You is kind, you is smart, you is important!

"Glad ta know everyone finds my trauma

SO FUNNY!!!!"

He throws a table into a wall.

The object misses near an inch from her skull , yelping as wood splinters the synthetic barrier . Not only did she fall , but showered in broken pieces that embed themselves in her hair as arms shield her face hugging the floor .

" i was really hoping that you would join , too . "

" i know you used to like those . "

" i can be your princess , if you want me to be . "

" you can throw knives ? how resplendent ... "

" what's that little stupid smirk mean , dumbass ? "

" ... stop doing that ' me next ' expression , dumbass . "

" ha ha , you eat food when you're hungry "

" no more adventures . time for real life . "

" WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE ?! "

" sometimes you gotta get that one on one time . "

" how'd you like to go to the diner with ME , sometime ? "

" you think i could have an ice cream sundae ? with chocolate ? "

" you're a great friend , but ... i don't want to ... be your pity date . "

" any time you need a wingman ... i'll be right here . "

" you can lick the melted ice cream off my hand . "

" what ?! i sound jealous and toxic ?! shut up ! "

" today was probably the best day ever . "

" don't you wanna do something crazy ? "

" for a long time , i've actually been thinking about what would happen ... if i left . "

" i'm too weak to do that . "

" you're not weak at all ! "

" i ... don't want to run away anymore . "

" just wanted to see if i could make your heart beat any faster . "

" i like you too , okay ? whatever way you meant you like me , i like you too . "

" being with you ... makes my days better . "

" well ... i really really REALLY like you . and i have ... for a long time . "

" everything i learn about you ... just makes me like you more . "

" i almost thought i might pass out for a second ... "

" you've grown so much , haven't you ? "

" since when were you such a hater ?! "

" you could , uh ... put the ribbon on me , too . "

" don't look so smug about it , dumbass ! "

" i ... i thought you didn't like ribbons ! "

" i won't avoid the truth anymore . "

" shine that courage . and i know your love will bloom . "

" the truth is , i cherish your purest heart . "

" this isn't a safe world to play ' hero ' in . "

" go home ? are you stupid ? "

" you have NO idea what you're dealing with . "

" the knight will kill you . "

" the sunset's beautiful . "

" i've never seen a sunset so breathtaking ... "

" what do we do ?! hey , ____ , what do we DO ?! "

" should we just break down the door or something ?! smash a window ?! "

" heh , what a predictable creature . "

" you're never getting out . "

" uuu , what are you guys playing ? "

" how do you play , how do you play ?! "

" i made good on our promise , didn't i ? "

" i'd be stronger if i wasn't hungry ... "

" hurry up and put me down ! or at least carry me in a more reverent fashion ... "

" please ... please let it change . "

" got a lot on your mind , huh ? "

" don't act like you have an ACTUAL plan . "

" every chance i get , i pray . "

" ... how much do you think praying helps ? "

" i have to believe . it's all i can do . "

" why not just put your faith in yourself ? "

" do you really have SO little self - awareness ?! "

" it's because you wanna see if i can win , right ? if i can stop you ... and defy fate . "

" we've been walking in hella tall grass . we should check you for mites and fleas . "

" i got free drink vouchers for the cafe . "

" i'll give them back all the pain they've inflicted . "

" when i parade their body around town , everyone will finally realise how right i was . "

" it wasn't my fault . "

" all i ever wanted to do was help . "

" are you not here because of love ? "

" i don't think there should be any more dark fountains . "

" the end of the story ... we have to avoid it . we have to . "

" if a happy ending does exist somehow ... it's with you . "

" ... dude , when you mumble , i can't hear you . "

" you should carry me next . "

" if you're gonna say something , just say it . "

" you're cute when you're embarrassed . "

" the hell are you doing just standing there ?! it's creepy ! "

" did you ever ... like anybody ? "

" can't even imagine what your type is . "

" hey , don't stare at me like i'm stupid ! "

" this time ... i won't lose . "

" anything you wanna do , i've got your back . "

" will you really take away someone else's fantasy just to keep your own ? "

" don't you LIKE serving humans ... ? "

" you think i WANT it to be like this ?! "

" then what DO you want ? "

" i'm just trying to help you . "

" i believe that you have the power to change fate . "

" i've watched you since you were a child ... and i know that you've CHANGED . "

" this world , it's perfect for you . "

" i've seen how alone you are . "

" something horrible is stirring underneath this town . "

" would you mind walking me home ? "

" i've been thinking about ... us . "

" hey , sit over on my side . the view's better . "

" i know you remember , too ! "

" why ... are your hands trembling ? "

" you're the one that wanted this , aren't you ? "

" don't let go of my hand . "

" i feel like ... i've just been watching my life through glass . "

" i want to do something crazy . i want to break free . "

" you changed . you ACTUALLY changed ! "

" if it's you telling me to , i can do anything . "

Judging by her expression it seems the Lightner is in more than a foul mood , further by the smell of pollen and , rose petals ? Only one 'person' is capable of leaving a trail wherever he they go .

