#you're a FREAK berdly you know that

[papersofdivorce]

who up rissing they um's

just a look into my sick twisted mind ... heh ...

FOR CONTEXT, this is Umriss, an exceedingly strange Deltarune fanfic where the pairings are weird and the lack of divorce is weirder. I think it's really funny also this is my first time ever drawing Deltarune fanart technically and for that, I'm sorry <3 more excuses in the read more v

first things first i don't think kris looks like that at all but the author made them he/him and i was like okay well out of spite i'm giving kris vague house m.d. vibes so i hope that was communicated in a way. 2 i hope this spreads umriss awareness cause i KNOW a subsection of the fandom knows about it but for the life of me i cannot find much in terms of fanwork (FOR GOOD REASON RLLLY BUT ) shrug. three ..... [Roll Credits]

this was a mistake.

[petra-creat0r]

Deltarune: Fool's Fate Ch. 2 Main Bosses

Time to start on Fool's Fate Dark World two, electric boogalo, aka the Arcade World! Let's get started with the main bosses of this chapter (plus their daughter), the stars of the arcade's most popular cabinet, Electric Rhythm Empire, Empress, Ritsu, and Emperor!!!

(Man the colors on this looked different on my canvas... Why are my colors getting messed up? Particularly Emperor's. He's supposed to be like, a yellowy green. Which I guess he kinda is here?)

The rulers of the arcade Dark World and their daughter (seriously need better names for these). At the start of the chapter after tracking down one of Chicago's friends, Neil, the party runs into Empress and Ritsu, who were tormenting Neil with rhythm puzzles. After introducing themselves, CK challenges Ritsu to a battle. Emperor isn't mentioned until later and not encountered until the end of the chapter.

Empress and Ritsu take on the Lancer/Queen/Berdly sort of role where they're encountered multiple times through out the chapter to challenge the party with puzzles, battles, funny cutscenes, etc. Though you encounter both Empress and Ritsu at the start of the chapter, after your fight with Ritsu, she throws a fit before being pacified by Remie, putting her out until the 2nd area, thus meaning you're mostly dealing with Empress in the first area.

Empress's personality pulls on Queen (I imagine them having a mom rivalry in Castle Town) though when Ritsu's around, she's rather chill and laid back. She does care about her kid, but also knows her kid is very energetic and can handle herself when playing/fighting a group of other children. Just... Don't hurt Ritsu. You likely don't want to see what happens if you mess with her baby. Empress on her own though? Prepare for an intense DDR break dance fight. Actually multiple of them. In a row. She doesn't like to loose. Even if she can be intense and a sore loser, Empress will still praise your creativity in solving her puzzles and road blocks.

Like I mentioned earlier, one of Ritsu's first encounters involved her throwing a temper tantrum at loosing a battle, so that can give you a bit of a sense of the type of kid she is. She considers herself an idol, literally introducing herself as "The sensational, terrific, all-time idol Ritsu!!!" Other than being a bit of a spoiled brat, Ritsu is very energetic. Sometimes it can take quite a lot of stamina and speed to match her in a rhythm rap battle, girl has BARS.

Emperor isn't encountered until the very end of the chapter, he is a bit similar to King in a few aspects, (again, I see a rivalry between him and King) mostly in being very authoritative and angry much of the time. However I also seem him as a general control freak (Makes sense taking in his Light World item) and probably something of a perfectionist and neat freak. He's mainly even made aware of your presence because you break into the Palace, after which you're quickly seized and captured. Even if we mainly see him as a cruel ruler throughout the chapter, Emperor is also a caring father. Empress and Emperor may both be flawed, but they are genuinely good parents who care about their daughter. Additionally, this guy can totally shred at Guitar Hero.

I imagine in the final battle, you're either mostly up against Emperor, or both him and Empress. Perhaps its a mix of both depending on the phrase and how much control Emperor is taking during the fight until later the two manage to finally work in harmony before Ritsu comes to break up the battle. I don't know, either way it's going to be rhythm hell with both the dance and guitar rhythm sections of this game.

Empress and Emperor's names should be a tad obvious. Like Magican and Priestess, they pull from tarot cards. The Empress and the Emperor. It's also where they get some of their personalities (this half explains their similarities to Queen and King. Those two just fit the maternal and paternal roles that the Empress and Emperor cards represent.)

Ritsu is a bit more interesting because she doesn't have tarot card inspiration. It comes from the Japanese word "律" or "Ritsu", (Electric Rhythm Empire was originally a Japanese arcade game) which Google translate told me means rhythm, law, or regulation. Her full name is Himeko Ritsu, meaning basically "Princess Drum Rhythm". Technically, Empress and Emperor also have the family name Himeko, but I'm not putting their full names since they're ridiculously long and just for a gag. (Well, at least Empress's is.)

As for their Light World counterparts? All three of them together are the arcade cabinet for Electric Rhythm Empire, but individually... Empress is likely the cabinet screen. She uses a lot of flashy holograms and theatrics. Ritsu is the card/ticket dispenser or one of the collectible cards (ERE is one of those rhythm games with collectible cards). Emperor is the control panel, thus his control freak tendencies.

In addition to their items, though, I also have each of them have a different rhythm game mechanic tied to them. Empress is dance rhythm games like Just Dance or DDR, Ritsu is button press rhythm games like Friday Night Funkin or PaRappa the Rapper, and Emperor is instrument control rhythm games like Guitar Hero or Piano Keys.

Backstory under cut

The ruling of Arcade World has always been something of a popularity contest. A long time ago, it was ruled by someone else, but ever since ERE joined the picture, they quickly rose to the top and have ruled supreme, charming the land not through any sort of sorcery or mind control manipulation, but through their charisma and music.

Empress and Emperor were an ultimate power couple, nurturing and leadership ruling side by side. And their daughter Ritsu was a cute little idol everyone adored. As a trio, they were the perfect balance of challenge and fun, bringing in many Lightners to bless the Arcade World. The ERE trio were beloved and sought out by everyone in the land. ... And even by some outside of the land.

One day, a knight arrived. A Lightner somewhat familiar yet still foreign to the Arcade World. Enamored by this land after stabbing into the earth to create a flowing Fountain of Darkness. A brilliant geyser that amazed all who beheld it. After wards, the Knight went straight for the Palace to track down the rulers and present them with the Fountain.

After presenting the Fountain to the Emperor and Empress, the Knight warned that soon a group of Lightner heroes would arrive and try to close the Fountain which now gave this land form. "I don't know when, but soon" The Knight said, before turning on their heel and and departing. Leaving the Arcade World to it's own devices.

Afterwards, the Emperor started to become obsessive over the Fountain. ensuring it remained protected in the Palace. Empress, on the other hand, was more concerned about the protection of her daughter and people, deciding to take on a more direct approach of confronting the Lightners head on when they arrived. Ritsu, being only a child was unaware of the dealings and goings on of adults. Merely caught in the middle of her parent's separate yet convergent goals. Mostly following her mother and excited at the possibility of getting to play new people. And so the dynamic of the Arcade World and it's rulers was ever so shifted... Until the Lightners soon arrived, just as the Knight had said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTRIC RHYTHM EMPIRE: PREPARE FOR SUPER RHYTHM MANIA! Insert Coin to Start

Cheat Code: ⇨⇨-Ⓑ⇧-⇧⇨-⇧⇩-⇦⇧ ⇦⇧-⇨⇧-SELECT-⇩⇨-⇨⇧-Ⓐ Ⓐ-Ⓑ-⇦⇨-START-Ⓑ

Ⓑ ⇨⇨-⇧⇩-Ⓐ⇨-⇩⇩-⇦⇨-⇨⇩ ⇩⇧-⇩⇩-⇦⇧-⇦Ⓐ-⇨⇩, Ⓑ ⇨⇨-⇧⇩-Ⓐ⇨-⇩⇩-⇦⇨-⇨⇩ ⇩⇨-START-Ⓐ-⇧⇩  ⇦⇦-⇧⇩-⇧⇩-⇦Ⓐ ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇧⇩ ⇦⇧-⇨⇧-SELECT-⇩⇨-⇨⇧-Ⓐ, ⇦⇦-⇧⇩-⇧⇩-⇦Ⓐ ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇧⇩ ⇦⇧-⇨⇧-SELECT-Ⓐ-⇧⇩

Ⓑ⇧-⇧⇨ Ⓑ⇧-⇧⇨ ⇨⇩-⇩⇩ ⇩⇧-⇦⇨ Ⓑ-⇦⇨-⇨⇩ ⇦Ⓐ-⇧⇩-⇦⇦-⇩⇨ ⇦Ⓐ-⇧⇩-⇦⇦-⇩⇨ ⇦⇧-START-⇦⇩-⇨⇧-⇩⇨  ⇦⇨-⇩⇩-⇩⇧ ⇧⇨-⇦⇧-⇧⇩-⇧⇨-Ⓑ-⇦⇧-⇧⇩ ⇦⇦-⇩⇩-⇦⇧ ⇦⇧-⇨⇧-SELECT-⇩⇨-⇨⇧-Ⓐ ⇦⇦-START-⇦⇩-⇨⇧-⇩⇨ 

Ⓐ-Ⓑ-⇦⇨ Ⓐ⇨-⇦⇧-Ⓑ-⇨⇦-⇧⇩-⇨⇨ Ⓐ-⇩⇩-⇦⇧-⇧⇩, ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇩⇩-Ⓑ⇧-⇦⇩-⇨⇧ ⇧⇧-⇦⇨-START-⇦⇩-⇨⇧-⇩⇨ ⇨⇧-⇩⇩-⇦Ⓐ-⇨⇩-⇨⇨ ⇨⇩-⇩⇩-Ⓑ⇧-⇩Ⓑ-⇩⇨-⇨⇨ ⇨⇨-⇩⇨-Ⓑ-⇩Ⓑ ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇧⇩ ⇧⇩-Ⓑ-⇦⇧-⇩⇨-⇨⇧, ⇨⇧-⇩⇩-⇦Ⓐ-⇨⇩ ⇨⇩-⇩⇩-Ⓑ⇧-⇩Ⓑ-⇩⇨ ⇩⇧-START-⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇩⇩-Ⓑ⇧-⇩⇨

START-⇨⇨ ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-START-⇨⇨ ⇦⇧-START-⇦⇩-⇨⇧-⇩⇨? Ⓐ⇨-⇩⇩-Ⓑ⇧-⇦Ⓐ-⇨⇩ START-⇩⇨ ⇩Ⓑ-⇧⇩ ⇩⇧-⇦⇧-⇩⇩-⇦⇨-⇦⇩? ⇦⇦-⇧⇩-⇧⇩-⇦Ⓐ ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇧⇩ ⇦⇩ ⇦⇧-⇩⇩-⇩⇩-⇨⇦-⇧⇩, ⇩⇦-Ⓑ⇧-⇨⇨-⇩⇨ ⇨⇩-Ⓑ-⇦⇨-Ⓐ⇨-⇧⇩ Ⓑ-⇦Ⓐ-⇩⇩-⇦⇨-⇦⇩

Ⓑ ⇩⇧-⇩⇩-⇦⇧-⇦Ⓐ-⇨⇩ ⇩⇩-⇦⇦ ⇨⇩-Ⓑ-⇦⇧-⇧⇧, Ⓑ ⇩⇧-⇩⇩-⇦⇧-⇦Ⓐ-⇨⇩ ⇩⇩-⇦⇦ ⇦Ⓐ-START-⇦⇩-⇨⇧-⇩⇨ ⇩⇨-START-⇨⇨ ⇩⇨-⇨⇧-⇧⇩ ⇩⇨-Ⓑ-⇦Ⓐ-⇧⇩ ⇩⇩-⇦⇦ ⇦⇦-⇩⇩-⇩⇩-⇦Ⓐ-START-⇨⇨-⇨⇧ ⇧⇧-⇦⇨-START-⇦⇩-⇨⇧-⇩⇨

[theveryconfusedartistsart-blog]

So, that new girl I keep talking about?

