Isola-affiliated

"Oh, I don't know if starting a fire inside is the best idea," N states, even though starting a fire had been his idea in the first place. "Didn't really think of that one. But I mean, if we don't have any other choice..."

He peers around, trying to see if there is anything else around them that could help. Could N even freeze? Copper-9 was pretty cold and he was fine. He doesn't know about -

"Zooble! Wow, that's a really cool name! I'm N, just N, so it's not as cool."

Could they freeze? They've been through some extreme conditions before back at the circus, and made it out fine. But, that's because it was the circus, right? This world had its own set of rules and limitations from what they've gathered. They could feel it cold, that's for sure, but they didn't really need any type of jacket or anything. At least yet.

"Dunno. Not sure I want to try and see for myself though. At least one of us is safe, I guess."

But if they did end up freezing could they really leave it up to N to help them? Probably not. Only way out of this would maybe have to be to literally get out of this. Find a way back outside, rather than toughing out the storm. The doors were completely shut, and there were no rooms with heating on.

(She's still assuming that Zooble is another Darkner like herself.)

"You're being paid... in expeEERRrrieEENNCe!" wails the insatiable spirit. "And if you don't finish in an hour's time, then you may find yourself confronted with a vision from your past... Ooooo..."

Queen seems unimpressed by this threat. She sticks a hand on her hip and looks down at the ghost. It's definitely not the one that she came here to visit, she's more than sure about that.

"Uh right. I don't really get what that means, but sure?"

They sighed as the ghost continued with their "threat". How did they get roped into this?

"Honestly, old memories will mostly just make me cringe. But yeah, go ahead, I'm not gonna complain over what to listen to. Chiptune Remix it is."

With cleaning supplies in hand, they got to work, but not before shooting a mean look at the ghost. At least this was a normal activity, right? Cleaning? Leave out the ghost, and haunted mausoleum, and it's perfrctly normal.

"Right, so I take left you take right? Or how should we divvy up this job?"

"How about one high and one low? Can one of you float like me?"

You need to put away the body pillow.

"-later! I could show you later! I mean, you don't want to just sit around and... and talk, right?" you say, forcing a laugh. Actually, sitting around talking sounds nice, but that's not part of your plan. You can't let your brilliant idea go to waste!

"A-anyways, I said it in my text, but I was thinking we could visit the art museum today. I haven't been there in a while, and just thought it would be... nice and quiet. You know? Something relaxing after all the crazy stuff that's happened."

They won't see it coming. A trip to the museum, just the two of you, and suddenly it becomes a date. And if they say no, then it's still just a nice hangout with a friend. A foolproof plan! Because what's the worst thing that could happen in this city?

Hm. Why'd your inner monologue say that. Shaking off your doubts, you reach for the small bag you usually take with you when you go out, because not having pockets is rough.

"It's kind of weird how many of us ended up in this city," you say, readying your things. "You know, when I first got here, it was just, uh... just me and Jax. And now we're only missing Kinger. But we used to see each other every day, and now it feels like... well, I guess I just want to make sure we can still see each other a lot, Zooble. If you want."

Honestly, sitting around talking was just fine with them, but they wouldn't say no to going out with Gangle, and she had been really wanting to go to the art museum, so of course they'd go with her. It sounded like a nice time. Like a regular, normal time, where they could get lost in the art while with each other. The thought of using a corny pick-up line, of using the "not as beautiful as you" line came to mind, but they quickly shook that out of their head. Nah, she deserved something better anyway.

"Of course I want to. I'd love that actually. You know, as crazy as it sounds, I do miss how easy it was in the circus to see you everyday, but we do what we can, right?"

Time spent with Gangle was always something they cherished, something they always looked forward to. They knew how they felt about her, how their heart would skip a beat when around her, how they wanted to be near her, place their hand on hers. Maybe they could get a chance with this hangout.

You told yourself, so you knew it was true. You told someone you just met, and that made it real. Now you just have to tell them.

But of course, just saying it outright is too harrowing to even consider, so you made a plan. It's a foolproof one, with like ten steps. You already did the first few, which was making sure your roommate wouldn't be around (you've never even him so it's probably fine?) and inviting Zooble over to hang out. The two of you have spent plenty of time together, so they won't expect a thing! They'll think it's a normal hangout!

