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vulpixisananimal · 5 days ago

Text

[A:2 C:5]

[Small text = Essentialy unchanged dialog from normal ISAT]

---

“Heya, stardust! How can I help you on this wonderful new loop?”

(How CAN they help you? Questions questions. . .) “So, last loop.”

“Big rock trap again, huh?” (Loop closed their eyes and wagged a finger.) That's what happens when you don't look hard enough, stardust!”

(Urgh.) "Hard to see things with one eye."

“Yeah, I know. You'll miss things no matter what, especially with your sight reduced. You shouldn't feel bad. You can loop back and look everywhere again, after all!!!”

(That was... a surprisingly nice thing to say. They have a point, you can’t exactly smell out a key after all, you just need to look again.)

“I'm always nice, stardust!” (They wink at you.) “. . . . .”

(. . . . ?)

“. . . Anything else, Stardust?”

(Questions, questions. . .) “. . . Why Stardust?”

(Loops near permanent grin faded for a moment.) “. . . Because you're still here, alive, after everything.”

(Still here?) “After everything?”

(Loop instantly went back to their cheeky facade.) “After going splat under that giant rock of course! Plus it’s cute, My little Stardust~ Cutie patootie Stardust~”

(Ew, but. . .) “You can say you don’t want to answer, it’s fine.”

“But it's so much fun to annoy you instead! Distracting people with puns and jokes is the best way to evade stupid questions.”

(Yeah, you can relate.)

>>>

(Gardening room, second time around getting all the tonics. This time you’re sure to compliment the little dying plant to make Mirabelle happy, and, out of pure curiosity, check where you got the Garden Scissors last time. Just like last time, the world seemed to skip, and it disappeared.)

(As you squeeze through the room to get the last of the tonics, you realize, not for the first time, that everyone unconsciously makes sure to not touch you any more than necessary.)

(. . . It's not the best feeling, but there must be a reason they're not touching you, since everyone’s has, so you leave it alone.)

>>>

(. . . . . Aw stars.)

(There WAS a key hidden in there. It was taped to the underside, so you missed it before. . .You blinding idiot. . . You found the ROCK KEY, fitting. You put it in your pocket.)

(Stupid.)

>>>

(After a quick walk and a key in a lock, you made it to the House library. Stars, it looks like there’s a lot to look at here! Going to the first bookshelf, you gently touch the back of a Vaugardian tragedy you remember liking.)

(Isabeau saw.) “Aw, don't worry Sif, you'll be able to see some plays soon!”

“. . .” (Bonnie shuffled on the spot.) “So, there's. . . There's something I've always wondered.”

“What is it, Bonnie?”

“Well, um. . . You know that stage play Frin brought us to, before we got the last Orb to open the House? In it, The main characters. . . The two men kissed on the mouth, right?”

“Ah”

“Oh gems.”

“Shush, I want to hear this.”

“And so, um. . . When people kiss on the mouth. In plays. They don't REALLY kiss, right? They have some transparent paper in between so their lips don't touch, right???”

“. . .What?”

“What.”

“UH HUH, WHAT?”

(Haha!!) "Yeah, Bonnie. They definitely have paper in between."

“Huh!! Yeah, I knew it!! No one would ever kiss someone on the mouth in a play! Not in front of everyone!!!”

(Isabeau laughed.) “Not in front of everyone!!!!”

“Oh, that's really good.” (Odile chuckled.) “Boniface, this is why you're my favorite.”

“Woohoo!”

(Continuing on, there’s a few other bookcases, the librarian, and a very, very thick book on fishing. Odile takes it. One of the bookshelves is filled with notebooks of all shapes and sizes. They look all out of place; you point it out to Mirabelle.)

“Oh! They're diaries, Siffrin!”

(Odile raises an eyebrow.) “Diaries? in a library??”

“Oh right! you guys do that in Dormont too!” (Isabeau holds up a hand as he talks.) So you know how our belief encourages change, right? Sometimes, when people change, they might not feel any attachment to the people they were before, or want that person to disappear.”

“So some Houses let you donate items that remind you too much of who you were, Like diaries! It's about history! Being able to pick up a diary written by someone a very long time ago? It’s fun!” (He put his hands on his hips.) “I think a lot of people actually give their diaries away so it's like. ‘Look mom, I wrote a book that's in a library’.”

“Ha! I can understand that, then.” (Odile nods.)

(The idea of anyone reading your deepest, darkest thoughts, even years in the future, completely removed from you. . . Gross!!! You didn’t want anyone reading your thoughts, stars you didn’t want to read your own thoughts!! They’re gross!!)

(Once again, Vaugarde is weird. But also you love drama, so you happily pick the gaudiest, sparkliest diary you see.)

“Oh, this one looks fairly recent!” (Mira takes the book.) We could read a little bit. . . Like, a tiny bit.”

“Sure.” (You shrug.) “Why not?”

“We do not have time. . .” (Odile gives a half shrug.) “. . . Is what I would usually say, but I'd also love to think about boring, mundane, everyday problems for a bit.

“Belle, pick a page!!!”

“I-I'm reading again? Okay, hmmm. . .” (Mirabelle started flipping through the diary while all of you huddled close to listen.)

"Mom told me to clean my room today. I HATE CLEANING MY ROOM!!! MY ROOM ISN'T EVEN DIRTY!! WHY DOESN'T SHE UNDERSTAND!!!!!!! Urgh. Also, Dad said a big boat showed up with a lotta weird people on it? And then when mom and dad were talking about it they realized they couldn’t say the name of the island north of Vaugarde anymore? I tried to say it yesterday and I got like the WEIRDEST headache for HOURS. Might trick my friends into saying it tomorrow."

(The rest is just doodles of a little girl laughing uproariously.)

(Odile adjusts her glasses and thinks for a moment.) “Ah, the island north of Vaugarde, I remember when it happened. . . Well, remember isn’t the right word, is it? That sort of event wouldn’t exactly be easy to miss.”

“I think uhm, I think my village was really close to it. My sister said it got super busy with people showing up.” (Bonnie shrugs.) “I was really young though, so I don’t remember it.”

“Oh it’s just so frightening. . .” (Mirabelle hugged the diary close.) “All of those people showing up out of the blue, lost, confused, looking like they just came out of a terrible nightmare. . . I’m glad your sister didn’t get caught up in that, Bonnie!”

“. . . Yeah. . .” (Bonnie sulks down, looking away.)

“. . .”

“. . . Uhm That country's name. . . What was it's name again?” (Bonnie asks, looking up again.)

“Oh, I think it was something like--”

“DONT!”

“SAY IT!!!”

“CRAB!!!!!”

“NYEHEHEHEHEHE!!!!”

(. . . . . Huh! What an interesting diary entry! Anyways, on to the next bookshelf. Looking through this one, there was a book that caught your eye. “Effort: The Key To Meaningful Change.” You open the book, and yep! You take the PAPER KEY. Pretty on the nose hiding place.)

(You pause for a second as you’re leaving, looking at one of the walls. It’s fake. It’s a fake wall. You KNOW it’s a fake wall. You can feel a slight breeze coming from the wall, which means there’s a space behind it. You double check it, nothing. Triple check, nothing. Stars you KNEW it was a fake wall but. . . .)

(. . . You give up. It’s probably not important anyways.)

>>>

(Time to explore the right side!)

(Going through, you breezed through a classroom, but there wasn’t much of note. A few tonics, some books and papers from kids, nothing too interesting. But as you continued down the hall, you had to pause as you turned a corner. You smelled the air.)

(It was getting sweet again, sugary sweet, really, really sickly sugary sweet. You made a face.)

“I-is everything okay, Siffrin?”

(Uh,) “I think one of those strong sadness is coming up, like from before?”

“Oh!!”

“Will you be alright, Sif?” (Isabeau asks.)

“Yes, we don’t want you to have another coughing fit now, do we?”

“‘Frin Should put a clothes pin on their nose, then they’ll be UNSTOPPABLE!!!”

“HAHA!! TOO TRUE!!”

(You smile softly at the banter, you had yet to go through the first weird sadness fight without a coughing fit. It was just too sweet.) “I’ll be fine, promise.”

(Although, something to clog your nose wasn’t a bad idea. You filed the idea away for later and continued on, stopping at a door where the smell was strongest. You put a hand on the handle, and another on your dagger. Looking back, everyone else was ready, too. You open the door.)

(Aha! Just as you thought! Mirabelle stands side-by-side with you as you tug your cloak over your nose.) “A sadness!”

“Another weird-smelly one!!”

“Like the one that gave us a crest?”

“Wait, Siffrin, how were you able to-”

(Odile is interrupted by Nostalgie turning to the party.)

“N-no time, madame! Let’s get ready!!”

(You snap your fingers, [MAKE UP THE TIME], your wispy tendrils of craft energy boosting your allies just like last time. Mirabelle followed up by holding her hands up, and discs of light burst from them, and passed through you and your allies. Strength AND speed! Nice!)

“The last one was paper type.” (Odile thinks.) “Let’s see if there’s a pattern.” (She holds up her paper sign, and geometric shapes form around her palm before flying at the Sadness, but glances off, leaving only small scratches.)

(The Nostalgie didn’t like that, it seems, so it charged right back at Odile and slashed at her, making her stumble back to a knee. Isabeau didn’t miss a beat, and ran in with a rock sign! A ghostly hand covered Isa’s own and he used it to pound the Nostalgie.)

(It didn’t take long after that, you tagged back to Isabeau for a follow up, Mira healed Odile, who then used another rock skill. All it took was a couple extra hits and it was good as gone. As soon as it collapsed to the ground, you did, too, gasping for air.)

“Woah Sif, careful, the air isn’t going anywhere.” (Isabeau kneels down next to you.) “Need a minute?”

(You nod, and keep breathing, eventually standing up again. Mira hands you a tissue, you blow your nose.) “. . . Thanks, sorry.”

“No need to be sorry, Siffrin.” (Odile reassures,) “Although, I am still curious about how you’re able to tell the scent of a specific sadness.”

(You shrug.) “It was, just really strong?”

“. . . . . . . . . I see.” (She's looking at you.) “I did not smell a thing. Are you sure there is no other reason?”

(You smile with your eyes tilted in a confused way.) “Not, that I know of???”

“Hmm.” (She looks away, thinking.)

“. . . . Ssssmellology?” (Isabeau tries.)

“It's called Aromachology, and no.” (She shakes her head.) “Now may we please continue?”

(Yes please. You lead the party out.)

#in case you hadn't noticed: small text = basicly unchanged from the base game #isat #art #in stars and time #isat au #isat siffrin #isat fanfic #isat burned and forgotten #carrion!sif au #carrion!sif #isat carrion au #hehe #isat odile #isat mirabelle #isat bonnie #isat isabeau #isat loop

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vulpixisananimal · 9 days ago

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[A:2 C:4]

(Key time!)

(You open the door leading to the next floor. There were some stairs leading up, the smell of sugar growing a little stronger. Once you could see over the top of the stairs, you saw a large sadness blocking the way!)

“A sadness!!” (Mirabelle exclaims, you all run up to a few feet in front of it.)

“It seems to be guarding the rest of the house from us.” (Odile squinted at the sadness.)

“It feels strong, way stronger than any of the others!!” (Bonnie held their new wok in both hands, standing back.)

“Get ready, everyone!!!” (Isabeau took a stance.)

(Boss time!!)

(You snap your fingers and hold out your craft sign, [Make up the time]! Thin tendrils of craft energy radiate from your scissors sign and wash over you and your allies legs. You and your allies' speed increased!)

“Big ball head.”

“BIG BALL HEAD!!”

“Wait, something’s happening!” (Mirabelle paused her attack, a scissors sign flashed on the ball.) “Was that. . .”

“Scissors sign, huh?” (Isabeau squints.) “Does it mean something?”

“Well we can probably assume that’s its current craft type.” (Odile gives you a cheeky look.) “If you ever need a reminder which one it is, Siffrin, just ask.”

(Great, thanks Odile. Mirabelle holds out her signs and little discs of light encircled you and the others, boosting your strength!)

“Guess it’s my time to shine then!” (Isabeau dashed in, craft energy crackling around his fists as he [SMASH!!]ed the big boss sadness. Odile followed up with her own craft skill, [Rock III]).

(You smirk, this was gonna be easy.)

>>>

“Welcome back, Stardust! How can I help you on this wonderful new loop~”

(Well that was embarrassing, stars. . . You lost track of the craft type about halfway through the fight, and didn’t want to bother Odile for a reminder. You tried fighting it, got hit wrong, and it just snowballed into, well. . . Well, you were back again. So, questions. . . Questions. . .)

“How come I can see where the keys are?”

“Whaaaaaat? You caaaaaaan? How can that beeeeeeee~?” (Loop giggled behind their hand.)

(You squint.) “Is it, thanks to you?”

“Maybe~ I figured you already had so much to remember, you don’t need to worry about where a silly little key is.” (They lean in close, head resting on hands.) “No need to thank me~”

(You pinch the bridge of your nose and sigh.) “Are you getting on my nerves on purpose?”

“Yes, I actually manufactured this personality especially to get on your nerves, stardust!”

(Great. You shake your head. They were doing a really good job.)

“Anything else I can help you with, Stardust~?”

(Questions, questions. . .) “Do you think I could eat some of the frozen food in the house?”

“Oh I don’t know, how about you go and find out~!” (They giggle, then tilt their head.) “Why, getting hungry while saving the world?”

(Um. . .) “Maybe? I always wanted to try crab.”

“Crab?!?! Oh my STARDUST!! Don’t let your little housemaiden hear you saying things like that!!! Just WHAT will she say!!”

(Right. . .) “I’m just curious. . .”

“Don’t worry Stardust, I’m sure your little cook has quite the meal prepared for you!”

(Yeah, you bet.)

>>>

“Just a little more!!” (Mirabelle shouted as you dashed in and slashed with your dagger.) “I-I think we nearly beat it!!”

(Take two against the big ball head, and this time you didn’t get distracted. You weaved back jus in time to dodge its counterattack.)

“GO GO GO SIF GO!!!!!” ([YOUR TURN!!] You hear Isabeau shout, heh, you were about to end this, you held out your scissors sign and wispy slashes appeared across the sadness.)

(Jackpot!! You all take the moment and charge, and in one coordinated blow, the sadness is sliced into dozens of little pieces. You stumble back, panting, and then, you breathe in, and out.)

“CRAB YEAH!!!” (Bonnie cheered.)

“We did it. . . !”

“Alright, let’s keep moving.”

(Adrenaline was rushing through your veins like white hot iron. Your heart buzzed, your legs twitched, ready to chase down whatever was next. No, calm down, stars Siffrin get ahold of yourself. You shake your head clear, and step forward. Leading the charge.)

>>>

“Okay, who wants snacks? I have SNACKS!!!!” (Bonnie ran over excitedly.) “Today, I have many snacks at your disposal. I have. . . Some PLANTAIN CHIPS!!!!”

(Bonnie presents a bundle of chips.)

“Oooh, did you use the last of those not-bananas to make them?” (Mirabelle asks.)

“Yes. Yes I did.” (Bonnie grinned.) “Crunchy. Delicious. And full of potassium. That's plantain chips!!!”

(You all clap. You never really like plantains, but they looked nice.)

“Second snack is. . . Some boring but delicious cookies!!!”

“Great sales pitch, Bonbon.” (Isabeau chuckles.) “Boring but delicious. Cookies, the taste of home.”

(Bonnie squinted at him.) “What kinda home is boring but delicious? Za, you're weird.”

(Isa just coughed into a hand. The cookies looked. . . Okay? You could smell the chocolate from here though, and it was tempting.)

“And for our third and final snack, we are proud to present. . . Some, uh. . . O-gi-ni-ri.”

“Onigiri.” (Odile corrects.)

“O-ri-ni-gi.”

“Onigiri.”

“Onion-geeree.”

“You messed that one up on purpose.”

“Yes!!!!!” (Bonnie cheekily laughed.) “I made a bunch, AND ‘Frin can have ‘em!!”

“Did you add some ‘Frin-compatible surprise then?” (Isabeau smiled.) “How thoughtful! You can eat rice, right, Sif?”

(You nod.) “Mhm, it’s not really filling, though. I think. “

“It’s not nutritious, but you can eat it without intestinal issues?” (Odile suggests. You nod.) “Fascinating. That opens up quite a few meal ideas, right, Boniface?”

(The kid cheered.) “YEAH!! Rice. I. Love. Rice.”

“You and every other kid on this planet, Boniface.”

(It’s nice that Bonnie looked out for you so much, even at what was maybe the end of the country. All the snacks looked delicious!)

