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“We’re live in 3, everyone take your positions!”
The studio’s revival had everyone in a rush to ready themselves for what was to come. All of a sudden the lights were back on, promising a live audience any minute now.
Lanino and Elnina assumed their usual spots in front of the forecast screen, hair styled to perfection and beard combed with the finest comb respectively. The prompter began to scroll, and the camera shadowman chimed to give them the go ahead.
Together, the duo struck their signature pose, smiling confidently, their sunglasses glinting on the limelight. The fact this was their first live performance since ages seemed not to matter at all in how natural this came to them.
“The clock has rang 8pm!” Lanino proclaimed.
“Welcome once again to the weather forecast!” Elnina added.
The large digital screen behind them came alive, displaying a map of several major towns.
“Today has been yet another wonderfully sunny day! With a comfortable breeze and a pleasant 66 degrees, we hope you used the day to its full potential!”
Lanino strikes a pose, the map turning night-time dark. The suns transform into crescent moons, several of which, though not many, accompanied by clouds.
“Tonight is looking to be mild with mild-to-moderate wind. The temperature will steadily drop.”
“Because of that,” Elnina followed somewhat quickly after him, swiping her pointer across the map with a confident motion. The thick blue line representing a cold front pushed in from the north-west and began chasing away the moons, followed by a region of rainclouds. “Our dear viewers can expect a large cold front to arrive sometime tomorrow, bringing with it stronger winds and a high chance of rain in the evening. A fittingly cool weather for this time of year, perfect to bundle up in a warm blanket!”
Lanino gently hit their pointer against their palm as their partner spoke, continuing once when she finished:
“Let us see if the coming week has more sun in store for us. The day after tomorrow…”
Once the broadcast cut and everyone scurried away to film the giant monster film that’s about to be played, Elnina and Lanino sat down for a short break. Taking advantage of the moment of quiet, Tenna slid across the entire room, beaming brighter than all the limelights.
“Splendid job you two, as always!” he practically cooed. Watching them work together like this always brightened his day, but especially today, on this most special occasion following the dreadful hiatus. “You were Electric, I tell you!”
“Well shucks, thanks boss.” Elnina smiled, passing their hand through their fluffy cloud of a beard. “I do have to agree that this was one of the best performances we’ve given in some time.”
“Hey boss,” Lanino hummed. “I’m wondering…”
“What’s on your mind?” the television eagerly asked, leaning down and forward to be more face-to-face with his second-in-command.
“Obviously we both put on the best show we could together. It’s a group effort.” Lanino smiled as he took Elnina’s hand, rubbing his thumb on her palm lovingly.
“Of course. Everyone put their strengths together to help you shine like the brightest stars! You deserve nothing less.”
“Indeed. But, hypothetically speaking, would you say one of us shone more brightly today?”
“A-ah, well…” Tenna shrunk somewhat, turning a few degrees away.
“Amore, what’s prompting that question?” Elnina asked. Not this again. “Is it about me having more lines? It’s not preferential treatment, I’m simply the one to handle colder weather. It’s autumn, dear, I always have a bit more to talk about this time of year.”
“Right, yes, of course. Sorry, dewdrop, I’m asking silly questions.”
Lanina moved to plant a little kiss on their cheek.
“You’re my silly moon. You’ve been the main forecaster for the past few months, I say it’s prime time you rest up a little and let me take over more.”
The way she said that, with that slight pushy tone, made Tenna tense. The two of them had been having something of a rougher patch over the past months. Nothing major, certainly not anything their mutual affection couldn’t just smooth over, but… he had noticed how they’re starting to compare themselves more and more.
And the worst part was, Tenna was usually the one they looked to for feedback. He was their boss, after all, their closest relation… which put him in a really difficult spot whenever conflict happened, and it had been happening more and more frequently.
How could he ever side with one of them, when it risked the other thinking they have no one backing them up? Not to mention, he did not like being harsh on anyone, let alone the two of them.
Besides… he didn’t actually know how to fix such issues. If he knew, he would have thrown himself into helping the Dreemurs.
If he knew, maybe the little mailman wouldn’t have left.
“Now, now, you two, there is no favouritism happening, I assure you. I could never choose between you two, that’d just make no sense for the most iconic duo on television.”
