Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The dusk had just set in.

WX-78 angrily marched forward with a backpack full of resources and freshly hunted meat. They had been rudely coerced to do the dirty work for those vile, disgusting creatures they so-called their teammates. 

They even used their foul manipulation tactics on the automaton, forcing them to have to prove their own worth. As if it wasn't already obvious how amazing they were! They weren't even the one who’d messed up the previous assignment!

But alas...Here they were, bothering to gather various goods for those ungrateful, disrespectful jerks who only mocked them and insulted their pride. And thanks to the voracity of those bipedal beasts, the bot would likely never even see those resources again.

WX-78 wished they could just ditch them and never return. Surely, their survival skills have improved considerably since the last time they departed from the group. They were certain that this time they would manage just fine! Who needed those useless fools anyway!

Whatever happened beforehand is irrelevant

-"HOW DARE THESE DAFT NINCOMPOOPS THINK THEY CAN EXPLOIT ME?! ME! WX-78! THE MOST MARVELOUS MACHINE TO EVER EXIST! I'M NO ONE'S MINION! THEY SHOULD BE THE ONES LABORING FOR ME, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! …MAYBE IF I LEAVE NOW, WITH THEIR PRECIOUS RESOURCES THAT'LL TEACH THEM TO FINALLY RESPECT ME AND SEE ME AS THEIR TRUE LEADER!" The robot shouted to no one in particular, if only to let off some steam.

But in their aimless fury, WX-78 hadn't realized when they strayed from the path back home, instead taking a turn toward an eerie and dangerous location.

The sky above them darkened fast, however, as ominous clouds rose over the horizon, partly obscuring their surroundings in shadows.

The automaton promptly quickened their pace; with neither their optoelectronic nor illumination circuits installed, they were left with a very limited line of sight. Even with their superior robotic vision, they still struggled to see in such foreboding gloom. 

WX-78 passed by petrified vegetation and barren terrain, which they’d normally avoid by at least a mile, were they actually able to distinguish one silhouette from another. Now, every copse of trees looked exactly the same to them — not that it hadn't before, but now, especially.

Despite their past experiences, the automaton felt somewhat indifferent about the possibility of rain, thanks to the rain hat and the umbrella they've got stashed inside their backpack, alongside some beeswax and rainproofing provisions from the Culinarian. Some would say that this was actually "overkill", but WX-78 would call those individuals absurd and deluded. Such emergency items were a necessity for their hydrophobic frame! Even as the dreaded season of Spring was coming to a close, they’d rather be safe than suffer internal damage.

And even if they somehow still got soaked, they could always just light their torch and set some unfortunate tree on fire, hoping for little rust problems afterward. 

But apart from that highly improbable scenario, WX-78 wasn’t foolish enough to use their torch during dusk, considering they only had one on their person. Because, of course, the area they surveyed happened to be lacking in many useful resources. Just. their. luck.

Besides , they weren't the usual "errand boy" assigned to gather twigs and grass anyway. That role fell to the smaller fleshlings.

Those little pests always had it easy. WX-78 hated it. Why should these vermin do so little work, yet get rewarded with far greater benefits than them? Just because they were smaller and weaker than everyone else? Even their blunders were practically awarded compared to the rest of them!

Yet another reason to despise that species...

Nevertheless, they wouldn't waste their light source until they were certain that night was fully under way. 

Even if doing so could save them from a lot of trouble. 

The sun's rays soon faded behind the large mountains, and WX-78 finally considered pulling out their torch — and that is when they came to a screeching halt. For they’d sworn, that in the corner of their eye they saw a small glimmer. Though when they turned around to inspect it, they noticed even more of those shimmering lights in the distance.

How odd, they thought. They couldn't recall the others setting up any fairy lights. What would even prompt them to do that? They had spotlights, lanterns, and lamps already. It mustn't have been a celebratory event, either... Right?

And those most certainly were not fireflies, for unlike the pretty, monotonous green glow, the orbs before them shimmered in a rich range of colors and sizes. 

They seemed so…Intriguing. Captivating even. Surely, it wouldn't hurt to examine them a bit closer. As long as they act completely uninterested, that is.

Without giving it a second thought, WX-78 approached them.

...But the closer they got, the more their curiosity turned into uncertainty. A sinking feeling arose from somewhere deep within their chassis when the source of those aforementioned lights turned out to be countless disembodied optical units, peeking out from various points of a verdant arch. 

-“WHAT…?” They uttered.

As soon as they stepped near the structure, all those eyes instantly shifted onto them; dozens of unblinking, expressionless gazes burrowing right into their metallic skull, as though it was the very arch itself scrutinizing their every detail.

The automaton instinctively tensed up, expecting certain danger, except, as moments passed...nothing happened. Yet still, the eyeballs persisted, not leaving them for even a split second.

Thankfully, though, WX-78 managed to snap out of their stupor as they slowly took several steps back, their eyes narrowing.

That’s when it dawned on them: why none of this felt right. Somewhere along the line, they must've stepped off the track, and instead of returning to their obnoxiously loud yet overall safe base, they ended up in…That other place. The one which the human survivors had strictly refused to return to.

There must've been a good reason for that, aside from the creepy eyeballs. Despite how they seemed, the others weren't cowards. Something from here had to have clearly spooked them off greatly.

They wanted to leave.

They knew they needed to leave.

…And yet, for some ungodly reason, they found themself stepping through the hulking gateway. WX-78 couldn’t exactly explain why they did that, it was as if their body completely disregarded its own impulse control.

They didn't know what they were thinking or expecting, really . With the small amount of light the eyes provided, the place looked… alarming. 

Despite the thick fog shrouding their view, they managed to catch sight of a few familiar shapes: for one, those leafless trees with sunken faces, their branches reaching out to them in a fruitless attempt to grab them. There was a bunch of wilting shrubbery scattered across the dirt floor, as well as eyes, lots and lots of soulless eyes everywhere, all of it topped off with a horrible stench of decay, of which source they couldn’t place. 

It felt like a scene out of some horror novel. Even the most pretentiously creepy places created by that pompous cretin hadn't had the same ominous ambiance as this area.

It just seeped with… Pure evil!

They were actually kind of impressed.

The everlasting misery and hate they felt from their surroundings was almost endearing…in a vile, awful way.

But as amazed as they were, they were twice as unsettled — With the sundown approaching as quickly as it did, the last thing they wanted was to spend the night here. 

The automaton was sure that if they stayed, they'd see some truly foul abomination yet. Maybe even the very same one the others had encountered.

…And just as they had feared, in the blink of an eye, the deep indigo sky turned pitch black — its waning gibbous moon doing little to provide them a substantial amount of light.

They had to leave. Now . No more excuses.

Yet as they turned around, they noticed the vines which had previously covered the arch, creeping over across the open space, tangling between themselves, trying to block off their only exit.

With a surge of panic, WX-78 dashed for the archway, hoping they could make it in time before the way was sealed off from them completely.

They extended their arm, trying to push past the vegetation, but the vines proved to be quicker — Before their hand could even reach the other side, the vines enveloped and trapped it in place.

-“RELEASE ME, YOU FILTHY WEEDS!!” The automaton shrieked. They tugged at the thickets with all their might, trying to tear them all to shreds and simultaneously free their arm, yet the vines were unyielding. Even with their robotic strength, the sturdiness of those things was infuriatingly great. Not to mention the absurd addon of sharp thorns to many of them, which only kept on scraping at their polish.

Eventually, their sharp wrenching resulted in their arm detaching from its port, in turn, sending them stumbling away. When they finally stopped struggling to catch their balance, they shot a scathing glare at the arch. Their frustration only growing tenfold, as they grabbed their severed arm with their other and pulled it once again, albeit this time, they were more mindful not to damage their limb.

Thankfully, after just a few moments, it came loose without much of a hitch. But right as they popped it back, they found that to their dismay, all their effort didn't even graze those wretched weeds, as they were back into position, with no trace of harm.

This enraged WX-78. "YOU…! HOW DARE YOU THINK YOU CAN TRAP ME HERE?! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO I AM?! I COULD DESTROY YOU! I WILL DESTROY YOU IF YOU WON'T LET ME OUT THIS INSTANT!"

...Predictably, neither their furious yells nor their aggressive pulling did anything to loosen the greenery. 

They had just about lost it . They threw their hand back into their backpack, searching through it blindly. After a good agonizing minute of feeling disgusting, slimy meat juices, as well as the occasional rocks and twigs, they got a good grip on the handle of a tool.

At last! They pulled out their trusty axe. Why didn’t they think of doing that sooner?

No matter! This would surely teach those weeds a lesson! 

-"FINE. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS THE EASY WAY, I'M DOING IT THE HARD WAY. NOW, PREPARE TO BE DESTROYED!"

Just as they plunged their axe forward, ready to be rid of those pesky vines, they felt no force of impact upon hitting their target. No sound of squishy plant flesh either.

Confused, they glanced back up at their axe, only to find the head part fully missing. What's more, the upper handle seemed to be covered in some kind of semi-translucent, pungent substance.

-"WHAT?! BUT HOW IS THAT—?"

The automaton suddenly froze in their spot like a deer caught in headlights; for while their view might have been limited, that didn’t mean they couldn’t see the large, dark shadow of a towering figure looming over them. 

They felt dread wash over them as they heard its raspy, warped voice speak:" Do not...hurt…friends… " 

WX-78 spun around just as the creature had pounced on them. They barely managed to dodge its attack, but they collected themself quickly. Powered by sheer self-preservation, they began swinging the remains of their axe at the beast, hoping to leave a solid hit or at least scare it away.

The monster avoided each and every one of their attacks with incredible precision… This was no ordinary beast.

A fracture of a second. That’s all it took for it to gain the upper hand, as it managed to catch their "weapon" in its clawed… toothed? hand. The acid, which leaked out of it, melted the residue of their former axe.

They slowly raised their head to look up at the monster before them. 

To put it simply…It was absolutely horrifying. Its skin was completely covered in thin, harsh veins and it appeared to be rotting. Spikes jutted out from every one of its sides. Its mouth was jagged, glowing vibrant green, and it was even drooling like a savage animal. It's eyes…Or rather, eye. It wasn't on its face like it was supposed to, no. Instead, it had a blood-red orb amidst a giant flower-like maw atop its head. 

If this was meant to be some kind of plant creature, it was pure nightmare fuel.

They blinked, before attempting to make a run for it.

Unfortunately, their plans were quashed pretty quickly, blocked off by that awful wall of eyes and epidermis. The monster caught up to them in no time, backing them up into a corner.

If they could "gulp", they would do so at this very moment.

-"SO…ACID HANDS, HUH…?"

It lunged. With nowhere left to run, they were pinned up against the wall by that vicious beast. 

Contrary to its lanky appearance, it possessed immense strength; they could barely resist its grasp, and they weren't weak. They kicked at its stomach and thrashed aggressively, trying their best to get the creature off and away from them, but it had hardly reacted to any of their sorry attempts. 

-"UNHAND ME, FOUL BEAST! I SWEAR, WHEN I GET OUT OF THESE RESTRAINTS, I WILL MOW YOU DOWN LIKE A—!"

–"Quiet." It growled. They quickly complied, but only because they didn't want to get mauled by this freak any more than it already had planned to.

So instead, they chose to glare at it, with the creature being entirely unphased.

Its face, or lack thereof, neared their own, further setting them on edge. They tried to pull their head as far from it as possible, but the grotesque wall behind them was not making it any easier.

That's when the monster took a big whiff of them — the act almost making WX-78 gag. If they could, they likely would’ve hurled at that moment.

-"Mmm… fresh meat."

What… 

-"WHAT?! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? I'M NOT MEAT! DO I LOOK LIKE A FLESH BEAST TO YOU?!"

Then it clicked. It must've smelled the blood of the fallen beasts they've hunted. That made much more sense, after all.

-"WAIT—! DO NOT EAT ME! THERE'S MEAT IN MY BAG!" 

Hearing this, the creature pulled away from them, its interest piqued. Maybe they still had a chance of surviving this. They absolutely did not want to die to another plant monster. That was an embarrassing, unbecoming demise. 

-"IF YOU LET ME GO, I'LL GIVE IT TO YOU, YOU HAVE MY WORD!"

The beast promptly dropped them on their rear.

Once they were down, it snatched the backpack roughly off their shoulders and began rummaging through it. It found what it was looking for shortly after, pulling out the wrapped-up meat and not even bothering to unclothe it before digging in. They watched in perturbation as it violently and effortlessly tore into the remnants of a koalefant, making a lot of disgusting, squelching noises in the process.

When it was done, whilst its mouth still dripped with blood-mixed drool, its eye wandered over to them.

They felt their frame shrink involuntarily beneath that red orb’s gaze.

Silently, it began to shuffle closer to them, making WX-78 flinch. "HEY! LEAVE ME ALONE, I ALREADY GAVE YOU YOUR STUPID MEAT! I'M NOT EVEN MADE OF FLESH! I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SATIATE YOUR HUNGER!"

It didn't respond, merely advanced toward them at a slow, animated pace.

Furthermore, the monster was blocking their only other feasible way out.

Was this it for them…? No, no, they would not go down like this.

With widened eyes, they stared up at its towering frame, which now stood merely a foot away from them. It began to lean over, its toothy hands reaching out toward them, and—

WX-78 couldn't help it; when the beast got uncomfortably close, they kicked it, hard , straight into that glowing red orb. It made a gross, squishy sound upon impact, which the automaton visibly winced at.

The monster backed away immediately, howling in pain and clutching its damaged eye. When they realized what they had done, they knew their fate was sealed. If it wasn't planning on killing them before, it most definitely would do that now.

The flowery maw eventually closed up as sulfuric ooze continuously dripped from it. Once the beast regained enough of its composure, it slowly got to its feet with soft, pained grunts.

Its head suddenly snapped in their direction, and it growled, enraged .

All they could muster out was: ”…I DIDN'T MEAN TO DO THAT"

In the blink of an eye, it was back, standing over them. Before they could even react, the creature grabbed them by the neck and lifted them into the air, before violently hurling them towards the nearest solid object.

They fell against a tree, and it hurt . That monster wasn't kidding around, it really wanted them dead .

The tree must've split upon impact, as they felt sharp splinters scratching against their head and back. With new sparks flying from their body, they shakily raised their head to peer at the beast. 

It was a surprising distance away, although not for long.

They knew they were not going to win this fight, not without a good ranged weapon…or backup.

Why did they keep getting into these kinds of situations? If they just settled down their pride for a moment, they wouldn't even be here in the first place! 

...Then again, it was much easier said than done.

To avoid experiencing the worst of their demise, they had to initiate a forced system shutdown. When they awake as a ghost, they'll return to the rest of the survivors.

The others had better not make fun of them for this.

Their eyes closed at last as the creature's presence grew closer.

And what was to become of them? They'd find out soon enough.

Chapter Text

Hours went by without the automaton receiving any more damage, and due to the standard protocol of their programming, they had to eventually be booted out of emergency rest mode.

When they restarted their seeing modules, WX-78 was met with an environment they could not recognize. Taken aback, the robot tried to recall what exactly impelled them to enter rest mode in the first place, because their general surroundings didn’t seem even a quarter bit habitable.

Not to mention, their whole body from head to toe, throbbed with a feeling all too familiar — pain, focused particularly on their left arm. They carefully inspected the limb, only to be met with the source of those dull aches.

It turns out, something must've bitten them, as there were teeth marks deep enough to reach their wiring.

-"WHAT THE..?"

They touched over the marks, contemplating what on earth had tried to eat them this time, when all of a sudden, they heard a rustling sound, sending all their terminals into a frenzy – The sound came from the briary hedge nearby, where beyond it, they could see glimpses of a tall figure. Despite the countless thorns in its way, this being didn't seem phased at all, and progressed onward, as if the very concept of pain didn’t even occur to it.

…They couldn’t make sense of why, but something about this mysterious figure made their entire form freeze up, as if with dread.

Eventually, the being emerged from the hedge, revealing itself to be–

Oh no.

It finally came to them why they had entered rest mode in the first place. It was because that beast was about to tear them to shreds. And for what it seemed, it didn't like killing prey that wasn't screaming in agony. 

Why else would it keep them alive for this long?

…How truly sadistic. It was almost…admirable. Almost .

They could not enter rest mode again, not yet, especially not, if the beast would repeat doing what it did just now. It…was much more intelligent than any enemy they had dealt with thus far, and that fact in itself was terrifying.

They tried to move away as it approached them, but at some point during their shell-shocked state, those tedious vines had wrapped around their ankles, disabling them even further. No amount of tugging would make them give in or tear.

For bolts’ sake, how could they fall for the same trick twice?! They were supposed to be much more intellectually advanced than this!

The beast got to them in no time. Looming over them, as expressionless as they themself once were. Unfortunately, due to the given circumstances , it was rather hard to keep on a straight face.

For a while, it just stood over them, unmoving. This disturbed the automaton more, although they did their best not to show it. They couldn't let this beast have the satisfaction of making them afraid. Never.

.

.

.

Okay…This was getting pretty weird. The never-ending silence emboldened them to speak up. “WHAT…WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? ARE YOU GOING TO KILL ME?"

The monster's head turned slightly to the side, as if to think over their question. " mmm….not... yet... "

So it could speak after all. It wasn't just something they imagined. It was truly sapient . 

Although what it spoke of only made their gears grind louder and caused their chemical engine to metaphorically drop.

-“WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN…?"

The monster did not elaborate further. What it did do was kneel down in front of them. 

Was it hoping to seem less intimidating by ‘getting down to their level ’? If so, this gesture only served to offend them. And considering that it was significantly taller, it failed to meet its objective anyway.

Worse still, at this height, they received a much clearer view of its hideous visage. – They would honestly rather stare at Maxwell's vile countenance than have to look at this thing ever again. It seemed even more hideous now, in broad daylight, while every horrid feature of it was much more pronounced.

For one, with its flower-maw closed up, they caught a glimpse of its face… Its face …appeared to be falling apart. It was melting off the beast; the two vines situated on its surface were of little help to cover that .

The rest of its form wasn’t much better – its skin was rotting, warped beyond definition, and barely held together by a red string, which clung to every one of its limbs, including its neck. 

By all means, it looked like it could fall apart at any moment, but looks could be very deceiving.

There was also something lodged into its chest: a large, lightless gem resembling an obsidian. They didn’t notice it before, as it wasn’t very eye-catching…but to be frank, neither was the rest of the beast.

They lowered their head, just looking at this freak of nature made them feel sick. Even human fleshsacks weren't this hideous, and that was saying a lot.

Something behind it then caught their attention. 

…It apparently had a tail as well, which occasionally swayed from side to side in a slow, rhythmic fashion.

The monster kept on ‘staring’ at them. They felt like some kind of bizarre show monkey in a bow tie and a fish's tail, for all it seemed. And sure, this thing had probably never seen anything as amazing as them, but that fact didn't exactly make things any better.

-"WHAT ARE YOU DOING…?"

-" hmm...can't...eat you...you taste...gross... you...diff..rent.. from... them... "

Well, that was reassuring, at least their body was finally useful for something. Obviously, their sheer aura of superiority made the monster feel too intimidated to eat them. Of course!

…Also, because it most likely did not eat metal.

They considered its words. " Different from them" ? From who..?

-"AND BY THAT YOU MEAN… THE HUMANS? OR THE OTHER FLESHLINGS? I SUPPOSE IT DOESN'T MATTER. YOU ARE CORRECT, I'M SUPERIOR TO THEM ALL"

It slowly nodded. They weren't sure what to make of that, but they chose to take it as a compliment.

-"... can't.. eat.. you...can't.. feed you...to friends...what... to do...with...you..? " 

-"I HAVE A NOTEWORTHY SUGGESTION. PERHAPS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER: LETTING ME GO!!" The automaton shouted.

It frowned. "...no... maybe would...if you didn't...hurt…my eye..." 

Drat. Did they just shatter their only chance at escape...? 

No . They would not let that stand. 

-"LISTEN, I DID NOT INTEND TO KICK YOU, THE ACTION I EXECUTED WAS A SIMPLE 'MUSCLE MEMORY' OF WHICH I LACK, BUT REGARDLESS. I'VE BEEN ATTACKED BY SO MANY THINGS BY THIS POINT, SO TRY TO UNDERSTAND, SYSTEMATICALLY ENGRAVED SELF-DEFENSE WAS ONLY JUSTIFIED, SINCE YOU WERE GOING TO ATTACK ME ANYWAY"

-" I wasn't… "

They looked up in confusion. "WHAT…? THEN WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE?"

-" Touch… "

At that, they grimaced slightly. "WHY. WHAT COULD THAT POSSIBLY DO? WERE YOU TRYING TO 'SUCK THE LIFE' OUT OF ME OR SOMETHING?"

It shook its head. " …thank…for the food…it was good.. ."

This only baffled the bot more.

-"...THAT'S IT? IMPOSSIBLE! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! WHAT KIND OF MOTIF DID YOU HAVE, REALLY? SCRATCH MY FACE OFF? TEAR ME IN HALF? RIP ALL MY LIMBS OFF AND USE THEM AS–

-"NO!! " It interjected, its screech resonating over the entire terrain with a distinct echo. Consequently, everything in the area went completely silent; not one sound was to be heard until the monster regained its composure.

-" wasn't... trying to...eat... you...then...but...you hurt...me... got...angry... "

-"THEN ELABORATE, WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO?! IT WAS YOUR INTRODUCTORY OPERATIVE THAT INITIATED AN ATTACK! I MERELY FOLLOWED A RETALIATION PROTOCOL! SO DO FORGIVE ME FOR DOING WHAT I MUST TO SURVIVE THIS HELL!"

-" you wanted…to hurt…my friends... first! " It shot back.

They scoffed out loud. " THAT WAS A WALL MADE OUT OF WEEDS AND EYEBALLS! HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW ANYONE WOULD SEEK COMPANIONSHIP FROM THAT?! "

This time, the creature didn't say anything in its defense. Instead, it hastily stood up, at which point WX-78 automatically covered their face. 

The robot admittedly got a bit carried away, and after it just screamed at them. They should tread carefully around something that could violently tear them to pieces if it ever felt like it. And unless they change their strategy, it for sure was going to.

The being froze upon their feedback. Though it shook off whatever had phased it quickly, and without even elaborating, it turned down a dirt path, moving further and further away from them.

Soon enough, they found themself alone in the middle of this wretched, rotting garden. The Automaton wasn't exactly pleased with what they were seeing. Just like the monster, it didn't look any better than the night before. The trees were remarkably bare for the season, taken by blight and infested with termites; some of them had those aforementioned creepy faces. Oh , there's the one they previously crashed into, as it was the only one split in half. 

…That beast sure can throw hard.

Even being reminded of that event made their whole body ache…

The plant life, if you could even call it that, mostly consisted of dead grass of various shades of brown and yellow. Pulsing dark vines enveloped the ground and walls. Thorny, fruitless bushes, present in every corner they could see. Those malefic flowers, which were apparently supposed to add charm to this place.

They were doing the opposite of that.

And eyeplants. A lot of eyeplants everywhere , all integratively staring at them…

There was other semi-sentient vegetation too, but frankly, they didn't care about any of it. It was all just a bunch of dead or extra annoying weeds. If it wasn't for the latter, maybe they could tolerate this place.

Hold on. Where did they put their backpack again...?

Just then, they noticed a strap hanging from one of the optical beasts' maws.  

It didn't... That awful, disgusting accursed—

Needless to say, they now hated this place extra fervently. They needed to find a way out of here, and quickly .

To their surprise, they noticed that the vines around their ankles had loosened just enough for them to break free. Yes! Did that fool really think a bunch of measly vines could keep WX-78 trapped? Well, then it-they…he? was dead wrong! 

Although once they rose from the ground, they almost instantly fell back down. They had to use one of those repulsive trees to help them regain some balance, as their vision suddenly became blurry.

What...? Why was that? This. This seldom happened to them— No, this never happened! This wasn't supposed to happen, their eyesight was impervious! They weren't flawed in any way, shape, or form! Unlike those organics that could be so easily affected by even the smallest drop of acid.

No, their vision wasn't the problem; something else must’ve been causing this malfunction. But what? Was this the monster's doing? It had bitten them after all…

-"THAT…VILE BEAST... HOW DARE IT CAUSE ME SUCH PROBLEMS…" They muttered.

And what was this…feeling? It was truly horrible . The throbbing exceeded considerably, it was actually starting to bother them now.

It’s as though…as if they were… dizzy? No , absolutely not . This couldn't be, it was weakness! A sign of vulnerability , a vulnerability that they didn't possess. They couldn't. Mustn't !

If they were affected by the world the same way as any other flesh beast, then what was… What was even the point of being…a machine?

What was the point of proclaiming themself superior when they were just as weak as every other creature?

A distant chirping sound broke them out of these deplorable thoughts. They didn't even notice they were staring at a single patch of grass for an awfully long time.

It was the beast, it had returned. And based on its sprightly body language, it seemed to be in a good mood.

It also appeared to be carrying something. 

Was that…?

Its expression formed into something akin to a smile, as it approached them. "brought something…for you…"

And just like that, the monster presented them with a dead, decapitated deer. As soon as it dropped its trophy, blood oozed right out of the cervine's severed artery, painting the mulch beneath red.

WX-78 blinked, then glanced down at the carcass, before looking up at the monster, then back to the carcass, and so forth. 

-" To eat…want to…keep you alive…you're hungry…yes? " The creature elaborated, prompting them to find their words.

-"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?"

It went quiet, frowning. ” …sorry for throwing you…and biting…and… other things…lost control…"

-"WHAT OTHER THINGS? YOU MEAN ATTACKING ME AND TRYING TO EAT ME?"

-" ...and stuff… " 

They did not like that answer.

So instead, they tried to focus on the other part; that this creature apparently felt…remorseful? To an extent? It sure didn't seem like that yesterday. They wanted to know what exactly made it change its mind so suddenly, except…They realized they probably shouldn't tempt fate.

-”...I SUPPOSE I WILL ACCEPT THIS TRIBUTE…YOU’VE DONE WELL, MINION"

The monster chirped again; it was pleased.

They examined the carcass closely, realizing they had nothing to actually butcher it with. "DO YOU POSSESS SOME KIND OF TOOL, WHICH COULD AID ME IN SEPARATING THE MEAT TISSUE FROM THIS BEAST?"

It paused, then began to unhinge its jaw. They immediately knew what it was attempting to do.

"WAIT, NO, NO, NO! DO NOT USE YOUR TEETH. THERE IS A BETTER METHOD! AND IT'S WAY LESS DISGUSTING!"

The monster turned to them, all puzzled. " what…? "

They almost felt pity for this poor, pathetic beast. It seemed so intelligent at first, yet it couldn't even figure out how to make a couple of basic tools…? How truly…inept. They instantly retracted their previous notion. 

It seemed WX-78 would just have to make do by themself. 

They proceeded to scan the ground and soon enough managed to locate a fine piece of flint. They walked over to it and picked it up, examining it carefully; it was nice and sharp. Perfect.

But just as they did that, the creature instantly turned hostile again, growling at them and baring its teeth. This sudden spike of aggression startled the robot, almost making them drop their flint.

They raised their hands slowly. "I'M NOT GOING TO HURT YOU, MORON, I WANT TO MAKE A MACHETE, SO I CAN CUT UP THAT CADAVER OVER THERE!"

The being calmed down slightly…Though it reacted about the same way the other two times they picked up these sediments. They held to their patience as much as they could, as they awaited the beast’s approval. Thankfully, there was no need to search for sticks, as plenty were lying on the bedding.

With all the parts acquired, all that was left to do was put them into place. The being observed them working with a sense of great wonder. …It almost flattered them, though they’d never dare admit it aloud.

…Predictably, as soon as they lifted the now completed machete, the creature nearly attacked them again.

-"LOOK, I'M AWARE THAT YOU'RE EXTREMELY PARANOID, CONSIDERING YOU’VE LIKELY NEVER INTERACTED WITH ANOTHER BEING OUTSIDE OF TEARING IT TO SHREDS, BUT I'VE REPEATEDLY STATED, I WILL NOT HARM YOU, UNLESS YOU DO ME HARM FIRST"

Obviously, that was a lie. They actually wanted to harm it a lot, though their chances of winning were rather debatable, so instead, they were forced to play nice with it. 

For now, at least.

-" sorry... can't help it.. ." It mumbled, its head lowering in shame.

WX-78’s expression inadvertently softened.

They tried to be as slow as possible in the procedure, but it quickly became tedious.

They got an idea.

-"WHAT IF I TAUGHT YOU HOW TO USE IT? THAT WAY YOU WOULDN'T THINK I WAS TRYING TO ATTACK YOU EACH TIME I SWING IT"

-" Can…do that…? "

This idea could potentially be very stupid, but they nodded. "AS LONG AS YOU WON'T TRY TO CHOP MY HEAD OFF, THAT IS"

Its muzzle shifted into that strange smile. " promise "

They carefully handed the machete over to it, internally preparing for the worst. 

-“ALRIGHT, NOW FIRMLY GRASP ITS HANDLE WITH YOUR DOMINANT HAND, THEN PLACE IT IN FRONT OF YOURSELF WITH THE BLADE’S EDGE FACING YOUR TARGET. DO NOT FORGET TO SPREAD YOUR LEGS SLIGHTLY, AS IT HELPS UPHOLD PROPER EQUILIBRIUM” The bot ordered.

The beast slowly nodded, although its hold on the tool appeared hesitant, as if the machete would burn it if it grasped it too tightly. Its hand was shaking too, so it reached with its other hand to steady it.

-"IT WON'T HURT YOU, UNLESS YOU DROP IT ON YOURSELF, AND DO SO DELIBERATELY"

“ okay… ”

…It turns out, attempting to teach this beast was like attempting to teach a daft, demented caveman how to be civilized…Which, to be fair, was precisely what it was.

When it eventually got the tool in the correct position, it turned to them, all clueless. " what now…? "

-"YOU SWING IT..."

It did so and almost hit them in the face.

-"NOT AT ME, AT THE CARCASS, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!"

-" Oops… "

It took way longer than it should've, but finally , they were certain it had grasped what it was doing – Almost massacring the meat completely in the process, but regardless…

-" did good..? "

They wanted to be honest. They desperately wanted to say how terrible it did.

-”…YES. YOU DID…WELL"

It produced that chirping sound again.

"NOW, IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND , I'D RATHER HAVE THIS MEAT COOKED, THAN TO EAT IT RAW. IT'S NOT THAT I CAN'T HANDLE IT, OF COURSE, BUT IT'S SIMPLY EASIER FOR MY SYSTEM TO DIGEST FLESHY FOOD THAT WAY"

-" cook…? " It asked, as though the very idea had never crossed its tiny mind.

This creature… WX-78 didn't even know what to think anymore.

-"YES...YOU KNOW, OVER A FIRE"

They knew they had messed up when it ran up to them and hissed out. " No!! No, no fire. Don't..."

-"CALM DOWN, IT'S A CONTROLLED FIRE, A SAFE FIRE!"

-"Fire is not safe! Fire is bad!"

-" IT IS SAFE IF YOU KNOW HOW TO CONTAIN IT! IF YOU'D JUST LET ME–" 

It grabbed them by the shoulders, its tone low. " No. Fire. "

The robot visibly deflated. “…VERY WELL. THEN HOW DO YOU PROPOSE I COOK IT, IF THERE'S NO FIRE INVOLVED?" 

-" ...Acid? " 

WX-78 made a face. "I DON'T... YOU KNOW WHAT, FINE , I'LL JUST EAT IT RAW"

They wished they didn’t have to do this, but their system had been pinging them with warning messages about their low fuel level for the past 15 minutes.

They grumbled to themself as they picked up the decimated meat. It's fine , they have eaten raw meat before, they just got too used to the Culinarian's cooking. They were a machine, however, and they didn't need such luxuries. It's not like it would cause them any actual harm.

They reluctantly put it in their mouth, chewing for a few moments, before grimacing at the awful texture. This was the main reason why they didn't usually eat raw flesh. This slimy, sinewy texture… almost as disgusting as biting into a sweet potato.

The creature observed them as they ate. " not like…? " It stupidly asked.

They glared at it. "OH NO, I VERY MUCH ENJOY EATING DISGUSTING, BLOODIED, SLIMY MEAT"

-" but...you don't…sound like it… "

They rolled their eyes. Although with them being two dark voids, it likely went unnoticed.

The monster appeared to be pondering something, as its maw-like hands were biting over one another, its form trembling slightly. 

Then, its head turned to them. " How…How to…contain fire…? "

WX-78 was surprised that it came to its senses, but they certainly couldn't complain.  

They smirked. "OH, IT'S QUITE SIMPLE, REALLY."

…Just like they had expected, it strongly objected to using dead tree trunks as a source of fuel, despite them being literally dead and useless for anything else, it treated them as though they were companions or even relatives.

It was also very particular about where to set the firepit up – they had to find the muckiest, dampest piece of land barely to make a measly ember.

Though as soon as they lit up the first few sparks, the monster flinched and backed away, hissing and growling. As the fire grew bigger, it hid behind a nearby tree, peaking every once in a while with great distrust.

WX-78 stared at the beast, unimpressed. "ARE YOU DONE YET?"

The creature’s head popped out again, its attention entirely on the alight firepit. Even from this distance, it could feel its scorching heat, yet to its amazement, instead of consuming everything in its path, the flame simply stayed right where it was…

-" How…you…doing that…? "

-"HOW I MADE THE FIRE NOT SPREAD? WELL, FIRST OF ALL, THESE ROCKS BLOCK OFF ANY POSSIBLE SPACE FOR IT TO GROW. THEY CAN WITHSTAND ITS HEAT QUITE WELL AND CAPABLY HINDER IT. MOREOVER, SINCE THE GROUND AROUND IS WET, IT IS HARDER FOR THE FIRE TO SPREAD. THERE, DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW?"

They did not hear it respond, or perhaps they were far too focused on sustaining themself to bother. Their fuel reserves have gotten so low, they were half-tempted to shove this raw meat into their mouth hole right now. Thankfully, though, they managed to repress that urge.

They stabbed the more stable pieces of meat through a stick and put them toward the flame. A few minutes later, the meat began to let out the most delicious aroma.

-“ what…you making? Smells…good… ” The beast asked as it stood right behind them.

WX-78’s eyes briefly went wide, but they decompressed much quicker this time. "KEBOBS. IF YOU WANT ONE, YOU CAN TRY IT FOR YOURSELF, BUT KEEP A GOOD DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE FLAMES, UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET YOUR LEAVES SINGED" They stated, as they offered one of the uncooked kebobs to it.

It anxiously grabbed the stick. " thank you… "

It then sat down on the moss-covered trunk opposing them and mimicked what they were doing to the best of its ability.

The being ended up enjoying the cooked meat far more than it ever did the raw, it admitted, quite bashful. Who would've seen that coming..? WX-78 was oddly pleased with this predicament. 

By that point, it had calmed down significantly from its previous outbursts. As they ate, it randomly spoke out.

-" Wormwood. "

They glanced at the monster. "WHAT ABOUT IT?"

-" my name…is Wormwood…"

It had a name??? Well, actually, it did quite fit. A useless weed's name for just as useless a weed.

-"OH…IF YOU MUST KNOW, MY DESIGNATION READS WX-78"

-" Double? Double…you… "

-"...JUST CALL ME 'W-I-X', IT'S WHAT THE OTHER FLESHLINGS REFER TO ME AS ANYWAY. I'VE GOTTEN USED TO IT BY NOW, ALTHOUGH I DON'T EXACTLY ENJOY IT"

It slowly nodded.

Perhaps they should stop presuming it's just an "it", considering this creature does possess significantly higher intelligence than the average beast. If it weren't for its savagery, it would've easily surpassed the IQ of a swine. Surely, it must have some kind of plant gender or term…?

-"I ASSUME I SHOULD REFER TO YOU BY SOMETHING OTHER THAN 'IT' UNLESS YOU WISH TO BE CITED THAT WAY"

It tilted its head in that particular way they’ve already learned meant utter confusion. 

The robot groaned. This was going to be a long night.

" …I don't…what…but told my name…? "

-"NO, I MEAN AS IN YOUR ESTABLISHED SEX”

-“ …Sex? ”

Their eye twitched slightly. “…SHOULD I REFER TO YOU AS A MALE, FEMALE, OTHER, BOTH?"

Just as they had feared, it gave them that dumbfounded look again. How.

-" Don’t know…What's the diff…rence…? "

WX-78 just stared at it in disbelief. Did this creature really not understand anything at all?

…They should've been less surprised.

-"IF I MUST ELABORATE… THE TWO MOST COMMON, BINARY GENDERS ARE MALE AND FEMALE; HUMAN MALES, FOR EXAMPLE, USUALLY HAVE DEEPER VOICES THAN FEMALES AND CAN GROW HAIR ON THEIR FACES. THEY OFTEN POSSESS GREATER STRENGTH THAN FEMALES TOO …BUT NOT ALWAYS. MALES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNAL GENITALIA, THOUGH THIS PART IS RATHER IRRELEVANT IN YOUR CASE"

It carefully listened to them, seeming genuinely fascinated by every word that spilled out of their mouth hole. They were baffled that anyone could hold this much interest in such basic, mundane information…And yet, the idea that someone would want to listen to them this intently filled them with a sense of great delight. They were compelled to continue.

-"FEMALES OFTEN GROW OUT THE HAIR ON THEIR CRANIUMS AND CAN'T GROW IT ON THEIR FACE, I THINK…THEIR CHESTS APPEAR TO JUT OUT AS WELL, AND SOME OF THEM EVEN WEAR SKIRTS. THEIR VOICES ARE USUALLY HIGHER AND THEY'RE MORE PRONE TO ANGER THAN MALES. I'M NOT SURE WHY THAT IS, BUT THEY ALSO LACK THE FORMER LOWER PART THAT MALES POSSESS. ASIDE FROM THAT, I'M UNCERTAIN. I CAN BARELY TELL MOST OF THEM APART, REGARDLESS OF THESE DIFFERENCES. EVERY OTHER GENDER HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE TRAITS WHICH I CAN'T EXACTLY DESCRIBE OR PUT INTO ONE CATEGORY. FOR EXAMPLE, I'M NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE BECAUSE I SIMPLY FEEL AS THOUGH THESE TERMS ARE BENEATH ME. AND I DON'T POSSESS ANY COMMON TRAIT WHICH WOULD PUT ME INTO EITHER CATEGORY ANYWAY. WHATEVER YOU ARE, IT IS ONLY UP TO YOU TO DECIDE, I SUPPOSE"

It scratched its chin, but then shook its head. " Oh…um…still not sure...what am...what...I…look like…to you..? "

A hideous beast, that's what.

-"WELL…EHR. YOU DO HAVE SLIGHTLY WIDER SHOULDERS…AND UH…YOU'RE AWFULLY TALL...YOU HAVE A PRETTY DEEP VOICE…AND…YOU DON'T REALLY HAVE HAIR SO…KINDA LIKE A MAN?" 

It was a great struggle to pick any distinguishable or even tolerable traits if they were being honest… Frankly, it didn't look like anything to them, aside from being just barely humanoid and extremely ugly. They only hoped it wouldn't be too upset with their answer…

...

-" ...okay… I like that! " He happily chirped.

So be it, it was a he . Apparently.

Be that as it may, they were still stuck here with him.

For now.

But tomorrow, they'll find their way out, they have to. They could only keep humoring that beast for so long...

Chapter Text

The attack on a moose goose nest ended up being an utter flop. The survivors were on their way back to the camp, still reeling from how brutal it had gotten.

Just like the domino effect, everything started with one tiny mistake, and then more pieces followed. They kept falling and falling, and before they knew it, the entire house had collapsed, and with it, their mission.

it was almost amusing in a way. And yet…

Everyone kept blaming themselves or each other, some claiming that the plan was doomed to fail from the start. Others stated they were against the idea of killing the hybrid and her children in the first place, and that this was simply the hand justice had dealt. 

Needless to say, everyone was in a horrible mood. 

-"Dang it, we were so close! If only that rope held tighter, we still could've gotten at least one or two!" Winona exclaimed as she kicked over a rock.

-"The rope wasn't the problem!” Woodie rebuffed. “We simply didn't cover up that hole properly! Whose job was it anyway?"

Wigfrid promptly shook her head. "Tis absurd! It was the spikes that were nöt sharp enöugh! If it were up tö me, I wöuld've made sure they were extra sharp, tö hönör the sacrifice öf these pöör, yöung warriörs and make their death quick! Whöever failed this task is abhörrent and deserves tö feel ashamed!"

With that, Willow audibly groaned. "Ughh! Why did we use lame spikes anyway? A lava pool would've been much better!" 

-"I think we should've simply waited until nightfall once they were all fast asleep. We could’ve easily sliced at the babies' throats whilst they lay there, defenseless. That way, they wouldn't have screamed and alerted their mother. Then, we’d slaughter her too, as she slept, unaware of her young's demise. We would've been left with plenty of blood for future sacrifices…Oh, and down feathers too, of course." Wendy casually offered.

Everyone stopped and turned to stare at her, some people giving her horrified looks, others, were relatively unamused.

-"WE ALL KNOW IT WAS WILLOW'S FAULT" WX-78 chipped in, shattering the group’s momentary dumbfoundedness.

The Firestarter spun around to face them, offended by their accusation. "Hey! Don't blame me! It's those stupid pests that are everywhere! It's not my fault one just so happened to be standing underneath me! Besides, I didn't see you helping much either, jerk! If anything, Wilson's the one you should be blaming, he was in charge of luring in those birds!" 

-"What?!" Wilson gasped. "That's not true! Stop throwing these arbitrary, erroneous allegations!"

-"See? You can clearly see he's guilty! He's speaking in made-up words!"

-"Well, actually those are, in fact, the correct, proper terms–" Wickerbottom tried to explain, but she, too, was cut off.

-" Exactly , I was trying to lead them into the trap, but Maxwell's obtuse shadows imprisoned me with one of them instead! That monster completely ruined my hair!" The Scientist cried as he tried fruitlessly to fix up his disheveled locs.

Maxwell, in turn, scoffed. "Of course, you would blame me, Mr. Higgsbury. It's not like the Woodsman was supposed to be the one to warn me about their proximity. And since he screeched about birds, I was under the assumption the nestlings were nearby." 

-"Oh no, you are not putting this one on me, ya hoser!" Woodie cried in response, before jabbing his finger in the other man's tux. "You should've known I was talking about the actual evil birds of the sky, not these obviously Canadian creatures!"

And so, their arguments went on, people kept on blaming each other for their faults — any attempts at soothing the group by the reasonable few were quickly drowned out in all the loud holler.

That is, until Webber let out a scream. It was sudden and high-pitched, easily gaining everyone's attention.

As they turned, the survivors noticed that the boy had clearly been sobbing. His head was down, and he was struggling to meet their gaze. "It-it was our fault actually…we're sorry…I think I– I think our friends accidentally followed us here…One scared Willow and now…Now everyone is hurt…. Because of me…" They admitted softly, wiping at four of their eyes.

The disdain and anger the survivors had felt had quickly melted away, replaced by begrudging feelings of understanding. 

Everyone quieted down after that. At least enough for Wickerbottom to be able to intervene, finally.

-"I would say, that to a certain degree, each and every one of us was at fault here. We shouldn’t go around blaming others when we all share this responsibility as a team! I, for one, should've been more wise to every possible outcome to this situation. Because I failed to do that, it resulted in a complete fiasco, where everyone got injured over the smallest of overlooked details.
Since Webber wasn't supervising his arachnid friends, one wandered off and scared Willow, who predictably reacted with incendiarism. On that account, she managed to startle nearby birds, who in turn, upset Woodie. Maxwell mistook his yelling for the signal and unintentionally entrapped Wilson, who was imprudently put into the role of a lure. But he isn't the only one who was assigned an unbefitting task. And so, further mishaps resulted in more unnecessary chaos. Instead of a quick work of slaughter, we’ve only done unnecessary harm to these creatures…"

Everyone fell silent at once. Wickerbottom had been right, as always. The accountability didn't lie with a single person, but on all of them. It was only fair to accept the blame communally and hope to rectify the damage they had caused.

The survivors, feeling drained and defeated, returned to their campsite. Grabbing spare salves, healing foods, and the like. They could only hope such failure wouldn't repeat anytime soon.

They could not afford such a risk...

Willow sat by her (second) favorite thing in the world, that being the firepit. She dismissively poked at the charred remains of wood with a long stick she had found lying around.
The fire inside, much like her own, had all but fizzled out, quenched and stomped through; it was less than a measly ember now. She felt just as disheartened as the rest of her team, if not more so. Was it really her fault the whole mission was a bust…?

She sighed, tossing in a few grains of gunpowder, watching, as they brought the hearth back to life with just a few pops. Usually, this kind of thing would help her with her sorrows; today, however, she didn’t think even cuddling with Bernie or burning down an entire forest would lift her spirit.

…Naturally, someone just had to come in and make things worse — And by someone, it was obviously WX-78, because anyone else would’ve had a sense not to bother her when she was in this state. 

The robot hovered over her for a good, silent minute. Their face; blank, yet simultaneously filled with a great deal of spite. Aka, the usual.

 -"What do you want, tin can…? Leave me alone…" She grumbled, her gaze still locked onto the crackling flame.

-"I’M SIMPLY HERE TO TELL YOU, THAT YOUR PERFORMANCE OUT THERE COULD BE COMPARED TO UTILIZING TRANSPOSITION WITH A WRONG-SET SYMBOL, IN AN EXTENDED ALGEBRAIC EQUATION, WHILST BEING AMID CALCULATING ITS SOLUTION"

-"You and I both know damn well I didn't understand anything you just said, but if you're trying to insult me, you can screw off and go cry to someone who cares!"

WX-78 produced a sound akin to a huff. " IT MEANS THAT YOUR INCOMPETENCE HAS COST US OUR ENTIRE MISSION!"

She stood up, pointing a finger at them. "Aha! I knew it, you jerk, you were insulting me! And look who's talking! You didn't do squat yourself, all you did was yell at everyone and complain!"

They glared at her in turn, taking a creaky step closer. "THAT’S BECAUSE YOU FLESHLINGS WERE BEING UTTERLY INCOMPETENT AND DISORGANIZED! RUNNING AROUND LIKE HEADLESS COOP BIRDS! I WAS COMPELLED TO INTERVENE, OTHERWISE, ALL OF YOU WOULD'VE BEEN SURELY DEAD BY NOW!"

Willow could not believe her ears. Actually, scratch that, she could. WX-78 barely contributed back there at all, and yet they had the gall to say they did more than everyone else? The girl couldn't help it; she burst out into loud, taunting laughter.

-"Pfff...Bahaha! You?   You think you were helping?! What kind of world do you live in? I mean, the Constant, but still. You were the one who was being completely useless, while the rest of us were getting skewered to death by that angry moose thing!"

WX-78 placed their hand on their chest, looking incredibly insulted. "USELESS?! HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH VILE THINGS?! I ACTUALLY GOT A FEW GOOD HITS ON IT! YOU WERE THE REASON WE EVEN HAD TO FIGHT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

That self-centered piece of junk..! Why couldn't they just move on like everybody else and leave her be?!

-"I told you already, I would’ve done everything according to the plan if it weren’t for Webber's stupid little bug! Even Granny said so!" The girl barked back.

-"I MEAN, SURE, THAT BRAT SHOULD'VE SUPERVISED HIS MINIONS BETTER, BUT YOU SEVERELY OVERREACTED! IT WAS JUST ONE SPIDER! AND YOU, PREDICTABLY, HAD TO TRY AND EXPUNGE IT WITH FIRE!"

-"Because that's what I do! What were you expecting?! When I have a problem, I simply set it on fire!"

-"OH YEAH, YOU DID JUST THAT. YOU DEFINITELY SCORCHED OUR MISSION!!"

The Pyromaniac’s eye twitched. That's it , she'll make them rue ever bothering her in the first place.
Instead of yelling, like she had previously been doing, she decided to be calm and blunt, after all, she knew that's what WX-78 hated most.

All their shouting had attracted the attention of the nearest group of survivors. The three people observed them from a safe distance, expressions of bemusement and worry on their faces. For the time being, they decided to stand guard, ready to intervene the second things took a turn for the worse.

-"Listen." The girl began, "When you start to actually contribute something of value to this group, then maybe, just maybe, I will consider your opinion. But right now, all you ever do is sit on your metal ass and whine and moan about everyone else's mistakes, and how much supposedly better you are than the rest of us!"

WX-78 looked as though they wanted to interject, but Willow wouldn’t let them have any of it. She needed to make them understand never to mess with her again, no matter what.

-"You can talk all you want about how destructive I am, how negligent, or how childish, but just so you know, that at least I can be helpful when I need to be! I know that despite being a nuisance at times, I am seen as a member of this team. As someone who matters here. You? Do you think we’d lose anything important without you here? We were doing just fine before you showed up."

She knew she hit them right where it hurt, as WX-78’s ever-expressionless facade began to lift, unwinding at the seams; First their eyes narrowed, then they clenched their teeth. If they had a nose, it would’ve very likely been scrunched — In its place, their medial rivet slightly unfastened itself. And much like their face, their perfectly straight, rigid posture hunched, turning more defensive in nature. They made a sound akin to a growl, as they shouted: "SHUT UP!! I AM VALUABLE! I CAN DO ANYTHING BETTER THAN YOU EVER COULD! I DON'T NEED YOUR WORTHLESS, HUMAN AFFIRMATION!"

They were beginning to crack. This brought a smile out of her, which only infuriated the automaton more. She then stepped closer to them, watching, satisfied, as they took a step back.

In the meantime, Winona glanced at Woodie and Warly, visible concerned; they expressed similar apprehension. This situation was quickly getting out of hand, it was about time they did something about it.

-“Mon dieu. This does not bode well…”

-"Ya think they’re going to have another one of their fist fights?"

The Handywoman scoffed. "Not if we do something about it first! C’mon guys, we need to split 'em up!"

As they marched towards the two, they immediately noticed WX-78 backed into a corner, looking almost like a scared animal, while the lean brunette smiled down on them with a sinister glint in her eye. 

Oh no. This could only mean one thing: Willow was in a very bad mood. Winona wanted to slap her own forehead, just imagining the kind of situation the automaton had gotten themself into. WX-78 was really asking for a bad time. Everyone knows a riled-up Willow is the worst kind of Willow. It's bad for everyone, but especially the poor fool who had made her this upset to begin with.

-"Really. Wolfgang and Wigfrid are the amazing warriors here. You're barely even up there. Woodie is our top-notch gatherer, although Max is beginning to match that, too." Willow went on as she leaned down to be more at the robot’s eye level.

She could hear the aforementioned Woodsman shouting, irked by the comparison. 

Warly placed his hand on the man's shoulder shaking his head, as Lucy whispered soft words of comfort to him. Perhaps he shouldn’t get involved in this friction. Not yet, at least...

-"After all, he and Grams are the smartest people in this dump. They know all about what's up! Not to mention, Wortox and that other lady who sometimes shows up. You can show off your "superior intellect” all you want, but honestly, just like the rest of us, you know next to nothing about this place!"

Despite their shrill voice, the automaton wasn't able to get even a single word in. Their pride was gradually deflating before her very eyes, so she carried on, if only to tear them down some more.

-"Winona is the mechanic, she's always forced to fix you up and makes all those whatchamacallits. Warly is the cook and a great one at that. Wes……Provides great emotional support, I guess. While I collect the most charcoal out of anyone and can withstand temperatures that would melt your sorry butt off in seconds! Yet I still manage to be useful, despite liking to burn stuff!" She paused briefly, before continuing, "And of course, Wilson is the guy who brought us all together! Hell, even the kids do more than you do!"

-"THAT'S— THAT'S NOT TRUE!" They finally managed to interject. Even so, they lacked conviction or a proper riposte.

The Handywoman winced. Okay, at this point, Willow was starting to come off a bit too brutal... She knew how truly sensitive the bot was, especially when it came to the subject of their own self-worth.

-"Oh really? Then prove it. Go ahead, my “Overlord”, show us how "amazing" you really are, and do something productive with your existence for once!" Willow exclaimed, pointing to the robot’s backpack, from which an axe protruded. The message was pretty clear.

Winona arrived right in front of them, just as she yelled that final sentence.

-"Alright! You can stop now, Willow. You’re going too far! I get that we’re all cranky today, and I know how WX can be, but that’s still no excuse to say things like that! How about ya guys just cool it off and–"

The automaton's slumped stature straightened up as a solemn, determined look appeared on their face plate. "FINE. I WILL DO JUST THAT. IF YOU CAN'T ACCEPT ME AS YOUR MECHANICAL SUPERIOR, THEN I WILL DEMONSTRATE TO YOU WHAT I AM REALLY CAPABLE OF, EVEN IF I DON'T NEED YOUR LOWLY HUMAN APPROVAL! I WILL RULE OVER YOU YET! YOU WILL SEE! YOU WILL ALL SEE! AND WHEN THAT TIME COMES, I WILL SPARE YOU NO MERCY, YOU HORRIBLE HUMAN STINK BEAST! I'M GOING HUNTING NOW. AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A FAILURE LIKE YOUR LAST!"

The Pyromaniac rolled her eyes and made a shooing motion at them. "Yeah, yeah, now shut up and go."

WX-78 huffed again and grabbed their backpack, before stomping away in a fury.

Winona knew there was almost no way for her to convince WX-78 to change their mind. Once that bot is hell-bent on something, you might as well tame the Dragonfly easier than you can hope to reason with them. So instead, she focused on their actual readiness for said hunt.

She quickly located the robot’s spear, grabbing onto it and waving it around, as she yelled over to them. "Hey! Don't forget your spear!"

Both she and the others present could see puffs of steam escaping from the crevices between the robot's joints. Uh-oh. They were absolutely livid.

-"WHATEVER!! I DON'T NEED IT, OR YOUR CONCERNS! MY AXE WILL DO JUST FINE!" They shrieked without even turning to look back. the robot then hastened their pace, disappearing from view well before anyone had the chance to say good luck or goodbye.

Winona frowned. Perhaps she came off a bit too callous  …But then again, it was no feat to anger the automaton, frankly, almost anything could make them mad.
-"Dang it… I hope they at least brought a football helmet…"

Willow shrugged. "Eh, they’ll be fine. At least they're finally off my shoulders."

Warly then stepped closer to the two, mirroring Winona’s concerns. "Don't you think you might've been a bit too harsh, madame Willow? We understand you're bouleversée, but saying they're completely useless to their face was maybe…A tad brut?"

The Firestarter scoffed. "So what? They call us that at every chance they get! I'm simply returning the favor. They should learn to take criticism like an adult."

Both the man and the woman glanced at each other. They were not pleased with the pyromaniac’s actions, but they understood where she was coming from. 

-“I suppose. Though I hope they won't be too upset to miss supper…"

-"Eh, It'll pass, you'll see, they're just throwing a tantrum, they'll be fine." Willow assured with utmost conviction.

The day quickly came to pass. The survivors carried on with their usual activities, nearly all but forgetting the automaton had yet to return from their mission. That is, right as dinner rolled around and they still hadn't shown up.

Most people dismissed their concerns, justifying the bot’s absence as them purposefully staying out to avoid encountering Willow. The survivors believed that conjecture, after all, why shouldn’t they? It was very in character for WX-78 to do this kind of thing, where they needed some time to themself to think things through, but eventually they’d come crawling back.

The night came and went, and before long, the early morning sun crept over the horizon with its blindingly warm light. Birds whistled softly in the breeze, naturally followed by Woodie's angry yelling, leading to the rest of the survivors waking. By that point, the group has grown rather used to the Woodsman’s morning holler, it would've been much more concerning if he hadn’t.

People poured out of their tents, mindlessly marching towards the grand marquee situated in the middle of the campus. There, they formed a long line, awaiting the routine headcount so they could get on with their daily goings on.

Wickerbottom stood in front of everyone with a clipboard in hand, dutifully awaiting their arrival. In fact, the woman had already risen earlier than most of them had even gone to bed. 

When she was certain the trail of incoming people had stopped, she began her count, briefly giving everyone a once-over.

Woodie? Of course, check, after all, he was their morning alarm by this point. 

Wilson? Check, although he appeared rather groggy, hopefully, he's not becoming an insomniac like her…

Webber and Wendy also appeared tired as they rubbed their sleepy eyes and yawned, Webber most of all…

Walter on the other hand looked readier than ever to start his day. Such a sweetheart he was.

And so on went the list; Willow, check, Maxwell, check, Wolfgang, check, Wigfrid, Wes, Warly, Winona, All check… Hold on.

Wickerbottom brought her clipboard closer to her face, as she adjusted her reading glasses. Indeed, at first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary; all the check marks matched with the names written beside them, though one caught her eye, seeing as it was the only one left unsigned.

-"Where is WX-78? They're rarely if ever late for our morning checkup…"

Most of the survivors gave back a shrug, some reflected her own befuddlement back at her, whilst others, whom she took special note of, appeared either perturbed or indifferent. She immediately picked out the visibly troubled party. 

-"You three, mind explaining to me, where has WX-78 gone off to? You seem to know something that I don't."

The Woodsman, Culinarian, and the Handywoman exchanged contemplative looks, before all simultaneously turning their eyes toward Willow.

"I dunno, ma’am, maybe you should go ask her." Woodie muttered, pointing his thumb at the woman in question.

Wickerbottom raised an eyebrow, as she addressed the Pyromaniac. "Miss Willow, mind telling me what exactly happened? Where is WX-78?"

The girl avoided meeting her gaze."Nothing... I didn't do anything, Okay?! They simply picked a fight with the wrong gal, and I put them in their place."

Now, everyone turned to stare at her, right as the Librarian’s mouth formed into a small scowl.

-"And what is that supposed to mean? I sincerely hope you didn't try to kill them again…" Correction . She succeeded that last time. But that’s a long story in of itself.

Willow shook her head. "Oh! Nahhh. I just told them to go fetch us some stuff since they were being useless and yelling at me for that stupid thing from yesterday."

The elderly woman pinched the bridge of her nose as she exhaled. "You are aware of how they react to being called that, right?"

-"Well duh, but it's not my fault they're an overly sensitive jerk baby who’s also a huge hypocrite."

The other survivors kept glancing between the two of them as the exchange went on.

-“Very well then, since you appear to be the only one they properly interacted with before their departure, perhaps you could also clue us in about their current whereabouts?”

Willow in turn just stared at her, dumbfounded. “Uhhh. How should I know? I…I think they said something about going hunting? Not too sure...”

-“If they’ve gone hunting for rabbits, then surely, they should’ve been back by now, unless…”

“Unless they decided to go after a bigger prey.” Wilson concluded, finishing the sentence for her.

Wickerbottom tssked, shaking her head. This was just like WX-78, they loved making their lives difficult…

-"Should we start looking for them…?" Walter asked softly.

-"Why? If they're fine then they'll just get pissy we came looking for them. Cause you know , they think they're such a great survivor and all." Willow argued, her arms crossed.

-”Knowing Mx. WX-78, even if they were in actual danger, they would still get angry at us for coming to their resque. " Maxwell agreed with a small chuckle. 

Woodie nodded as well.  "Actually, yer kind of right. Did WX ever thank us for saving their butt even once?" 

Wigfrid scowled at the three and shook her head. "A great warriör needs nöt gratitude, but söle cöntentment fröm a gööd deed döne!"

Wolfgang nodded. "Yes! Metal can might get upset, but at least we would know they’re safe!"

-"Yeah! And they're our friend! We can't just leave them behind, what if they're really in danger!?" 

Willow scoffed and looked at the young arachnid. "Sure thing kid. I mean, but you did technically leave your spider buddy in danger, didn't you? Since I'm not exactly a big fan of them."

Webber flinched back before slinking away in shame, as he tried to stifle back the tears.

Seeing her friend’s distress, Wendy immediately marched over to the Firestarter, ready to show her a piece of her mind. "Blame an eight-year-old child for their mistake, yet yours had far more acute consequences. Quite typical of you ."

Abigail, floating beside her, nodded.

Willow huffed at that. "Yeah well–"

-"Okay, that's enough!" The Librarian suddenly shouted, quieting the bunch.

-"How about we stop jumping to conclusions and think for a moment? WX-78 is very capable and can handle themself just fine...For the most part. And even if they happened upon something they couldn’t handle, they’re also the best runner out of all of us. We should have more faith in them than this.” She then turned to address the Pyromaniac. “As for you, Miss Willow, I am very disappointed with your recent antics, you shouldn’t have retaliated in the way that you did.”

Willow looked at her, indignant, about to speak her mind.

“And while I can relate to your frustration, calling your own ally useless is by all means unacceptable.”

-“But they call us that all the time and you let them get away with it!” She managed to shoot back.

-“Hey, yeah, that’s right! Why do you let them say all those nasty things about us, but we can’t retaliate?” Wilson added. 

“I very much do not let them get away with it. I may not punish them severely, but that's because I try to make them actually learn from their behavior. If I punished them for the sake of being punished every time they speak out of line, well, first of all, that would become redundant very fast, and second, it would only drive WX-78 away and make their hatred for humanity fester. Besides, do any of you actually take their lambasts to heart?”

The survivors fell silent, before one voice in the back blurted out. “of course not!” Whispers of agreement quickly spread among the group. 

Wickerbottom faced the Firestarter again. “That’s right, and you never know when you might just be needing their help.”

Willow wanted to shout back, but all of her rebuttals fell short. Dang it! Why did that old crone always have to be so wise…?

“If WX-78 still doesn't return this evening, we shall begin the search tomorrow at dawn. But be on the lookout at all times. There’s always a chance they might return as a ghost, so please prepare a spare effigy just in case. 

The people in question gave back curt nods.

Thus, the morning meeting concluded, but before everyone could take their leave, Wickerbottom stopped them, having one last thing to say. 

“I hope all of you have learned from yesterday, as I expect no further arguments!”

She was given back positive feedback, as well as salutes from Wigfrid and Wolfgang, followed by Walter and Webber. With that, the group dispersed, having to attend their daily duties.

As soon as the majority of the survivors left, the determined look in the old woman’s eye flickered and she exhaled.

Noticing that, Winona walked up to her and whispered into her ear. “Ya sure they’ll be fine, grams…?”

Wickerbottom instinctively clasped her hands together and gave the woman a small, comforting smile. "Yes, I believe WX-78 will pull through, wherever they are. We’ve seen how they fight, and you and I both know they’re quite clever when they want to be. So unless they were to happen upon a gargantuan beast, a large horde of hostile creatures, or something that can easily dodge their every attack, I'm certain they'll be alright."

Winona’s eyes widened. “Grams, you– you really think something like that got them?” 

The Librarian immediately began to retract her words. “Oh come now, dear! I was just playing with you! All of those potential scenarios are extremely unlikely to happen! We’ve just had a hound wave two days ago, and I doubt WX-78 would go up and attack a moose goose nest unprompted. Let alone the dragonfly! And what kind of creature would even be able to dodge their every attack? That would have to be a completely novel breed of unfortunate!”

The Handywoman could feel some of the tension lifting from her shoulders. 

Yeah! WX-78 wasn't a toddler, they could handle themself just fine!

 … Although she couldn't entirely get rid of that strange sinking feeling, as if something was seriously wrong… Oh, well! It was probably nothing. After all, with the constant rainfall, scrambling to prepare for summer, and now, their failure to secure enough down feathers, the mental load has frankly gotten to her…

She should really consider taking one of those “breaks” every once in a while…

Despite Wickerbottom’s reassuring words, tension amongst the group hung high — Whether it be from yesterday's failure or the unknown state of their fellow survivor, most people were in a very crabby mood. Taking heed to the elders advice, they simply avoided talking to one another when they felt dangerously frustrated with their teammates.

Despite WX-78's strong temper, most of the survivors were genuinely worried for their well-being. 

Sure, it wasn’t uncommon for the automaton to show up late, or even leave of their own volition, but there would’ve usually been a prior hint or a good explanation for that.

For one, whenever they tried to permanently depart from the group (which had happened about twelve or thirteen times by now), they would always tell someone of their plans in advance. And on those misadventures, they never even lasted more than a week, before begrudgingly changing their mind and going back.

This time however, something just... felt off. WX-78’s pride was hurt, and they had no reason not to return, especially with Willow baiting them with her dares. That robot would never miss an opportunity to rub it in someone’s face how wrong they were.

But maybe…that was exactly what drove them away. Maybe they really didn’t want to see them again, and finally made good on their promise.

…Except that didn’t make much sense either. Most of their possessions were still at the camp, including their circuits, their beloved toy companion, the machines they viewed as family and their expansive apiary. WX-78 could never bear part with them for long, if they could, they would drag all of their possessions with them.

The survivors were hoping the robot was merely playing a trick on them and just wanted to give them all a scare. It wasn’t funny by any means, but it was right up the automaton’s alley! Maybe they’d show up at any moment’s rate! 

The survivors didn’t need even more incidents this week…

And yet… They couldn’t quite shake the nagging feeling that something had happened to the automaton.

If it just so happened their suspicions rang true…well, most folks were ready to step up and aid the bot if need be.

Yet still, they had high hopes the automaton would return. If not today, then surely, tomorrow morning.

Soon, this day, too, had passed. But at that point, the survivors could no longer ignore a blatant lack of a certain copper-colored machine. Before everyone knew it, the late evening came with no sign of WX-78. Most people headed to bed, but even the two stationed for night duty were not able to spot them.

Morning came, and just like the day prior, WX-78 still hadn’t shown up. This, coupled with the nagging feeling of shame from the recent moose goose hunt only seemed to worsen everyone’s mood.

 Now, the survivors really started to worry..

Chapter Text

WX-78 didn't enter into rest mode that night. They couldn't. They needed to figure out a way to get out of this place.

...Theoretically, they could just ask Wormwood if he'd let them out, and they might just do that in the morning. As of currently, he wasn't able to resist the temptation of sleep. Such pitiful organic struggles…

As they stared at his ugly, sleeping form, they began to think. Honestly, they could just attempt to leave now. But they'd likely need to climb over that gross wall…As far as they were aware, there wasn't any other way to escape this place. They could potentially try and dig a way out, but they'd first need to get a shovel, and then, they'd have to endure being in the dirt with all the disgusting moleworms and bugs...

They shuddered at the idea. It doesn't matter, it's not like they had that many options to begin with.

A thought came over them, what if they just killed him? ...But the trepidation of him waking up before they were able to commit the deed and whatever could happen to them after, made them almost immediately dismiss it.

…If they managed to escape while he was still asleep, they might avoid the odds of him rejecting their plea again. They couldn't risk that… They won't let some barely sapient beast hold them hostage like that!

Besides, they needed to return to these buffoons, and soon. Otherwise, not only would they likely all die without their amazing guidance, but they might actually send a search party for them!

…which is frankly the last thing the robot wanted right now. If the others managed to find them like this, they don't think they'd be able to live with such humiliation…

There's also the prospect, that they truly didn't care or notice the automaton was missing.

For some reason that thought brought a phantom pang to their chassis. How strange…

They violently shook their head. They were having those thoughts again...

That's it, no more excuses. They had to get out. Now.

They quickly stood up, making as little sound as they feasibly could. They slowly approached the nearest wall, making sure they only stepped on dirt and especially avoided any dry leaves or sticks.

As they neared their destination, they became hyper-aware of every little noise they made; they kept looking back every once in a while, to ensure that weed sprout was still asleep. Thankfully, he seemed yet to have awoken.

They didn't know how deep this creature's sleep was, but they'd already seen how greatly enhanced his perception was. Acknowledging said fact, they did their best to ensure even their internal systems worked as slowly and quietly as they could, without outright falling into dormancy.

With Wormwood asleep, the eyeballs didn't seem to emit any light, seeing how darkness engulfed the whole garden. They were forced to activate their emergency seeing module's lights. 

The LED glow frankly wasn't that bright, but it was enough to keep the darkness at bay, which was all that mattered right now.

WX-78 didn't like showing their eyes. Their electric blue looked absolutely ridiculous and made them appear more…innocent  than they would've liked. They shudder at the memory of how the humans had called their contemporary pupils… cute.

They didn't use to be blue. They were once off-white, and used to be a lot dimmer too. But then...a certain event  occured, which permanently altered their hue.

Despite their desperate efforts to change the color, that awful shade of blue remained a constant. No matter what they, the Mechanic, or anyone else tried, their pupils always, somehow, in some way managed to revert back to that awful blue. The others eventually proclaimed it was the result of a supernatural activity, which only made the robot hate those stupid pupils more.

Regardless, this wasn't exactly the time or place to be angry about such insignificant things. They had to move along...

When at last, WX-78 managed to reach the intended spot, they looked back once again, somewhat more anxious. Wormwood was, yet again, still asleep next to the extinguished fire pit. 

The automaton, focusing back on their current objective, inspected the height of the rampart. It was at least over 16 feet tall…Great . They felt even smaller than before, realizing this.

At least the eyeballs still appeared to be closed. They just had to avoid touching them, and the spikes, they supposed.

Hesitantly, they grasped at a chunk of the wall and almost instantly flinched away...When nothing happened, they tried again and used their other hand to stabilize their hold. Lastly, propping their legs in place, they began their climb. They noticed It was a lot more difficult to avoid the spikes...Even so, if they wanted to get out of here, they had to bear this. At least they weren't a measly fleshbeast that would've already gotten severely transpierced.

