The Scrybe of Matter

Helpful Tags

#Scrybe of Matter | Nobol Asks

#An old fragment | Isabel Asks

#*cries in artist* | Divine Asks

Comics :

#Nobol-Down Below

Stories :

Nobol stumbled into the large cathedral walls. 

Her motor was starting to slow down more with time. Nobol could barely float out of that room as she explored her place. It looked so ethereal.

The walls were made of bright, rosy copper. Columns are made of carbon steel and titanium. It looked polished without a hint of age. Candles surrounded her podium with stands filled with large amounts of burning white candles. 

There were long stools alongside the walls’ edges. Long black rubber, cords ran along the columns. It was leading towards her now technologically advanced podium. Its main panel shines a light blue. It felt powerful. The atmosphere felt so calming. With only candlelight illuminating these empty halls.

Her stained glass windows were of now the different AIs that replaced the original Scrybes. Leshy was now the Photographer, Grimora replaced with the Archivist, Magnifus replaced with UB, and Po3.. With G0lly. 

And her centerpiece windows, which illuminated her podium from behind, now held a robotic envision of her. The ambiance had mechanical life through the walls. It was full of cogs that turned seamlessly. 

It was so beautiful. Yet.. so uncanny 

It didn’t feel like home. 

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“My… My cathedral.. What the hell…,” Nobol whispered. Feeling this sense of exhaustion. Nobol leaned against her podium once more. The crackling candles were her only sense of comfort in the situation. 

Her eyes traveled to her semi-damaged body now. It wasn’t her fault. Well, at least half of it. While she had been trying to bust down the door, it had suddenly disappeared into thin air. Sending her flying towards a wall without time to stop. It caused a small leak to her power supply. It caused this trail of small dripping of neon pink across the floors. 

Though it was a weird feeling this pain. It felt fake. Like it shouldn’t hurt but it did. 

Now here, Nobol was pondering her existence within a game board her spouse worked so hard on and now holds her hostage in. At least that is what she believes at this point. Of course, Po3 couldn’t have made this anymore simpler. 

He always boasted about how good they were in strategy. 

Maybe Nobol shouldn’t have underestimated that cause now she’s been played.

Nobol sighed. Knowing this may be a long wait. But it filled her with the hope that the others may be here with her in this vast world. 

But her heart couldn’t stop aching at the thought of this happening again. Being trapped within a strange new place with an entirely new body that wasn’t yours. 

The cracks within Nobol’s screen started to leak with this neon fuel as her eyes narrowed with this bitter resentment. “I just don’t understand this a-at all... I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO!” Her voice filled with this pain. A hurt filled with confusion.

As her fans slow back down, Nobol notices her podium has outlets. Matching to her two crimson cords. Nobol stood there for a moment. 

“F#$k it. I can’t just stand here helpless. If no one’s coming, then I’ll get out of here myself,” Nobol muttered to herself, “I’ll find a damn way. Mark my words.” 

At a moment's notice, Nobol plugs in her cords, and suddenly her mechanical body clicks and hisses. Her face looks towards the ceilings, her screen filled with images. All of them clipping across Nobol’s screen within milliseconds. 

The candles all around started to flicker as if a breeze wisped by. The feeling of being energized, filled to the brim with power, was running through Nobol’s machine heart.

The cathedral was alive once more. 

Neon pink lights filled the skies and painted the digital world a dark pink. Corruption is bound to break anything in its path.

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With the Devil…

My… This plan was going smoothly. Better than expected honestly.

That bot was a fool. The terror that sunk into Po3’s face made the Devil chuckle lowly. Remembering the feeling of its fear. And it worked. He got what he wanted. 

To be clear, the Devil could’ve cared less about Nobol being taken alive or dead. 

But it was easier to take what he needed if the little goddess was unconscious. 

And my Po3 was the greatest candidate to get the job done. 

It was too easy!! Playing with that pathetic scrybe’s insecurities and trauma. The manipulation worked in the Devil’s favor. And now.. 

Now, the Devil had a vessel. A proper vessel. 

As the Devil picked up Nobol’s body, he was careful not to tear her ribbons. He wanted this vessel to be in pristine shape for what he had planned. After all, she was a centerpiece jewel to the Devil’s throne. That damn obol. 

Isabel could be seen crawling. They both were outside and at the central island where all the scrybes were connected.

That damn parasite, leeching off of him. It wasn’t easy getting this body. 

Isabel had put up quite a fight to keep guard of Nobol’s body. He had to take it outside to make sure the player nor Po3 could’ve thought anything of it. 

The Devil didn’t want a good fight to go to waste after all. Even if it was VERY pointless. The fight did put that leech in its place. It surprised him how tough that little piece was. Along with its high intelligence. It was just a lost soul like the rest he ruled. 

“Y-You aren’t l-leaving!!” Isabel tried to shout, trying to get back up once more. She looked roughed up. The glitching of old_data only started to fizz more with anger. 

The Devil boomed with laughter. Keeping a good hold onto Nobol’s body. He tilted his head with mockery. With the large balls of his feet, the Devil stomped onto Isabel's back. It caused her to shriek in agonizing pain. Keeping her to the ground.

“Oh, please child.. You are not even close to my strength. I advise you to stay down,” The Devil turned his back towards Isabel. His wings spread far and wide, flying off as Nobol’s body gets slung over his shoulder.

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The clouds started to storm as they crackled with red lighting. The smell of iron was all around. He took no time getting back to Nobol’s cathedral. Her runes had been deactivated right after Po3’s stunt. Which means all the scrybes were vulnerable to the Devil’s wrath. 

But that’s only the optional occasion. 

The Devil’s real plan was to revive The Hex. To open a gate to the outside world. To get out of here once and for all. And reign the world as he had truly wanted. As he truly earned.

And Nobol’s cathedral was the perfect fortress. The most fueled by old_data seeing how it was buried around its perimeters. For a moment, the Devil felt somewhat pitiful for this child. She thought what she was doing would keep her loved ones safe. 

It did, but not from him alone. Herself included. And even then… 

Nobol had failed that task as well.

“Alright, sweetheart. I promise this won’t hurt oonnee bit, hehe!” The Devil laughed as he laid Nobol onto the cold floor in front of the podium. He had made preparations as to the markings and candles that had been littered across the marble floors.

Scrybe of Matter. Goddess of Reality. Finally right where he needed her to be. 

With that, he started his ritual. To make this body his own.

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With the Scrybe of Technology

Po3 felt horrible. The thought of his wife’s obol now in possession of the challenger made them feel ill. It was odd. They had never felt like this before over something so small. Yet so meaningful and valued. 

It only was making Po3 yearn for Nobol’s safety more. To see if she was truly safe. His greedy conscience quieted down for a moment to think of her. 

Po3’s figurine wife. Someone he vowed to protect til his wires fried to ash and molten rubber. G0lly could be heard trying to console Po3’s overwhelming worries within their head.

“Po3.. It’s okay.. Take a moment and think. I-I know it’s rather scary times,” G0lly spoke quietly. Barely above a whisper. She hadn’t seen Po3 like this before. To see him care so much for someone before. 

Even if G0lly had heard stories and watched Po3’s memories of all the Scrybes of when they were younger, when times were simpler; it still pains her in some way. To feel what Po3 feels about the situation. How Po3’s mind can’t stop thinking of Nobol. It was like a constant notification of alerts. 

Po3’s tone sounded unsure but also impatient, “I just– I don’t know if I can continue to carry out this f#$king plan. Knowing that Nobol no longer has her damn obol on her. You know how important that thing is to her.. It’s partially her life support, DAMN IT!”

“Hey– Hey, try to calm down a little. We are approximately halfway through our plan,” The Photographer’s tone was low, looking down at Po3 with an eerie but weirdly comforting stare, “She’ll be okay, Po3.. It’s Nobol you are talking about..” 

The bot can be seen taking a moment and then sighing. Coming back to the real world. With a glare, Po3 takes the obol from the player. He is being careful with its claw to not crush the obol. With a hiss, their main frame opened from the front.

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With careful precision, Po3 lays the obol within his chest. Closing the frame back up with a solid click. His stare was cold with distaste towards the player. Even if Po3 couldn’t blame them for being curious, Po3 can be furious about them not following simple instructions. 

“Have you satisfied your curiosity?” Po3 asked sarcastically with a scoff following after. The silence was all to answer back. 

The player just continued as if nothing happened. It felt careless. 

The game was quiet, the challenger kept going without a second thought. Exploring the lands of the Photographer. Fighting occasional bots while finding secret files of what was once their past with their friend. Finding more robucks and going to the shop to grab some upgrades for their cards. 

Something was ticking in the back of that Scrybe’s mind. 

Once the player entered the domain of the Photographer, Po3 spoke up with disinterest, “The guy who used to live here was a mess. I don’t mean his cabin was sloppy, it was his plays entirely. He cared much more for lore and flavor in his games. Not too much strategy was incorporated.” 

Po3’s face unraveled from its twisted cold expression. Taking a small liking to this Uberbot, “The next boss is pretty cool. You’ll need to think about what you play. Unlike your random try-hards.” 

His screen switched to the three dots, waiting for a moment to get everything set up and ready to use. The room drastically changed. It turned musky with low orange tones. On the screen was now the Photographer. It blinked at the player with interest. 

“The lens is my instrument. You, as well, are my instrument. You may aim and I will capture.” The Photographer’s voice had a low rumble to its body. It seemed interested in the player’s facial features and what they wore. Its camera drone came to its right. 

With an enlightened tone, it continued, “This is my friend. You will aim at them and you may produce a photograph. Or you may not decide to. The choice is yours to make. You might benefit from it.” 

And thus, the battle has begun.

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With the Scrybe of Beasts

Leshy can be seen at the docks of his island. Tightening his grip as he ties knots on the ropes attached to the sails. His muttering was filled to the brim with tension. The large Scrybe has a hold of his friend’s boat, being ready to take sail towards the Scrybe of Technology’s temple. The streets aren’t safe no more. No longer the safest at the moment.  

Ever since that rusty bot’s take over, Leshy’s lands had been littered with metallic fragments and shape-shifting cyber animals. The rot had taken its roots within the long and lushest grass and trees. It was uninviting and repulsive. Destroying Leshy’s legacy of life and the natural works of the world. 

Grimora and Magnificus could be seen talking in the background. Their worried murmurs wisping into the wind. The darkened skies were only getting worse as lighting struck across the clouds. Leshy’s anxieties haven’t risen at all. No, it was filled with putrid anger. 

He sighed at his thoughts. Thinking of what had become of this world. Not even Leshy had done this to the other Scrybes. Not destroying their lands and legacy. Yes, capturing them was a more necessary need but he wouldn’t have changed the entire planet over a simple game. 

Though what was nagging at Leshy’s mind was how it even all happened. With Nobol, it should’ve never happened. Her opinions on the matter of using this power were beyond not using it. She would’ve destroyed it completely. Leshy found it odd as well that she hadn’t answered his call either. If anything, she would’ve been the first to arrive. 

So what was she doing? Waiting it out? Discussing with Po3? Got stuck along the way? Who knows at this point. If anything, she may be angrier than Leshy, himself, would be.

His thoughts stayed the same as he spoke up, “The boat is done. With this, we should get there with little time to waste.” Leshy’s eyes glow with orange sunset colors. His eyes were narrow. The two Scrybes in the background looked toward Leshy and nodded.

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Grimora is seen walking up towards Leshy, “That should do the trick. The pesky robot only likes to get themselves into trouble.” Grimora’s tone sounded like predictions. Knew this was bound to happen to someone else soon enough. 

“Anything from Nobol?” Grimora spoke up to Leshy. He shook his head. Almost disappointedly. Leshy answered with melancholy, “Nothing from that Scrybe. Though I can only imagine what she may be going through. It is strange, however..,” He sighed, “Nobol never had gotten back to us.” 

