Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A silent island stood amidst the blue, rushing seas, as it brushed across the edges of the island and fell onto the sand. In the middle of it all, sat two figures. 

Sarcon: “Koneko, I’m bored as fuck.”

Koneko glances over to the bored snake, who bore a wide frown.

Koneko: “Oh, cheer up, bro! Is the beauty of nature surrounding us not enough to cleanse your soul?”

Sarcon looks around with incredibly bored eyes, making a slight hiss as he stared at the largely rounded cat.

Sarcon: “It isn’t. It’s really boring. I wanna do something.”

Koneko: “Now, now, you know where that led us last time. We can’t be causing destruction and destroying another beautiful planet, no?”

Sarcon: “That actually sounds like something I’d wanna do.”

Koneko: “Sarc, it takes years to make these islands. It’d be a big problem for BOTH of us!”

Sarcon: “Maybe for you, it is.”

Koneko laughs a little.

Koneko: “Hohoh. Well, You’d be bored in the vast of space instead of this planet, then! It doesn’t quite make a difference.”

Sarcon sighs, with a hint of annoyance through his breath.

Sarcon: “I guessss. But there’s gotta be SOMETHING we can do though, right?”

Koneko: “Well, my dear brother, there IS something we can do!”

A beat passes by as the wind brushes across the trees softly.

Sarcon: “...What?”

Koneko bounces up from his seat in the grass, her tail swishing back and forth, and waddles over to Sarcon, who is still coiled up above the soft grass. He slightly lifts up his rocky head

Koneko: “Well, we can host a few festivities! It wouldn’t take very long to set up.”

Sarcon blinks for a little in confusion, a clear growing frustration in his dying eyes.

Sarcon: “Koneko, what the fuck are you talking about? There’s nobody even here aside from us.”

Koneko quickly snaps her fingers, and, within seconds, the trees freeze and the oceans stop. The planet is still.

Sarcon: “Stopping the time of the world isn’t going to bring people here, Koneko.”

Koneko flashes a big smile and laughs loudly once more, to the annoyance of Sarcon.

Koneko: “Well, if it were just that, nothing’s going to happen. However, I decided to also freeze the time of the multiverse.”

Sarcon raises his eyebrow as he lifts his head.

Sarcon: “Why would you also do that?”

Koneko: “Well, not everyone is frozen in time. I’ve decided to hand out a select few… invitations to those who desire to enter this realm and participate in the festivities. Their reward?.. Well, they’ll be allowed to decide.”

Sarcon: “Damn. And I thought I was skydiving off the edge with risk. They’re allowed anything? ”

Koneko: “..Of course. I trust that they won’t abuse their power. Their status as people don’t quite strike me as the kind to do such a thing.”

Sarcon: “..Uhuh. Sure. I totally believe you.”

Koneko: “Cmooon, it’ll be fun, anyway! You were looking forward to something that wouldn’t get you bored, right?”

Sarcon sighs, but a slithering smile goes across his face as he lays his entire snake body down, staring right at the sky.

Sarcon: “Hell yeah, motherfucker.”

Chapter Text

[MEANWHILE, IN ANOTHER WORLD]

[GENSOKYO, DREAM REALM]

???: “Ahhh.. there we go.”

Doremy Sweet breathes a sigh of relief as she finally finishes putting up a wall clock of sorts. She looks out the window and looks at the beautiful, blue dream realm.

Doremy: “Sagume, can you come over, dear? I need a second opinion.”

Sagume: “Hm? Oh!”

Sagume Kishin says, walking over with her hand covered over her mouth; a very common habit of hers. She uncovers her mouth to gaze at the wall clock and show her genuine emotion as she does it. Hesitating to speak for a little, she gazes at the ornate hands of the wallclock.

Sagume: “It looks quite lovely. It fits with the walls.”

Doremy: “Doesn’t it? After the whole parallel universe Gensokyo thing happened, Remilia gave everyone these clocks as an apology. Sakuya was involved in the making of these. They’re quite intricate.”

Sagume giggles a little. 

Sagume: “The walls look a lot nicer now. Have you thanked her?"

Doremy: "Ah, thanks for reminding me. I haven't done that yet."

Sagume: "Yes. You shouldn't go talk to them."

Doremy’s eyes widened a little, before smiling a bit.

Doremy: “Ah, that’s right. I almost forgot about your ability. They are quite a... lovely pair, aren't they?"

Doremy snickers, as she walks over to Sagume with a grin, to which her eyes somewhat dilate.

Doremy: “But not as lovely as you.”

Doremy smugly smiled as she waited for a response from Sagume but, to her surprise, she didn’t say anything.

Doremy: “..Hm? Sagume, dear?”

Sagume appears to have a completely frozen face, covering her mouth. It’s as if she turned to a statue. Doremy’s eyes squint a little. She looks over to the clock first things' first and immediately realizes that the clock had stopped time.

Doremy: “Ah.. a prank from.. Sakuya? She's the only one capable of this. However.. It doesn't feel right for her to do that. I wonder what she’s planning..”

Doremy: “Sakuya? I’m gonna need you to unpause time now. I was somewhat in the middle of something.”

However, Sakuya didn’t respond. Doremy sighed a little.

Doremy: “I suppose I shouldn’t have expected it to be that easy.. wait a minute, I shouldn’t even be able to experience her time stop. So how..”

Out from a gap from midair, Doremy could spy a golden letter pop out. It was encrusted with the golden emblem of a snake and a cat in tandem. They appear to be in harmony, holding a goblet of sorts.

Doremy: “Well now, this is certainly interesting. It was certainly rude of them to interrupt me so abruptly, however this situation is very much new for me. I don’t quite mind it at all.. And, surely Sagume wouldn’t mind if I left for a little while to...interefere a bit. Let’s see here..”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

DOREMY SWEET

The dream queen arrives! Hailing from Gensokyo, Doremy is a ruler of the Dream World and is able to create and destroy dreams as well, as well as overlook them. Using this, she may have an advantage over other’s emotions and may be able to get an idea of how they’re like just from their dreams. She's very observant, and can very easily identify weaknesses with other people just by merely observing their conversations. She also tends to have a very calm disposition, and isn’t prone to displaying much outward emotions, par an occasional smugness. However, this doesn’t mean she can’t get caught offguard. Will she be able to sleep easy and take victory?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦✦

Defense - ✦✦

Strength - ✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦✦

Chapter Text

[ROBLOX, IN THE DEPTHS OF SPACE, FAR FAR AWAY FROM JAILBREAK…]

???: “ZHAHAHA! ZIE!!! ZIEEE!!!! GET BLAZTED BY MY ZAPPER!!!!”

Gnarpy laughs as xe starts to commit intergalactic war crimes by destroying an armada of enemy ships with xyr high-tech blaster that comes with xyr beautiful, sleek U.F.O., xyr fingers typing and inputting commands faster than a shooting star on a regular wednesday.

Gnarpy: “YOU ZEEBLOING!! HEHEEHHEHAHAHAHAHA!- DAUWGHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

All of a sudden, xe felt xemself slam across the windows and bounce across the walls like a ball in a pinball machine, as each impact caused xyr star in xyr chest to quickly bright up and make a “ding!” noise each time xe got hit.

Gnarpy: “HIT!! GOT HIT!! MAYDAYZ, MAYDAYZ!!! ACTIVATE ZE ZIPZLOPPER!"

Xe scurries up and rushes over to the control panel, but to xyr surprise, xe realizes that the ship hasn’t been struck or tattered it any way. Xe zooms around to check every bit of the UFO, but it’s as if nothing was wrong. 

Gnarpy: “..Wha..? Woah.. Iz not moving!! What kind of zeep zop is thiz??” 

Xe looks around, looking through the glass, realizing the enemy ships have also stood completely still.

Gnarpy: “Iz..  time frozen..?”

Xe looks into xyr arm and opens up a latch of sorts, which he’s able to pull up a computer hologram of sorts.

Gnarpy: “Any other Gnarpian available? My zhip is frozen!”

…

…

Gnarpy: “No rezponse.. Hmm..”

[YOU HAVE 1 NEW MESSAGE]

Gnarpy: “...Oh? Nevermindz!”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

GNARPY

Zeep glorp! Gnarpy is a gnarpian from the outer reaches of space, eventually coming across the Regretevator and creating a multitude of unforgettable experiences there with the many other colorful guests there, albeit against xyr will. Xe has incredible marksmanship, and, when leading xyr army of likeminded Gnarpians, has intense and declarative leadership skills, being able to easily push xyr goals more forward than anyone else. As xe rides on a UFO, xe also has remarkable driving ability. However, xe isn't exactly the most kindest to those that aren't xyr species. Will xe take over the crown?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦✦✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦

Defense - ✦✦✦✦

Strength - ✦

Agility - ✦✦✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦

Chapter Text

???: “<Woah.>”

Keith said, in a foreign tongue, after he finally finished dramatically making out with his ‘best friend’, Natani, in the bathhouse of a ship.

Keith: “<Did you really have to tug on my ears so hard? God, I shouldn’t have told you about how sensitive it is up there…>”

Natani: “<Hey, you weren’t complaining at the time! Besides, I know you loved it.>”

Keith could feel his face get hotter as he looked away from Natani, trying to keep his composure.

Keith: “<W-well!...No! Shut up!>”

Natani cackles like a hyena, putting his arm on his stomach and his other arm onto his forehead.

Natani: “<Yeah, sure thing. We’re pretty close to our destination, if I remember. How’re you feeling?>”

Keith: “<I’m alright, Nat. Thanks for the.. Uh.. rubdown. I greatly appreciate it.>”

Natani: “<No problem! Well.. what now?>”

Keith: “<Well.. We’ll have to see. I’m a little iffy about the fact that there’s just a new island that supposedly ‘rose out of nowhere’, or so the king said.>”

Natani: “<We’ve been through more ridiculous stuff. It’s probably nothing much.”

Keith: “<Eh. I guess, but changes in our Mekkan (their version of Earth) don’t really happen that often. Not as one as suddenly as this, anyway. Did you know that geological changes here take ages to occur?>”

…

…

Keith: “<Nat, I know I JUST started rambling, but you can’t immediately doze off when-”

He turns his head to find Natani frozen in place. He slightly raises his brow as he waves his hand rapidly in front of Natani.

Keith: “<...Nat? Still there?>”

His eyes widen as he starts to poke and shake Natani rapidly, to which he didn’t even make a single response. He just maintained the same stupid stare.

Keith: “<C..cmon! This isn’t funny, Nat!”

He punches him in the face lightly, but he doesn’t exhibit a reaction. He squints his eyes in realization.

Keith: “...Wait.”

Keith grabs a nearby shampoo bottle and tosses it. The shampoo bottle floats midair.

Keith: “..What the hell.”

Keith: “HEY, WHOEVER’S DOING THIS, COME ON OUT AND FIGHT ME! I’M NOT AFRAID OF YOU!!”

Keith: “..Can’t say I’m saying the entire truth there. I’ve never seen any Keidran or Human bend TIME of all things.”

After a bit, Keith doesn’t receive a response.. Save for an envelope that floats from the ceiling.

Keith: “..Oh great, what is this now?”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

KEITH KEISER

Bow to the Ambassador of the Basitins, Keith Keiser is here! Hailing from Twokinds, Keith Keiser, despite the somewhat misleading appearance from the image I provided, is a strong trooper whose swordsmanship and abilities in combat excel some of the greatest warriors of his world. As a Basitin, he’s also naturally durable AND poison-resistant! His experiences have heavily shaped him up to be the person he is now, and, even under that cold, hard, aloof shell of his, he can be an incredibly caring person underneath it. Of course, that aloofness may or may not prove to be a hindrance in some mannerism. Will he be able to swing his way to victory?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✧

Defense - ✦✦✦✦✦

Strength - ✦✦✦✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦✦

Ability - ✦

Chapter Text

???: “Haha! And then I went for it! I yoinked the basketball, went for the hoop, and got the dunk!”

Kel excitedly flaunts his victory as he flexes (with what he has, anyway) with a bright smile, laughing a little.

Kel: “I mean, we lost the game, but I still looked pretty cool while doing the dunk.”

Hero: “Hah. Well, that’s awesome, Kel! Try not to let it get the better of you.”

Kel: “Hm? But it was impressive, right?”

Hero looks over to him with a frying pan and beautiful, simmering white eggs on it. It also appeared to come with some crispy bacon on the side. 

Hero: “Yeah, of course. I’m just saying to not let it get the best of you. Not saying that celebrating a victory is a bad thing, but..”

Kel looks away for a moment, before pointing his finger up in realization

Kel: “Oooh, it’s so that I don’t brag too much, right? Heh.”

Hero: “Well.. mostly, yeah.”

Hero walks over to Kel with the plate of breakfast with a smile on his face.

Hero: “Do you want some orange joe as well?”

Kel: “Oh yeah!”

Hero: “Hehe. Knew it.”

Hero laughs a little as he slides the eggs and bacon onto the place, to which Kel begins to chow down on. He places the pan into the dishwasher as he starts to wash his hands.

Kel: “Mmm! Thanghks Bro! This shit is bussin! Respectfully!”

Hero: “Hey, it’s no problem. And.. please eat with your mouth closed.”

Kel: “Hehehe!” 

He laughs as he wolfs down the meal more. Amidst his laughter, he comes close to choking on his meal, but is able to swallow. Hero comes back with some already prepared coffee and orange juice, as if he already knew he was gonna agree to the orange joe. Then, he pulls out a glass and mixes both of them to create a concoction only Kel could like.

Kel: “Aah! Thanks bro! That hit the spot!”

…

Kel: “Bro?”

Kel looks over with dotted eyes as he sees Hero smiling in the middle of his Joemaking.. As he appears to be frozen in time. The liquid also appears to be frozen.

Kel: “Woaaahh.. How’re you doing that, bro? What kinda magic are you doing?”

…

Kel: “Bro?”

Kel: “Wait.. am I frozen in time???”

Kel gets up and starts interacting with the environment around him. He grabs a random glass outside of the main table he’s currently on and puts it up in the air, before dropping it. It appears to pause in its tracks midair.

Kel: “Wooaahh.. That’s so cool!” 

Kel quickly jumps up in his feet as he hears a dinging in another room. It appeared to be the family phone in the living room.

Kel: “..Alright bro, I’ll be back in a moment to go answer that..."

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

KEL

Kel's here from the faraway town of Faraway Town! Coming from OMORI, Kel is one of the main character's (Sunny) friends, and is incredibly caring, holding a strong sense of justice. At times, he can be playful, but he knows when to take something seriously. He's very fit and agile, as he constantly plays basketball, and he also retains a few of his abilities from his dreamworld variant!... which doesn't make too much sense, but if I wanted to balance this guy out with like, the other guys here, then I kinda had to do that. Either way, he's a very easy friend to get along with, and he won't play around when there's a competition at hand. Will he get that slam dunk?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦✦✦

Defense - ✦✦

Strength - ✦✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦

Chapter Text

There was a soft sighing as they roamed around the silent forest. They walked around, lonely, waiting for someone to respond to their call.

They look down to their phone to check for a new notification, a new ding, or even something of the sort.. But to no avail. They quietly huff in dissatisfaction. 

???: “..When.. whEn wIll sOmEOnE rEspOnd..?”

MalO said to themself, sighing, with a little longing to their voice. Perhaps in an alternate universe, a pure coincidence happens and someone from an alternate timeline contacts them by.. well, pure coincidence. Any circumstances just to simply entertain Malo and their antics. But.. there wasn’t a single response. It appears nobody is downloading the application.. Which is surprising, given the current generation of people.

They check the time. It was 5:38. It was already the afternoon and it was nearing nighttime soon enough. MalO quietly goes over to a tree and starts to climb onto it, as they longingly look out into the sunset with pure, white eyes. And they felt like they sat there for an eternity…

An eternity..

Time felt like it was passing by as they watched the sun set..

…

…

The sun was not setting.

MalO: “...Is the sun not going to set?”

Although their voice came out rattled on the outside, their thoughts on the inside were as clearly worded as a crystal clear document.

MalO: “It’s been a few hours… It should’ve set by now.”

MalO looks down to their phone to check the time. It was.. 5:38. MalO makes a confused groan as they poke at the clock in their phone a little to check the seconds counter. It wasn’t ticking down at all.

MalO: “Is my phone broken?... No, then the sun would’ve set. Then.. is another SCP doing this? But then.. Why am I the only one being affected by the stop? Am I doing this?”

After MalO pondered to themself a little more, their thoughts were quickly interrupted when their phone was met with a “ding”.

MalO: “Ah! A dIng! fInAlly!”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

MALO

Do you hear breathing behind you? You probably don't. But if you do and you just so happened to download an application within the past 24 hours, chances are, it's probably MalO, or SCP-1471-A. Coming from the Foundation, MalO is, under normal circumstances, a hallucination. But for this case, they are a physical werewolf creature. They're very shy, and they try their best to communicate, however they find it very difficult to approach anyone with how coarse their voice is. They're incredibly bulky, very speedy, and, out of everyone in the case, they're most likely the tallest one. Will they be able to find peace?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦

Social Skills - 

Defense - ✦✦✦✦✦✦

Strength - ✦✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦✦

Ability - ✦

Chapter Text

A man walked into the kitchen and casually placed down a bag of groceries, which consisted of a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and anime.

???: “Finally back home. Alright.. Here we go.”

The man grabs his groceries and neatly organizes them as such, storing them in the fridge somewhere, with the exception of the anime to which he locates it in his personal collection. He sighs proudly as he finished organizing everything

???: “There we go. I’m gonna look forward to watching some Trigun tonight. But before that, there is one thing I must do.”

The man  walked into his room and calmly sat down in his chair. He boots up the computer, types in his password, and opens up a video recording program, alongside a video game of sorts. Then, he puts on his headphones and speaks into the mic.

Manly: “Hello everyone, this is ManlyBadassHero, and welcome to Welcome to the Game. Which is a horror game… where you look through websites… and find keys… or you die.”

As Manly began the game, he started playing through the game with some surprising professionalism to it. His face exhibited a lack of fear, as if he's been there before, done this before, went through it all with a stern face. He is a refined expert at the art of horror gaming.

Manly: “Oh, hello. Don’t you do that, now.”

He said, as he looked towards the door knob of the front door in-game, to which it constantly rattled. He held it down by holding his mouse, and never once chose to look up at the top window.

Manly: “..Yeah, that’s right. Get outta here.”

He now finally chooses to look up at the top window after the few minutes of holding the door knob pass by, to which he sees the threat move away from the household.. And stay completely still.

Manly: “Yeah, that’s what you get.”

He remained still.

…

Manly: “Wait”

Manly: “Wait that’s not normal”

He tried to move around in the game, but to no avail. 

Manly: “Did it crash?.. It might be part of the game. Let’s see..”

He attempts to press down on the mouse to click, but he’s unable to interact with it, as if it were a completely solid non-interactable object.

Manly: “Hm. Okay, that’s VERY weird.”

Manly scratches his hair a little, before he hears a ding dong noise at the front of his doorstep.

Manly: “Oh. I’m the horror game protagonist now, huh? Well, alright. Let’s see what this door’s got for me.”

He approaches the door and opens it up.. Only to be met with a package of sorts. He grabs the package and inspects it, feeling the sides of it.

Manly: “It’s very new.. and warm? Let’s check inside.”

He puts it on the table in the living room. He goes into his closet and pulls out box cutters, before opening up the box through the center and taking off the tape. Afterwards, he quickly checks the clock, before realizing the hands had paused.

Manly: “..Ah, I’m definitely in a horror game. Well that’s fine. This box is probably a good start to figuring out how to.. start it. Hopefully there's save points.. ”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

MANLYBADASSHERO

Hello everyone, my name is ManlyBadassHero, and welcome to another RPGMaker horror game. This man's a youtuber and is the only character featured here based on a real person. That wording is probably really confusing, but just know that the real Manly wouldn't be so hasty to accept an invitation by an unknown recipient. He is very fearless and is able to tackle on harsh situations with that sense of fearlessness. "Prone to Fear" isn't really a stat, but just know that it'd be really low for Manly. Otherwise, he's also got the capabilities of your average RPGMaker character, the ones that can run really fast to escape any threat. He's seen a lot before. Welcome to the Will He Win club, how Can He Winning is he?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦

Defense - ✦✦

Strength - ✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦✦

Chapter Text

???: “VIA, SWEETIE, DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE COFFEE MUG IS”

Stolas Goetia shouted, as he scoured through the kitchen cabinets in search of a coffee mug. His daughter groans as she covers her head down onto the table while eating a pair of dead rats.

Stolas: “IT’S THE ONE THAT SAYS #1 HOOT HOOT ON IT, IT WAS HERE A MOMENT AGO I SWEAR TO LUCIFER”

Octavia: “DAAAAD, YOU ALREADY BROKE THAT MUG ABOUT A WEEK AGO!”

Stolas blinks for a little, before sighing a little. 

Stolas: “Oh right. I must’ve forgotten.. how silly of me. It’s a good thing I have a replacement.”

He pulls out another mug from the kitchen cabinet that reads “#1 Hoo Hoo” on it. Octavia raises her head, and her eyes still reflect a sheer distaste within them.

Octavia: “...Why do you even have that mug?”

Stolas: “It’s quite charming, isn’t it Via? It’s a replacement in case my little old reliable were to go…  kaput .”

Octavia: “..Mhm. It’s pretty bad. Wouldn’t even want to walk around in my own room holding that mug.”

Stolas: “Well.. it’s not horrible .”

Octavia: “You justify that mug too much, dad.”

Stolas sighs a little as he pours himself some hell roasted coffee.

Stolas: “Anywhoo.. What’re you up to, Via?”

Octavia’s piercing glare subsides and loosens a little.

Octavia: “Mmh.. well, I’m glad you asked, actually. I’ve.. uh.. been.. umm.. researching the stars a little.”

Stolas’s eyes widen a little.

Stolas: “You have?”

Octavia: “Mhm. Try not to sound so surprised, but yeah. I’ve been learning about the wide varieties of stars.”

Stolas: “Well, if you wanted to learn about astrology, why didn’t you just ask me? I’d be glad to help with your research, dear!”

Octavia: “Well.. I was considering it. But I decided I wanted to try to make an effort to do something of my own that I can be proud of. I.. don’t mean any offense, dad. You would help me a lot, but I want to see how much I can do by myself.

Stolas’s eyes widened a little, his face a little surprised.

Octavia: “If you really want to.. You can quiz me once I’m ready!”

Stolas: “Of course.. My dear via.” 

He said, smiling as he looked down at her.

Stolas: “I’ll do it whenever you’re ready.”

Octavia smiles, nodding as she goes back to her own room. However, as she’s in the process of going back, she randomly stopped midway.

Stolas: “..Via? Are you alright? Are you.. in need of something else before you go?”

…

No response.

Stolas: “...Via?” 

He slightly cranes his head in curiosity as he walks over to her, as she remains still. 

Stolas: “..Are you okay, dear?”

He goes in front of Via, slightly waving his hand in front of her. She’s completely unresponsive.

Stolas: “..wait, what the fuck? Did somebody stop time? You’re not screwing with me, are you,  dear?”

She remains still.

Stolas: “Augh.. well, this is a bit of a predicament. If I’m in stopped time, then-”

As Stolas says that, he hears a ding from his phone. He pulls it out and sees one new message.

Stolas: “Aha! That means I can’t be in stopped time! Wait.”

He waited for a whole minute to wait for the digital clock to move a minute in his phone. 

It didn’t.

Stolas: “..Nevermind. Let’s just see who sent me what..”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

STOLAS

Bow down to the- wait, I already did this kind of intro. Well, whatever. Prince Stolas Goetia originates from the Helluva Boss series. From one view, he may be royal and stern, but beneath that cloth, is a much deeper side, much more gallant and dramatic, and ESPECIALLY when he’s near his dear Blitzy, the main character of the show. Of course, since Blitz isn’t here, his eyes will be focused on one thing and one thing only: victory. With his body, he has many things he can take advantage of, like his flight and his demon form, however, he may not use his grimoire.. because of the rules and whatnot. Even with out it.. he may still prove to be quite the threat. Will he be able to take that crown?

STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦✦✦

Defense - ✦✦✦

Strength - ✦✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦✦✦✦

Chapter Text

???: “Alright, that wraps it up for today’s work..!”

Topaz says, as she wraps up a couple of debt agreements on her computer, sighing with a satisfaction behind her breath. She looks down to her trustworthy little pet, who appeared to be an intergalactic dog(?) of sorts. The name of it is Numby. 

Numby makes a joyful little noise.

Topaz: “Yeah, finally. Sooner or later, I'll be informed of another business asignemnt of some kind, but for right now.. We actually don’t have anything of importance right now!”

Topaz sighs softly as she picks herself up from her desk in her room, walking towards the door. 

Topaz: “Numby, do you want to revisit Taikiyan for a little while? Not for any business, of course. It might be nice to take in the colorful lights again.”

Numby jumps up happily, making an intergalactic “oinking” noise as he does.

Topaz: “Hah, awesome! Alrighty, let’s go, Numby!”

As Topaz strolls towards the door of her room, she attempts to open it but finds that she’s unable to interact with the door handle of the door.

Topaz: “..Hm? Did the door get jammed?”

Topaz: “..No, wait, that’s not possible. If that were the case, then the door handle would’ve reacted a little differently. The fact that it’s not moving at all..”

Numby looks over to Topaz with a worried squeak.

Topaz: “It’s alright. I don’t know why it’s reacting like this, but I’ll be able to figure something out.”

As she says that, she attempts to tug on the handle of the door with a desire to get it completely open, to no avail.

Topaz: “Heh, weird. This is.. pre-tty weird. What do you think, Numby?”

Numby hops up and down, then tries tossing themself toward the door, turning into something similar to a razor blade as they attempt to do so. However.. He ends up getting knocked back, and the door remains unfazed. Topaz quickly catches them

Topaz: “Ah, Numby! A-are you alright?”

Numby, although somewhat dazed, nods.

Topaz: “I’m surprised that didn’t work. This door should be made of wood, so not too sure why your attack didn’t really do much..”

She checks her blue wristwatch.

Topaz: “Oh, wait. I remember that when I finished up the lease, it was 8:30 P.M., but.. it’s still 8:30 P.M. Time must be frozen somehow.. Numby, we’re in stopped time!”

Numby starts dancing around in some kind of a panic

Topaz: “Alright, stay calm, Numby. It’s gonna be okay. We’ll find a way out of this, just-”

[DING DING DING]

Topaz: “Oh? Well, that shouldn’t be happening if time is stopped. I think that may be our marketing plan!” 

Topaz whispers the “marketing” part, as she slightly laughs to herself before going towards the phone

Topaz: “Alright, let’s see what’s up.”

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

TOPAZ AND NUMBY

Yes, you heard it right here, Topaz AND Numby. It'll be the two of them fighting together! You might think this is a bit unfair but if Sarcon and Koneko allow it, then I guess it's fine! Topaz comes from the IPC, or the Interastral Peace Corporation, responsible for basically everything money related across the cosmos. Although Topaz can't do much physically, she is very impressive when it comes to her intelligence. She can solve math equations in a fraction of a second upon simply hearing the question, and can pick up on things a lot quicker than anyone else. Numby, meanwhile, is the more powerful one of the two. Numby can find the location of riches, turn into a buzzsaw for some reason, maybe even a tornado sometimes. Their array of abilities is quite interesting, given their nature. Will she be able to make the perfect plan and see through it?

TOPAZ STATS

Intelligence - ✦✦✦✦✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦✦✦

Defense - ✦

Strength - ✦

Agility - ✦✦

Ability - ✦ 

NUMBY STATS

Intelligence - ✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦✦✦ (In Numby Speak, otherwise it's just a ✦)

Defense - ✦✦✦✦

Strength - ✦✦✦✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦✦✦

Chapter Text

???: “Bleh!”

There was a small, blue demon inside of a large castle, eating out of the cafeteria food gracefully provided to them for a measly price of nothing. The demon themself is commonly referred to as “The Underling”.

Underling: “Gah.. gross! Who made this? This is bad! It tastes horrible!”

Some Other Demon Guy: “Hey. Don’t insult Demon Ma’s Cooking. We get it for free, chum.”

Underling: “I know! But.. what is it even made out of? It looks.. goopy.”

S.O.D.S.: “Don’t worry about it. Just eat it and appreciate it.”

Underling groans a bit as they return to his room with the tray of slop in their hand, as they place the tray onto the desk. 

Underling: “It’s so boring nowadays! Our Overlord™ isn’t even doing anything and we’re just sitting ducks.. just.. Sitting around! Doing nothing! Like Ducks! 

…

Underling: “That’s boring!”

Underling groans a bit as he looks over to their tray of food, before grabbing a spoonful of it and tossing it midair.

Underling: “I hate boring!”

As the food is tossed midair, it randomly pauses through the sky, the gray slop making a halt as if gravity didn’t have any business with it.

Underling: “..Huh? Woah.. that’s cool!”

They start throwing more spoonfuls of slop midair, to which they all stop mid air. Eventually, after ten minutes, their room is just filled with circles of gray slop floating, thanks to the timestop.

Underling:  “I gotta tell the others! This is really fucking cool!”

Underling dashes out of their room and down the stairs, to which they almost trip, and dash over to the cafeteria. However, they quickly notice that everyone in here is completely paused.

Underling: “Woaaahh.. Thinking about anarchy made me stop time! Sweet! I oppose thee, time lord, heheehee!” 

The Underling quickly does a montage of devious things, like flipping over trays of slop onto other demons heads, grabbing fistfuls of slops and putting it into the lunch lady’s face, and especially covering up that other guy with a complete bucketload of slop

Underling: “Hehe! That’ll show em! Now.. how do I unstop it.”

…

Underling: “Uhh.. unstop!”

…

Underling: “..Unstop?”

…

Underling: “Am I stuck in stopped time?... Actually, that doesn’t sound so bad.”

…

Underling: “Wait, I won’t have any food to eat! Okay, I change my mind, stopped time is pretty bad!”

…

[DING DONG!]

Underling: “Oh! I-I’ll get it!”

Despite the fact that time is stopped, they don’t seem to acknowledge that any form of a door ring is abnormal and thus, they dash over to it with speed. They go out and dash over to the gate, to which they see someone moving and standing there with a hood.

Underling: “Hello, how can-”

The hooded person simply gives the Underling a letter.. And quickly retreats. Disappearing into the shadows

Underling: “...Huh. What a weirdo.”

Underling: "Well, let's see what we got here..."

[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION]

UNDERLING

LOOK AT THE GUY! LOOK AT THEM!!! that's underling bad end theater. There's a variety of things of endings to this game, and a variety of personalities that this Underling can take, but this variation of the Underling will have a mix of them all. They like to cause mischief, and they're incredibly friendly sometimes. However, their actions can sometimes be suppressed by greater forces. Despite their stature, they can do quite a lot. They even have retractable claws! Anyway, maybe they'll get a good ending? Who knows! 

STATS

Intelligence - ✦

Social Skills - ✦✦✦✦

Defense - ✦✦

Strength - ✦✦✦

Agility - ✦✦✦

Ability - ✦✦

Chapter Text

Everyone quickly inspects their letter and reads the note inside.

Doremy: “You have been cordially invited..”

Gnarpy: “To a feztivity of great valour..”

Keith: “And to which one would triumph.”

Kel: “You may have the option to cordially decline..”

Malo: “Or ThE oPtIoN tO cOr-.. Cor.. cOrdIAlly aCcEpT.”

Manly: “Either way, we will not mind.”

Stolas: “And to those who cordially participate and succeed..”

Topaz: “We have a great big reward, prepared for three.”

Underling: “If you would like to join.. Please tap the note five times and chant ‘Koneko and Sarcon’.”

“Just know that if you cordially choose to join, time will cordially remain stopped in your world until you choose to leave or you are cordially eliminated, cordially.”

Sarcon: “Do you think they listened?”

Koneko: “Hoh! I have no doubt about it! Well, they’ve been informed that time will be stopped in their world, and that this event will not affect their world in real time. The only reason to deny would simply be out of a desire to not partake, which is completely okay! I believe all of those ‘cordial’..e’s.. should be able to convince them!”

Sarcon: “So.. that means they might not go?”

Koneko: “Of course.”

Sarcon: “......Wouldn’t it be better to force them?”

Koneko: “Sarcon, you know that would only be fun for you.”

Sarcon gives a slithering smile towards Koneko, before a portal opens up midair.

Koneko: “Besides.. It appears we have our first guest already!”