Unprompted asks //

"Weed killer?"

Oh. The unmistakable scent of pollen that carries on the breeze is proof enough of who she might be referring to. Ralsei does little to hide the fact that the feeling of dislike towards this particular person is mutual. It's unbecoming for a princess like her, but she doesn't seem to care.

If Flowery puts a hand on her shoulder in a condescending manner one more time, she'll--

" Perfect . Now , if would you do me the honors . "

The Lightner had a wonderful , awful idea . And who better to aid than the princess ?

Not to say she'd been dragged plenty of times but , in this case none wait for such matters as a fuzzy wrist is all but snagged . Tugged back towards the forest with little more than a giggle to spare .

Clearly this indulgent has allowed whatever she's planning to brew further .

" Can't exactly do it outside , and your concern is why ? "

Various , for one equally annoyed since his 'security' is now reduced to a wet rag and second with how casual she's being about it all . No issue besides the fact her feathers are in much need of air , whether it be beyond or at the request of their ringmaster .

The insignificant amount of water is nothing, and the rabbit is being over dramatic— but it doesn’t stop him from glaring at the bird, snatching up his blanket and stealing the pillow from the couch, like his room doesn’t already have a nest of them, and holding them against his chest like armor.

" It's water , pieds légers . ( $@@# ) dries faster than Gangle's watercolors . "

A slow exhale leaves the dove as she carefully lowers herself , resting on haunches for a brief moment as hands fluff the plumage around her chest , making sure it's fully dry before resting her arms underneath . Such fuss you'd think he's drowning , poor thing .

Not that it'd make things better , though judging by her tone she's happy to match whatever energy he's radiating right now .

A smile , weary but genuine ⸻ more gentle in regards to the way he avoids looking at her .

" Relax , he's doin' interviews so he won't come up here for a while . "

Venturing to the counter , she unlocks the tablet typing away vigorously before a series of familiar images load in with items from their menu . Making sure he's still there by the time she looks up again .

Hot cocoa is... on sale? He eyed the tablet before the pretty human as he started to come to a decision. His eyes lit up, bright and round and his smile begin to make its appearance known. He hasn't had hot chocolate in so long he... actually couldn't even recall the last time he had one to begin with. Pierrot begins to nod his head and whisper back in response.

"One please~"

A simple nod serves response , the audible jingle from her device prompting their transaction . Better than trying to explain later why he wasn't holding one of their menu items , with how people are in this town she doesn't want to make trouble ⸻ seeing as he's gotten enough of that .

Button here button there , register opens annnnd . . . done . She can get started . Like clockwork she's already in motion , sparing no expense on ingredients before it's eventually brought to him , right up front .

" You seem to be doin' better , that's good . " She mused , placing the mug on the counter .

" Still kinda' roughed up m'sure , given what happened yesterday . " " Not to worry though , place is too public for anyone to throw hands . "

Bubble ? Excited for an adventure ? ? That means one of two things , either they got to pick whatever comical nonsense flooded the ringmaster's brainwaves this morning or they're all being subjected to something far more troublesome . One can only hope it's the first option .

Or , something else entirely for better or worse .

While there has been talk of more 'seasonal adventures' nobody knows for sure whether it has anything to do with recent housing or simply a matter or making everything , including the newbies feel comfortable .

" I , hope so . Would be nice to wear a swimsuit or , try to anyways . "

The way she wobbles with each step just makes it more of a laughing matter .

Still better to engage than keep housing herself up . It's summer , why not enjoy something for a change ?

Elongated digits clasp , noting the texture of her glove before hobbling out ; and closing the door behind them .

" Yes it's certainly , something . "

People have a tendency to throw things away , rather than donate . While it's not quite what you'd expect in a small town it does bring some curiosity to who owned it last .

A far cry from the four-legged scuttling around , second by it's eagerness . Not for capture but , comfort to her trembling form as she'd been running on pure adrenaline the last several hours . Hands , hesitant at first move beyond her tattered pants watching the creature draw near despite it's wobbly steps . Nubby paws , dirty from years of who knows what are met with soft flesh .

that must feel better , doesn't it ? placed into the woman's arms , the patchwork bear leans its head over her heart , applying a grounding weight . there's a distinct presence to the creature , like a familiar , old scent .

its little , nubby paws guide her hands over the seams of its stitches , the texture of each patch added by skilled , caring old hands . a granny had made him , hadn't she ? they know their stitching ...

