#i'm still debating whether or not to let fox have the rat

[neonpaperlanterns]

Spoiler warning. this story request will spoil something you can find after you do the last deal with Fox.

If you do the Foxs' last deal and then look around Rataus' home. You should find a scrapped letter he wanted to send to the Lamb. I'll put it below word for word in the case you don't want to lose Ratau, otherwise. Feel free to just ignore it if you want to find the letter on your own.

"I have tried many times to write this letter to you, only to find myself unable to express what I wish to say. Likely I will scrap this as well and toss it on the growing pile of failed attempts. But still I try. Whilst teaching you, I have begun to think of you as... well, I hope you could think of me as... You are already better than I ever was. I know you will not make the same mistakes I did. I am proud of you. Your dear friend and mentor, Ratau."

*ahem* so yea. I found this out myself and wish to offer a little story request. Ratau seems to see Lamb as his child (the letter implies it, I think.) along with the way his buddies talk about him. Being loved by all and being true to who he was despite being a Vessel. I think Ratau failed. Because he was too soft. Couldn't bring himself to kill in his gods' name. Couldn't bring himself to... sacrifice... in his gods' name. The only real reason why he is the last surviving vessel (that I know of.) is because he literally, never died in the name of his god. Nor did he ever crusaded. He was essentially just a camp dad tending to the possibly few followers he could get in TowWs' name. So, this story is just a request to have Ratau slip up one day during a knucklebones "tournament". Maybe Lamb finds these scrapped letters while fetching refreshments. Maybe Ratau slips up and refers to Lamb as his child.

Maybe Lamb is the one to slip up and refer to Ratau as dad.

As odd as their relationship is... (and as short as the tutorial is.) Rat dad deserves some wholesome love. So, yea. Please make a story regarding Rat Dad and Lambert.

-Sunny Anon. ps. Answering the A/N in your "The Doorman" story; I'd rather be in Poppy world. That's not my neighbor! would def have me be a meal sooner or later while in the world of Poppy Playtime... Idk, I think I'd have a bigger chance. I'm not the greatest at faces so a double would for sure find me easy prey if they got their disguise just right enough.

[A/n: Shrumy makes me feel competitive. Is this wholesome?]

No more stupid bets

Pushing the door open to the shack the Lamb was hit with the heavy scent of tobacco, the sound of clinking glass, and dice rolling against wood.

"Ah you've arrived." Ratau was quick to greet them. Shuffling them along until they were standing next to Shrumy. The old crusty shellback didn't even acknowledge them.

The Lamb was sure to garner the turtle's attention when they cleaned out his pockets.

"If only we still played for parts. I'd have your other hand Klunko." Shrumy hissed as he dragged his winnings towards him. The crow made a dejected sound as Bop wiggled in a way that seemed offensive.

"I'll play you for parts." Lamb interjected. Gaze innocently wide as they peered over the table. The room went silent as the group stared at them and then the haggard turtle was letting out a wheeze laugh.

"Deal little crown barer." Shrumy took the knife from his side and pointed it at them. "When I win I'm going to carve out one of those eyes." The tip of the blade reflected in the Lamb's right eye. They could feel the crown shift as it twined around their arm until a dagger was held firmly in the palm of their hand.

"When I win I'll slice off your tongue." The Lamb let the side of the blade rest against Shrumy's mouth. A sudden hand was being placed on their shoulder and Ratau was dragging them away. The rat led them outside muttering the entire time.

"Foolish." He stated.

"Are you without sense?" Ratau waved his staff around.

"I do not care how confident you are no child of mine will be tempting something so moronic." Lamb blinked owlishly as Ratau continued to rant and worry. A feeling that they cannot remember the last time they felt stirred at the back of their mind. Their nose twitched as a pressure began to build behind their eyes. Burring their chin in their fleece the Lamb let out a quiet cough.

"If it bothers you that much I wont. You have to tell Shrumy he wont be losing his tongue though." Lamb heard Ratau give an exasperated sigh.

'Fine, fine." Lamb followed behind Ratau, listening to his grumblings about the things he does.