Sarcon: “..Oh?”

Out the portal, came out Doremy Sweet, who was able to graciously land on the ground with both of her feet, her tail alike to that of an ox carefully landing down onto the grass. She lifts her body up and takes a good look at both Sarcon and Koneko, whose bodies clearly towered over her by a mile.

Doremy: “Well.. this isn’t quite what I assumed.”

Sarcon: “You’re telling me! You’re so fucking tiny!”

Doremy: “And you appear to be incredibly large. Are you both under the effects of the Miracle Mallet?”

Koneko: “Hohoho! You very much are aware that this isn’t your world anymore, of course. We couldn’t even fathom a clue of what the Miracle Mallet is! Unless, of course, we were to inspect the history of your world.”

Sarcon: “Yeah. We can’t directly affect the world, unfortunately , but we can still observe. Let’s see here…”

Sarcon analyzes Doremy for a moment, opens up a rift shaped like a rectangle and, with his tail, reaches up to his head and puts up some reading glasses to his eyes as he squints a little.   

Sarcon: “According to my intergalactic sources.. The miracle mallet is a hammer relic owned by Sukuna Shinmyoumaru, an inchling, who wields the hammer to increase her size to be used in combat and other potential real world uses. It has many other functions, but its main function is the size changing gimmick.”

Sarcon slightly lowers his glasses, as he closes the rift and stares down at Doremy.

Sarcon: “...Do I have that correct?”

Doremy nods, maintaining a very clear gaze towards Sarcon and not expressing much of a change in her emotions.

Doremy: “Yes. She’s not very.. happy about her tiny size very much. Her dreams say as such .”

Doremy: “My name is Doremy Sweet, although judging by your power, I assume you both knew that?”

Koneko nods.

Koneko: “Hoho! You’re very perceptive!”

Sarcon: “..That didn’t take much imagination.”

Doremy: “Maybe not. But it would be rude to not introduce myself to those who dearly invited me.”

Koneko does a pleasant little bow while Sarcon just still remains a little annoyed, staring her down as if she had insulted his very soul.

Doremy: “Putting that aside..”

Doremy glances about, looking at the somewhat empty island.

Doremy: “I was under the assumption that there’d be more guests.. and, perhaps more buildings to do festivities? It appears quite lovely, but it appears somewhat vacant.”

Koneko: “Ohoho! Hold that thought! Someone else appears to be arriving!”

Doremy: “Oh?”

As Koneko says that, another portal appears from thin air, and out comes the manliest man himself, Manlybadasshero. He picks himself up from the ground as he lands abruptly, his knees crouched to the ground. He lifts his head up to look at the three others.

Manly: “..Oh, woah- Uhh.. woah. Hey. You guys are large.”

Koneko: “Manly! It is quite lovely to see you here!”

Manly looks up towards Koneko and scratches his hair a little, in confusion.

Manly: “Do I know you?”

Koneko: “Of course not! But I know your name, my esteemed friend. You will learn our names once everyone arrives so that we mustn’t repeat ourselves eight times, but.. You are the second of our guests to arrive.”

Manly: “Uh-huh… this is a little weird, but I’m not exactly.. not interested. Where am I?”

Sarcon: “Don’t worry about it. Just greet your new little friend.”

Manly glances over to Doremy, whose smile is incredibly wide and smug, staring back with a keen gaze.

Doremy: “You must be.. a human, correct? I don't see those very often in Gensokyo.” “What an odd looking man. I don’t see people very often with… facial hair.”

Manly: “Gensokyo?..Isn’t that a Touhou thing? But she’s talking to me as if she were real. Is anime real?” “Yes, you can call me Manly. Who are you supposed to be?”

Doremy: “My name is Doremy Sweet. I’m not a human. Hopefully that isn’t too much of a concern.”

Manly: “Oh, that’s neat.”

Doremy: “..Hm~.”

Doremy: “..Well, that’s surprising. I’ve heard from Yukari that many of the worlds she’s visited featured human-dominated worlds. Judging from his lackluster reaction, I suppose that means he comes from a world where he’s more accommodated to a world where there’s more than one species.”

Doremy: “I’m glad you understand, then.”

Koneko: “..Hoho. It appears they’re getting along well, bro.”

Sarcon: “Yeah. Oh, and here comes our next guy!”

A portal appears once more, and out comes the big furred beast MalO, who lands incredibly roughly against the ground, its body tilted upwards as they accidentally turn over upon landing.

MalO: “gwa?”

Sarcon: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

MalO: “...”

Sarcon: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

Koneko: “sarcon calm down why are you screaming??”

Sarcon: "i'm just playing the part bro. they look scary..."

Sarcon snickers to himself.

MalO: "I'm.. scary? You're a big snake!"

Manly: “Did you guys invite a werewolf?”

MalO quickly looks over to Manly in surprise to hearing his voice, to which Manly doesn't react to the sudden head tilt.

Doremy thinks to herself for a moment, trying to think about Manly’s origin.

Doremy: “..I see. So he must be in a world that has werewolves. I knew I should’ve talked to Kagerou a little more..” “It is quite furry, although it’d be rude to assume.”

Manly: “Is that something someone would get offended by? I guess I don’t really know everyone, huh.”

MalO slightly takes the time to breathe in and out, calming themself down as they look at their surroundings and see Manly, Doremy, and the two gods tower over them. MalO blankly stood still.

Koneko: “..You don’t have to be shy. Go on, say something!”

MalO: “...”

MalO: “..Ah. I can’t say anything. Great. I know I can say something, but..”

MalO stays completely silent. Koneko laughs a little.

Koneko: “Hoho. It’s just a little shy. It may need to take a bit of time to open up to others!”

Sarcon: “Pussy.”

Koneko bashes Sarcon’s side with her elbow, to which he could only respond with a hoarse laugh, his fangs baring a little. 

Koneko: “Sarcon, manners!”

Sarcon: “Hey, i’m not the one who bashed a shoulder a moment ago!”

Koneko: “Well, yeah, but you just made fun of one of our guests!”

Sarcon: “The truth hurts, Koneko.” 

Koneko frustratingly frowns a little, but just sighs, looking over to MalO, who doesn’t seem anymore adamant in speaking its mind. 

MalO: “...”

MalO could only find themselves looking away slightly, its stare slightly awkward.

Manly: “..Okay. Well, nice to see you, I guess. How many more people are coming?”

Koneko: “I believe.. Six more.. Soon to be five.”

Doremy: “Ah, so that means our next guest is arriving in a moment?”

Koneko: “Correct.”

Manly: “..Well, before that happens, I wanted to talk about you.”

Manly says, turning his head over to Doremy with a calming stare in his eyes. Not exactly dead, but not quite energetic either. Her eyes stare right back.

Doremy: “..Is that so?”

Manly: “Mhm. You said you weren’t a human, right? So, if you don’t mind me asking, what exactly are you?” 

Doremy thinks for a moment, before coming up with a reasonable response to test the waters.

Doremy: “I am a monster. Or at least, that’s what we’re called in our world. We tend to look similar to humans, but we may have different appendages attached to us. As you can see.. I have this Ox tail.”

Doremy: “..I need to test how willingly he’s able to believe such an obvious lie. I also can’t tell him I’m a baku directly, because if those exist in his world, then he would be aware of my ability, and that could pose trust issues between us.”

Manly: “Oh okay, that’s kinda cool.”

Doremy: “...”

Manly: “...”

Doremy: “..That was all you needed to ask, correct?”

Manly: “Yeah.”

Doremy: “...How aloof.”

As another portal forms and opens up midair, a blue little gremlin falls out and lands onto the patch of green grass from beneath their feet, before quickly tripping and landing on their stomach.

Underling: “wr-wrah?”

The Underling looks up at MalO’s beastly figure, who towered over them by a lot. It’s a good thing the Underling didn’t really notice Koneko and Sarcon yet, but even the sight of MalO caused them to go-

Underling: “WRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

MalO: “...”

Underling: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Everyone else: “...”

Sarcon: “CAN YOU GUYS SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU’RE MAKING MY 𝔠𝔬𝔩𝔲𝔪𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔞 BLEED”

MalO: “..We didn’t even say anything…”

Koneko: “bro why’d you say it like that”

Sarcon: “let me have this bro i don’t remember my anatomy very often”

Underling: “WHAT ARE YOU?? YOU LOOK BIG! AND GROSS!”

MalO: “A.. gross? I’m… gross?”

MalO simply gazed at the Underling with a dead stare, not exhibiting any of their emotions, as they (Underling) backed away, claws protracted as they debated a flight or fight response in their head, but not before accidentally bumping into Manly in his leg with his head.

Manly: “Hey.”

Underling: “A- a-a-a-a human?? U-uuuh..”

The Underling quickly dashes behind Manly and clutches his leg.

Underling: “E-eat him! He’s way tastier! And human!”

Manly: “Hey! No, I’m not tasty at all.”

Despite this, it’s very clear that Manly didn’t really show any panic at all in the sudden developments, and retained his tone of voice from earlier, similar to his conversation with Doremy. Underling, on the other hand, is still scared for their life, as all MalO does is blankly stare at them. It’s even clearer that MalO wasn’t intending on eating anyone.

Doremy: “You all amuse me so. Now.. what might your name be?” 

Doremy said, as she approached towards Underling and raised a hand out to pick them up from their crouched and fearful state. The Underling backed away a little more, not trusting of Doremy either. 

Underling: “U-uuh.. Uuuh.. name? What name? What’s a name?”

Koneko: “Ah.. if I may intervene..”

Koneko says, pulling out a clipboard that features the names of the guests that are to arrive at the island. The underling only now just notices Koneko and Sarcon and is a little more fearful at their sudden existence

Underling: “W-WHERE DID YOU COME FROM??”

Sarcon: “We were literally here the entire time.”

Koneko: “Please, try not to be so alarmed.”

Koneko said, scooping up Underling with her gargantuan arms as the Underling quickly struggled to get off her arms.

Underling: “HEY- HEY, LET GO OF ME!”

Koneko gazes down at Underling, her giant eyes blinking a little as she observes the small, scrawny movements of the gremlin. She rubs their back a little, massaging it somewhat.

Koneko: “Hoh. We don’t pose a threat, dear. Please, just relax for me a little. You were here to participate in festivities with the rest of the group here, who you’ll compete alongside with.”

The Underling suddenly senses the smooth, silky sensation of Koneko’s fur and feels somewhat entranced by it, slightly feeling the heavenly patches of what would be similar to the warmth of a recently ironed blanket. Their initial fear and worries start to wash away in an instant as they comfortably reposition themselves against the arms of Koneko, their face expressing an incredible serenity.

MalO: “Woah. She calmed them down instantly!? They’re asleep now.”

Doremy: “Hm, intriguing. So the kitty’s fur has sleeping properties to it? I wonder what kind of ability she has…”

Koneko smiles as she looks towards the calm, soft smile of the Underling, before softly placing them down onto the green patches of grass beneath her.

Koneko: “You see, this little guy here technically doesn’t have a name. By their overlord which they serve, however, she technically refers to them as ‘Underling’, and their peers refer to them as ‘Bro’, ‘Dude’, or ‘The Small One’. However, I think It’d make a little more sense if they were just to choose a name for themselves.” 

Sarcon scoffs a little as they look over to the list, putting on his reading glasses again and shooting out a little chuckle.

Sarcon: “Wait, deadass? What kinda parents did they end up with?”

Koneko: “Sarcon.”

Koneko says, before carrying Sarcon over to a separate part of the island where the competitors can’t hear them.

Koneko: “Hoho, you fool. That’s for the competitors to figure out. It would be rude to give out personal information without consent while they’re still asleep.”

Sarcon grumbles a little, but can’t really argue with that sentiment as much as he wants to. It would be infinitely more interesting for the cast of characters to figure out the backstories of other people by themselves, and that would’ve been a more interesting watch for Sarcon than just him directly telling them the answer. They both return back to the main group of characters.

Manly: “So what kinda parents were they?”

Sarcon: “We don’t know. Can’t look that far into it.”

Doremy’s eyes quickly glance over to Sarcon with a gaze of curiosity.

Doremy: “Now that’s strange.. Didn’t you say that all you needed to do to know something was to inspect the history of a world? Why would parental figures be a stopping point for that?”

Sarcon: “Uuh.. Well.. uuhhh..”

Koneko: “Hold that thought, I believe our next guest is coming!”

Doremy: “..Hm. My only guess is that they must be dead, then. It might also be likely that the Underling’s parents aren’t as traditional and may require more explanation to their existence than necessary. It’s not something I should put too much thought into right now, though.”

The portal forms out of the air once again, and out comes Kel, who excitedly jumps out from the portal and does a cool looking combat roll, before standing up straight and nearly falling over!

Kel: “Heh! Nailed it! Now, where am I-”

Kel looks around to see what basically was a human, a human that has an animal feature, a blue demon that’s currently asleep in the grass, and a big black furred beast, alongside two giant animals looking down upon them.

Kel: “Woooooaaahhhh…”

Sarcon: “..Koneko, why’d you invite a child?”

Koneko: “Hoho! You mustn’t underestimate Kel. I’m sure he’ll prove to be very challenging.”

Kel: “Yeah, what the giant cat thing said! Anyway, this is really freaking cool! Who are you all supposed to be?”

Manly: “Manly.” “...Kel? I’m not hallucinating things, right? He’s actually real? I mean, some of these people looked vaguely familiar, but I ACTUALLY know who this is.”

Doremy: “My name is Doremy Sweet.”

Underling: “mimimimimimi…”

Manly: “That ones the Underling. They’re gonna get their own name soon.”

Kel: “Oh, sweet, a name party? That’s chill. What about that guy?”

Kel says, pointing at MalO, which causes them to flinch a little.

Koneko: “..Go on! Please, let everyone know who you are. Introductions go a long way, dear.”

MalO: “...”

MalO: “...”

MalO: “I’m…”

Manly and Doremy glance over to MalO, who suddenly finally spoke a word.

MalO: “I’m.. uhh.. mAlO. n.. nIcE.. to mEEt yOU.”

Kel looks up over to MalO with innocent eyes, before giving a wide smile.

Kel: “Heh! Nice to meet you too, MalO. I’m Kel! You look pretty cool!”

MalO: “A.. Ahh.. t.. thAnk yOU…”

Koneko: “Wow.. they’re getting along so well..”

Sarcon: “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING, when’s the next guy coming in”

Koneko sighs a little as she hears Sarcon’s output.

Koneko: “..In a second. Also, please don’t be as negative when they actually compete. We don’t want a lot of outside interference to effect the competition.”

Sarcon sticks his tongue out.

Sarcon: “plblbrhrhr.” 

And out the portal, jumped out Gnarpy, whose immediate reaction was to jump onto Underling and knock him over, causing him to wake up and jolt up suddenly.

Gnarpy: HL2 Stalker Scream

Underling: “w- BAUGH! GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET THIS WEIRD THING OFF OF ME!”

The underling quickly protracts their claws and starts attempting to scratch at Gnarpy, to which xe quickly avoids it and latches onto their back. 

Gnarpy: “Hehe.. xtupid! ZO STUPID! FOOLISH! ZHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Gnarpy quickly knocks over Underling and jumps ontop of him, to which the underling makes a slight grunt

Gnarpy: “I REIGN ABOVE ZEM ALL! GHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!”

Everyone looked over to Gnarpy with a somewhat concerned stare. Sarcon nudges at Koneko a little.

Sarcon: “...I like this one’s energy.”

Koneko: “Xe’s… certainly quite competitive.”

Sarcon: “..Xe? Is that his name?”

Koneko looks over to Sarcon, a little confused, before realizing what he’s referring to.

Koneko: “Ah, yeah. That’s just what xe goes by. Not too hard to wrap your tail around, right?”

Sarcon: “Never heard of that kinda thing. But if it belongs to this kinda guy, I think I should also go by xe, too. I admire this despicable being’s spirit.”

Koneko: “...Really?”

Sarcon huffs a little.

Sarcon: “Nah. That’s a lotta work. That last part stays true, though.”

Manly: “..Alright, so we’ve got a monster girl with an ox tail, big werewolf thing.., Kel for some reason, a blue creature of some kind.. And now that thing. Maybe I did end up in some kinda crack RPGMaker game? I dunno.” 

Kel: “Hey guys, knock it off!” 

Kel says, running forward into the crossfire of the two of them fighting against eachother, tugging off Gnarpy from their body and holding xim like this.

Gnarpy: “HEY, LET GO OF ME! YOU ZEEBLOING”

Kel: “Don’t you ‘zeebloing” me, you.. weird.. Alien cat thing. Why were you trying to fight him??”

Gnarpy: “I’M NOT A ‘WEIRD CAT THING’, I’M A GNARPIAN! HE ZTARTED IT!!”

Underling: “WHA- HEY! I WAS SLEEPING?!?”  

Gnarpy: “YOU WERE INTENDING TO ZEEP ZOP MY ZEEPER NOP!”

Underling: “the whay?”

Gnarpy: “GRAAAAAH- LET GO OF MEZ!”

Kel: “Woah- HEY!”

Kel keeps a firm grip on Gnarpy’s back as xe attempts to get off and scratch at Underling while they just back away a little. 

Gnarpy: “WHY AM I ZO SHORT ANYWAY?? ZHIS IS ZUPER UNFAIR!!!”

Koneko: “Well, we didn’t do any altering to your heights. At least, not physically. The island in this world here forces the minimum of sentient beings to be at least 3’0, and thus does some forceful adjustments throughout the transportation process in order to adjust to that ruleset. You will go back to normal once you return to your world however.. It appears you touch that bare minimum.”

Doremy snorts a little.

Gnarpy: “GWAH- I’M NOT ZHORT! I’M TALL, TOWERING! TALLEST OF ALL ZE GNARPIANS! ZHIS IS DIZCRIMINATION!” 

Sarcon: “Yeah, loving this guy’s energy.”

MalO: “U..uuhh..”

MalO slightly approaches toward Gnarpy, who's still held up by Kel like a cat contained of their true power.

MalO: “h.. hEllo.”

Gnarpy: “What zo YOU want, you zeep zorp?”

MalO: “U-uuh.. Name.”

Gnarpy: “...Hmz?”

MalO approaches closer, to which Gnarpy squints xyr eyes as the gap between them closes.

Gnarpy: “Ztep away! You zmell bad!”

MalO whines a little, but doesn’t retreat back. With somewhat persevering eyes, they stand still. Gnarpy scoffs, as MalO speaks.

MalO: “I.. just.. WantEd to.. knOw your nAmE.”

Kel smiles and gives a thumbs up in the background while still holding xem, as Gnarpy’s nonexistent eyebrows ruffle a little.

Gnarpy: “...You've got gutz. Hmph. Maybe its foolizhnezz.”

…

Gnarpy: “Lizten well. My name iz Gnarpy. Don’t go forgetting it, foolish werewolf.”  

MalO blinks a bit, but nods.

MalO: “O..okAy. I’M…”

Gnarpy: “i don’t NEED your NAME!”

MalO whines a little as it retreats back, to which Kel looks scornfully towards Gnarpy.

Kel: “Hey! MalO just wanted to tell you-”

Gnarpy: “I don’t CARE, LET GO OF ME!”

Gnarpy struggles off of Kel’s firm grip until he’s finally unable to hold on and xe’s able to let go and drop down, landing perfectly on all fours before quickly picking xemself up. 

Gnarpy: “Aaah.. finally. You ztupid… fleshian!”  

Gnarpy faces backwards and looks over to Kel, who kept a pout in his expression.

Gnarpy: “Why did you keep me HELD like zat?? You zeep zorps are such ZEEBLOINGS! If I had my ZAPPER, I would-”

Before Gnarpy can continue speaking, he curiously attempts to poke xyr eye, to which Gnarpy reflexively jumps back.

Gnarpy: “GAAAAAH, HEY! WHAT THE FLOZWAD??”

Kel: “...Do you have four eyes?”

Gnarpy: “YEZ??? I CLEARLY DO!?! I’LL HAVE YOU KNOW THAT-”

Procedurally, they both start to begin having a pointless argument. As they do that, Doremy pulls out a notebook and slowly starts noting down their behavior.

Doremy: “I see.. Their behaviors are very interesting. I suppose it wouldn’t be difficult to keep track of how they.. function. Figuring out what their dreams are like.. well, it would also help me in the long run.”

Koneko: “Anyway..” 

Koneko says, grabbing Gnarpy out of Kel’s argument as xe complains while xe’s being picked up.

Gnarpy: “HEY! LET GO YOU ZIP-”

Gnarpy gets a good look at Koneko and feels xyr eyes widen, as if xe just saw something just then.

Gnarpy: “...zorp..?”

Koneko: “I'll resize Gnarpy to a much more reasonable size. I’ve checked their universe out and it’s pretty clear that, for xyr species, xe’s somewhat tall and not quite like a housecat. It would be pretty fair to adjust xyr height as such.”

Sarcon: “You hear that, little guy? You won’t be as short!”

Gnarpy’s eyes are practically sparkling as xe looks over at Koneko’s face, xyr mouth a little gaped as xe looks at Koneko.

Sarcon: “...Uh. Is the dude okay?”

Koneko: “Hm?”

Koneko looks down at Gnarpy, whose two tails are wagging like a propeller on a helicopter and xyr eyes are gleaming as if God was wrought upon their eyes and brought into their skeletal system.

Koneko: “...Not a clue. Xe looks out of it. Are you quite alright, my dear?”

Gnarpy: “Gwa.. gwu.. Mm.. aah… mmaah.. mmmmr..”

Gnarpy quickly falls to a comfortable sleep, to which Koneko looks over, confused, and immediately realizes what was wrong.

Koneko: “..Oh right. I forgot about the sensation my arms had. Oops.”

Sarcon: “Well, yeah, there’s that, but it felt a little different this time? Guy was looking at you like you were xyr god or something.”

Koneko chuckles a little as she somewhat cradles the creature.

Koneko: “I suppose I did see some very passionate eyes before xe fell into a deep sleep. Perhaps that’s what it is? It might be something else, however. Anywho.. I will be a little busy resizing this little guy. Please handle the next guests with care, Sarcon. I’m putting my trust in you for this.”

Sarcon: “Roger.”

Sarcon’s eyes looked over to the remaining cast of characters.

Sarcon: “So, how’re you guys feeling? Comfy?”

Manly: “Could be better.”

Doremy: “Quite.”

Underling: “Myeh.”

Kel: “YEAH!”

MalO: “...”

Sarcon: “Yeah, yeah, love all the answers. Anyway.. Next person should be arriving right about now. Hopefully they’re not too much of a pushover and are kinda similar to that last guy.”

Manly: “Hey, I’m not a pushover.”

Kel: “Neither am I! I’m a pullunder!”

Doremy: “..What?”

Kel: “You know, pullunder! It’s, like, the opposite, so it’s all good.”

Doremy: “Ah.. I see. I’ve never heard of that word.” “...Did he make that up now?”

Sarcon: “Yeah yeah, stop bitching. Next guy’s here.”

Out from the portal, comes out the somewhat tall, flamboyant owl, stumbling a little despite having talons . His robe gallantly flutters in the wind as he poses dramatically upon landing, pretending the earlier stumble didn’t occur.

Doremy: “I’m not one to judge off of looks, but.. this being looks pretentious.”

Stolas: “Ah, hello everyone! It is quite nice to meet you all!” 

He says, while giving a bow of sorts.

Stolas: “My name is Stolas Goetia. It is a pleasure to meet you all! I hope we can all get along we-”

Stolas looks around, surprised at the colorful cast of characters.

Stolas: “..Well this is quite the fucking party. What am I looking at, exactly?”

Kel: “Hey, language!”

Stolas squints his eyes towards Kel.

Stolas: “What are you, 5?”

Kel: “No… why?”

Stolas: “You can’t handle a measly curse word?”

Kel: “No, dude! It’s a curse word. They curse you.”

Stolas: “..Excuse me? What could you possibly be blabbering about?”

Kel: “Whatever, man. I’m not gonna worry you too much about it. Enjoy your curse.” 

Kel: “Heh. It worked the last time I did it. Now he’s gonna stop cursing for good.”

Stolas: “..What the fuck is this kid on about?”

Stolas: “Well, that’s quite.. interesting. This is all.. very… very interesting. Where exactly am I?”

Sarcon: “An island.”

Stolas: “Woah. Who are YOU ? You’re quite.. large. Not even Asmodeus is.. Oh my.”

Stolas is fascinated at his height as he slightly scratches his chin and looks up at Sarcon. He’s thinking odd thoughts right now, but I’d rather not describe them.

Sarcon: “We’ll get there when everyone is here. For right now.. Lets see here.. Stolas Goetia, correct?”

Stolas: “I clearly introduced myself moments ago, did I not?”

Sarcon: “..Goetic Prince of Hell.”

Stolas: “..Oh, I did not say that. How the fuck did you-”

Sarcon: “I can read your universe, blah blah blah, I can explain everything and I practically know everything about you and your peers, whatever, basic knowledge by now.”

Underling: “Wa- Hey, wait, I didn’t know about that!”

Sarcon laughs as he looks over to the puny presence beneath him.

Sarcon: “Yeah, cause nobody gives a shit. It’s not like I’m gonna go in your universe and punch you in the fucking face; I can’t do that.”

Underling: “..Oh, okay, cool!”

Stolas looks over to the other competitors

Stolas: “So is this my..?”

Sarcon: “Competition? Yeah.”

Stolas: “..Oh, alright. This’ll be quite easy then. Everyone here looks so… weak.”

Sarcon: “I know. I thought something similar.”

Kel pouts a little before angrily looking over to Stolas.

Kel: “I’m not weak!”

Stolas: “Pft. Sure.”

Doremy: “Don’t underestimate us just from our appearance, you know. Looks may be quite deceiving.”

Stolas: “You’re welcome to prove me wrong in the course of the festivities, but.. I’m not really quite buying that immediately.”

Doremy: “Hm. Is that a challenge~?”

Stolas: “Hoohoo.. If you view it as one, I won’t stop you.”

Doremy: “..Yes. Quite pretentious.”

Stolas: “Anywhoo.. What’s that thing’s deal?” 

Stolas said, pointing toward MalO.

Stolas: “It’s just sitting there like a lonely highschooler in demon prom.”

MalO glances its head up to stare over at Stolas, to which Stolas hooted a little in delight.

Manly: “They’re MalO.”

Stolas: “Oh, my! They’re quite adorable. And beastly! They somewhat reminds me of my plants a little. I like that… balance.”

MalO’s eyes appeared as deep as a void as Stolas slowly approached them. MalO stood completely still as he approached them, looking directly into their eyes.

Stolas: “Can you speak, dear?”

MalO: “A.. aum, YEAh. I cAn..”

Stolas: “Ah. So coarse.. And yet, so, so incredibly organic. You have quite a lovely voice.  Pardon if this question comes off as rude, but what exactly are you?”

Doremy: “..It’s like a switch flipped inside of him.”

MalO: “..Uuuuhhh.. Ummm..”

It appears not even MalO knew the answer to that question. Stolas slightly tilted his head in curiousity, making a small ‘hoot’ noise as he did.

MalO: “I nEvEr rEAlly.. thOUght abOUt It..”

Stolas: “Hum.. well, that’s quite alright. Now.. as for everyone else..”

Stolas looks around curiously..

Stolas: “Well, first off, what are your names?”

Manly: “Manly.”

Doremy: “I’m Doremy Sweet!”

Underling: “I dunno!”

Kel: “...Kel.”

Kel grumbles a little, clearly having a very bad first impression of him. Nevertheless, he continues to speak

Stolas: “I assume some form of multiversal thing is occurring here. Not ever have I seen a human with an ox tail or a.. Blue little creature like that one.”

Doremy: “I’m a monster. I’m not human.”

Underling: “Hm! I’m a proud demon, myself!”

Stolas: “Oh really? I always thought demons looked a little more.. red? I’m not getting into semantics with skin colors here; If you’re a demon, you’re clearly not where I’m from.”

Underling: “Well, it’s gotta be some kinda multi-whatever stuff you said!”

Sarcon coughs a little loudly, which brings everyone’s attention toward him.

Sarcon: “Thought that was obvious by now. Every guest here is invited from a different world, and no two guests come from the same world.”

Manly: “Well that’s great. So the next two are..”

Sarcon: “Yeah. From different worlds as well. Wanna know what species they are?”

Manly: “Nah. Surprise me.”

Sarcon: “Mkay. Well anyhow, Koneko should be nearly done with resizing Gnarpy.”

Stolas glances up to Sarcon with a curious gaze

Stolas: “..Whose Gnarpy? That sounds like a disease of sorts.”

Sarcon: “Xe’s a pretty infectious one, if xe were one, and that’s in the best way.”

Kel grumbles a little. 

Kel: “Xe probably doesn’t wash xyr hands, that’s how contagious xe is.”

Stolas: “..It appears this Gnarpy fellow is a nuisance to this human.”

Stolas: “..Xe’s tickled my fancy a little.”

Sarcon: “Anyway.. Here comes the next person…s.”

Underling: “Eh? Why’d you say it like th-”

As Underling quickly gets interrupted by the portal forming in the middle of the air, out comes a woman and her pet, landing square on the ground as if it were calculated. She sighs a breath of relief and picks herself up, brushing her knees. She quickly hugs her pet.

Topaz: “See, Numby? We made it! I told you there was nothing to worry about. And we even got the landing down, too!”

Numby excitedly “squees” as it’s being hugged and spun around by Topaz, jumping up and down excitedly. 

Topaz: “Now, let’s see… what do we have here...”

Stolas: “..Oh goodie, another human. That’s all I needed.”

Topaz: “Well isn’t this certainly a crew of people? I’m Topaz, senior manager of the Strategic Investment Department of the IPC. This is my friend, Numby!”

Underling: “..Eh? The senior what of the what what?”

Topaz: “Don't worry about the specifics. I’d ask for all your names, but I think I’ll learn them eventually… so! What’s all this about?”

Sarcon: “Didn’t you read the letter?”

Topaz: “Well, yeah, but, and I don’t mean to insult the festivity owners or anything, but it’s very unprofessional on the business side of things to leave details ambiguous, you know. The entire note is pretty much exemplary of an “impractical business practice”. No details of these ‘festivities’ were listed, the method of transportation leading to here was also left out of the note, and on top of that.. There’s a lack of a liability waiver.”

Sarcon looks down at Topaz with an “are you actually shitting me right now” face.

Sarcon: “All that stuff's really boring. We gods don’t have to do any of that. A lot of stuff is left unintentionally ambiguous for the.. eh.. surprise factor. Besides, we also don’t need a liability waiver. Koneko will elaborate on it a little further later, but the only harm that can be brought is if you wrought it upon each other, which is something we don’t have to establish because that’d be your guys’s fault.”

Topaz: “Hm. Still very unprofessional, but I suppose it just might be a different system of things. Ah, speaking of that.. you said you were a god? Like, an aeon? You kinda remind me of how history books would depict Oroboros and her snakes.”

Sarcon: “No, not an aeon. Just a god. “Aeon” is the term you refer to “god” in your world, yes? They’re quite varied.”

Topaz: “..Hm. So he knows information about the Aeons. I’d ask how, but it’s more likely he just.. is an Aeon, or at least a god of sorts himself. Information shouldn’t be that difficult to gather for him.”

Sarcon: “Anyway, go talk with your new friends now. You’ll be competing with them.”

Kel: “Heya!”

Kel’s the first to approach Topaz, with a bright smile on his face contrary to his initial distaste that he experienced from his interaction with the fruity owl.

Kel: “Name’s Kel. Nice to meetcha!”

Topaz: “Hey, nice to meet you too! I hope we can get along well! I didn’t think they would invite teenagers to this whole jamboree. Are you.. 16? 17?”

Kel: “Mmm.. close! I am 15!”

Topaz: “Wow.. yeah, definitely not expecting that.” 

Kel scratches his head and looks away for a moment, before looking back towards Topaz.

Kel: “Uuh.. random question, but can I pet your dog?” 

Topaz: “Hm? My dog? Oh, you mean Numby! They’re a warp trotter. You wouldn’t mind, right, Numby?”

Numby looks up towards Topaz and nods their head slightly.

Topaz: “That’s their sign of approval. Go for it!”

Kel: “Alright!” “..Dunno what a warp trotter is. Maybe I should ask her later!”

Kel starts rubbing the top of trotter’s head, to which Numby starts happily oinking, their little ears wiggling as he softly rubs their head.

Stolas: “..Hmph.”