You didn't want to make it obvious or anything, so you didn't do anything too special. You didn't dress up, and you didn't, like, light candles or play music or something. You want to make this feel normal. You're so normal.

"Hi, Zooble. Hi, Zooble. Hi Zooble!" you mutter to yourself. Which one sounds the most normal for greeting them when they arrive? Surely you're not overthinking this.

A knock at the door means it's time. You take a moment to adjust your comedy mask before opening the door and smiling.

"Hi, Zooble!"

Silence.

"Uh. Package for... Jongle?"

It's a Spirazon delivery guy. He holds a clipboard out towards you. It's probably your Sailor Moon figure.

"It's... it's Gangle," you say, signing your name.

"Sure. Have a good day," he says, handing you the package. And then he's gone, having totally ruined the moment.

You're barely back inside when there's another knock at the door, and you open it again, groaning. "I already signed, what else do you- Zooble!"

They're here now, at your doorstep. Quick, what about your practiced lines?

"Uh, uh, zi, Hooble!"

$#?@.

The ball was her idea, for example. They would've never gone if she hadn't invited them, and it had been a blast. Completely because they spent it together. And now, here they were waiting at her doorstep. They could feel their expression change involuntarily as Gangle opened the door with an interesting greeting.

"'Sup, Gangle?"

Really, 'sup? That's how they decided to greet her? They were trying to play it nonchalant, trying to play it cool, while also genuine but that's what they came up with? They weren't sure what to do. Would a hug be too much? They've done that before with friends. And sure, Gangle was their friend, but different. And, hell, they've danced before, held hands before, so it wouldn't be out of the blue.

Before they could follow through with it, however, Gangle had already stepped aside to let them in.

They walk in with a chuckle, hoping it didn't sound forced. "You got people making you sign for a cause or something?"

There's a weird comfort in having Zooble here for sure, and it almost surpasses that annoyance within him that they are here. Almost. For a moment, he considers reaching out, just to be real sure but that's just too weird.

"Totally normal kind of question when most of us aren't here," Jax says with a scoff, desperately trying to shake off the fog of death and existentialism from his being. "Though I guess now that you're here, most of us are here." He starts to count off on his fingers. "Me, Pompom, Ragatha, Gangle, now you. Kinger's dead, I guess."

The next question catches him off guard, and it shows on his face despite how much he tries to hide it.

"Fine." Get it together, Jax.

They were super glad this wasn't an adventure. As much as it sucked being double trapped in some weird world, at least they had a choice, at least they could pick what to do.

"Uh... right, it's not. It's a little refreshing, in a sense, to not be doing some stupid adventure. Though some things did remind me of them. I even got a job, and-"

Wait, why were they telling him all of this? They weren't really chummy back in the circus. Maybe being surrounded by an ever expansive sea of unfamiliar people, while they still looked like this weird match up of plastic parts was starting to get to them.

"Nevermind."

Normally they would've just gone back to their room and spend hours there. But they came out all this way to do something normal for once. And it was still nice seeing a familiar face, even if it was Jax's. Guess they could stick around longer.

Zooble stared at her up and down, startled from the sudden question. They were on their way back to their dorm before being stopped for questioning.

Zooble? Zooble! There’s that they! Seems like the Ai that took over this place took over his beloved guests! Caine was about to float over to them when memory struck him.

Oh no! When he did that spectacular adventure, they all seemed pretty… Mad. REALLY mad, in fact. But maybe spending time with this mysterious AI will make them appreciate his adventures! Or maybe they LIKE this Ai more than him! Ha, no way?... Right?

Their hands balled into fists, yet they took a step back. The urge to both walk away and confront him were at odds with one another, until they remembered.

Since they look like a living toy, Queen wouldn't be surprised if her quip had some truth to it. When Zooble gives her the a-okay on the music, Queen grins, then loads up one of her tracks.

Unfortunately, she doesn't get very far into her playlist before she's interrupted by the wailing of a ghost. Apparently, this one isn't a fan of repetitive chiptune music. Who knew?

"OooOOooo... That music is... inappropriate! We ghosts... only like... spoOoooOOOoky music!"

* Bro For Real? * You're Not The One Cleaning Up

Queen sighs, then looks to Zooble for approval.