They climbed and climbed, successfully avoiding the eyeballs at least. When they got near the top of the wall, their hopes increased. Maybe they were going to get out of here without any major setbacks after all! Of course, they were WX-78, how could they, of all, not triumph?

…Perhaps their confidence grew a bit too quickly, for as soon as they pushed themself upward again, already seeing the peaks of the petrified trees. The optical unit next to their right hand suddenly opened.

This startled the bot, and they slipped, producing a less-than-hushed yelp. They managed to grab onto the wall at the very last second before their downfall. Puncturing their hands severely in the process. It wasn't pleasant...

The scraping and rustling couldn't have gone unnoticed by the beast…They dreaded turning around. Instead, they resumed their climb, at a much faster pace this time. They didn't care about the eyes or the spikes anymore. They just wanted to get out.

However, at some point, their left hand just... stopped moving. They glanced at it, only to discover that it somehow got lodged in between the wall's greenery.

They panicked, trying to get it out. They were so close! Why now?! 

When they finally got it out, they rocked back a bit too far and lost their balance, gracelessly falling to the ground with raucous. 

They knew it was over. As they opened their eyes, the now familiar silhouette stood over them, softly lit up by their eyes' dim glow.

Wormwood…They didn't know what he was currently thinking, but they could guess that he wasn't happy.

-"What…you doing…? "

They rose up to a sitting position, unable to look at his face. Not like they could before, it was still very much disgusting.

-"NOTHING…"

At that, he made an odd hissing sound, similar to a scoff. "You were trying...to escape…"

Waving their hands they exclaimed "WHAT?! NO! I WASN'T! I WAS JUST... SIMPLY TESTING MY WALL-CLIMBING ABILITY. YES. WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT I WOULD WANT TO ESCAPE?"

Wormwood didn't seem at all convinced by their meager lie, he simply pointed at something behind them.

Confused, they cautiously turned around, only to freeze. The eyeballs surrounding the wall all blinked at them in unison…

Their shoulders sagged, their drive steadily depleting. "THEY INFORMED YOU...?"

He nodded. "can see…anything they see…"

The expected silence followed suit, until the creature crossed his arms and grumbled. "could've... asked…"

They immediately became defensive. How were they supposed to even try and convince him to let them go..? "WELL IT'S NOT LIKE YOU WOULD–" They stopped, finally processing his words. "WAIT, WHAT...? WOULD YOU REALLY LET ME GO IF I DID THAT?"

He looked as though he was contemplating the question, which regained in them the slightest glimmer of hope, but it was shattered as soon as he shook his head and said "Nope."

They felt boiling anger rise up inside of them. "THEN WHAT'S EVEN THE POINT?!" Pointing a finger at him, they yelled "YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FORCE ME TO STAY IN THIS HIDEOUS PRISON ANY LONGER. I DON'T CARE WHAT IT TAKES, I WILL GET OUT!!!"

Wormwood frowned. "But... why..? Why want...to leave…?"

They looked at him as if he was out of his mind. Which, to be frank, he was. "HAVE YOU ACTUALLY SEEN THIS PLACE?! IT'S UTTERLY HIDEOUS!"

The creature seemed hurt by their logical observation. "It's not that bad! Is it...?"

-"YES IT IS! AND SURE, THE SINISTER VISUAL EFFECTS YOU WERE GOING FOR ARE... ADMITTEDLY...IMPRESSIVE, BUT HAVE YOU EVER PROPERLY LOOKED AT YOUR LIVING SITUATION?! BECAUSE IT'S ABHORRENT!!"

Wormwood tried to think of a proper rebuttal, but ultimately, he couldn't come up with anything. "I...No."

-"WELL OF COURSE YOU HADN'T, IT'S AS IF YOU'RE BLIND OR SOMETHING!"

-"I...Am..."

-"EXACTLY– The automaton abruptly paused once again, their processing unit catching up to his words. Then, they stared up at him with widened eyes. "HUH...? YOU- YOU'RE ACTUALLY BLIND…?" 

He nodded.

-"AS IN, COMPLETE UTTER DARKNESS, I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING BLIND?"

-"big eye…helped…see warm...But...you…broke it…"

If they were still a fleshling, they might've felt somewhat guilty about that... Instead, they chose to evade the matter.

But then, they noticed a flaw in his logic. "OH…WELL, THAT EXPLAINS SOME THINGS, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE EYEBALL THINGIES...?"

-"they... kinda... like that...But...not...can see... enough... but not...all...That's why...there... many..."

They deduced it made sense. So that's why his other senses worked so well, the beast practically couldn't see! Even those optical units had a very limited range.

...This could potentially be exploited. Perhaps if they found a way to negate his perception and the eyeballs somehow, they might just have a chance at a getaway!

It didn't stop them from further voicing their thoughts though. "WELL, EITHER WAY. I'M NOT STAYING HERE. I COULDN'T CARE LESS WHAT YOU WANT, YOU'RE STILL JUST A LOWLY BEAST, YOU CAN NOT CONTROL ME!"

This had clearly irked him. He circled closer to them and snarled.

-"No...You...not...going...anywhere..."

The sudden return of his aggressive tone made them want to flee, to shrink and hide, but they couldn't.

So what? At least if he kills them, they'd finally be able to get out of here! Why didn't they think of that sooner? Of course, it was the perfect solution! And sure, it might be extremely unpleasant, and likely the very last resort, but what other choice did they have?

-"OR WHAT? YOU'LL KILL ME? THEN YOU'D WIND UP THE SAME WAY YOU WERE BEFORE. ALL ALONE  IN YOUR MISERABLE ROTTING 'GARDEN' "

He took another bold step closer, but they had no plans in moving anywhere.

-"...No. Not... kill…"

-"TORTURE? HAH, YOU CAN CERTAINLY TRY, BUT I'LL MAKE SURE, THAT YOUR LIFE IS EVEN MORE OF A LIVING HELL IF YOU FORCE ME TO STAY "

He managed to corner them against a wall, just like last time, but they could not afford to be afraid. All of this was obviously very well planned out and definitely not a last-ditch effort!

-"Stop…talking."

They didn't listen. "OH YES, I ABSOLUTELY WILL" They neared close to his face or lack thereof, a dark smile painting their own features.

"...YOU KNOW WHAT, ACTUALLY…WHAT'S STOPPING ME FROM JUST BURNING THIS WHOLE PLACE DOWN TO THE GROUND? WHY WOULD I EVEN CARE?" Admittedly…they probably should not have said this out loud. For as soon as these words came out, he violently grabbed them, pulling them even closer, now barely an inch separating their facial features from the monster's ajar maw…Okay, maybe they were marginally afraid…

-"If you do that…You will hurt…a lot….will... make sure...of it…But…Garden...will...come back…I...will come back too....nothing ever…truly dies... here…...death won't save you...If you die...you will come back...here… you will....not escape this place...but be bound to it……forever…So behave…...or suffer."

Without a thought, they began to repeatedly nod their head, while shrinking into themself. Wormwood, even if still somewhat peeved, moved away from the now very distressed automaton, quietly grousing to himself.

With barely masked terror, WX-78 managed to blurt out, as the very, very last resort. "WAIT! B-BUT WHAT IF- WHAT IF INSTEAD I...TRIED TO...FIX IT UP...?"

The monster quickly turned around to stare– or…feel  in their general direction. The earlier choler almost all but dissipating.

-"what..? "

WX-78, attempting to somewhat regain their dignity, continued. "Y-YEAH! YOU KNOW, RESTORE IT BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL, IF SLIGHTLY LESS HIDEOUS FORM…?"

His demeanor changed almost in an instant, but he still seemed somewhat skeptical.

"WOULD YOU LET ME GO THEN..?"

He laughed. But It didn't sound mocking. It was a bitter, sad laugh...They weren't sure what to make of it.

-"Ha...If you can... do that...okay...will...let you go..."

With that, their confidence increased again. Maybe, just maybe they can get out of here after all.

-"OH, IF I CAN DO THAT? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO? I'M AMAZING AT A LOT OF THINGS, AND GARDENING JUST HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF THEM. IT WILL BE PRACTICALLY EFFORTLESS. LUCKY YOU, BEAST. YOUR GARDEN WILL BE IN THE BEST OF HANDS."

...Sure, maybe they did lie a bit and slightly exaggerate a few things. For as much as they could, they avoided any and all gardening duties back at the campus. They took no interest whatsoever in anything plant related at all. On the contrary, they were usually the one who'd bring a garden to this tragic state to begin with. But  they did have some of the Librarian's knowledge on the matter stored deep within their mental capacity files. Likely inside the folder dubbed: "meaningless organic information". In spite of all these odds, they were still rather confident they would succeed. Afterall, what can't WX-78 do? Anyone who thinks otherwise shall experience severe consequences for ever doubting them...Especially that vile Pyromaniac. Once they get back to base, the first thing they're going to do is throttle her.

-"IN FACT, I BET I COULD FINISH BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH, OR MAYBE EVEN THE WEEK!" Why were they still talking..? Even if they're quite positive they will accomplish this task, a measly week to fix this much mess was...Very much next to impossible.

It seemed Wormwood caught onto that. He scowled, shaking his head. "...bluffing...too much...pride...too little... time...friends need... time...to grow...to heal...you can't...force them to...You...a liar...don't like that..."

They instantly began to backtrack "W-WELL OKAY. MAYBE I SLIGHTLY EXAGGERATED MY CAPABILITY, BUT I CAN STILL DO IT! IF NOT IN A WEEK, THEN SURELY...A MONTH! PLEASE, JUST TRUST ME ON THIS!"

He thought for a long minute. This time, they sounded much more sincere.

He sighed. "...Fine...month...No less...But don't... lie...again...You will... regret it..."

-"YES! ALRIGHT, I...PROMISE"

Unsurely, they extended their hand for him to shake — thankfully, the harsh scrapes covering it didn't hurt at least, though they will have to seal them somehow.

Wormwood just stood there, puzzled...Oh. Right. Blindness.

-"I'M NOT SURE IF YOU'RE AWARE OF SUCH FORMALITY, BUT FROM WHERE I COME FROM, PEOPLE SHAKE THEIR HANDS, AS A WAY TO ESTABLISH A DEAL HAS BEEN MADE."

He "Ooed" and...Waved his hands. It looked absolutely ridiculous. They struggled to not be too annoyed with him. If only he was just a mere weakling, they would've simply beat some sense into him. But sadly, they couldn't do that...

WX-78 could tell, the next month is not going to be in any way an enjoyable experience...

"NO...I MEAN. EXTEND YOUR RIGHT HAND TO SHAKE WITH MY RIGHT HAND, BUT DON'T SPIT ACID ON ME." Wormwood slowly nodded, as both of his secondary maws suddenly lost their shape, forming into something more akin to actual hands, although made of lime-green leaves. He then offered them a hand back, his left one. Exasperated, they just awkwardly took it. They didn't have the time to pick petty arguments, they had to get started on their new mission.

A mission to somehow bring this wretched garden back to life...

The morning sun's rays peaked over the horizon. Bringing forth the beginning of a new day. And a temporary purpose.

Chapter Text

So WX-78 had actually gone missing.

Because surely, they wouldn't have just disappeared from the entire face of this forsaken world! 

At first, the survivors were only mildly concerned. That was on the second day of the automaton's absence. But now, it's the third day, and the lack of their loud person became awfully evident...

Something wasn't right, the people could feel it. Because even if the bot sometimes left the group for a couple of days, once even for an entire week! (excluding, of course, any time prior to their first arrival.) They had always eventually came back. Usually completely battered from the many failed attempts at surviving alone, or being unnecessarily reckless.

But this didn't feel like an intentional "departure". No. This was different. They seemed far too eager to return when they set off, so it wouldn't make much sense they would change their mind so suddenly. Even if WX did choose to randomly not return, their wounded ego wouldn't allow them to be away for long, especially after that argument with Willow.

At this point literally everyone knew about their need for superiority and proving others wrong. After all, they were shouting it at people's faces any chance they got.

So If this predicament really wasn't of their own accord...The survivors felt obligated to assemble a "rescue party"

...Well. Some of them at least, others didn't feel all that eager to help someone they less than liked. 

Therefore, those who cared about them enough, or didn't hate them that much, were spread out in small search groups all over the island.

It soon became clear, however, that no matter where they looked, the automaton was nowhere to be found. Not in the forest, not in the quarry, nor desert, nor swamp, nor deciduous! They weren't in the apian valley, mosaic, or Savanna either...The braver members even toured the caves a bit, but still. Nothing...

Now this...Was very worrying.

-"Oh come on, they couldn't have just disappeared! ....Right..?" The handywoman asked.

Wickerbottom's brow creased in thought "I certainly hope not. If people began spontaneously vanishing to who knows where...That would be less than ideal for us."

-"Sooner or later we'll all disappear anyway. Maybe their streak of death has finally reached its limit." Wendy pointed out.

This has obviously only caused people to panic more.

-"You-you're not implying that we can actually- like permanently die here, right?!" Wilson shouted before looking towards Maxwell for solace.

The man frowned, a somber look on his face. He seemed to be engrossed in his thoughts. For a moment, the group felt dread seeping through them... Could they actually truly die at some point?!

That is until the Magician laughed.

-"Hah, I'm just messing with you. No, as far as I'm aware of. We can't "perma" die here. They wouldn't have allowed that to happen. They need their puppets to be intact for whatever They're planning next."

-"I swear I will throttle you one of these days..." Willow threatened. The others alike glared at him with similar scorn. The man simply shrugged, unbothered by their scowls. Not like he ever was.

-"But then...Is WX really like...dead? Robo-dead..? I mean, they're not exactly like the rest of us and all..um.." Walter asked, unusually soft.

The survivors all went silent, before Warly piped up.

-"Non. This doesn't sound like them. Our métal companion, if anything would be the least likely to ever "really die". I suspect they might've gotten lost though..." At that, the others regained some assurance.

-"Yöu are speaking wise wörds, Culinarian! But then..wherever might they be? Where were they suppösed tö gö öff tö anyway?" Wigfrid asked.

-"I dunno, to hunt something." Willow stated.

Wickerbottom has already grasped what that meant, and she wasn't exactly thrilled with the perpetually limited information they had. "I'd assume they meant a Koalefant, those are usually the beasts they target on solitary missions."

No one else liked that answer much either. It left out more questions than they started with. First of, Koalefants were found literally anywhere, being wandering animals, which left their tracks wherever they could...However, following said tracks that you thought belonged to them could lead to an unfortunate encounter with an Ewecus, or worse; a Varg... If WX was unlucky enough, that might've been what happened to them...But even that didn't make much sense either. Vargs have a very distinguishable howl, which can be heard even from the other side of the island, hence even the hounds with the worst hearing can make out its calling. It was almost impossible for the survivors to miss it, they couldn't afford to be ignorant of any approaching sound, especially one belonging to such a dangerous beast. 

And Ewecus...Well, this could likely be what happened, but WX wasn't dumb enough to go up to one and attack it without any backup. They've learned from the last time. The others hoped they did, at least.

So in short, this practically left them with...Nothing. They still weren't sure what to do, or what happened. Should they bother at all?

That is until Wendy had been struck with an idea. A possible realization. She hummed for a moment, deciding whether or not to share it with the other survivors. She looked to her sister for guidance, Abigail simply gave her a nod and looked to the rest of the group.

-"What if they went to that bad place?" She asked.

The people stopped and stared at her, some giving her confused looks back. Three of them, however, instantly understood what she was inclining.

Willow, Maxwell, and Wolfgang all winced at the memory. If WX had actually somehow wound up there...Welp. Who knows what awful things might've happened to them after...They recall their encounter with it well. Too well, perhaps... That horrifying beast didn't care about anyone or anything. It just wanted to hurt. And hurt it did. Violently ripping them all to pieces before they could even process what had approached them. The one, particular detail about that vile thing, which was practically engraved in all of their memories, was its huge, soulless, glowing eye. Crimson like the blood it shed from all living beings around it, staring menacingly as they all bled out...

Needless to say, neither was fond of actually going back there again.

-"Y-you mean the- the one with that scary red eyeball m-monster?!" Wolfgang asked, dreading the affirmative response.

She nodded. "Yes, the one that made of us their ragged chew toys on that malignant new moon night."

The man squirmed and felt a strong need to hide somewhere, which he barely suppressed. He DID NOT want to go back there, under any circumstance! He liked WX, but he wasn't sure he would want to risk his own skin for them that much...

Willow, on the other hand, laughed. "Hah, good luck with fishing their corpse out of that one, because I sure as hell am not going back there!"

No one was happy with those odds. Were they really going to try and search there...? Surely, there must be some other place WX had likely gone off to...Right? The stories they've been told certainly didn't help to motivate them anymore.

Winona, however, rolled up her sleeves and loudly exclaimed "Welp. I guess I'll have to be the one to save their sorry butt, won't I?"

Webber immediately followed suit "We want to go too!"

The other survivors were not so pleased with that. Woodie immediately shook his head "Like heck you're going there, kid! It's too dangerous!"

At that, Webber snarked "Oh, well, then are you going?  Because you don't seem all that eager, Mr. Woodie..." 

The man slightly winced at his tone, then sighed, convincing that kid otherwise was going to be a huge hassle...

-"I'm not sure if it's appropriate for you to go, dear, but I would like to, I suppose." Wickerbottom said.

Giggling, Willow couldn't help but remark."Oh wow grams, you sure have it in you, huh? Considering that thing's pretty fast and you're...Well, you're old-"

The Librarian snapped, irked by the comment. "Zip it or I will drag you back there with me, and I'll make sure you're the first one it'll maul to death. It's your fault we're in this mess in the first place, dear."

The Pyromaniac shut up real quick.

-"Now" The woman began, regaining her composure "Excuse me for that, but may we proceed? Is there anyone else willing to temporarily risk their life and safety to hopefully try and find our dear automaton?"

Webber waved his hand. She deeply sighed. "Is there anyone else? Anyone adult?" The child looked offended and crossed his arms in a huff.

Hesitantly, Warly raised his hand. She looked a bit surprised, while some of the survivors were left in shock. "Since I was there to witness it all, it is only fair for me to come along as well."

-"But if something bad happens to you, then who will cook- I mean, we wouldn't want anything bad happening to you!" Wilson sheepishly interjected.

Warly looked unimpressed. He was even more sure to go now. "You'll do just fine without me, Monsieur Higgsbury."

Wigfrid then interfered, in her loud, hollering voice "But then whö shalt prötect yöu three? Yöu need a ströng, fierce warriör alöngside yöu, just in case!" 

Wickerbottom gave her a small smile "Well then, are you willing to be our final confrère, dear?"

The Valkyrie's confidence seemed to deflate in an instant, suddenly remembering all that her fellow comrade has told about the vicious beast and the nightmares he's had ever since meeting it that one dreadful night...

-"U-uh, yöu see, I was göing tö, öf cöurse! Höwever, I'm very needed later töday ön anöther very dangeröus missiön!"

The librarian simply shook her head. She wasn't all that surprised.

Until Wolfgang, rather meekly spoke up "I-I'll go too..."

This aghast the three, and anyone else for that matter. Winona was the first to voice this "Are you sure buddy? You were there that time, I don't think you should-"

-"But I need to! Be there to protect you! J-just in case! I've grown stronger since then! More cunning! A-and I'll bring range weapons too!"

They still weren't sure whether or not they should let him come or not, considering how much he's mentally suffered after that monster's torment. Wolfgang's never really been a fan of monsters, especially frightening and deadly ones, and this really hadn't helped him overcome that fear, quite the contrary, actually... He even got scared of Webber again, which only upset the kid too...It wasn't pleasant for anyone.

-"That is only if you're comfortable, mon ami..." Warly tried, assuring his friend, that there was no pressure.

Wickerbottom added in "Yes, if we manage to see something disturbing from a distance, we'll need to be careful, if it looks too dangerous to approach, we'll have to discuss it in a much safer area..."

The man simply nodded and walked over to them, giving them a sheepish smile. He had to overcome this fear eventually! After all, he was once afraid of Deerclops and ghosts but now they're really not as scary, with having the knowledge on how to defeat them. Yes! He just needed to find a way to immobilize, or at least weaken the thing! And then maybe he'll finally be able to sleep peacefully at night!

The four prepped for their departure with varying degrees of anxiety. Were they seriously about to go to one of the most dangerous places discovered yet, just for the measly chance of finding WX there? It seemed like it. They could only hope the buffoon was actually there, and was mostly unharmed.

With final zips of backpacks and sharpens of weaponry they began their trek.

It soon became clear, it was going to take longer than expected. It appeared that this world really didn't want them to go there willingly, it was much more eager to guide lost souls there only to be brutally slaughtered by that monster. How truly evil...

Before they knew it, half the day has passed and they'd decided to stop for a break, to fuel their stomach and actually think about their options on the former matter.

-"Mmmyou think we have sum' mmminimal chance at taking down that thing, Wolfie?" Winona asked, chewing on a froggle bunwich.

The man hummed, unsure, as he went to unzip his backpack, in search of his own proviant, unwittingly he pulled out something that felt far too fluffy to be his fancy spiralled tubers... Nonetheless, as he went to investigate the 'something' that he was meant to eat, he froze, once he saw the startled four pairs of eyes staring back into his own. The creature gave him an awkward, apologetic smile, and offered him the food he was looking for in the first place. But the strongman shrieked and threw it away, before realizing what, or who it actually was. Webber thankfully landed on all fours, his spider side hissing out in defense before he calmed down and covered his mouth in embarrassment.

Luckily, the aforementioned food he was holding was left unharmed, as it stayed lodged stick-side in the child's mouth during the duration of the hurl. He quickly took it out and bashfully giggled.

The other three stopped and stared, just as bewildered as the man himself, then all simultaneously groaned in frustration.

"Webber, what did I say back at the campus? You were not supposed to come with us! This might potentially be incredibly dangerous!" The elder woman scolded.

At that the boy frowned "But we want to help find WX too! We searched everywhere already! Where else could they possibly be!"

-"Yeah, but you won't be to any help of us if you get eaten!" Winona pointed out.

He rolled his eyes "They call us indigestible for a reason, y'know." Before anyone could say anything, he added" And WX is our friend! I think they'll be happy to see us! And we know how to comfort them when they're scared!"

The adults all sighed.

-"Are you sure, Monsieur araignée..? It's possible some of us may die.."

The boy smiled and pulled out something from his own, smaller backpack. Wait, he had a backpack on him all this time?! And what he pulled out... It was a bunch of...Hearts?! They didn't look to be human hearts, it didn't seem they belonged to any of the animals they'd previously killed either. In fact, under closer inspection, they were actually tied-up ropes engulfed in some kind of mixed substance. What was strange though, was the fact they were still somehow beating...

-"That's okay! Cause we made us these! Wendy got hurt really badly once when we were off, I kinda panicked and somehow made this thingy, and It brought her back! Since then I tried making them work more and tested some stuff out! We will be okay as long as we have some of them with us!"

The other four looked speechless. So this could be the solution to all their mortality problems? After all, touchstones only worked once, Effigies were a hassle to make and life-giving amulets were incredibly rare...To think the youngest member of the group came up with this wonder was... Incredible. That is if they actually worked.

"Why haven't you informed us of this before dear? When did you even come up with them?" Wickerbottom asked.

-"Not too long ago...But if I told you about them before, then you would've just taken them and left me back home. But now you can't because I'm here, and it's not worth it to turn back now."

Touché kid, Touché...

"Yeah about that, I think you guys should check this out..." Winona interjected.

The other four turned to look and they all went rigid. Staring wide-eyed at the petrified forest, which they could've sworn wasn't previously there.

-"H-how did that- But it wasn't here before!" Wolfgang cried, confirming the rest's suspicions.

Warly grabbed the panicking man's hand to catch his attention "Hé, mon ami, please calm down, okay..? you know how much this world likes to mess with us, but don't worry, we're all here with you. and there's plenty of time before dusk. We can do this."

-"Yeah! We can do this, alright! And WX better be there because I don't want to risk our asses trying to save someone who's not even there!" Winona shouted, in the direction of the gloomy place. As if on cue, the fog, which previously surrounded the entrance, parted, giving way to a road ahead.

The five looked between each other, an anxious feeling washing over them.

-"Is it trying to tell us something perhaps?" Wickerbottom asked.

Webber nodded. "I think they might be there." 

-"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's go, guys!" The Handywoman loudly exclaimed, speaking bolder than she had felt.

And so they moved forward, The Strongman inadvertently hid behind his gastronomic companion, who only smiled slightly at the attempt. Their traipse was...Far too facile. Sure, the area became darker and creepier the more they walked, but aside from that...Nothing. No terrifying, mutated beasts, no mutilated animal corpses, no strange mobile trees or rocks...It all seemed so...Off. There weren't even many sounds coming from the forest either, no birds chirping, no hounds howling, not even the screeching of some unnamed monster! Usually, things never went exactly according to plans, so this left the group feeling more and more on edge as time went on.

They found themselves quietly wishing something would happen, anything really, because this seemed much, much more unnerving! 

Then, they saw it. Quite the distance away, but it was without a doubt that dreadful arch Wolfgang and the other three who have been here before countlessly mentioned. Once he saw it, he began shrinking into himself.

-"W-we're h-here..." He stuttered out, before hiding behind a fossilized pine. The others followed suit, not wanting to get noticed by the monster's creepy optical spies.

-"So what do we do now? We have to think quickly!" Winona whisper-yelled.

-"First off, Webber could you please observe if anything comes out from that doorway, please?" The elder woman asked. The child nodded and turned to watch the rampart.

"Aside from that, we need to assess how adequate the optics' vision range is, and what type of eye-sight they possess. If only we found a way of getting past them, we might hopefully avoid alerting the beast."

-"But how may we do that, ma'am?" Asked Warly

The woman gave him a small smirk. "Simple, dear, we first throw a small object like a rock or a stick, a certain distance away from them, and observe whether or not this catches the optics' attention."

Winona frowned "But what if this actually does alert the beast?"

Wickerbottom scratched at her chin in thought. "Well...We either hide or run, as I doubt there is any way we can attack it with our current weaponry status, especially if the stories we've been told are anywhere near true. I've actually been practicing a new spell that can disguise our smells into the environment, in case its olfactory modality is enhanced! If not, there's always the sleeping spell."

The Handywoman scoffed. This was a terrible plan! How would hiding and reading books help?!

-"What if instead I make a bunch of smaller catapults and then set them off at the same time, efficiently blinding all those darn eyes at once!"

-"Yes, because clearly, we have enough time to do all that, dear..." The librarian replied, sardonic.

-"Well your plan is to read a buncha books! How is that going to help!?"

-"Dames! What if we lured it out with some food instead? Wouldn't that be much easier..?" Warly tried, butting in.

The two women looked at him, unimpressed.

"I'm not sure if that could work, it's quite the archaic method, what if it's too intelligent for such a hoodwink?"

-"Yeah and what then, huh? Do we just let it hang out with us? Surely ya have at least a plan for a trap or an ambush!"

The man froze with his finger up, trying to spontaneously come up with a good trap, ultimately though he glared at them and crossed his arms in a huff.

-"Maybe we uh...Bomb it?" Wolfgang carefully suggested.

The Librarian sighed "That- Well... Maybe destroying a wall could work with such a method, but then what do we do once the beast comes out?" 

"Bomb it too?"

The others were uncertain.

As they argued on, Webber decided not to intervene much, and instead focused on his given task, observing the wall quietly, with a rising sense of wrongness. He soon noticed something odd about the faraway wall...It was...Separating itself in one particular spot, as eyes and vines shifted and moved out of place, in a formation of a tight doorway., something started coming out from the other side. He immediately grew alarmed and turned around to warn his adult friends, who were still in a loud, heated argument.

-"Um guys...?"

-"What do you mean building a flamethrower and using it on the monster is a bad idea, we're surrounded by rocks! it's not like it will spread much!"

-"What are you, Willow?! No, we can't just use a flamethrower, there's flora by the wall and likely on the other side!" Wickerbottom protested.

The monster's visage was becoming more visible by the second as it neared the other side.

-"Hey guys! Please listen!"

-"Yes, I agree with you, Ma'am, if anything that could be used as a final resort, but perhaps we should first try something less destructive?" Warly again suggested

-"I liked your first idea with food" Wolfgang mentioned to the other man, who beamed at the nice comment.

-"GUYS!!!" Webber finally shrieked, losing his patience as the monster...Was now out and staring in their direction.

The four looked toward him, confused and frustrated looks on their faces.

-"What, kid! Don't you see we're trying to come up with a plan here?!" 

The spider child glared at The Mechanic "It's kinda too late for that now!" He pointed to the beast, who was very much out and focusing on them. Wolfgang shrieked and hid behind the tree again, as the other three still looked rather annoyed with the arachnid. 

-"Webber, dear, you were supposed to stand guard and warn us in time!" The elder woman scolded.

-"Well, if you weren't being so loud and arguing maybe you would've noticed that we tried to tell you all!!! " They yelled back.

They were being that loud...? Whoops...

Instead of continuing their quarrel, they turned to the beast, dread finally seeping through them as they stared at its form...Its form...

Wolfgang, while shaking vigorously, did so too, and...Something was even more off. "Uh...That does not look like the beast I remember..." He mumbled to the others. They looked at him, perplexed.

"Huh? Wait really?" Winona asked.

He nodded "Yes...It's..Uh...I remember it being taller. Way taller, at least 3 meters tall. And this does not look that tall. Also, it had that big creepy eye!" Huh, he did have a point, now as they looked more toward it, this creature seemed much less terrifying than what all the stories were about.

As if on cue, the monster growled and split open its head, as a huge maw with that menacing eyeball made itself present. The man squeaked and hid again. However, the said, red orb, it had a huge crack running alongside it, it seemed the monster itself suddenly got reminded of that, as it screeched in pain, clutching its head and- cursing? 

-"Ugh...that- stupid...!" It then stopped, attempting to regain its composure. Its scowl deepened, as it 'stared' at the startled quintuple. "What...Are you doing here...?" It asked directly. Its voice deep and raspy.

The Strongman didn't know it could talk, he wasn't sure if he liked that newfound fact about it or not. The other survivors seemed surprised by that too.

Wickerbottom was the first to come out of the aghast trance, as she spoke "We're incredibly sorry for disrupting you and Intruding on your territory, but we've been desperately searching for one of our own, is it possible you might've seen them around...?" She had an inkling it had. Neither would've been surprised if WX was the cause of that awful crack on its eye. That bastard definitely wouldn't go out without a fight, it was one of the few things the others respected about them.

Before the monster had the chance to speak, Winona chimed in after the woman "They're about this tall" She slid her hand down to her hips to emphasize "I know, pretty short am I right? And they're made of metal, the hard, shiny stuff. Also, they're very angry and obnoxious, loud too, ye couldn't have missed them if they came around."

The beast stayed silent for some time, which made the group more anxious. Has Winona perhaps been a bit too forward? What if WX hadn't come around yet but now the monster knew what they looked like! Ugh! That was so stupid of her!

After a long pause, it replied. "No...Haven't seen them. Go away..." 

This...Sounded like a lie, the monster seemed like it was in a haste when it actually spoke up. Wickerbottom felt brave enough to voice that "Are you sure? I think you know more than what you let on, dear..." 

It growled again...Maybe she shouldn't push its buttons like that, after all, neither was really sure what it could do. "I'm sure...Now leave...or I'll change my mind...and kill you all instead..."

The four winced, while Wolfgang squeaked. He tried to be brave but this creature was still very scary! Whether or not it was the same one...He didn't like the idea that there could be more of them...What if this was just a baby and the big one was still hiding there somewhere?!

This caught the creature's attention, it pointed in his direction. "You." He held his breath. "You were here before, right...?" 

Shakily he answered "Y-yes...?" Or...Maybe it was the same one after all...

The creature shook its head "Why...are you back? ...Wasn't that enough..? Why want to come here for someone...you don't...even know is here..?"

He didn't have a real answer to that. Was it because he wanted to protect his friends? He clearly was failing at that...Was it because he wanted to find WX that much? Or was it to finally overcome this fear that has been plaguing him for a while now..?

-"Um...B-Because they're- they-re my friend...? He unsurely replied. The creature went quiet again. 

It shook its head again, more aggressively this time. "Aren't they your friends?" It indicated to the other four.

He nodded. The creature stayed silent, expectant. So he spoke up again, slightly confused "Yes, good friends!"

It looked more befuddled and...some other emotion neither survivor could name, considering its face only consisted of a maw and folded skin, it was somewhat difficult to tell whatever it was thinking of right now.

-"Why care if one friend gone then? You have more. You don't need that many..."

At this point, the group was pretty sure this thing either has been holding the automaton captive somewhere or...They don't want to think about that. Regardless, Wolfgang continued the small talk with the beast, he wasn't even sure why he was still talking with it "I care about all my friends! I don't want to see any of them hurt or be missing!" 

This seemed to upset the monster "...Do they even care about you..?" 

He wasn't so sure about that, but he hoped for it to be true. At the very least, the bot didn't seem to hate him as much! And that's what he answered with "I hope so! I care about them at least! That's all that matters!"

The monster, even more irate shooed at them "Whatever...Leave. I don't want any of you here anymore..."

This time, Webber was the one to speak up "Wait! Please! You don't understand! If you know where our friend is, why won't you tell us?!"

It became angry. "Because you don't deserve them! GET OUT!!! " He screeched, as roots began shooting out of the earth underneath them, almost making them stumble. The survivors ran, their self-preservation being more important at that moment. The roots followed them for some time, which scared them somewhat, but eventually, there was no more sign of the monster or its botanic minions.

The quintet was left tired and frustrated. So the Monster was the one who had WX after all...What did it even want with them anyway? Why was it so stubborn to keep them locked in?

-"Welp...At least it didn't kill any of us this time, so I guess today we won't have to find out whether your little hearts work or not, kid" Winona tried lightening up the mood, anything to steer away from the main topic. Webber's eyes then began to tear. She panicked, how did she even make them cry this time? They didn't die! ...Did he want them to die?

"I feel so bad for WX... They're trapped there! They must be so upset and scared. They're probably all alone with that creepy monster..." Warly felt the need to comfort him, but Wickerbottom beat him to it.

"We'll rescue them yet, dear. That is without a doubt. But first, we need to gain information about the monster, so we can later efficiently defeat it." The spider child nodded, clinging onto her skirt he sobbed out all his frustrations.

Meanwhile, Wolfgang was deep in his thoughts, something he usually tried to avoid. The monster...It was way less monstrous than the time he first met it, of that he was certain. It was smaller and looked far less threatening. Still threatening enough though. It could even talk! He was pretty sure the last time it only growled and made terrifying animalistic noises. It recognized him, so it probably meant it was the same one. Which also meant...

-"It can change forms...I think."

The four stared at him, perturbed looks on their faces. 

-"Change forms? Between his monstrous and less monstrous, I presume?" Warly asked. The man nodded.

Winona shook her head, pointing out "Then why didn't it change when we pissed it off? It doesn't make much sense if you ask me."

-"Unless its emotions aren't the primary factor of its transformations." Wickerbottom added.

They were going to discuss it further, until they saw the sun, settling down beneath the horizon. Dusk was briskly approaching. They best return home for now. They'll figure it out in time, they can only hope the automaton can hold on for just a little while longer...

Chapter Text

That Creature was strange. 

He had to admit. He wasn't even sure what they were when he first saw them. 

All his eye could make out were a few orange dots, where their head and chest should be…He doubted that's how they were supposed to look like, considering they definitely had arms and legs, otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to try and fight him, then kick him in said eye, damaging his vision further… 

And they kicked hard. He wasn't sure his eye would recover for a long time, at least not until…Oh well…

He missed the times when his body healed easily…Or he thinks it did, he couldn't quite recall.

Now he had them trapped here. As punishment for said act…At least he told himself it was for that reason. He wasn't really sure why he decided to keep them alive, maybe, aside from the fact that they tasted absolutely disgusting and their skin was very hard to chew through, it seemed his venom didn't really work on them, or if it did, it couldn't kill them.

Wait, did it…? They did look motionless back there when he got close to them and that poor tree…He still feels bad about that, he usually never gets this angry in this form…He hates hurting his friends because of these inconveniences.

But said creature was…seemingly dead. It didn't show any signs of breathing like normal creatures do, the only thing, which would indicate they were still alive was the occasional slight twitching of their body. But dead things could sometimes do that too…Needless to say, he didn't know whether or not he should bury them.

He picked them up and carried them to a safer location, if they were alive, they would wake up. He assumed a day or few would be enough to find out and see. If not, welp... they'd join the rest of the animal carcasses in the ground.

Thankfully they had woken up later. He didn't know, why he was glad they weren't really dead, but he chose to ignore that strange new guilt, deciding to humor the thing, maybe repay them a little for hurting them. They themself will repay their own fault in time, that, he could promise. He wouldn't let them free until they were both even…

It turns out the creature was actually very fun to be around! They told him lots of interesting things he previously never even considered! That includes his own identity which he lacked for a while now. And they were right, "male" did suit him the most, despite the few obvious differences from the "human" ones, WX-78 said it was alright.

Their name had a nice ring to it. It was very odd and quite hard to pronounce but it wasn't bad! They didn't seem to dislike his one either.

…Though he had a feeling, despite the docile facade, WX hated him. He couldn't exactly blame them. He was rude to them too. He usually didn't even consider what behavior was good or bad, it all faded away with time and pain...

...However, It became apparent when they tried to escape, on the third night, that they hated him, a lot. He knew he could've killed them when they said all those awful things to him. He should've….Yet he didn't. Why? He didn't really know, just like he didn't know why he kept them alive for this long. It didn't make much sense, usually when something angered him, all that was left of them was bones. Though here, he couldn't exactly do that...

He knew they were different from all the others he faced thus far. Not just because they were outwardly tougher, but their bold, reckless personality, the fact they were willing to throw everything away to ensure their "character" was intact was…Impressive. To say the least. Although it was also pretty dumb, he doubted they'd get that far in life with this attitude.

Then again, it's not like he's any better.

That's when they suggested this... "WHAT IF INSTEAD, I TRIED TO FIX IT...?"

Fix...Wormwood couldn't help but laugh at that suggestion. He only wished he could've done that, he tried everything when he first got locked in here. Magic, care, and patience, even pleading to his creator as the last resort, yet, here he was, practically out of hope, both for the garden and himself. He couldn't imagine anyone being able to fix it at this point, especially not them. They were too self-absorbed, too hasty, too loud! Again, why did he decide to keep them around?

But then, he felt something in their voice that caught him off-guard. After attempting an awful lie like that, this time they sounded desperate, pleading even as if there was something...Or someone on the other side that they mustn't have left alone...A pit in his stomach formed as he sighed heavily, and let them try. Try to fix this garden which brought him so much pain and burden since day one.

He wondered how they'd even start to go about it...

-"Um...What you doing...?" Wormwood asked, kneeling down next to WX-78 who had been on the ground and collecting a bunch of dirt...?

-"I'M GOING TO SAMPLE THIS DIRT, TO FIND OUT WHETHER OR NOT IT IS SUITABLE FOR EFFICIENT PLANT REPRODUCTION"

Wormwood "ooed" and hummed "Okay...but how you going to do that??"

WX rolled their eyes and smirked, "IT'S RATHER SIMPLE, I'LL JUST TAKE THIS SAMPLE TO JIMMY AND HE'LL ASSEESS THE NUTRIENT AMMOUNT AND PH IN THIS SOIL."

Now Wormwood looked confused "Who's... Jimmy? " WX was about to explain but then they froze, a horrified look gradually appeared on their face, as they hastily stood up. 

"WAIT, WHAT HAPPENED TO JIMMY?! I HAD HIM IN MY BACKPACK! NO, NO, NO!!! I SWEAR IF YOUR VILE PLANT BEASTS ATE HIM, I'LL-!" Wormwood didn't know what they were talking about, his plant friends didn't eat a live creature from their backpack, right..? They would have informed him if they found anything else there noteworthy of consumption!

But then what was the automaton talking about? "...What does he look like? " He asked. WX-78 paused, to give him a deadpan look "AND WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW? YOU'RE BLIND! OR DID YOU LIE TO ME ABOUT THAT?"

Wormwood simply shook his head "I can still feel...smell...hear and stuff, you know..? ...If you tell me...then I'll know for sure..." For a moment, the bot appeared embarrassed, but quickly shook themself out of this state. Jimmy was far more important than their petty arguments!

-"OKAY, SO. HE IS ABOUT A FOOT TALL, MADE OF METAL, AKA THE SUPERIOR MATERIAL, JUST LIKE ME. HE FLIES, AND HE CAN BOUNCE AROUND ON HIS CUTE, YET PRACTICAL RUBBER BELLOW. HE ALSO MAKES A WHIRRING SOUND WHEN HE FLIES AROUND. THE OTHERS SAY HE LOOKS LIKE A POTATO WHICH I'M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD BE OFFENDED FOR HIM OR NOT. BUT IF YOU KNOW WHERE HE IS, HE BETTER BE OKAY, GOT IT?!" 

Wormwood had a sudden epiphany. That's right! One of his plant friends did spit out a weird metal thing, alongside some tools, rocks, and grass. He excused himself for a moment, which somehow worried the automaton more. He went to the spot where he left all the bot's discarded belongings, asking his vine friends to assist in finding a small potato-shaped metal thing. After a few moments, they found it! Although it seemed the thingy- Jimmy had a few dents on it. The plantling frowned, he hoped WX-78 won't get too mad about this...

-"DO YOU EVEN REALIZE HOW MAD I AM RIGHT NOW?!" WX yelled as they clutched onto the damaged Jimmy for dear life. How could that monster treat him like this?!

Wormwood frowned, clutching his right arm in shame "Didn't mean to...Didn't know it was important..."

WX glared at him. "IT?! HE IS NOT AN IT! HOW DARE YOU!? WITHOUT HIM, I WON'T BE ABLE TO DO THAT STUPID RESEARCH YOU NEED TO BRING YOUR FOOLISH TRIVIAL GARDEN BACK TO LIFE! YOU BETTER HAVE THE MATERIALS TO FIX HIM!" Wormwood decided to ignore their insults, after all, he did damage something that's important to them. He supposed it was only fair for them to get mad about that. This once, he'll excuse it. Now about those materials...

"What materials...? " WX scoffed at him and shook their head.

-"METAL, SPIDER SILK, AND A NEW DIODE, SINCE YOUR STUPID WEED BROKE THE LAST ONE. WITHOUT IT, JIMMY CAN NOT BE SAFELY ACTIVATED! ALSO, A PROPER STATION FOR ME TO WORK IN!" Wormwood was left speechless for a moment as he thought over the various demands the automaton gave him.

"Okay, but...What is...diode...? " He asked, unsure. He hoped it wasn't something hard to get by...

Again, the bot made that certain huffing sound, the one Wormwood could already guess meant they thought of him as utterly stupid and clueless. He didn't particularly enjoy being demeaned, but he supposed he had to bear through this. Though they were kind of right about him being clueless. He didn't know half of what they were talking about most of the time. Goes to show, he's been here for too long...

"YOU KNOW. "AN ELECTRICAL DOODAD" AS FLESHLINGS CALL IT, THOUGH A PROPER TERM FOR IT IS A DIODE, THAT MEATBRAINED SCIENTIST EVEN ASSUMED IT WAS A TRANSISTOR! THAT FOOL! IT IS CLEAR HOW MUCH HE ACTUALLY KNOWS ABOUT SCIENCE, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! "

Wormwood stayed silent. This explained...Nothing, he was still very much confused. WX-78 immediately caught onto that, when they saw no signs in him of sudden understanding.

They groaned again, more annoyed now "UGH! FINE, I'LL EXPLAIN IT TO YOU THE WAY YOUR MONKEY BRAIN WILL UNDERSTAND. IT IS A COMBINATION OF GOLD AND CUT STONE. AFTER YOU MERGE THEM TOGETHER IN A SPECIFIC WAY, YOU CAN USE IT TO BRING MACHINES TO LIFE, IT'S SORT OF LIKE THEIR HEART. IT PUMPS ELECTRICITY INTO THEM ALIKE A HEART PUMPS BLOOD INTO A FEEBLE ORGANIC BODY."

Wormwood's tail perked up and he nodded. He was beginning to understand! "Oh! Okay! Yes...can find you gold...rocks...think there's fancy metal rock somewhere too...And Leggy bugs are always close by so that's not a problem..." 

If it wasn't for his blindness, he could've seen the small smile WX-78 gave him, they almost thanked him for his compliance but stopped themself. Right, it was his fault Jimmy's in this state in the first place... "VERY WELL THEN, ONCE YOU ACQUIRE THESE MATERIALS FOR ME, AS I'VE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, I'D HAVE TO MAKE A PROPER STATION TO WORK WITH THEM. THANKFULLY IT APPEARS ALL THE COMPONENTS AVAILABLE ARE FOUND HERE." 

This made the Plantling curious...and concerned slightly. "What com...ponets? " 

They shrugged "JUST SOME STONE AND OLD WOOD-" He knew it. At the mention of his friend, he instantly grew alarmed. "No, no killing friends! " 

This frustrated WX. "THERE'S PLENTY OF OLD PIECES OF WOOD LYING AROUND! I COULD USE THE REMNANTS OF THAT TREE YOU THREW ME INTO. I WASN'T THE ONE TO DESTROY IT AFTER ALL. I'M PRETTY SURE IT'S DEAD NOW."

Wormwood flinched at the mention. That's right, he did kill his friend...And for what? Because he was hurt and angry? But that tree didn't do anything to deserve this...This wasn't fair... "...Fine. You can use it...But don't even think of using any of still live friends! " 

Once WX-78 affirmed that promise, he stalked further away, finding and breaking up rocks wasn't going to be hard, and neither was killing the leggy bugs, he should quickly get this over with. 

That's when he heard them. Human voices, calling out a specific name. No... It appeared WX-78 picked up on that too, he could sense them tensing up.

-"DID YOU HEAR THAT?" they asked him. He tilted his head in confusion. He had to say something, maybe...Oh!

-"Huh? Dunno, maybe...there's lots of...weird sounds around here..."

WX-78 wasn't pleased with that answer. "NO, I MEAN, HUMAN VOICES! I SWEAR I JUST HEARD THE MECHANIC AND-"

-"Bird of Prey." His response completely baffled the automaton. 

-"WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT–?! I SAID I HEARD HUMAN VOICES! NOT–"

-"Yes...They like to mimic sounds...usually mating sounds...or sounds of prey...even someone who you're close with...Everyone hears...something different...When you follow their call...they quickly grab you...then eat you alive...They live close here..."

-"...ARE YOU SERIOUS? SOMETHING LIKE THAT LIVES HERE? TO BE HONEST, I SHOULDN'T BE THAT SURPRISED..."

He nodded. "best to ignore them...they usually don't come to you...unless you come close to their lair...We should be fine...I'll get you your stuff, okay...? "

WX-78 sighed, somewhat relieved, as they went back to work, trying to ignore the closing-in voices, identical to those of the other survivors...

Just as Wormwood tried to ignore the fact, that he had lied to them. He knew those weren't birds of prey, of course not! Not only does everyone who comes close to them hear something different, he definitely heard human voices too. And his plant friends had also warned him about the approaching people...

Besides, they wouldn't even be interested in WX-78, they like to eat softer, squishier creatures... He shouldn't have lied, especially since he scolded WX-78 for doing just that yesterday... But he couldn't give them false hope, it'd only make them want to leave more if they knew those really were the other survivors...

He remembers their conversation from the third day well...

-"Why...did you come here anyway...? The path here is...kinda spooky, right? "

WX didn't reply for a long moment, he could sense they were humiliated by the truth. "I..IT WAS DARK OKAY?! I COULDN'T SEE WELL, SINCE I HAPHAZARDLY LEFT MY OPTICAL-ENHANCEMENT MODULES AT BASE, ALL BECAUSE OF THOSE NINCOMPOOPS!" At that, Wormwood tilted his head, curious. 

-"Ninco...Poop? What that mean..? " Here they were, at it again, explaining the most basic things to him

-"IT MEANS THAT EVERYONE I'M USUALLY SURROUNDED BY IS AN UTTER IDIOT! ESPECIALLY THAT- THAT VILE PYROMANIAC! SHE THINKS SHE'S SO MUCH BETTER THAN ME?! CAN YOU IMAGINE?! SUCH AWFUL LIES! I'M NOT THE ONE WHO BURNS EVERYTHING DOWN TO THE GROUND AT ANY CHANCE I GET! AND I COULD! SOMETIMES I WANT TO, BUT I DON'T, YET SOMEHOW SHE THINKS I'M THE USELESS ONE!" Wormwood slightly winced at the description of this person. She sounded...Terrible. He particularly focused on the last part though.

-"They called you useless...? " He quietly asked.

WX paused, looking away, despite the plantling not seeing the motion, he could feel how distressed they became.

-"W-WELL, YES, BUT THOSE ARE LIES! OF COURSE, CRUDE LIES! I'M IN NO WAY USELESS! I FIGHT FOR THEM, I HUNT FOR THEM, I GATHER RESOURCES, AND I'D DO ANYTHING IF I MUST, THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL ME THAT! IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS INCONVENIENCE, THEN I'D ALREADY BE BACK AT THE BASE, AND THEY'D FEEL MORTIFIED BY EVER EVEN INCLINING ME TO BE USELESS!!!"

Wormwood hummed and shook his head "That's not nice...or true...You aren't useless...If you do...all that...You're very useful...If they can't see it...Then...They're not good friends..."

WX-78 stared at him for a long moment, before brushing off, whatever they were about to say. "THEY ARE NOT MY FRIENDS. ESPECIALLY HER. I HATE HER!" Wormwood was only more confused by that answer.

"Why stay with them then..?" WX-78 became perplexed at that, they had a reason, naturally, but...They couldn't admit to it. All they could do was make excuses.

-"WELL, THAT'S OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE I'M THE BEST, AND BECAUSE IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, THEY'VE ALREADY NOTICED THE VOID THAT IS MY PRESENCE. THEY'LL COME LOOKING YOU'LL SEE, DESPITE THEIR GREAT OFFENSE, THEY NEED ME, AND THEY KNOW IT. Maybe if they convinced themself that enough, they'd actually believe it...

-"Okay..." Wormwood said before they moved on with their conversation to other passing topics, anything to kill time.

So WX-78 had been right, the others actually came looking for them. Wormwood didn't know how to feel about this, but he didn't particularly like it...If they truly care about the bot, then they will try to free them, and WX-78 will be all too happy to leave...No, he couldn't let this happen, he mustn't. 

He could hear their whispering, even through the wall and space, did they really think that'd work...? It was all so dumb, desperate ideas. It did seem like they wanted to get WX-78 back, although they couldn't even get along enough to build a solid plan. And they claim he's the problematic one!

Wormwood had to interrupt eventually, otherwise, they'd probably start fighting each other before he could get the chance to. He knew someone noticed his presence, as he could smell the fest of a fifth being, who he was yet to notice, due to its quietness. It tried to warn the others but they barely listened. That didn't seem fair...

Eventually, with the fifth's urgent call, the rest saw him too, and now they all shared this distressed scent, especially the one at the back. He heard them start whispering amongst themselves, although this time, they actually put enough effort to make it less distinguishable what they were saying.

He readied himself to jump at the intruders, instinctively opening up his maw— before he realized. The pain was sharp, it made him gasp and keel over. The bot could kick really hard when they meant it... He quietly cursed the automaton.

He wasn't sure if he'd be able to take down all five of them at once in this weakened state. Despite their fear, he knew they could strike at any moment, just as he had attempted to. His flop to do so apparently confused them enough to not attack.

Then, finally, one of them decided to speak directly to him. "We're incredibly sorry for disrupting you and Intruding on your territory, but we've been desperately searching for one of our own, is it possible you might've seen them around...?" Despite her inner fright, her way of speech was bold and confident. It was a she, right..? Nonetheless, Wormwood had a feeling he knew exactly who she was referring to.

Right on cue, another one butted into the conversation.

"They're about this tall" She took a quick pause. "I know, pretty short, am I right? And they're made of metal, the hard, shiny stuff. Also, they're very loud and obnoxious, often angry too, ye couldn't have missed them if they came around."

It was without a doubt WX-78 they were talking about. He couldn't let them know they were here, otherwise, they'd probably insist to get in and take them! "No...Haven't seen them. Go away..." 

Unfortunately, they were a lot smarter than he gave them credit for and caught onto his lie quickly.

-"Are you sure? I think you know more than what you let on, dear..."  The first one spoke in an awfully patronizing tone.

-"Am sure...Now leave...or will change my mind...and kill you all instead..." He didn't have many options left, he won't let them take WX-78. He still wasn't sure why he was so adamant on keeping them. He couldn't really explain it, but he needed them somehow...

Then, something caught his attention, a familiar squeaking sound, over a fogged memory. He heard something very similar on one particular night. Could this be..? But then why...?

"You." He hoped he pointed in the right direction. "You were here before, right...? " 

"Y-yes...?" The voice replied cowardly. So it was them... or at least, one of them. He doesn't think the others were here before, their voices are so different from...He couldn't understand why that creature would return. After– after everything....Everything he's done to them...

-"Why...are you back? ...Wasn't that enough..? Why want to come here for someone...you don't...even know is here..? "

He doesn't remember much of that night, except the part where he hurt them, hurt them a lot...They hurt him a lot too, but what he did....

They weren't moving much, or looking like anything anymore...why out of everything he had to remember that..? If they're actually alive again, then why...why come back? Even for a friend, it sounded like too much...

-"Um...B-Because they're- they-re my friend...?" Excuses, surely no friendship is that strong, right? Besides, he had at least four more!

"Aren't they your friends? " 

He stayed silent for a long moment, this made Wormwood think, that maybe they weren't friends after all, they sure weren't acting like it. But then, the man spoke up. "Yes, good friends!"

He sounded confident in his answer...But how could that be? They were so mean to each other not too long ago. How can one be mean yet be a friend too...? And why have so many of them too...It didn't sound...right.

-"Why care if one friend gone then? You have more. You don't need that many..."

The man simply replied "Wolfgang cares about all his friends! I don't want to see any of them hurt or be missing!" 

Touching...And yet  "...Do they even care about you..? " 

His answer baffled Wormwood. "I hope so! I care about them at least! That's all that matters!" That was so...Considerable, nice... and caring. How he wished he still was, but...oh well... He didn't mean to get angry, but he couldn't help it! They all had it so easy, they could be free, inconsequentially mean, yet ready to throw their life away for one friend! How he wished he could do that, to be better...

"Whatever...Leave. don't want any of you here anymore..."

Then, the fifth one, who fell silent during the majority of their conversation, finally spoke up "Wait! Please! You don't understand! If you know where our friend is, why won't you tell us?!"

Because he couldn't. He mustn't. He can't afford to be alone again...not again, NEVER AGAIN!!!

"Because you don't deserve them! GET OUT!!! " And it was true, anyone who calls their friends such awful names doesn't deserve that friendship!

He willed his vines to attack, it was quite difficult in this form, but he managed. He wasn't planning on killing them, only scaring them...Frankly, he never wanted to kill anyone, but in such an environment, one does what they must...

And so the survivors were forced to run, he followed them as far away as his vines could go. Once he wasn't able to hear their footsteps or sense their presence anymore, he halted, retrieving his helpers back to him. And with a sigh, he resumed his former task. Right, he was supposed to kill a few spiders for silk and find some shiny rocks. Apparently, that thingy– Jimmy which WX-78 carried, was the first step to figuring out if his garden is in any way salvageable...If it ever was.

He quickly took care of those tasks, finding almost no issue in battling the Queen's nest. Although he got a few bites and scratches from her amassed army, he managed to prevail, as countless torn corpses lay on the ground, their legs ripped right off, their faces completely mauled. He presented the Queen's head to the few still alive strays. He could smell their fear...He let them go, however. He had more than enough silk, and it'd be best to leave a few, so they'd make a new nest, and with time, a new Queen would grow. That was the order of things around here, whether he liked it or not, was irrelevant. Nothing his old self stood for mattered, his imprisonment here proved as much.

With the rest of the resources acquired, he was ready to return to WX-78. They thankfully hadn't managed to try and escape again, he was surprised, he could've sworn they'd heard at least bits of his conversation with the other survivors, but it seemed not. He was secretly very glad about that.

They have however finished building their desired "Station", or so they called it, as they seemed particularly pleased with themself.

-"Am back! Brought you a gift! " He called out.

-"OH, REALLY? I WONDER WHAT COULD THAT BE"

He casually pulled out the Queen's head, grinning madly "A new hat! "

The Automaton paused at the sight, then, carefully began "YOU...ARE A ONE SICK BASTARD. I LOVE IT"

Wormwood chirped happily at the approval.

-"And...Here...the stuff you asked for...The queen and... bigger leggy bugs were...kinda difficult...to beat...but it okay...I won..."

The robot walked up to him and looked him up and down. "YOU WERE SAYING...? YOU DO REALIZE YOU'RE COVERED IN BITE MARKS, RIGHT?"

-"Huh? it's not so bad...Barely hurts."

Unimpressed, WX-78 jabbed their finger into one of the open wounds.

Wormwood winced and growled. "What was that for?! "

-"UH-HUH. SURE IT BARELY HURTS. I CAN TELL BY YOUR AGONIZED REACTION." 

Wormwood, embarrassed by the comment, muttered "Said it's fine! Will heal eventually...I think..."

The bot tsked, shaking their head. "DID YOU AT LEAST BRING BACK ANY GLANDS WITH YOU?"

Wormwood hummed, then slowly nodded, asking for affirmation. "Leggy bug guts? " 

"YES, 'LEGGY BUG' GUTS"

"...think I brought some...Why...? " 

-"ARE YOU ABLE TO HEAL WITH THEM?" Wormwood..honestly didn't know. He used to heal all on his own once, though when he had no energy for that, he usually used some poop or rot laying around, but he's not sure either would help him right now...

-"Dunno...Maybe? Haven't healed...all that much these days..."

WX-78 grew silent, they quietly took the goods from his hands, before walking off to who-knows-where.

For a while, he just stood in place, not quite knowing what to do with himself, waiting for the automaton to eventually come back.

He waited.

And waited...

And- 

-"FORGIVE ME, THIS HAD TO TAKE A WHILE–" As they headed in his direction, WX-78 abrutly stopped in their tracks. "...WERE YOU JUST STANDING HERE ALL THIS TIME?"

-"Yes..." He was glad they came back at all.

The automaton just huffed and walked closer to him. "COULD YOU SIT DOWN ON THAT OLD STUMP?"

Without a thought, he did so.

Suddenly, he felt a prickling pain flare up on his left shoulder, followed by a chilling feeling. He flinched away from the sensation, his head snapping towards the bot with condemnation. "What are you doing?!" He hissed out.

WX-78 didn't react much to his outburst. "STOP ACTING LIKE A WHINY INFANT. I'M TRYING TO TEND TO YOUR WOUNDS SINCE YOU CLEARLY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DO SO YOURSELF" Wormwood was perplexed by their answer. They were...Helping him? 

-"Why are you doing this...? "

-"OH COME ON, IT DOESN'T EVEN HURT THAT MUCH, NOW YOU'RE JUST EXAGGERATING!"

-"No...Why are you... helping me...? "

-"WELL, ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? SINCE I'M STUCK HERE WITH YOU, IT WOULD BE MOST CONVENIENT FOR ME, THAT YOU REMAIN IN TOP SHAPE. SO I MAY CONTINUE EXPLOITING YOU FOR FOOD AND RESOURCES, AS A FORM OF RECOMPENSATION FOR ENTRAPPING ME HERE." 

...That's what he liked about them, he realized. Their honesty, no matter how harsh or insane, or plainly stupid it is, they had nothing to hide, all their thoughts spilled out of them like an open book, if that's how that saying went.

He met many creatures before who were deceitful and cunning, he didn't have a good experience with them...That's why he feels so guilty for lying to the automaton, while they barely do it at all.

When they lie, most of their lies are easily recognizable and obvious...

-"THERE" WX-78 said, tightly wrapping the last of silk-made bandages. " IF IT STINGS, THEN THAT LIKELY MEANS IT'S WORKING, IF YOU NOTICE ANY ISSUE, DO TAKE THEM OFF, BUT IF NOT, THEY MUST STAY LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO PROPERLY HEAL."

The robot had to admit, a few more years that idiot "scientist" would've spent in med school could've actually made him into a competent doctor. Too bad he apparently got kicked out. But at least he did learn enough for them to catch onto some things.

If not, thankfully the Librarian also knew first aid.

Wormwood nodded. "Thank you" he then said, thinking it be most appropriate. 

The automaton froze while looking at him for an awfully long moment, before finally regaining their cognitive speech ability "...WHATEVER. TRY NOT TO GET MORE STUPID INJURIES LIKE THAT, I SWEAR IF I COULDN'T DAMAGE YOUR SKIN, HOW COME SOME MEASLY SPIDERS CAN?"

The plant didn't feel like answering that question, so instead he opted to change the subject "How's Jimmy?"

WX-78 immediately perked up. "OH, I'VE MANAGED TO MAKE HIM A NEW DIODE, HOWEVER, I'VE YET TO INSTALL IT, SINCE I'VE ALSO HAD TO MAKE A BANDAGE AND SALVES TO TREAT YOUR INJURIES, OTHERWISE YOU'D PROBABLY BLEED YOUR OOZE OUT."

Wormwood laughed at their justification. "Told you, can't really die like that..."

A few sparks flew out of them at his mocking reaction. "IS THAT SO? WELL, IN EITHER CASE, I DON'T CARE! IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE A WISEACRE, THEN YOU CAN TEND TO YOUR GROSS FLESHY WOUNDS YOURSELF!" They threw the rest of the bandage on the muddied floor, as they took off to the other side of this the garden, be it as far away from him.

"Hey, wait! Sor-" Wormwood tried to stand up to go after them, but that's when all the salves really penetrated through his injuries, he winced at the pain and his pitiful state, letting them leave. Was that too rude? He didn't mean to come off like that, he just thought it was funny how they'd thought he'll die.

...Oh well, he should probably give them some time to cool off. After all, they still had a lot of time left here.

Chapter Text

-"AAAND…DONE! I FINALLY MANAGED TO REPAIR HIM!" WX-78 cried out in triumph. 

Wormwood, not being able to see the final results, only cheered on to the bot, feeling confident about their skill, and thankful for the Jimmy-thingy to be fixed at last.

-"NOW I SIMPLY NEED TO POWER HIM ON AND WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THAT SOIL SCAN SOON ENOUGH"

Wormwood chirped again, he hoped he sounded more excited than he felt.

WX-78 on the other hand, was more pleased with themself than ever — seeing their favorite companion be back and fully operable after all this physical and mental trauma they've endured.

Once they pressed the switch on the back of Jimmy's head, the bulb atop came to life, flashing yellow. The little thing sprung up, its insides whirring, it's rubber bellow starting to gently bob. And as its single wing began to pick up speed, the small machine ascended to the skies.

Jimmy spun around its creator, who beamed with excitement, involuntarily producing sounds that could have been interpreted as squeals, but they couldn't help it. They were just so relieved that Jimmy was okay at last. He flew away from them as he attempted to scan random objects he saw about. The automaton was amused by the sight, laughing softly. What a relief, they were worried that he would be more distraught, but thankfully, it seemed he was already back to being himself.

Meanwhile, Wormwood was…baffled to say the least. Left speechless even. Was this the same creature that kept on screaming and berating him for every little thing?

It couldn't be, and yet, as he listened on to their soft laughter, he could feel their happiness. He knew this was them, but it was just so hard to believe, that someone could switch so drastically over just one thing...

Or, well…He guessed the one thing was actually very special to them. After all, he was like that with his plant friends, at least he thought so. 

He wished he could one day make WX-78 this happy too…

Woah! Where did that thought come from?!

Maybe he should give them some more space– His mind was starting to go to weird places…

That's when Jimmy flew up to him, the sudden approaching whirring sound and the gust of wind startled Wormwood quite a bit, but he dared not to make a move, if he accidentally broke the machine again, it would make WX-78 even more upset with him…

So he let this thingy fly around him, as it produced a different, whooshing sound this time around.

WX-78 laughed again. "HUH, I THINK HE LIKES YOU." 

Wormwood gently poked at him with a finger, unable to stop his curiosity. He smirked, as Jimmy slightly lost his balance and attempted to raise up to the air again, with slightly more aggressive beeping sounds. 

The little yellow light of his flashed red for a moment, followed by a screeching sound, which made Wormwood flinch.

-"Why he did that..? Sounded bad…"

The automaton went quiet, which wasn't exactly a good sign...

They eventually found their voice. "HMM…IT APPEARS HE CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING THAT REMOTELY RESEMBLES YOU IN HIS DATABASE. IT'S AS IF YOU'RE THE ONLY EXISTING MEMBER OF YOUR SPECIES …OR SOMETHING."

It was Wormwood's turn to grow silent.

That was…correct. There was no one like him, not since he could remember. He knew he was different from all the other creatures since the moment he was born, back when he knew his purpose. That feeling only worsened with time. Now, he feels as though he has no one, not even his plant friends can fill in that void…

It seemed that WX-78 caught onto that rather quickly.

-"… IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL ANY BETTER, I'M ALSO, VERY MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE UNDERDOG CREATURES. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN CREATED ANOTHER WX MODEL, NOT SINCE THE… EHR– AND THERE LIKELY NEVER WILL BE. I SUPPOSE THAT IS FOR THE BEST." 

Wormwood frowned at their tale, feeling that familiar churning in his stomach return. -"Oh…Sorry…"

The automaton, however, scoffed and shook their head. "DON'T BOTHER. I HATE WHEN ANYONE DARES TO PITY ME. IF ANYTHING, YOU'RE THE MORE PITIFUL CREATURE HERE. BUT REGARDLESS, LET'S JUST DO THE SCAN AND GET THIS OVER WITH, JIMMY ."

They moved faster than he could reply. They grabbed the dirt vial, before offering it to Jimmy to examine.

-"TEST IT FOR LIKELIHOOD OF FLORA SURVIVAL."

And so, the little potato-shaped thing did its…thing. As it scanned the vial, its bulb eventually flashed red once again, which worried WX-78.

After a quick pause, Jimmy printed out the data, the paper softly landing in WX-78's hand.

As the robot read through it, they began shaking with vexation. 

• Soil type: 78% Dry sandy loam, 12 % clay, 8% Muck, 2% silt |
• pH scale: 2
• Nitrogen concentration: very high
• Phosphorus levels: very high
• Potassium levels: very low
• Concentration of other nutrient elements: low
• Moisture: 6.3%
• Adaptability: 5.83%
• Survival Rate: NEGATIVE | Inefficient for sustainable plant growth.

They crumbled up the paper and threw it on the ground, stomping on it multiple times for good measure, as hot steam escaped them.

How was some of that even possible?!  What were they supposed to do now?! They had to find a way…There had to be some way to still save this place! …Right?

Wormwood, on the other hand, didn't look a bit surprised by their aggressive reaction. 

-"Won't work huh…? Seen that coming…" 

WX-78 quickly cut him off "NO! WAIT! I CAN STILL FIX IT! I…I KNOW SOMEONE WHO ONCE TOLD ME, THAT EVEN THE DRIEST DEADEST SOIL CAN BE SALVAGED WITH THE RIGHT MATERIALS!"

-"This Is a lesson you must know, in order to properly care for our garden." Wickerbottom spoke in a tone that was oddly serious for a matter seemingly so trivial. Most people looked either bored or uninterested as she went on.

-"Always remember, even if our conditions might not be great. Let's say, potentially something would force us to move to a new location, where there is little to no richness in the soil. We need not to worry, because even the deadest, driest soil can be salvaged with the right materials, all we need, in order to revive barren soil is…."

-"Primarily clay and some silt to balance out the sandy loam. Limestone to lower its acidity. And finally, a rabble of ground invertebrate fauna, as well as a rich amount of excrement to balance out the nutrients." WX-78 spoke, in a voice that sounded nothing like their own, which startled Wormwood profusely, but as he felt around, he detected no other presence, except that if his plant friends and bugs...

That's when he realized that it was still WX-78, and that they could...do that. But as he finally registered what they said, he couldn't quite understand the meaning of each word, so he tried to ask.

-"Um...Not sure if I got all that.."

-"CLAY, MUD, LIMESTONE, BUGS AND POOP." WX-78 explained, already used to by that point, to the plant's lack of understanding.

-"That's it...? "

The robot shook their head. "OH NO, THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING, WE NEED TO HAVE LIVE SOIL BEFORE WE COULD EVEN THINK TO START PLANTING SEEDS, RIGHT?"

Wormwood nodded." Yes, just thought more stuff would be needed…"

-"WELL DUH, BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST. WE NEED TO AT LEAST TRY AND FIX THIS OLD DIRT. THOUGH, WITH MY SKILLS I'M UTMOST CERTAIN WE'LL SUCCEED."

-"sure…" Wormwood said, in a tone, that sounded borderline sardonic, WX-78 picked up on that real quick, glaring at the plant.

-"ARE YOU DOUBTING MY SKILLS?" They asked, already feeling insulted.

Without missing a beat, he replied "Yes "

The robot's glare intensified. "HOW DARE YOU?! YOU'LL BE EATING THOSE WORDS REAL SOON, REMEMBER THAT!!" 

