The Most Humble and Tall and Handsome Man

Ey, man.

Rather quiet for someone who seems to want you awake.

You got a minute to spare for your nHo buddy?

@docs-mailbox

Bdubs grumbled something, shifting to bury himself further under the duvet. After a few moments he opened an eye, then realised who had woken him.

His horn isn’t fully healed, of course. But there’s progress.

Bdubs could feel himself getting tired already, he’d be in for a very long, very pleasant nap. He flapped his wings lazily a few times to propel himself over to Doc.

Been fine mostly. Somebody messed up my redstone, and I seem to have misplaced my communicator…

It dawns on him that this endless expanse of a place doesn’t have many spots to hide a device like his comm. Which is great! All the more reason to brush off all those silly anxieties about what BigB said.

Still, nothing’s been confirmed, one way or another.

…but other than that, everything’s been great. Projects ‘n’ all, and my wings are back in action too.

Indistinct.

Doc leaned into his embrace with a faint smile. His eyes, though, were fixed on something else. Far out in the distance.

And, even knowing the nature of the situation— his comm being missing, with Bdubs probably not being the culprit— I mean, come on, he’s my friend, obviously I can trust him more than famed liar BigB— he can’t help but entertain the idea of Dubs having it on him.

Less in the sense of Dubs having stolen it, and more along the lines of Dubs just having it on hand for no particular reason. A cosmic convenience of sorts.

And it’s the push that drives him to ask—

BigB’s not a very reliable source of information, I’ve found.

In other news, lapis is blue.

Yeah, I knew I was probably going to get caught up in this… idea, I guess, unless I confronted you directly. ‘s part of why I visited. That, and, y’know, we haven’t talked in a while.

Wanted to see your face.

This hole’s a secret, though. Nobody knows where it is except for me. And it’s gonna stay that way for awhile.

Something skitters through the holes in his crocs— a bug? Some kind of beetle? But it isn’t there when he takes off his shoe for inspection. Strange.

A moist quality permeates the air.

“Why? It’s just a hole, isn’t it?” Bdubs frowned, why would anyone hide just a hole, unless- “ooh, does it have all y’ stuff in it?” Honestly, he’d really like to sleep right about now, and wants to give Doc a little ‘nudge’ into doing so because the man doesn’t seem that tired! He hugged Doc tighter before pausing.

Hole’s still gonna be there when I get back.

And there’s a solace— that sort of solace one could see in another’s eyes— in knowing that his fishing rod was tucked away in his inventory. He knew he was the one in control here. Doc’s wings flutter for a few moments.

Worst comes to worst, you, uh, you can’t exactly grief a hole without making a bigger hole, so… yeah, I don’t have to even worry about that.

“Mhm, ‘n I don’t think anyone’s crazy enough to fill it back in.” Well, some people were but they then weren’t crazy enough to mess with Doc. Unless you were Martyn.

No— they—!

Doc’s wings tense.

Listen to me. We do miss you, why do you think— I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you’d be here. ‘S the whole reason I came down here in the first place.

He can feel something brushing up against his fur. Sharp leaves or… maybe it’s vines of some sort, he’s not entirely sure what it is.

We are not doomed, this doesn’t have to be your life.

I’d say it to Etho too, but we haven’t found him yet.

And Bdubs was alone most of the time, which really was his own fault for sleeping so much recently. People didn’t tend to want to spend a lot of time with someone who was asleep. He curled up tighter.

So, of course, when he picked up on the odd look in Dubs’ eyes, he adjusted accordingly, as best as he could. Not that he was fully sure what it was about he said that warranted that, but surely he could figure this out along the way.

This fucking jungle, man.

He couldn’t quite tell whether he was floating or walking, but he nearly tripped over a log, which would have been a bit inconvenient.

How’s this guy managing to stay so sleepy during all this, this is the most awake I’ve ever…

…been…

Is there…

He hesitates. There’s an idea floating around his head, and he hesitates, because am I really going to bail on him this early on? Maybe “bailing” isn’t the right word, I’ll come back as soon as I can, but it still leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth.

Like, I know this is your, uh, place, but… c’mon.

Doc forces out a bit of a chuckle. Is he not worried about—?

No, he’s definitely worried about Etho. Maybe he just doesn’t want to think about it right now.

…ah! That’s it! That has to be it, it’s so obvious when you really stop and think about it. Bdubs has had all the fuckin’ time in the world to think about Etho— he’s been looking all over for the guy, no one’s seen him—

It always feels nice when things fall into place like this.

–so by coming down here and immediately trying, like, to passively look for Etho… it’s kind of an asshole move, isn’t it? Bdubs needs support too! Of course! Obviously! How did I not think of that sooner?

As much as it did make him feel like a bit of an idiot, it was equally as vindicating, being able to think logically about a situation. Especially given the circumstances!

But that did leave one problem.

There’s only one thing in his possession that he knows could quell the incessant pounding in his head, demanding he get ahold of Etho and Dubs and take a mad dash out of this fucking labyrinth— weakness potions.

Which just so happen to be at his house— which of course, is not here.

So the plan of action involves somehow sneaking out of here without Bdubs realizing it, getting some potions, and coming back. This, of course, is going to be really fucking difficult if he can’t even pace around without getting called out for it.

“Sorry, sorry.” Jeez, he was so needy, no wonder Doc was walking off somewhere. He stuck a little further behind him now, but didn’t dare take his eyes off of him.

Yeah, um, yeah, I was just checking to see if there was a lake around. Wanted to see if I could catch something, it’s nice and grounding, you know?

He takes out his fishing rod. His heart slows to a resting rate, looking at it.

If you’ve, um, seen a lake around here, it’d be nice if you could point me in the direction of it. I’ll fish you up something nice, we could— we could chat over a campfire, that’s always fun.

That complicates things.

I mean, it’d be nicer if we had, like, a bonfire going or something. And— and yeah, I guess we’re obviously not gonna find any lakes here, but…

Think of something, think of something—

…I could… pretend… to fish something up?

He casts the rod out, and—

…

He’s not—?

He’s. Still here.

Mumbles something about junk treasure, he’s not even sure what he’s on about, and he casts again, and it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work.

–and yeah, so here’s the fish…

It didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

…and we can just… lie down now.

–it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

Yeah, and it’s— yeah. Sleep time.

His fingers curl. The only thing outpacing his heart’s rate are his own thoughts, a cyclone— a sandstorm— some sort of unprecedented disaster that wrecks him from the inside. And as he tries to speak he can feel his throat closing and this ache in his chest and he hates the way he can feel his fingers shaking and when he looks at his mechanical arm being co-opted by this fucking sensation in his head he just wants to tear it out and—

I—!

