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gulescamisade · 7 years

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Alaska: Day 9, Hot Springs and Biotech

[[ As the group moves carefully through the cave system, accompanied only by occasional sounds of dripping water, and small pattering sounds, they are also able to detect a trickling far steadier than the distinct drips in the duration of their walk. Something exceptionally weird to note: the coolness within the cave miraculously appears to dissipate the more they travel. ]]

REDGLARE: -weird but not at all to question a good thing. Their protection against the elements is hardly adequate... perhaps they've stumbled across some underground stream? The liquid from the stalactites are hardly adequate.-

[[ Better than an underground stream. As they turn a bend in the caves, an underground hot springs seems too good to be true. But there it is. In front of them. Waiting. ]]

REDGLARE: -SHE... SHE THOUGHT THEY COULDN'T POSSIBLY BE SERIOUS ABOUT HOT SPRINGS??? THEY'RE REAL AND ACTUALLY HERE????-

[[ Absolutely. Happy Wriggling Day, everyone. Except you, Dave. Happy Forced Exit from the Womb Day. ]]

REDGLARE: -shes stripping down for the water. WHO CARES WHO SEES WHAT AT THIS POINT. her wings have been aching and her leg is... her leg is NOT GREAT. it actually stings sharply as she lowers herself into one of the pools.-

[[ Good thing the water isn't searing hot since Redglare didnt check the temperature and might as well have cannonballed in. The water temperature itself is pleasant, much like a very very warm bath. There are even bubbles rising to the surface. Yall have your very own hot tub. ]]

NYALAH: -the days have been one dizzying painful black out to the next. She was barely able to crawl into consciousness now, much less make it standing up on her own. Her side was in a painful mend by this point, her body suffering from a lack of food or water.-

NYALAH: -despite her commitment to silence the whole time they were exploring and dodging biotech zombies, surviving the blizzard, Nyalah was forcing herself to stagger after Redglare. Also discovering the hot springs as they happen.-

NYALAH: -breath shallow from the effort and the hand clutching at her side, she follows suit, not even bothering to remove her own clothes. The dunking is nigh.-

NYALAH: hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh -as the warm water touches her skin. Her body is going to have a time adjusting but at the same time, she gives little next to no shits about the risk of hyperthermia. The cat troll grits her teeth and shivers, lowering into the water.- mmmmmmh

DAVE: -getting in while in his boxers is a bad idea, considering that if his boxers get wet it's gonna be a hell of a time trying to get them dry again. and with his sensitive human skin, he really has no choice but to do what he needs to to get in there- ok im getting nude heads up DAVE: if you dont want to see my frozen dick look away -with his back in bad shape, getting his boxers off is QUITE the task-

REDGLARE: You don't h4v3 to 1ntroduc3 1t to us. -guh. pets Nyalah's head. She knows a little too little about wilderness survival to consider what the next step AFTER this would be, or how bad it would be to try wandering out into the cold after getting soaking wet, but whatever. This is. pretty ok.-

NYALAH: (i love to die) -whispers at Redglare. Even in near death, she meme.-

KARKAT: =It's a 12th perigees miracle. He's going to help Dave with his undies like a good rail then help him in and also get the fuck in himself= I've never been happier to lose a fucking bet.

DAVE: -thanks karkat. he manages to get inside and FUCK ITS SO WARM IT MAKES HIS ENTIRE BODY TINGLE-

KARKAT: =it's hot as hell but guess what he's going to drink this water too becauae goddamn=

REDGLARE: -GODDAMN IS RIGHT-

NYALAH: -gargles water and ends up spitting it up. Her wide open broken horn is TOO SEARINGLY AWARE of temperature changes. Also she is probably making the water around her a kool-aid olive green.-

REDGLARE: -this is probably unsanitary what with HER open wound discoloring the water too.-

KARKAT: =to hell with sanitation tbh=

DAVE: -at least it's warm-

KARKAT: =his gills were dry and cracking and are now filtering their blood and various bacteria. YES. AT LEAST IS WARM=

NYALAH: -sighs, finally.... finally breathing easy.-

NYALAH: ....

NYALAH: this sucks

[[ Good thing that the temperature of the springs is hot enough to kill bacteria! They're getting clean, their wounds are being sanitized, and now they have plenty of water. No dehydration happening any time soon! ]]

NYALAH: -still sucks.-

REDGLARE: 1t d03s.

KARKAT: =Can the water also drown him? Plz, thnx. Hisses softly and just. Bye forever, sinks into it=

DAVE: -he's just gritting his teeth and letting himself settle-

NYALAH: -rests her head on the back of a rock.- i died like thr33 times

NYALAH: -sniffs-

NYALAH: what if steak happens right now i would eat so much

NYALAH: and have whipped cream donuts for desserts

REDGLARE: -She laughs, eyes sinking shut as she just... leans back.-

REDGLARE: th3r3's b4ts.

REDGLARE: 4lmost 4s good.

BATS: =how very dare??=

NYALAH: yeh rabies gives it flavor

DAVE: -peeks down to see where the fuck karkat went-

KARKAT: =hes just letting his gills get some use=

REDGLARE: C4n't b3 th3 worst of our probl3ms.

REDGLARE: -nudges at her weakly.-

REDGLARE: H4v3n't you h4d your shots.

NYALAH: -rrrrrs, eyes going a little glinty- could go for some shots

MINDFANG: -She is into the hot water up to her neck and it is the greatest feeling for her battered rib cage and near frozen extremities, its near god damn euphoric.-

NYALAH: ...

NYALAH: o shit

NYALAH: -reaches into her pocket and pulls out a WHOLE DRENCHED WEED.-

NYALAH: ................................ -snRRRRKS.-

NYALAH: they never took it

KARKAT: =eyeballs the wet weed and emerges slowly= What, you making tea?

REDGLARE: -She opens up her eye to look at it.-

REDGLARE: -snorts...-

DAVE: oh shit

DAVE: find a way for us to consume it effectively

MINDFANG: -Opens one eye at Nyahla and sees the one whole weed.-

MINDFANG: -Snrks.- You are quite the smuggler.

NYALAH: -she's too busy wheezing about the stupid doobie but also eyeballs everyone.- yes

NYALAH: -totally obligated to make nip tea now. Fuck.-

DAVE: you had pain relief all this time

NYALAH: no cups tho

NYALAH: ...

NYALAH: -just eats a piece of this blunt.-

REDGLARE: ...

REDGLARE: 1s th4t-

REDGLARE: c4n you do th4t?

REDGLARE: -squints...-

DAVE: thats one way to go about it

NYALAH: its nip

NYALAH: yes -Cat trolls do it all the time, just ask them.-

NYALAH: -passes redglare the bit weed-

KARKAT: Great just nibble a little of it. =sinks back in the water and sighs out his nose÷

MITUNA: -Doing a dead mans float in the water-

MINDFANG: -Is Mituna even alive-

DAVE: -ME NEXT ME NEXT-

REDGLARE: -nibbles and passes...-

MITUNA: -Unfortunately, he is very much alive-

MINDFANG: -You crazy kids and your wet weed nibbling.-

[[ The small pattering sounds return, little by little. ]]

REDGLARE: -Frowns, sitting up.-

[[ pitterpatter ]]

MINDFANG: -She rises out of the water some by sitting up straighter at the sound, and looking in the direction of where it is coming from if she can pinpoint it.- .......

KARKAT: =fins flick towards it, he will fucking eat whatever this is. He doesn't care anymore=

DAVE: -What the fuck NOW?!-

MINDFANG: -If its more wolves she is going to be pissed.-

NYALAH: -also rises, hiss faint in her throat.-

REDGLARE: -hefting that rock club and climbs out of the water ass naked to fight a wolf- >;I

DAVE: - he has no choice but to wait-

KARKAT: =redglares not going it alone. Here comes gives-none-fucks vantas=

MINDFANG: -Shes moving towards the edge and slowly lifting herself out of the water. Its difficult for her to want to leave the warmth thats soothing her body aches but danger takes priority.-

NYALAH: -low key 👀emojis tbh. I mean. If this is how it ends for Nyalah. Sure.-

[[ It's not a wolf....but a fish! An eyeless cave fish, to be precise. Isn't nature amazing? Except it's body is lying parallel to the floor, away from any water source. It flops. ]]

CAVE FISH: =flop flop flop!=

NYALAH: -mmmm oh my god. She's so hungry.-

KARKAT: =Alright, great he really will eat that. But more like eyeball it then approach... where did it come from?=

MINDFANG: -Stares at the eyeless fish. On one hand, potential food source. On the other, suspicion of any earth life form after the wolf incident.-

MINDFANG: Curious.

DAVE: does it have teeth

NYALAH: -👁️👁️- i do

REDGLARE: To h3ll w1th 1t. -SORRY FISH. she's just gonna casually bash its head.- 1t's food.

[[ As soon as she does this, it twists around, revealing some biotech embedded into its side. Sprouting four, thin, metal limbs, it begins pattering back and forth, appearing somewhat confused. ]]

MINDFANG: -HHHHH. Of course.-

KARKAT: =LIFTS A ROCK. A BIG ROCK. TOO BIG FOR THE LITTLE BIOTECH=

MINDFANG: -She is doing the same as Karkat, only her rock is a bit smaller. Not everyone can have seadweller strength.-

KARKAT: =He's just frustrated and sick of all of every single turd. SMASHES it on the small thing=

DAVE: OH FUCK NO

KARKAT: =He'll do you this solid for not being an entire ass this whole time. Thanks for that, he appreciates it 👍=

[[ It deded. ]]

[[ Splat. ]]

[[ There is more skittering in the distance. ]]

REDGLARE: Sh1t. sh1t. -She got her hopes up, for a second. A second too long.-

SEAKRAIT: -And in the darkness of this area of cave she rolls in seemingly from nowhere, accompanied by... you know, some more friends.-

[[ Lampetra and some more angry Earth animals, specifically. ]]

MINDFANG: -Annnnnnnnd it just got worse.-

MINDFANG: -Shes not putting down her rock for you jerks.-

LAMPETRA: =Hello friends!=

NYALAH: -Endless torment. She hisses.-

KARKAT: =LIFTS HIS ROCK AGAIN.=

KARKAT: =He will bowl you hoes, wordlessly. Fuck you. All the way. 500%=

REDGLARE: Wh4t 4r3 you do1ng h3r3? -SHE'S WET AND NAKED AND THERE ARE JUST SO MANY HORRIBLE MONSTERS-

SEAKRAIT: -She's taking this chance in the larger cave space to put her back against Lampetra's and stand her ground against the scuttling creatures; there's a snowshoe hare, more wolves, a couple lynxes, oh and also A FUCKING BEAR.-

LAMPETRA: Just like old times, Huh?

SEAKRAIT: \|/e came to-- -FUCK. She's slicing at a leaping wolf.-

LAMPETRA: =He's batting aside a crazed bunny with his shield=

KARKAT: =FOR SOME REASON HE DOESN'T WANT TO BOWL THE BEAR= Oh good. The animals are doing our work for us. AND YET I CAN'T HELP BUT WANT TO ASSIST THEM. HMM. WEIRD!

REDGLARE: -Limping towards them and the fight. She's barely armed but she's still going to swing her rock down at one of the lynxes.-

KARKAT: =Redglare you missed the assholes.=

REDGLARE: Hff. N3v3rm1nd. Th4t c4n w41t. Wh4t 4r3 th3y.

KARKAT: =Growls, chucks a rock at a bear. Whatever.=

DAVE: -he's gonna need help out of this spring when everything calms down. for now, he watches-

NYALAH: -she can't possibly hope to defend herself in this state. Her side is still splitting with pain and fear is keeping her immobile for the moment. Does her best to wiggle out of the water at least.-

MINDFANG: I highly agree with that feeling. -It would be great if the animals killed those two. Although then she wouldnt get the chance to try and do it herself.... damn. Looks like shes helping.-

MINDFANG: -Time to punch another wolf in the face.-

LAMPETRA: =He raised his shield as the rabbit forcibly leapt at them, making a dull THONK against the metal.=

LAMPETRA: Long story short, Alternia dove too deep in trying to enhance biologicial technology. It became sentient.

NYALAH: -actually laughs over in her corner. Don't look at her.- nah shit bruh

[[ The lynx Redglare clonked staggered backward, only to move toward her, it's limbs contorting as it was forced forward again. ]]

SEAKRAIT: -huffs and slings her axe again, trying to batter the wolf down long enough that she can hit the exposed bioware-

REDGLARE: -As long as this club holds out, she's going to keep bashing, teeth gritted, looking for that horrible little thing keeping the corpse moving. SHES ALREADY KIND OF SHAKING.-

REDGLARE: How m4ny mor3?

[[ The bear roars an unnatural bear sound and charges at Karkat. ]]

LAMPETRA: Lots??

NYALAH: -curls in some elevated spot, possibly protecting Dave.-

KARKAT: =did it like the rock? He think that means yes. Alright. Time to sock it in its cute angry face with fish fist=

MINDFANG: And you had the pleasure of leading them all this way. -She growls and attacks one of the wolves with her strong robot fist while trying to locate the bioware to rip it out.-

[[ Eventually, Redglare's rapid, continuous bashing manages to strike precisely upon the bit of tech burrowed behind the ear of the lynx. The animal no longer moves. ]]

SEAKRAIT: -SLICE goes this biowolf, and she's spinning around to throw her axe toward the bear's back now that it's distracted. Bye axe tho...-

DAVE: -nyalah you're a babe-

DAVE: -keepin calm...-

NYALAH: -dave youre really nude rn.-

LAMPETRA: =Without having to spare a glance over his shoulder, he swung his shield around him and Seakrait, knocking back another wolf as it leapt at them.=

MITUNA: -Still floating in the water-

BIOBUNNY: =I'LL BITE YER LEGS OFF=

LAMPETRA: =kicks it!= This is just freaky, man!

BIOBUNNY: =flies off into the darkness=

SEAKRAIT: -bye bunnicula...-

DAVE: -i'm super naked yes but i am in this spring-

NYALAH: -now would be such a great selfie time tbh.-

NYALAH: -but alas...-

[[ The bear ROARS at the axe and the punch to the face. The axe hit a piece of bioware, but not the whole thing; it's sort of limping now, trying to wrestle Karkat. ]]

DAVE: -my camera was taken :(-

KARKAT: =dont worry they can kick the camera out these guys after fightingthese animals. Karkat quick to catch on at least foing to grab the bear muzzle to rip out the rest of the bioware.=

[[ The wolf does not appreciate Mindfang's groping and goes to nom her arm. But her efforts are partially successful. Her searching has uncovered biotech beneath the fur at its jawline. ]]

BEAR: -COLLAPSES HEAVY and probably a good bit onto Karkat. A blanket.-

MINDFANG: -It doesn't feel good to have it chewing on her circuits, but its better then having it chew on any other part of her. She grits her teeth and tries to hold it back like this while she claws at the biotech with her other hand.-

SEAKRAIT: -spin kicks another lynx; the animal parade is ALMOST done for now. This should be easy cleanup if they keep at it-

KARKAT: =Cozy as this is he throws the bear husk on some other animals. Dangerously close to Seakrait and Lampetra=

REDGLARE: -She is at least partially motivated by spite as she tries to rip the axe out of the bear's back, swinging down at the MONSTROSITIES.-

LAMPETRA: =at Karkat= :\ =Hey man, uncool.=

DAVE: -ARE YOU REALLY SAYING WHAT'S UNCOOL RIGHT NOW-

KARKAT: =He stares back, he doesn't fucking care=

SEAKRAIT: -ITS WHATEVER MAN. She leans out of the way with a pant-

NYALAH: -put some pants on, Dave. Nyalah is handing him her own pair of pants. She can stand around in boxers, it's fine.-

[[ Redglare's strife specibus switches from CLUBKIND to AXEKIND in a hilarious turn of events. ]]

NYALAH: -👀 -

[[ It's easy for Mindfang to feel around as the wolf is preoccupied with her other arm. Just be careful that the wiring doesnt consider you to be a better host! ]]

DAVE: -carefully uses arm strength alone to get himself OUT of the hotsprings despite thow bad it's making the pain shoot through his arms, too. his boxers are still right there, so he thankfully tries to maneuver the boxers AND nyalah's pants on-

NYALAH: -Finally. The dicks out thing was being really distracting.-

REDGLARE: -PROBABLY LOSES HER STALAGMITE AS A RESULT but whatever. ITS COOL. I mean it does kinda suck when someone takes your signature weapon though RIGHT- REDGLARE: -I MEAN GOSH THAT MUST REALLY SUCK-

[[ The stalagmite is indeed launched out of Redglare's hands, where it hits the rabbit squarely in the face as it reemerged from the shadows. ]]

MINDFANG: -IT BETTER NOT. Shes going to rip it out with her bare hand and try and crush it as fast as possible. Before her arm gets any more dented from these chomps.-

SEAKRAIT: Redglare! -decidedly tosses RG's cane her way now that the flurry of animal parts are slightly less encroaching. Glances around at the sea of faces and also ejects Dave's sword in his general direction-

REDGLARE: -WOW pettiness must really work......-

MITUNA: -Rises from the water, psionic energy skittering along his body. There's a lot of chaos happening. People fighting animals, two of those assholes that hurt them are here too. The screams hurt, makes it hard to focus, but his eyes start glowing.-

REDGLARE: -SKIDS THE AXE TOWARDS HER IN TURN as she catches it-

REDGLARE: ... th4nks.

DAVE: -YOU COULD HAVE IGNORED IT-

DAVE: -wait a second...tHATS HIS SWORD!!! AHH!!! HE GRABS IT-

KARKAT: =WHAT GOOD COP BAD COP BULLSHIT IS THIS=

NYALAH: -she wishes she was high right now. Hey cops. Where'd you put all her weed.-

MITUNA: -He's a chargin his lazor-

KARKAT: =please fry them=

REDGLARE: -WE ALL ATE IT NYALAH KEEP UP-

NYALAH: -she meant when they EMPTIED HER SYLLADEX but okay Rg. 👀-

SEAKRAIT: -we know nothing about any weed... no but really she nods at Redglare and scoops her axe back up to decidedly throw it down on this goddamn hare. STAY DOWN FOREVER.-

REDGLARE: -She stumbles under her own weigh, some of the adrenaline ebbing away as she manages to keep herself from falling by leaning on the stick. It's kind of a stumble but she's gonna try to dress herself at least slightly.-

[[ The hare as well as the biotech upon it is decidedly crushed, hopefully for the final time. It is still. ]]

NYALAH: -Lame. Oh well. It was worth it.-

SEAKRAIT: -wait fuck that's psionic energy over there. She grabs Lampetra's arm like WE SHOULD PROBS MOVE-

KARKAT: =nono, stay right there=

LAMPETRA: =Gets out of way, following after her. Maybe puts his shield to good use too.=

MITUNA: -HE'S A FIRIN HIS LAZOR BWWWWAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH-

NYALAH: B00

KARKAT: =good yes.=

[[ IT'S SUPER FUCKING LOUD. Let's also hope there's not a cave-in, folks. ]]

MITUNA: -Just gonna burninate everything in his line of sight. Yay.-

NYALAH: -Lucky she's out of RANGE.-

[[ Mituna pretty much purified the area of biotech, that's for sure! Another lynx, relatively untouched by anyone, is now burnt to a crisp. The biotech leaps off of it, on fire. It skittered across the ground toward the crew before fizzling out and falling limply at their feet ]]

REDGLARE: -huffs as she gingerly pulls on a pair of underpants and her tanktop, eyeing the line of destruction and the burned up animals in its path.-

MITUNA: -His gazeblast fizzles out and he just...floats himself to the edge of spring and sits, scowling at seacrate and lampetrol-

KARKAT: =huffs= Good. Good job Mituna. Now that that's handled. Let's take care of the other fucking parasites.

KARKAT: =HE'S GOT A HAND ON HIS ROCK=

NYALAH: -pads over to lick Mituna. Sniff his wounds.-

LAMPETRA: =brow raise= I'm Parasite.

MITUNA: -Why she lick me-

KARKAT: The first step is acceptance. The next is messier. =Baring fangs at her, gills flared=

LAMPETRA: =he held his shield across his body, shielding Seakrait too.=

LAMPETRA: You're really going to attack us now?

SEAKRAIT: STOP. \|/e didn't come here to fight.

SEAKRAIT: My name is Micexa Neshen, this is Hesony Zelleu. \|/e were-- team 87B of the legislacerators, with Terezi Pyrope.

MITUNA: and look a7 wha7 you le7 happen

LAMPETRA: LET happen?! We were trying to prevent it!

MITUNA: grea7 fucking job

KARKAT: =That makes him fume= IT SURE AS FUCK DIDN'T STOP YOU FROM-- OH. BY STANDING BY AND TAKING ORDERS? GREAT FUCKING JOB!

MICEXA: ...Sunny. It's alright.

HESONY: We could say the same for you-- =When Micexa spoke, he backed down, though his lip was still curled.=

REDGLARE: -She takes a sharp breath.- S-stop.

REDGLARE: 1 r3m3mb3r thos3 n4m3s.

REDGLARE: Sh3 told m3 4bout you.

NYALAH: -guh. This is very stressful for her. Watch her step aside to hack up the weed she ate earlier. Excuse.-

REDGLARE: -She slumps to sit. Weakly. The binding for her wound is long gone, now, and she eyes the discoloration again.-

KARKAT: =He's absolutely steamed= I REMEMBER THEM TOO, SOME FUCKING BOND.

HESONY: https://31.media.tumblr.com/b4b93178d916e9e0c52eeb0a23bf6adf/tumblr_inline_nejn5fCzWh1s4sxxd.gif

KARKAT: =eat his entire ass, son=

MICEXA: You saw that woman. If we had shown weakness or hesitance...

MICEXA: -her face twists somewhat- I was trying to warn you, to be compliant. For her sake. For all your sakes.

HESONY: And you didn't listen.

MICEXA: -rests a hand on Hesony's arm.- But it doesn't matter now. \|/e need to keep moving.

NYALAH: fuck you actually in the t33th broh -swallows dryly and stands. Hhh.-

KARKAT: SO WHAT? SHE COULD KILL HER LATER?? IT'S A FUCKING--=HOLD UP, DID SHE JUST SAY IT DIDN'T MATTER=

KARKAT: =DAVE. HOLD HIS FUCKING ROCK=

KARKAT: =BABY HOLD MY GODDAMN BOULDER=

MITUNA: you don7 ma77er

MICEXA: No. Maybe not. But blame certainly doesn't.

MICEXA: It won't make a difference to her now.

HESONY: Shut it Sparky.

NYALAH: (b33ch)

MITUNA: 347 MY 3N71R3 8ULG3 817CH 80Y

KARKAT: =Expels water so hard from his gills, yup. Sorry. He's throwing this boulder.=

MINDFANG: -Karkat you should probably throw the boulder, she endorses it.-

REDGLARE: -shitting FUCK she is going to try to push herself up and into the goddamn way as he starts to heave it.- DO NOT.

REDGLARE: -its... Not exactly the most graceful movement. She's stumbling and in pain just trying to get up that quick, but all the same.-

MINDFANG: -Redglare what are you DOING.-

KARKAT: =Stares at Redglare. Chest heaving.... he respects her. She was close to Terezi... and she shouldn't be moving. Drops it and pins his fins back, giving her a steady hand=

DAVE: -GIVE ME THE GODDAMN ROCK-

KARKAT: =bro ..... you are my rock=

NYALAH: -Gdi. Same tho. She's gay too.-

REDGLARE: look 4t us. W3 n33d. 4ny h3lp w3 c4n f1nd.

REDGLARE: W3 h4v3n't spok3n to our cr3w 1n d4ys 4nd w3 st1ll h4v3 our ord3rs to f1nd th3m.

HESONY: =he nodded at Redglare= We Have supplies for you.

HESONY: Water, food, winter clothes...

KARKAT: =They could kill and loot these two. Easy, but she's right. Clenches his jaw=

MICEXA: ...Just a few of your personal effects. The others have the rest. \|/e could only get so much before we ran.

MINDFANG: -She does indeed have a point. However, guys, once we are out of the cave then we kill them right?-

HESONY: =he nodded, confirming Micexa's words= We even managed to acquire one of your comms devices.

REDGLARE: W3—

REDGLARE: w3 n33d to cont4ct th3m.

REDGLARE: Th3r3 4r3 p3opl3 who d3s3rv3 to know.

MICEXA: -uncaptchalogues the communication device and offers it over to Redglare. She doesn't seem particularly proud about it.-

HESONY: =he took a few steps towards them, emptying his sylladex of vital supplies in question. There are a new change of clothes for everyone in various sizes, including warm jackets. Please dress yourselves.=

DAELOS: -Hunched against the wall, panting- watching the legiscerators with disdain and wariness.-

REDGLARE: -She takes it, letting a breath go. Then she turns over her shoulder and offers it to Karkat, instead.-

HESONY: =after he is finshed, he backed away again.=

MITUNA: -Still scowling at them, eyes glowing, ready. He's not above murder, right now.-

KARKAT: =Takes it. It feels heavy he just goes off to a corner to like, fuck himself with it or whatever=

NYALAH: -at least gets a jacket on, not caring that she's dripping wet.-

MICEXA: -once he checks it he should be able to tell it was Terezi's-

DAELOS: -Helps Nyalah get her clothes on before bothering with himself.-

REDGLARE: -Shaky and shivery as she goes to get the clothes on. She's a little bit feverish, right now, but it already feels a little better.-

NYALAH: -Stop it, you loaf. Now she's helping Daelos.- dumbass ass ass

KARKAT: =ok in that case hes going in the corner to cry=

DAVE: -looks at those winter clothes desperately. HE NEEDS-

DAVE: -BABE NO-

DAELOS: I canter even believe you are moving around of your own volition, let alone pausing to insult me -FUSSES, BITCHES.-

HESONY: =take them, Thinskin!=

DAELOS: -Lets her help him tho because....He's so tired.-

NYALAH: not you

REDGLARE: You r4n. 4r3 you go1ng b4ck?

MINDFANG: -She doesnt exactly feel like trusting them, but quite honestly what is the worst that clothes could do shes grabbing sizes that will fit her and pulling them on as quick as she can.-

MINDFANG: -The jacket takes a moment or two, the wolf teeth did a number on her robo arm at the elbow joint, its stiff.-

HESONY: =stares at Redglare in complete silence then LAUGHS=

MICEXA: -glances at Sunny. Same...-

MICEXA: There's no going back now.

HESONY: Are you kidding? We go back, we die.

MITUNA: -Uses his psionics to dress, because his left arm is fucking useless.-

DAVE: -crawlings a no and he's gonna need some assistance standing up- someone toss me clothes for fucks sake

MITUNA: you 5hould go back

DAELOS: It would only be the begining of your recompense

NYALAH: -Are u sure Mituna? Nyalah licked it.-

DAELOS: -DISDAINFUL-

MITUNA: -It's fucking broken but thanks kitty-

HESONY: =flips Mituna off=

NYALAH: -purr purr purr.-

MINDFANG: -Dave the human, you are so sad. She takes some pity and brings him clothes that she thinks will fit him.- Please tell me you have some way of getting dressed yourself.

MITUNA: -Flings a rock at his head-

NYALAH: h33 h33

KARKAT: =thank you Mituna=

MICEXA: -why is Terezi's new swarm so bad at listening jfc-

DAVE: no ive lost the use of all parts of my body -pretends to go limp but that hurts too- FUCK

KARKAT: =GEE=

HESONY: =the rock bounces off his noggin. There is a little bit of blood, but for the most part, he's hard-headed=

MINDFANG: ........ Incredi8le.

HESONY: =staring at mituna flatly=

KARKAT: =wipes his face then goes to help Dave get dressed. Gives him something to do= Move. I got it.

KARKAT: Not you Dave. You don't move.

DAVE: hey i was gonna get pretty then go over to you DAVE: how am i gonna play hero now

MINDFANG: -Thank you Karkat, please take care of your rail so she does not.- Alright.

MINDFANG: -Moves aside and takes a moment to herself to roll up her sleeve and inspect the damage to her robot limb.-

KARKAT: You can do that later. =helps him out=

MITUNA: -Now Sunny is the one being flipped off-

[[ It got wolf chomped pretty great. There are some small dents in it, in the very least. ]]

MICEXA: \|/henever you're ready, we'll make our way out of here. I have a plan to get us out of this state.

MICEXA: ...But.

REDGLARE: but?

HESONY: =busy flipping Mituna off again=

DAVE: -fine- so we need to go to minnesota

MICEXA: -glances at Redglare specifically- You're badly infected.

MINDFANG: -Earth sucks ass. God damn wolves.-

DAVE: yeah redglare

DAVE: holdin us all up with your stanky leg and shit

REDGLARE: 1 c4n w4lk.

MINDFANG: For now you can.

MINDFANG: What a8out l8ter.

MICEXA: It could spread to your heart.

KARKAT: =dave please= You need that taken care of. If i can't kill them them you can't have a bum leg.

HESONY: ....She's right.

KARKAT: =said while dressing Dave, not even looking at them=

REDGLARE: 1t's—

REDGLARE: just p41n. 1 c3n h4ndl3 th4t.

REDGLARE: -glances back at Karkat... And Mindfang... and then both Hesony and Micexa.-

REDGLARE: -Hisses softly, under her breath.- sh1t.

HESONY: I get it, okay? Pyropes can go a long way before keeling but this is different.

DAVE: sure

DAVE: and i was just cold the other night

DAELOS: -Does he have his tool box back?-

KARKAT: Great. Thanks.

KARKAT: =AT REDGLARE=

KARKAT: =the other two can die in a hole.=

REDGLARE: -She is not talking as she slumps back to sitting.-

MICEXA: -frowns, quiet for a long moment.-

MICEXA: ...I can make it quick.

HESONY: =been there almost done that=

REDGLARE: 4lr1ght.

DAVE: -o boy-

KARKAT: =next time try harder=

MITUNA: um

MITUNA: UM

HESONY: =waves mituna over= We're gonna need you, Sparky.

MITUNA: WH47 7H3 FUCK 4C7U4LLY

MICEXA: I need a belt, towels, and yes, you-- psionic-- I'm going to need you to cauterize the wound.

DAELOS: Hold on a moment

DAELOS: Please

HESONY: =welp, he's unbuckling his own and sliding his belt from his waist.=

MINDFANG: Cauterize the.... -Oh.-

DAELOS: -A little loudly-

MICEXA: -glances at Daelos-

DAELOS: Is my toolbo% in your possesion

DAELOS: By any chance...

MITUNA: 3XCU53 7H3 5H17 0U7 0F MY 5P1N4L CR3V1C3

DAVE: -pulls karkats face into him because he knows he can't handle this-

MICEXA: The only other thing we have is... Just give it to them, Sunny.

KARKAT: =He's seen ear Dave, but it's appreciated. He still looks tho,redglare needs things to bite down on=

KARKAT: =She can have his arm or something=

HESONY: =His sigh is hitched and he produced Terezi's cane. Just kind of...holds it.=

DAVE: -no????-

DAELOS: -He sighs- Nothing else

DAELOS: -HE HAD SOME WEEDS. HE WANTED TO GET REDGLARE NICE AND STONED FIRST BEFORE THEY LOP OFF HER LEG.-

HESONY: Sorry. =he says, kind of lamely.=

REDGLARE: -u giant blue stoner-

NYALAH: -It's okay, Daelos. Weed just can't solve every problem.-

MITUNA: -That...probably wouldn't help???-

KARKAT: =GLARES at Daelos or he would but stares at her cane=

DAELOS: -It's better than nothing.-

KARKAT: =SPACE WEED=

DAELOS: Ah well...proceed

HESONY: =Wanna nom on this, Rg?=

REDGLARE: -SHES NOT GONNA BITE HER SWORD CANE THAT'S SOME KINDA DESECRATION-

MICEXA: -she's too busy tying Redglare's thigh with a belt to offer her something softer to bite-

HESONY: =Hey, their buddy Kreyse had this made, it aint from some piece of shit steel=

KARKAT: =no buddies are here for you, sir=

NYALAH: -gotta high tail it out of this cave. She can't do this. Don't worry, she's not going far.-

DAVE: -ur buddy is dead-

MITUNA: wai7 5o you wan7 me 7o gazebla57 her leg

HESONY: =Too soon, Dave.=

MITUNA: wha7 7he fuck

KARKAT: =he would also say they weren't buddies. They're both dickwads=

HESONY: =carefully turns to Mituna= Unless you want her to bleed to death?

REDGLARE: -shes gonna stuff some coat fabric into her mouth instead, that may work.-

MICEXA: -just kind of stiff... this isn't very fun. But at least she knows what this is like. She stuffs some more extra fabric under her leg to make it comfortable and eventually catch some of the blood before picking up her axe to clean it off, turned away where Redglare doesn't have to see-

MICEXA: Do you want a warning?

MITUNA: UM W417 HOLD ON FUCK DUD3 H0LY 5H17 -He's not ready!-

HESONY: ....

HESONY: =to Mituna= Do you want a warning?

REDGLARE: -closes her eyes and shakes her head. SHE is ready, at least.-

MITUNA: Y35???????

HESONY: =Holds up his hand. 5.=

HESONY: =puts down a finger. 4.=

MICEXA: \|/e can't wait for more of them to find us.

