploded was far from ineffective. While shreds of metal and glass flew through the streets, the entity was far more concerned with the sword that nearly breeched his defenses. Almost.

    | OOC |

This is a reminder that I’m going to be out of state and pretty busy from the 15th-21st/22nd so activity is going to be sparse. But, again, I’m going to try to finish the threads I want to when I have a chance since I’ll be on the road for a portion of that time. 

However, that said, I am going to be officially archiving this blog on the 21st I think. This means that all threads here will be dropped and will not be continued on the new blog. I’m more than willing to finish those threads on Discord or something, or just come to some conclusion via IMs, but I want to get the muse rolling in his new setting before his birthday since I think that’s a pretty good excuse to get some new threads going.