The Nights Of The Primordial Game. [HEAVILY DISCONTINUED]

by HalcyonRein

Summary:

[This is a remake of The Night Where The Void Takes Place, because I do not like it.]

Twelve trolls of different ages, plays a game. But it seems it won’t be the only thing that matters.

Chapter 1: ACT I - Chapter 1 : A History of Alternia.

The Alpha Timeline, the main one that illustrated the misery and death in various different realities, but managed to dig their way through to the end, a bittersweet end.

 

Although, there is a timeline where it never happened, there was no game to play for the characters that you’ve known and loved; but rather a very different outcome with new players who will play a game that didn’t happened yet it did in another name.

 

“ Chapter 8 : Masked Strangers. ”

 

---

 

Pg. 530

“ During Her Imperial Condescension’s Reign of Tyranny, there were twelve trolls— all in different castes, the lowest to the highest; A Rust-blood whose life got cut short; a bronze-blood who grew up under the command of a cerulean, not getting a job of the cavalreaper. A gold-blood who was used and was nearly killed for a flagship, yet life picks him back up and was the assistant of a mechanic.

 

A mutant, was in hiding ever since he turned six sweeps, he hasn’t been seen until much later when another fuchsia takes the throne. An olive-blood, while short- is an apex predator, hunted lusii three times the size of her. It is rumored that the mutant and the olive are in a matespritship, although it’s not confirmed otherwise yet. A jade-blood, a fashion designer, managed to make a company that was funded by the empire, she’s in a rivalry with another fashion company at the present. A Teal-blood, she became what her ancestor was; and she couldn’t have done it without her moirail.

 

A cerulean-blood, often the stealer of things, turned into the Conqueror of the Claremiota Domain; slaying beasts and taking pride of herself. An indigo-blood, once a mechanic, and still is; although more sophisticated in style, and had lesser erotic sentences; everyone in the department was praising for him, his moirail would come and visit sometimes. Maybe drink tea, talk about what’s happening in their lives. That is until the Indigo-blood went missing after the death of someone politically important. A purple-blood, no one knows what he looked like; except the mutant; because that was his moirail back then. But most of the trolls in the friend group disbanded, to go their separate ways, it is leading to an incident that happened, but no one truly knows.

 

A Violet-blood, he was a rich snob with a heavy amount of arrogance about the friends around him, everyone immediately thought he would get even worse when he grew older, then maybe the Fuchsia will finally cut ties with him. But surprisingly, no, it never happened, sure there was still that mean attitude; though, it’s a lot more faded now. Some speculated that someone talked sense into him, make him look at the terrible mistakes he’s done, he only grew resentful but not in a way that he will bring harm to others, he will repress his emotions until the day the world ends. Also, he crossdress sometimes, but only when he’s attending a modeling event with the jade-blood.

 

And last but not least, A fuchsia-blood, fuchsias are the most known for power and influence over others; apathetic heiresses and all; this caste is very rare as the mother grub births one heiress, and only one; there can’t be multiple— this fuchsia heiress will be the next to earn the throne, in an benevolent manner, how? You may ask, she will have a duel with her ancestor before the throne. “

 

“ It succeeded, she stabbed her ancestor with her own trident, in the blood pusher; she stood up, covered in fuchsia blood as she breathes slowly, before letting out a scream. “

 

---

 

Pg. 531

“ Since then, her reign of tyranny is gone, and only the descendant remains. While unforgiving, because all of her imperial condescension’s unfinished business was crushing her, the various planets she conquered, the scheduled culling, the Vast Glub; that was too much. She had to find a way to balance this out, without resulting to Genocide.

 

She decided to rebrand the empire to anew, the Ethereal Empire. With drones being reprogrammed to protect the innocent and show no mercy to the merciless bastards that painted this world with blood. She also was responsible for establishing a space colony in the Pink Moon, to communicate through a line that you’re not supposed to hear in space but can use specific machinery and Morse codes. High-blood trolls and middle-bloods built a station to travel through space, named “ The Oracle Station “. This station only goes to three main locations, the Green Moon, the Pink Moon, and a planet only light years away, an intimidating appearance looming over trains; is coded as “ OMORIX 82PC “, a large prison that holds dangerous criminals.

 

The Oracle Station is not a public place, but more of a private research facility, travel to the space colony, or to visit said criminals. In order to get on these trains is to, of course; have tickets, but also to get through various checkups and hope that the security is not going to ask you to leave, it is after all, not a place you want to visit with your lusus.

 

-and, just in case if the trolls that didn’t do anything that bad to others around them or to themselves are taken into RAP [Royal Agency of Protection] , and with the right answers and decision making, you are free to go but you are kept an eye on; perhaps, some trolls are mistreated and they lash out, hurting others. Court blocks are still necessary, legislacerators are necessary.

 

Although, as time went on, the ocean became toxic and some sea-dwelling lusii is acting very hostile, none of the trolls couldn’t bother to sail through it without having that raging thought of dying a painful death. That’s when the cerulean-blood, who was known as Vriska Serket, went first head on; using her eight dices and cunning skills; she defeated the monster. She was given praise in return, and she took it almost immediately, more time passed; we slowly come to the realization that the reason why lusii are hostile is because of the spores and fungus underneath the surface; seeping out into the deep ocean, making them go mad and have changed appearances.

 

That’s why almost no one never sails through the ocean unless it’s a privateer, then they’re allowed to; The Cerulean is one of them, but she acts like she’s a pirate like her ancestor was, which we won’t be getting into much detail due to one of her stories was treating The Dolorosa, to… you know what happened. Fortunately, she’s not like her, she changed almost entirely; rumors say that she found someone or she was taught into some sense.

 

A few more sweeps in, The Fuchsia grew into an adult, and was titled “ The Cleric. “ Because she isn’t a ruler, more or so of an imperial priestess. She isn’t that much of a benevolent figure either, she was pressured, into almost acting like her dead ancestor; mistreating others and those below her. She almost made a drastic decision to execute the unworthy if they lost to a duel. But she was stopped, by her matesprit, the Gold-blood also known as “ The Cynic. “

 

Her friends grew older, including her moirail, that earned the title, “ The Zealous. “ He was different, kinder even. But, the more sweeps came by, there were wars, civil and space wars. The planets that The Condesce conquered, was not aware that she died. So, they decided to attack Alternia; killing countless of civilians and innocents for the sake of their own revenge against the Tyranny. Civil Wars were technically minor, until it grew into a bigger problem, failed assassinations and forced cannibalism of their loved ones to survive.

 

The Benevolent Ruler of Alternia along with the Ethereal Empire and The Royal Agency of Protection was forced to snap back with a series of brutal attacks against the opposing forces, blood splatters and deadly mechanical weapons ready for the battle. If she didn’t had that sort of decision, the entire planet would’ve been destroyed. “

 

---

Pg. 532

“ It was only when that the wars beyond the solar system of Alternia distracted The Cleric from being murdered and disfigured by a purple-blood, a monster. There were a total of twelve men that invaded the Flagship, caught The fuchsia off-guard as she watched on in horror, decapitated corpses, organs spilling out of their bodies, but was not vulnerable to a fight, that she knew that she can’t win. With her bloody trident in hand, and a mace ready to blow her lobe out. Dodges and bruises accompanied with poisonous aftereffects, the world around her was falling apart due to various causes. The Flagship hurdling towards the ground as The Cleric gains the upper hand. That is until it crashes, a large chain of smoke with fire surrounding the two of them.

 

She was very tired, she couldn’t be able to stand up, and can only look up before the monster before her with a bloody mace in hand. He swings it and, blood splatters. That was the exact moment The Zealous arrived to the scene, to see half of her ribs were completely shattered and unrecognizable with her only remaining thing was her lifeless face; as fuchsia blood washed away to the stream below her corpse. He was enraged, lifting up his harpoon gun, but merely seconds in— the purple-blood was right above him, their expression twisted into a sickening smile.

 

The Zealous managed to deflect the mace with his harpoon gun, only to break apart quite easily, he was kicked in the ribs, shooting back into the destroyed forest, his lens on his glasses were cracked; making it quite difficult to see. He was shuffling around, as the figure grew closer and closer, he was very afraid, to die in the same place as his moirail did. His back was against the tree, as he tried desperately to figure out a way to kill him.

 

He tried to throw many things at the purple-blood, rocks and sticks, they dodged. The Zealous tried to get some sort of weapon in his sylladex or his strife deck, but when he tried to get a spear— the mace went towards the arm, and it was forced to be on the ground, bleeding and fractured. He held onto his broken arm, as the world surrounding him grew cold when he sensed the murderer looming over him. He doesn’t want to get killed, by this monster of a purple-blood, that murdered his moirail; while war is still going on, and he was convinced it was going to change for the better when she was alive.

 

But no, everything went downhill, and he wished that was a lie, so; he closed his eyes begrudgingly. As he waited for death to come knocking, he heard the swing of a mace, echoing laughter and that was when he thought of something; which made him barely dodged the mace; still on the grassy floor as he panted heavily.

 

He needed to go back to the flagship, no matter how much blood he’ll lose and if he dies just trying to outrun them, he doesn’t want to die in the likes of them who killed his moirail; not without one final move. He tripped and fell on a few branches and rocks that was below him, giving him bruises each time he gets back up, but the more slip-ups, the more that monster catches up to him, slowly but in a menacing manner, the mace being dragged across the floor, his moirail’s dead body still fresh and the blood flowing through the streams of water.

 

He was barely thinking of ways to finally make them stand still in his tracks, dying to a deserved death, that’s when he saw fire and wires. He ran behind the burning flagship, very aware of the fact it might explode or they’re going to appear right in front of him, but none of it happened when he heard the mace stopped dragging across the floor, with a bone-chilling voice came out, as The Zealous mentioned in his book about “ Hidden By The End “, he said that he heard, “ I Know You’re Here, Zealous. “ in a raspy but threatening manner.

 

It took a while for the purple-blood to lower their guard, until the violet-blood leaped from the top of the flagship, with wires in hand; landing on top of the murderer; with little strength he had, a broken arm and several injuries, he wrapped the wires around their neck— strangulating them, almost enough to see blood seeping out. The purple-blood tried to get The Zealous off their back, scratching him, digging into his flesh; but he won’t let himself down. He kicked the mace away, and dragged them across the floor.

 

The purple-blood managed to get out of the wires they were strangled at, and the Violet-blood stood, but not in fear, he was having that angry look. When they finally attacked, he stepped aside and made him fell into the fire, they were held still as The Zealous forcibly pinned them down, clawing through his skin, while their face was falling apart, charred and twisted. He backed away when he realized that they’re dead now, only a corpse lays. He stumbled onto the ground, it seemed he was going to die, but Feferi— he can’t leave her like that, he crawled through the burned wreckage of the flagship, a trail of blood behind him.

 

He then, finally laid next to his dead moirail, will soon close his eyes when he briefly saw a red-and-blue psionic energy emitting from the fiery skies, a loud call was heard when he finally fainted, laying next to someone he loved dearly; all from the wars he fought with and killed for his planet. Perhaps, it’s kinder if he doesn’t live to see how the world ends. “

 

---

 

Pg. 533

“ When he woke up, he was in a white block, with a medicalizer next to him; his broken arm elevated and bandages covered his entire body, it seems he was going to live anyway. Everything hurts but he can be to ignore it long enough until it really bothers him, he heard many voices outside this block, rushing through the corridors and sounds of fast footsteps moving with a severely injured troll. It wasn’t a public area, but the empire will still be very noisy, because there’s still an unfinished war going on.

 

It also felt like Alternia lost, the benevolent ruler that used to reign prosperity throughout the land, became barren. Assassinations and terrorists began rising up the charts, shattering it, some trolls are fighting for their lives not aware they already had been defeated. The Zealous mentioned in his book that he was “ —willing to give up entirely if not for The Cynic told him otherwise. -Hidden By The End. “ now the conversation between them was not publicized at all, it was kept private and will stay like that, after all, that would be rude.

 

While the conversation was never heard of, some people speculated it was the reason of the sudden escalation of The Zealous deciding to rule Alternia, which angered most of the species of trolls; backlash and failed assassinations, they decided it was not worth it, but they’re not going to be kept silent; because protests can happen at any point. I, an author of this book, also doubted that the violet-blood was not fit to be a ruler, because there was an unspoken rule amongst fuchsias of the caste system, only for them to claim the throne. If it was another troll from a different caste, it was proven to be high treason.

 

Although, it never happened and each sweep, I always thought of him getting executed for his very big crimes, maybe to get eaten by The Honorable Tyranny, but it never happened. Just what was going on in that conversation alone? Seems we’ll never find out.

 

Since then, many sweeps had passed, rules were changed and the Empire too, Karkat Vantas; the Descendant of The Signless / The Sufferer [ glad that rule of being killed just by mentioning a deceased mutant was removed completely ], became a Knight, under the rule of The Grand Commander, who is a sea-dweller. It is quite hilarious that Vantas uses a sickle than a sword; but you’ll never know. OMORIX 82PC was holding more dangerous criminals, the civil war is still going on, just lesser than usual. A mysterious cult was brought up the charts, with suspected crimes of wriggler abduction, lusus abuse, and illegal experimentation.

 

No one was able to track one of the members down except for one, who is an olive-blood, which unfortunately doesn’t remember most of what happened before they were taken in an interesting version of Solitary Confinement, that’s the last we’ve seen of that member. Trolls theorized that they were killed or something along the lines, cavalries and dignitaries in the Empire; often questionable nowadays, are a great help to the civilians.

 

It won’t be long before another fuchsia takes the throne when they grow older, but there were rumors [which are not confirmed true or not yet] about a fuchsia heiress being kept in their underwater hive, isolated from the world, by someone else protecting them. That will never happen though, otherwise, we would’ve already known about it because of the mother grub. “

 

That concludes the eighth chapter of the current history of Nethairus 21X [Also known as Second Alternia], since Alternia was split in half by the time the Flagship crashed into the deep Zanrinda forest, there were two major planets we could be able to inhabit before the invaders from beyond our solar system came, so yes; that’s why we use space stations to get to the [surprisingly alright] moons and the far-away planet of OMORIX 82PC, and how exactly the Space colony known as “ The Chrono Station “ due to its direct meaning, “ chronology “, and also its heavy use of clocks.

 

The colony is located in The Pink Moon, and it’s the station where they initiate communications with Nethairus and OMORIX 82PC 24/7, while also providing communication with OMORIX 82PC with The Ethereal Empire directly, it is to tell that a new prisoner will arrive. If you would like to know what “ Chapter 9 : The Isolated World “ that is about the old history which was lost to time many centuries ago, while also briefly mentioning the mythical origins of the in-between. “

 

The book closes, the story begins.

Chapter 2: The Beginning.

Summary:

Here, you are introduced to a woman named Miodri Umkifu. An indigo-blood tangled with the reputation of certain things that happened in history.

//Borealis - NightMargin\\

 

It wasn’t long until the draft ends of today, but every part of this is researched and accurate at its entirety, however; it seems some trolls were not too keen of this, perhaps they don’t want to expose what was already exposed in Hidden By The End. A book far more popular and written exceptionally well by The Zealous himself, there wouldn’t need to be another book to cover what was there.

 

The jaded author behind you awaits your response, you turn around, “ -+ This cøuld be used as a summary øf the histøry øf Alternia, while Hidden By The End explains it in full detail. +- “ you say, putting down the draft onto the table, they nod in response. “ ^^ So that means, It could be published? ^^ “ cheerful sounding, you make an unsure expression.

 

“ -+ Ehh, yøu’ll have tø wait until they answer. +- “  you replied, leaving the workshop, to be greeted with someone falling to their death, you need to secure those railings. “ -+ TC!! Where are yøu?! +- “ you yelled, four trolls went downstairs and rushed towards the troll, with a life net, then catches them safely.

 

You ran over to them, “ -+ Are yøu alright? +- “ you gently grabbed their shoulders, while breathing heavily, “ Y-yeah, what happened there was— my lusus followed me to work and accidentally tripped me, I’m very sorry for the ruckus, Mrs. Umkifu… “ he apologized.

 

“ -+ It’s alright, impørtant thing is, yøu’re fine. +- “ you reassured him, until yawning, “ -+ I’ll be leaving wørk, døn’t wørry, ‘Lema can take care øf this while I’m gøne. +- “ you say, removing your worker vest and going out to the front door with your inventory still in tact. You call for a scuttle-buggy ride to a stemcluster called Ozryn , it’s a long way from your company but you don’t mind.

 

While you’re waiting to get home, you should introduce yourself.

 

---

 

Your name is MIODRI UMKIFU , you have many acquaintances and friends, you helped funding a company while also running it, you have a variety of interests. That includes, WRITING ORIGINAL STORIES, DRAWING / SKETCHING, and have a fondness of DETECTIVE-LIKE NOVELS. You’re in an unfortunate rivalry with the Jaded Fashion, a very popular fashion company that is currently owned by Kanaya Maryam; in a rather mutual relationship with The Zealous; which you have heard that they were never that close together back then.