MICEXA: -turns toward Redglare, glancing at Hesony and counting in her head as she raises the axe.-

MITUNA: -He's really jittery and sparky-

HESONY: =3.....2.....1.=

MICEXA: -JUST DONT GAZEBLAST THE REST OF HER LEG OFF.-

MICEXA: -and with the rest of the countdown, she swings the axe, quick and sure.-

REDGLARE: -It is bloody, but done. She is shaking and not looking at the damage. It's hardly a delicate surgery, but she keeps her eye open through it, clamping down hard on the cloth and muffling her scream.-

HESONY: =He just...puts a hand on Redglare's shoulder, squeezing it. There there.=

MITUNA: -He's screaming too, and that's helping him keep from vomiting at the moment. There is enough focus, to concentrate his blast on the stump of her leg, the scent of seared flesh fills the air-

MICEXA: -moves the missing leg out of the way for Mituna-

HESONY: =wow, he's so out of practice at comforting others it shows.=

NYALAH: -the explosion of blood is making her gag and hurl in the other cave chamber. There's nothing in her digestive sac to upheave but here she is.-

REDGLARE: -okay NOw She is SURE BLACKING OUT. so much for staying awake.-

KARKAT: =There to catch her=

REDGLARE: >;'I

KARKAT: =he's sorry about all this. And it shows=

MITUNA: -Once he's done he just....lurches forward and dry heaves bile-

HESONY: Good job, Sparky.

KARKAT: =yep....he frowns then glares at Hesony=

MITUNA: -Throws up in his general direction. Fuck you buddy??????-

MICEXA: -gritting her teeth as she quickly cleans off the blood on her axe. She stows it away. She's sorry, too, but it won't do much good to say.- MICEXA: She should be okay. MICEXA: Just needs rest. MICEXA: \|/e're heading for a compound. The blizzard's heavy, so we have some time before communication can reach them about Sunny and I. \|/e should be able to get transport and maybe a few supplies if we hurry.

Last Monday at 5:09 PM

HESONY: =makes a face at Mituna but...turns back to Redglare. Taking out a small first aid kit, he covered Redglare's affected area with saline before placing gauze pads over it and wrapping it up in bandage.=

NYALAH: -stumbles back into the chamber. Sweaty and ashened faced and just. Done with everything.- lets fucking do this shit

KARKAT: =he can carry redglare and he also got dressed at some point, not liking at the doucheduo= Then let's go.

DAELOS: Yes

DAELOS: -Are they actually getting out of this alive? It doesn't feel real.-

HESONY: =that's the plan=

[[ The ground had gradually begun to incline upwards over the duration of a few hours, making the climb slightly more difficult. However, it may be a good sign they are heading towards the surface once again. ]]

NYALAH: -bottom line is, she's scrambling for her life. Panting heavily. Possibly feverishly.-

DAELOS: -He's basicallly dragging himself like a large blue slug, lagging far behind the rest of the group.-

REDGLARE: -murmuring fitfully, now and then. She's out with a cold sweat. Maybe she's wandering in the dream bubbles...-

(FEFETASPRITE): -she has a dream of a certain catfish ghost waving to her as she floats through the void.- 3833

MICEXA: -waits a little and offers Daelos a hand. She managed to carry him down this hole, she can probably help him out of it.-

HESONY: =after he believed Karkat had sufficiently calmed down a bit, he fell in step beside him. Wordlessly, he handed over the cane to him.=

MITUNA: -That's Karkat's secret. He's never calm.-

DAVE: -bringing up the rear, sword in hand. significantly slow, but it works for their efforts, even if he does get hit with extreme pains from time to time-

MITUNA: -He could just...float you. You don't have to suffer my guy-

DAVE: -GIVE YOUR PSIONICS A FUCKING REST-

DAVE: -no pain no gain-

MITUNA: -No?????-

KARKAT: =Truth. He's just carrying Redglare but he takes her cane without a word. Looking over it sadly, silently and continuing to walk.=

KARKAT: =Also dave don't be dumb=

KARKAT: =Same to you Mituna=

DAVE: -I'm NOT i'm MOVING myself-

MICEXA: -gdi, she glances at Sunny and the human. Pls help this weird alien kid-

MINDFANG: -Dont worry if one of them falls she will drag them-

DAVE: -HE'S OKAY-

MINDFANG: -Are you sure Dave, she could always drag you.-

DAVE: -how is that any better?!-

MINDFANG: -Would you rather be left behind?-

DAVE: -yeah actually-

HESONY: =ugh, FINE, miss! He fell back in line and scooped Dave up in a fireman's carry=

HESONY: =carefully=

DAVE: oh hell no

KARKAT: =stares into Hesony's fucking soul=

MITUNA: i go7 him

DAVE: you gonna go for my throat again

DAVE: if you do it might make for an artistic death picture

DAVE: i dont think i had enough of a concussion before

HESONY: Shut up. I'm Helping.

MITUNA: -Floats Dave away from Sunny-

MITUNA: i go7 you bromigo

DAVE: put me down

HESONY: =HANGS ON =

DAVE: OW FUCK

MITUNA: -Do not break the dave?-

MICEXA: -stares at the ceiling like jfc- Infighting isn't going to get us to the surface any faster.

MITUNA: le7 him go bulgero7

HESONY: =At Mituna= You are being childish.

MICEXA: Sunny, just let him go. If they want to waste their energy, let them.

KARKAT: =good Mituna, FAST BUILDING HISS= DON'T TOUCH HIM. DON'T TOUCH ANYONE. DON'T TALK. FUCK OFF.

MICEXA: \|/e've done what we can.

DAVE: - DONT WANT TO BE A GAME OF TUG o WAR-

HESONY: =one by one removes his fingers=

DAVE: -the pain from the resistance is a lot MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND GUYS-

KARKAT: =allow him to motivate you. Grabs the wrist= Go to the only person here that can stand you.

KARKAT: =HE WILL FIGHT WITH REDGLARE ON HIS BACK but he'd rather not=

MITUNA: -Shhhh, he's got you Dave. He should feel floaty now, maybe even a little tingly. Enjoy the ride Dave, you earned it.-

MICEXA: He was trying to help. That boy won't last much longer on his feet, and we can't afford to wait.

KARKAT: He's socially inept along with being a dick. Use words not that he'd take the help. Now stop fucking around or I will literally fucking eat your hand.

HESONY: =just glaring down at all these pipsqueaks in this 7'5" glory.=

DAVE: mituna dont

DAVE: no

DAVE: stop over exerting the mind you just got back

MITUNA: i go7 him

DAVE: oh christ

KARKAT: =HE DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT HEIGHT MY GUY=

MITUNA: 5hu7 up bro7a7o you weigh fuck all

DAVE: whatever

REDGLARE: -She might be scolding people to pretend to get along if she were awake, but she's still super unconscisous

MITUNA: like a bean

MICEXA: -growls. He already let go pls-

KARKAT: =He didn't punch him at least.=

MITUNA: bean dave

HESONY: =jerks his wrist from Karkat and just stomps ahead to scout out an exit to this stupid cave.=

KARKAT: =THAT'S FUCKING RIGHT STRING BEAN. Adjusts Redglare gently and walks on=

DAVE: shut up

MITUNA: mi57er beeeeheheeeeeneh

DAVE: why

MICEXA: -watches after Sunny... they promised to do something but it sure isn't easy. Not that she expected it to be. Of course they hate them, after what happened. She hates herself, too. But she keeps giving herself reasons to keep moving, and maybe one day, she will figure out why.-

HESONY: =Fuck yeah, it was hard! It was beyond him how Terezi could get along with so much of the disagreeable sorts, but they did promise. No matter how much he wanted to leave them to their own devices, he couldn't. If he and Miss died because of these people....well...at least he could say, "Look, Rez, I tried, but your friends are real assholes."=

[[ Soon he is able to hear a very faint howling of the wind, and far up head, there is a sliver of flickering light coming from behind a thin crevice. ]]

MITUNA: -I mean. She'd agree. We are assholes. That's why she loves us.-

HESONY: =She loved us too! As least I have the common decency to use past tense!=

DAVE: -I'M THE ASSHOLE?????-

DAVE: -IN THIS SITUATION????-

MITUNA: -Honestly go fuck yourself her love continues in death-

MITUNA: -I MIGHT KNOW JUST A TAD BIT MORE ABOUT THE DEAD THAN YOU-

MICEXA: -YALL... chill...-

HESONY: =You probably know 100% more about the dead than me!=

MICEXA: -oh ok-

HESONY: =eventually he's coming back down towards them to report=

HESONY: Now try not to give yourself wedgies, but I see light back there.

HESONY: =jabs his thumb in the direction he came=

MICEXA: Everyone ready for the storm?

HESONY: Unless you wish to stay in Here of all places, of course.

NYALAH: i say it again

NYALAH: lets fucking do this thing -not stopping. She's doing the whole wheezy climb up.-

[[ When they get to the crevice, they will see that some of the bigger trolls will have to side step through it. ]]

HESONY: =he holds his hand up to Nyalah, not touching her. Everyone seemed to have a problem with that LAST time.= Wait. I will make sure it is clear.

HESONY: =he turned and shimmied through, glancing at his device before looking ahead into the storm. Not long after, he waved for the others to come out. He's even going to put his shield over the entrance so yall don't get snow in your faces. Your welcome.=

NYALAH: -she's too tired to notice these things. Her energy is at max cap.-

MICEXA: -nods and ushers everybody through. LETS GET THIS ROAD ON THE SHOW-

LATULA: -SHE'S not passed out at least... INTO THE COLD-

[[ Using a handy dandy GPS to get them to the nearest town, Tanana, the group sees their first signs of civilization as the lights of the small city appear on the horizon. It has a population of 308. ]]

NYALAH: -nice town. And just as she's thinking about it, she collapses. Blacked out again.-

HESONY: =just...looks at her then glances up at the rest of the crew= You gonna rip my arm off if I attempt to carry her?

NYALAH: -Fuck u. She still has 6 more lives left. She's GOOD. And also unmoving, faceplanted in the snow.-

MITUNA: -FLOATS HER TOO-

DAVE: mituna

DAVE: no

MITUNA: mi7una ye5

KARKAT: =he can't carry everyone but he could try, sighs= Just let him carry her for now since he learned how to use words.

KARKAT: No one wants to be around the other longer than we have to.

MICEXA: -she's not slowing down this time.- \|/e should get close, find somewhere to hide you all... I'll go in and get transport.

MICEXA: -glances at Sunny-

MICEXA: No guarantees we'll be able to make an easy stop after this. \|/e should get as many supplies as we can.

HESONY: =to Mituna= You're gonna burn yourself out keeping that up.

HESONY: =He nodded once Miss spoke and gathered Nyalah into his arms.= Good plan, say we're going on a road trip. Say The Expunger told us to hit the road or else. =He's trying to be funny. Is it working?=

MITUNA: already did i7 once and i7 wa5 doing 5ome7hing a lo7 harder 7han 7hi5

NYALAH: -if she were conscious, she would be snickering cuz Mituna said he "did it". Oh also he said hard.-

NYALAH: -ragdolls in Sunny's arms. Noodlecat.-

HESONY: =He swears that every single one of them is purposely trying to make his life difficult=

MITUNA: -Ye-

NYALAH: -stfu she only weighs like 3 potatoes. Weak.-

HESONY: There are forests bordering the town. We can remain there while you obtain transportation.

HESONY: Be careful. The Expunger may Have already delivered a warning.

MICEXA: \|/e'll see. -looks at Hesony for a few moments... and then OFF SHE GOES-

MICEXA: -Why does this feel so familiar?? Oh wait-

HESONY: =HE'S TRYING TO IGNORE THAT=

MICEXA: -turns around real quick, runs back over to Sunny... kisses him right on the mouth.- MICEXA: -RUNS OFF FOR REAL THIS TIME-

DAVE: -wow. such romance. very love. wow.-

HESONY: =He returned the kiss, watching her run off. Just like sweeps before. Wow. So familiar it burns.=

HESONY: =He led the group into the forest, to wait and kept watch upon the city for any sign of activity. It isn't until later that he realizes he's alone with all these people who probably hate him. Well, probably isn't the right word so much as definitely.=

HESONY: :(

MITUNA: -Suck it up buttercup-

DAVE: -definitely-

HESONY: =Stick it where the sun dont shine, Sparky.=

#cranktankerousGeneticist #coltishdaedalian #nemeanCatapult #academicgeniality #technologicgodot #gladiateCarnifex #gnarlycradz #abscissionGalliard #trojanabstruse #pinnacledSuasion #felicitousVicissitude

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gulescamisade · 7 years

Text

Alaska: Day 7

DAVE: -this guy is no longer dying. is he dizzy? yes. is he shivering? yes. that's good. do his fingers and toes look relatively normal now? yes. suffering maybe, but not dying. hell no. NOT TODAY.-

[[ That's the spirit! ]]

[[The blizzard still raged overhead. This is sure a hell of a storm. ]]

REDGLARE: -she has been SLOWLY circumventing the radius of the cave, looking for exits. Wherever and whatever they may be...-

DAVE: -watching redglare as she goes around. ENTERTAINMENT-

MITUNA: -He's been alternating, maintaining the "ceiling" and dumping the snow elsewhere. As of now, he rests.-

LATULA: -RUBBING HIS HEAD-

[[ With thorough searching, time, and scruitiny, Redglare may be able to hear a hollow sound over the snowstorm overhead. It sounds akin to wind being pulled through a tunnel. ]]

[[ A wind tunnel, so to speak. ]]

REDGLARE: -She's been dragging a little rock along, scraping the floor so she'll have a line back. She attempts to put her arm through the windy wind tunnel. JUST SORTA FEEL AROUND OUT THERE-

KARKAT: =watches this and stays huddled with Dave.=

DAVE: what is she doing

[[ It's not so much a tunnel yet as it's a hole the size of a dime. By placing her hand up to it, Redglare can feel a coolness against her hand. ]]

REDGLARE: -hm. Some more testing. She takes the sharp rock and begins to attempt to dig around the hole, trying to feel if the surrounding area is soft enough to make it a little bigger.-

DAVE: i hope thats a sharpies pick of a rock

ARANEA: -watches redglare also. by this point she's huddling with daelos again.-

DAVE: if were gonna be diggin our way to minnesota

REDGLARE: -she can't really hear them but she's vaguely aware of the fact that she's being watched. Not that it matters too much to her.-

[[ Success! It breaks away bit by glorious bit until the soil falls away, falling down from the larger rocks littering the base to the floor. Come to think of it, this area actually appears to look like it had been a cave-in at one point. The hole has now grown big enough for Redglare to stick her head through. ]]

KARKAT: =That seems. Like a bad idea. Sticking heads in random holes=

DAVE: thats gotta be a glory hole for a giant dick

KARKAT: Stop talking about dicks, Dave.

ARANEA: 😒

REDGLARE: -2 bad she doesn't really have any source of light... sticking her head through is something she WON'T Do. instead she's gonna stick her arm through and feel around a little.-

DAVE: -DONT DO THAT HAVE YOU SEEN AMERICAN HORROR STORY ASYLUM WHERE ADAM LEVINE STICKS HIS HAND SOMEWHERE AND IT GETS EATEN-

[[ CHOMP! Nah, jk. ]]

KARKAT: =Wow. SPOILERS=

[[ It's chilly where Redglare's arm has decided to be. But the other side is hollow. Any amount of flapping around will only pass through empty air. ]]

REDGLARE: -She's trying to find the floor, if any exists. Does this simply open to some kind of chasm?-

DAVE: -IT HAPPENS IN THE FIRST EPISODE HE DIES RIGHT AWAY-

KARKAT: =Maybe he's still on season 1 or something!=

[[ With effort, her fingers brush something on the other side. It feels like gravel and loose soil, much like what has fallen to the ground on her side. The ground feels like it might be gently sloping downward. ]]

REDGLARE: -She pulls her arm out. It's dusty and covered in dirt and her fingers are a little achy, but she raises her arm and gestures towards the group.-

KARKAT: What is it? I'm hoping you're about to say "a hot spring".

REDGLARE: -Shakes her head. She does a sign for 'wind' and 'down'. Not much ELSE than that, but she can barely see over here.-

DAVE: maybe some clothes

KARKAT: Some place down.... hang on. =Rubs Dave's shoulders and scoots him close to the fire then goes to see what Redglare means and it already feels cooler... but probably because there's no fire on the other end=

KARKAT: Should dig it out you think?

REDGLARE: -NODS-

KARKAT: Alright. =He starts to dig his claws in to try and widen the hole more. Haha good thing it's not all collapsing on them!=

DAVE: careful of the dick

KARKAT: =Sighs.....= Dick just... comforts him. For some reason. =Says to Redglare, or to himself=

REDGLARE: -LISTEN SHE'S JUST SURE THERE'S SOMETHING OUT THERE. Maybe even... THE OUTSIDE?

KARKAT: =Okay but the outside is.... very not great=

[[ The winds howls above, reminding them of the shitty storm still in progress. ]]

KARKAT: =The outside is very not great=

REDGLARE: -well she's not gonna stop unless someone stops her-

REDGLARE: -that's for certain-

[[ With Karkat's help, much of the gravel and slightly larger stones have been moved aside. All that is left now are the larger rocks. There are some the size of their fists and some the size of bowling balls. Down at the very bottom by their feet, there one particularly large one that may need at 2-3 people to move. ]]

[[ But progress is progress and for now they are MAKING some. ]]

KARKAT: =Maybe he can use this dirt and gravel to bury his matesprit, oh wait he doesn't have her body and trolls don't do that haha. Claws out more gravel and dirt, just keeps working=

REDGLARE: -WORK THROUGH THE PAIN. She's going for the big rock and gestures at Karkat.-

REDGLARE: -C'MON-

DAVE: -going to carefully...push...himself up. oooowwwwwwwwwww. USE. YOUR ARMS. DAVE.-

KARKAT: =YOU LAY BACK DOWN, but he's coming Redglare lets get this BIG ROCK.=

REDGLARE: -She is doing her best to get har arms around it, shoving her body weight and attempting to roll it out of the way a little at a time.-

[[ It doesn't roll so much as slide. There is an extended grinding sound as it's moved about an inch. ]]

DAVE: -OH GOD HIS LEGS ARE NUMB SHIT SHIT SHIT okay they're fine now. he's actually managing to stand and it makes him incredibly dizzy and now his HEAD is screaming with pain. but at least the frostbite's gone. he wants to see what they're doing. give him a second. he's basically a turtle with this back sitch-

KARKAT: =DAVE HE SWEARS TO GOD and also huffs a little trying to drag this rock up and out of the way. The grinding sound is annoying and defeats the purpose of them having to be quiet but it's GOTTA GO=

REDGLARE: -YEAH. they might need stuff on the other side. Like more rocks, or plants. Or mushrooms?-

ARANEA: -dave you fucking fuck. hisses a little at him.- (Don't hurt yourself...)

DAVE: what am i gonna do die in this cave DAVE: no thanks -he's walking pretty funny to try to avoid further injuring himself, and he's still dizzy so it takes intense focus to head in the right direction-

[[ Little by little the rock is moved away, grinding along as it's pushed. The dirt the rock had been holding up near the sides shifted, raining down small particles over the entrance they've created, but their work seems to hold. There doesn't appear to be another cave-in happening today. ]]

REDGLARE: -oh hey it feels like her leg is on fire. and bleeding again. She inhales a sharp breath as it finally, after so much effort, gives way to a reasonably-sized opening.-

[[ Well done everyone!! ]]

[[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi4jKa6jaek ]]

KARKAT: =Huzah.=

KARKAT: =Now what the heck is in here?=

REDGLARE: -hm. She takes a rock and then she just. GENTLY ROLLS IT DOWN. see how far it goes and whether it makes a sound...-

[[ It's large enough to crawl through, even for Daelos, but they will have to crawl. The hollow, airy sound Redglare heard before is much louder now. The rock disappears through the hole, rolling for a second or two before seemingly stopping. There is nothing but darkness beyond. You'll need a light source to proceed. ]]

ARANEA: -wobbly follows after dave-

KARKAT: =Someone snap Mituna like a glowstick=

REDGLARE: -DO NOT SNAP MITUNA-

DAVE: -did someone ask for sick fires-

KARKAT: =Sick fires not a sick human.... eyeballs Dave= Sit down...

DAVE: why

KARKAT: Because you look like shit, which coming from me doesn't mean much butif you look at everyone comparatively you look like shit.

REDGLARE: -signs. HAVE LIGHT? It's a long shot.-

DAVE: thats cuz im the only human and not a troll

DAVE: no light

KARKAT: No. I'm sure if we had a seadweller that wasn't a mutant freak then they'd be fucked too. =He looks to the fire=

KARKAT: We can use one of the smaller pieces of wood... not the best idea but it's all we got for now.

ARANEA: -NO LIGHT NO LIGHT IN YOUR BRIGHT BLUE EYES I NEVER KNEW DAYLIGHT COULD BE SO VIOLENT-

DAVE: -too bad my eyes are red-

KARKAT: =He's also thinking about dicks right now so=

REDGLARE: -THIS WOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM IF LIGHT WEREN'T SO FUCKING METAPHORICAL!!! stupid paradox space-

[[ The cave waits... seductive and windy. ]]

KARKAT: =Don't...... and he also goes to get a stick..... a log..... a stog from the fire= Alright. Let's hope nothing in there is hungry.

REDGLARE: -frowns, slightly. It's windy. It may not last... but she's not voicing any of those issues. She just nods.-

DAVE: -steps backward because from what he can feel...that's another one way trip to frostbite land-

REDGLARE: -She's going to go in first, getting low to the ground and gradually shimmying down the slope. Just in case.-

[[ Once on the other side, Redglare finds she is able to stand. What light their stog gives illuminates off of the walls of the cave, showing there is much more to the other side than they thought - it is a series of caverns, leading downwards and deeper with no presumable end in sight, far larger than the pitfall into which they were lowered. ]]

KARKAT: =Good, he nods to Dave= We'll be back. =He follows Redglare trying his best to sheild the fire at least a li-- oh= Fuck.

REDGLARE: -Frowns. But then, that's why she's been marking the floors. Now she's going to start marking the walls, too.-

REDGLARE: (3v3ry tr1p m4k3 4 n3w l1n3. know wh4t to follow b4ck.)

DAVE: you better -without much of anything else to say...he very carefully....tries to sit down...-

KARKAT: =Nods at her instructions=

REDGLARE: -BASIC MAZE RULES-- follow the left wall.-

REDGLARE: -that is to say that's what she's doing there. Slow and a bit overly cautious-- or, at least, masking the pain from walking with caution.-

KARKAT: =Would she prefer he piggyback her?=

KARKAT: =To be fair... her leg is pretty gross bad=

REDGLARE: -...SHE WOULD NOT PREFER THAT OK-

REDGLARE: -She takes a deep breath of the air as they go, glancing back at Karkat with the fire.- (how th3 h3ll d1d th3y f1nd th1s pl4c3?)

[[ Meanwhile, in the original skylight cave where everyone else is, howling of a different kind can be heard mixing with the howling of wind from above, along with distant snarls. ]]

DAVE: -furrows his eyebrows and looks at aranea- (what was that)

[[ Redglare and Karkat are quite ambitious for undertaking such a task, but it must be done. It is much quieter in here and their soft voices seem to penetrate the silence. There is nothing but gentle drip dripping sounds from stalactites onto the cave floor. For now. ]]

KARKAT: (Some bullshit asshole luck I'm sure....) =He looks around the place following Redglare and wishing he had some kind of weapon on him at least=

REDGLARE: -well there ARE stalagmites.-

REDGLARE: -she eyes them. fuck u thousands of years of gelogical development they gotta survive-

KARKAT: =True.....=

REDGLARE: -she pauses at all the drip-dripping...-

REDGLARE: (could dr1ng 1t. 1n drops.)

KARKAT: (Could be piss, or bacteria infected.... we don't have anything to boil it in)

REDGLARE: (w3 don't h4v3 4nyth1ng. cl34n w4t3r, 31th3r.) -she continues to walk...-

KARKAT: (True... guess we can't be picky.) =Follows her and keeps the fire sheilded from winds=

[[ There is the occasional flapping of wings and high-pitched chittering that grows louder with their approach. Seems like bats live in here too. ]]

[[ More soft animalistic noises can be heard, little chunks of snow falling from the hole... And then, suddenly, something much larger, flailing in the air before hitting the ground with a crack. ]]

REDGLARE: -She flinches at the sound of the... thing. That crack sounded pretty sickly.-

REDGLARE: -She takes a step towards the noise.-

KARKAT: =Oh.... fucking...... christ. He puts his hand on-- oh=

KARKAT: =Oh fuck. Not that he knows=

KARKAT: =Wait, FUCK BATS.... fuck off bats=

DAVE: -startles and- (FUCK ) -not good for the back. this old man. he tries to move himself backwards as much as he can while he figures out what this thing is-

REDGLARE: -oh ok nevermind that then. She's seen enough about earth bats-- they're not really all that scary, compared to echobeasts. They don't prey on humans.-

MINDFANG: -She had been trying to sleep when whatever the hell it is crashed into the cave floor.-

MINDFANG: (Hhhn-the fuck--??)

[[ Blood pools around it on the ground from what they can see. It's furry. A wolf. ]]

MINDFANG: -What is it DOING down here though.-

MINDFANG: -She squints and slowly, stiffly, makes it onto her feet.-

KARKAT: =.....But they aren't humans. aaaaaaaaaaaaaa not really=

[[ It fell from the hole. Oops?? ]]

REDGLARE: -AAAAAA!!!-

MINDFANG: -Then its a dumb animal.-

MINDFANG: -Shes moving towards the fallen wolf to investigate. It is dead right?-

[[ No need to scream. These bats are harmless and they're more afraid of these large creatures invading their home than you are of them. ]]

DAVE: (what the fuck what the fuck)

KARKAT: =He wants to eat them..... but will leave them alone. For now=

[[ It's not moving currently. Blood continues to spread around it. ]]

[[ If a bat could speak, it would likely say, "You gotta reach us first. Fool." ]]

KARKAT: =That sounds like a challenge you little shit=

REDGLARE: -MAYBE THEY COULD DISCOVER BAT TRAPS. Just like don't starved. And SPEAKING of don't starved, she's going to get a big chunk of Better Rock from one of these stalagmites.-

MINDFANG: -That is not a direct answer.-

MINDFANG: -Shes keeping a small amount of distance then for now. Is there any obvious injury to it besides the whole falling stories thing?-

[[ It's a little too shadowy to tell completely what its injuries are. But before she can get too close, it starts moving again, twitching at first. ]]

MINDFANG: -JUMPS BACK, her metal fist is raised just in case. She can punch really hard with this robot arm, Wolf, just TRY IT.-

KARKAT: =Good, he'll just man the light for now as they continue down this path=

DAVE: (dont move)

[[ It squirms, twitching still, and there's soft cracks and crunches as it limps to its feet, blood still dripping down its fur. ]]

MINDFANG: -Dang, that sounds painful. She grimaces at the noises its body makes.- MINDFANG: (Its alive........ For now.) -Shes not taking her eyes off it.-

DAVE: -he's frozen. being here with a wolf is such a bad idea. no use running cuz that sure as hell isn't going to happen. WATCHES. QUIETLY-

MINDFANG: -Dont worry squishy human, she will protect you.-

DAVE: -thanks...-

[[ It limps closer, dripping. It seems to be approaching toward the direction of the people and the fire. ]]

DAVE: nice dog

DAVE: wolf

DAVE: i have a wife thats kind of a part robot dog

DAVE: maybe you know her i dont know

DAVE: from canine school

REDGLARE: -THE VAGUEST FEELING SOMETHING MAY BE GOING WRONG SOMEWHERE-

MINDFANG: -If it really is getting closer, shes not going to allow it. She picks up the nearest rock and whips it at the over grown puppy.-

REDGLARE: -she sucked the moisture off the stalagmite she broke off. it probably tastes bad...-

KARKAT: =Same...=

KARKAT: =He's jealous and disgusted=

[[ The rock bounces off of it, and it pauses only a moment before it keeps moving. ]]

[[ The bats chittering become louder and their squirming becomes more restless. Suddenly, the bats take off, flying deeper into the cave. ]]

DAVE: (DONT)

REDGLARE: -She flinches.-

REDGLARE: ...

REDGLARE: -Then she starts to back up.-

REDGLARE: (b4ck.)

MINDFANG: -Damn, shes grabbing another rock, this one is much larger.-

MINDFANG: (What is Your suggestion for what we should do then??) -She hisses at him without looking away from the animal.-

DAVE: (wait because its not attacking)

KARKAT: =Oh.... She doesn't need to tell him twice, he just. Puts his hand on her shoulder to guide her as they back track slowly.... nope. NAH=

MINDFANG: (So is your theory to w8 until it does??)

DAVE: (its really hurt tho thats the thing) -carefully extends hand toward wolf-

REDGLARE: -YEAH NAH. if the bats don't wanna deal SHE DOESN'T WANNA DEAL NEITHER-

REDGLARE: -brandishing this big rock-

MINDFANG: -Dave you are going to lose that hand.-

[[ The closer it gets to the firelight, the more they'll seem to see something strange about this wolf. At first it might be interpreted as bone and organs sticking out, but the longer they look, the more it seems to have some sort of... biowiring device on its back. ]]

DAVE: ...

MINDFANG: -That is arguably worse then bones and organs.-

MINDFANG: ..........

[[ With a gurgle, it opens its bloody mouth and snaps for Dave's hand. ]]

MINDFANG: -At the snap she is throwing the second rock, right at its face.-

DAVE: -RETRACTS HAND- (shit)

DAVE: (shit shit shit)

MINDFANG: Move 8ack!

DAVE: -in his attempt to move backward, something...doesn't sound right in his back at all. he just FUCKED SOMETHIN UP REAL GOOD- FUCK

[[ It's hit with a thunk, but the wolf doesn't seem deterred. Much like it isn't noticing much of anything they do. ]]

MINDFANG: -DAVE YOU USELESS HUMAN.-

MINDFANG: -Seeing how the youngest strider seems indisposed, she rushes to get between him and the wolf.-

MINDFANG: -Shes going to punch it right in the doggy snoot.-

DAVE: -he can work with LEG INJURIES AND FOOT INJURIES AND HAND INJURIES but THIS BULLSHIT IS STUPID-

[[ Redglare and Karkat can now hear distinct sounds of struggle and alarm from their "camp" back in the pitfall. ]]

[[ DOOF. It flies and rolls back a few feet over the ground, but it twitches back onto its feet within a few moments. ]]

KARKAT: !! =Okay, he's not going to make her run but he is going to kind of hoist her a little to get some support off her bad leg= (Fuck we have to go back!)

MINDFANG: -!!!??!-

MINDFANG: -Shes staying between it and Dave.-

REDGLARE: -!

REDGLARE: -IS HOIST-

REDGLARE: -she's not arguing but HECK-

DAVE: -got his dukes up just in case-

MINDFANG: Is this normal for earth canines? -Shes pretty sure it shouldnt be.-

DAVE: no

DAVE: no its not

KARKAT: =RUNS BACK... Well. Goes back quickly, here they come bustin in on the scene=

MINDFANG: -Thats just disturbing.-

MINDFANG: -She hisses and advances on the wolf. No sense in giving it a chance to get the first move in on them especially since they have no real weapons.-

MINDFANG: -Here comes her strong fist to its skull again.-

REDGLARE: Wh-

REDGLARE: -what the fuck???-

MINDFANG: -Hey Redglare watch her punch this wolf!-

KARKAT: =WHY, but also kill it=

REDGLARE: -SHE'S NOT YOUR MOM JEEZE-

[[ THUNK. This time it's another sickening crunch, but even bloodied and misshapen, it still tries to struggle up. It appears brain damage does not deter the beast. ]]

MINDFANG: -WITNESS HER.-

MINDFANG: -ALSO GROSS.-

REDGLARE: Wh3r3 d1d th4t com3 from? -She pulls away from Karkat. SHE'S GOT A SHARP ROCK CLUB-

MINDFANG: -Shes not giving up, she will punch it as many times as it takes.-

MINDFANG: -But yeah please get over here quick with that rock club.-

REDGLARE: -She aims it at its back-- pointy end down as hard as she can, to get it between the neck and shoulderblades.-

MINDFANG: -Quickly moves back for Redglare to do her thing.-

[[ Just around the time Redglare aims, something jumps from the wolf and onto Mindfang's metal arm. It's the biowire device, looking like some kind of insectoid creature with dangerous spaghetti wires hanging from it. ]]

[[ The wolf's body collapses in a heap to the stone. ]]

MINDFANG: -UM NO-

DAVE: -oh...my god...-

KARKAT:= WTF=

REDGLARE: -that... wasn't effective in the way it should be. She turns sharply.-

MINDFANG: -The second she sees it she is going into a frenzy to brush it off, get it off, anything.- MINDFANG: Wh8t the SHIT!!

[[ IT GOES FOR A CRAZY BUCKING BRONCO RIDE ON MINDFANG, but it seems like it's trying to crawl onto the rest of her. ]]

REDGLARE: Th3y.

REDGLARE: sh3 w4rn3d m3 to b3 qu13t.

REDGLARE: Som3th1ng would h34r us.

REDGLARE: th1s must b3 1t.