“Now it’s time!!! To!!! Choose!!!” (Bonnie pumps their fists up excitedly.)

“I’d love some Onigiri, Bonnie.” (You ask politely. Bonnie puts a few in your hand.)

“Here!! You!!! Go!!!”

(You open your mouth, about to take a bite, but pause. Sniff, sniff. . .) “. . . Beeeeef?”

“YEAH!!!” (Bonnie looks excited.) “I remember ‘Dile put a plum in there before but I wanted you to have some so I tried it with beef!!”

“How. . . Interesting.” (Odile looks suspiciously at the onigiri.)

(You take a bite. The rice dissolves in your mouth, and as soon as you hit the beef at the center you feel your shoulders relax. So, SO tasty!!)

“Is it good” (Bonnie looks at you all expectantly.)

(There’s a long pause. Odile is very good at hiding her expression.) “. . . . . . . .”

“. . . It’s okay ‘Dile, I know you’re old and not the biggest fan of change so! I made you a plum one!!”

“. . . Thank you.” (Odile takes the onigiri.)

(You gobble up the onigiri, savoring every last bite. You close your eye for a second, savoring it.)

“. . . S-so did you like it? Did I do good as snack leader?” (Bonnie has big shining eyes. You nod.)

“Yeah, this is good.”

“Mhm!”

“. . . . . . . .”

(. . . . . . . Oh no. DON’T MAKE BONNIE SAD!!!) “THANK YOU SNACK LEADER FOR THIS SUPER DELICIOUS MEAL!!!”

“SOOOO GOOOOD!!!!! Thank you Bonnie!!!!!!”

“I feel so ALIVE!!! THANK you Bonnie!!”

“. . . . . .” (Odile took a second.) “. . . Mm, good food, yum yum.”

“. . . Yesssss!!!”

(You take your time, finishing up your onigiri. It tasted so, so good but you were still hungry. Less hungry, now, but still hungry. But, that’s a later problem. You lay back for a moment, just take a second, then check in with everyone, then onwards and upwards.)

>>>

(Second floor!)

(You had just investigated the gardening room, and before that met a housemaiden frozen in time. Mirabelle had a bit of a moment, but, you had to continue. If you wanted to unfreeze them, you have to beat the King, after all. And each step through the halls brought you closer and closer to that goal.)

(The hall turned to the right, with a door on the wall in front of the turn. Well, in you go!)

“O-oh! It’s the Head Housemaidens office!” (Mirabelle jumps in.)

“Someone like her definitely has some good stuff, right? Like keys! Or snacks!!!”

“Or information. Let's look around.”

(You do just that, big desk first. You open the drawers and start rummaging around, listening to your party as you look.)

(The Head Housemaiden. In charge of, well, everything here. Makes sure everyone’s happy, everyone’s healthy, that the kids get educated, houses get repaired, organising events, all of it. All on her shoulders, and on top of that is great at crafts too! Stars, you could never imagine doing something that complicated. The Head Housemaiden was supposed to defeat the King, too, but. . .)

(There’s nothing in the drawer, annoying, keep looking, there’s a childs drawings of the Head Housemaiden, random notes, a closet, bookshelf, not much. There’s some notes posted to the wall about the King.)

(Odile glances at Mirabelle.) “Why do you even call the King "the King"? Vaugarde isn't a monarchy. Isn't "King" just a title he chose?

“Yes, but he chose it. . .” (Mira says a bit awkwardly.) “Calling him something else would just be rude?”

“Yeah, that's just basic manners.” (Isabeau adds, Odile just lets it go.)

(Continuing around the room, there’s a pile of neatly sorted papers. Looking through them, there seems to be a bit of everything in here. A petition to serve more bread at lunch, notes about some recurring dream, a cheesy, mushy love letter. . . No, nothing here.)

(Welp, that was pointless. You lead the rest of the party out.)

(As you go to continue down the hall, the hairs on your neck stand up on end. You turn just in time to see a giant boulder crash down in front of the Head Housemaidens office. Blocking it off.)

“. . .”

“. . . There was nothing important in there, right? So this is fine?”

(Yeah, it should be fine. You lead the party on. Just a few meters down the hall sat a heavy metal door. You try the handle; locked.)

“. . . Sucks.” (You look back.) “Any idea where the key could be, Mira?”

“I’m, not sure. . .” (Mirabelle thinks, tapping her chin.) “It. . . Could. . . O-oh no.”

“Uh oh?” (Bonnie says in a questioning tone.)

“I-I, I think, I-I think it was in the head housemaiden office.”

“Uh oh!!!”

“Urgh. . .”

“I'm sorry!!! I'm sorry!!! I should've remembered, why didn't I remember!!”

“Hey, don't worry about it, Mira.” (Isabeau pat her shoulder.)

“Yes, you're not to blame here. If anything, it's Siffrin's job to look out for things.” (Odile glances at you.)

(Hey. . .)

(You step away from the door, the others were already spitballing on how to get passed the door or the rock, what to do. . .)

(You hear a chime in your ear. Wh-)

[Hey stardust! Sorry to interrupt, but I am here in your head to beam you some amazing advice~ Did you hear that chime just now? That’s there to inform you that you are stuck in time! No matter what, you won't be able to progress further in the House in this loop.]

[Only thing you can do is find a way to loop back. Woopsies! Say, didn't you see some tears on the way here? That could work~ (Also come say hi sometime! I'm so lonely. . . Sob sob. . . Do you feel sorry for me yet. . ?)]

(. . . Great! Thanks, Loop. You look around, the others are still discussing what to do, and you could explore the rest of the house, but. . . No, looping time. While they’re distracted, you walk over to the tear and reach out.)“. . . Siffrin? What’re you-” (Mirabelle reacts too late, you touch the tear.)

#HOLY SHIT SOMETHING THT'S NOT SIFSTEM #isat #in stars and time #isat au #isat fanart #isat siffrin #isat writing #isat fanfic #burned and forgotten au #carrion au #might change the name again

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vulpixisananimal · 5 months ago

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Carrion!Sif AU, Chapter 2

ACT 2, The Smell

(You wake up.)

(. . . What.)

(You, you were checking for traps in the hallway and couldn't see, smell, feel anything until the very last second and then-)

"Siffrin!"

(It was Mirabelle. She walked up you you just like last time and just like then just started, taking to you!)

"Good morning! Or, w-" >>> "-but not too long!"

(You stared at Mirabelle as she walked off. The scent of that soap she used even stronger than last time. She, she said the same thing, same exact thing?!? But, but wait you- How- how did-)

(Did you-)

(DID YOU JUST DIE?!?!?!)

(You did!! You must have!! You just walked into that hall and said everything was fine and you died!!! You didn't see anything!! Smell anything!! AND YOU STILL DIED?!?!)

(You're USELESS!!! It's your JOB to find traps and you DIED!!! You didn't even get a glimpse of the King and you just got squished flat!!! STUPID, STUPID STUPID!!!)

(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

(Okay you're over it now.)

(You sit up, dizzy. And now absolutly starving. Your stomach growls. Stars, why are you so hungry again??? Ugh, and now you're gonna have to wait untill tonight, again! You grip the grass beneath you, taking a breath, once, twice, and three times. You're ok, Sifrin. You're ok. You're back here, and now you can do better this time.)

[You got the "Memory of Looping!" You'll always remember this.]

(. . . What was that voice?)

(You stand up, looking around. You could smell the birds, the people, everything around you. Come on, Siffrin. You'll be okay.)

[. . . You should come to the Favor Tree when you have a second, Stardust~]

(You shudder, Stardust?)

>>>

". . ."

(A. . . A star?)

(You had gone straight to the favor tree to see just, what just happened. And, there was a star sitting there, a star person.)

". . . My! Struck speachless at the sight of me, aren't you~?" (The star put a hand to their mouth like they were laughing at you.) "You're so cute, Stardust~"

(Stardust?!?) "U-uhm--"

"Aww, Siffrin. Look at you, all lost and confused~"

(?!?!?!?) "How, how do you know my-"

"Why wouldn't I know, you're Sif! Siffrin! No middle name, no last name~" (The star leaned back against the favor tree.) "Now I know you must be quite overwhelmed, with this being your first loop and all~"

"My. . . ." (You shake your head, this was all a lot to take in, and. . .)

"Oh where are my manners! Take a seat, Stardust, there's plent of room~"

(You look between the star and the root of the tree. Who, who was this?!? You couldn't tell, they smelled of, sugar. Strongly of sugar, and nothing, and a bit of something that smelled a bit familiar.)

(. . . . . . You decide to sit down.)

". . . . . ."

". . . . . . . . . So! You're stuck in a time loop!"

>>>

"Phew, Bonbon! That was DE-LI-CIOUS!!"

(Deja Vu.)

(So, you're in a time loop. Loop was, here, and helping you out. But, that was okay! Great, actually! That means that you could be useful! And that makes it okay, doesn't it? You could get used to this, used to dying. Something about it, it felt familiar, and that felt, comforting? Why should it feel comforting?)

(. . .What were you thinking about again?)

(Anyway! You ate up your food even faster than last time. You felt famished! Even more so than before! But you had to pace yourself at least a little. Right? Don't cause a scene.)

(This'll be fine!)

>>>

(It was right there.)

(It was right BLINDING THERE!!!)

(Right in front of your stupid! Blinding face!! A little hidden switch in the side of a pillar! How!! How could you miss it!!! Stupid, stupid stupid stupid!!!!!)

(You breathe in, and out. Fine, you flip the switch.)

(CRACK!)

(THUD!!!)

(. . . . . There's a pause, a large rock fell a few feet back.)

". . . . Let's go, everyone."

"W-wow! Not even phased! Huh!" (Isa says, falling in step as you lead everyone along. They were scared, worried, you could smell it, it's fine, though, nothing bad can happen now.)

>>>

"Why the need for an armory and weapons in the first place?" (Asks Odile)

(It was a small room, a few spears on a rock, a sword on the wall. The others were talking as you looked around. The smell of sugar only got stronger.)

(You weren't paying too much attention to the conversation, once they were done, you moved on. What else was around the room? There was a big steel thing with a stone on it, and a big brick, thing- O-OH, you take a big step back.)

"You're alright, Sif!" (Isabeau says, reassuringly.) "I don't think anyone will be using this forge aaaaany time soon."

"It's not even hot!! Dummy!!" (Bonnie walks over to the forge and kicks it.) ". . . Ow."

"Be nice, Bonnie." (Odile adds, giving you a look of sympathy.) "You can't exactly controll these things."

"Too true! Let's get going, then!" (Isa finishes, you nod, leaving the room. Fast.)

>>>

"Do you guys, smell that?"

(You had to ask. You had to because it was getting unbearably strong! The SUGAR! The sweetness!! It honestly was driving you a little mad and stepping through the halls only made it worse!! You knew, it was LEADING somewhere!)

"Smell. . . What?"

"I don't smell anything."

"Hmmmm, maybe?"

"Is it the sugar?"

(You turn to Bonnie.) "Sugar?"

"Yeah, sugar!" (They sniff the air.) "It's been around since we got in here. Super sugary."

(Huh.) "Guess I'm not crazy then."

"Hehe, I wouldn't say that!"

(You all laugh, and move on. Right, sugar, that was fine. Just a bit of sweetness. You all walk on, through the hall, to the door at the end. The smell got stronger, why here? Was it a food storage room? Well, you were about to find out anyway. You open the door and walk inside.)

(You gag and stumble to a knee, the smell was WAY. WAY TOO STRONG. Your eye was watering, it was unbearable. You felt Isa kneel down to your side.)

"S-sif! Are you alright?!?" (He asks, worried.)

"S-so strong-" (You choke out.)

"C-careful! There's-" (Mira starts, you look up, there was a weird sadness in the room you didn't even see! You could barely see anything, anyway. It noticed you all, and charged.)

"Gems, Siffrin, get up!" (Odile takes a combatitve stance.)

"R-right-" (You stumble to your feet, gripping your dagger, battle time, just, don't, don't think about the smell, don't, get, distracted--)

-----

(Obligaroey @traumaboyexo <3)

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vulpixisananimal · 8 months ago

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Carrion!Sif AU, Chapter 1.

ACT 1, The Hunger.

(Au origonaly by @traumaboyexo. it's so cool. I'm 100% going to do more of this.)

"Siffrin!"

(You're lying down in the field near Dormont. You had a weird dream about eating a star. You smell cherries, Mirabelle was calling your name.)

". . . Siffrin?" (She's looming over you now, your Housemaiden.) "Good morning! Or, well more like good afternoon I guess. Were you taking a nap? That's just like you. . . Only you could sleep peacfully at a time like this, hee hee."

(You're too sleepy to talk, you close your eye again.)

"You're still half asleep, aren't you. I'll let you sleep a bit longer, but not too long!!"

(. . . Ugh. You can't stay here, like this. The sun was nice, and you could smell the birds in the air. The people in the village. The faint and distinct smell Mirabelle carried with her. But you were getting hungry, really, really hungry.)

(Wake up, Siffrin. You have a country to save.)

>>>

(Statues, big and small, all with different faces. Some jump up and down, some are sad, some are happy. The Change God, Deity of all of Vaugarde, stands before you.)

(So much has happened over the last few months, since you met Mirabelle. You helped save them from a sadness, and you were here to defeat the King. They were nice, they were your familly.)

(Mirabelle, Isabeau, Odile, Bonniface. Each of them had been your best friends, or at least allies. You hoped you were friends, at least.)

(Mirabelle once asked if you were ok with following them on your journey. You truthfully answered that this had been the happiest you'd ever been. But, that just made her look upset.)

(You cringe just thinking about it, truth be told.)

(You're still hungry.)

>>>

"Don't worry about a thing, then. Can I get you anything on the house? A croissant, maybe? . . . Incredible, incredible. I've never seen someone give such a look of disdain when offered croissant."

"A Pain Au Chocolate, then. Only monsters don't like Pain Au Chocola."

(You like those! You nod!!)

"Ha, one Pain Au Chocolate, coming up."

(You got the Pain Au Chocolate!! Yay!!)

(You know they're really, really bad for your stomach. But it's still warm! Smells of butter and chocolate. You try and restrain yourself with one small bite. But you're so hungry, it smells so good!! You take one bite, and another, and another!!)

". . . Not gonna lie, seeing a tiny one like you eat like a rabid beast. . . That was distrubing, but also weirdly satisfying."

(Haha, this was future Siffrins problem.)

>>>

(The Favor Tree looms above you.)

(You look around for a good leaf, one to represent you. You need it for the Favor Tree, after all.)

(A wish, a wish. . . Favor Trees must be popular around Vaugarde, these days. Everyone must be wishing for the same thing. So, why should you join them, then? What's one more wish on the pile. Something small. . .)

(You wish for. . .)

>>>

"Phew, Bonbon! That was DE-LI-CIOUS!!"

(It was really, really good!! You ate every bite on your plate! It was sooooo tasty, but now your tummy was feeling upset. Damn you, past Siffrin!! But, you could still eat more!!)

"Aw Siff, are you still hungry?" (Isabeau asks.)

"Frin, you ate a lot, huh!! You liked my cooking a lot, huh!!! Here, have some more food since you're so hungry and like my cooking so much."

(Bonnie gives you one (1) carrot slice. It smelled tasty!)

(Chomp.)

"Won't that give you a stomach ache? Nevermind that, how can you still eat after all that food?" (Odile asks, concerned.)

"I'm a growing kid!" (You reply, cheekily.)

"A growing kid that drinks achohol?!?"

"You're older than most of the people here?!?"

(You wink cutely.)

"I suppose we're lucky to get some meat for you all the way out here." (Odile sighs.) "What a strange diet you have."

(You shrug. You've always been like this.)

>>>

(You step into the House of Change. It feels. . . Wrong. You have a tingling on the back of your neck. A tingling you'd always get when something was "off.")

(A house frozen in time. A faint smell of sugar slicing through the air. It was strange, but still you were confident. You could smell your companions following you, step by step. Each as distinct as the next.)

(You're hungry again.)

(You smell a sadness ahead.)

>>>

(Huh?)

"Is something wrong, Siffrin?" (Asks Odile.)

(You look around. There, behind you, there was a flickering white. . . Star?)

"Did you see that light?" (You ask.)

"A light?" (Mirabelle looks concerned.)

"Something wrong, Sif?" (Isa adds.)

(You walk over to the light and point to it.)

". . . . . . ?"

(So they can't see it? It smelled of sugar.)

(You reach out and touch the light.)

>>>

(Traps? Traps?)