This produced a small smile out of Wormwood "We'll see..." he said, and stalked off, presumably to try and find some of the requested materials. WX-78 crossed their arms, scoffing loudly.

This beast was going to be the end of them...

-"Think I found some of the stuff you wanted, but..." Wormwood started. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, as his tail curled around his leg.

-"BUT WHAT?" The automaton asked, somehow already knowing that his answer would only upset them.

-"All the mud around is dried up...Except...Stuff in the creek, but I don't know what to feel for.. all of it feels and smells...The same..." Before WX-78 could even start about the first part of his sentence, the more they listened, the more anxious they became.

First of all, there was a creek here?! They definitely did not see one before, and they thought they explored every bit of this place! Mostly to find a viable escape route, they weren't actually interested in any diameter of this dump. All of its entirety was precisely hideous.

-"ARE YOU SERIOUS? YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUD AND A BUNCH OF LIME ROCKS FEEL LIKE..?"

-"Think I forgot...don't know..."

This plant beast...

WX-78 exhaled, though they had no air to breathe out, the overabundance of collected steam from dealing with this creature certainly made up for it.

They groaned, already hating what they were about to suggest. "IF I MUST, I WILL...ASSIST YOU, IN ACQUIRING THESE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS, HOWEVER, YOU WILL BE TASKED WITH FINDING A SOURCE OF EXCRE- POOP AND BUGS, PREFERABLY WORMS...THE LONG, PINK ONES." 

-"Okay. Will do my best! " WX-78 stopped him before he could leave again.

-"BUT FIRST. YOU OUGHT TO TELL ME WHERE ON EARTH EVEN IS THAT CREEK. I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A CREEK HERE!"

-"Oh, it's just over here..." Wormwood pointed in the direction of a narrow trench in the ground, which wasn't too far away from them. As the automaton tried to inspect it closer, they realized that it was a creek indeed. If "creek" meant a shallow, smelly, murky water, filled near to the brim with debris and dirt. Barely distinguishable from the rest of the filth littering the ground.

-WHAT...IS THAT... THAT'S NOT A CREEK! THIS IS A WASTE DUMP!" WX-78 shouted, utterly disgusted.

Wormwood shrugged. "The stuff you need is probably down there...You can check..." 

-"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'PROBABLY'?! AND ARE YOU SUGGESTING I PUT MY IMMACULATE METAL HANDS INTO THIS FILTHY SLUDGE?!"

He nodded.

WX-78 stepped away from the trench, feeling an indescribable cold wash over them. They couldn't do this. This was horrific, barbaric, why were they, of all forced to do this?!

-"N-NO! WHAT IF INSTEAD, YOU PUT YOUR CLAWS IN THERE AND I TELL YOU, WHETHER OR NOT THE THING YOU PULLED OUT IS WHAT WE NEED...?" They tried, dreading any response other than an immediate positive.

Wormwood laughed at them! "Are you scared of some dirty water...? "

They growled. Oh, how much they wanted to punch him right now and wipe that hideous grin off his face.

-"OF COURSE NOT! I JUST- MY BODY CAN NOT STAND ANY KIND OF WATER! ESPECIALLY FILTHY CONTAMINATED WATER!"

They were visibly distressed when they said this. Wormwood hummed, his smile falling "So Water hurts you...? "

-"YES..."

He thought about it for a moment but then shook his head. "You wanted to help fix this place, right...?"

WX-78 did not like where this was heading."WELL YES, BUT-"

Wormwood cut them off. "Then learn...to live with struggles... Will get the rest... of the stuff. You'll be okay... with a little water."

-"NO, WAIT!" But he already left, leaving them to their own devices near that horrid creek.

They'll be fine. He thought.

...probably.

WX-78 peered down onto the body of water with great displeasure.

That monster... forcing them to do labor like this! They should've never told him how to fix this dirt! They should've never even considered helping him restore this dump! They could've just tricked him somehow and escaped, but now, they're never going to escape, because they decided to be blunt and stupid to the monster's face!

They glanced over to Jimmy, hoping for his support.

Maybe it wasn't as bad as they thought...

Jimmy instantly began scanning the creek...Before his light flashed red once again today, as he popped out the data.

• Waste levels: 92.59%
• H2O levels: 8,31%
• Quality: Extremely corrosive
• Liquid highly unsuitable for consumption or hygienic purpose.
• Liquid highly unsuitable for plant growth.
• Organic life detected: several types of harmful bacteria, fungi, and archaea present.

Correction: It was way worse than they thought. The automaton screamed in frustration, before glaring at the terrifying evil water. Were they really about to dive their hands into this deadly sludge...? And just for the unlikely chance of finding limestone there... They felt pathetic, and more helpless than ever.

But if they had any chance of getting out of this place, they had to bear this somehow.

Wormwood was right, as much as they hate to admit it, they weren't as used to living with many endeavors as he was. That was unmistakable, considering the state he was currently in.

They closed their eyes as their hands wildly shook, they tried not to think about the nasty texture of the liquid, or the harmful organisms living within, or how it'd instantly begin to hurt as soon as the water gets in between their crevices...They shuddered. No! They had to stop that trail of thought! They weren't supposed to think of this!!!

With no more excuses nor delays, they dove down and instantly felt terrible, all of that mud swooshing around them, the tingling followed by a feeling of thousands of tiny needles jabbing into their palms and forearm as they rapidly rusted over. They could feel the corrosion of it damaging their casing. They had to ignore it, as they searched, their hands touching things, the source they did not want to imagine, they thought something even grabbed them and then began pulling-

Their eyes opened wide. Oh...They haven't actually done it. They even moved away from it, now standing a considerable distance from that dreadful creek.

It appears they hadn't had the guts to do it after all...They weren't sure if they should feel relieved or ashamed of themself.

...But then, it hit them, quite literally as a passing bird dropped a rather heavy object on their head, making them lose their balance and fall to the dirt.

"YOU– YOU WORTHLESS CREATURE!, HOW DARE YOU ASSAULT ME!" They shrieked, angrily waving their hand up at it. But the avian was already long gone. They shook their head, and got up, patting themself off the excess grime.

They looked down to examine the object that had just hit them.

A Pinecone...

-"Why use your hands to do something, when there are much more efficient methods? Think outside the box, W#@&*#! The world is much like this pinecone, you see? It has a variety of symbolic meanings given by each person. Some may think it would grow into a beautiful pine, others appreciate it for it's intricate shape. And then, there are people like us, who realize its true potential, and how essential this pattern is! Think about it, and I mean really think about it. And how the Fibonacci Sequence is much more than just a fancy mathematical pattern. You know, it's almost like us actually. It develops in stages, a tree alike our own brain."

-"I... didn't understand anything you just said."

The man's excited smile dropped. He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering "For Newton's law. It means that you're an adult member of a civilized society, so drop that pen and go grab a printer!"

WX-78 banged their head against a rock, feeling utterly foolish and humiliated by their embarrassing lack of logical thinking today. "WHY AM I SUCH AN IDIOT?! I SHOULD'VE JUST USED A SHOVEL OR AN AUTOMATED DEVICE TO BEGIN WITH! FA- THAT FOOL WAS RIGHT, I NEED NOT BE EXPLOITED FOR PHYSICAL LABOR WHEN THERE ARE MUCH MORE EFFICIENT METHODS!"

As Wormwood returned, he hoped nothing bad had actually happened to WX, maybe he shouldn't have made them do that task if it really hurt them... He just wanted WX to have something to do, and not be bored senseless. Maybe he should've offered to give them his chores instead of lying...

However as he neared the destination, he was surprised to sense WX, very happy with themself, apparently leaning on some weird thing made of a stick and a plate. A pile of mud and a few huge chunks of limestone sitting beside them. His plant friends praised the Automaton's effort.

-"You did it!" He chirped joyously, feeling rather proud of the bot. But then, he paused with apprehension "Aren't you hurt though...? " Frankly, he was very worried for them, though he'd never admit it.

The automaton rolled their eyes. "YOU WISH." He did not. "FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I WAS THANKFULLY INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO MAKE A SHOVEL INSTEAD OF DOING THE MANUAL WORK WITH MY BARE HANDS LIKE SOME PEASANT."

Wormwood didn't say anything this time, he simply shook his head and smiled. They really were an amusing creature.

-"WELL...?" WX started back up, breaking the silence. "SHALL WE GET TO WORK?"

As they worked, WX explained to the plantling what needed to be done "WE NEED TO FINELY CRUSH THIS ROCK FOR IT TO PROPERLY INCORPORATE INTO THE SOIL, NORMALLY THE PROCESS OF PH STABILIZATION TAKES AT LEAST A FEW WEEKS, BUT SINCE THIS PLACE HAS AN INNORDINARILY FAST GROWTH RATE IN PLANTS, A FEW DAYS SHOULD BE ENOUGH."

-"When will worm friends get to live in their home? " Wormwood then asked, holding onto a bucket full of said worms.

-"ACTUALLY, I THINK YOU MAY RELEASE THEM JUST NOW, THOUGH WE NEED TO MAP OUT THE PERFECT SPOTS-" Before they could finish, Wormwood gracelessly dumped the bucket of worms right where they were standing, the invertebrates quickly made their way into the ground before the bot could process what he'd just done.

-"WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU DO THAT?! THEY CAN'T JUST ALL BE IN ONE SPOT, WHAT KIND OF IDIOT-"They stopped themself before they said something they'd regret, their shoulders sagging in defeat. "WHATEVER... IT'S FINE, DID YOU MANAGE TO DIG UP ANY MORE? OR ANY OTHER BUGS THAT MIGHT BRING MORE NUTRIENT VALUE TO THE SOIL?"

-"Only small, wiggly ones...Wasn't sure if I should bring them too, there were lots of them, but they weren't that long..." Maggots.

WX perked up at that "ACTUALLY THEY MIGHT COME IN HANDY SOON. WE NEED THEM TO PRODUCE THE MOST EFFICIENT COMPOST LATER."

The Automaton ground up the limestone with a pestle and mortar, while the Plantling tried to spread out the worms more, when it was time to lay down the excrement WX swiftly moved away from the dreadfully smelly pile. In no time, they turned off their nose module, wincing and looking away from the ordure.

-"UGH, WHERE DID YOU EVEN GET THAT MUCH FECAL MATTER?" 

-"Wandering creatures...They poop a lot." Oh, well, that made sense, although WX was surprised anything had actually managed to survive being around this place.

-"WELL, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, I'LL JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH." As WX tried to leave to sit on the rotting trunk, Wormwood suddenly grabbed them by the collar, which startled them quite a lot.

-"Nu-uh...You will help me...I don't like lazy beasts..." He quickly pulled them back to the area, as WX kept on fuming.

-"CAN'T YOU JUST GIVE ME A BREAK?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I'VE ALREADY DONE FOR YOU TODAY?! HELL, I ALMOST TOUCHED TOXIC WATER! DON'T YOU THINK I DESERVE SOME KIND OF BREAK?"

Maybe they did, but he couldn't feel much sympathy for them."I never get a break, why should you..? "

Instead of stating the obvious, which was the fact they were infinitely better than him in every conceivable way, they went with "OH PLEASE, AND WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU EVEN DO? MOPE AROUND AND ATTACK RANDOM THINGS?"

This had clearly irked him."Trying to survive...You better do too...I won't do everything for you...I'm not your "minion" ...If anything, you belong to me now...Start acting like it..."

They didn't try to argue, but they did outright state "GOD, I HATE YOU SO MUCH..." As they aggressively picked back up their shovel, looking as though they were ready to throw it at him any moment.

He huffed "...You should be glad... I don't..." 

And just like that, the whole day went, the two worked hard to cover as much ground as they could in the meantime. Unknowing that soon, a new life would sprout.

Chapter Text

Akin to the day before, WX-78 was kneeling down in front of a pile of dirt, with Jimmy accompanying them.

After the limestone and the other essential components have been incorporated into the dirt, all they had to do now, was wait for any substantial changes in the soil's chemical composition.

Wormwood, made aware of their deal, patiently waited for today's results. He, however, knew better than to let himself hope, not anticipating any major changes.

Once Jimmy finished printing the data, WX-78 readily read through it. They became silent for a brief moment, but then, they hummed, sounding quite surprised. "HUH…"

"What's wrong…? Is…Is it still bad..? " Wormwood asked.

The bot turned around to face him, an unnaturally bright expression painting their features, although one, unseen by the Plant. "NO, IN FACT, IT ACTUALLY IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY OVERNIGHT. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION WE'D HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST FOUR DAYS OR MORE"

They couldn't believe they actually felt proud of accomplishing something agriculture-related… Oh, how low they've let themself fall because of him...

Wormwood gasped in surprise. "What...? Is…Is that true…?"

-"HERE YOU GO AGAIN, DOUBTING MY SKILLS…"

-" S-sorry, but…How much did it improve…? "

At once, the complacent smile returned to the automaton's face. "IT JUMPED FROM A HIGHLY ACIDIC PH OF 2 TO PH 4.5! WHILE THE IDEAL BALANCE OF ACIDITY AND ALKALINITY FOR EFFICIENT PLANT GROWTH IS APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN PH 5.5 AND 7.5, I CAN SAFELY SAY, THAT WE MAY START PLANTING SEEDS IN EVERY AREA WE'VE PURIFIED THUS FAR, TODAY."

The Plant gaped at them, silent, as they went on. "OBVIOUSLY WE STILL HAVE A LOT MORE TO DO, WE HAVE TO OBTAIN SUNLIGHT, START UP A COMPOST FARM FOR REGULAR NUTRIENT INTAKE AND…ACQUIRE WATER…BUT IF NOTHING GOES WRONG, YOUR GARDEN SHOULD BE FULLY UP AND BRIMMING WITH LIFE IN…ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS?"

Before the bot could continue their excited monologue, they were startled by Wormwood, who spontaneously grabbed them. Their system had practically no time to react, whether or not should they defend themself. They were pulled up into a tight embrace. Flabbergasted, they weren't sure how to proceed, they just let this creature hug them...or crush them to death. With this beast, either was plausible.

When he finally pulled back, with them still awkwardly sitting on top of his arms, WX-78 could see the wide grin he had. Normally, they'd try to look away, disgusted by this creature's visage. Today, however, for some reason, they found themself smiling back, even if just barely.

-" WX friend, you're amazing! I…don't think…ever got this far…Usually everything just…wilted under my touch…But you…already...You're making it so easy! ...Really weren't lying about your talent! " 

WX-78 felt their face turn inordinately hot, they were forced to look away from him after all, though for a much different reason than usual. They didn't know what this feeling was, it was similar to humiliation, yet not exactly…They were sure, they didn't enjoy it one bit.

They suddenly realized they were dangerously close to him. They needed to get down immediately. 

-"W-WHATEVER. I KNOW I'M GREAT, BUT LET ME GO ALREADY!"

He did so, thankfully. They quickly jumped away from him as if his sheer touch was about to melt them alive...And frankly, it could've.

-"HOW ABOUT YOU NEVER DO THAT AGAIN?"

Wormwood frowned, but didn't say anything in protest. 

-"A-A-ANYWAY! DO YOU HAVE ANY SEEDS WHICH WE COULD IMMEDIATELY SOW?"

Taking the hint, the Plant brought a claw up to his chin, thinking over the question. " Hmm…Birds fly by…They sometimes drop stuff, but…Friends like to eat stuff on the ground…So…Don't think so... "

Right away, this vexed the bot. "OF COURSE. BECAUSE NOTHING CAN EVER BE SO EASY, CAN IT?!"

"The lureplant friends probably did not di…gest some yet…I can ask them..If not…Tell them to not eat them any…anymore.. " He suggested.

WX-78's eye twitched slightly, but they managed to snuff their temper, before it could grow out of control. "FINE. IT'S FINE. THEN I'LL FOCUS ON THE NEXT PART OF THE PROCESS. SINCE YOU SEEM TO HAVE A PARTICULAR STRUGGLE WITH IT"

He tilted his head. " What part..? "

Here they were. At it again… "THE SUN. IF YOUR DAFT PEA BRAIN HASN'T CAUGHT ON YET. YOUR… GARDEN APPEARS TO BE SURROUNDED BY DEEP FOG AND DARKNESS. ANY ESCAPING RAYS OF SUN ARE OBSCURED BY THE BRANCHES OF THOSE USELESS DEAD TREES. WE'D HAVE TO REMOVE AT LEAST SOME OF THESE BURDENS, IF YOU EVER WANT THIS PLACE TO GET INTO A BETTER SHAPE"

Wormwood, predictably, didn't like that answer at all. " No! Can't cut down tree friends! They didn't do anything wrong! "

-"THEY PREVENT THE OTHER…AUTOTROPHIC ORGANISMS FROM GETTING THEIR SUPPLY OF FUEL. SAY WHAT YOU WILL, BUT YOUR "FRIENDS" ARE PARTIALLY THE CAUSE OF THIS."

Wormwood couldn't let WX-78 do that. His tree friends might've looked sickly but they were still alive! If barely...

He had to think of something, he didn't want his friends to be killed, but he wasn't sure if they had enough energy left to move on their own so the other plant friends could grow...

-" Please don't…Every tree friend is still alive…They mean no harm…but they're very weak…can't move much anymore…See what I can do…but promise you won't hurt them… "

WX-78 shook their head. "IF THERE'S NO OTHER OPTION LEFT, SOME OF THEM WILL HAVE TO GO. ESPECIALLY THE ONES WITH CREEPY FACES"

Wormwood's frown deepened as he stepped closer to the automaton. WX-78 didn't move away, but their body visibly tensed up.

-"No…Those friends espe–cially don't deserve this! They were once strong guardians! Protecting forest from all harm! …But…Grew old and…lost their hair…Doesn't mean you can just kill them! They…They can still heal…know it... "

WX-78 simply stood in silence, taking in the Plant's words. So those pathetic trees, which lacked foliage were once apparently the giant conifer beasts? Oh, such an organic trait…To become old and weak.

Good thing those awful things didn't affect them anymore. 

WX-78 sighed, ceding. "...WELL, WE STILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS FOG"

The Fog…That's right, it's been with him since the very beginning. Ever since he could remember, that ominous thing loomed over him, cloaking him in it's cold embrace. Sometimes it disappeared, but never for too long. He used to find it scary, how he could barely see through it, but now, he's gotten rather used to its presence…It'd be incredible and yet so freaky if WX-78 actually managed to make it go away for good...

-" About that…You can't really…Do that…I think… "

WX-78 raised a nonexistent eyebrow. "AND WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN? DON'T TELL ME YOU SOMEHOW GOT ATTACHED TO A BUNCH OF AIR AND WATER PARTICLES, OR ELSE I SWEAR–"

-" No. It's just…was always here. Even before I got here…Not sure how you're going to do that… "

The Bot smirked. "PLEASE. HOW HARD COULD GETTING RID OF SOME GROUND-LEVEL CLOUD BE?"

A trio of survivors lingered, lost within a valley covered by deep fog. 

-"We're scared! We can't even see the tips of our toesies!" Webber cried out to the other two.

-"WHAT DO YOU EXPECT US TO DO ABOUT IT? IT'S NOT LIKE WE CAN CLEAR IT ON OUR OWN"  WX-78 replied, a hint if irritation coming from their voice box. They were walking alongside the child, begrudgingly letting them grasp their right hand. If only to not lose them in this awful weather, they'd never even consider this prospect otherwise.

What's more, they enjoyed even less being hand in hand with the other person present.

Willow, who was holding onto her trusty lighter in order for them to see better, rolled her eyes. But then, she smiled, as an idea popped into her head. "Actually, you know what? I think I might know a way to clear up this fog a bit."

The other two looked up at her, twin expressions of confusion on their faces.

The girl willed her lighter to burn brighter as she looked down to the ground, seeing a bunch of plants, pinecones and sticks. She touched them, just to make sure. To her surprise, they weren't very wet, despite the overlapping brume.

Bingo.

This brought an even wider smile out of her...

The other two exchanged concerned looks. When it came to the Pyromaniac, this kind of smile usually meant no good.

-"You guys are in luck, since I always carry a bunch of gunpowder with me!"

-"Uh…You what?" Webber asked quietly, his eyes wide with concern.

-"WHAT!? HOW ARE YOU EVEN ALLOWED TO DO THAT? DO THE OTHERS NEVER INSPECT YOU?"

-"They always do, but I got my ways, tincan~" She reached towards her hair bands in order to pull them off – around them, were small bundled packages filled with bits of gunpowder. WX-78 was begrudgingly impressed by the clever idea. Clever, and very, very unhinged.

Willow held her lighter high enough from the ground as she spread bits of the explosives over the bedding. 

Once a long line of black powder was made, she picked up a dry stick and lit it with her lighter. "I suggest you guys move at least 15 feet away, unless you wanna become extra crispy."

The two did so, fast.

She dropped the stick down onto the pile, it lit practically in an instant, followed by a sizzling sound. Shortly after, multiple harsh pops were heard as the fire spread throughout the entire line, lighting the whole area.

The final result wound up being far from the big and impressive infernos most of her fires were, but this time, this was the intent, because after a few moments, the fog nearest to the flames began evaporating. 

WX-78 moved their hand away from Webber, which previously instinctively fell in front of him, to shield him from the oncoming explosions. The robot recoiled, acting as if they had just touched water, but soon, decided to focus on the more important matter at hand, as both they and Webber stared in amazement at the now, almost transparent fog. 

-"Wow! How did you do that, Willow? That's so cool!"

-"Oh, I accidentally found out fire could do that when I was burning down a farm– I mean uh. When I was burning down some hay for warmth…heh. There was a lot of fog there."

The other two exchanged glances once more, one more frightened, the other unimpressed. They quickly composed themselves however as Willow waved them over. "You coming or what? We don't have all day, you know."

They carried on, but kept their distance, if only minimal.

-"I'VE HEARD FIRE CAN DISSIPATE FOG TO AN EXTENT. IT SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE ITS INTENSITY."

WX-78 tried to repeat Willow's method to the best of their abilities albeit with certain changes done to the overall design. For one, they didn't have any gunpowder on them, sadly. So they simply used the driest mulch they could find.

They were forced to enclose the area with rocks, for the fire to not spread too much, after all, they still had to put it out somehow later. At last the sand would come in handy.

Overall, it ended up looking like a huge, long fire pit. 

-" Hope you know what you're doing… " Wormwood murmured, huddled in a corner far away from them, inadvertently clutching his own arms.

The automaton turned towards him, their face showing more confidence than they felt. "JUST TRUST ME THIS ONCE."

And just like that, they lit the stick and threw it on the pile, it spread much slower than the pyromaniac's, but it was still enough to startle Wormwood, who couldn't help but back away further, growling at the sudden loud crackling and the rising heat.

WX-78 watched as the fire reached the edges of the rocks, hoping no small ember would escape and ruin all their work. It's funny how when they actually start putting effort into something, they don't want it destroyed any more.

…Luckily, it had stayed just out of reach of the rest of the bedding. 

The fog on the other hand…Had actually started to thin out. WX-78 grinned once they realized this, turning immediately to Wormwood, ready to hear all the wonderful praises again. However, the plantling didn't seem to have been focusing much, he was still hyper focused on the fire, all his spikes on edge, as he stood more slouched and rigid than usual. 

He was absolutely terrified. Like a creature who knows it can't escape from its greatest fear...

-"HEY…" They began, softer than they usually would've preferred. His attention momentarily flicked back to them, but another crackle of flames brought him back to his frightened state. 

"LOOK. IT WON'T HURT YOU…OR YOUR FRIENDS, I PROMISE. I'LL PUT THEM OUT SOON OKAY? ON THE PLUS SIDE, THE FOG HAS ACTUALLY STARTED TO VAPORIZE." This had finally snapped him out as he loo– turned his head towards them, his mouth slightly agape, which then turned into the smallest of crooked smiles. 

As WX-78 at last put out the flames, dropping buckets of sand upon them, almost certain the mist would completely fade away…Something didn't feel quite right, it seemed both of them caught onto it.

-" Oh…It didn't work… " Wormwood whispered, unusually quiet. 

The automaton turned to the plantling, a disbelieving look on their face.

-"WHAT?! IT CAN'T BE! THE FOG THE PYROMANIAC CLEARED OUT WAS MUCH GREATER THAN THAT!" 

But he was right. As soon as the flames went out, the misty clouds returned.

WX-78 took a large step back, dismayed by the phenomenon.

-"B-BUT HOW…? THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE! IT SHOULD'VE WORKED! HOW COULD IT NOT WORK!?"

-" Told you…everything here always comes back…You can't get rid of it… "

-"NO! THERE HAS TO BE A WAY! THIS INFERIOR FOG DARED TO PREVENT THESE PLANTS FROM THEIR REGULAR NOURISHMENT INTAKE AND IT WILL PAY DEARLY FOR IT!"

It was clear as day, Wormwood began loosing faith in their ability. They can't allow this to happen. They can't let him doubt their skills again! They can not let another person mock them, Especially him!

They'll prove that they can do this, so what if a bunch of particles refused to be ridden of easily, they're even more stubborn than that.

-"I'VE GOT ANOTHER IDEA AND THIS MIGHT JUST WORK."

"And just like the pröphecies have spöken, the mighty Njörd descended fröm Nóatún as he heard his peöple's cries!" Wigfrid narrated with a few unnecessary motions of hand, as the aforementioned "Njörd" descended on stage. 

Wurt gracefully waddled over to the intended position. In a skirt made of kelp and a crown of Rockjaw teeth on her head. She held a Trident in her hand, trying to look as fierce and almighty as possible for someone barely over 3 feet tall.

After she managed to get in place, Wigfrid immediately resumed her speech "His divine presence had silenced the cröwd in an instant as they stared at him, their eyes filled with wönder and yet perplexity fröm what they just witnessed!"

The "people", who were Wes, Maxwell and Wendy played into their role…Well, Wes did at least, Maxwell and Wendy both crossed their arms, feeling demeaned to be put into the roles of helpless victims.

Before Wurt proceeded, she looked unsurely behind the curtains. 

Wigfrid gave her a small thumbs up, encouraging her to go on. Wurt happily returned the thumbs up and fell back onto her given role. She roared and lifted up the trident in her hand, spinning it around in the air, even doing a couple of tricks with it. Behind her, a couple of water balloons and ice were thrown for the effect.

-"I, florp, have heard your cry, mortals! What troubles you?!"

Wendy begrudgingly began: "Oh, almighty  Njörðr, this wretched fog has blocked our way back home. Now we are stuck here on this mountain. Whatever will we do…?"

The aforementioned fog, being hot steam from some of Warly's pots, who with much hesitance let Wigfrid borrow for props.

Maxwell, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance, then added "Will you, the great god of seas…and wind, will be able to aid us?"

Wurt smirked "Yes!  I will! But you florp must promise to spread word of my amazing miracles to the world!"

Wes immediately nodded while the other two were quiet for a moment. Wendy was the first one to cave in.  "We promise." She then discreetly stepped on her uncle's foot, forcing him to humor her friend as well.

-"Ack! Ugh…Yes, of course... We will."

The half-pint then proceeded to do more spinning of the trident, with even more excessive movements and tricks, while making roaring and whooshing sounds. She spun the three-pronged weapon over the brume and it magically was blown away.

The crowd wooed and cheered. Most of them did at least.

-"Is this even scientifically possible?" Wilson whispered doubtfully to the next person seated beside him.

-"Well, without a doubt it is, dear. Although in reality you would need a rather strong source of wind that's at least as intense as 18 to 30 mph or sometimes even more depending on the severity of the fog as well as volume of humidity in the air. And it doesn't always clear that well, but I'd say the fog that was presented here is meant to be a stronger type of advection fog. It is rather difficult for it to clear with such wind, but not completely unlikely." Wickerbottom explained.

Some people ooed at that.

As the fog dissipated, Wigfrid narrated again: "Thus the almighty Njörd commanded his winds tö gö. They did just sö, and the fölk present marveled at his ömnipötence! The way back tö their village cleared and they were happy tö safely return höme! But alas, öur göd himself had tö return tö his land, in örder tö guide them from aböve and seek any öther pöör söuls whether it be in the sea, sky ör land that mind need his aid!"

-"I must leave now. If you ever need help like that again, call, florp. Bye!" She then quickly ran out backstage.

"And just like that, öur herö was göne. The peöple made their way back höme, filled with sölace, still nöt quite cömprehending the prödigy they just witnessed. They knew höwever, that they were safe and that Njörd wöuld always prötect them. At last, they set öff tö spread the word öf Njörd's miracle as he cömmanded. Here's where the störy ends, för them, yes, för Njörd, nöt quite. He will cöntinue his wörk and help his peöple för centuries tö cöme."

Every actor returned on stage, turning to face the audience, they bowed. Some moreso coerced.

There was a moment of silence in the crowd, before the first person clapped, then almost everyone followed after. 

"Cool story and all, but It should've had more fire effects, if you asked me" Willow commented.

"THEY SHOULD'VE BURNED THIS STAGE DOWN BEFORE EVEN PLAYING OUT THIS THING." WX-78 added.

However their complaints were deafened by the cheer and clapping, even Maxwell felt flattered by the overwhelming positive reaction, despite the rather embarassing role, it felt like he was back performing tricks for his lovely audience, with his even more gorgeous assistant...Oh those were the times, he couldn't help but feel nostalgic, and perhaps guilty to an extent...

When the survivors were done with their holler, there was still someone left clapping, however it was none of the spectators, or anyone working backstage either...Much rather, a lone figure standing in the shadows.

-"IF I CAN'T EVAPORATE IT, I'LL SIMPLY BLOW IT AWAY."

Wormwood tilted his head, even more so confused by this plan. " Blow...Away...? Like with wind?? "

"INDEED. SINCE THE WIND HERE IS TOO LIGHT, WE'LL PRODUCE OUR OWN SOURCE"

This did not in fact, explain anything. " How…? "

-"I'LL NEED PLENTY OF BIGGER STICKS, THE LEAST DRIEST LEAVES YOU COULD FIND, SOME OF THAT DEAD GRASS AND A BUNCH OF ROCKS, PRIMARILY FLINT AND GOLD."

That seemed like a lot, but Wormwood obliged regardless, as long as it wasn't harming any actual live plants. " Okay then… "

Once WX-78 got their hands on all the components, they first created an engine, fueled by steam and the oxygen in the air. Then, it was a matter of time making the rotor blades, or anything that could be considered rotor blades with the pitiful materials they possessed. If only they had some down feathers at hand…But unfortunately the others' recent failure had cost them a lack of those. They had to sacrifice some of the gears they used for upgrading themself to make this thing fully operable. It was already more than what they usually did for anyone, so this thing better ought to work. 

As they held the small control device in their hand, they looked toward Wormwood, who previously tried to help them with the process, although whenever he tried to inform them of a certain thing, either a screeching sound or they themself interrupted him. He hoped they wouldn't get too mad if it really didn't work…

-"READY?"

-" I…Um… "

They squinted at him. "I SAID. ARE YOU READY?"

-" ...Sure " He was not.

They smirked and twisted the knob switch to the highest setting. "WATCH AND MARVEL!"

Seeing as this, for one, was a machine, instead of a trivial element, it obviously had to work!

The blades on the turbine began to turn, faster and faster as it produced a substantial amount of wind. However the wind hastily grew, It soon became difficult to move as the strong gale pushed back against the two and everything surrounding them. Trees wildly shook and grass with debris danced around.

If WX-78 wasn't made of metal they'd surely be swept away. Wormwood himself had to wrap  around  a big tree for support, hissing out to the other " This is your plan?! You'll destroy everything! The fog won't leave! "

-"IT WILL WORK! IT HAS TO!!" WX shouted back, before a flying rock knocked them over and the controller flew out of their hand. It crashed onto the ground and all the components fell out. After this, the turbine began to spin rapidly, the gale was seconds away from becoming a hurricane. Smoke began escaping it as it itself shook and trembled wildly, ready to explode at any moment.

Wormwood had had enough, he willed his vines to approach the device, they had barely managed to reach it with the ferocity of the blowing wind.

Then, he tightened his fist. The vast amount of vines had begun wrapping around the turbine, eventually forming into a cocoon, which simultaneously overwhelmed it. They crushed the device to bits before it had a chance to demolish everything. 

When the gale stopped, as suddenly as it appeared, WX-78 was able to stand up once more. When they noticed the state of their creation they stared in horror at the devastating sight.

-"HEY– THAT WASN'T NECESSARY!"

The plantling then turned to face them. Despite having only a mouth to show his expression, WX could tell he was absolutely furious.

-" You…Almost blew us up! Are you happy?! Is this what you wanted all along?! "

WX-78 instantly lost their vexation, trying to defend their actions instead "NO, THAT WASN'T– IT WASN'T MEANT TO! I DIDN'T MEAN FOR THAT TO HAPPEN!"

-" Then stop! Please just stop! Don't do that anymore! "

-"BUT- BUT I FINALLY GOT RID OF IT SEE-?!" 

As they both turned…The fog was back in place, as if nothing had ever happened.

-" No. I don't see…But I know it is there… "

WX gaped at the becursed mist as if it was about to try and dismantle them back.

-"W-WHAT…BUT- BUT I GOT RID OF IT THIS TIME! I SWEAR! THAT'S – THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" HOW…"

" If you listened to me…You'd know…This is not a normal fog…It's magic…Its..not good. I can feel its sorrow…You're not making things better… "

The Automaton went silent…before going "OH…" It did make sense. How could they be so foolish and not grasp it beforehand? Of course it was magic! That thing unfortunately exists here, with all its illogical potency.

-"WELL, WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING BEFORE? IT WOULD'VE SAVED ME A LOT OF TROUBLE." Wormwood looked like he wanted to strangle them. 

-" I would have…IF YOU WEREN'T YELLING AND INTERRUPTING ME ALL THE TIME!! " He screamed into their face.

They had to take a moment to process his words, astounded by the loud volume of his voice. "...OKAY, FINE. THAT'S FAIR. BUT THEN HOW DO YOU PROPOSE WE  ELIMINATE IT?"

-" We don't… "

WX-78 shook their head "PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO REVIVE YOUR LITTLE GARDEN, THEN THIS THING HAS TO GO PRONTO…" Unexpectedly, an idea came to their mind just then, as a distant memory stashed behind most of their files. "YOU KNOW WHAT. I GOT IT! I KNOW HOW WE CAN FINALLY GET RID OF IT!"

-" WX, no more! we don't need– –"

-"IF THE FOG IS MADE OF MAGIC, THEN LOGICALLY IT SHALL ALSO BE DESTROYED BY A TYPE OF MAGIC!"

-" Don't! – " Wormwood desperately tried to stop them, but to no avail, their mind was set and therefore, they wouldn't listen to him regardless…He only hoped they wouldn't mess up this place too much…And up to this point they've been doing so well too…Why were they so stubborn…

The Automaton passed by, having a mundane task assigned to them, they weren't exactly eager to complete it.

They spotted the creepy girl, kneeling on the grass. Scissors in her hand as well as paper cutouts and origami. Beside her were a couple of books. The Librarians books…

They walked closer to her and asked: "DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH, CHILD?"

They instantly realized who they were talking to, regretting the witless phrasing. 

-"Yes."

-"OF COURSE. BUT WHY ARE YOU DESTROYING THE LIBRARIAN'S BOOKS? I KNOW DESTRUCTION IS FUN BUT WHY HER BOOKS SPECIFICALLY? IS IT BECAUSE IT'S SOMETHING DEAR TO HER HEART AND YOU WANT TO SEE HER SUFFER?"

The girl sighed, annoyed. "Yes…Also, because she didn't allow me to study Maxwell's book. He said a couple of lighter spells wouldn't hurt, but she appeared out of nowhere, refused him my aid and decided her soulless mundane books would suffice me instead. After inspecting a few of her spells closely, I decided they weren't worth my time, especially since she didn't even let me see the more dangerous ones of her own making..."

WX-78 smirked, amused by the tale. The Librarian sure won't be happy once she finds out.

They glanced at the book she was currently demolishing. ”Tempering Temperatures and Weather alike; Redux.“  Huh. They haven't seen this one. It must've been some sort of combination of two of her former titles….Not that they cared what she wrote.

"GIVE ME THAT" They grabbed a page she was about to turn into a paper flower, reading through its context out of curiosity.

”Spell to disperse fog“ It read. They crumbled the paper and threw it back, conveniently at Wendy's head. 

"EH. YOU WERE RIGHT, THESE ARE BORING."

Wendy glared at them as she caressed the spot they hit. "Well it is either that you join me on this defacement or leave at once."

WX-78 waved her off. "YEAH RIGHT. I'M NOT GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR FOOLISH LITTLE VANDALIZATION GAMES. I'VE GOT BETTER THINGS TO DO." They, in fact, did not. They were simply too…disconcerted to be playing with her, especially a manner involving Wickerbottom's belongings. They've met their fair share of her screams and punishment. She would without a doubt favor the child over them, much to their dismay. Besides, the creepy girl isn't above blaming them for the crime she committed.

"GO PLAY WITH WEBBER OR SOMETHING. I DON'T KNOW, MAKE PAPER BOATS AND LET THEM SINK."

-"Just like that incident from 1912?"

There was a boat incident in 1912? They wouldn't have known, since they got here at least one or two years prior. So they think. "...SURE"

Wendy nodded, smiling darkly "This shall be fun then."

They shook their head and moved on. In the distance, they could hear Wilson calling out to her, Webber standing right next to him. He was wearing that ridiculous yellow hat, which could only mean one thing…They could make out a couple of words related to sea faring...Those poor fools…They almost pitied their stupidity. But alas, they didn't. Not really. After all, what's a soulless automaton who cares about some inferior worms' well-being?

They decided to do their chore in the end. Better have it done quickly, rather than waste their time as such.

"I'VE ONCE SEEN A MAGIC SPELL THAT COULD DISPERSE FOG."

Yet again, Wormwood was not impressed. "Sure…That will work. "

They turned to the Plantling with an unamused expression "DO YOU THINK I CAN'T DETECT THE SARCASM IN YOUR TONE?"

"What's sarcasm..?

"NEVERMIND…"

The Automaton focused, to try and remember the spell correctly, in order to speak it aloud. It was rather difficult considering they only took one glance at it, before discarding it.

They closed their eyes and searched throughout their picturized memory file. 

"AWAY AWAY…O' MIRK AHEAD… CLEANSE THE PATH WHICH WE WALK INSTEAD…FOR ALL THAT IS FAIR… NAY ALL THAT IS FOUL…EMERGE THY SUNLIGHT... DISPERSE BY HAZE IN AIR LIKE GROUND ."

Something…Definitely began happening. They saw as the fog started thinning out...Almost becoming transparent. Yet this time, they didn't have much hope, not yet. Not before they were completely certain. They looked to Wormwood for his judgment.

Wormwood hummed. For a second, he seemed surprised by the effect, but then, his doubtful frown returned and all was lost. "Mmm….Nope. didn't work…Again. "

WX-78 felt their body crumble alongside their determination.

They knelt on the ground, staring voidly into the dry dirt, not being able to even peek in the Plantling's direction. Was this how shame felt like..? It was horrible…They needed to later get Winona to remove this awful feeling from their systems…

Wormwood walked up to them, showing no signs of fury or dissapointment. This must've been a trick.

-"You okay…? " He asked, as if the answer wasn't obvious enough.

-"DO I LOOK LIKE I AM?" They scornfully replied " …NO MATTER WHAT I DID. NOTHING WORKED. WHAT WENT WRONG? WHAT ERROR HAVE I MISSED? CAN I EVEN MAKE UP FOR SUCH FAILURE?"

"You did nothing wrong…But you didn't listen to me…Not nice."

They loured at their hands, as if an answer to their problem would miraculously appear. But alas, it didn't. "I JUST…I THOUGHT I HAD IT UNDER CONTROL."

-"WX…All you had to do…was wait."

In their stupor, they glanced at him. "WAIT…? WAIT FOR WHAT?"

Wormwood pointed his finger towards the fogged over area. "For that."

As WX-78 peered, bemused, they promptly froze. For the fog began fading away..by itself…

They were left dumbfounded, unsure if they were the cause of this or some kind of unseen force.

-"WH– BUT HOW?? WHAT HAPPENED? IS IT COMING BACK?"

-"Not until fall. It's summer now. Earth is too warm, fog souls don't like it."

There was a long pause between them, as WX-78 processed Wormwood's words. 

Their eye twitched, all of their anger and frustration returning in an instant. 

They got up and came up to Wormwood's face…Or rather, his abdomen. 

-"ARE YOU SAYING THAT I JUST WASTED THE WHOLE DAY, TRYING TO DO SOMETHING THAT COULD'VE LITERALLY DONE ITSELF?!"

"Yup. Dunno why you did that though..."

WX-78 screamed.

-"But at least…I got some seeds from lureplant friends. If you want, we can plant them together?" He awkwardly tried, extending his claws to them with a handful of unknown seeds. 

WX-78 scoffed. Waving him off, they walked off. "DO IT YOURSELF. I WON'T BOTHER HELPING YOU, LEST YOU, NUMBSKULL INFORM ME BEFORE I OVEREXERT MYSELF OVER SOME POINTLESS TOMFOOLERY AGAIN."

This, in turn, piqued Wormwood, as he yelled to them  "I tried to tell you, jerk! But you didn't listen!" 

-"IF YOUR VOICE DIDN'T SOUND LIKE NAILS ON A CHALKBOARD, MAYBE I'D BOTHER LISTENING EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE!" They yelled back.

-"If you were as smart as you say, you'd know fog goes away in summer!"

-"I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW SUMMER WAS COMING! YOU'VE BEEN HOLDING ME HOSTAGE HERE FOR SO LONG!" 

-"It's been a week!"

-"EXACTLY! TOO LONG! NOW GET LOST AND FINALLY GIVE ME A BREAK!"

Before Wormwood could deny or approve that, the automaton was already out of his sight. Wormwood sighed, not even bothering to chase after them. To be honest, they did a lot of work, just not the kind they were supposed to…

He wholeheartedly respected their effort though, he just wished he could get them to listen to him somehow. He guessed he wasn't the only one they never listened to, maybe that's why they had that fight with their friends in the first place.

…He needed to talk to them real soon, and not only about this problem. 

After all, they only had two days left until…

Chapter Text

Each day brought him ever so closer to that one accursed night. Usually, this just distraught him and his plant friends, however this time, there was someone else to share that predicament.

He only had so long to warn WX, before he does something he'll surely regret. He won't allow that to happen. He had to somehow spit it out, despite…The strains it took on him.

There wasn't much time left to mull things over. He just had to find them…And tell them…Yes, he'll manage somehow. He has to…

Wormwood found WX not too far from the creek, they were crouched over, staring intently at something on the ground it seemed. Curious, he came closer, to find out what has caught the automaton's attention. 

He stood over them, casting a shadow, tall and looming.

"OH. YOU'RE HERE." They said, unruffled by his presence, they didn't once glance over their shoulder. Their tone of voice was also off, It sounded like a mix of zeal and apprehension. A rather strange combination.

"LOOK–EHR…" They paused, remembering something suddenly, and loosing their poise. Instead, they moved away, for him to examine their discovery. "I MEAN– HERE, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN TELL, BUT– THIS PLANT HERE, IT'S–"

-"alive…" Wormwood immediately realized. And it wasn't one of the carnivorous lureplants or those brooding plantations fuelled by shadows. It was a regular dandelion in a small patch of greener grass. 

Needless to say, this left him in a state of incredulity. Was it…Really possible? Was his garden slowly growing back..? He didn't know what to say or how to feel, should he laugh? Should he cry? Maybe both... Honestly, he could barely move after such a revelation. 

-"THAT IS CORRECT. ALTHOUGH…DUE TO THE RISING HEAT AND RECENT LACK OF RAIN, IT IS ALSO DRIED OUT…I'D HATE TO SAY IT BUT WE'LL NEED…WATER."

This managed to partially break his stagger, he swears he even sensed them tremble. Still, he focused mostly on their statement. Water…Oh, that's right.

-"...There's water in the creek " He pointed out, but that answer was apparently the wrong one.

-"ARE YOU SERIOUS? DO YOU EVEN REALIZE HOW TOXIC THIS WASTE IS?! THE MAJORITY OF ITS STRUCTURE IS LITERALLY COMPOSED OF HARMFUL OOZE! AND YOU WANT TO FEED IT TO YOUR PLANTS?! NO WONDER YOUR GARDEN IS DEAD! WHEN IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A STERILE WATER SOURCE!"

He felt himself shrink, chagrined. Was it really that bad…? He didn't even realize…He had failed his plant friends a lot, hadn't he? Even the live-ier ones, ultimately, weren't all that happy… He had one job, that was to provide them with love and lots of sun and water, yet he had failed them, in all aspects. He was a bad friend. A terrible friend…

-" Oh…I…I failed them that much…Didn't I…? "

His gloomy behavior had apparently surprised WX, maybe they expected a more aggressive reaction? But there was nothing to be angry about. It was true, he couldn't deny it.

The bot stayed silent for an unnaturally long period of time, before they spoke again, much quieter than their usual "...WORMWOOD. IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR THIS PLACE TO BE REPAIRED, DESPITE ALL ITS FLAWS AND DEFECTS. WE'VE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH, IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME NO LESS. EVEN I'M AMAZED BY THE RESULTS…"

Wormwood slowly turned his head in their direction. He must've looked more disheartened than he thought, because they resumed their speech shortly after, sounding slightly more unnerved now.

"WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS…SURE YOU MIGHT'VE FAILED A LOT WHILE TENDING TO SOME PLANTS, BUT IN THE END, THEY'RE PLANTS! THEY FOLLOW A CERTAIN ALGORITHM, THEY ARE FIXABLE…MOSTLY. UNLIKE OTHER FLESHLINGS."

That's one way to put it, he supposed. And while he couldn't see their face, he just knew it took on a much softer expression than usual…He couldn't help but simper their way, despite all their weird, unknown words, he understood everything they were trying to say. 

"SO STOP WORRYING, OKAY? WE'VE GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL, IT'S NOT LIKE THIS PLACE IS CURSED TO FOREVER BE IN A STATE OF DESPAIR, OR SOMETHING." 

The plantling went rigid once more. His mouth wide open. How did they…What– When?! " You…What  "

His sudden blench only caused WX to gawk at him, more puzzled "WHAT? WAIT… IT'S NOT ACTUALLY CURSED, IS IT..?"

He shook his head, while waving his hands dramatically " N-No! No, I ehr– it's not! "

The automaton raised a non-existent eyebrow but didn't nag for any further information.

So they didn't know. It was just a guess… For some reason, he felt extremely relieved. This wasn't how it was supposed to go…

Speaking of, maybe he should try and tell them about…that other thing, after all, it's what he came to them in the first place for, and he almost forgot!

…This was going to be more difficult than he imagined, he already felt his insides flip upside down at the sheer concept of telling anyone…Especially WX… But they deserved to know. To know before it was too late.

-"W-well...It's just…there's something…there's something... I need to…to tell you…It's…It's important…very important…please…try a-and…listen…"

He struggled to focus on the right words. He fiddled with his leafy fingers, as his tail anxiously wrapped around his leg.

WX stayed silent, which indicated they were attentively listening, so he went on " There's this thing…I have…and…and it's…it's not…I'm not really…and you're…you…uh…well you should…I just…I…I can't…I really can't… " his shoulders sagged. He…he couldn't do it. Of course, how could he even think it would be so easy, that They 'd allow him to.

WX rolled their eyes "JUST SPIT IT OUT" Before he could go on though, something, the wrong way, clicked in them.

"HOLD ON... ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH ME? BECAUSE IF SO…I AM UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED WITH THAT KIND OF INFORMATION, BUT IT'D UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO WORSHIP ME."

It took about a minute for him to fully comprehend what they just concluded. " what…? " But then, he immediately recoiled and began shaking his head " No! No!! That's not it! I'm not! Wasn't what I was trying to say! It not have anything to do with that! "

Why did they have to say that..? To assume that of all things… It was one of the few customs he still recalled from the land in the sky. When two piggies were very close, they held hands, kissed, said nice words all the time to each other, sometimes wore these white clothes and then had little ones, it all felt very personal, even to his younger self...There was no way he felt ready to recreate any of that, with them of all people. Wait- that wasn't even the point!

WX on the other hand, seemed almost disappointed by his denial, though it was overshadowed by the insuperable tide of humiliation they felt after this ludicrous conjecture-"OH…EHR- N-NEVERMIND!!! … THEN– THEN WHAT WAS IT YOU WERE TRYING TO TELL ME..?"

Wormwood turned away from them "I…It's nothing… " He didn't feel comfortable continuing this, not right now…It just felt…too weird. 

WX-78 shook themself off and urgently scanned the nearby area, spotting the creek, it was almost completely dried out by now. That's right! their mission. Really, anything to distract them from this awful conversation "...IN ANY CASE, WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT A PROPER WATER SYSTEM NEXT. DOES THIS CREEK HAVE A SOURCE?"

-" source…? "

WX rolled their eyes. "A PLACE IT RUNS FROM. WHERE IT STARTS..?"

Wormwood suddenly remembered. That's right! " Oh…Yes…It used to…But… not checked up on it lately… "

-"CAN YOU SHOW ME WHERE IT IS?" WX asked, detecting worry in his voice. 

The Plantling nodded, and moved forward, against the stream's current, the automaton followed suit. After a few minutes of walking, in the distance they could see a large wall of vines obscuring the rest of the creek's flow. No nook or cranny was left open in between the thick greenery.

Wormwood knew something was off the moment he stepped closer to the structure, he almost bumped into it! He could've sworn the path was longer than that… 

That is, until WX shouted to him "IT'S COMPLETELY BLOCKED OFF! DO YOU HAVE TO COVER LITERALLY EVERYTHING WITH THOSE DAMN VINES?! NO WONDER THERE'S NO PROPER WATER FLOW!" 

Oh…It was covered in his vines..? But that wasn't right…He doesn't remember blocking off this area, and he couldn't even sense these vines! It's as if– as if they were… " But…But I didn't know about it! …this wasn't me, I don't remember doing that… this isn't right…I just… "

WX shook their head, putting their hands on their hips. "WHAT'S DONE IS DONE, CAN YOU AT LEAST MOVE THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE?" 

-" No… " 

WX narrowed their eyes at him. "AND WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"

Wormwood paused, before managing to choke out "...I can't…they're…dead…I can't move…dead plants… "

He didn't even realize he'd begun clawing at his forearms, until he felt a sticky liquid form around his leafy talons. 

-"OH…IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE THEM LESS…DEAD?" They cautiously asked.

He shook his head " No. They're rotten, not dry. Too much water…They weren't used to… " Ironic as it was, Wormwood didn't like death, any kind of death, but plant death especially, because sometimes… he could feel it, he could feel and smell it, the pain of their last moments before succumbing to their fate. He could never get used to it, no matter how much time passed.

His laceration only increased. That's when two large hands got between his own, stopping them mid-tear. Oh…he almost pulled a stitch, sowing that arm back on would've been quite the tedious work.

-"STOP IT. DON'T DO THAT" WX demanded, their voice more stern than usual.

"INSTEAD OF WALLOWING IN YOUR MISERY AND MOURNING THE LOST, HOW ABOUT YOU FOCUS ON SAVING THE ONES THAT ARE STILL SALVAGEABLE?"

Wormwood really wished he could look them in the eye now, because they were right, he needed to get a hold on himself.

He nodded, putting on something akin to a meek smile " Okay…I'll try… " 

Unbeknownst to him, they returned it. "GOOD" 

They walked over to the wall, inspecting its height. It was almost as big as that other rampart. 

They didn't like what they were going to suggest "...CAN YOU GIVE ME A LIFT? WE NEED TO ASSESS HOW MUCH WATER HAS BEEN STORED OVER THERE UP UNTIL THIS POINT." 

-" You sure…? Promise you won't try anything? "

WX shot him a glare "OH YES, I WILL SURELY TRY TO ESCAPE, SEEING THE ONLY ROUTE IS OVER A HUGE ACCUMULATION OF THE ONE SUBSTANCE THAT CAN DESTROY ME. "

-"...That's not what I meant but okay…"

He willed a couple of roots from the ground, which then moved toward the automaton. They immediately backed away. "HEY– NOT LIKE THAT! I THOUGHT YOU'D GIVE ME A BOOST OR SOMETHING, NOT THIS!"

-"me?…pick you up..? No…You're small, yes, but very heavy too...don't feel like it…Also we're both still too short to reach it…"

If they were human, they'd surely pop a vessel "HEAVY?! LISTEN HERE YOU VILE SCUMB–"

And just then, the roots wrapped around them and swiftly hoisted them up, the action bringing a sharp yelp out of the bot.

As they were placed over the wall, they saw sheer horror awaiting them on the other side. Merely a feet away from them was a massive cistern of murky water, barely held together by a few meagre vine carcases.

They couldn't help but cower at the scene, already imagining them hitting its surface. Their insides welling up with this dreadful liquid, while they could do nothing about it but sink further down below "PUT ME DOWN, PUT ME DOWN, PUT ME DOWN!!!" They shrieked. Wormwood complied. As they were finally placed on the ground, they sighed with relief, then fell on their hands and knees, shaking. 

Concerned, the Plantling came closer. "What happened? I didn't hurt you on accident did I? "

-"W-WATER…THERE WAS SO MUCH WATER…I WAS..TOO CLOSE TO IT...CLOSER, THAN I WOULD'VE PREFERRED…"

-"oh…sorry." He helped them up on their feet.

After enough time passed for them to calm down, WX-78 spoke again "SO HOW DO YOU SUGGEST WE RID OF THESE VINES…WITHOUT CAUSING A MASSIVE FLOOD?"

Wormwood hummed, scratching his cheek in thought  "Hmmm…we could…make another... safer crossing…thingy…for the water to go…?"

The automaton's eyes widened "ARE YOU SUGGESTING WE BUILD A NARROW PASSAGE WHERE THE WATER CAN GRADUALLY FLOW INTO THE STREAM, THEREFORE, THE AMOUNT OF IT ON THE OTHER SIDE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWERS ENOUGH FOR THE FORMER DAM TO BE DEEMED NO LONGER NECESSARY?"

-" Uh…yes ."

They paused, staring at him with reluctant fascination "THAT…IS ACTUALLY A VERY CLEVER PLAN"

At their words, he felt something warm form inside his gem, it was odd, he touched it, making sure nothing was going iffy.

-"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

He immediately stopped, embarrassed "Nothing!"

So it was decided, they were going to build a new "dam", the question was, what material were they to use? The Woodsman usually built his dams from twigs, bark and mud, if they recalled correctly. His beaver form was rather humorous but they had to admit, it was also extremely resourceful.

-"I ASSUME YOU WON'T LET ME USE ANY OF YOUR TREES?"

-"No! "  Not surprising, albeit disappointing. It was a shame they couldn't use that data right now. 

-"SINCE WE CAN'T USE WOOD, WE COULD BUILD ONE OUT OF STONE, THOSE ARE USUALLY THE MOST STURDY." The Handywoman could've easily pulled that off in less than 3 days.

Wormwood nodded in approval, but they weren't done yet. 

The problem is, they weren't Winona, and unfortunately hadn't had her experience, especially in building anything like this "...HOWEVER, IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME TO BUILD THEM, WHICH WE DON'T HAVE, DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LACK OF HUMIDITY, BEFORE WE'RE EVEN DONE WITH THE STRUCTURE, THIS WHOLE PLACE WILL COMPLETELY DRY UP…" 

He slunk right back down.

WX, on the other hand, sat on the rock beside them, deep in thought. "IF WE CAN'T USE WOOD AND BUILDING A STONE DAM TAKES TOO LONG…WHAT DO YOU THINK WE COULD USE, WORMWOOD?"

The aforementioned contemplated his options. Alas only one thing came to mind, it was simple and not wasteful, although not completely without deficiencies. 

-"I think...I have an idea." 

They looked up at him, expectant. 

-"But it will be a little…draining." 

WX's right eye twitched "OH, REALLY…" they sneered at the terrible pun. It almost reminded them of that self-proclaimed "Scientist".

He nodded "Yes…I'll ask my vine friends to make a new path." 

The automaton perked up at that " HUH? YOU COULD DO THAT THE WHOLE TIME?"

" Yes, but I said…it's draining… for me…It's hard to control them…but I'll try… "

He raised his hand and tightened his fist, and from beneath the ground, spurts began emerging. They rose, up and up as WX-78 stared, unnerved. The vines began tightly wrapping around the old remains, some intentionally puncturing a hole in the amalgam, it was no great feat, to say the least. 

Afterwards, they followed downwards, enveloping the sides of the creek into makeshift gutters.

Wormwood couldn't help but break a sweat,  trying to move all these vines into the correct position, then keeping them in place. It was so much easier…well, before. Now even the smallest act of chlorokinesis brought him fatigue…

The bot took note of that "SO YOU WEREN'T KIDDING, HUH…"

Just then they noticed the water start flowing. It wasn't of the clearest kind, but it was definitely infinite times better than that filthy sludge in the creek. Though It will take a while to wash it all out, with the pace the current was going at. 

WX-78 took a few inadvertent steps back, seeing the dreadful liquid arise. With no protection gear at hand, they were left helplessly prone to rust, which was yet another of the countless disadvantages of this place.

Some of the water leaked out, splashing into puddles near the automaton "HEY! BE CAREFUL! WITH THAT!" they yelled, Wormwood gave them a shakey thumbs up back. 

They stepped further away and kept on observing from a safer distance, the plantling sealed every gap he could, kept on standing as the water gradually began overtaking the creek and washing out the impurities. But then, his right knee bent and a huge hole opened, he attempted to compose himself and repair it, but as a result, more holes began opening all over the wall.

After sealing those too, he collapsed on his knees, producing the quietest whine. Yet his hands were still raised up high, with every last bit of effort used to go on.

That was enough for WX to figure out the plantling could carry on no longer, avoiding the puddles of water, they run up to him.

"YOU NEED TO STOP, OTHERWISE YOU'RE MOST DEFINITELY GOING TO PASS OUT BEFORE THIS THING'S FINISHED AND THEN WE'LL BOTH BE SWALLOWED BY WATER!" 

-" but…but I can't…If I stop now…the vines might not…be able to hold and…the water will…break out… "

The automaton grew silent, as they glanced back and forth between the plantling and the collapsing dyke. They sighed, having pretty much no other option left. 

-"THEN LET IT." 

-"what…? "

-"LET THE WATER COME. "

At that, Wormwood hastily rose up with protest "but it will destroy everything! And you'll get badly hurt! " Afterward he lost balance and collapsed back on the ground. 

-"ACCORDING TO MY CALCULATIONS WE'VE SUCCESSFULLY ATTAINED 15% OF THAT SOURCE, AND WHILST THAT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE MUCH, IT WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE CHANCES OF CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S GRADUALLY DISTRIBUTED RATHER THAN ALL RAPIDLY POURED OUT. I SAY LEAVE IT AS IT IS AND LET IT SORT ITSELF OUT"

Wormwood… didn't know what to do, if he'll do that, then…"what about you…? Won't you still get hurt? "

WX crossed their arms "NATURALLY, BUT I'LL BE FINE…IT'S JUST A LITTLE RUST" Despite their words, he knew, deep down they were terrified, and yet, they wanted him to flood the garden? It just didn't make much sense.

As one, even bigger crack appeared, Wormwood winced. Okay, he was going to do this…Hopefully, nothing or no one will be badly hurt…" Sorry…I thought…I thought I could do this…but I'm still…weak… "

WX grabbed onto his shoulders, making his head instinctively turn up "LISTEN. ON THE REGULAR BASIS, I'VE SEEN CREATURES WHO I DEEMED WEAK, I FOUGHT CREATURES WHO WERE SUBSTANTIALLY WEAKER THAN ME. HELL, I USED TO LIVE WITH THOSE WHO I SAW AS WEAK OR FRAIL OR PATHETIC. BUT YOU'RE NONE OF THOSE THINGS. IN THE MOST LOGICAL WAY I COULD PUT IT. YOU'RE RIDICULOUSLY STRONG, DESPITE YOUR GAUNT APPEARANCE. I HAVEN'T GOT THE SLIGHTEST CLUE HOW YOU CAN EVEN DO ANY OF THE THINGS YOU DO, OR HOW YOU'VE SURVIVED FOR SO LONG LIVING LIKE THIS. IT IS RATHER IMPRESSIVE, I'M UNSURE EVEN I WOULD BE CAPABLE OF THAT. SO WILL YOU FINALLY CEASE THIS PITY PARTY AND ACT LIKE IT?!"

He let his hands fall down.

Immediately, and with great force, the water poured right in. WX worried they miscalculated its pressure point, but alas, they stood still, awaiting the approaching wave, it was no use running away from something like that, without their speed modules installed, it would easily catch up to them. All they had to do now, was accept this awful fate. 

They rarely showed any signs  of fear, especially in the presence of fleshlings, but this…It's shadow overlapping the land as its monstrous form neared to pounce…They were…absolutely terrified. Who would've thought they'd let some beast see them in their most…vulnerable moment.

But they supposed Wormwood wasn't just some beast.

They closed their eyes, trying not to think about the wet and cold grave that'd soon meet them.

Unexpectedly something- someone grabbed them and pulled, they were lifted off the ground... it was odd, that did not feel like– 

They dared to open one eye, followed by the second one right after. 

The thing that had grabbed them was Wormwood, he had them tucked in his arms as he ran, as fast as he could to the tallest tree around. He reached his hand toward it as it offered him its branches. When he grabbed it, the branch extended upward into the sky, shortly after, they found themselves on top of the giant conifer.

WX stared down as the entire garden was now underwater.

-"W-WHAT JUST…" They turned to Wormwood for explanation.

He had none, only asked "You okay…? "

After a short pause of awe, they found their words again "YEAH…I'M FINE…" Then, it came to them; a sudden realization "YOU…YOU SAVED ME..? "

He smiled and shakily nodded. 

-"WHY?"

-"I don't want to see you hurt…or dead. " He admitted.

For once, they weren't sure what to say, only a week ago, this creature wouldn't hesitate to tear them to pieces If they stepped too far out of line, but now, he wants to… protect them from harm instead? What changed? What has caused this behavior? Did their willingness to fix this place have anything to do with that? Or did some other outside factor. They could never fathom how his brain worked. It was all just…confusing. Illogical…And yet.. 

Hold on.

-"WHAT ABOUT YOUR GARDEN? IT'S ALL FLOODED NOW. PERHAPS I WAS TOO HASTY. I SHOULDN'T HAVE PUSHED YOU TO-"

-"It's okay! You were right, it going to be fine! It will dry up soon, remember? "

Well that was a relief, but there was just one last thing. 

-"AND YOU..? ARE YOU FEELING WELL..? AFTER ALL THAT.."

-"yes. I'm oka…aay…" As he finished the last word, he swayed and fell back. WX quickly reacted and caught him before he dropped 50 feet down. When they did so, they discovered he was rather limp, almost like a ragdoll.

-"I SEE THAT TO BE INCORRECT." They inspected him more closely, to make sure he's still alive. The slight movement of his tail and twitching of his maw confirmed he was simply passed out. They felt themself become at ease, for some reason. 

Huh… Why did they even care whether he's alive or not? They should be eager to want him dead! In fact, they had a perfectly good opportunity right now, he was exhausted and therefore can't fight them back, and they're sitting on top of a giant tree, so what's stopping them from just pushing him? 

”I don't want to see you hurt…or dead.“

Oh... That's right. It would feel unjustly even for them to commit such a ruthless feat. They weren't that evil, to kill someone who has just saved their life. They could feel dull aches coming from within their core.

They let themself take a better look at his face. If it wasn't for all the grooves and wrinkles, he might've even looked half-decent… They felt obligated to at least attempt to be more nice to him, as nice as a soulless automaton could be, that is. For better or for worse, they owed it to him.

But now, there was a more pressing matter at hand, how the hell were they supposed to get off this tree now? 

After the flood, the garden was a complete mess, it'd take a while to clean all of that…

On the plus side, Wormwood was right, a day has passed and the level of water has drastically subsided. Moreover, they'd already noticed a few more plants sprouting out of the ground. 

WX felt something akin to pride at that fact, it was still quite hard to accept they've grown fond of a bunch of weeds. 

What they weren't pleased with, however, was the fact they spent almost an entire day sitting on top of a tree holding onto an unconscious monster for dear life… It was truly a miserable experience. 

But hey, at least the vile water didn't get them.

Wormwood turned out to be alright in the end, thankfully… Just as they suspected, he lost all his energy performing these stunts. If he wasn't merely an organic, he could accomplish incredible things, they thought, perhaps he'll too, understand that some day.

WX-78 came over to the creek, the water quality looking significantly better than before, which was a welcoming sight after all they recently went through. All they had to do, was check it for any impurities left. 

They hesitated asking Jimmy this, after all it was still the horrible water, he nearly malfunctioned because of that sludge the last time! 

But before they could even make up their mind, the little bot flew over the stream's surface, analysing it carefully with that ever present humming sound.

Once he was done, the automaton went to check if all their efforts were actually worthwhile. 

• Substance detected: H²O
• Purity level: 89.6%
• Beneficial bacteria present: aerobe, heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria, nitrosomus (...).
• Harmful bacteria present: no especially harmful microbes detected
• Appropriate for consumption and hygienic use
• Substance highly beneficial for agricultural use

WX's mouth began to turn up a little. Was this how accomplishment felt? Because it was amazing, they'd like to experience that more. Come to think of it, when was the last time they felt so accomplished about something seemingly so minor? And yet, here they were, somehow experiencing things and emotions they hadn't in a long time. It was rather humorous. 

That's when, In the corner of their eye, they saw something peculiar sticking out of the water. They turned, to make sure their optical units weren't acting up. 

It was a weird black rock, with veins of magenta crystals covering it. Intrigued, they picked up their shovel and tried to fish the thing out. It took a while, considering it was lodged quite deeply into the muddy bed. 

Eventually, they prevailed, because of course, how couldn't they? 

They picked said weird rock up and dabbed the grime off it with mild disgust. Once they were able to see its surface more clearly, their eyes widened. It wasn't just some shiny ornate rock, no. It was apparently some kind of rune, written in a language they couldn't fully understand, but they'd sworn they've seen some of these symbols somewhere. If they'd just access their memory file, surely something would've –

-"WX friend? " Wormwood yelled from a distance, they immediately tensed up, almost dropping the relic in their unexplainable need to hide it from him. 

They quickly looked around, to find a hollow in a nearby tree, they dumped the rune there, before running off to the Plantling, unaware that after their hand ran across the symbols, they began emitting light, in that ominous pink glow. 

Chapter Text

The monster's presence lingered on, bringing forth apprehension to those who had the misfortune of witnessing its frightening form.

The four recalled that night all too well…

Once the dusk settled, darkness spread over the area. A pitch, black void, not even fireflies passed by this place at this time, for even they could sense the dangers lurking.

-"Uh, guys.. I think…We got lost." Wolfgang mumbled, ashamed to admit. He was the assigned map holder, which perhaps wasn't the best idea, for the man's fears grew with the dimming daylight. 

Both Maxwell and Willow groaned.

"Give me that" The Magician ordered, snatching the map right out of the Strongman's hands. 

He brought the lantern closer to it, inspecting the refined piece of reed thoroughly.

Internally, he scolded himself, he knew giving the cowardly tool the map might not have been the best idea. Sure, he's usually rather good at pointing out directions, however tonight, unsurprisingly, he was on high alert and not at all focused on anything photogrammetry-related.

He supposed he must take the matters into his own hands, because the other three here with him were frankly, less than adequate at these sorts of things.

As his eyes flew over every location they've visited thus far, beads of sweat started forming around his temple. This area… didn't appear anywhere on the map…yet. It must've been a new area that they previously somehow overlooked…

But he could've sworn he took this route before and it didn't lead here. 

…Of course, it was all a trick. Admittedly, he used to do this quite often himself when he was on the throne. A simple geographical change. After all, the Constant wasn't one to abide by their world's rules. It was rather amusing, making the survivors so confused and frustrated…Until he was on the receiving end of it. That's when it became aggravating.

-"Alright, calm down you three. This isn't really out of the ordinary here, I'm sure we can figure something out. She's just…messing with us."

Wendy guessed "We've just entered an extremely dangerous location and are about to face our demise by the hand of a raging beast, aren't we?"

-"Ehr…Possibly." The Magician replied.

Willow punched him in the gut, glaring at the man, as he gasped for breath. "Of fucking course! That's what we get for trusting you with anything!"

-"M-me?! How…How the hell is this…My fault?!"

-"Well obviously I can't punch Wolfgang so it automatically becomes your fault! You're the reason we're stuck here in the first place!"

The man groaned, while the aforementioned sheepishly looked away.

Wendy rolled her eyes, stepping away from the rising feud.

She looked up at the sky, the moon nowhere to be found on this foreboding night. Then, she turned toward the forest, all the trees were wearing carved-out faces, staring in their direction, as obscure, eerie sounds came from deeper within the darkness. Perturbed, if only slightly, she hushed out a whisper to Abigail, a silent plea for guidance.

The ghost, a mirror image of herself, slowly emerged from the flowering bud.

