V

Initialized.

Hi Mx V! I hope you’re doing well. Do you have plans for the holidays? Ballista’s gonna take me and my siblings shopping later.

Cool! I’m gonna tell Yellow I learned a new big word today!

Hi Mx V! I hope you’re doing well. Do you have plans for the holidays? Ballista’s gonna take me and my siblings shopping later.

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

As the pair approach the house, the door opens. Caution, Alan, and Chosen walk outside, with Orange being carried by Alan.

[ V trails behind Mr. Siren, and gives Chosen a wave as well. ]

“Orange has an appointment. He has sleep attacks, and they’ve gotten worse.” Alan nods to Hazard. “Looks like your kid wants to stay with you.” Hazard laughs, and Caution cuddles against him before giving V a stare. “I’ll see you around, Hazard. And, V, it was nice meeting you.”

[ "Wishing the best for Orange's health, and it was a pleasure meeting you as well, Mr. Becker," V says before the three depart for the appointment. V watches them go, as they walk the way that V and Mr. Siren had come from. ]

Hazard accepts the handshake. “I hope so, too. Have a good one!” He waves.

[ "You too." The handshake is quick and businesslike. V pulls away from it and waves at Mr. Siren and Caution as he walks towards his hoverbike. ]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

As the pair approach the house, the door opens. Caution, Alan, and Chosen walk outside, with Orange being carried by Alan.

[ V trails behind Mr. Siren, and gives Chosen a wave as well. ]

“Orange has an appointment. He has sleep attacks, and they’ve gotten worse.” Alan nods to Hazard. “Looks like your kid wants to stay with you.” Hazard laughs, and Caution cuddles against him before giving V a stare. “I’ll see you around, Hazard. And, V, it was nice meeting you.”

[ "Wishing the best for Orange's health, and it was a pleasure meeting you as well, Mr. Becker," V says before the three depart for the appointment. V watches them go, as they walk the way that V and Mr. Siren had come from. ]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

As the pair approach the house, the door opens. Caution, Alan, and Chosen walk outside, with Orange being carried by Alan.

[ V trails behind Mr. Siren, and gives Chosen a wave as well. ]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]

[ V takes Mr Siren's hand firm as a handshake and stands up. He nods his head and responds, "Yes, we shall." ]

[ The camera turns on, blurred visuals accompanied by the rustle of fabric and the crinkle of the microphone being smothered. As V brings his hands away, everything clears up. It's now afternoon, the shadows in the opposite direction they were in the morning. ]

“I’m glad we were able ta help ya out, Mr. V!” The afternoon, despite being summer, is oddly pleasant. A mild breeze is blowing in from the north east, and the sunshine is warm.

[ "Interesting. What kind of universes had you encountered, if they weren't simply... alternate iterations of the world we know?" V asks. "I've been mostly untouched by the multiverse, but there was one time where our Ballista was replaced by another for the day. We haven't heard from them si-" ]

Hazard scratches his head. “Well, we actually don’t know if it was anothah universe-!”

[ "I'll be alright," V promises. "It's just a little fatigue and a bad ankle. Nothing sprained, most likely. I just need to steady myself." However, he does go along with Mr Siren and sits on the bench. ]

"Ya good! Dere're benches around fa a reason! Dat's one of da reasons I decided to move here when I started workin' fa Rocket Corp. instead of commuting in; place is much more disability-friendly dan da city." Upon sitting down, the aching in his leg hits him. "Darn leg," he mutters, loud enough for the microphone to pick up and V to hear. "Gonna need ta take it easy tomorrow..."

[ V's fingers drum against his lap, in contemplation. His posture shifts ever so slightly at Mr Siren's quieter words, tilting towards the other. ]

[ "Oh. My condolences, Mr Siren." ]

[ "Grace above-" V gasps, his voice tense with a bout of empathy. "That sounds intense. For someone to dare rig-" ]

Hazard sighs, watching as a few children across the street play with a soccer ball for a bit as he gathers his thoughts. “As bad as it was, I’d rathah go through dat again dan evah go through anothah Newgrounds attack…”

[ V sighs in contemplation, and looks across the street. Some (if not all) of the children look like they aren't even teenagers. ]

Hazard tilts his head slightly. He isn’t usually one to talk about Newgrounds - it was such a horrific experience, for all involved - and yet…

Hazard goes quiet, eyes cast down before closing. He takes in a deep breath and slowly lets it out. “Our escape felt like a blur… it looked like da sky was on fire… all I could do was grab Cau and run, try and find othah survivors… Dere… dere was a portal, a white glowing portal… I didn’t know what ta make of it - thought maybe it was a trap, but… anywhere felt bettah dan Newgrounds… any chance of escape felt bettah dan waiting ta get hit by a fireball… so I jumped through.”

[ Mr Siren's expression is one of distance, distressing memory, and desperation to stay calm. ]

Hazard can hear V’s murmuring. “I know who made dem.” He looks over to V. “Chosen made dem.”

[ "Plenty, unfortunately. They're effectively CEOs whose only product is publicity." V twirls the pen in his hands. "You can't give them an inch; they'll take a mile. And you can't let them do you any favors; you'd owe them a debt." ]

Hazard scowls upon seeing the vestige of the politician he just mentioned. It’s a full on angry scowl, eyebrows deepened and eyes glinting with rage. He looks ten seconds away from lunging at the advertisement and punching it before he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and slowly releases it. “Still usin’ dat same slogan, da bastard…”

[ V clears his throat and answers, "Not funny, just... I hadn't realized the similarities till now. It's coincidental, at least." ]

Hazard lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it has ta do with his dumb hair. And ya spot on with da theory dat fossil fuel companies support him.” Hazard sighs. “Ya know, I used ta believe he wanted what was best fa folk… but den we discovered his true colors…” His expression darkens. “He… despises sticks who have powahs… thinks we shouldn’t be afforded da same rights as those without…” Hazard leans back and lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “He’s good at hidin’ it. Didn’t realize it ‘til I actually looked into da things he backs.”

[ "Bigotry makes it easier to scapegoat someone. It's a horrible but effective political tactic. My condolences, and thank you for warning me of him." ]