dependency

@upstrung

“Big brother… big brother….. Hansel, do you like the sheep here?” She glanced from the cage to the sheep ( warily eyeing this person ), a dreamy smile pulling at her mask. Squatting down childishly to look at the sheep on eye level, she continued her ramblings. 

“You seem to be in a bad mood lately…. won’t you cheer up? Is it something I did? Will it cheer you up if I resurrect our Author…? You’re right, maybe break is long over. We need to make it out of the forest by nightfall…” Abruptly standing up, she glanced about, nearly ready to begin a massacre. Starting with a certain puppet in sight.

“Else, the witch might come…”

It seemed like even leaving that world, the peace was far too short lived, meeting one troublesome person after another... meeting people he thought he had left behind. He saw this girl in Library, didn’t he? Not wanting to get involved with someone as unpredictable as her, he’d tried to keep his distance as much as possible. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that he would never get a coherent order from someone... like this.

He clutches his staff tighter. “Who is she... talking to...?” It was probably the head she carried around, but there was no way he wanted to look at that...! Eyes flickering fearfully to that head and back, he looks to the girl’s face. Speaking about a witch... no, more importantly, speaking about something like resurrecting their authors –

@upstrung

The young one is so small and tiny! there is such sadness swirling within those gentle eyes that brings her forward. The same kindness has her hands dropping forward for the other to take.

“Hello, little one. My name is Serenity. Are you lonely?

“U-um...” Frankly, the sudden approach of someone so gracious looking has him flustered, stuttering. It wasn’t as if the lovely stranger was Kaguya, coming out with something like, ‘Would you care to torment me?’ Beyond being embarrassing, he absolutely couldn’t do that! Even if someone were to tell him to, he wouldn’t know where to start...

If she wanted him to…? She didn’t know him at all, how could she want him to do anything? She wasn’t a cop, she wouldn’t force him to go to school if he had his reasons not to. But if he didn’t want to specifically go to school and didn’t want to go home, then? He seemed to just want to go…somewhere and thinks that Aru would know where best.

So he wants to go somewhere but doesn’t know where….

Aru nodded, thinking she has it figured out. It was a urge she knew, one that she was intimately familiar with. Wanderlust. “You could come with me if you want to. You could be my sidekick as I roamed the streets. Maybe we’ll find that best place to go along the way.”

She nodded again, completely oblivious to her misunderstanding of the boy’s motives…or lack there of. “Do you have a name? I’m called Aru.”

Immediately, his face lights up, smiling brightly. “A sidekick...? Is that really okay...?” He’d only asked for one order, but perhaps he found an invitation to receive more. A sidekick was definitely not someone who was expected to make the decisions, but they were a constant companion nevertheless. Then, he’d finally found the person he needed...! He’d definitely never leave...!

Aah. I’m so relieved. Since he arrived here, he hadn’t exactly minded it... but not knowing what he was supposed to be doing had been stressful. Now, he wouldn’t have to think about anything anymore. He wouldn’t have to... think about a thing...

✝ : what a finicky human. he knew he wasn’t the most gentle looking people, but he didn’t think he was this scary. unsettling? definitely. enough to make this boy’s whole face turn pale? not exactly. something told him he was just dealing with a very delicate person. he’s a little unfamiliar with handling someone delicately. no one’s treated him delicately in ages, and he’s forgotten to do the same. he’ll do his best. he offered out a hand to the other, since he hasn’t budged from the floor. 

“your staff told you? this thing?”

a thin finger pointed at the weapon in the boy’s hands.

“are you insinuating that i can speak?” 

well, he’s seen some wild things in this city since he’s arrived here, so it isn’t something that sounds absolutely far fetched, yet it still struck him as odd. it’s one thing he hasn’t come across yet. a talking staff. there’s tons of folklore and myths that have talking weapons, but they’re myth for a reason.

He glances at the other’s hand, hesitating. If he said he didn’t wonder why his hands were bandaged up, then he would definitely be lying... but, when he looked at the rest of this person’s clothes, he supposed it wasn’t too out of place. Lips pressed tightly together, he decides he must take it. “Um... thank you.” Perhaps... he could lean on this person? Though, he wasn’t sure he wanted to rely on someone who looked this unusual... if someone like himself was allowed to talk.