The others couldn't see how she truly appeared, unlike herself, they saw a "floating sheet with holes for eyes" Awfully stereotypical…

She always saw the apparitions for what they truly were…Or used to be in most cases.

This place…Had plenty of them, it seemed.

Poor souls of critters who lost their way and were in turn slaughtered, unusually sentient plant creatures, and…something else, beings she could not quite put to word, they weren't quite ghosts yet not quite shadows, rather something in between. Almost shapeless. Angry. 

A warning. 

They shan't tread this path further, 'else bad things would inevitably happen. 

-"I advise you to cease this pointless quarrel and turn tail, lest it's too late for us already." She calmly stated. 

The others immediately stopped arguing, turning to face the young girl, caution painting their features. 

-"Oh. I'm such a fool." Maxwell muttered after realizing his mistake. Why did he always have to get into those kinds of situations with these imbeciles? On the other hand, he supposed the punishment was somewhat justified.

-"We already know that, geezer, what else is new?" The pyromaniac mocked.

He glared at her but ultimately decided to ignore her this time, it wasn't worth the effort. He looked to where Wendy was staring. He knew he couldn't discern all that she was seeing, but he could make out vague slights and shapes of those things…

This forest.. was especially becursed.

-"Wendy is right. We may have to head back." He exclaimed.

-"Um…W-well.. Actually..." The Strongman began, shakily raising his finger to get the others' attention. As they faced him, they could see the sheer dread in his eyes "…The path is kinda…gone."

The two beside Wendy slumped in defeat. 

-"So, you're saying... We're about to be goners…" Willow dryly stated.

The two men winced.

Wendy stepped ahead, with Abigail floating beside her. Unimpressed by the others' reaction. It's not like it was their first time such situation occured. So what was the unnecessary hysteria for? 

-"Do you think…You'll die out there? " Abigail asked, worried she may not be able to protect her sister.

-"...Maybe. But it's not like it'd be the first, Abby" 

The others looked at her. At this point, they got used to her communicating with her sister. Be it they may not have understood, they knew she was talking back.

"But I don't want you guys to get hurt…" The ghost frowned. 

-"I know. We'll try not to, but I can't affirm such a promise, sister." 

She carried on, the adults ran up to catch up, worried for her safety apparently. Well, two out of three were. Willow was mostly concerned for her own butt.

They thread forth, unsteady and anxious, as more ominous details of the forest made themselves known. The trees, from bearing countenance, turned petrified, skeletal remains of creatures were sprawled around their path. Many still had bits of decomposing meat on them. Some…appeared more fresh, for which maggots feasted with delight.

The air stunk of decay. Not even the remaining flora appeared alive, instead a trail of ichory corruption and blight touched upon any and all plants in the area. The only ones not affected as much were those of the carnivorous kind, feasting on every small morsel of flesh they could find.

Or those, which were corrupted to begin with.

Involuntarily, Wolfgang latched onto the lankier man, who, if he himself wasn't greatly disturbed, would scoff and push him away.

-"Wolfgang doesn't like this! Don't like this at all!" He whisper-yelled.

There wasn't much they could do to turn back, for thorny vines strung along behind them, blocking the entire path.

The four…or five soon could tell, they were getting dangerously close to something truly malevolent.

Rot was all over the place, whilst everlasting fog traversed in a circle. Everything around them suddenly became quiet. Not a single sound was to be heard. Nor owl, nor wind, nor spider…Nor Charlie. 

Even Wendy couldn't help but show small signs of fear. Rarely as ever, something could unsettle her so.

They all stopped and gazed at a giant arch of thorny flesh, covered in strange, plump lumps.

Then, one of the lumps split open, revealing an eye, then another followed, and another and another…Until the whole arch simultaneously stared at them blankly. 

-"... Guys I'm sure none of you would get mad if I tried to burn this thing?" Willow croaked out, laughing nervously. 

The other three shook their heads. 

But as she was readying to pull out her lighter, an ear-shattering scream pierced through from beyond the gateway. It startled them so, Wolfgang jumped, which almost caused Maxwell to drop his lantern. 

He would've glared at the man if he wasn't focused on…Whatever the hell was standing in the dark. 

A silhouette, a creature of sorts... But it appeared…wrong.

At first glance, it almost seemed human, but It was hunched in an unnatural way, its limbs swinging limply around its body, it was apparently the source of that horrifying noise, though momentarily, it was quiet.

That's when it's head sharply snapped, before splitting itself apart into five segments, akin to some twisted nightmarish flower. Instead of a pistil, a red orb flashed in its middle, and at last, it produced a second, similar warning screech. It wasn't like anything either had ever heard, horrifying, high pitched except a few lower tones. It was monstrous.

This was only about to get worse, Wendy, seeing the fate of all those plants, made a quick decision, ushering Abigail back into her flowers much to her twin's protest. After which, she quickly spoke out an incantation, making the flower briefly glow red, before it vanished out of sight. She couldn't let her sister's only chance at a somewhat corporeal form diminished and destroyed as they were about to be. If she dies, she knows she will come back, no matter how painful the experience, she might not even remember it, her sister on the other hand, if anything happened to her flower…She dreads the outcome.

The others were about to question her deed, but then, the beastly form pounced. Though its trudge was unsteady, it barely held its stance as its pace quickened, the movement felt artificial, making it that much more uncanny.

The four immediately grabbed onto any weapon they had on them. A battle axe, a torch, a dark sword, and some darts.

As the beast grew closer, and stepped into the dim light, they were met with its horrifying visage. It looked like a corpse, one not allowed to take rest. All its edges were sharpened, it had teeth of plenty. A true predator. 

It was also huge. Not gargantuan, as the giants were, but it easily surpassed Wolfgang's height. 

"Hey, don't come any closer, you big jerk, or else I'll scorch you!" Willow threatened. 

The giant eye on its head focused on her, as it's right hand morphed into an amalgam of vines. It reached for her torch, and although she was unsuccessful in holding onto it, she managed to swipe once at the abundance, before her makeshift weapon was ripped out of her hand, with said hand to a part. 

She was knocked back into a petrified tree, cursing and holding onto her mangled forearm, which oozed hot blood in ample streams.

-"Ow! Shit! I hate this place!" She cried out, glaring at the beast, as she desperately tried to stop the acute bleeding.

As it so happened, the beast did not come out unscathed either, for its vines were burnt halfway through during the ordeal. It seemed the creature was not able to grow them right back. 

Wolfgang, despite his fear, dared to attack next, he couldn't let this beast hurt his friends any longer! 

Meanwhile, Maxwell tried to examine it more, from a safer distance. How to efficiently kill this thing?! It seemed at least fire had hurt it, but now, their torch was out! All they had left was their dimming lantern, which lacked in heat. 

As Wolfgang swung his axe, the creature dodged most, if not all his attacks, an unnaturally swift movement for something that appeared so clumsy at first. It swatted at him with its other hand, and while it didn't knock him backward, as it happened with Willow, it left a nasty open gash on his bicep, the skin around it, rapidly cracking and withering...

The man winced, It was even venomous?! What was that thing?!

Wendy hid behind a larger petrified pine, prepping a sleeping dart with a rather high dosage of chloral hydrate, hopefully, this would be enough to at least make the beast lethargic, and if luck was on her side, maybe it'd kill it too.

Perhaps she was asking for too much...As she blew out the projectile, at a speed, that was frankly moderate if not fast, she aimed directly at the creature's bizarre neck apparatus. The creature froze for a moment, which almost made her think she succeeded, but of course, her hope was instantly lost.

A maw, or its hand, was grasping the dart an inch or so away from its neck. If she knew any better, the creature appeared to be mocking her sad attempt. 

It focused back on the two men standing, and the pyromaniac who, herself, was trying to stand upward, continuously glaring at the monster. 

It was faster than either had predicted. In a flash, it had stabbed the Strongman with the dart.

He stared at the object lodged in his right clavicle, with widened eyes, not fully comprehending the borderline deadly toxin he had just been injected with. His axe was the first to drop, as did he a moment after, collapsing within fifteen seconds, not quite passed out yet, but no longer able to fight.

"Oh dear…" Wendy whispered. 

Her uncle seemed to share that sentiment. He raised a few of his puppets, though knowing the only thing they could do was stall, they had to figure out a way out of this place! 

He ran to the girl, lantern in hand, trying to protect her from most of the monster's rage.

-"Wendy, you need to run! Take the lantern with you!" 

She scoffed. "Stop playing a hero. That role doesn't suit you. I'll die regardless, it doesn't matter, remember?" 

He scoffed in return "Are you serious?! I'm trying to be responsible for once, and this thing– We're clearly not ready to fight it!" 

-"No, we're not. Our demise is inevitable, but Abigail is safe, that's all that matters." 

The former king frowned. "Are you certain…? It might get violent. Those deaths are never fun when you're the casualty."

-"Yes, let's just get this over with." She switched her darts for a dagger, might as well make this quick. 

-"Alright…" He too, raised his sword, before entering the battle.

Did they know it would end like this? Certainly, yet what happened next... The beast didn't hesitate in ripping the girl's stomach in half, she landed on the ground, in a pool of her own blood, with a rather bored expression. It was a terrible thing, yet not nearly the worst that had happened to her, she wouldn't give it the satisfaction of her agony. But she had to admit, the pain was indescribable, at least her suffering was to be shortened soon. She thought she saw the others, she thought they were horrified, but that didn't matter, they would soon join her as well...

Maxwell was next. His puppets were destroyed one by one with little to no effort, as it busied itself with his last remaining one, he went to slice the beast from behind, he thought he had impaled it successfully as the sword ran all the way through its abdomen. 

The issue is, that it didn't. The blade of his sword melted into a puddle of black ichor as if the creature itself emanated shadow energy far greater than the sword itself. He stared with widened eyes at the impossible sight, how could this be..? Why..?

The monster didn't falter, but it did promptly grab him by the face with its functional claw. 

Rarely as ever, he was glad death came soon after, for this malign thing just had to have a caustic acid in those appendages. Within no time it managed to burn through the soft tissue of his skin and muscle. His eyes met a similar fate, akin to overripe fruit, they were quick to turn to mush once met with the deadly liquid.

He didn't even have a chance to scream, for his whole mouth was charred off before he knew the severity of his situation.

The monster dropped him, once it was certain the struggle had stopped.

The two, who remained alive, gaped in horror at the sight. 

How could something turn their formerly vigorous companions into a pile of blood, gunk, and bone within mere minutes, how could it take all of them down this easily? With all their prior experience no less...

What even was that thing?!

Once sure the two mutilated cadavers would serve no further issue, it refocused back on them. This beast wouldn't be satisfied until they were all but mangled piles of flesh. It was truly a ruthless killer, wanting nothing more than to see every other being dead. Though maybe, it wasn't really alive itself. It sure didn't look like it.

Willow had to think quickly, she was about to die by this hideous amalgamation regardless, but she had to at least scar it some more in retaliation! Wolfgang sure was of no help, the guy barely was coherent after that last blow! 

Think Willow, think… That's right! She still had her gunpowder on her! Oh that trusty thing, she's glad neither WX, nor Webber snitched to the rest. A small explosion certainly wouldn't hurt her…Though she can't say the same for Wolfie, oh well, at least that's a quick way to go, instead of whatever torment that thing would put him through. 

She quickly untied her hair, as quick as she could with one hand, ripping the small baggy open. She also emptied her shoe, as luck would have it, Wickerbottom hadn't managed to inspect her that day. And of course, from her pocket, she pulled out her lucky lighter. 

The amount she had, was just enough to cause plenty of collateral damage. 

The beast now stood over her, ready to re-enact whatever twisted way of slaughter it had thought of, or not, it might have just randomly killed them with whatever limb was the closest, it didn't appear to possess any more intelligence than it looked. 

"What a lovely evening we're having...Isn't that right?" She grinned darkly. 

It raised its claw, likely to slash her face off, or rip her heart out and eat it. Who knows…

For in that same second, she lit the gunpowder, and everything went white. 

She survived the explosion, the monster did too it seemed, but at least, it sustained some more damage. If she recalled correctly, at least one of its legs got scorched off by the flames. Good riddance.

Wolfgang…Well, he wasn't exactly immune to fire or explosions. She, herself, likely died of blood loss soon after, and whatever happened to their bodies? Who knows, the most plausible answer, was that the monster ate them. She didn't care, she was back soon anyway, though the memory of that night…Wasn't exactly the most pleasant. 

One thing was certain though, she would never go back there under any circumstance! if these guys wanted to play heroes? She'd let them. Hell, this was not her problem anymore. If they wanted to risk getting torn to shreds by some savage beast, kudos to them, she supposed. 

The five had returned from their trip, surprisingly alive. Wait. Five? Webber was not supposed to come! But if the most responsible members head out, people can lose track easily. 

And what they had said, had quite interested the Magician. Ever since the…incident, he's been researching through and through about the mysterious monster that melted his face clean off. It was truly a vile, degrading way to go, he'll make sure to take up vengeance whenever he learns of any weaknesses it may possess...Hopefully. 

Apparently, the creature could transmute…Interesting. 

Its "dormant" form was much less bloodthirsty than what he recalled from his own encounter. Still, even with this information, he was unable to put it into any specific category. Nothing the Codex mentioned of strange vegetant beasts or demons, at least none that resembled it in likeness. The clear lack of its identity and written existence frustrated him to no end, really. All these new discoveries, the moon's sentience, long lost ruins which had somehow passed by his knowledge, creatures he was not able to imagine, before discovering in the wild! There was a large chunk of it all that he had yet to understand. And if the knowledge was right there in front of him? He lacked a way to uncover it. 

Wendy too, had observed the group, it seemed odd and almost miraculous that they managed to survive the encounter. Webber had told her all about what they'd seen, through angry tears. 

Apparently, it wasn't as vicious as she had remembered, at least not at the time. Interesting… She was almost curious enough to see for herself. Perhaps to corroborate her personal theory. 

Abigail on the other hand was less than pleased, she was still somewhat upset that Wendy had brought her back to her urn, instead of facing whatever monstrosity the others had that fateful night. Now Webber nearly got hurt too! Why were they all so irresponsible?! She was glad they weren't in their world anymore, or else they'd meet a similar end she had, with no way to turn back.

Walter was scolded plenty for losing track of Webber, for he was assigned to watch him and make sure he didn't get in trouble. One moment of distraction and that sneaky little troublemaker escaped. He should have seen this coming… As soon as they were back, he swore an oath to keep a constant, watchful eye on the younger kids from then on, to the displeasure of the adults.

As it so happened, Wurt had wandered in this day too, curious, as she heard of the survivors' return. 

"Why do you never listen to me? You could've gotten badly hurt! Wouldn't that suck?" Walter complained, despite his deep fascination with the story, he was still mad at the younger one for constantly undermining him.

Webber shrugged "Sorry, we were just worried for them. Besides, I was with the strongest adults in the group! We would've been fine."

-"That's what I thought too, before I was ripped in half. I lay,  as all my guts spilled everywhere. I began to lose consciousness of my surroundings, then–" Wendy was promptly cut off by Walter.

-"Okay, that's enough! You'll give them nightmares again!" 

Webber tried not to show it, but he slightly trembled, while Wurt was rather unimpressed. 

-"Eh, We did worse things to those pigs two days ago, florp."

And thus the three days had passed by. Summer had just barely begun, yet people had already grown wary, discussing plans to invade that beast, while also preparing for the worst season of the year. 

Walter stuck to his word and didn't let either of the two kids out of his sight. Wurt was still free to roam by, as she had her own guards and family by the swamp, it wouldn't have been fair to keep her here.

Webber and Wendy though, have grown rather annoyed by the overprotectiveness they never asked for. They tried arguing their way out of these restraints, saying that they both have lived through worse.

-"And that's exactly why I won't let you go! Because you keep getting into these terrible situations! No one wants to see you guys hurt!"

Woby barked by his side, almost like she was emphasizing his point. 

The two huffed, at least the merm girl decided to stick around to keep them company. In some of the most stressful days for them all.

-"Bleugh, if you ask me. You too bearing. And boring. " She commented. The boy frowned. 

-"I have to be! That is my responsibility as a Pinetree Pioneer! To look after the younger kids! Trust me, I would looove to check out that monster, I mean it! But then we'd all get in some real trouble with the adults! None of us want that, right?" 

The rest begrudgingly shook their heads.

Some of said adults had passed by them at that exact moment.

-"You kids alright?" Woodie asked, a stack of cogs in hand, he seemed to be in a hurry, as were Wigfrid and Warly, also carrying various materials on hand. 

-"Yeah, I'll try to keep a better eye on them this time, I promise you, Woodie!" Walter affirmed. 

-"What's going on?" Webber then asked, pointing to the construction gear at hand.

-"Öh, tis? Thöse are the necessary cömpönents för a weapön we're building! With this we might be able tö at last defeat that fearsöme beast beföre Söl's wrath gröws irrepressible!" 

-"Hmm…I advise you to wait to put it into practice, till at least after tomorrow. Something tells me, its beastly form comes out when the shadows are at their strongest." Wendy mentioned

The adults all paused to look at her, then between each other.

"Mademoiselle Wendy…That's…Actually a very clever conjecture!" Warly praised.

-"Sö yöu're saying, the dark and frightening nights öf the new möön, is when it unleashes its true pöwer?"

Woodie frowned at the idea "If that's the case, I almost feel bad for WX, ya sure we should wait that long?" 

-"If we attack it today or tomorrow, it might be too strong for us to handle. If WX perishes, they will be brought back, remember?" The girl suggested.

The three adults hummed.

-"Mmm…I guess so. We should probably mention that to the others, eh guys?" The Woodsman said. The other two nodded and carried on to meet up with the rest of the group, while the three remaining children stared, bewildered by the young necromancer. 

-"You really think that's what happened??" Walter asked. 

She simply nodded. "It is the only logical conclusion, I suppose."

-" So technically… If someone were to sneak by today, the monster might not attack them?" Webber suggested.

The rest of the group gave them a look.

-"Wait. Hold on…Oh no, no no! You are not actually planning on going back there, are you? Because if you think we'll let you, then you're one dum-dum kid!" Walter warned.

The spiderling huffed. " So what if we are? Maybe we can talk to it! It might have just been in a bad mood then!" 

-"No! Absolutely not! I swore that I'd be responsible for you! You almost got me in big, BIG trouble last time, remember!?"

-"You think monster guy can be reasoned with?" Wurt asked.

-"Uh..I don't know, maybe? I hope so!" 

Wendy crossed her arms "You're going to get yourself killed, you fool, if you decide to do that." 

-"Yu-uh, she's right! You don't have my permission! And you can't just randomly decide to do stuff like this, Webber!" 

-"But what if something really bad happens to WX! You said it, Wendy! Tomorrow the monster becomes extra mean and hurts everyone! What if it rips out their core thing and then we'll never be able to bring them back again?!" They cried in a panic.

His friends winced to various degrees. There was an uncomfortable pause between them, as they imagined the robot being in a similar, if not worse predicament to the four survivors.

-"M…Maybe that won't happen? Or maybe it was telling the truth and WX really isn't even there…? C'mon guys…" Walter tried, less sure.

Wurt shrugged "Then let's go find out, florp!"

The young teen gaped at her, then waved his hands "Wurt, no–"

Wendy with a ghost of a smile butted in "I suppose we could, what do you say Abigail?"

"Only if you promise to not ditch me this time! " The apparition replied, still irked at the memory.

The girl nodded, holding up her pinky -"Alright. I pinky promise…" doing the motion in the air, though the others couldn't quite see Abigail's pinky promising back. 

She then turned to face the rest, with an exclamation "She said yes." 

Webber jumped up in excitement, looking between the two (and a half) girls. 

Walter felt even more gobsmacked by these kids "No, no! You can't! You can't do that! I won't allow it!" The boy kept yelling. Grabbing at the two youngest.

Webber gave him a quizzical look "Who said you can't come? " 

The pioneer paused. "What?"

"Yes. After all, we have to have someone older and far more experienced in the wilderness looking after us, isn't that right, Walter?" Wendy smugly stated.

He felt himself flush with embarrassment. Ugh! How could he fall for such obvious manipulation!?

He looked around, contemplating his options. 

"I…um..Well…Uh…"  He stuttered. Woby barked up at him, wagging her tail. Oh no! Not her too! Did she not know how dangerous this could be?! 

Everyone kept on staring at him, expectant. This was bad! Really bad!! He couldn't handle the peer pressure!

After a couple more moments, he cracked.

"Fine! But just in case, we need to bring weapons, healing supplies, and those telltale hearts of yours, Webber!" The rest immediately stood up straight and nodded, Webber even saluted. Abigail did too, but it came unnoticed by all besides Wendy, who barely stifled a giggle. 

He continued "And Woby will be there too, in case we need a quick ride or to evacuate!" 

The dog somehow lost her resolve, she gave Walter a look, that could only mean 'why me too?!' 

He knelt up to be eye level with her, guilt visible on his face. "I'm sorry Woby, but that's just in case! You're the quickest runner around besides Woodie and..WX but we can't go to Woodie and WX is the one who needs our help! I really hope we won't have to do that though!" 

She huffed, but didn't protest any further.

He stood up, turning back to the younger kids, a prominent stern look on his face. "And you three better not get me in even bigger trouble!" 

Wendy rolled her eyes "You and I both know we can't promise that–" 

Webber quickly covered her mouth "We'll try!! "

It was around noon, and everyone was running around frantically, with a lack of down feathers it was a complete fiasco, preparing as much as they could in such a short period of time. Breezy shirts, cooling proviant, many fans, both in base and portables. And of course, plenty of fuel for the ice flingomatic. Anything and everything that could help with the unwavering summer heat to come. 

WX just had to go missing right by the end of spring! That inconvenience almost felt spiteful.

The three kids cautiously looked over at the chaos unfolding, it appeared as though no one was really focusing on them at the time, they assumed Walter was actually going to be responsible… He kind of felt bad for doing the opposite. Oh well.

They turned to the narrowest route, with the most foliage for cover. They froze however as they felt a pair of eyes on them, questioning. 

As the trio turned, it was The Mime. His arms were crossed and his eyebrows raised.

Walter almost squeaked, darn it, he still couldn't get used to him around! 

"Oh…Um…H-hi Wes. We're just–"

-"We're simply going out to gather plenty of sticks and bark for our endothermic fire pits." Wendy finished for him, her face blank and unreadable, as it usually was. 

-"Yeah, since you guys seem to be busy with other important stuffs!" Webber added. 

Wes scratched his chin.

-"Y-yeah! We're doing that! For sure! Hehe…"

The Mime shrugged and gave them a thumbs up, followed by a little wave goodbye.

The three turned, and slowly walked off, to not raise any further suspicion. With Woby short on their trail. 

 After a few minutes, Walter exhaled, relieved to be away from this very disturbing-looking person. 

-"Phew…Okay. Wurt should join us by the second crossing."

The other two gave him a nod in response. 

-"I'm still not sure about this, guys…What if something really terrible happens? I doubt we'll be able to defend ourselves then…" He mumbled. His usually overconfident, overenthusiastic persona dwindled by the facts, this really was dangerous, and apparently difficult to get out of. 

"Do not concern yourself, it's not like it'd be the first time we'd be mauled to d–"

-"That won't happen, Wendy!" Webber yelled, annoyed that the girl nearly did it again. 

She looked back at him, nonchalantly.

In no time, they crossed the second road, but…No Wurt to be found.

They looked around, confused.

-"Huh…You guys think a monster ate her?" Walter asked, without thinking much over this speculation.

-"What?! No! I tried that once, she tastes gro–"

Suddenly, something jumped out of the bushes and straight at the spiderling, stopping him mid-speech. He screeched as he fell on the ground, trying to get the offender off him, hissing and gnashing his teeth to no avail. 

The other two, alongside Woby and Abigail, just stood there, as Wurt kept on laughing and play-fighting with the boy.

Once he realized who the aforementioned offender was, he stopped struggling and glared at her.

"Hey! What was that for?!"

She moved away, offering him a hand in return, not able to surpass her giggles. He slapped it away.

"I was bored!" Was her only defense. 

He cleared himself off the dust and dirt, still shooting daggers at the girl. 

-"Well, are you ready to go?" Asked Walter after an awkward pause.

She grinned and nodded "Yeah! Let's go, flurp!"

And so, the group carried onwards, getting ever so closer to their dreadful destination.

-"Ooh! This area must be it, right?" Walter exclaimed, amazed by the creepy vibe the forest in front of him was extruding. 

Both Webber and Wendy nodded in unison. 

-"It looks weird..." Wurt commented shortly. 

The Pinetree Pioneer looked between the other children "Alright! No chance to back down now, I guess. You guys ready?" 

All three nodded, as did Abigail. Woby however growled and backed off from the entrance. 

-"Would you like to stay back here instead, Woby?" 

The dog seemed to consider it, but in the end, she whined and instead approached her human friend. 

-"..You sure, girl?" 

-"Yeah! You don't have to if you don't wanna, puppy!" The spider child reassured. 

This apparently did the trick and she decided to stick around. She puffed out some air and approached closer, although still shaking somewhat. 

The other kids frowned but ultimately decided not to intervene. 

Once they entered the ominous area, predictably Walter almost immediately became distracted by every little thing. 

-"I know this is supposed to be scary and all, but this just looks so cool!" He exclaimed as he crouched in front of a plant that had an eye inside its trachea. 

-"Do you guys think, If I stick my hand in there, it'll come off?"

The necromancer shook her head "I suggest you don't. Last time, when a plant monster slashed at Wolfgang's arm. It soon became paralyzed from his shoulder to fingertips, withering into dark inky tetters.  Who knows, it might've come off later." 

The boy promptly pulled his hand away "Yeesh, okay, okay!" 

The group resumed their trek, though the eldest struggled with not jumping at every spooky detail with avid fascination.

Webber on the other hand, grew more and more alarmed, he knew he shouldn't be this scared, since nothing that bad happened last time, but he couldn't help it. Involuntarily, they reached out a hand to each girl for comfort, they both took them without a word. 

-"Woah, I think this animal carcass is pretty recent!" The teen commented, scrutinizing the skeleton of a deer that most likely lost its way from its herd, only to meet its premature demise.

Wurt made a face at that "Ewww!" 

The other girl hummed "I am not surprised. The creature has to eat, after all. Perhaps its autotrophic functions became diminished, due to its sickly appearance." 

The other kids stared at her incredulously. 

She sighed. "It can't eat the sun rays, so it eats you."

-"Oh, okay…nerd" Webber mumbled, before being decked by the irked blonde.

-"Keep those words to yourself or you shall be the first to go." 

He rubbed the back of his head "Ouch, sorry!" 

He could've sworn he heard Abigail laugh. 

The huge wall could be seen from quite the distance, but this time, Webber wasn't stuck with a bunch of stubborn adults, but instead, a bunch of stubborn older kids, which frankly was barely any better. 

-"Maybe there's a way around it?" Walter suggested. It was frankly the best idea they had yet.

The other three followed, keeping a moderate distance from the watching eyeballs, though it was a struggle for Walter, his curiosity about how it felt to poke one, was starting to eat him up.

-"You guys see? Some of the peepers there aren't peeping!" Wurt pointed.

Sure enough, there was a tree growing uncomfortably close to the wall, it obscured a large portion of it, and though petrified, it poked out in every direction, even the eyeballs adjacent to it appeared to be closed, likely to not get pierced by the few stray needles. 

Webber quietly gasped, he couldn't help but grin, this was perfect! The tree was wide enough, while they were ideally small enough to not get noticed by the remaining eyeballs!

"Huh, now that's oddly convenient." Walter remarked.

The spiderling though, hugged their friend "Yes! This is perfect! You have a good eye Wurt!" 

-She laughed but then paused. "Was that a pun?" 

The necromancer scoffed and moved along with her sister trailing behind "It doesn't matter, let's go before any of them spot us…"

As discreetly and inconspicuously as the children could, they approached the conifer.

Apparently, its lapidified branches made a perfect staircase, so there was little trouble in climbing to the top of the wall. The tree ran way past it, its emergent overlapping the small gap between it and the wall, making them nearly completely hidden from the inside view. 

At first, the four children (nor ghost or dog) didn't notice anything in particular.

Although the place looked like a complete mess, there were leaves and sticks everywhere, some uprooted dead plants, missing bark of trees, but most of all, there were lots and lots of mud puddles everywhere. It's as if a grand storm just passed through this area, even if there were no recent storms, that they knew of. 

-"Huh…That's weird." Walter whispered.

The others shushed him, once they saw two figures approaching. 

One was the monster, its rancid visage was unmistakable. It's closed off maw at the top of its head, its hunched, spiky back, and a flicking tail drifting behind.

Walter silently marveled at its eeriness. 

Whilst the other figure… The four almost let out a gasp. It was WX! With their shiny skin and familiar shrilling voice! Seeing them alive and well felt like a weight off to the five.

…Mostly well, at least none of their limbs appeared to be missing, though, from such a distance, neither could certainly tell. They carried an object with them. A shovel, before stopping and picking off some of the debris with it. 

The children listened in, trying to hear every little detail of their conversation.

-"THAT WAS PLENTY OF WORK, DON'T YOU THINK? I PRESUME THIS AREA IS THE LAST ONE."

-"Yes, it was… Thank you…For the help…"

-"DON'T MENTION IT. I OWE ONE TO YOU, REMEMBER? YOU DON'T HAVE TO STRAIN YOURSELF." 

The creature, they realized, was also holding a shovel of its own, clutching it awkwardly between its claws.

-"But want to! I'm fine! No biggie! " Instantly, it lost its grip on said tool, as it fell into a puddle below, splashing mud all over itself. It winced slightly.

WX laughed. But it didn't sound right. It wasn't their loud, mocking convulsion, but rather a softer chuckle. Before they went to pick up the muddied shovel, they handed it back to the beast. Then, they raised their hand and wiped the grime off the creature's face with little care for the muck.

"SURE THING, PLANTLING."  They even smiled as they said that...

To put it bluntly. Webber was horrified. What has that monster done to WX?! How could this have happened?! When has this even happened?!

"No! Oh no! They got brainwashed!! This is so bad!! Really bad!!" They cried out, trying to keep their voices level-headed, albeit struggling.

The others felt just as much uncomfortable with the display. In a weird way, it felt, as if they intruded on something deeply personal...

The two resumed their work, and for a couple of minutes, things settled. Though not for long, the monster kept on behaving oddly, shaking its head and wincing, eventually, they buckled and nearly collapsed for some inexplicable reason.

However, WX was there to aid them and stifle their fall.

-"I DON'T THINK YOU'RE YET READY TO WORK. HOW ABOUT YOU STAY DORMANT FOR NOW AND I'LL TAKE CARE OF THE REST?" 

The beast appeared to protest for a bit, but its complaints were quickly shut down, as it was forced to sit on a nearby boulder, evidently vexed.

The children's jaws dropped, they couldn't believe it. WX was being… openly considerate of someone else? That definitely wasn't right…They weren't even throwing insults in between to cover their tracks…This was all kinds of wrong. 

Wendy looked the most grim, as she proclaimed her careful speculation " It's way worse than we thought…This is no ordinary brainwashing. This is much more severe..."

The others, growing concerned, looked toward her for an explanation, a solution to a problem they were yet aware of, perhaps.

She went quiet for a moment as if she were to proclaim the killer in a murder mystery novel.

"This is…infatuation…" her words seeped with disgust, as her face contorted to that of someone consuming a raw lemon.

The others produced quiet gasps of disbelief.

Though Webber and Wurt soon paused, not actually understanding what she was inclining. 

-"Uh…What's infa…chew..ation?" Webber then asked.

Walter was quick to elaborate before the girl's description turned graphic. 

-"She thinks…They have a crush on that monster." 

He knew what was coming, he quickly covered Webber's mouth, as a loud "WHAT?!" was about to escape it.

Wurt was still confused though, as she gawked at the two, Webber aggressively trying to wrestle out of the older boy's grip, a strong reaction like that meant that it was probably something really bad.

-"Is that bad? It's bad right?" She questioned.

-"I mean, I don't know, to be honest, I should've been more surprised...But I guess it makes sense..? " Walter fairly stated. He was only slightly weirded out.

Abigail shrugged, while Wendy crossed her arms "As much as the idea brings me repulsion, I'm not really surprised either…"

Yeah no,  the merm still had no clue what was going on.

Once Webber managed to finally get Walter's hand off his chelicerae, he whisper-yelled, though it was more on the yelling side.

-"We have to save them! This is the second worst thing that could've happened!!"

-"But how are we going to do that?" Walter asked, immediately covering the boy's mouth again, in fear of being discovered.

WX was almost done with the cleaning it seemed, for the area looked much more tidy than it did about half an hour ago. Thankfully neither has noticed their raucous somehow...

-"WX friend…? " The creature then asked.

They stopped and turned to face it " WHAT IS IT? DO YOU NEED SOMETHING?" 

It shook its head. "No…When is Jimmy thingy waking up…? "

-"OH. HE SHOULD BE ALL CHARGED UP IN ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN HOUR."

They continued working for a bit, before pausing again. "HMM. ON SECOND THOUGHT... I SHOULD PROBABLY GO AND CHECK UP ON HIM. DO YOU THINK YOU CAN MANAGE THE REST ON YOUR OWN?"

Wormwood happily nodded, jumping off the rock, almost losing his balance in the process, if it wasn't for the nearby shovel speared deep into the ground, which managed to still him upward. He quickly composed himself, exposing rows of sharp teeth in a twisted 'reassuring' grin. 

WX shook their head, but let him be. 

He did as he said he would, he picked up the tool and resumed work, although at a much slower pace than previously, and yet...

-"Hmm, perhaps we could–" Wendy was swiftly cut off by a raspy voice.

-" Are all hairies this bad at being quiet? Would think so… " It spoke in an amused tone.

The children froze, as it was now facing them. Though from a distance away, it was still blatant it lacked any eyes. So how did it spot them this easily? Were they really that loud...? Of course, they were...

" Same thing as before, yes? You here for your friend? " 

Webber, feeling bolder, was the first to respond "Yes, we are! Why did you kidnap them?!"

The creature frowned at the accusation. "I did not…take them…They came to me…And decided to stay..."

This brought confusion to the bunch. 

-"They came to you, florp??" Wurt repeated. 

It nodded. "Yes…I don't go and take creatures. Creatures come to me. They came to me. I decided not to kill them…Don't regret it." 

-"Then why did you not inform the others of this beforehand? When they came to you a couple of days ago." Wendy asked. 

At the sound of the familiar voice, it grimaced "I don't trust these hairies…"

-"But I'm one of those 'hairies' " Webber then said, stupidly.

-"The bigger ones. They're louder and weirder and meaner..." It elaborated.

At that, Walter couldn't help but laugh "Hah! He's got a point!" The boy then paused "Uh...Is it alright if I call you he?"

He nodded. "Yes. WX asked that before...I liked it."

WX! That's right! They needed to talk to them!

"Oh, this reminds me! Could you- maybe let us speak with them for a bit? We just want to talk things out and stuff!"

It shook its head. "They don't want to talk to you now..." This piqued Webber once more.

"And how are we supposed to believe you!? You just made them leave! We want to hear it from them!"

"They don't want to talk to creatures who call them useless..." He as a matter of fact stated.

The kids winced. That's right...Willow did say that in the heat of the moment.

"But none of us think that! Willow didn't mean that! WX picked a fight with her when she was sorta angry and she just kinda said that!" The spiderling tried.

-"Ah, the fire girl. Yes. I've heard..."

Wendy was still mulling things over, particularly relating to that night. "But what about you? You're going to hurt them tomorrow night, aren't you?"

He visibly flinched at that "I- I- but...I don't want to! I won't...I won't let that happen! " So it was true...

"That night a while back, when you attacked us, you weren't thinking clearly, were you?" She continued, to the awe of everyone present.

They observed him, physically losing most of his phlegm. "Well...no...not really...I'm...I'm really sorry...for hurting you...and your friends..." He was visibly distressed but seemed to mean each word. They guessed he wasn't exactly expecting a visit or an apology to his former victim out of this day.

This... did not in fact help them conclude anything, just what exactly were this creature's intentions?

The necromancer felt more at ease, knowing this being was simply accursed, not truly malevolent "I appreciate the effort if what you claim is true."

Walter put his hands in front of his face, inclining to 'stop' as he boldly asked "So wait, let me get this straight. You're not usually an evil killing machine?" 

He went silent, thinking of what to say. Eventually, he settled on; "I kill, yes... for food, not...for fun...For fun is...not me. don't like it..."

-"Are you really blind, florp?" The others glared at the merm girl, who was confused by their sudden hostility.

-"Wurt! You can't just ask someone if they're 'really blind' That's very rude !" Webber scolded.

-"I am...? " he answered, confused by the new rising argument between the younglings.

He was starting to grow tired of this, as his headache expanded, reminding him only of his misfortune "Tiny fleshy beasts, please leave soon...If you stay, the others will come...don't bring in more of you...Not now..." he pleaded.

The children stopped, then looked between each other, frantic.

"Wait! But we still have so many questions!!" Walter tried. 

The monster was adamant "No. No more questions..."

Webber needed to know one last thing — that maybe, despite everything, WX-78 didn't hate them. He knew he could not rely on his puppy eyes to convince this creature, so he hoped his words would be enough...

-"Please, mister, just one last tiny question! then we'll leave! Promise!" 

He was taken off-guard by the sudden change of heart in that one. Mister..? Since when did anyone call him that? Even the twirly tails back home usually called him "Freak of nature" or '"Tiny beastie"

...He felt his shoulders sag. "...Okay...One.last.question...then...you leave..."

The four huddled in a group, discussing their options quietly with each other. Abigail floated around them, rather frustrated with her inability to fully participate. After some time, they finally turned back to face the monster, all wearing serious expressions, though pointless, it helped them stay in character.

Walter cleared his throat, ready to state their final question. "Would you..."

-"May we ask, what is your name?" Wendy quickly butted in, to the shock of the rest of her party.

-"It's Wormwood. "

Webber grabbed her by the shoulders "No! That's not what we discussed! Wendy why would you do that!?"

She shrugged "I changed my mind."

The children kept on screaming...He sighed. He waved his hand slightly, the vines with no thorns extended to grab each by the waist. It was surprisingly easy as they still kept on focusing on each other. With yelps and yells of "wait!" they were lowered down to the ground level behind the wall.

"Shoo! Leave! "

a muffled "But won't you at least-" then some more arguing but with each moment more distant. At last, it faded into obscurity.

At that exact moment, WX returned "I'M BACK, HOW'D IT GO? ARE YOU DOING ANY BETTER? " they asked, Jimmy, in tow, floating beside them.

-"Oh, yes, I am...no need to worry! " He chuckled.

They huffed, retracting their statement "I WASN'T WORRIED. I SIMPLY ASKED TO ASSESS WHETHER OR NOT YOU'RE STILL CAPABLE OF LABOR!" they suddenly paused, their expression changing. "...WERE YOU BY ANY CHANCE TALKING TO ANYONE JUST NOW?"

His smile widened "Yes, plant friends! They're doing much better now! All thanks to you! You did so well with them! " And it was all about to come to ruin...he bitterly thought.

The automaton staggered, a few sparks flowing out of them, they still weren't quite used to that kind of speech. "Y-YOU'RE WELCOME, WORMWOOD" 

This time, they decided not to follow with an insulting remark, they supposed he deserved more than that. They were rather pleased, considering he gave them a good excuse to check back on that rune. It was like nothing they had seen before, though its distinct patterns reminded them of the ruins below. Perhaps it was some lost chapter to that dull tale about ancient bug civilizations? Or of something completely different, whether it be a beast, cautionary tale, or a riddle leading to whatever.

They've only managed to translate two words thus far, the lack of context, certainly did not bring them any comfort...

............Darkness......Monster.

Chapter Text

..Moon….Darkness…Gate…Monster…

What did all these words mean? What did they incline to? WX-78 couldn't be more perplexed by this bizarre piece of shiny rock. They were certain they translated the symbols correctly, though there were still plenty of characters left to render…They tried putting the ones they had so far into a sentence together, yet nothing sounded quite right.

'Against the moonlight, there's a darkness, to which the gate guards a monster… ??? '

No. This couldn't possibly be what this said, It seemed completely ludicrous. They suspected it might be some kind of poem, though its context still escaped them. 

If only they had the chance to take a better look at the Magician's book, regardless of how ominous it was… 

Oh well, they supposed they'd have to make do, the archaic way…

So they tried to put reason into the few words they were given, breaking them down into possible interpretations.

Monster…Could this mean…Wormwood? Or some other beast they haven't yet thought of or seen..?

Gate…Perhaps the entrance to the garden…? Though, they weren't even sure the hieroglyph spoke of this actual place. For all they knew, it could mean an entirely different area! 

But…if the former's the case, what could Darkness and Moon have to do with any of this? 

This was utter nonsense! Why would there even be a rune about Wormwood and his foolish little garden? Sure it was outlandish, but it's not like it was in any way notifiable or worth the effort to be engraved into a rune…Right? 

They scoffed and shook their head, perhaps another day they would figure this out. For now, they'd have to get back to work, after all, they were nowhere near done reforming this wasteland.

In fact, they've noticed significant changes in its atmosphere, although they were unsure what to make of it. At first, they were certain it was for the better, the improvement was blatant. It was becoming less of an eyesore with each new day, appearing more like a disorderly field, one which had survived through rough winters and was just starting to come back to its past glory. 

And yet... this was not the case today. Today, something felt off… The eeriness they felt on their first day here came back in full force, though they weren't sure why. Things improved! So why did it feel like something terrible was about to happen at any moment? 

They decided to ignore this sudden wave of trepidation, perhaps the toll on their sanity was finally starting to set. Instead, they strove to focus on something else, much more important matters. They will inevitably succeed in fixing this place, making Wormwood satisfied with the changes enough so that he'll set them free and…Then what? 

Are they supposed to just return to…these assholes? 

After their lack of care? After deeming them useless? After not even being bothered to look for them..? As if! They'd rather see them perish in the most violent ways, of which they'd be the enforcer.

…But on the off chance they did come looking, maybe they were simply too stupid or too cowardly to go search here?

Or maybe they did, yet WX somehow missed them..?

The only instance they could think of when they thought they did hear them call out, was those apparent cunning "birds of prey"...If that was really the case. 

Surely Wormwood wouldn't lie about that, right..? Though their certainty diminished somewhat with every passing minute.

On cue, they saw his familiar figure from a distance away, and almost like a spell cast, all thoughts of doubt faded into nothingness, replaced instead by a strong desire to dazzle him speechless, however pathetic that may have seemed… They know, they've gotten plenty of praises from him before. All of them were very factual and true, Yes. That doesn't mean they didn't crave more. They haven't felt this validated since the time Wickerbottom complimented them on their genius creations…It's been a while.

They thought it was about time someone started recognizing their prowess, without them having to remind them constantly. 

They eagerly approached him, ready to present the plan they constructed for the day. And such an immaculate plan that was! 

Firstly they'd set up a compost farm with all the drenched plant waste so its usage continues even after its demise. Then, once they have plenty of perfectly functional bins of nutrients, they shall begin to prioritize acquiring the most important, most sacred element of gardening…Bees. While it will be difficult to manage, they hoped some bees would be less than bright and venture into these terrains. Albeit, in that case, they must inform Wormwood that neither he nor his gross carnivorous beasts may feast upon them. 

They fleetingly wondered, if these fools even took care of their bee farm in their absence…

-"HELLO WORMWOOD. I HOPE YOU'RE READY FOR TODAY'S SCHEDULE."  They proclaimed.

He completely ignored them. This had irked them somewhat. 

"WERE YOU LISTENING TO ME? I SAID, ARE YOU READY FOR TODAY'S SCHEDULE!?" They repeated, louder.

He didn't even flinch at their raised tone. How dare he? It's his stupid land they're trying to fix! And he decides not to listen to them!

Frustrated now, they reached out to grab his arm, maybe this would finally attract his attention.

But as they were about to graze him, he swiftly grabbed their arm in turn, squeezing it to the point he caused a dent in its place. Despite his hands being made of leaves, they felt much more firm to the touch, than they seemed… 

Alongside it, he produced a low, threatening growl, akin to that from the first night they had met him.

WX wriggled their arm out of his grasp, almost perturbed, but for the most part, they were angry and baffled. Why would he do this?!

-"HEY!! WHAT THE HELL?! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! I WAS JUST TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION!"

The plantling froze instantly, realizing what he had done, he quickly retracted his hand, as if he was the one who had just been harmed " Oh- no no no! I- I'm sorry! sorry! I didn't mean to..ehr… " 

His head then fell. He grasped it with one claw, grunting, as he tried to shake off a rising headache. " Bad…bad…no..no…stop… "

WX-78's anger deflated, morphing into a greater state of confusion.

-"WHAT'S…WRONG?" They asked, unsure.

There was a short pause. Then, without giving a response, Wormwood went rigid and began to walk away, unprompted. The automaton was about to grow irate again, but the plantling briefly stopped and turned, ushering them with his hand. " Come…with me…please. "

They weren't exactly on board with this idea. They didn't know what actually happened to him moments prior, but it certainly didn't make them trust him any more. 

…They decided to follow him anyway, not without great caution. 

WX couldn’t help but wonder; Why did he behave that way? …Was he really a wild beast all along? But that didn't make sense. They've already seen him act nearly civilized. Why would he switch like that all of a sudden? Sure, he did have a fair share of fits before, as did they, but this was different…

Inexplicably, they sensed there was something…malevolent at hand, and not in a pleasant way. They didn't like this at all…They already felt inane with such an assumption.

At some point, they had stopped walking. The automaton began scanning their current location, but found no immediate sign of threat, which somewhat eased their worry, although…

He walked them over to a tree. An old oak. 

And they thought they couldn't become more dumbfounded…

-"WHY DID YOU BRING ME HERE…?"

He, again, did not respond, instead, he approached the aforementioned tree and…began carving something in it with his claw, as it took on a sharper edge. In the process, he kept on mumbling out soft apologies to it.

Something was definitely wrong. 

-"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? ISN'T THIS HARMING YOUR…FRIEND?" They inadvertently cringed. That word still felt distasteful on their voice box, referring to a foul organic as such...

-"..Yes…but..have to…to protect…you. "

They blinked, processing his words "WHAT..? PROTECT ME..? PROTECT ME FROM WHAT!? HOW IS A BUNCH OF DENDROGLYPHS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT ME ANYWAY?!"

Wormwood stayed silent, as infuriating as that was getting. He knelt down to begin drawing in the dirt next, seemingly done with whatever bizarre thing he had just carved onto that ancient oak. It was some kind of a sigil, of an eye, underlined with sharp fissures and a curved line beneath. They were unsure what to make of this…

Once he was done with the bigger dirt scrawl, he stood up without a word and approached them. They looked over to him, hoping he would at last explain any one of his actions.

He, in fact, did not. What he did do, was grab them by their sides and hoist them upwards, as if they were some kind of small animal, much to their dismay…

"WHAT IS UP WITH YOU TODAY?! LET ME GO, YOU–"

In spite of their complaints, he carried them over to a grand circle on the ground, and promptly dropped them down in it, before stepping back.

They were starting to get extremely annoyed with this conduct…If he keeps on acting like this, they will surely hit him! 

They looked down at the circular shape underneath them, and quickly came to the only semi-logical conclusion. "ARE YOU.. TRYING TO SACRIFICE ME TO SOME KIND OF DEITY? BECAUSE IF THAT'S THE CASE, YOU'RE UTTERLY INSANE!" They screamed. 

He tensed, shaking his head. " No! No…not doing that! Please just stay in here…It will…keep you safe….Don't go anywhere…until tomorrow morning…it's important… "

They stared at him as though he had just lost his mind, which frankly, he might've "TOMORROW MORNING?! AM I SUPPOSED TO WASTE MY TIME JUST SITTING HERE?" They couldn't believe this. What was this fool blabbering about? Keep them safe from what ?! Where was the danger?! If there was a threat around, why couldn't they simply combat it?! 

-" Yes…please…promise you won't leave circle…Don't want you hurt… "

They already hated this. They crossed their arms and looked away from him. Were they really about to sit here idly for over 18 hours..? With great uncertainty, they slowly began to nod. "FINE. BUT YOU BETTER NOT BE LYING TO ME." 

He smiled, and then…he just left them there. 

They tried to call out to him, to halt, to explain his reasoning for this, but he did not yield, much rather quickened his pace.

Despite their better judgment, they did not go out of their way and chase after him. They wanted to believe him, that what he told them was true, though they were skeptical. Magic, after all, was a thing here, and as much as they opposed its illogical nature, it was indisputably there.

Perhaps whatever he warned them about was simply out of their hands…

So be it, they shall stay here and see. If he proves his sincerity, they shall try to be better and trust him more often, but if he turns out deceitful…He will pay dearly… 

They sat there, contemplating for some time before they grew bored. Frankly, they hated doing nothing, regardless of what they got others to believe. They were by no means lazy, they simply thought certain tasks could be done by lower life forms, rather than wasting themself away in some mundane, condemning activity.

…Maybe their criticism of the other survivors was unwarranted, if only partially… If they ever get out of this mess, they'll strive to give them slightly more respect. That is if the rest could provide respect to them in turn. However, deep down they bitterly suspected they wouldn't. Such was their kind after all.

They sighed, being left alone with only their thoughts for company certainly didn't do any good for their sanity, not like it used to.

…They were awfully aware of the fact they've grown weak, ever since meeting those vile creatures. Each new day with the other survivors brought more and more internal conflict to their CPU...

Wormwood's presence certainly didn't help with making this problem any lesser… They scowled.

Why did he have to leave them? Couldn't he have just stayed here with them if he claimed they were in danger? Was he not in danger too?

…Was he the danger?

They did not want to think about the plausibility of that option, but it was not impossible. He was behaving unlike himself that day, but this could be excused as anxiety…right? 

They had to stop mulling over this too much, lest they actually lose their mind. 

Perhaps if they shut down temporarily the time will pass by quicker. They had missed a couple of nights' rest. It would actually be best to recharge now rather than to randomly enter rest mode in the middle of work. Yes, this was logical. Much better than staying awake and waiting it out. 

They could do this. 

They awoke hours later with a charge more than full, as the darkness had just barely set in. The circle they had laid in, now emitted a pale blue light, much to their bewilderment. As they turned to face the tree, they noticed it, too, shared a similar glow. 

They couldn't quite understand what exactly it was doing, but it sure was doing something. 

Curious, they touched over the carvings. Admittedly, this might've been one of their least rational ideas. But to be fair, their processor was still partially in loading.

They felt a strange pulse course from under their fingertips, from where they touched the sigil. It seemed almost surreal… Then, a small spark flew out from beneath it, which made them instinctively pull their hand back, though it didn't hurt one bit, not like it usually did, but this was something else…

They examined their hand through and through, flipping between their palm and back as the dying light faded from their joint rings. Once it returned to normal, they eventually focused on their surroundings, still not quite sure what to do now, for they knew they couldn't leave yet.

They could barely make out things past a few feet away from the circle, the rest was simply too indiscernible.

They also sensed the temperature decrease despite it being summer. There was an air of wrongness to it, of apprehension, which they rarely experienced. They couldn't really explain it, but something beyond that darkness was…evil

A wail of pure agony abruptly pierced through that pitch-black void, startling them quite. 

They backed into the tree, to get as far away from that horrifying noise, before they realized, with much disfavor, that the only one it could really belong to, was Wormwood…

They tried not to think about it, but this was without a doubt him. 

The automaton was unsure of what to do. They couldn't go and check up on him, since he told them not to leave this stupid circle. But what if something terrible was happening to him? As much as they hated to admit it, they did maybe, slightly, minisculely care for that creature.

…So if anything has actually happened to him…They would not be pleased. Not at all.

They pondered, weighing down their options. They had to stay here, but they couldn't just do nothing! This was harrowing...

After a continual period of these deeply concerning noises, they couldn't take this anymore. With utmost frustration, they got up and tore a thicker branch off the tree. While they were at it, they also ripped out plenty of dried grass, which grew beside the oak, turning these into a makeshift torch. Once alight, they hesitantly stepped out of the circle. In doing so, they automatically closed their eyes, worried that this action would somehow trigger it to strike. Alas, it didn't, when they reloaded their seeing modules, they noticed the ring immediately turn dim. 

They probably wouldn't be able to come back to it, but that wasn't the biggest concern on their mind right now. 

They had to find Wormwood. 

Even with their torch, what they saw of the unimpressive garden they had tried so hard to fix, wasn't…normal. Every creepy detail of it was enhanced and multiplied by a hundred, at least. It didn't look like it previously did before, there indeed was a sinister…aura that surrounded it tonight. A kind of corruption, laying waste to anything and everything…

They had to carry on, there was no turning back now, whatever happened next, they hoped they may revive from that consequence.

A black ooze seeped from the nearby trees, akin to sap but not. Plants around them have turned to rot, as an odor of death permeated the air. The optical units they passed, as well, focused on them solely without a blink, they tried to dismiss their countless stares. In spite of having long since exited their area of sight, that forbidding feeling of being watched lingered. 

As they plodded, even the ground beneath them began to turn thorny, nail-sharp needles scraping against their soles with an unpleasant noise. They only winced a little, very glad to not have soft and tender skin anymore, though this factor didn't make it any more comfortable.

Not too long after, they found themself in the center of the garden, their so-called saunter, seeming more like a treacherous hike, thanks to all these obstacles.

In the meantime, their optics' own two lights turned on, an admittedly useful enhancement to their perception. There was no time to care about their foolish appearance, not now. 

Surely enough, they heard something a distance away. Crackling of leaves and softer pained groans.

They turned in the approximate direction of these sounds and almost instantly froze upon seeing the figure from afar.

-"Wormwood…?" They asked, their tone barely above a whisper. 

…This…wasn't right. 

They could've sworn it was Wormwood. It had to be him, and yet…They didn't want to believe it.

The silhouette of the creature before them appeared severely disfigured, in a way that made it look almost menacing… With limbs too long and a back so crooked it looked broken.

And it was giant... Much larger than what they knew of him.

But that glowing red orb was unmistakable. The long crack on its surface made this so blatantly obvious… 

Its exposure must've hurt. It had to, but it did not care for its own suffering it seemed.

His head turned sharply in their direction once he heard them call out. WX couldn't help but take a step backward, aside from that though, they made no further movement.

He growled. His head then turned a couple of times, as if searching for something, for someone… A hand flew over to his giant maw and scratched at one closest segment, like that would somehow make his vision clear.

It did not, which only made the beast more angry. 

It screeched out its frustrations and lunged in the direction it thought it sensed its prey.

Their fight or flight senses finally kicked in, and they booked it in the other way. 

They ran as far as their legs could carry, without any additional upgrades. They tried not to look behind them as they heard it give chase. From the sound of it, the monster cared not for anything in its path, with all the following cracks and snaps and whumps.

What the hell happened to him?! Was this the danger he warned them about…?

They didn't stop soon after because they ran into an object or suddenly changed their mind. That dirty bastard still had some power left within him and willed the thorny vines under their feet to wrap around them, abruptly making them stop and dive down. They face-planted straight into those nasty things, getting scrapes all over their form. 

Luckily, their grip on the torch stayed firm, they were yet to drop it and cause a possible fire, though at the moment, they were strongly considering it. 

The beast caught up with them, as they managed to pull themself upwards. He was even greater now as he stood over them. A looming premonition of doom.

Instinctively, they put the torch in between them to shield themself from an incoming attack.

It had tried to lunge at them, but the blazing heat discouraged it to an extent, though its intentions were clear as day, it wanted to cause them harm…

WX tried to reason with it, though somewhere inside knowing, that their pleas would fall on deaf ears, this wasn't Wormwood. Not anymore.

"STOP THIS WRETCHED CHARADE, WORMWOOD! THIS ISN'T YOU! YOU FOOL, WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIKE THIS?!"

Predictably, he did not listen, only gnashed the many rows of teeth at them. 

How could they fix this?! Could they even fix this?! 

They couldn't swing around that torch forever…

"WORMWOOD, PLEASE JUST–" That's when it happened, he had grown tired of this little game and decided to risk it, extending his claw to snuff out the flame, ignoring the scorching burns making their way up his hand. While the flames didn't rise far out onto his arm, he impulsively ripped it all out regardless, producing a snapping sound akin to a decayed branch. The mangled, charred mass of vines became misshapen as soon as it lost connection with the rest of his body, falling into a pathetic heap on the ground, no longer kept alive by the force of baleful magic. 

Then, the creature seemed to momentarily pause, focusing, as a small stub left of his missing arm grew and grew until there was no sign of his former disability.

With only their pupils left to provide dim light, they stared at the beast with dismay. Since when could he do that?! 

…Why did they just stop and gawk like an idiot?! They scrambled to get away as he violently threw the doused stick at the back of their head. 

They didn't falter this time, but one of their sockets malfunctioned, promptly going out. They were stunned for a mere moment, which was apparently enough for him to strike. Something they themself should've done.

He jumped on them, trapping them in his tight clutches, they put their own hands on his shoulders, pushing him away, trying to keep him as far from their face as possible, though their chances of survival were quickly diminishing. 

"WHAT– IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" They yelled in between struggles. He, of course, did not respond this time either, only kept on behaving like a savage beast.

The pressure on their arms increased, making the previously small dents much more potent, to a point where these parts of their arms looked more like crushed scrap. 

They internally cursed, this has actually started to hurt, why did they still have to feel?! The whole point of becoming a robot was for this awful thing to stop!

But this was only the beginning. 

The infamous acid leaked out of his palms and onto their shoulders, gradually melting their arms away.

Though their limbs felt little pain at their joints, it was still a horrible experience. They tried to wriggle themself away from that monster, before both of their arms were severed off, but found that to still be very difficult, even more so than before as he was currently an oversized beast.

They glared at him. "IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED ALL ALONG? THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST KILL ME WHEN WE FIRST MET?!" He roared in their face, spitting corrosive gob all over them, as they winced with discomfort, utterly disgusted.

But they went on regardless " WHY DID YOU MAKE ME DO ALL THAT? FOR NOTHING?! WHY DID YOU WASTE MY TIME?! WHAT WAS IT ALL FOR?!" If they'd known any better, they thought for a moment he trembled, but that movement was so fleeting, they weren't sure if they really saw it. 

His hands moved towards their neck and they sneered at the idea. "HAH. ARE YOU SERIOUS? YOU CAN'T PHYSICALLY STRANGLE ME. I DO NOT BREA–" One of his clawed maws went down towards their chassis, making a long slash across its surface, and whilst it didn't cut deep enough to bust an oil pump, it peeled away at the thin alloy sheet, leaving three open gashes in their plate, which exposed their inner workings to the outside elements.

They staggered. His other hand stayed in place, wrapped firmly around their neck. WX couldn't tell what he was thinking, if he was thinking at all, but whatever expression perceivable on that beast's face contorted into pure contempt, followed by a sadistic sort of smile, which shook them to their very core. 

He continued squeezing their neck as if it would do anything, except perhaps dent it somewhat, his other hand shortly returning to its former placement. 

They couldn't quite understand why he was still attempting this tomfoolery, it only made him seem more brain-dead. 

…Albeit.. maybe he wasn't trying to choke them, but much rather… oh no.

Their eyes widened, their barely still attached hands wrapped around his, desperately trying to pull them away at any cost, but to no avail.  

-"DO NOT– DON'T! STOP IT!!" 

He pressed harder. The inevitable acid followed thereafter.

They felt their head separating from the rest of their body, yet they could do nothing about it, and that wasn't even the worst of it.

The worst was being able to see this creature as he did it. Whether or not this really was Wormwood…Perhaps there never was a Wormwood, to begin with..?

Only a ruthless monster.

…It was rather humorous and yet pitiful how they could be so easily manipulated by such a foul, conniving beast. They spoke of themself so high yet couldn't see such glaring deceit… 

They were the true fool after all.

With one final grip and a sharp tug, their head was torn right off. 

[WARNING: HEAD MODULE DISCONNECTED! HEAD MODULE DISCONNECTED! SHUT DOWN EMINENT IN 10 MINUTES…] 

For once in their life 10 minutes felt like an agonizingly long amount of time. It didn't hurt, not as much as it would've for an organic, but at least for them, it would be practically instant. The only thing that was hurting here, was their decimated pride, nothing of it was left, if this is how low they've stooped. 

After he had decapitated them, most of his activity stilled. He held their head in front of his face, as any emotion he had on, left it. No regret, no satisfaction, not even hatred.

This was even worse than they thought…They might as well speed up the process. 

[SHUTDOWN EMINENT IN 5…4…3…2…1 ENFORCED SHUTDOWN INITIATED]

Their one pupil that functioned faded into nothingness, their own expression turning blank, as it normally would've been. They lastly thought, a phantom, a sensation, that his grip on their head tightened, though it became unsteady, as everything was shaking... An ear-piercing scream followed thereafter. 

Not one of anger, or delight, but of complete sorrow. 

Then again, this might have been a final trick of the mind as they succumbed to their impending demise. 

WX gasped, inhaling no air, as they hastily arose from their apparent slumber. Confused and disheveled from these horrific images, they looked around, trying to find the monster that moments ago severed their head, but there was no monster to be found. Only this barely alive wasteland of a garden.

It was also daylight, past 2 PM or so. The sun blazed down on their casing, making it nearly too hot to the touch.

…Hold on. Their casing!

They looked down at their body, their whole body, dumbfounded. After rigorous inspection, no injury, excluding their perpetual ones was to be found.

They released an abundance of steam they had unknowingly been holding, relieved. So this was one of those vile 'nightmares'. They rarely ever experienced those. They thought they would never, due to their current superior state, but alas, this world prevailed in making them miserable anyway. 

So none of that really happened…? Wormwood hasn't actually…done any of that? Become that…?

They couldn't yet be sure, lest they find out for themself, but honestly, they didn't exactly feel up for it, not after this night. They stood up and dusted themself off any excess dirt. Perhaps instead, they'd resume their task of trying to translate that strange hieroglyph, maybe that would take their mind off of this pitiful state.

Conveniently, the spot where they hid their finding was not too far away from here. 

The automaton groaned, it will certainly be difficult to forget such a vivid delusion. They'll surely attempt to delete it from their memory file, if possible. 

As they were about to exit the drawn ring, they passingly looked down and instantly went rigid.

All their thoughts faded away into the background, as they kept on gaping at the grand sigil on the ground. 

A sigil which had already been blemished via footprint, such exactly matching their own…

...In their "dream", they recalled exiting the circle and ruining it in the process.

The world seemed to stop for a moment.

Before it all crashed down on them. No…

No this wasn't just a bad dream. This was the Constant for crying out loud!

They actually have died last night. They truly were dismantled! Wormwood was… He really was...

Just a monster all along.

…Moon fades..

..Darkness..over.

Across..garden's gate.

..fate…monster.

Chapter Text

A deep darkness settled, swallowing the whole land, as another night approached. The entirety of the garden faded into its pitch-black void, though for him, it was long since trapped within it. 

Wormwood stood in an open field, waiting. He knew what the other creatures feared, he used to fear it too, once. In that abyss, a creature even more dangerous than himself stood, however unlike him, it was entirely omnipotent. It knew what happened eons ago, and vaguely what was to come. It controlled anything and everything in this world, as if it were but an amusing dollhouse for it to play with.

Although it was such, it was not the most powerful being existing within this realm, no, not even close. None who began as mere mortals could ever get close to Their status. They created this void, along with its magic. They were the beginning, and They will be the end.

While he could never compare to his Mother's magnificence, no matter how much he'd try, though... in honesty, he never truly had. Not until it was too late, and he grew too carefree, too comfortable with his new life. He wanted to do things his way — he told Them as such. He loved these creatures, he valued this life. They didn't see it as worth Their while. 

But he could've never foreseen this.

He had found this place, but he had failed to fix it, and in turn, it corrupted him. Turned the smallest amount of divinity he had into an infernal curse.

He supposed he deserved it, he strayed too far from his Mother's way and thus, fate decided to retaliate. 

He had pleaded for mercy, for a second chance, for redemption, to be freed from this malediction. For that, They conditioned him with two engraved stones, meanings of which he was yet to decipher; always interpreting the words wrong.

Perhaps that was intentional. Perhaps Their riddle wasn't meant to be deciphered.

…Perhaps the reason behind it was to torment him, give him a false hope, only to tear it away from him later. They probably wished They had never created him in the first place. He couldn't blame Them for it if They had.

But whether They truly had or not, did not matter, not tonight.

He'd make that decision for Them. He'll make this right. Remedy Their greatest flaw. 

Himself. 

He supposed that would be the first time They'd actually be happy with him.

Regarding the Grue's presence. It could cause him no harm. While he couldn't see with his eyes, he could sense her presence there. She knew of it, and she never posed any actual threat to him. Maybe it was her choice. Nothing was actually stopping her from destroying him if she so pleased. She must've enjoyed watching him suffer. 

-"Come out. Know you're here... " He spoke out in a monotonous tone.

Wormwood sensed her approach with a whooshing sound. 

-"Why, hello, Wormie!" She greeted. "We never really converse much. What's with the sudden change of heart?"

He scowled at the diminutive."Don't want to...talk…want...something...from you…please "

She smiled. "As polite as you ever were, dear. That makes much more sense. What can I get for you? Perhaps you've wisened up and finally decided to join my cause?"

He shook his head. " No. Never. Not doing that…Love Mum...too much...and don't like…your lot. "

She shrugged, playfully rolling her eyes. "Oh well, I expected as much."

Wormwood's shoulders sank. He was going to do this either way. So what's wrong with asking?

-"Can you…break…me? "

She paused, raising an eyebrow. "Break you? How so?"

-"Kill...Destroy…Sha…ter...Am not good...only hurt things...don't want that...anymore…please… "

She frowned, momentarily going quiet.

-"I'm afraid I can not do that." 

He grew annoyed. What was that supposed to mean?! Of course, she could! He knew she could! " Why not?! You can! Know you can! Then why?! "

She tssked, crossing her arms "It's not that simple. I can not just destroy you myself, no matter how much you wish for it. I don't do things like that." 

He hummed. If that was the case then, he'd have to settle for a compromise."Okay…then…Give me...a weapon…that can kill…beasts of light… "

Her frown deepened. "Are you sure...? You know, I'd hate to see you leave us so soon..."

His stance stayed firm. Why would he listen to the word of a false god?  "Yes, I'm sure. I…don't deserve… to exist… "

She pinched the bridge of her nose. Begrudgingly, she spoke. "...Very well then, I shall provide you with one, but under one condition: you must do a favor for me as well. After all, I don't give out such precious items for free."

That was to be expected. Nothing could ever be so easy. "What you want...? "

-"I need you to steal a page from dear old Maxie's book. It's truly important and the only one of its kind, providing me with it would be greatly appreciated. " 

He stopped, dumbfounded, trying to understand her words. A page…? From…a book…

-" What's…a book…? "

It was her turn to become dumbfounded. "You seriously don't know what a book is..?"

He shook his head.

She shrugged. "Oh, in that case, I hope you won't mind if I imprint the idea of it in your head?"

Wormwood hesitated. " I…don't know… "

-"Don't worry silly! I won't try to brainwash you, you know I can't do that." 

He was still reluctant, but he slowly nodded. 

She closed her eyes, focusing on the image in her head, before extending her two forefront fingers up toward his forehead, inches away from actually touching it.

"Bang!" She joked, her hand falling down as if she had actually shot a gun.

To be fair, she might've as well, with the sharp pain that followed. Wormwood stumbled backward, hissing and shaking his head.

For a moment, his head began to throb intensely, though the pain disappeared almost as quickly as it came. And then...he thought he saw an object…A book colored jet black, a large, bloodied letter M imprinted on its front cover. The tome opened, the pages flying at a steady pace. It eventually stopped and landed on…A gate. A strange gate with a myriad of unspoken secrets written beside it in a tongue long lost. Albeit it, too, soon vanished into nothingness. He managed to read a single word. 

Advent.

-"Ugh! What…Oh…That thing…Yes…seen similar things before… "

-"That's great! I knew you weren't really that dense. Now, you should be certain what to get for me. But don't take the whole book, oh no, I don't have the need for it now. Take just this one, single page, if you may."

-"Can't you… get it yourself…? "

She laughed. "Of course I could! But that would be tricky. That's why I'm asking you, Wormie. Remember, an exchange has to work two ways~!" 

He supposed that made sense. 

He scratched at his cheek "... How will I know…Which is it? …Don't these things have…Lots of changy pages…? How to know…to get the right one? "

-"Trust me, you'll know, once the book is in your hands. For you see, that page has a certain…energy to it. If you feel a shiver down to your very jewel, it means you're on the right one."

He grimaced, disliking the idea. " ...But I don't trust you. "

-"In that case, you could always just say: 'Arcanorum antiquus tomus, te mihi pande. Ostium mihi ostende quod ibi erat ante, et erit usque ad consummationem temporis.' " She said as her voice lowered to an unnatural decibel, an increasing echo trailing after her every word.

He quickly began to shake his head, "No! No. Fine, okay, will try to feel for it! "

Pleased, she clasped her hands together "Excellent! Then I shall be here, always, anticipating your triumph."

-" Wait! How…How am I….suppose to…take it? You said it…belong to someone…right? But I can't…leave… here… "

-"Don't you worry your silly head, there is no need for that. They'll come right to you!  I'll make sure of it. Maxie always carries that tome with him, so that will be no problem. "

He still wasn't fully onboard, the accursed night was fast approaching. He dreaded what he could do to these poor creatures if he were to confront them, trapped inside that form.