MINDFANG: -She is going to try and grab it with her normal hand and rip it off her. Nope. N O PE.-

DAVE: -IT SUCKS BEING HELPLESS!!!!!!-

DAELOS: - It takes him a while to drag himself to her huffing and puffing, but when he gets to Mindfang he attempts to slap both hands together, intending to squash the creature between them-

[[ It squish crunches grossly, and maybe stabs Daelos' hands a little bit. It twitches for a few moments before going limp. ]]

MINDFANG: -That is disgusting, that was ON her.-

MINDFANG: -She is turning and putting distance between herself and Daelos while she wipes off her metal arm just to get the feeling of it trying to crawl up her away.-

MINDFANG: (What the F8CK!)

KARKAT: What the fuck even happened?

[[ Shenanigans. ]]

DAVE: someones gotta be controlling that right

MINDFANG: -INDEED. Excuse her while she wheezes and tries not to keel over from the ache of her ribs coming back full force now that the rush of danger is gone.-

MINDFANG: (It fell. Through.)

DAVE: (the wolf)

KARKAT: It... God.

REDGLARE: -exhales.-

REDGLARE: ...th3r3's prob4bly mor3.

MINDFANG: Gr8. Splendid.

REDGLARE: d1d 1t hurt you?

KARKAT: So, what? We go fucking spelunking?

MINDFANG: Me? No. It didnt do anything. Asides from try and infect me with its 8ioware parasite.

[[ Past the roar of the storm, they hear the far off howls of the pack, followed by pained yips, then a terrible silence. Eventually, the howls resume, sounding different than before as though a wolf didn't know how to wolf. As though the biotech itself were recreating the sounds. ]]

MINDFANG: ...... -Thats not a comforting sound.-

KARKAT: Alright. Let's go spelunking.

REDGLARE: -She nods.-

DAVE: did you guys find anything like anywhere we could head to get out of this place

REDGLARE: Th3 c4v3s 4r3 3normous.

REDGLARE: But th1s 1s th3 only 3ntr4nc3.

REDGLARE: -she looks up at the hole...-

KARKAT: And there's bats.

MINDFANG: Quite frankly I will t8ke 8ats over more of those Things.

DAVE: are they attack bats DAVE: cuz if theyre attack bats that are trying to kill us then no DAVE: but if theyre normal bats idgaf

KARKAT: Great, let's go. =reaches for dave=

DAVE: about that

DAVE: i fucked up my back trying to get away from that wolf because im apparently useless

MINDFANG: -Good going Strider.-

KARKAT: You're not useless. You got the shit kicked out of you now come here. Let me try to pick you up. ..how bad is it?

DAVE: in medical terms

DAVE: not great

KARKAT: Then we'll. ...fix it down there maybe we'll find some underground grove. =here comes him=

DAVE: yeah and we can like use a stick to fight

KARKAT: Or rocks. =stoops to gently lift=

DAVE: slingshots good idea

KARKAT: =hoists, time to go into the hole=

DAVE: -here we go-

REDGLARE: -SHE'S STILL GOT A ROCK-

REDGLARE: >;I

[[ They can brave the caverns ahead or maybe possibly die in the pitfall behind them. The strange howls are drawing ever nearer. ]]

DAVE: -ANDALE-

REDGLARE: -Her vote is for the caverns, at least. They're bat people now.-

#cranktankerousGeneticist #coltishdaedalian #nemeanCatapult #academicgeniality #trojanabstruse #gladiateCarnifex #technologicgodot #gnarlycradz #abscissionGalliard

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gulescamisade · 7 years

Text

Alaska: Day 6

DAVE: -at this point, he's probably right up against karkat and mituna. karkat for the purposes of comforting him, and mituna because he's the warmest motherfucker here. and daves likely warmer than mituna, so win-win. he's wide awake, shivering, in an undershirt and boxers. His head is pounding although he feels tired, the dizziness still very much a thing, so much that it's making him sick. he's doing everything he can to stay grounded, which means highly relying on emotional defenses he used a long time ago. GOTTA KEEP GOING. GOTTA STAY ALIVE. even if he feels like he's going to puke-

MITUNA: -His left arm is essentially just for show by now. After it essentially breaking against the wing of a buzzard his arm being separated at the joint entirely, it was useless. Well except for consistently reminding him that he's in excruciating pain. Dave moving causes lava to fire through his nerves, making him scream awake and vomit from pain. These megaman boxers do nothing.-

DAVE: -widens his eyes at the scream and vomiting and turns to look at mituna incredibly apologetically- s sorry

DAVE: k kind of a d dick way to s say s s sorry but i r really am

MITUNA: -He sniffs, wretching a little before regaining what little composure he has. At least this pain distracted from the screams in his head. He doesn't think he could bear hearing Terezi rn-

MITUNA: a7 lea57 i know i75 57ill a77ached hehe FUCK

MINDFANG: -With their talking shes starting to stir from what could supposedly be called sleep, not that she had been able to get more then a few minutes now and then. Shes not far from the pile of boys and she opens her one eye to look at them.-

DAVE: hahaha yeah -he's not quite sure he can make it out of this without frostbite. damn his vulnerable human anatomy and his fucking back which is making it hard to move at all- so

DAVE: anyone got a p plan

MINDFANG: I have.... 8een considering...options. -Takes a short breath in between every few words.-

MITUNA: 5park5 are 57ill ou7 of commi55ion

MITUNA: really 5hor7 lived -Leans more on Dave even though holy shit this hurts. Get this warmth-

MINDFANG: My powers are.... also... still unavaila8le. MINDFANG: I attempted....using them while.... you were sleeping. -Directed at Mituna. Yes she tried to pry into your mind, but sadly to no avail.-

MITUNA: dick move

DAVE: ch challenge one of those asswipes to a r rap battle -chattering teeth- h hey whos that one g guy who l likes troll p pokemon

MINDFANG: Smart actually.... If it.... worked on you... then i could consider...trying it.... on... our guards.

DAVE: ho dont do it

MITUNA: youre 7hinking abou7 7av and ruf

MINDFANG: I just said I cant-- -She hisses and then cringes immediately after. Instant regret her ribcage is onfire.-

DAVE: hey maybe if we just g glue ourselves to each o other we can have o one functioning b body

MITUNA: wi7h wha7 dildo hole

DAVE: good question

MINDFANG: Do you...have...an answer?

DAVE: fuck no

MINDFANG: Then your idea...is useless.

DAVE: d did they also j jack up your s sense of humor

MINDFANG: No, 8ut you seem... to have never had any to 8egin with.

MINDFANG: Also...Fuck jokes right now.

DAVE: burned

DAVE: iced

NYALAH: -with as much blood loss, the trauma of injury that her body has endured, and the lack of treatment, Nyalah is quite literally struggling to be alive right now. The only indication that she ISN'T dead is the shallow tick of her pulse. Otherwise, her blood matted body remains bound and crumbled. Too still against the frozen, terrible conditions of their imprisonment.-

MINDFANG: Refrain from mentioning...ice. -Shes shivering already. Underwear and tanktops do not make for good snow gear.-

DAVE: fire

DAVE: -poor nyalah... he wishes he could help her-

MINDFANG: -Please dont die Nyalah, thats a lot of bodies.-

MINDFANG: 8etter.

DAVE: you know what would be cool

DAVE: having a robot limb

DAVE: hows that workin out for you serko

MITUNA: i could u5e one righ7 abou7 now

MINDFANG: -Shes staring so hard at dave right now.-

MINDFANG: -Maybe if she thinks hard enough he will choke on his own spit.-

MINDFANG: If we survive this...

MINDFANG: Ill 8e certain you get one.

DAVE: thanks

DAVE: youre the real mvp

MINDFANG: You are welcome.

NYALAH: -at some point, her breathing is becoming rapid pants. Limbs twitching with tiny convulsions.-

MITUNA: 5hi7

MINDFANG: -Nyahla gains her attention. Oh dear, looks like the cat isnt going to survive after all.-

MINDFANG: -She frowns. Its really a terrible way to go.-

MITUNA: no no no no no no no -Flops and starts trying to inch to her-

DAVE: anybody know anything medical DAVE: that might help DAVE: -also attempts crawling toward her. Shit his back is SCREAMING-

MINDFANG: Not...without the supplies to...8ack it up.

MINDFANG: -She looks away from Nyalah now, out of respect.- 8e 8etter off ending her suffering.

DAVE: wheres her main injury coming from

DAVE: where is she bleeding out the most -he is working his way out of his under shirt, ripping it with his teeth so he can get it off. he may just have to use it to warm her-

NYALAH: -that would be the stapled gash from the vulture beak on her side. It's been agrivated as they were tossed around and not exactly been allowed to heal. She even lies on her belly as an unconscious attempt to guard it. And with the blood that had seeped from the crushing of her horn, things were not looking up for her.-

DAVE: -he decides YES he will use his shirt to warm her, and just kind of identifies her injuries so he doesn't hurt her, laying the torn shirt over her curled body and positioning himself so he's against her where it's least harmful-

MITUNA: -Gently flops over her to keep her warm-

NYALAH: -after a half hour of difficulty, her breathing begins to stablize and she passes out once again. Still breathing.-

DAVE: -we're doing good. mostly-

NYALAH: -it's another half hour before she starts to stir. Sniffing at the bitter air. What might be Dave's hair.- (hff)

NYALAH: (daven)

DAVE: no the better d dave -ITS SO COLD BUT SHES AWAKE AND TALKING THATS GOOD-

NYALAH: ....none better d than daven only ask him -It's strange. She's not so raspy or slurring at her words like she usually is. Could be she hasnt had nip in a while or. Who knows. She curls closer to him.- huddle

DAVE: ok thats t tmi but yeah huddle -WARMTH-

NYALAH: -shift shift. There's someone draped on her.-

MITUNA: -hisses- ow fuck

NYALAH: wait

NYALAH: -slowly starts to pry herself to sit, regretting her own actions but. She's gotta.- psion

NYALAH: -sniffs him.-

NYALAH: dislocation? -asking for a friend. She's sitting up more now, face scrunched up in pain. There's still a considerable welp on her cheek from being slapped around.-

MITUNA: -Groans- yeah and i 7hink i75 broken below the elbow his arm is having a bad time-

NYALAH: kay -hffs, starting to shrug off Dave's shirt. Using only her toes, she stuffs the rag into Mituna's mouth.-

NYALAH: stay -Now bringing her feet over to set by his shoulder. The contortionist cat. Keeps him in place.- sorry in advances

NYALAH: -and then applies a swift force to snap the joint back into place.-

MITUNA: -His scream dies in his gag. She's forced in back in place but disturbed the stab wound that caused the dislocation in the first place, blood gushing from his shoulder.-

NYALAH: shhhh -picks the shirt from his mouth and presses it against the wound. Brow furrowed in concentration. Even using that much force was agrivating her own wound.- n33ds catalyst

MITUNA: oh my fucking FUCK

NYALAH: lay still -doing her best to staunch the ooze of blood. Eyes bright with pain.-

DAELOS: - swings back into consciousness. he wasn't even aware he has slipped in the first place, he's so cold. he can't believe what he's seeing at first, Nyalah moving around after sustaining such heavy injuries. His snorty breath coming out in puffs as he drags himself over.-

[[ The Expunger isn't around currently, and the legislacerators that are there don't seem to be doing anything to stop their talking or mending one another. One of them simply watches. ]]

NYALAH: -puts her whole blood stained paw foot on Daelos's face.- alive

MITUNA: -Choking back sobs, the air stinging his cheeks- 57op moving dunka55

DAELOS: - Shocked for a second, and then kisses that bloody foot- I can see that

DAELOS: - He has nothing to offer but his weight. He leans it in to help her with Mituna-

DAELOS: - It should make things go faster-

NYALAH: -gross. Totally helping Mituna spoon with Daelos.-

MITUNA: -Jesus Christ his world is on fire. It's hard to tell if the screaming in his head is his or the voices-

DAELOS: - Gently crushes you-

NYALAH: -looking that one Legislacerator in the eyes as she attempts the wiggle her biocuffed arms under her butt. Gonna sit on these arms and manuever them up to her front.-

SEAKRAIT: -watches her do this... and the other legislacerators are too preoccupied looking out around them. She doesn't do anything to stop Nyalah.-

NYALAH: -okay cool. Uses her still bound front paws to keep pressing the shirt to Mituna.- NYALAH: sp33k to me

MITUNA: 7hi5 big blue 7ain7fuck i5 colder 7han fi5h nook

DAELOS: Rude... e%ceedingly rude -he will keep lovingly crushing u tho-

NYALAH: best things in life are cold as fish nook NYALAH: fur example NYALAH: fish nook -chirring as best she can. Comforting.-

MITUNA: -Maybe one day...he will know-

NYALAH: -Pls.-

MINDFANG: -Yall are being gross.-

DAELOS: - Scandalized snort. - Really Nyalah

NYALAH: its survival

MITUNA: -Wonders how Feferi is, suddenly-

FEFERI: -Pretty glubbing dead! Like always!-

MITUNA: -Lol get rekt-

NYALAH: -keeping her arms close to her middle, she is giving these biotech cuffs a careful look ver.-

NYALAH: -discreetly shows them to Daelos for him to have a peep at. He's the one who might know how they work and all.-

DAELOS: - Has an intent peep.-

DAELOS: - Of course he knows how they work, but he kind of averts his gaze. He doesn't want to cause a scene and get someone else battered or killed-

NYALAH: -That's good enough for her. She starts to scoot off and inspect Mindfang.- mrrp

REDGLARE: -She's been pretty quiet-- it's hard to tell the difference between her being awake and her being asleep, aside from the speed of her breathing. Her eye opens, and she casts a glance towards the group-- failing to linger for more than a second on each face-- before closing it again.-

MINDFANG: -Her eyes are shut, she was trying to at least pretend she was asleep in hopes that maybe it would give her a brief reprieve from the pain she was in with fractures and a break or two all over her ribcage. At least she hasnt lost a lung yet.-

MINDFANG: -When Nyalah approaches though her eye squints open.- .........What are you doing. -Keeps her arms wrapped around herself.-

NYALAH: -sniffs her.- s33ing

NYALAH: -scoots painfully past her to inspect Redglare.-

REDGLARE: -her leg is gross. bad and getting worse a little too rapidly. She doesn't acknowledge her outwardly.-

MINDFANG: You yourself should 8e resting....

MINDFANG: Its impressive you are still 8reathing now...Do not push it.

NYALAH: -hffs and sacrifices her own shirt to attempt to bind Redglares leg with. All she's left with is a sports bra and how visible and equally gross the gash on her side is.- im pushing it

NYALAH: til i cant push no more

MITUNA: -Groans-

REDGLARE: -opens an eye again to look at her. She's not sure she understands this... why she's doing this.-

NYALAH: -because it's the harder thing to do. Also she almost died about an hour ago and is probably only moving out of adrenaline shots.-

DAELOS: - Silently gets emotional about this cat. -

KARKAT: =She's doing it because she's a good person and someone has to. He's not really responding to all of this just watching it. Heartwarming as it is. He's just been stupidly crying on and off in the cold but at least someone's got their shit together=

[[ Seakrait straightens up and looks elsewhere pretty quick, almost like she's hearing something no else is. ]]

SEAKRAIT: Yes, sir.

SEAKRAIT: Everyone on your feet!

NYALAH: butt face

NYALAH: -stays huddled with Redglare.-

DAELOS: Nyalah, obey them

DAELOS: Please

DAELOS: - Panicked-

NYALAH: -okay well she's going to stay to help Redglare stand then.-

REDGLARE: -She blinks her eye, looking up at Seakrait. Her voice is kind of quiet as she murmurs.- l3g's w34k. N33d to-- ngh. -holding onto her support.-

REDGLARE: ...Th4nk you.

SEAKRAIT: Orders are to relocate, -she snaps to the rest of the legislacerators.- \|/e're taking them to the pitfall.

KARKAT: =Great. a hole to put them all in=

MITUNA: 7ha7 game 5uck5

NYALAH: -quickly skirts her arms up behind her back and bows with the pain of having to stand.- i have two whole leg

NYALAH: and you two good horn

NYALAH: its even exchange

REDGLARE: h4h.

SEAKRAIT: -She reaches out and grabs onto Karkat's arm, deciding to drag him along in front of the group.- Move.

DAELOS: - Does his best to stand. It's not easy. One leg is useless and his good one is split at the foot. He wobbles. -

NYALAH: -limps along with RG.-

[[ Legislacerators still flank the group on all sides, encouraging their trek. ]]

KARKAT: =clenches his jaw and fights to not jerk his arm back. But he's just so goddamn tired of this and their game=

REDGLARE: - it's one dang slow trudge, that's for sure.-

DAELOS: - He tries to take a step. He falls. -

MITUNA: -He's trudging along-

MITUNA: -Stops for Daelos-

SEAKRAIT: -oh gdi. She snaps back at Mituna and Mindfang- You two get him moving.

REDGLARE: -glances over at Daelos... Eye drifting towards Seakrait again as she barks an order.-

REDGLARE: th1s wh4t you s1gn3d up for?

DAELOS: - Maybe he could shuffle if he has a wall to lean on or if the ground was not snow but at this stage he cannot walk. It's humiliating of course but not compared to the rest of their situation. -

MITUNA: how do you propo5e we do 7ha7 nookbrea7h

SEAKRAIT: I propose you do it. -ignores Redglare-

MINDFANG: -Glares right at Seakrait the entire time shes bending down to help Daelos up.-

MINDFANG: (8est to keep moving, they seem to h8 dead w8.) -Internal screaming as helping to take any of his weight feels like torture.-

MITUNA: -Tries to lean down to try and help him up-

DAELOS: - He's too mortified to say anything. He tried to avoid leaning on Mindfang as much as he can. - I apologize

MINDFANG: (Dont 8other. You are not the one who had the 8rilliant idea to maim a prisoners foot when you want them to-- -hff- move.)

[[ The group continues to be led by Seakrait through the forest, snow drifting gently around them in a too-beautiful discordance to the stains in the snow they leave behind them. Eventually, they see a familiar daunting figure in the distance, waiting nearby what is becoming ever more apparent as a giant hole in the earth. ]]

REDGLARE: -She laughs. Weakly and dryly.-

NYALAH: -presses her good horn at Redglare. One eye shut tight.-

SEAKRAIT: -She pauses just by the cavernous hole, releasing Karkat none too gently and looking over the crowd.- I'll do the honors, High Legislacerator.

KARKAT: The honors. Right. Like there's any honor to be had here. =He's just ready for the hole= Have fun.

SEAKRAIT: -She quickly sets up an automatic pulley system in the ground for climbing, tying the harness around herself, and then she moves toward Redglare. Looks like she's first.-

SEAKRAIT: You're lucky your survival will be left up to fate. But I'm not betting on it. -grabs onto Redglare's arm-

REDGLARE: -She pulls away from Nyalah.- p4ss3s for 4 tr14l, th3s3 d4ys, do3s 1t?

THE EXPUNGER: -gazes at the little crowd, chin high.- Don’t you worry. We’ll come back to retrieve your bodieS aS well, but only after Sufficient time haS paSSed to enSure you are dead. Luckily rot doeS not Set in So quickly in cold environmentS. You will Still be identifiable.

KARKAT: =He just tiredly looks up into the sky and sighs wearily= Fuck yourself on my horn when you come back. It'll be frigid enough for you.

SEAKRAIT: -She heads close to the hole, then grips Redglare tighter in her hold before shimmying them both over the edge and slowly... beginning to lower them down. Redglare can see the drop down is incredibly steep; it's unlikely most anything would survive a straight fall.-

REDGLARE: -it certainly is. She's mostly dead weight, anyhow.-

NYALAH: -shivers in the whole cold. Unable to protest or do much more than watch.-

SEAKRAIT: -They descend at a reasonable pace, but once they're a good twenty feet or so down, she holds Redglare tighter -- closer -- and begins to whisper.-

SEAKRAIT: (Don't speak. Be as quiet as possible down here. No one will hear you, but something else might. If you hear anything down here with you, don't let it find you.)

SEAKRAIT: (Focus on keeping yourselves alive as long as you can. Your leg is poisoned, but it won't kill you yet. I'm going to give you the antidote, bite down on it.)

SEAKRAIT: -She glances down to see how far they are from the floor of the cavern; it's about eight or ten feet now.- (If you understand, struggle.) -And then she moves to press her mouth to Redglare's for just a moment, slipping something pill-shaped inside with her tongue.-

REDGLARE: -uhm. UHM?? She might have struggled ANYHOW regardless of her understanding-- and she's not sure she does. Poison... antidote... no noise. She's helping them, maybe?? She squirms and struggles, letting out an MPH as she swallowd the pill down a raw throat.-

SEAKRAIT: -And she drops Redglare about six feet from the floor, laughing loud enough that she's sure the High Legislacerator will hear before ascending once again, leaving Redglare alone.-

REDGLARE: -The spark of clarity left, at least, keeps her quiet as she finally hits the ground, with a start.-

SEAKRAIT: -SHE'S COMING BACK UP FOR THE REST OF THE GROUP. One by one she's lowering them down-- Karkat, Dave, Mindfang, Nyalah, Mituna, Latula, Aranea... and then finally, Daelos. Needless to say, he's more of a struggle. She says nothing to any of the others, but once Daelos is down, she spits on the ground of the cavern before ascending for the final time, and it hits the rock with a little plink.-

KARKAT: =A plink=

[[ A PLINK. ]]

MITUNA: -Two in the plink one in the stink-

[[ Shortly after they're left in the cavern, they will feel their powers begin to return. Also, it sounds like there's wind howling above; the storm on the horizon has finally reached their location, and the blizzard is kicking up. ]]

REDGLARE: -She does some very quick sign language as each is lowered. Silence. Danger. Time.-

NYALAH: -she had no powers to begin with but does take swift breaths of the icy air. The storm brewing. She shivers terribly.-

MITUNA: -Groans, but his eyes flicker, ever so gently-

KARKAT: =Silence, danger, time. He glances up hearing the storm=

KARKAT: =He's also going to go look at the plink=

DAELOS: - He's soon leaning into her, just like he had been with Mituna, except now he's trying to keep her warm, although since he's a blue blood it doesn't count for much. At least his hair is warm. -

[[ Funny enough, there's a pill in that plink. ]]

KARKAT: =A pill. He stares at it. It stares at him and he stares at it and it stares at him=

[[ It's sort of slobbery, but it looks like it has some kind of fluid inside. ]]

[[ You know. One of those fish oil looking pills. ]]

KARKAT: =Absolutely disgusting.=

KARKAT: =He can't believe that twat cheeked her vitamins from this morning=

[[ KARKAT PLS ]]

KARKAT: =COME GET YOUR PILL DAROLD=

MITUNA: -Soft crackling-

KARKAT: She spat this out.

MITUNA: (guy5 guy5)

DAELOS: - He doesn't realize he's been poisoned or realize that pill is for him-

MITUNA: (im ge77ing my 5park5 back)

REDGLARE: -She points at herself, her leg. Signs 'cure.'-

[[ Also on the plus side, the cave is a lot warmer than the surface, but chillier under the hole. ]]

NYALAH: -maneuvering her arms back in front of her. Looks to Redglare signing and Daelos's leg. Hhhhh. Alright fine.-

NYALAH: -picking the pill from the goo and stuffs it in Daelos's mouth. Keeps her hands clamped there and makes sure he eats it.-

DAELOS: -???? -

NYALAH: -rip in fucking pieces.-

DAELOS: - HORSE GROANY NOISE OF SURPRISE. but yes he supposes he would swallow this. -

REDGLARE: -signs JUST DO IT. like the shy le beef-

NYALAH: -also stuffs some snow in his mouth to help it go down easier.-

NYALAH: -eating some snow herself. Om.-

DAELOS: - NOW GET YOU FILTHY PAWS OUT OF HIS MOUTH-

KARKAT: =Don't it keeps him quiet=

KARKAT: =He just looks to the cave and starts to walk there=

NYALAH: -when the deed is done, she slinks off after Karkat. Clutching at her side.-

KARKAT: =How far back does this cave go? Is there any wood here? Is there a deeper part where he can just fuck right off?=

[[ The area of the cavern they're in is pretty vast, so it'll take some time to navigate the perimeter, but from first glance, there don't appear to be any exits. ]]

DAELOS: - Following this, he continues to eat the snow that looks the freshest-

REDGLARE: -Seems like the first and only time they'd be able to treat their wounds without being under duress. Her flask would've actually been useful if they didn't take her. Damn.-

[[ There are some fallen leaves and logs around beneath where the hole is above, rotting slowly. ]]

REDGLARE: -instead she starts to mill around the ground. Looking for some good, sharp rocks.-

KARKAT: =Relatable. But he looks around=

[[ Rocks are, at least, in abundance here. Such as sharp, pointy stalagmites and stalactites, for example, but there are probably some other chips and things around. ]]

NYALAH: -doing her best to wipe the grime from her wound with snow. The less she moves, the more the pain catches up to her. She actually has to stop and lean up against a boulder, just to focus on breathing and not vomiting.-

[[ The snow probably won't help Daelos and Nyalah with hydration too much, with the cold lowering their body temperatures and making it more difficult for their bodies to retain the moisture, but it at least wets their mouths. ]]

REDGLARE: -She wouldn't know Flint from any other kind of rock, so she's just looking for something that's sharp enough to scratch marks into the walls of the cave. Maybe having some concievable goal is enough to stop thinking about what she saw just last night.-

MITUNA: p5557 7ula

LATULA: -HEY BRUH DONT MIND HER SHE IS TOTALLY STILL TRAUMATIZED- LATULA: tun3z???

DAELOS: - With the help of the cave wall he's able to slowly drag himself to his feet. As long as he leans against it, he can follow it in a circle, keeping his eye out for anything that might be missed. -

NYALAH: -finds some crevice to curl into, holding herself as she comes close to passing out again. So cold.-

MITUNA: 5how me your hand5

DAVE: -he definitely needed some help bring the only pathetic human in the group. his fingers and toes are lookin pretty blue, it's a little concerning. his back aches every time he moves, he stopped shivering a long time ago, when they were still outside. now when he speaks he's mumbling into his numb arm just lying there- theresno mmm snow

KARKAT: =Dave doesn't look good at all. Karkat looks at him then walks over to try and cover as much of him as he can= Sh. =cups his hands between his own= We need a fire going.

MITUNA: -Ahead of you, Kark. He's floating logs over, stacking them in a pile. His eyes glow, and his head swims from the concentration. Suddenly, optic blast, but it's weak, drying the logs more than anything rn-

LATULA: -She holds em out... fingertips are a little black.- dud3 your 4rm

LATULA: 4r3 you gonn4 b3 good???

MITUNA: Mnnnngh

LATULA: oh SH1T!

LATULA: dud3 FUCK!!!! TH4T WORK3D?

DAVE: -his hands are numb between karkats- gotta keep goin to the tunnel underground

[[ The logs give them the SMOLDER. ]]

KARKAT: =Blows warm air on Dave's hands= We need fire. If we find a hot spring down there you can punch me.

[[😘 ☁️]]

MITUNA: -Oh thank fuck. He stops, and starts blowing on the logs trying to get that fire going-

DAVE: how much time we allocate for naps DAVE: we cant waste time

REDGLARE: -LOOMS WITH A PAINFUL LURCHING STEP and holding up a rock.- (m4rk th3 w4lls wh3r3v3r you go. 1f th3r3 4r3 tunn3ls 4nd you g3t lost. c4n follow th3 l1n3s b4ck.)

KARKAT: Dave. Shut up. I'm getting you warm. Shut. Up.

REDGLARE: (surv1v4l f1rst. work out sh1fts. st4y qu13t.)

MITUNA: -Guess who has a fire going?-

NYALAH: -a little too quiet in her corner. Everything is being too much for her body.-

LATULA: -holds her hands over it...-

[[ The logs slowly catch into little flame at Mituna's encouragement. The wind howls overhead, sending heavier snow down through the hole. ]]

LATULA: th4nk fuck1n god...

KARKAT: =Thanks Mituna. He's putting Dave closest to the fire and sitting behind him. Snug up against his back=

DAELOS: - He carefully nestles Nyalah in his arms and slowly brings her closer to the little fire. Maybe being warm will do her good. His brow is cinched with worry. -

MITUNA: -Makes a psionic barrier at the top of the hole. Fuck you snow. This is a terrible long term plan btw. He's quiet, concentrating-

LATULA: -hand on his shoulder- uh

LATULA: 1t 41nt push1n too hard 1s 1t? 1n th3 br41nm34tz?

MITUNA: 5h we go77a re57

NYALAH: -definitely 100% unconscious again, even as Daelos keeps her close.-

DAVE: remember when youwere hella wrm

MITUNA: (ju57 le7 me be u5eful)

KARKAT: =mumbles against Dave's shoulder= Remember when I gave you that manicure? =It was like, not even a few days before all this. Holds up Dave's hands to the fire and just tries to focus on him=

LATULA: ...1m proud of you b4b3z.

DAVE: -pauses- ohyeah

DAVE: sall fucked up now

DAVE: youre so quiet (arewe whispering)

LATULA: but 1 sw34r to sh1z 1m gonn4 b34t your butt 1f you push yours3lf to f4r.

LATULA: >8P

MITUNA: ehehehe be7 on i7

KARKAT: I guess.

DAVE: -his breathing is a little shallow- im gonna go to bed while everyone elsisleeping now

KARKAT: =Makes a face against him and scrunches his nose= Run out of jokes already...?

DAVE: yeah

DAVE: ran out of em

MITUNA: -Keeps this roof going, it's just collecting snow. Good news is it helps keep the heat trapped too.-

KARKAT: Okay.... just. (Get up later.) =mumbles and holds him but lets him rest=

MINDFANG: -Shes returning from having done a quick survey of the immediate area of the cave. And also she had felt the need to move just to keep her brain working again. The sense of getting her mental powers back had come with a huge relief and now she is joining the rest of the group by the fire. Arissa carefully sits down and starts to dig her fingers into the joints and spaces of her metal arm to clear out snow and ice that she had felt trapped in there for hours.-

DAELOS: - While Nyalah sleeps he carefully melts snow in his hands and tries to wipe away the debris around her ruined horn without making the wound bleed again. -

DAELOS: - It would hurt if she were awake so now is the time-

ARANEA: -she's been conscious probably?? she's in alright shape, comparatively, though her chest hurts like a motherfucker and it's been keeping her quiet. she can't stop watching dave.-

NYALAH: -too exhausted to even protest or react to the streak of pain. She's out like a light.-

DAVE: -if he just...closes his eyes... a little...-

KARKAT: =Rest... but just let it be rest.=

KARKAT: =On second thought he's a finicky motherfucker and just all of this is settling wrong to him= ...Mn. No. Okay. Just. No jokes then. =Dave is so squishy and vulnerable, no sleep for you asswipe=

DAVE: are we spooning

KARKAT: Yes. You're welcome little spoon.

DAELOS: - He notices the way Aranea is staring intently at the poor little human and gives her a questioning glance, looking up from Nyalah for a moment. -

ARANEA: -catches his glance, meeting it with an unyielding concern. she scoots closer to daelos and fixes her attention on nyalah instead for the moment. she wonders if she can help her now...-

DAVE: -he is starting to fall asleep again- k

KARKAT: No kays.

KARKAT: Hum one of your dumb raps.

DAELOS: - Scoots to make room for her, she feels to cold nudge of his nose as he talks in her ear. - (Are you alright)

ARANEA: -turns her head to brush cheeks with him- (I'm... Just concerned.)