She really, really, REALLY hates Kris.

And you know what's weird? Literally ONLY Kris seems oblivious to this. Or, no. Are they oblivious? They're literally getting bullied! Do they just... not care? Then again, who knows what Kris is thinking. I just don't get why they don't tell their mom.

OR, BETTER, switch seats with me, like I keep saying lol. I guess they just don't want to be at the front of the class? But... She doesn't EVER bully me, EVEN when there'd be a HUGE opportunity to, so... Come on, switch seats, everyone would be safer that way X)

Like, you're not going to believe what happened today. lol

After the bell rang, as usual, everyone rushed to see who could get out of class first. I stayed behind a bit to help Alphys put away some books (and look for some mysteriously missing supplies X) ). Meanwhile, Kris was still asleep, face-down on a totally blank notebook page, and for some reason, Susie... hadn't left either. She was just sitting there... staring at Kris's head. Sniffing it...??? (Wonder if she'd like scented candles? X) )

Eventually I started to leave too (I even almost said bye this time), but I was a bit worried about Kris, so I stayed outside the classroom to... umm, watch? X) I had to stay totally out of sight, Holiday family ninja style, since Susie didn't seem like she was going to do anything until she made sure I was gone.

After a while, Susie got up, knocking her chair over. She jumped into Ms. Alphys's seat and put her shoes up on the desk, getting dirt everywhere. (I just know I'm going to have to clean that. X) )

She grabbed the apple Berdly had given Alphys a few days ago (you know, one of the ones she has literally never eaten X) ), held it up, and started talking.

"Hey, idiot."

Kris didn't look up.

"HEY IDIOT!"

Kris still didn't look up!

"KRIS!"

Kris looked up. Susie rolled her eyes and showed all of her horrible and very cool teeth.

"Nice shampoo. Apple flavor, right? Better be careful about wearing that around me."

Then she BIT THE WHOLE APPLE IN HALF! Including the core. She even ate the seeds, which, um, contain arsenic if you didn't know. X) Don't eat those Susie... anyway, Kris didn't react, so she continued.

"Keep smelling like apples... you might end up like this."

Kris didn't react.

"Bitten..." she pointed to the apple. "In HALF."

There was like, the MOST awkward silence... and then...

Snickering.

But it wasn't Susie...

No, it was Kris, just barely stifling some laugh.

Did they think that was some kind of weird joke...? X)

WHATEVER it was, Susie must have thought she was getting made fun of, because she immediately just LAUNCHED the apple right at kris.

But, Kris, with their gamer reaction speed X) Held up their notebook like a shield and blocked it diagonally, bouncing it into the air...

And actually CAUGHT the apple.

...

Then took a bite out of it.

Gosh, though, did that make Susie mad.

"You little..."

She ran over and grabbed Kris by the hair, staring into their face. REALLY close. I froze. I knew that if I didn't do anything, Kris would get hurt, or worse, but something inside me just... froze! I just stood there, holding my breath. And Susie kept talking.

"One day, your mom's gonna get sick of you, you little freak. And as soon as that happens..."

Susie laughed. I felt genuinely sick.

"Someone might make you disappear. And she'll finally realize how happy she was without you."

But after all that,

Kris didn't say anything at all.

Susie EXPLODED.

"SAY SOMETHING, YOU IDIOT!!!"

It felt like her voice echoed around the room forever.

Then, when it finally went quiet,

Kris's mouth looked like it moved.

To be honest, moved so slightly, I couldn't even tell if they said something, or what, but whatever it was, Susie's attitude... suddenly completely changed.

She let go of Kris, backing off quickly, then left the room in such a hurry, she easily would have won today's "leaving first" race.

I REALLY wish I could have seen her reaction, but I was so scared she would see me that I literally just jumped into my locker X)

In the end all I could see through the little slats was her shape from behind, going towards the entrance of the school with her head held low.

Finally, I heard the entrance door close.

I sighed, and suddenly all that frozen feeling that had built up in my chest flew out of my body all at once. "Holy cheese and crackers!" I said to myself. I almost started laughing from relief.

Then suddenly, my locker's door flung open.

Kris was standing there.

I started to stutter hello, and they just slowly, slowly shut the door on me and left.

WELL...

THAT JUST HAPPENED. LOL X)

I ordered apple shampoo, maybe if I wear it too she won't bother Kris as much X))))))))))

(This is from Noelle's blog from the spamton sweepstakes event)

I really love how protective but scared Noelle is.

[lowkey-loki245]

Okay, I'm rewriting this AU I made. Why? It's kinda bad and really just needs a rewrite. Anyways, here we go, Susie Snowgrave Route, aka.

Too Weak Route

When you are about to split up with the crew, you have to convince Susie to stay with you instead of going off with Ralsei. You get three options, but the only one that works is "I want to get strong with you." This throws both Ralsei and Susie off guard, but it works cause Susie thinks of it as "I want to be strong like you." You now have Susie on the team.

Since you can't kill anyone yet since you don't have something like Iceshock, you play normally up until when you meet with Noelle, which plays out differently. Noelle (being the woman lover she is) is too flustered to realize the queen is coming until its too late. The Queen takes Noelle and runs off, leaving Susie very pissed off.

This is when you get to your first store in the next room after the puzzle (specifically the store with the orange Addison). At the first store, you can buy the Purple Hatchets for Susie. This gives Susie the move "Double Chop". The move attacks twice and deals fatal damage. As long as it's the last move, the enemy won't have enough time to run. Now you backtrack.

In the first fight that you use Double Chop as the finishing move, Susie absolutely freaks out. She wasn't expecting to kill someone, and she knows this is real, so she's already scared. But no matter what, she assumes you didn't know either. This is the first time you used the attack, how could you have known it'd actually kill someone.

As you continue to backtrack, you hit your 2nd encounter. Susie absolutely refuses to use Double Chop. You're given two dialog options. Either "Let's try something else" or "What about getting stronger?" The first (obviously) boots you out the route, but the second one causes Susie to pause. Susie's now creeped out and tries to protest. You then say "We need to get stronger". Susie hesitates, then say "For the fight with the Queen?" You have to agree. From now on, Susie won't question when you tell her to use Double Chop. She still hesitates at first, but the more you fight and the more you use Double Chop, the quicker she is to attack.

For the puzzles, the first one you had to solve before you got the Purple Hatchets, but after that, there's the puzzle you force Susie to "solve". The more and more you push Susie to "solve" it, the more frantic she becomes until she uses Double Chop on the puzzle panel. She starts cursing you out, threatening to kill you for risking her life. All you do is simply show her the damage she did to the panel. It's so much damage, you wouldn't be able to tell what it was originally for if you didn't know. She's gotten stronger. You tell her that you only did it to show her how strong she's gotten, and she feels... good about it. She's gotten stronger, that's awesome. Susie knew she was strong before, but she didn't think she'd be able to reach this level of strength.

Susie is still a little hesitant to use Double Chop, but she feels like she needs to do this. Like you said, it's so the two of you can fight the Queen. When her, Kris, and Ralsei fought the king, they all almost died, and Susie doesn't want that to happen again. Plus, you're her best friend... her first friend (besides Lancer), you obviously are just helping her. She's just not strong enough yet, and you're helping her get stronger.

Eventually, you get to the Spamton dumpster. Once you kill everyone, he'll offer you the Splintering Axe (still costs 1997 D$). It makes Susie take damage over time, and Susie questions how this could make her stronger. "Resilience." And Susie believes it. In the fight with the Queen, she's bound to get hurt, so this will help her continue on in the fight. It'll make her stronger, that's what you told her. You just want to make her stronger, right? The Splintering Axe gives her the move "Wood Chop" and deals fatal damage that instantly KOs the enemy.

Finally, you run into Berdly. At first, Berdly is just teasing Susie, calling her a C+ student. Susie starts to get annoyed and decides to fight him. She's so annoyed by Berdly's teasing that before you can command her, she swings at him. She doesn't use Double Chop or Wood Chop, but with all the fights, with how much stronger she's gotten, she almost takes Berdly out in one go. This really freaks Susie out. She just wanted to rough him up a little, not almost kill him. Susie's freaking out, trying to figure out how to fix this, cause it seems like Berdly's about to pass out. Then you command her to use Wood Chop.

Susie's now scared out of her mind. Yeah, you're her best friend, but the best friend she knows wouldn't make her kill someone. "We need to get stronger" you tell her, but she still refuses, saying that this is going a bit too far and that the two of you should stop while you're ahead. You tell her that the two of you aren't strong enough yet, she's not strong enough, that she's too weak. This really affects Susie, making her go silent. Then Berdly pipes in with "Is my life really in the hands of a C+ student?" Susie quickly turns and attacks blindly out of rage. But Berdly doesn't take the hit, someone ran in and too it for him.

Noelle took the attack for Berdly.

The attack took Noelle out completely, saving Berdly in the process. As Berdly tries to get Noelle to respond to him, desperately trying to shake her awake, Susie falls apart. She just killed Noelle, the girl she has feelings for. She just couldn't hold back her rage, she wasn't strong enough... she was too weak. She was to weak and it cost Noelle's life. Susie decides to split off from the party, saying she needs some time to think.

You're now by yourself and go down the manhole to the Queen's Castle. You go through the castle like normal, except it's just you and Ralsei. He doesn't know where Susie went. You get to the Queen and Ralsei explains to her why the Dark Fountains need to be sealed. As you go to seal it, the Queen asks you where Noelle is. You can't answer. You finally get to the Dark Fountain, only to run into Spamton NEO. He's too strong, you can't defeat him. Kris calls for Ralsei, for Noelle, even for Berdly, but no answer. You call for Susie, and as you hear the sound of her axe swing, you seal the Dark Fountain.

You, Susie, and Berdly wake up. Berdly doesn't even talk to you or Susie. He tries to to wake Noelle up, but to no avail. "She's... she's probably just extra tired." Berdly wants to pretend, but with what happened in that "dream" and the terrified look on Susie's face, he knows it's not true. Noelle's gone. Berdly quickly leaves, carrying Noelle. Susie is frozen in place. She looks down at her hands and they're covered in splinters. All you can do is walk out the computer lab. Susie follows you silently.

Additional bit: when you get to the pink Addison's store, there will be a reference to the Snowgrave Route via the pink Addison. They'll bring up that "It's a little cold, don't you think?" If you agree, Susie will offer her jacket, although it doesn't have sleeves in the dark world. The jacket will not show up as armor. The jacket is supposed to mirror Noelle's watch in the Snowgrave route. If you have the jacket, once you're in the computer lab, you can offer it back to Susie before you leave. Susie will take it back, but will tie it around her waist instead of actually putting it on. This is just a little Easter egg that cause a few sprite changes.