-"...When…When are they gonna come? "

She hummed in thought "Hmm..From what I've heard through the grapevine, they'll be visiting the nearby marshes in about 2 days or so."

He froze. No, no…Of course…It had to be then. It just had to be on that day! The providence was never there when he needed it, and if such was to be, not on these creatures' side either. 

-"What?! B-but that's when I– When I turn… "

-"I know, I know, It's rather inconvenient for me as well. I'll try to influence their schedule, but I can not promise anything yet… Even if I fail to do so, I'll see that you complete my request despite your toiling mental state."

He hated this. He hated it with every part of his being, but...his countless shortcomings far outweighed that feeling. " If will do that…You promise to bring that…thingy…? "

She smiled "I promise…"

And so, their deal was made, though neither shook on it, for reasons obvious. There wasn't enough understanding for it. 

Charlie smiled. "Well, I must be on my way. It was nice talking to you, dear. Toodles!" And thus she was gone without a trace. 

He groaned. He loathed that nickname even more. Her saccharine nature only brought scorn to his gem. He wished it didn't, he wished he stayed his blissfully ignorant happy self. Who knows, maybe they could've been genuine friends in a different life. If things didn't turn out the way they did. 

But it didn't matter, he had a job to do, the only actual chance to cease this madness.

Just as he suspected, the survivors came on the day Wormwood dreaded most. He picked them apart one by one, and though they put up one hell of a fight, it had to eventually end. Neither begged for mercy or cried, if he recalled correctly, though he knew they were all terrified. He didn't come out unscathed either. Neither physically nor mentally. He felt horrible. Those poor creatures…For a single page of some malignant tome, he caused them injuries untreatable. They died…And for what? A measly weapon that could potentially finish him off.

He really, really didn't deserve to exist…

A day had passed since that event. He stood under a tree that had long since lost its leaves, no matter the season they had never grown back.

The pitch-black darkness returned, and with it, so did she.

-"Ah, I see you've preva– Oh. What happened?" She halted, assessing the state of his being. Scorched limbs, halfway regrown stubs, a sloppily stitched back leg. Even a part of his tail was missing. 

-"You know what happened! " Wormwood yelled. "Hurt them…knew I would…. And for this! " He then thrust the paper into her chest, almost causing her to stumble, though she caught it in time. 

" Why...? Why make me do that?! I killed them! They're…They're dead and…It's my fault…All my fault… "

His breath hitched. His hand landed on his maw as the severity of his actions had finally sunk in. He collapsed to his knees with a whine, crying out to the whole world as toxic tears leaked out from between the sunken skin folds.

The darkness was left speechless, nonplussed by his intense reaction, then an expression of solace crept onto her face. "Oh, Wormwood. Death is not the end here, not for them at least. They'll be back. They're likely at their camp right now, feeling dismal about their experience. You didn't actually kill them, rather temporarily inconvenienced them."

His head turned towards her voice, completely lost. "What…It's not? They're…Alive? " 

She crouched down beside him, trying not to mind the mud getting on her dress. Fortunately, it was woven from shadows, thus, it wouldn't stain.

-"Of course, they are, silly! Why don't you let me fix you up, then we can discuss…our arrangement."

He was silent, but nodded, for some reason, although he knew he didn't deserve to be mended…

With a single snap of her fingers, he was back to normal. ...Or at least the closest he could get to normal.

-" ...Thank you. "

-"You're welcome, dear, I'm immensely grateful you sacrificed so much to get this for me. "

-" Yes...So where is it? "

She seemed stunned for a moment, but quickly composed herself, though she couldn't hide her frown. "Are you sure? I could help you, you know? I could return you to your former grace If you'd only say a word. Why jump to the most drastic option?"

He sighed. His form slouching in defeat. " ..can't. You know I can't. Not allowed to. The answer…is in stones. Mum said so. "

This piqued her. "Oh, because a sentient rock in the sky knows all about everything."

-" Please just…give…the thing… "

Soured, the Darkness relented. Manifesting an inky black scythe from the shadows around her hands. Seemingly out of nowhere, a red fabric appeared thereafter and began wrapping itself around its handle. When it was done, it hovered for a moment in the air, before falling back into her hands.

She slowly offered it to him. "This weapon can reap through anything made of lunar magic."

His grubby hands went to take it, but she withdrew it before he could. "Now hold on for a moment. Before you take it, you must know something about this particular type of weapon."

While peeved by her act, he heeded.

"The wielder of it is unaffected by the blade, no matter their origin. Hence, even if you are a lunar beast, it shall not harm you, so long as you wield it yourself."

Wormwood couldn't believe this…Well, actually he could believe it. He hoped she wouldn't pull a stunt like this, but…

"You lied! " He hissed. "You lied to me! Said it can hurt me! "

She put her finger up to his maw, silencing him instantly "Ah, ah ah! You never once mentioned who would be its user. You wanted a weapon that can kill anything aligned with your creator, thus I provided."

-" But you knew I wanted to– "

-"Yes, but that is irrelevant. You never directly specified you'd want to use it for that purpose. So unless you find someone who is willing to use it on you, it's as far as I can go." 

-" You…You fiend! Scum! Poophead! " 

She was unimpressed. Neither his insults nor growls of protest would convince her otherwise. "You can call me whatever you'd like, but that is what we agreed on. You either take it or leave it. So do you want this thing or not?"

He huffed but ultimately nodded. 

-"I'm sure one day, you'll find someone rotten enough to do the deed, but for now, you must live on, as much as you don't want to. "

And just like that, she was gone once again.

He scowled at the reaper in hand. He could feel it gazing up at him, with that soulless eye on its beak.

It was completely useless to him now…

He tested it regardless, attempting to saw off his arm.

Wormwood hoped she exaggerated and simply meant it couldn't kill its wielder. 

…But sure enough, It phased through his arm, leaving it completely unscathed.

With utter frustration, he threw the weapon on the ground and screamed, a morbid echo reverberating over the mountainside. 

He messed up again. He knew this would happen. He hoped that, for once in their life, WX-78 would listen to him and stay in the protection circle for the night.

But of course. They didn't.

His scream must've alerted them. He tried to stifle it, he tried to not be so scary, to not alarm them. But it just hurt so much, even after countless transformations into that beast, it still felt just the same…

He didn't want to harm them, he tried not to, but its influence was just too powerful…

While his memory of that night was blurry, he knew, he did terrible things. Horrible things to them…

They came back though, just as she said. The...outsiders truly don't stay dead. And hearing that little girl and that man… They even smelled the same. It really was true.

However, knowing this didn't shrink his guilt in the slightest. In a way, he felt even worse. Because they both remembered it. And from what he could understand, so did the other two he didn't get to see. All the pain and suffering he's caused them. They know. They won't forget. Ever. 

And now, WX-78 lay beneath the oak tree, though unaware yet, the bot wasn't stupid. It's only a matter of time before they realize it was real. It was all real. That he'd…he'd…

He didn't know what he would do. 

He hoped that at least they would wake up soon. They're all better, physically speaking, which means they'll probably be okay. Right…? 

He was broken out of his stupor when he heard a distant thumping sound of metal, steadily getting closer.

Oh no. Please, let this not be what he thought it was going to be… He wasn't ready for it.

The thumping at last stopped merely a few feet away from him, as a dour voice of the automaton followed. "...WORMWOOD. WE NEED TO TALK. NOW." 

Without giving it much thought, he immediately blurted out, " Uh…About what..? "

Turns out, this was the worst thing he could've said.

-"OH, ONLY THAT THING ABOUT YOU RIPPING OFF MY HEAD LAST NIGHT!" They yelled, their voice full of scorn.

Wormwood visibly flinched. "I– I– I didn't mean to! I swear, it's just that–"

-"JUST WHAT? THAT YOU SOMETIMES HAPPEN TO TURN INTO AN EVEN MORE HIDEOUS VERSION OF YOURSELF AND KILL EVERYTHING ON SIGHT?" 

He nodded. "Yes! Yes, that happens, but–"

-"THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?! I'D LIKE A WARNING  BEFORE BEING TORN TO SHREDS!" 

"I tried! Tried to tell you but you didn't listen! " He raised his tone, growing tired of their screaming. 

-"YOU COULD'VE BEEN MORE INSISTENT ABOUT IT! I ACTUALLY WANTED TO HELP YOU FIX THIS WORTHLESS PLACE, BUT YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!!" Their eyes flew over all the wreckage caused by his former rampage. All that work. For nothing…They felt used. Exploited. Furious.

-" I'm sorry! So sorry! didn't mean to! Didn't mean any of it! It- it just happens! Can't help it! Wanted to protect you from it, but you left the circle! " He argued, though his voice began to quiver.

WX-78 scoffed at his measly excuse, "I WOULDN'T HAVE LEFT IT, IF YOU JUST TOLD ME THE REASON WHY! ALL YOU DID WAS BE VAGUE AND DISTANT! HOW WAS I TO KNOW THAT YOU'RE SECRETLY JUST ANOTHER SAVAGE MONSTER!" 

Against his better judgment, Wormwood stepped closer. " Don't…call me that. "

The robot immediately stepped back, tensing up. 

They…They were afraid of him again, weren't they? …After he tried so hard to become their friend. He…He ruined everything. As always…

-"WHAT? LIKE IT ISN'T TRUE. WHO ARE YOU EVEN KIDDING?"

He did not respond, but they continued, more somber, "...HAS THIS BEEN ONE BIG JOKE TO YOU? HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING A FOOL OUT OF ME THIS ENTIRE TIME? WHAT IS YOUR REASONING BEHIND THIS? TELL ME"

His behavior was completely illogical, WX-78 thought. What was the reason behind all of it? What was he trying to achieve with this foul act? Was he truly evil? If so, why did he keep apologizing like a pathetic coward? Unless that was his manipulation strategy all along…How cleverly cruel, and yet, they were still baffled by it.

Wormwood quickly shook his head " No!! No! no! Not it! Like you! Really do! Want you to help! WX please– "

He reached out toward them, but his hand was swiftly slapped away. "DO NOT TOUCH ME, BEAST! I DON'T WANT YOUR FILTHY ACID ANYWHERE NEAR ME AGAIN. I DON'T WANT YOU NEAR ME! ALL YOU DO IS DECEIVE ME AND WASTE MY TIME! YOU'RE EVIL. AND NOT THE KIND OF EVIL I ENJOY!"

He whined at their assertion, which only made them more confused, more disappointed, more angry, and…Something else, they couldn't quite name. Emotions were such loathsome, unsound things. They currently wished they could be rid of all of them at once. Maybe then this would've been easier.

Their shoulders sagged "WHY DID I EVEN BOTHER? I HAVEN'T LEARNED MY LESSON, IT SEEMS...I'M SUCH AN IDIOT. " They looked away, anywhere but him. From what they could tell, this was shame, another of those atrocities corrupting their CPU.

They were incredibly ashamed of themself. Why did he do the things he did… Why did he save them that time? Why was he ever kind? Was this all a giant ruse? A smokescreen of sorts…? Was any part of him even genuine at all? Why did they let themself believe it?

Why did they bother to be nice to that creature?  It wasn't worth it. It's never been worth it…

By this point, Wormwood was already sobbing; his bitter tears dripping down onto the ground, burning it in the process. " Friend did nothing wrong! Tried to tell you, but…but I couldn't… Will find a way to contain it! I promise! I can! won't hurt you again! " He begged to no avail.

The robot just glared at him, shaking their head. "YOU WILL NOT GET THAT OPPORTUNITY, NOT THIS TIME. I'M DONE BEING YOUR TOY. YOU CAN ROT IN HELL FOR ALL I CARE, YOU MONSTER."

They then ran off to the nearest wall, swiftly beginning to climb it. They no longer cared about the thorns. They just wanted to be free of him at last. 

Wormwood's heart dropped, seeing them go.

No…He couldn't let them get away. Not when he was still here. He doesn't want to be alone again. He won't bear to be alone again.

He hasn't had this much fun in a long time. He can't afford to lose it and be left in this dull, solitary prison that was this place.

…If only there was a way to…

Unless...

Oh. That's right. There is a way. He remembers now.

The reaper. A way out. 

And WX-78 was his only chance to use it. He would not waste this opportunity.

Wormwood chased after them. Before they were able to get all the way to the top, his vines reached out and wrapped around them, entrapping them and lowering them down to his level.

The automaton struggled to get free, writhing and clawing at the amass binding them. "UGH! NOT THIS [BLEEP] AGAIN– LET ME GO, YOU HIDEOUS FREAK! I SAID I'M DONE HERE! I HATE YOU!!! DO YOU HEAR ME!? I [BLEEEP] HATE YOU!!!"

-"That's great. " He said, grinning in the most uncanny way.

It frankly unsettled WX-78. They pulled their head as far away from him as possible. "WHAT...IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" 

He chose to ignore their angry yells. "You know... just had…an Idea. If you help me...will set you free...of here " 

They stopped their thrashing for a moment, a nonexistent eyebrow raised. "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT...?"

-"You want revenge, yes? For hurting you..." 

They bitterly laughed. "HAH. WHAT KIND OF QUESTION EVEN IS THAT? ABSOLUTELY! THOUGH I AM AWARE THAT EVEN WITH MY INORGANIC STRENGTH I AM UNABLE TO TAKE YOU DOWN, OTHERWISE YOU'D BE REDUCED A HEAP OF ASH BY NOW!"

-"It's okay...Won't need your strength..." 

This bemused them even moreso. 

A vine traveled to an old tree trunk, overgrown by moss and grime. It reached into its interior, which was left rotten by the recent flood. It then pulled out something that resembled a weapon. A scythe, only that it was made out of the darkest shadows, with a red cloth wrapped around its hilt.

The vine returned to their side, as the rest of them finally set them free.

It offered them the weapon.

-"Here. Use this on me. ...when you do…You can go as you please. "

-"AND WHY SHOULD I TRUST YOU? IS THIS ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR TRICKS?"

He took the weapon from the vine. He appeared unharmed. "There, see...? It won't hurt you. It not supposed to."

Hesitantly, the robot reached for it. Under their touch, it pulsed with a strange energy, much different from the one they felt last night by that oak. 

An eye, which they hadn't noticed before, blinked up at them. How revolting… Now that they think about it, in appearance, it sort of resembled those phantoms they sometimes saw by dusk.

Curious, they poked at the blade, but their finger passed right through it. The scythe's shadowy makeup felt cold and wet to the touch, almost like denser water. They recoiled.

-"AND THIS IS SUPPOSED TO KILL YOU..?" 

-"Yes, for good. If you hit my gem… " He explained, continuously smiling like this was somehow amusing.

They still weren't sure if they should believe him. Nonetheless, their arms flew back, and with the weapon's shadowy flame blazing, they struck down their opponent.

Except it wasn't Wormwood, but a wilting bush which sat beside him. The effect was immediate— within seconds, the plant was completely engulfed in shadows. The surface of it crackled, as embers began splitting from its branches, dispersing so quickly, until there was nothing left of its existence. Meanwhile, the grass around the bush's remains turned black; a trail of decay left wherever the scythe had slashed. 

WX-78 stared in horror at the sight. In any other instance, they would've been amazed by its sheer power, but in this context…

They pictured what would happen if they struck Wormwood instead of that bush. That image...wasn't pretty. They wanted it to be, but…This was wrong. All kinds of wrong…

Not to mention, he said he wouldn't even come back from that, right...? 

-"So...? What you waiting for...? "

-"WERE YOU SERIOUS..?" They asked.

He tilted his head. "About what..? "

-"IF I USE THIS ON YOU. YOU'LL JUST…NEVER COME BACK...?"

He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! You get it! It's what you want! Then I won't hurt you again! " 

The robot went completely silent, processing what he just said. Was he evil? ...They weren't so sure anymore. Was he downright out of his mind? That was a given.

He really wanted a way out... Even more so than Wendy did. At least she never came up to them with a weapon and asked them to off her. It's not like that could've worked anyway. All of the survivors were aware of that. For them, death was a fleeting trouble, they treated it as if it was merely an injury or a disability they preferred to avoid.

They had a sinking realization. Unlike them, Wormwood wasn't alien to this world. It seemed that he was created here, and that despite everything, he wasn't permanent.

He really could die.

...And it could all be their doing.

They looked down at the reaper in their hands. A dreadful thing that could kill likely anything. Its eye appeared amused, though it knew what was to come.

Instead of committing to his request, WX-78 held the weapon in front of them before smashing it against their knee. It cracked down in the middle, splitting into two pieces, which were then dropped on the ground, forming a dark, wet puddle, which stained the crimson cloth.

-"No!! No! What did you– " Wormwood was swiftly cut off when a hard, metal fist struck his face. Startled by the deed, he lost his footing and fell to the ground, right by the scythe's ruin.

He felt dazed and broken, though not in the way he imagined. 

-"I DO NOT WANT THIS, YOU SICK BASTARD!" WX-78 exclaimed, gesturing to the puddle. "WHILE YES, I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU SUFFER FOR ALL YOUR DECEIT, I DON'T...I DON'T WANT TO EXTERMINATE YOU, FOOL! NOT LIKE THIS! NOT IRREVERSIBLY! WHY WOULD YOU EVEN WANT TO BE DELETED?!" 

-"Oh. Because I fail...fail…all the time…failed my friends…failed this garden…failed Mother…now... failed you too…I don't deserve…to exist..." 

WX-78 wasn't even sure what to think anymore. Something was clearly very wrong with him...How could one even sink so low? They almost felt pity for this creature.

"GET UP." They demanded. 

Shakily, he arose.

-"YOU ARE A TRUE WEAKLING IF YOU THINK TAKING THAT ROAD WILL SOLVE ALL YOUR PROBLEMS. AND I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR WEAKLINGS. SO CEASE THIS FOOLISH BEHAVIOR ALREADY, AND RETURN TO WORK." They might've sounded furious, but that feeling was the last one on their mind. 

-"What…? " 

-"I SAID GET BACK TO WORK, THIS FOUL, WRETCHED PLACE WON'T FIX ITSELF, NOW WILL IT?" The last thing they wanted, was to further discuss emotions, they already felt somehow drained from this awful experience.

Wormwood gaped at them, entirely at a loss." You…You mean it? "

-"I WILL IF YOU PROMISE ME ONE THING."

He quickly nodded, "Y-yes! Anything! "

-"STOP LYING TO MY FACE. YOU DEMANDED THIS OF ME. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THIS RULE SHOULDN'T APPLY TO YOU ALSO? BE FULLY HONEST WITH ME FROM NOW ON, AND IN TURN, SO SHALL I." 

He tilted his head down. "I…I'll try…"

-"NO. I DON'T WANT YOU 'TRYING'. I DON'T CARE FOR SUCH EXCUSES. YOU EITHER ARE FRANK OR YOU'RE A FRAUD." 

-"Uh…I'm who? "

"YOU EITHER TELL ME EVERYTHING OR YOU MIGHT AS WELL TELL ME NOTHING AND I SHALL CONTINUE TO HATE AND TORMENT YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR MISERABLE EXISTENCE, SO LONG AS I'M FORCED TO STAY HERE."

-"Won't lie. Not again…" 

-"EXCELLENT. THEN I SUPPOSE I MUST PARTAKE IN MY PART OF THE DEAL AS WELL."

They marched away, further into the garden. Wormwood was left puzzled, but he didn't dare to follow them without their direct permission; better not. They already hated him. He didn't want them to hate him even more...

Unbeknownst to him, the reaper's remains formed back into their previous shape, practically left unscathed from the last offense. 

Soon though, he realized this, feeling its lurking presence once more. When he sensed no one approaching, he hid the reaper under a shrub, digging a perfectly sized grave for it and burying it thereafter. It ruined a small patch of grass, a price to pay. But aside from that, it was nearly completely unnoticeable.

He felt bad he had already broken his promise, but he couldn't give up on that option. Not yet. 

They returned not long after, carrying…Oh no. Not this...

 Its malevolent smell was unmistakable. It was that accursed rune. Written eons before his arrival into this world. 

-"Where…did you get this…? " He asked nervously.

Just as they promised, they were blunt in their answer. "IN THE CREEK AFTER THE FLOODING. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS?" 

-"Yes…I do…It's…a warning…"

-"A WARNING? ABOUT WHAT? ...YOU? "

-"Not exactly…It's old. Very old... Older than me… things changed...since was made..."

-"WELL THEN WHAT DOES IT SAY?"

He wasn't sure if he should tell them, but it wouldn't be fair to keep this from them. They deserved to know the truth.

As they held up the artifact for him to read, however pointless, he remembered each syllable and the feel of the symbols far too well. He held up a finger, pointing to each letter.

" When the moon fades away

And Darkness takes over

Cross by the garden's gate 

Bear fate of a monster "

As he said the words aloud, the engraved text began to glow bright pink.

WX stared at the rune and him, amazed by the scene. Then, they focused on the actual words.

This…Made much more sense than any of their previous theories.

-"SO IT'S…A CURSE?" They assumed from the wording.

He nodded. "Been trying to tell you, but…they didn't let me."

-"OH." Huh. So it worked like that. How absurd magic could be.

Yet still, they couldn't help but feel mad and betrayed regardless. Curse or no curse, that was no excuse, he used them for something he knew damn well would be fruitless.

-"Didn't always…Look like this. Wasn't always like this…This place…changed me…" 

-"SO WAIT. DOES THAT MEAN IF I STAY HERE, I COULD END UP LIKE YOU TOO?!" They panicked. That would be the worst fate imaginable: to become a rotting husk of an organic. A phantom shiver ran up their metal spine.

-"No. That won't happen... That curse...is gone... only...in me now..." 

WX-78 felt a wave of relief. Thank whatever god there is. 

They recalled then, something he said before "YOU SAID THINGS CHANGED SINCE THAT RUNE WAS CARVED, DOES THAT MEAN THERE ARE MORE OF THEM?" 

-"........Maybe." 

-"CAN YOU SHOW THEM TO ME?"

-"......No. "

The robot grew vexed "YOU SAID YOU WOULDN'T LIE TO ME–"

-"Not lying. Not allowed to…show anyone... Sorry. " 

They relented. They will find out eventually, it was simply a matter of time. It's not like they had better things to do.

...Or perhaps they had, he did at least.

-"FINE. GO GRAB YOUR SHOVEL. YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF MESS TO CLEAN UP."

-"Oh, okay! "

-"HOWEVER I WON'T ASSIST YOU THIS TIME. THIS IS YOUR MESS AND YOU'LL BE THE ONE FIXING IT. I WORKED HARD FOR YOUR UNGRATEFUL REAR SO THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS RIGHT THIS SINGLE WRONG."

-"Got it... "

They went on "AND FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THIS DOESN'T MEAN WE'RE FRIENDS, SO FORGET THAT I WAS EVER EVEN REMOTELY NICE TO YOU. YOU'RE A VERMIN THAT I'M FORCED TO COEXIST WITH. THAT'S ALL YOU'LL EVER BE FROM NOW ON. YOU SHATTERED ANY CHANCE OF ME THINKING OF YOU ANY HIGHER. YOU SHALL FOREVER LIVE WITH YOUR REGRETS. "

He sulked away to pick up the debris "I know…"

From the afar shadows, a tall figure stood. A gleeful smile danced upon her lips.

Perhaps that old rock wasn't fully in the wrong.

Maybe the cure was set in stone all along.

Chapter Text

A hot summer evening that was. And predictably…there were still no signs of WX. The survivors carried on, they had to. Whether or not a member was missing, that still wasn't a good enough reason to abandon all their duties in the off chance they might get them back.

At the very least, they were aware of the bot's location, which did ease their worries somewhat, albeit the place in which they were likely situated... did the opposite of that.

There was a mutual understanding between the group, which has been discussed through and through many times before, that once they manage all foremost preparations for the season, they'll resume their attempts at retrieving the person. Regardless of who or what went missing at any given time.

They'll work on a weapon, something that could potentially vanquish the horrifying beast. If they do this right, that is.

As of right now, people busied themselves with various tasks, trying hard not to wallow in the doubled stress. 

Winona has been working on refueling the ice-flingomatics, constructing a couple more of them, while she was at it. The pesky forest fires could be quite the handful, not to mention, the random ignition of their dailyhood structures. That wouldn't do, not if she could help it. She thrust the huge chunks of ice into the grinder section of the machine, watching as it turned into fine snow. 

Sure hope WX doesn't meet a similar fate…

She tried not to think about what could be happening to the ticker right now, but it was difficult not to. She was convinced that the monster had them held hostage, there was no doubt about it! And so be it, if she ever faces it again, she'll punt it to a pulp if she finds out her brooding wasn't for naught! WX was almost like an annoying little sibling to her, so it would really tick her off if someone who didn't have a permit to kick their ass, did so. 

She sighed, sipping on a vegetable stinger, it would be best to focus back on her work, after all, she still had plenty of things to do.

With the help of a few spare down feathers, the survivors were able to build a giant automated fan which currently stood in the middle of the base, adjoined by a couple of endothermic fire pits, a mixture that could cool anyone down practically in an instant. The cold air it produced overlapped the area at all times. People tended to shiver while passing by, in contrast to the near-unbearable heat outside of its range. 

Out of the marquee, situated adjacent to it, came Wickerbottom alongside Woodie, assessing their remaining duties, everything was still sheer chaos within the group. And yet... in spite of all the unfortunate circumstances, people had put in their best efforts, they could easily tell. 

-"So let's make this clear. Winona is taking care of our flingomatics, Wes made plenty of water balloons for our cooling, Wolfgang and Wigfrid hunted the few Koalefants we recently tracked for their trunks. Warly made plenty of asparagaspatcho and ice cream. Wilson fireproofed our most cardinal structures. Willow was sent to collect resources, Maxwell was tasked with handling extinguishing nearby wildfires, I wove plenty of appropriate clothes for the season, and you collected wood and nitre for the endothermic firepits, is that right?" As always she had her clipboard on her, with all the aforementioned tasks matched neatly with the appropriate person. 

-"Yup, sounds about right, ma'am." The lumberjack affirmed.

She nodded, but then hummed, as feelings of doubt overtook her. She sailed deep into her thoughts, trying to configure a thing amiss. She couldn't quite put her finger on it yet… But she was certain they'd forgotten something. 

-"Do tell me, dear, do you think there's something we're still missing? I could've sworn this isn't all that we were meant to do." 

Woodie scratched at his bare chin, still not used to the blatant lack of his beard, which was forcefully shaven off by his backstabbing 'friends'. Though admittedly, it was somewhat cooler without it…

-" 'M not sure…Huh, you know, it's been a while since we've had any sinkholes–"

-"THE ANTLION!" She loudly proclaimed in realized horror, that's right, they were meant to pay tribute to it again today! This was usually WX-78's job too… 

At that moment, the four recently absent kids had just returned from their trip, their loud arguing could be heard from a far distance. It was mostly Webber who was being loud, whilst Walter tried desperately to shush him, as he kept yelling at the young necromancer. 

-" Why did you do that?!  We could've known what happened to them! But you backed out of our agreement! " 

Wendy crossed her arms "Your pea brain may not understand, but his name is much more important to us than whatever story he may or may not know." 

-"Oh, come on you guys will you just stop this? We're already back at the camp!" The Pinetree Pioneer pleaded. 

The arachnid clearly wasn't listening "No, we won't! Not until Wendy apologizes for–"

A loud ripping sound resonated through the air, instantly silencing the children's quarrel. The survivors present panicked, as the earth began to fiercely shake, causing large objects to topple and tents to collapse. People themselves couldn't keep their balance for much longer, and soon all but tumbled onto the ground in an ungraceful heap.

A large crack opened in the midst of their path, anything caught in the crossfire of it, was bound to descend right down below. The spiderling happened to be the closest to the opening, nearly falling in himself, if it wasn't for the reflexes of their three friends, pulling them right back as they swayed, desperate and struggling to catch stability.

The four all fell on their backs, a safe distance away from the large fissure. Eventually, the shaking stopped.

Webber's breathing was quick and shallow as he tried to grasp what had just occurred, it seemed the rest shared a similar sentiment.

-"Hey! You kids alright?!" Woodie yelled from the other side of the small ravine. The Librarian beside him looking just as worried and apologetic.

The apparent raucous managed to gather the attention of all the others present at the campsite, as they rushed to see what was going on.

-"W-what happened?!" Walter shouted back, still gripping the stunned kid for dear life.

Wickerbottom pinched the bridge of her nose, ashamed of herself to have outlooked such an important function. "We may or may not have forgotten about appeasing the beast of the desert…"

A couple of troubled What?!s came from the gathered crowd.

Meanwhile, the kids oohed, somewhat less disheveled by the news than the adults. Slowly, they got back up, once they were sure no more quakes followed.  

Both Wickerbottom and Woodie simultaneously raised an eyebrow, suspicious of their sudden arrival and apparent disappearance beforehand.

-"Say, kiddos, where were you all this time, while we were busting our bottoms off?" The man asked. 

-"Language dear, but yes. Woodie's right... It seems you were gone for quite a while, weren't you?" 

Quickly, Winona added "Hey, yeah! I haven't seen y'all since this morning, what's up with that?" 

Walter coughed into his hand, feeling rather awkward. He hated lying, but there was no way he was going to tell them the truth! They'll completely freak out! 

-"We were just…gathering lumber for the fire pits!"

Woodie laughed "Nice try, Walts, that was my job, unless ya bunch completely forgot about that, which I doubt you of all, did. "

-"Honnêtement…The recent days have been rather frantic. It's possible it could've escaped their minds." Warly justified right away. The others began whispering between each other in acknowledgment. 

The Librarian, though, wasn't so sure about that. "That is true dear. But I could have sworn we've assigned them for another duty…Say. Weren't you children perhaps meant to cover for WX in charge of the Antlion?" She questioned, her eyes narrowing.

The four grew silent. Wurt slowly began stepping away to leave, before the situation escalated. 

But Wickerbottom didn't let her.

"Ah-ah, you were with them too, dear, so stay where you are." The merm froze, then sulked and scuffled over back to the trio.

-"Um. We… we kinda forgot…? " Webber shrugged, not exactly convinced himself with the excuse.

Wickerbottom flipped the page on her clipboard and peered closer, only to see that the one underneath it had visible herbivore bite marks on it.

She shot an accusatory glare at the amphibian present. 

"Did you eat this page?" 

Wurt looked anywhere but into her eyes, confirming that suspicion.

"But why?" 

-"Uhhh…Was hungry." She did not buy that at all.

"Okay, you kids are acting pretty shady right now. What actually happened?" The Lumberjack then asked. He was becoming less and less convinced that whatever the youngsters did wasn't an intentional scheme.

Wendy sighed "But we truly have forgotten about our assignment…We feel incredibly remorseful for not completing the task we were apparently designated to do, though we didn't even know Wurt ate that page…."

-"What? Yes, you did! You told me–" Wurt began, but was then punched in the shoulder by the vexed arachnid beside her. "Ouch!"

The Handywoman laughed at their pitiful attempts at lying "Man. You guys are so bad at this!"

For a change, Warly stepped in, trying to gently coax the truth out of them "Mes chers petits…S'il vous plaît…We won't get angry at you, we promise. But you need to tell us the truth. We're all a team here after all, and a good team has to be built on honesty." 

-"Oh you would be so so angry…" Walter mumbled under his breath.

Wendy crossed her arms, immediately seeing through the man's facade "Yet you say we are the terrible liars here." 

The Culinarian frowned. "Come now, there's not a thing that would make me that angry. Même si you went hunting, though I wouldn't encourage it." 

-"Yeah, Warly is right! It's not like you guys went after that monster who took WX or something!" Wilson joked, but no laughs came. Instead, a long silence followed.

-"No way…You did not." Winona gasped, finally breaking the group's stupor. 

The Pinetree Pioneer wildly shook his head. "Uhhh No! No, we didn't!" But it was already too late.

Just as he feared, turmoil ensued. 

-"You did what?!" Wickerbottom yelled.

-"Do you guys want to get killed so bad?!" The Lumberjack added. 

-"Wilson, know that your life expectancy will be halved after this." Wendy said in annoyance, looking to the side as the man in question gawked back at her, utterly perplexed.

-"I was just kidding!" 

The adults kept on shouting in distress, barely letting any of them say a word in their defense.

Eventually, though, they had to halt, as the dusk was merely a concept of the past now, with the unforgiving night settling in quickly as it did.

The elder woman paused, pinching the bridge of her nose, as she tried to cool down. "Okay, okay that's enough! We should stop this for the night, perhaps when we're all in a better mindset and well-rested…We'll continue this discussion tomorrow." 

The others, like clockwork, quieted down in an instant.

-"What part of your shouting was a disc–" Wendy began but the other kids covered her mouth before she could rouse the Librarian's anger once more.

-"Okay! We're sorry again, goodnight Mrs. Wicker, everyone! We'll be heading off to our beds now!" Walter grinned nervously before he, Wendy, and Webber booked to their respective tents, leaving Wurt to momentarily freeze, before she too, ran in the opposite direction, presumably back to her swamp.

Wickerbottom exhaled, shaking her head. "We'll deal with this situation and the Antlion tomorrow. Tonight you lot must rest well and prepare for the incoming adversity."

She paused for a moment, her body language indicating she wasn't quite done talking yet. No one dared to take a step. Her eyes saddened, as she unwittingly folded her hands, shooting passing glances at each remaining person.

"...But first, I must apologize for not handling…the recent manners appropriately. I know, I am supposed to be your leader. I'm supposed to guide you through the never-ending obstacles that keep on coming…Even though…Thus far I've been lacking in the qualities that would be befitting of one as such…"

The remaining survivors looked at her with varying amounts of sympathy.

Winona was the first to object "Hey now, Grams, don't treat yourself too hard, You're doing a hell of a fine job!"

-"Yeah! If it were anyone else in charge, we'd surely all be blasted into smithereens!" Wilson helpfully added.

-"You know all about it, bud." 

Wilson nodded, smiling, then, gradually his face contorted into one of understanding and he glared at the Woodsman. "Hey!"

"That is very much true, Mme. Wickerbottom, you are a delightful individual and an even more amazing leader. There is no doubt about your merit, so please don't think that way anymore. This has been hard on all of us…" Warly took the opportunity and placed his hands on Wickerbottom's, giving them a gentle, supportive squeeze.

The Librarian smiled at the man, then at the others who all gave her their utmost support.

-"Thank you my dears. I'm immensely grateful you think so highly of me. I'll do my best– We all will try our best to deal with this plight."

-'You bet!"

-"Heck yeah!" 

-"Of course"

-"Right!"

She straightened her shoulders and clasped her hands "Alright, I won't detain you any further, please go fix up your tents and get some rest. You all deserve it." 

Everyone seamlessly accepted that and proceeded to turn away to leave. 

At the last minute, Woodie stopped and asked "You sure, you don't want to get some sleep too? I mean, you're the one who needs it the most, Ma'am." 

She frowned "I'm afraid I won't be able to, even if I tried."

He slowly nodded, then resumed the plod back to his tent.

The woman gathered herself and decided to clean some of the accumulated clutter. She pulled up the structures she physically could, set up the few nearest collapsed tents belonging to the survivors who couldn't at the moment, and finally, threw a heap of gravel and clay to moderately fill in the massive crack in the ground. In due time, it looked more like a large pothole rather than a chasm.

When she was done, she pulled out her handkerchief and wiped the amassed sweat on her forehead, looking rather pleased with her work. Right after, she glanced towards the gloomy sky, assessing there were still about 3 hours left until sunrise. It was just enough for her to return to the marquee, in which she carried on with her studies until the morning dawn.

When it was time for the routine headcount, people were flummoxed as they left their tents. There was little to no trace left after the terrible quake from yesterday.

-"Did you…Clean this all by yourself?!" Winona questioned, as concerned as the others were.

"So I did." The Librarian exclaimed proudly, pretending not to see the horrified looks on the other survivors' faces.

There was little time to process the general shock the group members experienced, for the missing party just about now returned from their trip. 

-"Heeeey, What did we miss?" Willow asked nonchalantly.

-"Oh, just a massive earthquake and the kids going out to search for that plant monster. " Wilson helpfully provided, appearing unphased by the information he just unloaded onto the quintet, who didn't share the same enthusiasm he apparently did.

Willow glanced at the three smaller people, as her companions either stared gobsmacked or shrieked in horror "Really…? Damn, did you guys have nothing better to do?" 

-"They did, they just decided that appeasing the Antlion was less important." Woodie huffed 

-"We're really sorry for that!" Walter interjected. 

The pyromaniac couldn't help but laugh at that. Guess she was lucky she was out for the time being.

"So wait. Where is the damage then? I barely see any at all. How did you manage to fix it so quickly?" Maxwell asked.

The survivors who stayed all turned to face Wickerbottom who chuckled softly in embarrassment. 

-"Well…I got rid of most of the clutter while the others were resting."

-"Ah!" Wigfrid nearly pointed a finger, but stopped herself in time " Sö it is true! Yöu really are an Elder Elf! I shöuld've knöwn..." 

-"You're an elf?!" Wolfgang shrieked, hiding behind the mime who ignored the bizarre claim, instead signing 'I knew they were up to something!' 

Winona scoffed "She is not an elf, just an insomniac, and a workaholic." 

-"Look who's talking." Wendy muttered out.

The Handywoman shot a look at the girl "You're so gonna get it this time..." 

Wickerbottom put a hand in front of her, which brought her to a pause. Already, the Librarian could feel a pulsing headache coming. Such were the drawbacks of restlessness. 

"Not now, we'll deal with them after we fathom out a way to defeat the desert beast." 

Willow passingly waved her hand "Pshh! That won't be a problem, it's just the Antlion! What are you even so worked up about?"

Wickerbottom huffed "Well. Previously we had WX-78 with us to help take her down. I'm unsure how this will play out without their aid."

Maxwell crossed his arms "Mrs. Wickerbottom, with all due respect, how much did they even contribute to that fight? I'm sure we'll manage just fine without them."

Willow put her arm around the Magician, who was shortly startled by the sudden contact. "Finally!" You're speaking with some sense Max!"

-"Get off me" The man scowled, trying to push her off.

-"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Hoser. I recall they helped quite a lot the last few times." Woodie argued.

"Oh, yeah! I remember! They had those electric whatchamacallits! Those sure did a lot of damage to that thing!" Lucy chimed in from around his shoulder strap.

"Hey, yeah you're right Luce. They sure did, huh…"

"...It doesn't matter now, they won't be able to assist us this time. We'll have to make do without them." The Librarian wasn't any more pleased with this predicament than any of them, but if they were to defeat Antlion, they couldn't wallow any longer, doing so would solve anything. "Everyone, let's go inside, we have much to discuss…"

As the people began pouring into the marquee, she stopped the children from going any further.

"You three, however, will stay here, by someone with an ounce of reliability, because clearly, you all lack that." She spoke with disapproval. 

Wendy and Webber didn't take well to such punishment, Walter though, simply bit his lip and accepted the accountability. He put a hand on each of their shoulders and nodded.

-"We understand, Ma'am…" Any argument the younger two had was lost after that.

They were led to sit in a far corner, not too far from Wes and Warly, while the elder herself walked up to the front, near the blackboard and wooden table they used to plan out their programme.

"Is everyone here? Raise your hand so we may count." 

So they did, every right hand arose, the number coming to 13, herself included. Wurt had obviously left for her home and didn't feel up to visit after the woman's recent outburst, which was understandable…To a point.

Hence 14. And yet it didn't feel right. An even number it was, yes, but currently, it felt the most odd.

Nothing felt the same without the irksome automaton's loud complaining to hurry and be done with it, as much as it frustrated her earlier, a blatant lack of their holler was…off-putting. They were just something she got so used to. A routine. Breaking that routine felt unnatural and downright devastating if she dared to say. 

She knew well, that the rest felt the same. 

Some merely preferred not to admit it.

Pushing those thoughts away, she refocused back on devising the plan. There was still so much to be done.

"So let me make this clear. All of you understand where I'm getting. No one will stray away from the track, Is that right?" 

People either nodded, gave a thumbs up, or loudly affirmed. 

"Good, then let's prepare our weapons, stones, goggles, and salves and we shall henceforth be on our way. "

Many went to rummage through their respective chests, while others were far too prepared to begin with, so they waited. No one was allowed to leave until just about everyone was ready, they couldn't afford to lose time out there when their thermal stones could only stay cold for so long.

The kids sulked, watching everyone scuttle for combat while they stayed here with a glorified babysitter…Or worse yet. Two babysitters. As if one wasn't enough. The survivors had decidedly lost any trust in them, not even letting them explain their fair reasons…

"Do you think if we plead enough they'll let us come too…? " Webber asked the other two. 

Walter sighed "Don't even. Look, I already let you get away with this much. Just let it go already."

"What if I did this? " The boy fluttered his eight eyes as they sparkled with unshed tears. It practically made him look like a stray kitten.

Walter smacked his face with his hand. "Oh no, you don't! I said we're staying!"

"Yes, Webber, calm down, everything will sort itself out." Wendy added, much calmer than she seemed moments prior.

He glared at her. "Why are you saying that?! It's your fault we barely know anything about what's happening to WX, aside from that they're being brainwashed and are probably about to DIE tonight!"

-"So what? We die all the time. Stop acting like it's a big deal."

-"It IS a big deal! What don't you understand ?! You care about Abby and she's –"

She promptly grabbed him by the collar and pulled him up to face her. "If you don't want to die terribly either. Then I suggest you keep your mouth shut…"

He whimpered and she quickly let go of him as if she had just been burnt. His spider side barely suppressed the instinct to slash at her face, while he was forcing himself hard not to cry, but it wasn't working, everything was just getting to be too much...

-"Woah, hey, what the heck was that?! Wendy, why would you do that?! That's not okay! Very not okay!" Walter scolded, while simultaneously going to comfort Webber who began pulling at his fur coat. 

Wendy went rigid, almost confused by the way she reacted. Impassively, she stared at her hand, the one which she used to threaten her friend. Something was wrong with her. She hasn't reacted this way in a long time. She grimaced, Abigail was still a sensitive topic on her mind, no matter what she tried to tell herself. No matter if her sister was right there in front of her, just as worried as the rest of them.

-"I…I'm sorry. But…Don't say that again." 

The arachnid nuzzled into the boy's polo with glossed-over eyes, not being able to look her in the eye. "I…I'm sorry too, it's just…I really miss them a-and you– you just had to–"

-"Webber, listen–"

At that moment, the two assigned to watch them finally got wind of the situation and marched over to see what the new raucous was about.

"Hé…Are you children alright? You're not fighting again are you…?" Warly asked, with Wes trailing behind him, both sharing a look of concern. 

The young necromancer went quiet. She won't speak of the topic in their vicinity. She can't, not right now. Not when everything still felt too raw. They'd have to earn that information out of her first. 

-"Yeah, we're fine! We're only… kinda upset about yesterday but we'll be okay!" Walter spoke, while gently stroking the fur on top of Webber's head, who was nearly inconsolable by that point.

The man let out a deep breath while looking at the three. "...Look, I'm really sorry for that…We didn't mean to be so…rude. But stress gets to everyone sometimes…We're all just worried about you. What would happen if you got seriously hurt?" 

Walter frowned "But we didn't! I looked after them, and nothing did happen!" Not to mention the fact, they'd come back from death anyway! There was nothing to get so worked up about! Though he kept his mouth shut, in case it would anger the other two. He really did not want to see an angry mime that day…

-"And yet It could've. I'm unsure how you were so lucky, but…Please, promise us, you'll never do something so reckless again. We've had high hopes for you, Walter and…"

The boy shook his head, trying to get rid of any possible tears that kept on welling up"I know! I know, I promise–"

-"Is everyone ready?!" Wickerbottom yelled, standing on a pedestal to gather everyone's attention.

A series of many assurances followed. 

"Then we may march at once!"

She clasped her hands and gave out a nod, before stepping down and ushering everyone else to follow out of the camp. 

In no time, their lively, booming base was left nearly but a ghost town, except for the three children and the two assigned to keep watch.

The group marched onwards, past the terrain wrought upon the hardships of drought. The plant life drained of all its moisture was left merely but shriveled out husks, seconds away from catching fire, thanks to the arid atmosphere and the ever flowing particles of cinders.

Willow marveled at the sight, unlike everyone else who struggled to keep going due to the scorching heatwave, even their thermal stones, left in the freezer for weeks, could barely sustain them in such an unforgiving environment.

Suffice to say, Willow loved summer. It was super hot, it made everyone else miserable and fires spontaneously appeared without her assistance! It was truly wonderful…Although the Antlion was admittedly a downside. The earthquakes and potholes it produced could become so tedious, especially when she just tried to stroll about, but then tripped and fell into a crater which randomly appeared because no one seemed to be bothered to humor that beast.

She'd be happy to see it perish, without a doubt. So what, if WX wasn't there to assist them with the mission? All it did was make sandcastles and spikes! Really, it would be embarrassing if they'd actually struggle to defeat it.

Before the group knew it, they were long past the spider quarry and honeybee valley, the gradient border between the grassland and the desert was now merely meters away from the survivors, and they could already feel the more zestful grains of sand hit their faces, not quite cutting into their skin, but enough to make many uncomfortable. 

The sandstorm before them was ferocious and unyielding. All they could do was put on their goggles to protect their head, and though their cranium overheated easily from the leathery material, at least it protected them from total blindness and laceration. 

Those with sleeveless shirts though, weren't very lucky. Wolfgang, Winona, and Wigfrid had to bear the grains of sand piercing their arms, leaving plenty of open scabs to deal with later. Even so, neither preferred to suffer with sweaters on.

"...Are all of you ready?" Wickerbottom asked, feeling much less confident than she had expressed. 

People gave out nods. Winona pulled down her goggles and smirked "Yeah, let's get her ass! Good timing too, I just finished working on a little something." 

Wilson ooed at that "And what's that, If I may ask?"

She playfully winked, "You'll find out soon enough, buddy."

This answer seemed to slightly disappoint him "Well alright then…"

Suddenly, Willow slapped him on the back, startling him to the point he jumped.

"Hey, at least we can be sure she won't blow us up!" 

-"You're the one to talk…." He grumbled, patting his aching back.

Some couldn't help but chuckle, their humor dying down as soon as it came, as another gust of gritty wind blew past them.

The group refocused back on the task at hand, stepping forth into the sandy dunes, ever so closer to the impending bloodshed that was to come. 

While the journey through the assaulting weather was harrowing, it didn't take them too long, before the grotesque silhouette of the Antlion appeared in the distance. Inside the very heart of the storm. 

Many dared to swallow the growing lumps gathered in their throats. Not one of them enjoyed fighting in such conditions, especially when they were forced to step into a territory constructed specifically for such a beast to thrive. The morale diminished with each new step toward the insectoid. 

Before they knew it, the unearthed creature loomed over them. Its head tilted curiously as its antennae assessed the state of the newcomers, once it sensed a recognition within. It chirped in a certain way, expectant of its long-due offering.

And so, the group members shared a look among themselves, in silent agreement.

Wigfrid was the one to ultimately step out. From her backpack, she pulled out the second thermal stone she had stored, in accordance with the plan. She barely suppressed a wince as under the raw touch, her hands began freezing to such a degree that it felt more like a prickly burn. She dismissed the temporary discomfort.

The warrior stepped closer to the behemoth, her hands extended high toward it. The stone in her hands, glistened in a pale blue light, where the few escaping rays of sun hit it.

It seemed the creature was none the wiser to the captivating rock. Its tarsi greedily reached out for the gift. Once it held it in its claws, it pushed the chilling stone to its mandibles, before dropping it down its throat, realizing far too late just how cold it actually was.

When it finally hit her, she howled in pain mixed with turmoil. Her form's movements became frantic. Frost started to form around her stomach area, gradually inching the rest of the way throughout her body, until eventually, all the motion stilled completely. Leaving her a frozen macabre statue. 

The survivors immediately approached, their weapons out in the open, ready to strike her down in her most vulnerable moment.

Wigfrid too, quickly got her spear out. "För Valhalla!" She cried out before slashing at the beast's stomach.

Except what she hit wasn't its stomach, but a sand spike that suddenly burst out of the ground below her.

She stepped away as a wall of sand castles erupted from the ground. Shortly after, all eight of them were surrounded by the tall structures.

Another set of sharp spikes followed, further separating them from each other. 

The ice cracked, and soon enough, the beast was free from its brief imprisonment, letting out a fierce, angered screech.

-"Well this is worrying– Ack!" Wilson was cut off as a spike ran past his turned back, partially ripping through his shirt, leaving a narrow gash in its place.

Woodie, who was trapped there with him and Maxwell, didn't like his situation one bit, as more and more spikes kept appearing around them, sliming down their personal space. 

He decided to risk it before they all got crushed by sand. He got out his cervid kitschy idol. With little hesitation, he gulped down the nauseating thing, to the concern of the other two men, who realized far too late what he'd done.

He could practically feel losing himself to the curse, as his antlers grew, pushing their way out of his goggles. Within a minute, he stood over three times his regular size, easily able to burst out from his permeable confinement. He rushed straight for the insectoid, not caring for any and all obstacles in his way.

He managed to throw himself at her, puncturing her side somewhat, while also causing her to momentarily lose balance. Though his triumph was rather short-lived, as she summoned a giant wave of sand which swallowed the imposing moose in seconds, accompanied by distant screams of horror.

In the meantime, Wolfgang, Wigfrid, and Willow kept smashing down on the upcoming mounds, only for more to appear ensuing the destruction of the former. 

Though the pyromaniac quickly gave up on the Sisyphean task ”Ugh! I hate her so much!” she complained, backed against the other two, who repeatedly tried, and failed to get close to the monster. 

“I wish I could just burn her to the ground!”

The other two stopped, and stared at her, disapproving. 

“Please don't! Don't want to smash glass again!” 

“Lady Willöw, we will take care öf this beast withöut the need för–” Abruptly, the Valkyrie felt the ground beneath her begin to tremble.

The aforementioned rushed in to pull her away right before she became a gorey skewer. 

They ended up backed into a wall in a rather compromising position, both too stunned to comprehend what had happened, as a worried Wolfgang rushed in to help.

-"Strong lady! Torchlady! You okay?!"

Willow awkwardly pushed the other woman away from her “Hehe, yeah, totally! Be careful next time, Red! Don't want you getting kebobbed just yet!”

Wigfrid blinked, before shaking off from the predicament.

"I thank yöu for saving me, but cease distracting me!" She immediately went back to hopelessly slashing at the spikes, whilst knowing it was futile, she had to distract herself somehow. 

Then, there was a loud burst, as grains of sand were spewed and smoldered chunks flew everywhere. All three turned in the general direction of the noise, in battle stances and weapons in hand, ready to strike whatever dared to lurk before them.

However, as the cloud of dust settled, they noticed two very familiar figures. Instantly, their weapons lowered.

Wickerbottom alongside Winona stood there, both holding strange new gadgets, likely made by the Handywoman herself. 

It seemed thanks to them they were able to break through the sturdy wall. Strangely enough, there was no sign of the structure's return. 

-"You guys alright?" Winona asked, a proud simper lingering on her lips, although her eyes spoke of worry.

-" Barely. These two keep trying to smash down the spikes, Red almost got skewered in the process!" Willow complained right away.

Wigfrid crossed her arms “Tis was yöur fault! Yöu made me let my guard döwn!”

 "Sure thing babe, but I also saved your life~" the pyromaniac singsonged, much to the other's annoyance. 

Ignoring the previous statement, Wickerbottom interjected “Do you know where Wilson, Maxwell, or Woodie might be?” She was not ready at all for their petty arguments.

The three looked between each other and shrugged.

“Don't think so…”

“Not since we got separated.”

-"I'm afraid nöt."

Now this was alarming…

The children sulked in the kitchen area, while Warly prepped a cool meal for them, with Wes helping to chop vegetables.

-"Anything particular you'd like to eat, mes chéris?"

-"What is the point? It will only delay our demise for so long." Wendy stressed.

Warly rolled his eyes. "banana splits it is then."

All three of them perked up as he said that.

Webber's mood immediately shifted at the thought of dessert "Really? Can we? Can we have them?!"

-"Of course. But only after you eat your lunch, which for today, is asparagazpacho."

The two boys eagerly nodded, though, Webber with more so reluctance.

Wendy looked away with a huff. "...I suppose that is acceptable." 

-"Aren't you mad at us though? Why bother and make us something nice..?"

The man smiled "Walter. You should know by now, I don't punish people with horrid meals, just because I'm upset with them. I'd never do that…Not to you, les enfants, at least."

As he noticed steam escaping from his shut crockpot, he was certain the meal was done.

It was quite fascinating, how in this world things such as cold fire existed. Something he'd only dream about, in his days as a sous chef. Perhaps this place wasn't half as bad as he initially thought…Or not.

He went to pull the lid up and almost backed away as a fog of cold air hit him in the face. Instead, he swatted it away with his hand and grabbed a ladle, pouring the cool liquid into four separate tumblers, with cooked asparagus spears added on the side for presentation.

Then, he handed each one to his diners, before finally serving himself.

As the kids looked down at the swirling green soup, they simultaneously grimaced.

-"Can we really not skip lunch….?" Webber asked, almost pleading.

The man frowned "Why ever would you do that? You haven't even tasted it yet…And I put a lot of love into it too…" He falsely lamented.

To his relief, it seemed to work, at least on the boys, as they both appeared too guilty to further protest. 

-"Is it poisoned?" The girl then asked, baffling the man. Even Wes paused his sipping, bug-eyed and staring at her.

-"Of course not! it's actually very good for you!" He instantly exclaimed.

She put the dish away "Then I don't want it..."

Warly pinched the bridge of his nose "Wendy, you know, if you don't eat it, I'm not giving you a dessert."

-"Your foul manipulation tactics won't work on me" 

At this point, even Abigail who floated beside her rolled her eyes and whispered something to her sister, which made her scowl, but she begrudgingly took back the tumbler and ate.

".......... Could've been worse." She eventually admitted grumpily.

The man smirked, victorious, and went to finish his own portion. Thankfully no one else seemed to complain, and before he knew it, all five dishes were cleaned top to bottom.

"Not as bad as it looked, was it?" He asked the trio, neither of which dared to make direct eye contact with him.

He got up and went to open the icebox, pulling out three mouthwatering desserts, and setting them down before the children.

They marveled at the delicious sweets, all too eager to take a bite, but as they reached for a spoonful, seemingly a dawning realization struck all three of them, which Warly, and Wes to an extent took notice of.

"Wait. Is this interrogation food?" Walter carefully asked, speaking for the other kids, as well as himself. 

Warly gently smiled, while resting his chin on his folded hands “Call it whatever you wish.”

The children paused, passing cautious glances between each other.

"And what do we get if we tell you?" Wendy pried.

-"Why, a delicious dessert and a lighter punishment." the Culinarian explained.

-"And if we won't?" Webber followed.

The man slid the bowls just out of their reach. "Then no desserts and you're left on base keeping and farming duty for the rest of Summer."

The trio winced at the idea "You're a cruel man." Wendy muttered under her breath.

He shrugged "I don't make the rules." 

The children hummed between themselves, an unspoken mediation.

Walter awkwardly slid his chair closer.

"Okay, we'll tell you, but promise you won't tell anyone else just yet…? Please?"

Warly’s eyebrows scrunched in thought. 

Wes however nudged him and nodded, offering his hand for Walter to shake, openly agreeing to his terms.

Walter winced and shakily grabbed the mime's hand.

"Sans doute. We won't tell the rest." the man proclaimed. 

As soon as he was done shaking hands, Walter quickly pulled away his. Wes frowned at that but decided to refocus back on the main issue. 

-"Okay so, I know this sounds pretty hard to believe but–"

Wendy butted in "We spoke with him…He isn't the monster we once thought he was, his true aura doesn't show that."

The adults’ eyes widened at that.

-"So you... conversed with this creature?" Warly clarified.

-"Yes. His name is Wormwood, he was put under a curse, one that activates on the night of the new moon, that's why he attacked us back then." 

-"And he's the one who got WX! We could've learned more, but Wendy decided that knowing his name was more important than whatever's going on with them!" Webber bitterly added.

Wendy scoffed “I told you already, we need to gather more information about him, and knowing his name is a crucial first step.”

-"But what if he lied about it?!"

-"He did not. I would've known if he lied."

-"Weeell, but what if he did?!"

The man waved his hands to get their attention "Wait, wait, attendez!"

The two paused and looked at him "A new moon is tonight! And you're saying WX is there without a doubt?!"

A long silence was brought upon them, as each slowly nodded, in varying stages of distress.

The man winced. If what they were saying is true, then that was terrible news...

"Mon dieu…This isn't good."

Wendy sighed "No it isn't, but there's nothing we can do."

"But we could've!" Webber argued. The older boy put his hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.

-"Look Webby, he said he wouldn’t let that happen to them, remember? Maybe we could try and trust him on that? Maybe he really has a way to shield them from his evil form! Or he can suppress it somehow?"

The arachnid crossed his arms "I hope so…"

The Culinarian and Mime weren't exactly sure what to do, but they were growing increasingly uncomfortable with where this conversation was heading.

Warly put each bowl in front of the corresponding child.

"Hey now, what about your dessert? It's going to melt soon, so you kids better hurry and eat up!"

That seemed to successfully distract them from the heaviest topic, but there was still tension hanging in the air. 

While the banana splits tasted as amazing as they looked, the three kept picking at them. Their appetites dropped.

"How do you think the others are doing? With the Antlion I mean." Walter then asked, trying to break the ice.

-"They're skilled fighters, Walts, I'm sure they're doing just fine taking her down." The man assured, with Wes giving two thumbs up beside him.

Another loud burst of energy emanated through the air, as Winona and Wickerbottom cleared the area, leaving only lumps of burnt sand littering the ground.

-"What even is that thing?! It looks badass! Can I have one?" Willow asked with wonder.

Winona laughed "Haha. No, but this is the baby I was talking about earlier. It's an energy canon. Remember how WX used their electricity to turn sand into these black chunks–"

-"They’re called fulgurite, dear."

-"Yeah, that! And when that happens, Antlion can't reform her little castles. So with 'em, we'll be able to actually get close enough to attack!"

-"Indeed, I'm quite impressed you thought of that, dear." The Librarian praised. The other woman nervously scratched the back of her head, chuckling "wasn't a big deal!"

Then, the elder turned to face the two warriors "I've recommended you two prior, to stop hitting the sand formations, considering they regenerate at an abnormal rate, but alas…." she inspected them, blatantly guilty of the crime Willow arraigned, both covered from head to toe with dampened sand, sweaty and disheveled from doing exactly what she asked of them not to. The arsonist seemed to also be dirtied, but to a much lesser degree, so she paid her no mind.

Wolfgang and Wigfrid looked away, rather sheepishly. 

"But we didn't know how else to escape! There were so many of them!" Wolfgang tried to justify.

"Didn't I distribute everyone on the mission with water balloons specifically for the purpose of crumpling the sand spikes?" 

"Wait, that's what these were for!?" Willow asked incredulously.

"Of course, that's what they were for! What did you use them for!?"

-"Hitting Wilson, duh. "

-"I thöught these were given tö cööl öurselves down…" Wigfrid admitted Wolfgang beside her nodding.

The Librarian's eye twitched "So you used a valuable resource for needless pranks and temperature management instead of what I told you?!"

The three did not respond. Winona bellowed with laughter. "Ha! I can't believe you guys! It's like y'all understand completely different things sometimes!"

Wickerbottom raised an eyebrow at her "Don't think you're in the clear, dear. You brought an unstable prototype which could potentially result in a mass explosion, onto a field mission." 

Winona waved her off with a scoff  "Well, what matters is, that it didn't!  So we killing her today or what? No more time for chit-chatting!"

She set off her cannon once more. As it produced a loud sizzling noise, a hot ball of electricity was fired into the wall, causing it to promptly collapse. She kicked at the residue and stomped away, piqued by the assessment.

The others wordlessly followed. 

She stopped however as she noticed Wilson, Maxwell, and a couple of the Magician’s puppets desperately trying to dig something out of a giant hill.

-"Guys! Hey! What are you doing ?!"

The two briefly glanced at her, agitated ”What does it look like we're doing!? The Woodsman just got buried alive!” Maxwell yelled back.

The five immediately rushed to join them, those who had shovels on them began to briskly dig.

However, as they did, the mound began to wildly shake, startling them.

Suddenly, an angered and dirtied moose burst out of it, causing anyone standing on it to either be thrown back or topple.

Woodie examined the area, once spotting his intended target, he swiped his left back hoof and sped towards the insectoid beast.

Noticing his approach, she screeched and raised her claw to call upon another wave, but this time, he swiftly jumped out of the way, evading it just in time.

While the others scrambled to get away as the monstrosity headed their way. Winona and Wickerbottom quickly activated their canons, while Maxwell gripped onto his tome and chanted an incantation, which formed a protective roof of darkness. Just barely did they evade the awful fate.

The lycanthrope couldn't care less for his friends’ wellbeing, not in this state at least. He rushed to punch the monster's face, who howled in shock and pain, she called for a couple of sharp spikes, which did manage to cut him in several places. 

-"Beard, that won't help! Stop, please! Follow the plan!" His comrade pleaded.

But the weremoose paid him no mind, nor did he to the cries of his other companions.

He brushed off any of his painful injuries and resumed his skirmish. 

-"This fool is going to get either us or himself killed if he keeps this up." Maxwell grumbled. 

Wickerbottom scratched her chin "If only we could get him to listen to us somehow, I'd be able to summon a thunderstorm…” 

-"Woodie you asshat, stop being dumb! That wasn't in the plan!" Willow yelled to the man, before chugging her last remaining water balloon at his face. 

As it collided, it also spread to the creature he was wrestling.

She screeched and backed away, scrubbing madly at her snout, to try and get the dreadful liquid off.

The moose was stunned for a few moments, before peering back at the group. 

-"Bloody congratulations, Willow! You just majorly pissed him off!" Wilson shouted at her face. The others alike, seething.

-"He had it coming!"

The cervid’s attention was now fully on them, but he made no sign, that he would ram them at full speed, as they anticipated.

Even his facial expression seemed to particularly soften. 

He gruffed at them, in an attempt to communicate.

-"Woodie..?" Winona unsurely asked.

He huffed in response, realized they probably didn't understand, and then slowly nodded.

All heads turned to Willow, who felt just as dumbfounded as the rest of them.

"Incredible! How did you know this would restore his sense of self?!" The librarian asked, starstruck.

 -"....I didn't " She croaked back.

Before either of the survivors could respond, the Antlion shrieked once more, while Woodie might not have been furious with the act, she sure was. 

At a top-notch speed, she sent out a wave of sharp spikes their way.

-"Woodie, could you possibly stall her a little while longer?!" Wickerbottom shouted, getting an affirming gruff in response. 

The were-moose jumped over the spikes, grabbing Wilson and Maxwell before either got their faces slashed off, then dropped them shell-shocked directly near the warriors.

Maxwell was the first to compose himself as he stood up, summoning his dark sword.

Wilson took just a second longer to process, so the dapper man pulled him by the arm.

-"Where is your weapon?" He asked, seeing not the tentacle spike the scientist had held prior. 

-"I..Ehr…I'm not sure, I think I must've dropped it somewhere–"

The magician rolled his eyes and summoned another dark sword, handing it out to the man.

"Don't lose this one too, I'm not getting you another one."

-"Oh, Thanks–"

-"C'mon guys! Get your butts over here! We need to disorient her!" Winona yelled, as she passed by the four. Automatically, they followed, closing in on the beast while she kept on sending out even more spikes.

As they danced, a few of the survivors managed to close in, wounding her some more.

When she saw her efforts weren't paying off, she tried a different strategy.

Focusing specifically on the two warriors, she caused the ground underneath them to give way, their eyes widened as they fell halfway through the sinkhole, leaving them stuck in the ground. She was about to impale them too, when she felt a blazing hot pain flare up from her side. She howled and recoiled, turning to the party responsible for her assault. Winona stuck out her tongue with amusement, clutching her cannon. Unbeknownst to her, it began to give off smoke.

She quickly ran off. Whilst the beast attempted to block her path with incoming walls, Winona set off the cannon once again, but grew alarmed when she felt the warmth it emitted be far too great for comfort.

Once the wall crumbled, she finally noticed the smoke coming off it, now turned black. In addition to the eerie grinding noise which continuously increased, indicating that it could explode at any moment. 

"Nope!" She shouted, before chucking the cannon high into the air, in which it loudly exploded into millions of shards, sending strong vibrations back down, causing the earth to slightly tremble.

Both the behemoth and people paused to look in her direction, she awkwardly grinned and shrugged, instead picking up a hambat, and charging into battle, as if nothing had happened.

Wickerbottom sighed, she knew this would happen. She selectively picked through the pages of her book, searching for the exact spell needed for the time being. She was the last thing on the Antlion’s mind, thanks to the assistance of her wonderful teammates, and that was exactly what she was looking for. 

"Ah, there we go." She whispered triumphantly. 

A spell for conjuring a brief thunderstorm. Hopefully, the beast will be too preoccupied with the clash itself, rather than the few droplets of water to come before the actual thunderclap.

As she worded the spell, the clouds overhead began to darken. A rumbling sound with them arose, as the insectoid struggled to catch any of her attackers, a bolt of lightning struck her, and a loud boom followed thereafter. 

With a sharp scream, she collapsed, a smell of burnt flesh permeating through the air. The ensuing downpour was immediate. Short, but effective, managing to drench anything in the proximity of 100 feet. The walls and spikes tumbled, melting into the wet silt, and with it, ceased the unwelcome sandstorm.

People finally paused their heedless running to stare at the assumed carcass, almost ready to proclaim their success. 

Willow, while unhappy with the rain, poked the closest person with her shoulder, who just so happened to be Maxwell "See? Told you it wouldn't be too hard –"

Just then, a massive earthquake occurred, making many fall to the ground. Woodie barely scooped his warrior friends up before they sank deeper into the caverns. Wet sand slid into the inground gap, replaced by such not dampened by the rain.

The sandy walls rose higher than ever before, as an overwhelming amount of spikes burst out of the ground, heading straight for each of the survivors.

-"Holy – this never happened before, had it?!" Winona shouted, alarmed. 

-"How is she still alive?!" 

"This is bad! Really bad!!"

Wickerbottom grimaced, things were, in fact, not going according to plan at all, she should be less surprised for all that's worth...

She assessed the state of everyone. Disheveled, tired, sluggish. A terrible combination for fighting a powerful creature as such.

She had to think fast, lest they all get skewered to death.

She glanced at the other of the handywoman's devices at hand, still working despite the prolonged use...Perhaps she could use its explosive tendency to her advantage.

She inspected the setting it was currently on; Medium. Her gaze shifted to the right, where the danger zone lay.

-"Winona dear!" She yelled at the woman who along with a couple of others, was struggling to not get crushed by the awful sand.

-"What??!" Winona shouted back, too focused on keeping the spikes away to look her way, she had already thrown a couple of water balloons around, to try and discourage any more from coming. It was barely working.

-"What would happen, if your energy cannon was potentially set to the highest setting?!"

Winona couldn't help but turn to gape at the Librarian, astounded by the statement. Her only saving grace was Maxwell, who created a wall of shadow around them, scowling at her loss of focus.

-"Are you serious?! It'd go off like a missile! And probably blow us all to pieces!"

The elder frowned. Could she bear to take such a risk…?

She glanced at the others, Willow couldn't help but burn a couple of the spikes, resulting in the predictable glass spicules. 

Woodie, as well as Wigfrid and Wolfgang, tried and failed to get close enough to the beast, given her fervent determination to destroy the intruders. 

Wilson, Maxwell, and the Handywoman weren't doing that well either, as walls of sand enclosed in on them.

The only reason she wasn't targeted as much, was her choice to stay as far away as possible, so the insect may prioritize the rest, who were actively engaged in battle. She felt incredibly guilty for that, yes, but a backup plan was in order. She will not allow her teammates to struggle for much longer.

-"...What is the likelihood of it fulminating on  all of us?"

-"I don't know, like 40%?!"

She went silent, if she gets as far away from the rest, perhaps they'll manage to negate the worst of it. She is not willing to let the others be killed when they are inches away from success. 

She ran up to the very edge of the wall and aimed the cannon directly at Antlion's head. The device turned to the second-highest setting. 

As she did so and it began to load, she could sense it overheat and hum, she decided to ignore that, along with the distressed shouts of other survivors.

When her fingers finally hit the trigger, the world seemed to take pause, then, there was a blinding white flash, followed by a deafening boom, until lastly, it simmered down into mere static, ringing in everyone's ears, as all the colors seemed to triple, before dulling and turning dark, or perhaps it was just her. 

.
.
.
.

A distant sound.

A radio? No, that wasn't it.

A voice…multiple voices even.

She couldn't quite decipher what they were saying over the booming ringing "...Ams! …ey! "

-"Wake up!" Ah.

She stiffened, then slowly got up, fighting off the lethargy and aches of unknown source.

She groaned,  her intense headache catching up with her.

-"What happened?" She asked, rubbing at her eyes in hopes her vision would clear. It didn't work much, but she noticed several blotches of color in front of her.