* What Do You Think Zooble * Should We Switch To "Spooky Music" * Or Keep The Party Going (Recommended)

They grimace as the ghost comes in trying to ruin the little fun they could have. While they weren't necessarily super fond of chiptune music, they'd rather hear that over "spooky" music. The latter would remind them too much over the supposed scary adventure that was made solely for them. Truthfully, this whole place reminded them of the descriptions of that adventure from the others.

"Nah, F%$!# it. Keep the party going. We're the ones laboring here, after all."

They point at the wailing spirit.

You're nervous, but not uncomfortable. You don't think you'd feel like this with anyone else. Zooble is special. You hand tightens around theirs as you give them a shy smile, swaying from side to side to the rhythm of the music. You're vaguely aware of some of the other people no the dance floor sliding past you, but you can also see some other couples keeping to themselves, like the two of you are doing.

"Things always feel more... relaxed when you're around," you say. "I dunno if that makes sense. M-maybe it's just me. I kinda wish we could go on more adventures together, but... I get why you don't want to."

You smile again, your movements becoming slightly more confident. "What I mean is... thanks for coming, Zooble."

They twirl you. No one's ever twirled you before. No one's ever cared enough to even try.

Laughing, you spin to a stop. Then you feel a little self-conscious about it, so you stop laughing, but you can't keep the smile off your face. Your body stretches up, and you lift Zooble's arm so that they can twirl as well. They look like they're having fun, and that... it makes your chest feel light.

"Yeah, the adventures, huh? I... I think I'd be fine going. On more, I mean, if we ever get more. Especially if you're there. I feel the same way, more at ease, I can allow myself to have fun with you around. Thank you for inviting me."

They chuckle as Gangle twirls them. Their heart pounds faster as their vision turns back to her. This was nice, this was really nice. It was nice focusing only on her, on themselves, on their movements, nothing else mattered.

He just...woke up in bed like nothing had happened. After that, staying in his apartment just felt too weird, too much like a dream, and he had to get out of there.

Now Jax was at the mall, wandering aimlessly, when he spots a familiar big pink head. He almost wants to laugh - a hesitant smile pulls at his lips upon seeing them before him. Zooble was nowhere near Jax's favorite person in the circus, but seeing them here now?

Hell, they felt like an angel or something.

He walks right up to them, staring. All the features seem to be in the right place, even if some of them change every now and then.

"Uh...what kind of question is that?"

Well, that reaction really wasn't that out of place. Gangle and Ragatha had been surprised to see them too. Even though he had done a lot to anger them, to REALLY piss them off, it might be a good idea to get some kind of update from him. They pause before continuing with a sigh. "Yup. I am indeed here. How are you faring?"

But maybe it'll be nice. Most of the other people here aren't NPCs, so maybe they won't care.

And even if they do, maybe it'll be worth it.

"Y-yeah. Yeah! Let's go, Zooble."

You take Zooble's hand, happy you don't get sweaty palms anymore. Together, you move into the ballroom proper, where a number of other Spirale inhabitants twirl around, bodies pressed close together. You're actually kind of nervous about this whole thing- does your breath smell okay? Do you even have breath to smell anymore? Is your dress stained, somehow?

Zooble would tell you you're overthinking things. So you stand at the fringes of all the dancing couples, the nerves mounting in your chest as you watch them glide past you.

"Uh, I haven't really... done this in a while. Not since high school," you say, your hand wrapping around Zooble's. You try to look them in the eye, but you can't help but keep glancing away. "Senior prom, I mean. Just not as lot of opportunities in my life to practice. N-no, what I mean is... if you wanna lead, it's fine."

Now time to lead. They mirrored what they could remember from watching movies. Right hand on her back, left hand on hers, not too close yet not too far. Yet at this distance they hoped Gangle couldn't hear their heart beating faster. Did they even still have a heart in this body? Nothing ever really made sense, but they could feel it, or something similar to it. They knew what this feeling was, but it wasn't time to focus on that, for now.

N shrugs, looking at the being before him. They looked...crazy! Like a toy, or maybe some sort of drone made out of several parts. He'd never seen anything like them before. He falls a little quiet, before he snaps back to attention.

"Oh, can I come with you?"

He asks, but he's already walking alongside Zooble, looking around the room.

"I guess if we don't find somewhere warmer, we can just start a fire?"

Zooble looked them up and down as the robot caught up to them. What was the point of asking?

"Suit yourself." They shrugged.

Starting a fire indoors would be something they could get away with had this been one of Caine's adventures. Those usually never followed much logic to begin with. Though, their current predicament didn't either.

