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There Cherubble floated, in their ‘room’ in the castle. It was specifically tailored towards them, or rather, their needs. There was no bed, no kitchen, only a bathroom with a slightly bigger circular tub that most monsters have. For Cherubble, it was necessary for them to be in the water for at least three hours without their skin flaking off. They were slug like, so it’s a necessity regardless of skin problems. Their room was quiet. No activity was in the castle, because everyone else was out either singing or hanging out, which was partially fine with Cherubble because they hated literally everyone on Fire Oasis. Every monster deemed it was necessary that Cherubble at least try to be social, so it wasn’t really up to them unless they wanted to look like a jerk to everyone else.
A flat analogue clock on the rim of the tub chimed, marking the third hour of being in the tub.
Finally…
Cherubble thought to themselves, letting out a sigh of relief, only to be met with another problem. It wasn’t easy getting out of the tub. They didn’t have arms, only flippers that were completely incapable of carrying their body weight for more than a few seconds. Cherubble moves gracefully through the water to the edge of the tub. They reach up and try to grab the edge of it but their flippers (fins?) were bent at an odd angle. They struggle to pull themselves out of the bath. Eventually, they do, but then they fall to the ground because how else were they supposed to get on the floor? Cherubble lands sideways, the harp that’s genetically attached to their back made them lie on their side. They let out a groan, but it seemed to stem from more than an inconvenient bath.
***
Cherubble did their due diligence and decided to get out of their room today. It was cloudy on Fire Oasis today, so the sun won’t be glaring down at them. They use their flappers to propel them. Continently, they are pretty slick from their bath or the burns of friction would be another giant inconvenience. They move to a secluded spot, like always. They didn’t know where their blubberflies were, and honestly, they didn’t care. Every time those little things played with its harp, they get a massive headache after a few minutes. The sound was so annoying that it made Cherubble think about how much better their life would be without the harp.
While Cherubble sat, not contributing to anything at all, a monster decides to walk up to them. Cherubble looks in the direction where then steps were coming from… it was Kayna, coming to say hello.
Oh not this bitch. Go away, go away, go away-
Cherubble thought, but being cut short by the chirpy attitude of Kayna.
“Cherubble! I haven’t seen you in a while… and your blubberflies aren’t here. Oh! Are you going to try singing-“
Cherubble instantly intercepted. They were not going to let themselves get into this situation.
“No, no, no. No. I’m not singing. I’m just watching.”
Kayna wasn’t so taken aback, as Cherubble was always closed off like this. They decided to keep going though.
“I bet you have a really good singing voice.”
“I really don’t.”
“You won’t know unless you try…”
“I guess I’ll never know.”
Cherubble squints their eyes. Why was Kayna always so eager for them to sing or dance or socialize with the other monsters? It was not their obligation to do any of it. Kayna crouches down, and then sit next to Cherubble. They began to speak a bit softer.
“…singing can’t be that bad. I mean, it doesn’t even have to be words. Your voice sounds amazing, I promise.”
Cherubble didn’t respond. Kayna wanted to be supportive. They hesitate for a moment before raising their hand slightly, only to place it on Cherubble’s body. It was supposed to be a supportive gesture, but the instant Kayna did that, instant sizzling could be heard and a faint smoke emitted from under her palm. Cherubble screamed in absolute agony. Their eyes began to water from the pain of their skin being charred. Kayna instantly removes their hand. By the time though, a burn mark of their hand was imprinted on Cherubble’s side.
“God damn it! What’s wrong with you!? You’re literally a walking volcano and you decide to touch something that’s like- 90% water?!
“I’m sorry! I- I didn’t mean-“
“I’m going back to bed…! I just knew it wasn’t a good idea… coming out here, with you people! Stay away from me!”
Cherubble moves away. Not walking, just propelling themselves back to the castle, still groaning because of the intense pain they were subject to. Kayna sat there, their hand close to themselves. They didn’t mean to hurt Cherubble. It was an accident… accidents happen, right? Kayna thinks to themself.