Time was running out for Clanker and Gloop as the sun began to set over the wastes. The latter had spent the entire day consulting an important document written in an equally important book, but neither he nor his friend were any closer to finding someplace safe to stay for the night. It was a search that was proving to be as difficult as it was frustrating, but at this point the only thing worse than continuing to wander around aimlessly would be stopping and admitting defeat.
Gloop groaned, squinting at the pages in the now-dusky light.
“[Aw c’mon! That secret entrance’s gotta be around here somewhere...I mean, there aren’t really any landmarks or anything like on the map, but if you turn it just right and hold it like this, it kinda looks like we’re in the same spot as – aah!]” He jumped back, almost dropping the book and its loose contents all over the ground...and for good reason. A shadowy figure had surged from the darkness just then, nearly knocking him and his friend over!
“[U-um, Clanker?]” Gloop cautiously drew his pistols.
“...oh. ‘m sorry,” the swordsman yawned. “i guess i didn’t really see you there and – wait.”
Clanker frowned.
He hadn’t just bumped into this creature – he’d almost gone right through it, hadn’t he? And in his currently sleep-deprived mind, that smoke-like physique could (probably) only mean one thing.
“oh log...” he rubbed at his eyes. “don’t tell me he’s multiplied – all right,” the swordsman turned to his friend, “let’s just get this over with...not like we haven’t blown him up enough times or anything.”
Unsheathing his sword, Clanker looked up at the shadow, fully expecting a fight or a capture or something to take place.
“...well?”
