#sponstar

[charadrxxmxrr]

@sponstar

They’ve successfully commandeered the blankets and pillows from the home they were assigned. Honestly, it was easier than they expected— no one was there, and Chara was quick, taking only what they needed, and ignoring everything that wasn’t necessary for their treehouse.

Well.

it’s still a floor house. The base of it is built, mostly, and it’s comfortable enough to sleep in now, but it’s still stuck on the woods floor. Chara hasn’t quite figured out how to get it up in the trees yet.

Anyway.

it’s late. The sun is setting, and Chara is tired and cold. They’ve got one blanket wrapped around them, while the other two lay as padding shoved in the corner for when they sleep.

But

there is someone (a monster?) on the pathway. Chara watches, standing outside their tree(floor)house, fingers gripping the blankets closer.

A pause. There’s — a spark of hope, maybe — that —

“are you from… my world?”

They say it with such — hesitation. But there’s hope, there’s more hope there than Chara didn’t realize they were clinging onto. This person doesn’t look human in the slightest — they almost look like a save point, if they focus enough.

It’s been so … lonely. It’s been so lonely, with only humans around, and sure they’ve made a few friends but they’re so —

“are you from Mount Ebbot?”

[isolaradiale]

following up on prior reserve, here is Loop from In Stars and Time! application can be found under the 'app' link on the side or /a !

Welcome to Isola Radiale, Loop!

You will be housed in CONDO 421.

You will retain your REGEN ability to heal mild to moderate wounds.

You may also keep your Silver Coin.

Enjoy your stay!

– andromeda ☆

[crystalknuckle]

@sponstar ♥ NEW QUEST: i don't wanna hear a peep

big battle at the castle, eh? easy to ignore if one steers clear, seems like, but it got isabeau thinking: what if someone takes the bait? even a small party won't be safe from getting candied! and neither is he, but he can't sit still when he could be putting his muscles to use-- the desire to help shouldn't come as a shock, anyway.

now, loop tagging along? there's a surprise! he didn't even know they could fight (isabeau's still keeping an eye on them, though; just in case)!

"...so, loop-de-loop?" he tests the nickname's mouthfeel, lilt buoyant to match his gait toward the looming castle, "the fit?? i never asked 'cuz i figured going au natural was a star-person thing, but you should've told me! we could've coordinated!"

weird implications, but who's he to question someone's (lack of) fashion choices? not to mention... uh...!? hold that thought.

"HOLY CRAB THAT'S A BIG CHICKEN!!" the quest's flavor text wasn't kidding! he really is shaking in his boots! it's a short-lived panic, though; adrenaline guiding his mace to his front. "and, not-so-big chickens?? huh. they're kinda cute--"

the flock turns in unison. candy eyes bore pure malice. a standstill, then...! they charge.

"!?!? did i say cute? whoops! i meant terrifying!" yet the grin he tosses over his shoulder is big, brave (a morale boost, he hopes), "which'll make roasting these 'mallows a whole lot easier on the conscience! you ready?"

[guidingstarmira]

📂

Send “📂“ for a random yet completely useless headcanon I have

Ever wanna win a drinking bet while also slightly cheating? Use Mira. This girl cannot get drunk no matter what due to how her body processes food and drinks. She can register a flavor with certain things, but moments after upon eating/drinking, it's burnt away by her body. So, use this knowledge how you will everyone.

[ciphertone-a]

@sponstar said : dont think about it !

A star. That's the only thing they could be. Typically stars were impossibly distant, and once you got close, they had a nasty habit of killing you. Radiation, gravitational pull, burning you to a crisp - fun stuff! That didn't matter very much when he was a being of pure energy, but... he had experienced something similar when he'd tried to reach the stars the first time. Or, well, not him - but everyone else around him had. The obsession with them had always remained however, if not a little bittersweet now.

Seeing them framed against the night sky, light fizzling in every which way, so close and yet exactly what he'd imagined them to look like from childhood, one that doesn't turn into a mass of fire when you look harder, just sheer light - it takes him off guard. He remembers being small and looking up, just like this. He's completely taken off guard by it, eye wide and staring up at them in a hazy wonder, not quite here all of the sudden.

Subconsciously, a hand reaches out in an attempt to grab it; perhaps this time he can hold onto this idealized image of it. He's instantly taken off guard as their gaze focuses on him - since when did stars have eyes, why had they never looked back at him then - and a voice speaks.