As Topaz and Kel are enjoying themselves in one corner, Stolas somewhat scoffs to himself and looks over to Underling.

Stolas: “Hey, imp. What was your name again?”

Underling: “Uuuh.. mmm..”

Stolas: “Ah, nevermind. Let me get straight to the point. What do you think of humans?”

The Underling thought for a moment. Although, it was a very short moment. They didn’t really put much thinking into the question 

Underling: “..Uuhh.. I dunno. Hardly talked to them. We just kinda.. Coexist, y’know?”

Stolas: “Wait, really? I’ve personally never been a fan of them, personally. They’re all so.. So incredibly pitiful. They all think they’re so.. how do I describe it… incredibly high, incredibly mighty, but in reality, they all somewhat fall short of that glory. Don’t you think?”

Underling: “Again, I dunno. We imps have been wanting to do something for a while, but I've heard our Overlord doesn’t really wanna cause any wars with the human village.”

Stolas: “..Village? He must come from a more distant time period, then. Or maybe it’s a more rural area of their earth specifically?”

Stolas: “Hm. Well, those demon friends of yours have the right mindset. They’re not the friendliest people, despite that display of them you’re seeing right now. Therefore.. I want to make a proposal.”

Underling: “..Myeh?”

Stolas bows down a little closer to Underling’s head, peering into their soul as Underling slightly gulps, his eyes squinting sharply

Stolas: “I understand taking as much time as needed to think on it, especially since it hasn’t quite.. begun, but.. why don’t we make an alliance? We can prioritize taking out the true threat of the competition first.”

They twist their head a little.

Underling: “U..uuh.. Okay! I-I-I don’t mind, but yeah, please give me a bit of time first..”

Stolas’s expression goes neutral before quickly returning to a smile.

Stolas: “...Of course. Please, take your time. We have quite a lot of it.”

Underling: “..okay, okay. That’s WAY too much pressure on my hands. I.. don’t want to already have enemies! It’s been like, ten minutes since I’ve been here!”

As Underling starts worrying about the alliance, Stolas starts thinking about the proposal again, sighing to himself.

Stolas: “Perhaps I should have worded that a little more nicely? I feel as if my appearance may make others find it a little difficult to trust me.. And I probably came out towards that little demon as a bit gung-ho… Well, whatever. It's alright. I don’t quite mind if they deny, I would just need to figure out how to get them to trust me.”

Back over to Topaz and Kel, he finished petting Numby and they are now walking around in the grass, getting a feel for it.

Topaz: “Alright, that’s enough of that. So there’s a lot of other species here, huh?”

Kel: “Eh? What do you mean?”

Topaz: “Oh, like.. A lot of people here aren’t human, right? I mean, there’s a few obvious outliers there, hah.”

Kel: “Ah, yeah! It’s a little weird, but they come from like.. different dimensions!!.. or something! It’s really cool!

Topaz: “Dimensions?” “..I guess the IPC isn't aware of EVERY planet but.. with how that’s worded, I guess it’s not a part of our planets..?”

Topaz: “I never would’ve guessed that dimensions even existed. Although.. Maybe it’s best we don’t poke around with those.”

Kel: “Hm? Wouldn’t it be cool to see EVERYTHING though?”

Topaz: “Well.. yes and no. Think about it. There could be a dimension out there that’s just.. The absolute worst. And they learn that other dimensions exist. So they start going out there and blasting all the dimensions they don’t like because they think they’re the superior ones. Wouldn’t that be bad?”

Kel: “Oooh.. yeah, that would suck. But imagine all the cool stuff! Imagine like.. A really big basketball cour- Basketball dimension! Just, meant for playing basketball whenever you want, all you want! It’d be sick.”

Topaz: “Haha, you have quite the active imagination. That probably exists somewhere, but you wouldn’t wanna risk going through like.. A city with only serial murderers in it before going through that one, right?”

…

Topaz: “..Uhh, right? You wouldn’t do that to yourself, would you?”

Kel: “...I’ll just hit the serial killers really hard with my basketball! And then I’ll be a hero !”

Topaz smiles.

Topaz: “Ah, that’s honorable of you!”

Kel: “Heh, well.. It’s just the right thing to do, y’know? There’s no reason as to why you should be killing people like that.” 

[MEANWHILE, OVER TO THE CHARACTERS WHO HAVEN'T BEEN SPEAKING MUCH...]

Manly: “Hey, big snake guy.”

Sarcon tilts his entire body to face Manly

Sarcon: “Eh? Whaddya want?”

Manly points over to Topaz, whose currently distracted with Kel and Numby.

Manly: "How come she gets to have a pet?"

Doremy: "..Ah, are they not competing separately?"

Sarcon: "Nope. Koneko's request, anyway. She told me that if we're gonna invite her, she HAS to bring Numbo along, and here we are."

Doremy: "...Is that not unfair?"

Sarcon shakes his head.

Sarcon: "Apparently not. In comparison to everyone here, Topaz, despite her intelligence, is most definitely the weakest physically. Numby helps balance that out a little."

Manly thinks for a bit before nodding his head a little.

Manly: “Ah.. I see. One more question. When’s the next guy coming?”

Doremy: "There’s only one more, correct? Are they late? It appears that they’re taking a little longer than the usual entrant, no?”

Sarcon: “Well, see, that’s the thing. This is the only guy who hasn’t actually accepted yet. He’s probably thinking really really hard about it. Probably has some trust issues or somethin.”

Manly: “Ah........ I see.”

Koneko walks back onto the scene

Koneko: “Hello everyone! I’ve returned with a reasonably sized Gnarpy. Now xyr size should be just right.”

Koneko places down the green cat in the center, who's still asleep. Everyone, more specifically Stolas and Topaz stare down at it, before staring back at Koneko.

Doremy: “..Xe barely looks any taller.”

Koneko: “It wasn’t by a lot. Just try not to be mean about it.”

Stolas: “Well.. I’m interested in the cat somewhat, but I’m more intrigued in the larger, whiter cat.”

Koneko: “Ah, me?”

Topaz: “Yeah! You practically came outta nowhere. Where have you been hiding?”

Koneko: “A little further back on the island. It IS quite a capacious island, you know. The trees are quite good at covering my height.”

Stolas slightly approaches Gnarpy, who's currently sound asleep on the soft grass.

Stolas: “...Xe appears to be at ease.”

Sarcon blinks, before glancing over to Koneko.

Sarcon: “..Wait, how does he know about the-”

Koneko: “I’ll explain it to you later. It’s not very important.”

Stolas slightly bends down and pokes at the cat. Immediately, xyr eyes blink open. Xe immediately scurries back and hisses at Stolas.

Gnarpy: “GEH?? WHY’D YOU WAKE ME UP YOU ZEEP ZORP”

Stolas: “Well- Wake you up?? All I did was poke you slightly!”

Gnarpy: “DON’T YOU KNOW?? WE GNARPIANS HAVE INCREDIBLY ZENZITIVE SKIN BE MORE CONZIDERATE YOU STUPID HOOTER!”

Stolas: “Well i’m sorry, then. Are you content now?”

Gnarpy: “Myeh.”

…

Gnarpy: “It didn’t feel genuine.”

Stolas: “Oh, go find a bridge an-”

Sarcon: “STOP"

Stolas: "WHAT??"

Sarcon: "No, nothing. Just needed to interrupt you guys.. because..."

...

...

...

Manly: "..Are you waiting for a drumroll or something?"

Sarcon pulls out a really loud party popper and pops it.

Sarcon: ".. It appears our last person of interest has accepted!!! Fuckin’ finally, jeez..”

Koneko: “Brother, you know that it’s up to the beholder of the message to accept, right? It’s not of their legal obligation, you know. If they needed more time to think, then that’s completely fine.”

Sarcon: “Well, fuckin duh, but damn bro. Guy took longer than a whole day.”

Koneko: “It’s been ten minutes”

The portal forms for one final time, and out comes the confused basitin. His eyes widen and he quickly glances around.

Keith: “{Gah? Who are you all?? Where is this? Is this the island that rose out of nowhere??}”

Koneko: “...”

Sarcon: “...”

Stolas: “..Em.. What’s he saying?”

Keith: “...Oh.”

Keith clears his throat a little and speaks again.

Keith: “Gah? Who are you all?? Where is this? Is this the island that rose out of nowhere??”

Koneko: “Well, you didn’t have to say that word for word but.. no. You’re in a completely different universe.”

Keith: “Yeah, like I’d buy that.”

Keith attempts to pull out his sword, but it fails. He grabs an invisible handle and pulls out his nonexistent blade. He looks down on it, confused.

Keith: “..Uh. Where’s my sword?”

Sarcon sighs a little and looks over a small rulebook.

Sarcon: “A rule of the island: personal possessions must be confiscated and be verified by Sarcon and Koneko in order to be allowed onto the island’s boundaries.”

Manly: “Oh. That’s the first time I’m hearing about that.”

Sarcon: “Well.. these rules were saved for when everyone is here. And now.. Everyone is here.”

Manly checks his pockets to see that his phone is still with him.

Sarcon coughs.

Sarcon: "...Another rule of the island. It's specifically possessions that may allow you a physical advantage during a competition. If you are allowed an item otherwise, consider it a privilege."

Keith: “Just- Just you hold on for a moment! What even is this all about? Why is time frozen??”

Koneko: “We will digress that in a moment. For right now.. Please follow us!”

The two giants walked forward while the nine competitors followed behind, looking and gazing about at the forest of trees featured in the island. Keith glances over to the others, scanning their appearances.

Keith: “...Hm. I can’t deny that the fact that this is a different universe makes sense. There are a lot of humans.. But there’s a lot of species here that look completely foreign to what I’m used to… is that a demon? Two demons? I’ve only heard of those in-..”

Underling: “HEY!”

Keith: “GAH!”

Keith jumps back a little, to the Underling’s amusement.

Keith: “...Jeez. Don't do that.”

Underling: “Sorry, hehe.. Just wanted to say hello. Who are you supposed to be?”

Keith: “...mmm.”

Keith: “...Surprisingly, they don’t look very malicious in nature, even if they aren’t what I’m used to. However, if I’m gonna trust them, I’ll probably need some time first.”

Keith: “My name is Keith Keiser, ambassador of the Basidian Islands. Who might you be?”

Underling: “..Oh. Uuuhhh..”

Underling looks at Kel, who's just giving him a thumbs up, before looking back over to Keith.

Underling: “I’m.. uhhh.. people just call me Underling. Don’t really have a name.”

Keith raises a brow, somewhat interested in the conversation.

Keith: “..You.. don’t have a name? How do people know you’re.. you, then?”

Underling: “We kinda don’t! I mean, everyone’s so different enough that it’s easy to tell whose who, but.. we just use.. Uhh.. other words! Like Underling!”

Keith: “..Jeez, that’s kinda miserable.” “I.. see. Well, do you plan on giving yourself a name?”

Underling: “Uuuuhh.. I haven’t put much thought into it!”

…

A slightly awkward silence arises between the two of them.

…

Keith: “..Hm. Well, let me know when you’ve come up with something so that I don’t have to just call you Underling or something.”

Underling: “OKAYCOOLTHANKSBYE”

Underling awkwardly waves to Keith and scurries back over to Kel’s corner of the group, to which Keith simply shrugs it off and continues walking forward.

Keith: “..Hmmmm.”

Underling: “How was that?”

Kel: “Perfectamundo, man! You’re gonna have to work a little on the exit there, but at least he knows a little bit about you now!”

Underling: “YEAH! Thanks, by the way. Wanna.. Uhh..”

Kel: “...be friends?”

Underling: “Hell yeah.”

Kel: “Hell yeah!”

Underling: “HELL YEAH!”

Kel: “HEEEELLLL YEAAAAHHH!!!”

Gnarpy: “CAN YOU GUYS ZIP UP!!???!?!”

Doremy watched the entire interaction play out, interested, and scurried over to Stolas, who looked away upon sight of Doremy.

Doremy: “Hello.”

Stolas: “Go away, human. I don’t have anything to speak to you about.”

Doremy: “Hmm.. but I’m not a human.”

Stolas: “Oh, really?”

Stolas said, with a somewhat condescending tone to his voice.

Stolas: “Then what’s with your face and arms? They’re clearly human.”

Doremy chuckles a little.

Doremy: “ Humanoid. But not human."

Doremy holds up her tail and shows it to Stolas, whose expression seems a little surprised, but returns to their original state of suspicion very quickly.

Doremy: "I am a monster through and through.”

Stolas: “Hmph. Not a very big difference there.”

Doremy: “Hmhm. Well, just know one thing. You’re not gonna get very far if you have an immediate prejudice to every human you see.”

Stolas’s eyes squint, head craning over to Doremy as Stolas quickly follows-up. Keith’s ears slightly perk up.

Stolas: “Well.. it isn’t prejudice if they actually are inferior.”

Doremy: “That is the definition of prejudice.”

Stolas: “..Hm. Well, I’ve seen how they act. What can I say?”

Doremy: “I won’t lecture you over it. But.. if you want to speak on it, then feel free to come to me. I’m somewhat of an expert on humans myself.”

Stolas: “..For someone whose suspiciously humanlike to say they’re an expert on humans? I’m not very surprised. However.. I have been curious about exploring that side of myself for quite a while.”

Stolas: “...Very well. You’ve piqued my interest.”

Doremy: “Lovely.”

[MEANWHILE, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GROUP...]

Topaz: “Hey!”

Manly: “..Oh, hey? What’s up?”

Topaz: “Nothing special! Just thought it’d be good to introduce each other. I don’t know your name, after all.”

Manly: “..Ah, yeah. I’m Manly. You said your name’s Topaz, right?” 

Topaz: “Yup! That’s me! And this is- ah..”

Topaz looks around to notice that Numby didn’t follow along with the crowd.

Manly: “..Something wrong?”

Topaz: “Ah, no. It’s just Numby. They’re probably off wandering somewhere in the forest. But they know where I am at all times, so it’s all good! They can’t get lost or anything.”

Manly: “Damn, I don’t think I could put that much trust in my own cat if I tried.”

Manly: “Well that’s nice. I’ve never seen an animal like that.”

Topaz: “It’s probably something native to our own universe. Have you ever heard of trotters?”

Manly: “...A pig’s foot?”

Topaz: “The other definition.”

Manly: “Then no.”

Topaz: “Well, they’re really really adorable! Numby is one of them! You’ve seen them earlier, right?”

Manly: “Yep.”

Topaz: “Awesome..” 

And then.. An awkward silence somewhat plays out between them. Manly glances towards Topaz and then back towards the trees, while Topaz isn’t really sure what to talk about next.

Manly: “..Crap. I’m not really sure what to bring up. It’s clear she’s expecting some kind of conversation but nothing’s coming to mind.”

Topaz: “Damn it. He’s probably getting bored right now. Think, Topaz! What would he wanna talk about?”

...

Manly: “So, what’s it like in your univ-”

Topaz: “So, what’s it like in your univ-”

Manly: “Oh.”

Topaz: “Oh!”

Manly: “Uuh..”

Topaz: “You can start with yours first, since I’ve been rambling about Numby more than anything, haha.”

Manly: “..Ah, well…”

…

Gnarpy: “...And ZATS why i hate xim zo much! Gozh..  I hate Xlarpœ so much. Alwayz forgetting to put the Zlimbinator back into Zon mode. What a disgraze to Gnarpians.. Doesn’t dezerve to be leader. BLechz.”

Gnarpy said to MalO, while walking right beside them.

Gnarpy: “You can agree, right MalO? That xe zucks bad?”

MalO: “y.. yEAH.”

Gnarpy: “Thank you! ZOMEONE agreez with me for once!”

Gnarpy: “Zay, how about this? We can.. Become alliez!”

MalO’s eyes blinked as their head tilted over towards Gnarpy.

MalO: “Uuh.. a..AlLIEz..?”

Gnarpy: “Do I need to repeat myzelf for your THICK skull?? ALLIEZ! ALLIANCE!”

MalO: “O-oh! sUrE! I dON’t mInd! wE cAn bE AllIEs.” “...Maybe I can be friends with xem?”

Gnarpy: “Wize decizion. Don’t make me regret it.” “..That’s a good start. We’ll have to figure out where to go from there..”

Koneko loudly coughs.

Koneko: “Alright, settle down everyone, we’ve finally arrived!! Here, we will be explaining the general gist of everything and giving you a helping hand on accommodating to this island. It will obviously not be a permanent stay.”

Everyone sits down, criss cross applesauce, onto somewhat soft cushioned flooring.

Topaz: “Hey, this is really comfy! Don’t you agree, Numby?”

Numby is sitting right by Topaz, happier than it’s ever been as it experiences heaven through the squashy feather cushions, the silkiness and grace of the texture appealing to every molecule of its being.

Manly: “..Huh, I guess they DID come back.”

As everyone sits down on the beautifully textured cushions, a slideshow powerpoint forms from out of thin air.

Koneko: "Let me first begin with introductions. My name is Koneko, and as you can see, I'm a large cat god. You do not have to refer to me with any kind of special name, as I'm not really that sort of god. Besides, we invited you here, and we shouldn't force you all to mince with names. I will be hosting and presiding over the minigames to which everyone here will compete for."

Manly: "...It's very flashy."

Koneko: "I had a lot of fun with it."

Sarcon: "As for me.. I'm Sarcon. I'm a big-ass snake. I'll be handling the afterparty and overseeing who gets to go home. We'll both be observing each other do our thing, but just know that it'll be mainly handled by the two of us. Splitting work is more of an efficient thing, after all."

Manly: "...Significantly less flashy."

Koneko: "..There's a reason for why he's handling the-"

Sarcon: "Shut up, Koneko."

Koneko: "Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiineee! You're a little mean sometimes, you know that?"

Sarcon: "Myeh."

Koneko glances over to the group, who just saw a display of their incredibly odd dynamic.

Koneko: "Well anyway.. do you all have any questions?"

...

...

Keith: “Well, If I might.. begin with something. What's happening to our worlds? Why is time frozen??”

Sarcon: “Right. We were so considerate that we made it so that time was completely frozen in your universe while your bodies weren’t. It was so that you wouldn’t be missing out on much when you came back from the festivities. Sounds fair, right?”

Keith: “...”

Keith: “I GUESS .” “..I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to play along with this whole thing, anyway. I’ve seen firsthand how the power works.. It’s a little scary, anyway.” 

Koneko: “Your bodies are a very complicated subject matter, but to put it in short, you will still need to breathe, eat, and drink to survive. You already have the trees here to provide air to breathe, so the last two will be graciously provided by our two chefs which you will meet later. Your bodies will not age, but facial hair growth may still occur.

Sarcon: “That also means you’re practically immortal here.”

Koneko: “Mostly.”

Sarcon: “Mostly immortal here.”

Underling: “Uuuh.. mostly?”

Koneko: “You can still injure each other, which is something we can’t control, as we cannot interfere with the course of the competition unless in the case of a major emergency. In case of anything severe, we do have a nurse and a doctor on the island, which you all will also meet later.”

Doremy: “How gracious.”

Koneko: “It will also be worth noting that you cannot actually die on this island, either. But things can hurt like a… motherfucker, as Sarcon would say it.”

Sarcon: “..Mhm.”

Koneko: “Just know that we’ll be willing to disqualify anyone who takes it a little too far... I trust that none of you will do that.”

Sarcon: "Things that she considers 'far' are decapitation of limbs, for the most part. Anything that's considered not that is all fair game."

Koneko: "..I wouldn't go that far, but yes. Horseplay is somewhat vital for the competitive nature of this competition. However, I don't suspect it'll make you any friends in the long run."

Underling looks over to Gnarpy immediately with a slightly fearful stare, to which Gnarpy notices the jolted movement towards xyr direction immediately, xyr whiskers twitching a little.

Gnarpy: “What? I don’t want to zee your face.”

Underling: “:(“ 

Koneko: “..Anyway, let’s get onto how the festivities will function. As you may or may not have guessed, this is more like a competition than anything. A battle of wits, brawns and anything in between to gain the reward of.. Anything.”

Stolas: “..Anything?”

Koneko: “Anything.”

MalO: “AnythIng…”

Sarcon: “We’re not doing this bit.”

Koneko: “You’re allowed one wish and, with our power, we would be able to grant it, no matter what. ”

Sarcon: “Except our deaths. Or for more wishes. You cannot wish for either of those things.”

Kel snaps his fingers.

Kel: “Man.. I was just thinking that.”

Sarcon: “The wish thing, right?”

…

…

Sarcon: “The.. the wish thing….. right?”

…

…

Kel: “Yep!”

Sarcon: “Jeez, okay, fuck , why did you take a while to think there??”

Kel: “My bad.. heh.”

Stolas: “..Wait, why does HE get to say fuck??”

Koneko: “Well anyway, you all have your own rooms, which are outfitted with their own keys. The keys will be granted to each of you very soon. Each day, there will be a competition in the morning. Everyone will battle it out individually, unless the game allows an exception for such.”

Sarcon: “The competitions will range, testing practically everythin’ in your arsenal that came with your body. Naturally, as stated before, that means no personal shit will be allowed in the competition, as much as I'd love for that kind of chaos. You’ll be required to leave it somewhere.. Or well, I guess you can have it on you, just don’t use it and shit.”

Koneko: “After someone or some people win the competition, there will be some time before nighttime arrives, in which then the campfire ceremony occurs.”

Sarcon: “This is the real fun part. Everyone except those who won will be up for elimination, and-”

Underling: “ELIMINATION?? ARE WE GOING TO DIE??”

Koneko: “NO! Heavens no! It just means you’ll be kicked off the competition.”

Underling: “Oh, okay.”

Sarcon: “Dumbass.”

Underling: ""

Sarcon: “...As I was saying, that happens when you get voted off by majority and shit. Everyone will be required to enter the voting booth, where you will write who you want out on an anonymous slip of paper and deposit it into a slot. Me and Koneko will always , and I mean always know who touched what paper, so it’s never truly anonymous, but.. to you guys, it is.”

Koneko: “You may also use the voting booth as a way to vent your frustrations out. Actually, feel free to test it out right now. It’s quite an interesting feature since it quickly pauses time for yourself, teleports you into the booth, and allows you to quickly record your thoughts without much trouble! It's also impossible to use this booth for your advantage in the competition. Don't ask the magic behind it; just know you can't use it as way of gaining a break.”

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “..Huh. How quaint.”]

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “HMM.. what INTEREZTING technology.. I’ll be uzing thiz VERY often.. Hehehe.. Nobody will EVER know..”]

[KZZZRT]

[Underling: “Woah! This place is cool! It’s even got a lock on the door and stuff! Like, a really cool looking lock though!”]

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “I've heard of games with time loops, but not very often do I see one with a time stop mechanic.. and especially not something like this in real life.".]

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “Let me get one thing very clear: I’m very familiar with teleportation spells. But a teleportation spell that ALSO stops time? That’s absurd.”]

[KZZZRT]

[Topaz: “..I wonder how they got the budget to do this.”]

[KZZZRT]

[Kel: “This is sick! AND this seat is comfy too! All of this is really sick! You know, it kinda reminds me of the time when-”] 

[KZZZRT]

[MalO: “....?”]

[MalO: “Wor?”]

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “Hmmm.. stopping time AND teleportation? That sounds like the perfect scenario for one darling, promiscuous night of-”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “This whole system will continue on until it reaches three players, to which then the final challenges occur. The voting system will not apply then, and from there, it’ll all be up to pure skill and wit. Idols are also null at the point of the game where three players remain.”

Manly: “Wait a moment. Idols?”

Sarcon: “Yeah. Idols. My favorite. These may or may not be your saving grace during a voting. There are two of em.”

Koneko: “The first one is an immunity idol, which, hoh, is shaped just like me! You’ll immediately know it from its pearly white color and sharp, woody ears. If you were to use this during an elimination, you will also be rendered safe even if you did not win the competition. You may grant these to other players or.. dare I say, steal them from other players as you so desire. In the end, the one who plays the idol is the one where the effect is applied to. It can be played at any point during the campfire ceremony, even after the votes have been announced.”

Sarcon: “The other one is an extra vote idol. On par with Koneko’s thematic here, this one looks just like me. You will be granted one or two extra votes, depending on the stage of the game. If there are 9-7 players while this idol is played, you will gain two extra votes. Otherwise, par the times this Idol becomes null, you would only gain a singular extra vote. Even if it doesn’t seem like it’ll make a difference, in the long run, it may just save your hide as much as an immunity idol.. while also ridding of the one you despise.”

Koneko: “Hmhm.. another thing worth noting is that there is the off chance that you may find a fake one. There are many ways to identify a fake idol from a real one, like a chipped ear. The idols are physically indestructible and untouchable, so try not to amount trivial things to the causes of nature. However, if you feel that you may have found a fake one, you’re welcome to give it to another contestant and pose it off as a real one. To the one who found it, it’ll always appear as the fake one, but in the perception of everyone else, it’ll appear real.”

Sarcon: “Alternatively.. If you’re not feeling as savage,” Sarcon slightly mouths the word ‘pussy’ while whispering, ”you can go to the voting booth and deposit your fake idol. From there, the booth will keep track of who deposited the idol depending on who recently put their fingers on it, which should be the person who just inserted it into the slot. You can transform your fake idols into a real one depending on the fake one you inserted.”

Stolas: “I see. So.. give it and attempt to fool one another.. or keep it for your own gain?”

Koneko: “Yeah. It adds a layer of strategy to what to do with the idols, and also doesn’t make it completely useless for those who just simply keep the fake idols and don't use it for anything.”

Sarcon: “If you insert two fake Koneko idols, it will come out with a real Koneko idol. If you insert two fake Sarcon idols, it will come out with a real Sarcon idol. If you insert both a Koneko and a Sarcon idol, then it will be a 50/50 chance on which real one comes out, and not a matter of your choice. Bear that in mind. Of course, if you were to deposit a real idol instead of a fake one, it wouldn’t count. But.. it won’t disperse the idol back to you. Please, bear that in mind.”

Kel’s eyes widen a little and raises his hand.

Sarcon: “..You don’t have to raise your hand, you know. You can just ask a question when you need to.”

Kel: “Oh, alright! Well, it’s been on my mind a bit since you’ve talked about the immunity idols, but..”

Kel: “What happens if everyone in the elimination thing played an immunity idol?”

Everyone starts silently discussing to themselves a little, slightly livening up the atmosphere a little with discussion of the curious question.

Topaz: “Oh yeah.. What does happen?”

Manly: “Maybe a tiebreaker?”

Gnarpy: “Nah.. probably a revote.”

Keith: “Wouldn’t there be no point to a revote if.. well… they’re all just gonna vote for eachother again?”

Gnarpy: “Well!... No! But you're WRONG anyway! Zeep zorp.”

Keith: “...Can you listen to reason?” “..What’s this guy’s deal, anyway?”

Gnarpy: “Bleh. I AM, for the record. And it’s zaying you’re WRONG.”

MalO: “Mmmm..”

Koneko: “Alright, settle down everyone. It’s actually quite a simple solution: We don’t.”

[KZZZRT]

Gnarpy: [HAH, HE’Z WRONG!!!!]

[KZZZRT]

MalO: “..Weh?”

Keith: “You.. don’t?”

Sarcon: “Yep. We just simply don’t do an elimination. However.. In an exchange..”

Koneko: “...Due to the fact that we have to keep on schedule with the eliminations.. The elimination afterwards will be a double elimination. Do with that information what you will.”

Manly: “..Jeez.” “That’s gonna be scary. But.. it’ll probably never happen.”

Sarcon: “Anyway, we won’t tell you how much of which is hidden around the island. Just don’t worry about it all too much because they’re all pretty well hidden by yours truly.”

Koneko: “..Ours truly.”

Sarcon: “......”

Sarcon: “Anyway.. We may move on to the cafeteria. Follow us, please.”

Everyone follows behind the leaders once more, and enters inside the cafeteria doors. Sarcon and Koneko resize themselves to fit through the doors. 

Doremy: “Oh? You can change your size as well?”

Koneko: “Yes! We can go microscopic and macroscopic, if you want!”

Sarcon: “Well, we’re already macroscopic, but yeah. Moving on..”

Inside the building, the two chefs wait behind clean counters whose heads perked up as they saw the people enter the building, greeting the invitees with a bright smile.

One appeared to be a skeleton of sorts, whose smile was always visible, given their form. They wore a very silly costume, with a red cape, a white chestplate, and blue shorts. His name.. Is Papyrus.

[PAPYRUS]

+ "Chef"

+ Loves making Spaghetti specifically.. and only Spaghetti

+ Is VERY fun-loving and cool. Is also a skeleton.

Papyrus: “AH, HELLO HUMANS, MONSTERS, AND EVERYTHING INBETWEEN! I AM THE GRRRRREAT PAPYRUS! AND I AM HERE.. TO SERVE YOU ALL DELECTABLE PASTA DISHES!!”

Gnarpy: “..Pazta? Blegh. I HATE pazta.”

Papyrus: “NYEH HEHEH! DON’T YOU WORRY, CAT! BECAUSE MY COOKING WILL BE SURE TO FOREVER CHANGE YOUR OPINION ON-”

Gnarpy growled a little upon hearing the usage of the word "CAT", but Koneko quickly said something that caught xyr attention more.

Koneko: “Papyrus, I’ll stop you a little while you’re ahead. Gnarpy can’t actually eat pasta. Like, physically?”

Gnarpy: “..!!”

Papyrus: “OH. REALLY? THAT’S QUITE A SHAME!”

Gnarpy: “Hey, YOU!” 

Gnarpy says, while threateningly pointing at Koneko, to which she giggles in response.

Gnarpy: “How did you KNOW that??”

Koneko: “Hmm.. We’ve already explained it a few times, but we both know everything about everyone here, in short.”

[KZZZRT]

Gnarpy: “THAT’S VITAL GNARPIAN INFORMATION!!!! YOU CAN'T JUZT… DO THAT!!!.. Not like I can do muchz about it.. hmph...”

[KZZZRT]

Papyrus: “WELL, THERE ARE PLENTY OF APPLES AS AN ALTERNATIVE! FRESHLY PICKED FROM THE APPLE FARM!... WHATEVER THOSE ARE.”

Gnarpy: “..Fine. I GUESZS i'll TAKE IT. It’z my only option...”

Gnarpy grumbles to themself a little. Kel looks over to Gnarpy in slight surprise

Kel: “Well I like Spaghetti! Not my #1 but it’s definitely up there.”

Topaz: “Ooh, yeah! I love some of the spaghetti they have over at Penacony. It’s appetizing marinara sauce flows really well with the scrumptious placebo Ambergris cheese..”

MalO: “UuuUuuUmm.. whAt Is A ‘PeAn-Ugh-KlOny?”

Topaz: “Oh, yeah. I got ahead of myself and brought up a place nobody here knows about as an example. It’s reaaaaally breathtaking! It’s an entire society built off of dreams!”

Doremy’s head immediately snaps over to Topaz within seconds

Doremy: “A.. society built off of dreams?”

Topaz: “Yeah! I can tell you more about it later if you want.”

Doremy: “...Hm. Sure thing!” “...That might be a mistake, actually. I need to be a little more subtle about my interest towards dreams. However.. I can’t help but not be interested.”

The second chef laughs delightfully. Contrary to Papyrus, he seemed more like a traditional chef, wearing something similar to a tuxedo and having a rose on his lapel. His black afro stands out. His name.. Is Jeffrey Master.

[JEFFREY MASTER/MASTER JEFF]

+ An expert at his craft at desserts

+ Has only made desserts. Very friendly.

+ His food is mostly meant more of a reward and less of an actual daily thing to eat

Master: “Hoho! I love to imagine myself in a dreamland of desserts. I think It would be oh so sweet..”

Papyrus: “WHAT’S A DREAM?”

Master: “Oh? Mr. Papyrus.. Have you never experienced a dream? It can be both joyful and dreadful.. Like the risk of chance from a BeanBoozled™ Jelly Bean.”

Papyrus: “NEVER EVER!”

Master: “Well, it’s alright! I can tell you all about my dreams when introductions are over!”

Papyrus: “NYEH HEH HEH!! OF COURSE, JEFF! I WILL BE LISTENING WITH MY CLEARLY EXISTENT CONCHA!!”

Manly squints a little before quickly realizing who that was.

Manly: “Okay, that’s just Papyrus from Undertale. That’s not something I’ll be saying to their face anytime soon, though.”

Keith: “A skeleton and a human handling the food… It’ll probably be alright. I’m not gonna question the skeleton too much at this point..”

