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So I've been reading @vulpixisananimal's Sifstem AU and I wanted to make a thing :3 it was very fun to do this actually, and wdym it's been several hours-
Individual portraits under the cut
Seeing refs and having a vision moment. Oops my hand slipped
(Edit: as well as new characters too!!! Ignore Rosmarinus' hair it's supposed to be fully darkless)
BRAND NEW REFERENCE POST!!
Some of these refs have been updated since last time, and now there's added refs for some preferred outfits and look in headspace!
Edit: I should clarify with Null, he just doesn't wear the eyepatch and just goes with the glass eye, since you're supposed to have one even if you have an eyepatch
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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(Siffrin) {Mal Du Pays} <Null> |Asterion| [Loop] [(Saffron)]
[Market day!]
[You and the party were staying in a little town on your way to Wolworth And as luck would have it, it was market day! So, what better a time to have a lovely little date with your wonderful Red Giant~]
[You and Isa were running through the crowd, laughing, smiling. The sun was bright, the day was perfect.]
[(Then why are you so anxious?)]
[Ignore it, you squeeze Isabeaus hand.] "See anything you like~?"
"Hmmmm. . ." [He puts a hand to his chin.] "I mean I like a lotta things here! What about you?"
"Me?" [You pull him closer.] "Oh I have all I need right here~"
"H-heywait!!" [He's blushing, and you were already laughing.]
[You kept walking, (trying to ignore what happened at the Jouvente market), looking around, enjoying things. There were honey sticks, homemade cookies, some nice wood carvings, it really was a bananza of creativity.]
[(And you're still going to ignore what you read this morning?)]
[It's ALL you could do!! STARS!! You wake up all nice and ready for a perfect day with your Red Giant, you look at the journal and there!! A brand new voice to add to the chorus. And none of us have even met him!!]
[(And so you'll ignore it like a coward.)]
[Yes! This ASTERION can wait for later!]
". . . Oh!" [Isa stops, looking at one stall.] ". . ."
"Oh?" [You mimic,] "Find something you like~?"
"Aaaactually, doooo you know that person? I think I recognise them but. . ." [He replied, pointing in a direction.]
[You move next to him and try and look over the crowd, who was he talking about. . . There were a lot of random couples, groups, strangers, and. . . A stranger by one stand Isa was pointing at. You didn't recognise, but, no you. . .]
[(YOU.)]
[You almost jump in place, do you mind?!?]
[(You Don't remember who that is?? Are you a blinding idiot?!?)]
[The prompting of lovely Saffron jogged your memory. Stranger, on the road, talked about stars, universe, had food, and- universe, Universe.]
[(THAT. BASTARD.)]
"H-hey what's-" [(Isabeau starts, but you were already pushing your way through the crowd, step by step, untill you finally got to the tall figure with lightless hair.)]
[(You grab it and pull it around to look at you.)] "YOU!"
"What are you doing here!" [(Every hair on your head bristled and anger filled your eyes.)] "What are you BLINDING doing here!"
"L-loop what's gotten into you?!?" [(Isabeau caught up, trying to get you to calm down.)] "P-please, maybe just, calm down a bit?"
"No I will NOT calm down, Fighter!!" [(You glare at him, then back to the Universe.)] "You, y-you come here, after everything, to, to, to MOCK me?!? Haha, hahahahAHAHaha--"
"That's enough, now." [(The Universe huffed and wagged its finger.)] "Your ruinning Loops date. Leave us alone, Saffron."
[. . . You blink a few times and shake your head. That, what- STARS. You let go of Jinn in disgust. You didn't want to make a scene but your mind is YOUR BUSINESS!!]
"Oh! Sorry! It did look like he was giving you some trouble." [It replied.]
[Isabeau was looking confused between you and Jinn.] ". . . I feel like I've just missed a whole conversation."
"Oh! Yes!" [Jinn does a little curtsey.] "I'm Jinn, you remember me, yes?"
[Isa taps a finger on his chin, then snaps his fingers.] "Traveler we found on the road!"
"Yes!! You'll be happy to know I've kicked my passing out habits-"
"JINN-YYYYY" [A new, high pitched, energetic voice joined the conversation, shortly followed by a smaller figure crashing into Jinn. Their outfit was either a fashion disaster or fashion masterpiece. Everything was clashing and felt like your eyes couldn't focus on one thing for long. Which was weird because the outfit was just a very simple shirt, dress, and such.]
"Nebby!!" [Jinn giggled and ruffled their hair.] "Wandering off again? You're almost as bad as I!"
"Nuh uh!" [They giggled and kissed Jinns cheek.] "I sensed danger and came running- YOU!!!"
[You were surprised by the accusitory finger pointed at you.] "M-ME?!?"
"YOU'RE THE MEAN ONE!!!" [The stranger, named Nebby, tried to wiggle free of Jinn, but was unsucsessful.]
"W-whhhaaaatisgoingon-" [Isa was looking confused between all of you.]
"Please, Nebula, relax!" [Jinn lets go.] "Loop just has a lot of anger, and it's not like they can hurt me."
"I know that! But it's, it's the, theeeeee-"
"Principle?" [Isa offeres.]
"It's the PRINCIPLE of it!! THANK you Zaza!!" [Nebby moved quickly and booped Isa on the nose.]
". . . Okay, what's going on, who are you?!" [You ask, since Isabeau was too confused to.]
"Aww, don'tchya remember me?" [Nebby says with a pout.]
"Loop never met you, dear. Siffrin did, would you like t-" [Jinn was cut off by Nebbys enthusiastic nods.] "Alright, come on out, Siffrin."
(WhhUHHUH!?!!??!)