"Don't think about it!"

He instantly snaps out of whatever fog he'd found himself in. Stars don't talk. He'd floated a small distance in his attempt to get a hold on them, and he quickly glided backwards. What the hell was that about? There's a moments pause as he comes back to earth, gathering his bearings once more. Once he does, his first response is to deflect, of course.

"THINK ABOUT WHAT? IT'S NOT MY FAULT YOU'RE WALKING AROUND WITH HIGH BEAMS ON - YOU BASICALLY BLINDED ME INTO RUNNING INTO YOU."

[guiidingkey]

@sponstar liked for a starter !

He can't help the way he stares - distantly, he's aware that it's probably rude, but that pales in comparison to the sense of awe he feels. He hasn't really seen anyone like this before. Yes, he's seen more than his fair share of blinding lights, but never in a concrete form before. Definitely not as a person. At least, he's fairly certain that's what they were..? He'd rather not assume, so he supposes the easiest thing to do is ask.

"Excuse me - what... are you?"

The closest thing he can think of is a star, shining with light in all directions, and they sort of resemble how they look in the sky. But stars are supposed to represent worlds, aren't they? He's not sure if someone can be a star. Not that the idea isn't cool.

[impinged]

@sponstar.

You've had a time trying to figure out how to sharpen this blinding dagger. There's just... no way it works in this state. You can barely stand looking at it, it feels so unserious! But whatever. It should still do the job, they wouldn't parade them as weapons if it didn't. You just wish it looked a little more threatening, or was shaped more like your own so you didn't have to adjust.

You slide your candy cane dagger across an equally, annoying sweet butterscotch sharpening stone. This is all you've got to work with. You mumble under your breath, to make sure it works.

"Please be sharp, if you're not, those blinding monsters will only make this sugar high worse. Please be sharp..."

But you stop. You have company, you can tell because they're bright enough to reflect off the candied stepping stones. Your turn to be pestered again, is it? Might as well just get it over with then.

"What do you want?"

[impinged]

stardust. don't think about it.

Send, "Don't think about it!" for sender to help receiver break out of a flashback.

Just looking at the leaves makes your skin itch. You remember. Better than you should. Want to. You look at the tree, and... strangely enough... you swear you see yourself at the top of it. With Loop. Like before.

Before. Haha. Right. You're blinded, briefly, horrifically, just like before. That horrible flash. You feel it. First in the way you flinch, then in the way your throat tightens. It then laps at your eye, a frothing pain behind your eye patch. You close your eye, not because you want to, or because it will dull the pain, but because it's so blinding bright. When you open it again, you see the House.

And you know. What happened. They died. And you hate that you let that happen. You hate that Loop let you let that happen. Then, you think, they made it. It's a thought that keeps squatting in your mind, shooing whatever else could hope to quell it away. They made it without you. You're useless. They've never really needed you.

No one in your life, as far as you can remember (and, let's be real, even if you did remember,) has ever truly needed you. You're dead weight, latching on because that's the only way you have purpose. You lie and cheat your way into being leader, being the finder, being strong enough to bring along in the first place. But you're not good at any of those things. Why did you join them? Why are you still here?

Why'd they let someone like you tag along...?

They don't need you, they were just placating you. They could make it to the King this whole time. Sure, they lost, but you know if they were stuck like you that probably means they'd figure it out in half the time. You're even useless at being stuck in a loop! Haha!!! Isn't that funny~!

So why do you even exist? The world would go on without you! It's that just grand?? They never needed you to make it through the House, they all just pretended they did so you could feel like you were important. To them, to yourself. But you're not.

You fade away in an instant. You're real, you know that, they don't have to remind you again. They won't, you know they couldn't stand having to. So then why turn to face them? Why are you looking at them like that? So desperately. Talk to me, you beg, please, acknowledge me.

They don't.

They don't even talk to you. But you hear them. In your head. Like you always would.

Even though they're right in front of you . . .

Stardust.

That's you. How'd they put it? You're what's left. What terrible remains you make. They should cast you out to sea, maybe then you'll drift out amongst the waves until you lie with the sands on the shore of your home. Or maybe you'll just sink. Either way, you won't live to see it, will you?

Don't think about it.