DAELOS: - Sighing- (Well... there is certainly cause for it)

DAELOS: - He always imagined he would die in a hole but he wants something better for his loved ones and crew members. -

MITUNA: -He keeps asking for death. And yet....-

DAVE: -hums something unintelligible that kind of sounds like my humps-

ARANEA: -she shares some of the light eminating from her fingertips with nyalah. she will likely stay unconscious, but hopefully it will be a more restful kind of sleep. the pain inside her head should begin to subside. concentrating is difficult for her, but her own strong sense of self preservation is motivation enough to keep trying to exercise her abilities. they have better chances together. and after what she saw yesterday, she isn't exactly willing to let anyone else fall at the hands of those bastards.-

DAELOS: - Seeing this warm his heart. Perhaps... just perhaps there is a chance they will make it out of this. He nuzzles Aranea gratefully. -

DAELOS: Thank you

ARANEA: -leans into him, only nodding in response. but maybe some of that light will transfer to him too...-

MITUNA: -He's sweating next to the fire, quiet with the strain of all this snow accumulating on his barrier. His brain is a muscle that hasn't been exercised in forever. A time ago he'd be able to do this no problem. He grunts softly, trapping the collected snow in a psionic bubble and moving it past the entrance of the hole to plop that huge pile somewhere else. Sorry guys, no ceiling for a while. He breathes a little heavy-

DAVE: -he's been practically forced to stay awake because concussions are great and karkat won't let him go to sleep anyway. he's still pretty out of it, but the warmth seems to be doing at least something. he ain't dead yet right?-

MITUNA: -He's really tired you guys-

DAVE: -tired club-

MITUNA: -snow starts drifting into the hole-

TEREZI: =Would have been proud of them.=

DAVE: -rude ass dead rude ass-

MITUNA: -Gdi Excalibur-

TEREZI: =shup=

MITUNA: donde...e57a...la biblio7eca

MITUNA: me llamo 7 bone la arana di5co7eca

DAVE: -watches mituna even if he looks blurry-

MITUNA: -Come on Dave you know this one-

MITUNA: di5co7eca

MITUNA: muneca

MITUNA: e5 en bigo7e grande pero man7eca

DAVE: manteca bigote gigante

DAVE: pequeño

MITUNA: la cabe5a e5 nieve

MITUNA: cerve5a e5 bueno

DAVE: -takes a good minute before saying the next part- buenos dias me gusta papas frías

MITUNA: lo5 bigo7e5 de la cabra e5 cameron diaz

DAVE: -another minute- yeaboi

MITUNA: -Soft bomb noise-

DAVE: -breathes- when are we

DAVE: gettin out

MITUNA: no7 ye7 bu7 youre bein pa7ien7 a5 fuck -A snowflake lands on his nose. He's exhausted, but he's still floating a couple logs to the fire. The wet logs snap and crackle with moisture-

DAVE: were gonna

DAVE: get out of here

MITUNA: yeah i know -He glances up. He's only gonna rest a little while longer before continuing to keep the cold out for everyone. Just thirty minutes alright? He doesn't even know how long thirty minutes will be...but still.-

MITUNA: fuck america though dude

[[ Mituna could try counting 1-Mississippi, 2-Mississippi all the way up to 1800-Mississippi. ]]

[[ It's even the spirit of USA! Amurrica, frick yeah! ]]

MITUNA: -Fuck you America-

DAVE: dude dont

DAVE: youre doin some stuff

DAVE: you gotta calm down

DAVE: with your teleport

DAVE: teleconnecticut

MITUNA: i go77a...do 5ome7hin....even if i75 ju57 givin your 5orry a55e5 a chance 7o re57....ehehe

DAVE: we have a fire were good to go

MITUNA: i75 no7 57rong enough ye7

ARANEA: -she's been drifting in and out of consciousness. being cool blooded as she is, the cold is taking it's toll on her. but being slightly delirious, she doesn't think much as she starts wiggling in dave's direction, her hand out towards him.-

DAVE: -watching aranea and this hand thing she's doing and it reminds him of movies and dead people and angels and all he can do is look at her- im dead now

MITUNA: lmao lucky cock5ucker

DAVE: oh nope im alive

MITUNA: poor bi7ch

ARANEA: -ha... is he likening her to an angel? dont' be silly, boy. she touches his shoulder, or hand, or whatever she can get ahold of first and lets the little bit of warmth she has to offer extend to him-

DAVE: -just like that, he feels it...a warm sensation putting feeling back into his fingers and his toes. he watches her carefully as this happens, without a doubt a little confused and delirious with hypothermia but...it appears that his fingers and toes begin to lose their blue color-

MITUNA: -Grins a little, but he's so tired. His head lulls back, eyes fluttering closed. Just for a moment. Just for thirty minutes.-

ARANEA: (We're going to get out of here.) -affirms what he was already saying... if he had any doubts, he couldn't possibly now.-

DAELOS: -LOUD SNORING ON NYALAH DURING THESE TOUCHING MOMENTS.-

DAVE: -his gaze meets hers and he slowly nods- were gonna

NYALAH: -no worries. She's affectionately chewing his neck fat in her sleep.-

MITUNA: -Probably about 44 minutes later he puts the psionic ceiling back up-

[[ Sleep MORE. It means you need it! ]]

DAELOS: -Except at some point he wakes up. His sleep is rather restless. And other than Nyalah chewing on him, he notices that Aranea has left his side and wiggled more towards Dave. And they're holding hands.-

DAELOS: 👀!

DAELOS: -Well. It's cold and humans are fragile. Perhaps it's merely kindness. He tries to go back to sleep.-

DAELOS: -He finds it a bit difficult to stop low key watching them, though.-

ARANEA: -for once doesn't notice when she's being given extra attention... she's zoning in and out a little too much while still looking at dave.-

DAELOS: -MMmm.....-

DAVE: -his fingers are moving a little now that they actually feel like they exist. he's not sure what's happening now but he also doesn't have the sense or strength to get up and do something else-

DAELOS: -On second thought, he doesn't want to look at this anymore. He's gonna slowly just turn so he's facing the other direction. And eventually he'll be able to sleep.-

#cranktankerousGeneticist #coltishdaedalian #nemeanCatapult #academicgeniality #trojanabstruse #gladiateCarnifex #technologicgodot #gnarlycradz #abscissionGalliard

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gulescamisade · 7 years

Text

Alaska: Day 5, Purifier

DAVE: -he just throws his communicator in frustration out into the open snow-

DAVE: -before also going to get it-

ARANEA: ... -eyeballs him-

DAVE: -picks it up and wipes the snow off of it before sighing- fuck

ARANEA: -looks around... then shuffles over to approach him- (Is everything alright?)

DAVE: -turns to see aranea there and just shrugs in a sort of bitter defeat- considering somehow jade transformed into something evil with our twins inside of her

DAVE: no

DAVE: not really

ARANEA: ... I'm sorry.

ARANEA: I know that must 8e difficult.

DAVE: -takes a deep breath- yeah

DAVE: it is

DAVE: -pauses- do you have anyone youre worried about

TEREZI: =a few yards away, Terezi is shoving her own phone into her mouth=

ARANEA: -glances off- Well... It would seem most everyone I'm close to is here. Which makes me more fortunate.

ARANEA: I would hate to 8e in your position... Not knowing what might 8ecome of Daelos. -it's kind of the same. he's like, old and decrepid...-

DAELOS: -HEY NOW.-

DAVE: yeah i mean

DAVE: there are people i care about here but someones fuckin with jades head

DAVE: and someone named jane apparently

DAVE: -throws his com AGAIN-

DAVE: -before going to get it again-

ARANEA: -I love you daelos..............-

ARANEA: -and omg dave you're such a dork. just watches him.- Ahem...

ARANEA: That's awful.

DAVE: yeah

DAVE: why are we even here

ARANEA: Perhaps the plan is to... divide us physically 8ecause we are stronger as a group?

DAVE: but why the snow

DAVE: why didnt they use a grenade to kill us all

ARANEA: -shrugs- The Empress has always 8een notoriously... o8tuse?

ARANEA: It's difficult to say if she even has a grand scheme in place, or if she is simply... for a lack of a 8etter term, "fucking with us."

DAVE: that is the best term

ARANEA: ... -awkwardly reaches out to pat his shoulder. pat pat.- I know your moirail is here, 8ut if you need anyone else to vent to... I'm willing to listen.

DAVE: -his expression softens and he nods- thanks

DAVE: this is some really fucked up shit you know

ARANEA: Yes... It is. -clenches fist- However, I feel we've 8een dealt worse!

ARANEA: Though we are divided and uncertain of what's in store, we are 8etter equipped to fight 8ack then we have ever 8een.

DAVE: i dunno

DAVE: i dont want to get my hopes up

DAVE: -wipes at his eyes-

ARANEA: 8ut we have to have hope! That's precisely what the Empress wants to deny us of!

DAVE: its just gonna be that much worse if some or all of us dont make it

ARANEA: Then you use that pain! To fight for the one's we've lost along the way!

ARANEA: I know I don't have much right to say something like that. 8ut I've witnessed all the good this group can do... What you can do. -squeezes his shoulder-

ARANEA: We can survive.

DAVE: -he hates crying in front of people so he's trying to keep his tears in check here- yeah DAVE: yeah okay

DAVE: -he's being...sincere...?-

DAVE: -puts his com away and takes a deep breath- we have to keep moving

DAVE: everyone up lets go

NYALAH: -rises from under some snow and shakes it off. Time to trot off.-

REDGLARE: -She is there. Getting up with the help of her staff...-

ARANEA: -watches dave carefully before returning to daelos to help him along-

DAVE: -he's gonna make sure everyone is moving along now. he's gotta get to jade.-

TEREZI: =wipes the slobber off her phone and climbs to her feet, brushing snow off of her butt. It's time to get out of this wintery hellhole.=

---

[[ It has been a few hours since the crew of the Unbreakable Union set off again, following the Yukon River to what is hopefully another city. Throughout their stay in Bumfuck, Nowhere, they have decided the best course of action was to continue moving foward, only taking occasional pitstops out of the wind to sustain themselves and wait out the cold night by huddling together. It was all very heartwarming and cute. ]]

[[ However, the crew can clearly see that another storm is on the distant horizon, and it looks like it's going to be a bad one. They are out in the open and should seek shelter soon. On the other side of the river, which has narrowed by this point (perhaps it's safe enough to cross?) is a slightly denser, evergreen forest that slopes into a rocky valley. ]]

REDGLARE: -She's got a cloth wrapped around her shoulders, covering her wings. She can't do much flying in this kind of whether-- they sure can't handle much more of this. And at this rate, they'll never reach their destination in time to find the others.-

KARKAT: =More like it was bullshit and necessary hell. Making a face at the approaching storm and how exposed they were= OF, FUCKING, COURSE. WE SHOULD PROBABLY HEAD FOR THE FOREST AND PROBABLY NOT FALL ON OUR FUCKING FACES THERE.

ARANEA: -keeping ahold of daelos' hand, sighing in frustration about the impending storm. it's really hard to stay positive in this kind of weather! fuck you, alaska!-

NYALAH: -horks and spits somewhere. Her nose was ice cold.-

ARANEA: -yuck...-

[[ It is strange that the previous howling of wolves is gone completely. Even the other sounds of nature have quieted as though a much, much larger predator is near. ]]

REDGLARE: R1ght.

NYALAH: -keeps her eyes to the skies. This is an ominous silence.-

DAVE: -he's gotta get to jade. he has to get to jade, then he has to get to john and james and rose and the rest of his family so there is NO time for any kind of hindering emotion. he's planning, calculating, every possible option. every possible method of transportation should they come across it. should they be given choices. this was just too important to fuck up, and he resolves to give all he can to bring everyone back together and get jade back.-

DAVE: -he's marching on, not too close to anyone in particular. he might start losing it if he says anything to karkat. damn moirails. he notices that there's no more howling of wolves and his senses are on alert- we have to move quicker

DAVE: silence means fear means a threat

DAVE: wolves are tough sons of bitches you wouldnt think they would just stop howling

DAELOS: -Although the repeated exposure to cold weather has certainly taken it's toll on him as well as the difficulty of limping through snow, he is doing his best to soldier on. He doesn't want Aranea to think him fragile or weak.-

REDGLARE: -She taps her staff against the river-- it looks pretty frozen, but who's to say how thick?-

DAVE: -he's trying to ignore the fact that he's shivering and that everyone around him is as well...but it's not so successful. it's fucking cold-

[[ It is the same as before; thick at the shore but thins toward the middle. Do they dare chance crossing? ]]

KARKAT: =Throw people=

REDGLARE: -She's going to start making her way across herself.-

DAELOS: -He eyes the ice dubiously. He's rather heavy.-

DAELOS: This seems unfeasible

DAELOS: I will go last

DAELOS: Just in case

TEREZI: =well, shes going to stiffly follow after them. She feels this cold in her bones....= TEREZI: =Turns to face Daelos= W-W3 C4N T13 4 ROP3 4ROUND YOU, JUST 1N C4S3 TH3 1C3 BR34KS

KARKAT: =how thick are the trees? Will his dumb fish mutant strength knock one down?=

KARKAT: =He's eyeballing them=

DAELOS: -Follows Karkat's gaze. Oh. Would that work?-

[[ The trees are rather far off... It may not be safe going alone... ]]

DAVE: -YEAH KARKAT-

DAVE: -LISTEN TO THE NARRATION-

KARKAT: =DOES HE GIVE A SHIT ABOUT NARATION THO?= ALRIGHT I WOULD RATHER YOU DIDN'T FALL IN THE WATER IN THE FIRST PLACE.

KARKAT: YOU'RE NOT DOING WELL IN THE WIND, WATER ISN'T THE BEST THING FOR YOU RIGHT NOW.

DAELOS: If you tr001y wish to try that, then I will accompany you

DAELOS: I still have my STRENGTH

DAVE: all of us pulling on the rope would have to get him out of there DAVE: plus like he said DAVE: his STRENGTH

DAELOS: Yes, my STRENGTH -unblinking-

[[ They still need to cross first in order to get any trees worthy enough for Daelos's weight ]]

DAELOS: -OH.-

DAVE: your STRENGTH

DAELOS: -Embarassed.- I could try jumping

DAELOS: STRONG jumping

NYALAH: -shifts restlessly from foot to foot.-

TEREZI: =shivering= W1LL TH4T R34LLY WORK?

KARKAT: ALRIGHT. HOW ABOUT THIS. SOMEONE WHO ISN'T A LARDASS COME WITH ME TO GET A TREE.... =Eyeballs him= DO YOU WANT TO TRY THAT?

DAELOS: I am not the most coordinated, but I certainly have the raw power to accomplish such a feat

REDGLARE: -she straight up just walked across-

REDGLARE: -LOOKING AT THEM FROM THE OTHER SIDE-

DAELOS: -Passes Aranea his apron and rolls up his sleeves-

DAVE: -redglare's a lardass-

DAVE: -is what karkat means-

DAELOS: -He's going to pretend he didn't hear that for the sake of his own ego-

DAVE: -obviously-

[[ Redglare is indeed successful. It appears the middle of the river is frozen over at this particular point. ]]

ARANEA: -she doesn't look too convinced... but she takes the apron- Don't hurt yourself...

DAELOS: Neigh

DAELOS: It is nothing!

KARKAT: PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF FUCK DON'T HURT YOURSELF. =He's going to wait for Daelos before going across=

DAELOS: -He looks awfully silly when he runs up (off kilter), but he does make quite a hefty STRONGLEAP in his attempt to get across- Oof!

NYALAH: -Haha. Fat horse.-

ARANEA: ::::o

REDGLARE: >;\

KARKAT: ALRIGHT GREAT. EVERYONE ELSE LET'S GO.

DAELOS: -LANDS AND SNOW EVERYWHERE-

DAVE: -begins moving forward. ice is fucking tricky okay...get on your feet. get up and make it happen-

DAELOS: -FWWWWOOOOOOOSH-

ARANEA: -shuffles across the ice. very carefully... shuffle shuffle.-

REDGLARE: -STEPS ASIDE SO SNOW DOESN'T HAPPEN ON HER-

LATULA: -TIPPY TOES U GUYS-

DAELOS: -grins at Aranea. Look at him. He's majestic-

ARANEA: -smiles back at him. SHE'S SO PROUD.-

KARKAT: =Hello ice.... you motherfucker. He's making his attempt and will guide Terezi if she needs it=

DAELOS: Huzzah! Please tread carefully. my deer

DAVE: if youre strugglin with the ice just pretend like youre a motherfuckin penguin DAVE: a badass penguin

NYALAH: -swiftly cat scampers across ice. Light on her feet.-

[[ As others begin to cross the river, something descends from sky, so quiet that they do not know it is there until it is already upon them. A gigantic white shape against the white of the clouds. ]]

KARKAT: =His fins have been pinned against his face so they're not doing so great at air pressure. Also they're numb..... WAIT A MINUTE= !!

REDGLARE: -She steps back.-- of course. They're far too open out here, at the river.- M4k3 for th3 tr33s.

REDGLARE: Go!

NYALAH: -leaps as far as her lithe body can take her. Gotta go fast.-

DAVE: -RUNS LIKE A PENGUIN while keeping an eye on the shape. he'll be prepared, he thinks, as he uncapchalogues his sword. just in case-

DAELOS: -He's rather useless at running, so he stands his ground, uncapchaloguing his LORGE HAMMER-

[[ As it descends, it is clear that this bird does not belong in this wasteland. A vulture, as big as Terezi's own lusus, swooped low. With a screeching cry much louder than any of the calls they had previously heard, it spread it's enormous wings slamming the full brunt of them squarely into Aranea's chest. ]]

[[ Something has definitely cracked ]]

[[ The vulture rises into the sky again, swooping down for another attack. ]]

REDGLARE: -HISSES-

DAVE: -ARANEA. fUCK. he's going to run in her direction-

ARANEA: -DOOF-

KARKAT: =God DAMMIT=

NYALAH: -YOWLING ANGRILY and parkours up a tree. She's going to leap with her claw gauntlets, about to punch slash this bird square in the face.-

REDGLARE: -She rushes over towards Aranea-- that creature was way too large for a "crack" to be something minor. She huffs loudly as she checks her-- still breathing? Still having a pulse?-

[[ Though Nyalah does manage to slash at it, it only comes away with a few scratches, her blows cushioned by the large feathers. She, however, has only made herself an easy target. With surprising maneuverablity, the vulture twists her head and catches Nyalah on the stomach with her hooked beak. ]]

DAELOS: -Pretty much ROARS in anger, for a second he just stands there, torn between making sure Aranea is okay and attacking- but seeing Nyalah take a beak to the stomach, decides it for him. He (painfully) bends his knees and STRONG LEAPS again, coming at the bird with his hammer while it's occupied.-

ARANEA: -the wind is knocked out of her for sure, but the pain blossoming across her chest makes it hard to distinguish what's wrong -- not that she could really verbalize it anyway. wheeeeze.-

DAVE: we gotta get her up

DAVE: youre stronger than me arent you -he looks at redglare- can you run with weight

TEREZI: =she's standing there dumbfounded because the closer it gets, the more she begins to recognize it.=

KARKAT: =Terezi no, he will haul you=

ARANEA: -nothing is broken, thankfully. but geez louise.-

NYALAH: -it's a whole second before she realizes what's happening, dragging her claw at the vulture's eye. But the hook of the beak is catching into her vulnerable underbelly and with no armor to protect her, penetrating into her flesh. A grotesque amount of olive colored blood now stains the snow.-

REDGLARE: -NOW the situation is rapidly spinning out of control. She attempts to wrap an arm around her and-- fuck it just STRONG LIFT.- Wh4t 4r3 you doing? -She barks at Terezi.-

ARANEA: -HORK that feels even worse. that's fine.-

DAVE: -redglare has aranea. he trusts she's okay with her as he now runs to terezi to try to get her moving- terezi we gotta go

REDGLARE: -it's PROBABLY NOT HELPING, NO, aside from helping her not to be prey to this big bird thing.-

REDGLARE: -OH WELL-

ARANEA: -LISTEN SHES GOTTA COMPLAIN-

DAVE: -olive blood. the huge bird has nyalah.-

[[ The vulture spins in the air, narrowly avoiding Daelos's blow. A few feathers bite it and float off. She seized Daelos by his hand with one of her clawed feet, her talons sharply cutting into his fingers as she swooped low again, dumping her prey (both Nyalah and Daelos) unceremoniously into the snow. ]]

NYALAH: -How many more seconds before her spine is potentially crushed? She has no idea, the world is spinning with no sense of gravity to keep her upright. Her vision blares with vertigo with the force of the vulture's swooping until she's dropped to the ground. Bloody green and unmoving.-

REDGLARE: -She's hauling her, but it's slow, and then SUDDENLY she comes to see how badly Nyalah is bleeding. She lets out a curse-- screams it, in fact! And points to her.- GR4B H3R. Th1s 1s too m4ny c4su4lt13s 4lr34dy!

DAVE: -still in the process of trying to move terezi-

DAVE: -GIRL I SWEAR!!!-

DAELOS: -DOOF. SNOW SPLATTERS EVERYWHERE AGAIN. He barely notices his fingers, the sight of Nyalah's blood makes him far too angry to care. He drags himself to his feet, teeth bared at the bird still circling. But rather than attacking again, he LIFTS Nyalah and swipes her safely into his syalldex, doing his best to limp after the rest of the party.-

KARKAT: =HUPS Terezi tbh to book it=

TEREZI: =the screaming jarred her out of her trance and she was stumbling alongside Dave, ducking under the swooping lusus=

TEREZI: =oh Karkat thank you=

DAVE: -THANK YOU KARKAT YOU BEAUTIFUL STRONG SOUL-

NYALAH: -locked into a sylladex but there sure is a nasty amount of green on Daelos's hands.-

DAVE: -he's holding up the rear with his sword out still-

REDGLARE: -THAT'S!!! PRETTY SWELL!!!-

[[ Unfortunately for Redglare. It's her turn. The talons are out, headed right for her. ]]

ARANEA: -slowly getting her breath back, she squirms a little on redglare's shoulder- Hhhhhh--!

ARANEA: -THERE IT IS AGAIN- AAAAH!

REDGLARE: -stumbles a little as she tries to run. OR. Well. Ok. That's not gonna work all that well. She just flings Aranea forward as the thing comes for her.-

ARANEA: -OW screaming hurts-

DAELOS: -TRIES TO CATCH HER-

ARANEA: -GETTING THROWN ALSO HURTS-

ARANEA: -internally screaming WHAT IS HAPPENING?-

DAELOS: -OF COURSE HES' BASICALLY FALLING OVER HIMSELF IN THE LEAST COORDINATED MANNER POSSIBLE, BUT HE'S STILL GOING TO TRY.-

DAVE: -runs toward the bird like he's trying to distract it by stabbing where he can reach if/when it reaches the ground-

DAVE: -he's trying his hardest here-

[[ Redglare's stumble at attempting to get Aranea out of the way set the vulture's aim off, and she was only able to graze the side of her head, slicing open her ear with only one of her immense claws. ]]

ARANEA: -SWEET CATCH, DAELOS- HORK.

REDGLARE: -she staggers and falls as her blood spills out from the slice, tumbling into a roll and retrieving her staff, whipping around even as her hearing rapidly becomes muffled with teal liquid and hurling it like a javelin towards the vulture's neck.-

[[ Dave can try his hardest, but the plumage is like armor. Like Nyalah, he will not be able to go very deep. ]]

DAELOS: : -TUCKS HER UNDER HIS ARM AND BREAKS FOR THE SHELTER OF THE TREES. He's not going very fast, though.-

ARANEA: -WHEEZE- WH8T THE H8LL IS THIS?

ARANEA: -as far as she knows GIANT FUCKING BIRDS are not native to the americas, or ANYWHERE ON EARTH-

DAELOS: I have not the slightest -wheeze- idea

DAELOS: -Nyalah is bleeding out. All he wants is to get them to safety so he can look after their wounds.-

DAVE: -DAMNIT!!! he's not going to leave redglare here either. NOBODY IS GETTING LEFT BEHIND. not even him, if he can help it. he pulls his sword back out and backs up, yelling- its got weird fucking armor skin or something we gotta go into the trees

[[ Redglare's javelin throw made a prime arch through the sky, but as the bird ascended, the staff descended. It makes a plop in the snow]]

TEREZI: =She's finally snapped out of it once and for all and is trying her damndest to lug Redglare to her feet=

REDGLARE: -LUG YOUR OWN DANG SELF. She grunts as she lifted, snatching for her staff as they hurry towards the trees.-

DAVE: -runs after them-

TEREZI: =sprinting like the wind=

MINDFANG: -Shes helping to hold up the back as the group makes the mad scramble for the trees. Giant birds what the actual fuck, FUCK earth and the hell rock its become.-

DAVE: -we got this mindfang. me and big pirate spider chick-

DAVE: -caboosin-

MINDFANG: -Swords crew. Thats them.-

DAVE: -also known as me and big pirate spider chick-

DAVE: -the moive-

KARKAT: =He has sickles guys, can he be apart of your cool club?=

DAVE: -ur always a part of my club...in my heart.....-

KARKAT: =Bro.....=

MINDFANG: -Stop being gross and romantic while they are fleeing for their lives.-

KARKAT: =No.=

DAVE: -never-

MINDFANG: -Disgusting.-

[[ HERE ME COMES! The vulture is at it again, it swoops in, knocking several people down as she does. Latula is sent crashing down with a blow to her knees, Mituna's elbow is pummeled into next week, Mindfang is struck with the blow sending her face first into the trunk of a fallen log, and Terezi's hand is grazed with a peck of a beak. However, it's primary targets are still in sight. Talon's extended, it has both Dave and Karkat in it's claws within the blink of an eye. They are dragged through the snow for several feet before they begin their ascension. ]]

ARANEA: -watches all this happen from daelos' arms and lets out a yelp in horror.-

LATULA: -she is knocked the heck down, eyes wide as AWAY THEY SEEM TO GO-

LATULA: SH1T????

DAELOS: -He finally gets to the protection of the trees, breathing hard and setting Aranea down as gently as he can. He uncaptchas Nyalah, watching all hell break loose behind him. He's got green all over his hands and it's seeping into the snow. He also brings out his tool box, clawing for the remaining shop towels and pressing them to the wound. -

DAELOS: Aranea, I know you are hurt my deer, but please press these down for her

DAELOS: I must go assist

DAVE: -he's never felt snow forced up his nose before but now he knows before he has a chance to register what's going on. he has to hold onto his sword no matter what happens, has to push it through the snow so when they ascend he still has it. he gasps, these talons HURTING LIKE HELL in his skin and he makes himself aware of what's happening. he's going to try to swing his sword up against the talons, even if it didn't work before-

KARKAT: FUCKFUCKFUCKFUC--!! =There he goes, he is going to try and BREAK this bird's TOE.... after the vertigo passes=

ARANEA: Wha-- I... -right, yes. she whips her attention back at nyalah. oh god... she does as she's asked, but in the process, tries to focus enough of her thoughts and attention on repairing this wound herself.-

TEREZI: =screeches about as loud as the bird. Her hand has deep lacerations but that doesn't seem to be her priority right now=

DAELOS: -He's already limping RIGHT BACK into the fray before she even answers, summoning his hammer back into his hand. He's going rgiht for the bird-.

[[ CLANK CLANG! Is the sound Dave's sword makes against these talons, just about as strong as swords themselves. ]]

MINDFANG: -She is sent flying by the attack and with the shitiest luck imaginable she collides with a tree instead of snow. She is dazed as fuck as she rolls over the log and it takes several moments for her to even regain a sense of what is happening. First thing that registers is the smell of blood gushing from her nose and a gash across her cheek from the rough bark of the log.- (Son of a 8i--)

MINDFANG: -She can lick her wounds later, shes grabbing her sword again and back up on her feet, albeit still a bit clumsy like. She hit hard, and the dizziness hasnt fully subsided yet.-

[[ The bird is going right for the sky, climbing higher and higher until it passes out of sight into the clouds. ]]

DAVE: -he looks at the other talon just to assess if THROWING the sword would do anything...and then he sees karkat. OH FUCK THEYRE GOIN REALLY HIGH. stay calm stay calm stay calm it's not over yet-

VULTURE LUSUS: =is that so?= eue

DAVE: -IT'S NOT OVER YET VULTURE!!!!-

NYALAH: -eyes are glazed and her breath is shallow. The shock her innards are taking, coupled with the blood loss is bringing very little response out of her. She struggles, the blood leaking from the terrible gash in her side might actually be subsiding with Aranea's magic.-

TEREZI: =Over by Aranea and Nyalah, trying to be useful.=

DAELOS: -By the time he gets there , the bird is already gone. He's panting and his hair is everywhere fingers bleeding. He takes a moment to unleash a string of TERRIBLE CURSES- Gosh darn it, of all the lilly livered, yellow bellied, mangy pigeons!

KARKAT: =WELP. Now he doesn't want t break any toes...... trying to think quickly... uh........ UHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!=

MINDFANG: -Shes also regrouping with the others, keeping her eye out for the return of the bird....or the dropping of bodies.-

DAELOS: --TIME TO GO BACK. To look after the people he cares most about in the world.-

DAELOS: -LIMPING....AGAIN....-

ARANEA: -it damn well better be!! she's struggling to concentrate, to offer the kind of enlightenment necessary to repair nyalah fully, but she should at least be able to stop the bleeding.- Come on...

VULTURE LUSUS: eue =bye bye now=

VULTURE LUSUS: =DROPS THEM=

NYALAH: -stops moving, collapsing in a faint all together. Her pulse still works, however. If faintly.-

KARKAT: =OF COURSE=

DAVE: -FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!-

KARKAT: =REACHES for Dave=

VULTURE LUSUS: =It's flying off now, calling again in it's sharp, predatory cry.=

DAELOS: -pauses as Karkat and Dave FALling presumably to their deaths.-

DAVE: -reaches for karkat-

KARKAT: =We were sky high bro, we're v boned=

DAVE: -GRABS ONTO KARKAT-

KARKAT: =Grabs the hand and CLINGS to Dave uhhhhhhhh TREES? Trees. Trees.......UGHHHHHHHH TRIES to grab something or at least hopefulyl they fall in slush. Either way he's more dense so he's taking the brunt of the fall. This is what happens when you're a twig Dave. Also they're still falling=

KARKAT: =They were above the clouds, so probably still falling?=

DAVE: -probably still falling-

DAVE: -HIS STOMACH IS LURCHING FORWARD BUT HE IS TRYING SO HARD TO FOCUS-

TEREZI: OAO

KARKAT: =Don't vomit on him=

TEREZI: =she cant even comment on what she's witnessing=

DAELOS: -he's going to TRY HIS BEST to get to them in time to catch them. He is hilariously ill equipped for all this.-

DAELOS: -ALL THE EFFORT!!!-

DAVE: -while in the air- LOVE YOU BRO

DAELOS: -STRONG EFFORT!-

KARKAT: =They're gonna bite it on a sweaty horse, also he's probably tearing up= LOVE YOU TOO AND FUCK YOU YOU'RE NOT DYING HERE. SORRY! =Let him be your cushion=

DAELOS: -DOOF. WELL HE DOES CATCH THEM. BUT IT SENDS THEM ALL THREE FLYING INTO THE SNOW IN A HEAP THAT SENDS A SPRAY OF SNOW FLYING EVERYWHERE AND MAKES THE GROUND SHUDDER.

[[ Daelos reaches them, miraculously, cushioning their fall in rippling biceps and pecs.]]

DAELOS: -That's being very generous. Sure, he has them but the're covered in a layer of fat.-

DAVE: -thankfully while in the air dave put his sword into his strife...modus....i don't even remember what it is anymore-

DAVE: -OR A SYLLADEX-

DAELOS: -fucking rip-

DAELOS: @__@ -momentarily stunned-

[[ Narration was being generous. ]]

KARKAT: =He would've preferred dying..... nothing better flex against him=

[[ RIPPLING CHUB SAVES THE DAY ONCE AGAIN. No but really-- Daelos helps cushion the fall, but so does Karkat, and he'll find himself being caught and landing with his arm under him, most of the stress of the fall going onto it. It's gonna hurt. So is Dave's back when he jolts similarly. ]]

KARKAT: =spongebob fish voice: MY LEG ARM=

TEREZI: =sending snow flying as she rushes to the people pile=

DAVE: -he's. alive. his heart is racing but he is alive and his BACK FUCKIN HURTS-

DAVE: -he's still gonna push himself up almost immediately. GOTTA STAY UPRIGHT GOTTA and gotta check on karkat and daelos too-

TEREZI: HOLY FUCK1NG....=WHEEZE= SH1T!! 4R3 YOU GUYS OK4Y???

MINDFANG: -Yikes, that looked all kinds of painful. She remains here though to guard the wounded.-

MINDFANG: -And also turn her head to spit out blue blood into the snow, her face is still gushing fluids.-

ARANEA: -gets onto her feet quickly, frantic, but she doesn't want to leave nyalah...-

KARKAT: =Dave you jackass, he also starts to move though. Checking on Daelos= WE'RE ALIVE..... SO THAT'S SOMETHING. =His arm hurts though=

DAELOS: -SQUISHED and momentarily out of breath...and his face is in the snow. But otherwise fine.-

[[ The vulture appears to have flown away. For now. ]]

TEREZI: =she's glancing up at the sky again and it's only then that the pain starts to set in her hand.=

TEREZI: W3 H4V3 TO G3T OUT OF H3R3

TEREZI: =she turned to the rest of them, yelling=

TEREZI: W3 H4V3 TO MOV3!!!

TEREZI: L1K3 R1GHT NOW!!

NYALAH: -regardless of what Terezi says, Nyalah is definitely not moving.-

DAELOS: -Limping even slower than before- he's exhausted. But he makes it to Nyalah and Aranea eventually.- You really should rest, my deer

DAELOS: You are still injured

REDGLARE: Wh3r3 4r3 w3 go1ng to go? 4nd wh4t do you know 4bout th4t th1ng?

MINDFANG: -Nyalah motivate yourself, rise above your likely lethal injuries.-

DAELOS: -Bends down next to Nyalah, relieved when he sees that the gash is on it's way to being healed-

DAELOS: Thank God...

DAELOS: Are we not safe enough for now? I must help tend to her

DAVE: -dave has back problems at 23 or 24 or however old he is cuz i keep forgetting.- id say thanks daelos but -winces- i dont think thats enough

DAVE: -helps karkat up with his good arm if he hasn't moved upright yet- oh my god

MINDFANG: I dislike parroting, 8ut I agree with Terezi.

MINDFANG: It did not feed on any of us when it had the chance. Most likely this is territorial.

MINDFANG: Meaning, I dont think it has given up--HRGK -Coughs and hacks gobs of blood. Jesus at least its thickening.-

KARKAT: I'M NOT SO FUCKING SURE ABOUT THAT I'M SURE THIS IS THE SAME FUCKING THING WE HEARD SQUARKING OMNIOUSLY IN THE GODDAMN DISTANCE WHILE WE SKIPPED OUR ASSES DOWN THE RIVER.

KARKAT: =Oh... she's coughing up blood.= ALRIGHT WE NEED TO GET MOVING AND WE CAN LICK OUR WOUND WHEN WE HIT SHELTER

DAELOS: We must delay at least moment then -Shuffles through his tool box and finds....a sort of staple gun.- This will help keep her wounds sealed as we travel

TEREZI: =why arent they moving?? She grabs her hair, a little frantically=

TEREZI: TH4TS NOT F4M1L14R TO YOU??? 3V3N 4 L1TTL3???

TEREZI: YOU GUYS, TH4TS TH3 3XPUNG3RS LUSUS!!!