[?!??!??!?!?!??] "H-how, how, d-did you-" [You hold your head, you had a MASSIVE headache.]
(Nebby was practicly vibrating on the spot.) "HiSif!! Hiiii it's sooooo so good to see you again!!!"
(You look up, you, could recall some of what you did today. But, uh. .) ". . I, do, I know you?"
"Whaaat?!?" (Nebby looked shocked, then smiled!) "Oh RIIIIGHT! I have to do the THING!!!"
(The thing?)
[The thing?]
"Y'know! The thing! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧"
"The thing?" (Isa asks.)
[. . . . . Is that-]
"O-OH!" (T-THAT'S-)
"YAAAAY!!! ※\(^o^)/※" (The Change God flapped their hands excitedly.) "You remembeeerrred!!"
"Siffrin, Loop, why don't you introduce us?" [Jinn leans down and asks you politely.]
"FINE." [You hunch down, frustrated, but, you had to, for Isabeau.] ". . . . Jinn, Nebby, ttthhhhiiiiis is Isabeau. And, Isa, this is. . ." [You take a breath.] "Nebby, the Change God. A-and, Jinn, The Universe, or Ke- k-keao--."
"Oh!! Oh no need for the full name please!!" [Jinn frantically clarified as you massaged your throat, stars, that hurt.]
". . . . . ." [Isabeau was, completely silent for exactly thirteen seconds.] ". . . O-OH!"
"You're bigger in person!!" [The Change God stepped up to Isabeau, and poked him.] "Sooo much bigger!! Wow I should get out more!!!"
"Nebby, dear, let the mortal have his existential crisis for a moment."
"Awww, but he's so cute!! AND cool looking!!! And a real go getter with changing things up, too!!" [Nebby turned back to Jinn excitedly, then back to Isa. Who, at this point was still processing everything.]
(What the, the stars is going on.)
"Myself and my bonded are just taking a trip together! A little, 'date' you could say~" (Jinn giggled into its hand.)
"YEAH! 'Cause you OWE me, Jinny!" (Nebby pouted and teased their bonded.) "With the whole timey freezy timey loopy thing?"
"Y-yes, ah, I, did. . . A-anyway! What about you two!"
[You squint.] "Don't you know?"
"It's called being POLITE, Loopert!" [Nebby stuck their tongue out.] "YEAH I remember that cute widdle nickname, heheh."
[STARS.] "Fine! Just, we're on a date too. I wanted a nice, relaxing day at the fair. Clearly that's not what the Universe had in mind!" [You say, momentarily forgetting just who you were talking to.]
"Oh no, your day will be far from spoiled, dear." [Another small giggle from Jinn.] "It's your day with Isabeau. You all like him, don't you?"
"YEAH!! You and everyone in that head of yours!!" [Nebby interrupts.] "All uh, one.. Two.. Seve-"
"Don't spoil it, love!" [Jinn bapped Nebby on the head.] "Let the mortals figure that out by themselfs!"
"I- wait." [Seven-]
"Would you like to go on a walk with us, you two?" [Jinn interrupts.] "We would enjoy the company.
". . That sounds good to me!" [Isa finally speaks up again. His expression was one you had never seen before; some mix of horror, curiosity, confusion, and disbelief.] "Double date with two gods? Why not!"
"Dawww Zaza!! That's suuuch a good idea!!" [Nebby was still flapping in glee.] "Y'get all those confused thoughts outta your head yet?"
"Uh, I-"
"Didn't think so!! That's okay c'mon lets go!!!" [Nebby interrupted Isa, then grabbed Jinns hand and started excitedly pulling it in a new direction.]
[Despite your absolute disgust and horror, you were compelled to follow. Isa holding your hand. You look up, he looks pale as a ghost.] ". . . Are you. ."
"The Change God knows about me?" [Oh he was deffinatly not over any of this.]
"I, y-yeah."
"The Change God is dating your god and knows about me?"
"It's okay, just get it out of your system."
". . . . . . Okay!" [He laughed nervously.] "I'll try and be normal about all this!"
"Stars, my wonderful Red Gaint you have no need to be normal about THIS!"
"OH!!!" [Nebby pointed excitedly at one stall.] "Let's look at that one!!"
[They ran over, Jinn, and by extention you both, running to catch up. Nebby had found a setup from a craftsman who was showing off all kinds of nicknacks. Statues, masks, clothes, a scouple swords, art, the style looked familiar.]
"This is SO COOL!!!" [Nebby was taking in every little detail, and started talking to the person running the stand. Oh if only they knew just who Nebby was.]
"It is pretty good craftsmanship. . ." [Isabeau, naturally, had gravitated to some of the clothes, you could have sworn the style was familiar.]
[You wander over to the few swords on display, they were-]
"A curved Ka Buan blade!" <Your eye widened.> "And that's Ka Buan calligraphy, did you make these?"
"Aye!" <The Craftsman answered.> "Ma 'Nan was from Ka Bue and they taught me a lot and I kept it up!"
<You beamed like you hadn't before, looking over the arts and crafts. Such intricate and delicate work, masks with little details that a fine eye was needed for. You joined Isabeau in admiring the clothes, Nebby looking at the small statues, Jinn at admiring the art. You were too absorbed in admiration to remember just who you were next to.>
[?!?!?!?!?!??!?!!???!]
<Ah. Sorry.>
"Everything alright, both of you?" <Jinn asked. It took you a second to realize it's talking to you.>
". . Yes." <You looked away. Take front back, Loop, please.>
[Of course~] "Just got surprised, is all~"
"I understand. . ." [The two of you stood quiet. You look back to see Isa was getting over his shock, since he was talking casually with Nebby.]
<. . .>
[. . .] "Jinn. . . Why."