Koneko: “Anyhow.. For right now, you’re all free to go! Everyone’s keys and tablets will be granted individually by approaching Sarcon towards the leftmost wall of the cafeteria right now. However, I recommend everyone rest up, as the festivities will begin tomorrow! So, please, everyone settle down and get comfy for today. The dorm rooms are located in the closest facility to this one, which are lead by the stone steps leading there. There should be a sign nearby that helps redirect you to your dorms."

Keith’s head perks up.

Keith: “Huh? What’s a tablet?”

Sarcon: “Ooh, yeah, we never brought up the tablets! They can be used to communicate with everyone and whisper to those who you want to whisper to at a long range distance. It allows for text-by-text communication. In case you don’t want to take auditory risks.”

Keith: “..Those exist?”

[KZZZRT]

Keith: ["Okay, for the record, I don't really know how advanced this society is. A tablet that communicates with other people would be game-changing, though. Maybe I should ask them for one to bring back to Mekkan?] 

[KZZZRT]

Topaz: ["Yunno, kinda unrelated, heh, but I'm glad they let me keep my phone. This thing's a lifesaver! I don't think I can imagine a world without these.."]

[KZZZRT]

Meanwhile, everyone moved toward the right wall and picked up a key from Sarcon, which was, cutely enough, consisting of a 2d design after their iconic features.

Topaz: “Wow, it looks just like me! And it even has a lil Numby sticker! Look at that, Numby!”

Numby squeals a bit in excitement as it looks up to Topaz's key.

Manly: “Heh. It’s got my scarf on it.”

Underling: “My hair was done perfectly!”

Gnarpy: “WHERE ARE MY WHIZKERS ??” 

Keith: “Uuuh.. what do I use this for.”

After all inspected the keys, with some being content and others not so content with their keys designs, they all separated to their own paths. 

MalO’s immediate reaction was to walk out the door, until Gnarpy quickly tugs at their leg.

Gnarpy: “HEY!”

MalO: “OoOh? Gnarpy? wHAT hAppenEd?”

Gnarpy: “Where are YOU going? We’ve barely BEEN here for FIVE ZECONDS!!”

MalO: “UuuUh.. To lay down.. In my roOm. I NeEd tImE tO rEst.” 

Gnarpy: “...Hmph.” “They are probably already thinking of BETRAYING me.” “Do what you will, gnarp gnarp...”

MalO slightly nods before dashing out of the building and heavily breathing somewhat, feeling a little exasperated and lightheaded, but retaining the same, crooked expression.

MalO: “..Finally. Some fresh air. I don’t think I could get used to a crowd.”

Well, it was only twelve people, but it’s eleven more people than they’re normally used to. MalO glances around and spies the stone path.

MalO: “...Ah. The dorms aren’t too far away from here. If I can just get there..”

Before MalO can walk away, they can hear the sound of someone else leaving the cafeteria, glancing over at MalO with a somewhat concerned expression.

Stolas: “Ah.. there you are.”

MalO: “...Ah…”

Stolas: “I was wondering where you were! I had looked and looked around the crowd for a moment but couldn’t find you. Are you already off to your dorm?”

MalO: “y..yEs. I nEed tImE to rEst.”

Stolas: “Ah.. well, then I must apologize for interrupting your little excursion then, dear. Take it easy, please.”

MalO: “O-okAy.. thAnk yoU StOlas.”

Stolas’s eyes widen a little, before chuckling softly.

Stolas: “It’s not a problem.”

Stolas: “..I honestly can’t believe they remembered my name. I mean, it’s customary, but.. I was about to forget theirs!”

Stolas, with a somewhat satisfied sigh, walks back into the restaurant.

Everyone else was seated in the restaurant, some characters sitting next to others. Gnarpy sat by xemself, peacefully eating bunches of apples provided by The Bin™, while others sat in groups. Kel and Underling sat next to eachother, as did Manly, Topaz, and Doremy sat together in a separate group, engaging in a somewhat hearty discussion while barely having tried the spaghetti provided by Papyrus.

Stolas: “..Hm. Everyone is in a group. And.. I don’t really wanna associate with Gnarpy very much. I’m a fan of intense, but that thing is just a bit much. Ah, wait..”

Stolas looks over to the corner of the room and spots someone else sitting by his lonesome: Keith, who slurped the spaghetti with a reluctance to it. His face scrunches up within seconds.

Keith: “..Eugh. I hope this isn’t what I have to stick to everyday. It tastes so.. Boneless.”

Keith: “Wait, how does something taste boneless? That’s not really a taste, that’s more like a-”

Stolas: “Hello there, dear lonesome person whose name I never heard of!”

Keith: “..Hey.” “...What exactly am I looking at?.. and why do I feel a sense of dread incoming?”

Stolas: “Would you desire someone to talk to? You don’t appear very content in this corner here.”

Keith: “Well.. sure. I don’t really mind all too much.” “..I’m not too sure why I find it a little difficult to approach anyone else here, anyway. They all seem like normal people. Although if I remember right.. Isn’t this the racist to humans guy?”

Stolas: “Perfect!” 

Stolas plants his feathered ass down onto the wooden seat and stares into Keith’s eyes with enthusiasm. Keith returned the look with a somewhat bored one.

Stolas: “So.. who are you, exactly?”

Keith: “...My name is Keith Keiser. I’m the ambassador of the Basitin Kingdom and-”

Stolas: “Woah woah woah, slow down! I meant just names, you know! Details later.”

Keith: “..Rude.”

Stolas: “But.. you’re an ambassador, you say? Does that mean you’re of royalty?”

Keith: “In a way, yes.” “...I’d like not to elaborate much.”

Stolas: “Do please elaborate!”

Keith: “...”

Keith: “...I hate this guy already...”

[MEANWHILE]

Underling: “Okok, I have an idea, Kel!”

Kel: “Yeah? What’s on your mind?”

Underling: “I.. don’t really know a lot of cool names. So.. can you like.. make a list of names, and I just like, choose one or something?”

Kel: “Eh? But I’m not your mom! Or your dad! Actually, don’t they get to decide what to name their kid or something?”

The Underling slightly scratches their hair and sticks their tongue out in obliviousness.

Underling: "Wuzzat?"

Kel: “Wait, what? You don't.. have parents? How’s that like?”

Underling: “Uuuh.. how am I supposed to know?”

Kel blinks for a little.

Kel: “Oh, hehe, yeah. Sorry.”

The Underling gives a bright wide smile while keeping their eyes over to Kel.

Underling: “It’s whatever! I didn’t even know what you were talking about anyway! Do you got any names?”

Kel: “Yeah, let’s see.. Off the top of my head, there’s Hero.. Basil.. Hector.. Sunny..”

Kel: “...”

Kel: “...those are all just names of people I know...”

Underling: “Mmyyehh.. None of those stick out to me. They sound nice, but they don’t feel right.”

Kel: “Hmm.. Damn, this is tough. I don’t know how moms can do this..”

Underling: “..Sheesh, yeah. These mom people must be really busy..”

Kel: “Well, it’ll probably take a bit of time! I’m sure something will come out eventually!”

[MEANWHILE MEANWHILE]

Doremy: “Okay, so tell me more about this dream city thing.”

Topaz: “Of course!”

Topaz tosses a silver chip towards Numby, to which it quickly crunches down. Manly isn’t saying anything in the conversation, but is clearly listening and in tune with what is being said.

Topaz: “Okay, so.. In Penacony, the area you arrive at isn’t in a dream, but it’s basically a gateway to the dream. It’s this towering hotel with practically infinite rooms. It’s called the Reverie Hotel.”

Doremy: “Hm.. what a fitting name for a dreamscape. How would one enter the dream?”

Topaz: “Well.. you’d check in, go in a room, and you’d sleep on this thing. I don’t really know how to describe it, it kinda looks like a bathtub inside an artificial.. Clam? I don’t know how they had the budget for it, but it’s really soothing. Once you enter, you would enter the dreamscape.. And...”

[5. HOURS. LATER]

Topaz: "And that's how Penacony used to be a prison owned by the IPC but then got transformed into this dreamland controlled by The Harmony!"

Doremy: "..Wow. It must be very eventful there, right?"

Topaz: "Very! A lot happens."

Manly: "...What the hell are they talking about?"

[MEANWHILE OKAY ENOUGH FILLER CONVERSATIONS LET'S MOVE ON WITH OUR LIVES]

MalO awkwardly opens the glass doors to the room containing the dorms. It appeared to be a somewhat long hallway, filled with wooden doors and slightly crude drawings of each contestant on a wooden placard situated at the center of each door. They opened the door to their dorm room and softly slammed the door, locking it behind them. They looked around the room, gazing at their abode, and sighing in a bit of relief.

MalO: “..Wow. It looks so nice.. and it was made for me, too? I.. I didn’t think they’d go this far just for me. I’ve.. never had a room like this.”

MalO walked around the room in awe, taking in the scenery. The bed had a black, soft, weighted blanket, and a firm mattress suited for MalO’s fur. The ceiling was just high enough that the roof didn’t look incredibly tall, but just short enough that it gave more than enough headspace for MalO’s towering height. They glanced around in the wardrobe, but realized there wasn’t any clothing in there.

MalO: “..Not like I wear clothing normally.”

MalO, despite that, opened up some of the cabinets anyway out of curiosity. 

MalO: “...?”

MalO looked at something slightly rattle as it approached the front of the cabinet.

MalO: “..ThIs..”

MalO pulls it out.

MalO: “..This is an immunity idol.. But.. why.. Why was there one in my room?”

MalO: “.....No, it… it would be unfair if they gave me one for free like that.”

MalO inspected the immunity idol closely, and.. didn’t notice anything wrong with it? The figurine had all of Koneko’s features: Her two fluffy ears, her big stomach, her closed eyes,  wide smiling grin, two tails, four paws.. It was definitely real, through and through. Not a single misconception

MalO: “..Mmm.. No, no.. I still don’t believe it. Aahh... What do I do?? I.. I’m not ready for this!! I.. what do I even do with this??”

MalO: “...”

MalO: “..I guess I’ll just.. keep it a secret. It would be good to know if it’s fake or not first.”

With a slight sigh of worry, MalO slightly slides the Idol into the cabinet.

MalO: “I just wish I had pockets to carry this around in... maybe even a bag.”

In a few moments, MalO starts to hear footsteps from outside the room, which perks their ears up a little. MalO props their head to the door, albeit a little crooked in positioning.

Kel: “Hehe, I wonder what MY room looks like!”

It appeared to be Kel and Underling, who already finished lunch and were walking towards the rooms. 

Underling: “Mine’ll look awesome! It’ll have.. Uuhh…”

Underling blankly stares off for a moment.

Underling: “...uuuhhh…”

Underling: “............”

Underling: “I dunno! It’ll have awesome stuff, though!”

Kel: “Hmm.. I bet mine will look exactly like my room back at Faraway!”

Underling: “..What?”

Kel: “..Hm?”

Kel glances his head over to Underling

Kel: “What’s there to what about?”

Underling: “Far away where?”

Kel: “What do you mean by far away where?”

Underling: “I swear you said-”

Kel: “OOooooOOH.. Nah dude, it’s just a place.”

Underling: “Ooh, okay okay, got it.”

Stolas: “Hello.”

Kel: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

Underling: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

Stolas: “...OWWW, FAAAHH- Would you two not be so deafening to my EARS?!?”

Kel: “YOU’RE THE ONE WHO SCARED US!”

Stolas: “I DIDN’T INTEND TO DO SUCH A THING- whatever, listen. I was hoping I could speak with the imp friend of yours. "

Stolas says, while doing a gay little point twirl towards their (Underling's) general direction.

Stolas: "Would you be kind to give us a bit of space?”

Kel looked up towards Stolas with a suspicious glare and then looked towards the Underling. They nodded their head to signify “the okay”, and then he returned his scowl back toward him.

Kel: “Try not to do anything funny, alright?”

Stolas: “I won’t, jeez. Are you that suspicious of me already?”

Kel doesn’t say another word before doing the ‘I’ve got my eye on you’ gesture while slowly moonwalking towards his room. He slightly slams his back against MalO’s door accidentally, which causes them to make a yelp noise from past the door.

Kel: “Oh, sorry MalO!”

Stolas: “...Hmph.” “You better apologize.. I’m already starting to get somewhat attached to that furball.”

Kel scurries over to his room, before Stolas glances down at Underling, whose body somewhat shook nervously.

Stolas: “ANYWHOOOOOooOooo… It’s very clear this area isn't private at all. Our voices can practically be heard resounding through the hallway. So…” 

Stolas pointed toward the room that said “interview room”, which appeared to be in the same building as the dorm rooms, at the end of the long hallway.

Stolas: “I propose we go into that room and discuss. I checked inside right before I approached you two and it appeared to have something similar to soundproof panels. What do you say to that?”

Underling: “Al.. alright! Sure. If it helps the secrety part..”

Stolas: “It most certainly will. Come along now!”

As Stolas walked over to the door with the Underling, he passed by Keith, who appeared to have been casually walking by. They both pay no mind to each other, but Keith is a little imaginative.

Keith: “..He must be planning to team up with the blue guy. I don’t know what the endgame is, but I need to figure it out.”

Doremy: “Looking for something?”

Keith: “AAAAH-”

Keith jumps up and turns around, looking back at Doremy, whose face stayed consistently deadpan.

Keith: “Where did you come from??”

Doremy: “The door.”

Keith: “The do- YEAH- look, listen. You- who are you, first of all?”

Doremy: “Door-emy.”

Keith: “Okay, listen, Door-emmie, My name is Keith Keiser. The guy who just passed by.. Stolas, right?”

Doremy: “That would be him, yes.”

Keith: “I needed.. to..”

Keith looks at Doremy slightly longer, staring into her eyes. They looked somewhat calm and collected, the dark blue sclera in her eyes matching her hair very well. Her body was still, and her tail moved back and forth slowly.

Doremy: “...Yes?”

Keith: “.....”

[KZZZRT]

Keith: ["Listen, the last time I've had a bad feeling about this type of thing was the last time I entered a human village with our group. We ended up getting harassed by the templar, nearly died to a feral keidran attack that happened minutes after that, and for some reason our human friend was having hallucinations the moment the feral keidran attack ended. This girl does NOT give me a good impression.]

[KZZZRT]

Keith: “It’s nothing. I’m just gonna be keeping a close eye on that guy. I feel like he’s up to something.”

Doremy: “…Ahhh, that’s fair. I’ve been meaning to do something similar. In fact, I was gonna be talking to him.”

Keith: “..Alright, well, good luck with that.”

Doremy: “..Hum.”

Without saying another word, Doremy Sweet leaves from that conversation and into her room, leaving Keith by his lonesome.

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “..Yeah. I don’t know what it is. She makes me uncomfortable, though."]

[KZZZRT]

Before Keith could retreat to his room, he spies Gnarpy passing by.

Keith: “...Hm.”

Gnarpy stops dead in his tracks as he hears Keith make a single sound, his entire body twisting to stare daggers into Keith’s eyes.

Gnarpy: “..Don’t you HM me, youz zeeper zonger. Addrezz me with REZPECT!”

Keith: “Why would I do that?”

Gnarpy scoffs a little at Keith’s words. 

Gnarpy: “We GNARPIANS are ZUPERIOR in every way. You zhould be GROVELING.”

Keith’s eyebrows lower, doing a double take as he listened to xyr words.

Keith: “...What was your name again?”

Gnarpy: “Heh. My name is Gnarpy. Don’t go forgetting it you ZTUPID.”

Keith: “...Gnarpy. I see.” 

Keith: “...”

Keith: “I won’t grovel to the likes of you.”

Keith enters his room silently.

Gnarpy: “Heehehehe.. I zee- WAIT WHAT?? YOU ZEEPOT????! THATZ ZE INCORRECT ANZWER!?!?!! YOU IDIOT!!!! FOOL!!!!”

[KZZZRT]

Gnarpy: ["Zhat FOOL doesn't know what he'z DEALING with! I am to be addrezzed with REZPECT! AND THEY WILL ALL BOW DOWN TO-"

[KZZZRT]

Topaz, Numby, and Manly casually pass by while Gnarpy is screaming xyr ass off. Xe was scratching at the door while hissing.

Topaz: “Is xe alright…?”

Manly: “Eh......Just leave xem be.”

They both enter their own rooms. After a while, Gnarpy gets tired and finally enters xyr own room, furious.

Meanwhile, Stolas and Underling have their discussion.

Stolas: “..So. I see you’re already doing an efficient job at getting close to enemies, correct?”

Underling: “..Eh? Are you talking about Kel?”

Stolas: “Yes, Kill, whatever his name was. Ah, I suppose I haven’t given you a fair shot at agreeing to the alliance. I won’t force you to join.. but I’d prefer if you perhaps made a choice now?

The Underling starts shaking a little, eyes from behind their hair somewhat glancing back and forth, up and down, left and right. They start to twiddle their hair with their thumb.

Underling: “..GAAAAH, WHAT DO I DO???????? WHAT THE HELL DO I DO????”

[KZZZRT]

[Underling: I DON’T KNOW! Why am I scared of him?? He’s just a big stupid owl!! What is there to be scared of him?]

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas is drinking a cup of tea, while having his legs crossed on top of each other.]

[Stolas: “..Oh, I’m sorry, I was supposed to say something? I didn't mean to go into the stall.”]

[KZZZRT]

Underling: “Okay.. I.. .. I…”

…

Underling: “..Wait, where did you get that tea from?”

Stolas sips the tea a little louder before looking down

Stolas: “..Hm? Oh, I dunno.”

Stolas tosses the tea aside.

Underling: “..Well, whatever. I.. I suppose..

Underling: “I ..would like to ally with you.”

Stolas: “..Very well. Are you.. certain? There was a bit of hesitation in your voice. You know we won’t become enemies if you deny.”

Underling: “...It’s all good! Besides, the more the merrier, right?”

[KZZZRT]

[Underling: “I got that quote from a friend of mine. They kicked me from their friend group after I refused a dare to lick the floor…”]

[KZZZRT]

Stolas: “I quite like your style, dear imp.”

Stolas sticks his hand out.

Stolas: “Hopefully, our partnership remains strong throughout the entire festivity.”

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “FUCK, why does the professionalism keep coming in? Okay, just loosen up a little. I can’t be taking this seriously. A round of this hasn't even begun yet.”]

[KZZZRT]

The Underling awkwardly shakes his hand, as they nod their head.

Underling: “...O-okay.”

The handshake goes on for an uncomfortable few seconds, both parties unaware of when they're supposed to release their grips.

Stolas: “..Your hand is very sweaty.”

Underling: “IKNOW”

Stolas: “Well.. this has been a wonderful heart-to-heart. I’ll be off then. Best of luck tomorrow… friend.”

Stolas walked out of the interrogation room, having been the one of the two to finally release from the sweat grip, and went off to his room. The Underling sighed as they walked out. They glance around, and looks towards Kel’s door, before walking toward it, and knocking on it.

Underling: “Hey, Kel? It’s me. Are you there?”

Kel: “Huh? Oh, yeah! One sec!”

After a quick click and an unlock, Kel opens the door. It appears he was already in his pajamas, which the wardrobe thankfully provided a spare change of. It was worth noting that the entire room was basketball themed, but also held memoirs from Faraway Town.

Kel: “Hey, broski! How’d it go with scary birdguy?”

Underling: “I-it’s fine! I’m doing fine.”

Kel: “You sound a little nervous.”

[KZZZRT]

Underling: “GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

They take a deep, ragged breath, clutching their hair as they glance into the flooring of the stall.

Underling: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

[KZZZRT]

Underling: “ONLY A LITTLE! But uh.. I agreed to making an alliance with him.”

Kel: “What, really? Are you sure? He's a little scary though. What if he like.. uses you for his gain or something?? You know, like greedy businessmen?”

Underling: “I mean, I dunno.. It might help me later? Would be bad to make enemies this early on..”

Kel: “..Eh, I guess that’s fair, but be careful, alright? Keep your eyes open.”

Underling: “...”

Kel blinks a little.

Kel: “You HAVE eyes, right?”

Underling: “Yeah don’t worry I do.”

Kel: “Okay cool, just making sure. How do you even see under your hair, anyway?”

Underling huffs proudly.

Underling: “My hair’s kinda see through! From one side though. It’s kinda cool!”

Kel: “Aw, lucky! I wish I had see through hair as well. That’d be super cool..”

Underling smiles a little, giggling.

Underling: “Hey, I think your hair’s cool too! It looks a lot smoother than mine!”

Kel: “Really? I’ve never really put a lotta thought into it. Usually I’ve just kinda asked my barber to do his usual thing and then just.. let it grow a little. I dunno.”

Underling: “Huh. I dunno what those are, but it’s pretty good!”

Kel: “You don’t have those from where you’re at?”

Underling: “Nope!”

Kel: “Damn. They’re like… people that slice up your hair and make it look cool and stuff!”

Underling: “..Slice..? Up hair?”

The Underling starts to imagine a cool imp with a bandana wielding a katana, slicing through the hair like if it were nothing.

Underling: “Wow… Yeah, that does sound cool..”

Kel: “Heh, yeah. Anyway, Imma go to sleep now. You should probably do the same. Don’t wanna wake up late for the whatever-it-was-called!”

Underling: “Yeah! Alright.. Oh, and..”

Kel tilts his head, somewhat curious as to what they’re about to say.

Underling: “Uuhh.. I.. thank you.”

Kel: “Hey, it’s no problem! If you need another helping hand, you got me, kay?”

Underling: “..Yeah. Thanks.”

Underling nods awkwardly as they hit their head while they leave the door, holding their head.

Underling: “OW”

Kel: “You good?”

Underling: “Yeah, yeah I’m fine.”

Underling walks on out of there. After a bit of walking, they walk back to their own room. They gaze in the sight of their own room.

Underling: “..Wow.. my own room..”

It was blue. Incredibly teal. It reminded them of the walls around their own bed. However.. It felt bigger. And nicer. It was all for themselves..

Underling: “...” “...It’s nice.”

The Underling hops on top of the bed, sighing to themselves. After a while, they finally nod off to sleep, as the day slowly passes by.

The festivities have finally begun.

Chapter Text

Doremy: “..Hm..?”

Doremy opens her eyes first, picking her body up from a floating thin strand. She glances around at the world around her.. Purple and blue bubbles swirl across the land she stood upon. Numerous strands of red in an abyss of blue, all perpendicular to each other, intertwining, connecting. She wasn’t on the island anymore.

Doremy: “..Ah.. I know this place all too well. The dream world.. But I believe I’m not in Gensokyo anymore… so that means..”

She looks ahead and spies eight doors, all colored differently and spaced away from each other evenly, with matching pathways leading toward them. She slowly floats towards the center.

Doremy: “...It feels more catered to this world. As if this dream world were artificially made for the competition.. And for my abilities. Perhaps Koneko and Sarcon thought of this?”

She approaches toward the furthest door to the right. It appeared to be a regular wooden door that was somewhat tattered, and scratched up. The nametag read “MalO”.

Doremy: “..Let’s see.”

Doremy interacts with the door knob, but fails to open the door.

Doremy: “..Of course. That would mean they’re currently not experiencing a dream right now. At will, I can probably give them a dream or a nightmare of some kind. I’m not too sure if I can do that right now, and these doors are somewhat of a fresh concept to me.. But the method might be a little similar. Let’s give it a go...”

Doremy closes her eyes and tightens her grip on the door knob. After a few seconds, the bubbles rose from a nonexistent space outside of a circle forming from the ground around the circle, protruding at a more intense rate. Doremy’s hat rose, her hair dramatically moving as if wind were blowing at her face. The frame somewhat glows a radiant violet, and, after a while, the door makes a “click” noise.

Doremy: “Alright, let’s see if it worked..” 

Doremy turns the knob on the door and slowly opens it. From a bird’s eye view, she sees MalO, sitting there by their lonesome in a voided space, happily chowing down a strawberry cake.

MalO: “mmgfphmfhmhmgpm.hmfgmfhh….fhfmfgomghmfgm.f….”

Doremy: “..Well, it certainly worked.“

Doremy closes the door on their dream and leaves it be.

Doremy: “I shouldn’t mess with the dream world right now. It’s beneficial to use it to my advantage.. but doing it without a proper target in mind and without a clear idea of how the target is psychologically and emotionally composed would be ill-advised for me. ”

Doremy quickly lies on her back, floating across the strands of the dream world.

Doremy: “..Well.. in that case, I suppose it is now time to sleep snug.. smug.”

Doremy yawns as she felt her eyes close once more, properly tuning herself into a deep sleep, her mind calming down..

…

…

…

Her eyes quickly open, as she starts to hear fierce knocking on her door.

Stolas: “ARE YOU AWAKE, WEIRD HUMAN NOT HUMAN HYBRID THING??????”

Doremy: “Eaauughh..”

Frustratingly, she holds her head. It didn’t hurt, but she needed to shield her eyes from the blinding light of the lamp above.

Doremy: “At least let me prepare first, hm? It would be uncouth of me otherwise.”

Stolas huffs a little, coming out somewhat muffled as his bated breath came from behind the door.

Stolas: “...Very well. Try not to take very long. This discussion about myself is of utmost importance.”

Doremy: “..Right. I had almost forgotten that I had agreed to talk to him about the prejudice thing.. Thankfully, I didn’t let that detail slip. Didn’t think he’d come up to me in the morning of all times.”

Doremy quickly slips into the bathroom and starts fixing herself up. She changes out of her pajamas, and into her regular clothing. Her long hat, her black and white dress, and into her white socks.. which she regularly uses as shoes.

Doremy: “mmmm...”

Doremy glances at herself in the mirror.

Doremy: “Looking quite pleasant, dear.”

Doremy walks out of the bathroom and sighs, looking over to the door that is the entrance of her room.

Doremy: “Now to deal with something not as pleasant..”

Doremy opens the door to be met with the sight of Stolas, who was bending downwards to merely match the height of Doremy.

Stolas: “Ah, finally. You’ve kept me waiting for quite a while. I can only hope this discussion isn’t as much of a timewaster.”

Doremy: “I assure you, it won’t. So let me keep it brief.”

Doremy sits down, and pulls out a clipboard and some reading glasses, slightly putting them onto her head.

Stolas: “..What the..”

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “..Her dress doesn’t have pockets, does it? Where.. did she get that from?”]

[KZZZRT]

Doremy: “Let’s begin now. So, you have a distaste for humans, yes? Could you pinpoint a reason?”

Stolas: “Hmm.. not really, no.”

Doremy: “...”

Stolas: “...”

Doremy: “...Is that all?”

Stolas: “I mean, they’re kinda stupid, I suppose. That’s it, really.”

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “..Well, that’s a bit of a problem. How can I work with that…?”]

[KZZZRT]

Doremy: “They never killed your family.. Or sealed your world away and separate all of humanity.. Or, y’know, solve an incident you caused.. No nothing?”

Stolas taps his head a little, thinking, before looking back towards Doremy.

Stolas: “..Well, I guess they are a bit of a problem for me in a different sense. You see, we hellborns, at least not normally , aren’t to be roaming and trampling around the mortal realm. That can cause quite a few complications, as you may imagine. For my scenario, I am legally associated with the mortal realm because some of my duties on the surface involve the stars and the sky, which cannot be directly viewed and studied from Hell, using my 𝔤𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔬𝔦𝔯𝔢.”

Doremy grabs her fountain pen and starts scribbling something down on her clipboard, before pointing it at Stolas while crossing her legs.

Doremy: “How would that necessarily be a problem?”

Stolas: “Well, for me, it wouldn’t.. But, this duty somewhat extends out to… another person. A.. hoohoo.. VERY charming person, if I must say.”

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “...Hm. I should probably stop him from speaking while he’s ahead… but, if I’m gonna need to know what his actual prejudice with humans are… then I cannot stop now.”]

[KZZZRT]

Doremy: “..And.. this person.. How does it have to do with your prejudice towards humans?”

Stolas.. actually somewhat retracts back a bit, scratching the bottom of his head. His face grows a bit pinkish. 

Doremy: “...?”

Stolas: “I’m.. afraid I cannot elaborate further. Just.. know that I don’t really like them very much and it has to do with.. Er.. the other person, alright?”

Doremy: “...”

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “Well.. that’s gonna be somewhat difficult to work with. His hatred for humans is revolving around someone else. In hindsight, I’d assume it’s someone he hates but.. he says the person’s charming?”]

[Doremy: “...”]

[Doremy: “...Well.. at least I have a target now for my dreams. This’ll be incredibly enjoyable..”]

[KZZZRT]

[MEANWHILE, AT THE DINING HALL]

MalO was completely silent, save for the loud breathing that came out of their giant maw. Cold has practically overcome them, as they shivered under the chilly wind of the Dining Hall... At least, that would seem to be the case for an outsider watching nearby.

MalO: “..what do i do what do i do what do i do what do i do what do i do???????”

Gnarpy: “MALO” 

MalO slowly tilts their head towards Gnarpy, their eyes somewhat sharp. 

Gnarpy: “Where WERE YOU?? I was KNOCKING on your door to WAKE YOU UP”

MalO: “...”

[KZZZRT]

[MalO: “okAy.. sO ThIs Is GOnnA sOUnd A lIttlE embArrAssIng.. bUt.. I cOUldn’t slEEp at all.. bEcAUsE Of thE whOlE IdOl thing. And lIke…”]

[MalO: “..uUhh..”]

[MalO: “I mAy hAvE sLePt In thE cAfEtErIA. AwAy frOm thE idOl. tO mAkE mE fEEl mOrE cOmfy…”]

[MalO: “...”]

[MalO: “ThE sEAts wErE actUAlly rEAlly UncOmfy.. bUt I hAd A rEAlly gOOd drEAm abOUt fOOd! I shOUld slEEp hErE mOrE oftEn..”]

[KZZZRT]

MalO: “sOrry.. I jUst wOkE Up lAtE..”

Gnarpy: “.....NO YOU DIDN’T! YOU’RE ZTANDING RIGHT INFRONT OF ME!”

MalO: "..."

MalO: “..uUuuhh.. eArly, thEn. sOrry.”

Gnarpy: “Blegh. It’z whatever. Lizten here.” 

Gnarpy hops up to the seat and sits down next to MalO, glancing towards their head. It’s somewhat difficult to even properly get a good look at each other, given their height difference. For reference, Gnarpy is 3’5 and MalO is 12’1. They are the shortest and tallest contestants here. So, Gnarpy quickly gets up and moves a few seats to the right to properly get a good look at MalO’s head.

Gnarpy: “Today is the firzt day of competing. Zomeone is gonna get out tonight. Zo.. we’re gonna need to make zure we WIN and GET the VICTORY.”

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “I DESPISE anyone or anything that izn’t one of uz.. Zince we’re the zuperior zpecies. However.. If I want to zurvive, I’ll need to keep my enemiez close.. Gnarp gnarp…”]

[KZZZRT]

Meanwhile, Keith ambles into the room, rubbing his eyelids a little as he approaches towards the kitchen counter.

Papyrus: “WELCOME, NOT HUMAN! TO THE GRRRREEAT PAPYRUS’S KITCHEN. AND JEFFREY MASTER’S KITCHEN!”

Master: “I sincerely appreciate my inclusion, Mr. Papyrus.”

Keith sighs a bit as he looks over to Papyrus.

Keith: “You’re a little too excited. Can’t you tone it down by just a little bit?”

Master: “Hoho. I apologize. You see, he had just eaten his favorite thing today.”

Keith: “...”

Keith glances down at the bucket of spaghetti through the counter, the very same food from yesterday, then back at Papyrus.

Keith: “I could not possibly imagine what it is.”

Papyrus: “YOU COULDN’T!”

Papyrus places a heaping of temperature-legal spaghetti onto Keith’s tray. Keith looks down at it for a little before providing no further comments, only simply walking over to the lunch table and sitting in front of MalO.

Gnarpy: “ZO! Juzt know that you CANNOT truzt ANYONE. Keep alliez close.. And enemiez closer!!!!”

MalO glances towards Keith as he sits down. They give a slightly soft wave. Keith waves back, smiling casually.

Keith: “Hey.”

MalO: ‘hI!!”

Gnarpy takes a hard bite out of xyr apple and squints xyr eyes on the minor interaction they had.

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “Wowz…  quick learner.. Zorp… Zey might be very very valuable..”]

[KZZZRT]

After Gnarpy continues to observe the imminent silence brought between MalO and Keith eating their food, Manly walks into the dining room, as quiet as ever, inspecting the wide array of food.

Manly: “...Yep. Spaghetti.”