The scariest part is you know that they know exactly what it is you've lost yourself in. They always seem to know what you're thinking. So you know they would believe you if you reply, if only it were that easy. You're reminded of it every moment, aren't you? Alone, with others, in a crowd, in the empty open field you wake up in after every time!!!!! Ah. Well. That doesn't happen here. The scenery doesn't matter. An empty field, an empty bedroom, what difference does it make? You'll always think about it.

You should really stop going to this blinding tree. You don't think you like it very much.

[crystalknuckle]

isabeau already grounded himself for the incoming rejection (there was a point in time where he would've said no!), but the force after such a long pause takes him by surprise. it's like running into a wall, hands coming up with a panicked jolt.

a verbal knock to his thick skull-- deserved after being so pushy! stings a bit, too.

"huh? sorry, i--! i guess i don't? it's... only a silly picture, anyway. and you're still dealing with the whole New Place, New Sights thing. you're so right!"

nice going, isa! the dummy act only works if it doesn't fall into blatant overstepping! he doesn't even know why he felt so comfortable, uh, getting comfortable? the connection he'd drawn to sif, maybe??

but, friends or not, loop isn't siffrin; that's just unfair! assuming that meant anything? super unfair. they likely consider him an ally at best, which, in all fairness, makes sense! his need for companionship isn't universal. he just thought, after everything that happened back home-- nah, it doesn't matter.

you'd also think he'd mastered the art of cheering others up, what with it being the one thing he brings to the table. but, wow, he can't even manage that lately. (come on! beam now, mope later! end it on a decent note, at least!!).

"i'll, um...! leave you to it, then! sorry again for holding you up," he chatters, phone tucked into the crook of his folded arms, heels a-rocking, "i'm just a tap away if-- pft, whoa-kay, isabeau!!! they get the idea!"

a step back. then another, his buoyancy rehearsed as he gives another wave (less confident, this one -- subdued -- but genuine all the same). "take all the time you need, loop. don't be a stranger."

and that's a wrap! off he goes!! it's okay, though. they'll... probably keep in touch?

he, ignores the twist in his gut telling him otherwise-- telling him he'd scared loop off. that's another pesky assumption, right? he really needs to stop making those.

and you're making it soo hard to keep it together! could just tell him that, couldn't they? rip the bandage off, so to speak; make it easier. they didn't have to keep this up, didn't have to continue humoring their conversation.

but, for a time, it was difficult to shut out that little voice that urged them on. a desperate, quiet plea they've done so well to ignore for . . . oh, for how long now? did they even want to try the math on that? ha! of course not. there'd be no sanity remaining by the end of it, too much time put between then and now. from before until then. just forget it, ignore it. just forget it, ignore it! ignore it, ignore it, ignore it, ignore it, ignore it, listen to it. no. ignore it.

he was lying, too. it wasn't that hard. they just had to continue theirs, in turn. play it out until this was all over, until he was out of sight. out of earshot. o u t o f r e a c h . . . !!

-- huh?

what was he doing. loop provides a blink, seemingly in awe ( shaken out of their own thoughts ) as they stare at the phone in the fighters hand. their head faintly tilts, observing the screen and the picture displayed. part of them wants to comment on the wonderfully awkward reflection it provides, the other part is caught up on what's delivered next.

' mirror pictures? ' they find themselves echoing before they know it. augh, why would they need to question that? they knew what it was. but that wasn't the important bit; the part that stunned them.

' you want a picture? of me? ' like this, as they are. this is the reflection he wants to capture? would there even be anything to capture at all? would it work on someone -- some thing -- that wasn't suppose to exist in the first place.

an immortalized mistake. he didn't deserve to see that, no one did.

he shouldn't be seeing them now, he shouldn't have had to see them before. not like this. not like this! never like this!

STARS. ( this isn't how you want him to remember you!! )

but it's too late for that. it's too late for so, so many things.

' you're not getting it. ' there's a sternness they're not aware of, voice carried on a nerve-driven auto-pilot. stomach felt as though it had twisted into further knots, acids that didn't exist eating away at it. corroding what remained with wave after wave of growing nausea.

they felt dizzy. they didn't want to be seen anymore.