He nearly chokes on it.

And he starts talking, too low and too soft and too fast for either of them to make out.

–anniknow you’re doing your best anni appreciate you’re here but—

He tries to breathe. It’s stifled. It’s shaky.

We need to find Etho.

How on earth does he deal with this- well, for starters, he pulls away to grab Doc’s wrist and drag him along. After a bit of searching the opening was found and Bdubs led them through it.

He rubbed at his eyes, orientating himself before refocusing on Doc.

Bdubs needs this.

And so he fights off that paralyzing— that thing, that feeling, coursing through him, and nods along.

He hadn’t seen Etho in… uhm, he didn’t know. Time had sort of melted together recently, wasn’t really sure when was what ‘n stuff. But it’d been a while! Luckily he still remembered the way to his base because- well, he was Bdubs. It was his job to be weird about Etho.

Bdubs wound through the path until they reached Etho’s base, this Japanese-looking thing, still had that ugly bright purple roof.

Still, he takes the liberty of inviting himself in. Maybe he’s just been in the basement? That’s where all the utility’s located.

Cozy place. The smell of honey and overgrown produce wafts through the air, and the scintillating refractions of the lake are… they’re very strong. It certainly keeps him grounded.

And the sounds are rather peaceful as well. Between the beavers, the rustling leaves, and the ebb and flow of the water, it’s anything but empty.

But Etho’s nowhere to be found.

Etho?

He’s got to be here, right?

But the way that Bdubs said it… Doc couldn’t help but tense his shoulders.

Bdubs wouldn’t leave without Etho, right? Surely he knows where he is.

Should we—

He clears his throat.

“Yeah, he’ll be there, I reckon. Lost in the redstone.” He snickered. Bdubs equipped his elytra (his own wings weren’t strong enough for long distance flight).

A minute or two later they were poking around the wiring of Frogger.

Of course, with each month, the game has to endure upkeep, including occasional balance updates to keep it fresh. But some of the circuits seem… out of place.

This doesn’t even look like Etho’s redstone— he wouldn’t wire it like this.

He points to a circuit on the ground, which has guiding gridlines beneath it. The floor is polished tuff.

I mean, it’s a pretty big place, that sounds— it sounds plausible.

His wings start to flutter.

Why couldn’t it be him? He wasn’t- Bdubs wasn’t a bad person, was he? He hadn’t done anything to Etho, no, no. He wouldn’t do any thing to Etho. So why?

Doc, Bdubs! Good you see ya, good to see ya. Why’ve you decided to pay me a visit? Missed me or something? I know, going without my presence for so long is painful.

Ey man.

The city’s even bigger up close. How Joel has managed to pull this off is beyond him.

Just wanted to stop by and, y’know, look around. Get a feel for the place.

Then he remembered what they were here for, because Joel had clearly done something to Etho, clearly kept him from Bdubs.. and Doc. He marched forwards, thrusting an accusatory finger in Joel’s face.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ETHO, DID YA KIDNAP HIM? SPILL.”

He shouted, waving his free hand around in vague gestures.

I’ve not blummin, kidnapped him- you think I’d keep that a secret? I’ve not done anything to him.

Etho’s not here. I’ve not seen him since-

Joel cuts himself off, switching his tone to something curt, clearly trying to brush the two of them off.

Doc interlocks his fingers, face dropping somewhat as well. Because if Joel of all people doesn’t know where Etho is, then—

Well, um, did he… say anything? Before going?

He did.

Eefo…he’s not dead, if that’s what you’re worried about.

His tone switches to something more playful, but there is something strained about it.

We’ve all been a missing persons case before, haven’t we?

I could…

He clears his throat.

Yeah, I could… certainly name a time where I was…

It trails off into a mumble.

…

Doc isn’t sure if it’s showing on his face, but at this point, he doesn’t care. There’s a haunting familiarity at play right now. This is how it started. It’s exactly how it started.

And sure, Etho likes his off time, but if Joel- Frog Champion Joel, hadn’t heard from him, something was most definitely amiss.

Look- it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve seen from him, alright? He’s not told me where he’s staying, or why wherever it is is so blummin far. I uh- was a bit ‘sick’ when he moved out, but he checked in. Bit surprised to learn he could cook- back in Double Life he was hopeless you should’ve seen him he-

Something clicks in Joel’s eyes. He’s realized he said something he shouldn’t have. What he thinks you shouldn’t have said is unclear, but there is the distinct look of ‘I fucked up’ in his eyes.

That’s a bit off topic though, I’m rambling a bit

It’s nice.

Keeps him grounded.

Alright, um—

There’s something stirring inside him, though. He needs to leave. He needs to leave he needs to leave he needs to leave because it’s dangerous staying here.

Rationally speaking, he knows now that it’s not. But that doesn’t change a thing. He needs to leave.

And he can’t help but grasp Bdubs’ hand a bit harder now, just to be sure he’s safe.

I appreciate, the… the input, thank you.

His wings twitch.

And, um, I really hate to cut this short, but, like, there’s things I need to attend to, and…

At first he could write off Doc’s worry about Etho as just paranoia, but it seemed to just slowly become the more likely option.

Ey, man.

Rather quiet for someone who seems to want you awake.

You got a minute to spare for your nHo buddy?

@docs-mailbox

Bdubs grumbled something, shifting to bury himself further under the duvet. After a few moments he opened an eye, then realised who had woken him.

His horn isn’t fully healed, of course. But there’s progress.

Bdubs could feel himself getting tired already, he’d be in for a very long, very pleasant nap. He flapped his wings lazily a few times to propel himself over to Doc.

Been fine mostly. Somebody messed up my redstone, and I seem to have misplaced my communicator…

It dawns on him that this endless expanse of a place doesn’t have many spots to hide a device like his comm. Which is great! All the more reason to brush off all those silly anxieties about what BigB said.

Still, nothing’s been confirmed, one way or another.

…but other than that, everything’s been great. Projects ‘n’ all, and my wings are back in action too.

Indistinct.

Doc leaned into his embrace with a faint smile. His eyes, though, were fixed on something else. Far out in the distance.

And, even knowing the nature of the situation— his comm being missing, with Bdubs probably not being the culprit— I mean, come on, he’s my friend, obviously I can trust him more than famed liar BigB— he can’t help but entertain the idea of Dubs having it on him.

Less in the sense of Dubs having stolen it, and more along the lines of Dubs just having it on hand for no particular reason. A cosmic convenience of sorts.