TEREZI: W3 H4V3 TO MOV3!

DAELOS: You may go on if you like

DAELOS: If I do not help her, then she might not survive the journey

DAVE: the what

DAVE: a plungers lusus

DAELOS: -STUBBORN-

KARKAT: =He makes a face.... not really liking that but.... he nods then STARES at Terezi= WE..... FUCK. OKAY. WE CAN'T SEPARATE BUT WE'RE ALSO NOT LEAVING ANYONE. AFTER THIS WE'RE KICKING IT INTO HIGH GEAR. I PROMISE.

TEREZI: =she looks absolutely terrified=

TEREZI: =if that's any consolation=

DAVE: -he's definitely never seen her look like that before...-

DAELOS: -He tries to work quickly, laying the staples down. It's a temporary fix. He's no medicarver but he has more than a cursory knowledge of this sort of thing from his biotechnological endeavors.-

NYALAH: -definitely still unconscious and noodle cat in the snow. Doesn't even stir as Daelos practically staples her side closed.-

REDGLARE: -she pauses... looking out into the distance, towards the sky.-

TEREZI: =she keeps glancing over her shoulder, tears actually starting to well up in her eyes.= TEREZI: SH3S CLOS3, SH3 H4S TO B3 CLOS3

DAELOS: -As soon as he's done, he wipes his bloody hands on his apron and captchalogues everything, including Nyalah-

NYALAH: -anyway bye.-

MINDFANG: Then perhaps minimize using your voice. -She hisses at Terezi. If they are forced to stand here there is no reason to attract attention.-

DAELOS: -And LIFTS Aranea bridal style. He might be slow, but she's in no condition to be walking.-

KARKAT: =Walks to Terezi and holds her face in his hands= WE'LL. BE. FINE. NOW LET'S MOVE. =Grabs her hand with his good arm and BOOKS IT=

ARANEA: -HOIST-

TEREZI: WH4TS TH3 PO1NT!! SH3 4LR34DY KNOWS W3'R3 H3R3!!

TEREZI: PROB4BLY!!

ARANEA: -seems a little indignant about it, but now that there's no immediate threats happening she's focused on the pain again. hrrngg.-

MINDFANG: -HERE WE GO AGAIN. Thank god. Shes taking up the rear again, considering asides from her face getting smashed up shes pretty uninjured.-

TEREZI: =she calms, that is to say only stops yelling, once Karkat holds her face. He can feel she's shaking from head to food=

TEREZI: =FOOT ALSO=

DAELOS: Where does it hurt, deerheart? -At least if he focuses on Aranea, he won't have to think about the giant murderbeast sweeping down into the trees to kill them all.-

DAELOS: -Trot trot trot-

KARKAT: =He knows she's terrified..... but they're not giving up. He's not letting her give up. Scans for some kind of.... advantage point.... there were rocky cliffsides... where are those? Also thick trees. They should head for that=

REDGLARE: -She grints her teeth, quiet as she begins to move. Pacing. This is bad. They're being hunted. Toyed with, probably. It's the only explanation that makes sense. Especially if... that woman is involved.-

ARANEA: ... All of-- this. -gestures at her front, wincing. she imagines there's quite an ugly bruise on her skin and insides.-

DAELOS: -Rumbly purr of concern. He can't do much to help right now besides that.-

REDGLARE: W3 won't b3 4bl3 to run for long. Not w1th th1s m4ny wound3d.

DAELOS: -Oh please don't talk like that. He's close to simply buckling over from exhaustion and running on sheer WILLPOWER at this point.-

[[ It begins with a slight nudge and only those with any semblance of ability from denizen-given to those they were hatched with will begin to feel something is really really wrong with them. It is as though their powers are slowly being sapped, stolen, draining from them until there is nothing left. And they are left with feeling quite ordinary. ]]

[[ What comes next is a feeling of happiness. Everyone's feeling it, despite the condition they're in. Joyful. Ecstatic. It's great to be together, isn't it? But then, the happiness is so much that it is debilitating. Everyone is finding it impossible to go anywhere, possibly to move at all. You're so happy. Everyone's happy. It's almost like you're being tickled in a way, where it makes you laugh but you can't do anything about it ]]

LATULA; -she is the first to succumb to laughing. Cause FUCK DUDE. her sense of panic is only a step away from delirious cackling, too.-

LATULA: h4h4h4h4h4h4h4h4 FUCK!!!!!!!!

[[ It should be safety, but the spread of trees before them that promised a reprieve delivers anything but. One by one, they'll see figures emerging from amongst them, dressed in Alternian uniform with proudly displayed high caste blood colors and signs. The air might smell foreboding, if it weren't so damn EUPHORIC. ]]

DAELOS: -STILL HOLDING ARANEA CLOSE TO HIS BOSOM AND HYSTERICALLY CHORTLING, BOOMING DEEP LAUGHTER-

KARKAT: =He's laughing and inexplicably happy and its the worst thing=

MINDFANG: -Oh yes, something feels wrong indeed, at first she thought it was some of that residual dizziness still mulling around in her skull but no. Its much worse then that. How to explain what it felt like to have her inherited mental abilities? Well for her it had always felt like an weight, an extension of her mind or thinking patterns. Something near undetectable when she had it but now that she no longer felt the weight of her abilities it was shockingly apparent, to the point where she skids on her heels for a brief moment while she tries to clamber for any small sense of her mind-control abilities left. And when she can't its almost hilarious.-

MINDFANG: -Like actually a riot, its so painfully funny she cant stop the first small giggle bubbling up her throat.-

DAVE: -he's literally on his knees laughing. man. this is so great. being here. is so great. it's so great. it's so-

REDGLARE: -she falls on her side-- still kinda bleeding out of the head. ear definitely still fucked up. ALSO, LAUGHING.-

MINDFANG: -Look at all of us laughing guys, this is hilarious, she needs to take a knee.-

TEREZI: =a smile flickered against her lips and she briefly showed teeth before slapping herself across the face=

TEREZI: NO!

DAVE: -so happy so happy so happy so happy so happy so-

KARKAT: =slap me too=

TEREZI: =a cackle escaped and she barely managed a,= RUN!! =before she began to giggle=

TEREZI: =she slaps him a good one.=

TEREZI: H3H3H3 SORRY D4RL1NG!

KARKAT: =SMACK.......wait will that work? Or is it just hilarious?=

DAVE: but terezi hahahaha DAVE: im enjoying the moment DAVE: so much -wait what-

DAVE: -why is he feeling like this something inside him is sceaming-

TEREZI: =her face is contorted in a smile, but her voice is nearly deranged in its fear= D4V3 F1GHT 1T!!

PURSUANT SEAKRAIT: -In high purple and black -- the uniform of a dignified legislacerator -- she approaches as well, an axe in hand and chin held high. She looks down on the crowd, her gaze lingering on Terezi for a few moments before passing on to the next face.-

PURSUANT SEAKRAIT: In the name of His Honorable Tyranny, may you be judged.

TEREZI: 3V3RYON3, SN4P OUT OF 1T!!

REDGLARE: -She gasps for breath, clutching her sides.-

MINDFANG: Ahahehe-- -Augh Terezi freaking out like that sure is doing a great deal to harsh her jolly vibe here. Enough so that she can straighten back up onto her feet, but shes still teary eyed from the strange giddiness keeping that large smile on her face.-

TEREZI: FUC-- =she whirled to face the legislacerator and "k you" never followed. She only stared as the legislacerator passed, shocked. It's enough to get her to start laughing again.=

KARKAT: =It's hard to.... who the fuck is this tool. She's HILARIOUS=

REDGLARE: -She takes in a deep breath... between laughs. Still clutching herself-- before springing, launching her staff at the woman in purple and black.-

REDGLARE: H4

REDGLARE: H4!

TEREZI: DONT! =who is she addressing? who knows actually=

TEREZI: H3H3H3

SEAKRAIT: -She flips her axe around in hand in one quick motion, their weapons clanging before she flips up the heel of the axe, aiming a hard strike at Redglare's chin.-

DAELOS: -He was barely holding it together before, but now he's simply on his knees in the snow, stil cradling Aranea in his arms.-

EUPHORIA: -he comes into view as well. he's dressed in something more regal than the fellow legislacerators, signifying a Judicator role. he's obviously alert, and like the others, not laughing- I t w ould b enefit y ou t o c ooperate. O r p erhaps i t w on't m ake a ny d ifference a t a ll.

REDGLARE: - her chin is split by the strike, and she staggers as though drunk-- flecks of blood on her uniform and the snow. But apparently, getting hurt is something to focus on aside from how goddamned hilarious this all is. Her knees are bent and she's still staggering, sucking in breath through her nose as she snorts out several weak laughs.- REDGLARE: 1.

REDGLARE: W1ll k1ll you both.

REDGLARE: You 4r3 go1ng to d13 ton1ght. -HEE HEE HEE.-

MINDFANG: -HAH. Its even more hilarious to see Redglare fail like that, as well as extremely concerning!-

MINDFANG: -Shes lifting her sword up when Euphoria joins their party out in the snow.-

MINDFANG: -She points it at him and laughs like its the funniest thing shes ever seen.-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =He too emerged from the shadows, dressed in an array of dark blues. Another legislacerator. Behind him come the rest, fully encircling the group.=

KARKAT: =And then there's THIS fuckin guy!=

EUPHORIA: -at the movement of the sword...mindfang will feel even stronger. which is definitely a more painful kind of joy-

SEAKRAIT: You should rein that in before she gets here. She doesn't take kindly to insubordination. -She sounds cold, but tired.-

REDGLARE: -JUMPS AT HER AGAIN WITH A RIGHT HOOK ANYWAYS-

TEREZI: =she laughed again, but in attempts to stop, she began digging her claws into her injured hand, trying to redirect some of this and retain her sanity.=

TEREZI: =She took out her cane and turned away from the one addressing Redglare towards the legislacerators on the other side. She could smell the river from here... Maybe.=

MINDFANG: -God its all so funny her insides hurt hahah! Her sword hand shakes but it stays up with will power, while her other arm snakes around her middle, her sides hurt from all this humor.- MINDFANG: I reh-reaally h8 8ureaucratic, str8 nosed, legislacerators, hahah!

EUPHORIA: T hink o f w hat y ou a re f eeling r ight n ow a s a m ercy. I t w ill m ake i t e asier to c ontrol y ourselves and not c ause a s cene.

KARKAT: HAHAHAHAHA MORE LIKEHEHE, YOU'RE TOO. CLUCKBEAST SHIT TO NOT PULL TRICKS!! HAHAHAHA! =FUCK yOU ALL you amazing shitassholes=

MINDFANG: Ffff-hahah, fuck off. -Watch her absolutely throw her sword right at this big talking troll's face with the speed and power of her robotic limb. She has more where this one came from. Eat it Euphoria-

SEAKRAIT: -She's a few shades too high on the hemospectrum, trained, and far less hindered than Redglare currently; she smacks away the strike not unlike she had with the cane, one-armed, and then her axe hand slashes low, cutting open one of Redglare's legs just below the knee.-

EUPHORIA: -manages to step aside the moment she throws it. mindfang will now be feeling unlike the others. instead of happiness. doubt. failure. doubt. failure.-

KARKAT: =MAN GIVE HIM SOME OF THAT, HE LIVES IT=

REDGLARE: -She goes down, this time. Pretty hard. The ground is cold and she's still laughing even as blood gushes out of her thigh.-

MINDFANG: -Shes already ripping her second sword from her sylladex when the sharp change of mood sets in. And its pretty crushing, a combination of feels she has not felt in some very many sweeps. Whats even the point of using the new sword she now has, shes just going to fuck it up like she just missed him.-

SEAKRAIT: -She steps back, watching teal leak out into the snow, watching it turn into turquoise slush.-

TEREZI: NO...H3H3H3H3 NO....PL34S3 H3H3H3H3H3H3H3H3H3H3!

MINDFANG: -At the very least she isnt cackling and can feel how tight of a situation this is.-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =Towering over mostly everyone, he took a step forward and seized Dave by the hair, dragging him out of the UU's confined circle into the larger one created by the legislacerators. In seconds, a shield almost as big as he was appeared in his hands. With one flick of his wrist, it became bladed upon the sides. He placed one of these blades against Dave's throat.=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: You would do well to Heed Her warning.

REDGLARE: -she slumps against the ground, breath short.-

EUPHORIA: -that's the spirit, mindfang-

DAELOS: We...-CHORTLING, GUFFAWING- surrender! Please do not hurt our companions ...f....HAHAHAHA further

KARKAT: =NO.=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: Relieve yourselves of any weapons, or face the consequences later.

DAVE: -NOT THE HAIR. oh well. he's too happy to care. until he's struck with a fear so strong it can't come from him alone. shit. shit shit shit.-

REDGLARE: -SHE TRIED TO SURRENDER HERS ITS NOT HER FAULT SHE DIDNT CATCH IT WITH HER FACe-

LATULA: -Just sorta. DUMPS HER THINGS. A gun. A bigger gun. A couple of billy clubs and stuff...-

KARKAT: =GRowl LAUGHS groOWL, he dumps his sickles on the ground by his knees. Starting this one motherfucker in the eyes=

DAVE: -he's terrified to move, even with his sword on him-

LATULA: dud3 just!!! just TAK3 3M!!!! wh3n th3 fuck h4s th1s sh1t 3v3r m4d3 4 d1ffz!!!!

DAELOS: -WRESTLES WITH HIMSELF FOR A MOMENT. Should he uncaptchalogue Nyalah or not?-

DAELOS: -Does she count as a weapon. He doesn't want to make it more likely that she is hurt.-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =He ignores the looks as well as the comments. Rude. Speaking out of turn. He slowly edged the blade into Dave's throat. It is certainly drawing blood.=

MINDFANG: -You couldnt have told her this before she drew out her only other blade?? Like damn now its not even a surprise.-

MINDFANG: -She sure as hell is hesitant to drop her weapon despite there being a hostage situation.-

MINDFANG: -All the same the point of it is being buried in the snow where she leaves it there.-

DAELOS: -He holds on to her for now, and simply relinquishes his hammer.-

MINDFANG: -Is she still feeling doubt and failure by force? Because if not she will feel like a failure on her own for actually dropping her sword to save dave of all people. What a disappointment.-

DAVE: -sharp inhale in as he feels the pain of the blade against his throat. no. this can't happen. not now. it can't. happen. now.-

EUPHORIA: -yes mindfang u are-

MINDFANG: -Damn 8888( -

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =he nudged Dave, pressing the blade in a little harder. Red now runs down the edge, though he is not doing permanent, debilitating damage to any major veins or arteries.=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: Don't tell me the squishy, Helpless Human goes unarmed. Your weapon. On the ground with the rest.

TEREZI: =She looks torn from being a goddamn coward and trying to run away or actually doing as they say. She throws her cane into the growing pile.= >8[ =Furious.= h3h3

SEAKRAIT: -twirls her axe and moves to kick the various weapons away from the group before joining Lampetra at his side.-

KARKAT: =a growl builds in his throat watching this, helplessly. Fists balled tight. Leave dave's wrigglerfat alone...=

DAVE: -he's shaking. but what scares him most is letting this happen to him. he's not going to be a victim. if he calculates correctly...he thinks... he might be able to pull this off. he just might-

KARKAT: =dave.........=

DAVE: -so with one swift move he empties his sword comes out, but he has learned to progress through fear. it can't be something that stops him. it won't be. and in that case he attempts to slash the arms of the two people next to him, if he can reach them. just get this blade OUT of his NECK PLEASE-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =The blade does move from Dave's neck, and so does the entire shield, in fact, blocking both attempts at Dave striking his target.=

[[ The size of the shield prevents Dave from doing his intended damage, but he has succeeded in no longer being a hostage. He is free. ]]

KARKAT: =Cries about his rail but also move you glorious asshole=

SEAKRAIT: -But not for long. She rotates around Lampetra with practiced grace, smacking Dave across the back with the flat of her blade. She would have gotten a homerun, had this been human baseball, but as we all know, that was unfortunately outlawed.-

KARKAT: =YOU BINCH=

DAELOS: -He doesn't want to laugh, but he's helpless to stop it, even through his horror.-

DAVE: -he was so close. so close. on top of an already hurt back, this just makes him fall over., the wind knocked out of him. AND HE IS GONNA TRY TO ROLL OVER AND FIGHT. EAT MY SWORD-

MINDFANG: -She was briefly impressed with you, Dave. But at least she isnt laughing at you like the rest.-

LAMPETRA: =His shield dropped as Lampetra blocked Dave's advances once again.= Persistant little termite, aren't you?

MITUNA: -Laying face down in the ground grinning like a fucking idiot while holding his arm. This is it lads. The moment he's wanted forever.-

DAVE: -I AM A TERMITE WHO IS GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS. he has to get on his somehow and his back is screaming with pain. he uses sheer willpower to attempt to straight up jump to being on his feet, sword in hand- fuck you

LAMPETRA: No thanks. =Bonks Dave HARD upside the head with his shield=

LAMPETRA: =towards the rest of the legislacerators= The rest of you! Put the others on their knees and tie them up! Is that too much to ask?!

TEREZI: =She laughing softly through her tears. It's so great, seeing this.=

DAVE: -OH SHIT THAT WAS..THAT WAS REALLY HARD. and before he knows it he's ont he ground again. GOTTA HOLD ONTO THE SWORD. jesus he's dizzy. barely registering what's going on.- no -still trying to get up-

DAVE: -WHERE IS UP-

SEAKRAIT: -Steps right on Dave's wrist, reaching down to pry the sword away from him.-

DAVE: -he yells out in pain, that definitely loosening his grip. still struggling. hes a pokemon who ran out of moves-

EUPHORIA: -directs the other legislacerators to do just that. euphoria's been calculating and only increasing what everyone is feeling. what is the emotion that's hardest for you to work through? chances are you're feeling that now intensely.-

MITUNA: -Surprise bitch all emotions are hard to work through-

REDGLARE: -MOST OF THEM. iit's a pretty suitable distraction from how puffy and swolen the gash on her leg is. She can't really sit up easily on her own.-

EUPHORIA: -then you sir are feeling all of them at once. combo meal-

KARKAT: =There are a lot, so, as usual, he's laying here with a bunch of feelings=

[[ Once Dave has been subdued, the crowd begins to move in on the trapped group as Euphoria give the cue. The bonds are not rope, as what is normally used with the legislacerators. These are cuffs made from biotech, similar to the technology that keeps Helmsmen in check. Once attached everyone will have the not-so-pleasant sensation of miniature biowires slowly feeding into their wrists, digging into their skin. ]]

[That gash of Redglare's is definitely stinging more than it should reasonably be. There might be something wrong with that axe blade.]

KARKAT: =MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNO=

REDGLARE: -Oh... hey. Spots in the corners of her vision. Neat...-

TEREZI: =She has long since stopped shaking. Her focus is to do as they say, facing the ground. She only flinched a little as the cuffs were attached.=

[[ That's no way for a former legislacerator to sit. Redglare is forced up to her knees anyway. ]]

MINDFANG: -EUGH, That is a disgusting feeling. She strains against the cuffs, twisting her wrists in them to try and stave off the burrowing, but its hard to keep fighting when every moment onward is just and endless feeling of useless sense of failure. She hopes the biowires are getting fucked on the metal plating of her bionic arm.-

MITUNA: -Screams in anguish as his arm is moved to be cuffed. Every nerve ending is ON FIRE-

DAELOS: -Releases a low hiss through his teeth. As he was outfitted with these biowires, he's forced to release Aranea, and that triggers a last bit of fight in him, throwing back attempts to cuff him with his considerable weight.-

[[ Not too far away, the canopy is crushed in. The forest floor becomes littered with broken branches and pine needles, and shortly after a lusus lands upon the ground, the same cry they've heard is screamed in their faces. The vulture flapped it's enormous wings then bowed to the ground, close enough to where a figure is seen hopping off.]]

DAVE: -he hears all of this and still struggles to get away somehow. he can't see very well due to blurred vision but still trying to move-

THE EXPUNGER: =Eyes Daelos flatly= Why iS it that my own legiSlaceratorS cannot do thiS one Simple thing? ReStrain them, I Said. We've got it, they Said.

MITUNA: -Falls forward onto the ground, whimpering. Fuck this, fuck this, fuck this.-

TEREZI: =nope, she's shaking again=

THE EXPUNGER: =her heavy footfalls sink into the snow, she is built like a tank with the height to match.=

THE EXPUNGER: =to Daelos= IS it too much of me to aSk you to Sit back down and have the cuffS applied like a good fly caught in the web?

MINDFANG: -Who do you think you are making web puns, bitch.-

SEAKRAIT: -She's standing alert now, eyes darting around at the small crowd of those captured and kicking Dave one good time to encourage him to also stop moving.-

THE EXPUNGER: =The High Legislacerator, obviously. And who are you? Failed pirate queen. You're one to talk.=

DAELOS: Yes -She certainly is intimidating, but his blood is up and he's far too angry and exhausted to be afraid. He might be smiling, but it's forced and frozen.-

LAMPETRA: =though he is actually taller than the Expunger, he bowed his head as she passed=

DAVE: -the kicking HURTS it makes his eyes water. da's do not give up apparently. THERES STILL SOME FIGHT LEFT-

MINDFANG: -WHO YOU CALLING FAILED??? No amount of terriblness she is feeling now will make her feel any less then a pirate queen.-

DAELOS: I suppose it is. -And with that he charges the legiscerator closest to him. He has no weapon, but if his arms manage to connect a blow.-

DAELOS: -He hopes it will crunch whatever is in it's path-

THE EXPUNGER: =she smiled too, and no one had to force her= IS thiS truly your choice?

THE EXPUNGER: DaeloS Zahhak?

EUPHORIA: -he too is bowing his head when she passes before resuming getting all the legislacerators and the now captured moving-

DAELOS: -His snarl should be answer enough.-

THE EXPUNGER: =Stands her ground=

THE EXPUNGER: =In response, he is immediately thrown into a terrible scene where the rebellion lies in ruin and the people he has come to care for brutally slain. Alternia has conquered the universe. It is too vivid, the remorse too real. He has failed in every sense of the word.=

DAELOS: -Once his body gets moving- it's slow and large rather like a train it's not very easy to stop it. His charge doesn't stop, even though his mind has gone absoloutely elsewhere- launched into the hellscape she just created for him.-

THE EXPUNGER: =in one calm movement, she backhands him powerfully across the face. It certainly too hard to be flesh.=

DAELOS: -It doesn't do much damage at all, in fact it simply bounces off. Too STRONG. However, his eyes go blank, absorbed in the crushingly real fantasy.-

DAELOS: -And just like that, he's subdued-

THE EXPUNGER: =sidesteps away from him, gesturing at his form, her lip curling=

THE EXPUNGER: Someone deal with thiS. Put aS many cuffS on him aS you muSt.

SEAKRAIT: -SHE'LL DO THAT. She steps over, taking a cuff from someone to do just that.-

THE EXPUNGER: Too long. For too long have you avoided the conSequenceS of your actionS. Did you believe you were untouchable? PerhapS not; you’ve loSt people along the way, I hear. Even So, I don’t think you underStand that you aren’t winning thiS. I don’t think you underStand how fucked you really are right now. But don’t worry. You will.

THE EXPUNGER: Now...all of you muSt underStand. BecauSe I underStand. I underStand thiS iS a hard time for you – for all of you – So I am willing to let thiS one Slide. I have a forgiving nature.

THE EXPUNGER: Don’t I? =She turned to Seakrait and Lampetra in the crowd behind her with a stretching smile=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =he nodded curtly, once=

THE EXPUNGER: Very good.

THE EXPUNGER: But thiS.... =Gestures at Daelos= ActionS have conSequenceS, and all muSt pay for them Someday, iSn't that right, Pyrope? =she glanced at Redglare then moved her gaze to Terezi.= And Pyrope?

REDGLARE: -Grunts, spits. She's having a hard time keeping awake.-

REDGLARE: Fuck your cons3qu3nc3s.

MINDFANG: -Its that holier then thou type of attitude that these guys have that made Arissa want to grind her teeth.-

DAVE: -his throat is still bleeding a little and his head still aches. he can't quite find his balance and keeps moving his feet around in the same place to steady it-

MINDFANG: -Jeez Dave, just stay down...-

KARKAT: =HONESTLY=

DAVE: -he's in LINE OKAY!!-

DAVE: -i mean tto write that oops-

MINDFANG: Oh please, you act like youre half surprised with non-complying prisoners.

DAVE: -it's hard to analyze who's in front of him and who's behind him and the distances and the stuff on his wrists that hurt already but are also supposed to be capable of hurting so much more-

KARKAT: =Dave you better not do something else STUPID=

DAVE: -IM THINKING OF ONE WHOEVER YOUARE I CANT REMEMBER YOUR NAME CUZ I HAVE A CONCUSSION-

THE EXPUNGER: MoSt of the time people are aware of who we are and chooSe obedience. It iS eaSier that way, you See.

THE EXPUNGER: I am SurpriSed you were not told thiS by thoSe who obviouSly know better. =she's talking to you Deserter and Deserter.=

DAVE: -my best bro...packrat...-

KARKAT: =HE WILL BITE YOU=

KARKAT: HOLY FUCK YOU LOVE LISTENING TO YOURSELF TALK.

DAVE: (oh my god stop talking)

DAVE: -moirail moment...how beautiful...-

KARKAT: DID YOU HAVE THIS WRITTEN DOWN SOMEWHERE? =so beautiful man=

DAELOS: -He's still in a dreamlike state, head bowed and eyes not really seeing anything.-

DAVE: sounds like you practiced it

DAVE: how many rehearsals did it take

KARKAT: IT'S IN A NOTEPAD IN HER BREAST POCKET SHE FLEW HER FUCKING TURKEY OVER HERE. GOING OVER THINGS.

KARKAT: SERIOUSLY, HOLY SHIT.

MINDFANG: -Snrks.-

DAVE: ok that explains dropping us from the sky

REDGLARE: -She is focusing on controlling her breathing. She's feeling TOO MANY THINGS, she's bleeding, and now she's listening to everyone sass back to someone who could very easily execute them rather summarily.-

DAVE: buying time

KARKAT: YOU NEED PREP TIME FOR YOUR MENACING MONOLOUGE.

KARKAT: THIS'LL REALLY INTIMIDATE THEM.

DAVE: this is gonna knock them off their feet

DAVE: theyll finally love me when i read this

REDGLARE: 1 know you.

REDGLARE: 1... w4s you. H4h. REDGLARE: 4 p4wn.

REDGLARE: 1t's p4th3t1c. REDGLARE: K1ll m3.

REDGLARE: Cow4rd.

REDGLARE: 1t won't ch4ng3 wh4t you 4r3.

MINDFANG: -Redglare where is your rebellious streak? Dont you know you never give in? Blood loss has made you lame.-

KARKAT: THEY'LL LOVE TO HATE ME.

DAVE: the best of both worlds

DAVE: i cant believe we met hannah montana

KARKAT: DON'T.

KARKAT: NO.

DAVE: youre too late

TEREZI: YOU GUYS, R3DGL4R3....SHHHH! =still staring at the ground, wide-eyed=

DAVE: were here

DAVE: vip backstage passes

KARKAT: I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS SHITSHOW.

MINDFANG: ........Okay now you two just sound idiotic.

MITUNA: -Genuinely laughs at Davekat, but ends up jostling his arm and hiss laughing-

DAVE: its your birthday present

DAVE: troll day

DAVE: gift

KARKAT: FITS THE SHITUATION.

KARKAT: IF YOU'RE GOING TO TALK FOR FUCKING EVER SO AM I.

MINDFANG: -How were/are these two head of a department.-

DAVE: hahaha shituasho. un. tion.

KARKAT: =QUALIFICATIONS=

DAVE: -we earned it-

MINDFANG: -If she actually dies along with these two its going to be the biggest regret of her life.-

MINDFANG: -She was briefly half enjoying it for a moment and now that moment is gone.-

MITUNA: haha holy 555555hi7

SEAKRAIT: -glances between the talking two...-

THE EXPUNGER: =She smiled and turned to her men= Have you been entirely incompetent or have you also Stripped them of their SylladexeS? Anything they can uSe to fight back? Their communicationS deviceS?

ARANEA: -REALLY DAVE????????-

DAVE: -WHAT-

DAVE: -SOMEONES GOTTA. MAKE THEM FEEL DUMB-

DAVE: -and i apparently am entirely capable of doing that.-

SEAKRAIT: Immediately, Sir.

SEAKRAIT: Sylladexes on the ground. Now.

TEREZI: =She emptied hers. Spat out onto the ground was her short shotgun, dual swords from her years with the League, and various personal items such as photographs of Sirius, her friends, quadrants, and lusus. Her digital copy of rewritten Alternian law is also among them.=

KARKAT: MY HANDS.

KARKAT: ARE BOUND.

KARKAT: YOU FUCKIN.

KARKAT: IDIOT.

DAVE: hahaha

MITUNA: hand5 are kind of occupied nookro7

KARKAT: SURE!!! LET ME USE MY THIRD ARM!

DAVE: do you want us to shake it off

DAVE: i mean that takes talent

DAVE: or taylor swift

SEAKRAIT: -twists her face pitifully. They don't even have the hands free upgrade???? These criminals suck.-

KARKAT: FUCKING..... CHRIST.

MITUNA: u5e your bulge5 guy5 5hee5h

KARKAT: IT'S TOO COLD FOR THAT SHIT HELL NO.

REDGLARE: COM3 ON. REDGLARE: NGH.

REDGLARE: You'v3 b33n try1ng to k1ll m3 my whol3 l1f3. F1rst cr1m3 w4s-- b31ng on3 of you. Do1ng my d4mn3d job w3ll.

REDGLARE: Now you'v3 got m3 corn3r3d w1th th3 pr3t3ns3 of 4 r34l cr1m3 4nd you'd r4th3r -- pl4y g4m3s.

REDGLARE: Fuck1ng p-p4th3t1c.

REDGLARE: -swaying, woozy. Hey, she dumps a bunch of shit. It's just a flask and a blanket.-

DAVE: my dick isnt as you know

DAVE: able to be substituted for a hand

DAVE: opposable

KARKAT: ....INCREDIBLE.

KARKAT: LET'S CONTINUE TALKING ABOUT OUR DICKS TO THE ENEMY.

DAVE: ok

DAVE: so my dick

KARKAT: YOU MOTHERFUCKER.

MITUNA: i go7 a 5pare ehehehe

KARKAT: OH MY GOD.

DAVE: oh yeah cuz youre one of those two guys

DAELOS: -HE WOULD BE VERY DISAPPROVING OF THIS CONVERSATION, IF HE WERE CONSCIOUS-

DAVE: everything is two

KARKAT: I REGRET THIS SOMEWHAT BUT I ALSO DON'T FUCKING CARE.

MINDFANG: -Hey so about murdering group members, can you start with the love struck idiots?-

DAVE: ok but how does two butts work

KARKAT: WOW. JUST. FUCKING CHRIST.

REDGLARE: -can you please just murder her already-

REDGLARE: -bleeding out is taking too long-

DAVE: two whole asses where do you put the second one

DAVE: thats four whole cheeks

KARKAT: THESE GODDAMN ASSHOLES THOUGH. I'VE LONG REACHED THE MOMENT WHEN I WAS DONE.

KARKAT: WAY BEFORE YOU DICKWADS HEARD ABOUT US.

MITUNA: i go7 7wo bulge5 one for 7he bi7che5 and one for 7he bi7che5

THE EXPUNGER: ThiS iS different. This is war. People die in ALL KINDs OF WAYs DURING WAR. TEREZI: =flinches=

THE EXPUNGER: I don't like how those uniformS look on them. Strip them of EVERYTHING OF VALUE!

THE EXPUNGER: =She released Daelos's mind just enough for him to have a grasp on what was going on around him. Picking someone from random from the line, she ordered Seakrait to bring them forward=

REDGLARE: 1t's 4LW4YS W4R. YOU'LL N3V3R S33 TH3 OTH3R S1D3 OF W4R.

DAELOS: -Wheezes as he comes to-

KARKAT: AND THIS IS WHY. GOD. DAMMIT.

KARKAT: YOU TALKED ABOUT DICKS AND NOW THEY'RE STRIPPING US.

KARKAT: =welcome daelos=

MINDFANG: -You guys are making it worse. Also if anyone dares try and touch her clothes or sylladex she is going to snarl and even go as far as bite. Push through the emotions forced on her.-

ARANEA: -looks at daelos, distressed and concerned.-

MITUNA: 7hey wanna 5ee em 7ha7 bad holy 5hi7

DAELOS: -Looks back at her helplessly, both enraged and relieved to see her alive, rather than the horrible images in his minds eye. He wants to do something, but there's nothing he CAN do. Then he realizes they're about to strip the sylladexes. Should he come forward with Nyalah, hoping they're less likely to hurt her? Or would that make it worse? His mind races.-

SEAKRAIT: -She obeys immediately, grabbing tight onto Mindfang's arms behind her back and pushing her forward toward the Expunger, in front of the little crowd of UU crew, and forces her back onto her knees.-

[[ The legislacerators fear the Expunger more than you, Mindfang. Sylladexes are taken and dumped out onto the ground, communication devices are taken, and unforms are cut from their bodies. ]]

THE EXPUNGER: I told you I have a forgiving nature, yet you decided not to take heed. PerhapS thiS Shall teach you to hold your tongue and inSpire Some QUIET in your rankS.