"Why? Why what?"
"You know why."
". . . I'm. . ." [It looked at you for a moment, then away.] ". . . I have no excuse, Loop. I'm. . . I'm sorry."
<What.>
[What.]
[From the back of your mind, you could hear echoes of others saying that one, simple word.]
". . ." <It, took Jinn a moment to continue.> ". . . I am bound as a God to grant any wish if done right. And all I remember of our home is that whatever wish I granted to cause. . . That, was one where there was no other option."
"What you remember?" [Shouldn't it-]
"No. I don't." [It looked, sad.] "My memory of it is gone. And many of those who followed me no longer do. . . Do you know a gods existence is tied to those who believe in them?"
"Oh they still believed." [Jinn nodded.] "But they knew not that they did. Directionless, nameless. If it weren't for the strong cultural ties to Vaugarde, I would be naught but dust. . ."
". . ." <Your mind was clicking things into place.> ". . . Let me guess. After all of that, it left your skills of wishmaking in tatters?"
<You glance at it and it has its head in its shoulders, embarrassed?> ". . . . Y-yes, that, yes. . ."
"Buuuuut it's getting better!!" [In a flash Nebby was back by Jinns side nuzzling up to it. It had a statue from The Craftsman in their hand.] "Sooooo much better considering the LAST few wishes!!"
"I-it wasn't for anything so major!" [It reassures your horrified face.] "I, I-I am trying my best to not cause, more grief."
"Right. . ." [You think back to Wren and his wish, Vixul, Polaris-]
"Oh I'll keep him in mind!" [Jinn interupted your thoughts, smiling.] "All of them, actually. You'll see them again in time."
". . . . ." <You sigh.> "It's. . . Fine."
"Hey Loop!" <Isa calls to you, he was looking at the sword. You lift up your eyepatch.> "O-oh- Null you weeeere interested in these?"
"Maybe. . ." <You go back to the swords, one of them called out to you. You turned to The Craftsman.> "May I pick it up. . Thank you." <At their nod, you pick up the sword. Or TRY to.>
"Too heavy?" <Isa says at you struggling a little.>
"Blind it all-" <You scowled, why did this body have to be so, frail. So weak. So. . . No, it had some of its own upsides, at least. But. . .> ". . . Where it not for the weight, and price, I'd. . ."
<Isabeau glances from you, then to the duo of gods, then back, to you.> "I mean, if-"
"Shall we move on?" [Jinn stepped forward and out of the stall without waiting for an answer. You set the sword down and followed, of course.]
[It stops right outside of the stall, and turns back to you. You squint.] "What are y-"
[It cuts you off with a hug.]
[It's, it's an impossibly warm, comfortable hug. A hug that felt like one only a parent could give. One that, that was saved for those who needed it most. The kind of hug that could fix a person. . .]
"I'm. . . So proud of you, Loop."
[The words hit you stronger than any of the Kings attacks.]
[. . . It lets you go, and curtsies.] "Even with my blunders, you did so, so well, I'm proud of you."
"Uh huh!!!" [You felt Nebby punch your shoulder, then walked to Jinns side.] "And look at you now!!! Going on a DATE!!! You!! On a date!!!"
"Even sharing a body as you are, you're still finding ways to survive, no, thrive."
"Thrive is right!! You should have fun while you're here!! Maybe ask your new boyfriend about Vaugardian Culture!"
[They both giggle at that, what? What does THAT mean?!? You stared at them both in disbelief. The God of Change and Entropy, time, and decay. The God of the Universe, of everything that ever was, and ever will be. . . And they're. . . You're, you're crying. Isabeau's at your side, taking your hand.]
". . . . Until next time." Take care, Siffrin.
"Bye bye!! See you around!!" I'll be watching, Siffy ♡⸜(ˆᗜˆ˵ )⸝♡
[In a blink, they dissapeared. The crowds around you moving on like nothing ever happened. You were left standing there, trying to understand what, just, happened. . .]
". . . . I uh. . ." [Isa starts, then coughs into a hand.] ". . . Heading back time?"
"Y-yes please." [You mumble, the two of you heading off-]
"Aye!! You two wait up!!" <You turn, The Craftsman had walked up to you and shoved that sword into your arms.> "Can't be forgetting this, aye? Those friends of yours got it for ya!"
<What. The Craftsman walked back to the stall and now you were left dumbfounded. They, BOUGHT it for you?!?>
[Weren't we struggling to lift it earlier???]
<I- You're holding the sword easier. You unsheeth the blade a little and, no, it's a real sword. A well crafted, well made sword of steel yet, it was, light.>
<You look up at Isabeau, squinting. He's looking away.>
". . . Isabeau?"
"Y-yes, Null?"
"Did you make a wish?"
"N-no!! No I didn't- I, uh-" <His head sinks down.> "I-Iuh, just, asked, N-nebbyforafavor--"
". . . . . . ."
[He's gone mad, how could-]
<You walk up to him and tug on his shirt untill you're face to face.> "If you wanted to get my attention, Isabeau, a sword is the perfect gift."
<You give him a small kiss, then let go. You can see his mind break in real time. You take his hand in one of yours, your new weapon in the other, and head back to the inn.>
[. . . You got the AIRY KATANA!]
[Lowers speed, increses attack, and gives a chance to reflect some attacks!]
<You jolt awake. Stars, you thought you'd survive that. It was just one story up, and sure, it was a little glass, but->
(Do you mind?!?!?)
<You roll your eye. No, but Odile did. Ha. Come on, Siffrin. Odile wasn't acting like herself. She was a dangerous enemy- we had to escape.>
(Stars, come on! You had to at least try and see what was going on, right?!?)