 

You live in Ozryn , a stemcluster which is built for high-bloods, while you’re not keen to have borders on two other stemclusters / batches, considering— your moirail is there, he works as a barber downtown of Clamont ; a town built for low-bloods; you wished they would allow you to visit him freely, but due to security reasons such as the civil war going on, R.A.P. treats the high-bloods like how Alternia used to treat Low-bloods. It is often going to be the same, but in reverse, so no one really trusts anyone from your stemcluster and at this point, you just don’t care anymore.

 

There’s another stemcluster named Naporia , that is built for middle-bloods, as well as refugees and trolls that were born with blood colors between the hemospectrum; it’s kind of uncommon but it only happens if one of the Mother Grubs were deathly ill. This causes the trolls that have this blood color will have a shorter lifespan, skin that looks like it was burned, and health conditions. It is inevitable for this type of blood spectrum type, because you too, have a color like this.

 

You inherited this sickening blood color from your ancestor, who used to live in a now destroyed planet called Alternia, and brought havoc to those who dealt with her. Also, from ancient translated history from the beginning of The Sufferer’s Era, the ‘movement of low-bloods’ if you will— she apparently had something powerful that was handcrafted by someone, and it was deemed too dangerous that she was executed for her heretic faith to a Mythical God. That God was a primordial being, there was a tall obelisk that stands in the center of Alternia, and no one knows who built it, but it doesn’t matter anymore, it’s most likely gone at that point.

 

You cannot stop this from happening, there are certain treatments that can be used for slowing down the condition you have, but there’s no known cure; that means you’ll die in a few sweeps, at least your moirail is there with you, helping you take a step forward. Speaking of your moirail, it seems he’s trolling you, the weather isn’t really great but you can handle it.

 

Your discorius-handle is named “ ambrosialDesigner [AD] “ and you speak with -+ forwarded stars and sømetimes crøssing øut ø’s, but you rarely do much of that anymore. +- it’s more or so of the younger version of yourself who did that, but it became tiring and you just wanted to have lesser changes to your troll quirk to make it easier.

 

-• aestivalThumaturge [AT] began trolling ambrosialDesigner [AD] •-

 

AT : I just got off work.

AT : I was about to head back to my hive but it’s raining.

AT : What about you? Your work finished yet?

AD : -+ Mostly, I gave the rest to my secretary. +-

AD : -+ I had noticed the nimbus clouds on the way. +-

AD : -+ Seems like I’ll have to walk to my hive from here. +-

AT : Are you on a scuttle-buggy?

AD : -+ Yes, very much. +-

AD : -+ Why? +-

AT : Nothing.

AD : -+ C’mon, tell me, Tio. +-

AT : It’s seriously nothing!

AD : -+ Why are you using a shout pole then? +-

AT : Alright, fine.

AT : There are some cases of trolls getting pulled over to some alleyway from scuttle-buggers, killing them.

AT : I’m rather worried about you.

AT : That’s all.

AD : -+ Ah, right. +-

AD : -+ My blood color does put my physical strength into a disadvantage, doesn’t it? +-

AT : …

AD : -+ Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. +-

AD : -+ It’s not the first time I almost got killed by someone. +-

AD : -+ Or kidnapped mostly, just to have the guy some Orcish Vianea [currency] haha. +-

AD : -+ I did poisoned him with a drink I guess. +-

AD : -+ And R.A.P thought I was the kidnapper, really brings some light to high-bloods don’t they? +-

AT : Miodri.

AT : Please take this seriously.

AD : -+ What? I want to have a way to cope with my traumatic experiences, I use humor! +-

AD : -+ Either way, the person driving the scuttle-buggy is an acquaintance of mine. +-

AD : -+ They help me get home, I gave them allowances, sometimes; if they don’t really need it, then I buy them a drink. +-

AT : You’re a terrible drunk.

AD : -+ It is my specialty. +-

AT : It’s called getting kicked out from the bar.

AD : -+ You just don’t understand, Tio. +-

AT : And You have no idea when to quit calling me that.

AD : -+ Don’t you like your nickname, Tio? +-

AT : No, not really.

AT : But it’s kind of weird using my actual name either, since it’s a lot more formal.

AD : -+ Yes, it is the general Formality. +-

AT : Shut up.

AD : -+ [wink] +-

AT : Right, I forgot what I was here for.

AD : -+ Can you hurry it up? Because this sort of conversation will reach the point where you and I will be excommunicated until the next month. +-

AD : -+ Because R.A.P doesn’t trust high-bloods with a moirallegiance with a low-blood, no matter if it’s a longer relationship or they haven’t met in person at all. +-

AT : It is often the case to toxic friendships and eventually abuse to your pity partner.

AT : Also, wasn’t there a moirallegiance with Equius and Nepeta?

AT : that’s strange.

AD : -+ we’ve known each other long enough, since grub-school. +-

AT : Anyways, we’re getting off-topic.

AT : I found a newly released game.

AT : Called “ [[ Mercy-Militude ]] “ or “ Primordial Mercy “ for another title I suppose.

AD : -+ Interesting! +-

AD : -+ Is it multiplayer? +-

AT : Apparently, it is. The player limitation is twelve.

AD : -+ That’s strangely fitting for our friends and acquaintances! +-

AD : -+ But they won’t really join us for a bite. +-

AT : Don’t.

AD : -+ [audible laughter] +-

AT : It is true.

AT : The Administrator is very busy in the Pink Moon, constantly moderating and communicating between two planets from two different solar systems.

AT : Your secretary is busy managing the work you put her through, The Helper and The Militant is in an expedition team regarding the ancient amphibian temple in an unstable Alternia.

AD : -+ Preferring our friends by their sign titles, why is that? +-

AT : I wouldn’t risk being in the watchful eyes of the Ethereal Empire that’s no longer Ethereal due to certain management being made of the new Emperor.

AT : The Liberated, or my kismesis is busy singing in front of an audience that cares less about her and more about her looks, even though I hate her, she shouldn’t be in that bar in the first place; she might get killed.

AT : The Unforgiving was a theatre actress and an infamous one at that, evidently, she is acting different than what I was used to, but she seems free.

AT : The Emperor, not confusing the current one, this sign just uses The Emperor as their title. I do not know him and neither did you, until you met him when The Administrator was showing you around.

AD : -+ It is a mutual respect among figures. +-

AT : You literally tried asking him if he’s seeing anyone, knowing he’s not interested nor romantically attracted to anyone.

AD : -+ I don’t recall of that happening. +-

AT : Drunk.

AD : -+ Ah. +-

AT : The Renegade, is very busy defending his matesprit from getting killed by assassins. Because this caste is nearly extinct, he also needs to take care of matters since he’s The Grand Commander.

AD : -+ I remember. +-

AT : And last but not least, The Druid, she never goes outside due to the dangers of her blood color.

AT : Rumors say that there’s more of her.

AT : Just disguised.

AD : -+ I’ve heard of that one. +-

 

“ Miss, tis as far as I can go. “ The driver said, you nodded.

 

AD : -+ It seems I’ll be leaving. +-

AD : -+ I’ll definitely try that game out! +-

AT : It is strangely just multiplayer.

AD : -+ Maybe the level design is for multiplayer. +-

AD : -+ Goodbye for now, Tiodro. +-

AT : …

 

-• aestivalThumaturge [AT] ceased trolling ambrosialDesigner [AD] •-

 

You went out from the scuttle-buggy, with an umbrella on hand, waving goodbye at the driver until they drove away; it’s not too far from here, just a couple blocks away. Despite Ozryn being one of the high-class stemclusters, their reputation is very low, you kind of wish it wasn’t due to that part in history. Your hive is not exactly one hive, it’s a building mostly consist of other trolls, your flat-mates to be easier to understand. The ground floor is a book-hive, while the next five floors is the place you reside in.

 

You’re often sharing with another troll’s apartment, because of the occurrence of flooding or one part of the walls is destroyed; it happens sometimes but you’ve gotten tired of it. Your respiteblock is organized and tidy, despite the rough conditions of you being a high-blood, you were just lucky enough to own a company fitting for the variety.

 

In the living-block, There’s a sewing machine, a mini-thermal hull that only has one(1) Cruel-Aid [Cool-aid] ,[ not microwaved ] buttery exploded kernels [popcorn] , two(2) pieces of leftover flavor disc [pizza] , and some tobacco flutes you never really used; that’s for your flat-mate. This area is often where you spend the most time at, when you take day-offs in your work, tiring to say the least, but if the trolls like it; we put our souls into it.

 

Even when you have friends, it’s still lonely.

 

==== |> Miodri : Ponder where’s your guardian.

 

Your guardian is not here, he was killed in the midst of a war the empire couldn’t win, you missed him a lot, he was there when he took care of you and your medications. Every time you look at someone’s lusus, you always thought of him, the war was not even many sweeps ago, you were very young when this happened! He protected you from the collapsing hives, only to lose your left arm in return, you couldn’t be able to register it happening due to the adrenaline you’re feeling…. Watching him die in front of you, and he won’t even see you when you accomplish something you loved doing.

 

… there’s no time to dwell on tragedies that happened long ago, you need to relax yourself. You went into your respite-block and collapsed on the mattress that is the replacement of your recuperacoon, because your old one was destroyed via Alternia splitting in half. Ah, Sun is rising, seems like work is still ongoing.

 

The difference between this sun and the Alternian one, is that it doesn’t hurt nor scorch trolls, it’s perfectly safe walking in the bright sunlight, aside from strange lusii appearing in the shadows and hurting the citizens; you have two jobs with one managing the company and the other is taking care of those rapid beasts; there’s no day-off in this job— you’ll keep doing this until the day you perish from this world.

 

There’s various equipment you can use, but you use grappling hooks-and-scythes, it’s well-put together. You’re in charge of the eliminating the beasts in the skies, along with other high-bloods that you don’t really have an existent relationship for. This job is the only one that can allow us to cross the borders of this wreck of a stemcluster known as “ The Divinity of Mocestor “ it believes to be the last and only civilization.

 

You sighed heavily, here we go again.

Chapter 3: The Helper.

Summary:

After Miodri was done with her daily job in the morning, she was having a troll call from an acquaintance of hers. One that needed her help.

You went up the escalation zigzags, making your way to the rooftop, exactly when the sun starts to shine through the tall buildings and the dark blue sky turning into saturated red surroundings; greeting you with a slight flash of light; but the great scenery of it all was ruined when you noticed the creatures (or the planet’s version of shadow droppers) appearing. R.A.P. doesn’t take care of this personally, they have trolls like you doing their jobs for them. Because they’re constantly busy trying to protect the daily lives of these citizens of Nethairus, while also dealing with one remaining war.

 

You wish life was easier, and everyone can be treated equally, but because of the high-blood trolls’ actions back in Alternia; reputation is not exactly as great as before. Anyways, you’re wasting time, you aimed your grappling hook (or grappling gun would be much easier to say), shooting it in a nearby building, waiting for the perfect time to leap off; there’s a giant black version of a talonscreecher ready to eat you alive, after a few seconds, you jump off the edge of the roof.

 

You take out your scythe and strikes the neck of the talonscreecher, it screeches loudly (hence the name) still holding onto the grappling gun— it actually connects to the scythe that’s now wedged into the flesh, if it’s too far off; it magnets the scythe and the end of the grappling gun together, which also forces the creature to move to the side; you did a ricochet to the other side with the same gun, off to the borders of the stemcluster. It crashes into the gates, and expectedly, your other ‘teammates’ went in and grounded the giant creature with a sort of mechanical device that trapped it firmly in place.

 

You did one last stab in the neck, it falls off, making it disappear into ashes. It’s not done yet, you have at least an hour left before your job is done, may as well interact with your fellow coworkers how they’re doing even though it’s unnecessary in this line of work; but you can’t communicate with your friends that you are familiar with since it’s prohibited to talk with anyone outside while in this beast elimination.

 

You took out your grappling gun to shoot at the nearest building, where you saw your coworker be at, kind of scaring them for no reason. Also almost repaying you the favor of almost getting your skull cracked open, since having this job can actually no longer restrict you of any dangerous strife weapons. It’s all free and now trolls can pick whatever weapon they want, this purple-blood is carrying a fucking big-ass hammer, you are in awe. It’s so perfectly crafted!

 

“ ∞ oh! I’m very sorry, I thought you were a wild monster and I panicked! ∞ “ She signed with her point stumps. Ah, she’s mute. Fortunately, your school-hive taught trolls to sign with their point stumps, if necessary, you thought you’ll never use it but this is the perfect time for practice; it’s been a while you signed. “ -+ It’s quite alright, friend, work can be hectic at times! +- “ you signed back, making a few mistakes but she seemed to understand it.

 

“ ∞ I’m Pheria, you? ∞ “ she introduced yourself, “ -+ Miodri! +- “ she seems to be quite surprised, you tried to sign to her what’s wrong, she immediately noticed. “ ∞ sorry, it’s just that with your reputation of your company, I thought you would be kind of an interesting person, not that you’re not interesting! I thought you would be rude, but you’re not. ∞ “ ah, you remember. Your company is almost as bad as the reputation of high-bloods, rumors and false accusations thrown directly at your coworkers and you.

 

“ -+ It’s alright if you think of me that way— “ You said exactly when you slashed the monster on half, “ —after all, no one really gives two shits about me and the company itself except the ‘ TRUE FACTS ABOUT BLAH BLAH ‘ +- “ you put two enclosure talons, “ -+ at this point, I don’t really care, I just like supporting my friends and acquaintances and helping them through tough payments of certain things. +- “ you signed casually, you felt a slight ground shake as Pheria pounded the monster with her goofy ahh hammer.

 

“ -+ Anyways, enough about me, what is your job during nighttime? +- “ You ask, she nervously laughs a bit. “ ∞ It’s kind of embarrassing. ∞ “ really? “ -+ It couldn’t be that embarrassing! My first job was cleaning the inside of cabin-hives! (Motels) Do you know the kind of messed up shit that’s in there? +- “ you laughed it off anyways.

 

“ ∞ I could only imagine. ∞ “ she signed while making a mildly disgusted look, until sighing heavily. “ ∞ My job is… dancing or an entertainment professional. ∞ “ it only took three seconds before being absolutely amazed, grabbing her shoulders firmly, violently shaking her. “ -+ You can dance?! Can I see??! +- “ upon realizing what you did, and backed away immediately, even though you haven’t signed at all, she can understand from how excited you were. “ -+ sorry, old habit! +- “

 

“ -+ So what’s your favorite color? Mine’s #A020F0, I mean- purple! +- “

 

You then proceeded to bond with Pheria until the time of work had passed, and now you’re waving goodbye to a new friend that’s in this dangerous job. You went back home and collapsed on the bed, nighttime is going to be a day-off for your work there. You just didn’t expected what will happen in the next 24 hours.

 

So, it’s going to be a long night.

 

---

 

You were suddenly alerted by a message from one of the expedition members, it’s The Helper. It seems he wants to say something to you if it’s that important, that he’ll literally contact you from another solar system. Just as when you’re going to take a nap, you’re not that much familiar with him; you only were introduced by his matesprit four sweeps back, but beyond that? You have no clue why he’s contacting you, it could’ve made sense if it was The Administrator or some important figure in your half-friendly friend group, unless he wants something from you.

 

This is a troll-call, means that it would show your face and appearance, but he wouldn’t take you seriously if you wore such inappropriate clothing, much less to his team. May as well also take a wine bottle and glass to keep company, despite the horrible experiences with it.