"Maybe if we get desperate enough we can start one."

The first room they checked wasn't any warmer than the lobby so that was a no-go. The rest of the rooms on that floor were the same. There wasn't even a trace of anyone having stayed there. Meaning no loot to be found. Even if there was would that count as stealing if it was to save them from freezing to death?

However, today's little jaunt has taken him too far, and the snow is really picking up. There was no way he could walk or even fly home in this, so he seeks shelter.

He finds an inn fairly easily, and slips inside, just before someone else arrives. N had taken a nice comfortable seat at a little couch by a lamp that just happened to be off, since he hadn't thought about turning it on. He should probably turn it on, it was so dark in here!

"Hi!"

"Holy %$!#it! Uh...were you there the entire time?"

They shivered slightly, the wind having had more effect on their toy-like body than they could ever understand. It was just like back in the Spudsy's adventure where they burned their hand on the grill.

Zooble stared at the other being. He seemed unbothered by their predicament. They hoped he hadn't just given up and accepted his fate. But, they had bigger things to worry about.

The snow was starting to kick up inside the inn as well. They weren't sure where would be safer. Going up? Or finding a room they could stay warm in. Hopefully one that wasn't freezing.

"It's kinda nice when things feel... normal," you say. "I guess they're used to weird things here? It feels like people don't really care that I look like this."

You're making... not friends, but acquaintances, sorta. People are nice here. It's not home, but it's not awful. You hope Zooble feels the same way.

"Y-you know, it's funny. Back in the Circus, I was kinda worried that if we ever got out, we might not... be friends anymore. You know? Like what if we were only friends because we didn't have anyone else? But I guess I'm not really worried about it anymore. It feels nice. I didn't really have... uh..."

No, it would be kind of a downer to trauma dump while at a party. You shake your head and smile at Zooble as they get closer. But now they're too close and you look away, suddenly embarrassed.

They nod along as Gangle speaks until she trails off mid-sentence. Zooble kind of understood what she was getting at, but decided not to push it. If they really thought about it, it could be true that's how it started, but it was a fortunate twist of fate. A chance meeting that happens once in a lifetime, but their bond kept them together. "I'm glad, you're too important to not have in my life. Whether we're here, in the circus, or anywhere else."

Mirroring her, Zooble also looks away for a moment, until the offer for a dance comes up. They've never danced with a partner before, at least not in this decade. "Yeah, why not? Let's do it."

You don't really want to entertain that idea. Instead, you let yourself be surprised that you were the first one here. Ragatha will certainly show up, and Pomni probably will. Jax... maybe. Hopefully you don't have to deal with him, but Zooble's hand in yours is a nice distraction. Were the two of you always so touchy? Not like you're complaining.

"O-oh, um... yeah, alright. Some fresh air might help," you say, letting yourself be led. "But you really never went to parties? I just kind of figured... I-I dunno, I thought you'd be an expert, I guess. N-not that there's anything wrong with it, I just... uh..."

You trail off lamely, because the real reason is kinda embarrassing; you were hoping they'd know so they could guide you through it. But even if you're both new to it, at least you can navigate it together.

Outside is a bit quieter, and you appreciate Zooble's forethought. A few other Spirale citizens mingle on the balcony, their words forming clouds in the cold air. You stand towards the edge, leaning against the railing and staring out at the city.

"It's a nice view," you say, turning to give Zooble a small smile. "Honestly, I don't... really get out much. I mean, you knew that, but... N-no, I mean, there's a lot of things to do out here, and I wanted to try something. L-like this party, I just thought it... might be a nice way for everyone to spend some time together. We used to not have a choice, but now we do. And I, uh... wanna spend time with you. A-and everyone else."

What a roundabout way of saying you like being with Zooble. God, you really suck at this. It's their fault for being so cool and thoughtful. You need to change the topic before you trip yourself up more.

Their eyes were fixated on Gangle as she stood by the balcony.

"Yeah beautiful huh?"

They look at her softly, understanding what Gangle was getting at but finding the way she explained it a little amusing.

"I'm doing alright...weirdly enough. Guess it helps that I do see you as often as I do. I don't say it often but you guys make me feel less alone. Even when the others piss me off heh....But I got what you meant. It'd be good for all of us to get together from time to time. And...uh same...I wanna spend more time with you too."