' i mean, who needs something like that? certainly not you! '

[viladlind]

the view is so stunning that fiyero almost doesn't know how he missed it in the first place.

   a star come alive claps for his performance once the last note fades out. they're not the only one, but they call to attention, sat to the side as they are. something they seem to realize once a few eyes follow the sound of their voice ... fiyero pauses, muses.

   his smile is mischievous when he straps his violin to his back and pulls the rather newly acquired harp from the belt around his hips. it's not the golden harp from back home, but a wooden one he'd bought from the same maker as his violin, on this very island. it seems more soothing for the occasion, doesn't it?

   walking up to the low brick wall they're sitting on, fiyero takes a seat next to them. he's aware of the attention, but he revels in it. was made for this, really. chuckling quietly at their joke, he sets his harp on his lap and reaches out for them with his other hand. a claw drives just underneath their bright face, as though scratching their chin, only he isn't touching at all.

   ' perhaps, ' he hums, loud enough for the rest of the audience to hear. ' will you answer a question for me in return? ' his fingers dance across the strings of the harp playfully, only pleasant notes, not a proper song yet. a tease, you could say. his gaze rests on them, a genuine interest in his look.

   ' how would one go about kissing a star? '

ah. that was stupid, wasn't it? clapping along near the tail ends of a performance, wishing the sound to drown out amongst the others gathered around to see. not a problem, really! if they had been part of the crowd, that is.

but off to the side? just out of view? now there was sound in a differing direction; an indicator of someone else partaking in the show provided. orienting themselves with these streets was a headache enough, let alone adjusting to the reality of being seen -- exposed to the open like any other. no branches or leaves to obscure them.

they exist, like this. with others. stand out a fair deal, too, don't they?

oh! that's a look towards them, isn't it? look alive, loop, you've a show of your own to play out, here! just breathe, this is fine! absolutely! even if impulse got the better of them for a short-lived moment. it's fine.

' my, that was quite a performance you gave us! ' their hands sit idly tented, paused from their previous clapping. eyes crinkle upward, a smile they're failing to hide despite bubbling discomfort.

' . . . could i treble you for an encore? ' [ @viladlind ]

[impinged]

"You want to?" You're not really paying attention. You don't really care. "I could use a break." A wretched wave of indifference laps at your feet. Why not let it drown you?

You shift, you move, but no attempt to pass is made this time. Rather, the aim now is to entertain, of course! Play the part, Siffrin! You have plenty of notes on Loop's character. The role feels almost too easy for you to slip into.

"I agree." You find a suitable spot, and sit. You cross your legs. Tent your hands. Hm, no, cross your legs the other way. Ah, there we go. You do what you know they cannot and let your smile widen from ear to ear. Gloating? A little. Why not relish in it if you're given the chance? I'm more than you'll ever be, stardust~! Mm, it's almost too easy to say.

This feels right in the most wrong of ways. You could choke on the bile that creeps up your throat if you didn't feel the need to use its warmth to comfort you.

But it's still not perfect. You don't know why it has to be. You know exactly why it has to be. You slouch, your hand reaching for the minty blade once again. Tap... tap... tap... it against your cheek. Float it in the thinnest space between your skin and the string that latches your eye-patch to your head.

You won't. But only one crescent-shaped eye does spoil your performance. You won't break it. You hate looking at it. That's why you cover it up in the first place. You won't. It's tempting, if only to commit to the act you play. But it's not worth it. You won't ruin it.

The scent of peppermint is pushed far enough away from you to not overwhelm. You're sick enough as it is. Heat in your throat, the itch in the back of your mind—you're having a bit too much fun with this. It's enough to make your head spin.

Oh well, who cares! More, more, more...!!!

"What am I to do? Maybe I'll take a nap. The sun feels quite nice." A sigh. You close your eyes in thought, entwining your fingers and placing your hands in your lap. You lean into your newfound role. "Hopefully you die quickly this time, it gets kinda boring waiting for you sometimes, you know?"

But Loop never said that to you, did they?

"Oh, but watch out for the trapdoor this time, yeah? Mind the mirrors too, you never liked those very much." You hum, looking as though you speak to the ground at Loop's feet than them. You have secrets too. It's only fair.

because it's easier. had they heard them right? their desire to aid them came from a place of convenience, was that it? the star can feel a twitch in their eye. rather humorous, considering the lack of face; the lack of nerves. so they thought, but the feeling was still there. tugging at them, little by little. subtly pulling where they kept themselves toed at the edge.

none of it was easy. none of it was ever easy! not then, not now, not ever again!

it's almost deafening, the rush of white noise that infiltrates their head. siffrin's words heard, yet simultaneously drowned out by a growing wave of static. popping, crackling . . . ringing. loud, piercing ringing.

go to the castle yourself then. they feel another twitch. heat prickling against flaring skin, speckled lights across their person sparkling; shifting, moving. rearranged and replaced. like a universe being made undone, and redone. composure lost, and regained.

oh, had the world grown bright? hotter? no, it hadn't. had it? it was them, wasn't it? a star left on its last legs, burning under the stress.

then, it's gone. that deafening ring. their temperature, too, settles. barely.

