#not pictured: his giant aquarium because he thinks fish are neat

[runescratch]

Azem 🔆

#ffxiv #ff14 #Final Fantasy XIV #azem #and his funky lil windowseat that he made for himself #filled with trinkets and lovely things from his travels #not pictured: his giant aquarium because he thinks fish are neat #(he's an astro also job wise) #(mine is anyway)

[aethelflaedladyofmercia]

School of Fish

Written for the @do-it-with-style-events "Who Needs a Great Plan" event, Day 2, prompt "Bastille." There's also some art from the same day at the end! (It isn't very good.)

Something I've never done before: A Greasy Johnson fic!

--

The Bastille stood in ruins, two of the four towers mostly complete, the others collapsed, as well as the wall between them, stones crumbling down to lay scattered on the ground below.

Tall weeds surrounded it, stringy and green, rising up through the water and rippling slightly in the current.

The water itself was clear, fresh, and warm. Nearby, a diver hovered above a treasure chest, which occasionally opened, spraying bubbles upward.

“Actually,” the nerdy kid with the glasses said, “I think the architecture looks far too German to be the Bastille.” He leaned closer, resting a finger on the glass. “See, it has—”

“Don’t tap that!” Greasy managed to keep himself from shoving the kid away, but the push was probably rougher than necessary. “Didn’t you hear me when you came in?”

“You don’t hurt him,” snapped the girl, standing with her fists clenched at her sides.

“Or what? You’ll fight me?”

She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t participate in unnecessary violence, as I am completely free from the influences of toxic masculinity. But if I did, I’d wipe the floor with you.”

Greasy stretched, towering over her, taking up more space in the room than any of the others.

“Alright,” Adam said, coming over to stand on the other side of the aquarium, his dog trailing behind. “Brian’s supposed to be getting the ice cream, but I think he got distracted or something. Can one of you run down and get him?”

Shooting glares at Greasy, they both walked away, stomping their feet like they were angry at the floor.

“I’m not going to apologize,” Greasy started. “I told all of you not to touch this. Vibrations in the water aren’t good for the fish.”

“I know.” Adam bent down, watching the little school dart around, exploring the sunken Bastille. “I’ll talk to Wensley. He didn’t mean anything by it. Probably just an accident, he’s usually very careful.”

“Well…” He deflated a little, having fully expected an argument. “Right. Good.”

“What kind of fish are these?”

Greasy crossed his arms, trying to figure out how this was a trap.

His thirteenth birthday had hit him hard. Already a big kid, he’d suddenly shot up to an uncomfortable size. One of his gang had moved away, another went to some fancy school and wrote two emails each year. The other two started dating, and their inevitable break-up had spelled the end for the Johnsonites.

By that point, Greasy was the weird giant kid who liked to look at pictures of fish. Starting a new gang proved impossible. Finding someone to eat lunch with proved impossible.

So here it was, his fourteenth birthday, and his mother had decided he should celebrate it with Adam and his crazy friends, just because he and Adam happened to have the same birthday.

He hated it. He hated not having a gang, he hated not knowing what to do with his awkward limbs and enormous shoes, he hated that he wore bigger clothes than his father.

But most of all, he hated that these kids had only come to his birthday to pity him.

“Don’t pretend you care,” Greasy snarled, trying to loom again, but Adam didn’t even seem to notice.

“I’m not. Look at that. They’ve got little stripes on them. That’s neat.” He said it so seriously. Adam was always serious these days, for the last couple years at least. Like he was looking at things no one else could see. “I always thought it was nice, the way they all play together. Always have a friend, right?”

Greasy’s stomach twisted, anger and humiliation fighting inside him. “You don’t know anything about that.”

“No, I don’t.” Adam’s eyes followed the Zebrafish around the aquarium one more time. “Pepper and Brian and Wensley are always there for me. I’ve been incredibly lucky, really. Honestly don’t know what I’d do without them. And without you.”

Greasy blinked, feeling himself grow hot. “What is that supposed to mean? We’re not—we’ve never been friends.”

“Course we have. Well. Rivals. S’a kind of friend.” He backed away from the aquarium and went to stare out the window, probably to wait for his real friends to come, though they hadn’t gone towards the airbase, so he was looking out the wrong one. “Don’t think I would have realized that if it wasn’t for you and your gang.”

“So?” Adam was somehow even weirder than he’d remembered.

“So. I owe you.” He turned with a smile, an odd smile that didn’t seem to belong on a fourteen-year-old. “Really. Any time you want to talk. Hang out. Join us in Hogback Wood—we’ve been building a house from some blueprints Wensley found. Well. More a shed, really. But there’s plenty of room.”

Greasy clenched his teeth. “Why? After all those times we fought, why would you want me anywhere near your gang?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Adam leaned back against the windowsill. “You’ve practically been a member since we started playing together as kids, as long as any of the others. Only…an outside member. But just as much a part of it. Who would we have plotted against, and fought, and played pranks on, if not for all of you? And the same back. We still talk about that time you built that fort in the quarry. It was brilliant.”

“…Brilliant?” That had been Greasy’s idea, and the ambush they’d lain for the rival gang, though some of the Johnsonites had complained it was too much work.

“Definitely. But we’re older now. Things change. We’re not going to fight with water balloons to claim a bridge made out of sticks any time soon.” A brief frown. “Actually, we should. That really does sound fun. But, still. I mean it. You’re welcome with us whenever you want.”

“No, I’m not.” Shrugging, Greasy turned back to his zebrafish, six little minnows swimming around together. “Your girlfriend hates me.”