[jingle1jangle2]

[This is a private post. Only friends can see this.]

So, that new girl I keep talking about?

She really, really, REALLY hates Kris.

And you know what's weird? Literally ONLY Kris seems oblivious to this. Or, no. Are they oblivious? They're literally getting bullied! Do they just... not care? Then again, who knows what Kris is thinking. I just don't get why they don't tell their mom.

OR, BETTER, switch seats with me, like I keep saying lol. I guess they just don't want to be at the front of the class? But... She doesn't EVER bully me, EVEN when there'd be a HUGE opportunity to, so... Come on, switch seats, everyone would be safer that way X)

Like, you're not going to believe what happened today. lol

After the bell rang, as usual, everyone rushed to see who could get out of class first. I stayed behind a bit to help Alphys put away some books (and look for some mysteriously missing supplies X) ). Meanwhile, Kris was still asleep, face-down on a totally blank notebook page, and for some reason, Susie... hadn't left either. She was just sitting there... staring at Kris's head. Sniffing it...??? (Wonder if she'd like scented candles? X) )

Eventually I started to leave too (I even almost said bye this time), but I was a bit worried about Kris, so I stayed outside the classroom to... umm, watch? X) I had to stay totally out of sight, Holiday family ninja style, since Susie didn't seem like she was going to do anything until she made sure I was gone.

After a while, Susie got up, knocking her chair over. She jumped into Ms. Alphys's seat and put her shoes up on the desk, getting dirt everywhere. (I just know I'm going to have to clean that. X) )

She grabbed the apple Berdly had given Alphys a few days ago (you know, one of the ones she has literally never eaten X) ), held it up, and started talking.

"Hey, idiot."

Kris didn't look up.

"HEY IDIOT!"

Kris still didn't look up!

"KRIS!"

Kris looked up. Susie rolled her eyes and showed all of her horrible and very cool teeth.

"Nice shampoo. Apple flavor, right? Better be careful about wearing that around me."

Then she BIT THE WHOLE APPLE IN HALF! Including the core. She even ate the seeds, which, um, contain arsenic if you didn't know. X) Don't eat those Susie... anyway, Kris didn't react, so she continued.

"Keep smelling like apples... you might end up like this."

Kris didn't react.

"Bitten..." she pointed to the apple. "In HALF."

There was like, the MOST awkward silence... and then...

Snickering.

But it wasn't Susie...

No, it was Kris, just barely stifling some laugh.

Did they think that was some kind of weird joke...? X)

WHATEVER it was, Susie must have thought she was getting made fun of, because she immediately just LAUNCHED the apple right at kris.

But, Kris, with their gamer reaction speed X) Held up their notebook like a shield and blocked it diagonally, bouncing it into the air...

And actually CAUGHT the apple.

...

Then took a bite out of it.

Gosh, though, did that make Susie mad.

"You little..."

She ran over and grabbed Kris by the hair, staring into their face. REALLY close. I froze. I knew that if I didn't do anything, Kris would get hurt, or worse, but something inside me just... froze! I just stood there, holding my breath. And Susie kept talking.

"One day, your mom's gonna get sick of you, you little freak. And as soon as that happens..."

Susie laughed. I felt genuinely sick.

"Someone might make you disappear. And she'll finally realize how happy she was without you."

But after all that,

Kris didn't say anything at all.

Susie EXPLODED.

"SAY SOMETHING, YOU IDIOT!!!"

It felt like her voice echoed around the room forever.

Then, when it finally went quiet,

Kris's mouth looked like it moved.

To be honest, moved so slightly, I couldn't even tell if they said something, or what, but whatever it was, Susie's attitude... suddenly completely changed.

She let go of Kris, backing off quickly, then left the room in such a hurry, she easily would have won today's "leaving first" race.

I REALLY wish I could have seen her reaction, but I was so scared she would see me that I literally just jumped into my locker X)

In the end all I could see through the little slats was her shape from behind, going towards the entrance of the school with her head held low.

Finally, I heard the entrance door close.

I sighed, and suddenly all that frozen feeling that had built up in my chest flew out of my body all at once. "Holy cheese and crackers!" I said to myself. I almost started laughing from relief.

Then suddenly, my locker's door flung open.

Kris was standing there.

I started to stutter hello, and they just slowly, slowly shut the door on me and left.

WELL...

THAT JUST HAPPENED. LOL X)

I ordered apple shampoo, maybe if I wear it too she won't bother Kris as much X))))))))))

[8beater]

Sorry for the reblog because the reply doesn't fit the character limit.

To be fair, I don't think I understand the problem enough to solve or circumvent it. Maybe that's because I was born at a time when internet walkthroughs were available to anyone at all.

If you ask me, the sense of mystery, yes, is connected to Internet, but it's not directly proportional. For me, a game keeps the sense of mystery only for the time I played 80% of all of its content, and the rest feels like trivia that's nice but doesn't change my perception of the title. It's not like you can get 80% of the entire game just by looking at guides. You're not following them step by step, do you? You could Google the most powerful items but you won't spoil every single part of getting it just by looking at a wiki entry. It's most often the journey, not the destination. Just like you don't spoil the entire game by looking at a Youtube playthrough of the final boss: the final boss is just 1% of the game. To me, small things like individual rooms or dialogues are that the most important elements in keeping a game's sense of mystery, you can't spoil them all.

Regarding secrets, in most games it's often the case for me that I either A. Find the secret and experience it, or B. Don't find the secret, miss the content and never think about it again. I never would know that there's a secret boss in a Final Fantasy game because I'd close the game after completion, it's almost as if the boss never existed for me. And a wiki entry could be the only type of hint for me. Even then, I don't know if I'd like to pursue the boss without knowing more details. Or like, at all.

Internet gives me new ways to look at old games, gives me new strategies, because otherwise I'd just play like I did on my first playthrough. On, and on, and on.

One curious example of a game using the Internet to make a secret more memorable, is Deltarune Chapter 2's Snowgrave route. If you know, Deltarune is this kind of lighthearted RPG where you have to deal with enemies in a peaceful way and have fun. I played the game when it was just released and did everything just like it was intended. There was no mystery left, I completed the game, I thought. Then I decided to go to the internet and saw people on a subreddit freak out about killing one of the side characters of the main game, traumatizing the other one and other stuff you'd see only in a creepypasta. Turns out, it was in the base game and people figured out the way to do these actions only through datamining. The route to kill one of your friends is do convoluted, so arbitrary, no one could figure it on their own.

The developer intentionally made it obtuse because he knew the game would be played with a guide. The things that carried this secret are its length (1-2 hours to complete the game this way, so you can't spoil absolutely everything), and the shock of seeing it with your own two eyes (and actually murdering Berdly). So if the answer you were seeking are like this, here they are, albeit very specific to only a single game.

I'd really like to see your point of view, so please message me back with your own opinion.

cursed problem in game design: how do you have hidden locations the players find on their own? how do you have mechanics that players decipher on their own? i'm playing an rpg right now where i can just google how to craft the most overpowered items, when that knowledge was originally a secret to be discovered by trial and error. how do you give your game a sense of mystery in the age of the internet?

[haneys]

not to mention how dangerous all of this is and how it builds the belief in people that are looking from the side or who don't really know what's going on but are trying to be helpful bc they don't know better that encouraging and reassuring the false beliefs is the correct way to react. like sure build entire bubbles of people encouraging each other on their fake DAs but when you finally meet with a person who's genuelly struggling with delusions and you act like that you Will trigger a psychotic episode, a breakdown, anything, and it will stop being fun and games and get ugly really, really quick.

[the-baguette-bandit]

Excerpt from deltarune.com

"So, that new girl I keep talking about?

She really, really, REALLY hates Kris.

And you know what's weird? Literally ONLY Kris seems oblivious to this. Or, no. Are they oblivious? They're literally getting bullied! Do they just... not care? Then again, who knows what Kris is thinking. I just don't get why they don't tell their mom.

OR, BETTER, switch seats with me, like I keep saying lol. I guess they just don't want to be at the front of the class? But... She doesn't EVER bully me, EVEN when there'd be a HUGE opportunity to, so... Come on, switch seats, everyone would be safer that way X)

Like, you're not going to believe what happened today. lol

After the bell rang, as usual, everyone rushed to see who could get out of class first. I stayed behind a bit to help Alphys put away some books (and look for some mysteriously missing supplies X) ). Meanwhile, Kris was still asleep, face-down on a totally blank notebook page, and for some reason, Susie... hadn't left either. She was just sitting there... staring at Kris's head. Sniffing it...??? (Wonder if she'd like scented candles? X) )

Eventually I started to leave too (I even almost said bye this time), but I was a bit worried about Kris, so I stayed outside the classroom to... umm, watch? X) I had to stay totally out of sight, Holiday family ninja style, since Susie didn't seem like she was going to do anything until she made sure I was gone.

After a while, Susie got up, knocking her chair over. She jumped into Ms. Alphys's seat and put her shoes up on the desk, getting dirt everywhere. (I just know I'm going to have to clean that. X) )

She grabbed the apple Berdly had given Alphys a few days ago (you know, one of the ones she has literally never eaten X) ), held it up, and started talking.

"Hey, idiot."

Kris didn't look up.

"HEY IDIOT!"

Kris still didn't look up!

"KRIS!"

Kris looked up. Susie rolled her eyes and showed all of her horrible and very cool teeth.

"Nice shampoo. Apple flavor, right? Better be careful about wearing that around me."

Then she BIT THE WHOLE APPLE IN HALF! Including the core. She even ate the seeds, which, um, contain arsenic if you didn't know. X) Don't eat those Susie... anyway, Kris didn't react, so she continued.

"Keep smelling like apples... you might end up like this."

Kris didn't react.

"Bitten..." she pointed to the apple. "InHALF."

There was like, the MOST awkward silence... and then...

Snickering.

But it wasn't Susie...

No, it was Kris, just barely stifling some laugh.

Did they think that was some kind of weird joke...? X)

WHATEVER it was, Susie must have thought she was getting made fun of, because she immediately just LAUNCHED the apple right at kris.

But, Kris, with their gamer reaction speed X) Held up their notebook like a shield and blocked it diagonally, bouncing it into the air...

And actually CAUGHT the apple.

...

Then took a bite out of it.

Gosh, though, did that make Susie mad.

"You little..."

She ran over and grabbed Kris by the hair, staring into their face. REALLY close. I froze. I knew that if I didn't do anything, Kris would get hurt, or worse, but something inside me just... froze! I just stood there, holding my breath. And Susie kept talking.

"One day, your mom's gonna get sick of you, you little freak. And as soon as that happens..."

Susie laughed. I felt genuinely sick.

"Someone might make you disappear. And she'll finally realize how happy she was without you."

But after all that,

Kris didn't say anything at all.

Susie EXPLODED.

"SAY SOMETHING, YOU IDIOT!!!"

It felt like her voice echoed around the room forever.

Then, when it finally went quiet,

Kris's mouth looked like it moved.

To be honest, moved so slightly, I couldn't even tell if they said something, or what, but whatever it was, Susie's attitude... suddenly completely changed.