And it’s the push that drives him to ask—

BigB’s not a very reliable source of information, I’ve found.

In other news, lapis is blue.

Yeah, I knew I was probably going to get caught up in this… idea, I guess, unless I confronted you directly. ‘s part of why I visited. That, and, y’know, we haven’t talked in a while.

Wanted to see your face.

This hole’s a secret, though. Nobody knows where it is except for me. And it’s gonna stay that way for awhile.

Something skitters through the holes in his crocs— a bug? Some kind of beetle? But it isn’t there when he takes off his shoe for inspection. Strange.

A moist quality permeates the air.

“Why? It’s just a hole, isn’t it?” Bdubs frowned, why would anyone hide just a hole, unless- “ooh, does it have all y’ stuff in it?” Honestly, he’d really like to sleep right about now, and wants to give Doc a little ‘nudge’ into doing so because the man doesn’t seem that tired! He hugged Doc tighter before pausing.

Hole’s still gonna be there when I get back.

And there’s a solace— that sort of solace one could see in another’s eyes— in knowing that his fishing rod was tucked away in his inventory. He knew he was the one in control here. Doc’s wings flutter for a few moments.

Worst comes to worst, you, uh, you can’t exactly grief a hole without making a bigger hole, so… yeah, I don’t have to even worry about that.

“Mhm, ‘n I don’t think anyone’s crazy enough to fill it back in.” Well, some people were but they then weren’t crazy enough to mess with Doc. Unless you were Martyn.

No— they—!

Doc’s wings tense.

Listen to me. We do miss you, why do you think— I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you’d be here. ‘S the whole reason I came down here in the first place.

He can feel something brushing up against his fur. Sharp leaves or… maybe it’s vines of some sort, he’s not entirely sure what it is.

We are not doomed, this doesn’t have to be your life.

I’d say it to Etho too, but we haven’t found him yet.

And Bdubs was alone most of the time, which really was his own fault for sleeping so much recently. People didn’t tend to want to spend a lot of time with someone who was asleep. He curled up tighter.

So, of course, when he picked up on the odd look in Dubs’ eyes, he adjusted accordingly, as best as he could. Not that he was fully sure what it was about he said that warranted that, but surely he could figure this out along the way.

This fucking jungle, man.

He couldn’t quite tell whether he was floating or walking, but he nearly tripped over a log, which would have been a bit inconvenient.

How’s this guy managing to stay so sleepy during all this, this is the most awake I’ve ever…

…been…

Is there…

He hesitates. There’s an idea floating around his head, and he hesitates, because am I really going to bail on him this early on? Maybe “bailing” isn’t the right word, I’ll come back as soon as I can, but it still leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth.

Like, I know this is your, uh, place, but… c’mon.

Doc forces out a bit of a chuckle. Is he not worried about—?

No, he’s definitely worried about Etho. Maybe he just doesn’t want to think about it right now.

…ah! That’s it! That has to be it, it’s so obvious when you really stop and think about it. Bdubs has had all the fuckin’ time in the world to think about Etho— he’s been looking all over for the guy, no one’s seen him—

It always feels nice when things fall into place like this.

–so by coming down here and immediately trying, like, to passively look for Etho… it’s kind of an asshole move, isn’t it? Bdubs needs support too! Of course! Obviously! How did I not think of that sooner?

As much as it did make him feel like a bit of an idiot, it was equally as vindicating, being able to think logically about a situation. Especially given the circumstances!

But that did leave one problem.

There’s only one thing in his possession that he knows could quell the incessant pounding in his head, demanding he get ahold of Etho and Dubs and take a mad dash out of this fucking labyrinth— weakness potions.

Which just so happen to be at his house— which of course, is not here.

So the plan of action involves somehow sneaking out of here without Bdubs realizing it, getting some potions, and coming back. This, of course, is going to be really fucking difficult if he can’t even pace around without getting called out for it.

“Sorry, sorry.” Jeez, he was so needy, no wonder Doc was walking off somewhere. He stuck a little further behind him now, but didn’t dare take his eyes off of him.

Yeah, um, yeah, I was just checking to see if there was a lake around. Wanted to see if I could catch something, it’s nice and grounding, you know?

He takes out his fishing rod. His heart slows to a resting rate, looking at it.

If you’ve, um, seen a lake around here, it’d be nice if you could point me in the direction of it. I’ll fish you up something nice, we could— we could chat over a campfire, that’s always fun.

That complicates things.

I mean, it’d be nicer if we had, like, a bonfire going or something. And— and yeah, I guess we’re obviously not gonna find any lakes here, but…

Think of something, think of something—

…I could… pretend… to fish something up?

He casts the rod out, and—

…

He’s not—?

He’s. Still here.

Mumbles something about junk treasure, he’s not even sure what he’s on about, and he casts again, and it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work.

–and yeah, so here’s the fish…

It didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

…and we can just… lie down now.

–it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

Yeah, and it’s— yeah. Sleep time.

His fingers curl. The only thing outpacing his heart’s rate are his own thoughts, a cyclone— a sandstorm— some sort of unprecedented disaster that wrecks him from the inside. And as he tries to speak he can feel his throat closing and this ache in his chest and he hates the way he can feel his fingers shaking and when he looks at his mechanical arm being co-opted by this fucking sensation in his head he just wants to tear it out and—

I—!

He nearly chokes on it.

And he starts talking, too low and too soft and too fast for either of them to make out.

–anniknow you’re doing your best anni appreciate you’re here but—

He tries to breathe. It’s stifled. It’s shaky.

We need to find Etho.

How on earth does he deal with this- well, for starters, he pulls away to grab Doc’s wrist and drag him along. After a bit of searching the opening was found and Bdubs led them through it.

He rubbed at his eyes, orientating himself before refocusing on Doc.

Bdubs needs this.

And so he fights off that paralyzing— that thing, that feeling, coursing through him, and nods along.

He hadn’t seen Etho in… uhm, he didn’t know. Time had sort of melted together recently, wasn’t really sure when was what ‘n stuff. But it’d been a while! Luckily he still remembered the way to his base because- well, he was Bdubs. It was his job to be weird about Etho.

Bdubs wound through the path until they reached Etho’s base, this Japanese-looking thing, still had that ugly bright purple roof.

Still, he takes the liberty of inviting himself in. Maybe he’s just been in the basement? That’s where all the utility’s located.

Cozy place. The smell of honey and overgrown produce wafts through the air, and the scintillating refractions of the lake are… they’re very strong. It certainly keeps him grounded.