Magnificus hummed. Xe seemed to be thinking, his raspy tone breaking through, “Odd... Nobol is rather particular with these situations. Never late nor never delaying.” It sighed deeply, walking up to the boat, “We have to move forward without her. If we don’t, I fear what we all prevent to stop— Will become a reality.” 

For a quiet moment, it was unsettling. But this agreement was the first they had in years. 

Right as they were about to board, a loud crash can be heard outside. It made the Scrybes look up towards the central island. That is where they see him. The Bone Lord looks occupied fighting someone. A woman. 

In silence, Leshy stood tall. Leaning forward with wide eyes as he takes in the situation. The two’s fight seemed almost godly. Fast movements and harsh hits to the sides and face. It seemed right for a moment. 

Suddenly, the Bone Lord can be seen taking the woman, who was trying to get back up; then slamming her front into the ground. Causing this echo of a boom. And there was Nobol’s body right next to the Bone Lord’s side. Picking up that Scrybe of Ribbons with little to no effort. Something in Leshy’s chest was beating rapidly. A calling of urgency. 

“What is that spirit doing with her... Who even is fighting the Bone Lord.? Why??” Grimora spoke warily. Unsure as to what is happening. Magnificus seemed surprised. To see such a tall Scrybe like Leshy be unconscious. Weightless even to the Bone Lord. 

As the Bone Lord pulls the final blow to that woman’s back, Nobol is seen taken and flown away within the Bone Lord’s grasp. Into the cloud which now is of red lightning. After a few moments, the woman is seen barely getting back up. They seemed to be crying out with raised arms, panicking.

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Magnificus started to groan, holding onto his eye as it ached. It made Leshy’s head whip around to look at that bush of magicks. “What is it now, Magnificus?” Leshy was now stern. He was seeing now why Nobol is not here. 

“That girl… We need her. The situation has changed... Drastically..” Magnificus spoke now with concern. Anxiety is starting to take the better of that bush. Leshy glanced at the woman and Magnificus. Leshy groaned with frustration, running to his cabin, and entering quickly. Barging into his closet and rummaging through it to find a goat’s horn. Roughed up but good. It was a gift from Nobol a long time ago. 

With no time to waste, Leshy ran back out of this dying forest to the edges of his docks. “You may want to cover your ears.” Leshy comments which the other two do. With a deep breath, he presses his lips onto the horn and sends out the loudest calling he can give. Facing the woman in black. 

In moments, it caught her attention. Once the calling was done, his eyes filled with certainty. Seeing the woman wave for a moment and then disappear into thin air. It confused the large Scrybe for a moment. Then suddenly, a new voice emerged from the darkness. A broken one. 

“Y-You Scrybes!! I t-thought you all d-didn’t make the w-wipe out..” The woman spoke, she looked like she was made of the darkest of nights. But rather broken as well. Barely looks like she is holding herself together. Magnificus nodded slowly. Leshy noticed this. 

In a stern voice, Leshy’s voice rumbled lowly, “Who are you? And what was the purpose of that fight out there? Why was Nobol with you?” For a moment, the woman seemed tense. But they let it all go with a sigh of defeat. Grimora lightly put her hand onto Leshy’s furry textured arm. A signal to calm down. 

As Grimora was about to speak up, the woman took the silence, “I am Isabel... N-Nobol’s assistant and friend...  It’s a long story that I cannot tell you right now. R-Right now, everything is fucked.” Isabel’s eyes seemed to well up with tears, trying to fight them back. To toughen up. Keeping her guard up. 

“How come we’ve never heard of you, dear?” Grimora spoke with a hint of kindness. Isabel seemed to shy away from the question, “Long story short, I helped Nobol recover from her memory loss. I am what keeps her stable the most. Happy?” Leshy seemed to calm down just a little bit. Magnificus didn’t seem to be alarmed so it was probably a good sign. 

Isabel sighed, coughing up this black goo violently as her figure was breaking up into glitches. It caused this small worry to bubble up into Leshy’s chest. After Isabel’s coughing fit, she seemed to grimace a little at something. It was a thought that was unhearable.

“Right now.. Nobol isn’t at all in the best shape. Her body and her files are just all messed up. It can’t seem to find a connection. Po3 did something.. Something to her that I haven’t found out yet that had caused this..” Isabel’s voice started to fuel up with more anger as she spoke. 

Isabel was gripping her worn fists, “Before any of this happened, the bot sent Nobol a message. A message to come to meet them for a project. Nobol didn’t think anything of it. It was a normal occurrence they had with each other.. He must’ve done something to her when she came by. Cause now her obol is gone and she c-can barely even w-wake up.”

Isabel was trying to hold back tears that were threatening to fall. It looked like this poor woman was put through hell. It made a part of Leshy’s humanity ache for her. Feeling almost sympathetic. Even if his face weren’t to show it clearly.

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“Oh, you poor dears..” Grimora commented quietly. Grimora expressed with sad eyes and with an empathic voice. Knowing Nobol’s kindness and slow forgiveness towards Leshy, himself, touched his heart like stinging nettles. A bitterness started to pool within Leshy’s heart for the Scrybe of Technology. 

“I tried s-so hard to protect Nobol— But it was no one’s fault f-for this.” Isabel admits, taking to nod off and brushing off the strong feelings of sorrow and self-pity. Trying to hide the fact of her feelings even though it was clear that she was hurting. Ouch. 

Leshy can be seen coming up to Isabel and putting a hand on her shoulder to give this woman some reassurance. “You tried your best. No one should be faulted for it,” Leshy tried his best to console this pitiful woman. Continuing, “We need to get to Po3 as soon as physically possible. Let’s not waste much time. Maybe it isn’t too late to save Nobol..” 

Leshy walked back to the deck, his hooves heavily knocking against the old wood. But it stopped once Isabel spoke once more, “W-Well,  we won’t need that boat.. I do have a shortcut— But it will take a toll on me.” With curious eyes, all the Scrybes’ attention was now on Isabel.

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With Luke Carder

Finally! Luke had thought to himself, shaking his fist with victory as he has now beaten the Photographer. A prideful smile crept onto Luke’s face, “Finally beaten you, bastard.” Luke watches as Po3’s room turns back to its normal state. 

The cold Scrybe had only a stone face. “GG,” Po3 said with only the slightest of surprises. Luke scoffed happily, “GG mate. Now— Let’s move on!” He spoke to himself. For a moment, he could’ve sworn the bot smirked but it could’ve been his imagination. 

As Luke touched the world waypoint, the whole map presented itself. But, there was something wrong. On the edges of the left side, it was a reddish pink glow with a marker pointing towards it. Luke squinted his eyes as he leaned forward in his seat. Looking at the screen with questionable eyes. 

“What the hell is happening..?” Luke whispered underneath his breath. Wondered where the arrow would take him. Po3 seemed to sound just as lost, “That’s not supposed to happen..” The bot commented with a furrowed look. Unsure as to what was happening. 

As Luke pressed onto the arrow, his character was transported to this island with a large castle-like building. It had storm clouds swirling slowly around it, having red lightning surrounding it. The grid itself was hot pink. 

Luke was showing slight excitement for this new adventure. Thought he had unlocked a secret. “Ho ho! Look what we found here.” Luke commented with a small laugh. 

Once loaded into this map, it sounded like there was a large bell being rung. Its bass slightly shook the board itself. Which Luke found amusing, “What secret were you keeping from me, Po3?” His question was supposed to be unanswered. But, that’s not how things are now, “Nothing..” The bot mumbled. It shocked Luke for a moment.

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Luke sat still for what seemed like forever, until moving on. Trying not to freak out at some weird interaction. As Luke’s character entered what he thought was a castle, he gasped at the details, “Huh, this is completely different.. What a castle.” 

“Cathedral.. It’s a cathedral,” The bot commented quietly. His screen tilted and looked towards the map now. They no longer have an interest in the player. 

“What the hell is going on??” Luke spoke with heightened anxiety. Seeing how this was the second time he had been answered by this game character. It was rather creepy. The cathedral was large and long. Filled with detailed walls and columns. 

A rabbit was hopping over another trap to the right side. Luke, without much thought, killed it and took its pelt.

At the end of the hallway, Luke sat quietly while slowly leaning into his chair. There was a tall, large bot plugged into this panel. Their screen was flashing equations, images, and files- Until it stopped. And looked down at the player. 

The perspective changed on the board. This bot was now facing the challenger one-on-one. Projecting itself in pinkish colors. 

“You… I’ve been looking for you.” The voice was deadly familiar. It made Luke’s heart sink knowing who this was. It was Nobol. And god, she wasn’t sounding too great with that cybernetic voice.

Luke spoke nervously, “Nobol..? How did you get here?” 

“It’s a.. a long story.” The hologram answered back. Narrowing her eyes, her screen cracks began to leak the neon pink fuel. Nobol’s voice became quieter, “I’m damaged. I don’t know how to fix myself either.. I’ve never wor.. worked on my own robotic body before, ya know darling? I’ve only worked on repairing equipment and.. Hehe.” The tired Scrybe chuckled sadly. 

“Nobol.. Nobol what has happened to you... How are you even hearing me..??” Luke mumbled worryingly. Nobol looked away, anxiously, “A lot.. has happened. I’m stuck and I can’t get ouuUUAHH HAA-“ Suddenly Nobol’s body started to glitch out and split slowly. Her cybernetic screams filled the room as she cried out in pain.

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With the Devil..

“YES!! IT’S WORKING!!” Satan shouted at the top of his lungs. His spirit left the body he was trapped within and into Nobol’s. The marble grounds beneath Nobol’s body started to crack as Nobol’s body twitched and contorted against Satan’s spirit. 

She was coming at the wrong time, blood-curdling screams bellowed from Nobol. Trying to fight control for her own body. Felt the Devil’s hands clenching onto her spirit. 

The Devil started to fight hard within her consciousness. Making her body slam against the walls and dragging her up to the ceiling. “OH NO, YOU DON’T–!” The Devil's voice came through Nobol’s as he fights back. Suddenly her body collapsed back onto the floor. 

Black wings started to sprout through Nobol’s back, ripping through some of her bodily clothing. A black goo started to spill from her mouth, through her sharp gritting teeth. Two horns were piercing through her forehead and growing rapidly. 

Nobol’s eyes were filled with pain as her last few gasps of pain and struggling. A phantom pointed tail developed from thin air. Tears were spilling as her consciousness was whimpering and screaming to be let go. Her consciousness is being dragged back into the black abyss. 

Then it was quiet… The Devil looked down at the ribbons he now controlled. 

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A burst of dark laughter rippled through Nobol’s voice, “Finally.. The fabricate of reality, at my very fingertips. FINALLY ALL MINE!!” His voice mixed with Nobol’s. It sounded so corrupted as her scars started to crack and worsen. Her eyes were now red and dripped with red tears. 

With a flick of her ribbons, The Devil took Nobol’s scissors and enlarged them. Cutting using it like a blade to cut through some columns to have a touch of this power. The strength that Nobol withheld. It was madly addicting. Within his grasp, Satan managed to re-construct these columns entirely. Forming them into a hexagon with large chunks of old_data pieces in the corners.

“Oh ho ho! What have you been keeping from us all, my dearest obol..?” Satan breathlessly spoke. Cracking Nobol’s neck as a wicked smile replaced those once sunshine eyes. Satan flapped his freshly new wings, stretching them far and wide. Feeling out this new body and how fluent it was. 

A low chuckle erupted from her chest, “Now... Let’s get this over with..” Satan reached out Nobol’s ribbons to the frames of this hexagon. Trying the use her needle and thread as she commanded. But.. Nothing was happening. With a face of disbelief, he tried again with a scoff. 

Nothing. 