She let go of Kris, backing off quickly, then left the room in such a hurry, she easily would have won today's "leaving first" race.

I REALLY wish I could have seen her reaction, but I was so scared she would see me that I literally just jumped into my locker X)

In the end all I could see through the little slats was her shape from behind, going towards the entrance of the school with her head held low.

Finally, I heard the entrance door close.

I sighed, and suddenly all that frozen feeling that had built up in my chest flew out of my body all at once. "Holy cheese and crackers!" I said to myself. I almost started laughing from relief.

Then suddenly, my locker's door flung open.

Kris was standing there.

I started to stutter hello, and they just slowly, slowly shut the door on me and left.

WELL...

THAT JUST HAPPENED. LOL X)

I ordered apple shampoo, maybe if I wear it too she won't bother Kris as much X))))))))))"

[neitherlightnordark]

For the character ask, susie

First impression - okay so imagine you are a small me whose only exposure to deltarune was being spoiled for kris ripping out their soul at the end. you're having a good time in class watching alphys putter around looking for chalk and berdly stamp all over noelle and kris. and then SUSIE kicks open the door. and then susie eats chalk and SLAMS kris against a locker. and then she calls them a FREAK. already i knew in my heart that she would be one of my favorite characters. already i knew (i didn't ACTUALLY know but y'know) that when the time came to draw from the spade bucket i would pick susie's piece of paper without fail. she deserves good things

Impression now - susie is so important!!!! susie is the most important character in deltarune perhaps!!!!! susie is a friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she DOES deserve good things! susie susiE SUSIE SUSIE she cares so much about lancer and kris and ralsei and noelle and berdly and she cares she cares she cares and she changed the act all by herself and she cusses and she would attack anyone with her axe to protect her friends and she's just a kid who deserves a good family and we know absolutely nothing about her backstory and i love her. i love her i love her.

Favorite moment - okay so like. the entirety of chapter 2's opening. it's so refreshing after chapter 1 to see her so... happy? so open and enthusiastic and- and how she already cares for noelle, and how hilarious her talk with queen is (the part with her and the axe legit had me and my friend in hysterics) and then! and then how she drags ralsei off immediately and you can see them walking off! and eating cotton candy together!!! and !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and also how suddenly expressive all her sprites are! it's LOVELY

Idea for a story - hmmm. her and kris and ralsei go ham at their endless wardrobes together. exploring what susie prefers to wear and what she doesn't want to wear, the three of them wearing stupid hats, they all get butler outfits... the possibilities are Endless

Favorite relationship - her and ralsei hands down. ralsei taught her how to heal... she taught him how to dance... god they play so well off each other???? and the ways they fill in what each other is lacking and develop each other... they make such a good team!

Favorite headcanon - this is kind of canonical-- susie loves her hair :D kris compliments it, ralsei says he'll braid it and susie sputters for a minute before abruptly changing the subject... it's pretty important to who she is! she doesn't like putting ribbons in it, and i doubt she'd tolerate bows or headbands or other frilly stuff like that. it's HERS. don't touch

[real-kastek]

Day By Darkened Day: Chapter 11

There For You

There was something eerie about an empty school. The vacant desks, dimly lit classrooms, unattended lockers lining barren halls; everything felt strangely lifeless. You always expected to turn a corner to find students huddled together, discussing daily gossip, or dull echoes from beyond each door; teachers hastily covering material for exams. Maybe even the subtle din from your mother's meetings with parents as you awkwardly found ways to occupy yourself.

You stare up at the pockmarked ceiling, the tiles fading into a glaring yellow as twilight rays of sunlight peek through the windows. You tilt your head upwards, various bits of dust and gravel carrying through your hair. Mouthing each digit, you count the number of holes above your desk.

…at least eight, maybe more.

Barely visible scars from your attempts at rocketing pencils up from your desk. Mostly successful, though at least three or four practice runs bounced off of Berdly's head before getting it right.

You smile, eyes half-lidded. Successful either way.

You inhale deeply, clasping your hands on your chest and away from the frigid floor, burying your face deeper into the striped scarf nestled close to your chin. You thought visiting the vacant school so often would make the experience a bit less unsettling. But peering through the classroom's window and entering into silence still didn't sit right. You knew you weren't supposed to be here after everyone was gone, but the haunting quiet seemed to echo the sentiment. You sigh, warmth from the sun's fading light cascading across your face. You close your eyes, taking in the moment.

"You breathe a lot for a dead person."

You flinch, dark hair tickling your nose.

"Pretty lame it ended this way. Like, I could see one of those werewire freaks getting you. Maybe even a pack of those mouse things…"

You grumble, eyes still shut tight, "…they're hard to dodge." You absentmindedly blow away a strand of hair, "I didn't even get that hurt, Ralsei got me back up before anything happened."

"Uh-huh. Sure." A rumbling laughter flows through the room, "Still, didn't expect you to break your neck diving through the window. What a way to go."

Another bit of mane caresses your face as you recoil, eyes fluttering open to the purple maw looming above. Scales reflected in the fading light; shimmering rays thrown across your own features from above.

"Even made, like, a cracking sound. Was that the chips or your spine by the way?" Susie's teeth shine mockingly, inches from your face.

You groan loudly, "…probably the chips."

Susie tilts her head, darkened locks cascading across your cheek. She hovers closer, her breath fluttering strands of your own hair away from your eyes, "It's cool. More for me. You and fuzzball are all like, 'Ugh, I don't wanna eat crumbs!'"

"You say that like you weren't planning to down the whole bag anyway." You roll your shoulder, wincing as a muted cracking sound emanates from your backpack, "Honestly surprised you didn't tackle me on the way here."

"Tch, could still tackle you, ya know." The dragoness sneers, fangs on full display, "…bet you wouldn't even mind."

You stare back at the drake, eyebrows raised. The silence rings in your ears as you watch the grin drop from Susie's maw, scales flushing gradually from under her mane. Heat blooms throughout the girl's features, the now darker hide radiating a warmth so close to your face.

"I-I, uh…" You hear Susie swallow loudly, her lips struggling to form words, "…let me…help you up."

Your eyes go wide as you feel bulky arms sweep underneath you. You're hastily brought back up to your feet, your hand clamoring for the support of a nearby desk's edge.

"Come on, Ralsei's probably wondering where the hell we are. Pick up the pace!" The dragoness roughly slaps you on the back, another snapping sound screaming out from behind you. You wince. That was probably still the chips. Hopefully.

You shake your head, hand's vice-like grip on Catti's desk loosening, the well-worn table creaking in response. Reaching down, you swiftly brush away bits of dust and pencil shavings from your pants. You sniffle, blowing a bit of fuzz out from under your nose, throwing the green and yellow scarf back over your shoulder, stifling its attempts in suffocating you. No serious injuries at least. You adjust the straps of your backpack, a pathetic sigh escaping your lips.

Except for your pride.

You glance up, noting the dragoness nervously casting glances out through the classroom's door, her scales continuing to flare. A cruel grin erupts on your face.

"Yeah yeah, I'm coming. Sorry, I'm still a little dizzy." You slowly begin weaving through each desk, sidling close to the blushing drake, "I think I can make it though; I should be-"

You begin to teeter back and forth, arms going limp, legs wavering from underneath. You allow your head to drift in a circle, eyes fluttering under your bangs just for good measure. Your breath is stolen for a split moment, a tight embrace thrown around your dizzying performance. You stifle a growing smile, Susie's plush black jacket crinkling against you, the dragoness' claws sinking deep into the fibers of your sweater. You're drawn closer still, dull purple fuzz from the girl's tee brushing against your nose, your hair fluttering under her breaths.

"Sh-Shit! Hey, come on, are you-" Susie's amber eyes light up in panic, narrowing upon discovering the broad grin plastered across your lips, "…seriously?"

"What? I almost died from that fall."

"Ugh, you're such a…" The dragoness' words fall to a whisper, her arms clutching you tighter. The sun warms your neck as you hold tight against the scaled girl, her mane casting a shadow over your side. You let your eyes follow upwards, watching as Susie quietly nestles her maw against you, rumbling breaths tickling the top of your head. Forcing a down the laughter building in your chest, you note the hundreds of scales flooding your vision turning a deeper purple. Your eyes dance across the intricate patterns woven upon her neck, a timid smile pulling at your lips.

"…your scales are cool." You mutter.

You feel Susie's maw jerk back ever so slightly, a gust of air blowing out from above, "S-Seriously?! That's what you've got to say right now?"

"I don't know. They're just really pretty." You bury your head into the dragoness' collar, eyes following the pattern across her cheek, "…'s cool how they shine, and change colors a little."

A deep purr radiates from the girl's chest, vanishing within a moment as she clears her throat, "Th-They only do that because of the stupid stuff you do!"

A chuckle bubbles up from within you, the noise swallowed up by the growl at your side.

"Ugh…weirdo." Susie mumbles, color continuing to burn across her scales. The dragoness sighs loudly, tilting her head, still consciously retaining her maw's presence atop your mop of hair, "…prolly should get going."

You purse your lips, hesitation resting across your features, "Yeah." You tear your eyes away, "…sorry, yeah. Ralsei is going to start worrying here in a bit."

You feel the dragoness' hold on you loosen as you begin breaking away, the comforting warmth leaving your senses. You gently bite the side of your mouth, silently cursing yourself for making plans in advance. Maybe time was different in the Dark World? Maybe you could spend a bit longer here. You shake your head, strands of hair dancing in your vision. Ralsei would already be panicked as is, any longer and he'd be digging through ancient tomes for dark rituals capable of carrying him into your world.

You squint. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad if the reason for your absence wasn't cuddling in an empty classroom.

"Comin'?

You blink, finding yourself staring up at a confused dragoness, door held open to the school's halls.

"H-Huh? Yeah, yep." You stammer.

You dart past the girl, attempting to hide the rosy color on your face. Your footsteps echo sharply upon the tiled floors, worn tan and yellow colors streaking through each dimly lit corridor. You peer down the way, leaning off to the side in an effort to spot any lingering school staff. Everyone had gone home, you knew that.

But if there was someone still here, lurking behind the corner, ready to jump out…

The door behind you slams shut as you freeze, back going rigid, "Stupid door sticks every time. You'd think some janitor or someone would fix it by now."

You exhale sharply, cheeks puffing out, "Y-Yeah," You grunt quietly, "Uh…pretty sure the janitor is too busy cleaning the place though. Think they're the only one, and they kind of drip all over when they're walking around…"

The dragoness brushes past you, hands buried in her jacket pockets, "Wait, you seen them before? I know there's the closet with all the cleaning junk, but I've never spotted anyone using it."

You shrug, following close at her side, shuffling down past the lockers and towards the main hall, "I think they only work in the morning. I've seen them a few times before classes start." You click your tongue, tracing a hand across the cold steel of a nearby locker, "My mom drags me here sometimes to help set up her classroom for projects and everything; seen them mopping the halls when it's still dark out." You grumble, "Might've just been a hallucination from waking up that early, though…"

You roll your shoulder, adjusting the thin straps of your backpack. A soft rustling continues to emanate from the bag, pulverized chips likely mixing with the spare clothes you packed away. You wince, thoughts of your gym shorts and tank-top mixing with sea-salt coated crumbs. You focus your gaze back down the hallway, eager to distract yourself from the inevitable clean-up.