Lanino made a subtle face. Tenna flinched. Did he misspeak? In the end though, the moon made no further comment, smiling again.
“Of course. We shouldn’t bother you right now. The Lightners are on their way, no? And there’s so many things you have to prepare for.”
“Things we have to prepare for as well, isn’t that right?” Elnina squeezed Lanino’s hand excitedly. “We get to be bosses on your board, isn’t that right? Oh, I’m so excited, this will be fun! I bet they’ll love us!”
“I bet so too, darling.”
“Right!” Tenna practically leapt at that opportunity to leave the route of questioning. “You two go to Ramb, he’ll open the backstage for all of you if he hasn’t already. Get comfortable and wait on your cue.”
“You’ve got it, boss.”
“We’ll be right there.”
The two of them got up and left the room, leaving the TV alone. He could not help but watch them down the corridor up until they entered the backstage.
…They’ll be fine. This isn’t anything the two of them can’t talk out.
* * *
TV Time was going splendidly. The Lightners, with some persuasion from their Darkner companion, took to the game quickly. Tenna liked these new friends Kris made – Ralsei seemed quite polite and Susie’s temper kept everything engaging. All this rushing, all this effort, was worth it.
Kris themself… seemed rather quiet. He remembered their younger self with a face plastered to his screen, watching enthralled as he showed them everything from monster movies to cartoons. They’ve been here a while now but they haven’t emoted much at all all this time.
But there was still time to make them smile! Especially as the three players had collected all the keys, and were now, thanks to the help of this strange “Lancer” character, on their way to encounter the wonderful weather duo in a battle of attrition.
Kris led the others into the oasis room, with the water now dried and the weather duo rearing for a fight.
“Oh, oh, you clogged the oasis!” Lanino proclaimed.
“You dare end our season of love?” Elnina added, “I predict a lot of pain in your future…”
The battle begins, and Tenna slides in to explain the rules:
“This battle has a SPECIAL win condition for our contestants! All you have to do is say ‘I love to watch TV’ 99 times and you will win!”
Ralsei looked at Tenna in bafflement, but there was no turning back from the battle.
The duo stepped together in sync as they conjured their joined attacks, the bullets dancing across the battlefield. The Lightners took a few hits in stride, but with just a bit of healing it was nothing they couldn't handle as they focused on Elnina and proclaimed their love of watching TV. It was truly a wonderful show and Tenna was rooting for all of them to do their best in their roles.
“Tonight's weather is…” Lanino then proclaimed, but unlike previously, he was not joined by their partner. They turned to Elnina, raising an eyebrow. “... Elnina? Your pose…”
“Oh, um... sorry, just…” she assumed the proper pose, but still seemed rather distracted. She glanced the Lightners’ direction. “Couldn't help but notice they keep ACTing on me... any cool reason?”
“Oh, dewdrop. It's just brownian motion. Their choices... are random.”
“R-right! Not enough info to predict anything! Haha!”
This… wasn’t in the script. What are they doing? Focus, you two, you have a show to put on! Leave it for when you’re off-stage…
Another wave of attacks passes, before Elnina speaks up again.
“So... Um… Whose attack did you like better just now?”
“Wh... what the! Don't ask that!” Lanino protests, their voice rising.
“S-sorry!”
Lanino smiled, his eyes glinting.
“... obviously it was mine anyway, right?! Pick!!!”
Tenna would be sweating if he could. What were they doing?! This was the most unprofessional he’d seen them act. Don’t drag the viewers into this, don’t drag Kris into your quarrels–
He watched Kris waffle for a while before settling on “rain”.
Elnina grinned proudly.
“Haha, just like I thought! Who wants more Sun on a desert level!?”
Lanino was growing visibly frustrated, grumbling in preparation for the next attack, when suddenly, swinging before he could even notice, Elnina conjured up a “TRUEST Drop/Crystal!”
“Wh-what the!?” the moon stammered out, glaring at her. “It's ruining MY attack!”
Without a care in the world,a care about his presence, she was dominating the forecast.
“You KNOW this is extreme, right!?” they fired at Elnina. “They said they liked your attack ONCE!”