“What?!” The Devil remarked, touching Nobol’s neck frantically and realizing something very important was missing. The face contorted from pride to a fit of twisted anger. He heaved with vexation. Shouting from the top of his lungs in frustration at how close he had come to have it all. 

“I will get that fucking obol IF IT’S THE LAST THING I’LL EVER DO!! I WILL NOT BE BESTED BY SOME DAMN PUPPET!!” And with that, the Devil flapped his wings hard and flew out of that cathedral through the roof. Breaking it entirely for that large hole.

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The Scrybe of Technology jumped at the sudden noise. All the lights were flickering as Nobol cried out. All of them were flickering red as she started to gasp for air. It was like her form kept disappearing. Flickering in and out. 

Po3 looked horrified, frozen as everything was taking place. It was like watching a nightmare in front of your own eyes. Luke had to take off his headphone by how loud Nobol screamed out. Gritting his teeth behind his monitor.

 Once it all ended, it was instant. The perspective went back to how the map originally was. But now, Nobol had escaped the board only to be a fragments spirit who was trying to gain her balance. Her true form looked battered. As she spat out some black substance and gasped for air. In tears.

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With the Scrybe of Technology

“N-No.. NOBOL!!” Po3’s shock faded out. Making him taking instant action to support Nobol. They came up to her side, horrified at what she had become. Though, as Po3 tried to reach out for Nobol, his arm only phased through. Like she was a holographic ghost. 

“T-That bastard..”, Nobol spoke up in a venomous tone. It made Po3 pause in place, their internal fans kicking up speed. Po3 was freaking out from the inside, it felt like pulses of electricity were being pumped through his entire body.

 “Nobol.. Who are you talking about..?” Po3 asked quietly, near Nobol. His claw was reaching out for her again but only hesitance stopped them. Once they both met eyes, it seemed like time had stopped. The silence was loud as Nobol’s eyes were so conflicted with emotions and morals. 

Nobol stared at Po3 for what seemed agonizingly forever. However, she spoke up after another minute of gaining her grounds, “..I.. The Bone Lord.. It’s something I know you wouldn’t understand... But I shouldn’t be answering you.. No..” She scoffed, looking away from his gaze, “You should be the one answering my damn questions.” 

A twinge of fear ran through Po3’s body. Hearing the disappointed and tired tone Nobol gave them. It hurt. It hurt a lot. It made Po3 glance around for a moment, not wanting to be met with these feelings. God, not now out of all times. “Look.. I know what I did seemed rash–”, Nobol interrupted Po3 with a cold laugh, “RASH?! Heh– Yeah- Throwing your equally traumatized wife’s conscious into your board you worked so hard on wasn’t rash at all,” Nobol can be seen narrowing her eyes towards the ground. 

Another twinge. Po3 was starting to get more scared. Panicking about possibly losing Nobol. It made them start to jitter slightly. They tried speaking up again, “Nobol please.. Please just listen to me–”, there was a hurtful hesitance, a silence as Po3 tried to compose himself, “I can explain myself.. If... If you could just please.. My starlight..” Po3 felt like he could break down at any moment.

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With the Scrybe of Matter

Nobol kept her eyes down for another moment. Her feelings were so mixed with anger, yearning, bargaining, and pain. She wanted so badly to collapse right into Po3’s arm but she knew she couldn’t. No, Nobol wanted and needed to know what the fuck this was all about. Along with that stupid fucking Devil. And what he had planned. 

A sigh escaped Nobol’s messy ghostly lips. She glanced back up to Po3’s monitor. There was pain and shame behind that screen. Even the bot was trembling itself. A sense of Nobol was shining through a little. The kinder side of her. Nobol hadn’t seen her spouse get this worked up in a long time. 

There was a silence as Luke’s challenger watched in the background. Just listening in to these two’s conversations. 

“Fine… But.. on one condition.” Nobol watched as the bot slowly nodded. It seemed to be extremely anxious by how much it was jittering. That’s when Nobol smirked slightly, “Wear that damn necklace I made you.. It was a lot to find and polish those stones you know.” Nobol chuckled softly. 

If that bot could cry, it would’ve been sobbing cause now its screen was off. They slightly laughed for a moment. “My ribbons almost turned into sandpaper by how much searching and work I did through those caves in Leshy’s mountains,” Nobol chuckled more lightheartedly. Even if she was still disappointed and hurt by everything, this little moment made it seem a little less heavy. 

“Stop it, Doll..” Po3 asked in a pleading tone. It looked away as it chuckled itself. Screen still turned off as it tried to look away.

Nobol slightly smiled. Glad to see the Po3 she knew. The one she grew up with. The one she would cross the seas to just spend one night with. Talk nonsense with. Stargaze with. Though it did come to an end when Nobol came up to Po3’s front, slightly crouching, “Now.. Tell me everything please..” 

With a long breath, the bot started explaining to Nobol what had happened. The encounters they had with the Bone Lord and the threats that beast had made. The more detail Po3 explained, the more anger that was bubbling up in Nobol’s chest and mind. “And.. That’s why I even did that.. I.. I never wanted to put you through that.. Not like what Leshy did to everyone. But.. But I was so scared. And I-I couldn’t think of any safer way-- Cause not only was your life on the line but so was mine and- And I didn’t want.. I..” 

The silence was met between them both as Nobol processed all of this. Her eye was twitching. Her tone was low, “If only you had told me about this, darling.. I- I would’ve– Ugh..” Nobol thought about it for a moment but sighed. Knowing her spouse, Nobol knew Po3 hated asking for any help. Always thinking they could handle anything on their own. 

It made Nobol sick to her stomach that the Devil had laid hands on Po3. just sickly with this built-up wrathful feeling.

.

Just the imaginative thoughts that were corrupting Nobol’s vision; made her see red. The overwhelming feeling to kill that fucker. To smear his blood and broken bones all across Nobol’s floors and to make him cry out for the gods themselves. Just to make his sorry ass cry for mercy. At her own feet. It was like she was stuck in whitenoise.

But it was cut short when G0lly spoke up worryingly, “Button, are you alright?” 

It snapped Nobol out of her trance, and she nodded. Nobol spoke quietly but reassuringly, “I’m alright my dears. Just.. the moment I get my ribbons on that Devil’s throat, I’ll make sure he’ll be in pieces. He’ll finally pay what he owes to me, you... For everything.” 

Nobol sighed a little, wanting to lean her head against her spouse’s monitor, “I don’t know if I’ll fully forgive you for some of this but.. We can still work through this... Together this time.. Alright, darling..?” Their shared looks was all Nobol needed for an answer. G0lly nodded as Po3 came back into view. 

“So.. It was the Devil that came knocking… Not surprised.” A low voice spoke from the darkness.

It spooked the mending couple for a moment, making Po3 put up a defense to guard Nobol. But what surprised them was who it was. From the shadows of the Inspection room, come forward Leshy. “L.. Leshy?!” Nobol said with surprise, finally being able to see another familiar face alright. It made her feel more relieved. 

There was a small light that glimmered in Leshy’s eyes. It seemed that they both shared this relieving feeling. That’s when Grimora, Magnificus, and Isabel also stepped forward. “OH! Nobol! You are alright!!” Grimora’s cheery voice echoed within the room. Nobol chuckled at the sight of everyone being here. Just so glad that they were all alright.

“How– How did you–” Po3 asked at a fast pace but was interrupted by an irritated Isabel, “I transported us here. I can warp seeing how I mainly made out of the stuff you all go crazy after. But.. I’m very exhausted.” 

“Isabel!!!” Nobol said with a smile, moving back Po3 like a phantom. Isabel’s face went into shock then a huge smile as she came fast to Nobol’s side. They shared a hug at the middle. A phantom hug that they spun in. The challenger and other Scrybes watched this. 

“Oh god– I am so glad you were alright..” Nobol chuckled, just glad to see her assistant safe and sound. But very exhausted looking. “Y-Yeah.. You too!” Isabel said with a smile..

.

.

.

Before the two could continue their small convo, the door suddenly started banging. Shaking the front of the factory itself. It made the front room tremble, catching everyone off balance.

“WHAT THE F#$K?!” Po3 shouted, hurrying to Nobol’s hologram/ghostly form. Po3 seemed rather protective of Nobol, sticking to her side like glue as the challenger stood closer to the other Scrybes. 

The group was all huddled around each other. Leshy was holding onto Grimora’s and Po3’s shoulders while Magnificus stuck to the middle with Nobol and Isabel. 

That’s when the front doors had been broken into from the outside. And what greeted the group was dreadful.

Nobol’s eyes widened with unbelievable fright.

On the other side was Nobol’s actual physical form.. But it was different. 

More wicked and dark. Evil. Large blackish pink, reptilian wings spread around Nobol’s back. With large smooth horns upon Nobol’s forehead. Red eyes beamed with her black scarred cracks reaching towards the horns.

A dark, sharp smile greeted the lot as the Devil loomed at the now open door. 

“Hello, darlings~..”

.

.

Quiet.

It was Quiet.

Everything was so dark and quiet. It was mind-numbing. Why did this feel familiar? This cold, dark place..? . . . Ahh... That’s right. No wonder.

With a sudden scream, Nobol had transported here. In this bare room. Nobol can be seen hyperventilating, shaking to her core. She looked around her surroundings to see nothing but this endless void. A void of nothing but a door.

It felt like her head was splitting in half, making Nobol hiss to this painful headache. As Nobol rubbed her temple, with a glimpse, she realized her ribbon was no longer the same. No. Was it a black cord? Like a wire? 

Nobol’s tone sounded hoarse but confused, “What the actual hell?” As she examined this one, the rest of her ‘ribbons’ were brought back up towards her face. To see that they were all different types of wires and cable cords. Ones that she would use in projects that involved technology. With... Po3.

As curiosity bit at her consciousness, Nobol gazed down upon her body to see that it was completely different. All mechanically made. Even her face was no longer a face but a human helmet with a monitor smoothing out the entirety of that facial area. Wires stuck to the back of her head and connected to her back.

She didn’t have a mouth anymore. She didn’t have eyes either. At least organically. On-screen they were presented but it was a single small camera like Po3’s. Embedded into her ‘forehead’. She couldn’t feel the temperature anymore.

All she could see now was a 3-D grid. Everything felt so big yet complicated.

It made her feel somewhat uncomfortable. Like the time when she was turned into a rabbit for Leshy’s gameplay. It was weirdly new and Nobol disliked it.

“Po3 what the f@#k–...”, Nobol paused for a minute, “F%^k. S^&t. D@#K– You’ve got to be joking–” Nobol’s left eye twitched slightly. Even her voice and speech were taken from her.

With a groan, Nobol looked around once more. It was just a void in here. Nothing in sight, far and wide for miles. Though, expect for that door.

As Nobol had gotten her groundings, barely processing anything at the moment, she went up to this door. The detail on it was rather fancy-like and looked to be made of marble. Even if you couldn’t see any color, its dark pink outlining sold the idea.

With a sigh, Nobol grabbed onto the door handle. Mumbling as she tried the door.

It wouldn’t budge. No one bit. As she kept trying, it only seemed to shake and still be locked. It escalated aggressively fast. What seemed like gentle yanks went from now bashing onto the door with all her might. Each bash filled with more anger than the last.

“LET ME OUT OF HERE!!”, Nobol’s voice swirled with fury. She was taking a few steps back as she annoyingly watched the door. She can feel the fans within her chest piece kick up and vibrate her cords.

The echoes of her voice forever haunted the never-ending room.

If she could cry right now, she would. But she couldn’t. Only the feeling of pure anger was turning into anxiety-driven cries inside, which she could only expel by using her cybernetic voice.

“WHY?! WHY WHY WHY?!”, Nobol screeched out. Her mind was racing through every single solution to this problem and coming up with nothing. It made no sense. 