And the sounds are rather peaceful as well. Between the beavers, the rustling leaves, and the ebb and flow of the water, it’s anything but empty.

But Etho’s nowhere to be found.

Etho?

He’s got to be here, right?

But the way that Bdubs said it… Doc couldn’t help but tense his shoulders.

Bdubs wouldn’t leave without Etho, right? Surely he knows where he is.

Should we—

He clears his throat.

“Yeah, he’ll be there, I reckon. Lost in the redstone.” He snickered. Bdubs equipped his elytra (his own wings weren’t strong enough for long distance flight).

A minute or two later they were poking around the wiring of Frogger.

Of course, with each month, the game has to endure upkeep, including occasional balance updates to keep it fresh. But some of the circuits seem… out of place.

This doesn’t even look like Etho’s redstone— he wouldn’t wire it like this.

He points to a circuit on the ground, which has guiding gridlines beneath it. The floor is polished tuff.

I mean, it’s a pretty big place, that sounds— it sounds plausible.

His wings start to flutter.

Why couldn’t it be him? He wasn’t- Bdubs wasn’t a bad person, was he? He hadn’t done anything to Etho, no, no. He wouldn’t do any thing to Etho. So why?

Doc, Bdubs! Good you see ya, good to see ya. Why’ve you decided to pay me a visit? Missed me or something? I know, going without my presence for so long is painful.

Ey man.

The city’s even bigger up close. How Joel has managed to pull this off is beyond him.

Just wanted to stop by and, y’know, look around. Get a feel for the place.

Then he remembered what they were here for, because Joel had clearly done something to Etho, clearly kept him from Bdubs.. and Doc. He marched forwards, thrusting an accusatory finger in Joel’s face.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ETHO, DID YA KIDNAP HIM? SPILL.”

He shouted, waving his free hand around in vague gestures.

I’ve not blummin, kidnapped him- you think I’d keep that a secret? I’ve not done anything to him.

Etho’s not here. I’ve not seen him since-

Joel cuts himself off, switching his tone to something curt, clearly trying to brush the two of them off.

Doc interlocks his fingers, face dropping somewhat as well. Because if Joel of all people doesn’t know where Etho is, then—

Well, um, did he… say anything? Before going?

He did.

Eefo…he’s not dead, if that’s what you’re worried about.

His tone switches to something more playful, but there is something strained about it.

We’ve all been a missing persons case before, haven’t we?

I could…

He clears his throat.

Yeah, I could… certainly name a time where I was…

It trails off into a mumble.

…

Doc isn’t sure if it’s showing on his face, but at this point, he doesn’t care. There’s a haunting familiarity at play right now. This is how it started. It’s exactly how it started.

And sure, Etho likes his off time, but if Joel- Frog Champion Joel, hadn’t heard from him, something was most definitely amiss.

Look- it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve seen from him, alright? He’s not told me where he’s staying, or why wherever it is is so blummin far. I uh- was a bit ‘sick’ when he moved out, but he checked in. Bit surprised to learn he could cook- back in Double Life he was hopeless you should’ve seen him he-

Something clicks in Joel’s eyes. He’s realized he said something he shouldn’t have. What he thinks you shouldn’t have said is unclear, but there is the distinct look of ‘I fucked up’ in his eyes.

That’s a bit off topic though, I’m rambling a bit

Ey, man.

Rather quiet for someone who seems to want you awake.

You got a minute to spare for your nHo buddy?

@docs-mailbox

Bdubs grumbled something, shifting to bury himself further under the duvet. After a few moments he opened an eye, then realised who had woken him.

His horn isn’t fully healed, of course. But there’s progress.

Bdubs could feel himself getting tired already, he’d be in for a very long, very pleasant nap. He flapped his wings lazily a few times to propel himself over to Doc.

Been fine mostly. Somebody messed up my redstone, and I seem to have misplaced my communicator…

It dawns on him that this endless expanse of a place doesn’t have many spots to hide a device like his comm. Which is great! All the more reason to brush off all those silly anxieties about what BigB said.

Still, nothing’s been confirmed, one way or another.

…but other than that, everything’s been great. Projects ‘n’ all, and my wings are back in action too.

Indistinct.

Doc leaned into his embrace with a faint smile. His eyes, though, were fixed on something else. Far out in the distance.

And, even knowing the nature of the situation— his comm being missing, with Bdubs probably not being the culprit— I mean, come on, he’s my friend, obviously I can trust him more than famed liar BigB— he can’t help but entertain the idea of Dubs having it on him.

Less in the sense of Dubs having stolen it, and more along the lines of Dubs just having it on hand for no particular reason. A cosmic convenience of sorts.

And it’s the push that drives him to ask—

BigB’s not a very reliable source of information, I’ve found.

In other news, lapis is blue.

Yeah, I knew I was probably going to get caught up in this… idea, I guess, unless I confronted you directly. ‘s part of why I visited. That, and, y’know, we haven’t talked in a while.

Wanted to see your face.

This hole’s a secret, though. Nobody knows where it is except for me. And it’s gonna stay that way for awhile.

Something skitters through the holes in his crocs— a bug? Some kind of beetle? But it isn’t there when he takes off his shoe for inspection. Strange.

A moist quality permeates the air.

“Why? It’s just a hole, isn’t it?” Bdubs frowned, why would anyone hide just a hole, unless- “ooh, does it have all y’ stuff in it?” Honestly, he’d really like to sleep right about now, and wants to give Doc a little ‘nudge’ into doing so because the man doesn’t seem that tired! He hugged Doc tighter before pausing.

Hole’s still gonna be there when I get back.

And there’s a solace— that sort of solace one could see in another’s eyes— in knowing that his fishing rod was tucked away in his inventory. He knew he was the one in control here. Doc’s wings flutter for a few moments.

Worst comes to worst, you, uh, you can’t exactly grief a hole without making a bigger hole, so… yeah, I don’t have to even worry about that.

“Mhm, ‘n I don’t think anyone’s crazy enough to fill it back in.” Well, some people were but they then weren’t crazy enough to mess with Doc. Unless you were Martyn.

No— they—!

Doc’s wings tense.

Listen to me. We do miss you, why do you think— I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you’d be here. ‘S the whole reason I came down here in the first place.

He can feel something brushing up against his fur. Sharp leaves or… maybe it’s vines of some sort, he’s not entirely sure what it is.

We are not doomed, this doesn’t have to be your life.

I’d say it to Etho too, but we haven’t found him yet.

And Bdubs was alone most of the time, which really was his own fault for sleeping so much recently. People didn’t tend to want to spend a lot of time with someone who was asleep. He curled up tighter.