"A job for me then." (You say, cheekily.)

"It is your job."

"Protect us, trap master!"

(Not the first time you had to reassure Mirabelle. Time to look around.)

(You look around the room. Checking each wall, checking the floors, checking the pillars. You felt the brickwork for anything, a hidden switch, a pressure plate, anything. It all smelled of... Sugar, and old stone. Well maintained, it smelled of people too. You could smell. . . Fear, worry, no, no that was Mirabelles. She smelled of fear, it smelled. . .)

(You're hungry again.)

(There's nothing here. You can't find any switches, so. . .)

"So? So are we safe?? We're not safe, are we!! This is the death corridor!!! There must be a trap--"

(Oh come on now.) "There's nothing weird in here."

"But there must be!!"

"Aw, Mira. . ."

"Belle, Belle, don't worry about it. Frin isn't good at many things, but they know stuff about traps."

(Hey. . .)

"Right, if we can't trust the one who's supposed to lead us THIS early, this wont bode well for later."

(HEY--)

"But! But!"

"We're not dead yet." (You say, stepping through the hall.)

"W-well, that's true. . ."

"We HAVE been in this room for a while. . . And Siffrin has been walking everywhere. So if it was weight sensitive, it would have gone off by now."

"Exactly! It's all fine!!"

"Oh. . . Yeah, yeah okay! I'll believe you! Sorry for worrying, I'm a little on edge."

(You smile at them.) "We're good, Mira, see?" (You walk to the center of the room.)

"Everythings fine!"

(. . . . The back of your neck tingles. Somethings-)

(CRACK.)

(THUD.)

#idk if theres any content warnings i need to put here. but if there is LMK #new au. tee hee #isat #in stars and time #isat au #isat siffrin #isat fanfic #carrion!sif au #should i tag it as carrion too? probably #carrion #crossover #carrion game

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vulpixisananimal · 1 month ago

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[A:3 C61] [TW for: imagery of mutilated, bruised, and bleeding body] (Odile)

(It was sundown on the third day Ramos was out. No change.)

(You were sitting in the living room. Research notes splayed in front of you. You scoured every inch of your writing for anything that could help. Siffrin was asleep on Isabeau on the couch in front of you. Poor Siffrin had been having panics, but had been getting better. Although, it was concerning who it actually was you talked to.)

(Mal, Asterion, and Saffron. Only those three came out.)

(Asterion would stick to himself, talking silently, eating, and keeping in sight of you all. Any time any of you asked about what happened he froze up. It was clear, honestly, that the only reason he didn’t hide in his room was to alleviate all of your worries for him.)

(Mal would disappear for hours a time, only to return and drag Isabeau away. You asked him what that was about, but his lips were, for once, sealed. You had your suspicions, however.)

(But Saffron. . . They were the worst of all of them when it came to communicating. Getting them to admit they're saffron was pulling teeth. Getting him to admit he needs food was agony. And, you could see behind his smile.)

(“Persecutors need love just as much as anyone in order to heal.” That’s what the booklet Vixul gave Siffrin said. You could confirm it was true, but that didn’t make their biting remarks any less hurtful.)

(. . . Tension was high. If you could figure out how to help Ramos out of their catatonic state then. . . You took your glasses off and rubbed your eyes.)

(The issue is simple: Ramos’ catatonia was caused, indirectly, by mind craft. And the only one who knew mind craft was Ramos themself. So, what do you do?)

(You could continue to hope and pray for conventional remedies to work. You could look for an expert in psychology, or maybe even acupuncture. But you might as well wish to win a coin flip at that point! Ha, ha. . .)

(. . . Even with a grand library in your mind you couldn't think of anything.)

(Except. . . One thing.)

(. . . . . You didn't want to consider it.)

(You were considering it.)

(. . . . You finish considering it, and stand.) “I need a break.”

(The half asleep Isabeau opened an eye.) “Hmm?”

“I'm going to the library.”

“M’kaaay. . .”

(You've got your notes, coat, everything you need. You waste no time and leave the house, headed directly to the library.)

(You go over the plan in your head. Merlon is back, so there is no truce. Attempt to talk to him. Keep your distance. Look out for any surprises from Merlon, talk politely. Appeal to his soft side, and look for a way to keep him distracted so he can't read your thoughts. He's fast, and your craft type is at a disadvantage, so direct combat is a bad idea. What about a trade? Information for assistance?)

(You couldn't trade any old thing you knew, he's a historian. Perci would know about the Expression of Search’s Elaborate Dance of the Guide. No, it would need to be something more. . . Exciting.)

(You continued to walk. What about What Loop looked like? Call craft? The fact that your party has met gods multiple times now? The fight with the king?)

(. . . Siffrin’s cosmic temper tantrum would be best kept quiet.)

(You made it to the library, you'll check here first. You walk up the steps and into the lobby. The librarian from a few days ago was here, sleepily sipping a cup of tea. They waved.) “Madame Odile, good to see you again.”

“Hello, same to you.” (You walk up to the counter.)

“. . . Tea?”

(You paused, then smiled.) “. . Please.”

“Camomile or ginger.” (They ask, getting up.)

“Ginger, please. No milk, no sugar.”

“Perfect, I just boiled the pot.”

(You watch them go. A cup of tea would be perfect. Something to calm your nerves before, whatever happens happens. A moment later they were back, and handed you a cup. You thank them, then move into the library proper.)

(It didn’t take long. Perci was sitting at the center of the library, at a grand table. Books to either side of him. A chessboard to the left. You could hear the familiar scribbling of a pen. Your steps echoed through the silent building as you approached.)

(You stopped a few feet back from him, and waited.)

(There were a few moments where the only sound was that pen, before he finally stopped. He looked up, then back down again.) “. . . Madame.”

“Percival.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“. . .” (You walk around the table, place down your tea, and take a seat.) “I have come to strike a deal.”

“Have you now.” (He’s smiling, the face of a man truly absorbed in his work.) “I thought we weren’t all buddy buddy now.”

“You know why, Percival.” (You glare at him.)

“Haa. . . That, I do.” (He clicks his pen and puts it to the side.) “Three days already? That is worrying, but what do you want me to do about it?”

(You sip your tea, and stare directly at him.)

“. . . You’re very good at hiding your thoughts, Madame. And I must say, after the inn, I would sooner ride a bull off a cliff than try and tame your mind.”

(You keep your face neutral.)

“. . . . . That is to say, I should be giving you some more respect.” (Perci looks at you, then turns and grabs the chessboard, and starts setting it up.) “Chess? It’ll keep my mind wandering to yours.”

“Thank you.” (You huff.) “I’m no idiot, and while I can respect your mind games, I, for one, like cutting straight to the point.”

“Very respectable.” (He finishes placing the last pieces. Darkless on your side, Lightless on his.) “So, after you, madame. Light before shadow, after all.”

“Of course.” (You pick up a pawn, forward two.)

“So.” (He moves a pawn to match.) “You would like help with Ramos.”

“Yes.” (Pawn to cover.) “Either you help them recover, or teach me some form of mind craft to do it myself.”

“Ah, well that’s an issue, isn’t it?” (Knight forward.) “I will not teach you mind craft, and I doubt your companions will let me into Ramos’ mind.”

“That is an issue.” (Pawn forward.) “Why can’t you teach me?”

“And give you a dagger to stab me with?” (Knight takes a pawn.) “You would have to give me something good in return.”

“I see.” (Pawn takes the knight.) “Then how about what I found on our travels?”

“Hmm, tempting.” (Bishop forward.) “Very tempting, madame.”

“The ascent through the Dormont House of Change?” (Pawn forward.)

“Getting there.” (Pawn forward.) “Dormont is a nice little town, isn’t it?”

“Hmm? Have you been?” (Pawn takes a pawn.)

“Oh no no.” (Bishop takes a pawn.) “I’ve just heard so much about it when researching you all.”

“Really now?” (Knight takes a bishop.) “But of course, rumor can only tell you so much!”

“Ah of course, of course.” (He thinks, then moves a pawn up.) “After all, you tend to hear the strangest of rumors.”

“. . . Like?” (Knight takes a pawn.)

“Oh nothing too strange, just. . .” (Queen takes a knight; advantage to Perci.) “Giant cracks in the sky of an unknown shade, a cloaked figure dozens of stories tall, small things like that.”

“. . .” (You move a rook.) “Just silly rumors.”

“Oh? Is that the same with the rumors of the king?” (Queen takes a pawn.) “That he was an islander too?”

“. . .” (Move the king.)

“An islander just like my bonded, just like your traveler.” (Queen takes a rook.) “I wonder, do they share some other connection? Perhaps even a family member?”

“. . . Whoever Siffrins family was, they weren’t like the King.” (Knight takes the queen.) “If anything, the King's family would have been like your own.”

(Perci is stunned, looking at the board. He glances up, then back. He castles his king.) “And what would you know about that?”

“Quite a lot.” (Bishop takes a pawn; advantage to you) “Percival Monet, the youngest of the Monets, who destroyed his own family.”

“. . . That’s nothing-” (Knight forward.)

“Oh it’s everything.” (Bishop takes the knight.) “I did not recognize that swear you use, Perci. So, I got curious.”

“And what does that have to do with anything?” (Pawn forward.)

“I looked it up in a teenager's book about swears.” (You chuckle, pawn moved up.) “It’s Poterian.”

“. . .” (Pawn up.)

“A Poterian swear that’s only really used in very old, rich families.” (Knight takes a pawn.) “And from there, there’s only so many families to check.”

“But there isn’t a book in the library about the Monets.” (Pawn takes pawn.)

“And the House of Change library?” (Bishop takes a knight.) “The secret library? Each house has one, after all.”

“I. . .” (He pauses, looking over the board, eyes wide. Rook forward.) “. . . What do you know?”

“The Monet family. One of the oldest and well known in devoted Soleanist society. Old money. And old corruption.” (Bishop takes a pawn; Perci is in check.) “The last Monet’s were disgraced, the two house leaders at the time.”

“. . .” (Move rook.) “What else?”

“Just that the only Monet with any reputation left, is a historian.” (Bishop forward; Perci is in check.) “And that historian, is you.”

“. . . . . . Hah. . .” (Perci lowers his head.) “Ha, HA! HAHA!! Oh yes! Madame, I knew you were brilliant. From the moment I touched your mind, I knew, I just knew, you were something else.”

(His rook takes your bishop.)

(You lean forward. Something was wrong about this board. You had been counting moves ahead, but there were errors. You didn’t take into account some pieces, pieces that were there but you just, didn’t focus on them. They were out of the way, not a problem. He took your bishop, and you could see the next moves clearly. Next, your knight, then rook, then queen, and then. . .)

(Checkmate.)

“. . . . ha. . . Haha!!” (You sit back with a sigh.) “. . . How.”

“Ah, took you long enough.” (Perci looked at you with a smug smile.) “It was the tea.”

(You look at the cup of tea, then shake your head.) “You took control of the librarian, and spiked the tea with some sleep or relaxation agent. Not enough to be noticeable, but enough to graze my hand without me noticing.”

(Exactly.)

(In a motion, the tables and chairs melted into the floor. The bookshelves expanded, the ceiling disappeared into a thick fog miles in the air. Lanterns lit the endless halls. Perci seemingly disappeared. You stood in your headspace.)

(I don’t think vast is an accurate enough word to describe your mind, Odile. Your voice echoes through the library.)

(A better word for it would be private! You turn, where are you?)

(You pull a book off a shelf. Why, I’m just over here!)

(The hallways shift once again as you glide towards his voice. You can see him! Get, OUT-)

(Your breath catches.)

(You can only begin to imagine what form of hell Perci must have gone through to end up looking like a walking corpse. No, not a corpse. A corpse could at least rot.)

(He had scars, bruises, pinpricks, lines that look as if someone was sewing something into his skin. He had rashes from shackles, his nose was broken, one eye droopy. His clothes were torn and now looked more like a university uniform with the crest torn out.)

(He looks at you, the look he had, it was. . .)

(Hello, Madame. She looks so similar to how she does in reality, except for the fact she floats ever so slightly off the ground. Are you so tied to your own self image to not experiment a little, Madame?)

(Gems alive. Something hits you in your soul, some emotion, some fear. You take a step back. Why do you-)

(Look like this? Oh, Madame~ You close the book, drop it, and turn to her. Please, allow me to show you!)

#HEHEHEHHEHEHEHE HAPPY CHRISTMAS EEEEEEEEEVE #isat #in stars and time #isat art #isat au #art #siffrin system au #isat fanart #sifstem #isat spoilers #gonna take a break and then work on carrion might not get back to this in a while~#joke #isat fanfic #isat oc #isat odile #isat perci #perci

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traumaboyexo · 8 months ago

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CARRION!Sif Anti/Alt Friend quest

[[This is for a set of alternate friend quests that each trigger from each family member watching Siffrin have a small emotional breakdown, as well as...seeing something else.]]

(You're shaking.)

(...why? This isn't the first time you've done this...and yet...)

(You can barely feel your hunger right now. Just fear. You don't want to hurt them. You don't want to hurt any of them.)

(...everything is wrong. You shouldn't be doing this. You're not...even...)

"Siffrin?"

(You jump. Mirabelle's voice shakes you out of your trance.)

"Sorry, Mirabelle."

"I-it's alright, I know you can get a little sleepy sometimes. So, um, do you have time to help me with these papers?"

(...you have to make her happy.)

(Stop shaking, idiot.)

"...yeah I do."

(Mirabelle beams. You take your seat beside her.)

(Time to take the lead.)

(...you open your mouth.)

(...Huh?)

(Nothing is coming out.)

(Come on. You know you're next line.)

(Just ask. You have to. Ask what the papers are.)

(Why won't you say anything?! You've done this several times already, haven't you? Just say it! Don't have want to make her happy?! Don't you want them to love you?! You-!)

"...Siffrin, are you okay?"

(...you didn't even notice until now, but you're panting. You feel short on breath...and you're sweating badly.)

(You quickly bring your head down.)

(You can feel Mirabelle still staring at you intensely. You can barely look back at you. You can't make her worried. You're supposed to help her. You HAVE to help her. Stick to the script. Stick to the script. Stick to the...)

(...Mirabelle places a hand on your forehead...she's checking for a fever.)

"Okay, it's not a fever, s-so...uhm..."

"...Siffrin, c-could you look at me, please?"

(...you muster what energy you have left and look at her.)

"Siffrin, are you stressed or anxious about anything? O-oh! Was it me, d-did I accidentally make you anxious about these papers and-!"

(NO!)

(Can't make her worried about you!)

(You find your voice has returned.)

"No! It's not you...and I'm just..."

"I'm just...thinking about stuff, haha."

(...is she buying it?)

"...are you thinking about...something really bad?"

(...she did, kind of.)

(She can't know. She can't.)

"...we should talk about your papers."

"I had a suspicion...but they're...bonding papers, right?"

"O-oh! That's...actually a good guess?"

(She isn't as surprised as she usually is.)

"But Siffrin...I don't want to talk about that if... if something is going on with you."

(There's nothing wrong with you.)

"There's nothing wrong with me."

(Liar.)

(You ignore the growling in your stomach.)

(You ignore the uncomfortable feeling of your sweat dripping down your face.)

"...I think this is important for you. We can worry about me later."

(Mirabelle looks concerned.)

"Well, okay then..."

"Well, I-I'm not planning on getting bonded just yet, these are just dating profiles."

(You try to look surprised but your face feels numb.)

"They came from a dating company I asked before The King happened, and I haven't had a chance to properly look through them...and..."

(...you wish she'd stop looking at you so worriedly.)

(...you have to keep it moving.)

"Go on."

(She nods.)

"W-well, since it is someone I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with, I'm thinking I could use another pair of eyes. Your eyes!"

"Or rather, your...uh...one eye."

(She sighs, and only now you notice it seems like she's trying her best not to cry.)

(You're horrible.)

"...Siffrin...I-I don't think I can just-"

(Please.)

"Mirabelle. Please."

"...you're doing this as a distraction from tommorow, right?"

(You can barely hold back your shaking anymore.)

"Please. I need this distraction as well."

"...Let me help you."

(...there's some slight relief in her eyes, but still full of the same concern.)

"...alright Siffrin."

(She gives a small smile.)

"You can help me."

(She pulls out the massive folder of papers from her dress pocket.)

(...Maybe if she told you she was carrying this, you could have carried it for her.)

"O-okay, let's start with this."

(It's the picture of that strong buff man.)

(Tough muscles. Hard to chew probably.)

"...boring."

"Besides, they look like Isabeau."

(She gives a light snicker.)