' and do your job for you? ' loop's snicker is as hollow as their smile, an expression mirrored as they angle their head. a job they've had time to improve, becoming more cautious, more aware. they remembered things better, forgot what wasn't necessary. how tempting!

teehee.

' what's next, i take your victory? lead your party? ' tempting, tempting, tempting~!! they can't help but laugh, fingers idly lifting their own dagger between their grasp. star-speckled digits reach, and glide, over a curved blade. ' you know . . . '

it hooks against their finger, left to dangle for a breaths time until spun. twirled within their hold like a form of mocking mimicry. it came so easily to them, too. it was soooo easy -- just like everything else here! it was easier, right? so. much. easier.

. . . it stops. handle flipped into an awaiting palm, blade pointed until it shifts with a shrug.

' i think i'd play the part quite nicely! don't you? ' wouldn't that just be hysterical?

they certainly think so~~!!

' a bit of role reversal never hurt. '

[impinged]

You can feel the static in your ears, the way the world bends around you. It wants so desperately to reset. To swell and bloat and surge. Haha. To break and fail and rot. Erase this whole conversation. Roll it back! Not that it matters. Not that Loop would forget. Not that you even can. But it still hisses in your ears, something rips at your stomach, it’s there it’s all there and so familiar and you want it. More than anything.

You want it. You don't get it. All you get is Loop's anger in return. Their reminder. It's always you. You. You. You. You. You. You. You. You.

It was you then, it's you now, and it will always be you.

Haha. Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!! They’re right!!!! They’re right!!!!!!!!!! They really did it! Told it to you straight!! Can you take that? Do you accept it?? DO YOU WANT THANKS, LOOP????

You can’t cry out your dead eye. You can still feel it though, when you do cry. Nothing wells but there's a frothy spike of pain and the scars no one sees or touches ache beyond belief.

You can still see them, blurred and unfocused and bright, despite it all. They're still talking. You, you, you, you, you...

"SHUT UP!!!!!"

You blink away tears that are barely even there.

There’s a knife in your hands. Your knife. Poised, pointed. Steady, aimed for the star. You could lunge. Attack. Hurt them, like they’ve hurt you. Payback. Revenge. It would be so easy to lunge forward and just attack them…

You don’t. You can’t.

Guilt roots you to the ground. You can’t move. Figures. You’re all bark and no bite. But you do not falter. Your knife is still fixated on them. Still threatening.

You breathe in, and out.

You can’t hurt them. You don’t want to hurt them. Not really. Not even if it feels like otherwise.

Your eye, clouded and sinking, no longer stares at your target. Instead, it shifts its focus on your knife. You stare at it. You consider your options. Weigh each and every single one.

You could hurt them. (Which isn’t want you want.)

You could put it away, pretend it never happened. (It feels too late for that.)

You could drop it. They’re unarmed, so it would at least make this an even fight. (You don’t want this either.)

You could alter your hold, twist the blade and you could . . .

he doesn't need to tell them a thing. the message as clear as day, as it almost always is. by expression alone, that look in the eye, a mere twitch of a brow -- loop recognized it. knew about it.

siffrin says it isn't their fault, that he didn't do this. loop believes them, is the funny thing. they know, and yet . . . and yet!! there wasn't a means of logic they could make from it other than an obvious choice; a decision they could both agree on! putting the fault somewhere simple. somewhere it sat easily, given the history.

they'd blame themselves, too. isn't that hysterical?

' would it be so hard to believe if it was?! ' even knowing, they continued to press. they'd been angry from the start, that feeling refusing to diminish. it grew, in fact, the longer they spoke.

the longer they had to look into this blinding m--!!