Light flooded down and through the corridor, the Dark World's innocuous entry point softly reflecting the dwindling rays. You turn back towards the front entrance, carefully dancing backwards in your attempt to peer out through the school's translucent doors. The forest fluttered in the distance, dying light sparkling across patches of pristine snow. Delicate flakes fell from the sky, the mercifully gentle snowfall accompanying your walk over to the school. You soon swivel back around, the dragoness still at your side, confident that no mystery janitor would be barreling through the doors this late into the evening.

"You know…" You're nearly thrown into a nearby locker, Susie's shoulder casually slamming against you, "We could just…like, take the snacks and go to the lake. Or something." The mauve drake sighs, "I know we promised and all, but…"

You balance yourself, soon meeting the dragoness' gaze with a soft smile, "It's…still kind of snowing right now. I think it might be a bit too cold to have a picnic…and we did sorta promise…"

Susie stares back, her wry look melting into a pensive stare, "I know, I know." The dragoness throws her arms back behind her head, fingers steepled at her collar, "Not looking to make Ralsei cry or anything." Susie chuckles weakly, "It's just…lot of people down there. I don't know…like it more when it's just the two of us."

You follow close to the dragoness' side, watching her muted expression from the corner of your eye. You search her gaze, unable to catch the scaled girl's normally piercing stare, "Well, we don't have to stay all night if you don't want to. I know it's kind of weird to stay in another…world." You gently bite the bottom of your lip, "But I can easily just say I had trouble sleeping at my dad's place. I don't think my mom would question it much." You bury your hands into your pockets, eyes narrowing.

Mom probably wouldn't question it at all, you imagine.

"That, or you could leave when…"

The words die in your mouth. No, if Susie left, you would too. No reason to even suggest that.

"N-No, that's not…" An annoyed groan rings out as the dragoness' arms slump back to her sides, "It's cool. Ralsei made the rooms and everything, seems lame to never use them, right?" An exhaustion sinks into her features, vanishing within seconds as she shakes her head, "Besides, you suck at lying. Prolly shouldn't try twice in one day."

You instinctively roll your eyes, vision locking onto the doorframe, now within arm's reach, "Sure."

You lift your hand, pausing for a moment, fingers curling away from the entrance into another world. A knot builds in your chest.

"Hey…it's okay if you don't want to go. If you want, we could just…go back?" Your hand retreats from the polished silver handle, "I think Ralsei just wanted us there as an excuse to hang out, I don't think we actually need to be involved with any of the celebrations." Your mouth twists into a weak smile, "It's not a big deal, I don't think-"

"It's fine, already told ya."

You quietly huff, "Seriously, I don't think anyone would have a problem with us-

You recoil, the doors flying open, scaled palms gripping the handles tightly. Your eyes snap back to Susie, a growl flowing out into the pitch ahead.

"Come on already, let's just go."

Waves of darkness curl around you as you're frozen in place, eyes locked onto your companion. Wind quietly howls in the distance, the passage beckoning you into the land below. You remain at the precipice, now disinterested in the otherworldly descent.

This was…different. You squint up at the dragoness, her arms crossed, barring much of your investigation. You knew her anger, her excitement, even the moments of genuine concern that would twist her features. You still had difficulty at times, recognizing it all. But if there was anyone you had plenty of practice with, it was the fiery drake at your side. You knew the clenched fists and grit fangs that preempted her wrath. You knew when she was worried about you, how low her voice would become, how her gaze never seemed to leave your own. Maybe you didn't understand most people, maybe you never would. But you knew Susie; you knew who she really was underneath the outbursts and ear-deafening roars.

You lean your shoulder against the door frame, darkness continuing to swirl around the hall. You risk another glance back at the silent girl. You didn't know…this. This quiet. How her maw hid from your sight, how tightly her arms circled clung to her sides, how closed off she felt. Your eyes dart away, back down into the abyss at your feet. Did something happen? Maybe her dad, or something else? Did you upset her? She would tell you if you screwed up or went too far, wouldn't she?

You bite the bottom of your lip. Or maybe that was the point? Maybe she was upset, and you were supposed to realize that. A pained sigh escapes your lips. You really weren't the best at this. Knowing what to say, knowing what people you cared about needed. Silence floats out from the passageway, adding to the knot in your chest.

"…Susie?" You whisper. The distant winds howl once more, closing in around your voice.

"Huh? Yeah?" The dragoness shakes from her stupor, buried eyes peeking out from underneath her mane, "Oh, right, sorry." Susie throws an arm over your shoulder, her jacket crinkling against you, "Got distracted. Ready?"

She flashes a toothy grin back, subtly pulling you forward towards the passage below. You hold firm, mouth trying and failing to form words.

"U-Uh…yeah, I'm ready, but-"

Another arm falls in front of you, dragging you down and through the Dark World's entrance. Your yelp of surprise is devoured by the wind as you're brought weightlessly into the passageway ahead. You're soon floating, sailing downwards into the inky blackness below, grumbling as you catch a glimpse of the snickering dragoness in the distance. You roll your eyes, the sleeves of your sweater slowly gaining motes of light as plated steel forms upon your body. Shining metal manifests across your limbs as thin blue under armor replaces your well-worn slacks. You sigh, staring back at Susie, her own spiked bangles and tattered leather jacket building into her brutish ensemble. The transition swept across the two of you, sparks of magic glittering in the abyssal fall.

You cross your arms, the metal of your gauntlets chilling your now sweater-less skin. Maybe you were just imagining things? Maybe it was all just a set up to throw you into the portal? This wasn't the first time she found an excuse to send you careening through the air, battle or otherwise. Rarely did she need an excuse, even.

But the look on her face…

You silently click your tongue, watching as the dragoness flips in your vision, your drifting movements having placed you into a headfirst dive towards the ground. You weren't sure if gravity worked the same in an arcane passageway such as this, though you weren't keen on eating dirt today. You gently shift your weight to the side, legs sprawling outwards. Righting yourself through the weightless air took a moment, though the heft from your greaves soon brings your feet back to an appropriate angle. You continue drifting, your descent beginning to slow as the ashy gray earth comes into view. Your eyes narrow across the chasm, watching as Susie stretches her arms up and over her head, yawning loud enough for you to hear through the wind screaming in your ears. Bringing her razor-sharp claws upwards, she limply scratches at the scales on her neck. You continue watching as her hide gradually flushes into a rosier pigment, the deeper royal purple brightening as you plunge further into the realm below. You catch her gaze for a moment, her burning yellow eyes glimmering in the darkness as she smiles gently.

You swallow sharply, a single shuddered breath breaking from your lips. Ground would be here any moment…

Your sense of gravity shifts, an invisible pull deliberately slowing your arrival down to the floor below. You feel your knees buckle, the collision sending a shockwave through your lower half. Placing a single armored palm upon the dusty ground, you bring yourself back up to full, instinctively shaking the mess of hair from your vision.

"The snacks make it?"

You snap away from your recovery, Susie's rumbling voice close at your side.

"Uh…" You begin digging through the seemingly bottomless satchel at your side. Your face immediately sours as you remove your hand from the pit of items, finding the divots of your gauntlet covered in oily crumbs.

"…yep. Just as crushed as before."

"Nice. Save some for me, alright?"

Your eyes narrow back at the girl, unsure as to what to say. You shake your head, dragging your plated hand against your under armor, crumbs falling to the floor below, "Sure, all yours."

You flick away the leftovers as you begin to move down the Dark World's hall, light and sound pouring into the outskirts. Rounding the corner with Susie in tow, your steps falter as you take in the sights ahead.

A din of noise and life radiates forth from the castle town, residents running about under a dazzling spectacle of light. Each shop along the thoroughfare painted the road ahead with a multi-colored display, casting a gleaming collage out into the streets. Patches of color ranging from deep crimsons to vibrant emeralds danced across the windows, light from within streaming through swatches of parchment. Dozens of colorful bits of paper clung to the establishments, a flurry of confetti having been thrown across the windows and rooftops. Your eyes continue to sweep across the display, a rustling sound bringing your gaze upwards. Connecting each building was a thin wire, streamers flowing across each line, fluttering in the breeze. Scraps of myriad colors were strewn across the ground, bits of paper spinning in the air from their rooftop descent. Peering down the main street was as if staring into a kaleidoscope, the pigments standing in stark contrast to the muted sapphire world surrounding you.

You blink, frozen in place, only coming back to your senses as a plug-faced Darkner streaks by, narrowly avoiding a collision on their way down the path you stood. You shake away from the sight, music and chatter invading your senses. A distant, dull thump could be heard, rhythmic beats echoing throughout the town as you vaguely register the excited discourse swirling around the area. An energy thrummed across the scene as you observe a group of werewires buzzing back to one another, a single hathy holding a sheepish virovirokun close to their…heart, and a number of addisons calling out for special celebratory deals. On loafers.

You squint at the clumsily made sign near their feet. Fifty percent off. The deal wasn't that bad…

"KRIS! SUSIE!"

You blink once more, having drifted back into dazzling rainbow floating across the town.

"Oh thank goodness you're both here! I wasn't sure if you two would be able to make it, and then everything began so much sooner than I had anticipated, and…!" He pauses, "B-But that wasn't by my choice! I think Mr. Swatch started the festivities early…" The robed caprine sighs, "Although the musical trio certainly set the tone…then a number of the addisons began a 'buy-two-pay-for-two sale', and I tried to make everyone wait, but then-"

You blankly reach out, patting the frenzied prince on the forehead, still staring out at the streamers above, "Hi Ralsei."

The mage babbles for a moment, soon shaking away from your hand in a bashful display, "…hi."

You force your gaze away from the festivities, "This…uh, well…" You flash Ralsei a bemused grin, "I know you said there was going to be a celebration, but I didn't realize you meant an entire festival."

The robed prince buries his chin deep into his scarf, mumbling through the material, "I didn't mean to catch you two off guard, but everything escalated so quickly and then…" He pauses, "…s-sorry."

"N-No! No, it's…it's fine. I just didn't expect…this." You wave your hand towards the road ahead, a group of jigsawrys waddling off to their next destination, your hand curling back upon watching a member of the group fall face first to the ground below.

Ralsei clears his throat, "Y-Yes, well, things were going to be quite simple…at first." The demure mage turns back to the town, "I thought a celebration would be appropriate now that everyone is settled in from the recent exodus. I know many of the Darkners, especially from the previous world we ventured through, have been under significant stress." Ralsei purses his lips, fur wrinkling across his features, "I simply thought…w-well, I just…I wanted to make them feel welcome. That this is their home, just as it is everyone else's."

You smile, watching the prince swell with barely constrained pride, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazes across the town's bustling streets.

"Everyone I spoke with seemed to welcome the chance to…er, welcome, new and old residents. Though…some were a bit more excited than I expected." Ralsei tilts his head to the side, a soft sigh ringing out, "Mr. Swatch thought to hold a town potluck, to which then the owner of the dojo suggested decorating the area, the musicians from the cyber world insisted upon live music, and…" He chuckles, "And now we have madness in the streets."

You snort, quickly stifling the reaction, "Y-Yeah, it's uh…a little chaotic." You rub the side of your neck, a grin building across your face, "Guess we didn't need to bring snacks, huh?"