Once she registers she must have scared the timid boy, Dorothy lets him go slowly – though she doesn’t back off at all, face close to his in order to confirm that this is the very same boy she saw in the world of the most interesting tragic tales, Library. He’s carrying the same staff though so it must be that boy. She smiles fondly. What a great day this is – she never would have dreamed about chancing upon someone she recognizes in such a strange tale! He will do just fine.

“That’s right. You are too, aren’t you? I’ve seen you!” Seen you talking all alone, poor thing. I’ll take reeeeaaaally good care of you, so just follow me. “You know my name now, so what’s yours?” She asks, taking one of his hands and holding it tightly. This sample isn’t getting away so easily, especially if his brain isn’t working right.

Oh no, she really did scare him, didn’t she? Even though she’s being so nice too! It’s no use if this perfect sample just runs away now. In that case, she ought to be more careful… but it’s really difficult to hold back when there’s such a good sample right before her eyes! “Like I said, a sample of you. Let me dissect you, please.” Her tone is casual, as if she isn’t asking to cut another person open and look inside.

“Um...” He nods, continuing to eye her warily – unable to stop himself from throwing a shaken glance at her hand as she takes his. Wasn’t she holding on, just a little too tightly? No matter what, he can’t shake the uneasy feeling, as he lifts his head to tentatively meet her eyes. “I’m Pinocchio.” Her face was... just too close, for him to not shrink away, huh.

He’s so busy avoiding looking directly at her, her words barely register. For a moment, he just blinks, confused. He must’ve misheard. Surely, even though this person totally had a bad aura, she wouldn’t have asked to dissect –

@upstrung crossed her path

    Oh. Oh. Oh!!

If that wasn’t her favorite plaything! What a joy, to meet that sweet boy here again! Her eyes were shining with almost childish excitement as she spotted the human puppet, the smile on her face widening into a malicious smirk. 

     “Puppet boy~!”

“Come with me. You want to be commanded, right? I’ll make good use of you, dumb tool. We can both have lots of fun in this sick place~”

He flinches. No way... for that person to be here, wasn’t the world laughing at him...? Perhaps he should run, but – it’d be more than just troublesome, if she were to chase him... and somehow, he doesn’t doubt she would delight in that.

( @upstrung. )

          “ Classes aren’t over for another 3 hours. “ Runaway student! Weiss is quick to zero in on the child, a hand placed on her hip as she sizes the other up. Small, scrawny, holding a freakish-looking cane, and looking as if he wanted to cry on his homework so he wouldn’t have to pass it in. What, is this guy a professional pushover or something!? She could hire him to be a mourner at a funeral, with that wimpy, despondent look he’s giving–

          Ah, right. Be nicer.

          Anyway.

          “ I don’t see why you’d be leaving unless you’re going home sick. “ The girl continues, eyes narrowing slightly. Being a top student here, it’s her duty to look out for her fellow classmates, right? “ Well? Say something. “

“Three... hours?” He repeats it from her mouth as if he has never heard such a thing before, even though he knew that was the case, though... he had really hoped it wouldn’t come to this. It would almost be easier to go back to class, if people were going to interfere... no, there was no way – if he were to go back now, everyone would stare at him! No doubt, he would probably be told off in front of the whole class...! If that was the other option, then...!

★ @upstrung​ looks familiar~

Hasn’t she seen this boy before? A really confused and pathetic child, stumbling around all lost and desperate… That’s right, she totally saw him in the Library! He was mumbling to himself back then, but now that she thinks about it, it was like a conversation with someone. Ah, so a mental disorder? How very interesting! She’d love to have a sample of such a brain! Surely he won’t mind.

Innocent smile plastered on her face, Dorothy runs towards the unsuspecting boy and glomps him without a warning, pressing his face into her chest as if he was a friend she hadn’t seen in forever.

“I’ve seen you before, right? Right? Do you remember me?” Onee-chan will make sure even someone with a faulty brain will be in good care. “Don’t worry, everything will be all right now.” Probably not. “So let big sis Dorothy have a sample, pretty please?”