' who knows what you accomplished during your last meeting with the king, despite my efforts to tell you otherwise! you ignore advice, you fumble, you fail!! '

let it go. let it go, let it go . . .! let it . . . no.

no, they're tired of holding their tongue. tired of sitting, watching and being dragged back every! single! time! they were brought here, too, with siffrin left waiting for them. all they've wanted was a way out of it all, but they would never get that, would they?

now was no different. oh, no, now was no different at all! they were still trapped! still left wanting! still left to watch any spark of joy that remained fall into the traveler's hands. . . !

' you were at fault for forcing every perfect conversation! you were at fault for failing at your job! you were at fault for allowing the king to get his hands on the kid! it was you, always YOU! why can't it be now, stardust!? '

they know it's not. they don't care. this is easier. . .

[impinged]

Heehee! Oh, how could I possibly take my eye off you~! YOU'RE SO BRIGHT .

You feel your teeth grind together as you force the smile on your face not to waiver. The blade you wave uncomfortably close to your face soon dangles by its hilt, caught on the bare skin of your hand, twirled around your forefinger as you hum in amusement.

Because it's funny. So, so, so funny. Melting, just like all this blinding chocolate will soon enough. You'd like that.

You can't make it by yourself. What makes them so certain of that?

Like most things Loop says to you, this nestles its way under your skin so easily. It irritates you. How do they know that? After so long, they knew—just like you did—after so long it really was just you! Your friends, all reduced to skills and moves. You were the one that could handle anything! Everything! They only needed to act when it was their cue. You did the rest of the work. Just you. So why can't it just be you now? Here? Why do you need anyone else??

There is static buzzing in your head now and for a second you make a horrible mistake. For a second you recognize a sound, a scratchy purr that you swear you briefly understand. A word. A plea. No. A demand.

Encore.

Amidst the humming you can hear it. Encore! Who are you to refuse? Encore! Really, who could possibly be satisfied with the curtain call you left them? Encore! You're quite capable of pulling the rope yourself. Encore! Capable of calling yourself back out for applause.

Even if all you'll ever be met with in return is derision.

"Oh, and you're going to help me?" It's not the world that breaks, despite the noise you're so familiar with, it's you. "Why now? Because it's easier for you now?" Because this world's transformation is a joke? It really is just a game now, isn't it Loop?! There's no stakes here. But it's all the same to you. A House full of Sadness, a Castle filled with Candy, it doesn't matter!! A King, a Witch, WHO CARES?!

You don't. It's all the same. A funny, silly game. An effort to make the haunting tale you'll tell by the end of it something that won't frighten the children or something. Can't be scared of any threats when they're so sweetly delivered, right? Haha. Oh, wait. You've already scared them. Hm...

"Go to the castle yourself then, if you want to so badly." Or will they ask for your help? What help can you even offer? You're useless. There's a joke in here somewhere... what's the term? You're... oh! That's right. You've got it: You're dead weight. It'd be even funnier if Loop begged for your help though. But you know they wouldn't stoop that low. You know they're above that. Still. "I'll wait."

After all... You have nothing better to do .

' are you sure you won't slow yourself down? ' it's what they latch onto first. he's taken this path before. needing to go it alone, not wanting others in the way. they'd slow him down, what was the point? he's done this all before. maybe that's why loop feels the need to stand on their decision, to remain adamant where they know they're unwanted.

it would be so much easier, wouldn't it? if they could simply be left under that tree. sitting and waiting, experiencing only so much until their connection was pulled taut -- diminishing the further up he climbed the house. the moment he reached the kings chambers, and further still.

that's what he wanted. for that thread to snap, to cut them out.

they wouldn't stand to see that same mistake played out twice. they refused to live through witnessing the build up to that same breaking point, watching the edge grow closer and closer until they toppled over it. destroying himself any further than he already has.

they knew what that was like. all too well, even. they hated seeing it from a different perspective.

' in the heat of the moment you'll set your sights on poor, little me~? oh, stardust, you'll have me melting under the attention! stop~~!! ' like static, their silhouette flares -- playing to the beat of forced laughter. a waving hand conducting the sound before rising, as though to silence a mouth not present.

a pause. silence. it doesn't last.

he's done this before. not again, not again, not again.

' you won't make it by yourself. '

[impinged]

You open your mouth to get a word in, but they keep going. Begrudgingly, you're used to their interjections, their insistence that their word should precede yours. Whatever. They say you're somewhere you shouldn't be, well, you have eyes!!

Just one, actually.

But you know. You see. Whatever.