<Stop being stupid. Odile knows how to stop us Looping.>
(. . . I-)
<I'm right.>
(Shut up.)
<You sigh and sit up from the Favor Tree. Back here again, strange- oh stars, You hold your head for a moment. Headache, and sick. Your stomach churns, head pounding.>
(Craft exhaustion- stars, this is why, I wanted to-)
<We'll get over it. Just- just, breathe. . .>
(You breathe in, and out.)
(. . . Ack, stars. Why WERE we waking up here again? Wasn't it because of sleep that we make a checkpoint?)
<Perhaps whatever strange logic the Universe has at work counts our little meeting as a sleep. Which doesn't make sense, because->
(Yes I know we weren't asleep. I'm not stupid.)
<Could have fooled me.>
(You grunt, and shake your head. You start walking down to the homestead, seeing Ramos and Mirabelle walking up to meet you.)
(Mira waves to you.) "S-siffrin!! Oh thank Change, are you okay???"
(You laugh half-heartedly.) "Yeah, just a bit dizzy, it's the stage."
"It's. . O-oh!" (Mira perks up a bit at that.) "Oh then! T-then I guess we've, told you everything already?"
"Yup." (You nod.) "I'll try and make this quick. . ."
>>>
(You quietly open up the back door to the Homestead, which lead straight to the kitchen. Mirabelle and Ramos followed behind you, ready for anything. With Isabeau waiting for you up front, and Odile possibly going after you upstairs, getting in the back would be the best idea.)
<Or you could break in a window again.>
(After what you did?!? Not a chance.)
"Hey, wasn't Bonnie cooking here this morning?" (Asks Ramos.)
"O-oh, yes! They were getting along with Jan." (She tried not to bite her nails.) "W-we should, check on them! Make sure they're ok!!"
"Good idea." (You nod, continuing through the kitchen. Nothing too strange, so you continue-)
"I thought the kiddo usually cleans up after themself." (Ramos says, you look back, they're looking at some half finished dishes.)
". . . They do." (You squint. That's not like Bonnie. If they didn't clean up, they'd make sure someone else did.) "Let's hurry."
(You get to the doorway to the common area and stop. You hear some voices.)
"Get him upstairs, we can figure it out there."
(Huh? Oh wait you knew that voice. You pause for a second.)
"I, I don't, why should I trust you?!? I'm fine! I-"
(You didn't recognize that voice. You hear a craft spell of something. You feel Mira lean in a bit close to listen in. She asks,) "What is it?"
"People I met last loop. One of them gets effected." (You listen in again.)
"He'll stay asleep for a bit. I'll take him upstairs."
"I'll make sure everythings safe. Just be quick."
(You hear them walk off. You sigh.) "Stars, maybe talking to Polaris coulda helped but. . ."
"Maybe. . ." (Ramos starts.) ". . . Well, maybe next time I could do something about it? If we're quick to get here?"
(You nod.) "Right, next time. C'mon, lets find Bonbon."
<You're really worried about the Kid, aren't you.>
(You frown as you step out into the common area. Of course you are! You care about Bonnie, and you have to make sure they're okay!!)
<The time could be better spent looking for the star. Then the Kid could be safe.>
(You ignore him. You start looking for anything out of the ordinary. There's a few random dishes left out, Jan wasn't around, those three travelers went upstairs, Isabeau was waiting outside. . . Hmm.)
(Looking up to your friend and ally, Mirabelle looked distracted, probably worried about the rest of your family. Ramos was staring at that sign in your language.)
"It's just a cheesy proverb," (You call over, going back to looking around.)
"Wait, really?" (Ramos turns to you, hand on hip.)
"Really."
"Why."
(You shrug.) "Not every island thing is some omen- Oh, yeah that reminds me, Mira?"
"O-oh?" (Mira looks over to you.)
"Did I ever mention that I found a book in my language in the Dormont library?"
"Oh really??? What was it about?? Was it helpful or anything???" (Her eyes brightened- genuine interest! Yes!!)
"I mean, I got the title," (You stick your tongue out.) "The Cursing of Château Castle, volume 2."
". . . Pfft-" (That makes her giggle.) "Of all the things to be found there!"
"I know right?!?" (You shake your head.) "H-haha, I was so excited, too. Finally able to read it, and lo and behold. . ."
"Hehe, It was just a book from my favorite series!"
"Exactly." (You finish looking around and walk over to her.) "Well, nothing here. Upstairs next?"
(Ramos and Mira nod in agreement. The three of you get back in formation as you lead them upstairs. You make sure to step quietly, listening as you go, not wanting to be caught off guard.)
(You hear some talking, a door opening, then closing. You take a few more steps, and peek over the top of the staircase. There's no one in the hall.)
<What is your goal, Siffrin.>
(To find Bonbon, like I said!)
<Ugh, fine. If you're looking for the kid, why would they be here? Where should you go?>
(The room they were staying in? That's where you think, anyway. You walk through the hall, hand on your dagger, Ramos and Mira right behind you.)
". . . Which room was Bonnies again?"
"O-oh uh, that one, on the left." (Mira replies, pointing to a door further down the hall. You head over to it. Nothing out of the ordinary yet. You put an ear to the door.)
(You could see Mirabelle get more and more fidgety with each second. You wait, still. . . . No, you couldn't hear anyone on the other side. You try the door, locked.)
"Stars."
"I could break it down, probably." (Ramos suggests.)
(You shake your head.) "Too much noise."
"Uhm, what about the outside window?" (Mira asks.)
(You make a face.) "Yeah, that could work. Again."
"Why didn't you go in a window this time?" (Ramos asks.)
(Your face was all the response they needed.)
<It wasn't that bad.>
". . . W-well. . . Where, where else can we check?" (Asks Mira, finger to her chin.)