Adam laughed. “Pepper is most definitely not my girlfriend. Or anyone’s girlfriend, at the moment. And she doesn’t hate you.”

“But—Yeah she does, she threatened to beat me up!”

“I know. She does that to everyone. Brian. Me. Threatened to beat up a mailbox last week when it didn’t have her package.” From the noise downstairs, Adam’s friends had come back—the nerdy kid, the girl, and the messy one. Adam pushed away from the window, heading out of the room, dog trotting after him. “Look, you don’t have to join us if you don’t want to. It’s up to you. But there’s always a seat for you, anywhere we hang out. Especially Hogback Wood. We’re making the shed big enough for six.”

“Six?” Again the suspicion, the defensiveness. “Are you calling me fat?” But this time, he didn’t really feel worried about it. He wasn’t sure why not.

“Hmmm? No, course not.” Adam glanced back, eyebrows raised. “Why would I do that?”

“But…” Greasy shrugged, confused. “Look, even with me, that’s only five.”

“Yeah. The sixth won’t be here for…probably another year, at least. Just planning ahead.” He sauntered off, down the stairs, leaving Greasy alone with his fish.

He really liked them, the fish, thought they were pretty and cool. Took pride in keeping them healthy.

But they weren’t the same as having friends. And he missed that. A lot.

“Hey, Adam!” He left the room and thundered down the stairs. “Wait up!”

(I did warn you about the art)

#good omens fanfiction #good omens #the them #adam young #greasy johnson #teenaged angst #fish #do it with style events #who needs a great plan? #the art is intentionally bad #Drawn on the side of a paper bag #my writing

[creative-poptart]

I remember my friends family taking me on vacation one time to this aquarium that had a shark tunnel? Like this glass tunnel underwater where you could see sharks and stuff underwater as you walked through it. Its one of my fondest memories of childhood cause my parents couldn’t really afford to take me places when i was younger. I was wondering how the Ut, uf, us and sf bros would react to being taken there by their s/o? Going from underground to something like this must be a big deal!

Pt 2:  Hi! I think i just sent an aquarium ask? But i realized that i wasn’t sure what your character limit was, so if its too much, could you do Us and SF bros only? Sorry for the inconvenience!

No worries anon! I was just gonna pick one from each, but since you specified, I’ll go ahead and adjust it! Try asking at another time for the other bois and I might be able to get something up!

US Sans/Blue: The second you try to mention going on any sort of outing, he’s like a dog who just heard the word “walk” so you’re going to want to keep this a secret for as long as possible. Otherwise, you won’t get a word in edgewise. However, when he sees the aquarium, he goes quiet, and for a moment it’s almost like he doesn’t like it. Two seconds later though, he’s literally dragging you in to see everything he can look at before they close. There’s so much of the Surface he still hasn’t seen yet and now you’ve brought him to see something that he couldn’t have seen without help. He’s super excited, taking in all the information that he can all at once and jabbering almost non-stop, save for when he catches his breath. When you take him through the tunnel, he goes quiet again and his eye lights dilate to near impossible levels. To have all the creatures around him??? Blue will silently take your hand and stare at the animals swimming above and past him, giving the occasional squeeze. Once the two of you leave, he’ll trap you into a tight hug before the two of you head back home. 

“I NEVER THOUGHT THAT THERE WOULD BE SO MANY CREATURES SWIMMING ABOUT IN THE WATERS ON THE SURFACE!! WE SHOULD GO THERE AGAIN SOMETIME AND VISIT THEM!!”

US Papyrus/Stretch: Unlike Blue, he’s a lot cooler about going on these sort of trips, though he might try to make guesses if you don’t tell him about where you’re going. He also knows what an aquarium is already, but the scale of the one you’re about to show him blows it out of the water (too soon for puns?) for him. He’s already fascinated by sea life as it is, a whole other world that lives where most people can’t even reach without special equipment. He’ll wander through the center with you, making stupid puns, even cracking a few pick up lines here and there, but as he makes his way around he’s reading the signage close to him. The tunnel is coming up, but he has no idea what that means, perhaps it’s just an informational tunnel with cool pictures. Upon seeing it for the first time, his jaw drops open and he comes to a complete stop. Stretch doesn’t quite know what to do with himself until you start to lead him through the tunnel slowly and let him have his awe-struck moment. When you manage to get him to come out of the shock of seeing something so pretty and amazing, you take him through it again so he can see it one more time. He’s definitely going to make this a favorite spot of his and probably take you back here on a date at some point. 

“heh, i never expected something like that to be in an aquarium. i guess we’ll have to make sure that there’s nothing fishy there next time at the tunnel, huh?”

SF Sans/Black: It’ll take him a few days to actually accept to going to see something like that, as the word “aquarium” means nothing to him and he has no interest in that. You’ve piqued his curiosity, however, so when you manage to get him to go, he’s been doing some research on it. He’s fairly knowledgeable about the things in an aquarium already by the time you get there, and he’s not afraid to flaunt the bits he already knows to you. Any time you pass something that he’s seen before, Black will point it out with a bit of a smug smile and add a tidbit of information that isn’t included with the aquarium’s pieces of knowledge. You’ll have to listen to that, but it only makes it all the better when you step into the tunnel and he stops mid-sentence to gawk at the beauty of this tunnel. You actually have to shake him a little to get him to start moving again, so he’s highly impressed and/or shocked by the view. Now you get a chance to talk about how the aquarium managed to make this tunnel, and he’s kinda listening, but he isn’t looking at you while you’re talking. For once, you don’t really mind because this is adorable. When you leave, if you try to bring up how he reacted at any public place, he will vehemently deny any such reaction, so take pictures.