So, of course, when he picked up on the odd look in Dubs’ eyes, he adjusted accordingly, as best as he could. Not that he was fully sure what it was about he said that warranted that, but surely he could figure this out along the way.

This fucking jungle, man.

He couldn’t quite tell whether he was floating or walking, but he nearly tripped over a log, which would have been a bit inconvenient.

How’s this guy managing to stay so sleepy during all this, this is the most awake I’ve ever…

…been…

Is there…

He hesitates. There’s an idea floating around his head, and he hesitates, because am I really going to bail on him this early on? Maybe “bailing” isn’t the right word, I’ll come back as soon as I can, but it still leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth.

Like, I know this is your, uh, place, but… c’mon.

Doc forces out a bit of a chuckle. Is he not worried about—?

No, he’s definitely worried about Etho. Maybe he just doesn’t want to think about it right now.

…ah! That’s it! That has to be it, it’s so obvious when you really stop and think about it. Bdubs has had all the fuckin’ time in the world to think about Etho— he’s been looking all over for the guy, no one’s seen him—

It always feels nice when things fall into place like this.

–so by coming down here and immediately trying, like, to passively look for Etho… it’s kind of an asshole move, isn’t it? Bdubs needs support too! Of course! Obviously! How did I not think of that sooner?

As much as it did make him feel like a bit of an idiot, it was equally as vindicating, being able to think logically about a situation. Especially given the circumstances!

But that did leave one problem.

There’s only one thing in his possession that he knows could quell the incessant pounding in his head, demanding he get ahold of Etho and Dubs and take a mad dash out of this fucking labyrinth— weakness potions.

Which just so happen to be at his house— which of course, is not here.

So the plan of action involves somehow sneaking out of here without Bdubs realizing it, getting some potions, and coming back. This, of course, is going to be really fucking difficult if he can’t even pace around without getting called out for it.

“Sorry, sorry.” Jeez, he was so needy, no wonder Doc was walking off somewhere. He stuck a little further behind him now, but didn’t dare take his eyes off of him.

Yeah, um, yeah, I was just checking to see if there was a lake around. Wanted to see if I could catch something, it’s nice and grounding, you know?

He takes out his fishing rod. His heart slows to a resting rate, looking at it.

If you’ve, um, seen a lake around here, it’d be nice if you could point me in the direction of it. I’ll fish you up something nice, we could— we could chat over a campfire, that’s always fun.

That complicates things.

I mean, it’d be nicer if we had, like, a bonfire going or something. And— and yeah, I guess we’re obviously not gonna find any lakes here, but…

Think of something, think of something—

…I could… pretend… to fish something up?

He casts the rod out, and—

…

He’s not—?

He’s. Still here.

Mumbles something about junk treasure, he’s not even sure what he’s on about, and he casts again, and it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work.

–and yeah, so here’s the fish…

It didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

…and we can just… lie down now.

–it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

Yeah, and it’s— yeah. Sleep time.

His fingers curl. The only thing outpacing his heart’s rate are his own thoughts, a cyclone— a sandstorm— some sort of unprecedented disaster that wrecks him from the inside. And as he tries to speak he can feel his throat closing and this ache in his chest and he hates the way he can feel his fingers shaking and when he looks at his mechanical arm being co-opted by this fucking sensation in his head he just wants to tear it out and—

I—!

He nearly chokes on it.

And he starts talking, too low and too soft and too fast for either of them to make out.

–anniknow you’re doing your best anni appreciate you’re here but—

He tries to breathe. It’s stifled. It’s shaky.

We need to find Etho.

How on earth does he deal with this- well, for starters, he pulls away to grab Doc’s wrist and drag him along. After a bit of searching the opening was found and Bdubs led them through it.

He rubbed at his eyes, orientating himself before refocusing on Doc.

Bdubs needs this.

And so he fights off that paralyzing— that thing, that feeling, coursing through him, and nods along.

He hadn’t seen Etho in… uhm, he didn’t know. Time had sort of melted together recently, wasn’t really sure when was what ‘n stuff. But it’d been a while! Luckily he still remembered the way to his base because- well, he was Bdubs. It was his job to be weird about Etho.

Bdubs wound through the path until they reached Etho’s base, this Japanese-looking thing, still had that ugly bright purple roof.

Still, he takes the liberty of inviting himself in. Maybe he’s just been in the basement? That’s where all the utility’s located.

Cozy place. The smell of honey and overgrown produce wafts through the air, and the scintillating refractions of the lake are… they’re very strong. It certainly keeps him grounded.

And the sounds are rather peaceful as well. Between the beavers, the rustling leaves, and the ebb and flow of the water, it’s anything but empty.

But Etho’s nowhere to be found.

Etho?

He’s got to be here, right?

But the way that Bdubs said it… Doc couldn’t help but tense his shoulders.

Bdubs wouldn’t leave without Etho, right? Surely he knows where he is.

Should we—

He clears his throat.

“Yeah, he’ll be there, I reckon. Lost in the redstone.” He snickered. Bdubs equipped his elytra (his own wings weren’t strong enough for long distance flight).

A minute or two later they were poking around the wiring of Frogger.

Of course, with each month, the game has to endure upkeep, including occasional balance updates to keep it fresh. But some of the circuits seem… out of place.

This doesn’t even look like Etho’s redstone— he wouldn’t wire it like this.

He points to a circuit on the ground, which has guiding gridlines beneath it. The floor is polished tuff.

I mean, it’s a pretty big place, that sounds— it sounds plausible.

His wings start to flutter.

Why couldn’t it be him? He wasn’t- Bdubs wasn’t a bad person, was he? He hadn’t done anything to Etho, no, no. He wouldn’t do any thing to Etho. So why?

Doc, Bdubs! Good you see ya, good to see ya. Why’ve you decided to pay me a visit? Missed me or something? I know, going without my presence for so long is painful.

Ey man.

The city’s even bigger up close. How Joel has managed to pull this off is beyond him.

Just wanted to stop by and, y’know, look around. Get a feel for the place.

Then he remembered what they were here for, because Joel had clearly done something to Etho, clearly kept him from Bdubs.. and Doc. He marched forwards, thrusting an accusatory finger in Joel’s face.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ETHO, DID YA KIDNAP HIM? SPILL.”

He shouted, waving his free hand around in vague gestures.

I’ve not blummin, kidnapped him- you think I’d keep that a secret? I’ve not done anything to him.

Etho’s not here. I’ve not seen him since-

Joel cuts himself off, switching his tone to something curt, clearly trying to brush the two of them off.