They've seen Isa already. Fitting, you think. When they were so determined to hide away from everyone, he was the one that still weaseled his way into their line of sight. You wonder if Loop ever saw........... Well, it doesn't matter. You don't really care about that. Push it from your mind, you have more pressing things to think about.

Like anger. You're angry. Your friends along for the ride? A mess you've tripped into?? SIMILARITIES????

It IS a coincidence!! NONE of this was intentional!!!! So what are they getting at?!? What do they mean???? Are they..?? Do they seriously think.....????

"IT'S NOT MY FAULT!!!!" Why is THAT the conclusion they make?! They think they can show up and pin the blame on you right away?!? No!! You've already done that!!!!!

You would take the blame though, wouldn't you? You can refute it to them all you want, but you would if it was anyone else accusing you. Something about it being Loop that does just eats at you. You can't stand it. Lots of things are your fault, sure. Some intended, some otherwise. This is not. You don't know a lot about this place or how people even get here, but you know it's not your fault. It can't be. It shouldn't be.

It . . . it isn't . . . . . . r i g h t ?

...No. That would be ridiculous. It wasn't that broken. Wishcraft wouldn't just... No. It wouldn't. This is a different power. It has it be. You're not even going to entertain another possibility.

(But if your friends want someone to blame, you'd still let it be you.)

"I didn't do this. I just..." Stay here. Take it. Dare you say like it. You're not telling them that. But it's true, to an extent. You'd be happy here, you think, if this was the rest of your life.

You abandoned Mira in her most desperate hour, and you're happy.

You're so disgustingly selfish.

"...Shut up." You know they won't.

' different, ' loop repeats, voice no more than a dry echo. how different, they wished to ask, aside from the obvious; aside from where they were, what surrounded them. because when it was boiled down, it was similar, wasn't it?

not knowing where to go, how to leave, what to do -- stuck in a game not of your choosing. they've gathered that much so far, they were used to that much.

' sure. ' the star concludes, only to continue right after. ' you're still somewhere you shouldn't be, stardust. your friends along for the ride, too! '

' . . . i've seen your fighter around, you know, and i have a good feeling there's more than just him. you, your friends, and a mess you've gone and tripped into. ' they were not yet certain, but it was a good assumption, they felt. plenty still left unseen, even more left unsaid. they could tell.

in the tension permeating from the traveler's presence; the way he stood, spoke -- as if they wouldn't recognize it. as if they wouldn't get the hint of what thoughts crossed that troubled mind. a threat the star has stared down once before, a threat they would gloss over even now. while they could.

' and now i'm here. funny coincidence, don't you think, stardust? '

for why else would they be dragged in, if not stapled to whatever fate siffrin has gone and dug up. it was why they first appeared, after all. to help him. they shouldn't be here without that reason, right? as it stood, it's all they had to go on, like it or not.

and they most certainly did not.

' if you don't need me here; ' ignore the twist sitting in their gut as they repeat that, ' if i'm not to be of help to you... why don't you help me, stardust -- siffrin? enlighten me, because i'm seeing some glaring similarities. '

leave you alone? no one's stopping you from leaving.

[crystalknuckle]

in that mere second of eye contact(!!), isabeau encourages them with a satisfied huff. short-lived as it was, it's promising to hear them laugh at all! baby steps.

"shot down with a pun? you're making it soo hard to act bummed out!" he's not, for the record. what he's actually feeling is another sobering round of sympathy; unlike sif and bonbon, they're in the same boat? adjusting. reeling from the turn of events back home... at least he had his snack leader to ground him from the start.

"seriously, no worries. i'm just going with the flow, myself-- brain's not built for this sort of reality-bendy, sci-fi stuff." bonk! he punctuates the lie with a knock to his head. theorizing's led him nowhere, anyway.

it only makes him realize how hard he dropped the ball, unable to offer anything aside from a friendly face in case loop needs it. which they don't, clearly.

...'a friendly face'? wait, that reminds him! before they go--

while he still has his stride, isabeau whips out his 'phone' and taps on the massive list of names he'd discovered earlier, scrolling... scrolling faster... aha! "okay, promise i'll leave after this, but there's something i wanna run by you real quick? feel free to say no," his screen a visual aid, back camera showing him at an unflattering angle (and blissfully unaware of it), he explains, "ever heard of mirror pictures? apparently, these thingies capture reflections, too! and i think you can set them for people on the 'contacts' screen, see? for when you talk to them! neat, huh?"

uh huh. the point, isabeau? "and iiii, uh, wanted to give it a shot?" since they'll keep in touch? hopefully? it's probably dumb, but... a photo would be nice.