 

-• celestialStygian [CS] began calling ambrosialDesigner [AD] •-

===================================================

 

CS : [[ Contacting from Alternia. . . This is the expedition’s researcher. ]]

CS : [[ Direct me to Miodri Umkifu. ]]

 

//waiting…\\

//Connected!\\

 

AD : -+ Took you long enough. +-

CS : [[ It took me days to communicate with someone that does not belong to the Ethereal Empire. ]]

CS : [[ Without any permission, that is. ]]

AD : -+ So you did it illegally? Not surprising, you were always doing things like that. +-

CS : [[ It’s only been a wice, Miodri. ]]

CS : [[ Are you already that cold to me? ]]

AD : -+ It’s been a sweep since you left on this expedition, your matesprit is not really happy. +-

AD : -+ Alternian time is different from Nethairusan time. +-

AD : -+ It’s more so a chore these days, trying to keep track. +-

CS : [[ Should’ve known. ]]

CS : [[ How’s life treating you? ]]

AD : -+ Decent enough. +-

CS : [[ Is the Empire still the same? Speaking from someone who hadn’t received any reports from The Empire itself. ]]

AD : -+ … +-

AD : -+ Mostly. +-

CS : [[ Define the term, “ mostly “ ]]

AD : -+ It changed, a bit. +-

AD : -+ Why are we making small talk? Isn’t there something you need from me? +-

CS : [[ Yes, there is. ]]

CS : [[ I’d like you to get into a destination, I’ll be sending you an artificial intelligence on the way to Nethairus, Ozryn. ]]

AD : -+ A destination, you say? How vague of you, and how would you succeed in putting such an uninvited visitor that most likely would be shot down in a matter of seconds? +-

CS : [[ It travels through the underground tunnels. ]]

AD : -+ The ones that connect through the entire stemclusters? +-

AD : -+ Just above Grimond ? The underground stemcluster? +-

AD : -+ And, prey tell, how would you be able to notice if this call is secured? +-

AD : -+ What if someone eavesdrops the conversation and informs your leader? How would you prevent such coordination between dangerous parts and the foreseen risk of eventually being seen by R.A.P? +-

AD : -+ You do realize that I am prohibited to talking with one of the expedition’s crew members? Can you able to avoid such a law that charges you plenty? +-

CS : [[ I planned in advance. ]]

CS : [[ I have forty possibilities for this mission. ]]

CS : [[ This call is private conversation, means they can’t hear what’s happening. ]]

CS : [[ I’ll send you coordinates the moment this call finishes. ]]

AD : -+ Forty? You desperately wanted to involve me in this? Not The Administrator? +-

CS : [[ He’ll put charges on me. ]]

AD : -+ Fitting, you’re not exactly a good man. +-

CS : [[ And you aren’t great either. ]]

AD : -+ I had to take drastic measures to ensure my company stays safe. +-

CS : [[ Right, not sure why she didn’t tell me about you before we met four sweeps ago. ]]

CS : [[ That is until I saw you. ]]

 

You laughed, his face is visibly disappointed.

 

AD : -+ Oh, you’re funny, aren’t you? +-

AD : -+ Bad reputation and that current situation happening in The Ethereal Empire, you just don’t really trust people like us anymore. +-

CS : [[ That’s right, I don’t trust high-bloods. ]]

CS : [[ But she said that I could trust you, despite your background. ]]

AD : -+ See? You like me, if you were someone that did know me, and hates me; they would threaten to snap my neck! +-

CS : [[ … ]]

CS : [[ And I have forgotten how much you can joke around casually about death. ]]

AD : -+ Death doesn’t apply to high-bloods much, unless it’s by a brutal accident. +-

AD : -+ That doesn’t really phase some high-bloods though, The Grand High-blood had no worries for death, and frankly, he was semi-immortal. +-

AD : -+ He is still alive, just in OMORIX 82PC— +-

CS : [[ He’s dead, don’t you remember? ]]

AD : -+ It’s hard to keep track of what you have in your memory that is stored. +-

CS : [[ Hmm. ]]

CS : [[ The A.I. had just past the borders of Alternia, it will warp-jump in a few minutes. ]]

AD : -+ Oh, so you’re committing to this? +-

CS : [[ You may need to wear traveling gear. ]]

AD : -+ Am I actually going on an adventure in the wilderness? +-

CS : [[ Yes, a temple I found is there. ]]

AD : -+ Interesting. +-

AD : -+ I have two questions however. One, how did the Imperial Empire not found this temple before you did? +-

AD : -+ Second, Why are you interested of this certain temple you found? +-

CS : [[ I’ll explain to you soon, just get to it already. ]]

CS : [[ cough cough ]]

AD : -+ Are you alright there? Ah, I seemed to have notice the Alternian Sun behind you, why are you there in the first place? That sun will scorch you, what is the matter with you? +-

CS : [[ A lot of things, actually. ]]

CS : [[ And don’t worry, the sun will only scorch trolls in an hour now. ]]

CS : [[ It has grown weak. ]]

AD : -+ Weak? +-

AD : -+ Makes sense, it’s already been fifteen sweeps. +-

AD : -+ And fifteen sweeps ago was the war between Alternia and another planet that used to be conquered by The Condesce. +-

CS : [[ Just thirty more sweeps. ]]

AD : -+ You’ll be dead by then. +-

CS : [[ … ]]

AD : -+ It is true, isn’t it? Low-bloods have a short lifespan. +-

AD : -+ it’ll be a shame that your matesprit will outlive you- +-

 

He slammed the table, you flinched a little.

 

CS : [[ Don’t. Mention her. Like that. ]]

CS : [[ They will find a way. ]]

AD : -+ Handcrafting substances for longer lifespans ended in brutal torture and misery. +-

AD : -+ It’s just the way it is. +-

CS : [[ … and you don’t care that your moirail will die before you? ]]

 

You fell silent.

 

AD : -+ While I will miss him quite a lot, trolls will get over it for a couple of sweeps and move onto their daily lives. +-

AD : -+ having a moirallegiance with a low-blood is uncommon, but they all end in the same way. +-

AD : -+ It’s life, and anyways; I will die eventually. +-

AD : -+ Until the next descendant of this cursed bloodline comes once again. +-

CS : [[ Well then, trust me on this. ]]

CS : [[ The A.I. is already at Ozryn, invisible and unwelcoming to Nethairus. ]]

CS : [[ When you soon reach your destination, all you have to do is observe next to the Chrysanthemums. ]]

AD : -+ Flower symbolizes death, right? +-

CS : [[ It is fitting. ]]

AD : -+ Hm, the flower’s symbolization is obvious you want to kill me. +-

CS : [[ Perhaps. ]]

AD : -+ Do you think this may be an unrequited Kismesissitude? +-

CS : [[ I wouldn’t dare to. ]]

 

-• celestialStygian [CS] ended the troll-call to determinedDivine [DD] •-

 

Sigh, may as well get ready for an adventure you taken no part of whatsoever, there goes spending your evening by sleeping and doing something productive for once. You removed the amount of uncomfortable yet fitting details on your clothes that was supposed to make you look formal; that’s what the trolls always say. Before you can say one last message to your moirail, something broke into your apartment, it’s the artificial intelligence and it’s horrifying.

 

Until they showed you the coordinates, and then you have no choice but to follow. The path ahead leads to a forest, with mist, how dramatic. When you were at Alternia however, you can be able to navigate through them with ease. So, you did just that. But you refrain yourself from using your strength, since that will result you to fainting to the ground, making this journey through a destination harder.

 

Fortunately, you can take short breaks, drink water and eat grub, if you’re lucky [the forest is dangerous]. When you finally reached it however, what surprises you was the temple being a giant amphibian at the top of the long and barely reachable escalation zigzags. Although, the escalation zigzags are.. what’s the word, hard to climb? The steps are a bit too high and it is a bit too inconvenient for you. But you already come this far, no way you’re going to give up now.

 

---

 

After a painfully slow steps up the escalation zigzags, almost actually giving up halfway but the artificial intelligence that The Helper sent you was making it impossible for that to happen. Until you finally got to the entrance of the ancient amphibian temple, inside the place was history that was never shown, carvings on the walls that showed a great calamity millennia ago. Meteors and titans, how interesting, perhaps your moirail could decipher this ancient text himself when you send it to him.

 

But what caught your glance nuggets is the chrysanthemum at the center, with purple hyacinths and Lycoris at the bottom; planted around it. There’s a timer at below the chrysanthemum, that shows five hours and thirty-three minutes. You wished you have packed more grub if you knew about this.

 

You need to pass your time, what will you do?

Chapter 4: The Zenith.

Summary:

We cut to Miodri’s moirail, one with a story of his own.

==== |> Miodri : rest a while.

 

You proceeded to close your eyes, drifting slowly away from consciousness, you hope you’re not going to wake up with half a body and remains of your bones. Now that you mentioned it, that sounds oddly familiar to that one sea-dweller that was sawed in half accidentally, there’s nothing mechanical or strangely dangerous in this part of the forest; like it was intentionally for you.

 

But you don’t believe in destinies.

 

==== |> Miodri : Be Her Moirail.

 

You are waiting for the rain to stop, since you have no umbrella because the weather broadcaster lied to you and everyone else. That’s what you get for believing in a purple-blood that used to worship The Grand High-blood turned broadcaster, their way of jokes is appalling, but that’s who they were and you aren’t going to be the judge for that.

 

Your name is TIODRO DRIKIK , your job occupation is a barber downtown, you live in Clamont, a town mostly consists of low-bloods of Rust to Gold, and ironically, the area where R.A.P actually protects the townsfolk since they so very much believed that middle-bloods and high-bloods can defend themselves; it’s true at some point, but there are also trolls with mismatched blood colors due to a certain disease amongst mother grubs, and no— your moirail is not the only one; she’s not some main character who gets a rare disease that makes her different from everyone else.

 

Your kismesis and a troll you don’t know that well but your moirail— has some form of mutated blood, and the trolls who gets this condition have all different side affects depending on their blood caste. For rusts , lower telekinesis and side effects of nausea and fatigue; for bronzes , sometimes mind controlling lusii will resist and will be hostile towards the following troll. For golds , more likely to get void-rot, which is a miracle that The Administrator didn’t get one while using his psionic abilities often. For olives , they’re not exactly as strong as before, nor get any ability to do what the blood caste does.

 

For jades , they can only stay at the daytime for roughly eight hours, fortunately, the sun in this solar system is very different from the Alternian sun which scorched trolls. The sun doesn’t harm them unless if you want to stare directly at it, then be my guest. Since there are lesser jaded trolls due to a certain war that basically erased most of them, there are less care among the mother grubs, which is the reason why some trolls are having these colors and conditions.

 

The Ethereal Empire tried repeating the same experiments that The Condesce did, which is replacing some troll’s blood to jade in order to satisfy what it is required to be done, alas; it doesn’t work, as usual. And either way they’ll die or have a worse fate than death. For teals , while uncommon, but trolls with this particular blood color will have their durability decreased and have numb limbs; it is impossible to move since that will restrain their muscles. For ceruleans / cobalts are of a different case, they have more arachnid-like body features and their mind control is weakened— also, they’re a walking meat bait with this unfortunate color of theirs.

 

For indigos , weakened strength, it’s rather obvious; Miodri’s blood condition fifteen sweeps ago were not severe but they were noticeable. In the present days, she can’t even lift four books. You considered trying to assist her during work, but she declined the offer, mostly because she doesn’t want you to carry this burden with her that she so desperately want to get rid of. For purples , it’s not surprising that some purple-bloods would accept this color of theirs, and doesn’t mind it at all; to carry on their daily lives. For the rest however, had more of an immediate response to violence and go on drastic measures to rid of their horrible blood. Purple-bloods have lesser brute strength than usual, but their enraged side is stronger, which makes it difficult to calm them down.

 

And for the last two; for violets, it’s actually pretty rare, no side effects than blurry glance nuggets and they can’t really hear most of anything underwater; by using their gills, that is. There’s no records for fuchsias since there wasn’t another one born via mother grubs being nearly extinct, except the one kept in a highly secured facility with a distant matesprit— but even then, she doesn’t have a blood disease.

 

The Empire speculated that it’s not only the mother grubs that has a particular blood disease, it’s more of the evident genetic material from trolls’ ancestors. Their blood colors somehow mixed together and created a grub that is related towards two ancestors, one of which isn’t even their own bloodline. You don’t believe of this happening however, and either way you still went onto another topic that you actually have to talk about.

 

You were recommended a newly released game called [[ M-M ]] / short for Mercy-Militude or the alternative title is Primordial Mercy. The description reads; “ A multiplayer game about ‘virtually’ entering twelve different worlds and bosses, your goal is to beat the game by recreating the universe and defeating the Black King between a raging war against Derse and Prospit in the hands of Skaia, would you take up the challenge and get the reward? Or will you let Derse get its metaphorical hands on the Scepter that activates The Reckoning? “

 

Problem is, you don’t know many trolls and acquaintances for you to convince them to play the game, except The Unforgiving and your moirail; of course. You have to resort to only having two players to play with, it’s a multiplayer game, right? It’s not like there’s a restriction then the limitation of twelve players— what the hell. You’re rubbing your glance nuggets, it says it’s not allowed. Isn’t this multiplayer? Why is it restricting certain number of players from this? Is three not a considerable number for this game?

 

That’s strange, because it is supposed to be a multiplayer game, so why is that there’s a certain restriction? Do you need a fourth player for this to work? That’s not right, perhaps it’s a bug, maybe. You’ll have to ask this question to the developer of the game later, for now; your kismesis is troll-calling you, what the hell does she want now.

 

-• clandestineAesthete [CA] began troll-calling aestivalThumaturge [AT] •-

===========================================================

 

AT : What is your purpose for troll-calling me?

AT : Here for lessons on how to get the hell out of people’s sight?

AT : Rendezvous for a very bad area where we’ll most likely get shot? Hate-snugging at the walls?

AT : I’m busy here, you can’t tell.

AT : …

CA : bluh.

CA : wooo

CA : ehe!

AT : Haha, very funny.

AT : Do I end the call now?

AT : Or do I have to listen to your nonsensical words?

 

You hear a faint voice calling out, ‘ oh no, no, get away from that! ‘ or something along the lines.

 

CA : < Sigh. >

CA : < I’m so tired. >

AT : Aren’t we all?

AT : What was that just now?

CA : < Hm? >

AT : I’m asking what the hell are those noises you were making.

CA : < Oh. >

CA : < That was not me. >

AT : … huh.

AT : Who was it, then?

CA : < Something you don’t need to worry about. >

AT : So what was your intention of troll-calling me?

CA : < Haven’t you heard? Clamont is closed off from other stemclusters, such as Ozryn and Grimond (obviously) for at least twenty-four days. >

AT : Why?

CA : < Murder of a bronze-blood. >

AT : All that for a bronze-blood? What was it? A fucking high-blood?

CA : < Unconfirmed. >

CA : < R.A.P couldn’t get their point stump-print. >

CA : < Nor what they look like. >

AT : Great, an unidentified murderer is on the loose!

CA : < … >

AT : … be careful yourself when you’re walking on the way to the hivebatch.

CA : < When were you worried about me? >

AT : Do you think I wouldn’t care less about your existence?

CA : < No, I don’t think so. >

CA : < Ah, have you seen the art museum in Naporia? >

AT : No, not really.

CA : < Well it shows restored historical paintings from Alternia, including ones from The Sufferer Era. >

AT : I thought those were destroyed?

AT : Since it was during that era.

CA : < I’m not sure how, there’s even more ancient evidence from a civilization that we didn’t even know about! Oh, how I wish I can go there. >

AT : Ah, right, your contract.

CA : < … >

CA : < There’s not much treatment to trolls with mismatched blood colors, weakened abilities and all that. >

AT : R.A.P sucks ass

CA : < If you say that in public, you would’ve gotten shot almost immediately. >

AT : Oh, come on, you say that like it’s happened often.

CA : < It has happened often. >

CA : < Literally, I heard a bang and found out one of my friend’s coworkers were shot in the leg as a warning. >

AT : Wow.

AT : Our Empire fucking sucks.

CA : < I mean, it is The Zealous, he’s not going to be immediately nice after that damn war in Alternia, dividing the castes into three borders is a precaution since- >

AT : Yes, everyone knows already.

CA : < I am just mentioning it. >

AT : Is that all you wanted to tell me? If so, I best be going now.

AT : The rain finally stops, goodbye-

CA : < no, wait. >

AT : What is it? Do you need a virtual kiss goodbye?

CA : < No, you’re ugly. >

AT : :bwoop:

CA : < Please stay for a little longer. >

AT : Why? What is it?

CA < We- I am walking alone in a dark street, the bar closed and got my payment already. >

AT : Oh.

AT : I suppose I can accompany you, we do live close by after all.

CA : < Yes, I suppose that could be alright. >

CA : < Please hurry, I feel like someone is following me. >

AT : On it.

 

It seems you have to be the temporary bodyguard in this situation, if your kismesis dies before you get there, then— you may as well conjure necromancy since you do indeed care for her. You ran towards her hivebatch, while also tripping on puddles left by the rain, getting mud all over, you didn’t like this shirt anyways.

 

AT : Where are you right now?

CA : < I’m actually not sure, the usual path I went to was blocked off by R.A.P agents. >

AT : At this hour?

CA : < A Murder happened. >

AT : The same as the bronze-blood?

CA : < Yes, but more disfigured and their mouth had a brick shoved in. >

AT : I am not going to picture that.

AT : Why does it have to be in some sort of street where I don’t know where you are?

CA : < It’s close to Liberty Spire, that’s the only thing I can say. >

AT : I sure hope you’re right.

 

Low-bloods are the ones most targeted, just like you and your kismesis, and since R.A.P isn’t doing shit for any of the other stemclusters, this thing happens. Some middle or high-blooded troll is suspected of killing someone, only to find out they’re not guilty. You came across a fork in the road, you look up to see Liberty Spire; that’s where she is.

 

AT : Alright, I’m coming to you soon-

CA : < Wait! >

AT : What now?