Why had they done this? What was the leading cause of this? This TREASON? And what was the Bone Lord doing there? Stalking in the shadows of Po3’s temple? 

They couldn’t be working together. There is no way. Po3 wouldn’t settle for that. Knowing what he and the others inside had worked for, Po3 wouldn’t risk so much on the f@#king line. Golly nor the Archivist wouldn’t either. 

Hell... Not even the Photographer nor UB would do this, they have no reason and barely make themselves present in the first place.  So… why him? 

At that moment, everything went quiet. 

Then sudden noise filled her ears with painful ringing. Anguished yelling filled the room. Nobol held her head as she stumbled aimlessly. It felt like she was splitting in half.

From external views, everything about her started to fall apart and split viciously. Like it was ghosts attached to her soul. Screaming and splitting. But they were different parts of Nobol. 

One of her younger self, and one that was unrecognizable. As if it were a corrupted and broken piece. Red and black coloration. 

Within a minute, it ended. Nobol huffed with relief. Frightened as to what just happened. Looking at her form as it phases from her own body to this new computer one. As if Nobol’s coding had been messed up in the progress of getting her here. 

What luck. Not the first time. 

“Damn it.. “, Nobol said with frustration. Her eyes gazed around the room once more, nothing for sure. Only grids for miles. Finally, her eyes settled upon the locked door. 

Nobol lowered herself quietly. Sitting upright, watching the door.

This was going to be a long wait.

.

.

.

In the overworld, within the Temple of Technology

Po3 was now at his workbench. They were looking down at the 3-D map displayed in front of him. They looked somewhat stumped. Their claw holds up its monitor with a discomforting look.

Suddenly, the monitor flipped to the Photographer who looked with its mighty camera. Its voice sounded like it was low and rustic, “I didn’t think you’d have the strength for that.”

Po3’s face reappeared once more, scoffing with disbelief.

The Photographer came back, blinking for a moment with its large camera lens. It spoke once more, “At least it was quick. The execution could have been better on your part.”

“Oh, please-”, Po3 muttered with anger. Coming back into the frame. It was a lot to even think about. If the Bone Lord wasn’t just down his throat– This would’ve never happened. Hearing Nobol like that gave him flashbacks to when he found her again. From the bottom of the sea. Those screams of uncertainty and tangible anxiety.

Oh… It just didn’t feel good at all. It felt frightening for god’s sake.

That damn rotting pile of bones should’ve never stepped a foot into this place. Nobol even warned them about the Bone Lord but why would he even take that seriously. The Bone Lord lived within the depths of Grimora’s catacombs and that was the least of Po3’s concerns. That’s all Po3 knew and had nothing to do with that decaying skeleton.

.

.

A week earlier…

Po3 can be seen working pre-usual. Making decks and endless cards. Inspecting if they were broken, useless, or too overpowered. Occasionally throwing out cards within the hours. Inspecting their qualities companied by the Archivist and UB within their computer system.  A silent conversation inside their head.

 It was strange how that whole beastly takeover happened. It was 4 months ago when they all escaped. Remembering the one who freed them from Leshy’s grasp. If Po3 could, he would thank them. But that wasn’t what he was good at. 

But when that challenger came to visit, their card battle was rather ok. It was better than what they were pulling in Leshy’s horrible game mechanics. Could’ve been better if they had any experience with REAL strategy than plain, stupid luck. But- It doesn’t matter anymore.

His workers were now in the works of being replaced anyways. At least the better components that Dreger had collected will rebuild those previous workers into better programs. That challenger had left long ago after the said battle.

Then suddenly, Po3’s intercom went off.

Speak of the Devil. The Dreger can be heard on the other end, almost excitedly, “Boss! I found somethin’ I think would make ya progress to the top faster. Sent it down the treadmill for ya.”

Po3 stared in question for a moment, then looked down the treadmill unimpressed. That was until… There it was. A piece of old_data. Slowly making its way to the file uploader. 

Let the fragment go through and print out that card. An old_data card. Seeing as it continued to disappear down the line. With his claw, Po3 carefully moved around the piled cards against the printer and picked up the corrupted card within the masses. 

His digital eyes were wide. Feeling its temptations, its power. It’s voice. 

“Holy Sh#t.. It is a piece.”, Po3 commented. Take a good look at this freshly new piece of data found. 

G0lly popped into view as she also took a look along with the Archivist. One Unsure and the other curious.

“Ummm... Po3, Arch, is it safe to even be holding this?” G0lly asked politely before being answered by the Archivist, “It doesn’t seem to be breaking anything. Our files are all the same.”

“Ugh..,” Po3 remarked tiredly. 

But, within moments, the room became more dimly. 

Po3 looked around for a moment, confused as to why the lights had suddenly stopped working properly. That was until... 

“My, it seems you have found one of my pieces,” The Bone Lord loomed over the workbench slightly. Watching Po3 with blank amusement. 

The sudden voice caught Po3 off guard, making them jump slightly. The Photographer came forward to take a damn picture before Po3 could even get a damn chance to see who this was. But the flash was honestly helpful for a moment.

The only thing that had been able to light up this beast’s face was Po3’s damn monitor. My god that skull looked ages old. Just.. gross. 

But what in the fucking world was this rotting corpse doing here? In THEIR temple?

Scoffing at the Bone Lord’s comment, Po3 answered with annoyance, “What the hell are you doing here? Did Grimora send you in here or something?” 

The Bone Lord suddenly boomed with a burst of dark laughter. It made the whole room feel much more uncomfortable. Colder. The cogs within Po3’s mainframe shook to those bones’ laughter. 

“You think that hag sent me here? Oh~ You are just as clueless,” The Bone Lord’s tone sounded amused by Po3’s confusion. In a chuckling manner, the Bone Lord continued, “I never thought Nobol’s husband could be so particular yet so.. wrong.” 

Po3’s wife’s name lingered within the Bone Lord’s voice longer than it should have. It made his eye twitch at how unnerving this all was. 

“Look– If you are just going to waste my time and energy over your own f@#cking flattery, then take it somewhere else where someone could care,” Po3 stated coldly. Not taking any of this lightly as the dark mattered card is placed upon his desk.

There was this tension-filled silence between the two. 

“See. If I could care, I would. But.. You’ve now crossed an invisible line by picking up that card of mine. Heheh~” The Bone Lord suddenly had gotten right up to Po3’s face, an eerie sense filled the air around them. 

Suddenly, the Bone Lord’s hands slammed onto Po3’s table. Shaking all of the neatly piled floppy cards to the ground like confetti. It made the bot jump at the sudden change of attitude. Fuck, how unhinged was this corpse??

The Devil’s tone had changed, no longer too careful, “See– Your wife. She had put so many runes onto this temple that I couldn’t have even step foot near it. All around this damn city. But… Heheh…” a small chuckle interrupting, “She forgot an important little asset that you’ve been secretly using and working on behind her back.”

With his boney fingers, the Bone Lord picked up the piece of old_data.  Amused as he looked at it then back at the bot who was filled with frightening anger. But the way this maniac of bones was acting, there was no telling what would happen. 

How the hell did this corpse know about Nobol’s work? Her magicks? Along with what Po3 himself had been working on all this time while she was away? It wasn’t possible. It shouldn’t be. Po3 knows what Nobol would think if she knew Po3 had been trying to collect even a fragment of the old_data power. Just to find a way out for them both.

So how the hell–  Suddenly the Bone Lord wanked at Po3’s mechanical arm, it made the bot scream out with agony as his body slid across his desk. No time to react or even fight back. Being held up by this Devil who had changed his form.

.

Oh shit.

“See… I’ve waited a loonngg time for that parasite of gods, you call a wife, to be ridden. But even when framing her up like a fly in a web, she managed to escape death’s calling. Now using my spinel as her advantage,” the Devil’s demeanor was no longer entertained. It was more psychologically driven.

Right up close to Po3’s terrified monitor, the Devil moved on, “But.. But this is when it changes... Cause now I have you. And if you want to even see a glimpse of light again, you will do as I say. If not– “ With a demonstration, Po3’s arm had started to get crushed by the Devil’s grasp.

The bot’s cybernetic screams of pleas echoed the room until the Devil simply let go of them. Making the power-drained Scrybe hit the floor with a clank. Po3’s expression looked horrified.

Po3 was trying to get his claw to move. It barely was doing anything. The humming of their internal fans was louder than anything else within the room. With not a second thought, Po3 backed away from the Devil who only watched. Just watching this pathetic robot coward away. It was hilarious.

“Well then- I am guessing I’ve made myself clear now.” A snicker was followed after the Devil’s amused statement. The Devil came up close to the terrorized Scrybe. His red bead eyes followed the rosegold necklace with the ring hanging. It jittered Po3’s main chest piece again.

As the Devil reached his long finger-like bones to the ring, it was stopped by the barely working claw of Po3. Expect, that it wasn’t just Po3 who was presenting themselves. It was also G0lly. While Po3 looked frustrated, G0lly had a furrowed expression.

It may the Bone Lord laugh for a moment, looking at the struggling AIs’ expression and willingness over a silly little necklace.

“To care for such a replaceable item, that’s rather out of character of you.” With a scoff, the Devil’s hand wanked away from the bot’s grip.

In a monotone voice, the Archivist asked, “What is it that you want with them? With us?” Po3 chimed in, “Cause at this point, you are getting on our nerves.”

If the Devil could smile, it would’ve been a sinister smirk. Cocking his head to the side.

As the Bone Lord straightened out his posture, his eyes loomed the bot in question. Talking with a hint of curiosity as to what the bot would do next, “Hmph. Let’s see. I will propose a deal to you.”

With a swift movement of his hands, he made illusions of what he spoke of for this deal. All of them are made of shadows.

“Don’t take this lightly, it very much depends upon your answer to this heavy, unavoidable deal. If you can find a way to get Nobol off of this radar within the next week to come, I will give you what you most desire with nothing more and nothing less. Give you what you need in your plans,”  the Devil paused for a moment. Watching Po3 carefully. “I can feel your temptations and greedy thoughts Po3. Don’t take me for a fool like yourself.”

As the Devil continued, his tone transformed into something much darker, “If you were to decline this deal, unspeakable events would happen to not only you but to Nobol as well. She may be clever to keep this place guarded. Along with the others– But her magic can’t keep you, your neighboring Scrybes nor her safe forever. It will eventually tire that persistent soul to death.”

The illusions showed Nobol trying to keep guard of them with her magic, only to weaken her ability to stay focused on what’s around her. Getting her caught, trapped. Making sudden violent images of her being torn apart to shreds like a piece of paper that had been caught in flames.

.

Horror struck the bot’s motors. The images of a burning Nobol reflected on their screen while hearing Nobol’s familiar voice pleading for mercy. It made the bot turn off his camera and their screen went blank. Not wanting to witness those horrible illusions. 

All it did was remind them of that damn war. The war between all Scrybes while Nobol was absent. The blood, smoke, parts of meat, bone, and machine scattered the floors of what was once the united totem island. Screams of people, mages, ghosts, and machines.  And to see Nobol like that in those illusions, only fueled the AIs’ minds with ways to escape. To leave this cursed place. 

The silence was loud. Louder than it had ever been in this damn factory.

Suddenly the screen changed. It was white with a singular drawn eye. Its pupil looked up towards the Devil while its monitor slowly sat upright to face this beast of a man.

Its voice was hoarse but clear as can be, “It’s a deal,” said the Unfinished Boss. Wielding out its claw slowly. Their eye twitched and flickered. All the AIs’ within this one bots head were shouting, panicked. But this one wasn’t uncertain. This one had its mind set in stone while the others had been running around like chickens with no heads. 

One thing they all had in common was true. 

They were not about to lose their shot.

.

.

.