THE EXPUNGER: Seakrait! =waves an arm=

DAELOS: This is indecent -spits at them-

DAELOS: Have you no shame

DAELOS: -HE TAKES ISSUE WITH THIS-

KARKAT: =He's warm. But his gills and face fins are cold.... the little extremities= LOOK AT THEM. THEY'RE EMPIRE DOGS OF COURSE THEY DON'T.

KARKAT: NO SHAME, NO PANS, NO PERSONAL OPINIONS.

KARKAT: PUPPETS.

MINDFANG: -GOD. You couldnt have taken one of the more obnoxious members of the party?? If her sylladex is being dumped get a load of the contraband. At her feet. Lots of guns, knives, an assortment of handy explosives.-

SEAKRAIT: -She knows what this order means. There's a quick flip of her axe, and then she rears back, smacking Mindfang in the chest close to full force with the blunt side of the axe. There's a sickening crack of her sternum.-

DAELOS: -But soon he's distracted as his syalladex is dumped. He launcheds himself to his knees to try and cushion the blow for her as best he can-

DAELOS: -Her stitches are still fragile-

NYALAH: -is dumped out from Daelos's sylladex. She lays curled, unmoving.-

DAVE: -shuts up at the crack-

MINDFANG: -Also as if this frozen hellscape wasnt cold enough with clothes. Shes opening her mouth to argue, spit vile words, something but the sound of her voice comes out as a wheeze as all the air is quickly knocked from her lungs.-

DAELOS: -looks up to see this, his face grim-

MITUNA: ...

KARKAT: =Flinches but... honestly what did they expect.... this shit happens. And keeps happening but it never gets easier to watch. He seethes=

MINDFANG: -She topples with the blow and struggles to breath for several moments in the cold snow.-

EUPHORIA: -emotion change now to inferior. all captured will feel intensely inferior to the legislacerators. time to think about why you suck-

DAELOS: -His toolbox, tea packets and various contraband...substances also fall out-

DAELOS: -This is a feeling he's familiar with.-

KARKAT: =So his whole week? Alright=

KARKAT: =Daelos knows what's up=

MITUNA: -Haha bitch you thought this was a new feeling? Foh-

DAELOS: -Being mostly stripped of clothing also makes it all the more familiar. He's just kneeled close to Nyalah, hoping they won't hurt her.-

MINDFANG: -Oh because feeling her ribs crack and give under the ax wasnt enough, she now must also be inferior. If she wasn't having a painful time just wheezing with each inhale she would be super pissed.- THE EXPUNGER: Take it all. You are free to chooSe what you like from their poSSeSSionS. They are all dead regardleSS—

THE EXPUNGER: =As the legislacerators have a field day on the UU's stuff, she stepped forward and nudged Nyalah with her foot=

THE EXPUNGER: Who iS thiS? You think you could hide your wounded from me?

DAELOS: She is another crewmember

DAELOS: She cannot walk, nor cause you harm

DAELOS: She is unconcious

MITUNA: -Honestly all you get from Mituna is junk food, weed, and handheld games-

THE EXPUNGER: Hm. =She grasped Nyalah by the face, lifting her up off the ground.=

DAELOS: -winces- Please

DAELOS: Do not hurt her

KARKAT: =He has more useful things. He had treats for his dog and snacks for Sirius, he had some fish from the river saved up in there. DVDs and books.... les useful. And also some daggers and wrapping tape=

KARKAT: =Flexing his jaw=

NYALAH: -dangles uselessly, even as she's lifted.-

THE EXPUNGER: =shakes her of her stuff. She gets the same treatment as everyone else=

KARKAT: =Fins flare= ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

[THR33 TONS OF W33D come toppling to the ground.]

[JK but maybe not.]

DAVE: -he's got...a pistol. not loaded. physical pictures of jade's most recent ultrasound. of dove. of jade. of stupid selfies. he's been taking a lot of pictures lately. he's got his nice camera karkat got him for his birthday...-

NYALAH: -Well.-

NYALAH: -Yes. 3 weed and 1 lighter. All she needs to survive basically.-

[[ Not your camera anymore bub! ]]

DAVE: - :C -

THE EXPUNGER: =Slaps Nyalah across the face=

THE EXPUNGER: Wakey wakey, time to join the party.

DAELOS: -Growls- Stop that at once!

KARKAT: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?

DAELOS: Your darned bird already nearly gutted her, what more could you want?

SEAKRAIT: -She lifts her axe up and CRACKS Mindfang in the ribs another good time.-

DAVE: -winces at that crack that's just...unsettling-

SEAKRAIT: -Just in case they weren't getting the point.-

KARKAT: ALL YOU ASSHOLE COWARDS DID IS CHASE US THROUGH A FOREST, SIPPING TEA AND BEING HIGH ON YOUR POMPOUS ASSES YOU DIDN'T EVEN FIGHT US AND YOU HAVE THE GODDAMN GALL TO BE HIGH AND MIGHT-HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

DAVE: karkat

THE EXPUNGER: =to Daelos= It truly iS a Shame CathariSta could not give her a Swift end. It would have been kinder.

DAELOS: -He will kill you for daring to touch his moirail in such a manner.-

KARKAT: =Clenches his fists and slumps in the snow, fins and gills flared and reddening, he's fucking pissed off=

THE EXPUNGER: =Strikes her across the face again, trying to rouse her=

DAELOS: -He could ...he could BREAK these cuffs if he really wanted to. But she would only mind control him again. He's just....so furious, even through the inferior feelings-

DAELOS: She is not going to wake up!

DAELOS: She's unconcious

REDGLARE: -oh she GETS the point. She's presenting her neck. Did they think she was kidding? This is basicsally every regret in her past. Her greatest nightmare-- some stranger toying with her thought and emotions and feelings, something she went through utter hell to prevent from ever happening again, has been going on all night without end.-

DAELOS: Are you blind???

REDGLARE: Com3 on.

NYALAH: -Now's her chance. Upon the distraction, a claw gauntlet is going to rip at the Expunger's throat. She never did take them off.-

DAVE: everything you say is-- -he stops-

DAELOS: -Oh. Welp.-

MINDFANG: -DO YOU GUYS MIND MAYBE NOT SCREWING HER OVER MORE. If her ribs werent broken already they sure as hell are now, and after the initial yelp of pain shes really quite quiet and still on the ground asides from soft breathing.-

DAELOS: -If Nyalah's attacking anyway, he WILL use this distraction to BREAK THESE CUFFS, RIPPING the burrowing worms from his arms and splattering the snow with blue blood and go in for another charge, even faster now that he's had time to catch his breath. He's going to STOMP TO DEATH, anything in his path.-

TEREZI: =PLEASE DONT STOMP ME=

DAELOS: -Not you, dear.

EUPHORIA: -takes this opportunity to make especially daelos and nyalah feel useless. no matter how hard you try you will fail-

DAELOS: -He doesn't care if he fails, he's too angry. His moirail is in danger.-

DAELOS: -He has to try.-

EUPHORIA: -Now, here's some apathy for daelos-

NYALAH: -it was the only second she kept in her favor. Oh and weed she has in her actual pockets. Which she uses for real.-

DAELOS: -Unfortunately, since he already started to attack he will need to be physically thwarted, rather than mentally thwarted, unless he is placed in some sort of full mind control again.-

SEAKRAIT: -She abandons smacking the shit out of Mindfang to, instead, leap into action alongside Daelos' path, swinging her axe down around his legs and managing to slice into one of his feet.-

THE EXPUNGER: =Her face had jerked to the side. But when she turned her head back to face Nyalah, her throat had been spared. However, her horns now sport deep scratches in them.=

THE EXPUNGER: Why do I continue to be SurpriSed you do not liSten? =In one metal hand, she seized both of Nyalah's gauntlets at one and ripped them off=

DAELOS: -As the pain slices into his foot, he lashes forward with both arms, trying to throw her down with him into the snow as he falls, even as his good foot sprays blood everywhee.

MINDFANG: -Thats okay seakrait she isnt going anywhere.-

NYALAH: -that was that. No more resisting.-

SEAKRAIT: -She doesn't seem to be too concerned -- maybe because she's waiting for something?-

THE EXPUNGER: =she forced Nyalah on her knees, cuffing her as well. Without another word, she grasped one of Nyalah's horns in her fist and squeezed until it crumbled like clay.=

DAVE: -resisting doesn't just hurt the person resisting. it hurts the others. he can't do anything about that-

DAELOS: -He's down and bleeding profusely, but even then it doesn't stop his gasp of horror and shock-

THE EXPUNGER: You'll have to thank the younger Pyrope for these. =Holds up her hand.= Know that THIS =she hissed in Nyalah's ear= was for them...

THE EXPUNGER: =points at the group=

THE EXPUNGER: Hiding you.

MITUNA: -Oh...Oh holy shit. That's so...He throws up-

DAELOS: -All sound dies in his throat. He knows how painful that is. Horns are filled with nerve endings. Angry tears gather in the corners of his eyes.-

NYALAH: -the crunch of her horn is a spearing pain as it is blinding, the pain so intense from her side and everything else that she can make no sound to the pour of fresh olive blood seeping from her skull.-

NYALAH: -she crumbles again, threatening to black out.-

REDGLARE: -it's more laughter, now. Just laughing. Laughing, laughing, laughing. She's so fucking fucked, right now.-

SEAKRAIT: -LAMPETRA TOTALLY HELPED HER DEFLECT DAELOS A MINUTE AGO WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE DMS ARE JUST MULTITASKING SO HARD-

DAELOS: -He bows his head. He doesn't need mind control to know how badly he has messed up. How inferior he truly is.-

MINDFANG: -Yeah, even she is starting to feel like they are all pretty fucked...-

MINDFANG: -Suddenly curls up and coughs up blue onto the snow, and this time she knows its not from a bloody nose.-

LAMPETRA: =Angrily grabbing hold of Daelos, he placed strength-reducing cuffs on Troll Hulk. As the Expunger seems to be RIGHTLY DISTRACTED=

DAVE: -watching in horror-

DAELOS: -He barely acknowledges this. He won't be struggling, or speaking anymore.-

THE EXPUNGER: =Lets Nyalah fall, wherever she may.=

THE EXPUNGER: Now you.... =she shook her head at Daelos, approaching cloSer and cloSer to the UU group.= You truly do not know when to LIsTEN. =she sighed, shrugging her shoulders at the crowd of legislacerators behind her.=

THE EXPUNGER: One thing leadS to another, I SuppoSe. =sighs again= It iS TRULY unfortunate…but I did warn you. How can I Show you how SeriouS I am if I do not keep my word?

DAELOS: -He doesn't even look at her. She's certainly won.-

NYALAH: -just bleeding out from her head, face drenched in the color.-

EUPHORIA: -glances once at terezi for a very brief moment before looking away-

THE EXPUNGER: Once more unto the breach.

THE EXPUNGER: =Without further hesitation, she turned and seized Terezi’s horns, twisting sharply until resounding cracks sounded over the agonized shrieking from the troll beneath her. With two glimmers of orange in her fists, The Expunger tossed one aside and grabbed Terezi by the hair, yanking back her head to expose her neck. Plunging the remaining horn deep into her throat, the act cut her off mid-scream.=

TEREZI: =Terezi’s body heaved once and her arms jerked as reflex demanded that she defend herself, but the cuffs held and her hands remained bound. Blood matting her hair slowly trickled down her face past surprised eyes.=

DAVE: NO

SEAKRAIT: -She freezes, eyes wide, but she doesn't move. She does nothing.-

KARKAT: =Immediately from the horn grab his face twists in anger once again. his pusher seizing with her scream then watching as she gets impaled on her own horn. There's no way he wasn't moving, wasn't already streaming tears from his face. He doesn't have a weapon or hands but he has the fucking effort to sprint. Aiming right for Expunger. He's going to literally bite her face. Or try. And if not get snot and tears on her=

LAMPETRA: =he swallowed down the cry in his own throat before it even came up for air, his eyes wide, and hand partially lifted.=

ARANEA: -absolutely horrified. that may very well be the most disturbing thing she's ever seen, but worse than that, that was her friend. someone so good she even believed there's still something good in aranea. someone who had only just gotten her agency back. someone who didn't deserve this. she tries to call out, but the cold and pain and anguish has stolen her voice away.-

SEAKRAIT: -Her gaze immediately turns to Lampetra, her head an almost imperceptible shake.-

DAVE: -he has to go after karkat. he has to. he has to hold him back- karkat no -why the fuck does he have to be a seadweller? his arms are around his middle and he pulls him back in an attempt-

LAMPETRA: =he lowers his hand. It's all he can do=

REDGLARE: Y-you.

REDGLARE: You...

REDGLARE: -her voice cracks, drops.-

REDGLARE: 1 s33.

EUPHORIA: -he actually looks away during all of this-

MITUNA: WH47 7H3 FUCK

KARKAT: =AREN'T YOUR HANDS BOUND DAVE? CAN'T HOLD HIM BACK...... but if he does. Then Karkat is dragging him, yelling and with fins flared.....BUT IF NOT HERE COMES A MAD FISH=

DAVE: -HE PROBABLY LOOPED HIS ARMS AROUND HIM-

DAVE: -LIKE JUST PIGGY BACK HULA HOOP-

NYALAH: -perpetually passed out in the snow by now.-

DAELOS: -He's just still and silent through the chaos and screaming. He doesn't want anyone else to get hurt due to his actions.-

THE EXPUNGER: =sighs, irritated, even as Karkat advances= Someone deal with theSe two. Make Sure they don't get up again. Make Sure they KNOW THEIR PLACE.

DAVE: you cant -pulls- do anything -pulls- im not -pulls- gonna lose -pulls- you too

KARKAT: =In which case= NO! NO! FFFFUCK YOU, FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING ROTTED BARNACLE CUNTFUCK BITCH FIGHT ME!!

KARKAT: FIIIIIGGGGGGHTT MMEEEEEE! =ROARS=

DAVE: -EVERYTHING HURTS jESUS-

THE EXPUNGER: Hm. =smiles= Actually, I don't think I will. Freak.

THE EXPUNGER: =The Expunger pulled the horn free and without the plug preventing its escape, arterial blood spurted from Terezi’s wound in a jet that coated the Head Legislacerator’s torso. She brought the horn down again and again, every following blow more vicious than the last.=

TEREZI: =Drenched in teal and the ground beneath her splattered with it, Terezi’s watery choking and desperate inhalations forced the blood flooding her mouth to leak down the corners of her lips. Her consciousness was quickly claimed by the severe drop in blood pressure, and within seconds she fell limp in Salsar’s grip.=

THE EXPUNGER: =Even after Terezi’s slack muscles no longer held resistance, The Expunger held her in place, continuing to stab her until satisfied. Eventually she released her, allowing her very much D34D body to crumple upon the ground, blood pooling around her head like a grotesque halo that gradually spread in diameter.=

DAELOS: -GOD-

DAELOS: -He has seen some shit. He has been tortured and seen plenty of people murdured. He has seen his own planet blown up. But he has never seen anything this brutal. This poor young teal certainly didn't deserve to die this way.-

KARKAT: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! =Hold on Dave. This is an emotional ride. He's crying streams and still fighting, still trying to get to her but his pusher is so fucking heavy=

MINDFANG: -Walking the edge of staying conscious and seeing this... Not even she can condone being that cruel. Its over kill. Messy, unclean, and frankly dishonorable. There is special places in hell for people like the Expunger, and Arissa doesnt just think that because she happened to have a fondness for Terezi.-

DAVE: -he's gonna hold on with his life also he can't technically let go if he wants to because right now they're kind of stuck like this- we have to keep going

DAVE: sirius and damara

DAVE: are still on the ship

DAVE: we can bring her back to life -tears on his end too-

MITUNA: Y0U FUCK1NG CUN7 R0773D 5H17FUCK1NG D34D 817CH -He can't stop the yellow pouring from his eyes, the uncharacteristic cracking in his voice. Everything hurts and is heavy, but he's pushing himself up. He can't use his psionics, of course, fuck it. He's trying to get at the nearest legislacerator.-

SEAKRAIT: -Her expression is stony -- maybe even the slightest hint angry -- when she steps in front of Karkat, a swift motion of her free hand plunging fingers into his gills, her claws just scraping the delicate tissue inside.-

REDGLARE: -She's just gone still. Silent. She was shaking, woozy, before-- but now there's nothing. She's just waiting, eyes closed.-

DAVE: NO -trying so hard to pull him back-

THE EXPUNGER: =Tossing the horn aside where it clattered loudly across the stone, she announced cheerily,= Well! I don’t know what I expected, but for a while there, I waS Starting to believe you PyropeS were invincible.

THE EXPUNGER: DiSappointingly anticlimactic, all thiS waS. JuSt another green trying too hard to be blue. =she lifted her still-dripping hand to the legislacerators behind her from which came a chorus of agreement.=

KARKAT: =It's a new kind of pain, and he's bleeding it's in that weird way that cuts off his voice but air is still pushed over the edges of her fingers. And you know...... it hurts... but he hurts so much more than that. So he doesn't give that much of a shit if they rip open at this point. He's going to try and jerk his head to bite Seakrait's arm with fish jaws=

SEAKRAIT: -The moment his head jerks, her claws dig deeper, and she physically lifts him from the ground by her fingers in his gills alone. Dave might want to let go.-

SEAKRAIT: Stop. Struggling.

LAMPETRA: =he forced Mituna back to his knees with a hand on his shoulder. Like Seakrait, he also appears to be biting back a furious anger.=

LAMPETRA: I would stay down if I were you.

DAVE: -when that happens he does let go so he can try to dizzily move and swipe at seakrait's feet with his own-

MITUNA: 347 MY 5P1N4L CR3V1C3 -Tries to headbutt him-

KARKAT: =flops like a fish. only he's kicking. He can't talk like this, the pain of something... he's unfamiliar with being torn and strained. His arms reach for her, feet kicking. pink tears and red blood staining her hand and arm=

SEAKRAIT: -She's free to jump away, but it's probably shredding the inside of Karkat's gills for her to move so much. NICE JOB DAVE.-

DAVE: -AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

DAVE: PUT HIM DOWN

SEAKRAIT: -She lifts him higher, just enough to slam him back into Dave with the intention of hurtling them both onto the ground.-

LAMPETRA: =CLONKS Mituna between the horns with his own fist.=

KARKAT: =It sounds like he's gurgling his own blood, but also still kic-- whoop. SLAMMED=

KARKAT: =Sorry about his lardass Dave=

DAVE: -FUCK. there they go-

DAVE: -down they go and he yells in pain cuz his back is just getting super fucked up and he's pretty sure karkat's head smashed against his chin-

SEAKRAIT: Don't you get it? -It's little more than a hiss, maybe not intended for others to hear.- You did this to her.

DAELOS: -He can't remember being more frightened, even when being tortured. The cacophony of screams around him makes him feel frozen. He wishes he could hold Nyalah right now. If she's still even alive. She's lost so much blood.-

NYALAH: -no way of telling. She's lying face down in a puddle of herself.-

KARKAT: =He's woozy and needs a moment to process that also to stop filtering his own blood. How do you fish?= FUCK.. YOU. YOU. ALL OF YOU. DID THIS. SHE-- =he swallows and writhes, clenching fists=

MITUNA: -His head, is harder than...harder...hard. Okay, who flipped everything? Mituna is trying to scramble to make everything make sense. Someone needs to feel his wrath, someone needs to pay for what happened. He's flailing trying to hit this fucker-

TEREZI: =high five! puddle buddies!=

NYALAH: -snuggle in limbo buddies.-

MINDFANG: -Her voice is wet and breathy, as shes trying to save the amount of times she expands her lungs.- (S-Someone remind me h8w this all equ8ls just8ce....) -God damn law enforces were more twisted then the worst smugglers she knew.-

SEAKRAIT: -No need to catch your breath, Karkat, because she's stepping on your throat. No more talking. She forces her expression back closer to something neutral.-

DAVE: -NO!!!!!-

DAVE:-he's trying to worm his way out from underneath him so he can DO something-

KARKAT: =He's choking and staring right at her, he will sink claws in your SHIN. KNEECAPS.=

LAMPETRA: =CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS SEAKRAIT?? EVERYONE IS SO UNBELIEVABLY HARD HEADED!!=

MITUNA: -HARD HEAD THIS. Tries and headbutts again-

REDGLARE: -she's trying not to, but there's tears streaming from her good eye. She can't help it.-

SEAKRAIT: -It sounds like a hard clack when Karkat's claws meet her leg. It seems the Expunger isn't the only one with false limbs.-

SEAKRAIT: -Stares down hard at him. CEASE......-

KARKAT: =NEVER you totally killed like, his forever person=

SEAKRAIT: -NO YOU-

KARKAT: =FIGHT HIM???=

SEAKRAIT: -1v1 ME FOG NOSCOPE-

KARKAT: =BRING IT!=

LAMPETRA: =kicks Mituna to the ground and presses down hard on his chest. Grabbing one of the discarded weapons at random, he unsheathed the two blades apart. It's Terezi's cane.=

LAMPETRA: =Without another word, he forced the blade deep into Mituna's shoulder, finding the socket and angled it, dislocating it with a POP!=

MITUNA: -His scream is the scream that will pierce the heavens-

REDGLARE: -still quiet. She's just tired. So tired. Tired of seeing people die and tired of all the pain.-

LATULA: -she's screaming over Mituna, because HOLY SHIT, but not doing any fighting. Just pleading. Gotta-- leave this one. PLEASE.-

DAVE: -finally just...gives up in the snow. there was something about this girl troll that seemed like...she didn't want to do this. they are all ill equipped.-

MITUNA: -He's choking on his sobs, laying on the ground bleeding-

[[ Once everyone is back in the line and they are taken out of the wind, there is a conversation between two legislacerators standing night guard. There are mentions of "it" turning screwy and causing weird stuff to happen. Something clearly has the League on edge. ]]

L1: I never did like that biotech shit. Always gave me the creeps.

L2: =There is sufficient pause, almost hesitant.= Don't turn your back on the body.

#the league is here - your shit is wrecked #gore tw #violence tw #death tw #cranktankerousGeneticist #coltishdaedalian #nemeanCatapult #academicgeniality #trojanabstruse #gladiateCarnifex #technologicgodot #gnarlycradz #abscissionGalliard #gulesCamisade

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gulescamisade · 7 years

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Alaska: Day 3

[[ Despite the finesse of Nyalah's hunting capabilities, rabbits another small game are not quite so filling. Due to their bodies hard work of keeping them warm on top of their decision to continue moving, hunger begins to set in. ]]

KARKAT: =Great he loves starving.... but is there any water around? He's going to go check for that=

DAVE: -there's snow-

KARKAT: =He has fists and entire lakes don't freeze, the people need to be fed=

DAVE: -o yea you can get fish-

DAELOS: -The cold is really slowing him down, he's very still for long periods of time, trying to conserve energy.-

DAELOS: -He wants to have his STRENGTH in case something bad happens.-

KARKAT: =Weak. But he's venturing out on a quest for water. He's not letting people STARVE while he sits around like an assbasket=

KARKAT: =Or a lake/pond rather=

ARANEA: -keeping near to daelos and lending as much heat as she can. though she is unfortunately much smaller and only slightly warmer blooded then him, the hands she holds against his arm have a strange comforting warmth to them... if anything, it should be helping him keep his spirits up.-

[[ Karkat is in luck. In the distance, there among all the white and somewhat green-brown of the terrain, there is a sliver of light blue. It is the Yukon River, to be precise (and if anyone desires to use their GPS to check.) ]]

KARKAT: =Great, he knows shit about this place but he knows water, frozen or no. Shuffles his way over, slightly less bundled up and goes to check how thick the ice is=

[[ It is much thicker near the bank and sturdy enough to walk on. The closer one gets to the center of the river, however, the thinner it becomes. ]]

KARKAT: =Alright= WATCH ME SLIP AND FALL MY ENTIRE ASS INTO THIS FRIGID RIVER... =Mumbles to himself loudly and steps carefully on the ice to break it where it's still thick enough for him to be supported but he's not going to break his fist=

TEREZI: W1SH 1 COULD >;]

TEREZI: S3R1OUSLY, B3 C4R3FUL THOUGH

[[ Karkat must walk 30-40 feet across the ice until he reaches that point. ]]

DAVE: -also watching with terezi-

KARKAT: =Flinches and slips on the ice a little= FUCK. HOW LONG WERE YOU FO-- =They're both here= ....... UGH FINE. =Keeps.... walking, half-sliding on ice=

DAVE: -it feels great to surprise karkat and have him begrudgingly acknowledge him. Such an adorable grump-

KARKAT: =He's not adorable he's a survivor. Slips and falls rifht on his ass. Slides. ..=

TEREZI: =stifling a laugh=

TEREZI: PFFT

DAVE: get on your feet DAVE: get up and make it happen

KARKAT: GREAT, YOU BOTH CAME TO BE USELESS AND CACKLE. =turns on his stomach and tries to stand=

TEREZI: 1 B3L13V3 1N YOU!!

KARKAT: WHATEVER, YOU'RE HERE TO BE ENTERTAINED. =shuffles more then INTENTIONALLY plops down and gives the thinner bit a considerable knock with his whole fist=

ICE: =dull thonk=

DAVE: punch it

KARKAT: EAT MY ENTIRE ASS STRIDER. =knocks HARDER=

ICE: =OWIE! produces a small crack=

DAVE: no you knock on wood

DAELOS: -He's not moving, but at least he's keeping himself busy. He dumped out his tool box into his sylladex to use as a bowl and he's currently melting some snow over the fire.-

KARKAT: =huffs and clasps his hands together, using some of the hope-given seadweller strength to WHUMP the ice=

ICE: >O< =it cracks, spiderwebbing across the ice about four feet.=

DAELOS: -He had some tea packets in his sylladex. No sugar or anything but beggers can't be choosers. Tries to make tea.-

KARKAT: =That.... is a big spiderwebbing.... it's under his ass isn't it?=

[[ Yup. ]]

DAELOS: -Not paying attention to any of this yet. He assumes the youths are just horsing around and using good judgement.-

[[ Though it takes longer for the water to boil since it's SNOW, Daelos will find success with creating leaf water. ]]

DAELOS: -CRAFTING NOISE !!! ***-

KARKAT: ..... =Scoots.... back.... Don't let his glorious ass crack this ice=

ICE: ...

ICE: =cracks?=

ICE: =a teeny bit more=

DAELOS: -slides one of the compartments out to use as a very inconvenient tea cup and carefully passes the piping hot leaf water to his lady love <333.-

KARKAT: =DEEP RESIGNED SIGH, takes off his jacket at least and chucks it to the side=

DAELOS: -HE WILL SHARE. but she gets the first sip-

DAVE: karkat im hungry

ARANEA: -flutters wings while accepting the cup.- Thank you, Daelos. -smiles up at him and just lets it warm her hands for a moment-

TEREZI: 3V3RYTH1NG P34CHY OV3R TH3R3?

DAELOS: -What a pretty smile she has. They are on a snow date. In the freezing wilderness.-

DAELOS: -raises his voice- There is hot tea

DAELOS: When you all are finished with

DAELOS: That!

TEREZI: :D

TEREZI: W3LL DON3 Z4HH4K! =that's twice she's said that to him now=

KARKAT: BOTH OF YOU PICK AN ASSCHEEK OF MINE AND NIBBLE IT YOU JACKASSES. =shouts back to Daelos=

KARKAT: KEEP AT LEAST HALF OF IT FOR THE FRIGID ASS FEEDING YOU YOU USELESS PRICKS!! =PUNCHES the ice just take him now watery abyss=

DAELOS: -Snorts in OFFENSE. How rude!-

KARKAT: =Fine then STARVE=

ARANEA: - VERY rude...-

ICE: =KARKAT WHY???!=

ICE: =CRACK!!!!!!!!!=

ICE: =gives way=

KARKAT: =SPLOOSH, swims off=

DAELOS: -He doesn't eat meat anyway, but he was being polite about mentioning it.-

KARKAT: =Goodbye forever=

DAELOS: -He will have to forage for roots himself later-

TEREZI: HOLY SH1T K4RK4T! =she's running to the shore=

DAELOS: -Concerned whinny-

MINDFANG: -She was gathering more wood for the fire and comes back with two arm loads of tinder and just in time to see the figure in the distance that is karkat vanish through the ice.- .........

MINDFANG : (Outstanding.)

REDGLARE: -BUZZING OVERHEAD-

REDGLARE: ...-SIGHS-

FISH: =IS CHUCKED OUT THE WATER=

FISH: =Why this. Why me=

MINDFANG: -Looks up at Redglare like "you going to bother with that or...?"-

KARKAT: =If Terezi is close enough she's gonna get slapped by at least two more fish=

DAELOS: -Spoilers, it's Alaska, he won't find anything. He'll have to eat fish.-

REDGLARE: H3 h4s g1lls.

TEREZI: =she ducks with the first one but the second hits her squarely in the middle and her legs go flying up in the air=

DAELOS: Do you suppose I should assist

DAELOS: -THEY SEEM TO BE FALLING A LOT-

MINDFANG: Ah. That's new. -She's no longer vaguely concerned and moves to finish piling up the wood before sitting by the fire itself and rubbing her shoulder that links to the robotic arm.-

DAELOS: -Of course if he went near the ice, it'd just all crumble...-

REDGLARE: ...

REDGLARE: -flutters down towards Terezi, pokes the fish with her staff.-

FISH: =THRASHES VIOLENTLY=

KARKAT: =Man look at all these fish. As soon as he throws enough that can feed them for the night he emerges SCREAMING= WHY THE FUCK ARE WE STILL IN THIS ABOMINABLE FROST-BEASTS ASSHOLE!??!

FISH: 8O

FISH: =uses Splash!=

REDGLARE: -gives it a good, hearty stab. go to sleep fishy.-

DAELOS: -FISH MURDER.-

REDGLARE: W3 h4v3 food now.

FISH: =flap flap flap!!!=

DAELOS: -He's used to it with Nyalah, but it never fails to sadden him.-

TEREZI: =still on her back, staring up at the sky=

FISH: =is still=

NYALAH: -OH. Is Terezi part of the fresh kill pile? Nyalah is depositing another rabbit with her. Dead, of course.-

TEREZI: TH4NKS NY4

MINDFANG: -Watching all of this happen while trying to get warm so her body stops screaming in the form of aching joints and muscle.-

NYALAH: - 👁️👁️Would Arissa like a massage? She's good at those.-

DAELOS: -Cease...-

MINDFANG: -No, she would like the circuits in her metal arm not to freeze.-

DAELOS: -He could help possibly. But i'm going to bed so...-

MINDFANG: -Side eyes Nyalah looking at her though.- ..... can I help you.

REDGLARE: -just sorta. picks up Terezi by the sides.-

NYALAH: look stiff -wiping her paws of blood in the snow.-

TEREZI: G3TT1NG F1SH3D

TEREZI: TH4T W4S 4 F1RST

TEREZI: =Pats Redglare's shoulder= H3H3H3H3 TH4NKS

TEREZI: =she glanced over at Karkat though, a little concerned that he might turn into an actual icicle. That water is cold as balls.=

MINDFANG: -Blood has no effect on her she has seen plenty.- I look stiff 8ecause I am. MINDFANG: Metal cools much faster then the rest of my 8ody does. While the arm is more or less insul8ted and water proof, the 8rilliant designer of this piece of equipment also provided it with cold sensors.

MINDFANG: And also the frozen metal and rubber feels just /peachy keen/ against the flesh stump of my shoulder.

KARKAT: =He's hauling himself out and shivering, just. Living with his mistakes but kicks the flopping fishes away from the hole MOVE OVER BITCHfang he's taking place next to the fire and stripping his shirt off. Wringing it out and throws it over..... some kind of stick over it to dry=

NYALAH: -👀 tbh -

MINDFANG: -Karkat is free to join her, but she isn't makin a show of moving over.- I'm impressed with you cold tolerance. -@karkat-

MINDFANG: Plenty would have died in that water. It's a surprise you didn't.

NYALAH: -prowls over to sniff the metal arm.-

KARKAT: THANKS, IT'S MUCH HIGHER THAN MY "WATCH PEOPLE I GIVE A SHIT ABOUT STARVE TO DEATH IN A WASTELAND" TOLERANCE.

MINDFANG: ! -Pulls her arm away from the sniffing.-

NYALAH: -settles by MFG anyway. Pulling out a joint.... and starts to light it.-

MINDFANG: -Drugs are for losers, but damn if she's considering pulling out her own cigarette right now.-

NYALAH: -offers her a pass of the doobie anyway.- B??

MINDFANG: No thank you. -She waves it off but is giving in and taking out one of her cigs. Does nyalah have a lighter she's willing to share?-

TEREZI: =she's deboning and gutting the fish Karkat caught by the frozen water=

NYALAH: -waves her lighter around. Maybe if she asks nicely.-

MINDFANG: -Gross.- Care to lend me that for a moment.

NYALAH: -tosses it at her.- k33ps

MINDFANG: -Snags it out of the air and smoothly lights her cigarette before taking a long overdue drag.- Thanks.

MINDFANG: -Puffs out smoke into the freezing air.-

NYALAH: hot -remarks, not even hiding the fact she's watching.-

MINDFANG: Generous, o8servant and truthful. Not terri8le qual8ties.

[[ The irregular wind patterns blow the puff of smoke back in mindfang's face. ]]

MINDFANG: -BITCH WEATHER.-

NYALAH: other ways to be the terribles

MINDFANG: -Squints to protect her good eye from the blow back.-

MINDFANG: There certainly are.