CA : < … >

CA : < Please don’t freak out. >

AT : Why.

CA : < Look, I don’t want him to have a first impression on you looking like a homeless hobo. >

AT : Him? Who’s him?

CA : < sigh.. >

AT : Look, I got to know.

AT : If this is some quadrant vacillation you have with him, I don’t mind!

CA : < No, no, it’s not about that! >

AT : What is it, then?

CA : < It’s just- there’s this one that- uh >

CA : < fucking hell, just don’t freak out! >

AT : I’ll trust you.

 

When you get to the destination, just to help her get back to her hive safe. That is until you saw him, it’s a fucking wriggler. You look down, and up to her face with confusion.

 

“ what- who- how the fuck did you get a wriggler? “ you’re just so- what the fuck, and she laughs nervously.

 

“ < Funny question!! > “ She replied, smiling until it turns into a frown, “ < i may or not haveaccidentallystolenawrigglerfromsomejadecaretakerbecauseithoughttheywerentraisingthemproperlyiamsorryhahha > “ you did not understand a single word from her.

 

“ Please just say it in actual words, I swear to gog. “ You face-palmed.

 

“ < I stole a wriggler from a jaded caretaker, because I thought they weren’t raising them properly. > “

 

“ Jegus grist, the whole point of jaded trolls is to care for the mother grub and the troll eggs! How the fuck- “

 

“ < Look, I was a bit drunk with my friends- > “

 

“ You have no friends, Yia. “ she stopped for a moment, “ That’s probably the reason why you’re here at the first place, aren’t you? You reek of booze. “ you crossed your arms.

 

“ < I guess I did, I think I remember that the last time I saw the caretaker was at the… > “ she yawned, even though it’s nighttime. “ < borders… > “ she fell onto the floor, but the wriggler was completely protected by her holster pads. You rolled your eyes, and pulled her up. “ C’mon, let’s get that wriggler back to their caretaker already. “

“ mkay.. “ She said groggily.

 

When you were walking across the dark street, you felt faint but noticeable footsteps behind you, it’s too dark to see anything though, you just have to assume it’s just a normal blooded troll that’s conveniently behind your kismesis and yourself. Until it sounds a bit loud, like they’re coming closer, you stopped in your tracks and turned around.

 

“ Do you have a problem? “ You say, it was only silence for a moment.

 

“ / You. \ “ he replied.

Chapter 5: Almost Near-Death and The Century War of Skaia.

Summary:

We start exactly where we left off, it was just a troll that wants the lady to pay the bills, nothing else!

Right?

At the other side will be the history of the Carapacian War.

“ Excuse me? “ You said, kind of confused, he tilts his head. You turn your attention back to your kismesis, drunk and afraid; realizing the situation, “ Is there something you need? “

 

“ / Just passing by, noticed the infamous and beautiful singer, what is your relationship with her? \ “ he replied, Ah, so he’s one of the ‘local’ folks visiting the bar where your kismesis is, you need to be cautious around him. “ Pitch, is that all? If it is, I would like to continue what I came here for— “ you were interrupted by an arm as if it were a cut off, he laughs behind you.

 

“ / Why are you in such a rush? I was only asking a simple question. \ “ He’s smirking, “ / besides, I thought she had no quadrants, at least, according to what she said backstage. \ “ Backstage? What does he mean- you turn back to her, and whispered angrily. “( what was your thinking during this?? )” then she started breaking down and sobbing, right, you forgot. “ < I was pressured!! And he w-was holdin somethin dankerius- dangerous!! “ you took a moment to notice.

 

“ Dangerous? “ you took a glance of him, and back to her. “ What do you mean dangerous- “

 

“ / You see, I don’t like to keep waiting, so let’s pick up the pace. \ “ you could hear footsteps behind you and your kismesis, a few more unnamed trolls coming out of the shadows from the streets way back. “ What’s the meaning of this?! “ you shouted, shielding Yia from whoever these trolls are, he reached his hand out. “ / Alright, Pay up. \ “ his smirk turned into a frown, “  Ah, I see. “

 

“ I promise I’ll pay up, just give me uh… two more days!! “ She spoke up, clearly afraid, she was suddenly lunged by a weapon from a troll, forget the others surrounding you both; safety comes first. “ Yia! “ you can feel a gun behind you.

 

“ / C’mon, don’t be like that, it’s just some Orcish Vianea. We can settle this peacefully. \ “ He says, you scoffed. “ Says the one who lets a troll point a gun to my head, not exactly peaceful. “ you also forgot to mention the fact that one of his friends lunged your kismesis, but you don’t feel like wasting your breath in front of a bastard like him, literally and figuratively. Oxygen is the most valuable, this planet isn’t completely habitable, there are disadvantages.

 

“ / Careful, don’t waste your breath for something so small like this. \ “ He says, “ / After all.. you’re talking to a high-blood. \ “ you froze in shock, a high-blood? How the fuck did he—  how the hell? You didn’t really have time to process much when Yia was lift up the floor by her hair from a presumably high-blooded troll ( or middle-blooded ), and you rush to her, punching the troll in the face— until you were shot in the shoulder.

 

He grabs her by the chin, “ / So.. Mrs. Crienu, tell the motherfucking truth, how much orcish vianea do you have? \ “ she doesn’t say anything, intoxicated and pretty fucking scared out of her mind, you could see his expression growing darker, you need to do something— you noticed something on the ground, a glass bottle, you just need to use your telekinesis; you reached out your hand, and threw it towards the armed troll behind you, hitting them at the head, you used a mailbox to smash the other trolls to the ground, abdominal sausages [guts] spills out along with their teal-blood (or cerulean-). You moved the wriggler out of the way in the midst of it.

 

You picked up their gun and pointed it at the high-blood, he grinned. “ / Getting worked up over your kismesis, are we? Y’know, I’m starting to think you aren’t in a pitch, perhaps maybe a vacillation? \ “ you intentionally missed your shot to his head, as a warning. “ Shut up, or else I won’t miss this time. “ you said, holding onto your bleeding shoulder.

 

He stood up, yanking her off the ground, a gun to her head. “ / C’mon, what are you waiting for? \ “ just what the hell did she have a deal with, “ < Tiodro— “ he chuckled, you need to think of some way— oh right, your telekinesis, but where do you need it? This is a life and death situation, the pole? The pole could work, you lift your free hand out, he notices it. “ / Oh? Using telekinesis on me? What if I blow her lobe stem out first? \ “ he laughed hysterically, you lifted the pole and bonked him on the head, letting go of your kismesis.

 

“ Are you alright, Yia? “ You worriedly asked. “ < I’m f-fine.. just a scra— > “ you didn’t heard a gunshot, just silence and her chest was soon stained with bronze, the high-blood chuckled, you slammed a mailbox on him; you should’ve killed him when he let go of her; you’re so fucking stupid, now she’s bleeding. “ It’s alright, it’s alright, I’ll call an ambulance, I’ll call the fucking R.A.P, they’re close to where you live, kind of- please don’t die- “ she coughed, gasping, you’re dialing them. “ It’s at… yes, yes, please- “

 

“ < the grub- the w-wriggler, are they safe-? > “ she asks, whimpering. That was her only concern, making sure the wriggler wasn’t harmed, you nodded. “ < I-I’m so glad.. > “ she coughed up blood, while you’re tearing up.

 

“ < wha’s wrong? Why… you crying? I’m not g-going to die.. > “ she says, “ < I’m just gonna take a long n-nap.. > “ no, no, no, no! Stop the bleeding, how do you stop the bleeding? Wait, you have a clean cloth, you just need to apply steady, direct pressure, “ J-just… please, until help arrives- “ the blood started soaking into the cloth, you need another, you don’t know you have more, you can feel a hand on yours, “ < h-hey.. I-it’s fine.. > “ she coughed once again, you could hear the ambulance alerts.

 

“ < See…? Everything is fine- > “ she is slowly closing her glance nuggets, the trolls came afterwards.

 

---

 

Your kismesis lays in a mattress of sorts, not a recuperacoon, that’s one thing, an elevated; a rectangular mattress; cables attached, bandaged up and breathing slowly. While you’re covered in her blood, you pulled up Discorian. Your moirail is offline, of course.

 

-• aestivalThumaturge [AT] began trolling determinedDivine [DD] •-

 

AT : It seems we won’t be playing [M-M] anytime soon.

AT : My kismesis was shot in the chest, we ran into some trolls, and I’m staying here until she recovers.

AT : Will probably go out to do scheduled things, balancing it with occasional visits.

AT : I should be careful next time.

AT : Alright, I’ll see you when you troll me again for some status update.

 

-• aestivalThumaturge [AT] ceased trolling determinedDivine [DD] •-

 

You sighed tiredly, you wish this didn’t happen.

 

====== |> Tiodro : Be Miodri(?)

 

“ Sleeping in the watchful eyes of the Old Gods, may mercy be upon you when you set foot into the world of grim and dismay. “

 

That was the way outsiders were welcomed into Derse [ a portmanteau of Dearth and Tense ], a kingdom of darkness, ruled under the looming monarch of disdain and fear amongst subjects. Below the ruler were the Four Agents of Derse, coded by their suits, the deck of cards, there were assassins; ruthless and dangerous. The dark kingdom has been raging war at the opposing kingdom, of light and worship of Skaia.

 

The gigantic sky planet, which has clouds that show visions of the future, is fitting for the kingdom of light— Prospit [ A portmanteau of Prosperity and Respite ], ruled under a shining monarch of Brilliance and Glory, the light kingdom had no agents; they were rather peaceful, but show no signs of mercy to the opposing forces. Which led into a century of war, pawns were being slaughtered and countlessly cloned, from the Ectobiology Chambers.

 

Soldiers were getting tired of fighting, tired of all of this, the battlefield was being destroyed and covered in blood. The battleships, the rulers [The King is always in the battlefield] everything, barely recognizable of Skaia, but the skies are bloody red. That is when they resulted into an uneasy truce, with new rules being unfortunately settled for both kingdoms. No assassinations of rulers or the dreamers, nor killing civilians of their own unless justified and also for death sentences.

 

This was what it was now, there’s still that anxiety about breaking the truce, but everything else was fine, the citizens from Derse started reconciling with their old friends at the opposing kingdom. Because, after all, in a past that was almost forgotten in history, is peaceful life between Carapacians, but something happened to that peace, and so war began amongst the two divided rulers. Although now, they’re no longer fighting each other, they could finally rest.

 

The Agents of Derse had some sort of time for themselves, though, they definitely weren’t resting, they still have jobs to do, not murders; professional but secretive work from The Black Queen herself. When they’re not doing any of that, one of the four agents; Courtyard Droll; owned a flower shop and pseudo scientist. Hegemonic Brute was having a secret meeting with a lady, often love, not pitch. The two agents [CD/HB] that were mentioned is in a moirallegiance. The Second-in-Command and The Arch-Agent however, are incredibly busy.

 

Whether it was during their ‘free’ time or anything in general, they’re always at edge and The Arch-Agent has to do all the paperwork; The Second in Command had to do whatever The Black Queen asked him to, no matter if the truce is here or not, they’ll always work. And, consider The Second-In-Command and The Arch-Agent had a relationship, either pitch or pale, they were close. You’ll sometimes spot them at a balcony, chatting and looking over at the purple kingdom.

 

One day, a terrorist attack hit the Dersite Palace, lights were flickering; mutilated corpses were scattered across the hallways; none of the agents were prepared when The Arch-Agent, Jack Noir— went missing. A few months later after searching, The Black Queen announced him dead, and so The Second-In-Command took his place, but he grew suspicious of the sudden change of pace. Jack wouldn’t die so easily if he was kidnapped, hell, he would kill them before they get the chance, and come back covered in blood— but it never happened.

 

In the present day, The Dreamers of Derse would never have known The Previous Arch-Agent, and so, time will tell whether if these dreamers would succeed, or trapped forever by the clutches of Skaia and the eventual demise of their teammates.

Chapter 6: Unfamiliarity and The Liberated.

Summary:

A session between two dream selves, of darkness and of light. With one having been interfered by an unknown figure and one who woke up by the time the other self fainted.

“ That is how we patrons of The Old Gods assigned users to make sure it never happens. “ A carapacian said, who wore dark clothing and a swirly symbol at the middle, he reached out his hand with a rock, and conjured it to appear bigger. He only noticed that you weren’t paying much attention since you were reading about the history of the sky planet that shines throughout the medium, it says that Skaia has been here since the beginning of time. Until he takes the book away from you, “ You’re not even listening. “

 

“ -+ I have been studying for the last fourteen sweeps , and Artificer— didn’t you repeated the same story? At least.. eight times? +- “ you say, he sighed. “ I am making sure that you’re not forgetting. “

 

Then he starts off going on his rabble again, while you observe the palace garden, they’re beautiful in its natural state, besides the fact that you aren’t actually allowed there; the Dersite that was lecturing you is titled “ Celestial Artificer “ he can be able to use Space whether it’s uninviting or not, and you suspect he’s a Mage. You’re no longer a young troll so you have no breaks or anything, you just sit and write down notes like you’re in a school-hive again.

 

You feel like sneaking past him, but you got caught shortly after, perhaps, you can ask permission; after all, you still need to give The Arch-Agent the list of terrible things that The Black Queen has. “ Artificer, may I have your permission of leaving this block? There is something I still need to give to the Arch-Agent. “ he raised an eyebrow(?).

 

“ Really..? “ He says, you nodded. “ You’re not going to try escape again? Back to your unsurprisingly unorganized respiteblock? “ you nod. “ Good, now leave before I try to change my mind. “

 

You were let outside and began walking on the long red carpet of a hallway, towards The Arch-Agent’s office, you sighed and knocked on his door. No response, how strange, perhaps he’s having a private business with The Black Queen? Perhaps, and then you suddenly started coughing, of course; even when you’re the metaphorical Princess of Derse, it doesn’t matter to your condition.

 

Of course there are some ways to slow it down, but other than that, you’re going to die either way.

 

 

The door is unlocked, you may as well go in and place the gift, with a small note of course, you went into the office, it’s silent. You just need to put it on the desk and leave, but you feel like something is wrong; was that fenestrated wall always there? It looks… turned off; it looks different than the three fenestrated walls, there used to be a fourth one, and then it mysteriously vanished.

 

It suddenly turns on and it displays loud static, there’s no switch, how is that possible?

 

A realistic eye appeared.

 

Then it spoke.

 

“ Ａｒｅ ｙｏｕ ｔｈｅ ｏｎｅ ｗｈｏ ａｃｃｅｐｔｓ ｔｈｅ Ḡ̴͍̟̦͔̭̳̥̀͠ǭ̸͉͇̖̫̤̙̹͔̖̲̳̻̠̤̗̣͎̈́̒͋̐̆̿̓̈̌̽̑͐̿̂͘͜͜͠d̷̳͚̈̉̽̈̉̅͝s̸̛̝̣͉̞̱͍̟̥͊̌̈́͌̏͂ who took you? “

 

 

“ -+ What? +- “

 

 

“ǝɥʇ ǝɓuǝllɐɥɔ o⊥ O̷̢̢̥͖̰̖̭̗͈̦̣̮̰̻̦̓͂̏̊̈́̈́̃̔̾͗̾̄́͊̾̎͜ rder and to replace the Ơ̶̰͙͓̲͎̼̱̱̱̌͗̉̔́̿͊̓͜͝l̶̻͎̳͉̯̀̄̃͐͒̈̐͆͘̚̕͜͠͝d̴̪͙̞͔̱̭̬͍̤̽͛ ̵̠̼̪̮̥̉͂̎͜w̶̢̞̱͙̬̞̮̪̫̩͖͍͂̚͜ͅo̵̡̢̢̙̭͙̪̞̯̰̤̯̭͍̙͓͛͋̍͒͐̐̚ṟ̸̨̥̬̮͉̯͕̪̖͓͚̱͍̾ͅl̷̫̪̳͇͉̋ͅḑ̸̧̛̺̩̪̭͍̙̼͉̜̞͍̤̘̈́̓̈̒͜͠͝ ̸̙͉͖̪̖̗͍̀ ? “

 

 

“ -+ Who are you? +- “

 

 

“ The one who will C̵͔̻̲̯͛͜ͅh̷͚͉̥͈͇̪͉̮̜͇͕̦͍̀̌̑̑͛̔̆̇̿͒͘͘͝͠ą̷̨̬̰̞̳̈́͋̅͛̓́̕͝ͅ l l e ṋ̷̡͚͇̼̫̱̲̟͕̳̞̙͈̣̻̫̂̓͑̾́̅̈̀g̸͙̖̰͒̓̎̌̋̒̑̕̚ȩ̵̨̛̪̟̊͐̆͛̓͂̒̆͒͠ͅᎸo bᴎɒ| ɘʜƚ ᴎi ʞ|ɒw oʜw ɘꙅoʜƚ ᎸO   P̸̧̳͚̻̰͍̝͊ r i̸̧̮̫͉̳̗͔̰̻͎͎͓͓̠̰̙͐̎̅̾͘̕̚͝ͅ m ơ̷̛̰̹̹̝̟̈́̀͂͂̄͝r̶̭̻̻͖̹̪̲̖̥̗̱̗̍̏̆̎͜͠͝d̶̢̨̛̦̜͕̞̝̼͓͉̯͖̰͖̭̋͂͐͆̔̂̚̚͠i̴̡̦̘͈͈̪̦͉͖̬̞̗͈̓͊̏͌̋̾̽̇̍̾̆̈̍͊̈́̚͜͝ͅą̴̧͕̭͈̹͙͖̞̲̖͙̆͊ḻ̴͈̣̦̻̜̳̼̩̭͂͋̀͛̃͛͂͒̓́̎̾̓ ̵̢̡̨̛̛̛̮͔̤̞̟͎̥̥̩̯̯̣́̓͗̆̽͗̓͂ͅM̴͎͉̬̭͍̰̭̺̞͇̞̻͙̫̘̩̺̏̋̓̎͂̑̈́͌ę̶̱̹͕̼̪̖͉̃̆̊̅͌͜͠r̷̢͙̳̼͕͓̮̳̬̝̅͊͐̊̋͜͝c̶͕͙͑̿̚ẏ̵̨̬͇̩̲̦͓͓̱̣͓̱͉̥̮͗͂͗̂̏͌͐̋̕͘͜ͅ . “

 

 

You don’t understand any of this, “ -+ You’re not making any sense! What are you talking about?! +-

 

 

“ Y̷̨̧̤̲̩̹̭̲̮̠̒̀̐̿͐̓̃͘͘̕̚͜ͅo̵̗̼̠̓͋̀̀̆͌̄̽̂̚̕̚͜͝͠ͅ u r … fu t̷̨̨̢̟̜̝̺̗̫̻̼͙̮̼͇͕͊̿̑̃ù̴̢̢̖̜̼̂̈́r̵̤̦̹̈̒̈́̃̉̕͝ e .̷̜̜̇́̈́̑͐̑͒͝ ”

 

 

And it turned to static again, you looked around your surroundings and it was pitch black, there was a giant pond of water underneath that showed your reflection but it was different; you wore… strange clothing?