"They kind of do. Next one-"

(You can't do this. You can't do this you can't do this you can't do this you can't you can't you can't you can't.)

"I'm sorry Mirabelle. I can't talk about this anymore."

(Your breathing is heavy and hard. Your sweating is getting worse. And your stomach won't stop growling.)

"...I...I'm sorry."

(You can't look at her. You can barely focus on anything. It feels like you could explode any second.)

"...I'm worried that...I'm..."

(If you say how you feel, will she hate you?)

(Even so, you can't stop yourself anymore. It feels like the exact opposite of before. All the words are spilling out. You hold back as much as you can. You try your best not to cry. You try your best not to scream or shout.)

(You feel horrible.)

(You feel hungry.)

"...I won't ever be bonded. I won't ever find a partner. I-I'm, I'm a freak. I'm a monster. I'm not worth a single notice. I'm...I can't..."

(It seems like everything is going dark.)

(You can't stop. Your stomach growls.)

"I can't be loved, no matter how many profiles I look through myself and I can't help myself and I'm always hungry and I..."

(...you try to continue but you can barely feel your own voice or mouth of face.)

(Everything feels so...out...of reach...)

(...)

(...you hear a sharp gasp from Mirabelle.)

(You feel everything snap back into view.)

(You're breathing eased up. You've stopped sweating.)

(...what happened?)

"...Siffrin?"

(Slowly, you turn to Mirabelle.)

(...)

(...you made her worried.)

(How could you do this to her.)

(You were supposed to help her.)

(...)

(You're stomach growls. You're hungry...at a time like this.)

(You really are a freak.)

(...you bury your face under your hat.)

(You can't even look at her properly.)

(You...)

(...someone puts a hand on your shoulder.)

(MIRABELLE puts a hand on your shoulder.)

(Even as you look away, you can hear her voice. She's not being afraid. Or angry.)

(She's being kind.)

"Siffrin..."

"...I have something to tell you too."

"The truth is...I don't really want to be bonded. Or...even date anyone at all."

(You already know this.)

"The truth is...I'm been scared too. I've been trying to force myself to change...and I've been worried I'm not strong enough to do it."

(You already know this.)

"And I'm worried that I'm supposed to do these things, because I have to show my faith, and I have to show...I have to show that I can do this."

(You already know this.)

"But...another reason is because...I'm worried. I'm worried that...it's possible I'll be alone, forever."

(...)

"When The King attacked, I was worried I lost all my friends. Everyone I thought I could ever count on...but...I was wrong."

(...)

(You slowly look up at her.)

(She's smiling. She's relieved you're finally looking at her again.)

"Siffrin. I don't know what happened to you. Or why you would think like that...but..."

"...I'm not worried about being alone. I've got you, and Isabeau, and Madame Odile, and Bonnie."

"And...I'm glad I can talk about these things with you. Because you're my friend. And I care about you. And I know you feel the same way."

(...you do.)

"So don't ever feel like you'll be alone when we're around, okay?"

(...you stay silent. You can barely find the words.)

(This time she shouts.)

"Promise me!"

(Woah!) "I promise!"

(She's smiling so widely it's nearly contagious.)

"Good! A-and if you're worried whether you wasted my time or anything dumb like that, I think you've helped me."

"I think...I don't have all the answers I need just yet. But I think...I may not need to change everything about myself."

(Clever. She's always been clever.)

"When I figure it out, I promise, I'll tell you about it."

(...you should say what's on your mind.)

"I'm glad I met you, Mirabelle."

"...me too, Siffrin."

"...I'll see you later, okay?"

(You nod and smile.)

(You're really smiling. You feel refreshed. You feel relieved.)

(...and yet, as she walks away, she looks back and glances at you for just a brief second.)

(She's nervous about something.)

(...but what?)

(...you can feel it again.)

(Your growing hunger.)

(You got a MEMORY OF UNCERTAINTY.)

(You'll always remember this.)

[Whatever happened there, Stardust? Well, in any case...]

[When equipped, Memory of Uncertainty boosts all your Housemaiden's stats by 25...but by giving her your turn, all her stats double temporarily! Woah!]

[Your Housemaiden also learned the skill 'Loyal Loving Barrier'!!!]

['Loyal Loving Barrier' not only absorbs all damage, but gives your family a buff depending on how much damage was absorbed! Just like your other shield, it's only for one turn though!!!]

[Seems like you'll only get this skill when you have this exact same conversation. Though, it's not easy to fake an emotional breakdown, is it, Stardust??]

[If only you had something that could trigger that awful fear when you wanted to…]

#in stars and time #isat spoilers #isat siffrin #carrion #carrion!sif au #isat au #isat fanfic #writing #isat mirabelle #Cw: emotional breakdown

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traumaboyexo · 4 months ago

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CARRION!SIF: ANTI-FRIEND QUEST (LOOP) [PART 1/2]

[[[Did you miss Carrion Sif? I don't know, but here it is! Just a short one.]]]

(You climb out of the bed, making sure you don't wake Isabeau up.)

(The growling is so much worse. So horrible, so violent. Have you grown even hungrier throughout the loops?)

(...maybe. You've always been starving anyways, haven't you?)

(Slowly, you open the door as quietly and carefully as possible. Not a creak, not a click.)

(You can't even be bothered to change into your cloak. Your pyjamas will be enough. You won't be gone for long.)

(You pass by the dining room where you and your family had eaten just a few hours ago. Where you had been gorging on your food like an animal. Shamelessly, disgustingly.)

(You open the front door of the clocktower, standing unflinching in the cold night air.)

(In the midst of the trees, you spot very slight movements, a collection of several small blurs.)

(You're starving. There has to be something to eat out here.)

(And so you step into the woods.)

(You run as fast as your legs can move, chasing every slight rustle and footstep that isn't your own.)

(You can barely think. You just know what you need to move. To find something to eat. Something that you must catch.)

(You must have scratched yourself a few times. Slight stings come from various points on your body. Yet, they hardly feel as though they matter. They all feel small and fleeting.)

(They'll all go away once you find your prey.)

(And you've found it.)

(Is it a horse? A deer? Either way, it's here, and it will be yours.)

(Your knees are burning, feeling as though they should've given out a long time ago. Yet, you ignore it and continue to chase.)

(You move faster, and faster and faster, quickly closing the gap between the creature and you.)

(And now you see it in range. Not fast enough.)

(You pounce and draw your dagger.)

(STAB.)

(The animal screeches in pain. It yells out, struggling and snaking.)

(You remove the dagger with a violent pull, tearing into the flesh. With one last yelp, it falls over.)

(The hunt has ended, and you barely take a second to stop as you tear into your prize.)

(Your jaws break apart the bones with ease, digging into the corpse and chewing down on the soft yet sturdy meat, while splashes of blood splatter across your face, staining your clothes as your face contorts in hunger.)

(You continue to bite, and chew, and bite, and chew.)

(You're so hungry. You can't stop. You have no reason to stop. You must not stop. You must eat. You need more. You need more.)

(Disgusting disgusting disgusting-)

(And yet you can't bring yourself to care.)

(You lose yourself in your gluttony, you can barely feel your arms, your legs, your face, your body...)

(You growl as you take in a massive mouthful of the carcass.)

(The sound is wet, gross yet satisfying, as blood continues to drip down from your own mouth.)

"...Geez, Stardust."

(You flinch and look towards where the voice came from. The bright glowing star making no effort to hide itself from you.)

(It's Loop.)

"You really don't care for table manners, huh?"

(Despite the joke, it's clear they're not in a positive mood. They're concerned, maybe even scared.)

✨("What exactly are you doing here?")

"What do you think?"

"..."

"How about we talk about this somewhere... more familiar?"

#in stars and time #isat spoilers #isat au #isat siffrin #carrion!sif au #isat loop #isat writing #carrion #Carrion!Sif #in stars and time spoilers #In Stars and time Siffrin #cw gore

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traumaboyexo · 20 days ago

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(slides chair around) Hi, you must be wondering where I've been for a while, and have questions. Questions such as:

Where's the next Carrion!Siffrin post

Where are all those other things you said you were working on

Where's the next Carrion!Siffrin post

Where's the Ted Italics x Reader fic you promised

And the most popular question

Who the fuck are you again

Anyways I will not be answering any of those questions because I'm a fucking pussy. Here's what I've been working on

HOMESTUCK AU

Homestuck ISAT au that's a thing I'm doing or something. I doubt it'll be very popular but it was something I had to get out there and show somebody and do something with it, so here it is. Won't waste your time with explanations like classpects or the ectobiology or whatever.

But also if u wanna know please ask so I can Homestuck nerd out.

MIRAFRIN FUSION AU

Yeah so immediately after I made Mirafrinsprite, my brain began to churn ideas for a fusion au where Siffrin and Mirabelle fuse during ACT 5, and are forced into a time loop as an emotionally unstable bomb wearing a mask, and also everybody thinks they're Siffrin! Will explain more in the future but look at my little bundle of angst hehe

OH MY GOD WHERE'S CARRION!SIF

I swear I'm still doing stuff for it just gimme time I promise please don't eat me

Okay that's it have fun bye

#in stars and time #isat spoilers #isat au #carrion!sif au #isat siffrin #Isat Mirafrin #homestuck #Homestuck x ISAT #isat loop #isat art #isat writing #ISAT Fusion AU

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traumaboyexo · 8 months ago

Text

CARRION!Sif Memory of Sadness

[[Immediate new post! But that's just because I already had this written.]]

(Your stomach growls as your family enters the familiar first hallway.)

(It's the same sadness. Every time. Annoying. Frustrating.)

(...)

(You're. So. Hungry.)

(Perhaps...perhaps payback is due.)

(It's almost breakfast, isn't it?)

"A Sadness, huh? The House must be crawling with them..."

"O-okay everyone, let's, um, uh--"

(You pounce.)

(Your prey is almost immediately within your grasp. You don't waste a single moment and anchor it to the ground.)

(STAB!)

(Your dagger has pierced straight through the sadness and into the floor. It screams and struggles in agony. Music to your ears.)

(Feasting time.)

(You can barely focus on anything else. You're so hungry. You stare and tower over the Sadness, wrapping your tentacles around it, making sure they're tight enough to cause more pain.)

(It begins struggle faster. Good.)

(You rip the Sadness off the floor. Your jaws are already open, excited, anticipating the sweet meal.)

(You bring the sadness closer, and closer.)

(The tears are flowing. The screams continue.)

(You're starving.)

(CRUNCH.)

(You chew. Your hunger is satiated as the salty sweet taste and prime meat texture churns around within your mouth.)

(It's amazing, delectable.)

(It really is better to make your own food.)

(You chew and chew and chew, making sure the taste lingers for as long as possible.)

(You finally swallow.)

(For the time being, you are no longer hungry.)

(...)

(You concentrate.)

(You feel your hands and fingers and legs and toes return to you.)

(You turn to your party.)

"I'm full!"

(...they're horrified.)

(That's to be expected.)

(You really are unlovable.)

[REWIND]

"A Sadness, huh? The House must be crawling with them..."

"O-okay everyone, let's, um, uh--"

"I'm hungry."

(Everyone looks at you in surprise.)

"Already?" (Isabeau says with a confused smile.) "Right now?"

(Bonnie digs around their pockets.)

"Hold on Frin, I might have something here--"

"Hehe." (Mirabelle giggles)

"Thank you Siffrin."

"...oh!" (Isabeau snaps his fingers.) "Were you trying to calm Mirabelle down, Sif?"

"Ohhhh. That's pretty clever!" (Bonnie says with a point.)

"Indeed. A joke before battle. As though you don't say them enough DURING them." (Odile says, a smirk across her face.)

(...you give a laugh of your own.)

(Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.)

(You can't lash out like that again.)

(You can't let them know.)

(No matter how much your stomach growls.)

(Stick to the script.)

#in stars and time #isat spoilers #writing #isat au #isat fanfic #isat siffrin #carrion!sif au #carrion #in stars and time spoilers #cw: gore

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traumaboyexo · 2 months ago

Note

CarrionSif as in the video game carrion?

As your payment from answering this I give you the greatest GIF

Yes!!!! The idea is that Siffrin is basically the Carrion Monster, and results in him constantly having a beast like hunger of sorts. It basically started when I was thinking of giving Odile a parasite similar to the Carrion, then it turned into making Siffrin the Carrion monster instead.

Very fun stuff

a lot of Sadnesses get eaten

#in stars and time #isat spoilers #carrion!sif #carrion!sif au

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cyten0 · 4 months ago

Text

A Symphony In Crimson

Act 1: A Movement in Black

Chapter 16

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《《《《《《《《《《《《

《《《《

《《

《

...You cry.

What else can you do but cry?

You killed one country, and now you’ve trapped another in a paradox!

They’ll all be stuck in here with you, because you broke the wish that carried their hopes and dreams!!! Their salvation!!!

… No. No, you owe it to them to keep trying. To save them, SOMEHOW. You CAN’T let this happen again!

THINK. If you can’t complete the wish, you have to shatter it! Break it, even if it breaks you!! You weren't planning to live after this anyways.

But you also have to defeat the king. Wish or no, you owe it to them to do that. If only you could stop the loop there. End it… Freeze it…

...That’s it! You remember. You came to this conclusion a while ago, that if you could collide the kings wish with yours directly, they’d both shatter. Stop the reversing, and reverse the stopping!! ...But he’d never do that. Never give up his wish. He’d rather kill everyone then do that…

...But

…You don’t need him for that, do you?

You just need his heart.

You’ll have to keep it beating, to take it’s power. But if you eat him, or infect him, that’s a simple thing, isn’t it? Simply assimilate him into yourself, and make his heart yours!

You said you’d never do that to a human but he doesn’t count anymore does he? He’s just a monster! Just a monster...

Yes. Of course. You’ll kill the monster yourself. Take his heart, save the country.

But. You’ll need to be alone with him for that. You can’t do something that monstrous in front of your family. Nonononono you absolutely cannot! You need them to trust you enough to let you face him alone.

That trust. You need to help them again. Like you did that one time! They trusted you then, right? You don’t… remember how it went. Not exactly. It’s a little hard to think! You didn’t eat flesh the last loop, Odile’s been too suspicious lately. No nutrients for the brain! But you’ve eaten plenty of sadnesses, so you won’t be tempted, right?… right?

… You’d best keep it quick. Just in case. Surely, you can do this quickly, right? Surely.

...Get up Siffrin. You have. A country. To save.

◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉◉

You’re looking over your dating profiles. Change, you really aren’t getting far at all with this. You need to so something else. You probably should go check up on Siffrin, they have napped for a bit! Maybe-

Oh, there they are! Oh. Change, they don’t look good at all! Like a walking corpse! Y-you can’t really say that to them. Um. Just uh.

◉ “Hi Siffrin? Um. Are you okay? You look like you had a really bad nightmare.”

✦ “I’m fine Mira. Do you want help with your papers?”

◉ “What! Oh, n-no of course not, don’t worry about them! They’re-”

✦ “Bonding papers, right? You seem like your struggling.”

How did he-? ...N-Nevermind, you guess you can’t hide that anymore.

◉ “I-I. Um… Yes.”

They take a seat down next to you.

◉ “W-Well they're more dating profiles, but yes. I suppose I could use a hand with them. It’s something I was looking into before the king, but… I am choosing a potential lifelong partner, and I’m… not sure what to look for.”

✦ “Do you have to?”

Wait WHAT?!?

✦ “You don’t need to be with anyone. Clearly you don’t want to. So why even bother?”

Don’t want to- How does he!?! Change he shouldn’t just assume he knows you like this!

✦ “Better to accept it now then later. Better to stay the same then make yourself suffer.”

Oh that's it, Now he’s thrown change into it! You just!

You slap him in the face.

Crack

O-Oh No! What! How did! His neck just! Their head is almost backwards! You didn’t slap them that hard! Oh no oh no you didn’t want to hurt them you just wanted them to stop, you-!

...You hear. A strange sound. Like something wet ripping. As their head. Rights itself. Their body doesn’t even move. And you hear their bones snap into place… What…

◉ “S-Siffrin?”

✦ “…”

◉ “I-I.. Just. You can’t act like you know me like that, and then throw change into things, this is really important I-”

✦ “No. You’d know best, wouldn’t you Mira?”

They turn to you, their face grim, unfeeling. You can feel yourself shake. Something is wrong!

✦ “You’re strong. You care about things. And no one knows you better then yourself, right? You’ve always been so strong. Always trying to be better. Which is why you should know. That strength? That will, that lets you get through anything? It means NOTHING when you try and fight yourself.”