Elnina flinched, looking downcast.
“Aren't we partners? You should be happy for me, sweetheart!”
Unable to stand it, Tenna swooped in from the side. They need to stop. Not now, not in front of the kids!
“Listen you two!!! The weather always sticks together!!!”
“ Shut up!!! ” the two of them shouted in unison. Like a punch to the screen, Tenna lost any words he might have had to tell them, sliding out of the way.
The attacks became uneven, Elnina letting out her strongest attacks, leaving no room for Lanino, giddy to finally stop sharing the spotlight.
“FINALLY! REAL weather fans! SUN isn't even a weather! It just... sits there and looks hot! And the MOON? Puts me to SLEEP! WEATHER girls are the WAVE, got it?”
Lanino paused, looking at Elnina with a pained expression.
“Do you... really think that about the moon?”
“H-huh? Uh…”
His face contorted in anger.
“Well, hope you like CRYSTALS, because you made yourself CLEAR!!! WE'RE THROUGH!!!”
In the distance, Tenna heard Lanino stomp out of the backstage player room, slamming the doors hard enough to damage the lock.
Oh no… Oh Angel no…
“...” Elnina watched in stunned silence, for but a moment forgetting they had an audience. Not for long. In a way, she got what she wanted now, after all. “Who needs a dry biscuit like him anyway!?”
The storm was growing stronger around them, with the Lightners caught in the middle and no sun on the horizon. Tenna sat silently, trying and failing to come up with some solution. He should run after Lanino and– no, he needs to tell Elnina that she messed up– but he does not want to upset her, he can’t risk them not liking him anymore, of leaving– ARGH!!
“HA!! They're just jealous!! Who needs their attack!!! WATCH!!!!”
“Nice move, huh, Lanino!?” Out of habit, they glanced to the side, only not to see their partner. “... Lanino?” Elnina’s enthusiasm finally died, like a speck of light going out.
“Oh…”
Her attacks weakened. The storm has passed. The sky was still weeping.
“Oh no… What have I done... it's so dark without his shine… Our oasis of love... I froze it over…”
Sullen, they walked out of the battlefield, the battle abandoned, unfinished.
Jumping to save face, Tenna appeared on screen again.
“WOW looks like we are out of time!” he had to put so, so much effort to keep the nervous tremble from his voice. This needs to end, NOW, before the situation gets even worse. To save time and face, Tenna racks up all the remaining “I love watching TV!”-s.
“Ok battle's over folks See you later!!”
* * *
The studio, even in its haydays, had never seen as much activity as it saw today. Everyone in the studio was scrambling, trying to prepare all the necessary equipment and sets for the suddenly announced second round.
Tenna, meanwhile, was pacing back and forth, flicking between different channels at a rapid pace, his thoughts a total mess. Not just because the Lightners needed to be kept busy way longer, but also because of the falling out. He wanted to go to them and try to fix this, but he had to plan everything for the Lightners, before they got bored and tried to leave.
A small group of stagehands approached him, momentarily pausing his maddened search for a solution.
“Alright, what’s their situation?”
“♪” replied the shadowmen after much hesitation.
Tenna put his hands together, his smile quivering uneasily.
“Not…. ideal.”
“Elnina is going to flood the greenroom at this rate,” Pippins commented, looking very uncomfortable. “You might want to waterproof the consoles, boss. She’s inconsolable.”
“Damn the consoles, this isn’t about the consoles.” The TV continues to pace, channels again flicking.
Think, Tenna, think. You’re the television, you have access to so many shows, at least one of them must hold the solution! This can’t just be how it all ends, he won’t let that happen yet again. They’re not being rational with this! Such a stupid thing to cause such a fallout, something they both now regret but can’t seem to fix.
Do they not realise how important they are to each other?
A lightbulb appeared on their screen, and lit up bright. They needed to remember how much their love meant to them and to the world. How important it really was.
All of a sudden the directionless thoughts formed a clear path ahead. Tenna raised a finger to the sky, shouting out:
“Mike, pause everything. Edit the game! We’re adding in something so wonderfully romantic they’ll realise just how much they need to get back together! And the heroes will help them along!”