 

That is until two hands of Black and White appeared from the reflection below, grabbing you into the ocean as you screamed.

 

You woke up with Courtyard Droll about to do CPR with his non-existent mouth, with The Arch-Agent surprised that you’re still alive, you jolt back up; you felt blood dripping down from your head. “ -+ What happened…? +- “

 

“ ♧ WELL! ME AND THE DIGNITARY WERE JUST GETTING BACK TO HIS OFFICE WHEN WE FOUND YOU UNCONSCIOUS ON THE FLOOR WITH BLOOD DRIPPING DOWN FROM YOUR HEAD! ♧ “ He exclaimed worriedly.

 

“ ✦ You weren’t breathing, Droll decided to give CPR, you know what happened next. ✦ “ he said, pulling out a cigarette and a lighter. “ ♧ SO WHAT HAPPENED?? ♧ “

 

“ -+ I… +- “ you should tell them about this, “ -+ I.. wait.. +- “

 

“ -+ I don’t know… “

 

You don’t remember.

 

What were you doing here again?

 

 

===== |> Dreamer! Miodri : Be the Bronze-blooded Troll.

 

You unfortunately cannot be the Bronze-Blooded troll since she is unconscious from the amounts of blood loss, how about her dreamself?

 

You opened your eyes to a brightly colored yellow block, a replica of your respite-block, now accompanied by a shining blue light outside that displays of Skaia. It seems whatever was going on the real world, you woke up here, you got out of your recuperacoon; so now begins your introduction.

 

Your name is MASYIA CRIENU , you are a bar singer downtown of Clamont, a town for low-bloods such as yourself, you have a variety of interests, which you do like to talk about; you like to write original songs while playing on your acoustic guitar that you have saved up money for. You like to read trashy novels and television show dramas, you also like to dance with your matesprit sometimes. You are a bronze-blood of unusual color, due to a disease from one of the lasting mother grubs, but you do not mind it much despite it weakening your control over lusii, you’re still kicking!

 

Your other self is also different from yourself, you still share the same traits and abilities like her, but slightly different than what it appears.

 

====== |> Dreamer! Masyia : Discuss your quadrants.

 

Talking about your quadrants will be for a whole day! Perhaps, you can make shorter descriptions of your quadrants? Yes, that will do, you also need to explain what the four quadrant romance is anyways.

 

First up, It is The flushed quadrant, also known as Matespritship , it is between two trolls that established a mix between love and pity, it can be through weird chemistry or something— your flushed partner is an olive-blood, at least two castes higher than you; she resides in Naporia, the secondary city of The Divinity, she was a theatre actress; that she mentioned, she’s very kind and isn’t afraid to take measures into her own hands.

 

The Second quadrant romance is The Pale quadrant, also known as Moirallegiance , it is between two trolls that established a close platonic relationship between each other, although- Palemates like Tiodro and Miodri are fairly uncommon since it is a relationship between a low-blood and a high-blood, but that also didn’t stop the moirallegiance between The Disciple’s Descendent and The Engineer; A middle-blood and a high-blood. Your palemate is a teal-blood, a court mediator of sorts, you think he’s doing something else in that expedition and a very different occupation, we don’t talk much anymore… that doesn’t bother you anyway!

 

The last quadrant you’re in is The Pitch quadrant, also known as Kismesissitude , it is between two trolls that established a hate and love relationship, while also having some sort of arch-rivalry against each other and bettering themselves. It can sometimes be extremely violent without someone keeping things functional, that you’re going to talk about the fourth quadrant after this, you suppose the violent example might correlate with The Zealous and The Cynic; they almost killed themselves, but that was during the incident, some may view it as intentional or not on purpose— no one can properly explain what it was, since he briefly mentions it in his book “ Hidden by The End “ but that was only his side of the story, his perspective.

 

You’re getting off-track! Your pitch partner is Tiodro Drikik, it fits the description of functional Kismesissitude properly without all the violence, it’s just playful hate-flirting and bettering themselves; although, throughout the sweeps, you don’t think it’s pitch anymore. The fourth quadrant is the Ashen Quadrant, also known as Auspisticism , fortunately; you haven’t encountered a toxic or violent partner to have someone who has to keep things functional.

 

===== |> Dreamer! Masyia : Go outside and touch some grass.

 

You proceeded to look out the window, there’s no grass but a welcoming breeze from Skaia and the hotness of it, it’s a golden kingdom; with its residents being prospitians [ or Carapacians if you’re being general ] it’s ruled by a monarch titled “ The White Queen “, she’s a kind lady, although, you never really properly met her, only another prospit dreamer does, and they’re a seadweller. You floated down onto the floor, greeting the citizens of Prospit.

 

At this spot, your Prospitian friend would be here, but it seems they’re at place where they’re always at, a restaurant not far from here. It’s nice to take a stroll through the streets of the golden city, you suppose it isn’t a kingdom due to how modern it is compared to Nethairus. Geometric buildings, at least they’re easy on the glance nuggets. Your friend is an odd carapacian, but you like them because they play catchy songs and have a unique voice. It is unfortunate that not many Carapacians had listened to them, it was only from centuries ago when Skaia was still a planet.

 

You heard their friend is a dersite, and they’re pretty tall, you haven’t met them yet but you heard that they’re also great as well. So, after a while, you finally got to the restaurant, and you see him waving at you.

 

“ 𖤓 So it seemed that you finally went to sleep again and awaken in Skaia’s golden city. 𖤓 “ He said, greeting you with a handshake, “ < It was the night terrors, Kaleido, I can’t control them. > “ you replied, and shook his hand. He gestures you to come in and take a seat to relax.

 

You plopped down on a chair and proceeded to order something, but still have that aching feel in your chest, you jitter slightly. “ 𖤓 Are you alright? 𖤓 “ He asked, concerned. “ < I apologize for my strange behavior, something happened when my other self was fully awake. Don’t know what was the reason though. > “ he only nodded, looking out the window.

 

“ 𖤓 Today is the day when the prospitian monarch allow visitors from Derse. 𖤓 “ he suddenly spoke after you said which one you’ll order from, the waiter leaves, and you looked at him.

 

“ < That means Mobius will be here, I wonder if I meet her this time. > “

 

“ 𖤓 If you can meet her, otherwise, it will be like the rest of those days again. 𖤓 “ He replied.

 

“ < … Alright. > “

 

“ 𖤓 So, what happened today for yourself? 𖤓 “ He asked, yourself? What does he mean- oh, that.

 

“ < I’m not really sure, it’s mostly a blur, since both of our halves are separate, and as a dream self, I can only see half the information thrown at me. But since you asked, you heard rumors that most dreamers can no longer see glimpses of the future, right? > “ he nodded, “ < Well, it’s true in a way, it’s like in a carapacian’s view of the skaian clouds, no one can truly see them, so my situation is not seeing what happened before I woke up. > “

 

You dreamed a white note and a pen, illustrating a distorted vision of your other self. “ < All I can see is just very blurry lines of a memory that I can’t remember. > “ he hummed, a flavor disc was present at the table, you always wondered what it’s like in the other side, the you that wakes up from a golden dream. You dismiss the thought when you ate the slices, it’ll come back to you don’t worry at about twelve hours into the future, they’ll have lots to do there.

 

Suddenly, you felt something was wrong, you need to make an excuse. “ < How about you eat the rest and I’ll just visit my friends, ok? > “ You say and left before he can say anything.

 

You flew in a hurry, because it seems someone breached the ectobiology chambers.

 

 

Dreamer! Masyia : Be someone else.

Chapter 7: The Deliberate.

Summary:

For which we cut to the Jade-Blooded troll, one of complexity.

It’s going to be a long night, you’ll be going home soon, because everyone’s leaving. One of your other jobs is cleaning outside of airships, often hard work, but it’s doable. What is your name?

 

Your name is ELRENA VREVIR , a jade-blooded troll who resides in Naporia, a city known for the blooded trolls of olive to teal; may also be a safe space for mutants; the emperor although, isn’t very keen on them, no matter if his good deeds makes up for who he was in the past, doesn’t change anything else beyond that. Ever since his moirail died, he had to balance paperwork and the duties of what was once the Empress’s days of leading the army.

 

Your job is a secretary at a variety company at the borders of the Divinity, the planet, Nethairus is not fully explored so covering land is more or so of a pesky job.

 

Your quadrants consisted of a messy kind, while half of it is organized, you have no others; frankly, because you’re not interested. The only quadrant you have is matespritship, and your partner you have met was a long time ago, back in Alternia, it was more passionate and hopeful; now it’s distant and unrelenting. You do not blame him though, he is like that after all. He is in an expedition team in the destroyed Alternia, sometimes he leaves messages and mention how he has been doing all those weeks, no matter; you have more important things to do.

 

There’s also an implied moirallegiance with someone, but you do not feel the same way, it’s just convenient that they’re there, asking things if you’re okay and all, you’ll probably not be able to troll them though— their trolltag is inaccessible until they up trolling you, is trolling even the right word for them? It goes for another name , you suppose. They sometimes speak in eastern Alternian language, you’ll have to have a translator for that.

 

Enough talking about them, let’s continue the previous topic… The only reason for the expedition to exist in Alternia is to collect the remains of ancient items, while trying to uncover the mysteries surrounding a very large and secretive collection of the prophecy told from the Forgotten Ages, about the twelve spirits and their actions that coursed through time and space— you just hope he returns after that. You heard one bell chime, and break is over; you grabbed your equipment and protective gear, heading outside. Your hive was destroyed but your custodian survived, he mostly sleeps next to your make-shift recuperacoon, because your ‘respite’ block is small.

 

You waved at your coworkers and was greeted with a strong gush of wind, yes, this is what you must do every night before sunrise; a lantern helps you see through the darkness; sometimes, you get day-offs and work in the company instead— fortunately, it isn’t long, it’s just enough until you’ve grown tired. You work hard since this job gives you plenty, sloppy, less orcish payed; but they don’t punish you or anything, they stopped that a long time ago. You have plenty more hours to spend in the day anyways, your schedule of your working hours in the night is six hours; depending on how much time you’re spending.

 

Your schedule in the day is only half, they don’t push you that much, there’s always some days where you’re just relaxing in your respite-block; for now, it’s work. You also use some sort of meditation practice, but not just any, it’s used during The Forgotten Ages before her imperial condescension took over; it’s very ancient— and it’s helpful, it’s one of the three ways you can withstand the effects that this planet has; because this planet is not environmentally safe.

 

“ |-|ey, we’re having a party in the main deck right now, you coming? “ the manager said, a smile plastered on his face, you shook your head no; you’re not good with socializing with other trolls that isn’t close to you; even if it’s already been five sweeps since you were on this job. Exceptions is the Operation Enigma, which is what the name suggests— of mysterious and well-hidden secrets of your members, with skillful execution and intelligence.

 

There are two sides of trolls, the weak and the strong, the weak are either killed or protected while the strong is ruthless or what the Empire is now; they’re not doing anything useful for the past decade. Oh, the bell rang, it’s over now, that was quick, or was it more of a deployment? There’s only two different sounds of these bells— the sound of a bell tower signals the end (as in end of this session, not end of the world, that will definitely not happen), and one that sounds like a schoolhive ring (which means something important is happening), if it’s both at the same time, that means someone was intoxicated or was a cheeky prankster and accidentally (—or intentionally) switched it on and becomes a headache at this point; because it’s continuous until that someone stops it from doing what the hell they’re doing.

 

Thankfully, it was the first one, that means you’re finally free.

 

And one, unsurprisingly, is trolling you, or in this case— pestering you. Sometimes, at random points; there would be a few people that you do not know much about, pester in a client that you’re not familiar with, nor is it mentioned anywhere else. This is the one where you were implied having a pale romantic relations with them, they put two different colors, of Crimson and Merigold, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two this time.

 

Your discorius handle is — “ conscientiousNoctambulist [CN] “ and you speak like ( you’re constantly whispering. )

 

-• tertiaryDesigner [TD] began pestering conscientiousNoctambulist [CN] •-

 

TD : Hey

CN : ( Hi. )

TD : On behalf of my friends who forced me to talk to you again after banning you

TD : I’m basically just stalling for time, taking a break, all that stuff

CN : ( Do you consider me a ‘friend’? )

TD : don’t know, since we only talk a couple of times, and most of those times were you just sussing on me because I might be coming for your ass, while I’m sussing you too because you might be just an internet troll messing with me

TD : Language, sorry

CN : ( How about I drop the suspicion, and start over? )

CN : ( My name is Elrena Vrevir, you? )

TD : Chester Hayashi, nice to meet you.

CN : ( it seems you don’t follow the six letter name rule, unless it’s a title to cover your real name. )

TD : no, my real name.

CN : ( Interesting. )

TD : What are you doing right now?

CN : ( Are you that curious of my private life? We do not know each other that much yet. )

TD : Well, we could start now, I’m half-Asian, my parents run a small shop downtown, and I’ve made a few friends along the way.

CN : ( I have no idea what you said in the middle sentence, but it’s good, I have two jobs of which of a variety company and a cleaning job. )

TD : huh, that’s interesting, wait so that means you’re in your teens or… you’re an adult with minimal wages

CN : ( I am an adult, abandoning what jadebloods used to have duties for, caring for mother grubs that are rare as they can get. )

TD : okay, now I’m conflicted, the type of words you’re using is like equal to chatting with a roleplayer, which— no offense, is not exactly what I want to spend my day with.

TD : just asking, how old are you?

CN : ( Why are you asking that? Are you doubting me? )

TD : well yeah, I don’t know you that well and I’m as young as a child, literally.

CN : ( Twelve Solar Sweeps. )

TD : I knew it! You’re literally 12 years old!

TD : 2 years older than me actually

CN : ( I’m not a young troll, twelve sweeps is about the age of most of my friends already. )

TD : don’t know, twelve doesn’t really equal to eighteen.

CN : ( How do I prove it then? How do I prove another person that I’m older? It really doesn’t make any sense, you don’t make any sense, what the hell does year mean? )

CN : ( Actually, what does anything from your words mean? Half-japanese? Parents? Those few words do not make any sense. )

TD : wait, you don’t actually know?

CN : ( yes! I have been saying this for the last couple of conversations we had with each other! When do trolls troll each other this much at this point?? )

TD : Oh, I thought otherwise… wait, troll?

CN : ( Yes, have you been living under a rock? Trolls are me, I am a jade-blooded troll in the hemospectrum of twelve blood castes. )

TD : wait but I thought…

CN : ( I am an actual adult with actual jobs living an actual life. )

CN : ( Do you think I want to troll people that I don’t even know yet? We need to understand each other first, how much do you know about our planet? )

TD : it’s round, it’s earthy and made of water, and it’s also called Earth.