WIND: =ruffles up her hair=

WIND: =knocks off her hat=

GROUND: =gives her a wedgie=

NYALAH: -eyes grow round at this sudden weirdness.- ..............................whet

MINDFANG: -ALASKA CAN FUCK OFF. And good thing she wasn't wearing a hat.- (Fuck!)

MINDFANG: -Holds the cig between her lips as she fixes her hair.-

[[ It's not weird. It's just normal human weather. Which, yeah, is a bit weird. ]]

MINDFANG: -Is the weather going to keep harassing her? Is she going to need to tie her hair back to protect it?-

WIND: =WOOSH!=

NYALAH: -staring at her doobie... she's barely had 1 maybe 2 hit.-

MINDFANG: -Gdi. That's it she's quickly braiding her hair to keep it from becoming a tangled mess later.-

MINDFANG: Are you alright there. Or are you already faded.

MINDFANG: -Speaks at her while staring at the fire.-

NYALAH: only watching

NYALAH: sp33ks when spoken to ye

NYALAH: -the temptation to bat her braid is so overwhelming-

MINDFANG: -Do so at your own risk.-

WIND: =nudges the very tip of mindfangs braid. OH the temptation=

NYALAH: -she is not strong... she baps, ever so gently-

MINDFANG: -Just as fast as she had grabbed the lighter earlier she is trapping Nyalah's hand in a tight, chilly steel grip.-

MINDFANG: -Slowly turns her head to look at her again.-

MINDFANG: I care a gr8 deal for my hair. Do not touch it without permission. -Don't touch her in general without permission.-

NYALAH: -she sure likes dying and being dead. Just gazes with her hand caught like it is.-

TEREZI: =is return with 1 rabbit and several fish fillets. awww....they're holding hands!=

TEREZI: H3Y 3V3RYON3

TEREZI: TH4NKS TO NY4L4H 4ND K4RKL3S W3 F34ST TON1GHT >:]

TEREZI: WHOS HUNGRY?

MINDFANG: -Waits a few more moments for any sort of verbal response but when none comes she releases the cats hand.-

MINDFANG: -Sucks the entirety of the rest of the cigarette in one go, holds it for a few counts, and then breathes it out.- If you need help cooking, feel free to inform me. -Doing it herself is better then letting someone else burn their food supplies to ashes.-

NYALAH: hurt -staring at mindfang.-

MINDFANG: You aren't hurt. Try wiggling your fingers and you'll see that.

NYALAH: speaks to me like this

NYALAH: again -rasps. A request, a warning, it's hard to tell.-

MINDFANG: .........

TEREZI: =she's going to....go over here now.=

MINDFANG: -This cat is weird.-

TEREZI: =She settled on the other side of Karkat, bemoaning the lack of seasoning. They can always cry on it, she supposed. Where was Flavortown when you needed them?=

NYALAH: -way too wide eyed and hyper focused on Mindfang's movements. None chill cat.-

MINDFANG: -Narrows her eyes at the cat. Nyalah is making her uneasy with all this staring.- If you have a pro8lem with me say it.

MINDFANG: And do not expect an apology for half crushing your hand.

NYALAH: bitch does as bitch is none apologies no

NYALAH: but even she n33ds sl33ps too

NYALAH: cant be speakings as she does

NYALAH: if she has no tongue

TEREZI: =glancing between these two=

NYALAH: -huddled, coiled and dangerous with eyes that are reliving one too many unpleasant things with her hard stare at MF.-

MINDFANG: Oh I'm sorry the wind seems to muffle voices at times, for a moment it sounded like you were threatening me.

MINDFANG: 8ut o8viously that can't 8e the case, 8ecause you would have to 8e either incredi8ly stupid, or have a wish of self destruction.

MINDFANG: -Stares back at her, the coldness of the air has nothing on the ice in her eye. Do you really want to take her on?-

NYALAH: -imagining very loudly what it's like to gouge out that eye staring down at her. If Mindfang's empathy abilities mean anything.-

NYALAH: -continues staring unblinkingly with the words that circle in her thinkpan. Reminding her of the echo excuse she was for a troll.-

NYALAH: death would be favor

NYALAH: wouldnt have to listen no more

NYALAH: wins for me either way

MINDFANG: -She feels a vague sense of Nyalah's intent towards her. It helped that for a moment she had been trying to pry her way into Nyalah's mind in her subtle way that would feel nothing more then an slight itch.-

MINDFANG: Then it's a shame im not currently in the market of executing mem8ers of our party. You have use, don't go looking for serious injury.

NYALAH: bite deep nook

NYALAH: coward -It's amazing how she keeps her voice at the same volume, the same rasp, the same tone as she says terrible things.- and eat the words you says

NYALAH: wheres they belong

MINDFANG: -The only reaction that comes from her is a small smile stretching across her lips.- What charming ideas.

MINDFANG: -At that she is standing and dusting herself off as if they weren't just having this rather heated conversation.- I 8elieve I'm warm enough to 8e useful again. -It never hurts to have more firewood.-

NYALAH: bye arrisa -watching her go. She IS going to have to sleep some time.-

MINDFANG: -You'd be surprised how little she actually sleeps.-

MINDFANG: -Waves Nyalah off as she leaves.-

#cranktankerousGeneticist #technologicgodot #coltishdaedalian #gulesCamisade #academicgeniality #gladiateCarnifex #abscissionGalliard #nemeanCatapult

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gulescamisade · 7 years

Text

WELCOME TO EARTH

[ The distant light of Sol-1 finally touches upon the ship, somewhere not too terribly far from earth, as they weave between the debris scattered in the system's asteroid belt. The system appears to be a hotbed of activity, patrolled by at least a dozen ships patrolling its orbit, though the tremendous amount of interference from an approximate fuckton of space rocks seems to be doing an adequate job of masking their approach, for now. The crew is ordered to be ready for the worst, considering the riskiness of their approach, with all of the Security members manning battle stations and engineering on standby for potential damage. There remains a small list of others commanded for presence on the bridge-- Horuss, Equius, Daelos and Roxy-- with special instructions prepared for the moment they manage to clear the asteroid belt. ]

DIRK: -at any moment they could be too close. in fact, they might be already, but who knows how long they can maintain what they're going to do. there's a lot of risks involved, but his gut is telling him now is the moment to give the signal.-

DIRK: -looks to this specialized group of folks.- Alright, guys, time to show us what you've got.

DIRK: If the plan goes awry, we'll just put up the ship's cloak and hope for the best.

DIRK: But it ain't gonna go awry. -he believes in the horses and his platonic wife.-

ROXY: =She made them all shirts, they BETTER be wearing them. A solid blue that reads V-SQUAD with (Not that kind of V) in small letters under it=

ROXY: i got a whole lot u cant handle dstri

ROXY: welcum 2 the sweaty gun show =flexes minorly but yes, time for the one with the void thing. She's sitting and touching the ground since it's a collaborative effort there's no need to go TOO crazy on her own=

TEREZI: V-SQU4D, V-SQU4D, TH3YR3 OUR CL4N

TEREZI: 1F TH3Y C4NT DO 1T NO ON3 C4N

TEREZI: =moral support=

ROXY: =she loves u Terezi=

TEREZI: >;]

HORUSSBOT: Udder nonsense. I have 100% confidence in my abilities. Nothing will trot off horse. -whirrs, his goggles blaring red. He has had quite some time prepping in the void for a task such as this. Now, it was time to put the thoughts into action into the motion of events.-

HORUSSBOT: -Of course, he can't turn down a gift from Roxy. Horuss is wearing the obligatory V-Squad shirt.-

EQUIUS: -This shirt is stupid and 100di% but it's also kind of cute that Roxy made these. He's focused. He's always focused, standing on the bridge after giving engineering THOROUGH instructions. Jake, do not heck this up.-

JAKE: -vigorous awoos from the engineering labs.-

EQUIUS: D --> We will do as we are needed to. This e%ercise will go off without a hitch

DIRK: -thumbs up at them and their confidence-

DAELOS: - Looking out of place with a t-shirt that's a bit too tight but he's more focused on carefully keeping an eye on the ship than his wardrobe-

JADE: -She's in her station as well, because there's no way she's sitting out on a mission so important, even if she doesn't feel quite as ready as her peers.-

ROXY: =She made it tight on purpose=

ROXY: =ur welc every1=

ROXY: =They're all wearing tight shirts=

ROXY: =Additional ur welcs=

EQUIUS: -He's probably going to flex out of it later-

ROXANNE: -At her station as well, mentally cheering on her daughter. U go bby, she believes in you.-

ROXY: =Feels mom-couragement, internal warmth and weeping=

ROXANNE: -<333-

EQUIUS: -The human disease called love-

[ The ships are still just dim blips on a sensor, and it really seems like they're going to stay that way-- it's a long circuit around the sun and the nearest doesn't seem to be making any move to intercept them. The effects of being under a cloak of void are almost imperceptible to the majority of the crew. ]

ROSE: -There are still a few who'd feel it, though. She's laying her head down and closing her eyes, wincing at even the softest lights in her room. This is not an altogether COMPLETELY pleasant sensation, right now.-

HORUSSBOT: -The void portal device will be running in the engineering labs. Now it is a matter of manipulating the void pocket within outwards. Like a droplet of oil moving through water, so will the ship move undetected through space. Horuss, unlike EVERYONE ELSE, is not distracted in his task of breathing out and letting the Nothing seep from his essence. The edges of his robotic form warble out of the corner of people's eyes. Everything is trotting along as planned.-

DAVE: -he's manning his section of security on the ship, overseeing guards and in ready position should anything go wrong. there's a lot of stuff on his mind about this trip, but he's not focusing on it. he's just making sure he's ready to take action if and when it is needed.-

EQUIUS: -He's barely in focus, unless you are of course focusing on him. Equius settling down to concentrate on his task, positively exuding the void from his entire being. What he lacks in the finesse his teammates have he more than makes up with sheer POWER.-

HORUSSBOT: -Well Horuss is more thorough and studious about it. So there.-

ARADIA: -standing on another level by the atrium, she's just watching. not in caution, but in waiting.-

ROXY: =She's just here to have a good time and be helpful=

EQUIUS: -Shhh fellow horse. You are amazing too. Just not as amazing as me-

MEULIN: -She's there with Dave, smiling supportively every now and again if she catches his gaze, but otherwise remaining serious, bristled with anxiety.-

DAELOS: -In a similar way he also seems to be imperceptible, though in a slightly different way. It's not that it's hard to see him, but people may forget that he's there for a time. He's absorbed in the ship's sensors and radar.-

DAVE: -it makes it easier to be sturdy for someone else, because he can tell meulin is feeling anxious. he gives her a nod when she smiles- nothin to worry about

DAVE: we all know what were supposed to do

DEREK: -he's REALLY counting on y'all for this to work, cuz he'd rather not drive everybody right into danger.-

DAVENFORTH: -Manning his security section, in full uniform. His trench coat flutters gently. But how?-

ROXANNE: -That would be the ideal yeah... But it will work! Optimism is important guys.-

MEULIN: RIGHT! -Except that they're heading into the playground of probably the biggest threat to them currently, and she's sure that before this is done, there's going to be some blood on her claws. Will she be able to handle that when the time comes? The fact that Dave is there, that he's been there every other time she couldn't handle it, is really the only assurance she can cling to for now.-

NEPETA: =She's ready, for the rumblings. Spiny is also ready for the rumblings, pets the lorge lizard=

[ The PLAN continues to go smoothly-- even at a cautious pace, Earth is growing larger and larger, the ship slowly beginning a controlled descent onto the planet. Things seem to be a bit different, with all of the voidiness wrapped around the ship, and any of the heat or pressures of gravity from re-entry seem to slip right by them. From an outside perspective, it would look bizzare, if it were possible for it to look like anything at all. They glide down towards the wider area of the Pacific Northwest, in the direction of a relatively obscure meeting place-- Baseball was both made illegal and cancelled forever, evidently, and it's almost unreal how delapitated the diamond has become, visible from high in the sky, in only a short period of open occupation. ]

RILEY: -she desperately wishes she had something to do at the moment with so much on her mind, so she's walking around the ship instead of sitting and waiting-

QIRIN: =baseball banned?? how awful=

ROXANNE: -Earth wtf.-

DEREK: Damn that was a smooth ride. -grins back at everyone from his pilot's chair.- DIRK: -naturally he believed in them, but damn is he relieved when they start to land. eyeballs the dad.-

VRISKA: -she's looking bored wherever she's supposed to look out for. can't she do something IMPORTANT?! they are absolutely wasting her skills. she sighs dramatically from where she's assigned-

TEREZI: STUNN1NG JOB, STR1D3R SR! 👌

TEREZI: V-SQU4D R31GNS SUPR3M3, 4S USU4L >:]

ROXY: shes sweet talkin me ;P =shes also sweating a bit the ship is fuckin lorge=

TEREZI: M3 SW33T? N3V3R!

JOHN: -BASEBALL WAS BANNED???? THE ALL AMERICAN PASTIME??? THAT BITCH.-

[ There's AMPLE ROOM for a landing, even if it's a severely makeshift spaceport and there isn't too much room for wiggling. They'll also DEFINITELY demolish this whole fuckin thing when they take off again. They touch down on a flat land that is nonetheless a bit overgrown with crabgrass and weeds, sensors reading no ships in the sky anywhere in the surrounding area. There is a definitive ALL CLEAR. ]

QIRIN: =John, it's all the more reason we are here. Fight. Win. Homerun.=

ROXY: =sports=

DAELOS: -Wipes sweat off his brow as they land. That was very stressful.-

DEREK: -touches this baby down nice and gentle...- Well folks we made it. DIRK: -he's already trying to message jamison or jude or whoever will pick up, really.-

HORUSSBOT: -Robo neighs and doesn't sweat at all. The sweat is in his soul.-

JOHN: -whistling Georgia by Ray Charles somewehre in the lwoer decks as they land.-

JAMISON: =They'll be there in two shakes Dirkington! He's brought his various makeshift weapons also!=

JAMES: -Hovering by his Aunt Jolene, most likely. She must be at the ends of her tethers being in Condy territory. Their old home, Earth...-

EQUIUS: -He breathes out deeply. Sweating greatly. He flexes uncomfortably in this cotton prison-

DIRK: -god bless you, jamison harley.- Alright, everybody sit tight. We're gonna make this quick.

DIRK: -gets on the intercom to address security.- Open up the docking bay. They'll be here any minute.

ROXY: =listen she tried to make them super absorbant=

JOHN: -Ooooooooooh he wants out. He feels like a dog getting amped up to go for a walk. He's so overcome with nostalgia that he forgets to be scared.-

DAVE: -he's on it and he'll bring meulin with him-

JOLENE: -most certainly, nephew. just knowing they're near james' house -- the neighborhood where her sister used to live... knowing the state it must be in now. at least she's keeping it under wraps... FOR NOW.-

KARKAT: =surprise it's him not-security-dude=

KANKRI: -From where he is he suddenly gets the feeling that John should calm down.-

DAVENFORTH: -Messages Derek: "Way to not fuck up 👍" -

KARKAT: =hes here to welcome and also punch=

JOHN: -BUT HE'S SO EXCITED.-

DAVE: -you're always secure in my heart karkat-

JAMES: -stern and gentle hand on his Auntie. Please have a cookie.-

MEULIN: -Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and following Dave! She's trying to make a special effort to be quiet.-

ROSE: -A little bit of a stumbling stagger, squinting at all the lights still, but she's out of her office and TRYING to breathe. It's a really bad time to have a whole bunch of migraines, but she'll deal for now.- REDGLARE: -HERE FOR APPEARANCE PURPOSES of course. She's resting on her staff and waiting by the docking bay.-

JOHN: -HE WANTS OFF THE SHIP RIGHT NOW. Hovers near Rose.-

VRISKA: -BOOOOOOOORING-

DEREK: -responds back like Thanks my guy. 👍-

JOLENE: -pets james' hand vigorously... then nibbles a cookie.- :I

ROXANNE: -She is also heading for the docking bay, her services may not be required but do you know how long its been since she has even seen a glimpse of her home planet? Too damn long, she will take what she can get by watching from inside the dockingbay.-

MEULIN: -Watches the docking bay slide open. Exciting...-

DIRK: -NOBODY IS LEAVING THIS SHIP JOHN DON'T SCAMPER OFF-

DIRK: -HE'LL FOOTBALL TACKLE YOU ONTO THIS BASEBALL DIAMOND-

DIRK: -and he'll love it. sports.-

QIRIN: =wrong sport, dirk=

DIRK: -no?-

JOHN: -WHATEVER DIRK, YOU'RE NOT HIS DAD. he's being good for now though and just rocking on his heels.-

QIRIN: =YES=

JOHN: -he's got all the medical equipment you could ever want ready in his sylladex.-

RILEY: -this is hells of nervewracking. she didn't think she would be nervous, but here she is, waiting outside the docking bay behind everyone else. she just wants to make sure she's alive and breathing, then she can leave her alone for a little while-

ROSE: -twists the cap off an aspirin bottle, spilling a few pills into her palm and swallowing them dry.-

DIRK: -makes his way to the docking bay just to see them in and give more direct orders in case SOMETHING goes wrong, which he can't help feeling it will.-

TEREZI: =BLECH=

ROXY: =Is Rose around her? She's gettin EYEBALLED=

QIRIN: =these kids..=

ROSE: -ALMOST CERTAINLY NOt-

JOHN: -Takes a break from being excited about being on a baseball diamond he played at as a kid and HAS A CONCERN AT ROSE.- hey, you ok?

[At first, there's the distant sound of a rumbling engine, but it doesn't stay distant for long. It's getting pretty loud pretty rapidly.]

PENNY: -HERE COMES A CAR, otherwise known as a scuttlebuggy, and there's none other than a feisty redhead behind the wheel. Crammed in the car with her is a few too many people, and on top of it is... well.-

JAMISON: =CAR SURFING, barechested with homemade screw/nail grenanades. A potato-zooka strapped to his back and a modified nail gun in each hand=

ROSE: Yes.

ROSE: In most of the important ways, yes, I am fine.

ROSE: My head is not terribly pleased with me for existing, but we've had these kind of disagreements before.

DIRK: ... -looks into the fucking camera-

JOHN: :/ hey are you sure you're up to this? you should stay behind if you're ill.

DAVE: -wow-

REDGLARE: >;| -AT THIS SIGHT-

JOHN: -gdi-

ROSE: I'm sure.

ROSE: I've been looking forward to this, as twisted as it sounds.

PENNY: -BROOM BROOM I'M IN ME OWN CAR. She doesn't seem to be stopping for anything. She's gonna drive this car right into the docking bay!!!!-

ROSE: I want to meet them.

ROSE: I've been speaking to Jane for some time now.

TESSERACT: =is LORGE DOG=

TESSERACT: =His head is stuck out the window, tongue lolling with a huge doggy grin!=

JUDE: -A VERY FRAZZLED MAN IS IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. he's holding on tight to the dashboard while also looking around everywhere. in front of them, behind them-- and when he looks back oh god THEY'RE GOING IN.-

ROXANNE: -Those are some sweet driving skills.-

JAMISON: TALLY-HO! GANG WAY!

DIRK: Jesus Christ--

DIRK: -side steps...-

DIRK: -more crazy ass family-

RILEY: -that's definitely piper driving-

JAKE: - :D from the engineering labs if he were here. It's a family reunion...-

JOHN: -it's a puppy-

REDGLARE: -of course they are. OF COURSE YOU ARE. She's just gonna FLY UP INTO THE AIR-

JOEY: =she's halfway out the same window, just feeling the wind rush through her hair, waving at those they pass by like she's on a parade float=

PENNY: -TIRE SCREECHING as she nyooms this car up into the ship, hitting the brakes so they can avoid running into anything or anyone-

JOLENE: -waddles down here just in time- jamie--! ... JOLENE: >_>

ARADIA: -has been in the air since they landed. she smiles at redglare-

JOHN: -look, more mysterious relatives. he floats up, waving.- hey everybody!!!

ARADIA: -HELLO REDGLARE-

REDGLARE: ... -HI-

REDGLARE: -SHE'S JUST. GONNA LAND NOW THAT THE CAR'S INSIDE-

JAMES: -follows a shade bit more cautiously. Uncle. James disapproves of your shirtlessness. It's indecent.-

JAMISON: HUP! =as the tires screech, flies off into a front flip and STICKS the landing= ..... Would you all like to meet my kids?? :D

MEULIN: (=ﾟ･ﾟ=) ... -jesus-

JUDE: -leaning heavily against the door, he opens it and just.. spills out onto the floor.-

JOHN: -lol-

JAMES: ...OH.

DAVE: -slow claps-

JUDE: -a pile of awkward gangly limbs.-

JOHN: -hovers near Dad- :O

JOEY: =doesnt even bother with the door. She's crawling out!=

TESSERACT: =no me first!=

PENNY: -puts the car in park and turns it off, opening her door up and stepping out so she can flip her hair and huff.- WOOOOO.

JAMISON: Awwww brighten up Jude the Dude! =lifts Jude=

RILEY: -aaaaaaand yep. that's her.-

JUDE: hhhhh... -HOISTED, then looks around wildly. WHO ARE ALL YOU PEOPLE.-

JOEY: =trolls of course! psh!=

ROXANNE: -Your new forever neighbors probably, jude.-

JAMISON: =Also helps Joey out the window= Jojo look!!!!

JUDE: -I WONT HESITATE BITCH-

JOHN: -walks right up without a second thought- hi! i'm john! can i pet your pupper?

JOEY: aunt jo!! :'D

JAMES: -Kind of just stern, silent, and shiny eyed. ;__; Don't mind him. These were just family members James was sure were lost in the war decades ago.-

JANE: -She's squished in with a dog in the back seat, and she finally manages to crack a door open and step out, looking a fair bit disgruntled. Hello, she's a familiar face...-

TESSERACT: =tackles john right to the floor, licking his face in slobbery kisses=

JOLENE: -HOBBLES OVER TO THE FAMILY- joey!! jude!! -crashes into the lot of them with a big hug-

JAMISON: =Hauls around Jane too, ALL THESE KIDS=

JOHN: -YESSSSSS. Much hoo haing and petting as his face is kissed.-

ROXANNE: -Oh wait is james okay, shes gonna be looking at him with his misty eye thing happening.-

DAVE: -none of their family's reunions were ever anything like this. it's so...happy. and welcomed.-

PENNY: -grinning a little at the family reunions... her eyes aren't wandering.-

JOEY: =just hugging her auntie so tightly!!!=

JANE: Oof--!?

JAMISON: =THAT'S HOW J'S DO IT=

JANE: HELLO!

JANE: Everyone!

TESSERACT: =YES, this boy likes the john human.= TESSERACT: BORF!

JOHN: aww he's so friendly! -PAT PAT PAT PAT-

JANE: Oughtn't we shut the-- door?

JAMES: -Don't look at him... But yes do. He maintains that polite distance.- JAMES: -He is also very ? about the very familiar shape of Jane in the group.-

JAMES: JANEWAY? IS THAT YOU?

TESSERACT: BORF BORF BORF!! =dancing around john=

JANE: ...

JANE: -freezes in place- ...Dad?

JOHN: -STARES AT ALL THESE...COUSINS? SIBLINGS? VAGUE FAMILY MEMBERS CURIOUSLY. eyes widen particualrily at the jane and dad interaction.-

JOHN: -still papping tesser-

JAMISON: =HE'S YELLING ABOUT BABIES AND JUST TEARS UP ALREADY, YESSS=

RILEY: -she's studying her from a distance, making mental notes of sad observations she'll stow away for later-

PENNY: -leans against her car and just casually lights up a cigarette. Those aren't banned in spaceships, right??-

DAVENFORTH: -Nope-

JAMES: YES. -now striding forward, his uncertainty be damned.- WHAT EVER WERE YOU DOING ON EARTH?

TESSERACT: =lick!=

ROSE: -She's DEFINITELY not at her best, right now, but hopefully it doesn't show at all as she tries to make her way through the group and make it to the face that is familiar. FAMILIAR TWOFOLD because she did see her once over the chat program.-

ROSE: It's—

ROSE: Good to finally meet you.

ROSE: -and then she stops, glancing at James slightly quizically.-

ROSE: I have a suspicion it should be within my nature to comprehend how this is supposed to work, and far be it for me to sully this occasion,

ROSE: But is your name sincerely Janeway? You ought to have disclosed you were named after a Star Trek character.

DIRK: -in the process of closing the hatch. it's all good.-

DAVE: -hey, that one redhead looks weirdly kind of like his mom-

JOHN: -goddamnit dad.. he laughs at that.-

JAMES: -Arguably one of the best of the series... but he digresses. Just ask what John's middle name is. Do it. It's Tiberius.-

JOHN: -Well.-

JANE: I—

JANE: -She glances at Rose, laughing incredulously, and back at who she is pretty sure is her father, eyes stinging.-

JOEY: =she wandered over to Tessie and this guy who looks strangely family.=

JOEY: hehehe hi im joey =Holds out a hand to shake=

JOEY: tesseracts a bit excitable

JOEY: sorry he squished ya

JUDE: -he's happy somewhere under all this crippling anxiety-

JOEY: =bro no=

JOHN: hey! i'm assuming we're related in some way but i don't know how yet. nice to meet you anyway though!

JAMES: THIS IS OVERWHELMING. -No... don't cry. He offers a hand out to her.- JANE.

JADE: -She's made it down here, too, tail wagging and peering around bodies to try to figure out what's going on.- hey!!

JOHN: -fist bump.-

JAMISON: =will a hairy dad smoooch do him well, hes getting one=

JOEY: =Snrk= of course JOEY: =BNPS=

DAVE: -there's jade. good. it's kind of cute seeing her so excited about this. it's really cute. he's missed it-

JAMISON: JADE!

JUDE: -HHHH-

JANE: Dad... -just sort of... stops hesitating and rushes over to SQUISH HIM IN A REFRIGERATOR-MANHANDLING HUG.-

JAMISON: COME MEET YOUR BROTHER AND SISTER!

JOEY: family is family :)

JADE: !!

JUDE: -it's her...-

JAMISON: =HE'S smiling SO WIDE, they look a bit like the kids from the photo he showed her=

JADE: oh!!! -BOOF TROTS OVER-

JOEY: =Glances up at that!= o:

JAMISON: =look at this photograph....=

JOHN: -sorry joey he gets distracted for a bit when he sees this. awww.-

JOHN: -he doesn't often see his dad like this.-

JAMES: -Is presumably LIFTED like some fragile case of a refrigerator. Horfs gently and with much indignity.- ... -and then smiles.-

JAMES: -rests a hand into her hair.-

JADE: hi!!! :D

JUDE: ... hello -finally manages to wheeze out-

JANE: -sniffs- You...'ve been here the whole time?

JADE: im jade!

JAMES: I HAVE MADE IT NO SECRET WHERE MY RETIREMENT WOULD LEAD ME, JANE. -He is confused... by happy. But concerned.- SURELY, YOU WERE AWARE.

JUDE: jude

JUDE: harley

JUDE: ... an unnecessary nugget of information to share but there it is

JOHN: -HE JUST FEELS REALLY. EMOTIONAL. This father/daughter thing in his peripheral and the fact that they just landed in his home town.-

JAMES: -putting arms around her now to lift her too.- EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT NOW.

ROXANNE: -Shes kind of creeping from the back but she can't help but be in awe at James being so highly emotional. Not that its unwarranted, that is his kid after all. But ahhh this is what a real family reunion should look like and its beautiful to watch unfold.-

JADE: i was a harley too! but now im a strider

JAMISON: =...right that=

JADE: i guess i never really stopped being a harley though :p

JAMISON: Aww well you're still a harley!! :D YES

JOHN: -clears is throat- so uh. sorry. joey. nice to meet you and everything. wait...i already said that. pfft. i am a little bit flustered!

JADE: haha!

RILEY: -what's up roxanne i'm back here too-

ROXANNE: -Please no.-

JOEY: wow.... :D so were related to striders now? who are the striders? where are they?

ROXANNE: -Except she will glance at Riley like "You seeing this amazing shit?"-

JANE: ...Dad, no, I... -pulls away from him a little to look at him- JANE: ...-glances around at Jude, and then Rose.-

JOHN: there's one! -points at dave-

JANE: ...I... no.

JANE: I'm... not from here.

JOHN: and there's one....-points at dirk-

DAVE: -raises hand-

JOHN: and there's one. -points at riley-

DIRK: -waves-

JOHN: they're kind of like roaches.

JOHN: everywhere!

RILEY: -looks back at roxanne like bitch if you knew....-

DIRK: Y'all can't even talk.

ROXANNE: -Good thing she dont.-

DIRK: There's literally a dozen of you right in front of us.

DAVE: we dont even have that many

PENNY: -blowing out clouds of smoke. She'll figure out all this relation stuff later.-

JOHN: well now we have some competition going at least.

JOEY: =glances between Dirk and Riley= all right jade which one did you marry

DIRK: -don't look at me-

JADE: pfff that one!

JADE: -points at Dave-

RILEY: -don't look at me????-

DAVE: -raises his hand again- hey

DIRK: I'm gonna let you guys get back to that. We need to get the hell outta dodge. -absconds for the bridge-

DAELOS: -STANDING UNCOMFORTABLY NEAR THE BACK. WE'RE IN ENEMY TERRITORY. AAAA. HOW ARE THESE HUMANS NOT FREAKING OUT.-

PENNY: yeah thats the pretty one.

JOEY: =waves to dave= hi fam

JAMES: -watches her expression carefully and notes what she says. Taking a small moment to register the information. Plug it into everything he already knew versus everything there was still left to learn.- ... -Takes Jane by the cheeks and smooches the top of her head.- JAMES: THERE WILL BE TIME TO DISCUSS IT.

PENNY: -calls out helpfully-

DIRK: -daelos come with him to the bridge-

DAELOS: -oh yes of course.-

DAVE: -did you just call me pretty-

DAELOS: -follow like a good horse.-

JOHN: you are pretty dave. -MAKES KISSY FACES.-

DAVE: im beautiful shut up

JOHN: hold on a minuite. -pops between jane and dad.- hey! i think i met another version of you but we're sort of unofficially brother and sister so hello again!

JOEY: thats the spirit

JOHN: -he's excited, dancing around the group like Tesseract.-

JUDE: -he wants to correct everyone on how they're related exactly... so badly... he has a chart-

RILEY: -crosses her arms, finding the nervousness quickly shifting into some kind of sickening bitter sadness.-

JOHN: -MAKE SHIRTS!!!-

JANE: ...Yes. There will be.

JANE: -she pulls back, looking at John and Dad, but her expression has lost quite a bit of its mirth as she refocuses on John-

JANE: I'm afraid we won't have as much time.

EQUIUS: -Messaging Jake: D --> It my understanding that this is your relation we have acquired. You have my e%press permission to greet them-

JOHN: -blinks- huh?

JOEY: ?

JAMES: WHY DO YOU SAY THAT? -He would like to understand you, daughter.-

JADE: -From her spot amongst the fam, she's started growling softly-- and the tone begins to rise.-

JUDE: ... -is she growling???? -

DAVE: -looks concerned over at jade- jade

JAMISON: =Watches this with furrowed brows= .....she's not so territorial... she was excited to see you all... Jade, dear...?

ROSE: -She frowns, reaching for Jane's shoulder.- ...I... understand if this is a bit much and you need some air.

JOEY: =laughs a little nervously=

JOEY: hey...

JOEY: you okay there?

JOHN: oh yeah! don't feel pressured to mix right off the bat. i'll withold my hugs if you want.

JUDE: -territorial????? iS SHE PART DOG NOW??? guess that would explain the ears- uh

JANE: -She reaches into her sylladex, daintily extracting a bright red tiara and placing it atop her head.-

JANE: I'm sorry, Rose. But also, not really.

ARADIA: -not surprised. just watching-

JADE: -Silence. And then,- B͖̞̞̩̫̦̬̀A̳̟̬͚̝̣͔͡R̡̻K̫̪̮̘

JOHN: uh...

JOEY: 8(

JAMES: - ? Stern fatherly concern.-

ROSE: -WINCE. Some people here have PERSISTENT MIGRAINES, JADE.-

JUDE: -looks between jade and jane and his stomach just drops-

JAMISON: !!

JAMISON: Jade? =Why does he feel the strong urge to chokehold his own daughter??=

JAMISON: =Tries to pat her arm...??=

DAVE: -furrows his eyebrows cuz that sounded funny. it's only natural that he go to her. something was really wrong- yo jade

JAMISON: =THERE THERE???=

RILEY: -UH?????-

JOHN: -looks back and forth between jade and jane, with a growing sense of unease.-

JOEY: =her first instinct is to glance over at Jude and the look on his face begins to damage her calm=

JUDE: dad, don't!