* * *
Board two was going along well. Tenna couldn’t be around for as much of it as before, with the phone calls becoming more and more frequent. He somewhat regretted having to do all the organisation on his own but he would not let it deter him.
The mission was simple – the Lightners had to acquire photos and then set sail to reunite the quarreling lovers. Elnina and Lanino were both guided to separate rooms while they played, awaiting their true loves, not realising they were scheduled for a return to the oasis of love. And when the sun shone in the rain, the rainbow bridge would reveal itself. What artistry, what cinema, what a truly romantic set piece!
They would love it, and they would love each other again, too.
Lanino has just been picked up and was about to be taken to the cliffside room.
“Alright, this is it, folks!” Tenna clasped his hands together. “Come out, you two!”
Lanino and Elnina emerged from the opposite sides of the room, guided by stagehands, their eyes closed.
“Alright, open your eyes!”
They both did, and both flinched upon seeing each other.
“Wow, looks like your game characters are just about to meet…” Tenna smirked proudly. “...At Lover’s Peak!!!”
“La… Lanino…” Elnina started, shame visible in her eyes. “I… I’m sorry.”
“Elnina, I… I’m sorry too, I…” Lanino hesitated, his nervousness only growing.
“It’s okay.” They smiled at the moon. “We still love each other, right?!”
“Of, of course! I’m just… sorry I…”
Tenna clenched his fist giddily. It was working! Just a moment more and the perfect reunion–
His antennas jolted. A thought from outside entered his mind, a message. He was being called away again. A part of him really wished this couldn’t have come a few minutes later, but he would not refuse his benefactor.
“Oops! Duty calls! Gotta go, kids!” He glanced at the weather duo fondly. “ I’ll give them a little alone time… ”
* * *
“They both… met someone?”
“♫”
Suffice it to say the summary of what apparently happened during his absence was… not how he pictured that perfect reunion. He was not against it, by any means, it’s just… he could not really know how to feel about this Rouxls guy. Would he treat his friends right?
Or would another person just tear them further apart?
He had no time to think about this, unfortunately. The second board was not enough, so now everyone was working extreme overtime to prepare another, and he could see they did not take to it with enthusiasm anymore. Alongside that, the Lightners were getting visibly tired of his games, and Kris…
What was he doing wrong? They haven’t even smiled since they got here. Something is wrong but they will not tell him what, they don’t seem to even remember things they used to do or like! They weren’t acting like themself but he could not guess why… he could never deduce why.
He had no time to consider this. He had to make sure everything was perfect. And on that note, he had to make sure Toriel was still asleep…
* * *
It all went wrong. It all went wrong it all went wrong it all went wrong.
He fucked up. What was he even thinking with that last board?! He just started another fire in an already burning house, he just– he didn’t mean to do this, he just did not want them all to leave him behind again.
Not again…
The Lightners were now on the run from him, and he’s becoming short-staffed. Apparently they’ve already shredded several contracts and that somehow convinced those imbecile shadowmen that they no longer work for him! What idiocy. And those damn Pippins, raiding his points the first opportunity they get.
He gave all of them a job and this is how they pay him back?!
Of course, of-fucking-course – he’d already been used as a launchpad to other people’s stardom once, this shouldn’t surprise him.
He had no time to deal with the betrayal anyway.
He needed to find the kids, before they woke up Toriel, before his deal was up, before they left as well–
“Tenna…”
He flinched, turning around to see his second-in-command standing there.
“Lanino! Elnina! Just the dream team I wanted to see!” For just a moment, his shoulders relaxed. “Those ungrateful employees of mine have begun to jump ship the moment there’s an inconvenience. I’d fire them if they haven’t quit themselves… But nevermind them.
The two exchanged a look before Lanino spoke up: “Tenna, you need to stop.”
“H-huh? What are you talking about, old pal, the show must go on!”
“Thiis isn’t what TV Time is about,” Elnina explained. “The children don’t want to be here, and now we’re hunting them for sport… amico, this isn’t right.”
“You can’t force people to enjoy something,” Lanino added, looking Tenna in the eye.
“Sorry, boss. We don’t want to be part of this. not like this.” They turned away.
Tenna paused. Wait, they weren’t… they couldn’t…!