CN : ( See! This is what I was talking about, you saying things that feels like you’re another species, because your text is like both colors, may be more of an aesthetic choice; but still. )

TD : that’s just because of my eye colors, I’m heterochromatic.

TD : why are you also saying things that don’t make complete sense most of the time?!

TD : mother grubs? Hemospectrum? These are words I’ve never heard of!

TD : I think you’re the one exaggerating here!

CN : ( I can’t believe I’m arguing with someone who doesn’t think things through here! I’m exaggerating?! )

CN : ( these are words taught by our language for centuries! And you’re arguing about what we lived through? This is just stupid! )

TD : hey I just don’t know what the hell is going on, sorry for my foul language—

TD : I don’t understand what’s really happening, just explain to me and I will understand! What the hell is the hemospectrum?

CN : ( I just told you before! The hemospectrum is made of Twelve Blood castes, it’s common knowledge for people like you! )

TD : I never learned this stuff before! I just know about blood types like a or ab.. or o!! My school never taught me this, unless it’s something that happens when you reach 11th grade, but even then— maybe you’re still messing with me.

CN : ( agh, this is going nowhere! How is being born in Nethairus, can restrict certain history from wrigglers from learning anything?! it’s like the empire is desperately trying to cover anything that’s of no value, but the wrigglers told me it’s a great system, are they lying?? )

TD : wait wait wait, Nethairus? Empire? Are you actually saying you’re another species? Nobody uses empire unless they’re role-playing.

CN : ( yes I’m from Nethairus! Are you saying you’re not?? )

TD : well yeah, my planet is called earth!

 

What, now, this is a joke, right? But… other planets exist, and some of them are inhabited by other species, so- they might be telling the truth; no, no, it’s banned— it’s not true… it forbids whatever something is interfering with communications; but you’re conversing with an alien species so unknown to everyone.

 

CN : ( I see, I’m sorry for doubting you. )

TD : wait, why the change of pace?

CN : ( Yes, after vigilantly screaming at my device. )

CN : ( You see, not everyone can converse with a species from another planet, last time they did that, well— our original planet was destroyed. )

CN : ( Let’s start over, Chester. )

TD : if I tell you things about my planet, you won’t destroy it?

CN : ( No, I have no capability of owning a weapon that can wage war against each other, after all, I’m not the Emperor, I’m just a citizen. )

CN : ( Anyways, they’re too occupied with their own war. )

TD : oh, well.

TD : I guess, and just so you know, I’m 10 years old.

CN : ( What does year mean? )

TD : okay, what does sweep mean first.

CN : (…)

CN : ( touché. )

 

 

—and then we proceeded to talk to each other, understanding and all that, it’s nice having another friend mostly because they’re all so busy; including you.

 

CN : ( I can’t believe I was arguing with a wriggler. )

TD : I can’t believe I’m just talking to an adult than studying for my exams.

CN : ( You have exams? What are you doing here then? Didn’t you just say you were here because your friends forced you to? )

TD : …

TD : Yeah, I lied, sorry.

TD : just couldn’t bring myself to resist pestering you because I also want to confront you, but now you’re cool and actually a nice person? I kind of just forgot that my notes are here.

CN : ( Okay, thank you for the compliment— but seriously, why? )

TD : there is at least one thing I want to distract myself with and it’s pestering my friends and don’t ever mention it until three more years.

CN : ( Why do you want to distract yourself? )

TD : are you really going to say something so personal?

TD : even though we’re starting to get to know each other, does not mean I’ll be spilling all of my secrets to you

TD : it’s like

TD : not being privy to like certain boundaries

TD : that suspicion is not gone yet, I still am sus around you, like you’re an adult

TD : what if you’re going to dox me and kind of use me in some gross way

TD : I’ve been around the internet enough to know and it kind of sucks

TD : I know you’re not the person… er .. troll to do that, but still, it’s right to be sus

CN : ( I know, I am just curious, after all, I do wanted to know why you’re like this, ignoring such important things. )

TD :

TD : it’s okay man

TD : it’s just a friend that I need to wait for until some game happens

TD : like wow

TD : everything was just going fine for the last few years until some motherfucker decided to mess things up and kind of..

TD : …

TD : look I don’t want to keep ignoring things, but distracting myself is the only way I can keep going

TD : sorry for cursing

CN : ( Oh, I’m so sorry. )

TD : don’t be it’s just

TD : the way I cope, fucking copium.

CN : ( I understand, let’s withhold this conversation, because I’ll have to do something else now. )

TD : okay see ya later I guess?

CN : ( That would be nice. )

 

-• tertiaryDesigner [TD] ceased pestering conscientiousNoctambulist [CN] •-

 

You sighed tiredly, dimming the lights, your lusus slithers around the pipes, hissing quietly; you take off your jacket and proceeded to light a few candles; this is the way to practice meditating. You do this every few weeks, there are times you don’t, there are times you do— but what you want is complete and total silence. It is ancient but a helpful method, it relieves the stress and pain, just one more thing to do; you took a knife and curved the complex symbol of the Spirit, onto the floor… until slashing your hand, let your blood stain the curving of her.

 

So you closed your eyes, there was no ambiance in the background, and when you opened them again, a void welcomes you to its domain; what you felt below you was an ocean; it was always like this. Hearing the water flow, accompanied by a few whispers of her.

 

She appears, A revenant, A Spirit of Silence— Asteria.

Chapter 8: The Pilot.

Summary:

The end of Act 1 part 1, where we’ll meet an administrator.

====== |> Elrena : Be Someone Else.

 

 

In the Pink Moon, solar sweeps away, stands a station left by the remnants of the previous ruler of Alternia— who was leading the organization, handed down by the Administrator, a gold-blood; to lead the trolls in a place that was now called The Chrono Station, what is the name of this troll?

 

Your name is SYVIAN OTRIMI , a gold-blooded troll that used to reside in Alternia, in a stemcluster of sorts; you’ve been keeping track of this station ever since the Empress was assassinated sweeps ago, in close tides with the Imperial Empire that was renamed, but ‘Ethereal’ wouldn’t make sense due to a new ruler in a planet far from here, the moirail of the previous, while you do not dare say anything against the emperor, his choice of ruling this desolate planet is a bit overdue. There are a few acquaintances in the Imperial Empire that you would not meet in a certain amount of time, but will soon. Such trolls as the Alchemist and the General, with a high reputation and status; while they spare you less. You’re old enough to have a title, but you don’t want a grandiose title to replace your original name, so you refused the offer.

 

The Pink Moon is unsurprisingly habitable, some teams were divided to search around the perimeter, some documents odd and rather interesting rocks they can find, and others were tasked with more intense and complex action that only few can get ahold of. You heard a few weeks ago that an expedition crew was sent out to search for missing relics, some ancient artifacts, and to eventually find a prophecy. One foretold by the seers in the Forgotten Ages, about the Primordial Spirits and those who are direct descendants; you are one of them.

 

Your presence in quadrants is absent, there was an implied moirallegience for who is called Masyia ; but there never was one, it was more keen to a relationship between a custodian and a troll; like the relationship between The Dolorosa and The Signless, you only took care of her for a short period of time in Alternia, back when The Condesce was still in power and imperial dictatorship, at least a few weeks before the other ruler took over; you still remember that day, the day when everything was crumbling down to senseless chaos. The reason you have no interest in quadrants because you don’t want to be involved with relationships either with flushed or black, it really does not matter with you.

 

Although, there was an incident long ago, before the destruction of Alternia and the collapse of the Imperial Empire, there was once an implied black romance with someone higher castes than you; but you don’t feel like saying their name, they’re dead now, and for the greater good; it was unstable and unsurprisingly violent, with a hint of flushed in there; just in some fucked up way. Half of your body has burned marks, your face all the way to your torso; at one point, you thought you would die with a severe burn like that; but it never happened— and you’re quite grateful of that. But what you remembered from that night was a menacing glare, that sent shivers down your posture pole, like being stared at by a God.

 

There is sometimes a ‘gift’ used for the Imperial insignia, and to inherit itself; primordial spirits; most were lost to time, but some survived and took interest in the Commander of the ‘Ethereal’ Empire, The alchemist, and you as well. You embodied the Mind and Spirit, a strong burst of your former strength of your psionic abilities. Which is a great advantage against an unfathomable foe, and the reason why the Two Moons were still intact during the intergalactic war.

 

Sometimes, when you’re not stuck here, establishing orders and doing paperwork; you get invited to parties in Nethairus, specifically— The Imperial Empire in the ballroom. That’s where you’ll meet your acquaintances, your penpals; one problem, you’re unamused and often bothered by a lot of people there. Rich and snotty, upper-class trolls, mostly of high-blood status; servants like the low-bloods are heavily yelled at one small thing, even though The Zealous have regained seadweller royalty after the Empress died a brutal death, carrying the duties she once had, does not mean anything. He may have good morals and reasons; but he’s still the same man, just less than what he was before; he doesn’t throw a fit or actively discriminate against land-dwellers and cull them, instead— he’s still trying to make this world a better place, one that his moirail was after.

 

Estimated of when you retire is if someone is suitable for a position that will most likely be for many sweeps, and to repeat the cycle over and over. Your troll-tag is “ administrativeCatalyst [AC] “ and you ]|[ use brackets that correspond to your gold-blooded sign. ]|[ sometimes, you feel like this hasn’t changed over the last couple of sweeps, you are a member of a private chat group [ imperial Discussion ] that is highly secured and trying to hack into it would have serve you the death penalty.

 

You organized your files, carefully placing them at your desk, behind you is a view of the Pink Moon and what was once Alternia. You rise up from the armchair, a large dark block; it sets the mood; walking towards the door, you hear a crowd— muffled and concentrated on what they’re doing, when you stepped out however; who you were greeted with was your assistant, oddly more nervous than usual. She is on a team called Team Chronicle, since our station is entirely influenced by time gears, while being powered by the successor of an ancestor you know little of.

 

She is a mechanic, and an awfully skilled and clumsy one at that, sometimes it feels like she will be the death of you. You can’t really keep up with what she’s saying all the time, you had to tune out her voice to listen to something else. But, no matter how much you ignore her clueless theories about what the universe holds for us, and how bees ignored the laws of aviation at one point, you do care about her as much as everyone else.

 

She is also the youngest troll out of everyone else, she was considered a stowaway since she was found in the cargo ships; weeks before the Empress was killed; followed by Alternia being blown to smithereens by the enemy, we decided to keep her here for safety, we need to help people anyways; originally— we wanted to get her out of this station, to a planet called Nethairus, R.A.P can be able to handle that. But she desperately pleaded for her to stay, we kept refusing until one day; one of our teams were dealing with a problem with one of their machines that was used to carry out supplies to the other side of the damn Pink Moon, it was a dangerous task that only a few can handle but she literally went in even though the other workers told her not to.

 

You arrived at the exact time she fixed it, she only had a few injuries, some were minor scratches but one she burned her hand; she even helped the other workers that were trying to fix the damage. The reason she’s a lot more… nervous around you because she’s scared that you might fire her if she does the smallest fucking thing, you don’t harshly condemn anyone if they’re not doing something they’re supposed to, as long as they are not making it longer; you’ll give them an eviction letter though. Yes, we have hives built in the Pink Moon. In the present, she’s eight Solar sweeps; you just wonder how she even got that skill. Her name is Vraine Aknesa , a cerulean-blood.

 

“ ]|[ Is there.. something you need from me? ]|[ “ you asked, standing in front of the door to your office block; she shuffled her papers around, her hair is a mess and feels like she hasn’t changed out from her nightgown since she’s overlaying that with a coat, until giving you an application form, now you’re just confused; she noticed the expression on your face and panicked; realizing what she just gave you, and apologizing, giving you the proper report. Ah, that’s what she wanted to give, you nodded. “ ]|[ Tell them they’re off for tonight, I’ll need to return to my respite-block. ]|[ “ when you were about to leave, Vraine grabbed your arm, she’s.. getting anxious.

 

“ um→ … please follow m→e. “ She says, behind those round-shape glasses is a sign of distress, and by that point, you’ll have to; but you need clarification first. “ ]|[ If it’s anything remotely related to your theories, I’ll have to ignore your request and continue on with my business. ]|[ “ you turn your head away from her and continued walking, she stops you at your tracks by standing in front of you, with an alarming [No] from her which caught attention by few of the workers; but didn’t interfere, just kept doing their own work. The tone of her voice wasn’t harsh sounding, it was quite urgent.

 

She quickly realized what she said to you and apologized again, “ I’m→ sorry… please just follow m→e, Adm→inistrator Otrim→i, and do not let anyone tail us. “ she formally calls you, with that expression of worry, it must be important for anyone not to witness but you, she urges you to follow, and so you did. It was a long path to where she was taking you to, past many workers and the cafeteria, into a hallway of frames that correspond to the events many sweeps ago; you haven’t payed much attention to her way of walking, it’s urgent, of course; while half-marching through the facility— that is when we were headed to the Testing Chambers and that was when you started to question.

 

Vraine uses a keycard into the chambers, some were ordinary testing equipment and lusii creatures; but what caught your eye was something else, it had spindly legs and an Ephialites. Something about it is too familiar, that’s when she was getting close to it and you instinctively seized her coat to get her out of the way; hitting the ground roughly, she was surprised by the sudden change. “ uh- Adm→inistrator Otrim→i…!? “ you didn’t pay attention to what she was saying but something like that has to be terminated, having a strong headache and staggering. “ ]|[ Why have you brought it here?! ]|[ “ you snapped at her, rather relenting since she was shaken by that.

 

“ I just wanted to show you- “ she was interrupted by a loud screech of the monster that was here in this chamber, until shattering the glass. Attacking something that lays its first eyes on, and that target was your assistant, launching itself towards the cerulean as its easy prey. She tried to control its mind only to break easily from it, which shocked her– grabbing her by the squawk gaper, gasping for breath; you took the initiative and used your advanced psionic abilities to seize the raging behemoth. Grabbing it by the neck and slamming it onto the ground moments later, you turned to Vraine. “ ]|[ What are you waiting for?! Kill it already! ]|[ “ With so much anger in your voice, she is one of the few to witness.

 

She nodded in response, set her eyes on a mechanical part, barely reaching for it, and was hesitant for a second before stabbing it through its heart, resulted into high-pitch screaming— until charging itself to blow up the chambers; you pulled Vraine out of the way; firmly shielding her. It blew up the side of the wall, the wind is strong; with its use of your psionic abilities of a gold-blood, you repaired the damage sloppily, with bent pieces of metal. She stands up, glancing at you, until looking away. “ Are you.. m→ad at me…? “ she says, you sighed tiredly. “ ]|[ How in Hell did you get it from? ]|[ “

 

“ It uh…w- was in the vents when som→eone like m→e was in for reasons you don’t want to know, I thought it was friendly because it didn’t attack me- Adm→inistrator Otrim→i… I didn’t know what triggered it to.. uh… “ She replied, stuttering between words, unsure how you’ll react. “ ]|[ … I need to inform the crew mates here that everything is fine, you… on the other hand, I’ll deal with you later; and after private discussions with someone else. ]|[ “ you walked away.

 

 

---

 

 

 

You arrived in your respite-block minutes after communicating with a few of your associates, you moved towards to your husk-top, logging into your account and view the latest updates on the Imperial Empire; a few spotted some asteroids in the night sky; a bit closer than usual, including an update on The Zealous and The Cynic actually working together— rather surreal since they’re always arguing and sometimes almost killing each other like an unstable caliginous relationship, it’s like they’re still young; except equipped with weapons that can blow one’s head off.

 

-• administrativeCatalyst [AC] went in touch with The Imperial Discussion Chat Group •-

 

This chat group is only heard from you, and is behind cryptic messages and highly secured passcodes; you need to inform one of them about something you encountered. It could be dangerous if Vraine had brought it here in this station, since she has no access to the outside aside from the Pink Moon, otherwise— it’s more so for research purposes. If the imperial forces are not active, you could simply leave a report.

 

[AC] : ]|[ I apologize that I am rather abrupt just leaving a report than going straight towards the Threshold, there is an explanation for this and one I do not fully grasp the problem of; one of my colleagues encountered a creature sharing similarities with shadow-droppers. There is a difference, it does not attack immediately, it did not feel threatened in the presence of the troll that found it; yet when I saw what it was, it felt like it was in danger, and charge at what seems like it was a threat. ]|[

 

[AC] : ]|[ The appearance is different than most shadow-droppers, it’s all spindly and contorted. Perhaps it was the leftover from the last war… ]|[

 

-• aloofResearcher [AR] joined •-

 

Ah, so he listens in first, not unexpected; he can have the time if researching about the topic of turning raw iron into Qacryx, a rare type of ore that was found in Nethairus; used to power weapons enough to kill a Titan and powering an entire spaceship. He also researches about the Primordial Spirits, and also the current holder of the Light spirit, only certain imperial figures (such as yourself) can be acquired by having the primordials at the palm of their hand.