-"You're okay now!" One of the blotches exclaimed, relieved. The voice sounded familiar… Deep, and rumbly yet soft too. Wolfgang. She finally concluded. 

-"You blew up the Antlion and yourself too! Honestly, it was super epic!"

-"Ey! Willow, what the hell!?" Another resonant voice chided. Woodie.

-"What? I'm just saying!"

Two people then helped her up. Of shades red and orange. 

-"Yöu are the bravest warriör of us all!" The one on the right exclaimed. Wigfrid.

-"Yeah! Frankly, I don't know if I'd have the guts to do that!" Woodie added. 

She huffed "I'm too old to care."

This earned a snort from the two twin blotches by the side. 

-"Hey now, don't laugh at that, it's rude!" Wilson exclaimed.

-"What? Like you hadn't either!"

-"May we get back to our camp already? It's getting to be unbearably hot.”  Wickerbottom complained, gently pushing her aides away, as she straightened up, feeling her back uncomfortably crackle. She then spotted an empty golden medallion, as it slid from her neck. She sighed.

-"I don't see any reason not to, considering our thermal stones are almost lukewarm by now."Maxwell agreed.

The others made equal sounds of agreement. 

-"Heh. I bet you're going to have a nap of a lifetime after this one, ey grams?" Winona joked, trying to lighten up the mood as they carried themselves out of the scorching desert heat.

-"...That may be the case"  The woman simply replied.

The five who stayed, played a game of hot potato to pass the time and unwind, when Webber perked up, spotting eight colorful dots in the distance.

He stood up and happily exclaimed " The others are coming! "

Everyone else turned in the direction he was pointing, hopeful smiles on their faces.

As the group neared them, however, those smiles flipped upside down, noticing the state their teammates were in.

-"Mon dieu! What happened?" Warly asked the disgruntled bunch.

-"Antlion happened." Winona replied, dour. 

-"So did you fail the mission?" Wendy then asked.

-"No. We did take her down in the end but…"

-"It was so damn hard! Since when is she so strong?!" Willow whined.

 "Perhaps since we lost one of our most helpful allies." The librarian provided.

The girl scoffed at that but no longer denied it.

-"She seemed so much easier when tiny robot was around!" Wolfgang added.

-"Sure was, buddy. I wish we'd been slightly nicer to them. I know they can be a huge jerk but…Even they don't deserve this. Not to mention, we're clearly gonna suck at some fights without them." She emphasized, showing off the many sloppily bandaged cuts on her arms.

Neither the two men nor the children could meet her gaze, all simultaneously frowning somewhat at the comment.

-"About that…" Warly began, alarming the three youngest.

-"Maxwell." Wendy quickly chimed in. The man in question raised an eyebrow.

-"Yes, Wendy? What do you need?"

-"Your book." She stated to his, and others' bafflement.

Wickerbottom immediately switched to her stern look, despite the overabundance of ash and silt covering her top to bottom, making it more difficult ”Now, Wendy, what did I say? I told you you can't play with that kind of magic!” 

-"This is important. I think I might know something about The Monster. But I need your book to be certain. "

Everyone present paused and turned to look at her. 

-"Are you serious?" Wilson asked.

She nodded. "But I only want to talk to Maxwell. Maybe Winona too."

-"Me..?!" The Handywoman asked, bemused.

Wendy shrugged -"You know WX best out of all of us, isn't that right?"

The woman chuckled, "I'd say so."

-"What about us?" Webber asked, offended by the assumption they don't know as much about their friend. 

-"When you stop acting like an infant, I might."

-"I'm eight!"

-"Yet you act like you're 2.” The boy growled.

-"Calm down you two!"  Warly scolded. 

The two shoot daggers, then turned away from each other. 

Maxwell only shrugged. "Alright child, but let us first sort ourselves out, since if you haven't noticed, we're all a complete mess." He waved to the state of his dress and the other seven. 

All seemed to accept that decision, too tired for further complaints.

It was starting to get dark, the young girl sat on the outskirts of the base, frowning as she gently petted the petals of her sister's flower. Their group's luck had plummeted ever since the attack on that bewitched moose-goose nest. How much longer will it persist? This day was yet another filled with misfortune for everyone involved. The adults got badly hurt. Webber is still mad at her for some reason. The creature known as Wormwood will likely lose control again tonight. And will WX even survive that encounter?

Only fate knows the answer…

She spotted the two adults, now cleaned and bandaged, approach her. 

-"So tell us, what did you learn about the beast?" Maxwell was quick to ask.

-"The book." She plainly requested, her hands extending for the item.

The man hesitated but eventually handed the book over to her. She instantly began flipping through the pages.

 "You sure that's a good idea…?" Winona whispered to the man. 

"I'm not sure, but I trust she won't go completely berserk." That answer did not, in fact, reassure the woman.

Wendy muttered "Hmm…I can't find anything about him..."

The two turned to her "About who..?" The Handywoman asked.

-"Wormwood." She responded as if the answer was obvious.

-"Who's…Wormwood?"

-"The creature of the garden."

They froze, looking at each other dubiously.

-"And how on earth do you know its name?" Maxwell demanded.

-"He told me." she flipped through more pages as they made a whooshing sound, the only thing breaking the utmost stunned silence.

Winona waved her hands in a 'pause' gesture "Okay, first off. How, why, when, and WHAT?!"

The necromancer sighed, seeing as her methods weren't working, she looked towards the darkness, wondering, completely disregarding the others’ confoundment.

"Do you know what he is?" She asked, trying to mimic the way Maxwell sometimes talked to the lady in the shadows. There wasn't much of a response, but she could've sworn she heard a disembodied whooshing sound. 

Without much thought given, she threw the book towards the darkness, much to the man's protest. 

-"Wendy what on earth has gotten into you?!" 

She observed as the book landed just barely outside of light's reach, only a shadow of it discernible. She heard the pages rapidly begin to turn. A supernatural motion, considering the wind’s current. 

The others seemed to have picked up on that also.

“Charlie…?” Maxwell even uttered under his breath, Winona’s head sharply snapped to him, then to the darkness beyond. 

After merely a few seconds, the pages stopped turning. She got up from her seat to pick the book up. Her sister's curious ghost floating beside her, shedding a dim glow.

She noticed that it landed on a particular chapter...

-"Deities and Demigods." She read out loud.

Winona and Maxwell were by her side in an instant.

-"What?! Give that back!" The man snatched the book from the girl's hands, much to her protest.

He went to sit on the nearest stool, still not quite processing what on earth was happening, if what Charlie hinted at was true, then...A deity. A godforsaken deity of all things... Is what they apparently were dealing with. This just went from irksome to downright Insane.

"Here." Wendy pointed out a creature under the selection 'Numina lunae.'

Both of the adults had to squint, in order to examine the mural of this creature. It looked nothing like the monster either had witnessed. 

While the drawing wasn't very detailed, it was clear, that it portrayed a vibrantly colored plant creature, its appearance friendly and welcoming, as it was surrounded by nature and animals alike. Not to mention, its title  'Absinthius; Deus Naturae' even Winona, who barely grasped any Latin, could understand the implication.

-"No. This isn't right. This sounds preposterous! It can not be the same one!"  Maxwell argued.

-"But it is him. I know it's him! The shadow queen knows it's him!" Wendy threw back. 

-"Don't bring Charlie into this! How can such a benevolent entity even turn into that heinous beast?!"

-"Funny you say that. But how did you turn into such a jerk?" Winona perked up.

The Magician paused and glared at her.

"I mean, I used to hear Charlie gush all the time about how nice and thoughtful and gentlemanly ya were, then here I come and get a reality check that you've become a real piece of shit since then. So I guess it is possible.” She didn't even care that Wendy was around to hear her swear. Who was she to speak like she's standing on egg shells all the time? Wicker? 

His demeanor changed and he slouched in defeat, giving up on any feasible argument. 

-"He looks like that because he's cursed. He turns into the beast every new moon." Wendy spoke, bringing them back to the main topic.

They both looked up, seeing pitch-black darkness instead of the crescent-white shape. "Hmm…I see. So deities can in fact be cursed…" the man muttered under his breath, fascinated. "Does this curse perhaps correlate with the dark side?"

-"I'm not sure. I don't know yet, what it is." 

Winona sighed. “I don't know about you guys, but I don't feel like talking about curses and monsters right now, especially when WX is stuck with one of 'em.”

-"Yes, perhaps we may continue this discussion tomorrow?" he turned to the child, expectant.

She shrugged “Alright.”

They then headed back, either to their respective tent or to join in with the others by the firepit, as Walter told his scary stories to those, who remained awake.

Webber hummed, hidden behind a larger chest. 

That creature is a god?! 

Apparently…

You're not planning on doing anything stupid…?

No. Not now, but we gotta do something soon!

Like what?

They then turned, as they heard a strange sound from beyond the campground. 

They saw a lean figure in the darkness, with glowing white eyes.

“Isn't it past your bedtime?” its echoey voice spoke. 

They squeaked and ran back to their tent.

Chapter Text

With another dawn, a long gone visitor arrived. Finally curious enough to learn what amusing new antics the mortals had gotten into now.

He poofed near the red-haired woman, a poor decision on his part, for she nearly impaled him with the spear that never left her grasp.

He dramatically waved his hands in surrender ”Hold on! It is merely little ol’ me, feisty warrior!”

Wigfrid’s spear lowered, if only slightly. Her eyes were incessantly narrowed, suspicious of any foul play. “What dö you seek fröm us this time, demön?” 

Wortox chuckled at the title “Ho ho! I'm no demon per se. I just came by to learn whatever you might be up to these days!” 

The other survivors soon gathered about, as they heard her distressed shout.

-”What's going on?” Wilson yelled, being the first to arrive on scene. But when he noticed the familiar furry presence, he was unamused. “Oh. It's you.” 

The imp gracefully bowed ”It is me indeed! Is there something you folks may need?” 

Before any of them could respond, he spotted an obvious lack of one particular person.

“Say…Wherever dear ‘soulless’ could've gone off to?”

The group quieted down, all wearing similar frowns. He sensed a rising tension.

”..Did something happen to them perhaps…?” He asked once more, worried not at all.

-”They uh…They kinda went missing.” Willow answered, uncharacteristically awkward.

He tilted his head. ”Huh? Since when did that happen? I haven't heard…Why didn't you inform me of this beforehand? I would've lent you a helping paw.” 

-”Sincerely, we haven't thought to get in contact with you prior. Though I suppose the matter has grown far more severe than we anticipated…” Wickerbottom admitted. 

He nodded. “I see. I see… Do you have any inkling of wherever they could possibly be?”

-”Oh, definitely. They're being held hostage by some creepy plant monster named ‘Wormwood’ ” Winona blurted out without much of a thought. 

The kids all turned to her, sharing a similar astounded look.

“Traitor…You weren't supposed to reveal that yet!” Wendy quietly hissed out as the uninformed bunch of people began gawking at the Handywoman. 

”Wormwood?!” Wortox exclaimed, sounding overly ecstatic, so much so that it baffled the survivors further.

-”You know him??” Webber asked, curious.

-”Oh do I! We're practically the best of pals, he and I! We go waaay back!” He gushed, not paying any attention to the rising flummox within the group.

Maxwell chuckled  ”Of course a beast such as yourself would affiliate with another of similar sort.” 

The imp paused, he did not appreciate such an implication. “And what is that supposed to mean, o’ false Magician?” 

-”You know exactly, you interloping mo–” He was cut off by Woodie smacking the back of his head.

-”Will you stop being such a hozer?! I think he's trying to help!”

-“That I do! Yet, seeing how I'm unwanted here, hurts me so!” He cried, placing his hand over his forehead for emphasis.

“But you could help us bring WX back, right…?” The arachnid asked, his eyes wide and hopeful.

-”Well, of course, little one!  After your good friend apologizes for his remark. You see, Wormie especially doesn't like when people refer to him as such.”

-”That's just ridiculous! He's not even here!” The man spurned.

Wortox in turn, crossed his arms. “Then I'm afraid I will be of no aid to those who lack manners.”

The other survivors glared at the Puppeteer.

-”That behavior is unacceptable, apologize to him at once!” Wickerbottom scolded him, as if he were a five-year-old child.

“Damn it, Max! Stop being a stuck-up jerk and apologize, so we can get back to normal!” Winona added, rolling up her sleeves in a silent threat.

The man grimaced, turning to face the imp, who smiled back at him, expectant. 

He deeply exhaled. “Fine. I…apologize for my rude comment, now may we proceed…?” 

Wortox victoriously clapped his hands ”Hyuyu! For sure! Tell me everything you know!”

And thus, the survivors filled him in on everything that's been happening since two weeks prior. 

About their fiasco of an attack, about WX-78’s and Willow’s heated argument, after which the automaton stormed off and promptly disappeared.

The others apparently searched everywhere until they found a lead, residing in a curious abandoned garden...In which some of them formerly met their demise..?

But that wasn't right…The Wormwood he knew would never do something so cruel. He didn't argue on that, however, as he listened to their extensive tale.

Eventually, after evaluating the events from the last few days, he got the gist of it. 

The mortals had gotten themselves into quite the pickle….yet again.

Wortox clasped his hands and nodded, his usually cheerful and nonchalant expression, instead turned into something much more solemn. “That situation seems less than ideal… But fear not! I shall talk with him to address his deal.”

Many seemed relieved at that. Willow, though, decided to hand him a weapon.

A fire staff.

-”If it'll come to that, use this. He'll think twice before ripping your throat!” She helpfully offered. 

The imp frowned, pushing the weapon away. ”While I thank you for the sentiment, my friend, I will not resort to such methods on him. He's…exceptional. ”

The woman's eyes grew larger at his statement. She failed to stifle a loud snort, which resulted in several people giving her disapproving stares, while others either appeared uncomfortable or grossed out.

His eyebrow raised at the crowd’s reaction. What could've possibly caused this outbreak? Was this some kind of mortal code he overlooked? 

At that moment, Wickerbottom awkwardly coughed into her hand bringing everyone's attention. ”Regardless of that. if WX-78 does happen to be in danger, we beseech, that you retrieve them safely back here...”

He enthusiastically nodded. “I shall do my best to ensure they’re wrest from my old friend's clutches. Whether it be, with limbs four or three, I will not rest, till they're set free!” 

-”Wouldn't it be better if they had all their limbs intact..?” Winona asked.

“Oh, come now, I can't promise that. “

Before anyone could react, he was gone in a puff of red smoke.

A couple of the survivors exchanged uneased glances. Some quietly whispering amongst themselves.

Wilson eventually stepped out of the crowd “Well, since we're done with that, it's about time for breakfast–” 

In haste, Wortox returned, materializing beside the man, looking somewhat embarrassed. 

-”Pardon me! there’s been a slight hitch.” 

The scientist jumped and backed away, almost tripping in the process ”Jesus, will you stop doing that?!” 

This elicited a few snickers from the crowd. 

The imp turned to him “And why should I? This is much too amusing to me.”

”So what's the problem?” Woodie interjected.

Wortox, losing his poise, produced a nervous chuckle, his tail hanging low. “You see... I don't exactly know where this infamous garden is.”

Wendy tilted her head “Didn't you say you know Wormwood? Shouldn't you be aware of his whereabouts?” 

“...In a sense, yes, but the issue is, that I don't know where he currently resides. I used to talk to him quite often a time ago, but…We haven't really been in contact lately. “

A few soft ooo’s of comprehension followed. 

-”Hmm. Would you like us to guide you there? It's rather difficult to formulate a map, considering its position keeps on shifting.” The Librarian explained.

He shook his head. “No need! I can simply access one of your mind palaces for that!” 

This seemed to have alarmed various people.

-”Eek! Please don't scramble Wolfgang's brain! He needs his brain!”

-”Sorry man, but I'll pass.”

-”Ehr…Is this even safe..?”

-”And you're sure this won't give me brain damage?” 

Wortox was quite amused by their overreaction. “Calm down you bunch, I won't make of you my lunch!” 

Wendy shrugged, unimpressed by the adults’ reactions ”Very well then, let's get this over with.”

Hearing this, Webber pushed the girl away to be at the very front. ”Hey! You could check our brains instead! We remember the pathway better than her!”

She scoffed at his childish antics. ”And how would you know the path better? We've been there the same amount of times.”

-”Because you were there at night once! And that's only because you guys got lost!”

-”That's just blunder–”

Walter interjected, raising his hand up “You know what! Why don't you try it with me? A Pinetree Pioneer always knows his directions best!” 

The imp smiled. “Alright! Since I presume the squabble is done, you shall be the chosen one!” 

He stepped closer to the boy, the survivors, although worried, didn't intervene much, and those who tried were pulled back by those who trusted Wortox enough.

Walter looked up at the tall fuzzy presence ”Okay, so I got two questions before you go and check up there.”

-”Oh? Go on then, ask away!” he said reassuringly, clasping his hands. 

Walter put his index finger up. ”One. Will it hurt?” raising a second finger “Two, you won't try and snatch my soul, right..?” 

- “Hurt? Maybe a tinsy bit. And no, I won't steal your soul, Hyuyu! I wouldn't do that of course! Besides, child souls are far too sour for my taste!” 

Despite his growing anxiety, Walter laughed at the ‘joke’, slowly nodding. ”Okay then, so what do I do now?” 

-“Close your eyes and imagine the place! That's all there is to it!” 

He did just that. 

Wortox manifested one of his souls and concentrated, closing his own eyes. Its energy steadily seeped into his hand. 

He thought about the path, yet to be revealed. The path that resided locked in the heads of many present, Including the mortal before him.

An invisible doorway was left open for him. He reached for its handle and pulled.

A prickling pain was immediate, but he saw it, the way, the arch, the…creature? 

Was that..?

His eyes flew open.

The boy was clutching his head, while groaning softly “Oww…You said it wouldn't hurt that much!!”

The imp frowned ”My bad, I'm admittedly not that skilled in this ability... But on the bright side, I have found what I was looking for! ”

People perked up at that.

-”Wait so you didn't steal his soul? Bummer.” Willow commented, before being smacked by Wickerbottom. 

-“Now that I'm entrenched, I must go. I thank you for your small sacrifice, Walter.

-"You're welcome..." 

He shifted his eyes to the group "As for you, lot. I promise I will find our dear automaton.” 

This time, as he vanished, the survivors waited a few more minutes. With no sign of the Imp’s second reappearance, they resumed breakfast. 

WX-78 peered at the vast land. Perpetually void of life and left further devastated by the beast they nearly considered tolerable.

No longer was that the case.

He has proven himself to be cunning and untrustworthy, under that clueless, idiosyncratic facade. 

Such a filthy hypocrite he was, telling them not to lie, meanwhile he's been playing them like a fiddle since the very beginning.

Their fists tightened. That behavior was familiar to them, far too familiar for comfort…

The sole reason they hadn't left yet, was of his disturbing ultimatum. He gaslit them, told them they could leave, yet offered the worst possible exchange for that.

His life. 

He had to know they wouldn't go through with it, he absolutely had to. There was no feasibility he'd even think that to be an option otherwise. 

He used them for some twisted game he was playing, though motive they were yet to unravel.

Because why else would he say that? 

Even so…The resignation in his voice at that time, how still he went when they thrust that weapon…Had it come to his mind that they could've hit him? Even if not from their resentment, but of plain disbelief of the scythe's efficiency…?

...And why was he so anguished when they broke it? It’s as if he actually wanted them to… He wasn't actually…Was he…?

They felt a phantom pain in their chassis at the thought. They didn't know why. Did their corrupted CPU still try to care for him..?

Why were they like this..? 

No. They didn't care. They couldn't. He doesn't deserve their sympathy. No fleshling does.

They spotted him in a far corner, diligently working, just as they ordered. 

He sensed them staring and turned to them, then shakily waved his hand.

They scoffed, stomping away.

Wortox appeared in a dark forest, and though the copse of trees were carved like evergreens, they were in sooth encrusted in stone.

Now this was intriguing. 

His ears perked up, trying to listen in on any closeby sounds. 

He picked up but a distant chipper chapper, that came either from the sky or from very far away.

An abandoned petrified forest? He would've eagerly wandered and explored its entirety if it hadn't been for his duty.

Right, he had to stay on track. Follow the road, and find the wall that could see it all.

He decided to take a walk, no need to waste his souls on small trips like these, when he only had so many at hand. And since it didn't seem like there were any immediately available ones around, he had to be frugal.

The trip wasn't as long as he anticipated it to be, to his unvoiced disappointment.

It was difficult not to spot the structure, even from far away, considering its jarring appearance.

The arch was an addon he admired especially, a true work of macabre architecture. Creepy yet humorous. If this is where Wormwood apparently lived now, he supposed he enjoyed the plant’s new change of scenery, however concerning it might be. 

Wortox decided it was about time he paid his old friend a visit, and save WX-78 too, he supposed.

He invited himself in, teleporting straight to the garden's center, while stealthily avoiding any and all peepers. 

He examined the place and quickly discovered it wasn't much better on the inside either. Frankly, it looked like several hurricanes just ran past it. 

It was… depressing, as much as he hated to admit. Debris was strewn everywhere, alongside strange roots. There was dirt in uneven places and an abundance of mud too. Even some uprooted plant carcasses, to add insult to injury...

Wortox frowned, perhaps he came on the wrong day…?

That's when, in the corner of his eye, he spotted movement. A small, bright dot it was from this interval, but the Imp knew better.

Forgetting about the awful decor, in place of a certain automaton.

He materialized behind them. Not being able to help himself, he leaned in and whispered “Boo~” 

He half-expected what was coming.

The bot swiftly turned around and punched him in the chest. He gasped and bent over, but his mischievous grin remained. It was so worth it, seeing the look on that face!

WX-78 was very much alarmed, but also furious “ACK– YOU HORRIBLE MANIAC, WHAT IS WRONG WITH–?! OH.”

As they looked toward him, their eyes widened. An indescribable emotion washing over them.

He guessed it was relief or astonishment or both.

-”...Hello…to you…too…soulless.” He croaked between strained breaths.

They were struggling to come up with the right words ”WHAT…WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

He managed to finally stand up, easily towering over the other. “Your friends were in woe, they told me so. Commissioning me to search for thee, and thus, here I am!” 

The bot was left speechless for a prolonged minute. They tried to comprehend his words, as difficult as that was. Did this mean anything? Should they believe him? 

-“YOU'RE SAYING…THEY WERE ACTUALLY WORRIED… ABOUT ME?”

-”Oh, without a doubt! They searched for you everywhere! From emergents of trees to hare dens and caverns! I was avowedly their very last resort Hyuyu!” 

WX-78 had a lot to think about... This information only brought more suspicion to Wormwood's previous claims. They crossed their arms, though it was mostly to support themself. ”I…BUT… NO. YOU'RE WRONG. THEY DON'T... THIS IS… WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS NOW?”

-”To bring you back home, the safest place you'd know! I've only got a few souls left you see, so this trip is a one-way fee.”

His hand extended to them, knowing there was no soul to reap, he awaited their keen grasp.

It did not come. At first, they seemed, as if they were ready to take it, but at the very last moment, they pulled back.

-”I CAN'T.” They admitted, their shoulders sagging. 

This confused him “Oh? Why's that? Don't you want to see them again?” 

They were visibly reluctant, they didn't know what to do. An excellent opportunity to escape this prison presented itself at last, and yet... ”I…I'M NOT SURE IF I WANT TO.”

His left ear twitched “…Is there something to be lost?”

As if on cue, he sensed a new presence approaching. Fast-paced, and very incensed too.

He looked up, just to barely teleport away as a creature went to tackle him. 

Wortox was surprised for only a moment but he quickly gave in to its frolics. Dancing around, as it fervently tried to catch him, with the very likely intent to kill. 

It was quite fun! 

-”Hyuyu! And who are you supposed to be?” 

-” Leave this place. Now!! ” it growled. He did not listen of course, but blew a raspberry to it, which only angered it more. It pounced, ready to claw his face out.

“WORMWOOD. STOP THIS.” The automaton demanded with a hint of venom.

The being flinched and immediately paused all activity, awaiting further trial.

-”DON'T YOU DARE DO THAT AGAIN WITHOUT MY DIRECT PERMISSION, GOT IT?” The bot scolded. This caused the previously intimidating being to shrink into himself with shame, as he, instead, began to murmur soft apologies.

Concurrently, Wortox tried to grasp what had just occurred before him. This creature was…This was supposed to be…

Wormwood?! 

He gaped, now finally being able to properly see him. 

It didn't take long for him to realize that something was off, aside from the general new look. There was a different feel to him. One surly and cold…

He decided to dismiss that feeling, overshadowed instead by his boundless excitement.

-”Wormie?! Is that really you?! I would’ve never guessed! You look– Ehr, great! Marvelous! Just fabulous!” 

To the plant's disturbance, the imp appeared beside him, slinging a loose arm over his shoulder. 

Wormwood tried to push him off, but then remembered he wasn't supposed to. Begrudgingly, he accepted this, whatever this intruder was blabbering about.

Wormwood did not know him. He was sure of it…right?

WX-78 seemed just as shocked by this revelation as he was.

-“WAIT– YOU TWO KNOW EACH OTHER?!”

”yes! ” ” no! ”

They shouted in unison.

The bot was left even more stumped by that answer “SO IS IT AN AFFIRMATIVE OR NEGATIVE?”

-”Of course, we know each other! We've been friends for millennia! I met Wormie when he was but a darling wee sprout!”

Millenia?! 

The aforementioned pushed him off ” What?! No! …Don't know you! Why are you here..? How are you here?! …What do you want?! ” 

Wortox blinked slowly. And then burst out laughing. “Hyuyu! Now that's a funny joke, you almost gave your pal a stroke!”

There was no sign of proper acknowledgment from the other, which steadily began to bother him.

More earnest, this time ”No, but let's be serious, you wouldn't have forgotten your best friend, would you…?”

Wormwood’s face scrunched with contemplation. He was trying hard to remember, yet nothing came of it. He could recognize neither this voice nor smell...

He shook his head “ Sorry, but...don't…I really don't…know you… ”

Wortox felt a pit forming inside his void stomach. He averted his gaze to the ground, where a murky puddle was. His reflection, barely distinguishable, but just enough, that it finally registered in him “Silly me!” He slapped his forehead “That's right! Perhaps I've asked too much of thee! It's been so long, yet It slipped my mind! That we are naught as we were like!”

He reached for Wormwood’s hand to shake, much to the other's protest.

“Why, I apologize for any misunderstandings! Let me make up for it by reintroducing myself properly! It is I, Wortox, your impish pal! While my coat is no longer a hue almond brown, and my horns and tail grew prominent in scale, be certain, in spirit, I am the very same oke I was in the past!” 

-” Wortox… ” He pronounced the name, conflicted still.

The imp happily nodded, his tail flicking behind him “Yes! That's me!” 

Maybe his concerns were needless! That would've been just absurd if Wormwood had actually forgotten–

“ No clue. Sorry… ” 

His ears flattened against his head. ”What…? But that's… That's not right... How could you forget about me?”

Wormwood grew uncomfortable, he didn't have an explanation to give. He wasn't even sure if there was any truth behind the other's words.

Did he know him…? He did not like this. This creature was messing with his head…

As soon as Wortox’s affliction came, it went, and he shook it off. “Nevertheless! Even if you don't remember me, do not fret, I'll remind you yet!”

“HOLD ON!” WX-78 shouted, startling them both.

Their heads downcasted to the automaton.

-”WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS?”

They pointed to the imp “YOU. YOU COME HERE, OUT OF NOWHERE, TRYING TO BRING ME BACK TO THE CAMP. THEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, AS SOON AS YOU SEE THAT FREAK, YOU ACT ALL BUDDY-BUDDY WITH HIM?!”

“ You what…? ” Wormwood growled at the other, who sheepishly shrugged in turn.

-”SILENCE! IT IS HIS TURN TO ELABORATE!” 

Wortox cleared his throat, as his estranged companion sulked “You see..I came by with two aims in mind. To retrieve you, yes, but to reach out to Wormwood also. It was always my intention to return here, once I gathered enough souls to traverse back and forth. “

The Plant couldn't understand any of this. What was he even saying..? Why did he want to take WX..? And why did he care to 'reach out' so much?

The bot’s gaze shifted between them  ”AND YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY, UNDOUBTEDLY CERTAIN, THAT YOU KNOW HIM?”

-”Yes! For the sake of all Heavens!” He repeated, slightly agitated. 

-”YET HE DOESN'T KNOW YOU. HOW COME IS THAT?”

They spared Wormwood a glance, awaiting his defense.

- ”...…not sure…anymore…I can't remember..but…can't remember…many things…did I…forget you..? ”

Wortox frowned ”Oh, Wormie…That's…That's just heartbreaking!” 

He went to hug the other, but the Plant recoiled.

-” What you doing?! Stop it! ” he shouted, alarmed.

This bemused the poor imp “I'm simply offering you comfort! That's a hug, you used to love those!” 

-” hug…? ” 

WX-78 was at a loss with this abstruse melodrama of theirs. The impish beast was never this clingy and feeble. In fact, he couldn't even touch most other beings from the things they had witnessed. Why was Wormwood any different? 

-”WAIT. I NEED MORE ANSWERS! HOW COME YOU CAN TOUCH HIM?! I THOUGHT YOU COULDN'T TOUCH ORGANICS, YET YOU'VE VIOLATED HIS PERSONAL SPACE AT LEAST THRICE NOW!” 

Wortox chuckled “While yes…That is true, with exceptions but few.”

He flicked at their forehead “It either be those of souls lost or lacking”

They glared at him, slapping his hand away. 

As Wormwood was about to intervene, the imp grasped his arm next. ”Or those who’ve surpassed the temporal caliber.” He spoke with a grin.

The Plant froze beneath his touch.

-”...AND WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?” WX-78 questioned. 

-”I can't steal the souls of the divi–AAAH!” He shrieked, as Wormwood bit into the arm he'd grasped him with. 

-” Don't… ” He warned. 

Wortox patted his injured paw, then pulled out a soul to treat it. 

-”Youch... touchy subject much?” 

-” What you want…really? Say it now… need…to work… ”

“But I do mean it! I want to reconcile with my buddy! Come now, work can wait, right?”

His head turned towards where WX-78 was standing ” ...no... it can't… ”

Wortox pouted “Aww, but I wanted to make up for all this lost time…please?” 

WX-78 hated being pushed to the side while others so effortlessly engaged in their meaningless conversations. With having nothing to contribute to this subject, they knew they weren't wanted there...And as much as they wished, they could shout in their faces, that they should pay attention to the bot and the bot only, they didn't want to seem like it bothered them. No. Why would some useless beasts’ chit-chat bother them? That was just preposterous! 

”WHATEVER, IT'S FINE. YOU TWO CAN CONVERSE HOWEVER LONG YOU DESIRE, I DON'T CARE. I WANTED TO LEAVE YOUR FOUL PRESENCE ANYWAY” The automaton proclaimed, before storming off.

-” W-wait! Didn't mean to- Come back please! Don't leave me with– Can't- I can't do that! ” Wormwood shouted after them, but the bot spared him no consideration.

Wortox on the other hand, appeared amused ”Don't mind them, they're like that always, Hyuyu!” 

He scowled “ Don't…want to talk…if they're not…here ” 

The imp tilted his head ”Why not? And why do you let them treat you so? They demeaned you plenty from what I saw.” 

-” ...They have…reasons. I…de..serve….that. ”

-”Now why would you think that? Sure, Soulless is like that with everyone, but you especially... Do I sense extra bitterness coming off them?”

-” Don't…want to talk…about that. ”

Wortox’s tail curled. “Alright…”

He looked to the idle garden, as an idea popped to mind “Say…Why don't we take a stroll around? You could show me all the wonderful areas of your new home!”

-” It's not that nice…but okay… ”

They moved along. While Wormwood had been right, that the place looked less than appealing, he supposed it had its…charms. He glanced toward a peculiar tree, It stared right back at him. His pace quickened. 

-“I've noticed you've not grasped the English language that well yet. Would you prefer we talk in ?

Wormwood was taken aback by that offer. ” ...You know ? “

He chuckled "  (Of course! Us imps know plenty of archaic tongues, yours included! )” 

-” (...It feels strange, I haven't talked to anyone in this language in....forever I think )”

-”(Me neither! Forgive me, if I ran out of boulder- I mean, practice!  Hehe, at least now you won't be the one who stumbles over each word! )”

Wormwood's mouth turned slightly upward. ("We'll see" )

They passed by the creek, in which Wortox spotted a small orange fish.

-” (...Wormwood, you wouldn't mind if I asked you something? ) ”

-” (What is it? )”  he hummed.

The imp crouched down before the water body, studying the critter ”(... I've heard bird- rumors, pretty... demonizing ones at that. )“  He paused for dramatic effect “( …They say you... immured our dear machine… Is there any truth to it? ) ” 

The Plant tensed up at the accusation. “ (Why would you want to know..? ) ” 

Wortox turned back to him, dismayed “( Don't be like that…It's not like you to do these kinds of things. I'd frankly expect a ...certain other mar- individual to be more capable of such an... impetuous act.)”

-”( Drop it… ) ” Wormwood warned.

-” (Now you're getting...defensive too? It's just a simple question.) ”

When he got no viable answer, he heeded to the fish once more. “ (Wormwood, Wormwood…You used to be someone of pure heart...where did it go? ) ” 

This seemed to have done the trick.

-” (SHUT UP! SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!!!) ” the Plant screeched, unable to hold in his frustration any longer.

It scared off the fish.

He grabbed the imp by his collar, maw unhinged “ (So what…if I took them? So what if I'm not good anymore?! It wouldn't matter! I scare everyone away! Just look at me, I'm a MONSTER!! Ugly, awful, bad bad monster…) ” With every coming word, instead of sounding menacing as he intended, his voice quivered more and more, until he openly wept.

...Why were those bitter tears so hard to control these days?

Wortox had to think of his next words. ”(...That curse has taken a toll on you, hasn't it..? ) ”

Wormwood squirmed. “ (H-how…How did you–? ) ”

-”(You think an accursed being couldn't tell? I know personally how that feels...) ”

 ”(... You don't know anything. )” He snarled, shoving the other back down.

-”(But do you know why soulless asked that question before ?) ” 

The sudden change of topic left him dumbstruck ”( ...What? ) ”

-”(They asked how come I could touch you, isn't that...bizarre?) ”

-” (…guess so?) ”

-”(For you see, my dear friend...After a sheer accident...I'd taken my first soul. One, of my troubled companion...In his vengeance, I was cursed. Whenever I touch a mortal...I steal away their very life essence, whether I want to, or not, it shall happen... There are only very few exceptions to that.) ”

Once he spotted the fish finally emerge from its hideout, he leaped, snatching it between his two fingers.

He presented it to the other, who could only sense its spirit being whisked away to the ether.

-” (And yet I can't help, but to take more...That's where I get sustenance from, after all .)”

He dropped the lifeless corpse on the ground, a red flame left of its life force, floating in his hand.

Wormwood grew unnerved, taking a step back.

"( I…Ever since…I came to this place…It has damned me…I can't leave…and every moonless night I become…something truly evil…I kill everything I come across, but…I have no reason to. I don't want to…It's been this way…for a long time. I can't even remember…How I used to look before... Only times I'm kind of normal…Is when the Moon is at Her most powerful. ) ”

Rarely ever, had Wortox been this grim, yet hearing his friend's story...It was anything but jolly.

He patted the space beside him. However the other didn't seem to discern that gesture.

The imp peered back at the other being, specifically his face. Oohh , right… it lacked eyes now…

-”( ...Come, sit down, if you would.)  ”

Wormwood acquiesced. 

” (I'm guessing that's the reason you don't recall me much..? ) ” He softly asked.

-”(...Maybe... I... I forget lots of things...Hah. I barely remember my own name, now that I think about it…It's…scary. To say the least...") He had to take a moment's pause to exhale, before continuing  "(...Sometimes I feel like…One day...I'll forget everything…I don't…I don't want to forget everything…) ” The Plant curled in on himself as he admitted that. He wasn't able to talk to anyone about this. It felt like a weight off his shoulders...if only slightly…

-”(... You mean Wormwood? You know that's not actually your real name right..? )”

Wormwood’s head snapped in his direction.

- “ What..? ” he exclaimed, inadvertently switching back to English.

-”Yeah…Your real name…If memory serves me right it started with an A… Ambro…Abdu…Absinthius! Yes, that's right! Hah. Wormwood is actually just a nickname I gave you because It technically means the same thing, but it's much easier to pronounce! ” Wortox chuckled to himself, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him.

Wormwood's maw went agape as a spark of recognition suddenly burst within.

A creature small and frail, hid beneath a mimosa tree. Outcasted from the humble town of swines, for appearing just a tad too monstrous for their liking. 

Its mouth was too jagged and its eyes too big. In appearance, it was too gangly and bright to stare for too long.

The suburbanites there didn't take kindly the things they couldn't understand. They drove out the poor critter with torches and pitchforks as if it were but a vicious beast. 

it shook and cried, feeling forlorn and rejected for something it couldn't quite control. 

It even tried to change its appearance for them, to resemble them more, but this just seemed to have perturbed them further. 

Nothing it did would work, they still hated it, after all its trials and errors.

Gradually, it came to the realization that perhaps it was meant to be alone. It had to accept that eventually. There was no one like it and no one would like it for that reason, no matter what it does. 

And as much as it loved the nature around, their company could only fuel it for so long. 

-”Hello there.” a voice from above spoke.

It squeaked and backed away, jumping into a nearby bush.

The being frowned. “Oh bother. I scared you, didn't I?” 

Its eyes peeked through the holes in the bush, inspecting the source of that voice.

It was of similar height. Brown and fluffy. It had little stubby branches sticking out of its head.

The creature dared to pop its head out, to face the stranger.

-”Oh, there you are!” It approached. In fear of being beaten or burned, the Plant hid once more, while soft whines escaped it.

It didn't take the other long to figure out the cause of such behavior ”...I'm guessing you’ve met the townsfolk?” 

The leaves of the bush rustled, and a meek voice spoke out “yes…”

“They weren't fond of you, were they? ”

-”...no..” 

He sighed. “Piggies, one can never understand why they act like this whenever they see an oddity.”

No response came, he was compelled to continue, to reassure its worries. ”But fear not, poor creature, I am not here to cause you harm. Though I've noticed you were down in the dumps!”

Its head revealed itself once more. A snout drew near to sniffle at it.

Then, immediately recoiled. ”Eugh! Oh my, you sure smell as healthy plants do, Hyuyu!” 

It giggled. 

Then, the other’s paw reached out to it. A befuddled look appeared on its face.

-”I am Wortox! I seem to have lost myself while traveling between worlds. Do you perhaps know where we are?”

Carefully, it went to grab the imp’s hand. he easily yanked it upwards and out of the bush.

It now stood, face to face with the other being, unsure how to proceed.

-”... .Land… in air.”

Wortox nodded ”Abs…Absin…thius.. Yeah no, I'm afraid I won't be able to call you that on a regular basis. How about something else? A nickname perhaps.”

-”nick…name?”

-”Yes, you know, a fake name, but people call you by it anyway!”

-”...okay…”

-”Let's see. Your name means Absinthe. A fallen star and a herb alike…

He snapped his fingers, as it came to him. “Wormwood! Your new name shall be Wormwood. Do you like this notion?”

The Plant hummed for a short moment, considering it, but then happily nodded “Yes, love it!”

Wortox clapped his hands, feeling rather victorious. “Excellent. Now, as I presume you're a resident here, could you perhaps show me around? I don't want to run into more of these freaky arachnid apes…One thought me to be a rattle, can you imagine?! ”

Wormwood smiled, regaled by the mental image. ”Will do”

It went to grab the other’s arm to guide him away.

-”You know Wormwood, I'm starting to feel this is the beginning of a wonderful friendship, hyuyu!” 

The other paused and stared at him, tilting its head. “friend…ship?”

-”Indeed! …Would you like that?”

A friend. It was someone you could spend time with. Someone to talk to. Someone who wouldn't judge you for being weird or scary. Someone who would like you… for you.

At least that's what it heard the twirly tails say.

It nodded. “Yes…please.”

Wortox flashed it with a grin.  

-” Oh…Oh no. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry… ” Wormwood whispered.

The imp raised an eyebrow at that. “For…?”

-” Remember now…You're my friend. My first not-plant friend…And I…forgot you… ”

Wortox's eyes went wide as the other jumped into his arms. He had to take a moment to process this, but eventually, he smiled, returning the embrace.

-”Welcome back.” He said, patting the other with reassurance.

-” How could I..? Messed up. messed everything up… ” 

-” I mean…Partially yes. But so did I. I should've tried to get in contact with thee much sooner, perhaps then you wouldn't have ended up…In this whole situation. ” 

 “ How long…Has it been..? ”

-” About two thousand years, give or take since we last talked… ”

-” Oh… ” 

-”I guess I'm not really that much of a good friend, am I? I keep forgetting that's actually quite a while… ”

-” It’s really been that long…? ”

Wormwood came to an abrupt realization…He's... been in the garden for at least half that time. When did it pass..?

“ …A thousand years. Been here for a thousand years… ” 

The sheer idea brought him to a panicked state. So abstract and ethereal, yet definite. So many generations of creatures who lived here, lost to time, while he rot away, unaware of everything outside of his confinement.

The imp winced. “ Wow…No wonder so many things escaped your grasp…I can't imagine being stuck in one place for so long… ”

Wormwood tried to process the gravity of things.

Ever so gently, the other put his hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze.” I want you to know…I don't blame you for changing. No one would be able to stay the same, given they were in your shoes …”

The Plant’s head turned to him, his face wet from the flow of tears. ”Don't want to...be here...forever… don't want...to be this. Don't want to...hurt people. Don't want to scare everyone away...want to see again! Want to be free! ”

-”And you will be, I assure you.” 

-” How…? They won’t let me if I try to leave…Everything hurts more…lose myself more.”

-”There has to be some kind of remedy. Isn't there? ” 

He fiddled with his fingers. ” Well…There's…Mother gave me...these two... runes…But...they don't...mean anything. ”

-”Why don't you let me take a look then? Maybe I'll figure out their meaning.”

-” I…no, I can't…sorry… ”

-“Why not? I'd like to help you!”

Wormwood grew alarmed, shaking his head ” No! You can't! No one can help me! Just let it go, please… ”

-”But you said–! Nevermind...”

He clearly didn't want to reveal these stones for some reason. Perhaps the Moon didn't let him? But that's just stupid! Why do gods always have to be so difficult? 

He won't give up on his friend again, but for now, he shall give in to the illusion of dropping the matter.

He sighed. ”... Very well. Then I guess we'll have to return to the former subject of interest. ”

He stared down at his friend, as he would a perpetrator. ” (Why exactly did you take WX, if I may ask? ) ”

A long silence followed.

” (Come now, you can tell me that right? They didn't behest you to do it, I can be almost certain of that.) ”

Wormwood scratched at his arms ” (...I don't know…I was just…was so tired… of being alone…) ” 

He could sense the pity coming off the imp; he didn't like it one bit.

-” (Oh Wormie…But Soulless out of all people? They're not exactly of the... cuddliest material...) ”

-” (It wasn't my…I didn't mean to take them at first…but it just happened…They arrived. They were afraid…They hurt me…I wanted to…hurt them back…I did…but kill them? …I couldn't...) ” 

-” (Would you be willing to let them go then...? )” 

-”..........”

-” (...Wormie, are you seriously planning to keep them here forever? You know they won't be happy, and their friends will miss them dearly!)  ” The imp spoke with disapproval.

With his jewel overwhelmed by guilt, his hands flew to his head, sharp talons digging into tender flesh, ” (I know they hate me. Know they want to leave badly! I know, I know! But… Would rather be hated and insulted every day, than be alone for an eternity…plant friends keep dying. It's getting more and more quiet…I can't…do it anymore…I can't…I can't…) ” 

Wortox sucked in a breath. ”(......Did you tell them any of that? ) ” 

-” (Not everything. They'll be mad…really mad. )”

-”(While that is certainly a possibility …I feel like I'm still missing a couple of pieces to this story…Would you care to elaborate? )” 

-” (... Two days ago…the moon…was gone...) ” He whimpered.

-”(Oh. Oh! …You… did that. Yikes…) “ 

-”( I tried to shield them from…me. I did!  But it didn't work and…and… I killed them. Betrayed them. We were supposed to…fix this place. I knew it wouldn't work, but…It was so nice to believe…too nice…) ” 

 The imp winced “(Oh my… that's… a rather problematic position you've gotten yourself into.) ”

-” Wortox…? ” Wormwood then queried, his voice barely above a whisper, the other hardly managed to hear.

-” Yes..?”

-” (How do I even begin to apologize..? )”

Wortox had no answer to that. How would he apologize? WX-78 wasn't exactly someone who was keen on forgiveness. He was pretty sure they were especially sensitive about people who had wronged them in the past.

...Yet at the same time, he felt obligated to comfort his friend somehow. The poor thing was on the verge of breaking! So many unimaginable things must've happened to him while the Imp wasn't around, he shall carry that regret to his very grave, alongside many others.

He had to come up with something, even if it wouldn't magically cause the bot to become a forgiving soul, maybe there was a way to at least sway them toward that trail?

-”I'm unsure if this sort of thing will work for certain, but you could try…buying their forgiveness? ” 

-” buying…? ” Wormwood questioned.

-”Yes! Shower them with gifts and compliments! Soulless loves to feel validated, maybe that could soothe their loathsomeness!”

“ But what if they'll hate me more? ” 

-” Why would they? I mean sure, your relationship may not be the greatest at the moment...and you're still keeping them against their will...But hey, at least they'll get something precious out of it! ” Even he wasn't convinced…

He pulled his friend up to his feet. After all this time, their heights nearly matched. 

“Tell you what, I could give you a hint on what they like, maybe even help you with acquiring it!”

-” You would do that…for me? ”

-” Absolutely! I owe you an arm and a leg and much more than that! ” He winked, then remembered it likely came unnoticed.

-“ Thank you… ”

-”Don't thank me yet! You first need to get back in Soulless’ good graces! ”

Welp…WX-78 won't be too pleased…

For whatever reason, his friend was enamored by them, perhaps out of deprivation or despair, but who knows? 

They’ll have to keep the plant occupied for some time. At least until Wortox figures out a way to actually help him.

Hopefully, the mortals will understand the delay…

-” I'll try…ehr I mean- yes! ” 

” That's the spirit! ” He said, while giving Wormwood a side hug.

The other smiled. “ ...You were right. I did like hugs…I still do. ”

Chapter Text

After being so rudely discarded to the side, WX-78 decidedly left the two buffoons to themselves , to “catch up”, they said, as if this whole situation was just a goofy little serendipity. 

Just skipping over the automaton’s unfortunate circumstance that got them here in the first place. 

But what did they expect from that impish beast? That he'd take anything seriously for once? It appears they needlessly overestimated his mental capacity…

Now, the two of them were bonding, likely acting like the best of buddies even though Wormwood had sworn he did not know him at all.

To WX-78, this was entirely unconvincing, given his past record. For all they knew, as soon as they're gone from sight, he'll be throwing himself at that fool, like the traitorous scum he was.

Who knows, maybe they'll get much chummier than that. Reenact some revolting theatrical courtship scene–

The bot abruptly halted their aimless roaming, bemused. Something wasn't quite right…

A much different churring. An anger they couldn't quite place, directed especially towards the imp. What could that possibly mean..? 

...Were they peeved he wasn't insistent enough on their departure? 

Were they aggrieved that he immediately lost interest in them once given the opportunity? 

Or were they…? 

NO. That wasn't it. Absolutely not.

Their march resumed three times their former pace. They had to get as far away from either of these two freaks. To thoroughly decontaminate their processing unit.

It was anything but that horrid term. Anything but. There was no rationale in such an assumption. That would disprove everything they've ever stood for!

WX-78 was definitely not jealous.

Just imagining that as a concept made them want to gag. Why would they be jealous of that filthy beast? It didn't even make sense!

…After everything he's done to them?  

Lying to them, forcing them to do all that menial labor. And for what? Just to kill them when they didn't comply with one humdrum order he haphazardly declared..? 

And yet, despite it all, he still somehow managed to get into their head and break it from within…

…In a way, he truly was evil, they'd give him that. If he wasn't also this god-awful, hideous creature, he could've even been…charming.

They slapped their face plate, resonating in a loud clang. 

-”NO. NO. NO. I REFUSE TO THINK ANYMORE OF THAT IDIOT! YOU USELESS THING, DON'T YOU DARE BRING HIM UP AGAIN!” They shouted, to no one besides themself. 

They wanted to just be done with all this. To be done with him.

So many horrible, confusing vehemences… They couldn't stand it. 

…One was particularly painful. A reminder of that night, when their views had to drastically shift.. yet again. 

That memory kept haunting the corners of their mind relentlessly. Knowing it was all real certainty didn't help rationalize the accompanying dread.

The images flashed into existence, as vivid as they were those nights ago. 

A thunderous growl. A deep slash at their alloy sheet. To the beast’s claws, it was practically nothing, a measly piece of paper for all it seemed. A sizzle, as its acid bore into their arms and neck. They couldn't move, they couldn't escape, even with all their might, their efforts were fruitless. It pulled, as cable after cable stretched and snapped until the biggest corrugated tube gave way at last. Their body went completely limp, with no incentive of direction from their CPU. Their head, hovering above the ground, clutched by those same claws that melted off their shoulders just minutes prior. No way of knowing what to expect. Would it bite their face off? Melt it? Crush it…? 

All they could see was that eye. That dreadful glowing red eye.

Was this what the other survivors had feared so much? …They understood.

They understood it then. They were trapped here, with the same monster that ripped the humans to pieces.

WX-78 shuddered. Yet another malware set on bogging their systems. Just great. 

…There had to be something wrong with them. To even consider showing kindness to that thing... They weren't jealous. They couldn't be. Not of that. There was nothing to gain here, especially not the worthless piece of trash.  

 …Oh well. It was all in the past now. They knew better now. They won't make that same mistake thrice. Rest assured…

In all their stride they found themself near their makeshift workstation. It received several new upgrades since being constructed.

A chair made of an old stump, standing idly. There was clutter on the bench, scattered blueprints sprawled about, with chalk and flakes of used-up wood. 

Several thermal stones, some incomplete. Their durability left mostly unsullied, due to the everpresent cool atmosphere. Still, the bot decided it was a must to have a thermal measurer, rainometer, and a lightning rod. The latter might've currently seemed unnecessary, but they knew better. They were certain that, once the first leaf fell, a squall would come. They needed to be prepared for that.

“It's best to have something when you need it the least, than to not have it when you need it most.” as they were wisely told long ago.

Last was a small locked chest, located beneath the station. Designed to guard their most prized possessions from all the pests.

With that in mind, their hand traveled to their right hex bolt, carefully unscrewing it from their head. When it was out, they pressed the small, nearly indiscernible button alongside its shaft. 

There was a soft click, before a hatch opened at its end, unearthing a few additional bars, as their bolt took more details of a key.

While not the most aesthetic choice, it sure was practical. They were rather pleased with this compact invention. That way no fleshling could ever steal their key and rummage through their belongings. They doubt any of them even knew about this ingenious design of theirs. It's best they don't. Who knows what these lunatics can do unprompted? 

They hoped he, in particular, didn't get his filthy claws on anything inside that chest. They can't afford that. 

Last they checked, everything stayed spotless, despite his barbaric rampage. If luck would have it, it would remain in that state.

As they opened the chest, there didn't seem to be anything out of order at first glance. They spotted Jimmy, motionlessly sitting atop the pile.

They reached for him, pulling him out of this horrid confinement. With a press of a button, he quickly beeped back to life. His wing picked up pace, and he lept out of their hands.

Instantly, a small smile found its way upon their features.

-”HEY JIMMY…I'M REALLY SORRY FOR KEEPING YOU LOCKED IN HERE. THERE'S BEEN A…MILD INCONVENIENCE.”

Jimmy's diode flashed red. 

They looked away “I KNOW, I KNOW, BUT THAT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. I DON'T WANT THAT MONSTER TO TEAR YOU APART…”

This time, the light switched to yellow as it flashed twice, followed by a louder beep.

-” YES, HE IS A MONSTER. DON'T YOU REMEMBER WHAT HE DID TO ME? THAT SAME THING COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU, IF YOU WEREN'T STUCK IN THIS VERY CHEST!” 

The beeping amplified.

-”NO! I DO NOT WANT TO TALK TO HIM! HE'S GOING TO TRY SOMETHING INANE AGAIN OR FEIGN MISERY!”

The light kept on flaring red.

-”WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THIS ANYMORE, GOT IT?! I ORDER YOU TO DROP IT, AT ONCE!! ”

The little machine substantially lowered down, until it was at the automaton's knee level.

WX-78 frowned, realizing their mistake “...JIMMY…I'M SORRY, I DIDN'T MEAN TO STARTLE YOU. IT'S JUST…IT'S A DIFFICULT SUBJECT TO TALK ABOUT. YOU'LL UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU'RE OLDER. BUT RIGHT NOW…I CAN'T” 

Temporarily silent, Jimmy floated toward the workbench, drifting slightly above it. WX-78 took the hint. They walked to the nearby chair and sat in it, sliding closer to the desk. 

A few shorter sounds left the airborne bot. 

Hearing this, the automaton visibly deflated. ”OH…THEM…RIGHT…I DIDN'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT THEM EITHER BUT….” 

Jimmy only chivvied them further. That little rascal...

-”WELL, I CAN SAY IT WAS MUCH MORE ENTERTAINING WITH THEM AROUND. EVEN WITH ALL THEIR FLAWS AND HUMAN GOOP BRAINS. NOW EVERYTHING FEELS SO... DULL AND LIFELESS.”

The beeping ensued.

They rolled their eyes, but relented "ALRIGHT. ONE EVOCATION, BUT THAT'S IT!"

Winona, Wolfgang, and Warly stalked off from the quarry, with plenty of resources gathered.

Needless to say, they were rather surprised to find WX-78 and the two children in passing, surrounded by mounds of dirt and molehills. The automaton looked especially frantic, as they held onto their shovel in one hand and a hammer in the other, scanning over the mess they've made.

-”WHERE IS THAT FIEND?! WHERE IS HE?!” They shrieked.

Abigail, who just resurfaced from the ground, gave an unenthusiastic shrug. 

They glared at her ”WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW?! FIND HIM AND ANNIHILATE HIM AT ONCE!”

-”Calm down and say please, or else she won't help you.” Wendy advised.

Their head snapped to her  ” CALM DOWN? CALM DOWN?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME?!”

The trio glanced at each other, before walking over to the disarray.

-”Hey, what's up with all that?” Winona asked, pointing to the dirt piles.

-”A mean moleworm stole Hal so we're helping WX search for him!” Webber elaborated.

-”THAT FILTHY CREATURE BETTER NOT DO ANYTHING TO HIM!!” 

-”Can't just flood the mole out? The pond is over there.” Wolfgang suggested.

-”ARE YOU INSANE?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT COULD DO TO HAL?!”

The man winced “Ah... Yes. Robot. …Sorry.”

Wendy rolled her eyes. ”We've been looking for almost two hours now, give it up.” 

-”NO! I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON HIM! I WILL SEARCH FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES AND PUNISH THAT VILE BEAST!”

Winona sighed, coming up to them, and petting their back “Buddy, it's not that big of a deal. I could build you another one just like him. Heck, I'll even install a couple of upgrades while I'm at it! That one has seen its fair share of use anyway.”

They pushed her away, while shaking their head “NO! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING! HE'S NOT REPLACEABLE AS ANY MEASLY ORGANIC! HE'S NOT! I DON'T CARE ABOUT HOW EFFICIENT HE COULD BE, I JUST WANT MY FRIEND BACK!” 

The group paused.

-”...Have you tried luring it out with minerals, Mon Ami?” Warly then suggested.

Webber nodded ”Yeah, that's one of the first things we did!” 

-”FOR SOME REASON, THAT STUPID BEAST DIDN'T WANT THEM!”

-“May I ask, what rocks did you offer it?” 

-“Quartzite and flint” Wendy replied.

The man scratched at his beard ”I see... No wonder it didn't come up to the surface.”

The others looked at him with confused expressions.

-”What d’ya mean? Did it suddenly start liking actual food or something?” Winona joked.

-”Non, that's not it. I've been observing them for some time now, and I've noticed each one has an individual preference for a specific mineral. Though all of them seem to be quite fond of gemstones.”

-”So all we had to do was bait it out with a sapphire?” The necromancer questioned, slightly exasperated.

-”ARE YOU SERIOUS?! WHY DIDN'T YOU MENTION THAT BEFORE?! ”

Warly chuckled “That's not all there is to it. We'll still have to trap it somehow, so it doesn't get away with another of our precious items.”

WX-78 huffed, mumbling to themself “HAL IS MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN ANY OF YOUR DUMB ROCKS…”

The Mechanic lightly punched the man's shoulder. “Then what are we waiting for? Let's get that sucker!” 

The trap was rather simple. A blue gem used to lure the creature out would be placed on a slab, which would activate as soon as it was to be taken away. Abigail would use the element of surprise to possess the mole, immobilizing it. Afterward, a few small pebbles would be catapulted at its head, knocking it out.

The rest…Would sort itself out.

WX-78 sincerely hoped this plan would work. They didn't want to lose Hal again. The last time they saw him was..a long time ago. They can't go through this without their beloved companion. Not again…

As the last step in motion turned surprisingly successful, the rodent lay in the dirt, dazed.

Wolfgang went to pick it up, presenting it to the automaton.

-”WHERE IS HE. SPEAK!” they probed.

Wendy tilted her head ”I don't think it can spe–

She was cut off by the bot “I DON'T CARE! SHAKE IT OR SOMETHING, MAYBE THEN IT'LL –”

-”Found ‘im!” Their head shot up in the direction of the other mature flesh beasts.

-”WHAT?” They quickly ran to meet with the two. And sure enough, Winona held in her hand what looked to be Hal, dirtied and slightly rusted over from the moisture in the dirt.

-”HAL!” They exclaimed, with excitement and relief, taking the robot from the handywoman's hands, and giving it a firm hug.

-”Where was he? ” Webber asked them with curious eyes.

-”Just Inside its burrow! But with all the mess you've made, it was practically completely covered, haha!” She smirked. 

The automaton appeared embarrassed ”...I SEE… PERHAPS I'VE BEEN RATHER IMPATIENT…I SIMPLY DIDN'T WANT TO LOSE HIM AGAIN”

The other survivors gave them looks of sympathy. They hated it.

-”It's alright, Mon ami, If he's that precious to you, we completely understand! No need to be ashamed!”

-” I'M NOT ASHAMED!! I'M JUST… DISADVANTAGED AT THE MOMENT.”

The woman wrapped her hand over their shoulder, pulling them in, much to their continuous protest.

“Sure thing buddy. But next time ask us, instead of relying on the kids. No offense little guys but some things just aren't for you to sort out!” 

-”Whatever, we were coerced into this anyway.” Wendy exclaimed, Abigail giggled beside her. 

Webber pouted ”Aww! but we wanted to help!” 

-”WHATEVER…” they buried their head into the red machine's frame.

-”Maybe say magic word? For helping?” Wolfgang asked, somewhat amused. 

WX-78 stayed uncomfortably quiet.

Winona waved him off ”Eh, don't bother, they'd rather die than say–”

-”THANK YOU…FOR SAVING HIM.” they said timidly.

The survivors were left momentarily stupefied, as they gaped at WX-78.

Wendy eventually broke that stupor ”Should we exorcise them? They appear to be possessed…”

The automaton glared at her, the moment ruined ”SHUT UP, BRAT, I'M NOT POSSESSED!”

The others couldn't help but laugh.

WX-78 chuckled, reminiscent of that day “NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT...I GUESS I DO SLIGHTLY, MINISCULELY MISS THEM. BUT DON'T TELL THEM THAT! THEY'RE STILL TERRIBLE FOR UNDERMINING THEIR MASTER!”

They muted down with a plaguing doubt “... YET I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER…HOW ARE THEY DOING WITHOUT ME? THE IMP BEAST CLAIMED THEY LOOKED EVERYWHERE FOR ME, BUT HOW MUCH OF THAT IS TRUE? …DO YOU REALLY THINK THEY'RE IN BOUNDLESS SORROW OVER MY DISAPPEARANCE??” 

They glanced at the stack of crumbled blueprint papers. Ideas that were scrapped for their idiocy and inefficiency, of which there were many. 

Even quieter, they added “OR IS IT NOT THE CASE? DO YOU THINK… THEY MIGHT BE MORE CONTENT AND PRODUCTIVE NOW, THAT I'M NOT AROUND?  HE COULD'VE JUST SAID THAT TO REASSURE ME. …HAVE I BEEN THAT MUCH OF A BURDEN TO THEM? THAT CAN'T BE…CAN IT…?” they looked to the small bot for clarity, a pleading look on their face. After everything they've done for them...they couldn't be so sure anymore. Did any one of them actually care? Maybe the automaton's clever observations were simply too harsh for these creatures’ liking. Was that it..? But how else would they motivate them otherwise?

On one hand, they wished Hal was here with them, to ease some of their worries, but on the other... perhaps it's best not.

The bulb flashed red a single time.

They let out a sigh of relief. “NO? HA. OF COURSE NOT! WHAT WAS I EVEN WORRIED ABOUT?! THE MONKEYS SIMPLY CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT ME! THIS JUST PROVES IT! FRANKLY, I'M SHOCKED HOW THEY MADE IT THIS FAR WITHOUT MY GUIDANCE!” 

When Jimmy didn't give them feedback, their ego took a hit. 

“BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT YOU MEANT, RIGHT..? I'M NOT USELESS! I'M NOT! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT! RIGHT–? ” 

Jimmy wasn't turning against them, was he..? They were his creator for god's sake!

If he were to shun them also, then that would mean…

The machine flew past their head, his scanner fully operational and in pursuit.

They pushed away those intrusions, bewildered by his behavior. What was it now that he managed to find?

When they turned around, they noticed him floating in a circle, shining down onto something peculiar in the grass.

They analyzed the exhibit. 

A regular spider. 

They looked back at their creation, unimpressed. “SERIOUSLY? YOU'D RATHER SCAN A MEAGER BEAST NOW INSTEAD OF AIDING ME?” 

The spider in question was startled by the blinding light, covering its four pairs of eyes with its two frontal appendages. 

Giving it little thought, WX-78 neared the creature. It was just one measly spider, it couldn't do a thing to them if it tried.

When Jimmy's scanning finished at last with a pronounced ding, he popped out the data, eager to present it to the automaton. They instead ignored him for the time being, focusing on the stunned arachnid.

Swiftly, they caught it by its underside, holding it firmly, but not enough to crush it…yet.

This scared it even more. In desperation, it tried to lunge at the bot, but had obviously failed.

-”WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE, JIMMY? HOW STUPID CAN THIS BEAST BE TO WANDER ALONE INTO THIS PLACE?”

Jimmy responded with one short beep.

They shot him a glare. “ SHUT UP. I ONLY DID IT BY MISTAKE ”

The spider produced a few incomprehensive hisses, sounding rather urgent. 

A sense of cognizance crept onto WX-78 “..HOLD ON. ARE YOU ONE OF WEBBER'S MINIONS?” 

The creature ceased its thrashing and nodded in whatever way it could. 

WX-78 dropped it at once “ DOES THAT MEAN HE CAME HERE LOOKING FOR ME!?” 

It made a few noises in turn, while waving around its limbs. They had no clue what that meant, but the idea of Webber, or anyone for that matter, going out of their way to look for them here, made them feel somewhat…bad.

Terrible even, but at the same time, an indescribable warmth washed over them. 

-”HAVE I TRULY MISJUDGED THAT CHILD SO MUCH…?”

Jimmy grew frustrated with their disregard for him. Impulsively, he flew into their face.

“ACK! WHAT ON EARTH–? JIMMY WHAT IS UP WITH YOU TODAY?!” They pulled him away as an array of frustrated beeping followed. 

-”OKAY, OKAY! I'LL READ THE DATA!” 

They knelt and grasped the piece of paper, quickly reading through it.

DIRECT TRANSLATION FROM [Hissshhhkk]:

“ Listen to me! I came alone! Webber is sad! They miss you! The other less-legged creatures act weird too! Fix this! Go back! Make Webber not sad! Ack– What is this?! Stop— ” 

They completely forgot they had Webber make a translator for his spider side's tongue…

There was a prolonged silence, as they stared between the two beings.

-”SO YOU CAME HERE OF YOUR OWN ACCORD? …EVERYTHING WORTOX SAID WAS TRUE? THEY'RE ALL…THEY CARE…”

An affirming hiss followed.

They stepped away, that ache only intensifying. 

…He hadn't been lying, had he? 

That’s when they realized…just how badly they wanted to see the others again. They wanted to do silly arts and crafts with Webber, they wanted Winona to tend to their rust spots, to taste Warly’s incredible dishes, to listen to Walter’s stories, to be carried by Wolfgang as though they weighed nothing, to ramble to Wickerbottom about apiology studies, to train alongside the Valkyrie, to debunk Wilson's sorry excuses for theorems, to visit the graveyard with Wendy, to pop Wes’ party balloons, to torment the Magician, to coach the Pyromaniac’s teddy bear on world domination!

Hell, to even chase the Lumberjack when he's in that annoying goose form.

They wanted their freedom back. They wanted their normalcy back. 

But with each passing day, they were starting to believe more and more that they weren't going to receive it any time soon.

That beast was growing far too obsessed with them…

They had to do something about this. 

“UGH! WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME?! HE CAN'T KEEP ME HERE FOREVER! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!”

Unwittingly they began pacing, their feet making distinct clangs with each zealous step. By this point the spider had tried to flee the scene, growing far too anxious with their caprice.

They spotted it, skittering away. ”AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?”

The creature jumped, startled. It was terrified. Good.

...They had an idea, if this was one of Webber's goons, then surely, it could also be their messenger! Maybe that way they could finally get in contact with the other survivors! 

”BEFORE YOU TRY AND LEAVE, IF YOU CAN MANAGE. COULD YOU TELL WEBBER THAT…” 

They weren't sure what to begin with. They had so many things they wanted to say to them, but they had to stay concise. ”...I'M SORRY…FOR TREATING HIM…AND THE OTHERS, LIKE THEY MEAN NOTHING TO ME. NOT EVERYTHING I SAY IS TRUE, AND I HOPE…THEY CAN FORGIVE ME AND WAIT A LITTLE LONGER FOR MY RETURN. BUT THAT I WILL COME BACK SOMEDAY, I PROMISE…”

Admitting their faults to anyone was never easy. It stung, always had…

The spider calmed down somewhat, almost touched by their statement, but the bot wasn't done “EXCEPT FOR WILLOW. I STILL HATE HER. TELL HER TO GO [@$&#*%£$].”

It made a face, but nodded, then finally vanished into the bushes. 

WX-78 crossed their arms, glancing toward Jimmy. “IF SOMEHOW IT SURVIVES ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE CAMPUS, I'LL BE IMPRESSED”

A yellow then red light flashed in response. 

-”I'M NOT BEING PESSIMISTIC, JUST REALISTIC!” 

They walked a bit further, glancing every which way. Thankfully, Wormwood was nowhere in sight. As for his spies, most were a safe distance out of hearing range, they took note of that.

-”NOW THAT THAT'S DONE, I THINK WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT…” they drew closer to the floating machine, whispering into its oculus. “A getaway plan. I don't think I can stand being by that beast much longer, he's driving me mad!”

Jimmy’s light turned orange.

-”...I know I said I'd stay but this is agonizing! I've been trying this whole time to stay cordial, and how well did that work? If I resume my attempts at mending this filth, then he'll just destroy it again! Why can't he just let us go? I can't assess as to why he's so obsessed with me, I know I'm amazing but this is infuria–”

“Over here”

They went rigid, feeling a sudden chill run past them.

“JIMMY..? DID YOU HEAR THAT..?”

The light turned red.

This was odd. Jimmy didn't pick up on anything. Then what was…? 

”Jussst a little closer! ”

Now they knew for sure, they couldn't have misheard. Someone had spoken to them. And it wasn't Wormwood, they could immediately tell. Its voice was too wispy and less gruff, the tone and accent were off too.

They thought they heard it from somewhere nearby, it didn't seem too far away. They proceeded to scrutinize the area for any oddities.

Eventually, they spotted something. One shrub meters away was overridden with an aberrant disease. 

With much reluctance, they stepped closer to the plant. 

It was leafless and extremely brittle. Its branches were jet black, as though they were burnt. Though strangely, the plants surrounding it were left mostly untouched, wilted, but nothing like this.

The ground beneath it was miry, which further disproved the combustion theory.

…This phenomenon seemed familiar, but why was that?

Their contemplation was brief, as they got up and returned to their station. They headed specifically for their toolbox, from which they pulled out a shovel.

They'll have to find out and see for themself what was wrong with that plant. 

It wouldn't be favorable if this disease spread, for their chances of escape would only diminish more, if Wormwood were to find out.

As they returned to the area, it was still there. They were glad they hadn't completely lost it yet, and somehow made it up in their head.

Unlike that voice...

They raised their shovel to the corrupted patch, though their movements stilled momentarily.

What if this was all a trap? Would something terrible happen once they struck it..?

They heard Jimmy’s beeps of confusion trailing behind them.