JUDE: everyone stay away from them!! -PANICKING. MIGHT VERY WELL PULL A PIECE OUT ON HIS HALF SISTER.-

TESSERACT: =actually WHINES and begins to back away=

TESSERACT: =tail is now tucked between his legs=

JAMISON: =FOR ONCE ABOUT GUNS= Whoa there... jude? Jude no... are... what are you... =Looks back at Jade=

JADE: -She looks up, ears twitching, and her entire body now is sparking -- not unlike before, but ten times more powerful, enough to raise the hairs of anyone around her. She snaps her head to Jude when he cries out, reaching out a hand, and there's a powerful surge of energy that suddenly seems to swallow them up.-

JAMISON: WHAT THE FRIG-CRIMINY FUDGE BASKET!?!?? =Tries to huddle the childrens protectively from..... the child....singular????=

JAMES: -Oh jiminy no. Whatever this terrible energy is, James is attempting to shield John and Jane from it. Regardless of anything else.-

JOEY: =tries jumping in front of her brother because that's HER BROTHER=

DAVE: -tries to yell as she does that- JADE

JADE: -Any attempts they make to hide are, unfortunately, in vain. One after another, everyone finds themselves vaulted through space in a flash of blinding green and warping surroundings, all very disorienting until almost everyone on the ship is elsewhere.-

ROXY: =Rude....=

ROXANNE: -Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm fuck-

JOEY: =instinctively grabs Jude's hand=

JOHN: - Manages you yell- dad!!! and that's all he gets to do before he's swept away who knows where. -

TEREZI: =she was still on the bridge at the time and yes...yes it was super disorienting. Thank you Jade.=

REDGLARE: -She's in the process of attacking when she disappears. She doesn't have long at all-- maybe she'd hesitate, plead, try something else if she were in a different state, but it already seems hopeless. Dangerous. She disappears before she can get close enough to attack Jade. She'll have to unpack the consequences of that impulse another day, it seems.-

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gulescamisade · 7 years

Text

Alaska: Day 16

DAVE: -with attentive care, he's doing much better. and it's going to hurt for a while, but he can move and do what he needs to do for the most part. can he sprint across the room? no, but he can make himself a sandwich. you win some you lose some. he's watching television in whatever area of the base has it, bored but it's all he can really do-

HESONY: =Whaddya know, he's carrying more stuff inside. Whether he knows Dave is there or not, he's not saying. In fact, he's not even looking at him each time he passes by.=

DAVE: -he's looking at him, however. watching him carry stuff back and forth-

HESONY: =The next time he walked in, he has a crate balanced on his shoulder. It may seem like a shoddy attempt at creating a barrier between him and the STARES.=

DAVE: -he speaks up instead- sup when did you get that crate transplant

HESONY: Oh, you like it? I got it a few seconds ago. =He does a little spin before placing it down with the others.=

HESONY: Perhaps I can pull a few strings so you can get one too.

HESONY: =The entire time is face is= :|

DAVE: would you do that

DAVE: shit im flattered you usually offer this stuff in private

DAVE: in the intimacy of an exam room

HESONY: =just keeps staring at him. What if he just piled all these crates in front of Dave's door? Merry Christmas and a happy new year.=

HESONY: I suppose I'll go inform the doctor Here that you want a crate implant, although in my opinion that seems more like a downgrade. A sylladex should suffice, but after seeing How many of you dont Have the Hands free version, you plebeians need all the Help you can get.

DAVE: shit this relationship is movin quickly

DAVE: can we survive the trials and tribulations of crate marriage

HESONY: What the Hell is a marriage?

DAVE: how the fuck should i know -says the married guy-

MICEXA: -eyes them from the doorway like pls-

HESONY: Assume I'm an alien who knows nothing of your weird "Techsush" and "marriage" words, but is able to understand you solely through a translation device.

HESONY: Unless "marriage" is another word from an alien race you are simply inclined to repeat.

DAVE: what the fuck is a marriage

HESONY: The more you talk the more I feel as though you are trying to =makes air quotations= pull my leg.

DAVE: ba dm ts

DAVE: im a mystery

DAVE: an enigma

DAVE: of all of motherfuckin humanity

HESONY: Yes, it appears so.

HESONY: You seem to be more of the confusing variety, However.

DAVE: you figured that out at least

DAVE: humans like what they cant figure out

DAVE: we dont know anything about each other

HESONY: That makes incredible amounts of sense. :|

DAVE: i know right

DAVE: were so easy to figure out in that respect

HESONY: I'm wondering more about How your species continues to persist.

DAVE: fucking

DAVE: cloning

DAVE: ectobiology

HESONY: Now, I know for a fact that those are Carapacian methods.

HESONY: I Have Heard rumors your methods are far more disturbing.

DAVE: my wife is a clone

DAVE: my brother and i came into the world without science

DAVE: my nephews are the result of ectobiology so

DAVE: boom

HESONY: ...

HESONY: =squints=

HESONY: I don't think I believe you.

DAVE: -he shrugs- its the truth

HESONY: Let's say it is.

HESONY: If Humans Have alternative ways of reproduction, why not use this to create soldiers that will drive out the invading force and win this war?

DAVE: -makes a face- because thats fucked up

DAVE: we dont make kids for our own purposes

HESONY: Even if it meant you would win?

DAVE: you realize that humans take time to grow right

HESONY: If you can discover different ways to create life, why can't the same be said to speed it up?

DAVE: because life isnt about bein a cog in the machine

HESONY: Even if it meant winning this war? =he said again=

ARANEA: -pipes up from wherever she's been- How awful it is that many trolls sill 8elieve life perpetuates itself only to conquer the inferior races.

ARANEA: Imagine the lives those soldiers would live after the war is won, knowing that was their only purpose.

ARANEA: -eyeballs- Well, may8e you do know how it feels...

DAVE: -dAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN-

DAELOS: - He's here too. Vaguely listening to this but not looking Hesony's way. -

HESONY: That is why Alternia Has a kill switch for each batch of drones.

HESONY: You are right in that, However. What use are we now after Having disgraced ourselves for abandoning our cause and Helping you? This is what Terezi must Have felt like when she left the League. It is likely why she joined T.U.M.U.T. when she never should Have stopped running.

MITUNA: -He's been quiet the past couple of days. To gain back something like a limb, only to lose an actual one. It was hard. However, with the fact that his psionics were indeed back it was high time to work that muscle again. Currently he's just in the back, quietly disassembling and assembling a pen.-

ARANEA: -oh hell nah... she's not going to bother being passive aggressive about this. she's scowling.- How dare you say that a8out her! She had every right to try to move on with her life and find fulfillment elsewhere -- in something she 8elieved was good.

KARKAT: =suddenly from the back corner= There's no life if you run. She helped because she could, she had the knowledge. The training. The bravery. She is selfless. She wanted to make things better. Hiding is giving up. She's a fighter.

ARANEA: -DAMN STRAIGHT-

MITUNA: -The pen floats over to sunny, then starts writing on the crate in front of him.-

HESONY: And look where that got Her!

HESONY: You still don't get it. When the Expunger wants you dead, she won't stop until she gets what she wants.

HESONY: The moment Terezi stopped running =there is a slight tremor in his hand= it was only a matter of time.

KARKAT: You don't get it. Fuck it. Fuck you. =turns back over holding her cane=

MITUNA: (5he knew 7ha7 ri5k and 5he 57ill braved her fear5 even when 5he wa5 horrified) -That's what is written on the crate. Tuna isn't much up for talking-

MITUNA: (i75 who 5he wa5 you 5hould know 7ha7 a55farce)

DAVE: so im gathering you guys were tight

HESONY: =stares daggers at the writing before shaking his head with a laugh=

HESONY: Yeah. I did know Her, and it seems the rest of you knew Her too.

HESONY: She was brave.

HESONY: She was selfless.

HESONY: She fought with words and actions both.

HESONY: And then she lost.

HESONY: =His head tilted to Dave= Oh, it was far more than that.

DAELOS: - Just watches the fire as they fight it out. He's a statue now that lives in this chair. -

MITUNA: 5he didn7 lo5e

MITUNA: fuck you

HESONY: Then How would you describe what The Expunger did?

HESONY: That isn't Her title for nothing.

HESONY: If you step in Her path, she destroys you. She takes what you are and runs it through the dirt, erasing everything you were.

HESONY: If The Expunger gets Her way, Terezi won't even be a memory. And you all...keeping that memory alive? =he gestured to the people in the room= You're in just as much danger now.

MITUNA: 7oo bad 7he big bluh bi7ch won7 ge7 ge7 her way

MITUNA: dea7h i5n7 7he end

HESONY: Sure, just like the moons are made of gumballs.

MITUNA: holy 5hi7 7ha7d be rad

MITUNA: bu7 uh i75 no7

MITUNA: my ex ma7e5pri7 died once and 5he came back

HESONY: =Sighs=

HESONY: As what, a nutcreature?

HESONY: I do not understand any of you.

HESONY: That big guy for instance! =gestures at Daelos= Hoarding a body like that will not Help.

HESONY: It will not Help His psyche.

HESONY: Eventually bodies decay and all He will Have to Hold onto is a pile of rot.

MITUNA: no 5he came back a5 a gho57 and 7hen 5he wa5 able 7o be brough7 back wi7h her body

MITUNA: i75 no7 7ha7 difficul7 holy 5hi7

HESONY: ....How strong is the stuff you're toking?

MITUNA: even karka7 died and wa5 able 7o be brough7 back

MITUNA: H0LY FUCK 455H0L3 1 H34R 7H3 5CR34M5 0F D34D 455H0L35 3V3RYD4Y M4Y83 1 KN0W 4 L177L3 M0R3 7H4N Y0U

HESONY: Everyone knows the dead stay dead! This life isn't merciful! You don't get a second chance!

MITUNA: Y35 Y0U D0

HESONY: No, you don't!

MITUNA: Y35 Y0U FUCK1NG D0 4ND 1F 4NY0N3 W1LL G37 0N3 175 73R3Z1

MITUNA: JU57 FUCK1NG W47CH D1CKF4C3

HESONY: How do you expect that to Happen? Should we rewrite History? Got a time machine on Hand?

DAELOS: Be silent

DAELOS: You are ignorant and I am tired of listening to it

MITUNA: 0H MY FUCK1NG 8ULG3 Y0U 5H17 3471NG D1CK M4CK3R3L

DAELOS: None of us are interested in your opinions, least of all me

DAELOS: - Glaring at Hesony and clutching his seat with his ears pinned-

HESONY: =turns his head to face Daelos= Grief is clouding your judgment. You know you cannot hang onto a corpse forever. I'm sorry it Happened, but nothing you do will be able to change that. She is dead. She is staying dead. She is taking up space in your sylladex. A space you could use that may actually increase your chances of survival!

MITUNA: -GROANS LOUDLY and tries to facepalm with his left hand but just kind of...Falls on the floor-

DAELOS: How f001ish, insisting you know better when several sources refute your version of the truth... but I would e%pet nothing less from a mindless Alternian drone who has never needed to think for himself before now... someone content to watch their friends savagely murdered

DAELOS: Scum

HESONY: =his lips curled into a scowl= And where would all of you be if we Had gotten ourselves killed alongside Her? If you were in our place, can you truly say that is what she would Have wanted?

HESONY: Ingrate.

DAELOS: Anyone with a soul would have done whatever they could, would have been driven mad with rage at seeing someone they cared for brutalized in such a manner

DAELOS: You beat and punished this group for having souls because you cannot conceive of what that is like

DAELOS: Spineless... abso100tely disgusting

DAELOS: No matter, I will do whatever I can for Nyalah

DAELOS: If you do not think me capable then put it out of your 100dicrously small mind

HESONY: Yes, we could Have done just that. We could Have been killed for our trouble.

HESONY: And you all could Have perished in that cave with no one to know you Had died.

HESONY: The League would Have collected the bounties on your Heads and would Have been that much closer to wiping out your sorry excuse of a rebellion.

HESONY: You are speaking like revival is possible.

HESONY: And I am saying it is NOT.

MITUNA: -Picks himself off the floor-

MITUNA: Y35 17 15

MITUNA: W3 H4V3 533N 17

MITUNA: W3 H4V3 3XP3R13NC3D 17

DAELOS: - Simply stares back at Sunny blandly and then glances at Mituna.- I suggest you give in... there is no convincing an idiot with no imagination

MITUNA: W3 KN0W M0R3 480U7 D347H 4ND 54CR1F1C3 7H4N Y0U 3V3R C0ULD H0P3 70

DAELOS: Think me de100ded for all I care, the % is mine to bear

HESONY: =makes a strangled noise= YOU CANT IMAGINE SOMEONE BACK TO LIFE IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT—

HESONY: =full out glares at Mituna=

HESONY: Don't you dare say that. You don't-- =A fraction of recognition crossed his face at Mituna's words. He laughed, mirthlessly= She didn't tell all of you, did she?

DAELOS: - Sips tea at >>-

MITUNA: 7ell u5 wha7

HESONY: Why she's blind. Why Micexa and I are like this. =He slaps his right arm and the sound it makes isn't from flesh.= Why the Expunger doesn't Have real arms.

HESONY: Why we all keep ledgers of everyone we Have ever killed.

HESONY: ...Have you found Her copy yet?

MITUNA: -He Squints at this dude. He's not denying he's had a rough go of it, but he knows what Terezi used to be, how she used to be, how she could still be-

MITUNA: no

HESONY: Then do not presume to know more than we did of those things.

HESONY: Do not presume you knew Her.

MITUNA: 7hen don7 claim 7he 5ame

MITUNA: people change and i knew 7erezi

MITUNA: 5he wa5n7 7he one you remembered

HESONY: Well. =he glanced down at the ground, the anger from his face drifting.=

HESONY: We'll never really know, will we?

Dom-01/24/2017

MITUNA: -Sighs- look dudepuff im 5orry you can7 believe wha7 we 5ay bu7 we have 5een 5ome 5hi7

MITUNA: i didn7 even have my p5ionic5 when we go7 7o 7hi5 frozen 5phinc7er

MITUNA: i burn7 7hem ou7 and 5crambled my pan like lu5u5 egg5

MITUNA: i go7 7hem back in 7ha7 fuckhole cave 7hank5 7o aranea ju57

MITUNA: ju57 fucking believe me when i 5ay 5ome impo55ible 5hi7 ha5 happened and will con7inue 7o happen i7 won7 57op keep happening

HESONY: Let's say I believe what you say.

HESONY: You're telling me there's a chance Terezi can come back? How?

MITUNA: fucking miracle5 and cocoon5 and 5hi7 i don7 know 7he de7ail5 every7hing from before i go7 fixed phy5ically hur75 7o remember

HESONY: ...

HESONY: =glances over at Daelos, then slowly looks back to Mituna=

HESONY: You need the body to do it. =it wasn't a question.=

MITUNA: from wha7 i remember yeah

HESONY: ...........

HESONY: =he closed his eyes and put his face in his hands.=

MITUNA: 7hey

MITUNA: 7hey 57ill have i7 don7 7hey

HESONY: =his shoulders are shaking and his hands moved to grip his hair=

DAELOS: -Breaks in- A body is not always required....it just makes it easier

DAELOS: At least, a new body can be procured

MITUNA: 7ha7 doe5n7 5ound fucked up in 7he 5ligh7e57

DAELOS: -Shrug-

DAELOS: -Mad scientist shrugging-

HESONY: =he's just...gonna go take his anger out on a tree somewhere=

#technologicgodot #felicitousVicissitude #pinnacledSuasion #academicgeniality #coltishdaedalian #trojanabstruse #cranktankerousGeneticist

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gulescamisade · 7 years

Text

Alaska: Day 12, Checkpoint

[[ The truck keeps rolling along, but it's starting to slow. Micexa pipes up from the driver's seat. ]]

MICEXA: I can see the checkpoint...

MICEXA: Everybody stay low and quiet.

MICEXA: I'll handle these guys.

MITUNA: -Never-

KARKAT: =holds onto a rock and ducks Dave gently and Mituna if he has to=

HESONY: =please and thank you Little Angry Man=

HESONY: =He had moved to the passenger seat earlier and did his best to cover the space behind them by moving a crate in front of the open area. Hopefully it would be enough.=

MITUNA: -A crate cannot contain me-

MICEXA: -CONTAIN URSELF-

HESONY: =He straightened in his seat and fixed up his legislacerator jacket a bit, trying to comb down what was probably messy hair.=

MICEXA: -no but really-

MICEXA: -she would be doing that for Hesony if she weren't driving lbr-

HESONY: =This is true=

MICEXA: -the truck slows, and the group can feel it stopping. They hear the voice of a troll outside the driver's side asking for a permit, and then shuffling as Micexa pulls it out and offers it from the window.-

[[ There's quiet for several long moments. Then a guard asks, what are you heading south for? What's in the back? ]]

REDGLARE: -FAINTLY AWAKE AS THEY APPROACH THE CHECKPOINT-

KARKAT: =meese=

MICEXA: -ONLY THE FINEST MEESE. She growls, leaning into the door of the truck.- Did you not see my permit? Do you want me to inform the High Legislacerator that you were the reason I didn't arrive on time? I'm sure she would find a special place for your body. Maybe she would even let me pick it out myself.

REDGLARE: -She reaches for her STABBING STICK, subtly-

KARKAT: =you stop that. Give him the stick=

HESONY: =Gives the checkpoint troll a steely glare from behind Micexa's head=

REDGLARE: -NO-

MITUNA: -Put the stick in me-

[[ There's quiet for another few moments, and then another shuffling. The guard says, you're welcome through. ]]

MICEXA: Thank you very much. -the truck begins to roll forward again, slowly, and she releases a tense sigh.-

HESONY: =Just...slightly slumps=

MITUNA: -Releases a tense fart-

HESONY: ...

HESONY: Sparky, was that you?

MITUNA: -ANOTHER ONE-

[[ The aroma is powerful. ]]

[[ But the truck doesn't travel very far through the checkpoint, trolls and buildings on all sides and patrolling all around, before there's the sound and light of a huge explosion just behind them. ]]

MITUNA: -Powerful-

KARKAT: You couldn't point your ass towards the-!! =boomski=

MICEXA: Fuck!! -she hits the gas, then swerves as debris from the gate lands in the road just ahead-

HESONY: =actually flinches in his seat, whirling around. was it directed at them??=

[[ The explosion pretty much demolished the gate they just went through. ]]

HESONY: =Grabs onto his door to steady himself!!=

HESONY: Miss--! Keep driving!

REDGLARE: -ok now she's got a white knuckled grip on her staff-

[[ There are the sounds of shouts, running feet, and gunfire all around outside the tarp covered back of the truck. ]]

KARKAT: =So it shouldn't be for them he clutches Terezi's weapon and holds onto Dave and Redglare so she doesn't slide about=

REDGLARE: -Hisses and coughs...- wh4t's h4pp3n1ng?(edited)

KARKAT: =HE DOESN'T LIKE NOT SEEING WHATS GOING ON=

HESONY: I don't know! =He's still tryin to look out the window while keeping low=

MICEXA: Someone's attacking the--!! -FUCK. Another grenade is thrown just in their path and she swerves again, but this time right into a building. The grenade goes off in the dirt many yards away, but the truck is officially halted with a jolt.-(edited)

HESONY: Just stay down and stay quiet.

HESONY: HRRRRKGNGNGNG!

KARKAT: =JERKS with the stop and growls...... quietly=

HESONY: =oh my god he almost went through the windshield. Thank frick for seatbelts=

[[ The driver's side door is wrenched open, and a dazed Micexa is dragged out with a soft cry in her throat. ]]

MICEXA: \|/ait-- no--

REDGLARE: -panting. MAYBE also trying to get up, for what that's worth, but it's easy enough to keep her from doing that. She probably doesn't have the strength for that.-

REDGLARE: W3 c4n't--

HESONY: =He was in the middle of telling the others not to move when suddenly Miss is GONE=

MITUNA: -Peels himself off the bed of the truck-

[[If anyone peeks out from the tarp, they'll see Miss being grabbed and held by two humans and a troll. ]]

MITUNA: wha7 7he fuck

HESONY: =even in his dazed state, he rips himself out of the seat and follows after her through the open door=

KARKAT: =ALRIGHT. NUTS TO STAYING QUIET AND HIDDEN THEY'RE BEING ATTACKED. Here comes a hissy fish-oh.... yeah sure he totally peeped=

[[ If anyone jumps out, they will ALSO see this. ]]

[[ I SURE AINT STOPPING YA ]]

KARKAT: =THEN HERE COMES ME=

KARKAT: =looks at the human= .....What?... Wait are you rebels?

HESONY: =He's running towards the group that has her and he's automatically throwing aside his own weapon with his hands raised.= PLEASE! Please don't hurt her!(edited)

KARKAT: =fins perked almost=

REDGLARE: -ONE LEGGED, USING HER STICK TO BE UP. The fall from out of the truck is a doozy, though. DOOF.-

MICEXA: \|/ait-- just check the-- -heck. Oh hello Hesony and Karkat.-

KARKAT: =REDGLARE GODDAMMIT he glances at her and HUFFS=

[[ The little group looks at Karkat and then Redglare emerging from the back of the truck, bewildered for a few moments. Then one of them speaks. ]]

ALMA: Fuck.

ALMA: You're Umbral Ultimatum, aren't you?

KARKAT: That depends on who's asking.

MITUNA: -Pokes his head out-

REDGLARE: -She is stubbornly trying to stand. Wings buzzing, muscles TREMBLING. That leg was holding her back.-

REDGLARE: >;I

JUHANI: =a human (who spells her name with six letters) is holding onto Miss by her hair=

JUHANI: Please answer her question.(edited)

ALMA: Are these trolls holding you hostage??? -holds Micexa EVEN MORE THREATENINGLY-

KARKAT: .... =jumps out to steady Redglare= No, they're helping us. So.... don't kill her.

REDGLARE: wh4t. Do you know 4bout us.

MITUNA: ye7

KARKAT: =yes, yet=

KARKAT: =but we need them still=

HESONY: =he's just on his knees by now, just full out begging=

HESONY: =Pride, somewhere in the trophosphere=

KARKAT: =good not-god man.=

ALMA: -eyeballs their conditions and... reluctantly releases Micexa, throwing her toward Hesony.- We don't have time. You guys can't stay here.

KARKAT: We weren't planning on sticking around... but why?

HESONY: =CATCHES her as he stumbled to his own feet=

MICEXA: -huffs... and leans against Hesony-

HESONY: 8n8

ALMA: Look around, we're lighting this place up. -CONTINUED EXPLOSIONS AND FIGHTING IN THE BG-

KARKAT: ....Fair point. Also good job. Fantastic.

JUHANI: =stares at the two legislacerators from top to bottom= Cleaning house, if you will.

ALMA: Ju, we need to find Kuyra. He can sneak these guys out of here.

MICEXA: -rrrr...-

REDGLARE: -wheezes.- on our w4y south. f41rly f4r. m1nn-- nn—

REDGLARE: -focus. clear throat.- m1n3sot4. 4m3r1c4.

MITUNA: america

MITUNA: fuck yeah

JUHANI: =She nodded and moved aside to contact Kuyra on their radio=

ALMA: We'll worry about getting you out of the checkpoint first. -rests a hand on Redglare's shoulder gently-

HESONY: =he's just quiet. silent. not even contributing to this conversation.=

ALMA: I have to go. Ju, I'm leaving these guys to you for now.

KARKAT: How many of you are there? Holy shit.... =this is fantastic=

REDGLARE: -nods a little...-

KARKAT: =GOODBYE FOREVER DICKHOLES=

ALMA: Meet up with me when you can. -MUSCULAR SPANISH WOMAN DASHES AWAY!!!! Shooting at an approaching group of trolls-

JUHANI: =she glanced up, nodding.= Kuyra's farther down the road. =She tilted her head at Micexa= Is that truck still functioning or did you wreck it completely?

MICEXA: -huffs- It's probably going to need more work than we have time for.

MITUNA: -Looking at Spanish booty-

ALMA: -it winks in the afternoon sun-

JUHANI: =breathes steadily through her nose= Well done. =she says, like's it's Miss's fault they crashed=

MITUNA: -Porrim would appreciate that butt-

MICEXA: -fite me bro-

JUHANI: =gestures down the road with her rifle.= On foot then. Go, I will cover you.

MICEXA: -looks at the rest of the crew-

KARKAT: =Looks at Redglare, then glances to the Micexa and Hesony= ......

KARKAT: =AGGRESSIVELY FUCKING GESTURES down the road then turns to Redglare= Do you want a lift? I ask as I'm going to do it anyway?(edited)

JUHANI: Do I have to suggest that those unharmed carry the wounded? =she's mostly looking at the legislacerator pair. Forgive her for not trusting you.=

HESONY: =he's still RATTLED.=

MICEXA: -were used to it its cool-

HESONY: =Even so, he hesitantly moved toward the crew.=

HESONY: =LET ME HOLD YOU=

REDGLARE: -GOD DAMN IT... Sigh.- w3'r3 1n. 4 hurry. just-- do 1t.

MICEXA: -she's gonna help whoever else lets her... and then dash down the road. MIGHT AS WELL DO IT WHILE THEY CAN-

HESONY: =He ducks down in so that someone can crawl onto his back.=

MITUNA: -He's got him and Tula. Floats them on down the road-

KARKAT: =Hoists her and goes on foot while he has Dave tucked in a baby sling on his chest probably=

HESONY: =also picks up his shield from the dirt and hustles toward their destination, wherever that may be.=

[[ There are splatters of gunfire in the dirt around their feet as they go, and in the chaos they can see trolls fighting humans, trolls fighting trolls. There's plenty of bloodshed, and it's hard to tell who's winning, but more and more of this checkpoint is catching on fire. Maybe that's a good sign. ]]

[[ Down the road, there's the face of a human peeking around the side of a building, and then their hand waving them over before they duck and hide again. ]]

KARKAT: =Hustles on his legs and goes around the corner, with haste... but warily=

MITUNA: -War. War never changes-

LATULA: ok4y sh1t so th4tz l1k3 your BRO r1ght?????

[[ The human is hunched down at the side of the building, and it looks relative quiet over here, with lots of upgrown grass. He waves to the group once they get there. ]]

KUYRA: hey uhh... youre the UU guys right?

MITUNA: why doe5 everyone know who we are

KARKAT: Gee, I wonder.

KUYRA: haha... yeah. im kuyra. just-- just the scout guy.

LATULA: 1 W4NN4 KNOW TH3 S4M3 B1Z MY DUD3 1 M34N YOU DO NOT KNOW TH3 SH1T W3 JUST W3NT THROUGH

KARKAT: Alright Just The Scout Guy Kuyra, great. We're us, you're you. Now what the fuck is happening?

KUYRA: i guess ju didnt have time to tell you anything... uh. were the rebellion.

KUYRA: were taking over the checkpoint. taking back travel routes from the empire.

KUYRA: -glances around anxiously- we can talk more when we get back to base. they might find us here.

LATULA: fuck1n!!!! 4LR1GHT gu3ss w3r3 t4k1ng your word for th4t!!! do you got 4 doc 4t l34st c4us3 TH4T SON 1S GONN4 B3 FUCK1N BUSY.

KUYRA: -eyes them- yeah...

KUYRA: uh. alright follow me.

MITUNA: i can7 feel my arm

KUYRA: -sucks man...-(edited)

MITUNA: -Brushes it against a wall-

KUYRA: do you... need help with your arm??

KUYRA: ???

MITUNA: we all need help fucking look a7 u5 bro

KUYRA: ...yeah. thats what i figured.

HESONY: =he knows what that entails as he'd had a practically splintered arm too at one point, but for now he's going to elect to not be a smart ass.=(edited)

MITUNA: -Still floating himself and Latula-

KUYRA: ok. lets go. -sneaks through the grass toward a fence, and it's cut enough to let people through one at a time, so he pulls back the wiring to allow them all to crawl through-

MITUNA: -Can he just go over the fence-

HESONY: =You know what forget it= Sparky's been using his psionics for long periods over the course of several days now.

[[ He could go over but it's high and also there's a very good chance someone will see them. ]]

MITUNA: um excu5e you i wa5 pa55ed ou7 for a day 7here

HESONY: Likely due to the aforementioned overuse of your abilities. =he could just shut them off, but he never particularly enjoyed using it.=

LATULA: -babe no-

MITUNA: or maybe becau5e 5ome dicknub fucked up my already fucked up arm

KUYRA: -stares at these guys like... are y'all gonna come through the fence or...-

MITUNA: -Floats through-

MICEXA: -SIGHS and crawls through herself-

HESONY: Maybe because all of you didn't know How to take a fucking Hint.

MITUNA: you le7 7erezi die

HESONY: =He'S crawling through when he hears that and just STIFFENS=

LATULA: -SHAKES MITUNA A LIL- yo OK l1st3n th4t w4s fuck3d up 4nd fuck th3s3 guyz but l3tz just G3T TH3R3 ok4y???? dud3 1 4m gonn4 fr34k out 4nd 1 h4v3 NO 1d34 wh4t to do but w3r3 l1k3 th1s clos3 to f1nd1ng SOM3BODY who m1ght! SO CMON DUD3. G3T YOUR 4SS THROUGH 4ND L3TZ GO.

LATULA: -WAY TOO MANY KABOOMS GOING ON FOR HER TO KEEP HER HEAD COOL-

MICEXA: -turns and growls in Mituna's direction, but she... grabs onto Hesony and tugs him.-HESONY: =crawls through the rest of the way so he's not a roadblock.=

KUYRA: -wow... awkward...-

LATULA: 4LR1GHT cool. sh1t. sh1t ok4y. cool. -Shes gonna go next and just SHINMY ON THROUGH-

MITUNA: -Grumbles himself, but sticks with Latula. Okay maybe that was fucked up but like...Terezi is fucking dead and he's just...still not okay-

LATULA: -tru and also for realz fucked up but she can't stop thinking that if they linger too long the party is gonna get even smaller. she squeezes on his side as they get through.-

MITUNA: -He's all skin and bones now-

KUYRA: -he leads them through more grass and then into woods where they travel for a bit before finding a ditch that conceals what seems to be some kind of sewer opening- in here.

HESONY: =is crying very subtly=

MICEXA: -NO-

MITUNA: -Take a fucking sip-

MITUNA: -Follows this strange person into a hole-

KUYRA: -it seems to lead into sewer tunnels, and then a rather heavy door that he taps on for a good thirty seconds in some kind of elaborate code before it swings open. And then....-

MITUNA: -The sweet release of death-

[[ Inside, it's a series of elaborate tunnels and rooms, and there are a lot more humans as well as some trolls down here. They seem fairly well-stocked, and there's a good number of them. It's a base of the rebellion, alright. ]]

REDGLARE: -glancing down the tunnels... must have taken some cues from LOCAS. It seems to be working for them so far.-

HESONY: =as far as he knows, they might all be trudging to their doom=

MITUNA: -Arm around Latula. Good arm that is.-

MITUNA: cool

JUHANI: =She nodded up ahead=

JUHANI: The barracks are to your left. You will be brought there after doctor visits, some food in your system and nice baths. How does that sound? We will have to see about vacancy, but perhaps we can get you all beds near one another.

MITUNA: -Holds onto latula-

JUHANI: Now, our physician is this way. Please follow me.

LAUTLA: -if he's holding on her then he's going to the physician cause she is DEFINITELY following that way-

MITUNA: -Welp, here we go-

MITUNA: -At the physician they get the amazing news that Mituna will be joining the lose a limb club-

HESONY: =Hey look Miss, Mituna and Redglare are going to match us.=

MICEXA: -GREAT-

[[ His doctor is an 18 year old med student. She was from the coast until the water apocalypse happened. ]]

MITUNA: -But can she amputate-

[[ Oh definitely! She's looking the procedure up in a book right now. ]]

MITUNA: -Looks at Latula. HELP ME-

LATULA: -LISTEN DUDE SHE MIGHT HONESTLY FAINT THIS IS THE SECOND AMPUTATION IN WAY TOO SHORT OF A SPAN-

MITUNA: -BABE-

MITUNA: -She's looking up how to lop my arm off. HELP -(edited)

LATULA: -WELL IT'S NOT LIKE SHE KNOWS HOW!!!!-

MITUNA: -THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT FROM A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL-

HESONY: =If you're gonna complain, I can always do it.=

MITUNA: -You can eat a bag of the saltiest dicks available-

HESONY: =choke on a box of bisquick=

MITUNA: -cry more-

HESONY: =he will beat you with your own amputated limb=

MITUNA: -Fist yourself with it-

HESONY: =nO, no, Mituna deserve the honors, besides, Sunny doesn't know where this thing has been=

MITUNA: - 8) -

HESONY: =Do not look at me with that face=

MITUNA: -8)-

HESONY: =Aight, Sparky, your name's Stumpy now=

MITUNA: -You still let Terezi die-

MINDFANG: -Do worry mituna she knows a guy who makes kick ass arms.-

HESONY: =stfu Stumpy what do you know=

MITUNA: -I know I'm losing an arm, and a friend of mine died and both those things are p much your fault.-

HESONY: =if you troglodytes had complied, maybe both those things wouldnt have happened!=

MITUNA: -I hope you get expunged, bitch boy-

HESONY: =THAT STILL MIGHT BE A THING. SHE'S ON OUR ASS YOU NIMROD.=

MITUNA: -Just you. Only you.-

HESONY: =That's not how it works!=

MITUNA: -It will today-

HESONY: =You do realize if she kills me here, the probability of everyone else dying is even higher??=

MITUNA: -No we'll put you outside.-

HESONY: =you'll have to kill me first, Sparky=

MITUNA: -That can be arranged-

HESONY: =try me, snotwaffle=

MITUNA: -Lick my anal cavity-

HESONY: =no way, you havent bathed in like over a week=

MITUNA: -Eat my bunstuff-

HESONY: =maybe the eon you stop smelling like ass=

#cranktankerousGeneticist #coltishdaedalian #academicgeniality #technologicgodot #gladiateCarnifex #gnarlycradz #trojanabstruse #abscissionGalliard #pinnacledSuasion #felicitousVicissitude

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