Doc interlocks his fingers, face dropping somewhat as well. Because if Joel of all people doesn’t know where Etho is, then—

Well, um, did he… say anything? Before going?

He did.

Eefo…he’s not dead, if that’s what you’re worried about.

His tone switches to something more playful, but there is something strained about it.

We’ve all been a missing persons case before, haven’t we?

Ey, man.

Rather quiet for someone who seems to want you awake.

You got a minute to spare for your nHo buddy?

@docs-mailbox

Bdubs grumbled something, shifting to bury himself further under the duvet. After a few moments he opened an eye, then realised who had woken him.

His horn isn’t fully healed, of course. But there’s progress.

Bdubs could feel himself getting tired already, he’d be in for a very long, very pleasant nap. He flapped his wings lazily a few times to propel himself over to Doc.

Been fine mostly. Somebody messed up my redstone, and I seem to have misplaced my communicator…

It dawns on him that this endless expanse of a place doesn’t have many spots to hide a device like his comm. Which is great! All the more reason to brush off all those silly anxieties about what BigB said.

Still, nothing’s been confirmed, one way or another.

…but other than that, everything’s been great. Projects ‘n’ all, and my wings are back in action too.

Indistinct.

Doc leaned into his embrace with a faint smile. His eyes, though, were fixed on something else. Far out in the distance.

And, even knowing the nature of the situation— his comm being missing, with Bdubs probably not being the culprit— I mean, come on, he’s my friend, obviously I can trust him more than famed liar BigB— he can’t help but entertain the idea of Dubs having it on him.

Less in the sense of Dubs having stolen it, and more along the lines of Dubs just having it on hand for no particular reason. A cosmic convenience of sorts.

And it’s the push that drives him to ask—

BigB’s not a very reliable source of information, I’ve found.

In other news, lapis is blue.

Yeah, I knew I was probably going to get caught up in this… idea, I guess, unless I confronted you directly. ‘s part of why I visited. That, and, y’know, we haven’t talked in a while.

Wanted to see your face.

This hole’s a secret, though. Nobody knows where it is except for me. And it’s gonna stay that way for awhile.

Something skitters through the holes in his crocs— a bug? Some kind of beetle? But it isn’t there when he takes off his shoe for inspection. Strange.

A moist quality permeates the air.

“Why? It’s just a hole, isn’t it?” Bdubs frowned, why would anyone hide just a hole, unless- “ooh, does it have all y’ stuff in it?” Honestly, he’d really like to sleep right about now, and wants to give Doc a little ‘nudge’ into doing so because the man doesn’t seem that tired! He hugged Doc tighter before pausing.

Hole’s still gonna be there when I get back.

And there’s a solace— that sort of solace one could see in another’s eyes— in knowing that his fishing rod was tucked away in his inventory. He knew he was the one in control here. Doc’s wings flutter for a few moments.

Worst comes to worst, you, uh, you can’t exactly grief a hole without making a bigger hole, so… yeah, I don’t have to even worry about that.

“Mhm, ‘n I don’t think anyone’s crazy enough to fill it back in.” Well, some people were but they then weren’t crazy enough to mess with Doc. Unless you were Martyn.

No— they—!

Doc’s wings tense.

Listen to me. We do miss you, why do you think— I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you’d be here. ‘S the whole reason I came down here in the first place.

He can feel something brushing up against his fur. Sharp leaves or… maybe it’s vines of some sort, he’s not entirely sure what it is.

We are not doomed, this doesn’t have to be your life.

I’d say it to Etho too, but we haven’t found him yet.

And Bdubs was alone most of the time, which really was his own fault for sleeping so much recently. People didn’t tend to want to spend a lot of time with someone who was asleep. He curled up tighter.

So, of course, when he picked up on the odd look in Dubs’ eyes, he adjusted accordingly, as best as he could. Not that he was fully sure what it was about he said that warranted that, but surely he could figure this out along the way.

This fucking jungle, man.

He couldn’t quite tell whether he was floating or walking, but he nearly tripped over a log, which would have been a bit inconvenient.

How’s this guy managing to stay so sleepy during all this, this is the most awake I’ve ever…

…been…

Is there…

He hesitates. There’s an idea floating around his head, and he hesitates, because am I really going to bail on him this early on? Maybe “bailing” isn’t the right word, I’ll come back as soon as I can, but it still leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth.

Like, I know this is your, uh, place, but… c’mon.

Doc forces out a bit of a chuckle. Is he not worried about—?

No, he’s definitely worried about Etho. Maybe he just doesn’t want to think about it right now.

…ah! That’s it! That has to be it, it’s so obvious when you really stop and think about it. Bdubs has had all the fuckin’ time in the world to think about Etho— he’s been looking all over for the guy, no one’s seen him—

It always feels nice when things fall into place like this.

–so by coming down here and immediately trying, like, to passively look for Etho… it’s kind of an asshole move, isn’t it? Bdubs needs support too! Of course! Obviously! How did I not think of that sooner?

As much as it did make him feel like a bit of an idiot, it was equally as vindicating, being able to think logically about a situation. Especially given the circumstances!

But that did leave one problem.

There’s only one thing in his possession that he knows could quell the incessant pounding in his head, demanding he get ahold of Etho and Dubs and take a mad dash out of this fucking labyrinth— weakness potions.

Which just so happen to be at his house— which of course, is not here.

So the plan of action involves somehow sneaking out of here without Bdubs realizing it, getting some potions, and coming back. This, of course, is going to be really fucking difficult if he can’t even pace around without getting called out for it.

“Sorry, sorry.” Jeez, he was so needy, no wonder Doc was walking off somewhere. He stuck a little further behind him now, but didn’t dare take his eyes off of him.

Yeah, um, yeah, I was just checking to see if there was a lake around. Wanted to see if I could catch something, it’s nice and grounding, you know?

He takes out his fishing rod. His heart slows to a resting rate, looking at it.

If you’ve, um, seen a lake around here, it’d be nice if you could point me in the direction of it. I’ll fish you up something nice, we could— we could chat over a campfire, that’s always fun.

That complicates things.

I mean, it’d be nicer if we had, like, a bonfire going or something. And— and yeah, I guess we’re obviously not gonna find any lakes here, but…

Think of something, think of something—

…I could… pretend… to fish something up?

He casts the rod out, and—

…

He’s not—?

He’s. Still here.

Mumbles something about junk treasure, he’s not even sure what he’s on about, and he casts again, and it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work.

–and yeah, so here’s the fish…

It didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

…and we can just… lie down now.