Papyrus: “GOOD MORNING HUMAN!! I HOPE YOU LIKE LOTSA SPAGHETTI!!”

Manly: “Sure do.”

Papyrus flashes a big wide grin despite not having any muscles in his mouth, places a reasonable serving size onto his tray, and bows. Manly vacantly nods and walks toward a separate table away from the other three furballs, his scarf somewhat swaying in the nonexistent interior wind. He sits down and quietly eats the spaghetti, his face harboring no reaction as the noodles touch his tongue.

Manly: “..Well, it’s not completely frozen. That’s probably the best compliment I could give it.”  

Doremy: “Good morning.”

Manly looks up at Doremy with an unchanging expression.

Manly: “Oh. Doremy, right?”

Doremy: “Yes, that would be right. It appears you’ve at least remembered my name. That’s good.”

Doremy sits down at the opposite end of the table from Manly. His stare remains somewhat vacant.

Manly: “Yeah.”

Doremy: “....”

Manly: “....”

Doremy: “...He’s very difficult to conversate with. I suppose I haven’t spoken with very many men before, so I’m not too sure what he’s supposed to behave like. Actually, I feel as if barely seen any of them even exist in Gensokyo specifically.. perhaps I should start with some light conversation starters.”

Doremy: “What’s been occurring lately?”

Manly: “Nothing much.”

Doremy: “..Ah. I see.”

Doremy: “...”

Doremy: “Well, how are you feeling about your chances?”

Manly: “Eh.”

Doremy: “...”

Doremy: “...The weather’s great, isn’t it?”

Manly: “Yeah.”

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “I just can’t seem to get through to him. It’s as if he’s not even paying attention to the conversation… how interesting.”]

[KZZZRT]

Kel: “Oh, hey guys!”

Kel walks on in and sits down right by Manly.

Manly: “Oh, hey Kel, what’s up?”

Kel: “Nothing much. What’s going on?”

Manly: “Yeah, nothing much. The spaghetti’s kinda eh but I wouldn’t turn down spaghetti.”

As they happily conversate with eachother, Doremy’s expression somewhat sours.

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “...”]

[Doremy: “Wow. Very well. So that’s how it’ll be, then.”]

[KZZZRT]

Doremy silently eats the spaghetti, mumbling to herself a little, while Kel and Manly continue to converse with each other.

Kel: “Honestly, I could eat any spaghetti.”

Manly: “Hm. What about spaghetti from the trash can?”

Kel: “...Ehhh, it depends, it would have to be like,

Manly: “Like my soul.”

Kel: “...”

Manly: “...”

Kel: “What?”

Manly: “Sorry, habit. Please continue.”

Kel: “.....mmmmOkay, well, it’d have to be like, normally it’d be a situation where I’d go ‘ew.’ But if the trash can was empty, with nothing in it, and it was like, really good five star restaurant spaghetti, like the kind of stuff that Bro would make… then I’d have to think about how desperate I am at that moment.”

Manly: “That’s fair.”

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “I would take out the spaghetti.. and then put it back in. I need something to replicate the feeling of my empty soul, even if it's just for a moment. However.. I can’t just take a good spaghetti out of its home like that. I don’t have the right to give it an eviction notice.”

[Manly: "That's probably for.. the land lord. The land trash? The trash fill.."]

[Manly: "..."]

[Manly: "The trash lord..."]

[KZZZRT]

Topaz and Numby both arrive at the scene and sit down on the same table, with Topaz calmly sitting down and Numby excitedly hopping up onto the seat besides Topaz.  

Topaz: “Ah, good morning everyone!”

In a very broken unison, the three tilt their heads a little and speak.

Manly: “G’morning.”

Kel: “Morning!”

Doremy: “Good morning.”

Topaz: “Whew. That was a good sleep. I could work a whole shift and overtime starting now if I wanted to. But enough of that. What’s going on?”

Doremy: “Nothing very interesting. The spaghetti of conversation is as lukewarm as ever.”

Kel: “...Eh? But the spaghetti’s pretty good.”

Doremy: “Well, then allow me to be a contrarian. What’s exactly so good about it?”

Kel: “It’s pretty warm AND tasty! And it’s Spaghetti! Like, you can’t screw up spaghetti that hard.”

Topaz: “I have to agree with that. The spaghetti from yesterday.. And today, they were pretty tasty. But.. they were definitely missing some core components that could’ve made it a big seller. I’m not the biggest expert on cooking myself, but a few herbs would go a long way.”

Numby nods in agreement.

Doremy: “..That’s why it sours it a little for me. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but without anything to enhance the flavor, it just tastes incredibly.. boneless?”

Keith's ear twitches a little, but doesn't comment. Kel, on the other hand, scoffs, sharing a pouty expression.

Kel: “You’re just a critic.”

[KZZZRT]

[Papyrus: “AT LEAST KEL UNDERSTANDS THE GREAT MACHINATIONS OF MY COOKING!”]

[Papyrus: “...”]

[Papyrus: “...”]

[Papyrus: “..WHAT’S A HERB, ANYWAY? IS THAT A TYPE OF RAVIOLI?”]

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: "Did Doremy seriously describe it the exact same way I did yesterday...?"

[Keith: "....or did she just hear me somehow? Is she a stalker??"]

[KZZZRT]

Stolas finally walks into the room, but before he can say anything, a loudspeaker turns on at the ceiling of the cafeteria. Through it, everyone can hear the sound of an incredibly large mic being tapped on.. Which was incredibly loud .  

Sarcon: “GOOD MORNING CHALLENGERS!”

Everyone instinctively began to cover their ears.

Sarcon: “EVERYONE MUST MEET WITH KONEKO AT THE BEACH INDICATED BY THE RED BEACON SHOWN IN THE SKY, STAT.”

Sarcon: “THE FIRST CHALLENGE WILL BEGIN THEN HENCEFORTH!”

[INCREDIBLY LOUD MICROPHONE STATIC]

Sarcon: “WE WISH YOU ALL LUCK! OR WHATEVER.”

Stolas: “AUUGH”

Gnarpy: “MY EAAARZZZZZ”

Manly: “Ow.”

The sound of a microphone being placed down to the ground, which was also incredibly loud, followed by a soft click of sorts, followed by silence. Everyone was holding their ears, except Numby, who was incredibly confused and disoriented, which lead to Topaz sacrificing her own ears and covering Numby’s instead. Most notably, there was Keith, whose fur was entirely shaken up, and was clutching onto his own ears as if they were his amazon package.

[KZZZRT]

[Keith is just heavily huffing, taking a good deep breath before looking right at the door.]

[Keith: “...I can still hear a ringing in my ears. Oww.. nggh..”]

[Keith keeps clutching at his ears..]

[Keith: "Fuck- I gotta get out of this stall, the ringing isn't going away.."]

[KZZZRT]

Keith: “AUUUGH, Why’d that have to be so loud??”

Doremy: “I put it in good faith that they simply forgot to provide a budget for the microphone.. Or they hadn’t tested it out prior and it was merely an afterthought.”

Master: “..Ah.. well, if it helps you find the reason, I overheard the two of them discussing some details of the microphone and the speakers before entering the cafeteria earlier today.

[FLAAAAASHBAAAAAAACK]

Koneko: “Alright Sarcon, so we’ve already set up practically everything for them in the future. All the challenges have been set in place and we should be able to sail smoothly starting tomorrow. You’ve got the mic prepared to announce, right?”

Sarcon: “Wuh? Oh, yeah, of course I did. I made sure it wasn’t too loud.”

Koneko: “Great. I trust your word, then. There’s this contestant whose hearing is especially sensitive, so we wouldn’t want any problems there, alright bro?”

Sarcon: “Yeah yeah. No problems. Let’s go to bed.”

Koneko: “alrighty.”

Master continues on whistling and smiling as he opens the door to the cafeteria.

Master: “..Oh?”

MalO’s eyes flick open and glance over to Mr. Master.

MalO: “...Wor?”

[FLASHBACK END]

Keith: “..Gah… I hate that snake.”

Topaz: “And this is why we have regulations and regular check-ups.”

Kel: “Eh, whatever. We can just tell Koneko about it when we get there. Let’s go!”

All eight people, not including Numby, who was being held by Topaz, started to walk out of the building in unison and exit toward the red beacon, which wasn’t very far from where they were. It lead to a shore of some form, where Koneko, whose size wasn’t as giant as last time but still pretty tall (9’8) was standing out and looking out in the ocean.

Koneko: “Ah.. welcome. I sense the footsteps of.. Most of you?”

Koneko looks back and starts counting everyone.

Koneko: “..It appears the Underling is missing.”

Kel: “Eh?”

Kel glances around and starts counting himself, looking at the colorful cast of people around him.

Kel: “You’re right. Are they still sleeping or something? Should i go to them?”

Keith: “...”

Keith’s face suddenly displayed a hint of very non-subtle surprise

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “Okay. I just.. need to sit down for a moment and think about that one.”]

[Keith: “Can someone tell me how in the world they slept through the loud microphone??”]

[KZZZRT]

[Underling: “Honk.. mimimimimimi.. Hooooonkk.. mimimimimimimi….”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Yes, it appears that way. Do not worry. I’ll drag them out shortly, but for right now.. Today’s competition will be very simple.”

A somewhat spacious circular arena arises from the water, the emblem present in the letters given to the contestants ingrained into the center, of a snake and cat (Sarcon and Koneko respectively) in unison, albeit a bit more worn out.

Everyone looked over to the arena in surprise, and Koneko seemed somewhat confused.

Koneko: “..What?”

Stolas: “Did you.. do that?” 

Koneko: “...Yes? Is something the matter?”

[KZZZRT]

[Topaz: “...Wow.. they really did put a lot of money into the infrastructure for this place. I couldn’t see that platform in the water from where I was standing!”]

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “Is she an overlord?? A sin of some kind??? The 8th secret sin I’ve never fucking heard about?? What the FUCK was that?? I’ve heard of a lot of incredible abilities in my time in hell, really, I have, but just.. sudden manifestation of BUILDINGS?? Out of THIN AIR?? Absolutely absurd. ”

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “...I can see your confessionals, you know.”

Stolas: “Oh. Right.”

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “REALLYZ?? COME OUT GNEEP GNORP!!!!”]

[Koneko: “Hello, Gnarpy! You appear very excited.”]

[Gnarpy: “Hmph. Not at allz. But I assumed FULL privacy when doing theze. Thiz.. iz an INVAZION of that.]

[Koneko: “..Would you request me to not listen in to make you feel a little more comfortable?”]

[Gnarpy: “I…”]

[Gnarpy: “...”]

[Gnarpy: “Meh, whateverz. You can ztay, I guezz.”]

[Koneko: “Yay!”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “To explain what Stolas is worried about.. Yes, I can create buildings. That is my ability as a god. This is why I’m the one handling the challenges, while Sarcon is the one handling the eliminations. Split the work that we can do.”

Topaz: “Ahh..”

Topaz: “At least they have good work ethic. Even if it's not much, I can respect that.”

Koneko: “Anyway! The first challenge will be very simple and not incredibly convoluted. I feel it fitting for the first competition to be something incredibly straightforward.. Swordfighting!”

Out of nowhere, a rectangular slot from the ground opens up, and out comes an array of colorful swords and armor of same and different sizes respectively, all outfitted with their own specified emblems to signify who belongs to who.

Koneko: “Each of you will be fighting in a 1v1 style, so if you were thinking about any alliances about this one, you may need to forgo them temporarily, as only one person can win this competition.

MalO: “Oh…”

Gnarpy: “Myeh.”

Kel: "Mm.."

Koneko: “All the match-ups will be randomly generated. However, due to the uneven number of contestants.. Two people will have to fight an extra match-up.”

Doremy: “Isn’t that somewhat unfair to the two fighting?”

Koneko: “..Yes. And that is why I have a proposal for that one match-up in particular.”

Out from thin air..

…

Koneko spawned in two fake idols of herself!

Koneko: “If anyone would like to volunteer for an earlier match-up.. I will give both participants a fake idol for free. It’s a high risk high reward effort. You’re less likely to win the festivity with choosing to volunteer.. However, you’ll still end up gaining something. Who knows, it may end up saving you.”

Before anyone can react or even move a finger, Kel quickly starts raising his hand like he was calling for a taxi.

Kel: “Ooh, me, pick me! Can I go? I wanna go first.”

Koneko: “...Oh, really? Are you sure?”

Kel: “Of course! I wouldn’t turn down a challenge!”

Koneko: “Well, alright then. First come first serve, I suppose.”

Koneko tosses over the fake idol to Kel, and he quickly jumps up and catches it, quickly stuffing it into his pocket.

Koneko: “..Anyone else?”

…

…

The group was silent.

Koneko: “..Hm. Not very vocal.”

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “I’d volunteer simply because my opponent would just be a human child. However, I’ve taken into account what Doremy told me. If I volunteered to fight a child, other people may view me as a psychopath.”]

[Stolas: “Kel’s annoying, but who deliberately goes out of their way to beef with a child? Not me, or my handsome Blitzy..”]

[He ALMOST swoons.]

[KZZZRT]

[MalO: “...tEmptIng.. bUt I alrEAdy hAvE An IdOl..”]

[MalO: “...AlsO i kIndA dOnT wAnnA fIght kEl.. hE’s nIcE..”]

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “..Blegh. I don’t NEED an idol to survive. I have GREATER ztrategiez in mind.. Hehe..”]

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “...”]

[Manly: “Wait, did I miss something important? I wasn’t listening. I don't even remember deliberately going here.”]

[KZZZRT]

[Underling: “honk…..mimimimimimimim…honk…..mimimimimimimimimimimi…”]

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “..It’s not much my morality, so to say, It’s more so that I don’t really confide in my swordfighting abilities much. I don’t believe I’ve even touched a sword.”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Well.. I can tell what most of you are concerned about.. and I have a compromise, once again. Kel?”

Kel’s head quickly cranes over to Koneko.

Kel: “..Yeah?”

Koneko: “You may pick your opponent.”

Kel excitedly jumps up and down, exclaiming a silent “yessssss!”, pulling down a lifted fist like a train conductor and quickly looking around.

Kel: “Hmmm.. who should I pick… mmm..”

Kel looks over to everyone, their faces displaying a wide array of emotions, before finally landing his eyes on one person.

Kel: “Topaz! Wanna be my sword fighting opponent?”

Topaz: “Oh! I mean.. Of course. But.. Do you have a particular reason for choosing me?”

Kel: “Well, I want my opponent to be someone that I can be sure I can have fun with! I dunno where the cool blue dude went but I don’t wanna interrupt their sleep and stuff.. So.. yeah.”

[KZZZRT]

[Topaz: “Oops. May have made too good of an impression.. Not too sure if this is gonna be my downfall..”]

[Topaz: "...Maybe an early investment is a good thing?.. aha.."

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: maniacal laughter]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Well, that decides that, then!”

Koneko tosses over a fake idol towards Topaz, to which Numby quickly absorbs it with their mouth.

Topaz: “Ah, good job Numby!”

Numby makes a satisfied “Fwee!” sound. I’d translate it but I don’t understand warp trotter please don’t ask me.

Manly: “Did it just eat that?”

Topaz: “Yeah! They can actually act as a walking piggy bank for whatever. Isn’t that cool?”

Manly: “It’s nifty, I'll give it that.”

Koneko: “Alright.. Now that that’s settled.. Let me explain the rules.”

Koneko: “Unlike the traditional ‘2 fall-outs, you’re out’ rule for swordfighting, you only need to be knocked off the platform and fall beneath the 3/4th’s line once to be considered ‘out’.”

Koneko: “You may only use your sword, and nothing but your sword to attack your opponent. If any other method is used to push back the opponent, you will be disqualified and rendered ‘out’. This includes, but isn’t limited to: punching, kicking, stabbing, or any unauthorized weaponry. Said method would only count if it’s actually applied to the opponent. 

Koneko: "You can scare the opponent as long as it’s not physically touching them; The sword MUST be the thing that touches/knocks them."

Koneko: “You may also not be allowed to fly during this match, unless both opponents can do so. Which is practically impossible since flightful opponents consist of the minority.”

Koneko: “Match-ups will be entirely randomized using this comically large gray screen, with the exception of Topaz and Kel, who have graciously volunteered to do an extra match-up.”

[KZZZRT]

[Topaz: “...I… wouldn’t say volunteered. I mean, I agreed to Kel’s wishes, but he looked really happy when wanting me to be his opponent. I didn’t want to go against that.. ” ]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “So.. with that said.. Here are the match-ups!”

The comically large monitor starts to make a lot of “whirring” and “cranking” noises, before a large amount of steam protrudes from the sides, and a small ‘click’ is made. Consequently, the match-ups appear right before their eyes.

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “WHAT DOEZ THIS MEAN?? WHY AM I FIGHTING NOBODY??”]

[Koneko: “No, no, it just means you’ll be fighting whoever wins the match-up between Topaz and Kel.]

[Gnarpy: “Oh.”]

[Gnarpy: “What an INEFFICIENT way of zhowing it.”]

[KZZZRT]

Doremy: “Ah.. so I’m against you, MalO?”

MalO: “e..Eeemm.. yEAh. I gUEss I’ll try.”

Doremy: “Do not worry all too much. This is my first time doing such an activity. I can hope I’ll be a worthwhile opponent.”

MalO: “...yEAh…”

-

Manly: “...”

Manly: "..."

Manly: “Oh right, Underling isn’t here right now.”

Manly: “Suppose it’ll be fine.”

-

Keith: “...”

Keith gazes at the board for much longer than he would’ve liked, thinking to himself.

Keith: “This challenge feels like it was basically made for me. Hm..”

Stolas: “Ah, Kyle! It appears we’re opponents, no?”

Keith: “..My name is Keith . However, that appears to be the case.”

Stolas: “Well, Keith, just know that I won’t back down. This will be my match to win, you got that?”

Keith: “..Mhm. Certainly.”

Keith: “..I don’t think he even knows what I’ve fought before.”

Koneko: “Alright, that’s enough chit-chat everyone! We will begin shortly. Excuse me for a moment as I retrieve the Underling.”

After about five minutes of waiting, everyone was geared up with their swords and armor, as it covered everyone perfectly. Koneko came back with a tired Underling, who physically looked lethargic despite having more sleep than anyone else.

Kel: “Hey!... you don’t look so good, bro.”

Underling: “..mehhhgggg..”

Underling waddles over to the armor stand before falling face forward into the grass.

[KZZZRT]

[Underling: “…mgghhh… I slept but.. I was.. Really excited about today.”]

[Underling: “..so I started spinning a lot.”]

[Underling: “In my sleep.”]

[Underling: “...I want to vomit.”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Well, I believe we’re ready to begin.”

Koneko claps twice, before everybody gets transported to the bleachers placed around the arena above the water. Afterwards, a bigger screen would come up from the water and display the current bracket. It zooms in on Topaz and Kel’s match-up, and then they get teleported onto the arena.

Kel: “Woah, woah! Okay, not used to the whole teleporting thing.”

Topaz: “It’s not that bad. You get used to it a little while."

Topaz looks around her in a moderate confusion.

Topaz: “Oh yeah, where’s Numby?”

Koneko: “You can’t have Numby here for this challenge. They’ll still watch, though.”

Numby excitedly makes a “fwee” sound as they’re sat down.

Topaz: “Aww.. alright, that’s completely fair!”

Koneko: “Alright. At the sound of the megaphone.. You two may begin.”

After about five seconds of waiting and intense gazes, the loud sound of the megaphone starts blairing throughout the entire island, signaling that the contest has begun. Topaz quickly dashes forward towards Kel but immediately stops, giving a somewhat confused stare.

Topaz: “..Uh, Kel?”

Kel: “Yeah, what’s up?”

Kel says, while flexing his left arm for some reason and holding the sword in his right. There was a small ‘ticking’ noise everytime he did it. Topaz viewed a sudden yellow glow radiating from Kel as he did this.

Topaz: “Why are you glowing yellow?.. And flexing?”

Kel: “...What are you talking about? I’m only flexing randomly.”

Topaz: “What? No, you.. There’s more to it than just flexing. There’s definitely something radiating around you.”

Gnarpy: “WHO CAREZ, JUST FIGHT ALREADY!”

Topaz: “Mmgh. Well, let’s do this. I hope you’re ready for crippling debt!”

Topaz dashes and strikes forward, but felt an immense gust of wind as Kel quickly blocks it, the sudden force felt by all of the crowd.

Kel: “Topaz..”

Kel: “I’m 15 and unemployed. Student debt is only a few years ‘way..“

Kel: “But not right now.”

Topaz’s eyes widened. Quickly, Kel hopped back and swung his sword like a baseball bat, causing a force that was so strong that it sent Topaz flying off the platform, doing a 360 in the middle of the air, and into a pole structuring the bleachers, the sudden rustic sound of metal radiating throughout the entire arena, causing everyone to go “Oooh..”. Kel quickly dashes over to the edge of the arena.

Kel: “Oh shoot, Topaz, you good? I think I swung a little too hard”

Topaz: “Auugh.. For the love of.. Yeah, I’m fine.. I- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

After Topaz realizes that she’s not on the pole anymore and actually falling, she starts screaming her lungs out, before Numby flies out and quickly catches her mid-fall, preventing a nasty fall into the ocean.

Topaz: “Whew.. thanks Numby..”

[KZZZRT]

Topaz starts feeling her back, to which she still felt a bit of pain.

Topaz: “Auugh.. what did Kel even do just then? It was like for a moment, he was…”

Topaz: “Oh, I don’t know, the emanator of knockback? Swords don’t normally fling people that far!”

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “And it looks like Topaz is the first one out! Kel advances on forward to the competition to go up against Gnarpy.”

Gnarpy: “Bleh. I could’ve tanked that. Zuch weaklingz..”

Koneko: “Our next competitor is.. Kel again! Versus Gnarpy this time. Order of things or whatever.”

Keith: “Hm. Now you actually have to tank it. Why not try to prove it to us?”

Gnarpy: “Oh i’ll PROVE it alright.”

Gnarpy and Kel appear at opposite ends once again of the arena once again, and they gaze at each other. The megaphone starts to sound once again..

..and once again, Kel starts flexing.

[KZZZRT]

[Kel: “Hehe.. it’s not really much of a trick or anything.”]

[Kel: “I just feel a little more confident after flexing. And powerful!”]

[Kel: “..Like, physically powerful. 2.5x more powerful.”]

[Kel: “Eugh, starting to sound like a nerd now..”]

[KZZZRT] 

Gnarpy dashes forward with xyr green sword, before slicing down. Once again, Kel parries it and swings back, which causes xem to be flung back a miraculous distance.

Gnarpy: “GRAH!!”

Quickly, Gnarpy’s claws protract, keeping xem down onto the platform as xe goes down on all fours to get the full force of the claws down and keep xem still.

Gnarpy: “What.. What WAZ that??”

Gnarpy: “It waz like.. It waz az if I were fighting the COMMANDER.”

Kel: “Eyes up here, catto.”

Gnarpy’s eyes glance up and xe makes a panicked meow. Xe had been internally monologuing for too long!

Gnarpy: “RAH!”

Gnarpy quickly parries the swing Kel does. A crack is formed in the platform beneath Gnarpy’s paws. The crowd stares, somewhat dumbfounded at his power.

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “...”]

[Stolas: “...What the fuck??”]

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “Okay, I know a few humans that can replicate that kind of power. Take Trace, for example.”]

[Keith: “I mean, it makes sense for him, sense he was the grand templar and that’s a whole power status. He can summon dragons, for Nora’s sake.”]

[Keith: “But this? Isn’t this like, a 9 year old or something? What have his parents been feeding him?”]

[Keith: “..And can I have some of it?”]

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “Okay, so, from what I remember from OMORI..”]

[Manly: “I know Kel had a lot of skills from the dream world, and one of them was flex. Pretty sure it made him more powerful or something.”]

[Manly: “Weird part is that this doesn’t look like the dream world one, though. The colors are.. realistic, I guess.”]

[Manly: “..Mmm….”]

[KZZZRT]

Gnarpy: “HOW DO I FIGHT YOU???”

Kel: “With the sword?”

Gnarpy swings the sword at Kel. Amazingly, it knocks him back by a lot.

Kel: “See, like that! You’re already getting used to it!”

Gnarpy: “Hehe.. i GUEZZ your luck ran OUT!”

Kel smiles brightly at Gnarpy’s confidence, flexing a few more times.

Kel: “Okay, now it’s my turn to strike!”

Gnarpy: “w.. WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT-”

Before Gnarpy could say anything else, Kel leaps forward and delivers a powerful swing. Gnarpy attempts to parry it, but his panicked demeanor causes him to sloppily miss the parry, as the sword knocks Gnarpy off at an upward angle and into the water.

Board: Baseball Organ - Charge!

Gnarpy: “ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-”

splash

Koneko: “And Gnarpy is OUT!”

Gnarpy gets teleported back to the bleachers. Xyr confidence has fallen flat, turning into an unhappy wet, sopping cat.

Keith: “...S-”

Gnarpy: “DON’T ZPEAK TO ME, YOU ZEEBLOING!”

Keith laughs beneath his breath, looking over to Kel with a satisfied smile. Koneko claps, and Kel sighs a breath of relief as he teleports back to the bleachers, as his icon advances forward on the board.

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “JUZT ZO YOU KNOW! That waz on PURPOZE!”]

[Gnarpy: “I have a BACK-UP PLAN!”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Alright! Next up is Doremy vs MalO!”

They both get transported onto the stage. Doremy is visibly ready to fight, holding the sword incorrectly, while MalO is quivering somewhat, barely holding onto the sword.

Doremy: “Very well. Are you.. Prepared?”

MalO: “...nO.”

Doremy: “..Hmph.” “...Quick and simple, then.”

The megaphone blares, and Doremy quickly dashes forward and swings.. But to no effect. It was like attempting to move an indestructible object.

Doremy: “...Oh.”

MalO: “...u..uuhh..”

Doremy attempts to swing forward a few more times, but to no avail, as MalO just looks down at Doremy with big, white puppy dog eyes.

Doremy: “...This is… quite conflicting. What would my approach here even be?”

Doremy looks up at MalO.

Doremy: “You’re not even fighting back.”

MalO’s eyes widened, realizing that the game had started, and grips the sword, swinging it at Doremy. She hastily blocks it, but the force of the swing slides her back to the center of the stage

Doremy: “...Oops.”

MalO: “I dIdn’t evEn nOtIcE. thAnk you fOr saying!”

Doremy: “...Yes. Don’t mention it.” “Well, this is even more of a predicament than last time. I would’ve won if I were allowed my spell cards but-”

MalO: “..they won’t see THIS coming!”

MalO: “hEhE! thInk fAst!”

Doremy quickly parries it, sweat dripping from her forehead as she struggles to block it with her strength.

MalO: “ThIs is fUn!!”

Doremy: “Okay.. I need to be smart about this. MalO is clearly a lot more excited than normal. They probably tend to get excited really easily… so, they’re probably not as focused and more about having fun. I can use that to my advantage”

Doremy quickly runs away from MalO and closer to the ledge, gaining distance as fast as she can. MalO intently watches.

Kel: “Eh? She’s running away?”

Stolas: “It’s called ‘survival instinct’, human. If a giant werewolf were in front of you, what would you do? Attempt to face it?”

Kel: “I could probably defeat one.”

Stolas: “...”

Kel: “Chill, dude, I was just joking… no need to be so snippy about it.”

Doremy dashes over to the edge and glances over to MalO, who still maintains eye contact. She nearly slipped off the edge in the process. 

Doremy: “Over here!”

Excitedly, MalO dashes over to Doremy, her running similar to that of Ridley’s running animation from Super Smash Bros Ultimate, hastily approaching towards Doremy. MalO realizes they’re going a little too fast, attempting to slow down by pressing her arms down but ultimately being slid by the lack of friction on the platform. Doremy bends her knees down.. and quickly attempts to jump over her!

…To which was no avail. Doremy quickly ends up getting hit by MalO’s head, and MalO falls off the platform, knocking them both out of the platform.

Doremy: “....Oops. I suppose I underestimated the-”

Splash, splash

Koneko: “WELL, it appears they both fell down at the same time.”

Manly: “Oh. What happens then?”

Koneko: “Under normal circumstances.. I’d look over the footage and see who crossed the line first. However.. That won’t be necessary, as someone broke a rule.”

MalO and Doremy both come out of the water, poking their heads out, incredibly soggy.

MalO: “hUh? whIch rUlE?”

Koneko pulls out some reading glasses and a clipboard from Sarcon knows where, and starts reading.

Koneko: “The only thing used to knock back the opponent is the sword. Anything else is considered a disqualification.”

Koneko: “MalO, you headbutting into Doremy counted as an example of a ‘disqualification’, so Doremy will be the one advancing to the next round.”

MalO slightly whines a bit. Doremy smiles a bit.

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “I took an incredible gamble there...”]

[Doremy: “And it certainly paid off! Now I have to fight against… oh.”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Good game to both! Our next match-up is Manly vs Underling!”

Doremy and MalO are teleported back to the bleachers, with Doremy getting dried. Manly and Underling get teleported onto the stage, and a horn gets rang out. Gnarpy can’t help but look at Koneko with glaring eyes.

Gnarpy: “HEY! How come ZHE getz DRIED??”

Koneko: “Well, she can’t go into the next match-up wet. Besides, you guys don’t have any further match-ups. There’s a couple of towels nearby if you feel uncomfortable, though.”

Topaz: “...Well, the option is at least nice, but why not simply.. dry us off yourself? If you can do it so easily with Doremy.. why not us?”

Koneko: “If I do that now, I might lose track of the-”

Underling: “SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-”

Splash

Koneko: “..The match-up… as you can see. Like that. What even occurred?”

Manly: “I didn’t even do anything.”

Manly: “I must be pretty powerful… ”

Koneko: “..Let’s see here..”

Koneko pulls out a big flatscreen TV and starts watching to themselves. In it, it was clear that they had placed the helmet wrong, to the point where the strap of the helmet (which goes on the back) was on the front, blinding them.

Underling: “Heh.. come at me..! I’ll show you..!”

Their voice was somewhat groggy, but the energy was there. Eventually, they waddle forward, but forward ends up being a circle looping back to the edge, and, waddling a little more forward, they end up falling.

Underling: “SCREEEEE-”

[KZZZRT]

A sopping wet Underling looks at the screen.

[Underling: “Look, I was tired, okay?.. And still kinda dizzy.]

[Underling: “...I didn’t even know what I was doing. I realized I was holding a sword and well.. Suddenly I felt really powerful!”]

[Underling: “...”]

[Underling: “At least the water woke me up..”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Well.. I suppose that settles that, then! Manly moves onto the next round!

Koneko: “Our final match-up of the first round is Keith vs Stolas!”

Keith: “...Oh, already?”

Stolas: “Yes, already. Are you already?”

Keith: “Already to win.”

There was a slight deafening silence. 

Stolas: “Hoohooohoooohoot..”

Keith: “Hmph. hehehe..”

Stolas: “HOOTHOOHOOOTOOTHOHOHOHOHOHOOOT”

Keith: “aHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA”

They quickly glare at each other

Stolas: “Let’s do this.”

Keith: “Try me.”

They get teleported into the arena, their stares somewhat determined. 

Stolas: “...Are you ready to dance, darling?”

Keith: “This isn’t just a simple dance.”

The megaphone blares, as both contestants dash at each other

Keith: “This is war !”

They dash at each other, making their way to the center of the arena. Stolas swings first, but Keith quickly slides beneath his legs, before picking himself up and striking at his back, pushing him closer to the edge. Stolas quickly catches on and, before Keith is able to swing forward again, Stolas quickly jumps above the swing with a surprising speed.

Stolas: “..These moves. They’re quite impressive, hasty, and oh-so strong!”

Stolas: “I’ve never actually swordfought before.. This is.. This is so, so exhilarating!”

Keith: “Shouldn’t be up in the air for so long, feathers!”

Stolas: “Wha-”

Stolas quickly gets distracted as Keith pokes his sword forward, knocking Stolas forwards easily. He felt his body fling across the air, but he quickly stomps down, landing onto the platform. He’s on the edge.

Stolas: “..I will admit, your abilities are certainly stimulating. Have you.. Done this before?”

Keith: “Fight now, talk later.”

Keith dashes forward and starts swinging voraciously, quickly overwhelming Stolas. Stolas attempts to parry it all, but is incredibly sloppy at it, missing, only to be knocked back a bit more.