“I WAS NOT “GAWKING” AS YOU SO INELOQUENTLY PUT IT! I MERELY WAS TAKING A LOOK AT ALL THE THINGS- WHAT IS THAT?? NO!!! PUT THAT PICTURE AWAY!!!”

SF Papyrus/Rus: With having basically a giant puppy who follows you around already, he is more than willing to go anywhere with you to any place you may so choose. This makes it all the easier to have you take him there in first place, but it doesn’t quite go as planned. You’re trying to show him all the cool things that the aquarium has to offer to visitors, but he’s not looking at them at all. Instead, he’s choosing to look at you the whole time with a dopey grin on his face as he meanders along behind you. The more you try to get him to look at the fish, the less he actually does it until you’re basically enveloped in a walking hug as you navigate through the aquarium. By the time you get to the tunnel, it’s almost a lost cause, because he gives it two seconds to look, then it’s straight back to looking at you. Sure, Rus thinks it’s cool and all, and to have these fist near you is neat, but he’s more than happy to enjoy something like this with you at his side. You’re a little upset when you go to leave, but this giant puppy-skeleton cuddling up to you and showering you in praises is a little hard to be mad at. 

“i can go an’ look at those fish any time i want to and it’s cert’nly pretty. but those fish an’ that tunnel are abs’lutely nothin’ compared to you. i think you take top priority when we’re out an’ about.”

#undertale imagines #undertale headcanons #underswap sans #underswap papyrus #swapfell sans #swapfell papyrus #swapfell #anon ask #poptartasks #tarts answers #undertale

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #322

"Bitty Dragons at the Aquarium, Office Visit”

[Ashe] Is curled up on the couch reading one of the books that Endrea and Notch had brought back-

[Yaunfen] - Mada!  I wanna go play!

[Doc] Do you feel good? Like you're done already?

[Yaunfen] - Yes!

[Endrea] - Are you sure?

[Yaunfen] - Yeeeeeeeeeesss

[Doc] What about you Ashe? How do you feel?

[Notch] Are we going out?

[Ashe] - Alright, I don't feel horrible anymore.  occasionally I little wave of nausea passes, but that's it

[Doc] Then I'm up for whatever. What do you want to do?

[Notch] We could take them to the aquarium? Kids usually like that.

[Ashe] - Aquarium?

[Notch] It's a big building full of fish and other sea life in tanks.

[Ashe] - Full of water?

[Yaunfen] - We can go swimming!?

[Notch] No you don't go swimming, that would upset the fish. But the tanks are set in walls so you can look at everything without getting wet.

[Ashe] - You're sure it's safe?

[Endrea] - I've never been to an aquarium before...

[Notch] Of course it's safe. They're just fish.

[Endrea] - We can always leave if you get really uncomfortable Ashe

[Ashe] - Okay...

[Yaunfen] - Let's go!  Let's go!

[Doc] Sounds pretty neat actually. I'm rather used to not getting to see the fish.

[Notch] You guys will need to put on your hoodies and backpacks and stuff.

[Endrea] - Excuse me then- She goes to change her clothes

[Ashe] - A little help?

[Doc] Is pulling off hir gloves and skims down hir coat, making it black.

[Notch] Starts helping Ashe into his little jacket and backpack.

[Ashe] - This feels weird...

[Endrea] Returns wearing her skirt and jacket-

[Doc] Helps Yaunfen get dressed and plops the fuzzy hat on their head, gently tucking in their horns and tail.

[Notch] It's gonna be fun getting everyone in the car...

[Yaunfen] - What's a car?

[Doc] It's a like a really fancy minecart you zoom around in.

[Yaunfen] - As fast as Mada?

[Doc] grins- Nope. Not even close.

[Notch] You can't go too fast around here Yaunfen, there are lots of humans trying to get places too, you have to share the space.

[Yaunfen] - How many humans?

[Notch] LOTS.

[Doc] Addresses both kids - And that brings us to something else important. Do not run off. Not for any reason. Ashe you stay by Endrea and hold her hand, Yaunfen you do the same with me.

[Ashe] - Why do I have to hold my mom's hand!

[Doc] Because if we lose you, bad people might find you, and take you away from us.

[Ashe] - I'll stay close

[Doc] At Yaunfen- You can look at anything you want, drag me all over by the hand, I don't mind.

[Yaunfen] - Okay!

[Notch] Grabs his wallet and keys and heads for the door- Lets go then-

[Endrea] Starts herding the kids towards the car-  Come on, let's go

[Notch] Regards the car in mild annoyance. - I guess you get the front seat Endrea, you're the tallest.

[Doc] Hops in the back and scoots way over, patting the seat for the kids-

[Yaunfen] Crawls in next and Ashe enters last-

[Notch] Okay, everybody put your seatbelts on. Take the little metal bits and snap them together over you waist.

[Yaunfen] Looks at the belts in confusion-

[Ashe] Struggles a little, but does manage to do it-

[Endrea] Buckles up and hides her face in her hood-

[Doc] Fixes their belt and helps Yaunfen with theirs.

[Notch] Starts the car with a little humm and pulls out into the road. It's slightly cold and theres only a little bit of traffic since it's the middle of the day.

[Ashe] - There's so much activity out here...

[Notch] Yeah. It's always like this.