–it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

Yeah, and it’s— yeah. Sleep time.

His fingers curl. The only thing outpacing his heart’s rate are his own thoughts, a cyclone— a sandstorm— some sort of unprecedented disaster that wrecks him from the inside. And as he tries to speak he can feel his throat closing and this ache in his chest and he hates the way he can feel his fingers shaking and when he looks at his mechanical arm being co-opted by this fucking sensation in his head he just wants to tear it out and—

I—!

He nearly chokes on it.

And he starts talking, too low and too soft and too fast for either of them to make out.

–anniknow you’re doing your best anni appreciate you’re here but—

He tries to breathe. It’s stifled. It’s shaky.

We need to find Etho.

How on earth does he deal with this- well, for starters, he pulls away to grab Doc’s wrist and drag him along. After a bit of searching the opening was found and Bdubs led them through it.

He rubbed at his eyes, orientating himself before refocusing on Doc.

Bdubs needs this.

And so he fights off that paralyzing— that thing, that feeling, coursing through him, and nods along.

He hadn’t seen Etho in… uhm, he didn’t know. Time had sort of melted together recently, wasn’t really sure when was what ‘n stuff. But it’d been a while! Luckily he still remembered the way to his base because- well, he was Bdubs. It was his job to be weird about Etho.

Bdubs wound through the path until they reached Etho’s base, this Japanese-looking thing, still had that ugly bright purple roof.

Still, he takes the liberty of inviting himself in. Maybe he’s just been in the basement? That’s where all the utility’s located.

Cozy place. The smell of honey and overgrown produce wafts through the air, and the scintillating refractions of the lake are… they’re very strong. It certainly keeps him grounded.

And the sounds are rather peaceful as well. Between the beavers, the rustling leaves, and the ebb and flow of the water, it’s anything but empty.

But Etho’s nowhere to be found.

Etho?

He’s got to be here, right?

But the way that Bdubs said it… Doc couldn’t help but tense his shoulders.

Bdubs wouldn’t leave without Etho, right? Surely he knows where he is.

Should we—

He clears his throat.

“Yeah, he’ll be there, I reckon. Lost in the redstone.” He snickered. Bdubs equipped his elytra (his own wings weren’t strong enough for long distance flight).

A minute or two later they were poking around the wiring of Frogger.

Of course, with each month, the game has to endure upkeep, including occasional balance updates to keep it fresh. But some of the circuits seem… out of place.

This doesn’t even look like Etho’s redstone— he wouldn’t wire it like this.

He points to a circuit on the ground, which has guiding gridlines beneath it. The floor is polished tuff.

I mean, it’s a pretty big place, that sounds— it sounds plausible.

His wings start to flutter.

Why couldn’t it be him? He wasn’t- Bdubs wasn’t a bad person, was he? He hadn’t done anything to Etho, no, no. He wouldn’t do any thing to Etho. So why?

Doc, Bdubs! Good you see ya, good to see ya. Why’ve you decided to pay me a visit? Missed me or something? I know, going without my presence for so long is painful.

Ey man.

The city’s even bigger up close. How Joel has managed to pull this off is beyond him.

Just wanted to stop by and, y’know, look around. Get a feel for the place.

Then he remembered what they were here for, because Joel had clearly done something to Etho, clearly kept him from Bdubs.. and Doc. He marched forwards, thrusting an accusatory finger in Joel’s face.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ETHO, DID YA KIDNAP HIM? SPILL.”

He shouted, waving his free hand around in vague gestures.

I’ve not blummin, kidnapped him- you think I’d keep that a secret? I’ve not done anything to him.

Etho’s not here. I’ve not seen him since-

Joel cuts himself off, switching his tone to something curt, clearly trying to brush the two of them off.

Ey, man.

Rather quiet for someone who seems to want you awake.

You got a minute to spare for your nHo buddy?

@docs-mailbox

Bdubs grumbled something, shifting to bury himself further under the duvet. After a few moments he opened an eye, then realised who had woken him.

His horn isn’t fully healed, of course. But there’s progress.

Bdubs could feel himself getting tired already, he’d be in for a very long, very pleasant nap. He flapped his wings lazily a few times to propel himself over to Doc.

Been fine mostly. Somebody messed up my redstone, and I seem to have misplaced my communicator…

It dawns on him that this endless expanse of a place doesn’t have many spots to hide a device like his comm. Which is great! All the more reason to brush off all those silly anxieties about what BigB said.

Still, nothing’s been confirmed, one way or another.

…but other than that, everything’s been great. Projects ‘n’ all, and my wings are back in action too.

Indistinct.

Doc leaned into his embrace with a faint smile. His eyes, though, were fixed on something else. Far out in the distance.

And, even knowing the nature of the situation— his comm being missing, with Bdubs probably not being the culprit— I mean, come on, he’s my friend, obviously I can trust him more than famed liar BigB— he can’t help but entertain the idea of Dubs having it on him.

Less in the sense of Dubs having stolen it, and more along the lines of Dubs just having it on hand for no particular reason. A cosmic convenience of sorts.

And it’s the push that drives him to ask—

BigB’s not a very reliable source of information, I’ve found.

In other news, lapis is blue.

Yeah, I knew I was probably going to get caught up in this… idea, I guess, unless I confronted you directly. ‘s part of why I visited. That, and, y’know, we haven’t talked in a while.

Wanted to see your face.

This hole’s a secret, though. Nobody knows where it is except for me. And it’s gonna stay that way for awhile.

Something skitters through the holes in his crocs— a bug? Some kind of beetle? But it isn’t there when he takes off his shoe for inspection. Strange.

A moist quality permeates the air.

“Why? It’s just a hole, isn’t it?” Bdubs frowned, why would anyone hide just a hole, unless- “ooh, does it have all y’ stuff in it?” Honestly, he’d really like to sleep right about now, and wants to give Doc a little ‘nudge’ into doing so because the man doesn’t seem that tired! He hugged Doc tighter before pausing.

Hole’s still gonna be there when I get back.

And there’s a solace— that sort of solace one could see in another’s eyes— in knowing that his fishing rod was tucked away in his inventory. He knew he was the one in control here. Doc’s wings flutter for a few moments.

Worst comes to worst, you, uh, you can’t exactly grief a hole without making a bigger hole, so… yeah, I don’t have to even worry about that.

“Mhm, ‘n I don’t think anyone’s crazy enough to fill it back in.” Well, some people were but they then weren’t crazy enough to mess with Doc. Unless you were Martyn.

No— they—!

Doc’s wings tense.