"Oh! Oh dear, I'm so sorry!" The prince's hands begin twisting the edges of his emerald robe, "I-I suppose we won't need the treats you brought. Though I'm sure they would have been delicious! But…I believe Mr. Swatch said he would have a table ready for all of us. He said there would always be a place for…um, 'the esteemed heroes,' is how he put it, I believe." A weak smile pulls at Ralsei's lips, "If that would be of interest…?"

You shift in place, the remnants of off-brand crisps continuing to break apart in your pouch, "Sounds good to me." You flash a beaming grin at the Darkner prince, turning back to the dragoness at your side, "You down for free food and-"

The words hang on your tongue as you search for the mauve drake. She was away from you. Away from everything. Huddled in the corner of the town's entrance, just close enough to listen in on the conversation, but far enough to say otherwise. You swallow down the previous thought, searching for her expression and thoughts under the shadow of her mane. Susie stood, arms crossed, a foot casually lifted up against the wall's surface, unreadable in the moment. You felt a knot return to your chest, worry cycling back into your mind.

"S-Susie?" Ralsei's stammers, breaking you from your thoughts.

"…yeah, that sounds cool." A half-hearted sigh blows a strand of hair from the dragoness' face, "Sorry, just tired is all. We heading over now or you got prince stuff to do?"

You continue searching for answers in Susie's expression, her tone, struggling to find what you seek.

"N-No, I am quite free at this point. To which I am thankful for!" Ralsei gently pushes up on the bridge of his glasses, "But if you're busy, that's okay! I know your time is short with how important school work is for you, so if that takes precedence, I understand…"

You instinctively lean away from the now quietly giggling princeling, eyes still trained on the dragoness.

"…nerd." Susie chuckles, her laughter soon becoming a roar amidst the din radiating out from the town. The mauve drake kicks off the wall, meandering over to deliver a swift jab at Ralsei's arm, "Fine, but if the food ain't good, you owe me cauldron cake."

You remain locked in place, the robed prince gently caressing his bludgeoned arm in your periphery. You stare down at the floor, blinking away confusion. That goat really could get away with anything.

"You comin' freak? I'm over here if that's what you're trying to gawk at." A sharp claw pushes into your shoulder, rousing you from your stupor. You shoot a glare back at the grinning dragoness, hoping the heat on your face isn't as noticeable for others as it was for you.

You grumble, following the duo close behind. You watch as Ralsei begins happily skipping ahead, babbling on to the dragoness regarding the process of tearing hundreds of sheets of paper for the town's decorations.

Your mind wanders once more, staring up at the streamers drifting in the wind's soft caress. Dark World festivals didn't seem much different from those above. There was certainly a higher chance of inhaling a stray bit of confetti, though the homemade decorations and lively chatter across town differed little from what you and your family were used to.

The sight brought a pained smile to your face. You wish he was here. He would love the Dark World. The adventure across realms, the often-times crazed residents, the energy of it all. Your eyes soften, continuing to gaze at the vibrant display around you. Maybe you could show him the Dark World one day, maybe when he came back from college. Maybe he would even get some ideas for that computer game he was working on years back. You breathe in deeply, glancing at the dragoness ahead, a distant look in her eyes as she nodded along. You stare back above, watching a stray bit of crimson parchment flutter down. Maybe he would know what to do. He always was better about being around other people, knowing what was wrong, and what to say.

He was always better about being there for people.

"…would you have chosen, Kris?"

"H-Huh? Yeah?" You sputter, dispelling the thoughts,

Ralsei tilts his head, his rose-tinted horns reflecting in the light, "…the color?" The prince's eyes go wide as he smiles gently, "I-I apologize Kris. I was merely asking what color of parchment you would have chosen to…erm, tear up." He clears his throat quietly, "I wasn't entirely sure which you would have liked for the welcoming celebration. I had suggested blue when speaking with Mr. Swatch and his associates, though that began a rather intensive discussion of whether seafoam was possibly a shade of blue or green or-"

Your mind goes blank as you scramble for an answer, "O-Oh, uh, no, I…I mean…purple, I guess?"

Susie rolls her eyes, "Psh, says the weirdo wearing the same green and yellow sweater every day."

Ralsei snickers, eyes dancing between you and the dragoness, "Come now Susie," The robed prince happily bounces on the tips of his toes, "I believe Kris is quite fond of the color purple."

You feel your chest seize as a sudden choking cough strains in your throat. You glare at the innocent caprine, a beaming smile plastered across his face.

"Now, shall we see if there's a seat available? It is quite busy, hopefully there's room to squeeze in."

Ralsei swiftly steps off the main thoroughfare, darting towards the café's entrance and opening the door for the dragoness following close behind. You stare on, Susie's snorting laughter dying down as she passes into the establishment's warm light. You take one more shuddering breath, forcing your legs onwards. Standing at the café's threshold, you stare down at the goat, mentally cataloguing the plan to hide in his cauldron once more.

You stumble inside, eyes lighting up upon breathing in the scent of bitter chocolate, punctuated by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pastry. You shuffle close to Susie, retreating away from the entrance. Peering out over the café's floor brought about memories of QC's diner; vibrant residents avidly enjoying the calm atmosphere, with dimly lit tables covered in a myriad of decadent treats. Although limited in space, the tables were surrounded by an assortment of Darkners, all of which nursed their beverages in between excitable discussions. The nearest table hosted four of the plug-faced Darkners, a single werewire huddled close to themselves in an effort to squeeze between friends. Further in the café's corner were a trio of swatchlings of varying colors. You lean out, watching as an emerald-suited swatchling quickly downs a vanilla shake topped with dozens of berries in a single gulp, the other red and blue avian beings squealing in amusement.

"Ah, the Delta Warriors I presume? Welcome to our establishment. Please, allow me to provide a wonderful experience in your time here."

You reel back, a notably dapper swatchling bowing before you. He raises just as quickly, adjusting his neon pink and yellow spectacles between downy fingers, "If you wish to follow me, I can show you and the lady to your reserved table."

You hear a grunt at your side, the dragoness snorting audibly, "Yeah, sure. Lead on."

You feel soft fur brush against your arm, peering down to find Ralsei close at hand, "Is the table still free? I-I, erm…we, wouldn't want to be a burden on such a busy evening."

The regal swatchling bows his head ever so slightly, simply flaring his feathery palm off to an empty table in the corner. Gracefully stepping around the plug-faced Darkners, the café's newfound owner leads on, Ralsei cautiously following behind. You watch as the two delicately weave between patrons, taking a mental note of the safest path forward. You begin to follow along only to stop a few steps in, peering back towards the entrance.

"…Susie?" You mutter.

"Huh?" The dragoness shakes back to the moment, seemingly lost in thought.

You swallow sharply, a frown pulling at your lips, "…are you okay?"

Susie squints at the floor, gaze avoiding your own, "Sorry…yeah, I'm fine. Just…lot of people. Eyes on us. It's whatever." The somber drake pushes off from the dimly lit wall, dragging a clawed hand through her mane with a huff, "I don't know, it's nothing. I'm just being…it's nothing. Come on, let's get you some dumb chocolate garbage before you go into withdrawal or whatever."

The dragoness throws an arm over your shoulder, a weak smile pulling at her lips. You struggle for words, eventually retreating in your efforts as her eyes meet yours. You turn, dragging your feet onwards, Susie close at your side, moving past the single werewire and back towards the empty table.

"…is the special today. Though we have a fresh assortment of local delicacies I would happily recommend. Our vanilla latte with dark candy shavings is, from what I have been told, 'teeth meltingly good'."

You reach out, pulling a chair from underneath the table, silently observing the crisp white pamphlet in front of you.

"T-That sounds like quite the experience! Though I think we will need a moment to decide, if that's okay?" Ralsei stammers, sifting through his own menu's selections.

"Absolutely. Please call for service whenever you are ready. Orders may also be provided at the front desk should our waiting staff be…unavailable." The regal avian places a wing to his chest, hastily turning back towards the counter nestled far into the corner.

You sense a hand grasp the back of your seat, the presence shuffling past without a word. You wince as the chair to your side drags along the floor, screeching as Susie pulls the seating out from the table and closer to you. Having now positioned herself mere inches away, she lets out a satisfied grunt, leaning back as the wooden frame cries out under the abuse.

"So, what kind of junk do these guys have?" The scaled girl swipes across the table, snatching a stray menu between two claws.

"They mostly focus on artisanal beverages from what I understand, though they have a number of pastries and brunch items on the menu as well." Ralsei dreamily gazes out across the café, "They have some of the loveliest tea biscuits, dusted with a touch of powdered sugar and cinnamon…and then the tea itself is-"

"Uh-huh. So…no burgers?"

A look of disdain mars the prince's face, "…they likely have dark burgers for sale."

"Hell yeah, Kris, you in on this?" Susie's elbow jams into your shoulder.

You massage your arm, "Ugh…don't those things taste burnt? Like, by default?"

"Yeah?" The dragoness leans forward in her seat as the wooden frame cries out, "It comes pre-well-done, it's super convenient."

"You promised me chocolate." You state plainly.

Susie rolls her eyes, "Try to fix someone's taste in stuff but nooo…" She scoffs, "Fine, we'll get you some stupid chocolate cake, split it all up. You'll have some of mine, I'll have some of yours."

Your eyes snap back to hers, eyebrow raised.

"…you're not eating an entire cake by yourself."

You grumble, sinking back into your chair.

Ralsei clears his throat, collecting the menus across the table, "Well, I suppose that's what you two will be having then?"

"Yup. But we should see if they do, like, double patties. Or triple." Susie lazily rolls her neck from side to side, a sharp pop echoing out.

"Um…I'm not sure if they have a…limit. But I can check!" Ralsei eyes light up, "I believe I will be ordering their tea biscuits this evening. Or perhaps I'll treat myself to the red velvet cake, that does sound delightful."

"…that's just chocolate cake but red." You grumpily mutter.

The prince purses his lips, narrowing his gaze, "It's the experience that matters." Ralsei's lips melt into a reserved smile, "But yes, even I enjoy chocolate cake at times." The mage's chair squeaks out from underneath him, "I can go provide the order at the front desk. I would imagine that's easier for their staff. Be back in a jiffy!"

The robed prince dashes off, leaving the two of you staring off in silence. You breathe in deeply, the darker atmosphere of the room bringing comfort to your senses. Your eyes drift off towards the wall ahead, the jukebox sitting quietly in the corner with a single purple jigsawry sipping from a steaming cup. You continue scanning the room, eventually coming back to the wall, catching the jigsawry's gaze burning into you. You quickly avert your eyes, pretending instead to be examining the jukebox in detail. You awkwardly shift in your seat, unsure as to where to rest your gaze now that you were faced with an empty chair across the table.

"Yo. Sorry about before…and everything."

You turn back to your side, catching a muted expression on the dragoness' features.

"It's just," She grumbles, carrying a hand up and across the top of her head, "It's a lot, you know? All of…this? I'm still getting used to it. People thinking we're some kind of…I don't know. Delta whatevers? Heroes, or some stupid crap? I'm still figuring it all-"

"Ah! Verily. I was told I would find thoust in attendance of today's shindig!"

Susie's maw strains as she grits her teeth, the sides of her jaw tensing.