"I'm. . . Hmm. . ." (You tap your foot.) ". . . Your room, Jans, double check my own room."
"Lets check yours- out of Odile's way, hopefully, and maybe Isa did something." (Ramos suggests. You nod.)
<Your rooms one door down. Right side. You have a key for it in your pocket.>
(How did- Oh, it was YOU who was in charge this morning then?)
<It was. What of it.>
(Unpack that another day. You get to your room, listen at the door for a moment, then unlock it. The three of your slip inside and you lock the door behind you.)
"One bed?!?" (You hear Mirabelle exclaim. Uhoh.)
"Stars, you two really are like a bonded couple." (Ramos jokes, giving you a look.)
"S-shut up! I thought it was going to be two beds!!"
"Suuuuuure." (Ramos rolls their eyes.)
(You tug up the collar of your cloak. Stupid. Dumb. At least they wont remember this. You go over to your pack to check if everything's in order, only to find it isn't.)
"Oh blind it all!" (Your pack had been completely upturned, belongings spread out across the floor. Stars, what on earth was this?!? Null, did you forget to lock up once you woke up?!?)
<No. I made sure to lock the door.>
(Great. Mira came to your side with a sour look.) "Was, anything stolen?"
(You crouch down, sorting through your things.) "No, it doesn't look like it, but. . ."
(Among the items was a lot of scrap paper. You had been noting things down on them. A lot of things. Before you realized your amnesia was partially caused by freeloaders in your head, you had made notes to yourself. A lot of those notes you didn't remember. Each of those notes were laid out neatly, like someone was looking through them.)
"Someone tried getting in here." (Ramos comments, you look over, they were inspecting the window.)
<That window's stuck.>
"But isn't that window stuck?" (You echo.)
"Yep, but. . . Here, here and here, signs of an attempted forced entry. Probably gave up 'cause it would make too much noise."
<Very, very concerning. There is a good chance that was last night.>
(Yeah yeah.) "Who was trying to get in then?"
(Ramos shrugged.) "I dunno. Someone who could scale up to a second story window?"
"But whoever it was, that might be who we're looking for!!" (Mira says, almost excited.) "Oh this is like a murder mystery!!"
"But without the murder." (You hope.) "Stars, what a mess. . ."
"I'm not sure. It was around now that Odile showed up last time." (You sit down on your bed.) "She was upstairs, and I opened the door and. . ."
<Quiet down, then.>
(You hold up a hand, and a finger to your lips, and listened.)
(. . . There were a few footsteps outside, from down the hall. There were a few voices, possibly the other traveling group. No-one coming upstairs. . . You hear some light footsteps run past your door, followed by a slower, heavier pair.)
<Going downstairs. Light footsteps are possibly Wren. Possibly Bonnie. Check that out next Loop. Heavier footsteps are either Odile or Vixul. Most likely Odile and Bonnie then, right?>
(Then you should go check on them! Make sure they're alright!)
<No. If Odile is being effected by Mind Craft, which I think she is, then Bonnie is too.>
(You frown. Stars, you hate that he's right. You wait a few moments more before saying in a low whisper.) "That might have been Odile going downstairs."
"R-right." (Mira nods.) "What, w-what's next then, Siffrin?"
"Don't know." (You shrug.) "This was where I died last time."
(You see Mirabelle wince at that. Oh, right, she's still not used to you dying. Eh, it was fine. You think for a moment, where to go next. . .)
"Uh. . ." (Ramos spoke up.) "I, know you can't exactly take a note thought the loops, but, maybe going through daily events could help? Where everyone is and such?"
"Right. . ." (You tap your foot. Where would you even start with that?) "Next loop, though."
"A-alright." (Ramos replies. They look out the window to the rain.)
(There's an awkward silence, and you're not sure what to do right now. Sneak to one of the other rooms? You weren't sure if Odile was still out there waiting for you. You were really sure she was downstairs now, but you didn't know.)
<There is still a lot to think about, Siffrin. For one, why did, assumedly Isabeau, look through your things?>
(Because he's being mind controlled?)
<No, stupid. Think deeper. Why would he be commanded to do that.>
(Why would he- right. Someone is in control, after all. Was it who talked to Ramos and gave them that star? They did seem like prime suspects, and they were interested in their guardian who was from the Island. Were they looking for more about the Island?)
<Good. You're on track. What about people we know are here.>
(Well. . . Jan? Maybe? No that just doesn't seem right-)
<"Doesn't seem right" isn't a good reason.>
(Alright, what about Vixul and her group? Sure, they seemed just as confused about this as you were, but she was a researcher. It would be up her ally.)
<Getting better, keep going.>
(What about that mystery couple who left this morning? We don't know much- well, anything about them.)
<Then that's who you should look into, right?>
(But they left long before any of this Mind Craft started! Who knows if-)
"Crabbing Stars-!"
(The strange mix of curses snaps you back to reality. You turn to Ramos, whos face was pressed against the glass, looking, concerned.)
"W-what's wrong???" (Mira asks, standing up. You stand too, going to the window. Ramos moves to let you look.)
"It's that sadness again." (Says Ramos. As you look out. . . Stars, it was. It was barreling towards the homestead. Looking as mean as last time! Come ON! Why did this have to happen NOW!!)
"O-oh, oh no-" (Mira grabbed her sword, moving to the door.)
"Mirabelle wait, just a second." (You start.) "If, if we just rush out there, then we could be stuck between, u-uhm-"
(You stop talking at the look Mirabelle gives you. R-right. You, you couldn't just, leave a sadness to run rampant, even if you were looping.)
"N-nevermind."
(You hear a crash from downstairs, and a scream. The three of you race to save the day.)