. . . pfft. by the time they're aware of the sound, it's too late. a laugh ( though small ) plays the role of verbal cue as the stars eyes flicker over. almost granting the fighter a proper stare; acknowledgement aside from their poor excuse of a greeting. what a silly mistake that was. couldn't even stomach a mere second of eye contact before a blink redirects their vision.

the flickering shades of an overhanging streetlight catch their attention first, eventually redirecting onto another person in the distance. legs taking them across a different walkway and through an opened door. focus on something, anything! anything but the reality of the situation they were in, the company they were with.

' a spot reserved just for me? aw, you shouldn't have! '

no, really. he shouldn't have. even if it won a chuckle from them.

. . . no, especially because it earned a chuckle from them!!

they still feel sick. would that be a good enough excuse? it wouldn't, would it? he was already so willing to help without even knowing the problem loop implied. he's always been like that, right?

. . . surely they haven't forgotten that much. of course he was -- is! they've only had to witness that worry and care over, and over. too many times over. that's why this was so -- . . . so annoying? infuriating? ( upsetting. )

slowly, they allow themselves a steady inhale, an exhale following shortly after. if they chose to insist, they knew isa would eventually give in. like it or not. he wouldn't force it, after all. even so, they find themselves easing into character. just enough, just for now.

' it . . . really is fine, though. juuuuust, ' yeah? finish the thought, ' a bit of heavy adjusting, is all! new place, new sights . . . adding two much on my plate might not go so well! '

was it possible for a star to retch? certainly felt like they'd soon find out.

[impinged]

Just how many times will this happen? Hearing your name spoken aloud by someone familiar in an unfamiliar place. Except this isn't your name at all. It's not even a name you particularly like. It feels more like a title. Unwillingly bequeathed upon you, at that. Much like the presence of the one that utters it, without fail, every time you speak.

You freeze. Flinch. Refuse to truly acknowledge.

The supposed "fresh air" they make mention of stalls in your lungs. First in annoyance. Then? Then... it pangs in your chest. It takes you a minute to realize it's not the air you nearly choke on that rends you clutching your chest. No, it's the clenching of your heart.

You missed them, didn't you? You'll never admit it. They would have a field day with that knowledge. You don't think you'd ever live it down if you said it. Plus, it's... embarrassing. You can get on fine without them. You have, actually.

Never once have you needed them here. There are no loops here, no looping. But now there is a Loop.

They must feel pretty useless then, huh? Welcome to the club.

You muster the resolve to turn. Face-to-face with that blindingly bright head of theirs. At least you don't have to pretend with them. Well, about the truth, at least. You will still have to ask the same question you asked the others.

But first...

"You're late." Too late. The arrival of some of your friends has already granted you front row seats to the consequences of your own actions, so any levity or guidance Loop could spare you is well past its time due. Especially if they're trying to seem casual about it. You won't let them.

Part of you hates that they're like this. Another part of you hates yourself for feeling that way. Hypocrite.

Lately, it feels like those sentiments are two sides of the same coin. Hm... No. Bad analogy.

were they capable of bristling? it certainly felt like it, seeing that all too familiar hat atop an all too familiar head. like a picture set out of place, hung on a wall it didn't accent very well. one they had to acknowledge time and time again, passing through the same hallway. over and over, and over, and over.

only this hallway was new -- this world was new! but there it remained. that same, crooked picture hung for them to see. would scribbling it out do any good? the thought has certainly crossed their mind ( more than once, truthfully ).

after everything said, everything done... this is where they end up. this is what becomes of those efforts. was the universe watching? was this what it had in mind?

here's the end! here's your way out! nothing gained, everything lost! with one final slap in the face ! !

. . .

you hate it.

' . . . enjoying the fresh air? ' there was a reason they were here, right? just like before, to help their little traveler, no doubt? that must be it. that had to be it. what else could it be? even if this deviated from the initial wish -- from what it was suppose to be. again.

ha! . . . just breathe, loop. play your role.

' you're a long way from home, stardust. but it must be nice, right? ' a smile arches the stars eyes, a chilled gaze peering through ever-present crescents. ' a well deserved change of scenery! '

[ @impinged ]