A welcomed change . Each texture brings a level of tranquility , little by little distracting from the narrative they find themselves part of . Memories of a time when she , like so many others favored a particular toy ⸻ her old Woody doll , upturned smile , plastic hands that cupped perfectly against her hand when she'd drag him around .

Her baby dolly . So many nights hugging , squeezing , playing with it's little ribbons as she drifted into dreamland .

Molly . Sweet , precious Molly . If ever a time she wished to be back home , surrounded by the same toys that brought so much comfort back in her adolescence , it's here . Tears pricked her lashes upon bringing the toy closer , it's form nestled in the crook of her neck ; embraced by the same hands now tugging and threading the wrinkled bow fluttering behind it's head .

Ignore the line of Shadow men in the backdrop for comical effect .

📺⭐🟥⭕ ..... He's so confused but enthralled?

All this is only barely within his career range. It reminds him of... commercials for music players small enough to fit in pockets. This... did not at all line up with his current understanding of the Lightner-- her personality! At least, what he thought she was like? But... he's not complaining! Maybe she really is cut out for life in TV World..?

In the shadows off any stage, everyone looked like a shadowman, but of course the giant TV's silhouette was unmistakable, especially when his screen turned on and revealed his giddy smile. As the performance ends, Tenna comes back on stage, clapping his big gloves rapidly in approval. " ✨WOW!✨ Eileen, I didn't know you had that in you!! That was so... fresh! So... new!! " New to him. As far as he's aware this aesthetic is cutting edge, last he checked. He turns toward the audience, holding out his mic.

Perhaps there's more to this than meets the eye , level of comfort finally established after much time if not a flicker of her inner most self . Years of indulgence , hobbies kept under wraps for less than what few were allowed in her circle ⸻ it's been a while but , seeing the crowd react made the sweat on her brow worth more .

That wild hair was good for something after all .

His approval heightened it , umbers fixed on prismatic pixels beaming with what could only be akin to pride . Excitement even , seeing how this was spur of the moment .

" I wasn't , expecting an encore but . . . "

Pause , head dipping back towards the crowd . Their euphoria unmatched , if not glowing under the stage lights .

" If you're okay with me stealin' them for a while . "

Not , quite what she expected ⸻ but certainly a sight for one such reality . The smell , eternal noir beyond what her eyes could see other than the occasional string of flesh left from parting .

ঔৣ ⊱ ۫ ׅ ִ ࣪𖤐 ︶ ꒷꒦˚ ╯˚ ࣭ ⭑ Reality shifts and SCREAMS around his eldritch form ; blood pours to the ground like an ocean from his stomach with tendrils EAGER to pull her in ; however, no immediate action is taken as he tilts his head.

ཀ❛ ❛ Vore? ❜ ❜ཀ   The term is only familiar due to his son's incomprehensible ramblings, yet the meaning is unknown. ཀ❛ ❛ Do I dare ask what that is? From context clues alone, I get that it has something to do with eating... but WHAT is it exactly and why do you want it so desperately you would annoy me? ❜ ❜ཀ  

More on account of it's realistic horrors , anguish embodied with no means or care for the victim . Hunger unsated by her explanation . Brows scrunch in regards to the pool settling under him , the smell undeniably strong and quite familiar to one who'd spent years lapping at the ends of broken feathers .

Sweet crimson , mixed with decay .

" This , is another one of your ironic takes right ? "

Something brought by yesterday's events , some outfit or change of mind to get people talking as perusal . There's some suspicion regarding his tone but , the more she indulges the more cracks she sees that differ from the one everyone's used to .

Claws drag along the side of his cheek , stepping further into the space before withdrawing all together with nails resting at her side .

The pink bunny looks confused as she spoke, oh dear.. okay, he had an idea of what was going on here. This lady was getting him confused with his less nicer purple counterpart.. Surely the floppy ears and pink fur was a good enough hint?

Oh well, suppose it's no problem..

"O-Oh dear, I'm s-sorry...y-you must be confused with m-my counterpart..s-she's the one you gotta worry a-about."

Claws tickle the digital body below fur and their tail gives a little wag, then droops a bit once the scratches stop.

..Aw..

To prove he wasn't the same bunny, both ears which flopped on each side of his head began to swish back and forth as Strawberry began to moved his head side to side.

Contrary to popular belief the dove's well versed with subject retaining to previous adventures ⸻ though no one made mention of the 'opposing team' it's safe to say they were designed to test their wits . No wonder Jax was in a foul mood .

She didn't get a chance to play , or pitch for that matter but even so the outcome left periwinkle fur tinted . Channeled through her bat upon next swing .

Has it really been that long ? Everything was such a blur she barely remembers , doesn't help her suggestion got crumpled midway through development .

" Why are you here then ? "

Perhaps the dimensional gateways allow more than just them . Could be why some of the folks from candyland had been wandering through here .