“Uwaah!” The vague realisation of approaching footsteps doesn’t come quick enough, it seems – someone moving that fast and eager, there was no way someone like him could compete! Whimpering, he struggles half-heartedly to break free, face simultaneously pale and flustered. There was absolutely no use, someone like him, right...? The other person’s will was always going to be stronger, so, to that end –

He looks up to see the others face, eyes wide. She... was right, wasn’t she? But, she was really from Library? I thought... I had left that place. Then, was this really just another story in that world? He hadn’t seen a fairy tale that vaguely resembled this city, though. Moreover... what kind of story... did someone with this kind of aura come from? He repeats her name. “Dorothy...? You’re from... Library?”

✝ : he remembered a time when this wing was bustling. well, more so he just had a really loud neighbor. he had two neighbors, even. although korekiyo is one who prefers quiet, it was at least interesting to have people around him for studying purposes. they both seemed so interesting, but now since their sudden disappearance, it’s only been the anthropologist in this hall. quiet… was nice, that’s for sure. him and nee-san had a whole wing to themselves, and not many people saw it necessary to come down this way. 

yet, each day was unpredictable, and you never know what fate has in store. he heard footsteps! he was already on his way out to check out the library, and since he’s practically the owner of this floor, he might as well stand by and see what brought someone down here. usually it was because they were lost. so, within the dim, flickering lights of this rundown motel, he stood in the hallway. 

which apparently was a lot more terrifying of an image than he realized. the boy was screaming. what a beautiful reaction to something so simple… it gave him goosebumps. as much as he gets his rocks off to invoking fear in others, he should probably clear himself of suspicion of being a monster before the boy has a stroke. despite his demands to stay away, he stepped forward, down the hall and up to the small boy cowered on the ground. to make himself seem a little less intimidating, he crouched down.

“my. you act like you’ve just seen a ghost. are you lost, perhaps?”

Wide eyed, Pinocchio watches the figure, flinching away and bracing himself as it approached. It had been worth a try, he supposed – if some supernatural being wouldn’t listen to his pathetic attempt at self defence, he probably brought it on himself, for barely even doing such a thing. Squeezing his eyes shut, he waits for it to come. It was strange – even though he kind of imagined his staff would be laughing at him, when it came to the end...

“E-eh...?” The sound of a voice makes him open his eyes, wary – and though the closeness of the stranger makes him jump, he supposed they were right. It seemed that this person wasn’t a ghost after all. Though... looking at him, Pinocchio wondered if he still looked like one. Why was his mouth covered in such a strange way? It wasn’t as if he could talk, but...

Aru was roaming as usual. The town was…extremely peaceful. The closest thing she had to crime to fight was a dog who was a little too forceful with a sheep, and that was on one of her first days in the town. A lot of fluffy sheep, a lot of exotic characters, such as that blonde boy with the weird staff. What was with the face? It was almost creepy. Maybe she could get without bumping into the overlong nose on that thing. 

Well, until the boy started shuffling towards her and asked for directions to…no where in particular?

“Where you should go? Aruuuu?” She didn’t know what to make of it.  “Are you looking for something?” He looked to be a boy, early teens at most, so she tried to guess at what he meant from that. “Do you want me to lead you to that school, Aster Academy? Or maybe you are lost and need to be led back home?”

He tilts his head. “I suppose if you wanted me to go to those places, I wouldn’t mind...” It wasn’t like he particularly desired to go to school, but if she were to tell him to, he guessed he would have no other choice but to go along with it. “I could...”

Every time he heard an unfamiliar voice in that world, it meant he was about to encounter someone dangerous, or be put in a troublesome situation. Then, when he hears someone addressing him, he can’t help stiffening, expecting the worst. Turning meekly around to see the other person, he watches them tentatively. Though... it seems they didn’t have anything scary to say.

If it wasn’t for his staff, Pinocchio wouldn’t have left his room at all. Being outside in such a strange place – no matter how scary Library had been – could only cause trouble, and he wanted nothing but to avoid it. Of course, peace never tended to follow him – something he recalls when he barely steps out of his room and bumps into someone. At least... he thought that he did.