"It is wonderous and serendipitous that we shall meet again! I wished to provideth my warmest regards in your endeavors as loyal serfs to thy kingdom's needs. Trueth heroes the realm has not seen in some time!"

You pinch the bridge of your nose, squeezing in an attempt to stop the oncoming migraine, "…thanks Rouxls."

The two-toned Darkner quickly weaves through the café's floor, bumping into a number of patrons and sending one nearly face first into their meal, "Thinketh nothing of thee. It hath been an honor to raise you glorious little…children, to such a status."

You sense the migraine coming to fruition as Rouxls slinks into the chair across from you, steepling his fingers atop the table in anticipation.

"I knowest we have had disputations, though thine and I have certainly moved past such pettiness. So, truly, thanks to thee for bringing such a varied kingdom to fruition! You art heroes, to thineself and all. Be proudeth!" The azure Darkner flares a hand off to the side, throwing his voluminous white hair across his shoulder with a flourish.

"…thanks. It was just nice to help when we-"

A clicking sound cuts off the words in your mind. You peer down, finding the dragoness brushing claws together, her own face hung low under her mane. Her hands squeeze one another, pressing tightly enough to turn her scales a sickly pale hue.

"Yes yes, I'm sureth thee felt so inclined as to assist. It has been, of course, an honorable duty of mine ensuring thoust success." Rouxl's sighs, the gap in his broad smile whistling with each breath, "There was certainly most determinate troubles in ensuring those that were victims of…aggression, during your initial bouts, forgave and forgot."

You glare at the self-proclaimed duke, finding your annoyance more and more difficult to hide away. The tapping sound at your side increases, painfully so, as strained breaths echo out from the dragoness. You bite the bottom of your lip, composing yourself. Just tell him to go away. Tell him you'll talk to him later, or that Queen needs him. Your eyes narrow as you gaze at the walking frustration across the way.

"R-Right, well, it's great that you came by actually. I…uh, heard Queen was-"

You stare beyond Rouxl's beaming face, back towards the jukebox, back towards the wall ahead. You glance over, the jigsawry from before staring straight into you. You feel a knot in your throat. Was he annoyed with all the noise? You weren't trying to make a scene. You watch as the puzzle-shaped Darkner stares on, past you, over to your side. He looked…familiar. Not one of the guides or part of the dojo. Was it the hat? You remember seeing some of their kind with that hat early on when you first arrived in the field with…

"Ah, of courseth, I won't trouble thee much longer. I simply wished to thank thy compatriots for such a service. And," Rouxls leans forward, voice coming to a whisper, "I talkedeth to those attacked by your friend so long ago. Most have forgiven, so do not worry. All hath been sorted!"

The knot in your throat builds, now attacking deep within your chest.

A screech echoes out from your side as the dragoness' chair is dragged painfully across the floor. Rising from her seat, she clasps the back of your own chair, pushing past and weaving once more through the café's patrons. The entrance is thrown open before you can react, slamming against the wall, as Susie storms out.

"…oh." The two-toned duke sinks back into his chair.

You sit, frozen in place, struggling to comprehend what just happened.

"I-I, er…" Rouxls stammers, clearing his throat, "Thine, uh, thou…er, I mean, I didn'tst mean to offend. I-I simply wished to impart my appreciativeness, and that many are no longer…angry."

"Kris? Mr. Kaard? What…was that Susie that left?"

You drag your eyes back up to the side of the table, Ralsei's face painted with concern.

"I-I saw Mr. Kaard come in and everyone talking, but-"

You shoot up, pushing past the table in a haphazard effort, "Y-Yeah, uh, sorry, I'll be back! Eat without me, or…s-sorry!"

You sprint past the numerous eyes locked on you, patrons throughout the café staring on in confusion and frustration. You tear past the front door, wandering back outside, back onto the parchment-littered thoroughfare. Bits of paper continue to flutter in the breeze as you sprint across the way, colorful swatches brought up from the ground in your panicked footsteps. Your eyes dance over the decorated town, many of the residents having gone back home, emptying the surrounding streets. Lights were dimming in most of the establishments, the illuminated pigments no longer shining through the windows.

"Damn it, where…?" You mutter under your breath.

You instinctively turn down the gravel path, facing the grand castle ahead, the surging dark fountain flooding the horizon. You scramble past the registry's podium, your breaths becoming ragged as you sprint down the grand staircase, ramparts coming into view. Taking two steps at a time, you stumble down the final bit, catching yourself at the last moment within the fortress' courtyard. The air burns in your chest, the cool temperature chilling you to your core.

"Come on, where-" Your eyes narrow, "Oh."

"You good?"

Your face twists into a look of confusion as you attempt to catch your breath, "Y-Yes I'm good, what do you…are you good?!"

Susie lifts her head, her amber eyes peeking out from beneath her mane, "I mean, left before I could eat, but…"

You squint down at the resting dragoness, her knees pulled close to her chest as she sinks further into the side of the castle's wall.

Susie sighs, "…yeah, I'm good." Her spiked wristbands fall loosely across her wrists as she pinches the bridge of her maw, "Like I said, it's just a lot. And…I'm tired. I'm just tired, that's all. I just need to sleep."

You exhale loudly, trying to break the knot in your chest, "Susie, come on. What's going on? Is it," You strain for air, "Is it what Rouxl's said? Was it me dragging you here, or something I said? Or didn't say?" The words burn in your throat, "If I screwed up, let me know and-"

"No!"

The roar breaks you from the train of thought as you're left staring at the dragoness, her arms pushing up off the ground.

"Damn it, no. It's not…you didn't screw up or anything. None of that, don't think that." Susie shakes her head, slowly wandering over to the castle's archway, pulling open the massive doors, "We're good, I just…ugh, sorry. I need to sleep and I'll be fine, alright? Promise."

"Wait, Susie…!"

The ancient gateway opens and closes before the thought finishes, the dragoness slipping inside. You're left alone, the life and energy of the town long gone, silence resting across the courtyard. You mouth the words silently, ideas and thoughts attempting to manifest to an invisible audience.

You slump down atop the frigid steps.

"…please don't leave."

---

You'd been here before. Somewhere dark, somewhere forgotten. Forgotten for a reason, but still clear in your mind. Your eyes trace across the metal bars lining each track, as they always do, following the endless path into the cavernous maw. The rumbling would begin, the sound of a completed download, of a new body being claimed. Gears would snap back into place, flickering lights flashing in eyes, dancing across the darkness ahead. There was hope in it all. A chance at freedom. A chance for an escape from obscurity and control. That's what he wanted, that's what anyone would want.

But it never worked. It was pointless. He knew it, knew the endless deals and maddening bargains wouldn't break away from the tethers above. But he would try. He would come down from the tracks, frenzied neon eyes piercing through the abyss, staring at you, into you, at your soul. That was freedom after all. He just had to take it. To make one final deal.

You would ready your blade, the motes of light shimmering in your hands as the only defense left. He would raise his arm, dancing on a puppeteer's strings, ready to end what little resistance you offered. And you would be tossed to the side, weak, unable to make the choice to even save yourself. The sound of the end would come. But there would be no saviors, no arcing light slamming into the automaton, no one to stop what was inevitable.

And you would wake up.

Your breathing shuddered painfully in the cold night air. Sweat rolls down your forehead and back, frozen to your skin.

Just breathe, just breathe, that's all you had to do. Repeated words in your mind, the same mantra for the same cruel feeling.

Your vision adjusts, barely noticeable light filtering through the window at your side. You swallow deeply, closing your eyes tightly, then allowing them to open once more. You were okay. You were inside, in your bedroom. Not out there. You were safe.

…you were standing in the middle of your room.

You sigh, slumping down against the edge of your bed. The pink and sapphire cover falls across your shoulders, burying you against the plush material. You bring your legs close to your chest, wrapping your arms around them for comfort. You prop your head gently atop your knees, watching the dim cyan light stream through the darkened window above. Was it morning? Night?

You shake your head. Doesn't matter much in the Dark World.

Your breathing steadies, heart rate returning to normal. You glance above, reaching up to the bedside table, tapping the surface until you grasp your precariously placed cell phone. Pushing the button on its side, you wince, the blisteringly white background searing into your vision. You grumble. Making your phone's background a photo of a white dog you saw around town wasn't the smartest move.

You squint down at the device, eyes painfully adjusting to the blinding light.

2 AM.

You tap the side of your phone, tossing it backwards atop your bed. Too early for anyone to be up, too late to wander around town without looking like some creep. You throw your head back against the bed, another mound of blankets falling across your shoulder. You grumble, throwing the bed spread up and away from your overexerted body. You were already sweating enough. You pull on your grey tank-top, trying to prevent the material from sticking.

"Ugh…"

You give up on your efforts, turning your vision upwards. Your eyes dance across the ceiling and walls, the dimly glowing stars strewn across the room bringing small comfort. You feel a smile bloom on your face, memories of the plastic glow-in-the-dark stars you and your brother stuck to nearly every surface of your shared space floating back into your mind. A weak grin pulls at your lips.

They sucked. You could barely see them in the darkness of the room, they left stains across your wall, and…

You chuckle, a soreness in your chest stifling much of the experience. You still loved them. Late nights spent staring up at the softly glowing constellations, picking at the single star you secretly placed at your bedside, it was all a distraction from the dreams you didn't need. You close your eyes, your entire body still aching. Did Ralsei know? Or did he just think you needed something for the rougher nights? You exhale, exhaustion sinking into you. The stars probably wouldn't make everything better, but having people who care about you made the darkness a bit more bearable.

You shake your head. You didn't even know what these nights were sometimes. You stare into the featureless side of the room, blankly searching for an answer. Maybe it was an…episode. Maybe it was another moment you should be panicked about, wishing to hide away in your room for days on end. You bite the side of your cheek. Or maybe it was just stress. And worry. Wondering what you should have done. Knock on her door until she answers and talks to you? Give her space and assume everything will be fine in the morning? You pinch the bridge of your nose, fighting off another bout of painful exhaustion. You weren't good at this. You wanted to be good at this, but you weren't.

You stretch your legs out, gym shorts sticking uncomfortably as you do. You groan, pushing up from the fuzzy blue carpet below, stumbling back to your feet. Shaking the sleep from your mind, you wander over to the window, hopeful for the Dark World's version of a cold winter breeze. You lean over the shelf below, pulling up on the window's thin metal frame, fighting past the resistance. You jerk upwards, a squeaking sound painfully ringing out, a gust of air slamming into your form. An immediate chill shoots through you, the sweat running down your back freezing once more.

You bask in the cool air, making an effort to lean out through the window, shaking sticky hair from your forehead. Whether or not the Dark World followed your world's seasonal patterns was still up for debate, but you certainly weren't going to argue with the wind blowing past. You move further out, peering above for twinkling cyan lights in the darkness.

"Pfft, that's a good look…"

Your eyes go wide as you recoil, slamming the back of your head against the window's frame.

"Agh!" You wince, blinking away the blinding pain as waves of agony crash into you.

"Holy shit dude, don't die over there."

You grit your teeth, leaning back out through the window, "The hell…?" You mutter, flickering lights dancing in your vision, "…Susie?!"

"Yo."

You stare back, struggling for words as you note the dragoness wrapped in a thick black blanket, curled into herself atop the roof's tiles.