[Doc] So many humans. I'm glad they're aren't many on the server. I'd be sad if it was this built up.

[Yaunfen] - Everything is so big!

[Notch] Well the server is pretty rural in comparision.

[Doc] Excuse me! My house is bigger then most of these buildings.

[Yaunfen] Is almost in Doc's lap trying to look out the window-

[Doc] Just gives them a hug.

[Notch] Winds around different roads and spills out onto a highway for a few minutes before a large building comes into view. It's curved on the front with big panes of blue glass and a pair of massive shark jaws outside the front door.

[Ashe] - What are those?

[Doc] It looks like bones?

[Notch] It's from a shark. They're a type of marine predator. You're looking at the jaws.

[Doc] Oh! I know what that is.

[Yaunfen] - Are they scary?

[Doc] Kinda, they're big mean fish that eat little fish.

[Yaunfen] - Like my gummy fish?

[Doc] Yep. I bet they'll have some to see.

[Notch] Parks and opens the door for Endrea- Absolutely, sharks are common and there's lot of different types.

[Endrea] - Thank you

[Ashe] Gets his belt off and opens his door-  What else is here?

[Notch] Snakes, and lizards and bugs. Last time I was here they had bats. You'll see.

[Yaunfen] Dances excitedly-

[Notch] Walks them up to the front-

-The shark jaws are fake but they're a cast of a megalodon's jaws and very large-

[Doc] Thoese are big....

[Yaunfen] - Can we play on them?

[Doc] I think you shouldn't.

[Notch] They do have a play area but it's inside. Let's get some tickets. - goes to stand in line-

[Ashe] Is looking at all the signs around them-

-Most of them have pictograms that are clear if it's any kind of warning-

[Notch] Buys them all passes and herds them towards the taker to get them ripped before going in.

-The ceiling is high and there are several fiberglass creatures hanging from the ceiling. A giant squid, a manta ray and a great white shark-

[Yaunfen] Looks up in amazement-

[Ashe] - All these, live in the water?

[Notch] Points at the squid,-  there guys are rare and live in deep water, and that's a shark with all it's bits. They're not too common either.

[Doc] The flat thing is weird looking.

[Notch] They're harmless though.

[Endrea] - What direction do you guys want to go first?

[Notch] Well most of this place is on a curve, you just follow the path and it loops around so you see everything.

-The tank to their side is taking up most of the wall and full of colorful tropical fish, sponges, anemomes and corals.

[Yuanfen] Runs for the tank-

[Doc] Is pulled along but moving equally fast. - They're so colorful.... TLOT would love them.

[Endrea] - Make a mental mote to introduce them to him

[Doc] I'll take some pictures. - Is using hir screenshot since it's attatched to hir actual vision.

[Ashe] Stays back a little, not sure about trusting the glass-

[Notch] Pats him on the shoulder- It's okay. It's safe. They make sure everything is well-protected so people can't get to the fish and the fish don't get hurt.

[Ashe] - Okay...

[Doc] Is chuckling at a tiny yellow fish with a protruding mouth and making a silly face - Hey Yaunfen - mwah mwah

[Yaunfen] Laughs and mimics the motions-

[Doc] Points out a sponge- I wonder why it doesn't suck up all the water?

[Endrea] - Hmm?  Oh, that is strange...

[Notch] It's because Minecraft sponges were made to clean up after griefers. They do hold water, but not that much.

[Doc] Oh. That makes sense.

[Yaunfen] Tugs on Doc- Let's go see more!

[Doc] Absolutely!

-The next tanks are smaller and on either side of the hall, a fat conger eel peeking out of it's den and a wide tube full of jellyfish lit from below. At the end of the hall it splits and there's a huge tube of water that vanishes below the floor and rises above the celing.

[Ashe] Halts at the sight of the tube- What's that?

[Doc] Approaches it cautiously- I have no idea...

[Endrea] - It will be alright Ashe

[Notch] They're jellyfish. They're not smart, but they are often venemous. Brushing into one can be painful, even fatal.

[Doc] I think I like this red and yellow spotted guy better. - Indicates the eel. - He looks amusingly grumpy. Reminds me of Cp!

[Yaunfen] Giggles some more- He's not like big fire!  Big fire stays dry and hot!

[Doc] But he's scowling! Look at that mouth! - Pulls a silly frown and imitates Cp- I hate everybody!

[Yaunfen] Laughs louder-

-A shark glides like a sleek bullet along the inner surface of the bigger tube and Notch turns to watch it-

[Yaunfen] Watches wide eyed as the shark passes and notes it's teeth- Mada! It has teeth like you and TLOT!

[Doc] Touches hir chin self conciously- Yeah.... I don't remember why I did it that way. Probably just for the intimidation factor.

[Notch] Not a bad choice when wandering through games is your nomal state.

[Ashe] Is hesitant at the entrance to the tube-

[Endrea] - Ashe, it's alright.  The water can't reach you

[Doc] And it's full of neat things. Look at this weird little flat guy!

[Notch] That's a carpet shark.

[Doc] But it's not fuzzy...

[Endrea] Takes Ashe's hand and guides him in-

[Yaunfen] - Mada it moves funny!

[Doc] That is kinda awkward.

[Notch] They're called carpet sharks because they hang out on the floor. The bottom.

[Yaunfen] Starts dragging Doc farther down- Mada look at that!

[Doc] What the heck...?

[Notch] Comes over to look- Those are penguins.

[Doc] They look like they're wearing little suits. Like a fat Slender.