(Mirabelle)
(Thai belongs to @lavender-tea-dragon)
(You cut down the next sadness with ease, your sword slicing through it like butter. You step back, panting, that was the, seventh? Eighth? Glancing around, you can see Isa and Ramos back to back, Odile being helped up by Bonnie, Nille protecting them both, and-)
"MIRA!!"
(You turn, a sadness was rushing at you-)
(In a blink it was sliced clean in half. Siffrin, well, Null, landed a few feet in front of it, his new sword in hand, smiling. Actually, this might be the first time you've seen him smile.)
"T-thanks Null! Having fun?"
"No." (He said, still smiling.) "I never have fun."
"Heh, of course! Oh! lower your stance a little, leg to the-"
(You hear a protest from Odile.) "Now is not the time Mirabelle!"
(You and Null nod at each other, then dive again into the fight.)
(You had made it to Wolworth, and not a moment too soon! You were walking down the road when Null suddenly started running. "Stage time" was all he said. After a very winding sprint, you got here in time to see a wave of sadness storming the city gate.)
(There were SO MANY!!!)
(You throw a scissors sign, your sparkly discs of light slicing into another sadness. The one saving grace here was that these sadness were comically weak! B-but even then, you had to fight the off!! You might not get hurt but if even one makes it in-)
"How ya doing Mira!" (Isabeau yells) "I'm on about eight!"
"Six, here!" (Ramos adds, cracking a fist into another sadness.)
"Are y'really keeping track?!?" (Nille raised an eyebrow, keeping a sadness away from Bonnie and Odile.)
"Of course!" (Isa smiles.) "It's for the competitive spirit."
(You giggle, at least your friends could help make light of it all! You turn to face another sadness, but an arrow pierces it before you can attack. Someone at the gate was holding a bow and a satisfied grinn. You wave.)
(There was a small militia in Wolworth, just a group of everyday people who would come running to fight sadness, but they were overwhelmed when you showed up. Just behind that gate were half a dozen people nursing wounds. Change, they must all be so brave.)
(The wave was thinning out, you stab another, duck back, Null jumps in to strike. It was exhilarating and exhausting. By the time the last sadness fell, your dress was a mess and the tip of your sword felt dulled.)
(You're panting, look around, make sure it's all clear.) ". . Everyone alright!?!"
"Good here!"
"Alive!"
"Tired but great!"
"Safe!!!!!"
"I'm okay."
". . . Well done." (Null sheethed the sword and walked over to you.) "Saving the day yet again with no. . . Urgh-"
(Nulls knees buckled and he collapsed to all fours, breathing heavily. You rushed to his side, healing ready. You heard the others thunder over too.) "A-are you okay?!? Craft exhaustion??"
"Y-yeah-" (He was gasping for air, you got a small tonic out and handed it to him.)
"How many times did you loop just now?" (Odile asks, you could see the worry hidden behind her eyes.)
"Only, two times." (Null drinks down the tonic.) "First, got here late. Many wounded, had to, try again."
(Isa offers a hand, Null takes it, getting back up. Odile squints at him.) ". . . And the second?"
". . . Wanted to look cool."
"Null!!"
"You CRAB!!!
"Haha!!! That's a TERRIBLE idea!"
"Hey! Look alive." (Ramos gets your attention, they're pointing to the city. Right! Call Null Siffrin in front of other people. None of them want that secret getting out after all.)
(Now that the sadness were cleared, some of that city militia were coming to check the aftermath. One had an arm in a sling, another with a bandage on their head, you noticed one was still sitting at the gate, leg in a cast. You see that person with a bow running up to you all.)
"Change I'm glad you all showed up when you did." (The bowman said. She had a heavy jacket and messy darkless hair. She had a sword and shield at the ready, as well as her longbow and arrows over her shoulder. She had bonding earings, too, a snake and a darkless bird.) "Ha! the saviors of Vaugarde themselves coming to save the city, haha!"
"All in a days work!" (Isa said with a smile.)
"I-I'm just glad we made it on time!!" (You walk up to her, still tired, but smiling.) "I-is everyone okay?!?"
"Just some booboos, some real big booboos, but nothing major. What about him?" (She gestured past you to Null.)
"Oh I'm just tired." (Null started.) "Don't worry about-"
"Siffrin here is suffering from acute craft exhaustion." (Odile cuts him off.) "Is there a doctor or someone we could see for medicine?"
"Ha!" (She grinned.) "I know people like that. Sure, there's a medhouse in town, closer to the Wolworth House of Change."
"HEY! ARK!" (One of the other fighters came running over with a limp. He had partially dyed hair and darker skin, they were wearing a striped apron. His bonding earings matched hers.) "Who won!"
"Oh yeah!" (She, Ark? Turned to Isa.) "How many ya get?"
"Oh! I got ten! Ha."
"CRAB YEAH!!!" (The newcomer replied.) "No way anyone could beat that!!"
"Twelve." (Odile replies flatly.) "I guess I'm not anyone."
"COME ON!" (The newcomer pouted and crossed his arms.)
"Told you, Thai." (Ark looked smug, holding out a hand.) "Don't underestimate a book. Pay up-"
(Null coughs into a hand, attention at him.) ". . . Seventeen."
"WHAT?!?"
"NO CRABBIN' WAY!!"
"HAHA!!! YES!!! THAT'S MY BUDDY!!!"
(Thai gave Ark a smug look right back and put his money pouch back. You couldn't help but giggle.)
". . . Aren't you two bonded?" (Bonnie squints at them.) "You'd just have the same amounta money."
"It's about PRIDE! Kid!!" (Thai jeers back. Uhoh.)