Blinking, he peers over the top of his staff to glance at the stranger. “Ah, that’s...” Rather, this boy was a puppet, wasn’t he? Moving on his own, like Gishin and Anki. With those two gone, the sight startles him a little. Outside of Library, he... had been the only one to do that.

He’d been here already for long enough – long enough time for Pinocchio to already be tired of doing things for himself. It had been his staff who told him to go outside, but ever since he left the motel, it wouldn’t tell him anything at all. He hadn’t thought it would get shy around sheep of all things, but apparently it was so, and, unfortunately, there were more sheep in this place than Pinocchio had words to explain. Even asking a sheep to tell him what to do, would be preferable to...

He’s glad he isn’t made of wood anymore, he thinks. Rather, in a rare turn of events, he was glad of it for once – seeing this stranger scaling a tree, watching leaves fall from it haphazardly, he can only think how painful that would be. He had already had to be re-sculpted while conscious more than once, after all.

“But... I don’t want to go up there. I only need to stay on my floor, don’t I...?” Or so he was saying to his staff, but it was apparently an awful idea. Still, even if he were an idiot, he didn’t think his staff had to be that vocal about it. Biting his lip, he reluctantly heads upstairs, his reluctance only growing as the floors above seem far emptier than the one he’d been assigned. Sure, he had gotten quite used to being alone, at least being alone with his staff, but he knew what made a ghost story a ghost story! There wouldn’t... be a ghost here, right?

That would be silly, he thinks... though, a lot of things that ought to be impossible, had turned out not to be. Tiptoeing across the floor, he clutches his staff, fully ready to swing it if anyone appeared... realising his staff is strangely silent far too late, when looming in front of him –

He rolls too far, apparently, crashing onto the floor with a soft thud, one that comes with flesh rather than wood. “Uuuurgh...” Even as he groans in pain, the familiar sound of laughter comes from close by.

                                         “GEHAHAHAHA! YOU’RE PATHETIC.                                            WHAT ARE YOU, A SNIVELLING RAT?”

Pinocchio tearily lifts his eyes up to look at his staff, propped against one wall. “That’s...” Well, there was nothing he could say to defend himself, when his staff was right, after all. Sniffling, he looks around the room, finding no reassurance in its walls. He’d thought it was strange, for his staff to be propped against a wall in the first place, and for him to fall off something, when he’d definitely fell asleep out in the open... but really, this much was...

“Where... am I?” A sound at the door. Pinocchio yelps, head turning to face it.

                                         “BEATS ME. WHY DON’T YOU ASK THEM?”

Even if his staff told him to do that... there was nothing he would rather do less, than answer a knock on a door that he’d never seen before. Still, he finds himself reaching out for the door anyway, hand trembling, his staff’s laughter as he struggles only worsening the knocking together of his knees. For a moment, he can only stand there, hand on the door handle, listening to his staff berate him for his cowardice. Biting hard down on his lip, he tightens his grip, bracing himself as he pulls the door open.

He blinks. “A... sheep?” Sure enough, this was definitely a sheep, though last time he checked, sheep couldn’t knock on doors. “What’s a sheep doing here...?” The question, despite his staff making itself quite heard just moments prior, is answered by only silence. Pinocchio presses his lips together. Always abandoning me when I need you like this, you’re really the worst...

“Still... it’s kind of cute. I don’t really want to kill it...” Sheep, Pinocchio thought, were probably one of the animals he could most sympathise with. They were soft, and... they liked to do what people told them. In the end, Pinocchio was the same. Fretting about what to do as his staff remains frustratingly silent, he finally notices the envelope in its mouth. Something else that doesn’t make sense – though, at least reading it, he figures he doesn’t have to kill it after all.

“Then we’re really... not in Library? I thought we had to kill the nightmares before we got out, though...?” Come to think of it, Gishin and Anki... also weren’t here. He’d almost been about to feel happy, that he didn’t have to kill anything anymore – the relief still there, bubbling in his chest... just out of reach, unable to be let out. Yet, he was all alone? Who was he supposed to listen to, now? He hadn’t revived his author yet, after all. Until he did that... what was he supposed to do?