[Endrea] Leads Ashe through-

[Ashe] - What are they?

[Notch] They're fat little birds that eat fish.

-A penguin flops into the water and zooms over by the glass-

[Yaunfen] - So fast!

[Doc] They looks so awkward, how to they move like that?

-penguin noises-

[Notch] Shrugs, - they're just built to swim.

[Endrea] Whispers to Doc- A penguin swimsuit for Yaunfen?

[Doc] I don't know...? I think they're the wrong shape. Actually they can swim pretty darn fast as a dragon.

[Endrea] - It's just a thought, I know Sally has a bear one

[Doc] That's pretty funny.

-There's a bit of barking from behind them-

[Doc] They have dogs here?

[Ashe] Turns to look-

[Notch] Chuckles- Those are seals.

[Yaunfen] - They're pudgy!

[Doc] Super fat!

[Notch] They live in cold places too. They need it to stay warm.

-The next area is full of little terrarirums set into the walls and it's dimly lit so the contents are more visible.

[Ashe] Relaxes as they leave the water-

[Endrea] - So many containers...

[Yaunfen] Is immediately running from one to another in awe-

[Doc] They have spiders! And these look like endermites!

[Notch] Gives them a tug towards a larger enclosure where a gigantic snake is coiled up in a jungle setting-

[Ashe] - Whoa...  What is that?

[Notch] That is a snake.

[Doc] Pokes Yaunfen lightly - It's got pretty green scales like your mama.

[Yaunfen] - Yeah!  Mama is a lot bigger though!

[Endrea] - It's staying so still...

[Notch] They're usually pretty relaxed. They don't eat often and digest stuff really slow. This type coils up it's prey and strangles them.

[Doc] Creepy.

[Ashe] - What do other types do?

[Notch] They have venomous fangs and bite what they want to eat. Just like Pinwheel. She's got a head much like a specific type of viper.

[Ashe] - Viper?

[Notch] It's like this but smaller. And the head is triangular. This type is a constrictor, because they squeeze stuff.

[Yaunfen] - Squeeze like a hug?

[Notch] Much harder. So whatever they want to eat gets all the air pressed out and dies.

[Yaunfen] - Oh...

[Endrea] - Come now, there's probably more to see

[Doc] Is looking at the display on the opposite side. There's some small crocodiles just chillling by an artifical pond.

[Yaunfen] - Why Mada looking at logs?

[Notch] Those are crocodiles. And they can move fast when they want too.

[Doc] I see a lot of teeth...

[Yaunfen] Starts trying to climb the railing to get a better look-

[Doc] Snags their clothing- Don't do that. At the least they'll ask us to leave.

[Notch] Yeah seriously, those are dangerous

[Yaunfen] - But I wanna get a better look...

[Endrea] - Here, let me lift you, I'm tall

[Doc] That's a much better idea.

[Endrea] Lifts up Yaunfen so they can see better-

[Yaunfen] - They're all bumpy!

[Doc] They're scaly too, just not as nice looking.

[Notch] Snakes have to be smooth so they can drag themselves around. These guys are practically wearing armor.

[Ashe] - What do they need protection from?  They look ferocious enough

[Notch] People usually. And they have to protect the little ones from predators. The young are really tiny.

[Yaunfen] - I wanna see more!

[Doc] It looks like theres some more scaly things further on.

-There's several tanks with different types of lizards and a dark area with a fake cave wall and little bats behind glass.

[Ashe] - Mom, their wings, are like ours!

[Doc] Well I know this one, these are bats!

[Notch] Yeah, I like bats. I know they don't have much of a use except startling players who are mining, but they're cute.

[Yaunfen] Squeaks at them-

-Bats squeaking and flitting around-

[Doc] Awww. I haven't heard you do that in forever kiddo. It's still just as cute as the first time I heard it.

[Yaunfen] - What you mean?

[Doc] Puts a hand on their shoulder and talks to them quietly - when you were first born, all you could do was squeak. Ashe and Endrea were the same when they were tiny.

[Endrea] - So GK keeps telling me

[Yaunfen] - Lots of squeaks?

[Doc] Heck yeah. Tons of squeaks. Aqua and Willow and Oak and even Pinwheel. Baby dragons squeak. It's adorable.

[Ashe] - I'm starting to get a headache...

[Notch] Maybe it's because of the bats, we should move on.

[Yaunfen] - Awwwww

-The hall opens up wide into a circular area with a massive touch tank full of horsehoe crabs and pancake sized stingrays. It's lit from a skylight directly overhead. Visible outside is a small play area where kids are running around and jumping on a small fake pirate ship. There's also a darker hallway leading down that seems to be rather popular.

[Yaunfen] - Play area!

[Ashe] - I thought you said people couldn't touch the fish?

[Notch] I forgot about this. But there's a handler there to make sure people are gentle. - gestures at two employees on on either side of the tank.

[Ashe] Looks very unsure-

[Endrea] - Ashe, you could try, we are more resistant to water in these forms...

[Ashe] - I don't want to

[Doc] It's no trouble for you Yaunfen, do you want to touch the little  critters?

[Yaunfen] - Yeah!

[Doc] You guys just wait here then in case there's splashes. I don't want anyone getting hurt. - Leads Yaunfen over to one of the handlers.

[Handler] Greets them in Swedish-

[Notch] Follows and replies in kind. - My friends are visiting from America and don't speak the lingo. I'll translate.

[Doc] Hi.