Eventually, another flurry of swings later, and Stolas is pinned up against the edge. 

Keith delivers one more swing…

And is swung off!

…But not before Stolas grabs onto the ledge.

Stolas: “Ah.. Well… This is kind of cliche… isn’t it, Kylie?.”

Keith approaches him toward the ledge as he looks down on him.

Keith: “..Somewhat.”

He points his sword toward him.

Stolas: “You know, If I were in real danger, and you were attempting to hold me up, I’d probably be saying things like ‘nOOoOo, dOn’T leT gO!!!!’, or ‘plEAAAAASE, HOLD Onnn!!!’.”

Keith: “...”

Keith’s heart felt like it stopped.

Stolas: “Once again, it’s all so incredibly cliche, but that kind of drama riles me, you know?”

Keith’s sword somewhat gets shaky.

Keith: “...No.”

Keith starts to remember something. Something undesirable. Empty. Something he wished he could have just left behind as soon as he entered here. His eyes somewhat widened out of instinct, as he felt a darkness creep in.

Keith: “..Not again. I.. don’t want to remember again. Not now.. Why is this coming back to me? Why..???”

He clutches his head, his breathing becoming somewhat shaky.

Stolas: “...?”

Stolas: “What’s he on about? Oooh, wait.. I get it. It’s a part of the whole cliche thing.. I suppose he wants me to come back up and play along, fighting back at it?”

Stolas smiles and quickly jumps over the tramautized P.T.S.D.-ridden clearly-not-doing-this-for-a-joke-at-this-point-because-otherwise-he-probably-would’ve-done-an-overhead-swing-and-hit-Stolas and shaken Keith, doing a cool flip in the middle of it, wowing the audience, before he strikes at his back.

Keith, through his stress, quickly takes notice and tries to parry it, but unfortunately isn’t fast enough this time, and gets struck in the chest.

Keith: “wAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-”

Splash

Stolas: “And that, my friend, is what overconfidence gets you.”

Koneko: “And Keith has been knocked out, meaning Stolas moves on to the next round, up against Manly!”

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “That was honestly incredibly refreshing!”]

[Stolas: “For some reason, I feel a somewhat oncoming sense of dread, though..”]

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “....”]

He is sopping wet, as you might imagine. He shakes his fur like a dog.

[Keith: “When I get him..”]

Keith shakes his fist a little but sighs to himself a little.

[Keith: “Well, it’s whatever. You can’t win them all, right?”]

Keith awkwardly chuckles to himself before returning to a slight frown

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Here are the match-ups for the next round!”

Doremy awkwardly slides a glance over to Kel on the bleachers, whose happily kicking his feet back and forth.

Doremy: “..So he’s my opponent..”

Kel glances back to Doremy and does a friendly wave.

Doremy waves back, albeit slowly.

Kel: “This’ll be fun! I can only hope she ends up being tough for me!”

Kel and Doremy teleport to the arena once again, with their gear in line. Doremy keeps herself in check, while Kel excitedly hops up and down, gripping the sword with his two arms. Doremy bares her sword, lifting it up with a slight hesitation as the megaphone blares

Doremy: “...Okay. I need to figure out what to do here. Kel is incredibly powerful.. And I don’t suspect he’ll be toning it down for me.”

Kel continues to flex, smiling and giggling, unaware of his chaos.

Doremy: “...He’s been consistently flexing for some time now. He’s only done it when he gets into battle. So.. that may be his ability. Against Gnarpy, he was still able to deal decent knockback, so it clearly doesn’t affect his durability.”

She sighs.

Doremy: “..I suppose I just need to go for it.”

Doremy squints her eyes and starts dashing forward toward Kel.

Kel: “Hehe! You look excited! Alright, let’s do this!”

Before Doremy can even poke once, Kel swings the sword down on Doremy, causing all the air in her lungs to suddenly dispel.

Doremy: “Gh!”

Doremy: “..I’ve never felt this before.. What in hell is this sensation? I can barely breathe..”

Kel: “Let’s go!”

Kel swings his sword one more time.. Before displaying that the knockback on that swing was significantly weaker.

Doremy: “..Wh.. it’s suddenly normal..?”

Before Kel is able to quickly swing again, Doremy blocks it with her sword, her gaze somewhat adamant in figuring out the secret behind Kel’s ability.

Kel: “Hey, you’re pretty strong!” 

Doremy: “..I appreciate it, but please, focus on fighting.”

Kel: “You got it!”

Kel quickly throws in a flex and slams down the sword, attempting to hit Doremy’s head.. Quickly, she rolls back, as she senses the sudden shockwave created from the sword, like an earthquake created by man. Kel quickly dashes forward once again, and lands the attack once more!.. However, once again, the sword hit as it intended to, without a colossal amount of knockback.

Doremy: “...Ah, I see his weakness now. I know how to make use of this.”

Doremy quickly dashes forward and starts swinging wildly.

Kel: “Woah, woah, woah! H-hey, you’re going way too fast!”

Kel attempts to try and keep up by parrying, but she keeps swinging around the parries, her face suddenly growing confident as she slowly chips him off, before he’s propped up against the ledge.

Doremy: “There we go..!”

Doremy quickly swings forward.. But Kel parries it, a loud clang resounding throughout the arena!

Doremy: “Oh no.”

Kel quickly flexes, smiling as he swings his swords like a baseball bat.

Kel: “Finally got the parry down!”

Kel: “Now you’re finished!”

Kel swings the sword, the velocity going at a speed incomprehensible to the human eye.

…

…

But missed.

Doremy speedily ducked beneath it, as all the sword does is knock off the hat off her head. Quickly, she pushes her sword forward, which causes Kel to trip backwards

Kel: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-”

Splash

Koneko: “And Doremy moves on to the finals!!!”

Doremy: “..Well. That was quite eventful.”

[KZZZRT]

[Kel: “Damn! I had a good streak going, too.”]

[Kel: “Eh, whatever. I think I did pretty well, heheh.”]

[Kel: “Hoping Doremy wins! She fought good .”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Our second to last match-up is between Manly and Stolas!”

Stolas: “Ah.. a human.”

Manly: “Yes. A human. There a problem with that?” 

Manly says, in a somewhat hyperbolic voice, his tone clearly intent with jest.

Stolas: “Of course. Your existence is the problem.”

Stolas chuckles to himself

Manly: “...Jeez, okay.”

They both teleport to the arena, staring at each other. Stolas’s gaze is intense, and passionate, while Manly is somewhat more uncaring, but still focused.

The horn sounds.

They both dash toward each other, as their swords intersect once again, at the very center. A sandstorm of swipes intersect, neither progressing nor being backed away, constantly rushing down the other opponent as the recoil only forces them to get closer.

Manly: “So, what’s your deal? You’re a big owl?”

Stolas: “In more ways than one, yes.”

Manly: “Ew.”

Manly swings the sword forward a little more forcefully, sliding Stolas back a bit.

Stolas: “Well, just know that you physically won’t be able to beat me. You are only a human, after all.”

Manly: “You say that, but do you remember how strong Kel was? Dude was a powerhouse.”

They start swinging at each other again, a clash of blows while having a regular conversation.

Stolas: “Mmmnyes. I’m sure it was a mere hyperbolic display. He probably doesn’t have that capability. It would be beyond him. In fact, I’d say it was simply because his opponents are simply weaker than him.”

Kel: “HEY!”

Gnarpy: “GLORP GLEEP!”

Manly: “Ehh. 50/50 there.”

Manly misses a swing and gets knocked back by Stolas’s swing, now landing on the middle ring.

Stolas: “Anywhoo.. What do you do for a living?”

Manly: “..? Oh, I do Youtube.”

Stolas: “Ah, video uploading and whatnot? Video streaming? That jibber-jabber?”

Manly: “Kinda. It's a learning process, but it’s very enjoyable. What’s your thing?”

Stolas: “I study your earth’s stars and skies. Well, actually, it’s probably a different Earth now that I think about it, no?”

Manly: “Probably not that different.”

Stolas: “..Perhaps not.”

…

…

…

They keep swinging each other, until suddenly, an incredibly loud bell rings.

Stolas: “AUGH!”

Manly: “Ggh..”

Stolas: “What was THAT for?”

Koneko: “..Well, since you guys took quite a bit to properly knock each other out, the timer rang.”

Stolas: “..Wait, there was a time limit??”

Manly: “Really?”

Koneko: “There always was one. In fact, I’m glad we put down a timer. You both stopped fighting at one point just to talk about your personal lives.”

Stolas: “...”

Manly: “...”

Manly: “No.”

Stolas: “We definitely did not.”

Koneko: “...”

[FLASHBACK]

Manly and Stolas are sitting down on the arena, with teacups in hand.

Stolas: “...mmmm. This is quite delicious tea. Where did you get this?”

Manly: “My manliness.”

Stolas: “Your what?”

Manly: “I’m joking. I just had a tea set with me.”

Stolas: “Ooooh, alright.”

[FLASHBACK ENDDDDD]

Manly: “...”

Stolas: “...”

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “...We might’ve”]

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “I forgot about the swordfighting.]

[KZZZRT]

Stolas: “Uuh.. well, then what?”

Koneko: “You guys have two choices. Leave it up to decision, or fight in the center but the arena is significantly smaller.”

Stolas: “Definitely the smaller arena.”

Manly: “Smaller.”

Koneko: “..Alright.”

Suddenly, as if cut in half, part of the arena goes back into the ocean, as only the main center of the arena remains, spanning at about two-three feet. They both look at each other.

Stolas: “Are you ready?”

Manly: “...Yep.”

Quickly, they both start swinging again, the clashes intense as sparks flew from the intensity of their sword swings. They both felt confident in their victory. Not a single word was said as 30 seconds went by.. Until..

…

…

“whoops.”

Manly weakly swings, applying a weak amount of force.

Stolas quickly pokes forward, knocking him down.

Manly: “...nooooooooooooooo-”

splash  

Stolas: “Whew. Take that, you.. Uhh..”

Stolas: “mmm… gonna be honest, I can’t come up with anything clever with you.”

Manly pokes out his head from out of the water, somewhat uncaring still as he looked up to Stolas

Manly: “That kinda works on its own.”

Koneko: “Stolas moves on to the final round, fighting off against Doremy!”

Stolas: “Doremy?”

Stolas glances over to the audience, before looking over to Doremy, whose smile was apparent.

Stolas: “Ah.. the ‘monster-human’?”

Doremy: “...Monster. Just a regular monster.”

Stolas: “...Mmm.. I still don’t quite believe that.”

Doremy gets teleported onto the stage, as she gets her sword ready.

Doremy: “..I think you’ll have a reason to believe it, though.”

Doremy says, as her feet slowly got off into the air.

Stolas: “What the-”

Doremy: “You’re an owl, aren’t you? Make use of what you have.”

Doremy: “Use your wings. Let’s have an aerial battle.”

Stolas: “...”

Stolas: “Hmph. Alright. Sounds like fun.”

Stolas unsheathed his wings as they started to fly up in the air, his jet black and bright red wings creating a strong gust throughout the arena, his own form becoming similar to black and red.

Doremy: “...Was not expecting a color change.”

Stolas: “Enough gawking. Let’s do this!”

The megaphone blares, and they start swinging at each other vicariously, like Latios and Latias using “steel wing” in Super Smash Brothers Brawl, except it’s against each other. The force of it was intense, as all the crowd felt the sudden felts of wind from mere sword swings. 

Doremy: “..I feel as if I’m filled with adrenaline right now. I don’t think any other spell card battle has made me feel like this before! Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this kind of energy!”

Doremy: “You’re going down.”

Stolas: “Not if you go down first, whatever you are!”

They keep swinging at each other vicariously, rotating around each other to adjust to the many flaps and flutters of their swords, creating a rush between the two. It goes faster, and faster, and faster, the speed exponentially increasing as their swings become indiscernible to the human eye..

Gnarpy: “What iz thiz… They’re going zo fazt???”

Underling: “I didn’t even know she could fly!”

Kel: “Honestly. This is super cool!”

Topaz: “..And scary. These are my opponents?”

They keep going, faster and faster, as the sounds of their clashes get blaringly loud. At this point, it was just flying back, and swinging with a strength comparable to an ox, the wind pushing them both forward with all their strength. Don’t ask me how there was wind going in two different directions. At this point, I'm pretty sure their literal movements manipulated the wind itself, propelling them to the direction they need to go.

One minute passed. Then two. Then three.

The timer was nearly up at five. 

The Clashes got louder.

The Slashes went faster.

Finally…

“GAAH!”

There was a blinding light. Both of them were struck in the middle of the air. Due to the sheer force of their swords, both were flung back at high strengths.

Koneko: “And they’re both flying now!.. Well, they already were flying, but-”

FTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG

A loud, resounding metallic thud. Followed by a..

splash

splash

Stolas and Doremy’s visions felt as if they were getting blurry.. Blurrier.. Before they fall into a deep sleep, the loud sound of metal ringing through their head before they disappear into a labyrinth of their own thoughts..

…

…

…

Stolas: “Auugh.. Fuck..”

???: “Ah, you’re awake! Thank goodness! You had me incredibly worried. I mean, you weren’t in any real danger, but you looked like you were having a nightmare.”

Stolas: “GRAH!”

Stolas quickly felt himself back away from the figure, before quickly calming down.

Stolas: “..Oh, I’m probably not in any real danger. Who are you?” 

???: “I’m your doctor! I took care of you while you were out. Thankfully, you weren’t unconscious for very long.”

Stolas looked over to his side, seeing Doremy, whose head appeared to have been wrapped up.

???: “You were fighting your friend there.. And you both certainly provided a ferocious display! However, you both ended up swinging each other too hard, and the knockback of the swords knocked you both into large, metal pipes.”

Stolas: “..Ah. I see.. So that’s what happened?”

???: “Yes. If you want me to recall exact details..”

[FLASHBACK]

Koneko: “...Ooh, FUCK ”

Topaz: “Did something happen??”

Koneko quickly flies over to Stolas and Doremy, who are in the water right now.

Koneko: “...They’re both unconscious and bleeding.”

Kel: “WHAT??”

Topaz: “Are they going to be alright??”

Koneko: “Of course, given how this island works, but I’ll be transporting him over to the nurse effective immediately. I’ll look over the footage and announce the results a little later.”

Koneko: “Everyone else, you may return to the cafeteria. Lunch will be served soon, and then dinner.”

Without a second word and a deafening silence somewhat filling the air, everyone returned to the cafeteria

[FLASHBACK END]

Stolas: “...Mm.. I see.”

Stolas: “Well anyway, what’s your name, since I didn’t hear of it earlier?”

???: “Ah, of course.”

He gives a polite bow, tipping his hat, and stares over to Stolas with a big smile

D. Light: “My name is Dr. D. Light. D. Lighted to be here!”

[DR. D. LIGHT]

• Nobody knows if that’s his real name or not
• Actually a traveling doctor (didn’t mind taking this job up all too much though)
• Overlooks the less serious injuries.

Stolas: “Pft. That’s your name? Isn’t that a little on-the-nose?”

D. Light: “Perhaps, but it’s a part of the fun! I also have an assistant but.. He’s for the more intense healings, like surgeries and-the-like.”

Stolas: “...Is that so?”

???: “Yep! That’s me!”

A much smaller figure comes over, with green rimmed glasses and a big hat, waddling over to the bed that Stolas was in and peaks over to Stolas.

Stolas: “..You?”

???: “Mhm!”

Stolas: “You seem a bit small, no? Are you in school?”

???: “No, I know my way around healing more than anyone!”

D. Light: “I’ve seen it in action before. It’s very impressive.”

The smaller figure also gives a slight bow and holds onto their head

Ralsei: “I’m Ralsei! I’m a prince.”

[RALSEI]

• Fluffy boy
• Healing capabilities exceeds D. Light’s (but isn’t as effective as a therapist)
• Can sing you to sleep

Stolas: “A.. prince, you say? I’m also one myself.”

Ralsei: “Really? How’s it like?”

Stolas: “Mmmmmmm…”

That groan was the clear, obvious sound of dissatisfaction.. But he looks over to Ralsei.

Stolas: “Quite alright. It's business as usual, you know?”

Ralsei: “...”

Ralsei: “Oh, yes, I understand completely-”

Doremy: “Aauuughmm..”

Doremy wakes up and glances around, before looking over to Stolas.

Doremy: “Oh.”

Stolas: “..Ah. You’re awake.”

Doremy: “You are, too, it seems.”

Stolas: “...”

Doremy: “...”

Stolas: “It was quite exhilarating, wasn’t it?”

Doremy: “Hm?”

Stolas: “The match, I meant. I’m gonna be honest, I’ve never done that before.”

Doremy: “..I haven’t either. I’ve gone fast and flown like that before, just not for very long.”

Doremy: “Hopefully, the next challenges don’t lead us to the state we're currently in right now.”

Stolas: “Hoohoo, yes. That would be quite inconvenient.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

D. Light: “Not to interrupt you both, but.. you guys are able to walk, now, correct?”

Stolas: “Ah.. let me see if I can.”

Doremy: “Yeah..”

They both get up from their beds and, miraculously, are able to start walking!

Stolas: “Hm. Not as wobbly as I’d imagine it to be.”

Doremy: “I agree. However.. My back still hurts a bit.”

D. Light: “It’ll be quite alright! Just get plenty of rest. Surprisingly, no bones were broken. I can only assume you both are incredibly strong and eat healthy.”

Stolas: “...Mhm. Well, we greatly appreciate your help. We’ll hopefully not see you later!”

Stolas and Doremy leave, as D. Light chuckles to himself.

D. Light: “Hoho. Of course. I hope to not see you so soon, either!”

Ralsei: “Wait, why?”

D. Light: “It’s a doctor joke.”

Ralsei: “...”

Ralsei: “Ooooooh.”

[MEANWHILE, AT THE CAFETERIA THIS ENTIRE TIME]

Everyone is somewhat clustered together near the cafeteria tables, everyone is looking over at each other, as if they were all in a meeting.

Underling: “Do you think they’ll be alright?”

Topaz: “Well, I’ve been a little bit suspicious of how Koneko and Sarcon operate but.. I personally believe they’ll be alright.”

Gnarpy: “More importantly..mmyeh, who are we voting out?”

Manly: “Oh, right. We have to pick someone to vote out tonight, right?”

Underling: “Why shouldn’t we pick you, Gnarpy?”

Gnarpy: “..Weh? Why would you vote MEz out??”

Underling: “Cause you’ve been mean the entire time!”

Gnarpy: “Iz HONEZTY.”

Topaz: “You're not helping your odds very much...”

Gnarpy: “Lookz. I wazn’t even that ztrong in the competition. I lozt round 1 to Mr. Ztrongman over there.”

Gnarpy says, pointing over to Kel.

Gnarpy: “If ANYTHING, you zhould be picking HIM!”

Kel: “ME?”

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy huffs proudly, as xe puts xyr hands to xyr waist.]

[Gnarpy: Zee, i TOLD you I had a plan! Now they won’t vote me out!”]

[KZZZRT]

Underling: “HEY! Why I-”

Kel: “Well.. uhh.. I didn’t even make it to the final round! I was strong, yeah, but not the strong-est..”

MalO glances around awkwardly, still silent as ever. Topaz nudges them.

Topaz: “Hey, if you want to say something, feel free to say it. This is an open discussion, you know.”

MalO slightly scratches their chin.

MalO: “AaAH, nOnO.. It’s nOthing. I fEEl lIkE i shOUld bE thE onE gOIng Out.”

Topaz: “Now why would you say that?”

MalO: “I brOke a rUle..”

Gnarpy’s eyes widened, glancing over to MalO. In xyr head, xe somewhat debated something, before speaking up.

Gnarpy: “Wellz.. When YOU did it, it made the round more... interezting. I wouldn’t pick you for that.”

MalO: “oOh.. uhh … thAnk yOU?”

Gnarpy: “..Yeah, whateverz. I already know who I’M gonna be picking.”

Kel: "..Hmph."

Keith: “...”

Manly: “...”

Keith and Manly are the only two that have been silent this entire discussion. They look toward each other, unable to avoid social discussion.

Keith: “..Hey?”

Manly: “What’s up.”

Keith: “Nah, nothing much. Just holding out, I guess.”

Manly: “I can tell you’re worried about something.”

Keith: “Well, it’s none of your business”

He sighs a little, looking away somewhat.

Keith: “Sorry. That was uncalled for.”

Manly: “It’s cool. I shouldn’t have pushed it, anyway. Are you worried about the vote?”

Keith: “...Mm.. not really. I mean, they’re at a chokehold with each other. I'm not really involved in any of that”

Keith: “Course, I’d have a reason to worry later down the line.”

Manly: “Mm? Why’s that?”

Keith tilts his entire body over to him, a lot more focused onto the conversation now.

Keith: “I’m not really friends or allies with anyone here. Gnarpy has MalO, Kel has pretty much everyone except Stolas, Stolas probably has Underling, Doremy’s a little weird..”

Keith sighs.

Keith: “I’ll have to change that soon.”

Manly: “Hm.”

Manly reaches his hand out.

Manly: “We can change that now, if you want.”

Keith: “...Eh?”

Manly: “We can be allies.”

Keith: “...mmm…”

He thought about it, his brain left in thought as he looked over to the side aimlessly.

Keith: “...You’ll have to give me more time. I can’t go immediately trusting everyone I see.”

Manly: “Heh, yeah, I get it. Alright. Just let me know if you wanna.”

Keith nods.

Keith: “Heh, sure.”

A sudden ding sounds across the entire cafeteria as everyone jolts their head over to the entrance doors. 

Gnarpy: “Bleh, they’re here.”

Topaz: “Oh hey you two! Are you two feeling alright after that whole final round fiasco?”

Stolas: “..Quite. We have suffered a head injury, but it wasn’t anything major. At worst, it was incredibly painful.”

Doremy: “Our backs also hurt somewhat.”

Topaz sighs a bit.

Topaz:  “...I guess we were warned of that. I need to teach these gods some proper etiquette in the reality show business.. Or well, not really a reality show since nobody’s seeing this, but.. Competition. You get the idea.”

Underling: “mm.. Yeah. I guess...”

Gnarpy: “Well.. now that everyone’z here.. Who’re we picking?”

Stolas: “Oh yes.. We’re supposed to be deciding someone, correct? Ah, wait, who even won?”

Kel: “Ah, yeah, you’re right! Koneko never announced the results!”

Sarcon: “hey guys”

Everyone else: BFDI Scream Sound Effect

Sarcon: “SHUT UP!!!!!”

Everyone does.

Sarcon: “Okay, Koneko decided to go sleep early, so she entrusted me to dispelling who won.”

Manly: “I don’t think I’d trust you with anything after the mic incident.”

Sarcon gives Manly a glare. Manly looks straight at him, his Manly spirit showing.

Manly: “...”

Sarcon: “...”

Sarcon: “Yeah, whatever. Look. After reviewing the footage.. It appears that when both of you were being flung, both of you were sent in the direction of two different metallic poles that were there for absolutely no reason.”

Doremy: “No reason? I thought it’d just be the support of the audience bench or something along the line.”

Sarcon: “Well, it’s more like it was supposed to be purposed for another challenge, but it was left there by accident.”

Topaz: “Well then why leave the poles there? That’s a very severe act of negligence.”

Sarcon: “Because, Ms. Rules, nobody, and i mean NOBODY, could’ve fucking predicted the distance that both of thems was launched it, let alone the whole aerial battle thing. The odds of that were 1 in… a lot.”

Sarcon: “However.. That being said.. We’ve reviewed the footage. Both of you hit the metal pole at the same time. Upon closer inspection.. Someone fell down first.”

Manly: “..And who’d that be?”

Sarcon pulls out a drum set and starts doing a very dramatic drum roll suspense sequence.

“...”

“...”

“...”

Sarcon: “Doremy.”

Doremy: “Aw..”

Sarcon: “So that means.. Stolas wins immunity.”

Stolas: “YEAAAAAAAAAAAAH! HELL YES!”

Kel: “Language!”

Stolas: “Oh, put a sock in it.”

Sarcon: “You will gain immunity, and with the perks of immunity, comes a delightful pastry baked by Jeffrey Master himself as an extra reward. There will be one hour from right now before the voting ceremony, and everyone will be able to decide who they want out. You may also use the time to look for Idols. Good luck, don’t die.”

Sarcon disappears, and everyone glances at each other.

Stolas: “Alright, Mr. Underling, would you care for an.. Allied discussion?”

Underling: “Whuh.. oh, of course, yes! Certainly!”

Jibbered jabbered, Underling follows Stolas to the dorms. Gnarpy looks over to MalO.

Gnarpy: “Mm.. now i’m flummoxed. Underling haz their own allianze… and I can’t tell if I should pick between them or ################..”

MalO: “mM.. yOu wErE gOnna gO fOr-”

Gnarpy shushes them really quickly, closing their trap shut, to the dismay of MalO

Gnarpy: “NOT TOO LOUD, ZEEBLOING!”

Gnarpy: “Lizten. ### was the ####### to ####### the ###########. Why wouldn’t we?”

MalO: “...uuuhh..”

Gnarpy: “Juzt do it! It’ll be fine..”

Meanwhile, on another side of the cafeteria..

Doremy: “Topaz!”

Topaz: “Oh, Doremy! What’s up?”

Doremy: “Did anything interesting happen in the meantime?”

Topaz: “..Mmm.. not at all, no. I mean, all we did was discuss votes.”

Doremy: “..Ah… I see. Who do you plan on voting for, then?”

Topaz: “I.. don’t really know. I can’t see myself voting Kel, and it’d be cheap for me to vote for the strongest contender. I don’t know which one would be the most beneficial for me, either. I don’t hate anybody here, but I don’t have any personal biases.”

Doremy: “..mmmm.. I see..”

Topaz: “If I had to pick someone , I’d probably go for #########. Kind of a menace.”

Doremy: “I do already know who I’m going for, myself, actually.”

Topaz: “Oh, really? Who?”

Doremy glances over to someone, and then back at Topaz.

Doremy: “...Mmm.. It’s not really a big reason, a little more on the petty side. Has nothing to do with the actual competition, though.”

Topaz: “..That didn’t answer my question.”

Doremy: “Oh, well, don’t worry about it, it isn’t you, Topaz.”

Topaz: “..I’ll take that!”

Meanwhile, all the way over at the dorms, in the interview room.

Underling: “..Did we HAVE to walk all the way over here for this, though..?”

Stolas: “Well, I apologize. I wouldn’t want anyone to eavesdrop, once again. Perhaps I’m a little paranoid to that degree.”

Underling: “Well, I get it.. But.. yeah.”

Stolas: “So. What do you say?”

Underling: “MMmm.. well..”

Underling: “Probably ################.”

Stolas: “..Hmm.. I was thinking ########.”

Underling: “Well.. don’t pick #####?”

Stolas: “Oh, why not?”

Underling: “Uhhh… uhhh.. Because.. We could use them.”

Stolas: “...”

Stolas: “I suppose you’re right. We could try ######## instead, then.”

Underling: “..Yeah, okay. Sure..”

About an hour passes by, and the horn sounds. Everyone, by instinct, knew what that meant, They exited out of the buildings. From the outside, there was a red beacon that marked the elimination area, which had it’s own campfire and nine seats. From behind a podium, there laid Sarcon, and a few ways behind him, the voting booth.

Sarcon: “Good to see everyone here. I would’ve attended today’s minigames but.. Well, I was just a little sleepy. I apologize”

Underling: “Hey, me too!”

Sarcon: “Shut it.”

Underling: “:(“

Sarcon: “The formatting this elimination will go is as follows. In alphabetical order, everyone will enter the voting booth and vote for anyone they’d like, except for Stolas, because he is immune. This voting booth also comes with the added benefit of using idols.”

Topaz: “Wait, I thought you could use idols at any point during the elimination?”

Sarcon: “Correct, and that includes the voting booth. Using it during the voting booth will make your idol usage anonymous. The benefit to this is that nobody can pinpoint you as being the one who played it, since with Idols, it could’ve very easily been someone else who played it for you. However, the negative to this is.. well, you may accidentally waste it by accident.”

Topaz: “Ah, alright, that’s nifty.”

Sarcon: “It’s pretty early in the game, though. I don’t expect anyone to use any idols anyway. Unless you’re… really feeling anxious?”

Sarcon scanned the crowd, a face filled with glee initially turning into boredom.

Sarcon: “Uugh, you guys are boring. Alright, whatever. In order, you will take turns voting.”

Sarcon: “Doremy, Gnarpy, Keith, Kel, MalO, Manly, Stolas, Topaz, and Underling.”

One by one, everyone entered the voting booth, slowly turning in their votes, with some taking longer than others.

Sarcon: “Alright.. Now that everyone’s ready.. Would anyone like to play an Koneko idol or a Sarcon idol?”

“...”

“...”

“...”

Sarcon: “Very well then. One by one, I will be calling out everyone’s names.”

Sarcon pulls out a tray of apple pie, the smell of it wafting through the air and already enticing the audience members just to run up and grab it.

Underling: “Wooah..”

Doremy: “..It smells incredible!”

Sarcon: “You can put your regards to Mr. Master if you so like.”

Sarcon: “Anyway.. Stolas, because you’re immune, you’re the first to grab a bite.”

Stolas: “Oh, goodie!”

Stolas says, shaking his hands in excitement as he runs up and grabs a slice, unhinging his beak and eating it whole.. Professionally and fancily, of course.

Sarcon: “Now.. we’ll begin with the ones who weren’t as lucky in the challenge and have to go through the anxiety of a vote.”

Sarcon: “When I call your name, come up, and grab a slice of safety.”

Sarcon: “Underling.”

Underling: “Wraa.. whew..”

Underling runs up and grabs their piece of the pie, gnawing it down whole, before running back to their seat and doing the thing with their tongue where they lick up anything left from their mouth.

Sarcon: “Keith.”

Keith: “Nice.”

Keith goes up and gets a slice, running back to his seat to eat it in pieces.

Sarcon: “MalO.”

MalO excitedly looks up and dashes over to the pie thing. Before MalO could grab it with hasty hands, Sarcon simply levitates the piece for MalO for them to grab more conveniently, as their hands are incredibly large.

MalO: “YipEE!!”

MalO eats the entire piece in one bite.

Sarcon: “Manly.”

Manly: “Niiice.”

Manly holds out to Keith for a high-five, but he doesn’t respond back.

Manly: “..Okay, not yet. I see how it is.”

Keith: “Mhm.”

Manly goes up to the tray and grabs his piece.

Sarcon: “Now half of you are safe.. And half of you are not.”

Topaz: “Wait, what? Did someone vote for me? I mean, it’s statistically possible for it to be unanimous but.. I really doubt that. I wonder if there’s someone who really hates me.” 

Topaz says, as she squeezes Numby a little more with some anxiety behind it.

Gnarpy: “You have it EAZY. I have my haterz..”

Gnarpy says, as xe eyes over to Kel with a growl. Kel growls back.

Kel: “...It appears I do, too.”

Doremy eyes all three of them awkwardly.

Doremy: “...I want to say people voted for me more so because of how I did in the competition. Is the next competition gonna be a team-oriented one?”

Sarcon: “No spoilers.”

Doremy: “Mm..”

Sarcon: “Anyway.. Next person safe..”

Sarcon: “Kel.”

Kel: “Yes!”

Gnarpy visibly growls as Kel rushes over to the piece of pie, grabbing a slice, and eating it in large bites.

Sarcon: “Also safe from the bottom 2 is..”

Sarcon: “Topaz.”

Topaz: “Whew, thank Qlipoth..”

Topaz strides over and grabs a plate of pie, splitting it between her and Numby, who fwees in excitement. It appears they like it.

Sarcon: “Our bottom 2 is Gnarpy and Doremy. Honestly, I’m not really surprised to see you two down here.”

Gnarpy: “Myeh.”

Doremy: “Is that so?”

Sarcon: “Yeah, well… time to announce the final one safe. Are you both ready.”

They both nod. Gnarpy appears frustrated while Doremy has a calm disposition in the exterior. A slight change in atmosphere occurs as a dramatic drumroll starts to play, violins dramatically sounding as Sarcon takes his time to read the vote.

Sarcon: “The last person safe is…”

Doremy: “...”

Gnarpy: “...”

Sarcon: “...”

Sarcon: “Gnarpy”

Gnarpy: “YEZ!”

Kel: “WHAT?!”

Doremy: “...O-oh.”

Gnarpy quickly grabs the whole plate and eats the last remaining slice off the tray, chowing it down like an absolute monster.