 

[AR] : Th£ last war, you say?

 

[AR] : Sinc£ “ Spindly and Contort£d “ is almost th£ £xact d£scription to shadow-dropp£rs, can you sp£cify what it is, all of it d£tail£d.

 

[AR] : W£’v£ b££n having our own fair shar£ of shadow-dropp£rs, don’t think you’r£ the only on£.

 

[AC] : ]|[ Of course, descriptive, you mentioned. ]|[

 

[AC] : ]|[ Eyes were… a faded shade of green, it only flash a couple of times before getting stabbed by my coworker. ]|[

 

[AR] : Stabb£d? Is the corps£ still th£r£?

 

[AC] : ]|[ No, disappeared right after, but it dropped something, and this might catch your attention, chief alchemist. ]|[

 

[AR] : Oh? Do t£ll.

 

[AC] : ]|[ You see, I’m going to mention about the Twelve Primordial Spirits. Sometimes, you can be gifted a pendant or a trinket just by worshipping said spirit, all of the twelve symbols; light, void, space, time.. etc. ]|[

 

[AR] : What do£s this hav£ to do with…

 

[AR] : So it has now happ£n£d.

 

[AC] : ]|[ When do we tell The Zealous to evacuate the trolls living in Nethairus? ]|[

 

[AR] : Wh£n th£ tim£’s right.

 

—and the conversation stopped there, the two left the chat and closed the door; you need to think about your station, your crew, your assistant— about this protocol, when the time’s right …. when you were about to get up and do your work, someone is trolling you. It isn’t one of the trolls that resides in this station, nor imperial people, just one Discorian troll-tag with the name of “ amaranthineTaciturn [AT] “ with the color text, “ Merlot. “ What could this mysterious troll want? To be intersecting Chrono Station’s network, a hacker? Or someone that confident to talk to you directly? The answers are right here, in this conversation.

 

 

-• amaranthineTaciturn [AT] began pestering administrativeCatalyst [AC] •-

 

AC : ]|[ Why do you wish to speak to me, anonymous person? ]|[

AC : ]|[ You do know that contacting the Administrator without some sort of permission can lead you.. not the death penalty, just a few days in the confinement block in R.A.P. Unless it’s a threat towards me and the station as a whole, you will get that penalty. ]|[

AC : ]|[ So, what is the reason? ]|[

AT : …

AC : ]|[ Is there a reason why part of your troll-tag is “ amaranthine “ ? You’re metaphorically describing yourself of a reddish purple color, one that is unfading, immortal. ]|[

AC : ]|[ No one can truly achieve immortality. ]|[

AC : ]|[ By examining the other word, “ Taciturn “, this is going to be a waste of my time, and you do know I can block you, right? ]|[

AT : w wait!

AC : ]|[ Oh? Are we finally getting an answer? ]|[

AT : I just…

AT : want to know-

AC : ]|[ Know what? Please, I’m dying to know. ]|[

AT :

AT : I was told.. by someone to talk to you…

AT : not sure why but

AT : h hi

AT : my name is Lorien Amaris.

AT : and i need your assistance.

 

-• ✦ •-

Chapter 9: ACT I ACT II : The Unforgiving.

Summary:

The Unforgiving is one of vague and often mysterious in terms of communicating with her fellow acquaintances she calls ‘ business partners ‘.

Notes:

I’m sorry for being gone for a few months. I’m very sorry for a short chapter, because next week is going to be very busy.

The Night sky is clouded by the rain that pours down in the Divinity, loud and annoying traffic jams down below; a hologram of an advertisement displaying an upgrade to scuttle-buggies; you’re outside, a balcony and a set of two chairs, with a bit of shade for you not to get wet, while you blew onto your cigar and forget all your troubles away. Frankly, you never thought this night would be the last night you will ever soothe your mind on. 

What is the name of this adult woman? 

Your name is CRURIA ORRIMA, you’re an olive-blood living in Naporia, part of the Divinity. You’re a businesswoman that you will not disclose of, because that would be unethical, just know that it’s useful to the Imperial Empire run by The Zealous who you’re still not sure if he’s even fit to be an Emperor judging by his past actions and his discriminatory towards land-dwellers— but you suppose sea-dwellers can change, still he’s a fucking prick to be around when he’s establishing meetings from the important figures in this train-wreck of society. Your lusus is still alive and is sleeping peacefully on your lounge-plank inside your hive, she is aware of everything you do and will not forbid you of anything. 

Your job before this imperial March happened, you were a Theatre Actress in Alternia, displayed in front of all the high-bloods and middle-bloods as the audience, you would practice almost every night because you were so focused making it perfect— there was an accident that happened though and burned down the theatre, even the Director was hanged by a rope before it all came crumbling down. Losing everything you had gained and was forced to sell one of your most prized possessions because the Theatre was also your hive, in a metaphorical sense; you were loved by everyone there and had made friends and even loved someone so deeply that you haven’t even realized that lover was an entire red flag, and you will never forget what they did to you. Perhaps, that may be the cause of the entire place burning down, just a hunch though. 

Your quadrants are very interesting to say the least, they are absent not because you couldn’t find a pale-mate or a flushed mate, but you never learned how to properly communicate with someone of a stranger since you’ve spent a majority of your life living in a theatre, but you weren’t trapped per say— you liked your job and had made good Orcish with it. You do however have a black romantic partner and you’ll only prefer to him as the Emperor, no— not the Emperor, it’s just the Title’s meaning he had to be associated with, nothing more than an alchemist. You also like to have a private business with him sometimes, and would do more than just teasing.

 

Your Discorius-handle is named “ abstractVictrix [AV] “ and you put [ barriers and alter some words with old alternian language, Thy name is censored amongst records. ] you used the old Alternian language because of your days in the theatre, you never interacted with your partner’s group than himself, because you know him too well, excluding the others because they do not know you. Which is fair, you are only part of the Imperial Empire, they only know you based from the portrait that was given throughout Nethairus.

 

You may as well troll him, he’s online right now. 

-• abstractVictrix [AV] began trolling aloofResearcher [AR] •-

.•-+-•.

AV : [ If yours forsooth cared about their jointress i would say that you’re doing a terrible job upon't. ]

AV : [ You’re most busy, i wot,  yet  i might not but admit that thy workload is laughable. ]

AV : [ Take a break and we just talk, dear emperor. ]

AV : [ Of course, when you’re so focused, you’re going to shun mine bids. ]

AV : [ And join back to me an hour later, like the asshole that thou are. ]

AV : [ So i’m going to keep bothering thou  till  thou threaten me to forbear. ]

AV : [ Tonight is the night that the former ruler had died, to bray out and  hast a feast so that she may live on  'i  honor. ]

AV : [ Our current ruler hated this night,  yet  shall sigh  'i  defeat for he misses his allegiance, Till  calamity had struck, and slaughtered most of our kind, Fools killing her the night when Alternia was surprised by the foe, our kind had lost, forcing to surrender and obey quoth foe so that we won’t be mercilessly slaughtered. ]

AV : [ This appeared to be insensitive and might be condemned haply for speaking such foul words, because obviously… i cared  not for the emperor and would something be hanged. ]

AR : Cruria, you do r£aliz£d that this conv£rsation is monitor£d? M£ntioning som£thing that was suppos£d to b£ s£cr£tiv£ will g£t you hang£d.

AV : [ I like feeling the strangulation around mine neck. ] 

AR : —and I told you not to discuss som£thing so sugg£stiv£ whil£ in Imp£rial Grounds, it’s lik£ you want to £xpos£ your pain f£tish.

AV : [ I’m just teasing thou, dear emperor, now that thou finally noticed me— i’ve been meaning to bid ,  hast thou aye known of ‘ primordial mercy ‘ ? a supposed virtual reality game. ]

AR : I’m not int£r£st£d in playing, nor do I hav£ the tim£. 

AV : [ Yet  it doth remind me of a certain event that’s coming, something about destruction? ]

AR : You- 

AR : Do not say that h£r£.

AV : [ It seems i  hast touched a nerve there, yes i shall mention lest that thou forbear me. ]

AR : you wouldn’t.

AV : [ Thou wot me too well, i would. ]

AV : [ May you very forbear me from doing something so reckless? ] 

AR : I would fir£ you.

AV : [ What? thou can’t doth that! ]

AR : I would, if you stop b£ing a pi£c£ of shit for onc£.

AR : I will play that gam£, out of spit£.

AV : [ Out of spite? you’re so cute, emperor.  I’m almost flattered! ]

AV : [ Causes meself  crave  to frolic around and grab thou by the neck. ]

AR : I do not hav£ tim£ for this, Cruria. 

AR : Is that all you want to say to m£? If it is, I will b£ taking my l£av£ now.

AV : [ Haply we could discuss some private matters when we meet again? ]

AR : … 

AR : If you’r£ aliv£ wh£n it happ£ns. 

-• abstractVictrix [AV] ceased trolling aloofResearcher [AR] •-

 

Well that was something, if it wasn’t for the fact that he was busy and definitely has a bad night, we would discuss a lot of things that happened and we can make up terrible jokes; however that never happens. It’s always been like this, and we only get together if we’re discussing private business to each other, nothing was really intimate at times even though blackrom is a mixture of love and hate respectively; it definitely shows but there’s no arch rivalry of some sort. Either way, it’s a minor thing, it doesn’t affect you that much. For now, someone else is trolling you, and you suppose it’s a pale-mate judging by how often he comforts you and tells you things that do make sense but doesn’t to anyone else. Anyways, he’s the only you could trust. 

-• KaleidoscopicMaestro [KM] began approaching abstractVictrix [AV] •-

✦

KM : Page, calamity is upon us.

KM: Are you afraid?

AV : [ I… ]

AV : [ No. ]

KM : Good.

KM : Being afraid is a weakness, being afraid is not committing to what you believe you can do.

KM : In just the Eleventh Hour, so begins your pilgrimage.

AV : [ If it doth fail? ]

KM : I’ll leave.

KM : You wouldn’t want that, do you?

AV : [ No. ]

KM : I taught you well. 

KM : The Knight informed the other important figures, so it won’t be a problem.

KM : I’m going to give you a task.

KM : You complete them, I’ll help you enter.

KM : If not, you have to ask a stranger.

AV : [ What is the office i want to mere? ]

KM : Steal the blueprints of The Cynic’s newest project. 

AV : [ … that’s a suicidal mission,  yet  i shall  not question, i trust thou. ]

KM : Now begin. 

KM : I will assist you. 

-• KaleidoscopicMaestro [KM] ceased approaching abstractVictrix [AV] •-

 

What a hefty task this will be.

Chapter 10: The Emperor.

Summary:

“ If he had learned something throughout his sweeps as an alchemist, is that anyone who is acting too nice or professional is most certainly because they want something; and he won’t be such a dick about it, he too gets what he wants. “

====== |> Cruria : Be your kismesis.

 

You sighed heavily and put your hand on your forehead to show disappointment, if she wasn’t your kismesis, you would’ve fired her the moment she says anything that is related to only the Imperial Empire; information that is confidential and will only bring more harm than good if it was ever leaked to the public; she would go to the extremes and yell out false claims and expected someone to believe her. Unfortunately, she looks like a madwoman. She has to understand that what she’s doing will not only affect her own work in the Imperial Empire, but to be excommunicated. If only that would happen, she isn’t one who you can sympathize with. 

 

What is the name of this troll?

 

Your name is KOSHEN GHILUS , you are the Chief Alchemist to The Imperial Empire and the current holder to one of the Primordial Spirits left behind in the world, The Light Spirit. Things of interest are researching and analyzing the ancient history of Alternia and those who came before it; it is rather fascinating to think that the Primordial Spirits is what created this nightmare of an universe; there are ancient structures and legends about the spirits and the war that was fought between them, all from conflict. Your ancestor had been chosen to wield the authority and ability of the Light Spirit, however— he did not use it in a manner that is benevolent and worthy of being called the holder of knowledge and chance, he used it for himself. 

 

Your quadrants and those who you are in a relationship in are mostly absent and distant; considering the older we get, the tasks are a lot more difficult; the more we fall apart quite easily. Your kismesis with Cruria is complicated, she does nothing more than to tease and laugh at my presence; while engaging in private businesses for ourselves, and how hesitant she was each time this happens, almost as if she is afraid of something. You do not know much about her or her past, you just know she is apart of The Imperial Empire and almost shares no intention of being kept here; however, you do have your suspicions that linger for long, yet you won’t force her into it. Other relationships in your quadrants are more likely to blow out like candles, and there are acquaintances in the Empire, such as the Administrator of The Chrono Station.

 

He is an interesting gold-blood, one who pushed his psionic abilities to know his own limits, and managed to use it for the final defense for The Chrono Station; if the others had failed. You do not know much about him, all you know is his position in the Imperial Empire, and how he serves it. You knew a few of his acquaintances and close associates whenever he mentioned them, which is uncommon. After all, he is only here communicating to me for business purposes only, he almost never goes off-track with his own explanations and sometimes act embarrassed whenever he does do something like that. Other trolls that you know are mostly workers from the Imperial Empire.

 

Outside of work however, you are in a moirallegiance with a Bartender, and is the one who knows you very well; he is a rather interesting sea-dweller to be with, considering he imposes as a troll custodian to a couple of children who were manipulated and exploited by the cult they left behind. A cult that the Imperial Empire is struggling to take it down, by all means necessary. “ The Amaranthine Cult “ is what we dubbed it, due to its strong resemblances to its metaphorical immortality ( the amaranthine flowers ) and literally.

 

Your troll-tag is named “ aloofResearcher [AR] “ and you “ sp£ak such lik£ this, in ord£r to r£ally fit with the sign of your cobalt-blood. “

 

====== |> Koshen : check your unfinished work.

 

It’s paperwork, you are not exactly fond of dealing with something like this, but it’s something to pass your time and you get used to it rather quickly. You’re also quite a fast reader, and can understand things thoroughly. You mostly spend your time in your study ( the observatory ), researching the primordial spirits that had dwelled in ancient Alternia, and most importantly— deciphering the vague visions of the knowledge that was bestowed upon you.

 

Those vague visions were told of a seemingly forgotten prophecy, and before its impending arrival of destruction of entire species. You have already informed The Zealous of the visions the Light Spirit had granted you knowledge of. What else? Ah, right, your lusus is a cobalt tarantula, large and screechy. You and your custodian aren’t on best terms but it isn’t as terrible as outright yelling at each other ( or screeching random insults could be the best way to describe it ). We are just very distant, we do nice greetings when you’re not so busy with your own work or if your custodian did not bring a random dead lusii ( or more ) into your hive.

 

You used to live in one of the cities in the Divinity of Nethairus, before being directly moved into the Imperial Palace permanently, this city was named Ozryn . This city is where your moirail lives ( obviously ), his hive and bar is located downtown, the most area of surveillance of the Divinity is an underground city named Grimond . Where cult activities can be heard; yet never took place there, because that would be ridiculous.

 

====== |> Koshen : Observe the sky.

 

You took a glance up at the sky from your observatory, and find that it’s nighttime, why were you doing this again? Well, It is still a gorgeous sight to behold. The stars glistening, the night sky is just genuinely stunning, you gazed at the city below ( some may say it was aesthetically pleasing ). You would think that this part is particularly pointless, considering nothing special or different is happening. For now, it’s just the night sky and the Divinity.

 

You stopped observing the sky and focused on something else, you looked around and find yourself just going towards your library, the shelves mostly consist of books of ancient history, the Forgotten Age, The Sufferer’s story, and the prescribed events that took place a few sweeps ago, you experienced that event firsthand and you do not need to mention it because you already know it.

 

Of course, you can’t stall for time, you have work to do.

 

====== |> Koshen : Communicate with your fellow coworkers.

 

You have no time for something like that, you have work, as in “alchemize”. You can’t waste time for anything that amounts to nothing, work comes first and others come last. That sounded […] slightly unhealthy, but you are the Chief Alchemist, there would be workload. You just put it on silent mode, so that it won’t disturb you during alchemy.

 

Nothing can— KNOCK, KNOCK! —oh for fuck’s sake. You turned to the door, stopping everything just to open the door and it was […] the assistant of The Cynic, a sea-dweller, quite younger than the rest of us. Mutated blood, Sangria, you think. Not quite fuchsia but not exactly Violet either, a sort of in-between. You crossed your arms and looked down on her, she is eight sweeps, one that are not close to any of the important figures ( such as Cavalries, dignitaries, or executives ) due to her status of being only an assistant and cleaner. She does use they/he/she pronouns to make it easier to refer to her that way, so you will change the pronouns each paragraph used.