[Handler]  Waves at them and mimes them rolling up their sleeves-

[Doc] Does as asked and helps Yaunfen do the same.

[Handler] Shows them how to properly touch the animals before lifting a ray to show Yaunfen the funny underside-

[Yaunfen] Giggles at the funny face-

[Doc] Touches them gingerly - Weeeeiiird. Sea pancakes.

[Yaunfen] Touches a crab too-

[Handler] Says something to Notch-

[Notch] They say that these crabs have blue blood. They're a really ancient type of critter too.

[Doc] Reminds me of the lobsters.

[Yaunfen] Looks over at the pirate ship- Mada I wanna go play

[Doc] Are you sure you don't want to see what's downstairs?

[Notch] You'll like it. Ashe and Endrea not so much. It goes under the biggest tank they've got.

[Yaunfen] - Underwater?

[Notch] Yes and no. You don't get wet. Everything is behind super thick glass.

[Doc] Sounds like Herabrines house actually.

[Notch] Pretty much.

[Yaunfen] - How that work?

[Doc] You just make a shape out of glass blocks and throw in a sponge to clean up all the water.

[Yaunfen] - Let's go!

[Doc] Looks at Endrea and Ashe-

[Notch] It might require a little bravery, but you'll never see anything like it anywhere else.

[Ashe] - I'm not sure...

[Notch] You'll be safe, you know I wouldn't take any of you into harms way intentionally.

[Ashe] Looks at his mom for support-

[Endrea] - I'll be right there to help you

[Doc] Now I'm excited. Lets go!

[Yaunfen] Starts dragging Doc towards the tunnel-

[Notch] Offers Ashe a hand-

[Ashe] Takes the hand-

[Notch] Walks with him-

-The tunnel is dimly lit with blue lights and benches along the walls, it's a massive glass tube under an even more massive tank. The water is full of sharks, barracuda, rays, skates, fish large and small and even a pair of gigantic sea turtles. The view into the water shades off into darkness and the fish glide serenely overhead as well.

[Doc] Goes to the wall where there's an octopus walking along the bottom- Oh my gods...

[Yaunfen] Is awestruck-

[Ashe] Is quivering-

[Endrea] Having been underwater before is not as scared-

[Notch] It's okay Ashe. They can't get at you.

[Doc] This is amazing...

[Ashe] - I don't like it...

[Notch] We could wait in the doorway, would that be easier? You could still see without being under it.

[Doc] Is pointing out fish and chuckling with Yaunfen-

[Ashe] - Yes please

[Notch] Walks Ashe over by the door, one of the turtles goes by overhead-

[Doc] Sees a hammerhead shark and points it out- Look at that one!

[Yaunfen] - Cool!

[Doc] quietly- I'm glad you decided to come out here with me.

[Yaunfen] Doesn't hear Doc, too distracted by all the animals-

[Doc] Kneels down to give them a hug, just enjoying all the weird swimming creatures.

[Endrea] Watches the animals curiously-

[Yaunfen] Turns to look at Doc- We go see more?

[Doc] Lots more. Maybe not today. But you and me. I promise.

[Yaunfen] - Okay!- They take Doc's hand and yawn a little

[Doc] Looks back to the others. - We should probably rejoin them. Ashe looks uncomfortble

[Yaunfen] - Okay Mada

[Endrea] Leads them back towards Notch and Ashe-

[Notch] Well that's about it, unless you guys just want to run around outside or go in the gift shop.

[Yaunfen] - Gift shop?  What's that?

[Notch] We'll go. It's easier just to show you.

[Doc] You remember the dinosaur toys I gave you? That's the kind of place they came from.

[Yaunfen] - Toys!

[Ashe] Is just glad to be away from the water-

[Notch] Guides them outside. There are kids running everywhere as they walk up to the gift shop and open the doors to see inside. Most of the products are animal themed.

[Ashe] Perks at the sight of some books-

[Notch] I'm buying but be super careful not to break anything.

[Doc] Is already poking around.

[Yaunfen] Tries to get as many stuffed animals as they can-

[Doc] Okay, lets not soak uncle Notch. Pick... mmm, how about five?

[Yaunfen] - But I can't decide!

[Doc] But if you put too many things on your bed they'll be no room for you. Besides, there's other stuff here too.

[Yaunfen] - Okay...

[Ashe] Grabs a few books and starts thumbing through them-

[Doc] Is looking at shells - they're all so pretty.

[Notch] Is just supervising and turns to Endrea- Haha. Doc's almost as bad as the kids.

[Endrea] - I can see that, but then again, they're still not used to being out here

[Dco] Points out a nautilus - Notch? What is this? I found something like it and gave it to Yaunfen. It made a weird noise that literally summoned Basil when they blew into it. Is that normal?

[Notch] No... that's really odd and something that shouldn't exist in vanilla Minecraft at all...

[Endrea] Is just looking at things-

[Yaunfen] Comes back with six stuffed animals-

[Doc] Eyebrow - Yaunfen... I said five... If you can't decide then we can get six, but you have to give one of them to Pinwheel. I'm not sure she has any toys of her own and it might cheer her up slightly.

[Yaunfen] - But I want all of these!

[Doc] Come on... don't throw a temper tantrum please. This is not a good place to attract attention.

[Yaunfen] - But...  But...

[Doc] Do something nice and make me proud. And you should peruse the books while we're here. It looks like Ashe already found some good ones.

[Yaunfen] Huffs in annoyance-

[Doc] Kisses their forehead. - Come on. - Guides them over to the book section-

[Notch] Slowly but surely....