Listen to me. We do miss you, why do you think— I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you’d be here. ‘S the whole reason I came down here in the first place.

He can feel something brushing up against his fur. Sharp leaves or… maybe it’s vines of some sort, he’s not entirely sure what it is.

We are not doomed, this doesn’t have to be your life.

I’d say it to Etho too, but we haven’t found him yet.

And Bdubs was alone most of the time, which really was his own fault for sleeping so much recently. People didn’t tend to want to spend a lot of time with someone who was asleep. He curled up tighter.

So, of course, when he picked up on the odd look in Dubs’ eyes, he adjusted accordingly, as best as he could. Not that he was fully sure what it was about he said that warranted that, but surely he could figure this out along the way.

This fucking jungle, man.

He couldn’t quite tell whether he was floating or walking, but he nearly tripped over a log, which would have been a bit inconvenient.

How’s this guy managing to stay so sleepy during all this, this is the most awake I’ve ever…

…been…

Is there…

He hesitates. There’s an idea floating around his head, and he hesitates, because am I really going to bail on him this early on? Maybe “bailing” isn’t the right word, I’ll come back as soon as I can, but it still leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth.

Like, I know this is your, uh, place, but… c’mon.

Doc forces out a bit of a chuckle. Is he not worried about—?

No, he’s definitely worried about Etho. Maybe he just doesn’t want to think about it right now.

…ah! That’s it! That has to be it, it’s so obvious when you really stop and think about it. Bdubs has had all the fuckin’ time in the world to think about Etho— he’s been looking all over for the guy, no one’s seen him—

It always feels nice when things fall into place like this.

–so by coming down here and immediately trying, like, to passively look for Etho… it’s kind of an asshole move, isn’t it? Bdubs needs support too! Of course! Obviously! How did I not think of that sooner?

As much as it did make him feel like a bit of an idiot, it was equally as vindicating, being able to think logically about a situation. Especially given the circumstances!

But that did leave one problem.

There’s only one thing in his possession that he knows could quell the incessant pounding in his head, demanding he get ahold of Etho and Dubs and take a mad dash out of this fucking labyrinth— weakness potions.

Which just so happen to be at his house— which of course, is not here.

So the plan of action involves somehow sneaking out of here without Bdubs realizing it, getting some potions, and coming back. This, of course, is going to be really fucking difficult if he can’t even pace around without getting called out for it.

“Sorry, sorry.” Jeez, he was so needy, no wonder Doc was walking off somewhere. He stuck a little further behind him now, but didn’t dare take his eyes off of him.

Yeah, um, yeah, I was just checking to see if there was a lake around. Wanted to see if I could catch something, it’s nice and grounding, you know?

He takes out his fishing rod. His heart slows to a resting rate, looking at it.

If you’ve, um, seen a lake around here, it’d be nice if you could point me in the direction of it. I’ll fish you up something nice, we could— we could chat over a campfire, that’s always fun.

That complicates things.

I mean, it’d be nicer if we had, like, a bonfire going or something. And— and yeah, I guess we’re obviously not gonna find any lakes here, but…

Think of something, think of something—

…I could… pretend… to fish something up?

He casts the rod out, and—

…

He’s not—?

He’s. Still here.

Mumbles something about junk treasure, he’s not even sure what he’s on about, and he casts again, and it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work.

–and yeah, so here’s the fish…

It didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

…and we can just… lie down now.

–it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work it didn’t work—

Yeah, and it’s— yeah. Sleep time.

His fingers curl. The only thing outpacing his heart’s rate are his own thoughts, a cyclone— a sandstorm— some sort of unprecedented disaster that wrecks him from the inside. And as he tries to speak he can feel his throat closing and this ache in his chest and he hates the way he can feel his fingers shaking and when he looks at his mechanical arm being co-opted by this fucking sensation in his head he just wants to tear it out and—

I—!

He nearly chokes on it.

And he starts talking, too low and too soft and too fast for either of them to make out.

–anniknow you’re doing your best anni appreciate you’re here but—

He tries to breathe. It’s stifled. It’s shaky.

We need to find Etho.

How on earth does he deal with this- well, for starters, he pulls away to grab Doc’s wrist and drag him along. After a bit of searching the opening was found and Bdubs led them through it.

He rubbed at his eyes, orientating himself before refocusing on Doc.

Bdubs needs this.

And so he fights off that paralyzing— that thing, that feeling, coursing through him, and nods along.

He hadn’t seen Etho in… uhm, he didn’t know. Time had sort of melted together recently, wasn’t really sure when was what ‘n stuff. But it’d been a while! Luckily he still remembered the way to his base because- well, he was Bdubs. It was his job to be weird about Etho.

Bdubs wound through the path until they reached Etho’s base, this Japanese-looking thing, still had that ugly bright purple roof.

Still, he takes the liberty of inviting himself in. Maybe he’s just been in the basement? That’s where all the utility’s located.

Cozy place. The smell of honey and overgrown produce wafts through the air, and the scintillating refractions of the lake are… they’re very strong. It certainly keeps him grounded.

And the sounds are rather peaceful as well. Between the beavers, the rustling leaves, and the ebb and flow of the water, it’s anything but empty.

But Etho’s nowhere to be found.

Etho?

He’s got to be here, right?

But the way that Bdubs said it… Doc couldn’t help but tense his shoulders.

Bdubs wouldn’t leave without Etho, right? Surely he knows where he is.

Should we—

He clears his throat.

“Yeah, he’ll be there, I reckon. Lost in the redstone.” He snickered. Bdubs equipped his elytra (his own wings weren’t strong enough for long distance flight).

A minute or two later they were poking around the wiring of Frogger.

Of course, with each month, the game has to endure upkeep, including occasional balance updates to keep it fresh. But some of the circuits seem… out of place.

This doesn’t even look like Etho’s redstone— he wouldn’t wire it like this.

He points to a circuit on the ground, which has guiding gridlines beneath it. The floor is polished tuff.

I mean, it’s a pretty big place, that sounds— it sounds plausible.

His wings start to flutter.

Why couldn’t it be him? He wasn’t- Bdubs wasn’t a bad person, was he? He hadn’t done anything to Etho, no, no. He wouldn’t do any thing to Etho. So why?

Doc, Bdubs! Good you see ya, good to see ya. Why’ve you decided to pay me a visit? Missed me or something? I know, going without my presence for so long is painful.

AU Stan still pretends to be Ford, but contrary to Canon,

Me: Do you want the real answer or the answer that will make sense to you

Coworker: I guess the real answer?

Me: Do you have three hours and a notepad

Coworker: No