"'M NOT A KID!!!" (Bonnie got all big and tall, ready to fight this stranger before Ark got between them both.)
"OH HOW RUDE OF ME I DIDN'T INRODUCE MYSELF! Ahem- My name's Ark (she/her), I help organize-" (Thai punches her in the shoulder) "Ow- Right. I'm in charge of this little group of guards-on-demand."
"Guards on demand?!?" (Thai crosses their arms.) "PUH-LEASE. We kicked their crabbin sadness butts!!!"
"How's the leg." (Ark grinned, Thai winced, still limping, point proven.)
"FINE Whatever. Oh, uh, I'm Thai (he/they), I'm just a tea guy who likes kicking sadness in the face!!" (Thai strikes a heroic pose.)
"Tea?" (Null perked up.)
"YEAH!!! The Tea-vern!! Toughest place in town with the BEST tea IN VAUGARDE!!!"
"Ooooh that's fighting words." (You say jokingly.) "I've had some really really good tea before!"
"We'll I'll make it BETTER!!"
"O-kaaaay we wont keep you guys any longer." (Ark interrupts, putting a hand on Thai.) "We got to clean up the place, thanks again, all of you."
"Thank you all so much!" (You wave goodbye as you head into town.)
"HEY IF Y'LIKE TEA COME BY TO THE TEA-VERN!!" (You hear Thai yell after you.)
(Well, that was a very warm welcome!)
(The city of Wolworth had nice cobblestone streets with a few carts and sturdy looking houses. From what you remember it was built by an architect who wanted to build a city to last, and it did!)
"Ah Wolworth. . ." (Ramos sighed and smiled as you walked through the main gate.) "Can't get rid of me that easily."
"Glad to be back? (Nille asks.)
"Yeah! Can't wait to see Eri again, I hope they're doing good without me!"
"Your guardian, right?" (Null asked. rubbing his head.) "Memory."
"No you're right! Eri! Last letter I sent them was around, well, the King stuff."
"It'll be a reunion to celebrate then!" (Isa cheers.)
"What about 'Frin?" (Bonnie pipes up, poking Null in the side.)
"Right! Well, we should get him to the medical house, but. . ." (You rub your chin, thinking.) ". . . I-Isa could you help me get Sif there? You all go on ahead an meet Mx. Eri!"
"Fine by me." (Null nods.)
"Aww, I wanted to meet 'em sooner but that's okay!" (Isa beams.) "Sifs health comes first!"
"That should be fine." (Ramos nods.) "We'll have the house all ready for you too. Heh."
"Perfect! I'm sure they'll be glad to see you, Ramos!" (You patted them on the back.) "I think we're going opposite directions, right?"
"Yep! You go that way to the House of Change, and the medhouse will be around there. But we're going this way!" (Ramos couldnt wait, and was already walking, jogging off.)
"WAIT UP YOU CRAB!!!" (Bonnie chased them.)
"LANGUAGE- Oh we'll see you guys later, K?" (Nille waves and runs after.)
"Gems. . ." (Odile sighed.) "I thought we were done with the running."
"Cardio is good for you M'dame!" (Isa says encouragingly. Odile just rolled her eyes and chased after the others.)
(The three of you started off in the other direction. It wasn't far, but, it was just far enough to give you a chance to talk about The Thing.)
". . . . S-so!" (You cough into a hand.) "Null, M-mind if I ask about. . . W-well. . . The Ramos thing?"
(Null looks at you and huffs.) "With Siffrin?"
"Yes. With, Siffrin."
"I've been, meaning to ask about that too actually." (Isa adds, he sounded sheepish.) "I promised not to pry but Ramos' really anxious about it."
"Right." (Null breathes in, and out.) "We have reached an agreement, as a Constellation."
"Oh?"
"Yeah?"
(Null nods.) "Mhm. Myself, Mal, and Loop have until we meet and get to know Eri to prove Ramos is a danger."
(You listen intently, Null continues.) "That deadline gives us time to get to know Ramos more, and meeting Eri will help confirm if Ramos is a good person. After that, Siffrin can do whatever they want."
"Right." (You nod. You saw the medhouse come into view.) "So, we'll find out soon, right?"
"Mhm" (Null sighs.) "And you're fine with it, Isabeau?"
"Huh? Oh yeah! I'm fine with it." (He was smiling ear to ear.) "Pretty excited actually!"
". . . Good."
(You walked up to the small one story building with a little tilted plus on the door, there was a little porch out the front. The medical house was just up the street from the House of Change.)
"Here we are! Ready, Sif?" (You turn and ask.)
(Null looked exhausted, but he smiled.) ". . . Ready as ever."
"That's the spirit." (Isa smiled at him.)
"Alright, let's go!" (You turn to the door and open it.)
(The inside was a little waiting room. A desk, a few chairs, and some random books. There was a couple of people here already, one had a doctors coat with some papers. The other had a vest, dark hair, bonding earings, and-)
"It's you!!!"
(Perci turns to you, the shock on his face was obvious. Your reach for your sword-)
"O-OH!! Yes I'm sorry for running out on our get together but I just had to check on my bonded!!" (Perci interupts anything you were about to say, he turned back to the doctor.) "A-and, you're sure they'll be alrght?"
"I'm positive, Mr. Monet. She just needs a few more days rest."
"Oh change, thank you, you've put my heart at rest. ." (He's smiling, normalcy intact.)
(He turns to exit, pausing a second. You see him very clearly and purposfuly put his hands into his vest pockets, one of them was bandaged. You take your hand away from your sword and step to the side. He waits a second, then walks past the three of you.)
"We can catch up outside." (You hear him whisper.)
(. . . What was HE doing here.)
"Friend of yours?" (The doctor asks.)