[Endrea] - True, at least Ashe has always been quiet and not wanting to draw attention

[Notch] They're kids. Nothing is ever perfect, it's always a work in progress. - He puts an arm around Endrea and gives her a little squeeze.

[Endrea] - True

[Ashe] Comes over with a couple of thicker books on animals- This is all I want

[Notch] That's okay with me, lets just give the others a bit of time to finish.

[Ashe] - Alright

[Yauinfen] Is trying to pile a lot of candy on top of the stuffed animals-

[Doc] Gets a basket and scoops the candy into it- Let me help you hon.

[Yaunfen] - Okay

[Doc] Is that all you want?

[Yaunfen] - More stuffed animals

[Doc] Little snort - You know I can make you stuffed animals right? You should get a book on animals so I'll have lots of inspiration. - Xe stops cold- Hello... what are you? - Xe takes a long stuffed snake off a rack. It's brown and gold and the head looks very familiar.

[Notch] Looks like Doc found a viper...

[Endrea] Laughs a little-

[Doc] Okay kiddo, you can have six. I'm giving this one to Pinwheel.

[Yaunfen] - Yay!

[Notch] Is just smiling patiently- Let me have all that stuff and I'll go pay for it. It's kinda crowded in here if you want to go wait outside.

[Endrea] - Probably a good idea before Yaunfen finds more stuff

[Doc] Come on then, we'll go out- Opens the doors as Notch walks to the counter with everything and gets in line.

[Endrea] Brings up the rear to make sure Yaunfen and Ashe make it out okay-

-Outside is the little ship and chunks of stone shaped like broken columns that kids are playing the floor is lava on. There are also some rope swings and a slide.

[Yaunfen] - Mada can I go play?

[Doc] Sure, just be careful.

[Yaunfen] Runs off to play-

[Doc] Keeps a sharp eye on both kids.

[Notch] Come out a few minutes later toting several bags. - Getting all this in the car will be fun...

[Endrea] - Inventories?

[Notch] Oh.. duh... Thanks for reminding me.

[Endrea] - Let's wait till we're at the car though.  But we should probablt get going

[Notch] Looks up out of habit- It is getting late. We don't want to get caught in traffic.

[Endrea] - Then let's go, you ready Ashe?

[Ashe] - Yeah, let's go

[Doc] Yaunfen? Come on sweetie. It's time to go.

[Yaunfen] - Awww, okay...- They run over and take Doc's hand

[Doc] Takes some of the bags and they head out towards the lot. At the car they divvie everything up and get settled in. They barely pull out onto the road before the car is stopped again. It's too late, they're stuck in afternoon traffic.

[Notch] Aww nuts!

[Doc] What is all this?

[Notch] Too many people trying to go to the same area at once usually...

[Endrea] - It happens every day?

[Notch] Depends on the day. It's worse during the week.

[Doc] Is looking around - could we wait it out somewhere?

[Notch] Maybe?

[Ashe] - Where could we go though?  Is there anyplace we could go where I don't have to wear the backpack?  My wings are starting to get cramped...

[Notch] Not really....

[Doc] Is suddenly starry eyed- I want to go there... - Xe points. It's a very large craft store.

[Notch] I don't think it'll be as exciting as you imagine, but it's a way to waste some time for sure. - He waits until he can get off and exits, pulling into the parking lot and stopping.

[Yaunfen] - Mada I'm hungry

[Doc] Oh, I've got food. - Xe turns out several gummy fish from hir inventory and a rather large cake.

[Notch] Well that's more like snacks...

[Doc] Not for someone whose entire world is made of the stuff.

[Notch] True.

[Yaunfen] Starts eating=

[Endrea] - I can stay here and watch the kids if you want

[Notch] Well they do have stuff the kids might like...

[Ashe] - I'd rather just read...

[Doc] Okay... I'll try to be quick. - Rushes off.

[Notch] Can i have some of that fish? Just a little piece, I'm curious.

[Yaunfen] Holds out a fish-

[Notch] Tears off a bit with some difficulty and chews on it.

-Le little time passes-

[Doc] Jumps back intot he car with a gigantic grin- That was magical...

[Endrea] - Did you end up with much?

[Doc] Oh yes. I'm going to be very busy.

[Endrea] - I see

[Ashe] - It looks like the traffic died down...

[Notch] Yeah lets head back. Then you guys can shed that stuff and strech out. - starts the car

[Yaunfen] Chews on the fish as they look out the window-

[Doc] Wait... I do have one more errand if it's not too inconvenient.

[Notch] What is it?

[Doc] I'd kinda like my phone back.

[Notch] OH. Do you guys mind if we drop by the office?

[Endrea] - Not at all

[Ashe] - Can I stretch my wings out there?

[Notch] I'll say yes, because it's late- He gives his phone to Doc. - Call Jeb and make sure someone is there.

[Doc] Fiddles around with the phone and talks quietly while they drive. - Okay, Yeah... we'll be there shortly- hangs up. - Dofta has it. Her, Fangbo and Jeb are the only ones there, everyone else went home already.

[Yaunfen] - We go somewhere else?

[Notch] Briefly. We're going to the Mojang office to get your madas phone back.

[Yaunfen] - Mada lost something?

[Doc] I used it to make a portal back home after we fought Harvestman, but it nesessetated leaving it behind as well.

[Yaunfen] - Oh

[Notch] Pulls into the lot and lets them out.

[Dofta] is already waiting to ring them inside- Hey you brought the kids!