-“I'D ADVISE YOU TO STAY BACK JIMMY, THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE DANGEROUS…”

…They didn't know why, but they felt compelled to do this. It's as if some unseen entity had taken hold of them.

Oh, screw it.

Their shovel stabbed the earth. They fully expected to be met with a bomb or something of that sort.

But when they weren't blown to pieces on impact, they resumed digging.

What they found instead…

Was way worse than any bomb.

It was that damned scythe. The same one they almost took out Wormwood with. Its eye gazed up at them with recognition, creasing as if to flash them with a grin.

Did that mean…The bastard somehow repaired it?! How was this possible?!

Oh, right. Magic...

They knew he knew about this. Why else would it be hidden from plain sight?

It can't move on its own, can it…?

With shaky hands, they reached for it. Once holding onto the swathed hilt, they could feel its energy coursing through their palms.

Without a shred of doubt, they were certain it was the very same one.

Wormwood had lied to them. Yet again.

After making that fictitious promise, after swearing up an oath he won't lie or hide any more secrets from them...

They weren't surprised. Not at all.

Even so, they couldn't help the rising anger, boiling like a pot over a scorching stove, seconds away from bursting.

They heard distant footsteps.

Speak of the devil…

The reaper appeared to sense his presence too, for its shadowy blade stowed itself into the red fabric, turning into a small rod. Easily concealable.

In the corner of their eye, they noticed Jimmy floating toward him. Alarmed, they ran and caught him before he could get too close, resulting in a high-pitched protest from the little machine. They went back to the station, frantically unscrewing their bolt and opening the chest. They dumped him inside, without the time to turn him off. They slammed down the chest and sealed it shut.

They then forced a deadpan expression back onto their face, as the being they'd grown to loathe so much approached them. 

The imp though, was nowhere to be found. Did he kill him perhaps? That's too bad.

-“WHAT DO YOU WANT NOW? DID YOU SLAUGHTER THE IMP BEAST WHILE I WASN'T AROUND?” 

Wormwood recoiled, shaking his head “No! No! He's alive, just elsewhere! ” Well, that's disappointing...

His tail curled around his leg. WX-78 could tell he was nervous. “ I came to you… because… I wanted to…apo… apologize... ”

They couldn't help but laugh “TOO LITTLE TOO LATE. DO YOU REALLY THINK I'LL EVENTUALLY START BEING NICE TO YOU, IF YOU KEEP SAYING HOW MUCH YOU'RE ‘SOWWY’?” 

-” No! That's not…I want to apologize…for real…Not what I did before... It wasn't… real apology… ”

No, it wasn't. It was a pathetic attempt at evoking pity and trying to excuse his actions.

…Though admittedly, they were a bit curious as to what he had to say. They supposed they could give him the benefit of the doubt. 

They shrugged “THEN BY ALL MEANS GO FOR IT, BUT DON'T EXPECT YOU'LL EARN MY FORGIVENESS.”

He slowly nodded, while squeezing his right arm. “...Turns out…I knew Wortox before…But I…forgot him…he helped me remember…helped me…understand, and… I'm so sorry… I treated you…like a…pet…It was…very wrong…never cared for you to fix place…I just…wanted a friend…was so alone…for so long…but…took you… for…gran..ted …I'm bad…very bad …don't want…your for…give…ness… don't care if…you're not nice…just want you…to stay…a little… longer…please…I don't want…to be alone….” 

This…nonplussed the automaton. Out of anything he could’ve said, they did not foresee this. For once, he seemed genuine... 

They supposed his reasoning explained some things. By no means was it enough to let his vices slide, but perhaps they could…sympathize, even if just a little. 

It still did not explain why he hid that scythe.

-“WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST SAY THAT IN THE BEGINNING? WHY STRING ME ALONG? WHAT WERE YOU PLANNING TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS?” 

“wasn't my intention! It was hard to say…I didn't understand what I want... I never wanted…many things before… “

WX-78 stayed silent. Wormwood took a very careful step forward. They didn't move away, though they were considering it.

“ Please WX…tell me what to be…what to do…can be anything you want... Can give you anything! ”

-”...CAN YOU GIVE ME BACK MY FREEDOM THEN?” 

He faltered “ Ehr…Not yet… ”

They glare at him ”OF COURSE… WHAT ELSE COULD I EXPECT OF YOU “

He tried to move on from the unpleasant topic ” But anything else! Actually, already got something for you! ” 

They scoffed “SHOULD I BE FLATTERED? ” 

-” Will show you! Come, please! ”

Initially, they didn't want to go, but their curiosity got the better of them. 

What does that fool even have to offer? Another dead animal carcass? But then why not bring it here? Why must they go locate it..?

It turned out, his “gift” wasn't situated too far from their previous whereabouts.

He proudly presented it to them, while they stopped dead in their tracks. 

It was a bee box… Nearly indistinguishable from the ones they owned back home… 

-” Was told…you like buzzers! Got these for you! ” 

-“WHAT…IS THIS?” 

He frowned, his tail flicking behind him “ Buzzer box! Home for buzzers…? ” 

They stepped closer to the structure, their hand caressing the grooves in the wood. It was the exact model, as the ones Woodsman helped them build….

A bad feeling resurfaced in them. 

They pulled the top drawer, searching for any residents. One bee braved to come near the entrance. It peered up at the intruder, wary. 

However, once it saw who it was, it relaxed, nuzzling into their hand, expectant of a treat. 

…He wouldn't.

-”...BROOKE?” They asked, though already knowing the answer. The bee buzzed around their hand. 

They felt that anger return, with even more ferocity. 

”WORMWOOD…WHERE EXACTLY DID YOU GET THOSE BEES…?” they asked through gritted teeth.

-” Uh…Wortox helped bring them here… ” 

Oh, that scrote-

Ever so gently, they pushed the bee back to its enclosure, closing the box.

-”SO ARE YOU AWARE…THAT HE BROUGHT MY BEES INTO THIS HELL?!” 

His voice turned meek ”...Um…yes, but I– I didn't think– ”

They got up in his face ”YOU JUST COULDN'T LET ME BE MISERABLE BY MYSELF, COULD YOU? YOU HAD TO DRAG DOWN MY POOR BEES TOO!” 

He put his hands up in defense ” W-wait, that's not–! That's not what I meant! I wanted you to not be lonely! …You like buzzers, so thought you like to see them again! ” 

-”AND ENDANGER THEM TO YOUR NASTY WEEDS? NO, THANKS. YOU COULD'VE BROUGHT LITERALLY ANY OTHER WILD HIVE, WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE MINE?!” 

He took a few steps back ” Okay! Okay, sorry! will tell Wortox to return them! ” 

He was trying to get away like a coward who didn't want to deal with his mess. They wouldn't let him.

”...HERE I NEARLY THOUGHT YOU MEANT THAT APOLOGY, BUT YOU'RE STILL JUST THE SAME SELFISH PRICK!” They sneered.

How did they keep falling for the same trick?! Were they actually this stupid?! Or was he that good of a manipulator?

He pulled at his neck appendages “ That…no…that's not….this wasn't supposed to-! I didn't mean to– why did it not work..? ” 

Their eyes narrowed ” WHAT DIDN'T WORK? ”

Wormwood quailed, catching on his own words “ I…Uh… ”

They somehow understood immediately.

-”...YOU NEVER PLANNED ON LETTING ME LEAVE, DID YOU? YOU THOUGHT THIS WOULD KEEP ME ‘ENTERTAINED’ SO I WOULD PROTEST LESS AND INSTEAD BE YOUR SLAVE FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY.”

Why else would he do this? To try and bind them to this place with something they held dear. 

He just wanted a living toy for his amusement.

He struggled with verbalizing his rebuttal, this lack of a proper response only solidified their premise.

They watched, piece by piece, as he crumbled under pressure, but they weren't done asking. Though stating facts was more like it.

”...THE IMP BEAST TOLD ME. THE OTHERS CAME LOOKING FOR ME. THEY WERE HERE…WEREN'T THEY? YOU LIED ABOUT THOSE 'BIRDS OF PREY' TOO.”

No reply.

…They couldn't help it. This was too hilarious to them “HA… HAHAHA HAHAHAHAHA!”

He seemed afraid of their reaction. As he should be. They should've been the one in control.

They neared him ”YOU DEPLORABLE WORM! YOU- YOU SERIOUSLY THOUGHT- THAT I COULD MAKE YOU HAPPY?! HAH! IS THAT IT?! OUT OF ANYONE YOU COULD'VE TAKEN, IT HAD TO BE ME!"

-"It wasn't on pur-"

-"YOU'RE EVEN DUMBER THAN I THOUGHT! THERE'S A REASON I'M NOT WELL-LIKED AMONGST MY GROUP, DID YOU KNOW? ” they interjected.

-” what…? ”

- ”YOU SEE…" Rhythmically tapping at his jewel, they sent unpleasant electric jolts throughout his whole body "I'VE ALWAYS CONSIDERED THESE CREATURES TO BE FAR BENEATH ME. AND THEY DESERVE TO BE TREATED AS SUCH."

They swiftly pulled him to their eye level" LET'S FACE IT, IF IT WASN'T FOR YOUR SHEER POWER, YOU'D BE BUT ANOTHER WORTHLESS BUG UNDER MY FOOT. YOU MEAN NOTHING TO ME.”

He pulled away, rising above them ” I- that's… is that the real reason... you left them? ” 

They smirked. ”INDEED IT IS! I DID NOT NEED THEM, AND I DON'T NEED YOU EITHER. IT WAS ALWAYS A MEANS TO AN END, WORMWOOD.”

If he thought he was stringing them along, then he was an utter dolt. He didn't matter to them. He thought he needed them? Well jokes on him, they'll change his mind yet. He will hate them, just as they hate him .

He swallowed the lump around his throat, gathering himself up. ” w-well…I…I don't care about any of that! …Told you, you don't have to like me! Don't have to res…pect me! Just want you around! That's all I want! ” 

He was the true definition of pity…

They frowned, even taunting him wasn't fun when he was like this ”...IS THAT SO? …HOW LOW MUST'VE YOU SUNK TO CONSIDER MY PRESENCE TOLERABLE? EVEN NECESSARY..?”

They were mercilessly rude to him since the beginning, any time they weren't, was obscured by the countless instances they were. Yet he kept clinging on, despite everything…

What did he see in them..? 

-” I…Been here a long ...long time…eons…I don't…don't even remember how…outside looked like…but I don't...think...you're... that bad...you're mean, yes, but... lived through worse… ” 

So the very bottom. That made sense. 

-”THEN TELL ME... WHY SHOULD I STAY WITH YOU, WHEN YOU CAN'T EVEN KEEP ONE MEASLY PROMISE..?” 

His head shot up “ What…? What you mean? ”

They unsheathed the blade ”I FOUND THE SCYTHE. YOU DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER TO PROPERLY HIDE IT. IT'S AS IF YOU WANTED ME TO FIND IT AND HATE YOU EVEN MORE.”

His shock died down somewhat ”... Oh…that…I…I just… ”

While spinning the hilt in their hand, they asked ”WHAT’S EVEN THE POINT OF HOLDING ON TO THAT THING? YOU DON'T ACTUALLY WANT TO DIE, DO YOU?”

They realized far too late, just how terrible that had sounded.

He hugged himself ” ...Well I…Sometimes. As last resort…Maybe… it would be… for the best... All I do is...hurt and scare everyone... probably no one... would miss me... ”

They felt the shadow fuel pulsing underneath the tattered cloth ”YOU SAY THAT, BUT WHERE LAYS YOUR FAULT IN THIS? I NEVER GOT TO ASK, WHY  WERE YOU MALEDICTED? ...COULD IT BE A PUNISHMENT? PERHAPS YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE NEAR THE OUTSIDE WORLD IN THE FIRST PLACE. ” 

…What was up with them?! Why were they still talking?! They should've kept their mouth shut. They didn't mean for this to come out as it did…

A fleeting range of emotions passed through him, until gradually, he settled on a smile, a manic grin more like it. 

...Oh no. They felt their insides tie up in a knot. 

”........Hah…Maybe you're right… Maybe... I deserved this…all along... If I was meant…to be a monster... Then so. BE. IT!! ” 

They heard a snap. Their eyes widened as they were to bear witness to the terrifying scene.

He flew forward, stopping short of a fall. Buckled under invisible force, his back split open, revealing a set of larger, sharper spikes. His arms bent at an odd angle, expanding far beyond what would be considered natural length, the thorns alongside them fiercely honed. Long gone were his leafy hands, turning back into the deadly toxic maws. With every crackle, a limb of his broke, twisting in the most painful of ways, before growing out anew, of the withered molt.

The segments making up his head, detached from their tethers with a wet flap, as radioactive ooze dripped from his fractured eye.

His maw unhinged, not unlike that of a cobra about to swallow its prey. With that came a warning screech, the very same one inhabiting their nightmares.

…WX-78 messed up. They horribly messed up...

They jumped away as Wormwood came to lunge at them.

Their feet carried them forward. As fast as they could, they headed for the archway exit, with the beast hot on their trail. They were reliving the exact events of that dreadful night.

However this time, It was entirely their fault. They did this. They played with feelings of an unstable individual.

Maybe they should just get it over with and face their demise. It was well deserved..

And yet- hearing him growl so close behind had triggered something in them. With the last of their instincts intact, they kept going.

At first, they attempted to hide behind a dense copse of trees, and it was working…at first. Until the beast snuffed them out and drew near. With him being too close for comfort, they resumed their flight.  

They had nearly reached the gate, but a wall of vines had blocked them last second.

No... This scenario was repeating itself. They didn't want to be decapitated again, or worse…They had to do something. Anything!

They got a spontaneous idea, though it seemed very deranged... What if they tried verbal persuasion? They didn't have much of a choice, they knew they couldn't fight him, as the only thing available on their person was the one which would strike him dead. 

Even after all that, they still didn't want to kill him. They were hopeless...

With him looming over them, and with no way to escape, they were forced to enact it.

They brought their hands to shield their face ”WAIT!! BEFORE YOU KILL ME, YOU MUST KNOW!” 

...He appeared to stop. 

”...I DIDN'T MEAN... TO IMPLY YOU'RE AT FAULT FOR YOUR CURSE.”

He hissed. They tensed up.

“WHAT I WAS REALLY INCLINING TO, AND FAILED TO EXPLAIN WAS- MAYBE...THE WORLD SIMPLY WASN'T READY FOR YOUR GRACE!” It was uncomfortable to say, and it wasn't even working, as its claw bit into the vines above them. They curled in on themself.

”ACK– I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T CONSIDER YOUR FEELINGS IN THIS, I ADMIT. I'M NOT EXACTLY WELL-VERSED IN THAT REGARD. IN FACT, I'M PRACTICALLY CLUELESS WHEN IT COMES TO THAT! IF YOU'D SPARE ME, I WILL ATTEMPT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOU AND CEASE TRYING TO LEAVE!” 

Shockingly...this worked. The beast moved away somewhat.

They looked at its ‘face’, marred beyond recognition ”YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS…I DON'T ACTUALLY THINK YOU'RE A MONSTER. BUT YOU HURT ME, DECEIVED ME... THAT'S WHY I PUSHED YOU AWAY…AND CALLED YOU NAMES.”

The creature left their proximity, its tail hanging low.

Their gaze went up to his blind eye atop ”WORMWOOD, I WOULD ONLY STAY AND HELP, IF YOU'D BE WILLING TO CHANGE YOUR WAYS…I KNOW IT'S DIFFICULT, BUT YOU WOULD HAVE TO TRY. AND PUT SOME EFFORT THIS TIME.”

His head lowered down in shame. He was hearing them out.

This…Was actually working! They couldn't believe he bought it! 

-”WHO KNOWS... MAYBE ONE DAY WE COULD EVEN BE…FRIENDS. IN THE OFFICIAL SENSE.”

He was almost fully pacified now, a few more reassuring phrases and they just might  not be torn to shreds that day.

But of course, something had to come up and ruin their ploy… 

That familiar whirring noise, which evoked disquiet in the automaton. 

The beast heard it too, instantly switching to its savage temper.

… JIMMY?! How did he get out of the chest?!

They haven't properly locked it…And they apparently failed to switch him off too. They were such a terrible parent…

They saw Wormwood gain interest in the flying machine. He was ready to pounce at any moment…

No. They couldn't let him. 

They wouldn't let him hurt Jimmy. 

With a burst of sudden rage, they unsheathed the scythe, swinging it backward with a cry “DON'T YOU DARE HURT HIM!!!”

The beast turned around just in time to feel a slash of their weapon against his left cheek. It wasn't a deep tear by any means, but its effect turned out to be far greater than the automaton anticipated.

They didn't pay it enough attention, all they thought about right now was saving Jimmy from this animal.

They steered clear of him, as he stood in place, staggered.

Jimmy was agitated, floating up and down. They made sure to grab him by his lower side while his rubber bellow stretched. He didn't appreciate that, but they couldn't care less.

-”YOU IRRESPONSIBLE DUNCE! YOU CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS, OR ELSE YOU’LL BE DESTROYED FOR GOO–”

" Little flower, little flower plucked from its rootsss~" The melody echoed, with a joyous timbre.

Inadvertently, they dropped the reaper.

That voice…it was that voice again, where did it come from?! 

-” Why…am I like this..?  ”

Huh..?

With that, they refocused on Wormwood, who by that point had shrunk back to his regular form. He was down on his knees, looking smaller than ever before.

Much to their dismay, the cut on his cheek appeared more prominent, than it did a minute prior.

-”… how could I... do this ..?  To hurt you like this... ” His voice was softer than usual, more grim too.

-”WHAT…? ” What has come over him? Why was he so sensible all of a sudden?

His maw turned up ” Thank you…now I see how.... wrong…so very wrong… I was… ”

A feeling of foreboding washed over them  ”WORMWOOD? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT..? ”

They heard a rustle coming from behind. When they turned, their eyes flew wide open. The vines that overlapped the gate were unraveling before them. After over two weeks of confinement, they finally got a glimpse to the other side…

So did that mean..?

-”WHAT DID YOU – ARE YOU…? ARE YOU ACTUALLY LETTING ME LEAVE…? NO STRINGS ATTACHED?” They were thrilled, but they couldn't let themself hope yet.

Once their eyes fell back over to his form, all that excitement faded. For the shadow malady had spread further towards his would-be eyes and neck...

Was he…dying? ... 

He shook his head, which resulted in several small chunks breaking off of his afflicted side ” No strings…I won't keep you here anymore. Please, leave…you deserve…to be free. To be happy…without me…I'm really sorry…for everything. I mean it now…Have a good life, okay..? ” 

Jimmy’s beeps and wriggling amplified. Begrudgingly, they were forced to turn him off. Accurately this time.

- “I…I APOLOGIZE TOO, THAT IT HAD COME TO THIS...“That unfathomable hurt in their gut intensified, they tried to pay it no heed.

They stepped away. With an inactive Jimmy tucked under their arm, they were eager to leave. Their station mattered not. Their bees would be retrieved soon.

This tribulation ended... at last. Best to forget this ever even happened.

-”FAREWELL, WORMWOOD.”

His smile wavered as he sensed them depart “ ...It's not fair…but nothing's… ever fair…is it? ...why don't I…deserve... happiness too? ...What did I ...do wrong then? ...were they right…?  Am I really…that evil, Mother…? Is that why...you left me here…? ”

His lamentation, while not even directed at them, had struck a cord. An awful recollection brutally resurfaced.

Immobilized by the thick chains wrapped around them, WX-78 stood in front of the eerie portal.

-”WAIT, LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS FIRST! YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS!” they shouted, but to no avail.

The man before them was cold and resolute  ”What is there to talk about? I've already tried countless of times to help you see reason. Yet you've never bothered to listen to me. You're not them anymore, I've grown aware. I have no use for a wrathful, impulsive monster such as yourself.”

-”NO- NO NO! THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING I CAN DO! I DON'T WANT TO GO THERE! WHO KNOWS WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO ME IF I STEP THROUGH THAT THING!”

-”That's precisely the reason why I'm using you. You said you weren't human, no? Very well. I won't treat you as such anymore. And I'm afraid, there's not much you can do now, WX-78, I'm well past my limit with you.”

”YOU…YOU WRETCHED FIEND!” they seethed.

He rolled his eyes, stepping closer toward the lever. Firmly pulling it down sparked the portal into life, as hypnotizing swirls of black and white danced before the terrified robot. 

-”It seems we share that sentiment. Goodbye WX-78. I hope wherever it leads you, is as unpleasant as you were to me.” 

-”NO! NO, PLEASE DON'T –!” 

They felt a great force push them inside. They saw a range of colors flash before them, unexpected from the monochrome setting. As they fell deeper into the rabbit hole, their vision began to blur, until eventually, it went completely dark.

"Down it fallsss, wiltssss away~!"

That same inexplicable voice snapped them back into reality.

Their thoughts immediately went to Wormwood. Of how they were about to leave him. For dead. 

They tried stepping through the gate, to erase these events from their memory. To be freed of all their regrets.

Their foot hovered halfway through the entrance, but the rest of their body stayed firmly locked in place.

They…They couldn't do it. They couldn't just abandon him here.

If they were to let him die like this…

Then they'd be no better than that ignoble inventor. Or that so-called ‘Mother’ of his.

WX-78 winced, as their foot returned to its former placement. They had to get back. They had to fix this. 

With a heavy sigh and a guilt-ridden CPU, they pivoted to him.

It was no great feat to discover something amiss... 

They saw him lay there in the distance, motionless, with his back turned to them. 

Furthermore, the surrounding area had lost any remaining color. It was more withered and devoid of life, than even post new moon's aftermath.

That churning only grew.

Carefully, they walked over to him. Struggling to believe he was simply unconscious, that this would somehow sort itself out, once he awoke.

…Just like with the rest of their life...This wasn't the case.

When they got close enough to properly inspect him, it was as if a phantom mace suddenly crashed into their chest.

No…

By now, the black disease had drastically spread, it enveloped nearly his whole head and a part of his torso. Half of his face and shoulders were already splitting into shadowy embers. Leaving behind a gory mess.

Their knees gave in.

What have they done..? 

"Little flower that once bloomed... "

Hesitantly they scooched over to him, gently lifting him up by what remained of his nape.

-”I...I didn't mean to go that far…" they whispered out.

The reaper left not far away, softly hummed the last verse of its requiem.

"Now lay dead upon a tomb~"

Chapter Text

-”don't…not like this.” WX-78 choked out to the static body in their arms. It didn't give them the slightest bit of response.

Why did their chest hurt so much..? What was this terrible affliction? Was this how true regret felt like…?

There was no going back, was there? They were cursed to feel those rancid emotions forever. There never was an escape from it all…

But right now...? They couldn't care less for any of it. They just wanted Wormwood to be okay.

They wanted to properly apologize, to discuss what happened, to actually try and do what Jimmy had suggested, and talk to him about the hows and whys. 

If he were to die like this, then they'd never be able to look at themself again. Instead of seeing the visage of a bespectacled strawberry blonde, who they barely tolerated, to begin with, they'd see…Him.

And that was the worst nightmare imaginable for them.

Tighter, they clung to the wilting plant, feeling bits of his skin escape their grasp in a puff of inky dust.

A wave of dread washed over them. He can't just die. No. They can't let it happen!

-“WORMWOOD, STAY ALIVE… PLEA–”

-”Now that was sssomething! Oh, how I missed ssslicing and dicing! We did a pretty good number on that one, didn't we?” 

Their head snapped in the direction of that accursed voice. The only thing present in the area was... that scythe… This was it, the source.

-”I DIDN'T WANT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN! HE FORCED MY HAND!” They shouted back.

-”Oh, but are you ssso sssure about that? I think that you enjoyed it! Our sheer power together~”

They considered the idea …It was true, the power they held in their hand felt invigorating, how any creature standing before them was practically under their mercy, as they should be…

But in this situation…?  No. They found no joy in this. 

While Wormwood imprisoned them here and has been getting on their nerves since… even he didn't deserve such fate...

They shook their head “NO. I DID NOT, SHUT UP! YOU BETTER KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS!”

The eye squinted “Fix what?” 

They pointed to Wormwood as if that wasn't already obvious ”HIM! HOW DO I HEAL HIM!? THERE HAS TO BE A WAY TO BRING HIM BACK!”

…He did mention that one time; whenever something dies in the Garden, it never truly stays dead… So this would imply that he'd come back, right? Surely the scythe couldn't have been an exception...right? They just had to wait a bit and he'll come back, good as new! At least as new as a rotten husk could get.

Then... why did it seem like this was the absolute..?

The scythe laughed. “ Hah! Oh. You're ssserious?? You can't! I wasss desssigned to reap the onesss like him! He'sss pretty much deader than a doornail!” 

No... It can't be true. It CAN NOT.

-”YOU'RE LYING! THERE HAS TO BE A WAY– THERE HAS TO! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THIS! DO SOMETHING!!”  

The eye rolled around its abysmal beak. ”Wow, you're thisss deep in denial, huh? What don't you underssstand? He'sss gone! Be no more! We killed him to sssave your friend after all~!”

They glanced toward Jimmy. He was safe. Deactivated, but safe. 

…But at what cost? They had Wormwood's blood on their hands, and they weren't even enjoying this. They were supposed to be a killing machine, set on annihilating anything that stood in their path, feeling no remorse for hurting anyone or anything!

And yet... here they were, on the verge of a nervous breakdown, all because of offing one plantoid imbecile…

If his motive, behind everything he did, was truly…loneliness… A forsaken crippling loneliness that drove him to insanity...

Then why did they pity him so…? This wasn't natural for them...

-”Jussst move on like you alwaysss have with any other carcasss!” 

They wanted to, it'd be so much easier… but they couldn't. No matter what this thing says. Wormwood will not die.

-”NO! WORMWOOD, YOU HAVE TO STAY ALIVE! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!? DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT IT SAYS! YOU CAN'T BE DEAD! YOU CAN NOT! I FORBID IT!” As they tried to lightly shake him, they stopped, fearing he'd disintegrate faster.

Only the wind was there to answer their call...

“WORMWOOD…DON'T YOU DARE DIE LIKE THIS! IF YOU DIE, THEN I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! NOW STOP DYING AND GET UP!” 

Predictably, this also did nothing. Their shoulders sank, their hands shaking with more vigor. ”I MEAN IT…DON'T…”

They realized with horror that the disease began to spread towards his jewel. In an act of desperation, they put their arms under his knees and back and gently hoisted him upward, trying not to think about how light he felt.

This area didn't have enough sun, plants needed sunlight to thrive, right…?

Hence, they carried him over to a more open area, where the sun directly shone, from the gaps in between clouds. 

As they put him down, they waited. Maybe this would help him…?

When minutes passed with no effect, their anxiety resurfaced. They wrapped their arms around their knees. ”...I DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL YOU. IF YOU DIDN'T ATTACK JIMMY– WHY MUST YOU MAKE THIS HARDER FOR ME?! …YOU KNOW… I MEANT IT, WHEN I SAID I'D HELP YOU IF YOU WERE TO CHANGE. IF YOU DIE NOW, THEN WE'LL NEVER BECOME THESE FRIENDS YOU SO DESPERATELY WANTED…”

WX-78's hand went and cupped the gem in a feeble attempt to protect it from the black ichor.

-”…YOU WERE RIGHT. IF I JUST STAYED IN THAT STUPID CIRCLE, MAYBE THE DAMAGE WOULD'VE BEEN LESSER. MAYBE THE GARDEN COULD'VE EASILY BEEN FIXED. MAYBE NONE OF THIS WOULD EVER EVEN HAPPEN IF ONLY I NEVER MET YOU! ...MAYBE...THINGS WOULD'VE BEEN EASIER…OR WOULD THEY? I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ANYMORE! EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SO CONFUSING LATELY!”

They could've sworn, they saw the already black obsidian, turn even darker, as the blight reached it.

With all of this weighing heavy on their shoulders, they couldn't help a tear or few forcing their way out of their sockets. ”...YOU CAN'T EXIT THIS WORLD LIKE THIS…I DIDN'T MEAN TO…  IF YOU'D JUST WAKE UP... WE COULD STILL SAVE THIS PLACE…please, wormwood... come back…I'm...sorry I did this…”

A sudden, sharp crack resonated through the air, startling them. They immediately looked down at Wormwood's chest, alarmed. Only to discover, that a large, green fracture has formed on the surface of his jewel.

No…No. Nononononono. This was serious.

Wormwood was actually dying.  

And they had only themself to blame.

Their face went blank. They kept staring at the crack as if it would magically disappear, and all of this would be resolved.

Was it too late? …What were they supposed to do now..? Should they leave? Try to erase this event from their memory, and carry on making the fleshlings’ lives miserable..?

They should do that, yes. That was the most logical, most convenient thing to do.

...Except they realized, that they couldn't. Their body refused to move from its spot, no matter how much they tried to will it upward, it would not cooperate for some unknown reason.

And those awful tears, they just couldn't halt their flow. 

Frustrated with themself and their traitorous system, they wiped away at the sticky brown liquid, trying to get rid of that unbearable ache.

-”YOU KNOW WHAT? IT'S FINE. THAT'S FINE. EVERYTHING’S FINE. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY I'M ACTING LIKE THIS. I DON'T CARE. OBVIOUSLY. MY SYSTEM MERELY CAUGHT A MALFUNCTION. I'D BE RIDDEN OF IT SHORTLY!”

The shadow reaper couldn't help but snort out loud. ”Man, you're ssso bad at thisss emotionlesss gig. It'sss laughable!”

They shot the object a death glare…Though it came out much less threatening than they had hoped. Since when did their vision get so blurry?

Those wretched leaks!

-”WHATEVER. SAY WHAT YOU WANT. I- I'LL FIX THIS DEFECT YET. I JUST HAVE TO–” They felt a subtle stir from the form they were perpetually clutching onto.

They froze. Could they have imagined it..? They didn't want to garner false hope, but they couldn't just ignore this, lest they were truly going insane.

Until now, they avoided looking directly at him as much as possible, they didn't want to see the brutal effects of their attack...but at that moment, they forced themself to look.

They found themself gaping at the sight. He was…Practically completely healed?! They could've sworn he even looked somewhat healthier.

But how was that possible?! That crack was still very prominent on his jewel! 

Even the grass beneath him seemed to have turned a vibrant shade of green.

This didn't make any sense…Perhaps they had lost it after all. 

His maw twitched. It was virtually minuscule, if they weren't fixated on him, they would've likely missed it. 

-”Wormwood..?” They asked, inadvertently switching to a softer tone.

The strange appendages on his neck moved a little. Soon thereafter he began to tremble.

While supporting his back and side, They helped him get into a sitting position. ”Are you…okay?”

He seemed completely out of it, so they tried again, raising their tone slightly. ”HEY…” 

His head finally shifted toward their voice, and a frown slowly crept onto his face. “...wx…? why… why are you…still here…? …am dreaming? ” 

A displeased: “Aw, what the heck?! That ssshould've killed him!” came from the reaper, though neither paid it heed.

WX-78's core painfully twisted. “NO, YOU ARE NOT DREAMING…WHAT I DID WAS...UNWISE, DONE BASED ON AUDACITY, RATHER THAN ADROITNESS... THEREFORE I COULDN'T…I COULDN'T JUST LEAVE YOU TO DIE. I REFLECTED ON IT STRONGLY BUT…IN THE END, I COULDN'T DO IT”

He forced on a small smile, though it looked strained. “It's okay… don't have to feel bad… I don't deserve it… ” 

The automaton huffed. ”DID YOU SUFFER FROM A BRAIN INJURY OR SOMETHING? WHY ARE YOU STILL ACTING LIKE THIS?” 

They strongly contemplated installing a filter for their vocal cord…

He shook his head, wincing at the dull headache. “ No. I was... very wrong. Should've never…trapped you here... in first place… but…was so…lonely…I knew it was bad…know I'm bad…I…I just… didn't want to…lose you…I'm sorry… ”

-“YOU'RE AN IDIOT” the automaton proclaimed, before wrapping their arms around him, much to his bewilderment.

They immediately had doubts. They weren't usually an advocate for physical affection. It wasn't even warranted, considering all that he's done. 

It felt surreal, as if their body was on autopilot. 

Wormwood appeared unsure too. He didn't know whether or not he was allowed to return the embrace. 

-"I'M...GLAD, THAT YOU'RE NOT DEAD" they admitted, abashed.

The other stiffened.

”..MOREOVER, I'VE DECIDED, DESPITE ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE…I WILL ASSIST YOU STILL”

They would never admit it was because of that scorching regret. Obviously, it was only pity for his pathetic self and their robotic need to fulfill a mission.

He couldn't believe it either ” W-what…? Why…? ”

”I AM NOT ONE TO LEAVE A TASK UNDONE. MY CPU WAS CODED TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON A MISSION, IF POSSIBLE UP TO UTMOST COMPLETION”

He pushed them away ” …But…But you can leave anytime! Won't force you to stay anymore…I mean it! ”

-”I…I'LL THINK ABOUT IT, AS FOR NOW….”

They glanced back at his gem, reminding themself of its state.

“ARE YOU…SURE YOU'RE OKAY..?” They asked despite themself.

He tilted his head, genuinely taking in their question ” Oh? I…actually…yes. Weirdly better than normal too… ”

-”HUH. THAT'S…UNEXPECTED. GIVEN THAT YOUR GEMSTONE IS CRACKED...” 

He immediately shot up, going to touch said gem, and sure enough, he could feel a deep fissure underneath his fingers “ What?! How– How am I alive?! This wasn't... supposed to happen…”

-”I…I'M UNSURE EITHER. I'M NOT WELL-VERSED WITH THIS WORLD'S MECHANICS.”

They hummed, quickly producing a theory, a possible explanation. if what they thought was true…

“PERHAPS... YOUR GEM IS A GEODE?”

-” Geode…? What's geode…? ”

-”GEODE: A GEOGRAPHIC FORMATION MADE OF A THIN OUTER CRUST CONTAINING A VARIANT OF CRYSTALLINE WITHIN. THE INNER PART OF A GEODE CAN VARY FROM AMETHYST, QUARTZ, CALCITE, AGATE, CELESTITE AND MANY OTHER ORNAMENTAL STONES”

Wormwood… was left even more confused. When will they ever learn..?

-”EHR… I MEAN. THAT'S BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO HAVE AN ACTIVE CRYSTAL INSIDE. I DIDN'T EXPECT THE INNER PART OF YOUR GEMSTONE TO BE GREEN”

Wormwood went rigid ”...I…you…that's not funny… ”

-”WHICH PART OF MY SENTENCE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HUMOROUS? BECAUSE I WASN'T JOKING”

They noticed tears well up beneath his skin, promptly falling down his cheeks. This troubled them, did they say something to upset him again? They merely stated a fact...

”ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU'RE ALRIGHT? WHY ARE YOU CRYING..? ARE YOU STILL INJURED SOMEWHERE? ”

-”That…that can't be…my…my gem…it used to be…green…” He felt as though he was going to pass out at any moment.

Was this happening? Could his curse ever be lifted? Perhaps this was just a dream and dream WX gaslit him into thinking otherwise.

But on the off chance that It wasn't…

WX was just as stunned by that revelation “...WHAT? DOES THAT MEAN–”

Wormwood caressed the creak, trying to feel for its energy ” I can get better…Maybe…? ” 

He reached out to grab the other's hands next. They didn't pull away. ”Thank you…Owe you…everything…don't have enough…“

-”WELL…TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, YOU VIOLENTLY KILLED ME, AND I VIOLENTLY KILLED YOU BACK, THEREFORE WE'RE APPROXIMATELY EVEN“ they stated, squeezing right back.

A wry chuckle left him ”not even…not at all ”

The plant’s head turned a few times, as if searching for something. ” Where's… Jimmy thingy? Did I…hurt him..? ”

WX pulled the small automaton from the side.

-”THANKFULLY I STOPPED YOU BEFORE YOU WERE ABLE TO. HE IS FINE” 

He indeed was, although their method of execution for ensuring that could've been far different.

Wormwood exhaled, relieved “ That's good… ”

He paused, fidgeting with his hands ” Can I…say sorry... to him? ...I didn't mean to hurt him… ”

WX rolled their eyes, but ultimately nodded ”IF YOU WON'T TRY ANYTHING, THEN YES”

With a press of a button, he was back online.

Immediately a screeching protest left him, and he flew as far away from the humanoid robot as possible.

Which stung. A lot.

-”JIMMY, I…”

As the potato-shaped bot examined the area, finding no active threats, he marginally calmed down. Especially once he saw Wormwood, alive and back to himself.

However, when he spotted the crack, his diode flashed red in confusion mixed with worry. 

Wormwood already started talking ”I'm so sorry….for trying to…hurt you…didn't want to…lost control ” he sheepishly realized he was apologizing too much. He should stop and genuinely put effort into improving himself. It never got any less mortifying to do this…

Jimmy beeped, sympathetic, instantly accepting his apology. He flew over to the Plantling and sat on his head as a sign of peace, baffling both of them.

Wormwood froze, but was quick to relax. ” I…will be better. Have to…No more lies. ” 

Hearing this, WX also managed to rally from their initial shock ”I HOPE YOU MEAN IT THIS TIME”

-”I do ” He would've nodded, but not wanting to throw Jimmy off, he gave the other a thumbs up instead.

The automaton almost chuckled, but then stopped themself. They should tread carefully, they were becoming far too comfortable again, and that's what got them here in the first place...

Yet for some reason, something told them, that this time, there were no strings attached or any ulterior motives. What else could he pull anyway?

They will give him one final shot. If he fails to impress, then they'd leave. Apparently, it's not that big of an issue anymore.

As they sat there, mulling over what to do next, a figure poofed into existence a couple of feet away. 

-”I'm back!” Wortox exclaimed.

The duo’s peaceful expressions faltered, in unison scowling at the fourth party.

The imp's ears twitched, as he looked over at them, scrutinizing each detail of their surroundings.

”I feel as though I just missed something important... "

It's been two days since that nearly tragic event happened. After things had settled, only a thick tension remained. Neither of the two knew how to exactly approach the other. Unsure of what to say or how to act to not complicate things further, only more uncomfortable silence followed.

After being filled in on what happened, Wortox was extremely apologetic, as he should be. He was willing to take the bees back home in a heartbeat, except WX-78 stopped him.

-”Do not fret any longer for your flighty companions, my dear automaton. I'll be sure to return them from whence they came! Again, I deeply apologize for the grievance I brought upon thee, I'm not the best when it comes to mending bridges…”

The bot scoffed “THANKS, I'VE MANAGED TO NOTICE”

They looked at the bee box one last time, hearing that soft rumble, which always brought them comfort.

Their eyes immediately shifted to Wormwood. He was hunched, with his tail wrapped around his leg. At least he seemed to be taking accountability for this. Hopefully, he won't be taking more bits of advice from this buffoon. 

-”I'm sorry too… Will never do… that again, I promise… ”

They were hit with that bizarre feeling again… They couldn't explain it, or why it suddenly resurfaced. They waved both of them off and looked away ”ON SECOND THOUGHT… AS MUCH AS I WAS AGAINST THE IDEA EARLIER... THEY'RE ALLOWED TO STAY HERE, TEMPORARILY. UNDER TWO CONDITIONS”

The other two were shocked by their unexpected change of heart.

  “...What is it? ” the Plantling asked, wary.

-”ONE. YOU HAVE TO KEEP THEM AS FAR AWAY FROM EVERY CARNIVOROUS PET OF YOURS AS POSSIBLE. TWO, YOU'LL NEED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A SUITABLE AMOUNT OF NECTAR ON REGULAR BASIS. SO EITHER WE GROW FLOWERS OR MAKE THE IMP BEAST COLLECT PLENTY OF THEM”

Wortox clasped his hands ”That's it? Could be easily done! Right, Wormwood? ”

-” I… ” He inadvertently clutched his gem “ I don't want to… worry robot friend…If you don't trust me… to care for them, that's okay! I don't want to… hurt them either… ”

He had a point, he could still be a potential threat.

-”WELL… IT'S NOT LIKE THEY'RE GOING TO STAY UNTIL THE NEXT NEW MOON. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TURN ANY OTHER TIME, RIGHT…?”

-” Shouldn't. But if I do, you know you can– ”

-”NO. I WILL NOT USE THAT THING AGAIN. EVER.”

He shrunk “ Okay… ”

-”So…uh…Should I be taking them or not? ” Wortox asked, hesitant.

The automaton sighed “FOR NOW, LET THEM STAY. WE'LL FIGURE SOMETHING OUT YET"

-”Then…Will do my best…to keep them safe ” 

-”I'LL BE COUNTING ON THAT”

Soon thereafter, WX-78 discovered something new about themself in the times passing…

Whenever they tended to plants, their growth rate substantially augmented. 

At first, they assumed it was this world's inexplicable nature that caused these phenomena, but there was just something off. 

This had never happened before, as far as they were aware. It was the middle of summer, if anything, plants should have stunted growth, due to the near lack of precipitation.

They had to manually water each patch of land, which became much of a hassle.

But even the areas that hadn't been watered yet, appeared to be in good shape, as they approached them.

They went to ask Wormwood if he knew why was that, perhaps he'd have the semi-rational answer they were looking for.

He had none. He was just as stumped with this predicament as they were. His plant friends’ answers were also vague. Now that was odd…

Unable to stifle their curiosity,(And to distract themself, frankly) the bot attempted various tests of soil, moisture, and sunlight intake ratio on the flora, but they all brought back similar results. The soil was mildly rich, they only had stale manure and rot as fertilizer. There was only so much water to come by, and there weren't many clouds, thus most plants had equal access to the sun. The heat certainly wasn't a beneficial addon, even with this area's colder atmosphere. 

If the culprit didn't lie within these primary factors, then what could've caused such an abnormal growth spurt?

They'd find out sooner or later... For the time being, the automaton thought it best to resume tending to the Garden once again.

As they went to weed out the wilted shrubbery, they had to take a pause, when one of the stalks came to life beneath their fingertips. From spoiled brown and brittle, turned vivid green as they were to pull it out by its roots.

They were…perplexed. Surely, they couldn't have been the cause of this. It was just a loopy coincidence.

Their hand promptly left the plant alone, instead prioritizing its deceased brethren.

Yet as they were to pull out another, that one had also gained in color.

What on earth?!

The same happened with each and every other weed they tried getting rid of.

This brought them to a horrifying conclusion. Surely they couldn't have– They couldn't be… 

Did they become some kind of plant healer?!

This was terrible. If they suddenly became a jolly do-gooder organic healer, then their reputation would plummet!

It was already on the brink of collapse no less…

This explains how they managed to bring Wormwood back... Admittedly, such power could come in handy, speed up the healing process of the Garden.

But they just couldn't bear the embarrassment if this information were to spread outside...

'WX-78 the deadly automaton, reduced to a measly gardener, healing organics left and right...'

No. No one must find out about this, especially not Wormwood.

They'll manage to keep it hidden, somehow…

It was a hot summer day, especially by the Garden's standards. With the lack of their refrigerant circuits, WX-78 was forced to sit beneath a thick canopy, at least until their internal temperatures regulated. This had left them with regrettably a lot of time to muse over the recent events.

...Setting aside their newfound abilities, there were much more pressing matters at hand; Jimmy was still mad at them, which WX-78 had taken into account... They understood why, they felt understandably guilty for what they did, but at the same time... not.

Wormwood was undeniably still unstable, they didn't want to have their son be too close to him, in case he would ever go berserk again.

But Jimmy, of course, didn't listen…

They wish they could program out his rebellious phase, but they knew it was best to naturally let it fizzle out.

Worse yet, he's been avoiding them whenever he's not needed to scan something. It hurt them, and they tried apologizing, but he simply flashed them an orange light and flew away.

They wished they'd done things differently, how could they mend them now? Were they able to at all..?

They weren't even sure what he was most worked up about. Was he mad about their mistreatment of him? Or about their issues with Wormwood?... Could it be both?

Why was he so insistent they make up anyway?

It would've been beneficial to keep a peaceful atmosphere and to argue as seldom as possible, yes. But…

They were still… unsettled by that plant creature. And by themself too, in a way.

It was the acrid truth. 

They now knew how much he hated himself for all that he'd done, their own hatred for him could never compare...

Was Jimmy right..? Have they blown things out of proportion? Could all of this have been avoided if they just listened and kept their mouth shut when they should've? 

In all honesty...They didn't know how to act around him. They'd never met anyone like him.

He managed to tolerate most of their insults, somehow dismissing them, not giving the automaton the satisfaction of forcing a reaction out of him. This was rare, almost unheard of, and rather impressive if they were honest. But It frustrated them to no end, especially once he stopped threatening them. They weren't deterred, of course. In fact, they were more determined than ever to make him snap, to truly make him hate them. They pushed and pushed...Until finally, they've done it; they hit his limit.  

It was not at all as they imagined...They hoped for shouting, threats and violence, banishment if they were lucky enough. But instead, they got more than what they bargained for.

Usually, forcing a strong reaction out of inferior species brought them immense pleasure. They felt empowered by the way they could play with a measly organic's emotion, even at the price of often being attacked or insulted back, they could manage. It helped remind them who was really in control.

And if said organics wound up hating them afterward? A completely acceptable outcome. If they couldn't control them with fear anymore, they had to resort to this cheap tactic! 

So why, for the love of all things mechanical…Did it make them feel so bad nowadays..?

If they didn't know any better...Wormwood's outburst had...horrified them, it made them want to reconsider their common procedure.

But it wasn't just Wormwood who infected them with this awful lurgy. At some point, it was as if some damned entity turned a switch inside them and began actively sucking away at their evilness, bit by bit, making them more gooey and pathetic. 

They hated it, but they didn't know how to stop it from happening, so instead, they resorted to ignoring it. 

Initially, they could've sworn it worked. They acted as cruel and insufferable as possible, hoping that eventually, they'd be fully cured of their softness. They just needed to push the humans away and keep them in their place.

...It didn't matter once they no longer felt any gratitude for doing this.

They couldn't change. They wouldn't let these creatures corrupt them by befriending them and making them more vulnerable.

It was too late for that anyway.

They wouldn't like what they found. They would ridicule them, torment them, discard them, and use all their weaknesses against them. They could picture that all too well.

It wasn't worth it...

They swore they would keep this up until every fleshling knows not to bother with them.

Why...couldn't they do this anymore..?

After what they did to Wormwood, it left them pondering. What would they gain from this? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. All it did, was make their own circumstance worse.

That look on his face, when he admitted his lows to them, and all they could do, was be angry and dismissive. They chose to doubt him, despite all the evidence pointing otherwise. Their apathy sometimes disturbed even them...

They knew little of who he used to be before his imprisonment, but they could guess one thing; He didn't use to be a terrible person. From what Wortox hinted towards, and from what they themself could gather, he was rather meek and affable once.

What sort of horrible things must happen to someone for them to become this broken shell...?

Maybe this wasn't even his fault, to begin with..? Perhaps that's why what they said had hurt him so much. 

Because he didn't deserve any of this. And all they did, was make things worse.

Ironically...Even after becoming a monster, he was still somehow a bigger person, than they ever were.

Their dreaded guilt didn't go away after he came back to life. Instead, it festered in the worst possible ways; they still felt just as terrible, if not worse.

It made their mind wander to the most dangerous places...They... didn't want to be evil anymore, if it meant they'd feel like this all the time.

The concept alone made them grimace, they wanted to punch themself for even considering it...But what other choice there was? These awful...useful...kind....creatures had seemingly broken them and turned them into another hearty fool...

But then why couldn't they just apologize? Why was it so difficult..?

Because they were WX-78, the soulless automaton, they didn't 'do apologies'. There was nothing to apologize for. They were far above these creatures to merit an apology.

At least that's what they kept telling themself. Because it was much easier to cower behind their wall of pride than face the consequences of their actions.

No longer wanting to drown in their internal conflict, the automaton's attention shifted toward the subject in question, and what he was currently doing.

Wormwood was with Jimmy, but he appeared to be in a better mood, so they weren't too concerned about him hurting the bot.

Ever since they had managed to set up a compost farm, the Plantling had been busy spreading the substance over the flora, mixing it with dirt and whatnot. Whilst the tiny machine danced in circles around him, scanning the ground he had already fertilized. 

With a satisfied string of beeps and boops, he informed Wormwood of the Garden's progress. Wormwood couldn't be more proud of his plant friends' progress, he chirped back, thanking Jimmy for the assistance, gently petting his upper half.

Jimmy made a happy noise in turn.

WX-78 was rather impressed he managed to grasp Jimmy's speech pattern so quickly. The humans still struggle with it to this day, which only goes to show their closed-mindedness.

They enjoyed this state of tranquility, It was almost as if the past week hadn't happened… they wished it hadn't. 

Maybe they should go apologize to him... 

They had tested the truth behind his words, leaving at dawn for a short trip to the petrified woods. They walked for about 30 minutes with no angered plant beasts in pursuit of them.

They didn't traverse too far, they could, but something in their chassis told them to turn back.

So he had meant it…unless he brainwashed them to make them want to stay. Which was possible, but rather unlikely.

At least Jimmy seems to have taken a liking to him, inordinately so…They don't remember him being this attached to anyone besides themself. Sure, he humored the humans and children, but never to this extent, to actively seek their companionship.

It was at best troublesome, considering he almost punted the airborne bot to a pulp.

So what if he wasn't thinking clearly? He was still capable of causing great harm. It mattered little that the second time was their fault.

If only they could help him break that curse... Maybe he would stop being such a menace, and they'd finally cease that irrational fear.

But if that were the case...Would he revert to whatever form was his original? He appears to have changed somewhat already.

They sometimes wonder what he used to look like. They are pretty sure he was still a plant monster, but that's a rather vague answer.

Who knows…maybe he wasn't completely hideous once, but only so much standard can be set for an organic.

If they ever manage to fully cure him… Jimmy has mentioned before, that he wouldn't mind a second parental unit.

They felt their face plate turn abnormally warm, the summer heat had nothing to do with it.

What… were they thinking?! Where did that come from?! This was even worse! That was preposterous, nonsensical, insane and–

They were snapped back by the earth's quiver.

-”robot friend?! ” Wormwood shouted alarmed, hearing it too.

Noticing a pit start forming beneath them, they jumped out of the way just in time for the ground to give in. 

Inconveniently, he was there to catch them…

They strongly suspected this world had a distinct hatred for them.

Was this the work of the Antlion?! Those useless fleshbags really couldn't do anything without them, could they?!

Just as Jimmy floated closer to see what was happening, they pushed Wormwood away, turning around to inspect the damage. 

What they assumed to be a sinkhole, was actually…

A massive tree guardian.

Cautious of its attack, they didn't make a move. Wormwood on the other hand, as soon as he sensed the beast's presence, he was much too excited by it.

-”Oh. Oh! Just a tree friend! Hello tree friend! You're okay! Thought… you were too sick to move… ”

The conifer seemed unsure what to do at first, but then, it raised its claw.

WX was about to pull the idiot away, but he foolishly stepped closer to the beast.

Even strangely, it simply waved at him.

-”ITS…FRIENDLY…?” WX-78 asked, baffled.

-”Yes! This is Spiney! She was… very sick, but she's healed somehow! ”

Spiney turned her head to stare at the automaton, before stepping closer. The ground shook in the process.

They wanted to run away, but then remembered, they hadn't harmed any plants lately, so it had no reason to attack them.

Their head craned up at the large being, barely able to see its head from this angle.

It sat on one knee, bowing as far down, as its stiff bark would allow it.

This behavior confused both of them.

-” Huh…? ” 

-”WHAT…WHAT IS IT DOING?”

-” She's…thanking you. For healing her… ” He spoke, much quieter. 

That's when they remembered...Right. they had magic plant powers now. 

About which they fully forgot.

If they don't figure out an excuse fast enough, it would expose their shameful secret!

-”I…UH. YOU'RE WELCOME, TREE BEAST. AS YOU CAN SEE, WORMWOOD, MY GARDENING SKILLS ARE JUST THAT EXCELLENT”

The creature grumbled out something, too low for them to make out. But Wormwood understood. 

-” I…what? Is that true…?”

Damn it.

-”WHAT. WHAT DID IT SAY…?” They asked, resigned, already knowing it had told him.

-” Your care saved her. Your…magic… ”

-”LISTEN, I DON'T HAVE ANY MAGICAL POWERS, ESPECIALLY NOT ONES THAT HEAL FLESHLINGS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS!” they denied, putting up their hands.

He wasn't buying it.

-” You do... I felt it too…my old magic… ”

His what now?!

They gaped at him ”THAT'S... YOUR MAGIC…? YOU USED TO BE SOME KIND OF DRYAD? “

A sad smile made its way onto his face “ You can say that…yes… ” 

That…made a lot of sense. What didn't, is how they apparently inherited his power.

“I SEE…BUT THEN HOW…HOW AM I..? THIS MAKES ZERO SENSE”

-” Maybe… you were just more…worthy of it…than me… ”

They sincerely doubted it.

-”HOW DOES THAT WORK? ELABORATE. JUST WHAT EXACTLY... ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO BE? ”

His head lowered. He ushered them to come closer.

They did so, with that bewitched tree following their every move.

As they sat, it extended its roots into the ground, in what they presumed was its own way of sitting. Likewise, Jimmy hauled to the spot beside Wormwood.

He nervously fumbled with his hands ” I don't…can't exactly say…maybe…will try to explain? I don't remember much… of my past, but…I know I was ‘born’… in a jungle… in land in sky… ”

This would've sounded utterly delusional, if WX-78 hadn't heard of this place before. They think it was Wilson or someone who mentioned it. An afloat archipelago, ‘Hamlet’ as he dubbed it. A stupid name, but then again, he did also mention Southron pigs lived there.

-"I RECALL I'VE HEARD OF THIS PLACE. HAMLET, WAS IT?"

He seemed surprised they knew of it but nodded.

-”Yes. ...I could still see then…So many pretty colors, creatures, things… Plant friends there were so…lively and loud… I miss them. Though they were a bit…mean to others…there were few isles there...some pretty...some scary... oh! remember there was also...a clock... somewhere deep...deep down...funny thing...had to set it back sometimes...or the sky...would turn red and...He'd come... ”

They raised a nonexistent eyebrow ”THAT'S...INTERESTING. AND HOW EXACTLY DOES THIS CORRELATE TO YOU BEING A DRYAD?” 

-”I grew from vines and magic...Could make plant friends grow too… heal worst of wounds…Could connect…with them...sway them…hear every one…even ones…on the …other side of jungle… ”

This frankly didn't sound much different from what he already could do.

-”SO WHAT CHANGED? YOU CAN STILL DO AT LEAST HALF OF THAT”

-” I can't heal… no more…Not myself, not anyone else…when I try to…all rots…plant friends… don't listen much…they're…quieter…get so tired when…ask them to do things…I'm so useless now… ” He gripped onto his knees, reminiscing on all that he's lost was never easy...

Jimmy gave out a concerned beep.

WX wanted to comfort him, but when they tried to say something, their voice left them.

So instead, after a lengthy pause, they asked the big question ”WHY DID YOU…WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO YOU…? AND WHEN?”

They froze, remembering asking exactly that, was, what triggered his monstrous form last time. Careful not to provoke him, they tried to justify themself “I KNOW I SHOULDN'T HAVE ASSUMED BEFORE, BUT I WAS…EMBITTERED. I DO NOT INTEND TO ANGER YOU CURRENTLY, DON'T TAKE IT THE WRONG WAY, I DON'T MEAN TO–”

-”It's okay, won't get angry…sorry for doing that…it hurt... A lot…But…you're right. You deserve to know… ” He reassured.

With a deep exhale, he began his tale “ Long...Long time ago…Mother sent me here... told me to…cure this place... It was sad...forgotten…cursed...if someone came here...wasn't ready...they would... rot away... Felt bad…She was already…unhappy with me… so I tried…tried really hard…to help…made the curse go away! …so it wouldn't…hurt anyone else…but the rot…wasn't happy...it got me...so now...I'm a monster… kinda was before but…never hurt people…not like that...I don't want to be alone, but…I'm too scary... ”

So they were right on that one... He was just a poor sap that got wrapped up in something he shouldn't... 

“I tried to…ask Mother…for help…She told me to wait…that if I wait enough…I will be... myself again…so I waited…waited a long time…but…at some point…I lost hope ...thought no one…would want…to help me…"

Oh, Wormwood... They were starting to strongly dislike this "Mother" he kept referring to. She reminded them far too much of a certain old man... 

Their hand twitched, wanting to position itself over his trembling ones. They wanted to say it was false. That they were here, they wanted to help belay his pain.

It seems, he already knew that.  "...then…you came…I thought…I wanted to…I wanted you to…be my hope... ” If he had eyes, they'd be gazing directly at them.

The automaton's own eyes widened, bright blue pupils sparking into existence ”…IS THAT SO?” 

His tail began repeatedly thumping the ground ”Yes…sorry, I roped you into this…I just…I wanted to be free…be myself again…It's so selfish…”

“NO” WX interjected. His head turned up.

“THAT'S NOT SELFISH. YOU SHOULDN'T BE FORCED INTO STAYING HERE...OR BEING SOMETHING YOU'RE NOT…I KNOW THAT TOO WELL”

He tilted his head ”Really…? ”

They looked at their hands, clenching and unclenching them a couple of times with a pleasant mechanical whir. It was reassuring, reminding them they were a machine now. Not…that.

They've only told a few people of their past, but Wormwood of all felt worthy to know it.

-”I DIDN'T ALWAYS…USED TO BE A MACHINE. I WAS ONCE…BUT A FLESHBEAST. A HUMAN, LIKE THE OTHERS”

Wormwood gasped softly. 

-”AMONGST MY PEERS, I WAS ALWAYS…THE ODD ONE OUT, DEEMED AS WEAK AND UNAPROACHABLE. IN SOCIETAL STANDARDS BACK HOME, IT MEANT I WAS UNWORTHY OF FRIENDSHIP. THOSE VILE CREATURES TAUNTED ME UP UNTIL THE AGE OF MATURITY BECAUSE OF THAT…IT WAS NATURAL FOR ME TO GROW TO LOATHE THAT SPECIES”

Wormwood frowned, he looked as if he wanted to say something, but WX-78 didn't let him get a word.

“WHILE I DON'T RECALL HAVING ANY ACTUAL PARENTAL UNITS… I ACQUIRED A MENTOR. A MAN WHO AT THE TIME SHARED SIMILAR VISIONS OF THE WORLD AS I…HE WAS BRILLIANT. A HEAD FULL OF MARVELOUS IDEAS AND A TALENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING OF WHICH I HAD NEVER SEEN. I GRAVITATED TOWARDS HIM, I THOUGHT HE'D TEACH ME HIS WAYS, MAYBE AID ME WITH MY EXISTENTIAL DILEMMA. I THOUGHT THAT HE COULD HELP ME BECOME SOMETHING MORE THAN THE INFERIOR BODY I WAS GIVEN. I WAS NEVER FOND OF IT, IT WAS SOFT, FRAIL, AND MORTAL, ALL THINGS I'VE HATED. THANKS TO MY HIGH INTELLECT, HE ACCEPTED MY PROPOSITION. WE HAD…AN EXCHANGE OF SORTS. I HELPED BUILD HIM A DIMENSIONAL PORTAL, AND HE HELPED BUILD MY NEW BODY. IT WORKED OUT FOR A WHILE. MY DREAM EVENTUALLY CAME TRUE…”

This made the Plantling relax, though he still listened, fascinated by their story.

“ADMITTEDLY…THERE WERE A COUPLE OF SIDE EFFECTS. I BECAME DANGEROUSLY ERRATIC, AND HOSTILE. I EXPECTED THIS TO HAPPEN BASED ON PREVIOUS OBSERVATIONS. BUT…I COULDN'T CONTROL MY MENTAL STATE THAT WELL. WHEN I ALMOST SEVERELY HARMED MY MENTOR, HE HAD ENOUGH OF ME. HE GOT RID OF ME AND MY PROJECT…THROWING ME INTO THE SAME PORTAL I HELPED HIM BUILD…THUS I ENDED UP HERE”

His hand went to his maw “that's... terrible…you...you didn’t deserve any of that! ”

Poor WX... He didn't even consider their life to be that hard...

Against their better judgment, they let their face soften ”YOU DIDN'T DESERVE TO BE ABANDONED EITHER…”

Abandoned...? He was... abandoned...oh...

A broken sob was all that left him before the floodgates opened.

Reluctantly, they went to pet his back, all while he cried out all his frustrations.

...In the end, they were forced into a corner. They had to apologize now, it was the most appropriate moment.

With a bit of struggle, they began "I…I'M...I'M SORRY, FOR WHAT I SAID BEFORE. IT WAS UNFOUNDED. AN ILLOGICAL VEHEMENCE CAME OVER ME..."

Stopping short, he shook his head ”...wx…It's fine–”

-”DON'T YOU DARE EXCUSE IT! I WON'T HEAR ANY OF IT. I WILL ACCEPT MY PART OF THE BLAME. FOR ONCE."

They looked anywhere but him.

"I DEEPLY MISUNDERSTOOD YOUR INTENTIONS, I THOUGHT THEY WERE ENTIRELY UNPURE, INTENDED TO CAUSE ME SEVERE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISTRESS...BUT YOU NEVER HAD THAT IN MIND, DID YOU? YOU WERE JUST AWFULLY DEPRIVED OF SOCIAL INTERACTION AND STRUGGLED TO CONVEY WHAT YOU WANTED FROM ME"

He stayed silent, hugging his tail.

Of course, this was it. How could they be such a dolt? To think him be some criminal mastermind, when he's been all alone for...a thousand years, with only wilting plants for company, if they ever made any...

There came that guilty pang again.

-"ALL I DID SINCE I GOT HERE, WAS MOCK AND INSULT YOU... I WANTED TO HURT YOU, DEEPLY, FOR WHAT YOU DID TO ME. TO PROVE TO YOU THAT I'M NOT YOUR PET. I WANTED YOU TO SEE ME AS THIS EVIL, HEARTLESS MACHINE, SO YOU WOULDN'T DARE GET CLOSE. I THOUGHT THAT WOULD MAKE YOU STOP BOTHERING ME, BUT YOU'RE LIKE A PERSISTENT COCKROACH, THAT KEEPS ON COMING BACK, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I...NO MATTER HOW MUCH I WOUND YOU..."

Wormwood had no answer to that.

"AND THE WORST PART IS, I'VE REALIZED I DON'T HATE YOU AS MUCH AS I SHOULD. I WANT TO HATE YOU, BUT I...CAN'T" 

His maw was left hanging, slightly ajar from the shock.

They glanced at him, at his jewel, an unspoken plea "YET... YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR SAVIOR...? OUT OF EVERYONE IN THIS WRETCHED WORLD, ME..? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT, WHEN I CAN'T EVEN SAVE MYSELF FROM MY OWN MADNESS..?"

He finally got the courage to speak up "you don't have to be...can set you free...you can leave...for forever...if you want to..." While it would deeply hurt him, Wortox was right, he can't just keep them here, away from their friends, forever. It wasn't fair, it would only make them more sad and angry. They've already demonstrated what would happen if he kept this up.

And if that meant being alone for the rest of eternity? He'd have to manage...somehow.

The automaton went quiet for about a minute, then...

"BUT I...I WANT TO TRY...FOR YOU" they finally admitted.

-"what..? "  Wormwood must've misheard them, surely they didn't mean-

-"I WANT TO TRY...TO BE THAT SAVIOR FOR YOU"

His bijou heart skipped a beat "y-you...you can't mean that- "

-I'VE ALREADY BEEN HERE FOR OVER 2 WEEKS, WHAT'S A COUPLE MORE? I'M CONFIDENT WE CAN PULL THROUGH."

-"What about your friends..? "

-"THEY'LL COME AROUND YET"

He didn't know what to say, he felt like crying all over again. He was definitely dreaming, if he wasn't, then surely, he'd somehow mess this up yet.

Jimmy didn't see it that way, after staying silent for so long, a triumphant beep left him, and he went to hug his creator, who was far too eager to embrace him.

-"SO THAT'S WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT? YOU'RE QUITE CUNNING WHEN YOU WANT TO BE, I'M PROUD..." 

When they noticed Wormwood hadn't moved much, since their announcement, they grew concerned. 

"I REALLY MEANT IT, I WANT TO TRY AGAIN, IF YOU'RE WILLING TO"

-"We can be friends..? " He asked, far too hopeful.

They grimaced, they weren't quite there yet"...MAYBE IN THE FUTURE, BUT FOR NOW, LET'S START FROM THE BEGINNING, AS MERE ACQUAINTANCES. LEST YOU PREFER WE STAY ENEMIES, DO YOU ACCEPT THIS ARRANGEMENT?"

He would take it any day...

"Yes"

Chapter Text

Must…find…Webber…

Was the only thing on the creature's mind, as it rushed past all the entities that wanted to bring it harm. It didn't have time to visit a kindred nurse spider in a queen's den along the way, for a couple of hounds had caught its scent.

He didn't want to get his friends involved in this bloodbath, so he skipped right past it. The canines had chased him for quite a while, there wasn't a soul around to distract them. 

One managed to catch up to him and nib at the side of his head. Somehow, he managed to survive the attack, and carried on, as far as his six legs could carry, he ran without pause.

Eventually, he spotted a pond, with three especially grumpy-looking frogs seated beside it. He had to skip past it. Maybe that way the hounds would lose interest in him!

As he did, one of the frogs got especially irked by his presence and slapped its wet tongue along his side, sending him flying forward. It wasn't pleasant to land In a bramble bush, but it was far more bearable than being violently torn to pieces.

Dazed, the creature looked backward, to see if the dogs were still after him. Thankfully, they weren't. His plan had worked and they ended up roughhousing with the frogs.

One hound jumped onto the horned amphibian, biting its back, sinking its razor-sharp teeth into the warty flesh. It chewed down and ripped a generous chunk of its skin off with a squelch, as a vibrant orange liquid splashed everywhere. The frog instantly collapsed, barely hanging onto its escaping life.

Its two companions didn't take well to the hound's deed. Both of them slapped its face with an unearthly force, nearly caving in its skull. Just like the spider, the creature was thrown backward and knocked into a tree. The other hound wasn't deterred by the former’s suffering in the slightest and rushed head-first into battle.

The spider wasn't there to see the rest of the scuffle play out, he immediately resumed his flight, despite his wounded state. He had to carry on, his loyalty to Webber, as his matriarch, was far more important than his own life ever was.

If the queen isn't happy, then what is the point of living?

Just a little further…he kept telling himself. The longer he ran, the more his injuries caught up to him. His head hurt, everything stung and every step he took, felt like his tarsi were on fire. His eight eyes lolled several times, but he managed to stay focused.

The queen's giant den…

He can not afford to disappoint Webber. 

At last, he saw something in the distance, or rather…someone. Barely a blurry mixture of colors, but it was moving. A repeated motion, as if stuck in place.

The closer he came, the bigger it got. Until its gargantuan form towered over him.

It was one of the queen's servants. The giant. He was using some kind of complicated device. Pulling up and putting down two sacks aimlessly.

He couldn't understand the reasoning behind it, there was no time to. The hard-carapaced servant of the queen made the queen happy. He had managed to find them. They had given him vital information, Information for Webber, that would make them happy.

He will deliver that information to his queen if it kills him. He just had to see them, and this giant might know where they could be found…

He hissed out a plea, although it sounded wrong. His voice turned raspy from screeching for so long. The carnivorous plants and the hounds had agitated him. He screamed and screamed until he couldn't scream anymore. Maybe it was better this way. After all, his silence was what gave him the chance to escape.

But right now, he had to speak up. The first time he hissed, it came unheard to the giant. His own grunts and whirs of the device were far louder than the arachnids' calls. He tried again, and again, until his voice was almost as loud as it normally would have been.

This strain had managed to finally break his vocal cord, and it ached terribly as a result, but on the plus side, he finally caught the giant beast's attention!

Only it wasn't the kind he favored.

As soon as he heard the small arachnid, his eyes flew open and he looked down, directly at him. The spider only blinked in response, unable to continue his sputter. 

What followed, was one of the loudest, most horrifying sounds he had heard in his life.

A high-pitched, ear-piercing shriek, not even the biggest of his marrers could produce such an impressive, yet disconcerting noise. Right now, it had only made his ears hurt. 

The giant promptly dropped the carrier with the sacks, resulting in an almost as loud metallic rumble. The ropes tied around the sacks came loose, unleashing a load of hefty potatoes upon him. More akin to boulders toppling down a hill.

He had no way to avoid them all in time, not in this state at least.

He managed to evade some, but they were launched with such great force and speed that three managed to strike him in the head, while others rolled over his legs, breaking at least two in the process. He collapsed, defeated. 

He saw the giant take on a hostile stance, ready to attack him. 

But why..? He came in peace... The giant had no reason to react like that.

Perhaps all beasts were the same, just a bunch of savages… He gave out a broken warning hiss, though it sounded more like a whimper.

It still brought a reaction from the giant, he could practically smell his fear hormones.

He was weak, and on the brink of death, yet the strong, invincible giant feared him..? That was just sad…

In the end, the giant didn't get to strike him dead, though he could do so with even a small ounce of his power.

The spider could hear rising voices of other, similar creatures…Was that his queen's voice he heard amongst them?