 

“ What £xactly do you want, Lakriz? “ You said, ‘Lakriz’ is his last name, not his first name. You may refer to him as his last name to be a bit more formal, that is— until you do not need to anymore. Lakriz is a quiet sea-dweller; often only speaking if he was told to, and very loyal and observant to The Cynic. You scrutinized him for a moment, he’s shuffling his feet; in a nervous manner […] he’s always looking away from you, and only looks directly at you if you were saying something. You realized he wasn’t replying to your question, and cleared your throat to get his attention. “ W£ll? Why ar£ you h£r£? “

 

Lakriz looked up at you, an expression both of nervousness and […] fear? Even when they tried to speak, only a shaky breath was let out; they were trembling, occasionally looking down on the ground to figure out how to say something, you tapped on their shoulder of an attempt to calm them down. It didn’t work, obviously. You were never a patient man, and you were getting irritated of not getting an answer. You snapped your fingers towards their face, causing them to snap and looked at you again, they did a hasty glance at the hallway; before facing you again. Still with a fearful look on their glance nuggets, it wasn’t exactly subtle.

 

Finally, he spoke. “ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• … The Z-Zealous would like to see you, right now. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ it was almost whispered, but you understood what he meant. You nodded in response, stepping out of your study, before heading to the throne block— you can hear footsteps receding, and you glanced at Lakriz following towards your direction; you did not stop at your tracks but rather question him while walking towards the throne block. “ Why £xactly ar£ you following m£? … or p£rhaps wh£r£ you ar£ h£ading is in this dir£ction? “ the sea-dweller was silent once again, that was when you immediately stopped at your tracks to face him. He bumped into you because of this, you were looking down at him, being rather skeptical.

 

“ Answ£r th£ qu£stion. “ You said, it was more of a demand than a genuine desire to know, it seemed like you’re being authoritative and harsh sounding; hoping she would comply. She took a deep breath and spoke to you bluntly, which isn’t what you were expecting. “ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• … to help you. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ you sighed tiredly, still sounding irritated. “ h£lp m£ how? “ she didn’t say anything, you looked away for a moment, pondering. Facepalming, before continuing to head towards the throne block, irritated and tired of Lakriz dancing around the question and not fully explaining things. She was still following you, keeping silent.

 

The hallway had two branching paths, or a ‘window’ to a much larger area, you could faintly hear the loud banging and noises coming from there, it is a training ground. You pay no mind to it and continued going straight into the throne block, adjusting your own clothing to look more decent and sophisticated; since it is the Emperor of The Divinity, that is until we find a suitable and possibly a benevolent fuchsia ruler— which would be for another thousands of sweeps, you wouldn’t live til’ then. When we stood in front of the large doors, that would be the throne from behind, Lakriz will not follow, understandable.

 

“ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• … good luck. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ they said, looking down. ‘ Good luck? ’ Oh, you know where this is going, you sighed softly in slight fear. You took a deep breath, before slowly opening the door with your right hand. The Zealous sat on his throne, holding a glass of red wine, while his own appearance is of regal and grace, his own expression is a mix of anger and tiredness. He’s as old and full of resentment, and more than forty-five sweeps. He had lost everything that was important to him, and now he stands here with authority and power over his subjects while balancing the benevolence that was left behind by his moirail— but he will never truly replicate that exact same thing.

 

You bowed your head down as a courtesy, before looking up at him again with a dignified look, “ You want£d to s££ m£, your highn£ss? “ he only nodded in response, taking a sip of his red wine, before turning to face you, placing the wine glass on the table; standing up from his throne. Half of his gills are rotting, sensitive, painful. Half of his body is covered with burned skin, scars. Yet he keeps his composure, serious and perhaps others could say […] he was gentle in a way. You know who he truly was though, and he’s far from being gentle.

 

“ Chief Alchemist, Koshen. I assume you were still deciphering the prophecy, yes? “ He said, slow moving, tilting his head slightly, you nodded. You wondered why he was asking about the prophecy, considering you already told him it would take a long while before you can fully understand and inform him about it. He taps his fingers on the table, in an impatient manner, “ Do you understand that what you were deciphering took.. what? Five sweeps? And you still have not cracked the code? Do you understand that this prophecy, if it was true— would end an entire species of troll-kind? “ He gritted his teeth, now walking towards you in an intimidating manner. “ Do you understand the pressure that gives me? An Emperor? Do you, Chief Alchemist? “ He was now directly in front of you, looking at you, clenching his fists, with an angry yet fearful look.

 

Despite the shaken hands of yours, you nodded, he sighed heavily, turning away from you. His cape swaying, his gills having a slight twitch, he adjusted his glasses properly, yet his hair is messy. He was cursing under his breath, on edge and he was still angry. You tried to console him, “ Your highn£ss, I understand the str£ss and th£ f££ling of b£ing play£d, I’m trying v£ry hard to d£ciph£r th£ vagu£ visions that th£ Light Spirit b£stow£d upon m£. “ yet he didn’t listen, he was shaking his head, before facing you. He took a step forward, you took a step back. “ And what if you managed to decipher it? Just as when the prophecy was already at its final act? What would we do then? “ he took another step forward, making you take another step back, “ What if I couldn’t save an entire species of trolls? To break the promise my moirail, Feferi— gave to me? Do you.. fucking understand how much that would break me? “ he took a few more steps forward, making your back face the wall, you are now slightly shaken.

 

You attempted to console him again, but he didn’t even let you, grabbing you by the throat. “ Do you fucking understand the kind of consequences that would give? To see an entire species of trolls, cease to exist? Everything that my Feferi, worked for, that I worked for— amount to nothing? “ he was enraged now, tightening his grip on your neck, that you had to claw his hand from, in a strained voice, “ … your.. highn£ss.. pl£as£.. “ for a moment that was so long it was unsettling, he lessened the grip on your throat and pulled you closer to his face, “ You have… ten days to decipher this… gog-forsaken prophecy, or else… “ finally letting go of your throat, making you stumble back to the wall, afraid.

 

He turned his back on you once again, his cape swaying, he was tense, his negative and strong emotions were still present. Clenching his teeth, and took out his anger at the furniture around him, smashing and slamming them, throwing things around, a vase to a wall, the water splattered and dripping down from the wall. Slamming the wall with his clenched fist; a cracked result was displayed, letting out a sigh, “ You are dismissed. “ you didn’t say anything but nod, still touching your neck as it stings. You slowly turned your back, and walked towards the doors, opening it; glancing at The Zealous who was afraid, just like everyone else— before leaving the throne block.

 

Lakriz followed behind you, while checking if you were harmed, understandably; since she was outside of the throne block, she would hear the loud noises from there, she noticed the bruise on your neck— stepping in front of you, with her arms straight as the letter ‘t’, blocking you. “ Mov£. “ you said, trying to move in another direction away from her, but she kept moving in your path. “ This will h£al, now mov£ out of the way. “ you sighed heavily when you noticed she wasn’t budging, you forcibly shoved her away and pay no mind to her well-being, you have a time limit, and you will not be disturbed during it. Even if it means you will not eat or sleep, or communicate with any of those you have known, just to fully understand the prophecy.

 

Unfortunately, to your surprise, Lakriz yanked your arm; pulling you towards him again, before dragging you to the Med Bay, this much from an eight sweep old is often ridiculous. Yet, it makes sense. You weren’t too keen on him though, with enough strength, you pulled away from him, that he stumbled onto the ground. Hitting the floor on his back, again, you didn’t paid attention to him, and continued walking away. That was when he yelled out, “ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• Is this what you have become? Turning down others who just wanted to help you?! •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ gripping the carpet below him, you didn’t stop in your tracks only after a few seconds later, ‘ help .’ You gazed at him, thinking for a moment. “ If I want£d h£lp, th£n you will not disturb m£. “ before walking back to your study.

 

You could hear Lakriz standing up from the ground, yet they didn’t turn their back and walk in the opposite direction, they just […] kept following behind you. You didn’t look at them during this whole walk back, before stopping in front of your study, with your hand on the door, “ Going back to my original qu£stion, why £xactly ar£ you following m£? Is it again, wh£r£ you’r£ h£ading is in this dir£ction ? “ turning to face them, leaning closer. “ What’s th£ r£al r£ason you’r£ following m£? “ gripping the doorknob, with a stern look.

 

He didn’t answer again, this time; you weren’t very patient, you started gripping onto his waist, which made him flinch a bit. “ Answ£r m£. “ you leaned in closer, each moment he doesn’t reply, you tightened your grip on his waist. “ You’r£ not l£aving until you do what I want you to do. “ you could see him shake and looking away from you, the fear in his eyes, even struggling to pull away from you. Because he knew that he shouldn’t test the tolerance of important figures of the imperial empire, you tightened your grip further it would cause pain, making him tense up. “ Answ£r. “ he really wants to play that game, huh? You tightened your grip a little more, that it was leaving a bruise.

 

She started making little pained noises, struggling a lot more, yet you leaned in closer. Now, you were tightening your grip on her wrist that it might snap if enough pressure is built into it, that was when she finally snapped, and was now looking up at you; with those glaring glance nuggets. “ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• Fine, fine. I’ll tell you why I’m following you, Chief Alchemist. The Zealous told me that I need to keep watch on you. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ she said, you raised an eyebrow, scoffing. “ Th£ Z£alous told you to k££p watch on m£ ? Do you hav£ any id£a how ridiculous that sounds? “ she nodded, glancing at her wrist, indicating that she wants to be let go. You sighed heavily and only loosened your grip, not letting go yet. “ Is that all you w£r£ told to do? Just k££ping watch on m£ lik£ som£ sort of moth£r grub? “

 

“ I hav£ no tim£ for such frivolous things, I hav£ a tim£ limit, and I would not lik£ to know what happ£ns if I do not m££t th£ quota b£for£ th£ d£adlin£… it will not b£ pr£tty. “ You snarled, letting go of their wrist, turning your back on them, opening the doors to the entrance of your study— when you were about to enter, Lakriz stopped you once again. You glared at them, making them flinch a little, before returning to a persistent look, “ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• I want to help you. I may not know the knowledge that the Light Spirit had given to you, but I will try anyways. So fuck it, I’m assisting you whether you like it or not. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ —and entered your study immediately, you were caught off-guard, “ H£y! “

 

You entered the study, with a more stern and irate attitude towards the sea-dweller, grabbing him by the collar and attempted of dragging him back outside; yet he did the most ridiculous thing and decided to bite you , a chief alchemist, being bitten by Lakriz like you were bitten from a purr-beast. You let out a hissed pain, yanking your hand away, it was hard enough for it to bleed cobalt— you glared at him, “ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• if persuasion is not enough, perhaps we could come with a bargain. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ that was when you raised an eyebrow from this, folding your arms behind your back, standing up straight and looked directly at him. “ Oh? What is this bargain th£n? “ you tilt your head to the side, dignified.

 

“ ˜”*°•.˜”*°• My offer is… that I’ll never bother you again, but only if I assist you with your work, Chief Alchemist. •°*”˜.•°*”˜ “ Lakriz offered, there was no malice in her voice, it was just a bargain with no strings attached. You thought for a moment, pacing back and forth in your own study; before turning back to her. “ Alright th£n, it’s a bargain. “

 

A little Later…

 

The Zealous was pacing around his throne-block, livid and frustrated, a deadpan expression, yet his body language says otherwise. It’s clear he’s impatient, derived of any hope of dissecting this prophecy, that may or may not have started already. He slammed the table; with his curled fists; a little too hard it cracked; restless and— … there was a knock on the door, a noisy knock, something an annoying yet charming troll would do, at the front door of the throne-block. He forced himself to composure, still angry, but he needs to be content with whoever is at the other side of the door.

 

He cleared his throat, back to a dignified tone. “ Come in. “ the large door opened with a sound of a walking stick tapping the floor in different directions, specific and not random; colors of red and white; a simple yet self-explanatory dragon head. The clothing sways a little as the wind blows through the block, tied hair; two pointy horns that can resemble a spike— with red glasses covering her glance nuggets, he didn’t need to see it to know what she looked like, he already knew who it was when the knocks were so uncoordinated and noisy.

 

His mouth twitches a little, forming a half, small smile. She was walking towards The Zealous with a look of professionalism and grace, before she proceeded to literally slap him hard in the face; that it left a mark. That made him drop everything about being composed and dignified, he was gritting his teeth, letting out a hissed pain, curled into fists. He didn’t understand what he did directly to The Watcher, nor why she was so keen on using this as a way to express her discontent. He was angry, and yelled at her. “ Why the fuck .. would you do that, Pyrope?! Do you know the kind of position I have here? I can have you executed in the brink of a glance nugget! “ she slaps the emperor in the face again, expressionless.

 

“ 1T’S B33N FUCK1NG 31GHT SW33PS S1NC3 VR1SK4 W3NT M1SS1NG, 4ND YOU H4V3N’T DON3 NOTH1NG! 4BSOLUT3LY FUCK1NG NOTH1NG! “ even though she was pointing fingers at The Zealous in the wrong direction, she was absolutely fucking mad.

 

The Zealous sighed in annoyance, slightly wincing from the hard slap. He was scoffing, turning to face the angry woman. “ She’s dead , Pyrope. Why haven’t you accepted it yet? We saw her body, it’s better to drop it. “ The Watcher leans closer, and raised her hand for another slap, but he grabbed her wrist to prevent her from doing so. “ Can we discuss things in a formal and respectful manner? You can’t just choose violence and expect things to go right your way. “ he scowled, tightening his grip on her wrist. Yet she did not flinch.

 

“ SH3 1SN’T D34D, HOW M4NY T1M3S 4M 1 GO1NG TO H4V3 TO S4Y TH1S? 1 CH3CK3D TH3 S3CUR1TY C4M3R4S— “ he decided to cut her off, “ We checked the security cameras, there was nothing out of the ordinary. I know your glance nuggets were blinded and all you can see was blurred images of the real things— but there was absolutely nothing . So, just drop this thing already and get back to work. “ and then The Watcher immediately hit The Zealous’s hand, making him jerk back in pain. She smirked in response.

 

She looked off to the side, her cane resting beneath her hands, while the sea-dweller held onto his wounded hand, scowling. “ SH3 M3SS4G3D M3 31GHT W33KS 4GO. “ that was when The Zealous freezes for a moment, was he hearing that correctly? He brushes off the dirt and began circling around her as if she was some sort of prey, he raised one eyebrow.

 

“ She… messaged you? And you didn’t think to tell me eight weeks prior to this? “ He didn’t see the logic behind this, The Watcher should’ve told him already, not eight weeks ago. But then that also sparked something in him, did Vriska faked her own death? In the most dramatic way possible? That seemed like her, The Zealous gritted his teeth just thinking about it. “ Tell me everything. Do not leave any details. “ he was very much livid, having to be kept away from this message that Terezi apparently did not even tell HIM about.

 

 

The Watcher led The Zealous outside of his throne-block, and was now standing at a balcony looming over The Divinity. Her expression was of indifference, yet her body was tense; almost as if the message that was sent by her moirail was a bit disturbing to look at. The sea-dweller was impatient, hoping to get information about his quote-unquote “ hate partner’s “ potential whereabouts. “ Well? On with it already. “ he snarled, shifting his feet a little to the left, his coat swaying slightly from the wind. She looked down, before taking a deep breath. “ TH3 M3SS4G3 W4S STR4NG3. “ the sea-dweller raised an eyebrow, what did she mean by that?

 

“ Elaborate. “ The Zealous said, standing tall and with slight irritation.

 

“ 1T W4SN’T H3R TROLL QU1RK. “ She looked up at him, with uneasiness and fear, gripping her cane. The sea-dweller tenses slightly, before tilting his head slightly. Urging her to continue, “ 1 NOT1C3D 1T H4D 4 D1FF3R3NT FONT 4S W3LL. “

 

“ Do you still have the message? “ he replied, a demand. She nodded, pulling out a device that showcased a holographic image of Trollian. There, the message in Vriska’s troll-tag, it reads:

 

-• arachnidsGrip [AG] began trolling gallowsCalibrator [GC] •-

 

GC : VR1SK4???

AG : 𝚂𝚎𝚎𝚛 Ω𝚏 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚍, 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚍?

GC : WH4T.

GC : WHO TH3 H3LL 4R3 YOU?!

AG : 𝚂𝚎𝚎𝚛 Ω𝚏 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚍, 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚢Ω𝚞 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚑Ω𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 Ω𝚗𝚝Ω 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚎 𝚑Ω𝚙𝚎?

GC : … WH4T? WH4T TH3 H3LL 4R3 YOU BL4BB3R1NG ON 4BOUT??

AG : 𝚂ΩΩ𝚗, 𝚢Ω𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚢, 𝚊𝚕Ω𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠Ω𝚛𝚕𝚍. 𝙽Ω 𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚍.

 

-• arachnidsGrip [AG] ceased trolling gallowsCalibrator [GC] •-