They stare at you. There is this strange shade glowing from the dark of their eyes. You can’t move. Change, what is-

✦ “You can try and break through, but it’ll just hurt yourself. Hurt those around you, as you rip yourself apart trying to claw out that piece you think is wrong. You can’t fight yourself. You can’t run from yourself. No matter how much you try.”

Their every word strikes at your fears. Your fear that you'll be unable to change, your fear that something is wrong with you, your fear that your wrong in trying. It feels like they tower over you. This isn’t like them at all! It’s like some dark part of your mind come to life!

✦ “We never can.”

Wait… No, something is VERY wrong!… You aren’t letting this stand!

◉ “I… Siffrin, I don’t know what’s happening with you. But that doesn’t let you talk to me like that!”

They shrink back into their cloak, hiding their face under their hat. You! Change, now you’re angry at them! They shouldn’t have said ANY of that! No matter WHAT’S happening!!!

◉ “Is that REALLY what you think? That I can't Change?! I can't believe you!!!"

◉ “I don’t know where you got the idea that you know me all of a sudden, but I’m not having it! I thought you better then this! Better then running around poking at my worst parts! And… I'm not going to put up with it!”

You. Are. Furious!

◉ “You’ve teased me before, but I thought you better then to try and actually hurt me! But now here you are! You don’t get to talk about me like that, and you DEFINITELY don't get to talk about Changing like that!”

Change, you can’t talk to them right now!

◉ “...I’m going to go to the clocktower. I don’t want to see you until tonight.”

You storm off.

...For a brief bit. You turn back. What was that? That wasn’t… You don’t know what that was… You’ll have to talk with the others. Maybe talk with Isabeau. Something is up.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

You… Why did you do that. That wasn’t the right way to talk about it at all. You got caught off guard and just started talking and… You couldn’t help it!

Stars, you should be better then this!! Better at keeping yourself at check, even now!! Better at keeping all your worst thoughts back in a little bottle at the back of your mind, better at keeping the monster you are from ever seeing the light of day, and...

...It’s fine. You’ll just… Have to talk to her later. Explain what you meant. You… can’t afford to loop right now. Not that you have a way before tomorrow without stabbing your own heart out, but.

If you did, you’d struggle more to be human. You might even have to resort to that blinding corpse again, and you don’t want that. You’d dig yourself even further into this pit.

After all, look what taking too long did already! Could have lasted long enough to hunt and recover if killing the king didn’t take so long! Could maybe have granted your wish! You can’t afford to make more mistakes, you’ve made too many. You have to make this work.

You can’t fail them. Not again, you refuse to fail them again. You have to do something right by them, you have to make it up to them somehow after all this!! HAVE to leave them better then when you started.

Even if she doesn’t get it now, it’ll help eventually right? After you're gone, she’ll get to figure out what you meant. But you’d rather she knows NOW, because she was happy when she did, and after all she did for you, you just-!

You’ll just. Try and salvage this. It should be fine.

Maybe. Odile next? Get that out of the way. Before Mira tells her anything. So that she’ll already trust you some before. Give you a chance to explain yourself. Odile doesn’t trust easy, so it’s best to do that now.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

You’re currently shopping, getting ready for tomorrow. Got most of the ingredients Boniface needs for snacks tomorrow, including some dried meats for Siffrin. Now you just need to look into anything else that might help.

Oh. You notice Siffrin approaching out of the corner of your eye. Gems, they do not look good. Like someone on their deathbed from illness. Perhaps their mysterious condition is causing issues? It may be worth getting them food earlier if so.

◆ “Oh, Siffrin. You look ill. Is everything alright?”

✦ “I’m fine Odile! Actually-”

◆ “No, something’s clearly wrong, what-”

✦ “Have you heard of a familytale?”

Wait. What.

...Hold on. Why did they know to mention that?… They're clearly trying to change the topic, but they know more then they should.

◆ “...I may have. Why?”

✦ “I heard someone might have one! Had a feeling you might want to check.”

Hm… You do want one, but. That reasoning feels. Flimsy. And you still notice that he’s avoiding their poor state… Let’s see where this goes.

◆ “Lead the way, I suppose.”

They nod, and begin to head out. As you follow them, you notice their stance. They're not walking like normal. The way they seem to glide across the ground, the way their movements seem on instinct, the way they move to their destination without a single pause…

It reminds you of their more feral combat stance. The one they take at their peak. But their clearly not at that peak. And they're certainly not in combat.

You enter the boulangerie. Siffrin approaches a small girl near the side.

✦ “Excuse me, I heard you have a certain book?”

“Oh, um. Only book I have is this one!”

She holds up a book labeled ‘Paperase Familytale’. Their father speaks up

“What? You had it Charline? Hm… I suppose you must be looking for it?”

✦ “Yes, if it’s alright for us to borrow it? We’ll make sure to give it back before leaving.”

“Well, I suppose there’s no harm in that.”

The little girl nods in agreement, and hands Siffrin the book.

You did catch that. The boulanger didn’t know their daughter had it. Yet another thing Siffrin seems to know out of nowhere…

Siffrin turns to you, with a smile on their face.

✦ “Do you want to go somewhere quiet to read?”

◆ “… Sure. Have a place in mind?”

They nod. And you follow them.

>>>

...You know this clearing. Found it earlier actually. It would be a nice reading spot. You thought as much when you first saw it… And yet. It’s Siffrin who led you here. Like they're taking a page out of your own brain.

You’d look at this book. But. Right now. Siffrin takes priority. You look them over, trying to see if you can’t glean anything else.

✦ “… It’s a really interesting book, right? You know. Culturally.”

◆ “… Siffrin. How did you know that girl had a familytale?”

✦ “Oh uh! Just. Heard it. Around.”

◆ “...Sure. Just... Around…. Better question then. How did you know I wanted to read one?”

They don’t respond. Glancing around nervous.

◆ “And why here? I literally found this spot yesterday. Odd that you’d bring me here…”

They still say nothing. Hiding their face under their hat.

◆ “… I don’t mind people keeping secrets, Siffrin. But I do NOT appreciate Secrets about myself, or when friends keep those secrets from me. Especially if those secrets are important.”

You notice the stress on them visibly.

◆ “And something tells me this is important. Gems… You're literally shaking. You look so tense you're going to snap… I was already worried, but now I’m VERY worried. What’s wrong, How can I-”

✦ “STO̵͓͝P.”

They freeze. And start to rise. Wait. Their eyes… What is that strange shade…?

✦ “Don’t mind secrets, Odile? That’s not what it looks like from here. You can say that all you want, but every time something goes ever so slightly off, you just HAVE to pry, HAVE to look further in. HAVE to know, Don’t you?”

There is this glare in their face. Blank, yet their voice drips with displeasure. No, there’s more to it…

✦ “What does it take, Odile? What does it take, for you to just TRUST that someone has their secrets in check? No matter what I do, you keep prying, keep searching, keep looking into things you shouldn’t. I do EVERYTHING to keep myself safe, to be a good human for you all. Try and get away from the corpses. But You. Just. Keep. Prying.”

Safe? Human? Corpses, PLURAL?… This is bad. This is very bad. Gems alive, what is happening to Siffrin? What HAPPENED to Siffrin?

✦ “You just can’t get yourself to trust others can you? CAN YOU? ...Why would you? You’ve had plenty taken from you.”

What. Nonono Gems what do they know? How do they-

✦ “You can’t trust family to not hurt you. Your dear mother proved that, didn’t they?”

!!! You won’t take that! You grip his collar and stare daggers at them. They do NOT get to talk about that!

… The shade in their eyes fades. They… look distressed… Like they didn't mean to... Gems alive, you are not able to have this conversation right now. You let go.

◆ “… Thank you for the familytale. I’m sure you must be busy. I’ll see you at the clocktower.”

You head out of the clearing.

◆ “Don’t come by for a bit.”

… Gems. You know they're in bad shape. SOMETHING has come to haunt them. But you’re too angry to deal with it. Let Isabeau know, and move on. He’s good at handling emotional situations.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

… Blind it all. You got frustrated. Lost it. Why. Why is it so hard. Why is just being a normal, good person so BLINDING hard. Why can’t you just get yourself together for A FEW BLINDING MINUTES, at least for Odile!

...She was so angry at you. You thought she would kill you, then and there. You’d deserve it. You shouldn’t have said any of that. You hate making her mad.

She’s so nice normally. She understands, at least a bit, what you go through. Makes everything a bit lighter. And now, instead of doing that for her, everything just feels heavier for both of you. And you hate it. You ruined it again…

… She definitely won’t trust you now. Not at all. And the others probably won't either now. But.

It’s fine. You weren’t planning to live past this day. If you just have to stop them from joining you against the king by force, then It’ll be fine. She can kill you after for it, or maybe you’ll already be dead. As long as she at least comes to the house, it’ll be okay. She might not trust you, but you don’t need her trust to protect her.

But… You’d like to do a good thing for someone at least. Even if some of them hate you. You deserve hatred. You ruined everything. But you want to help them.

Bonnie. You can at least do well by Bonnie, right? You have to.

✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

You’re just kinda waiting. Dunno what to do. These look like good veggies, so if Dile got food around here, you should be able to make dinner good. You hope she got those malangas.

Oh, there’s Frin!… Wow they look really crabbing bad. Like. BAD bad.

✿ “...heyfrin. You… you okay?”

✦ “...Yeah! Um. Is there. Anything you need?”

… You wouldn’t ask normally, not to Frin. But they don’t look good, and they asked to help, so they must REALLY want to help for some reason. So…

✿ “Um… you sure? Anything?”

✦ “Of course! Anything.”

✿ “… I have an idea. Come on!”

You grab Frin’s hand, and start draggin them out of town. You notice they're… not movin right. And they keep lookin at you funny. Maybe they had a real crabbin bad nightmare or something?… Should be okay. You’ll just make extra food for them later!

>>>

Okay! You see some sadnesses in the distance. This should work good!

✿ “Okay. Frin. I want you to teach me how to fight!”

✦ “Okay!”

✿ “Wait really!?”

✦ “Sure, you did say anything!”

Frin looks off to the side, and fishes something out of their coat

✦ “I actually have something that should work really nicely for you! You’re probably going to have to stay in the backline, but this should help you fight even from there!”

Frin pulls out a strange device, and hands it to you.

✿ “Wait really?!?”

✦ “Yes. This is called a craft revolver. It let's you shoot craft like Odile, as long as it’s charged up beforehand. Now, you do have to be careful, it IS a weapon. So let me tell you how it works first.”

Frin explains the craft revolver. This is so crabbing COOL! You make extra sure about the safety thing. Don’t wanna hurt anyone… But you think you can do good with this! You’re really good at noticing stuff, and that's all this is! And keepin your hands steady, which you can do real good!

✦ “Alright. Let’s give it a test run. I’ll go distract that sadness over there. You stay here, and prepare to shoot it. I’ll keep it still as I can, so take your time.”

O-Okay…. Frin’s lookin a little sick, but they wouldn’t be fightin a sadness if they weren’t sure about it. So It’s fine!

You watch Frin head out. They start going around the sadness. You start aiming… Gotta be careful. Don’t hit Frin. He said to take it slow, so you can make sure you only hit the sadness.

They're fightin quite a bit. Frin isn’t movin much, probs to make it easier for you. But… the sadness is also movin funny. It’s not movin like a normal sadness. You guess it makes aiming a bit easier but…

!!!You saw Frin trip on a branch! They're on the ground like-! You gotta-!

BANG

Nonononono You panicked, you hit the sadness, but-! You also hit Frin!!!! You run to them, you gotta make sure their okay, please be okay, please be okay!

✿ “FRIN!!!!”

You get close to Frin! Nonono their covering their main eye! Nononono!!!

✦ “I-It’s okay Bonnie! I’m fine! Just got some sadness in my eye!”

No they didn’t!!! You saw it! You saw the blast go right there!!! Nononono!

✦ “I’m fine, see!”

They lift their hand and-!!!!

Their eye! It’s… there’s still blood around it but! Their eye!

It’s black, with some kind of strange X shape in a weird shade…

They flinch, and cover it up again.

✿ “...F-Frin?”

✦ “S-sorry. Um. Just. Give me a second… it’s fine, I’m not hurt, just-”

! Their using that stupid face again! That crabbing voice! When they lie about things being fine!

✿ “No it’s NOT! What’s going on Frin, why did your eye look like that?!? A-And why was it back!?! I saw it get hit! Why did-”

✦ “It’s fine! It’s fine it’s fine!”

Frin’s being dumb, they need healing, You can help! You check your pockets for a sour tonic. Found it- OW! You think you broke a vial earlier. Crab it, it’s just a little cut, Frin needs the tonic-

!!! Frin’s scared! Their panting and shaking! No!

✿ “Frin, It’s okay, I got healing, Lemme-”

✦ “St̵̖̒ay̸̨͂ ̴̡͘Bac̵̙̔k!!̵̖̎!̴̗̈”

Frin starts backing away from you, suddenly! They stop covering up their eye, and start covering their mouth for some reason? Their eye still looks weird, but now it’s… shaking?!

✦ “Nonononono not now not now-”

✿ “F-Frin? What’s going on?”

Your starting to get scared. You’ve never seen Frin scared like this…

You hear something. Something further ahead is coming close, fast! You turn your head and see a sadness running straight at you!!!

✦ “D̵̬͙͌̿͝O̵̧͎̺͊́N’T YOU̵̼̅ ̶̬͉́͒DAR̴̪͇͐̿E̴̖̊!!!̶͎̯͆!̴̘̰̊̿͠!̵̖̟̤̅̚”

Before you can blink, the sadness is stabbed through the heart by… some kind of fleshy, toothy thing?!?

Frin leaps at the sadness, as he starts to turn into some kind of monster, and starts ripping it apart!!! And… He starts….

Eating it.

F-Frin. Is eating the sadness…

Nonono this is all wrong!!! this… Frin…

The sadness. Is gone. And Frin. Starts to. Turn back. To normal….

They look at you. And their eye. Is normal. But that weird shade. Is still glowing under it.

✿ “Ḅ̴͠o̴̩͑n̷͖̏n̴̠̈i̶̠̐ẹ̷́…”

That voice…. They're still…

…

You run.

…

You get back to town. Frin’s not here yet. Must not have followed. You… Za. You gotta see Za!

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

… You cry. Blind it all. BLIND IT ALL!!!!

You… You forgot. To help them be steady, and then they shot you on accident, and.. and it takes energy to heal stuff like that. And then… You couldn’t think. Your body was screaming for food, and then it smelled Bonnie and… And you couldn’t stop thinking about that time and….

… You scared them. Stars, you scared them. Seeing them scared like that. You never wanted to see them that scared again. Especially of you. You just wanted to help them, why does it have to go so wrong?!? Why can’t you ever do something right ONCE IN YOUR WHOLE BLINDING MONSTER LIFE!!!!

You… You don’t know what to do now. You don’t know what to do. You can feel the scent of sugar but you force it back. If you go back, you’ll make this worse. You just…

… Isa. Isa. Isa is nice. Isa can help you be calm. And If you can help Isa, in any way. Maybe. Just maybe. You can go in peace. You owe it to Isa to make things better.

▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲

...You’re worried about Sif. With what everyone has been saying, Something very bad is happening to them. Mirabelle was upset, Odile was frustrated, and poor Bonnie couldn't even make a full sentence! You just. Hope they’ll talk about it with you. Maybe.

Oh. There they are… Yeah. They look bad. Like they’d fall apart in the slightest breeze. In every way.

✦ “Hey Isa!”

There’s this half hearted smile, planted over their face. Trying to cover up the despair they had when they rounded the corner.

▲ “Oh. Sif… You… You doing Okay?”

✦ “...I’m fine.”

▲ “You sure? The others mentioned you were… not doing so good today. What’s up, is it something you can tell your buddy Isa?”

They stay silent. You don’t want to push them on this, but you kinda have to.

▲ “… Look, I get it, something is up, and you don’t want to talk about it, but it’s okay! Just. Please? I want to help the others understand what’s going on, and I want to understand as well, we’re all worried about you.”

They start to shake. You're a little nervous, but you're sure you can diffuse this whole mess.

▲ “Please?”

They freeze. And turn to you.

✦ “...You're scared, aren’t you?”

H-huh?

✦ “I can hear your heartbeat. You're scared. Scared they're right. Scared I’d hurt people. Scared of me.”

▲ “W-Wait just a-”

✦ “You’re always so blinding scared. You put up such a brave face, but deep down you’re a scared little rabbit. Always scared of something going wrong, Always scared that you’ll mess something up again. You’ll always hide your emotions behind your strong, silly persona, hoping the fear will go away.”