“Elnina!! Lanino?! You two!? C’mon, old friends, you can’t leave…!” Please, not you.
They glanced at each other, pained, but… they had already made up their mind.
Tenna watched them as they left.
And the world moved on as he stood still.
Once again.
Once again.
Once again.
“Fine…” His screen turned black. “Fine!!” he shouted after them. “Fine, you wanna go, GO!! We’ll see how far the Lightners get… Without the weather channel! Hahaha! How can they know the Weather without TV!?!? Hahahaha!!”
The Lightners needed them, and they needed him . They’d go nowhere without him, just watch as they’ll come back crawling–
A whisper interrupted him.
“What? Apps? What… What are those?! Everything’s changing so fast…”
They had to need him. They couldn’t just leave him behind…
* * *
The slash came abruptly. A moment of elation turned to static and cold. Tenna could not see anything, couldn’t feel his arms…
It’s cold…
It’s so cold…
Kris?
Susie?
Please, help. I’m still here! I’m not broken yet, I can still–
A static surge from a cut wire shocked him from the inside painfully.
Please, someone, anyone–
… Elnina?
… Lanino?
Please, come back…
I’m sorry…
I was wrong, please don’t leave me…
Someone, please, anyone…
I don’t want to disappear…
I don’t want to be alone…
The room howled with wind. The sound deafened him.
He was alone. A worthless piece of junk…
“...ere he is!!” someone shouted.
Footsteps in the snow. Panicked shouting. He thought he heard Susie…
* * *
It took the collective effort of everyone from the studio, alongside Susie, to fix him. For the time being, he was resting in an empty room in Castle Town, at least until he was well enough to be moved.
Because… he knew now he couldn’t stay. Kris didn’t hate him, not by a longshot. And Susie genuinely liked him. But… he needed someone who needed him.
And Kris was simply too old for this old CRT to fulfill them… They promised they’d find him someplace he’ll find home.
“Tenna!!!”
He had barely managed to turn his head towards the voice before he was tackled by the weather duo, tears streaming down their faces as they hugged his side.
“You two!” he stammered, moving his arm to surround them, wiping Lanino’s tears with his thumb. “Careful, don’t you know water and live wires are a toxic pairing?”
“We’re so sorry, Tennaaaaaa,” Elnina wiped her eyes with her sleeve, then squeezed the TV harder, as if he was about to slip away from her.
“We shouldn’t have left you, if we were there, maybe–”
“It’s alright, you two. I got myself into that mess, I don’t blame you.” Besides… he knows they wouldn’t stand a chance against the Knight, and he’d sooner die than let them be harmed. “I’ll live. I’m a sturdy old thing.”
“We’re so glad you’re okay…”
* * *
“I’m… leaving soon,” Tenna remarked.
Enough time had passed within the Darkworld for Tenna to recover, and apparently Kris and Susie had found someone who might be interested in him.
He stalled with telling the two, but he also realised he should tell them before it’s the absolute last moment. So, here they were, out in Castle Town, when he decided to drop the news.
“What do you…?” Lanino’s eyes widened fearfully.
“It’s nothing bad, I assure you. Kris said they want to introduce me to a neighbour of theirs who might like to have me over. We’re going there later, whenever they’re back.”
“Oh…” Elnina looked at her hands, downcast.
“... You two could come with me. Everyone needs the Weather, I’m sure whoever they’ll find will love you two.”
The two of them don’t say anything. They don’t need to. He can already tell their hearts are in a different place.
“Of course, you don’t have to.”
“We should…”
“No. Do what feels right to you. I’m not doing this out of a grudge. I think… it’s simply how it has to be. You understand, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Of course.”
Suddenly, a beam of light erupted in the sky and descended. That was his cue. Soon enough, Kris and Susie arrived, Susie sprinting to meet him.
“Tenna, hey. You ready? We got everything.”
“Almost.” He leans down, pulling Lanino and Elnina into a hug. They embraced him back, holding tight for a long time. But every moment has to eventually end.
“Perhaps we’ll meet again sometime.” As miraculous as that would be.
Lanino laughed, still choked up by tears.
“I’ll await that day. Good luck.”
“May your forecast be love, old friend,” Elnina added.
“Yours too.”