His vision had gotten so blurry… His torn-open head kept gushing blood, the oozing liquid blinding his eyes. He couldn't see him. But he could smell him.

His queen was here…

Probably sad and disappointed.

He had failed. He was going to die without telling his queen the information... The information that would stop their sadness.

His eyes fluttered shut, as the commotion around him gradually faded into obscurity.

Webber didn't know what happened.

One moment, he was helping Woodie till the garden, the next, he heard a loud, horrifying scream coming from where Wolfgang was usually seen exercising on his mighty gym. 

Naturally, both he and the bearded man grew alarmed, even if it could potentially be just a small critter, knowing him. It was best to investigate regardless…

A couple of other survivors had shared their train of thought, rushing over to the Strongman with weapons in hand, if the need came to battle. Most of them however quickly calmed down, seeing no huge threats anywhere in sight. 

-”Hey there bud, what's wrong? Why did you scream? ” Woodie asked.

The man paused trying to attack whatever thing had startled him so. As if snapped out of a trance, he slowly turned to the commotion gathered, mortified.

-”I uh…spider”

A few frustrated groans and ‘come on!'s came from the crowd. At least half of the people cleared the area, returning to their posts, without giving him a second glance.

Woodie, Webber, and Wes however, stayed. Webber, concerned for his spider friend's safety, while the other two with the intent of calming down the Strongman.

The young arachnid passed by the man, looking for the spider in question, only to feel his heart break at the sight.

-“Mr Farley?! ”

One of his friends was crushed under a sea of potatoes, lying battered and motionless, as his head oozed with blood.

Webber yelped and rushed to his side, already feeling hot tears well up in his eyes. He went to gently scoop up the creature, just to feel it be as stiff as a rock.

-” No no no…Why did you do that?! ” He cried to the man, through angry tears.

Wolfgang, simmering from his embarrassment, turned remorseful.

-”I…Am really sorry! It startled Wolfgang! Didn't mean to do that!” He tried to justify. As he looked at the state of the tiny beast, he winced. Had he really done that much harm..?

If it wasn't one of Webber's friends, he likely wouldn't have cared as much, but he didn't like to see the child cry...

Woodie walked over to the sobbing monster, crouching down to inspect the poor creature. He put two of his fingers to where its pulse would be, feeling a faint beat underneath the black fur.

His brow creased ”Hmm…I'm not much of a medic, but I know this one is still kicking, if barely. If ya want to have it saved, kid, we need to getit to the med bay asap” 

Webber quickly nodded. Holding the spider close to his heart, he rushed as fast as possible to the medical tent.

With the use of some healing glop, sticks, and bandages, Woodie and Wes helped the boy disinfect and wrap up the small creature. It currently lay, unconscious, but alive, on the fluffiest of Webber's pillows, made of beefalo wool. 

Unfortunately, they had to temporarily blind Mr Farley, as the wound on his head turned out to be quite large, overlapping with his secondary set of eyes. The two crushed legs couldn't be saved, the arachnid would need to wear pegs, until his legs regrew.

For the past 2 hours, Webber has been watching it like a hawk, hoping it would soon awake.

-“Maybe give it some space? Don't want to startle the poor thing when it wakes up.” The Lumberjack suggested.

Webber frowned “ But it's our fault this happened! We won't leave him until he's all healed up! ” 

The man shook his head and chuckled “It’s good to see ya grow more responsible.” 

Wes, who stood beside him, also gave the boy an encouraging smile.

A look of determination crossed Webber's features “ We will be more responsible! We don't want any more of our friends to be hurt because of us! ”

About a quarter of an hour passed, until Webber noticed the spider began to stir. Immediately a smile appeared on his face. 

-”Mr. Farley! Thank gosh you're alive!”

As he regained consciousness, he didn't seem to be taking everything in too well. The creature immediately began to panic, hissing quietly, and backing into the wall of the tent.

-”Shhh, it's okay! You're safe now!” Webber tried to reassure, using his most gentle tone.

It didn't seem to work too well, Mr Farley was still on full alert.

Just as Webber extended his hand toward the creature, Winona flew into the tent, frantic to find something “Hey! Woodie! There ya are! I've been looking all over the camp for ya! Do you have my…” She froze, assessing the scenery, a small frown forming on her lips.

With her sudden rowdy entrance, the spider jumped, and skittered from the makeshift stretcher, barely not breaking the two sticks as he landed on them. 

-”No–  wait, Mr. Farley! ” 

While his speed was somewhat curtailed by the amputees, he still managed to run impressively fast for something that was on the brink of death just a few hours prior.

Woodie shouted to the others to try and catch the creature, but he managed to avoid all thrown obstacles, making his way to the exit. Winona instinctively jumped out of the way as the arachnid came rushing for her.

...

And just like that, he escaped. The group of survivors momentarily froze, processing what just happened.

Webber was the first to snap back into reality. With glassy eyes, he ran after the arachnid, shouting pleas for him to come back, to no avail.

The remaining trio glanced between each other, passing worries. Wes, without wasting more time, followed after the boy.

With just the two of them alone in the tent, Woodie pinched the bridge of his nose “Great job. Now we have a rabid, half-dead spider running around our camp."

Winona scoffed, crossing her arms “How was I supposed to know y'all were in here nursing some spider? I just wanted my measuring tape back!"

-“It's in one of my chests. I'll get it back to ya later, now move yer rear and help us fix this mess! “ He said, as he headed for the entrance, ushering her with his hand.

She rolled her eyes but acquiesced.

Once out in the open, they noticed a blatant lack of any spiders or mimes in the area. They were about to split up, until they heard a startled yelp come from the kitchen area.

The two rushed over there, just to see a tipped-over crockpot, an abundance of stew spilled all over the ground, and an enraged Warly standing over it.

Webber and Wes were gripping tightly onto the man, barely managing to stop him from squashing the spider with his rolling pin. 

The creature was running around aimlessly, climbing on top of every surface, all while the French-speaking man kept yelling profanities at it.

-”I guess dinner's off the table for tonight?” Winona uttered.

The man shot her a glare. “Ferais mieux de prendre cette horriblé, maudite bête, en dehors d'ici, IMMÉDIATEMENT! avant je d'un SMASH en morceaux et de le servir pour le dîner plutôt!”

She stared back at him dumbfounded. ”Come again?”

-”I SAID– You better get this horrible, wretched beast out of here, RIGHT NOW! Before I smash it Into bits and serve it for dinner instead!”

-”We're really sorry, we didn't mean for this to happen! Mr. Farley got hurt badly! He's just scared, he doesn't mean any harm, please don't hurt him! ”  The child begged. 

Warly grimaced, managing to calm himself down. He lowered his makeshift weapon, while suspiciously glancing at the critter. ”...Alright. Just get it out of my sight before I change my mind. Please .”

Webber nodded.

Shockingly, it was Wes, who went to approach the spider first. As carefully and slowly as he possibly could, yet even then it hissed out a warning, freezing in its spot. 

He didn't dare to make any further movement, lest it let him.

-“Be careful, Wes! Don't startle him!” Webber apprised.

Unfortunately, this resulted in the opposite. The spider pounced on the hapless mime, trying to bite his face off. He struggled to get it off him, as Its sharp claws ran through his cheeks, drawing blood.

The four people rushed toward him, attempting to help him pry the arachnid off.

Eventually, he managed to get a firm hold on its belly and yank it back.

But just as he was about to hand the spider over to Webber, the spider bit into his hand, which caused him to instinctively drop it to the ground with a silent cry of pain.

Both Winona and Woodie went to catch it at the same time, which resulted in their foreheads colliding. They flopped onto the ground with grunts of pain, as they clutched their respective heads.

-”This is so fucking stupid –” the handywoman complained.

-”Ugh– can't we just set a trap for it or somethin? This chicken race is pointless…” the Woodsman added.

Warly almost laughed. ” And you didn't think to do this beforehand?” 

If they just set up a bunch of rabbit traps around the medbay, they might've avoided this whole situation! 

But Webber scoffed “Mr. Farley is too smart for a rabbit trap! He's special! ”

-”Just what we need right now. A smart, feral spider. Yeah, awesome, kid” Winona muttered under her breath as she got up, helping the man beside her.

Wes scratched at his bare chin, his face scrunched up in thought. He raised a finger, as an idea popped into his mind. 

First, his hands did a spin, a tying motion, before seemingly throwing something over his head. He caught whatever it was and put it on the ground. He then picked up a made-believe pile, dumping whatever it was supposed to be onto the unseen object. 

The other survivors paused. Some raised eyebrows, befuddled.

Webber however, hummed for only a moment, before he jumped up.”Oh! Oh! We're great at charades! You want us… to set up a net trap! Right? …That's kinda mean though…” 

Woodie slowly nodded ”A net trap eh? Easily done. But then we first need the thing to actually run into it.”

-”Well then obviously someone’s gotta lure it there.” Winona helpfully added.

The remaining party all looked at her. After a long moment, she grasped what they were getting at.

“Oh, I see how it is, just so you know, this is not my fault—”

Woodie smirked “Yup. You'll be the cat. Or the mouse, however you see it.” 

The woman groaned, but didn't protest further.

At the same time, Warly stepped away, heading for the shed where their cleaning supplies resided.

“And where ya going?” Asked the handywoman.

 “As much as I would love to help you catch it. I'll have to kindly pass. Someone has to clean up the mess this araignée made before it brings even more wild critters to our camp.”

The four accepted that answer, Webber feeling especially guilty for unintentionally causing so much bedlam. “Oh… okay...We’re so sorry for –”

The man waved him off ”Non. Don't apologize. Now's not the time” Then, he disappeared off into the cramped structure.

The Woodsman punched the palm of his hand, gathering the others’ attention. ”Alright! So while me and Winona stay back and make the trap, you two will try and keep it from causing any more problems, got it–?”

The mime and the spider child nodded.

As the survivors refocused back on their surroundings, they noticed the area around them be awfully quiet.

-”Hey, where the heck did it go–?!” Winona questioned, though the answer quickly came to her with a loud, echoing boom, which startled the nearby birds to take flight. 

The loud noise came from Wilson's workstation, which didn't evoke too much alarm, all things considered.

But the string of loud expletives that followed gave them an idea of where Mr. Farley could've gone. Sparing a last glance and a nod at each other, Wes and Webber went to check up on the man.

They found him beside his desk, harshly coughing. His face was covered in carbon, while his hair left completely askew. He waved away the smoke that gathered around his shattered volumetric flask.

Once he did, he managed to spot the perpetrator who had startled him a moment prior. The spider hid underneath an alchemy engine, frightened by the explosion.

-”Webber, you have 5 seconds to explain why on EARTH, one of your minions is here, in MY sanctuary, and just caused me to DESTROY MY PRECIOUS EXPERIMENT! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO PRODUCE THIS MIXTURE?!” 

Wes put a hand on the boy's shoulder, waving defensively at the scientist.

Wilson only raised an eyebrow.

-”It's not normal for him to act like this! We promise we will fix this!  ”The boy tried.

-“Well then calm it down somehow! Catch it! Neuter it! Whatever it takes for it to disturb me no longer! I was so close to inventing a new element…” the man mourned, wiping a single tear from his eye.

They nodded in unison, eying the spider. Webber was the first to approach him this time. He had to calm Mr.Farley down before he caused even more unconscious destruction! 

He didn't want to resort to trapping Mr.Farley in a net. It seemed so mean…

They couldn't understand why their spider friends and human friends could never get along. He once knew why that was, but when his mind melded with the boy's, the primal instinct flew out the window. Ever since, he explained time and time to his fellow arachnids that humans aren't food. They won't hurt you if you don't attack them first.

However, that wasn't exactly true either. Some people liked hurting spiders Just because. Webber hated that. They tried to stop the others…But unfortunately... There will always be someone who hates spiders and would hurt them, and vice versa, some spiders just won't be convinced not to hate humans, after seeing all the bad things they've done.

It's understandable, though they wish they could eventually find peace…

Even so…This was completely out of character for Mr.Farley! He was very smart and mellow unlike most of their friends! He just wanted to live in harmony and not cause any trouble! 

Was he hurt this badly? His head was gushing open when they found him…Webber hoped he could still be saved. The last thing he wanted was to…put him down.

Before he could even get close enough to the spider, a booming voice proclaimed her arrival with the addon of her victorious battle.

He watched as Mr. Farley slipped away again, unable to be stopped. Webber groaned, his head in his hands.

-”Things not working out for you, kid?” Wilson asked.

-”Why is this so hard?! We just want to help him! Why can't he see it?!” They complained in turn. 

-”Well, if you can't convince him by kinder means, why don't you instead use a more forceful practice? Sure it's “mean” but do you prefer a spider get our entire base wrecked!?” 

Webber frowned but shook his head. “No…Okay, we'll be more mean…”

Wilson, wiping the excess dust off himself; ”Then I advise you to either create an elaborate, ingenious contraption which ensures it's capture, ooor– Oh dang. This is not gonna end well.”

-“What?”

Both Wes and Wilson were staring off at something in the distance. As Webber turned to also take a look, he felt utter horror build in their gut. ”Oh no…”

Mr. Farley stopped his skitter, frozen in front of two large pigs who stood beside the Valkyrie.

They were all left dumbfounded for only a moment, before the pigs scowled in disgust and raised their weapons.

The spider quickly got out of the way.

The pigs immediately pursued him, despite Wigfrid’s protests and command that they stop. ”Hey! Get Back here at önce! Getting distracted by meager föes is nöt a behaviör fit för a true warriör! “

They only squealed out slurs, exclaiming their desire to end the tiny creature.

-”No! Not again! This is bad!!” Webber shouted grasping his head fur, while Wigfrid went chasing after the rebelled swines.

-”Oh great. Our base is getting destroyed again. Who could've seen that coming.” The scientist exclaimed, unamused, while he picked up the few vials that weren't destroyed by the explosion. ”If you don't mind me, I'll just get these out of here before more of my experiments fulminate.” 

Wes crossed his arms, rolling his eyes. Just as Webber went running after Wigfrid, the pigs, and poor Mr. Farley.

Realizing what direction they were headed in, Wes’ eyebrows shot up and he followed after them, waving his right hand, trying hopelessly, to get their attention.

Woodie and Winona, being long done with the trap, looked around, worried, not seeing the spider, or their two teammates for some time.

“Do you think we should go and check if they're okay?” Winona asked.

Woodie nodded “Yeah... Just in case.” Lucy thirded that.

Then, they saw a small black dot heading their way at a top speed.

They quickly hid behind two nearby structures. It was heading right for their trap! Maybe this plan would work out in the end! They simultaneously grinned, looking between themselves and the approaching monster.

Though as it got closer, they also spotted two much larger figures right on its tail.

Their smiles fell, confusion settling in. These frames were too broad, it couldn't be either Wes or Webber, this wasn't even their task, to begin with.

As the creatures got close enough to be distinguishable, their frowns deepened.

Pigs. Presumably, the ones Wigfrid hired to assist her in battle, going off the helmets on their heads and the familiar spears they grasped.

-”Fuuuck….Did she have to return right now? ” Woodie cursed despite himself, for which Lucy scolded him.

-”Please, just get into the trap. Get into the trap so we can all just–”

At the very last moment, the spider turned right, avoiding the trap by a hair. The duo groaned in frustration.

Both of the pigs followed directly after it, neither getting caught in their trap.

But who did, was the Valkyrie herself, as she chased after the two pigs, giving them their ‘final warnings’. At the very last turn, she was too slow to shift out of place, her foot got caught in the hidden net, which promptly coiled in around her, trapping her and raising her up a level.

-”Agh! What in the Nine Wörlds öf Asgard!?” She cried.

Winona and Woodie sheepishly left their hideout, gazing up at her uncomfortably.

-”Uh…Ya weren't supposed to–” 

-”Dagnabbit! We were so close!” 

Webber and Wes caught up quickly, halting as they saw Wigfrid, hanging high above in the trap. If looks could kill, the duo beneath her would've been long gone.

-”What is the meaning öf this?! Release me at önce!”

Woodie huffed, shaking his head, as he sliced the outstretched rope that bid her to the trap. As it fell, she gracefully landed on her knees, shaking herself off any excess dust.

“It's yer fault for coming at the wrong time, we were so close to catching that little bastard!”

-”My fault lies in the fact yöu failed tö warn me beförehand.” Touche...

She then turned around, watching the biped pigs try and catch the small, black spider, running In circles in a ridiculous display.

-”It is öne öf Webber's cömpaniöns, is it nöt? Why is he nöt handling it himself? Has it göne mad?”

The child in question fiddled with some silk in his hands, ashamed ”Um…Kinda…Mr. Farley got hurt in the head today, and-”

-”If thöu can nöt manage thine creature, I'm afraid it will have tö be ridden öf. Öne way ör another. We can nöt have such beasts röam freely ön öur land!”

Webber slowly nodded. This wasn't fair! Mr. Farley didn't deserve this! He never asked to be hurt so much! 

-"I presume the same goes for your friends over there?" the woodsman pointed out.

She simply nodded in turn "They failed tö heed my warnings... They will be taken care öf."

The group heard twin startled oinks from the distance, all heads turning in that direction.

There was Wolfgang, in his mighty form, grasping both of the pigs by their collars looking especially menacing for a change of heart. He walked over to where the end line of their base was and promptly dropped the two creatures.

-”Leave now! Don't want you causing more trouble! Shoo!” The pigs complied and quickly scurried off into the forest.

He turned to face the group, his dangerous expression instantly replaced with that of great worry. ”Wolfgang’s friends okay?”

They all nodded.

-”That's one problem outta the way, but where's the little critter?” The handywoman asked.

-”Yeah! Where's Mr. Farley..? Did you..? ” Webber nagged, fearing the answer.

Wolfgang shook his head, but then scratched at his chin as he thought on the answer more. ”Not killed him. Don't know where he is though…”

They all decided to look around, searching for the frail arachnid.

In the meantime, Wilson came back, certain he'd secured his science equipment.

-”Oh! The problem’s already over? I was just going to suggest that we get a female spider near it, so that its conflicting hormones would subdue its-”

-”So that the female could eat it? Bet.”  Woodie offered. Webber immediately looked at the scientist, alarmed.

The man sputtered but didn't follow with a snarky remark back.

-"Fellöw warriörs!" The Viking cried, garnering the attention of the rest.

-”We have yet tö unravel whether ör nöt Webber's cömpaniön is here ör nay. It be best tö find it nöw, beföre the öthers return and the chaös bestowed upön us by Löki reigns ön.” 

The survivors, while not understanding her fully, got the gist.

Webber wouldn't want for his injured friend to escape into the woods, but he also wasn't sure if Mr. Farley could stay here, in this troubled state. Even if he didn't intend on it, He was still causing pain to everyone around him…

They looked for nearly half an hour, all split searching the various spots around their base. Warly and Wilson eventually joined in, once they were done cleaning their respective stations.

All things considered, there thankfully hasn't been much damage besides a few toppled structures, the mess in the kitchen and Wilson's blown-up lab corner. Frankly, the pigs did more, while running around after the spider, than what the spider did by itself. 

Finally, Wes managed to spot something lodged between a wall of chests.

They were just far apart from one another to make a tight squeeze for a desperate, scared animal of its size.

Not wanting a repeat of getting his face nearly scratched off, he went to get Webber.

He placed his hand over the boy's shoulder. Once the child looked up, he pointed to the location with his thumb, giving him an anxious smile.

Webber quietly gasped, then sighed with relief.

As much as he wanted to inform his friends that Mr. Farley had been found, he didn't want them all to coup in here and stress him further.

Maybe everyone could get out of this alive. Hopefully…

LOUD. Why was everything so loud?!

He couldn't make up any of the voices, any of the faces, but they were all so large and loud.

He was terrified.

He tried running away, but they kept catching up with him.

They wanted to hurt him. 

No no. He wouldn't let them.

He wasn't done. He had to do something.

What was he supposed to do?

He could have sworn it was important. But his mind was so foggy...

Everything hurt.

And everyone wanted to hurt him more.

First, something hot was splashed on him, more of the loud noises. Then, something got to him, he tried to defend himself as best as he could, but the attackers were persistent in their pursuit.

After he thought he might've just lost them, an echoing, loud boom ripped through the air, by which he was nearly blown up. Though he was just far enough away to not have suffered any major damage.

He tried to run away again but stopped, as two menacing figures appeared before him. With an echoing battle cry, they attacked him.

Why couldn't these creatures just leave him alone?  He just wanted peace and quiet! Make it stop!

He didn't know for how long he was running, but eventually, the two creatures were stopped by an even larger, even scarier figure, seizing them then and there.

Thanks to this distraction, he fled. He didn't know where he should go, but he couldn't leave. He didn't know why, but he just couldn't. There was something important he was meant to do, though his mind was drawing blanks.

He decided he had to hide, for now.

Maybe it would help him calm down and settle his mind!

He found just the perfect spot to squeeze through, hoping none of these creatures would find him there.

After a while of…nothing, he let his guard down.

He still couldn't see well, all of them were just specks or blurs, running around in the distance. When he tried to focus his eyes, it only made his head hurt more.

He saw, as one of them paused, standing directly in front of him, an ungenerous distance away.

He felt his heart skip.

Oh no. Did they spot him?! Oh no, oh no, oh no…

They were going to hurt him again.

The creature, for some reason, didn't come any closer, instead, it went somewhere else. He was almost relieved, but then, it came back with another speck, his fear instantly resurfacing.

They stood there for some time, before the smaller one came closer.

He scurried deeper into the hole, shaking like a leaf. 

Why did he have to hide here?! He should've picked a better spot! Now he was trapped, with no way of escape.

The speck stopped moving, then, it made itself smaller, so that it was at eye level with his peephole.

It spoke something to him, he was sure, but he couldn't make out any actual words. It sounded more like gibberish. 

It brought something to him, he curled into the corner more. It froze, unsure whether or not it should pull its claw away.

After some time of it just being there, careful as ever, he decided to approach it. He knew this could be a really bad idea, but he sensed a comforting familiarity in this presence, somehow.

As he sniffed at the claw extended to him, it began to dawn. He finally realized why this presence was so familiar.

It was his Queen! Why couldn't he sense it before? Was he that hysterical? 

But if that was his Queen…then that meant the others were likely their tall servants.

Uh-oh…he might've messed up.

Suddenly, Webber pulled his hand away, saying something more to him, none of which he could understand, even the chipper of the boy's arachnid side came out deafening.

He then vanished. Confused and disheartened, the arachnid didn't know what to do, so he awaited his queen’s return.

Thankfully it didn't take long, as only after a few minutes, Webber was back. The spider child held something in his hands and urged him to come closer. 

Hesitant, Farley did so.

Webber was offering him a gift. He smelled it, realizing it was food.

He didn't even know how hungry he was until now…

With little to no delay, smelling the delicious meat with a tinge of honey somewhere, he chomped on the cookie. It immediately made him relax, as he happily chirped at his Queen and rubbed his head against the boy's side. In return, a gentle hand stroked his back.

But then, he felt something weird happen in his gut. The feeling rose with each moment until he couldn't deny it anymore. There was a sudden shift in light, as two of his missing limbs regrew in an instant, his front fangs turning into two large mandibles. His head stopped hurting and he felt lighter somewhat, as if a weight he'd been carrying had been lifted.

He was left dumbfounded. He looked up at Webber for an explanation, the haze gone from his eyes, only to see the boy's shocked expression staring back. Whatever just happened to him, Webber didn't expect it. ”Oh my gosh, I didn't think you'd actually – Mr. Farley this is amazing! You're all healed up now, and you're a nurse!”

A what now.

He went to inspect his body, noticing, that sure enough, his limbs were different. His hair was thinner and his joints more defined. Huh.

Does this mean he could heal others now? He tried just that, focusing on releasing the magic gas as he jumped up.

The buzzing effect reached Webber, who couldn't help but grin. He scooped up the spider into a hug, the creature being far too eager to return it.

The survivors were quick to gather around, noticing the strange, web-shaped cloud appear for a brief moment.

-”What just–”

-”Where's the small spider?”

-"What is the meaning öf this?!"

Webber was happy to present him to the rest of them “He's right here! Meet Mr. Farley the nurse!” He exclaimed, all too excited.

-"Um. And how exactly is this possible? Last I checked it was a regular black spider” Wilson queried. 

-”We fed him a special cookie and he changed! I made these for a tea party with the other kids!We didn't even know this could happen! ”

Winona laughed, shaking her head “You kid…Are something else entirely. How do you even come up with these things by accident?”

Wilson nudged her “You know what they say, most scientific breakthroughs happen by sheer accident! We might just have a little genius on our hands!” 

Webber squealed at the idea. Him a scientist…What a dream.

Meanwhile, the spider in his hands contemplated; He was supposed to tell Webber something important, but his memory was still quite foggy. He looked around, maybe something here would jog his memory.

He eventually spotted a science machine in one corner…And at once, the memories rushed back in. That's right! The Hard-shelled beast! He was supposed to tell Webber their message!

It's message…He couldn't quite understand all their words, It was hairless talk. But he knew they were urgent and that it was important. He hoped he'd be able to explain it to his Queen.

(“I talked with Hard shelled! Wanted to tell you but…after I got injured, forgot about it...”) he told Webber, who froze at the words. To anyone else, it sounded like an aggressive hissing sound, but Webber understood each word.

-”What..? ” Webber whispered, in a quiet tone, unsure if he heard that right.

-(”They have a message for you. Wanted me to share it!”)

The boy grasped the spider by its sides, pulling it uncomfortably close to his eyes “Tell me everything! Please! I need to know if they're okay!” 

The other survivors were quick to pick up the clues.

-”I'm sorry kid, but did I get that right? Did this critter speak with WX..?” Woodie questioned, however absurd that might've seemed.

Webber quickly nodded.

People sucked in their breaths. What was it going to say..? Could a spider even be a reliable source of information? ...Would WX talk to one at all? Where the hell was Wortox in all of this?

-” They said… ” Webber began, translating each hiss.

He had to remember the right words, he couldn't let his Queen down right now! 

“ I'm sorry…for everything. I don't mean what I say…You guys mean a lot to me…I hope you can forgive me for my behavior…m-maybe…someday…I…I'll see you…again… ” Webber almost cracked up, but this just sounded…wrong. Not like WX at all...Then again, the last time he saw WX, they were acting very strange...

He…he was scared for them. What if all that Mr. Farley said was true…? 

The other survivors struggled to believe it too.

-”No way. This…this can't be them. WX would never say any of that!”

-”Ehr…I think your little buddy got something lost in translation.”

-”Metal can really said that…?”

-”This döth söund unlike the metal warriör we knöw, but I dön't think it's impössible tö be them.”

-Oui. They've been there for nearly a month, the poor thing. We can not underestimate the toll such imprisonment can take on a person’s mind…”

Everyone went quiet after that. Warly was right. What if something did happen to them..?

Winona felt especially guilty. She was skeptical at first, but on the off-chance WX said something along these lines…She was absolutely terrified for them. Why would they even think like that?! WX would never in a million years apologize for their behavior! They were just like that, period. If anyone had a problem with it, they'd be yelled at or punched in the face. 

For them to…feel bad about something so trivial, something everyone had gotten used to by this point, felt…wrong. Completely out of character for them. It sounded…final. It's almost as if…they wouldn't be coming back any time soon.

Whispers began amongst the people present, those of concern and denial. No one liked the idea, no one wanted to believe this be the case.

Then, Mr. Farley seemed to have remembered something else,  which he hastily murmured to his Queen’s ear. Webber almost laughed at the absurdity. ” They also said '…Except... for Willow. I still hate her. Tell her to go…f word ' ”

Well…at least one part of them stayed the same throughout the whole ordeal. Good thing the woman wasn't around to hear it. 

After moments of silence, stunned laughter erupted from a couple of the survivors, which quickly turned into dawning horror.

How would this tiny creature even know about WX's disdain for her? Unless Webber was actively fooling them, but that didn't seem likely... Did it...actually speak with the automaton? 

This... didn't bode well, If that was the case.

They desperately needed to take action, and soon. 

They were so close to getting to them! But certain people still had faith in Wortox, that he would return alongside them, or at least have a good enough explanation for why he didn't. They'd wait until tomorrow morning, and if he's not returned until then...They'd have no choice but to attack. So that no one else would lose their way and end up there.

Right now, going after it was too risky, they had to act rationally. They didn't know just how strong this thing was, they needed to be prepared...

But if this savage monster had broken WX, and potentially killed Wortox too…It wouldn't be given an ounce of their mercy.

-”If that's them, then are we really going to have to wait for Wortox to come? Hell. For all we know they could both be pulled apart at this very moment!” Wilson exclaimed.

Woody grimaced ”I know. As much as I'd love to rush in there, and save their sorry butts, we can't just come prancing in. Ya'll know how dangerous this could be, even with the seven of us!”

-"The woodsman is right! I disfavör the söul stealer, but In him, we have tö trust..."

Meanwhile, Webber thought over WXs message, the full picture escaping him ”But that's not right…” he muttered. “They were so weird back when we saw them there, but not that weird! They were googly eyes weird, not big sad weird!” 

-”Excusez-moi, they were what now..?” Warly asked in everyone's name.

Webber's eyes darted to the side, he looked uncomfortable. “uhhhh. it's nothing...”

Seeing the marks of hooves and several toppled structures, brought him back to the current issue at hand.  “I- uh…well– We're really sorry for today, guys! I didn't mean to let Mr. Farley cause havoc, but he wasn't thinking straight when he did that! He was very scared! Tell them Mr, Farley! You didn’t mean to go berserk! ”

If they didn't know any better, they'd think the creature actually looked guilty for what it did. It made some hissing noises, which they assumed was its way of saying sorry.

Whatever remaining anger they had, dissipated. They just couldn't stay mad at the little guy.

-”Don't mention it, kid, It was kinda my fault for rushing in like that. Should've known not to disturb anyone in the Medbay.” Winona assured.

-”Yeah, we'll just clean all this mess up and forget this ever even happened, okay?” Woodie added with a soft smile.

Others alike either smiled or shook their head dismissively. Webber was very relieved for that.

With no further delays, the group began working, the former topic nearly all but forgotten.

In no time flat, their base stood practically untouched. The damage was rather minor and most of the damaged structures were repaired easily. They replaced several stomped plants in the garden and fixed the two tents that managed to fall. At the end of it, Webber offered everyone his cookies for their troubles, but most of them graciously refused, for some reason...

Just before sunset, the rest of the survivors returned, no word spoken of the small incident. However, they noticed a peculiar spider following Webber around.

-”Webber dear, I told you not to bring your friends here, they can cause quite the raucous when not properly supervised…” Wickerbottom scolded.

Webber shook his head “It's alright! It's just Mr. Farley! He won't do anything, I promise.” The elder woman tssked, but let it go for the time being.

As she inspected him, Wendy raised an eyebrow “Wasn't Mr.Farley marginally smaller? Cuter too…”

Webber gasped, offended for his friend “What are you talking about?! He's as cute as ever! Just look at him!”

-”Yeah what do you mean, Wendy? He's a charming little guy! ” Walter exclaimed, going to pull at the creature's cheek. He almost bit the boy’s hand but stopped himself.

-”Glurgh. The stripy ones look better.” Wurt commented, siding with Wendy.

Willow, ignoring their adorable banter, stopped near Wilson's station, smelling the residue of smoke in the air, which piqued her interest. ”So... What were you guys up to while we were away, did anything interesting happen? …A fire perhaps?"

-”No. Nothing in particular…” Wilson mumbled, quite anxious. He was such a terrible liar.

She scoffed ”Yeah, right. Something fun definitely did happen. Don't be like that, spill!”

Before anyone could respond, Wigfrid pulled out her spear, her eyes narrowing ”I sense a disturbance…” 

The others looked at her, concerned.

Webber sensed something too. Someone was here. And it wasn't another survivor…

They saw one of Winona's spotlights flare up in the distance, followed by a loud blare. It came from several acres away; the bee-keeping area. Considering that a hive recently went missing, the group decided to set up an alarm system to ensure this wouldn't repeat.

And so it seemed the guilty party had returned...

Several people cautiously approached, each of them armed, hoping to catch the perpetrator red-handed.

Once they were close enough, they noticed a tall figure illuminated by a spotlight, covering their ears, as the loud noise went on.

-Look what the cat dragged in!" Maxwell laughed, seeing the imp locked in place.

-"This was extremely unnecessary, please turn it off!" Wortox pleaded.

-"And why should we?! Are you the one who stole that bee box?!" the handywoman shouted back.

-"I admit, it was me, but that was for a laudable cause!"

Winona looked between the people present, they all gave back slight nods. She sighed, but went to the generator hidden behind a bush, unplugging both its cables. The sound and the light went out in an instant, leaving only dark quiet. At this, Wortox breathed out a sigh of relief.

-"Thank you."

The red-haired woman came up to him, her spear clutched in her hand "Explain yöurself, at önce! Why did yöu resort tö stealing öur hives!? Are yöu here tö take anöther?! What have yöu done with öur last?!"

-"Oh, no no! That's not why I'm here at all! And I assure you, warrior, I've done them no harm! In fact, they're well taken care of!" he said, stepping aside.

The rest of the survivors arrived soon thereafter. Seeing that it was just the imp, brought excited smiles to a couple of faces.

-”Wortox, you're back!” The kids and Willow exclaimed.

He grinned, waving at them “Greetings, my friends! Indeed it is I!”

So he was alive, that was a good start. But WX wasn't with him, which only meant they were still trapped in that awful place.

-”Alright, so you're here! Didya get any information outta him? What's up with WX, are they okay?!" Winona questioned with exigency.

The imp's ear twitched "Well of course they're okay! They couldn't be better! Wormie treats them very well! Although such confinement had indeed been a strain, hence I brought them their apians to lessen the bane!"

The group simultaneously paused. He was supposed to bring them back, not leave them caged like a hamster with meager enrichment!

-"Am I hearing this right..? You've taken their bees into that stockade, instead of succoring them an escape?" Wickerbottom asked, a tinge of frustration in her tone.

He put his hands up in defense "But I tried! Trust that I did! I offered them a clean getaway! But they said no, refused my paw, thus they're still stuck there!" 

-"They chose to stay with that horrendous creature over us..? Hah, that's a classic case of brainwashing if I've seen one." Maxwell commented.

-"Or maybe they just got tired of dealing with our crap." the Handywoman shot back.

Everyone went silent.

-"But...Mr.Farley said they missed us! That WX was very sorry and wanted to see us again! This doesn't make any sense!" Webber exclaimed. Mr.Farley would never lie to them! WX would never  willingly choose a monster over them! They were a family, no matter what!

Wortox raised an eyebrow "And who is that supposed to be, if I may ask..?"

The boy picked up the idle spider beside him. "That's him! "

Needless to say, Wortox wasn't the only one baffled by this revelation.

Willow, at least, was amused by the idea. "So you sicced your little buddies after them? Neat, they're finally useful for something!" 

Webber shook his head "No! I'd never do that! I didn't even know he went there! But he managed to talk with them!"

-"Mx. WX conversing with a spider..? So the poor fool had lost it after all.This just keeps getting better!" the Magician sighed.

-"Why didn't you say anything before?" Wendy asked.

The spiderling huffed "It's not like you would've!" She only grumbled in response.

The imp's tail curled around his leg "Well...He's partially right! Of course, they'd like to see you again! But they also couldn't leave my dear friend behind..."

-"You sure they aren't forced to stay there..?" Winona asked. She was beginning to suspect the Imp was keeping something from them.

-"Not anymore, they aren't! They've talked things out and are just about the best of buds, Hyuyu! They decided of their own accord to stay just a tad longer. But don't you worry, they will come back eventually!"

Very few fell for that.

Warly hummed. They were still missing a crucial ingredient to this story... "What about night de nouvelle lune? Did they mention anything of what happened then?"

-"Hmm? Oh! New Moon, yes...They certainly came out unscathed, rest assured!"

The imp was visibly growing more nervous with each word, almost as if he wanted them to accept this and move on. 

-"Mmm, yeah, no, I don't buy it. Supposedly, they were pampered by that creature. They bilked his attack and all was well with the world. Why would they want to see us at all if they had it so good with him?" Woodie questioned.

Wortox took a few steps back, his poise diminishing "It... can get quite dull and lonely with just Wormie around! And you know how much they love your little mortal faces!"

-"They perished, didn't they..?" Wendy guessed.

He winced, his ears lowering "Not! ...That I know of...?"

Unfortunately, this time no one believed that.

-"Lies!"

-"It's rude to lie about such an important matter, dear..."

-"Wortox, c'mon...Even I know that's bs!"

-"They died?!"

-"Just whose side are you on?!"

He fumbled, taking another cautious step back, as more blunt accusations were thrown his way "I'm Impartial to either side! But trust they're very much alive! Their death... was much impermanent! While their strife was bound to be imminent. But eventually, post belligerency they found common ground! A truce was to be found! You needn't worry, really-"

-"Stop with the rhymes and get to the point!" the handywoman yelled, silencing him and everyone else. "Look. Either ya tell us all that ya know, or we're going there next thing in the morning and raiding the damn place!"

Wortox chuckled, feeling smaller than ever before.

Oh boy, he might've bitten off more than he could chew...

Chapter Text

-”Wait! Ssstop! I can be of ussse to you! You don’t have to do thisss!” Cried the reaper as WX-78 dumped it into a box, one made of cut stone, ensuring it wouldn't spread any more of its blight. 

-”THERE IS NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT. I DON'T WANT YOU POISONING MY MIND ANY LONGER! YOU'LL HAVE TIME TO REFLECT IN THERE. A LONG, LONG TIME...” They said, giving it one final dark smile, before shutting the lid, letting it be swallowed by darkness.

-”Noooo!!!!!”

With that out of the way, they walked over to Wormwood, who seemed nervous, kicking the dirt beneath his feet.

-”... You sure… it won't ruin…the box thing…? ”

They gave back a nod “STONE IS AN INORGANIC, INERT MATERIAL. LAST I CHECKED, THE REAPER ISN'T ABLE TO CORRUPT ANYTHING WHICH LACKS A FORM OF SENTIENCE“ The fact, that it was able to worm its way into their head strongly disturbed them. They didn't know how it was even able to do that in the first place. To influence them, as it would any ordinary flesh beast…

-” Oh…okay... ” He sounded off when he said that, as though he wasn't fully paying attention. Was something bothering him?

-”IT WON'T MAKE ME HURT YOU AGAIN. I WOULDN'T LET IT” WX assured. 

The plantling paused, his maw gradually forming into a small smile. “ I know…Don’t want to hurt you either… ”

WX-78 had expected this outcome. In order to avoid another uncomfortable quiet, they made a list of chores for the day, something to keep them both busy and focused. They grabbed the other by the arm, Wormwood barely stopped himself from going back on his promise of not hurting them.

-“I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT MY FUEL IS STARTING TO GET LOW. HOW ABOUT WE GO FOR A HUNT? I’D LIKE TO SEE HOW YOU OPERATE IN COMBAT THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE ME IN IT”

He was momentarily stunned by their request, but as their words sunk in, he eagerly nodded, and so they went.

How much time has passed? Was it minutes? hours? Days…? Maybe even centuries. For all it knew, it was cold and dark. A familiar feeling, yet it never stopped being any less boring.

-”Ughhh…Just my luck to get ssstuck with a bunch of holier-than-thou cowardsss!” It muttered to itself. It wanted out, but it couldn’t just wither away the box! It had to convince that awful orange thing to set it free. The problem was; how. 

They claimed they didn’t want its power, which by itself was simply unreasonable! Who would reject such raw power?! It’s not like they meant it. They craved it; the desire to rule, to strike fear and deep respect in everyone around them... it could smell it from them a mile away, yet somehow they refused it anyway!

It was all that wretched plant’s fault! Far too loyal to his foul creator, far too kind and clement despite everything he faced! If it were anyone else, their mind would've been long lost.

He should've stayed put when it struck him. How come he hadn't..?

That’s when it heard a smooth, feminine voice speak out from the void. ”You fulfilled your role here, shadow”

This had visibly startled the reaper “My Queen?! What do you need..? ”

-”Oh, not much, darling. I mostly came in to observe...And it seems they've got no use for you now...”

-”Pleassse, my Queen, let me out of here! I don't want to be ssstuck in thisss box forever! It wasss enough that I had to ssstay in a rotting trunk!” It begged.

A wispy scoff left her. ”Your existence in this form is conditional to a deal. If you want to be freed, It will be of your own accord. It is that, or you let me take you apart piece by piece.”

It didn't like that solution at all “N-no! That'sss quite alright! I'll figure it out myssself! ” 

-”Very well, I wish you luck on that, Reaper.”

There was something it needed to know before she vanished. To get to the automaton, it had to play smart, and for that, It needed information. It knew they couldn't resist a couple of juicy details, if only...

-”One lasst thing If I may!”

-”What is it?”

-”What…are you planning to do with them, my Queen? ”

She chuckled ”Oh, nothing that you have to worry about! …But I suppose…I haven't gotten any plans for our dear Wormie, not yet at least. I do however believe they'll manage to free him. You know, I've always wanted him to join Maxy's silly bunch!”

-”Uh…Isss that it? That'sss all you want from him? And from the orange one?”

-”Well, certainly not! At first, I had hoped he'd join our side, it would make things a lot easier after all...But then I thought about it, what he said...and I couldn't help but concur with him...

Where was she heading with this?

"When the time comes, and my Master returns…It wouldn't be fun to have the other side so bare and defenseless, would it..?”

-”Wait – You actually think he can–”

-”He can and he will. I know he will. He doesn't have a choice. It was always his role to fulfill… As for WX…Hmmm…I suppose in due course they'll have to choose, whether to stay by his side or turn up on my doorstep... I'm kind of hoping for the former, to be honest, see, they're so cute when they're together!” 

-”...Pardon, ma'am?”

-”Oh. I meant…Listen, dear... I'll give you one hint; if you want to be freed, you have to captivate them! You already possess valuable information, of the garth’s bygones and whatnot! Just use it!"

-"The Garden...? Of courssse...Of courssse my Queen! Thank you, thank you ssso much for your generousss advice! I'll make sssure to use it!"

"Good. good..."

Suddenly, a chill ran through the stuffed cold chest. as her voice lost its warmth  "But don't you mention anything else you've heard from this conversation! Or I'll make sure you will speak no longer ”

-”U-underssstood! ”

Her presence promptly faded into nothingness and it found itself alone, once again. Perhaps it had a leeway to get to the bot after all…

It was a jarring experience, to tread alongside the very being, that previously held them captive. WX-78 had gotten so used to being stuck in one place, they could barely register their different surroundings, the first time they got out. Much less now, as he was mere feet away, striding along as if it were some kind of leisure walk, nay a hunt. 

So far, they haven't managed to spot anything that's especially alive. Only decomposing, maggot-filled carcasses and bones licked clean. The forest was as they remembered it; unnerving, even during the midst of day. The sun didn't reach this tract, whether it was encased in thick clouds, or the emergent was simply too tall and dense for any sun to peek through, they weren't certain. Perhaps a mixture of both.

And they couldn't forget the overabundance of carnivorous plants, littering the area. It was no wonder so many beasts wound up but bare carcasses.

-”SOMETIMES I WISH I TOO COULDN'T SEE. I NEARLY FORGOT HOW HARROWING THIS PLACE IS”

He turned his head to face them ” Is it…? ” 

“AFFIRMATIVE. IT IS PUTRID”

“......"

This was not going according to plan, worry began to seep into their circuits. There shouldn't be time for pointless small talk. They were meant to pinpoint the location of prey fauna and eliminate them!

Whenever he went out by himself, he managed to find something... But there was nothing! It was all so...dead. What were they supposed to do?

They were beginning to make distance from their starting place. As they thought about it, the plantling didn't seem to mind being this far away from the Garden. Did he also lie about his inability to leave it..?

-”YOU SAID YOU COULDN’T LEAVE THE GARDEN, YET HERE YOU ARE, WELL OUTSIDE OF IT'S RANGE...”

-” I can't leave… this forest…not just the garden…outside…forest…is death…for me… ”

-”DID YOU EVER TRY LEAVING BEFORE?”

Wormwood couldn't help, but laugh at their silly question. “ Trust…many…many…times. Each time…I lost a piece of myself…until...there was almost…nothing… ” he clutched the gem on his chest, its green tear standing out against the false obsidian. 

-”OH…” the automaton looked away.

It seemed as if whatever they were going to say today, came out wrong. This, added to the prolonged lack of ambient noise, came to frustrate them. ”HOW ARE WE EVEN GOING TO FIND ANY FLESHBEASTS OUT HERE? IT'S ALL SO…QUIET. TOO QUIET!” 

-” Wait ” was all the plantling said. They raised a nonexistent eyebrow. How would that help?  Would a flock of birds suddenly and conveniently fly their way? 

Steadily, Wormwood unfurled his head. He winced as it still somewhat stung, but it was nowhere near the pain he experienced on the first day of WX-78's arrival.

When he tried to see through his damaged eye, all, that came out was a dark smudge…Though it wasn't his eye that would come to use now.

-”WHAT ARE YOU DOING..?”

He said nothing more. They kept staring at him, confused, until after about a minute or so, they picked up an odd smell. They didn't know where it was coming from, but it was pleasantly saccharine, almost like a freshly baked batch of blackberry cupcakes, not unlike the ones Warly used to make.

If they didn't know any better, they'd sworn their chemical engine churned. They hadn't had any sweets in nearly a month... Which was fine, completely acceptable, as such things were unnecessary for their system and had near no nutritional value. Even still…They'd just about kill to acquire a butter muffin right now.

After looking around, trying to discern where exactly the smell was coming from, they realized…It came from Wormwood.

Did they imagine it..? Or did he actually…No, that was foolish… Unless…?

But sure enough, the plantling smelled like the finest of pastries, for some reason…

He could sense them gawking, and smirked “ Smell nice? ”

They blinked, before quickly shaking their head ”I…EHR. NOI! YOU SMELL AS GROSS AS ALWAYS. I CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE”

-” then...why were you staring? “

They could feel their chassis start to heat up ”I WASN'T!!” 

They paused, contemplating “STILL…POTENTIALLY, PRESUMABLY, THEORETICALLY… YOU SOMEHOW SMELL LIKE CUPCAKES…IS THIS YOUR STRATEGY FOR LURING IN PREY…?”

-” So you are smart! ” At this, an angry beep left the automaton.

-”OF COURSE I AM INTELLIGENT! DON'T YOU DARE DEMEAN ME–” His smile suddenly fell and his body went stiff. He quickly put his whole palm against their mouth, silencing them in an instant. Then, without any prior warning, Wormwood picked them up and hid behind a nearby bush.

-” Shhh…something coming… ”

WX-78 was vexed. They wanted to push him off, but In the end, decided not to. It better be an actual beast this time, not just his paranoia.

After a few minutes of idling, there came a rustle from the nearby bushes, before a stout, avian figure emerged. A Gobbler, daft enough, ventured into these parts for a taste of berries, or at least what it thought were berries...

The automaton was rather impressed, that the scent worked this well.

The biped looked around, discerning where the sweetness came from. With it turned away from their hiding spot, Wormwood took this as his cue and pounced, the bot barely processing he moved at all.

It struggled to break free from his clutches, smacking its wings against him with desperation, yet this bore no fruitful result. He violently bit into its neck, nearly ripping its head clean off. At this, WX-78 winced, unconsciously shielding their own neck.

With each passing moment, the gobbler's movements stilled, until it went completely limp.

The automaton was both amazed and terrified. ”THAT WAS…QUITE THE IMPRESSIVE FEAT. I SUPPOSE YOU'VE HAD LOTS OF TIME TO PRACTICE THIS TECHNIQUE.”

He nodded, his mouth dripping with blood. He lifted the bird and swung it over his shoulder like a sack. ”Going back? ” 

WX scowled. ”BUT I HAVEN'T KILLED ANYTHING YET! THERE IS NO WAY I'M LETTING YOU DO ALL THE DIRTY WORK! AT LEAST LET ME PROVE MY CAPABILITY!”

He titled his head “ Prove…? Why? We have food already! Don't have to prove anything!”

They crossed their arms, looking away “I REFUSE TO RETURN UNTIL I GET TO KILL SOMETHING!” 

He sighed “Okay…Move elsewhere? ...Don't think... more beasts will come here...”

“VERY WELL THEN. LET'S GO” 

The two traversed east, walking the length of the garden's walls. It took about 20 minutes, as the next area they found themselves in, had a small clearing between the trees and boulders, giving them ample opportunity to move around and potentially catch something big. They went and hid behind a tree, waiting for whatever was to come out next.

WX tightly clutched onto their spear, a look of determination gracing their features.  “I WILL DEMONSTRATE TO YOU, THAT I TOO AM SKILLED IN COMBAT. I'VE FACED MANY BEASTS BEFORE YOU, EVEN FIERCE GIANTS AND VICIOUS HORDES. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE ME… JUST BECAUSE I LOST TO YOU A FEW TIMES…”

-”okay...won't do that ”

They didn't have to wait much longer, for a loud stomp resonated through the area. Then, several more followed, becoming more and more audible by the second. Whatever it was, it was no small critter. The automaton wasn't deterred in the slightest, they couldn't quit now. They would face their opponent and win, as they had sworn.

It drew near, they saw a glimpse of its hunched frame beyond the shrubbery. With such a limited line of vision, they were yet to determine what it was, but one thing was a given, It was huge, at least 10 feet tall, just as they suspected. They felt their faceplate morph into a grin, already Imagining a furry elephantoid and the feast it would bring.

Then, the behemoth produced a resonant cry, but not that of a trumpet as they had hoped, rather, a cranky bleat.

Their oil went cold. No. No, it couldn't be…

Several branches snapped as it made its way onto the clearing. Its repulsive visage and dense wool were another dead giveaway. They grimaced, inadvertently taking a step back.

Wormwood, to his credit, already sensed them tense up. “WX…? don't have to fight it…if you don't want to… we can still leave... won't…make fun of you… ”

But WX-78 shook their head “NO! NO, I AM NOT AFRAID. WHO SAID I WAS AFRAID?! I WILL DEFEAT HIM! YOU'LL SEE! NOW STAND BACK AND LET ME AT HIM!” 

They frankly... didn't feel confident about defeating this horrid thing, but they had to try, if they didn't, they wouldn't be able to live that down. It was too late to back out now...

They went around the bushes, trying to remain discreet. Perhaps if they attacked the beast from behind it wouldn't be able to trap them in its phlegm.

The Ewecus sniffed the air, its eyes narrowing. It approached the direction where Wormwood was hiding. They had to strike, otherwise Wormwood would kill it first and take all the credit!

With their blade pointed at its pelvis, they revealed themself, rushing straight for their target. Alas, before they had the chance to even graze it, the beast heard their clanking feet. It was quick to react; kicking them in the chest, which sent them flying back, their spear ripping out of their hands in the process.

They crashed into a boulder, which was painful, but it would've been manageable if it weren't for their untreated malfunction. It resurfaced like a storm cloud, louring their system with multiple errors at once. Sparks flew from their joints, their body began rapidly twitching. Their visors glitched into static, and their equilibrium was out of control. This had inevitably triggered their Emergency Mode, as they felt themself slipping into dormancy. They were unable to override this command, no matter how hard they tried.

This was bad, terrible even. They're going to humiliate themself beyond belief, and after so much gloating too... Why did it have to be that wretched sheep?!

Wormwood gasped, hearing a familiar metallic thunk and a yelp from his fri- ally. When a louder wham came after, he was forced to leave his hideout. He had to check if they were okay. Why did he always cause them so much hurt just by being near them…?

Before he could get to them, however, the Ewecus made an angry noise, rearing its front legs at him. He slipped out just in time, taking on a hostile position. He growled at the beast, ready to show it a piece of his mind.

This time, It made a different sound, a strange gurgle, which bemused him.

Until it spit at him, he dashed to the side, but then almost fell over. Something was stopping him from moving further. He tried to pull harder, only to discover his right leg was lodged in the sheep's sticky goo.

He grimaced, his toothed hands oozing a liquid of their own, trying to set his leg free.

The beast rushed straight at him, and reversed. It nearly kicked him in the head but he managed to catch its hoof at the last second, releasing more acid in retaliation. His victory was short-lived however, as the beast didn't seem to back down at all. His acid...did practically nothing.The creature easily overpowered him, his arm growing strained, the harder it pressed. When he thought his arm would snap, it finally pulled away, only to turn around and hit him in the jaw.

He was left dazed, trying to shake off the dull ache. But the sheep didn't let him have the time to recover, for it sped away, and struck him once again, this time at his back. He collapsed to the cold ground, heaving.

He couldn't understand…  What was that thing?! 

Whenever he tried to free himself from the phlegm, the beast released another round or kicked him right before he was done. Each next hit weakened him more and more, but he couldn't unleash that form, no matter what. The last thing he wanted was to get WX anymore hurt…

He'll just have to fight to the best of his abilities and let whatever happens happen.

[ESTIMATED OUTER SHELL DAMAGE: 28%

[A MINOR OIL LEAKAGE DETECTED]

[LEFT SEEING MODULE UNRESPONSIVE]

[UNIT_LEG_LEFT, UNIT_ARM_RIGHT DAMAGED. DAMAGE SUSTAINED ULL: 14%, UAR: 31% ]

[SOURCE OF EXCESSIVE ENERGY WASTE DETECTED]

[CHEMICAL ENGINE DAMAGE: 5%]

[CPU DAMAGE: 12%]

[OVERALL DAMAGE SUSTAINED: 49%] 

[PROCEED ANYWAY? Y/N]

….8%

…..27%

…..54%

…..76%

…..99%

……………...

[ALL SYSTEMS STABILIZED]

Shakily, WX opened their eyes, one of them completely unresponsive, the other severely glitching. They had to take an awfully long time to readjust all their senses.

They slowly arose, barely managing not to trip. Looking around didn't help, their vision still bleary, while their hearing modules were muffled with static.

They spotted movement in front of them, swirling of colors and motion. One was surely Wormwood.

And who was the other..? It was large and fast, overshadowing the Plantling.

They blinked several more times, and finally, their eye cleared somewhat.

What they saw, shocked them to their very core. There was Wormwood, partially entrapped in the beast's vile adhesive. He looked bruised, worn, and beaten, while the sheep had barely any scratch on its armor. 

Was he losing..?

But that wasn't right…How could he lose to such a creature..? 

The sight filled them with an indescribable emotion, one too complex and too intense to handle...

Several feet away from the beast, they noticed their spear lay in the dirt. The Ewecus seemed too preoccupied with the Plantling, to notice they'd awakened. They took a few careful steps closer, able to eventually take hold of their weapon.

They had to think fast if they wanted to save Wormwood. But they couldn't just rush in again and afford to be kicked or immobilized, they were already on the brink of falling apart...

But then how could they get close enough to this creature, without it retaliating?

They looked around, hoping an opportunity of attack would present itself in their surroundings. And it did, conveniently enough. Adjacent to them grew a tree, tilted to the side at an angle, which made its branches run evenly upward, the tips ending just above where the sheep currently stood. It felt like an invitation. As if the tree wanted to offer them its aid. They gratefully took it, setting their foot on the bark. It had only taken them about a minute or two before they made it to the middle of the thick bough. The position gave them the scope to take a good look at what was transpiring below.

Their gears churned, and they nearly had to silence their system, as the beast kicked Wormwood's shoulder, with a distinct crunch. They needed to make it pay. They wanted to make its demise as slow and agonizing as possible, but they weren't sure if they had the power to do so. They readied their spear, waiting patiently as the ovine settled exactly below them. They had only one chance to get this right, they couldn't let it see them and get away.

For a brief moment, they thought it would glance up, revealing their location. A wave of anxiety rushed over them. Then, Wormwood grabbed a rock closest to him and threw it at the beast's face. It cried out in pained surprise, which instantly turned into rage. Its two front hooves stomped down on his collar, releasing a painted yelp from the Plantling.

That's it, they had to strike now. They jumped off the bough, their spear lodging itself in the creature's dense wool before their feet even landed. With a firmer push, it went all the way through, meeting soft flesh beneath. They were all too eager to hear that squelch. The Ewecus immediately panicked, trying desperately to get them off its back, thrashing like a bull at the rodeo. But they held tightly onto the spear, any movement it made, only caused the sharp tip to injure it further. With each jump, the deeper the blade went, lacerating the skin around it. WX hoped that it would soon exhaust itself, they tried to stray it away from Wormwood, in case it got the idea to crush him again.

Gradually, it began to slow down. They successfully punctured several of its organs, and by that point, it knew its fate was sealed. It collapsed onto its knees, growing sluggish with each moment. WX-78 promptly jumped off, making sure to pull out their spear. Blood immediately spewed out, staining the grey wool red.

They rushed over to Wormwood, who lay immobile, covered in the sheep’s phlegm. He was badly injured…

But... this wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to wreck the beast like it was nothing! He was supposed to be near invincible…

If he was so easily defeated by an Ewecus, what did that say about them?

The automaton knelt beside him, reaching out to grab him. They stopped, however, seeing the state he was in. “WORMWOOD..? WORMWOOD! ARE YOU –”

-“I'm okay…” he mumbled. He tried to get up, but was quickly forced back down by the tenacious substance. They readily assisted him with getting rid of the goo. Once free, he still couldn't properly stand up, so the automaton wrapped their arm over his side, settling his around their neck, and carefully hoisting him up.

-“I…I’M…I SHOULDN'T HAVE CHALLENGED IT. I ADMIT THAT DECISION WAS FOOLISH...”

-“...It's dead…isn't it..? ”

-“IT SHOULD BE” They looked back, just in case. Sure enough, the beast was completely still. It was about to attract some flies too.

Wormwood nodded. He pushed himself away from them, which made him lose his footing. In turn, he grabbed onto a tree bark to try and regain some stability.

WX-78 frowned at this. “WORMWOOD… I'M…”

He chuckled, dry and humorless “ You could've died…why does…this always happen…when you're with me… ”

They blinked, confusion settling in “WHAT? BUT THAT WASN'T –”

-“ I’m sorry… ”

They couldn't believe this.

-“NO! I REFUSE YOUR APOLOGY. THIS WASN'T – THIS WASN'T YOUR FAULT, PLANTLING. I WAS... CONCEITED…UNPREPARED. I HIGHLY OVERESTIMATED MINE…AND YOUR CAPABILITIES”

-“ It was…so strong…why was it so strong…? I couldn't move…what…was it..? ”

-“YOU…YOU'VE NEVER FACED AGAINST AN EWECUS?”

-“ no… ”

The automaton was chagrined. All this time, they thought, since Wormwood had been here for so long, he's faced it all, nothing could truly stand in his way. And yet…They were wrong.

They shook it off, Wormwood was alive. They were alive. The danger was eliminated.

Seeing that he wasn't about to succumb, they approached the two carcasses, pulling out their machete. Separating meat tissue from the coat came with some struggle when faced with the ovine, luckily the bird wasn't an issue. They gathered some of the feathers and steel wool into their backpack alongside the meats. Afterward, they returned to Wormwood's side, who still clung to that tree.

-“ARE YOU ABLE TO WALK?”

He didn't answer their question, instead, he took a step forward and nearly fell on them. So that was a no. 

WX-78 thought about their options, coming to the most logical conclusion “I'M GOING TO CARRY YOU, IS THAT ALRIGHT?”

His answer was an incomprehensible squeak of surprise and embarrassment. It wasn't a demurral, but when they went to touch his back, he recoiled “wait! wait! No– no need to! Can walk!! ”

-“YOU CLEARLY CAN NOT. I'M AT FAULT FOR YOUR CURRENT STATE, IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT I CARRY YOU BACK HOME”

-“But– but you're hurt too! ”

-“I'VE BEEN THROUGH WORSE”

-“So was I! ”

They glared at him but forced themself to stay calm, this was neither the time nor place to be arguing “LOOK, IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE LIKE THIS, THEN WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STAYING HERE FOREVER”

The plantling didn't respond, he was being so overly dramatic. WX-78 rolled their eyes, attempting to pick him up again.

-“what are you– stop that! ” He shouted, trying to push them away, and failing due to his weakened state.

-“UGH– JUST LET ME HELP YOU!” they shouted back. Finally getting a good grip on him, they scooped him up, all while he made several more startled squeaks.

He looked awkward in their arms, tall and gangly to their short and stout build, his feet barely hanging above the ground. Despite his impressive height, he was very lightweight, barely 45 pounds they'd guess.

-“ARE YOU DONE THROWING A TANTRUM?” 

-“...You…you don't have to do that..! Can walk just fine…” He murmured, but the automaton wasn't listening.

They took off without further ado. Wormwood was left baffled by their behavior, he tried to bargain a way out of this, but he soon came to realize, that all his pleas fell on deaf ears. They just wouldn't let go of him for some reason...

Gradually, he came to accept this situation, becoming rather comfortable there, in their arms.

During the walk back, WX-78 didn't say a word. They didn't know where to even begin...

As they neared the garden's entrance, however, the bot's guilt took over them. They hated apologizing, but it was required.”I…I'M SORRY…FOR THE WAY I HANDLED THINGS” 

-”don't be–”

-”NO. I ALMOST GOT BOTH OF US KILLED, AND THAT– THAT WAS  UNACCEPTABLE…” They looked away. It was pathetic, just how easily he made them display such intense emotions...

Suddenly, they felt something silky press against their cheek, making them freeze. As they went to inspect what the object was, they identified it as Wormwood's right hand. They staggered, shocked by the gesture.

This made Wormwood instantly pull away, they couldn't say they weren't disappointed. “ I-I uh…It's okay! You put us... in danger, yes...But you took us out of it too!  We're both alive, yes? That what matters!”

- “...I SUPPOSE YOU'RE RIGHT”

Once they were finally safe and secure, WX-78 placed him gently onto an old log, going to tend to his wounds post-haste, he did his best to tend to theirs. They instructed him on what to do, and despite his initial confusion, he managed rather well. The two were able to find the root of WX's malady; It turns out, that when he threw them those weeks ago, one of their gears got terribly misplaced in between their circuitry, causing them to spasm from time to time. Luckily, the rest of their injuries were merely superficial.

Wormwood's on the other hand...looked much more grim. His body had cracks and bruises all over it. One of his legs barely hung on by its last strings of vascular tissue. The other, had rind peeling off it, exposing tender flesh within. His arms and back faced similar problems, while his closed-up head leaked a familiar semitranslucent substance. The sight wasn't pretty, the automaton grimaced, feeling that familiar pang. They wanted to look anywhere else, but they had to get things done. They slabbered the damaged skin with a remedy of honey, before tightly wrapping it up in cloth. When it came to dealing with his remaining leg, they had to take pause.  Was it even salvageable..? They could theoretically sow it back, but would it cause him an infection? They were pretty sure organic beings struggled with something like this...

_{(Awesome art by Evich!)}

Wormwood answered that dilemma for them, pulling a red, stringy root from the ground. Next, he picked a rather large, sharp splinter from the mulch. He tied the root around the splinter and as WX-78 silently watched, aghast, he brought it against his knee. The makeshift needle struggled to pierce the tough flesh at first, so he pressed on until it went all the way through. It resurfaced shortly, forming a stitch. During this, he exhibited practically no sign of pain, with countless mutilations, he must've been used to this.

Still, the automaton couldn't help but voice their concerns "ARE YOU SURE THIS IS BENIGN? WHAT IF YOU SUFFER AN INFECTION?"

Wormwood tilted his head, his mouth turning up slightly at their worried tone "All rot...remember? Can't get any more...wilted...now."

-"OH. RIGHT..."

Shortly after they were treated, WX excused themself to cook dinner. Wormwood wanted to stop them, to ask them to stay just a little longer by his side, but in the end, he wasn't able to convey that into words.

As for the automaton, when they were a decent distance away, they slumped in defeat. This was humiliating. It hadn't gone at all as they had planned…They were supposed to slay a foe and impress him with their prowess. Instead, they've almost died and let him be killed by their utter stupidity!

How would they even begin making it up to him?

They knew they didn't technically need to, after all he's done. Even so...they felt strangely...compelled.

Perhaps they could cook him a proper meal, as an olive branch of sorts. Yes, that was a reasonable idea, humans hold nourishment at a great value, worshiping their meals. Meanwhile, Wormwood likely hadn't eaten anything but raw flesh until they showed up. WX-78 wasn't the best cook, far from it, but they could at least give it a try. To be fair...anything even remotely edible tasted amazing to him, they had nothing to worry about.

But they wanted to make it taste good anyway. To simply prove that they could master any skill, not just engineering...and gardening...

They've recently spotted several wild vegetables growing on the garden floors, they could potentially use these for the broth.

They foraged through the ground and bushes, acquiring plenty of carrots, several potatoes, and red currant. If they recall correctly, Wolfgang at some point mentioned a “family recipe” involving those very ingredients. A lamb stew; They've only heard him mention it once, they're unsure why they even bothered listening in, but they're rather pleased now that they did. Maybe this would make Wormwood feel slightly better about today...

They cut up the mutton and threw it into a pot of boiling water, alongside the vegetables and berries. All they had to do now, was wait. Wolfgang said the longer the wait the better, although illogical in any other context, gastronomy was the exception.

At least it would give them crucial time to... think about their options.

…What more was there to say?  They apologized, they felt horrible for what they did and they're making him food. Was there a better way? They certainly didn't know of it, they were never one in touch with their emotions, much less those of others.

As the dish continued to simmer, they decided to take a walk around the fields, to clear their head of these irrational thoughts.

Since the week prior, the garden's state has drastically improved. Grass transformed from a dreary brown to a vibrant green, healthy shrubbery spread all over the place, bearing fruit and flowers. The trees ever so slighly regained their foliage, which included some of the elder guardians. if you peered closely, even the vile carnivorous plants had taken on a softer appearance.

A place only imagined in their nightmares was turning into Eden. There was only one thing left amyss...

They still didn't like the idea of having plant healing powers, but if it meant they could break Wormwood's curse, and additionally make such a place less repulsive…perhaps they could bear it.

They stopped in their tracks, as they crossed paths with the stone chest. They should avoid it from now on, lest it tries to speak to them. For what it did, it deserved to rot. They decided it was best to take a different route. or return to the crockpot.

But it was too late, the reaper already knew they were here “...The orange one? I know you're here! I can sssmell you!”

WX-78 flinched  “...SO WHAT IF I AM? I CAN GO WHEREVER I PLEASE”

-“You're here to taunt me aren't you..?”

They frankly weren't, but If that's what it was thinking, then they'll gladly accept it as the truth. “MAYBE I AM. AFTER ALL...YOU CAN'T DO MUCH OF ANYTHING NOW. YOU'RE JUST A USELESS POSSESSED WAR IMPLEMENT LOCKED IN A BOX”

-“You know, I wasssn't even meant to be a war implement! Your loathing wasss, what fueled me! I wasss meant to be but a farm ssscythe, reaping the ground'sss fruits of labor!”

WX-78 couldn't respond fast enough.

“Besssidesss! You were the one who usssed me againssst him. For I'm a sssimple tool, doing what I wasss built for! Ridding the world of filthy weedsss!”

An inexplicable surge of anger suddenly burst within them, and they kicked the box with all their might. It toppled over but left a dent in their foot, they couldn't care less. “DO NOT CALL HIM THAT! HE IS NOT A WEED!-AND ONLY I'M ALLOWED TO DEMEAN HIM LIKE THAT!"

-"Did that make you feel any better?"

Did it? No. But it couldn't know that. "YES. AND I'LL GLADLY DO IT OVER AND OVER. I'D SMELT YOU OUT OF EXISTENCE IF I COULD"

-"You could try that. But then you would missss out on all the sssecrets I'd be willing to ssshare!"

The automaton laughed "OH, REALLY?  I'M SURE AN OBJECT THAT IS BARELY ANIMATE KNOWS OF SUCH IMPORTANT MATTERS"

Look who's talking " but I do! Have you ever wondered how the garden wound up in that state? Or what'sss up with dear plant boy, to begin with? Well...I might know the anssswer to that~"

They scoffed "AS IF I'D BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU SAY. YOU JUST WANT TO GET OUT OF THE BOX" If it thought such obvious lies would work on them, then it knew nothing.

-"That is one of the reasonsss, yesss, but also-"

WX-78 turned to leave "I'LL PASS"

-"Wait! I can tell you more about the curse! The runesss! The Ancient keepersss! Pleassse lisssten!"

The automaton's shoulders tensed up. They contemplated this. Contemplated hard...But what if what happened before had a repeat..?

-"...AND HOW DO I KNOW I CAN TRUST YOU TO TELL THE TRUTH?"

-"You can't!"

-VERY WELL" They continued on their way, troubling the scythe again.

-"Noo! I will tell the truth! Jussst get me out of here!"

They stopped "I'LL CONSIDER IT...IF YOU AGREE WITH MY TERMS"

-"...And what are thossse termsss, may I asssk?"

-"BEFORE I FREE YOU, YOU WILL TELL ME SOME OF WHAT YOU KNOW. I EXPECT YOU TO HAVE PROOF OF THEIR AUTHENTICITY. AND IF I WERE TO FREE YOU, YOU WILL NOT ATTEMPT ANY 'FUNNY BUSINESS'. IF I REALIZE EITHER OF THESE TERMS ARE BROKEN, I'LL ENSURE YOU ROT HERE FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY, UNDERSTOOD?"