You don’t know how to react. Their eyes are glowing a strange shade. They stare at you. The frailness gone.

✦ “But what’s worse is the idea that someone you like could be bad. Someone close would be a danger. Because that would hurt far more. I-”

They put their face in their cloak, the weird aura vanishing.

✦ “… Just go Isa. They were right. So just go. Tell them what you want, it won’t matter.”

You….

▲ “Sif, I-”

They turn their face up, furious.

✦ “I said-”

Siffrin’s face rips apart as their mouth opens up across their entire body into a fanged maw. They morph into a towering creature, looming over you. Their eyes turn into an unnatural darkness with a strange shape in that violent shade. Lengthy hands grip the earth around you, holding them up. Twisting, black, fanged protrusions of flesh leech out of their cloak. Their eyes cry blood.

✦ “Ǧ̶̮̙̯̙̖͕͈̓̇̀̉͊͒͗̕͝O̷͕̫͓͓̻̻̻̿̏̕!!!”

You… You don’t know what to do. You freeze for a bit.

And then run.

You… Sif… What was…

...You get out of sight of the favor tree. Catch your breath. Whatever that was was straight out of a horror story!!

But. You realize. Whatever that was. They did it to push you away. Whatever is happening. They're just as scared as you. And… You don’t know what you can even do about that. You just.

You need to talk to the others. Maybe one of them will have ideas. Find out what you can do. Your friend. He’s in pain. And you don’t know what to do.

...You don’t know what scares you most right now.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

You watch as Isa flees. And you turn yourself back…

...Now they won’t have to worry about you. Now they know what you are. And then he and the others can hate you. And then when you’re gone. They won’t be hurt, at least.

… You might as well talk to Loop. Fill them in on your plan.

✸ “That… went poorly. With all of them, really.”

✦ “It’s fine.”

✸ “It clearly isn’t.”

✦ “It won’t matter, this is the last loop.”

✸ “Hm?! You have a plan? Even after that conversation with the Head Housemaiden?”

✦ “We can’t fufill the wish. Not my part at least. But we can still break it.”

✸ “How? Exactly? You don’t exactly have the time and resources to counter the wish. Nothing strong enough for this, and barely the knowledge how.”

✦ “I don’t have to. There’s a perfect counter wish already here. And it just so happens to be the main objective.”

Loop takes a second to process that.

✸ “The kings wish…. You know already he’s not going to cooperate. You kinda need him to in order to collide wishes. Last time you tried that, it didn’t go well at all, Stardust.”

✦ “I don’t need him. I just need his heart.”

✸ “… No.”

✦ “No?”

✸ “No, you are not eating him. You are not assimilating him. You swore never to cross that line.”

✦ “He doesn’t count, he’s a monster.”

✸ “A monster of a person, but still a person!”

✦ “The entire Country wished for it! No one will care what methods I use! Especially if I die for it!”

✸ “BLIND IT ALL, Stardust I didn’t Kill a man so you could be a murderer!”

…

Loop….Killed…

✦ “What.”

✸ “I-I…”

✦ “… Loop. Where. Did you get. That body.”

✸ “… It was a desperate situation.”

✦ “YOU-”

✸ “There wasn’t a better option!”

✦ “I TR̷̪̕U̴͈̐STED̵̼́ ̸̢̉YOŨ̸̡!̵͍͆!̵͖͘!!”

Loop flinches.

✸ “I… I’m sorry.”

You!!! All those times!!!!….

✦ “… I know better then to trust sorry from monsters.”

✸ “…”

✦ “We’re done here. Goodbye Loop. And don’t worry. You won’t be seeing me here again.”

… You go. And hide in the woods. Until nightfall.

>>>>>>

… It’s dark out. The family. Is all in the clocktower… They must have all had dinner already… Your stomach hurts… You’re so hungry… You sneak in. Through the roof. So they won’t see you. So you can listen in.

▲ “...And I came back here. I didn’t know what to think…”

◉ “… I don’t get it, what’s happened to him? He was fine earlier, and then-”

◆ “No. Whatever this is, it’s been around for a while. I told you, Siffrin practically admitted as such when talking to me.”

◉ “S-Still…”

◆ “… Look, everyone. There’s a chance Siffrin might come back. So we should talk about what we’re going to do tomorrow.”

▲ “You don’t mean going without him?”

◆ “I mean making sure he stays here in Dormont until we take care of the King. Until we have time to deal with this.”

▲ “Look, I get what you're talking about, but It’s still Siffrin! Scariness and… distress aside, we can’t just leave him."

✿ “I don’t wanna leave Frin like that! It’s gotta be why he said mean things to you all, right?”

◉ “Yeah, madame, we can’t just-”

◆ “LISTEN to me! We will be fighting the KING tomorrow, everyone!!! Do you think we can TRUST Siffrin right now? After they’ve been hiding THIS?!?…"

Odile goes quiet. The room goes quiet

◆ “...They could be a danger, to us and themselves, and we don't have time. This is a critical moment. We need to be a team. Could you do it?… Could you trust your lives to them right now?”

No one can answer her.

◆ “...Because I don't even know if they trust themselves."

…

You knew this would happen but…

It hurts. To hear it.

… So this is how you’ll leave them...

You cut your arm open. And dip a tendril in the wound's ink. Then write your final message to them outside the door in blood. Your epitaph. The last words of a monster.

...

And then. You leave.

…

You begin to sing your song. As your many parts, writhing inside the house, begin to rise to the stage, ready to join the melody, you head towards the building that shall serve as your stage, ready to take the role of conductor, for this final, bloody act. Your Swansong.

But not just yours. No. After all, your songs have always been good for one thing. And only one thing.

...It’s time.

You have. A king. To kill.

#in stars and time #isat #isat au #carrion!sif au #SymphonyInCrimson!au #From good intentions was harm done #Thus does the song Crecendo.

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cyten0 · 5 months ago

Text

A Symphony in Crimson

Act 1: A Movement in Black

Chapter 8

✸ “Welcome back stardust! So, how can I help you this time?”

✦ “Hm… Let’s see… So, I assume you saw the chat with the king?”

✸ “Of course! Always keeping an eye on things~ Sadly, I’m afraid I’m drawing a bit of a blank on anything about Wishcraft! Well, besides that term.”

Ugh, just talking about it hurts your head a bit. But it’s critical information, so you endure.

✦ “Right. I guess it’s a way to… Craft wishes? But that’s about it. Harder I try, more it pushes back.”

✸ “Right, so that just leaves either seeing if we can’t spark that memory somehow, or find information on it! Both seem tricky, but not impossible~”

✦ “Guess talking more with the king could help with that first angle. He wants to remember for his own reasons.”

✸ “True! Just make sure he doesn’t find out about you! Wouldn’t want him dropping your secret, now would we?”

✦ “I’ll be careful. Oh, on a side note, you mentioned something strange earlier?”

✸ “Yes! Thank you for remembering~ So far, you’ve looped for two reasons. Dying, or talking to the head Housemaiden. Until just a bit ago! When Odile found you, You didn’t die.”

Huh?!? Wait, they're right, you didn’t!

✸ “Once is an outlier, twice is something to investigate! If death isn’t the only reason you loop, then finding out the other reason, or reasons, seems rather important, wouldn’t you agree? It’s just a theory right now though, so if you have any ideas...”

Wait, there was one other point that almost was one, you think.

✦ “When Isa confronted me, I nearly looped that way too.”

✸ “Oh! Now isn’t THAT some juicy data! Hm… Well, The Head Housemaiden doesn’t seem like she found you out, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. I’ll keep theorycrafting and see if I have any ideas. Meanwhile, feel free to help your friends! Who knows, just might do something!”

Right! Your looking forwards to that! Might as well use these loops to do something nice!

You grab a meal from loop, grabbing the powerful duo from the second floor to get yourself a little extra. Stars you're so hungry you devoured it in seconds and it’s not enough it’s never enough-

Stop. Clear your head. Breathe. And head out.

>>>

Right! Mirabelle. She should be first, given she kinda started this whole thing. You greet her, talk for a bit, and then-

✦ “So, which will you choose?”

You point to the pile of papers, to clarify.

◉ “Wha- WHAT?!?!?!!!! HOW! WHAT DO YOU KNOW!??? ANSWER ME!!!!!”

!!! She has her hand on her rapier!!! She’s going to- QUICK!!!!!

✦ “Y-your choosing someone for something, right?! It seems important, maybe I can help?”

She pauses, and pulls her hand from her rapier. Oh thank goodness. You never thought she’d pull a sword on you unless she found you out! All your survival instincts flared up, you're glad you kept calm!

◉ “I...I guess… You most likely have more experience then I do. Alright, I’d like your help, if you’ll give it.”

Hm? Experience? Uh oh, now your worried! What if it’s something Siffrin is good at that you can’t mimic?

You guess you’ll just have to improvise if it is, and hope for the best.

✦ “Sure!”

◉ “Okay, but this might take some time!! So, Um…”

✦ “Don’t worry, I have time!”

Honestly too much time… And too little… You feel your stomach ache... Ignore it, you have time. You can eat at the bathrooms later, and that will help. This is important.

You take a seat next to Mira. She looks nervous. Hm… You're not good with stuff like this. Um. Maybe. Asking a question will help?

✦ “So… What are those papers?”

◉ “Oh! Um…. Their… Bonding proposals?”

!?! Wait, you remember bonding, you saw a thing about that earlier! It’s… Kinda like Marriage? You're not quite sure of the nuances of... either of those really? So, does that mean Mira’s looking for a partner?

◉ “NO WAIT THAT’S NOT EXACTLY IT PLEASE STOP LOOKING AT ME!!!! ...It’s… more like dating profiles? I-I’m not looking to be bonded just yet.”

Oh, Okay that makes more sense! Dating is still not your forte, it kinda confuses you, but it wasn’t really Siffrin’s strong suit either so you're not too worried!

You like the idea enough you’ve looked into it, sort of a false hope, but you should be able to help a little? Maybe? Still you're a little surprised Mirabelle is interested in that. She never seemed to care before?

◉ “Okay so… Before all this started with the king… I decided I wanted to, uh, try! To date someone. So I asked a company that does that sort of thing, and they sent a bunch of profiles, for people I could date…"

◉ “I haven't gone through them yet, and I figured now would be a good time. Keep my mind off tomorrow! But, I could use a second pair of eyes. Or just the one eye. As long as it’s not my eyes doing this alone!”

Right. Hm. You have no idea what Mirabelle is into, and she seems to be struggling as well... So, time to do testing! Scientific method, just like Siffrin! Just gauge her reactions, respond in ways to probe for more information, and go from there! You’ve got this Siffrin!

✦ “Alright, let’s take a look, see if we can’t figure this out.”

She pulls out a HUGE folder, and hands it to you.

◉ “Ok! Here’s a few of them, we can take turns! You can go first, and I’ll go after. So uh… Here!”

She grabs a profile of a big buff masculine figure. Plenty of muscle, probably very tast- WOW Okay you need to focus.

Hm. She seems to be the same mount of nervous as before, so not a big reaction. Let’s see…

✦ “Kinda looks like Isa.”

◉ “...Ew yeah, nevermind.”

That Ew kinda boggles your mind, but oh well, she’s got her own preferences. So perhaps not into more masculine types. Hm…

✦ “Well, let’s try someone more effeminate, see if that works. What do you have?”

She shuffles some papers around and hands you a lovely gentle lady. Likely tender and- Focus. Hm…

✦ “Kinda looks like you.”

◉ “...You're right, Ew.”

Again with the Ew? You don’t have much to work with here. You might have to get a bit more blatant.

✦ “Any ideas what kind of person your into?”

◉ “Oh I don’t have a type, I love all people equally!”

✦ “...That’s… Not much to work with…”

◉ “I um… would like someone… Nice?……. And…. Pretty?…….and….. Who… likes me?”

✦ “……. Mira.”

◉ “Nononono let me think a bit more!!!…. I…. want…. Someone who……”

She thinks for a while.

◉ “W-Well, what are you into?”

OH STARS you are NOT getting into that! You have no idea if Siffrin had any interest, and yours are EXTREMELY weird and messed up!!

HONESTLY, why does your brain mix up attraction and TASTE together?!? It doesn't happen all the time, but sometimes if one's high enough it can add to the other, Isabeau being prime example! And that is just NOT OKAY!!!

And past dating you have no idea! You’ve specifically avoided any form of dating because of it, you are NOT telling her that, what would she even do with-?

… Wait a second.

✦ “Wait. Are you just going to copy my answers?”

◉ “I-! Um!…. Okay. You got me. I… Really don’t care about dating.”

Fantastic. Well that solves that issue you guess, but then?

✦ “Then why are you worrying about it?”

◉ “…… So…. Siffrin. You know the Change belief means a lot to me… It’s all about changing, becoming better, and most importantly… trying new things. It’s why the house offers so many different classes, you know?…

◉ “So… I’m trying something new! Sometimes, doing that is something fulfilling, and easy, but you can’t just do that kind of stuff forever. That won’t help you change much. Sometimes you have to do things that are scary, or make you… Uncomfortable… Things you don’t want to do at all.”

… You know that when she faces the king, she’s committed to accepting the bad of life as well as the good. But. If she doesn’t like this that much, it seems unnecessary?

✦ “And… Dating is a part of that?”

◉ “Yes! Romantic love is supposed to be the biggest way to change! It’s supposed to change you, give new experiences and…

◉ “And I have to, right? To be a good Housemaiden? I have to bond with them, I have to do things with them, I have to get bonded and have children and love them in this specific way and… and…”

✦ “And it’s not working…”

Like woodcarving, like crafts, like talking, like your body under your skin, like the small details of your face and body, like the gnawing hung̷̯͝er always clawi̵̻̿ng at ẙ̶͈our b̶̡͊ody̸̪͌ and mi̶̯̊n̷͓̄d!

... You understand that feeling more then you’d care to admit.

◉ “...And it’s not working… I can’t, Siffrin, I just can’t! I can’t get myself to feel right about it, no matter how hard I try! I don’t want to do any of it, but I need to do this right? To change..”

...But… The idea of this being so needed for this faith…

You remember the Keyknife. How even YOU were accepted. Believed in. By the Change god themselves...

No. You aren’t okay with this. You don’t care if it’s what the faith said, it shouldn’t! If even Siffrin wouldn’t feel welcomed by this, then…

✦ “...Do you think the change belief is unaccepting? Of anyone?”

◉ “h-HUH?!?”

✦ “I don’t know about the romance, but I’ve never cared about doing things with people.”

Siffrin wasn’t, and right now you're speaking for them. And while you aren’t good evidence, you don’t think you’d want to either, probably.

✦ “There must be a bunch of people who don’t. The change belief should accept that! Because if any part of being alive isn’t allowed then… What’s the point?

✦ “That’s… Something I really like about it. That anyone, and everyone, is accepted.”

...She’s looking at you in surprise. Oh! You just realized you kinda just tried to argue faith to a Housemaiden! Um!

✦ “A-At least that’s what my thoughts are. I get it’s complicated a-and messy but…”

◉ “Y-You mean it? I… I wasn’t even sure there were others like me at all! With how much pressure gets put on us Housemaidens to do that, I… The fact that someone understands at least that!”

You nod in agreement. The relief is plain on her face, before being swallowed up by more anxieties.

◉ “...But. Still, there’s pressure to change in every way you can. I mean, we have yearly festivals for showing yourself as a new person!! Every Housemaiden has changed at least once!"

◉ “Except me. I... I find comfort in being myself! And we really are encouraged to change in EVERY way, from clothing to hairstyles to bodies to personalities and… and… Sometimes I wonder if the Change god understands that sometimes, I’d like just just stay the same…”

...You had no idea Mira thought this way about the change belief… If only you knew what to tell her… Something stirs at the back of your mind.

✦ “...This might seem a bit… weird… to say. But someone once told me… That if..."

That if...

✦ “That If everything changes, nothing really does.”

Mirabelle looks at you in confusion. Stars, it hurts your head to remember this, so much more then normal, but…

✦ “In order for a change to matter, it has to make a difference. Otherwise, it’s barely a change at all. But if everything changes, then it makes no difference how much it changes. And…”

In the end…

✦ “In the end, we are always ourselves.”

You release the memory. The pain subsides. But. You think the words were worth it. Whoever said them. Thank you.

◉ “… That… I’ve never heard that angle before. To make change better by keeping some parts the same? It feels so far away from what we're taught, but... Hm.”

She smiles at you.