[Ashe] Is eager to get inside-

[Endrea] - Calm down Ashe

[Doc] This is swanky....

[Dofta] Thanks! Just follow me okay?

[Yaunfen] Reaches for Doc's hand again

[Doc] Takes it gently-

-She leads them down the hall and into the atrium where Fangbo is making coffee. -

[Ashe] Once out of sight of the main doors is pulling the backpack off, letting his wings out with a sigh-

[Notch] Pours a cup for himself.

[Fangbo] Doc? I've got your carrot- She holds it out for them to take.

[Dofta] Turns around and squees- Your little wings and tail! You are so cute!

[Ashe] - Um, thank you?

[Endrea] Lowers her hood, her gray skin far more noticeable-

[Dofta] Wait... who are you?

[Endrea] - I am Endrea, and that is my eldest child, Ashe

[Fangbo] Oh man... you're the BIG dragon! Cp's general?

[Endrea] - Yes, exactly

[Doc] And this is Yaunfen. I think I've mentioned my little one before.

[Dofta] This is so cool!

[Ashe] Has taken an interest in the computers that he can see-

[Notch] Notices his gaze- Do you know what you're looking at Ashe?

[Ashe] Shakes his head-

[Dofta] Hello Yaunfen. What do you think of the real world so far?

[Notch] This is everything. All the seeds. They have to pass through here. This is the mainframe for Minecraft itself.

[Yaunfen] - There's so much stuff!  And I got stuffed animals!

[Fangbo] What have you guys been doing out here anyway?

[Doc] Oh we took the kids to the aquarium.

[Ashe] - So...  Even our home?

[Yauinfen] Is looking at the flowers-

[Notch] Everything. I wish Flux was here. Her powers combined with mine let us see it all for a few moments. It was breathtaking.

[Ashe] - Oh, I see

[Yaunfen] - Ashe!  Let's play!

[Doc] Well I've got my phone... and I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling a bit homesick...

[Ashe] Grins and takes up a bit of a chasing pose towards Yaunfen-

[Yaunfen] Giggles and flips to their dragon form before racing around.  Ashe quickly follows suit-

[Dofta] Is just watching with the biggest smile-

[Fangbo] That's....

[Endrea] Sighs- Well, he is still a child...

[Dofta] But he's a dragon. They're both beautiful.

[Endrea] - Ashe is very lucky to be as strong as he is, Doc almost didn't make it in time...

[Dofta] Markus told me. - wipes a little tear-

[Doc] I just feel dumb that I didn't realize quicker that his airways were full of crud...

[Endrea] - It's alright Doc, he's happy and healthy now with a loving family...  better than his damn endermen...

[Doc] Ah, fuck em anyway. We've got plenty of yours as it is. They're just a loud minority.

[Endrea] - True...

[Ashe] Bats at Yaunfen before they reverse who is chasing who, accidentally knocking a table over- Oops

[Doc] Oh... sorry about that.

[Fangbo] collects the stack of paper cups that spilled on the floor. - They're kids. It's okay.

[Yaunfen] Goes to jump on Doc-

[Doc] Is jumped on and falls over on the floor- OOF!

[Notch] Doc!

[Doc] Out of breath - I think you need to save that for when I'm a dragon too kiddo...

[Yaunfen] - Awwww...

[Endrea] Laughs a little-

[Doc] We'll romp and play when we get home, then we'll have more space to do it too.

[Yaunfen] - Okay...- They back off of Doc and bump into a wall

[Endrea] - We should return now, make sure the Master hasn't burned down the entire seed out of frustration

[Notch] Yeah... I'm missing Flux...

[Doc] Thanks for babysitting my phone.

[Fangbo] No problem, come visit anytime.

[Flux] Knowing that Notch would be tired by the time he returns got a bit of help from TLOT and Steve to finish making the heated tub in the basement, figuring that Notch would like a nice relaxing bath once he got back.  She set about lighting the space and getting everything ready for their return.  She couldn't imagine them being gone for much longer-

[Doc] Opens the portal with a violent headbang and slides through gratefully. Looking back as the others come in too. Xe sends a message over the chat - Deerheart! We're back!

[Notch] If no one minds, I'm going straight home.

[Deer] - I'm on my way

[Endrea] Shifts back to her dragon form and nudges Ashe- We should go gather your siblings

[Doc] Go ahead Notch, I'm sure you're exhausted. - Xe turns to Yaunfen and helps them out of their jacket, the tail sliding free with a little flick-

[Deer] Hurries over- There's my brave loved ones!

[Yaunfen] - Mama!

[Doc] Scoops up Yaunfen and rushes to greet her with a hug-

[Deer] Holds them in a tight embrace- I've missed both of you so much

[Doc] Same. But it needed to be done. I want to make sure there's never a place I can go that you both can't follow.

[Deer] A bit sarcastically- Oh how romantic

[Doc] Ever the witty one. I think someone needs some us time...

[Deer] - Oh, absolutely, but first, there's something you need to do

[Doc] And what would that be my sweet?

[Deer] - The same protection as Flux has, putting this seed on a flash drive for me

[Doc] Absolutely! But I don't have a drive...

[Deer] - I do, I received it when I was out there getting my physical form- Hands them the drive

[Doc] Perfect! I'll do it right now my precious. - Xe pulls out their command block and starts fiddling with it to create a connecting port.

[Yaunfen] - Mama, I got toys!  And saw fishies!  And got to pet some too!

[Deer] - Oh really?  How fun!

[Yaunfen] - Yeah!