Gnarpy: “TAKE THAT KEL!”

Kel: “Maaan.”

Sarcon: “...Doremy.”

Doremy: “....I know.”

Sarcon: “You have lost the first of your two lives.”

Everyone blankly stares over at Sarcon.

Doremy: “...What?”

Sarcon: “...Everyone has two lives except for you now, Doremy. You have one life now. You’re not exactly eliminated, but-”

Stolas: “ARE YOU SERIOUS?? THERE WAS A LIFE SYSTEM?”

Sarcon: “..Uh… yeah?”

Topaz: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN “UH, YEAH?” YOU DIDN’T SAY THAT IN THE PRESENTATION!”

Sarcon: “...What? I could’ve sworn we.. oh fucking dammit, right. Uhhh… you know how when your making a project on a website and you’re in the middle of making it stuff?”

The group is following along.

Sarcon: “...And like, a power outage happens, and you assume it saves, and..”

The group is now at a mutual understanding consisting of “oooh..” and “yeah, yeah, i get that”

Keith: “What is a website?”

Manly: “God, I really need to teach you internet stuff.”

Doremy: “..Wait wait, so.. Does that mean I’m fine?”

Sarcon: “Kinda. But.. you shouldn’t view it like that.”

Doremy: “..Why not?”

Sarcon: “Well, think about it now. You’re a pretty easy target now. You’re someone with one life. That means, if everyone else were to vote you out then..”

Doremy: “Ah…. I’d be out for good. I get it now. They’d have more reason to vote for me more than ever..”

Doremy: “That IS incredibly bad.. However.. Unlike yesterday.. I didn’t have as much of an opportunity to use the dream realm.. It may come in handy.”

Sarcon: “Alright. That’s it. Everyone is dismissed.”  

Sarcon: “I’ll see you all.. tomorrow.”

And so.. Everyone went back to the dorms. Without much further discussion, everyone calmly went to bed.

Everyone except Doremy.

Well, she still went to bed, but didn't exactly go to sleep.

She wakes back up, in the dream realm.

Doremy: “..Alright. Let’s see.”

Doremy says, as she walks up to the door labeled “Stolas”.

Doremy: “Hmhmhm.. Let’s see how much fun I can have here…”

[END]

Chapter Text

Doremy wakes up in the dream world, once again. The familiar environment lights up around her.

Doremy: “..Alright. So I need to be more careful. I’ve already lost one life.. and I shouldn’t be as reckless in assuming how other people would act. I’m.. relieved there’s a life system to begin with, otherwise I wouldn’t even be here. I really did think the majority would go against Gnarpy.. And, if anything, I should’ve chosen xyr myself instead of Manly..”

Doremy thinks to herself for a moment, before laying her head low.

Doremy: “...Over something so petty, no less. I really did lose myself for a moment there..”

Doremy sighs as she looks over towards the doors again, the very same from last night.

Doremy: “Well, if I want to win, I need to make sure I know my opponents well. Analysis is one thing, but I have an advantage that they don’t.”

She walks over to Stolas’s door in the dream world, filled with a curious joy.

Doremy: “I do have my target for tonight.. I need to know more about him if I want to make use of him. If I had to give a guess…”

Her hand is placed onto the door knob.

Doremy: “He is most likely in love with a human.. But more so hates those associated with him. Perhaps it’s a feeling of conflict with their species? It may also be a love-hate relationship.. The ideas are endless.”

Doremy: “It appears this door already has a dream behind it. Let’s see here..”

Doremy opens the door and takes a peek inside, before her eyes greatly widen. What she saw then was completely illicit . She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t as she felt her body freeze up. If a description of this scene were given, the age rating of the fic would have to move up a bit. Instead, we’ll give you this:

A loud moan reverberates throughout the entire void behind her, slightly rupturing some of the bubbles nearby from the sheer volume of it. 

…

She promptly then takes back control of her body and slams the door shut with an abrupt force. Her tail, filled with an initial whimsical childlike joy to it, immediately shut down and lowered, reflective with Doremy’s mood, with what she had just witnessed.

Doremy: “.....That… wasn’t a human.”

Doremy: “....”

Doremy: “I’ve seen a lot of things in my experience as ruler of the dream world and have witnessed countless atrocities and disasters through the minds of the many inhabitants of Gensokyo.”

Doremy sits down on a nearby bubble for a moment, and puts a hand to her head, just to take it in for a moment. She quickly takes a deep breath.

Doremy: “...”

Doremy: “Absolutely nothing could’ve prepared me for that .”

Doremy: “...”

sigh

Doremy: “I can’t believe they used bear traps..” 

Doremy perks her head up from her seat to look over to the Gnarpy door and back to the Stolas door.

Doremy: “..I guess I do have a bit of an idea in mind, though.. Perhaps more so as a test than anything. Goodness, it’s gonna take a while to eradicate that image out of my head..”

A day passes, with a somewhat traumatized Doremy going to bed.. and a new morning begins.

…

“..MalO.”

MalO perks up their head. They’re in complete darkness. They look around, unsure of their surroundings.

MalO: “..Where am I?”

“...MalOOoo…”

“Come here, MalO”

MalO begins to run, unsure of the direction they’re taking. Whatever it was, they wanted it to be away from the voice.

MalO: “..No.. I.. don’t want to. Who are you?? Where AM i??”

MalO: “A VoIcE… iN mY hEaD.. wHaTs HaPpEnInG??”

“MalOooooOooOo”

“MalOooOooOOoo!!!’

MalO frustratingly covers their head, glancing their head around the void. It only took them a moment to realize the voice wasn’t coming from just one direction. It felt like it was coming from every direction at once.

MalO: “Ghghh.. i’M nOt AfRaID oF yOu!! WhERE ArE YOU??” 

“mALoOooOo!!”

“MaloOoOOoo”

Master: “..MalO…”

Master: “MalO?”

MalO: “GWAGH, NOT AFRAID!!!”

Mr. Master blinks a bit, staring directly at MalO with soft eyes, before sighing in relief. The room was somewhat dark, with the only light being from the nearby windows.

Master: “Whew.. thank goodness! Are you alright, dear MalO? You appeared to be mumbling in your sleep, in some form of distress.”

MalO: “Wha.. Oh..  yyy-yEAH. I’m oKaY. ThAnk YoU fOr A..asKiNg.”

Master flashes a smile before procedurally pulling out a handkerchief and wiping his keys.

Master: “Of course, friend. However.. This is the second night you’ve slept in the cafeteria. Is something the matter?”

MalO: “..o-Oh.. wEll.. I.. I’vE bEEn a lIttLe stREssED. cOmpEtItiOn stUff.. I gUeSs..”

Master: “Hm? Really? But nobody here quite hates you. Why, I’ve even seen both Stolas and Gnarpy be supportive of you. No jab to them, of course, but.. not everyone’s reception of them is as positive as everyone else.”

MalO: “i gUeSs thAt’s whY I’m wOrRiEd? I mEAn.. thEy cOuld bE nIcE oNly tO uSe mE.. aNd nOw ThAt I HaVe An iDoL..”

MalO’s eyes widened, before quickly using their paws to cover their mouth. Master simply chuckles in amusement, putting away the handkerchief as he held a shining pair of keys in his hands.

Master: “Hoho.. no worries, friend! Your secret's safe with me. I’d have no reason to go telling anyone else, after all!”

His eyes widened with realization, before he started shuffling through his pockets and pulling out a small piece of cold, hard, wrapped chocolate with his offhand. The color of the wrapping was a beautiful blue and had Master’s iconic face on it.

Master: “Here you are.”

MalO: “O..oh? WhAt iS iT?”

Master: “It’s chocolate! The finest from the-”

As he is speaking, MalO is about to put the entire chocolate in their mouth before Master hastily raises his hands to signify “STOP”

Master: “A-ah, wait wait wait! Don’t eat it yet!”

MalO: “hUh? WhY nOt?”

Master: “See.. you’re supposed to unwrap it first.”

Master gently grabs the chocolate from their hands and starts to unwrap it. In it, is the divine beauty known as chocolate. Milk chocolate, to be precise.

Master: “Here.. now you may eat it.”

MalO, hesitating somewhat, sniffs the chocolate before taking a bite out of it. Their pupils expanded outwards, like a cat on catnip, and started chewing down on the chocolate, instantly tearing it apart. An influx of minor flavors, perhaps with a bit of nutrition, with an overtaken sweetness fills their tongue.

MalO: muffled “ItS gOoD! iTs ReAllY gOod!! sUpEr SwEeT..”

Master laughs a bit, looking over to MalO.

Master: “Ah.. I’m glad you appreciate it, really. Making sweets is a part of what I do, simply.”

MalO: “oOh! YoU’ mAdE thiS?”

Master nods, maintaining the smile he had earlier.

Master: “That is correct. I also made that apple pie yesterday. I hope you found it delicious.”

MalO: “iT wAs! It wAs! ThAnk yOu fOr mAkIng It”

Master laughs a bit to himself, looking over to MalO with pure bliss.

Master: “Not a problem! I don’t mind giving my chocolates out to you any day. Chocolates and dessert help calm me down in times of stress, too. Now..”

Master gets up, looking over to the kitchen and then towards the clock hanging in the wall nearby. It read 9:10.

Master: “I must open up for the day. Papyrus is most likely going to wake up anytime soon.. He has a timer set for 9:15..”

Master: “Next time, however, please, don’t sleep in the cafeteria for both our sakes. Those seats are not as comfy, you know!”

MalO: “mMm.. okAy.. I wOn’t..”

He nods, before whistling his way over to the kitchen area, spinning a ring of keys around his pointer finger, and flicking the lights on for the entire cafeteria, as MalO screeches a little from the sudden imbursement of light. 

MalO: “gyAAAaaAGHh!”

Master: “Oops! Should’ve asked you to close your eyes first!”

MalO rubs their eyes, instinctively from the light of the radiant gods. 

MalO: “It’S oKAy!..ggh”

As MalO rubs their eyes a little, blinking awkwardly to adjust, they hear the sound of the door opening, the sound of two sets of footsteps approaching..

Or, rather, three.

Topaz: “Oh, MalO, hey! You’re up pre~tty early.”

Numby simply “fwees!” a little as they hop up onto the seat right beside Topaz again. 

MalO: “T-...oPaZ? WhAt aRe YoU dOiNg HeRe?”

Topaz: “Well.. there’s only one reason to go to a cafeteria, you know.”

Master: “Ah, my dearest apologies, friend. Papyrus hasn’t woken up yet, you see. He should be arriving exactly in…”

Master checks his gilded pocket watch, which displays the time of 9:14.001 A.M.

Master: “...very slightly under a minute exactly. He’s very timely with these arrivals.”

Topaz: “Oh, I see. I guess we both woke up a little early, huh?”

MalO: “yEAh.. I gUEss sO, hEhe..”

Topaz: “Mm..”

Topaz: “..You don’t look too hot. Is everything cool?”

MalO looks a little hurt by the comment, retracting their head a bit.

MalO: “...wOr? Am I sUppoSeD tO bE hOt? I HaVeN’T rEaLlY cOmBEd mY fUr tOdAy sO i’M nOt suRe If I lOOk gOod...”

Topaz, for a moment, raises a brow, before realizing what they meant.

Topaz: “Oh, no, I meant like.. As in, are you doing alright? You seem a little fidgety.”

MalO slightly looks away, scratching their fur.

MalO: “...I’M dOing fIne.. mOre impOrtAntly..”

MalO looks over to Numby, who appears to be spinning around in circles on their seat, like an idiot.

MalO: “i nEvEr askEd abOUt thEm.”

Topaz: “Oh, Numby? What about ‘em? Some basic stuff is that they’re a warp trotter, they really like these gray chips, they can act as a storage..”

MalO: “uUUh.. wHy wEre you aLLowed tO kEEp hIm.”

Topaz blinks for a little.

Topaz: “...Pardon?”

MalO: “i’m sOrry fOr askIng bUt.. yOu’re thE onLy person wIth a pEt. sO.. I wAs just wOndering..”

Topaz: “Ooooh.. I get it. Don’t worry, nothing to be sorry about! I was allowed to bring them because he outweighs my negatives in a way. I’m very critical of how they handled this whole occasion, but It’s very good of them to consider that for their contestants at least.”

MalO: “..I sEe..!!”

MalO: “...I already knew that. I just have no idea what to even talk to her about…”

Topaz: “Alright. Was that all you needed to know?”

MalO: “Mhm!”

Suddenly, a cool skeleton crashes through the wall, creating a papyrus-shaped hole as he does it.

Papyrus: “I HAVE ARRIVED, SIR MASTER JEFFREY!”

Master: “Ah, Papyrus, perfect timing! We have a few patrons currently left with hungry stomachs.”

Papyrus: “HUNGRY STOMACHS?? THIS WILL NOT DO!!!”

Papyrus does another cool flip over the counter, which should’ve been impossible from where he was standing because he was on one end of the cafeteria with the counter being on the exact other end, then procedurally does a backflip in place while pulling out a skateboard and doing a 1080º midair, and then looks over to the spaghetti making components for spaghetti making. 

Papyrus: “IT’S TIME TO INDULGE IN THE BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL PROCESS OF SPAGHETTI LIFE!! ! ! !!”

Topaz glances over to Papyrus’s antics, before laughing to herself a little and craning her head back to MalO.

Topaz: “..Jeez, what a figure, huh? Anyway, now that I’ve answered one of your questions, I want you to answer a question.”

MalO suddenly tenses up, making a slightly concerned yet subtle whine as they look over to Topaz.

MalO: “..whAt is iT?”

Topaz: “It’s nothing too complicated, don’t worry.”

Topaz: “...”

Topaz gives a sharp glare towards MalO. They could feel their ears tense up, sweating somewhat as their breath got heavier.

Topaz: “...”

Topaz: “Do you wanna practice tuning your voice a little? It seems to crack a lot.. I-I don’t mean that in an offensive way, mind you! Just.. maybe some voice control could go a long way? I could probably help. I had to do a lot of it myself when I was going to be a part of the IPC. Y’know, for speeches and all of that.”

MalO calms down a little as the sweat dissipates, looking down at Topaz with eyes returning back to normal.

MalO: “oOh.. oKaY..? I dOn’t knOW whAt thAt mEaNs..”

Topaz: “Well, I’ll tell you about it when we get there! You wouldn’t mind having MalO over, right Numby?”

Numby, however, is actually shivering a little.

Topaz: “Oh, Numby! I’m so sorry.. are you cold? We can go back to the dorms. If you want to try some vocal training, though, you can come back to the dorms later today. At least we’ll have more than one day, hehe!”

Topaz trots off with Numby following behind her. MalO blankly looks over to her direction

…

They give a big, wide smile.

MalO: “..Okay! I’ll see what she’s talking about then! Probably.”

[A LITTLE LATER…]

Right beside the dorms, there’s a small allocated area with a door on it. It seemed to fit so discreetly with the building that it felt as if it was a part of it the entire time. The door off to the side was also positioned such that it’s practically invisible to everyone’s eyes.

Gnarpy comes out of the dorm rooms, yawning as xe’s wearing xyr usual radiant red armor. 

Gnarpy: “...Mmmghh. That waz a good zleep. Good dreamz about WINNING!”

Gnarpy looks back to the front glances over to the side and witnesses the aforementioned building.

Gnarpy: “...Oh? Whatz thiz?”

Gnarpy waddles around and finds a door leading into the section of the room that is the equivalent to that one side of the house from Family Guy. You know the one.

That one (except the door’s a little hidden).

Gnarpy walks in on there and spies..

A somewhat large room! 

Gnarpy: “Woah..”

Not that large, but it was spacious. Gnarpy doesn’t hide xyr amusement due to the fact that nobody was there to judge xem for it. In the center of the ground, there was a hole filled with incredible amounts of water; It was a hot tub.

Gnarpy: “MMmmgh.. I HATE water.”

Gnarpy: “Don’t think I could EVER get over that.. Maybe zoon, gnarpian technologiez will allow me to conquer this.. ztate of matter.”

Gnarpy looks around the hot tub area. Outside of the big hot tub in the center, there were a selection of pool toys surrounded around that area. Gnarpy starts hunting through them, causing a mess of the toys by throwing them around everywhere

Gnarpy: “Bleh. Uzelezz.. None of thiz is uzeful at-”

Gnarpy: “...”

Gnarpy: “..Idol.”

Gnarpy happens upon an idol. It was a Sarcon idol. 

Gnarpy: “Mmgmhmhmhmhm.. HEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I COULD DO ZO MUCH WITH THIZ!!!!!!! THE UNZPEAKABLE AMOUNT OF PLANZ THAT I HAVE WITH THIZ.. THIZ!!! AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA”

Kel: “Gnarpy.”

Gnarpy: “gWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR”

Gnarpy: “GAH, ZLEEP! I ZPOKE TOO LOUDLY!”

Gnarpy hides the idol behind xyr back as xe turns to face Kel, who had entered through the door to investigate some of the commotion Gnarpy was causing. 

Gnarpy: “What do you want? Can’t you zee i’m BUSY?”

Kel: “Busy… doing what?”

Gnarpy: “mm..”

Gnarpy glances to the side and remembers xe is in a poolroom.

Gnarpy: “I waz juzt about to enter the hot tub. It would’ve made me relaxed ! And CALM! If only YOU hadn’t came up to me and ZAID something.”

Kel looks at xem as if he had just heard the most obvious lie known to mankind, sighing.

Kel: “...You’re a cat. What cat would ever willingly go into a pool?”

Gnarpy: “Wh- I’m not a CAT! I’ll have you know that GNARPIANZ are a prolonged species lasting for more than YOU and your pathetic human livez ever have! WE have a HIZTORY! A PROUD, PROUD HIZTORY! One that YOU cannot compare to-”

Kel: “Go in the pool, then.”

Gnarpy blinks a bit at the sudden forwardness of his response… and how it sharply interrupted xem. Xe would stomp forward, but xe didn’t want Kel within arms range of xem. 

Gnarpy: “...Don’t interrupt me.”

Kel: “Listen, I don’t really care about your.. thing.. all too much, but if I want to see you more than just a cat.. you’re gonna have to get in the pool. That’s just the rule with cats, yeah?”

Gnarpy is suddenly stricken silent.

Kel: “If you wanna prove to this human-”

Kel points at himself like an idiot as he says that.

Kel: “-that you’re a cooler species, then come on! Get in the pool. We can swim. Most of us, anyway. You guys can too, right? Since you’re superior? Shouldn’t be that hard.”

His expression is smug as he approaches Gnarpy, to which xe backs away.

Kel: “...Heh. Xe’s not gonna get in the pool.”

Gnarpy frustratingly furrows xyr brow, growling like a cat .  

Gnarpy: “Grr.. I’d have to take off my armor for that.”

Kel: “You’re not even allowed to use the armor for regular competition.”

Gnarpy: “And guezz what? We’re NOT in regular competition right now. You just anzwered your own queztion, you ZEEBLOING. Leave me ALONE! Can’t I ZTROLL around the pool room in PEACE???”

Kel: “...”

Kel: “Eh... I’m gonna go get breakfast now. I can tell you don’t really like the water that much, though.”

Gnarpy: “YOU IDIOT! ITZ BECAUSE OF MY ARMOR! MY ARMOR! THERE IZ NO OTHER REAZON FOR IT! MY ARMOR IS THE REAZON FOR WHY I CAN’T ZWIM RIGHT NOW! THIZ ARMOR IS MADE FOR BATTLE!!”

Kel walks away, whistling to himself, but not before shouting something else playfully.

Kel: “Heh, If it WERE the armor, you wouldn’t have gone to a pool room with the armor. Doesn’t that sound a little weird?”

Gnarpy is screaming like a cat trying to imitate a tiger, which sounds like chalk scratching against a chalkboard, as Kel closes the door on xem. He starts giggling to himself.

Kel: “Man, I gotta tell bro about this.. And I also still gotta talk to ‘em about a name. Calling them Underling doesn’t feel right.”

Kel walks away from the Dorms and over to the Cafeteria. On the way there, he passes by Stolas, who gives him a bit of a discomforted glance.

He scoffs.

Stolas: “..Ah, it’s you .”

Kel: “Yeah. It’s me.”

Stolas: “...”

Kel: “...”

Kel: “Well, alright, cya.”

Stolas: “Ah- wait, before we go.. have you seen Gnarpy around?”

Kel: “Oh. I just saw him.”

Stolas: “Wait, really? Where’s xe now? I’ve been looking all over for that cat that I fucking hate with all my being, and yet I couldn’t seem to locate him.”

Kel: “There’s like a pool room to the side of the dorms and-”

Stolas starts running over to the dorms as quickly as possible.

Kel: “...Huh.” “Weeiiiird….”

Shrugging, Kel walks over to the Cafeteria.

Inside, he finds MalO, who waves at his arrival, as well as Keith, Underling, and Manly on another table. Underling seems to be by their lonesome, but perks up their head and starts smiling happily when seeing Kel arrive

Underling: “Kel! Kel! Kel, Hey KelKel!”

Kel: “Heyy! You’re not gonna believe what just happened a moment ago!”

Underling: “Oh yeah? What happened? I was wondering where you were this entire time!”

Kel starts whispering to the Underling the entire story as they start to progressively giggle. Eventually, it breaks out into full-on laughter, the entire cafeteria (which realistically only consisted of five other people including the cooks) able to hear their stupidity.

Underling: “SERIOUSLY??”

Kel: “Mhm. It was really funny.”

Over on the other edge of the table, Keith and Manly were there, lifting their heads up and looking towards each other.

Manly: “Wonder what they’re talking about.”

Keith: “Dunno. Doesn’t bother me all too much.”

Manly: “mmm.. Doesn’t bother me either.”

Keith: “..Hm? But you just said..”

Manly: “I know.”

Keith: “...”

Manly: “...”

Keith: “Are you trying to make yourself look agreeable?”

Manly: “No.”

Keith: “...”

Manly: “Don’t look at me like that.”

Keith: “Alright, sure, whatever.”

He sighs before hearing the ding of the doorbell, both of their heads poking towards the door.. and seeing Doremy walk through.

Papyrus: “AH, HELLO THERE… UH..”

Papyrus looks to his Sarcon-assigned script, squinting with his non-existent eyelids.

Papyrus: “FIRST VOTED OFF!”

Doremy’s eyelids lower a little, but her face remains unchanging.

Doremy: “...Good morning to you too, skeletal one..”

Papyrus: “SKELETAL ONE ? IS THERE A SECOND ONE SOMEWHERE??”

Master: “Ah, Papyrus. She means that you are skeletal, not that there are multiple skeletons around here.”

Papyrus: “AAAH.. ENGLISH. HOW I DESPISE YOU WITH A PASSION!”

Papyrus lifts up his fist dramatically. Master laughs.

Master: “Hoho.. of course. But enough waiting around. You wouldn’t keep a guest waiting, would you?”

Master says, glancing over to Papyrus as his own eyes light up.

Papyrus: “OF COURSE NOT! HERE YOU ARE, DOREMY! ONE SPAGHETTI!”

Doremy: “Much appreciated.”

Doremy’s tone remains low as she grabs the tray with the slightly under par spaghetti. She looks over towards the group with a clear distrust in her eyes.

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “I’m really curious as to who even voted for me..”]

[Doremy: “I mean, aside from being runner-up to the competition last time, I didn’t actually do anything… incorrect, did I?”]

[Doremy: “...Maybe it would’ve made more sense to vote Gnarpy..”]

[Doremy: “...”]

[Doremy: “...No. I shouldn’t linger on the past. Dreams are fleeting, after all... If I want to survive.. I’m gonna need to find someone I can talk to and relate to. Maybe someone beyond Topaz and Stolas would be beneficial for me.”]

[Doremy: “Of course.. This comes at the risk of them using me. Stolas clearly respects me in a competitive way and I’m able to at least talk to Topaz like someone normal. Perhaps we can even become friends for the competition’s length? I tried to talk to Manly but he’s very.. weird. He’s barely able to hold a conversation with me.”]

[Doremy: “Maybe I could try again. I can only hope this part isn’t a fleeting dream”]

[KZZZRT]

Doremy walks over to Manly and Keith, who are sitting on one part of the table. Keith perks his head up while Manly’s head remains unchanging, fixated towards the table. She sits down and places her plate of spaghetti in front of her.

Doremy: “Hello, you two. Do you mind if I sit here?”

Keith’s eyes narrow towards Doremy as she speaks with a sly smile. Despite the initial description, It looked as if there wasn’t any malice behind it. His eyes open back up.

Keith: “Sure, why not. You’re Doremy, correct? The ‘Monster-human’, if I remember right?”

Doremy: “Yes, that’s me… although, you could cut out the human part.”

Keith: “...Stolas does have a point, though. You do look a bit human.. But I’m willing to believe you.”

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “I’m not putting off the possibility of a half-human half-monster when I’ve witnessed a live example with my eyes before.”]

[Keith: “...And I’m also not putting off the possibility of a full monster disguised as a mostly human here.”]

[Keith: “I’ve seen that both literally and metaphorically.”]

[KZZZRT]

Manly taps his fingers for a bit, not really adding anything to the conversation aside from his occasional glances, which also amounted to ‘not really adding anything’. Doremy doesn’t express any change in emotion, simply looking back over to Keith with an undaunted expression.

Keith: “...Right, so, how does it feel?”

Doremy: “Hm?”

Keith: “I mean getting eliminated. Or at least.. voted out for the first time. If it weren’t for the life system, we wouldn’t really be here right now, would we?”

Doremy: “...”

Keith: “So.. how does it feel?”

Doremy: “Hm.. well.. If I had to put it into words.”

Doremy: “Horrible.”

Manly: “...That was one word.”

Doremy: “Ah, so now you are choosing to speak up.”

Doremy says, giving a very obvious glance towards Manly. Manly does not take notice and does not lift his head up. Or maybe he does take notice and simply chooses not to lift his head up? It’s impossible to tell with Manly in particular.

Doremy: “Let’s be straightforward here. You probably voted for me, hm? I mean, I wouldn’t put it-”

Manly: “Yeah. I did.”

Doremy glances over to him with wide eyes, the abruptness and bluntness of his words freezing her. She clearly didn’t expect that response, even if that's what she was trying to get him to say. Even Keith looked over to him with a slight surprise.

Doremy: “..Now why would you do that?”

Manly: “It’s not a crime to vote, right? It’s all a part of the game, you know. ‘Sides, I’m just havin’ fun here. I didn’t really hate a lot of the people here. I only voted for you cause.. well, you simply did the best and weren’t safe. Not everyone here can fly, either.”

Doremy: “Well-”

Manly: “I don’t mind being straightforward about who I vote for. If I choose to hide it, it’s just.. a part of my strategy for the game, y’know?”

Doremy: “In that case, why don’t we simply tell each other our votes all the time, hm? Think of it as a proposition.”

Doremy says, her eyes changing from an initial shock back to calm and collected. You couldn’t possibly tell what she could be thinking at the time. But Manly, once again, doesn’t even tilt his head to look up at her.

Manly: “...How would I know to trust you? I know I’m not lying when I say I voted for you, and I don’t think you’d have any reason to distrust me in that sense. But.. if you said any other name aside from mine, then how would I believe you?”

Doremy: “I suppose that would be a problem in itself… hm.”

Doremy picks herself up and sighs.

Doremy: “Well, it’s not an issue. Like you said, I suppose it is just the nature of the game. But just know that I’ll have eyes on you in this competition. Shouldn’t be any trouble since it's all simply a part of this delightful festivity, correct?”

Manly: “Mhm.”

Doremy huffs and walks away, clearly discontent with that response as she takes the tray with her, opens the cafeteria door, and leaves. Manly finally perks his head up and looks over to Keith, who was still a little surprised at the scene that unfolded in front of him.

Manly: “..You look like you saw a ghost.”

Keith: “I think I did . You guys don’t seem to be on the best terms.”

Manly: “What are you talking about? We’re getting along well.”

Keith: “...You voted for her. I mean, I did too, but I didn’t really directly tell her that.”

Manly: “I know. If you want me to be honest, I’m only really testing her patience.”

Keith: “...Hm? Why?”

Manly: “I dunno. Actually, no, I do have a reason, but I don’t trust you enough to tell you.”

Keith turns around to look away from him, hiding a slight grin that was forming.

Keith: “Turning that one around on me, huh?”

Manly looks away as a smile slightly forms on his face, which was somewhat closeted from behind his scarf. 

Manly: “Heh. Sure. You can put it that way”

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “I have my reasons for voting for Doremy aside from “she can fly”.]

[Manly: “I know she’s from Touhou, and I already know what Touhous are capable of. Even the weakest main character is strong. ALL of them can fly.”]

[Manly: “I don’t exactly recognize which one she is or who she is, but I need to be cautious around her.”]

[KZZZRT]

Keith: “..On a lighter note..”

Keith says, before pointing towards said scarf mentioned in the narrator text from earlier.

Keith: “It’s a bit trivial, but.. do you always wear a scarf around your neck?”

Manly: “Hm? Yeah. What about it?”

Keith: “...Doesn’t it get hot sometimes?”

Manly: “Nope.”

Keith: “...Huh…”

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “Maybe the humans in other worlds feel temperature differently?”]

[Keith: “...Or maybe he’s lying to get me on my good side.”]

[Keith: “...Hmm..”]

[KZZZRT]

Sarcon: “GOOD MORNING ISLANDERS!!”

Keith: “GGH! STILL PRETTY LOUD!”

Keith says, covering his ears. Everyone else seemed fine but they did jump a little from the loud voice.

Sarcon: “EVERYONE, MEET UP AT THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND WITH KONEKO AS SHOWN BY THE RED BEACON! THE CHALLENGE WILL BEGIN WITHIN 15 MINUTES!”

Sarcon: “DON’T BE LATE! WE WON’T ACCEPT ANY ABSENCES THIS TIME! THAT APPLIES TO YOU, THE ONE CALLED UNDERLING.”

Underling: “bruh.”

Manly: “...Well, let’s go.”

Everyone in the lunchroom (which consisted of MalO, Underling, Kel, Keith, and Manly) all walked over to the center. Doremy, Gnarpy, Stolas, Topaz, and Numby all come out from the dorms, as they all collectively walk over towards the center. 

Stolas appears to be slightly ruffled up, twitching his fingers slightly at the seeming thought of something. His breath was also frayed. MalO looks over to him, taking quick notice.

MalO: “StOlAS?”

Stolas jumps up a bit, before twisting his entire head (because he’s an owl) toward MalO while he continuously walks forward.

Stolas: “Ah- Uh.. oh, yes.. Dear?”

MalO doesn’t question the head twisting thing. Only, instead they choose to voice the concern they have.

MalO: “yOU lOOK nErvOUs.”

Stolas: “..Erm..”

[KZZZRT]

[Stolas: “Okay, I kinda need to say this aloud to myself, but.. uhh..”]

[Stolas: “I had a bit of a… hmhm, pulchritudinous dream. It began like a whimsical fairytale would and it was.. truly a wonderous collision of lips and.. and.. and... 

[Stolas slightly shivers to himself, a smile coming through.]

[Stolas: “then… well, I ended up seeing Gnarpy in my dreams for some reason. I remember my dreams like a camera remembers their photos and it was obviously xem.”]

[Stolas: “It scared me because I was having a bit of a moment with..”]

[Stolas: “...Oh, who am I kidding? You already know by now it’s with Blitzy. It was just really scary, I suppose. Xe was like.. peeking through the window. Doing nothing but staring like a pervert.”]

[KZZZRT]

Stolas: “I’m.. quite alright dear. Thank you for the concern.”

MalO: “iTs OkAy!!”

MalO says, sheepishly smiling. Doremy tilts their head slightly, also smiling to herself.

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “..So it does work. Interesting .”]

[KZZZRT]

They all finally trudge to the center of the island, where Koneko was waiting for them.

Koneko: “Ah, everyone made it on time. Alright! We can begin shortly. How was the mic, by the way? I made sure Sarcon ACTUALLY fixed it this time.”

Keith: “...It was still pretty loud for me. But I can handle it.”

Gnarpy: “WEAK.”

Keith: “Bite me.”

Koneko: “..Now now. You guys can get competitive once the actual competition begins. Once again, it’ll be a very simple one… butterfly hunting!”

Stolas: “Em.. Butterfly hunting?”

Koneko: “That’s right.”

Kel: “I don’t wanna kill butterflies. That’d be rude to the ecosystem.. and my breakfast..”

Koneko: “Oh, no, don’t worry. You aren’t gonna be killing them. I would never do such a challenge.”