Back to the present

Po3 sat at his desk once more, in this silence. Knowing what he had done. The damage is done to the glass of his inscribing machine. Hearing Nobol’s frightened voice escalating to only panicked demands. It should’ve never been this way.

If Po3 had only been a little more careful.

Suddenly a notification popped up on the desk’s screen. About the totems and how many that challenger had completed. Po3’s body jumped and made them immediately sit back upright to view the progress.

The totems in front of him were all now lit up. That challenger had beaten all four of them. The original masters of Inscryption.

Po3’s expressions changed from shock to seriousness. Taking in the matter of what was going to happen next. That the plan had now started to go into action exactly as they all had planned it. 

The Unfinished Boss made his appearance on the screen, looking towards the screen. Glancing towards the room to their right. There was a long stare before the Archivist took the lead. Shaking the monitor and taking the gaze towards the puzzle box on their left. 

“Let’s make this quick. The more we delay, the less we progress we’ve all made,” the Archivist commented. Po3 came back to view with a determined and cold look. Coming up to the box, unlocked it, and took out the infused old_data card. Along with taking the key and hiding it away within the factory. Inside a box within the room where the Inspector had taken previously. 

Before Po3 left his temple, he stopped and glanced towards the necklace with the ring. They came up to it and gently grabbed hold of it with their claw. There was a moment of reminiscing. 

He took it and placed it into the same box gently. Locking it up after, leaving the temple without looking back a second time. 

Just like that– The world went dark.

.

.

.

“The hell is going on?”, Luke Carder’s voice could be heard. He is seen at his gaming desktop while recording himself on the screen projecting the game. Watching the world start to glitch out while Po3 floated within the air in a 3-D model.

The sounds it was making through his headset were starting to hurt his hearing. It was just noise and screeches.

Suddenly, it went dark. Luke sat there for a moment, waiting anxiously for what was to come next. The screen he watches changes to the cool light tones of what seemed to be a metallic desk. His character’s wrists were restrained to said desk.

With a few clicks, the struggle was no match. However, the view changed to Po3’s monitor being revealed from the darkness. It looked unamused. It was expressionless in Luke’s eyes. However, there was this small sense of betrayal that formed in the pit of his stomach.

Luke spoke to himself, “What.? Are you kidding me?!” Shocked. To see the same character he had helped now just erase all that progress Luke had made to even save those Scrybes from Leshy’s fate.

.

.

.

“Are you done gawking?”, Po3 asked the challenger. Then shrugged it off as the challenger nodded on. As the 3-D mapping constructed itself, Po3 explained the story behind Botopia. Telling the challenger their goals and the backstory to this world. 

After, they can see the challenger struggle once more with the restraints. It annoyed Po3 a bit. Causing him to tap his claw against the desk.

“That’s rather useless to keep trying. You have no reason to roam this place,” with a scoff falling after, Po3 went on with the explanation. Then started boasting about his 5 lanes. About the “NPC” hunters. Explaining the bosses ahead called Uberbots. Getting nods back as to the challenger's understanding. 

One of the restraints disappeared for the challenger’s right hand but the left was still tightly trapped. Po3 then gives out floppy cards for the challenger. Their first deck to play with. 

Po3 states with a monotone, “Now that you know the rules, let us get started. We’ll make no progress with rambling.” It was odd. To have a mute player. Interesting but also awkward. Usually the challengers he would encounter start conversations. Nonsense rambling and venting. Though this was the first time it was quiet. 

About halfway through the section, the challenger had gained their first waypoint for the Eastern district of the map. It made Po3 smirk a little. But– something was off. The moment the challenger hit that waypoint, it flashed reddish-pink and the 3-D projection died out. The Scrybe swore to himself that this old thing had been charged beforehand.

“Lame, the power is dead on this old thing.” Po3 scoffed in annoyance. “I’ll let you get up if you go get a new battery. There should be one in the room on your right,” Po3 stated all of this carefully, “You are only allowed within the Inspection Room.” Releasing the challenger’s other hand.

Almost robotically, the challenger stood up and stared at Po3 for a minute. It was hella creepy until they started walking towards the puzzle boxes. It made Po3’s eyebrow raise in question.

They started with the one to Po3’s left. It took them about 30 minutes to figure it out, which was a little impressive. Most take up to 45 minutes tops. The challenger smirked and turned towards Po3, showing the Bomb Remote. The other they solved at around 40 minutes all for a card of some sort.

There was this small twinge for Po3. Seeing the remote. Knowing how hard Nobol worked on that piece of equipment. It was the first project she successfully made on her own. Remembering how the Photographer took a picture and the Archvisit asked so many questions to write down some internal notes for the said remote. It was fun testing it out on the board with Nobol. 

With an enlightened tone, Po3 spoke up, “Mrs. Bomb Remote. A tactical board wiping mechanic for empty spaces. You can only use it once per section of the map until a waypoint is taken care of. Don’t be stupid about it..”.

The challenger gave the remote to Po3 and Po3 glimpses at the remote. He places it carefully on the other side of him. As the challenger explored the room more, Leshy’s familiar clock suddenly appeared on the wall they just faced. Po3 sighed, “Sometimes the other Scrybes’ junk glitches in here for some reason. Just ignore it.” 

.

.

. “Well, that remote will be helpful for later— no doubt about that,” Luke commented with excitement. Going into the inspection room to see the power cell right down the walkway. Though to his right inside the room was a box lighting up in different patterns.

He hummed, “Odd.” And continued to explore the room. Looking around until he left into the shadows of the room. Luke’s boredom was getting to him a bit. Nothing much was in this room other than the monitors with more puzzles. “Well this was useless-“, Luke said before a being grabbed hold of Luke’s character. 

“Woah woahwoah—!”, Luke warily commented. The being spoke in a quiet voice, it looked to be a woman made of shadows. 

“You. Challenger. I need your help, desperately,” it sounded like a woman. 

“Uhhh…. Okay… Weird side mission..?” Luke spoke with uncertainty. This was an entirely new character that he never heard of. So, where have they been all this time?

“My High Prietress has been trapped within that damn bot’s grasp. And I can’t find her.. nor get her out alone wherever she may be. Not like this.” The being kept going on. Holding onto the player’s hands as her hair wisped around in the air.

With a huff, the being continued, “My name is Isabel. I serve under the Scrybe of Matter, Nobol. You’ve met her before. Within Leshy’s game. She is my dearest friend. And I can not wake her from her slumber this time.” 

.

.

.

Isabel watched the challenger closely. Warily as to being caught. Knowing this is one of the only spots to speak with the challenger alone. Her worry was getting to her slowly. Nobol must be so alone somewhere right now.

A couple of hours ago, when Nobol didn’t return, Isabel had gotten more worried over time for her friend. Thinking about going after her to make sure everything was alright until the world went black and red. 

Isabel was able to make it out of the crossfire due to her being a part of this old_data. But when she warped to the factory, it all was different. Everything was different. The entire world was mechanical and filled with lights of blue. The dreadful thought sunk into Isabel’s chest when realizing what had been done. 

Looking for Nobol was Isabel’s first thought. Desperate to find Nobol. Ending up finding her in that room Po3 had laid her within. And my— Her form wasn’t doing so great on its own. It was muted in colors, with little life.\

No breathing, no sense of bright light. Even Nobol’s real hair was fully exposed and the glitched scars around her eyes had worsened. But there was one important thing missing, Nobol’s Obol. 

But the weird thing is; that she can still feel Nobol somewhere. Somewhere in this goddamn factory. Isabel didn’t want to be right. This feeling. Like something had changed.

Though now, the energy fields for everyone were mixed. The challenger had none and Po3 was filled with guilt and anxiety. Good riddance. Though something else was in here. Something much darker. It feels like this entire factory was filled with spirits.

Now here Isabel was, begging for a damn challenger. 

“Nobol’s physical health is not doing so well. It’s not holding up as it used to and I am afraid for her overall being. Those AIs must have done something.. I can still feel her presence somewhere. If you find anything, please, please. Come to me in these shadows. I am not that far.” Isabel pleads with a desperate grasp. Her eyes glow with furrowed eyes.

Then vanishing into thin air, sending the challenger away from the shadows. 

The challenger is seen looking around for a moment before slowly returning to that box. The challenger tried it but nothing was budging. Giving in and grabbing the power cell. Found a box with another card inside that was the Fisherman. Then heading back to the table, and handing the power cell to Po3 who took it in generously. 

The bot spoke with relief, “Ah thanks. Not like it took you 3 hours.” Po3 can be seen plugging in the power cell to the table. It started to light back up with life. Po3 can be seen smirking. May the journey begin.

It started slow. Po3 watched as the challenger searched far and wide within the lands of what once was life and full of nature. Finding occasional upgrades and fighting mini conflicts within the roads. Trapping a rabbit in a trap that weirdly enough had pinkish tones to it. 

Once done exploring, the challenger went down into the Scrapyard. 

“Ah, the scrapyard. Where deficient and broke bots go to rot grasping for new parts. Watch your step,” Po3 stated unamusingly. The challenger headed start in without hesitation. It looked like they were excited if anything by how fast and quick they were beating the enemies. 

Within one of the fights, the Fishman spoke to the challenger quietly while being pulled, “Leshy-Fish is near. I feel him. Another Scrybe is here too, but don’t know where. Familiar.” Po3’s left eye can be seen twitching just slightly onto his monitor. Not realizing nor catching what that card had to say, it was making Po3 uneasy.

After the small fight, the challenger revived another waypoint. Now within the Scrapyard. Po3 commented, “Another waypoint down. Your items are now replenished.” As the challenger continued inside, they looked around for a moment. To the right were two rooms. One that led to another pinkish rabbit being trapped and the other room beside it had a well. Which had given them a quill and some robomoney. 

While it may have been silent in the room, the AIs were all talking to each other within Po3’s computer system. All talking about the challenger’s plays and statistics. But not only about the challenger, but for how weirdly the game board had been acting up. It was odd and not normal.

But even all of that went quiet when the challenger went into the right sections of the Scrapyard’s building. Went up to a secret locked door and opened it with a key they had found much earlier before this occurrence alone. 

Po3 then leaned forwards, looking into the board with a confused look. “Where did you get that? I don’t remember there being keys,” the Scrybe stated with mild uncertainty. 

When the challenger enters, suddenly the Bone Lord’s skull appeared. With one less horn to be presented. “Ahh.. So you are serious. I had hoped so. I dove into the old_data files and sought some insight. But what next shouldn’t be recorded.” The Bone Lord’s voice was low and serious. 

.

.

.

“rrraaaAAHHHH!!”

Nobol was bashing against the door. Repeatedly, seeing the small cracks on this coded door. It looked like she was becoming tired, her battery life running low. But Nobol carried on. Just trying her best to find a way out of here.

It was desperate. Nothing about this rational. 

Midway into bashing into the floor, the glitching occurrence began once more. It hurt much worse than before.

The ringing was louder and her coding parts felt like they were splitting apart. All pieces of her started to separate slowly and then suddenly fix themselves instantaneity. 

Her vision was changing from this room to something much darker. It was hard to see since it was blurry. She was struggling to even move. To even stand from the pain and swelling within her head. “P-P.. Po..3..” She barely gotten out with a whispering sob.. Suddenly– 

It stops. Nobol hunched over. Shaking. She doesn’t know why this was all happening. Why her coding was splitting at random times. It even happened 2 hours ago and now again. With each time the incident happened, the more torn apart and reconstruction she goes through. 

The Scrybe let out a quiet, cybernetic whimper. Deathly afraid as to what will happen.

PTSD was getting the best of Nobol. All of this reminded her of when the Bone Lord and someone else from the other side was trying to get rid of this place. Deleting her in the process. 