◉ “I like it! Hehe! It. It feels like whoever said it understood change really well."

A wave of relief washes over her again, even while she smiles.

◉ “I guess... maybe I can let some things stay. To make the parts I do change matter more. I’ll just… have to make up for it!”

✦ “I’m sure you will. Besides, Less things to change just means you can focus more on what you do! Sounds like fun.”

◉ “hehe! I guess your right!"

She looks you over again, a question on her mind.

◉ “…... Siffrin, do you have… Something like this? Something that makes you happy, but also that you struggle with?”

… Humanity.

It’s hard, playing this part. Putting yourself back together in the right shape. Maintaining it just right so it never looks uncanny. Figuring out what people mean when they say things. Trying to figure out their emotions. Making sure you're expressing your own correctly...

But every time they look at you as a friend, it’s worth the effort. Every single moment.

✦ “...Yeah. But. I’m glad I stuck with it. I wouldn’t have met you all if I didn’t.”

◉ “Oh! Do you want to talk about it?”

You can’t tell her it all but…

✦ “Just. Talking to people. It’s always been a bit tricky for me, but. I’m glad I’ve kept trying. It would have been very lonely without you all.”

◉ “Really? A bit like me too, huh! Well, I’m glad we met you too… Thank you, Siffrin. Thank you, for talking to me.”

You nod, and both just kind of sit there for a half second. Before she notices the time on the clocktower

◉ “Oh, wow, look how long it’s been! Sorry, You probably had other things to do, didn’t you? Don’t let me keep you any more!... I could stand a little alone time. I have a lot to think about!…. I’ll see you later, OK?”

You nod, and head off. You're so glad you did that. It felt nice, to get some of that off your chest… And that memory… You felt something warm from it… You're glad you got to have it, even if just for a second.

...A-Anyways, you should go help Odile next! That book seemed important to her.

>>>

It was quite a mess getting this book! You were half tempted to bite a few people on the way, for more then a few reasons.

But here you are! Odile found this nice clearing to read in, which you're happy about, less smells to worry about. But. She’s just looking at it while closed?

✦ “Aren’t you going to read it?”

◆ “… They said I could have it until we had to leave Dormont, so I have time, but…”

She just continues to stare at it… It clearly matters a lot to her. But it’s intimidating as well, you suppose? That must be why she’s hesitating.

Hm. Time to deploy the old reliable for diffusion! Jokes! And the most reliable joke for something Odile being focused on something is...

✦ “Is it related to your research?”

◆ “… Sorry, What?”

✦ “Is the book related to your research?”

She gives you this look of contemplation…. Wait, it wouldn’t actually be, right? Not something this mundane?

Hm... Well you guess it’s working so… Success?

◆ “Ah, well… I suppose I’ve kept it secret long enough. Don’t tell Isabeau, alright?”

You nod.

If she’s willing to tell you now, you figure you have a pretty good idea what it is. Had your suspicion it was either highly dangerous and secretive, or….

◆ “There is no research. I’m not researching anything.”

✦ “Heh, knew it.”

◆ “Really? You figured it out?”

✦ “Kinda. A normal researcher wouldn’t be able to resist talking about it otherwise. It was either top secret, or you were making it up.”

◆ “Clever. But yes, when Isabeau suggested I was here to research something, I figured it would be easier to just play along.”

✦ “Huh, yeah, that does leave the question. If not to do research then…”

◆ “Why leave Ka Bue and travel for years? Well… I’m here in Vaugarde, to find out more about myself, I suppose… It must not be very obvious to you, but… My mother was Vaugardian.”

Oh!

◆ “I’ve lived my whole life in Ka Bue. My father was Ka Buan, my mother Vaugardian. I have no idea how they met, he never told me, but all I know is she never wanted a child. She left very early on, and I never saw her again. Good riddance, as far as I’m concerned.

◆ “But… she didn’t leave anything behind. Not a single thing. It was alright, my father was a good man and raised me well. Ka Bue was my home.”

Nothing left huh. You understand that. Painfully well. There’s nothing to get back, no matter how hard you try. And it stings you, every single time you notice something missing.

◆ “But one day, a Vaugardian merchant came by, and I saw a book that she wouldn’t sell. A familytale. And she explained what they were. Stories of generations of family members, recorded for their descendants."

◆ “And halfway through, I found out I was crying. I never knew I cared about my other side till then but. I knew. I wanted it. That connection to a history that should have been mine. But was stolen from me. And I’d never have a link to it, ever.”

✦ “Unless you chose to make one.”

You made your link to there. Carved it into your body with your own bare hands. Hoarded what little pieces drifted up in your wake. Held tightly to every memory you could scrounge…

Oh. She looks at you a little surprised!

◆ “I… Yes. The king took over shortly before I arrived, which made things difficult. But While traveling with you all, I got to see more and more of Vaugarde. Got to learn more about the country, the people, it’s faith…"

◆ “And. Half of me is from here. It should be like looking in a mirror but… I felt no connection. It feels awful. Like I should have a place here, and I don’t. My roots were cut without my consent. Like I don’t belong anywhere.”

… Not belonging anywhere… You get that… You nod at her, in understanding.

◆ “But… I found that’s okay. I’m not the only one. Vaugarde is filled with people from other lands. Sure, my features may look off in Ka Bue, but no one minds here. I’m still other, but I am accepted none the less. And have found many who are in similar positions. And I’m very grateful for that.”

She’s lucky. To be able to see that herself. You sometimes wish you could go there, but… Even thinking about trying hurts.

◆ “What about you, Siffrin? Are you learning more about yourself here? It’s alright if you’d rather not tell.”

✦ “… No. And… Yes.”

She gives you an odd look?

✦ “I don’t have ties to Vaugarde like you. But. I do have a place I’m trying to connect to. It’s just. There’s nothing left of it. Just scraps.”

◆ “Nothing left?”

✦ “The island to the North…”

She pauses for a moment, contemplating, before she stops in realization.

◆ “Ah, I see…. that… Oh gems. I can’t even imagine…. At least I still have Ka Bue…..”

A memory surfaces. Something that means something important here. Something you didn’t even realize has been helping you, even as it hurts your head to remember.

✦ “Someone once told me…"

✦ “We tell people who we are with our actions. The rest doesn’t matter in the end.”

She looks at you, surprised.

✦ “If I keep moving, It gives my history some life. What pieces I have might inform my choices, but… It’s what we do that matters the most in the end. And… Traveling through Vaugarde. I might have only learned tiny pieces about my home. Scant scraps I could dig up or barely remember."

She nods, a grim understanding on her face.

✦ “But… We’ve done so much. With each other, with others, with the very places we’ve gone. I’ve left my mark. Even if my home isn’t remembered, I might be. And in making that path, I got to rediscover myself. So in some way, in Vaugarde, in traveling, I learned more about who I am then I could have anywhere else.”

You played the part of Siffrin so long, you started to learn more about how they would act. What mattered to them. And even if sometimes the differences feel glaring, you still cherish what bits of them you’ve kept alive, even if it’s just how their memories affected your own path…

You notice she’s just looking at you. And starts to chuckle.

◆ “I guess in a way, you came to the same conclusion I did, hm? Different route, different words, different methods. But. Yes. Where you're from doesn’t determine who you are. It’s who YOU are that matters most."

◆ “To be fair, It does matter, but mainly in how they’ve formed you. I might be both Ka Buan and Vaugardian, but in the end, I am myself. And that matters far more then anything else.”

You nod. You're glad Odile is who they are. You wouldn’t have it any other way.

◆ “Hehe… I feel so much lighter now.”

✦ “Glad to find that familytale, huh?”

◆ “Maybe. But more then that, I’m glad we talked... Thank you. For listening to me. And finally opening up."

◆ “It’s funny, finding out how similar we are, yet how different as well. It’s nice to know you a little more. Maybe some point, I’ll help you a little finding out about your own roots?”

You nod, and smile. It felt good to talk about that. Even just a little.

◆ “… Now get out of here! I have a familytale to read before we meet up for our sleepover!”

You chuckle a little, and head off.

Okay. Time to help Bonnie!

>>>

Okay, so you got the foods right, and Bonnie brought you out of Dormont to help them. But. Why? And Why towards the castle? What do they need out here?

✿ “….Frin you… You said I could ask for anything, yeah?”

Right… You're getting more worried by the second. But. You’re sure you can handle it.

✦ “Of course! Whatever you need!”

✿ “Okay, well…. I-I need you to teach me how to fight!”

OH! Uh! Okay! That’s, Uh!

✿ “I know Dile’s gonna say I can help tomorrow, but It’ll be from far away, right? I wanna help! To actually help!!! And… for that I’m gonna need to fight! And you're gonna help me!”

Stars okay you don’t know how- How are you- this is-

WAIT NO they're running towards a sadness!!! You start moving as fast as you can!

✿ “L-Look, I’m not scared! COME ON!!!”

Bonnie starts muttering under their breath, you're still trying to close the distance!!! The sadness strikes! Before it can deal any real damage you tackle into it, and crush its throat under your bare hands!!!! BLINDING-

✦ “WHAT WE̸̺͑RE YOU THIṈ̴̎KING???̸̤̅?”

You instantly get to healing the wound, you can smell the blood in the air, it’s driving you mad, you hate hate hate hate smelling that it gives you all the worst thoughts, especially from Bonnie, and you are NOT having any of that, what were they blinding thinking-

✿ “i-i’m sorry.”

...They're shaking, and scared. You… You probably shouldn’t have yelled like that. You make sure the injury is fully healed first, so you can have a clear head.

✦ “...Sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled, but…”

Oh okay softer voice isn’t helping enough, they're still shaking. Maybe…

✦ “Breathe with me?”

They nod, and you both begin to breathe, in and out. In. And. Out…. The smell of blood is gone, Bonnie doesn’t feel like a scared animal. It’s fine.

✦ “...Ok… I’m willing to teach you, but you need to not rush ahead. Otherwise I can’t keep you safe, alright?”

✿ “O-Okay. I’ll listen. Teach me.”

Alright. That’s better. Step one... there’s another sadness nearby. Hm. To properly train, You need to make it so that it feels like a real fight, but remove the danger…

You have an idea. The king has some control over the sadnesses, so this should be believable, if you're careful. It’s also not nearly as effective on sadnesses as it is living beings, but it should be enough to force it to pull it’s punches.

✦ “Alright. I’m going to go to that sadness over there, and use a very special craft skill. It’ll let me have a little control over it, so we can fight it safely.”

✿ “Wait you can do that?”

✦ “Yeah. It’s not as good as what the king does to them, but it’ll keep it from doing anything really bad to you!

✦ “Once I’ve got it, you can come in and fight it properly, okay? I’ll still be by your side, and give advice, and if it goes wrong, I’ll be ready to take care of it. Sound good?”

Bonnie seems a little surprised, and nods in agreement. Good.

Okay. You head towards the sadness. It tries to take a swing, and you dodge to it’s side, circling behind it. You then thrust your claw into the back of it’s neck, and reach for what mimicry of a spine it has. You leave a part of you in there, as it fuses itself to the sadness’s false nervous system.

You then sing in the special voice no-one can hear. And watch as the sadness starts to stumble and twitch, as the piece of you in it’s brain puppets it’s thoughts to your melody. Good.

✦ “You’re up, Bonnie!”

Bonnie, who was just staring in awe this entire time, shakes their head, and starts charging in.

Meanwhile, you try and focus in on Siffrin’s memories. They were trained professionally, much like the rest of their family you think. You try and focus in on memories of their training, see if you can’t guide Bonnie.

You keep singing your song to keep the sadness from attacking before it’s time. It’s trying to fight you, but you don’t give it an inch.

✿ “O-Okay, what do I do?”

✦ “First, check it’s craft type. It’s hands are in a scissors sign, so it’s weak to rock. Looks like we got lucky, that’s a perfect matchup against you!"

✦ “Now. Steady your breathing. Focus. Keep a firm grip on your weapon, and watch it’s movements. Keep your feet firmly planted, and make every movement count. Ready?”

They nod, and you let the sadness loose a little. It takes a swing, but Bonnie dives to the side, out of the way. It tries to take a swing as they're tumbling, but you stop it dead in it’s tracks.

Bonnie turns up just in time to see the shaking sadness inches away from their face. They seem shocked, but you expected this.

✦ “I did say, Feet firmly planted. Step, jump, or run. You can even block, your pan’s tough enough for it. But big moves like that can leave you open. Now. Back on your feet, I’ll let it go, and this time, keep your footing!”

Bonnie nods, still a little nervous clearly, but not nearly as bad as last time. They get up, and when the sadness swings, this time they step back, just out of range! It stumbles a bit, perfect!

✦ “Attack!”

Bonnie swings and thwacks the sadness on it's side. Unsteady as it was, it fully falls over!

✦ “Good! Make use of when your enemy messes up. As you saw earlier, one bad move can leave you open, and that goes both ways!”

Okay. This takes a bit of focus and energy, but you have this down pat.

You keep going, slowly easing up the control as Bonnie gets more confident, until they land the finishing blow. The sadness dissolves, your little fragment falls, but with a single note you have it dissolve too, so Bonnie doesn't notice. It leaves a bit of a bloodstain, but it’s otherwise unremarkable.

You watch as they take in the victory.

✿ “I… I DID IT!!!! I DID IT!!!”

✦”Well done, I barely had to do anything by the end of that!”

✿ “Really? You mean it?”

✦ “Of course! You’re a genuine fighter now!”

✿ “CRAB YEAH!!!!"

They look really excited, before a thought pops into their head.

✿ “…. Um. Hey Frin? Why aren’t we allowed to touch you?”

OH! Uh. That’s…

✿ “Dile and Za and Belle said it’s cause it makes you jump, and you do jump! But I was wondering why, cause it means we’re not allowed to high five or anything.”

Ah. Right. You always get nervous when it comes to touch. Getting that close makes you worried you’ll act up, or they’ll notice something’s wrong. You wish you could feel safe like that, but you just can’t. And at this point…

✦ “I’m not used to it. I’d like it, but just... I get worried. And. Scared I’ll mess something up.”

✿ “How to you mess up touch?… Well, if you're not used to it, we can do what me and Nille do!”

✦ “Nille?”

✿ “My sister! Her names Petronille, but that’s dumb so I just call her Nille. Anyways, she also jumps at touch, but if you tell her first she’s okay!

✿ “She’s really cool and tough, but gets scared really easily. One time I touched her shoulder when she didn’t know I was there, and she screamed really loud! Like UGHYARGH!!!! But she told me after to let her know first so she doesn’t hurt me on accident.”

Oh! That! You get that!… That works? Huh! That… Makes sense! Why does that feel like it’d work? You can keep steady if you know it’s gonna happen, probably?

✿ “It’s also why I wear big shoes, so she knows where I am! Heheh… heh…. I don’t want to talk about my sister anymore.”

✦ “You don’t talk about her often.”

✿ “She’s frozen in time and she’s not here, so I don’t want to talk about her. She says talking about people behind their backs is bad. Also, talking about her makes me sad.”

✦ “Understood.”

They seem happy to drop the topic. You get that, you wouldn’t want to talk too long about those you're missing. Sure, They’ll get Nille back, but that doesn’t make it easier.

✿ “Anyways, if you can see me, and I tell you I’m gonna touch you, then it should be fine, right?”

✦ “Yes! That should work.”

✿ “Okay then! I am going to touch you!!!!”

Bonnie pokes you in the stomach. It’s a bit strong of a poke? And even if you're a little nervous at Bonnie being this close to you, it’s nice! You're being touched! Like a normal person! Yay!!

✿ “Okay! Let’s fight another Sadness! I’m ready to learn more!”

Alright!…

Hm… You just realized something. Bonnies fighting style isn’t very mobile. They're fast, but they're pretty defensive, and that doesn't work in the backline. So…

✦ “I just realized, you might want a ranged option, since you’ll be in the back a bunch. Fighting up close is good to know in general, but you’d have to actually get up there for that to matter unless things go wrong.”

✿ “Oh. Yeah but... I don’t know any crafts like that.”

✦ “Good thing I’ve got just the tool for that!”

You pull out your old Craft Revolver. Guns aren’t well known in Vaugarde, so it’s probably an islander device, but you remember what it does!

Good weapon, can stay in the backline, and doesn’t take a lot of effort from the wielder except steady hands and good eyes! Both of which Bonnie has plenty of! Besides, you weren’t using it yourself. You're much better at fighting up close.

✦ “This is a special device called a Craft Revolver! You charge up the little chambers with craft energy, and when you pull the trigger, it’ll release it in one blast. You just need to focus on aiming it, and can charge it up when we aren’t fighting."