Kel: “Oh, okay.”

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “DAMMIT”]

[Koneko: “My apologies. I-”]

[Gnarpy: “BLEH, I FORGOT YOU WERE HERE!”]

[Koneko: “...”]

[Koneko: “My apologies again? I’m just here to tell you that you’ll probably like the one afterwards. No spoilers, though.”]

[Gnarpy: “...Hmmz.. ”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Located here is a basket of jars. You may use as many jars as you need, but in the end, you will need three jars with three different butterflies in each jar.” 

Koneko: “You can find butterflies anywhere in the forest. There are five varieties. “

Koneko: “You will not be allowed to use bug nets for this competition, so get creative on how you catch them. You may also not be allowed to bring a dead butterfly; all three butterflies MUST be alive and different. ”

Koneko: “The first team to bring me three jars with three unique, alive butterflies will win immunity!”

Doremy: “..Hold on. Teams?”

Koneko: “That is correct.”

Doremy: “...Are we allowed to choose said teams?”

Koneko: “Nope. In fact, I believe Sarcon had already chos-”

A collective groan is shared throughout the entire group.

Sarcon: “..I can still hear you all, you know.”

Manly: “Where even are you?”

Sarcon: “Downstairs.”

Manly: “..W.. whuh?”

Koneko: “Don’t worry about it. He’s just in his own room right now, where he can see us but you can’t see him. It's all magic in the end.”

Koneko: “What I was GOING to say is that he spun a wheel, not that he selected it directly.”

Stolas: “Oh, okay, thank goodness. Then it couldn’t possibly be that b-”

Koneko: “Here are your temporary teams!”

Stolas: “...Oh…” 

Keith: “....”

Gnarpy: “nah bruh what the gleep glorp is thiz???”

[KZZZRT]

[Kel, and Underling: “YEAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAAAA! WOOOOOOOO!!”]

[Kel, and Underling: “WE’RE ON THE SAME TEAM! WE’RE ON THE SAME TEAM!”]

[Kel and Underling start playing patty cake while Topaz and Numby watch in amusement.]

[Kel, and Underling: “WHOSE GONNA WIN THE CHALLENGE? WE ARE!”]

[Topaz: “Heh, can I join in? I didn’t think you guys had a cheer planned out for this.”]

[Kel: “Yeah yeah, go for it!”]

[Topaz: “Alright!”]

[Topaz, Kel, and Underling: “WHOSE GONNA WIN THE CHALLENGE? WE ARE! WE ARE!”]

[Topaz, Kel, and Underling: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”]

[Numby excitedly “Fwees!” at the end of their chanting, as everyone laughs together in joyful unison.]

[KZZZRT]

[Doremy: “…”]

[Manly: “...”]

[MalO: “...”]

[Manly: “..Go on. You first.”]

[Doremy: “..No no, I insist.”]

[Manly: “You sure?”]

[Doremy: “Oh, I’m sure alright.”]

[Manly: “But are you really su-”]

As the audio somewhat mutes while they both begin to passive aggressively ‘argue’, MalO just looks mildly distressed, facing away from them.

[MalO: “...”]

[MalO: “..I’m sure it’ll be fine.”]

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “GRAAAAAAH GET OUT OF HERE YOU’RE ALL HOGGING THE ZPACE!”]

[Stolas: “WELL, PARDON ME, BUT YOU’RE THE ONE MOVING AROUND LIKE A WILD HYENA ON A GOOSE CHASE RIGHT NOW- COULD YOU-AND PLEASE PARDON MY LANGUAGE ON THIS ONE-BUT COULD YOU PLEASE STOP FUCKING MOVING FOR FIVE SECONDS!”]

[Gnarpy hisses at Stolas before launching at him, which instinctively causes Stolas to turn into his demon form as they start fighting each other.]

[Gnarpy: “GAUGH- GET OFF ME! YOU’RE ZCRATCHING MY ZTAR! MY WHIZKERS!!! I’LL GET YOU!!!!”]

[Stolas: “WELL WHY DON’T YOU HOP OFF ME FIRST YOU- OOF! YOU’RE RUINING MY PLUMAGE!”]

[Keith just gives a moderate stare to the camera]

[Keith: “...I don’t have anything to say. Maybe these festivities are a punishment to me for what I’ve said in the past before this whole thing.”]

[Keith: “I’ll just stay strong, then..”]

[KZZZRT]

Koneko: “Alright everyone.. You may now.. Begin!”

Everyone starts to grab a random assortment of jars, some grabbing more than others, and some grabbing more than they can carry.

Keith: “...Gnarpy, you don’t need that many-”

Gnarpy: “SHUT UP!”

Keith: “...”

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “I told myself to stay strong only moments ago.”]

[Keith: “I still will. I’m a basitin. I’m incredibly strong with persevering and strength.”]

[Keith: “...But I wish xe could at least cooperate just for a bit.]

[KZZZRT]

Everyone had already diverged into the forest. Topaz trot ahead while Underling, Kel, and Numby follow behind.

Topaz: “Alright everyone! We’re gonna need to stay focused on our task and find the butterflies as quickly as possible.”

Topaz looks behind her.

Topaz: “...Where did the Underling go?”

Kel looks around him and shrugs. Numby does the same by standing up on their hindlegs and shrugging with the forelegs. 

Topaz: “Well, wherever they are, I’m sure they haven’t gone off too far. We’ve only gone for three minutes. Maybe they’re off looking for their own butterflies.”

As she says that, Underling rolls out of a bush, covered in twigs and moss. They appear to be chewing on something.

Underling: “hey guys!”

Underling’s voice comes out muffled. Kel waves heartily while Topaz just looks at them with confusion

Kel: “Oh hey dude!”

Topaz: “Underling.. what are you eating?”

Underling: “...Nothing.”

Topaz: “......Underliiiiing.”

Underling: “...”

Underling dashes away like a dog who just committed a crime.

Topaz: “Wh- HEY, UNDERLING, HOLD ON!”

Kel: “H-HEY! DUDE!”

They all start chasing after them as quickly as possible.

[MEANWHILE]

MalO, Doremy, and Manly all quietly walk together. Their footsteps were louder than any chirping from nearby birds or rustling the trees made.

Doremy: “...”

Manly: “...”

MalO: “...U..Uh..”

Doremy and Manly glance over to MalO, their eyes piercing into their very soul. MalO just looks back at them that have much to say behind them. Unfortunately, MalO doesn’t get into many social scenarios very often.

MalO: “...”

MalO: “...Why ArE yOu gUys argUing?”

Doremy: “We’re not arguing , dear.” 

Manly: “Yeah.”

MalO: “..........”

MalO: “WEll thEn why arEn’t yOu gUys sAying AnythIng?”

Doremy and Manly: “Don’t worry about it.”

MalO squeaks a bit, feeling immediately shut down as they lower their head slightly.

MalO: “O-Oh.. oKaY.”

Manly sighs.

Manly: “..Look what you did. You made MalO feel bad.”

Doremy cranes her head over to Manly. Anyone nearby could practically hear the crack of her neck as she did.

Doremy: “Oh, look what I did? Well I apologize that I can’t help but feel anything but stress right now. I’m the only one with a single life left and if we’re up for elimination again, I’m practically as good as gone.”

Her calm demeanor was there, but it had something else as well. Something much more different. Manly looked right at her in the eyes

Manly: “Yeah? Well, I had to pick someone. Everyone did. And you were the one who ended up getting the most votes, not me.”

In the midst of all this, MalO plays with the lid of their jar, trying to distract themselves from the argument that just arose.

Doremy: “Yes, and it was all because I did too well. All YOU did in the competition was fight a drowsy imp and his makeshift delusional teammate, which you ended up having a FORMAL CONVERSATION mid-match with TEA !”

Manly: “...And we both still have two lives. Your point?”

Doremy: “Well- one of them won the competition, of course they would. All I did was successfully outmaneuver my opponents and lose at the finals because I was lighter than him and fell off the pole first-It’s not like I did anything wrong!”

Manly: “...Doremy.”

Manly says, sighing and glancing over to her.

Manly: “Do you know why Gnarpy was at the bottom 2 with you?”

Doremy blinks a bit, looking somewhat offended.

Doremy: “You’re not comparing me to fucking Gnarpy, are you?”

Manly: “Just answer the question.”

Doremy: “...”

Doremy: “Why? Why was xe?”

MalO slaps both of them.

Manly: “ow.”

Doremy: “Wh- GAH!”

Manly: “Hey, we were in the middle of-”

Manly: “..Ah, I see.”

MalO points towards.. a fluttering butterfly nearby. Manly nods, looking over to Doremy who looks like she’s about to lose it.

Manly: “..We’ll talk more later. Let’s do the challenge.”

Manly holds his hand out.

Manly: “For right now.. let’s cooperate.”

Doremy: “...”

Doremy sighs, before picking up her smug demeanor again.

Doremy: “Hmph. Unfortunate. Suppose I don’t have a choice.”

MalO smiles a bit as they both give each other a handshake, glancing between the two of them. They casually throw their own hand into the handshake.

Doremy: “You better not throw the game just to get me eliminated.”

Manly: “As tempting as that is, I don’t intend to. I play all my games with all the manliness in the world.”

Doremy: “...”

Doremy: “..Is.. is Manly even your real name?”

[MEANWHILE]

Gnarpy: “...GGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR”

Stolas: “Oh cease, why won’t you. Are you famished? Do you need to eat an apple from your little apple Bin™ or something?”

Gnarpy: “WE HAVEN’T FOUND A ZINGLE BUTTERFLY YET!”

Keith: “..It’s been twenty minutes. I’m sure no other team has found a butterfly.”

[ distant ] Doremy: “We caught it!”

Gnarpy: “...”

Stolas: “...”

Keith: “...”

Stolas: “Kyle.”

Keith: “I don’t want to talk to you.”

Stolas: “Figures. I mean, I-”

Keith: “No, really. I don’t. Not today.”

Stolas blinks a bit, his brow raising.

Stolas: “Wh- Wait, what did I do?” 

Stolas says, procedurally twisting his neck towards Keith, who looked especially unamused.

Stolas: “I didn’t intend harm with pointing out something silly, I just-”

Keith: “You know what you did.”

Stolas: “Wh-”

Keith keeps going on ahead, with Gnarpy who was still slightly growling beneath xyr teeth.

Stolas: “...Kyle, what are you even talking about? I don’t think I did anything to warrant this impression of me.”

Keith: “It’s Keith.”

Stolas: “I apologize! I’m-..l-. Just… same question.”

Keith: “...”

Stolas: “...”

Keith: “..So you really don’t know?”

Stolas: “No, I really do not. I mean, I haven’t talked with you very much and.. well, aside from the dunk in the first challenge, I can’t seem to locate a.. reason.”

Keith looks over to him.

Keith: “That is the reason.”

Stolas: “Wait, so, you’re just angry because I beat you in a sword fighting competition? When I was supposed to be your opponent?”

Keith: “...No. No, that’s not even-”

[KZZZRT]

[Keith: “Kgh, It’s not even his fault. He doesn’t know what I’ve been through. How that one moment just.. flashed in my head back then.”]

[Keith: “...”

[Keith: “And yet, I can’t find myself getting anything but irrationally angry with him..”]

[Keith sighs, putting his head down.]

[KZZZRT]

Stolas: “Then what is the problem, exactly? Because that’s the only reason I can come up with. You seem butthurt about-”

Keith: “Butthurt? Butthurt? ”

Keith says, before angrily staring over to Stolas.

Keith: “I’m not butthurt about anything.”

Stolas: “Oh really? Cause that seems to be what’s happening here.”

Stolas bends down and looks to him face to face, stopping both of them dead in their tracks.

Stolas: “You couldn’t take the fact that I had won against you in a simple competition and you seem so affronted about your loss that it makes you justify your hatred for me.”

Gnarpy: “GUYZ”

Keith: “That’s not what it-”

Stolas: “Then TELL me, what is it? What fucking thing could you have possibly-”

Gnarpy: “GUYZ ZHUT THE GLEEP UP”

Keith: “...”

The scene replays in Keith’s head, as he looks down for a moment, hurt filling through his head as he can’t stop remembering. Stolas’s initial expression remains.

Stolas: “What other possible reason could you have for disliking me?”

Gnarpy growls, walking away

Gnarpy: “NEVERMIND, I’LL DO IT MYZELF, YOU ZEEP ZORPS”

Keith: “...”

Keith’s hesitance can be shown through his expression. The sound of grass being pounced, followed by the twisting of a lid can be heard in the distance. Stolas looked right into his eyes.

Keith: “I..”

Gnarpy: “HERE!”

Gnarpy says, before presenting a jar with an alive butterfly in it, cutting Keith out of his trance. It appears to be a beautiful red. The other two look towards it with widened eyes.

Stolas: “Ah.. you were able to get a butterfly?”

Gnarpy: “WELL, YEZ, AND IF YOU GUYZ WEREN’T SO UZELEZZ , WE WOULD’VE GOTTEN IT QUICKER!”

Gnarpy: “NOW ZTOP ZEEP ZORPING AROUND AND GET TO FINDING!”

Keith: “We-.. uh..”

Stolas: “...”

He sighs, tilting his entire body to Gnarpy.

Stolas: “We have unfinished business, you know.”

Gnarpy: “And it will REMAIN UNFINIZHED IF YOU’RE OUT!!!”

Stolas: “Oh puh-lease, it won’t matter if we’re unable to cooperate. We’ll just end up fucking each other up in the ass more and more.”

Gnarpy: “I DON’T CARE! NOW GET TO MOVING!”

Stolas rolls his eyes.

Stolas: “Fine.. I suppose we’ll talk later. Keith?”

Keith: “...What?”

Stolas: “I don’t want to make an incorrect impression on you. I do genuinely want to know what’s going on, and would greatly appreciate it if you had the words for it.”

Keith: “...”

Stolas: “If it really is just competition bias, then that’s okay with me too. I would just.. appreciate some honesty.”

Stolas says, with a degree of softness to his voice, before unbending his body and walking forwards, to the annoyance of Gnarpy who was impatiently tapping xyr foot the entire time.

…

Topaz: “...You can’t go around eating moss. That’s completely unhealthy!”

Underling: “But it tastes really good!”

Kel: “Well, maybe it does-”

Topaz shoots a confused glance over to Kel, to which he mindlessly smiles back.

Kel: “..-But like, there’s probably a lot of better alternatives!”

Topaz gives a sigh of relief.

Topaz: “Yeah! Oh wait, look!”

Topaz says, before pointing at a red butterfly.

Topaz: “A butterfly!”

Underling: “..Ooh.. pretty…”

Kel: “Let’s catch it!”

Numby fwees excitedly. They all start chasing after it, to which the butterfly simply flies up higher.

Topaz: “Hey, butterfly, get back down here!”

Kel: “Uugh.. it’s out of reach now.”

Underling: “Maaann..”

Topaz: “..Don’t worry guys, I’ve got an idea. Numby?”

Numby looks up to her, nodding. They fly up slightly as Kel and Underling look in awe.

Topaz: “Alright, I’m gonna need you to bring the butterfly down by going above it and expanding in size. Once you’re large, you can slam down on it and bring it down. I’ll prepare the jar beneath you.”

Numby fwees, understanding the assignment perfectly as they fly up high, soaring into the air with excitement visible on their “face”!

Kel: “...Heh. Look at them go!”

 Underling: “I wish I could fly…”

Numby flies higher, casting a shadow beneath the butterfly.. Topaz quickly runs beneath the butterfly, aligning herself within the shadow and opening the jar up. She readjusts based on some internal mathematics she calculated within milliseconds. 

Topaz: “NOW! BRING EM PAYDAY!”

Numby slams down as Topaz holds the open jar up, the butterfly getting forced into the crevice of the jar, landing exactly inside. Part of Numby’s fat body gets stuck into the jar, somehow not shattering the jar itself.

Topaz: “Nice! We got it!”

They start to panic, squeaking as they attempt to struggle their body out of the jar.

Topaz: “Don’t worry Numby. You can easily shrink yourself now.”

Numby does something similar to a sigh of relief and gets their bottom half out of the jar as they resize, before closing the jar with the lid and sighing.

Topaz: “Alright. One down, two to go!”

Underling: “...What about that cave?”

Topaz: “Hm? Cave?”

Underling points towards a cave which is completely pitch black on the entrance, the ceiling slightly dripping with water ominously.

Topaz: “...”

Topaz: “Maybe not.”

Kel: “Aw, cmon. What, are you a chicken?”

Topaz: “It’s not that, Kel, it’s just.. I don’t think a butterfly would be in there.”

Kel: “There could be, like, an overgrown grassland in there! Like, with moss and stuff!

Topaz: “...”

Topaz sighs.

Topaz: “Alright, fine. We’ll take a look.”

Kel: “HELL YEAH!”

Underling scratches their left shoulder a bit.

Underling: “...It kinda scares me.”

Kel: “Hey, it’s okay! The best way to face your fears is by punching them in the face!”

Underling: “How’re you gonna punch them in the face when you can’t see them..?”

Kel blinks at them.

Kel: “Well- still! We gotta go in there! We only have one butterfly, the other teams probably have like.. two by now. We gottaaaaaaa!”

Underling: “No, nuh uh, I’m NOT going in there!”

Kel: “Dude, nothing’s gonna happen! It’s just-”

Topaz: “Alright, enough of that, you two. How about we split up for a bit, then?”

Kel and Underling: “Huh?”

Topaz: “Numby can stay with the Underling and find any butterflies out here. You can hold onto this butterfly while we look in there for anything, okay?”

Underling and Kel glance at each other.

Kel: “I’m okay with it!”

Underling: “Uuh.. sure!”

Topaz: “Good! Let’s go, Kel. Let’s see if we can find anything. Numby, I trust that you can take care of Underling while I’m away, right?”

Numby nods happily! They both enter the dark crevices of the cave in front of them. Underling twiddles their fingers, before Numby slightly waddles toward them, slightly rubbing their head against them.

Underling: “Aw, hehe. Alright. Let’s go find them a butterfly!” 

Numby fwees excitedly as they both dash into the forest mindlessly.

…

Doremy: “...We now have this lovely butterfly with us.”

Manly looks at the jar, watching the butterfly calmly fly around in the jar. It appeared elegant and pearly, with a pattern reminiscent of a zebra. 

Manly: “...You know, I never really liked butterflies. Don’t really have the best experiences with them.”

Doremy: “..Is that so? I find them quite prismatic. Many of them have a multitude of patterns, hues and tints, all ever-so beautiful that varietize them from each other.”

Doremy: “Take my wife, for example.”

Manly: “..Your wife is a butterfly? Like, physically?”

Doremy glances over to him, with a suddenness equivalent to as if he just had asked the most dull-witted thing on earth, but remains with a dazzled expression as she thinks about her wife and an excuse to not slap Manly in the face.

Doremy: “Incorrect. Even so, I couldn’t blame you since there are butterfly fairies from where I’m from. Metaphorically, however, yes. Her beauty is quite unmatched, and her one wing is.. oh-so dazzling . Everything about her is just as prismatic as a butterfly, if not even moreso.”

Doremy: “Now, you, on the other hand. You’re like a fly compared to her.”

Manly: “Rude.”

Doremy: “It’s honesty, isn’t it? You’re very prone to honesty, too.”

Manly: “Honesty would be a compliment in pretty much any other situation.”

Doremy: “Not necessarily. Besides, honesty comes with a lot of downsides.”

Doremy looks ahead, not looking directly at Manly anymore.

Doremy: “You’ve already experienced one of the many.”

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “Am I about to get a bad ending?”]

[Manly: “This feels like a lot of red flags towards a bad ending.”]

[KZZZRT]

Manly: “Stop talking. Look.”

Manly points over to that direction.

Manly: “There’s a butterfly.”

MalO: “..aNd OthEr tEAmmAtEs.”

Manly looks back with not a single change in his expression.

Manly: “Jeez, you scared me. I forgot you were here.”

MalO: “...You don’t look scared.”

Doremy: “MalO’s right, though. Look.”

Doremy points nearby to where the butterfly is, to which Gnarpy, Stolas, and Keith were walking towards it. From their direction, they could hardly see it was them. Just a group of three people walking by.

Manly: “Hm. We need to be fast, then.”

Manly says, before pulling out another jar.

Manly: “..And I have an idea.”

Doremy: “Now why should we listen to your idea?”

Manly: “...You don’t have to.”

Doremy: “...?”

Manly: “I can handle this one. MalO, I’m gonna need your help though.”

MalO: “..OkAy? WhAt Do YoU nEEd mE tO dO?”

…

Gnarpy: “LOOK GUYZ, A BUTTERFLY!”

Gnarpy says, staring over to the group, back facing the butterfly. It appeared to be standing completely still, perched onto a flower with eight beautiful wings and a purple hue.

Stolas: “Ah, goodie. It’s a different one from the one we have, too. How should we approach this?”

Gnarpy: “OKAY, LIZTEN UP IDIOTZ CAUZE I’LL ONLY ZAY IT ONCE”

Keith: “...”

Stolas: “....Mmmhm?”

Gnarpy: “HE- 

Gnarpy says, point up midway through xyr speech at Stolas, to which he backs away a bit from how sudden it was.

Gnarpy: -WILL GET THE BUTTERFLY BECAUSE OF HOW TALL HE IZ. YOU WILL TOZZ ME TO IT INCAZE IT GETS OUT OF REACH.”

As they’re talking about this, Manly passes by while riding MalO, and quickly jars up the butterfly while Gnarpy is not looking, to the bewilderment of Stolas and Keith. The beast then runs an immediate 180 back to where Doremy is.

Gnarpy: “THEN, KEITH WILL-”

Stolas: “..GNARPY.”

Gnarpy: “I’M NOT FINIZHED!”

Keith: “GNARPY THEY TOOK THE BUTTERFLY.”

Gnarpy: “WHAT??”

Gnarpy quickly tilts xyr entire body behind them, then cranes their head over in the distance to see MalO and Manly, dashing off in the distance.

Manly: “wooooooooooooooo! yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

MalO: “EHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEH!”

Doremy: “..Huh. I suppose it did work out.”

[KZZZRT]

[Manly: “..Although, I gotta owe it up to Keith later.”]

[Manly: “i don’t actually owe him anything, but, if I want to get him to trust me…”]

[Manly: “Best way of doing so is by helping him, I guess.”]

[KZZZRT]

Manly looks at the jar for a moment and blinks.

Manly: “..Oh hey, there’s two of them.”

Manly: “So that’s why it had eight wings. It’s of the same butterfly, though, so it wouldn’t count.”

MalO: “wor..”

Manly: “Doremy, I just had an idea to prank the other group. Mind if I go back?”

Doremy: “..Hm..”

Doremy closes her eyes for a moment, before looking back directly at him.

Doremy: “Alright. Go for it.”

Manly nods, patting MalO on the head as they make a 180 and begins to type into his tablet.

“hey icn only rite with on e hand but im gonna giv e yo u a jar.”

> Sent to Keith

Manly places the tablet onto his lap and opens the lid of two jars, one with the butterflies and one without, and slides one of the butterflies in.. somehow, then closes the lid on both jars. They start to dash into oncoming screaming while remaining hidden.

Manly: “..There we go. They’re pretty close by. I’ll just slide it through.”

..

Stolas: “Well, we could’ve gotten it quicker had we actually not been listening to your plan and just went for it!”

Gnarpy: “NOBODY COULD’VE PREDICTED ZAT! ZAT WAS A CONFOUNDING VARIABLE IN MY PLANZ! IF YOU GUYZ WEREN’T ARGUING EARLIER, WE WOULD’VE GOTTEN HERE EARLIER AND THE OTHER TEAM WOULDN’T HAVE GOTTEN IT FIRZT!”

Stolas: “Oh, really? So now it’s our fault for something we couldn’t predict? Is that what you’re insinuating?”

Gnarpy: “MORE OF A FAULT THAN ME!”

Keith: “..This is annoying. Hey guys, you guys shouldn’t be-”

He stops talking. His ears perk up when he hears a faint rattling near the bushes. 

Keith: “..?”

He walks over to it and rattles his arm through it.

Keith: “..Ah...”

Keith: “..?” “..I feel two things..”

Keith pulls out the first thing. It’s a jar with a butterfly in it!

Keith: “..Did someone lose this?”

Keith: “Hmmm...”

He scours around and then looks at the second item, to which his ears lift up.

Keith: “...It’s an Idol of the snake I hate..”

He inspects it from bottom to top, turning it around. It’s expression, scales, and hood seems to be scaled correctly, and its tail seems to stretch out.

Keith: “Seems like the real deal.”

Keith slips the idol into his pocket before rushing towards the other two with the jar.

Keith: “HEY! I GOT ANOTHER BUTTERFLY!”

Stolas: “WELL AREN’T YOU JUST A- oh, you did?”

Gnarpy: “GLEEPGLORPZEEPZLO- huhz”

Keith: “yeah”

Stolas: “Excellent.”

Gnarpy: “FINALLY.”

Keith: “Now, we’re gonna need one more if we’re gonna win this.”

…

Topaz: “Kel, you sure this is a good idea? We might need to reconsider statistics here..”

Kel: “Yeah, don’t worry. Trust me!”

Topaz: “No, no, I trust you! It’s just.. we’ve been really far into this cave and we haven’t seen a single thing. Or at least, a single butterfly.”

Kel starts poking around with the laces of his shoes as Topaz sighs.

Topaz: “...Y’know, I’m actually more surprised we can see anything in general. The luminosity of this cave feels a little.. off.”

Kel: “I’m sure it’s no biggie. It might be like…  the light of some kinda god..”

Topaz: “Which one?”

Kel turns over to Topaz with wide eyes.

Kel: “There can be more than one?!?”

She covers her mouth and giggles, before calmly looking down towards Kel and explaining.

Topaz: “Of course! We call them Aeons from where we’re from, but there’s a lot of THEM. Do you wanna know who THEY are?”

Kel: “Well, kinda… but we can’t keep our eyes off the whole butterfly thing. We gotta find one eventually!”

Topaz: “Heh, you’re right.”

As they walk down the cave, they come across a split route.

Topaz: “Oh, a split.. which way should we go?”

Kel: “Hmm.. let’s go right!”

Topaz: “Kay!”

They both walk down the path into the right route. The darkness started to swallow them as they progressed further into the trenches of the cave, their footsteps echoing into the darkness.

Topaz: “Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything about how dark it was.. Careful where you step, Kel!”

Kel: “Oof! Heh, yeah, hit my head against the wall.. wait, I see some kinda light!”

Topaz: “Hm? Oh, I see it too!”

As they walk over towards the blue light, they pass through some overhead vines. Leading into..

Kel: “Woah…”

Topaz: “It’s a grotto!” 

Kel: “A grotto..”

It’s a grotto, if you couldn’t tell! The lights were from nearby crystals that shone from upon the cave walls, fencing the darkness away. There were grass and flowers riddled everywhere, with some even growing on the ceilings. Interconnecting miniature rivers flowed through it all.

Kel: “...What’s a grotto?”

Topaz: “It’s kinda like a regular old cave but a lot prettier. It has two meanings. From most grottos I’ve seen, they have an opening that leads to the outside. In this case, it doesn’t.”

Topaz: “This is.. enchanting, to say the least.”

Kel: “Oh, hey, look over there!”

Above the flowers, there roamed butterflies! They were prismatic, crystal-like, clothed like a disco ball shining with the luminous environment. They both quickly dash over to them to take a closer look, jumping over the tiny rivers that flowed through the rocks. Topaz’s eyes gleamed brighter than the mineral her name’s based on.

Topaz: “Oh.. they’re stunning! They’re like flying miniature gemstones…”

Kel: “I wonder if they taste like rainbows.”

Topaz: “Don’t be silly, Kel! Now remember, we’re here to get ourselves some butterflies, not eat them!”

Kel nods, before they quickly dash and jar up one of them. It shone brightly even in the jar as it peacefully laid there on the glass.

Topaz: “Nice.. That’s.. two, I think? Let’s go!”

Kel: “Right!”

They both dash on out of the beautiful grotto, through the split again, and out into the open. With the butterfly in hand, that makes two.. If Underling were here. However, Underling was nowhere to be found nearby the cave. 

Topaz: “Ah, Underling must’ve gone off somewhere to find a butterfly..”

Kel: “We should call out for them!”

However, it ended up being the reverse. In the next moment, both of them can hear loud screaming. It pierced through the forest and through the duo’s eardrums as they quickly glanced over to a different direction. They were the ones calling out.

Topaz: “What was that??”

Kel: “ Who was that??”

Topaz: “UNDERLING? NUMBY??”

There was still distant screaming. They have no idea if the immediate response was from Underling, but they felt as if something was wrong anyway. They started dashing towards the direction of the screaming.

Kel: “What the heck is going on??”

Topaz: “We won’t know until we foolproof the report!”

Kel: “What??”

Topaz blinks for a moment, before slapping herself in the face.

Topaz: “Augh- I mean, we won’t know until we find out! Sorry, business lingo.”

Kel: “Whatever, bro, let’s run!”

They both start dashing over to where the screaming as it gets progressively louder. As they finally run forward, they find…

Underling: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

Underling. They were soaked in nectar, and blanketed in a wide variety of butterflies, but mostly just blue and red ones. Numby was also right by them, and also equally covered in nectar. However, they could only act in confused “fwees”.  Quickly, Topaz and Kel dash over to them. Topaz is quick to act first, quickly jarring up one of the Red butterflies while Kel starts sweeping off the Pollen off of them. After Topaz jars it up, she dusts off Numby.

Topaz: “..Underling, Numby, what happened to you both??”

Underling: “iIii..i don’t know..”

Numby fwee’d in agreement. When all the butterflies flew away, it was clear they were sobbing like the millions of toddlers who got traumatized by that one Spongebob episode.

Underling: “I I.. I was j-just.. walking with your dog and I was.. p-protecting the jar with my life.. And then suddenly a lot of this yellow stuff came from the sky.. And I started seeing these scary things cover me.. and.. And…”

Kel: “..From the sky?”

Topaz gives them a hug at a crouched height. Kel joins in.

Topaz: “Okay.. okay, it’s okay now. Are your eyes okay? Pollen can be really harmful to your skin, you know.” 

Underling: “I-i’m okay.. What happened with you guys? DId you guys find the butterfly?”

Kel: “Oh yeah, we did! It’s a really beautiful one!”

Kel shows Underling the jar containing the butterfly, which makes them jump back a little.

Kel: “Why’d you jump back a little?”

Topaz: “They’re still reeling back from the butterflies I’m guessing. Maybe it’s best you don’t.. wait, where is your butterfly?”

Underling: “..Huh?”

Kel: “The.. butterfly? The one you were supposed to be guarding with your life”

Underling looks around them, as their eyes that are still covered by their hair widen.

Underling: “OH CRAP, WHERE DID I PUT IT???”

Kel: “HEY, LANGUAGE!”

Topaz: “Oh no, we shooed away all the butterflies- we could’ve just gotten an extra one!”

Kel: “We need to find that jar right…”

Kel’s eyes squint as they look over towards the distance. It was Gnarpy, Stolas, and Keith, dashing away in a collective laughter.

Kel: “..Now.”

…

Stolas: “Hoohoo, quite the good joke! Although, I’m glad we finally have that third jar now. The butterfly’s quite a vibrant red, no?”

Gnarpy: “Hehe.. YEZ.”

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “Okay, zo my mazter plan is FOOLPROOF!”]

[Gnarpy: “I diztracted bird freak and elf earz with the very funny joke that i got enough time to zet up the whole nectar thing for the blue thing in the distance.. And they had no idea about ze whole thing! It waz PERFECT! NOBODY KNOWS I DID IT! I WIN!!!!”]

[KZZZRT]

Kel: “HEY! THAT’S OUR JAR!”

The entire team looks towards Kel and co, who had dashed over and caught up to them.

[KZZZRT]

[Gnarpy: “I zpoke too zoon.”]

[KZZZRT]

 Stolas is the first to give immediate offense.

Stolas: “Excuse us, but we had gotten our hands on this jar first. Gnarpy here made impressive work of that.”

Gnarpy proudly stands with his hands at his hips and a wide grin. Stolas blinks for a moment, looking at the other group before seeing Underling.

Stolas: “..Oh, hey there Underling.”

Underling waves slightly, hesitant.

Topaz: “Ugh- Look, no time for friendly meetings. Let’s get to the point for once. Give us the jar back.. or else.”

Keith: “..Or else what? It’s not even your jar, isn’t it?”