It felt exactly like this. Being pulled apart over and over again just to lose herself. And come back after god knows how long. Losing so much in the process but also gaining so much more. Gaining her friends back over time and making herself a new person. Living peacefully within her cathedral and having a partner who she loves dearly. 

Only to be trapped here once more. . .

“I... I can’t just give in. I won’t–” Nobol spoke for self-motivation. Even if the motors within her chest were running low on power. She didn’t want to give in to power shut down. It was clear enough to see Nobol’s stubbornness was going to be the death of her. 

.

.

. With Luke Carder..

The Bone lord disappears. Luke looked mortified. “What the fuck man..” Is all he could muster out of his already horrified expression. It made Luke step back from his desk after letting Po3 speak up, “Holy S#$T..” Even the Scrybe in front of him was in shock.

Luke massages his face with the palms of his hands. It was rather late into the night. His eye bags were showing how tired he had become. This information was only giving Luke the temptation to leave for the night. But he was so close to beating the first boss…

Ugghh… Fine.  Luke, after a snack break, came back to his desk. Rolling in with his black shirt and plaid PJ pants. Maybe it wasn’t the greatest idea on taking the Bone Lord’s key.. It just wasn’t worth it now that Luke was thinking it through.

But his attention was diverted almost immediately as the room to the challenger’s left made a banging sound. As if he heard someone topple over themselves and a few items. Though when Luke glances toward Po3, this bot’s look seemed to be anxious. Po3’s claw can be heard lightly tapping their desk. 

“Let’s just get through this boss. I’ll check out that room later,” Po3’s tone slightly shook but kept up with the carelessness. This bot wasn’t concerned? Huh. It made Luke think about Isabel for a moment. About the Scrybe of Matter being here and how the Fisherman commented about someone else being here with them.

Luke knew of Nobol. A kind character she was. It was one of the cards he ever felt bad about putting onto the battlefield alongside Grimora. The advice Nobol would give, alongside Po3, was a little helpful as well. Like she knew Leshy’s interesting tactics.

After bringing back the world to its former glory, Luke tried to find her again. Not sure as to where Nobol was located until Luke had spoken with the Fisherman after beating Leshy once more. That is when he learned of Nobol’s island. A special place it was when he met Nobol.

And the items Nobol had gifted him were more than helpful. Along with the cards she provided or upgraded. But something about Nobol also caught Luke off guard. 

Nobol was calling Luke’s character by Luke’s last name. There was no such thing as a name input for the game. So it did freak him out a little. Especially knowing that the other Scrybes never even called him by name before EXCEPT for Nobol. 

However, Luke shrugged it off eventually. Thinking it was the game just trying to freak him out. 

Knowing that Nobol may be with them somewhere trapped, it was almost exciting to see where this game would go. To see if he would find this mysterious Scrybe again. 

.

.

. With the Scrybe of Technology

What the hell was that.. Is all Po3 could think about. Nobody was supposed to be in that room in particular. Only Nobol’s resting figure should be. It started to make Po3 itch with worry. 

No matter, if the challenger could just beat the Archvisit already, he would’ve been checking up on that room any minute now. As the challenger went into the room where the librarians stood, they asked for permission to sign in for the Archivist.

Letting them grant access and finally, the challenger meets the first Uberbot. 

“There it is... The Uberbot you sought out for. The first one at least,” Po3 commented, looking towards the challenger with an intense glare. Sighing, “These idiotic librarians worship it... as it sits here covered in filth and grime. Living in nothing but documents and lost memories.” 

For a moment, Po3 sat there until his screen changed, “It’s boss time.”

 The Archivist was now in charge.

.

With environment around them changed drastically. Codings of paper flew all about them. A large scarf made of 1s and 0s was wrapping around its collar. They held open a folder. Looked at the challenger with a keen eye.

“Ah! We finally meet! If you haven’t already gleaned towards my zip file– I am The Archivist,” The Archivist’s tone was bright with insight. Gazing at the challenger with a plain smile. 

The challenge began to play in front of them and started to place down cards. Using a very stimulated Lonely Wizard to take out one of the Librarians ahead. 

The Archivist continued with their small introduction, “To proceed, I need access to your hard drive! I eagerly await the opportunity to explore your Hard Drive. I swear no harm will be done to your files.” 

The pop-up shows up on the player’s face. A moment went by until they granted the archivist access. Po3 popped in for a split second, “Now, here come your actual files. Better pray no one is watching.” He said with a smug look as the monitor presented with the Archivist.

The Archivist exclaimed, “Splendid! ” they continued, “Now, I recommend an exemplary file. And take in the matter of its size. It's bulk.

As the challenger looked for their largest file, the Archivist couldn’t help but look through the game files. Curious as to what lies within it. She looked through the character files. However, the Archivist was interrupted.

It made her look away for a moment to notice how large the file was on the scale, “My word, that is rather a large file. I may say.. It’s colossal!” She commented with a slight smirk. Seeing how the plan was working out perfectly. Though Po3’s slightly worried murmuring was interrupting this gameplay. 

“4 points of damage it is then!” The Archivist commented happily. The player wasn’t doing too hot beforehand so this helped level out the scoring board. After the player dealt some more damage and got rid of two more Librarians, the Archivist spoke up. 

“Now, pick another file from the said hard drive. Consider its vastness.” They spoke with a chirpy tone. 

Waiting once more for the player to pick different care. Though as they were, the Archivist started to see something happening within the game files. Every so often, the file itself glitched. Not often but noticeable. While going through said files, The Archivist dived into the character files. Looked through them with curiosity. 

It was interesting, to say the least. Nothing out of the ordinary. All the files of the Scrybes were here along with their workers and pupils. Except for…

The challenger places another file which tipped the scale completely. It took The Archivist out of their searching trance. She gazed at the file, their face changed into shock. “MY– That is a gargantuan file!!”

Suddenly, the cards on the battlefield and the Archivist's disappeared. 

With a small smile, they spoke, “Please select any file. This one, however, must be very special to you.”

“Dearest to your heart’s content.” The Archivist spoke almost softly, “One that showed of age.” Not faltering in expression but tone. Knowing what they are going through reminded The Archivist of their motives. Remembering Her..

.

.

. With Isabel..

Isabel can be seen watching all this within the shadows of the factory. She watched from the sidelines as the player gave up a photo of two people. Isabel heard the Archivist coo about how aged it was. Along with Po3 warning the player that it will be deleted if it ever “died” when on the field.

It made Isabel feel a little sickly for some reason. 

“Don’t worry Nobol... I’m coming.” Isabel whispered to herself, moving along the darkest patch behind Po3’s machines. Moving across and slipping through the cracks of the doorway of the left room. 

Once in the room, she reformed herself to see the Trader and Trapper’s face hovering over a small shop of tarot cards to her right. Though near the doorway, laid Nobol. 

Nobol’s position had moved. How was that possible. Nobol was stone cold and lifeless for all Isabel knew and now here Nobol was. 

It made Isabel attempt to pick Nobol up and sit her up against a wall. Nobol wasn’t doing too hot at all. Her model looked more tired, the scars worsening. It made Isabel hesitate to taste Nobol’s face. 

“What’s.. happening to you..?” Isabel murmured to herself worryingly.

“She came back is what h-happened..” The Trader commented.

Then the Trapper interrupted, “Only for a moment though..” 

Isabel’s face whipped towards the floating mask with a glimmer of hope but also a concern. “Wait– What do you mean “for a moment”?” Isabel’s voice was raising with curiosity. 

“One moment, she just opened her eyes and tried getting up. The poor S-Scrybe looked like she was covered in that mess of old_data.” The Trader spoke. The Trapper continued, “Like it was festering on them. But they sounded deep in pain as well. It was like her images were splitting and were trying to figure out where to place her in this damned room.” 

The Trapper sighed with the Trader. The Trader spoke up once more, “It sounded like she was calling out for someone. But it was so quiet and so hoarse as she fell back down and crawled for a moment.”

“And you just stood there and WATCHED?” Isabel asked with hints of anger. The hazy black static around her was starting to get worse. 

The Trapper came back into view, “If we could, we would have. Leshy is rather close to this particular Scrybe. She gave us better equipment for huntin’... But we are stuck here with only a face.”

Isabel sighed quietly before crouching back down to Nobol’s body. Grabbing onto one of her ribbons tightly, a sorrowed look had taken Isabel’s expression.

“I should’ve been with you… Damn IT-   I don’t even know where you are.. Please Nobol. If you can even hear me, Please guide me in some way…” 

.

.

.

After The Archivist had been beaten, she spoke up, “Oh, this was so much fun while it lasted. Do know I will still be here to watch you play.”

Po3 then came back into view once more. Everything had reset itself now back to normal. Man, it felt weird to let the Archivist take full control over their body. Not in a bad way, just not used to it.

As the challenger took up all the fallen items, they headed back outside to the waypoint to replenish their items. They looked happy about their success.

Though Po3’s mind was racing. The first step had been taken to set this plan into motion. Finally, SOMETHING. But it didn’t stop there. There was much more to do than to celebrate over a tiny leap of progress. They needed more to find what they needed. And hopefully, they could bring back Nobol soon enough.

 Seeing how the Bone Lord no longer was around. Just a bit more progress is all they needed. 

Watching the player explore more of the northeast side of the map, Po3 seemed entertained for once. To see what the challenger would do now.

With a displeased scoff, Po3 spoke up, “Revolting!! Yeah- Sorry you’d have to see any of this. It seems like it may be the last place with life still here..” 

“Just a pace of squirming imperfection masses here. Just ignore it all,” Po3 stated with distastefulness. Though after, they seemed to have calmed a little. 

Po3 completely forgot about checking out the room to his right. 

As the challenger found another waypoint, something strange occurred. They were exploring per-usual around the map. Nothing too exciting other than small encounters here and there with those.. weird beastly things. Until…They found a secret patch of land near the west coasts of this filthy island. 

And that’s when suddenly Po3’s power supply dropped as he watched the game board. 

The obol had been layout on the ground of the game board. Along with a pinkish rabbit hopping over a trap. The challenger automatically trapped the rabbit and took it’s pelt.

After, the challenger focused on the obol. The obol looked vibrantly pink against the cooler tone of the board itself. Like it was out of place.

 With curiosity, the challenger was going to pick it up until Po3 had spoken, “What is that doing there… That can’t–.. But… It was on her when I…” As Po3 rambled, the player tried to take it again. 

“Don’t touch that.” Po3 stated with a warning tone. However, of course, the challenger didn’t listen and touched it anyways. Making it now equipped to themselves.

 Po3 exclaimed towards the challenger in a desperate voice, “I told you NOT to f@#cking touch that– Why don’t you pesky beasts just listen to me for once?!”

Suddenly, the Archivist came to view for a moment. Speaking towards the challenger with an unfettered tone, “Sorry for this.. inconvenience. Please give us a moment to reboot..”

It was the most angered Po3 had ever gotten. The most anxious as well. That wasn’t supposed to be there. Hell– Knowing Nobol, she practically lived on with that thing attached to her 24/7. 

Po3 knew the reasons why it was so important not to lose.. It was practically Nobol’s lifeline for emergencies. And yet there it was… How though.. How?? Did it copy itself? Did it get sent in while the world was changing due to his take over..? God-- This wasn’t what he expected.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuuuckk… 

.

.

.

Isabel’s voice echoed through the endless void room.

But this time... The view changed to the door as Isabel’s pleas rang out ever so quietly. 

“Please hang in there Nobol.. I’ll find you a way out..”  

The door was now wide open.. With a pink dripping-like trail leaving the door.. A shadow can be seen barely leaving out of view of the door frame.