✿ “WOAH. That’s cool! So I can shoot stuff with craft like Odile! That’s super cool!”

✦ “Yep! And it’s accurate even from pretty far”

Oh and most importantly, gotta teach them basic safety!

✦ “Oh, and very important, make sure this little switch is off when not in combat, and on when we are. It keeps it from firing on accident!”

✿ “Okay, Gotcha! I'll be careful!"

You look around. Perfect! A sadness not TOO far from here.

✦ “Okay, see that sadness over there? You can stay right here, and I’ll distract it. Take your time aiming, keep it steady, hold it tight with both hands, and be prepared for it to jump back a bit when you fire it. Take your time, and we’ll see how long it takes to get the hang of it.”

✿ “Okay!”

You head over to the sadness, and start fighting it. You don’t put any effort into your attacks, and you try to keep the sadness in place, so Bonnie can shoot it.

But… You're not used to fighting out here. You’ve been fighting in the house for quite a while. And… You trip and fall over a branch. The sadness tries to go for the opening!

BANG

The sadness crumples to the ground and dissolves, a hole right through it’s head. A perfect shot! And on their first time! You turn to congratulate them when-

✿ “FRIN!!! FRIN!!! ARE YOU OKAY!?!!!”

Oh Stars, they have tears in their eyes! And they're panicking!

✦ “Y-Yes Bonbon I’m fine! I just tripped!”

✿ “R-Really? You promise?”

You nod. Oh stars, you didn’t mean to worry them! You can tell they're scared.

✿ “okay…. I… you haven't called me bonbon in forever… only Za calls me that now…”

✦ “Oh uh, sorry, I don’t know if that’s okay.”

✿ “nono it’s okay you can…. You promise your okay? It just… reminded me of before…”

Before?…. Hm. Likely a sadness fight, but that’s happened a lot.

✦ “Which before are we referring? We’ve fought a lot of sadnesses.”

✿ “What? You- THE ONE THAT GOT YOUR CRABBING EYE STUPID!!!!”

Oh right. That was a little messy!

✿ “AAAAAAHHHH You stupid crabbing- See!! I told you!!! You're so crabbing stupid!!! You think it doesn’t matter!!! You keep getting hurt because of me and you don’t care!!!”

Right… You were the only one who could do anything. Bonnie was in danger. You can fix injuries like that no issue, but healing an entire eye isn’t exactly believable. So you played along, made a scar like any other notable injury they saw, and moved on.

But. You guess it mattered to them.

✦ “It’s fine! It was worth it.”

✿ “It’s not fine!!! You got hurt because of me!!! And I don’t like it, you should have just let me get hurt!”

✦ “You would have died!”

✿ “It doesn’t matter!! If I had died, it would have been fi-”

✦ “NO. It would NOT. It would NEVER have been fine!!!”

You can’t believe they would say that! Never! Never in a thousand years are you going to watch someone die again!!!

✦ “STARS Bonnie, I could NEVER just leave you to die!!! What would I tell your sister? The others? MYSELF??? If I let you die I’d regret it every day of my life, always thinking about what I took from you!!!"

✦ “Just letting you die is no better then doing the deed myself!!!!! And I'd choose your life over a stupid blinding eye any day!!! I just…”

You look at them. They're sad. They're lost. They're alone.

That guilt. You know that guilt so BLINDING well. The guilt of someone getting hurt because of you.

✦ “I know it hurts. It hurts seeing people hurt like that, because of something you did. But it’s exactly the same for what you don’t do. And if I’d let you get hurt like that, I’d be the one in your position. Hurting every time I remembered what could have been.

✦ “An eye you can move past. You can manage with, eventually. But... you can’t bring back the dead, no matter how hard you try.”

You’ve tried. So very hard. Every day. Every second. Every step. But you can only settle for this.

Another memory starts to come forwards. More words from those you’ve forgotten. Those you killed. Couldn’t protect from yourself. Coming to help you even now.

✦ “Someone once told me… Ignoring those you could save is never the better choice. You’ll always regret it.

✦ “So… We just have to make sure we can all protect each other.”

Bonnie looks up at you.

✦ “I’m stronger then back then. And so are you. And we can make sure it doesn’t happen again. I can protect you, and make sure nobody gets hurt. And you can help make it easier, and help protect them too."

✦ “Together, Okay? So nobody is lost. So nobody is hurt. So we don’t have to regret a thing.”

Bonnie thinks. And then quietly responds.

✿ “...promise? Promise you won’t get hurt?”

✦ “Of course! I promise! Super Duper Promise!”

You'll stop even death itself before anyone gets hurt.

✿ “...Okay. Then… As long as you promise, it’s fine! And… I can help! I can protect!”

✦ “You certainly did a good job back there! First time and you got a perfect shot!”

✿ “Wait. I DID!! OH CRAB YEAH!!!! Yeah! I can protect people!!! And you can protect me! And… and we can protect everyone!!!”

You nod, and ruffle their head.

You do take a quick second to check… They did! They remembered to put the safety back up after! That was the one thing you were worried about, really. And given they didn’t do it while you were talking, they must have done it right after the sadness was dead. That’s good!

✿ “hehehe! You see me right? I’m gonna touch you now!!!”

They jump at you and give you a big hug!!! You freeze, not expecting that! You don’t know how to hug right! You…

Okay. You gently, and carefully, hug them back. They look up at you.

✿ “See? You do know how to hug!”

✦ “I-I guess I do!”

You smile, hug for a little longer, before you both head back to Dormont.

Just one person left!

>>>

Isa takes you to this open field.

You hope whatever they have for you won’t be too much effort. You’ve spent a lot of focus today. You're tired, hungry, and still nursing a headache from all those memories you’ve been having. And with Isa, you really don’t want to have anything go wrong.

But you can pull it through. Just a little longer. And then you can eat, and sleep, and recover. You can even slip out during the night for a bit if you need to. Loop can’t get proper food then but you at least wouldn’t be tempted. Just. See what Isa needs.

✦ “So, what do you need me to do?”

▲ “Huh? Oh, um… Lay down with me?”

You lay down, and he lays down with you. You look at him, confused.

▲ “And now, Look up!”

You look up.

Oh. Oh. The Stars.

They're… They're so clear. All around you. Stretching forever. It’s… You… They're so….

▲ “When you asked me what I wanted earlier, I couldn't think of anything. Had everything handled. But then I saw you helping everyone out, and I thought it seemed fun! So… I decided maybe we could just hang out!”

You… You don’t know what to say… He just… wanted to be with you? Nothing else? You…

✦ “I… And… the stars?”

▲ “Right! You often mentioned them, and I didn’t know what that word meant at first, so I took some time trying to figure it out, and someone told me eventually! And then I realized you talk about stuff like this a bunch, stars, planets, the sun, and so on. And that you’d often take time to look out at the night sky."

▲ “So uh. I figured you’d like a nice place to look at them together!”

He… he did this…. For you…? You… Can’t help your tears… It’s….

▲ “Oh crab! Is it okay? I didn’t mess it up, right? I-”

✦ “Thank you.”

▲ “Huh?”

✦ “Thank you! So much. Isa. I… I don’t know what to say…”

He stops, and starts to laugh. Stars, you love it when he laughs. You started making jokes just because it made him laugh. It was the first time you realized you could be human right. And every time you hear it, it brings back that memory.

As the laughter subsides, you just start to drink in the view. He really found such a perfect stargazing place. Away from all the lights, nothing to fade away even the smallest dot. You feel them so closely now. Hear their faint melodies that you’ve always heard. The song you weave into every melody you sing.

You were... worried. That it would be something you couldn't do. But. This? This is something you both can enjoy. He really is amazing.

▲ “By the way, I heard some people can see patterns in the sky. Not sure about what they're called. Conste-something?”

✦ “Constellations! They're very special.”

▲ “Really? Do you know any?”

You think. It’s hard to remember any at all. But. You do know one. It was very special to Siffrin for some reason… You grab a leaf, and craft it’s pattern into it, then hand it to Isa.

✦ “Yes, this one. See if you can spot it!”

Isa takes a bit, before pointing up at the sky.

▲ “Oh! There it is! It kinda looks like a tree!”

✦ “Yep! In fact, it’s where Favor trees gain their strength from.”

▲ “Wait really?”

You're starting to unearth this memory just a bit. It hurts a little, but it’s just too interesting not to talk about!

✦ “Yes really! Those stars together like favor trees, and if you know how to call their attention, and believe in what you want strongly enough, they can help give you the extra push needed to grant your wish.”

▲ “That… huh. I suppose I have to thank them then. I’ve asked for quite a few favors.”

✦ “We repay them in kind, even if we don’t know it. We’re a star in the sky to them, just as they are to us. And what tiny bits of strength we don’t use can be called by them when they need it.

✦ “Nothing on it’s own, but with all the stars in the sky? We’ve probably helped grant hundreds of wishes we never knew about.”

▲ “Wow… How do you know all this?”

You have to fight through a little more headache for that…

Oh. So that’s what Siffrin’s field of study was! No wonder you find it so interesting!

✦ “I think I studied it a bunch when I was younger. It’s not common knowledge anymore, and I don’t remember the details. But… Once I learned even a tiny bit, I had to know all there was!”

▲ “I can see why! It’s really interesting! And. Kind of compelling…”

You both sit for a bit. It’s nice to remember that… You look at Isa. They glance at you a few times. Stars! You shared all that, and didn’t ask them anything!

✦ “Well, I’ve said something important about me! Your turn!”

▲ “OH!! Uh… Hm. Well, you know how I’m from Jouvente, right? Lived there my whole life, big city, way more then Dormont… Anyways, you might think it’s surprising but when I was Bonnie's age, I was the nerdiest kid around."

Huh, really? Doesn't seem their style.

▲ “Massive smarty pants. Like, really, imagine it! Big glasses, neat braids, always knew the answers to any test or question the teacher would give, perfect grades all that. Always too shy to even make a friend on the playground.”

Hm. Now that he mentions it, you did realize he was pretty smart. But he always hid it. Why? What changed?

▲ “Yeah. I… Didn’t like myself. Cause I was smart, but I hated being shy. Being alone. Not even being able to ask a classmate for a pen because I was so paralyzed with fear. I would have lived the rest of my life like that."

That. You remember you were like that for a while.

▲ “But. One day, I looked at myself in the mirror, and thought… Is this it? Is this who I want to be?… I decided I didn’t. Made a wish on a favor tree, come to think of it. That I could be a better person. That I could change."

Didn't want to be... what they were...

▲ “Day after, I headed to a house of change, and got started. That’s what they help you do, you know? Learn new things, do Bodycraft, practice being who you want. And when you come out, nobody will bat an eye. I threw myself into it, just like I did anything else I learned. Lifted weights, practiced my confidence, changed my body to be bigger, stronger, louder! Told myself in the mirror that ‘I’m the Coolest!’.”

So that explains it. Hearing their heartbeat like you do, you notice their far more nervous then they act. So often they feel like a rabbit, but it’s only in small moments. But it happened enough.

Nobody else would notice it. But, you always knew there was remnants of someone else under who he is. Just like you.

▲ “...Change is destruction, you know? To bring change, you might hurt people. Might hurt yourself even. So you always have to be careful, make sure it’s worth it. So, I decided. The person I was... I made them disappear. Killed them with my own bare hands.”

✦ “...So the person you became could live. And the one from before would never come back…”

▲ “… You understand?”

… You… You shouldn’t say it. You can’t. But…

But… It’s Isa. You can’t help it...

✦ “I… Promise you won’t tell a soul?”

Isa looks at you firmly, and nods. You… You trust them. Enough to...

✦ “...I… I wasn’t always a good person. One day, Someone died. If it wasn’t for me, they’d probably still be alive. And... I was the only one left left who would remember them."

Isa stares at you. Not really scared, not upset just...

✦ “So… I took their name. Gave them a second chance. Took up everything they knew. Borrowed every piece of them I could. Learned everything they would have known. To save at least part of them. And bury the one who let them die…"

You grip your cloak tight to yourself.

✦ “I... still worry the old me will come back. That someone will get hurt because of me…”

▲ “Sif...”

Isa doesn’t know what to say to that for a while.

… It’s fair. Even if he only knows one kill, it’s still more then most humans would ever have. You’d get it if he judged you for it.

▲ “… Sif… I don’t know who this person was. But I hope you know. I still care about you. You might not be them, but… They kept you alive. Helped protect your old you from themselves."

You... You guess they did. If it wasn't for Siffrin... You would have...

▲ “Your new self is like armor, shielding the old one. I still know that little shy kid from before is still in me. And they're still an important part…”

A memory surfaces. Something simple, but important. It hurts again but… One more time today.

✦ “...Someone once said… Strength comes in many forms. But the strongest is from those of others.

✦ “I guess we both found people to cover our weaknesses, didn’t we?”

▲ “Heheh… Guess we did… One day, I’ll balance it out, be a mixture of both. Be smart and strong. Because they both matter. They're both a part of me…"

He looks at you smiling, happy, and hopeful.

▲ “I don’t know where you are on this, but… I hope, whenever your ready, you’ll get to do that too. Because I know that every single thing about you has been worthwhile.”

You… He… You weren’t wrong, were you? At the end… He really does…

He wouldn’t though, if he knew what you were. Not really. Maybe what bits peak out seem okay for now but… He has no idea… But still…

✦ “… Same here Isa. I have always been glad to know you. The way you laugh, the way you talk about things you like, the way you can make everyone around you at ease, the way you get all nervous at times when you think no one can tell. The way you notice all the little details about people’s feelings. Just…”

You don’t know what to say. You… You can’t say it.. You want him to say it… To make it real, because if you say it now, you don’t know if you’ll believe it when he does… Even if it’s just once, even if something happens and he forgets it, you need to hear him say it.

▲ “I… Sif… I… I also…”

Something catches your attention, in the corner of your eye, as does his.

✿ “AHAH! See, I told you all they’d be here!”

◆ “More like you heard Isa mumble to himself about it earlier. Nice spot, by the way.”

◉ “Hi Siffrin, Hi Isabeau! We figured you’d be here! Can we join!”

Oh! Everyone’s here!

...You were kinda hoping to see what he’d say, but that can wait till tomorrow.

✦ “Sure! We just finished talking.”

✿ “I brought food! So we can eat here!”

◉ “A nightly picnic!”

▲ “Oh, I can smell the Samosas!”

✿ “Here Frin! I made extra for you! As thanks!”

You smile, and grab a few.

◉ “Siffrin sure was busy today, weren't they? Thank you!”

◆ “Yes, thank you for earlier. You’ve been a great help today.”

You feel glad to be praised! It was worth every bit of effort.

✿ “Frin taught me how to fight earlier! So I can help you out tomorrow!”

✦ “Yep! Turns out with the right tools, they're a natural!”

◆ “High praise, coming from you. Consider me intrigued.”

◉ “What about you, Isabeau? Did Siffrin help you out today too?”

You both look at each other. He smiles. So do you.

▲ “Heh. Yeah. I think we both helped each other.”

… That he did. They all did. You trust them. And… and they trust you…

You're glad you did this. You know it might not last but… You're glad you did it all the same. And maybe. Just maybe…

No, you doubt this would stop the time loops, but… You guess you can hope a little. Surely like this you won't lose them, right?

...It's fine. You will try and hold them tight.

>>>

You’re at the clocktower, getting cleaned up before bed. You make sure to clean up normally, then open up your disguise to clean the undersides, just in case. Never know for sure. You put yourself back together, then check the mirror.

Blind it. That damn horn. It’s poking out of your head again. Ugh. Why is it so hard to keep hidden? It’ll just pop out of the right side of your head if you don’t pay attention to it long enough. Stars why don’t you just-

You reach to pull it out but stop.

You can’t. That stays. You promised.

...You promised? Who would you have ever made that promise to? Who would even care?

But… You know you did. And… Y

our head hurts so BLINDING much thinking about this.

… You just push it back in. It’s fine.

Your having a harder time keeping Siffrin together. You only managed this long because you always get put back in place at the start of the loop. You don’t even know if you’ll be able to heal damage right for long. You’ll need to start getting creative… It’s fine. You can mange for now. You’ll just have to see how it turns out.

#in stars and time #isat #isat au #carrion!sif au #SymphonyInCrimson!au #isat spoilers #Freindquests done! way faster then expected. Biggest chapter so far!#They're rather different then normal. tbf we aren't dealing with a normal 'siffrin'.#I wonder is people familiar with the AQW material can figure out who 'Siffrin' would have been?#just a little bonus if you do :3

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