"Somewhat." (You reply simply- Oh crab.) "B-but enough of that. Could you help us? My friend here's suffering from craft exhaustion."
"A second case in so many days?" (The doctor chuckled.) "People need to remember to take crafts slow."
". . Haha, yeah, I know, right?" (Isa tries livening up the tone, helping Null over to the doctor. He glances at you, and nods. You nod back.)
(You pause for a second, the doctor lead them away. You do the Siffrin thing; breathe in. . . And out. . . You turn to the door, turn the handle, and walk out.)
(. . . . Perci was standing on the porch to the right. A soft 'tink tink tink' of metal eminated from a 3d puzzle he was focused on. It was the kind where you were supposed to untangle two things of metal spaghetti from each other.)
(. . . Well he could read your mind, right? didn't you want to talk?)
(. . . He's still focused on the puzzle. Well, fine then. You cough.)
(His head bolts up to look at you. Now that you weren't about to stab him through the chest, you could see the bags under his eyes. He sighs.) ". . Lady Mirabelle."
"Mister Monet." (You reply, taking a step forward.) "You have a lot to answer for you, you crab!"
(He raises an eyebrow, then looks back to the puzzle as he talks.) "Ahaa. . . I'm sure you think I do. . . How's Siffrin? Not sick I hope."
". . . They're fine." (You huff, and look out from the porch.) "It's craft exhaustion, they haven't fully recovered from your friendly scuffle."
"Ah, yes." (Perci pauses again.) ". . . Merlon was very cross with me about that when she woke up. She was not a fan of that loophole I used- ah, pun not intended."
"Hmph." (You don't look at him. 'Loophole', yes, exhausing Null half to death in that fight. Wait, when they woke up?) "Is something wrong with Merlon?"
"Ah. . Yes. She's also been recovering from craft exhaustion since that fight." (He sighs.) "That skill they used was one they never used before. It nearly killed her."
". . . ." (Are you lying to me, Perci?)
". . . ." (He still doesn't respond, the only sound that came from him was the tinking of metal.)
". . . And, so they're still recovering?"
"Yes, she is." (Tink tink tink.) "Transporting matter from one point to another takes an incredible amount of energy. Energy that she didn't have."
"That's. . . Hard to believe." (You were trying to keep calm. It was very, very hard to believe. If Sif can- wait stop thinking! He can still read your mind, right. . ? Or. . .) ". . Can't you read my mind, Perci?"
"Hm?" (He looks up again, then down to the puzzle.) "Oh! Well, yes? But you don't need to worry about that right now."
(He holds up the puzzle.) "A word to the wise if you learn Mind Craft, find something to focus your attention on. If I let my mind wander it will eventually wander to all the minds around me. Imagine hearing the inner monolog of every person around you at once. A puzzle like this, though? A wonderful way to focus."
"Oh!" (You perk up, mind clicking like said puzzle.) "So you really are being honest with me?"
"Of course" (He smiled, back to the puzzle.) "Why wouldn't I- oh dear don't tell me I left such a bad impression you think me a dishonest man."
"You are a dishonest man!"
"Lady Mirabelle, I promise I'm no such- aha!"
(With one last clink, he undoes the two bits of the puzzle, before happily starting to put it together again.)
(You huff.) "Alright, fine. If we're being honest with each other then, then, just know I don't trust you, Perci."
". . . I see." (Perci sighs, pausing a moment again before replying.) "I won't pretend like I can get that trust back. But, I would at least like you to know I'm really not an evil or dishonest man."
". . . I understand." (You sigh, letting yourself relax.) "I. . . It'll be hard to trust you. But, I'll believe that you're not evil." (Not like the King. . .)
". . . Thank you. Aha, actually." (He holds up the bandaged hand.) "Did you know about that little side effect of mind craft? Or did you get lucky in our fight."
"Side effect?" (You tilt your head.) ". . . If that's the wound from our fight, that should have been healed weeks ago."
"Good eye." (He nods, flexing his his hand and wincing.) "Advanced mind craft requires skin to skin contact; it's a connection of the nerves. If you use mind craft a lot like I do, the nerves on where you connect with mind craft become more sensitive over time. And for me, it's my hands."
". . . Oh." (You remember back to that day, how you struck his hand, and how he couldn't hold his sword, afterwards.) ". . S-sorry."
"Don't be, we were fighting after all." (He chuckles.) "But yes, my hands are very sensitive. My swords handles are specially made to be easy on the hands, and I really should get gloves too, but. . ."
"No you should, that sounds like a great idea! For everyone." (You giggle to yourself.)
(He laughs back, and clicks the two pieces of the puzzle back together. He held it out to you.) "Lady Mirabelle, I promise that, until my bonded has recoverd, I will not cause what you consider trouble."
(You look at his outstretched hand holding the puzzle, then to him. There's a quiet, uncomfortable pause.)
". . . Ah! Right." (He chukles, and places the puzzle on the banister, NOW you take it. Looking over, he's already pulled out a new one.) ". . So, deal?"
". . . Fine." (You huff.) "I don't like you, Mr. Monet, but I'll try and trust you here. It would be nice to have a few days without worrying about trouble."
"Ahaha, I imagine. I heard about the dramatics outside the gate. Oh! What brings you to Wolworth, by the way?"
"Oh!" (You look at him, smile on your face again.) "We're actually visiting Eri! Ramos' guardian! Once Siffrin's better we're meeting up, at. . ."
(Your voice trails off. Perci is looking at you, mouth open with a mix of shock and horror.)
(You tilt your head.) ". . . .Is, something wrong."
"You. . ." (You can see him struggling to keep his mask in place, but it slipped. It slipped just enough to see the sorrow behind it. He looks away.)