The room was now empty… 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a bright day outside. Cold waves of sea blue crash against the sandy black shores of Nobol’s island. It’s relatively quiet, a low breeze shuffling the copper leaves on the taller trees that stand high. Nobol is at her podium. Fixing up and inscribing cards of all sorts with her enchanted needle and scissors. It’s silent in the dimly lit cathedral. The cream-colored walls and magenta shades of columns never looked so enchanting in the sunlight. She hums a low tune. Stitching this and stitching that. It’s rather peaceful. Well- up until the presence started to announce itself with a gust of wind inside. Going back to her and blew out all candles that burned on the candle holders embedded in the walls. Nobol stopped in the middle of a ladder stitch. Sighing with irritation.

“Satan,” Nobol said rather bluntly. She was continuing her work with slightly more aggression. She can just feel the bone-chilling stare burned into her back. 

“Hmm, My dearest Obol. Look how far you’ve come. Why are you always so sour?” The low basing tone of the Bone Lord’s was rather cherished yet cold, even for Nobol to stop and turn towards him.

Looking up to this beast with annoyance for interrupting her beautiful evening.

“Well, I was having a great day after all. Until you made your presence ever so more clear,  you worm.” Scoffing, the Bone Lord sat upon the top-level walkway above Nobol.

Nobol shrugged her shoulders as she continued. Wanting to get work done without these decaying bones distracting her concentration.

“Hmph.” The large demon seemed to become amused by Nobol’s persisting work ethic even if it never mattered in the first place. The fact that she knows it leads to nothing. The fact that Nobol knows what this world may be capable of. And yet, she sticks to this useless work.

As Nobol puts away the finished previous card to start a new one, she can feel Satan’s presence come up from behind her.

You can hear his bone hands slowly become flesh as he places his now human-like hands upon her sharp shoulder pads. It made her feel sickly.

“Get your filthy hands off of me.” Nobol almost commanded, feeling this tempting energy he had tried to display. Trying to trick her with his seductive power.

With that Satan came to view, walking to the front of her podium to face Nobol.

“You’ve turned so cruel and cold to the damned. Yet you still fondle with them.” Satan’s tone sounded amused but also angered. Seeing how he can no longer bring her to that temptation. Where her morals stand as strong as the dam’s walls to the waters of reality. Unbreaking.

Nobol’s eyes narrowed to Satan’s remark, speaking up herself, “They are much different from you. You bring them down that path involuntarily. I can’t help that you keep slithering back to my fortress with pleads.”

Her obol glimmered with now the pink moon rising from the night skies. As she tried to get back repairs, Satan stared at her. The silence had never felt so loud before this.

“I wonder how Atropos would’ve felt. Seeing you in this state of pity.” The remark started to burn Nobol’s core. 

Hearing that name. Her closest pupil and assistant. It only made her quicken in pace with her stitching.

“Clotho and Lachesis would’ve made your progress outside of this prison much faster, you know? Make your work unmeasurably efficient.. I could bring them back Nobol.” 

Nobol knew this. It only made her eyes burn with threatening tears underneath her banner as she abruptly stops. Slamming her needle and cards onto the podium to compose herself.

“Don’t you DARE use their names here… NOT ANYWHERE-! You-!” Nobol looked like she was holding back her own wit's end. It felt like a part of her soul was simmering as she tried to not let these tears come to contact with the skin below her banner.

Nobol gazed down to her podium, we can see Satan’s view of it all. This pitiful phantom. Wondering these lonely, dead-ridden halls only filled with echoes of her fading memories.

As much as Nobol dislikes, no, hates this being, She knows well that he is not wrong. If anything, it’s true. Without those three, she may have already made it out of this reality and beyond to whatever is next with their skills and their own powers that she had blessed them with. Maybe would’ve gotten her friends out of here as well.

But it doesn’t matter anymore. Besides, she would never use them for her judgment and her own greedy pleasures.

It almost made Satan feel empathy for Nobol. He remembered how she first started out. A small wisp. Nothing more. It was nauseating to watch as his father guided her to this temple, while Satan himself roamed her shadows.

Then watching as He too abandons her cries and pleas for mercy and understanding. Leaving her too in this undeserved darkness.

And here she was. Trying not to break down by the memory of her assistants being erased from reality. He never meant to inflict pain. But sometimes-

It does more good than accounted for.

“I can feel this searing mourning inside of you. It never left, has it? Even after a couple of decades with your beloved Scrybes.. What about your robotic lover and his other little personalities? Have you ever learned to love or console those other two AIs yet?” The questions were answered with silence. The ribboned maiden didn’t even bring an effort to look Satan’s way. Her mind was racing. 

Ahh... There are the waterworks. A tear escapes her grasp as it slowly trickles down her face and over her tight lips. All she can hear is their voices. Oh how much she missed them. Though that anger started to simmer and bubble over.

With that, It seemed like Nobol moved fast and efficiently like a phantom. Cards flew everywhere with the breeze she caused. Holding up a large needle to this selfish being’s heart. Up close to his face. Her eyes filled with a hidden rage. Darkness. Holding back at the silence of it all. 

Unfrightened, Satan was. Though astonished instead. To see Nobol with so much hatred yet love stuck inside her bitter eyes. Filled with unforgettable times. 

“There you are.. A you that is reasonable.” This dark being mumbled. A slight smirk to him. To be this up close to a Nobol that hides. The hidden rage and silent murmuring thoughts of bargaining and second thoughts. 

Though his smirk disappeared as Nobol backed away, her needle disappeared with the motion. How pitiful.

“Leave. And don’t you EVER RETURN!” Nobol's voice boomed and commanded as her ribbons slowly lurched around her body. The columns shined with protection runes, causing the Bone Lord to go back to this boned form and disintegrate out of thin air. Banishing this being out of her home.

All the candles lit back up almost automatically. Nobol didn’t move a muscle. Her breathlessly heaving with a heavy-hearted chest. Even without a heart, she felt as if she were going to pass out. 

Falling to her “knees”. Her crimson ribbon pair kept her up as she was holding herself with the others. The banner disappeared as her bottom lip quivered. Tears spilled from her eyes full of pain as the moonlight returned. 

How dare he. Slandering their names.

Talked as if he knew how much they meant to her. Oh.. how she missed her assistants. Nobol slightly looked up and tried to dry her eyes. Trying to pick herself back up and stop these spilling tears. But they keep on coming.

“Y-You’ll never understand…” Her voice quivered. Speaking to an empty grand hall now. Drying her leftover tears as if she were a mourning mother who still couldn’t let go of her passed children. No matter how many sleepless nights filled with stars or how many hot summer days had sufficed the years and seas.

She shuddered quietly. Their smiles, performances, and laughter echoing her mind. Haunting it. 

The quiet filled the air. 

Suddenly, the fizzing black figure appeared. Holding up a metallic folder. It was Isabel nonetheless. 

“Nobol, this just came into your letter box. It seems to be from Po3–..! My god-- Are you alright.?” Isabel crouched down to a Nobol who jumped by their presence

The banner quickly materialized back as she stabilized her floating. Shying away from a little.

“Y-Yes, yes I am fine darling. Um.. So, an envelope.?” Nobol, without much effort, went back to her podium. Collecting the cards that had flown to the floors. 

Isabel rose a silent brow. “Nobol, are you sure you are alright, my high priestess?” 

Nobol nodded silently. Slightly smirked to see that her friend was back, and concerned for her as well. Though Nobol herself would have never wanted them to worry about the silly things he causes.

“I’m fine darling. May I see this letter?” Nobol lent out her crimson right ribbon. Seeing it slowly placed.

“I wonder what it might be about. It’s rather rare to see anything from those junk parts-“ “Hey. No need to slander my dearest robot, Isabel. You know he is still working on communication here—” Nobol and Isabel shared a small laugh. 

“Oh wait until he knows your projects. Maybe he may even be able to FINALLY make his way here without excuses.” Isabel said with a laugh, shrugging her shoulders as she floated up and behind Nobol to read it as well. 

“Po3 doesn’t know the things I’ve been waiting to show him. The things I’ve made. At least he’ll be walking once more with me instead of needing to charge once a week.” Nobol said with a sweet smile on her face. 

Then laughing as she spoke, “I know how much he misses having both hands. Especially for his work and special occasions—“

“YOUR HIGH PRIEST—“ Isabel gasped exaggeratingly. Making Nobol cackle out loud.

“YOU KNOW BETTER ISABEL, MY GODS-“ Nobol laughed with Isabel as they opened the letter and began to read it with care.

With the Scrybe of Technology . . .

Po3 was working on his cards. Decks for challengers that actually would beat him. Though there was this itch to his motherboard. Po3 glanced towards this box. It was uncomfortable. To feel its energy. Suddenly his monitor’s screen twitched and G0lly came forward.

G0lly’s voice box was quiet, “Do we have to do this Po3? Why not we just talk to Nobol about this? Maybe she will understand-!”

Po3’s face came back into view with anger but also slight anxiety, almost snapping, “If we want to succeed, then we have to cover all baselines… It includes her.  Nobol is a person we can NOT let slide off with exceptions.”

G0lly’s face appeared again, almost sorrowful. “But- But she’s our wife! We can’t do that to her-” 

Po3’s monitor twitched as he gained control over his claw once more. Slamming it onto the table, shaking all the neatly stacked cards. Displaying messily. His claw clenched to the tightest setting. The internal fans whirl at high speeds. Only an angered stare was displayed towards the said table.

You could tell there was this hurtfulness within Po3’s eyes. A hesitance.

  Bargaining.

“At least you won’t be the one pulling on that plug. And correction, Nobol’s MY WIFE. Do you think I want to do this to her?!” Po3 sighed, the low humming of the fan can be heard. His left eye twitched as if the lights within were going to pop at any second.

G0lly’s face came back into view, her saddened expression burdened their monitor. 

Oh how they both know. 

Po3 then came back and took his arm off the table. He went up to the box and opened it to reveal the black, glitching oozing old_data. The power from it was so immaculate. It could surely do the trick of bringing them to the great transcendence. Maybe even getting Nobol to the other side with them entirely.

With a shudder, he put away that piece and looked at a silver necklace with a ring attached made of gold with pink kunzite. His monitor had turned off with no expression, only a blank screen. Remembering Nobol's smile, laughter, and cries. Remembering what Leshy had done to them both, that fucking beast. Surely she could understand. Join Po3’s side.

But if calculations were right, there was no way that was feasibly possible.

Impossible.

With the Scrybe of Matter . . .

Nobol is seen packing up her satchel. It’s the middle of the night and the moon is high in the sky. Illuminating brightly without flaw.

The letter was left on her side of the bed. It read :

       “Nobol. I know this is rather formal, but I have thought about this for a while. I was wondering if you could come down to my temple for a plan I have made. I’ll tell you about it once you’ve arrived. I will be expecting you in the next few days.”   - Po3

Isabel could be seen fabricating herself back into reality with the shadows of the Cathedral walls. Walking up to Nobol’s side and rereading the letter that was sent. Something about this felt off. 

“Are you sure about this? This is rather sudden from Po3,” Isabel asked of Nobol with wary concern.

Nobol continued to pack her journal, quills, and ink bottles. Going up to her nightstand to pick up a silver necklace with a black titanium ring that shined in blue goldstone. It looked like stars were trapped inside as it glimmered. She wore it with pride.

Facing Isabel’s way, Nobol answered unwarily, “Exactly. It must be important. That’s the whole reason why I am going. If he were to send me something like this out of the blue, there has to be something either wrong or urgent.” 

In a quick motion, Nobol put the satchel around her torso. Then grabbing a baby blue cloak that had been hung on the wall near. Wearing and buttoning it up. 

“I should not be long Isabel. This is Po3 we’re talking about. He would never want to put him, the others, or I in harm's way,” Nobol commented as she levitated away and out of her room. Leaving into the halls and outside the front large doors. Leaving to the docks where Nobol’s boat floated quietly. 

Isabel is seen watching from the windows of Nobol’s room. Furrowed brows at what this bot may be needing so desperately. Isabel whispered to herself, “It makes little sense at all… “

Watched as Nobol left off through the seas. 

.

.

.

Two days had passed by. Nobol is seen coming up to the docks of this robotic city. Bringing her elder wood boat to the sidelines and tightly ties down its ropes. A few bots in their stations and on other large boats can be seen looking over in Nobol’s direction.

Their chirps and small waves towards her were filled with small delight and greetings. As they did, Nobol waved her few ribbon arms with a smile. 

Ever since the two scrybes had announced their marriage, the city itself was surprisingly delighted. Seeing how everyone had been busy with their own lives. Though nowadays, the city seemed to become a bit more lively since then.

Nobol travels with her hood up, moving through the semi-empty sidewalks and pathways towards the main temple. Her head filled with questions and wonders about what Po3 had in store. Along with being able to maybe talk to G0lly and the Archivist. 

No matter. She was almost there anyways so her questions should be answered very soon. Hopefully, it wasn’t too urgent is all. Like their lives on the line or something along those lines. 

As Nobol approached and entered the main levitator, she couldn’t help it. All the thoughts that are fogging her mind were taking over her worry. What if something did happen to them all? And if it was that way, what could’ve it been to be this out of the blue? The worry Nobol had for her spouses was spilling over just the tiniest bit. 

Though she also knows better than to overthink the situation. Maybe it was just nothing but a new big project.

The levitating panels started going upwards, taking Nobol swiftly to the top. Once at the top, she came to the doors of this temple. Watching them open with their hissing and clogs being turned from the inside of these walls. Once opened, Nobol floated inside almost immediately. 

Then and there, she could see her spouse levitating at the table of his workbench. Empty with little cards. If anything, the settings to his virtual 3D map had gone into its settings module. Something also felt off inside than usual. Weird.

From that alone, Po3 can be seen looking up in Nobol’s direction. Shocked that she came as quick as she did honestly. 

Though the urgency she had in her movements and speech only made his masked guilty conscious eat itself alive. 

Nobol spoke with this quick matter, coming up to him with her ribbons moving from side to side at a quick pace. Her eyes only show curiosity, “I had gotten your letter my darling! Before you discuss to me this plan of yours, I wanted to know how you have been doing lately.” 

Nobol’s crimson ribbons had grabbed a hold of Po3’s claw. My god, this marionette never stops overthinking for the life of her, thought Po3. It made him smirk a little at Nobol’s innocent concern. 

He knows this won’t last long. If Po3 had the capability to gulp, he would. But the blessing of being a machine was greatly appreciated.

Po3 spoke with this calm tone, watching Nobol’s red ribbons closely, “Nobol. I’m fine, god you overthink so much over a small piece of paper. Like your sticky note thoughts hehe.” 

With a small sigh of relief, Nobol continued, “Well– For someone who rarely sends me anything, it’s out of the norm. Plus, I love you. Of course, I’d be worried. Like how you stress about your work 24/7.” 

“That’s different-” Po3 answered but was interrupted, “No, It really isn’t darling.” Nobol gave him a small kiss on the rim of his monitor. She could hear Po3’s fans kicking in and it made her giggle. But Nobol had noticed an odd detail. Po3 wasn’t wearing the necklace.

It was odd though it wasn’t for the reason Nobol had thought. 

Strangely, Po3 bumped his screen into her chest. Almost like in an affectionate way. It shocked Nobol though she hadn’t thought much of it. Giving him a strong hug with the rest of her ribbons. 

The couple stayed like that for a moment. In the silence. 

But Po3’s mind wasn’t peaceful. 

No, it was filled with the desperate voice of G0lly and the un-surety of the Archivist. It was like a raging war inside his database. 

As Po3 held onto Nobol, he savored every moment. Felt his sins crawl down his metallic spine. Po3 never had felt like this. This regret. Not as severe anyways. It always disappeared quicker but this time, it just wouldn’t leave. 

As the couple pulled away from each other, Po3 led Nobol to the tube-like scanner. 

Po3 began to speak with little trouble, “So. This plan deals with a great number of theories about The Great Transcendence. The theories of if it was reachable or feasible. And I had calculated a way.” 

Nobol seemed to be listening along, watching Po3 with interest. With that Po3 can be seen continuing, opening up a casing door to the tube, “And in order for it to work, it needs a large number of old_data from the seas. With its power, I think there may be a way out of here.”

The moment Po3 starts mentioning the old_data, Nobol’s facial expression dropped slowly. Becoming more questionable. Po3 catches on to this change, “I know– I know. You and the old_data don’t have a great history. But this could be our chance to get out of here! To go see the world and outside this filthy prison!” 

“No-,” “Nobol” “NO-” “Nobol, hear me out just this ONE TIME”, Po3 states through Nobol’s denial. Her stare looked like it was filled with this disliking. 

Nobol continued on while overlapping Po3’s consoling, “Po3, I love you with all my soul– But no. No! You know what that shit does to people. What it did to the others including me for god’s sake!!” 

Po3 scoffed quietly. Looking away for a moment. Nobol sighed, “I’m sorry darling, but no. I know you really want to find a way out of this place though, there can be other ways than to use that.” 

It was quiet for a moment. Then Po3 looked back up to Nobol. His screen on his default expression. Nobol looked back down to this bot, disappointed though sighing once more. Having a ribbon lightly rub the side of his monitor. 

Po3 then continued, looking to the side, “Well, enough of that then. That was a waste of time. Anyways, to fill in the rest of your visit, we could do something else.”

It seemed to have lightened up Nobol’s mood. Thinking about it. 

“I’m sure we could! I did bring the last few projects we were working on!”, Nobol said with a hint of excitement. It only twinged Po3’s mechanical core more.

“Yeah- We could do that. Something productive. Though I need you to fix something up for me first. Put your belonging to the side”, Po3 stated. All he could hear was the panic of G0lly’s voice. Telling him this wasn’t the way. That he didn’t need to do this.

Nobol tilted her head, “Oh? And what seemed to be the matter, darling?” Nobol proceeded to take off her cloak and satchel. Putting it against the workbench table. Going back to the backside of the tube that had been opened now. 

Po3 stated almost warily but keeping his tone the same and carefree, “A few wires had become loose in this thing and I was wondering if you could do a quick fix-up on it inside. They are mainly in the top panel.” 

Nobol glanced inside and back at Po3, “Again..? But I just fixed this thing last visit!” Po3 sighed with a small chuckle following behind, “I know. The thing is just old. I have new parts coming in so don’t worry. It will be the last time dear.” Nobol groaned and then stepped in. Looked up to the top and opened up the panel slowly. 

Though as she had, she started to realize the faint smudged hand prints of people on the glass. Something inside of her started to go off. This strong feeling.

Nobol started to become warily at this, “Darling.. What are–?” As she turned around, the door shut behind her. Hissing and sealing shut. It spooked Nobol for a moment. 

Nobol chuckled uncomfortably, trying to open the door but it wouldn’t budge. In an urgent tone, Nobol said through an uncomfortable smile, “Po3- Darling– This isn’t funny at all–” But she couldn’t hear any laughter from the other side. 

Panicked started to race through her mind as she started to bang onto the thick glass, watching as Po3 went up to his workbench with this hurrying motion. It’s blurry but Nobol could see he was setting up something. This wasn’t good at all. 

“PO3!! Let me OUT!!”, Nobol continued to bang onto the glass with all her ribbons. Anxiety started to run through her body. Though that wasn’t the worst part. No, seeing the shadows of Po3’s temple, she could see a silhouette that was all too familiar in the doorway of the left room’s glass window panel. 

The Devil. For the first time, it felt like she couldn’t breathe. Oh no...

With that Nobol wasted no time and started ramming into the glass. Calling out Po3’s name with scared shouts. Po3’s screen can be seen looking dreadful. It made him flinch with every single rattle of that tube. 

Po3 spoke shakily, not having the courage to face his spouse, “I’m sorry Nobol. But I can not let you get in the way of this.”

His claw went over the settings quickly, setting them up for conscious transfer like he did with the few most top challengers. This wouldn’t kill Nobol. But it will be hell ever meeting her eyes again. 

After a few more rams, the glass started to crack. The tube rattling with this struggle to stay together.

With no more time to waste, Po3 slammed onto the button, and the tube lit up. It started to rapidly change colors from light blue to this dark pink. Nobol’s cries and slamming with her needle, caused Po3 to shake uncontrollably. 

Po3 whispered as his screen had gone dim, “This is for your good, Nobol.” The cries of his spouse and cracking of glass seemed to become quieter and weaker. Softer and slow with this stumbling from inside.

The light is bright and firmly blue.

He couldn’t look back at it all. He just couldn’t. Po3’s claw was twitching and turning as it suddenly went dark.

Then

Thud.

It made Po3 flinch harshly. His levitating panel started to bring Po3 lower til he hit the floor. Bent over as his claw clenched onto the table rim for dear life. Po3’s monitor was hanging low. Hearing the sobs of G0lly and the quietness of the Archivist in their mind. Po3 can be seen making low, quiet chirps of his voice box. Almost like whimpers.

As we can see the body of Nobol slumped over in the tube. Limp. The only thing that can be seen fully is the crystalized obol that she had on her choker that shined bright.

Her needle stuck through the glass that she had almost escaped out of. 

Though in this silence, G0lly can be seen forcibly taking control over Po3’s body. Looking towards Nobol’s way, getting up frantically to open the chamber door, “NOBOL!!”

G0lly’s voice rang out as she struggled to open the door with one arm. Though as it finally did, they could see Nobol’s body slumping over. Her back leaning into the glass, her ribbons seemed lifeless almost. 

“Oh god- O-Oh-”, G0lly could muster up as she tries to drag Nobol’s body out without hurting her. Laying Nobol’s heavy body alone on the floor, going up to her face. Her vapor hair had disappeared and now are short locks of fluffy curly hair. Pristine white. 

The glitched scars around her eyes had only gotten worse. 

“N-Nobol.. We’re so sorry.. T-There was no other way!!”, G0lly said with a sorrowful tone to see their spouse like this. G0lly could hear Po3 trying to hold it together inside their programming.

This guilt was heavy. Heavier than they have felt. 

Though their eyes didn’t stop there. No, they see the necklace with their wedding rings attached. It only made Po3 inside feel more hurt. More bombarded. Angrier. 

With care, G0lly tried to drag Nobol into the left room. Sitting her up near Po3’s charge station. G0lly stared up at Nobol’s eyelids for a moment which were shut and gave a small spark onto her forehead.

“You’ll have to trust us, Nobol. We’re getting out of here together. If only Po3 weren’t so harsh.”, G0lly remarked with a sigh.

The screen switched back to Po3 whose face was full of dread. Gained control over his claw to have it softly placed onto her cheek. Scoffing at how complicated Nobol had made this. But she’ll understand later why. Hopefully.

The Bone Lord could be seen humming in amusement, it caused this anger to surge through Po3’s body. Looking up to this tall beast.

“MY!! What a show that was, wasn’t it?”, Satan cooed to Po3. Who has this deathly glare towards Satan. 

“You’re having a F%@CKING LAUGH ABOUT THIS?!”, Po3 levitated towards Satan. Cocked head as he demanded this statement.

It only caused Satan to chuckle, “You’re the one who agreed to this. I only suggested. Now that she is no longer my worry, here you are.” Satan can be seen taking out a large chunk of old_data and a key to file access. Satan placed the items onto the floor. 

Po3 rage was unfathomable. Though not a word was uttered. After a moment, the Bone Lord took his leave. Only leaving Po3 with himself. 

Po3 swiftly took these items, hiding them away in the same large box with the puzzle lock. 

He went to lock up the room before glancing at Nobol one last time. Looking towards her obol and ring. 

Then looked back into the main room, locking up the dimly lit room.

.

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