"Wha-" The words fail you, "Just…how-" You freeze, taking a deep breath, "…why?!"

"Felt like it. Prolly the same reason you're shaking your head out the window like a dog." Susie chuckles.

You feel your eye twitch, mouth continuing to hang open in disbelief.

"…wanna join me? Probably won't fall off."

Your vision narrows, mind continuing to fail you in your pursuit of a response.

You peer down at the rocky tiles layering the underside of your window, images of slipping off and into the courtyard flashing in your mind.

"…yeah, screw it." You begin clambering atop the shelf, pulling yourself past the frame and out onto the roof. The tiles stick roughly to your feet, the sandpaper-like material providing a reassuring amount of resistance in your steps. You carefully wander close to the dragoness, testing each footfall as you go. With one final hop, you drop down, resting next to the bundled drake.

You take a deep breath, dragging your knees close to your chest once more as you stare up into the darkness. Glowing cyan flickers in the distance, countless formations streaking across the pitch. You squint up at the lights, spotting further constellations strewn about, many drifting down past the horizon. Were they stars? Crystals? Some magical after effect of this world? You sigh, struggling to find what to say or how to act. It was easier focusing on mysteries out of reach.

"…think they're stars?" You mumble.

"Hm?" You hear shuffling at your side, "What, the lights? I dunno." Susie clicks her tongue softly, "Ralsei doesn't know either, right?"

"Nah."

"Huh." You feel a warmth fall over you, a thick cover wrapping around your shoulders, "…prolly stars. They twinkle or whatever. Don't know anything else that does that."

You shift in place, dragging the blanket over your knees as you shuffle closer to the dragoness, "Maybe it's some kind of crystal. Like, maybe this is one giant cave. That would explain why it's so dark, and why we have to drop into a pit to get here."

You feel claws circle around your waist, scales brushing against your arm, "…be a big freakin' cave." Susie grunts quietly, the sudden gust of air blowing against the top of your head, "Think Ralsei is some kind of bat-monster then? Maybe he sucks blood or something when we're not looking." The dragoness suddenly gasps, her hold on you tightening, "That's why he wants us to be all nice and crap! He's recruiting Darkners so he has an endless supply of blood!"

You stifle a laugh, choking slightly in the effort, "I-I uh…" You clear your throat, "I don't think goat-monsters typically drink blood." You lean back against the dragoness, burying yourself against her dense frame, "Could be using blood magic though. That might be what powers his cauldron."

"Urgh, never mind. Now I'm just imagining blood cake." An exaggerated gagging sound slips from her maw.

You bring your hands up from your legs, resting them against the scaled arm around your waist. You close your eyes, listening to her breaths, a dull rumbling echoing out in the silence.

"…woke up out of bed again." You mutter quietly.

You feel her shift behind you, closing in tightly.

"It was just…" You open your eyes, gazing out onto the inky horizon, "Nightmares, I guess? I don't know, I hope it was just that."

You absentmindedly count the cyan lights, silently noting each constellation as you settle the pain in your chest.

"Stuff from that basement, with the guy you and Ralsei saved me from." You hold tight to Susie's arm, slowly circling a finger across the patterns on her scales, "Still freaks me out a little. If you two weren't there, if…"

The dragoness' maw nestles atop your head as you settle your shuddered breathing once more, "But you were. You were, and you were there even after it all, when I wasn't okay." You lean back into Susie, "You were there when I needed someone, even when I wasn't really good at saying it." You chuckle, the sound coming out as little more than a weak gasp. You clear your throat, steeling yourself, "I know I'm not good at saying a lot of things. But I want to be. I want to get better so I can be there for you too. Even if…if you don't say you need someone."

You feel her claws dig into your side, almost painfully. You instinctively wince, stifling the reaction, instead focusing on the silence. Your gaze is drawn downwards, to the arm circling your waist, to the scales glimmering in the dull light. She held tightly to you, completely wrapped around in an inescapable hold, shaking. The trembling worsened with each second, struggled breaths shuddering against your back. You nestle into her, continuing to trace your finger across her arm.

"…sorry."

"Stop saying sorry." You murmur.

"But I am! I screwed up, and…and you're the only one I can even say sorry to!" The girl roars.

You wince, "What do you-"

"I'm not a hero. I'm not a delta whatever-the-hell!" Her words begin to tremble in her throat, "Half the people down there I beat to shit before you guys stopped me. Hell, even then, I almost cut you in half when you tried!"

Scales bury further into your waist as the dragoness' hold continues to circle inwards, the rougher hide marking your stomach through your shirt.

"Some of them look at me like I'm going to tear into them in the middle of town, some of them act like I'm some dumbass hero there to save the day, and-" She pauses, struggling for air, "And I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Should I just pretend like I didn't almost kill a bunch of them? Or maybe I should just keep my mouth shut; I never know what to say anyway." The dragoness' voice quiets to a whisper, "It's the same back home. I don't know what to do or say, or anything. So I just act like an asshole to everyone until they leave me alone. But that isn't even what I want or…I don't know! I don't even know anymore. And then people want me to be all these things. Ralsei wants me to be a hero, Noelle wants a friend, my dad just wants me to be 'better', and you-"

Your chest tightens, anticipating whatever words may follow. A gentle breeze scatters the hair across your eyes, revealing the strained red reflecting in your gaze. The night air howls, the silence tearing into your chest and mind.

"…you don't want me to be anything else."

You open your mouth, words failing to appear.

"But I wanna be something for you. I didn't care before. None of it really mattered when I could just go home and pretend it was all stupid shit." The dragoness sighs, her claws loosening from your side, "I can't do that anymore. In school or with this Dark World stuff. Not when I've got you." Shuddering breaths dance atop your head, "I don't want to be some bully or screwed up, bloodthirsty freak. That's not what I want to be when you're around. I don't know what I wanna be, but I don't want people staring at us like they are. You don't deserve that. I…I want to be better for you."

Her breathing becomes ragged, every ounce of her energy spent fighting down the flood of emotions. A weak growl reverberates in her chest, rumbling against your back, soon pushed down as she squeezes you tighter.

"…used to it."

"What?" You feel the girl's maw fall from your scalp, resting near your shoulder.

"…guess I'm just used to it." You pull the blanket closer to your chin, "People staring. Wondering why I was always so quiet, or missed class." You click your tongue quietly, "Wondering why the only human in town is locked in their room most days."

"Kris, that's not really what I-"

"N-No, I know…but it doesn't bother me. Not when I'm with you." You turn, meeting the softened amber eyes at your side, "It bothered me before. When I…didn't have you. But now it just doesn't. I just feel like, when you're here, and we're together…I'm happy. Everything else just doesn't matter much when I know you're there, at school, in the Dark World with me…when you're sending blurry images of swords you found on the internet to my phone at 3 AM…"

The dragoness lets out a pathetic snort as a fang-laden grin pulls at her lips, her breaths continuing to tremble behind you.

You swallow painfully, "I-I…I can't take away that feeling. That frustration and…all of it. I can't tell you what you should be…I don't think I should." A pit builds in your chest, "…I can't make the stares go away, or scream at them until they stop." You bite your lip, "I could try but…it doesn't help."

You clench your fists, fighting the welling in your eyes.

"But I'll be here for whatever you want to be. If you want to act like the hero everyone wants and go apologize to the people you fought, I'll be by your side. If you want to go sit in your apartment and watch awful movies for twelve hours straight, I'll bring chips." A weak smile paints your features, "I'll be here for when the stares are too much. I'll hide with you, or scream with you…no matter how long it takes." You whisper, "But I don't want you to be anything for me. Just be you. That's who I want to be with and see every day. That's all I want, no one else, just…you."

"Tch…" Susie rolls her eyes, the amber in her vision glistening.

"What? Come on, you know that's how I feel." You chuckle, smiling wider by the moment.

The dragoness groans loudly, "Ugh…" Susie clears her throat, struggling to form the words, "I know, and I hate that…t-that I feel the same…" She snorts, "…I'm glad you're just as much of a dweeb as I am."

You snicker, the drake's own building laughter straining your ears. You lean into her, forehead bumping against her own.

"…ugh. The hell is wrong with us? Why are we so screwed up?"

One final chuckle leaves a goofy smile on your face, your half-lidded eyes meeting hers, "I don't know, but we're probably making it worse by being together."

"Psh, like anyone could make you any more of a freak."

"…moss-eater."

"The hell?! You ate it too!"

You shrug, "Peer pressure."

"Yeah? Was it peer pressure when you spent like, half our cash on that tea? I forget, what did that weird sales guy call it…"

"T-That's not…!"

Fangs light up only inches away, "Yeah?"

You grumble, eyes narrowing at the dragoness, "You're lucky I lo-"

…

Like.

You swallow. Like was the word you wanted. Like. That's all you had to say, that's what you meant to say.

Right?

"…Kris?"

Why was it so complicated to just say words? You knew what you wanted to say, but that certainly wasn't what came out!

"Kris? Lucky you…what?"

You blink, suddenly aware of the burning heat rising up from your neck, flooding across your cheeks. You had to say something, anything at this point.

"Hey, seriously, talk to me dude."

Or maybe you could run? You wince. That would likely lead to falling off the roof. But Ralsei could heal you pretty easily…if you survived. You bite the bottom of your lip. No, Susie would probably catch you before you made it halfway back to your window. She was pretty good about catching you when you fell, even more so when there was actual danger involved.

"KRIS!"

"H-Huh?"

She was close. Too close. Her eyes drilled into you, face inches from your own. You felt her breath on your neck, warmth pouring across as she forces your attention towards her. You feel your chest tighten, counting the scales shining in the dim light, barely a hair away. Your heartbeat thrummed in your ears, drowning out the silent darkness surrounding you two. You take a breath, shaking, fighting back the fear and worry in your mind.

You knew how you felt.

You weren't very good at putting it all into words, but…

You knew.

…

Her scales felt…rough. They tickled your lips as you met hers, struggling to find a connection. They brushed against the side of your face and the tip of your nose, awkwardly bending in your attempts. Her fangs didn't help much either. You immediately felt their danger, sharp points threatening to spread forth, past her lips and towards your own. You didn't quite know what you were doing. If you needed to angle to the side to meet her maw, if you had to be eye to eye, if you were even doing anything correctly. But her lips were soft. They met yours, warmth radiating throughout, your burning face and chest melting thoughts away. Your mind struggled to even comprehend what was happening, but…

It was…nice.

Your eyes flutter open, reality beginning to draw back into your consciousness. You silently break away, struggling to control the panic screaming in your mind.

"…huh." A single grunt echoes from the dragoness.

A weak breath escapes your lips as you hide underneath the curtain of hair in your vision. You stare down, unsure about moving, even thinking. You weren't sure what would happen. You weren't sure you wanted to know.

"I-I…" Your chest seizes, words choking in your throat, "…s-sorry, I-I-"

"Hold up."

She moves away, your heart jumping into your throat. You feel her arms untangle from your waist, watching as the dragoness brings herself around, now hovering inches from your face. You bring your gaze to hers, watching as Susie throws the dark blanket behind her, the loose cloth floating down across the tiles. The drake's eyes dart away as heat burns across her scales.

"…d-damn it." She grumbles, shakily dragging her palms down across her face, "Just…like…h-hold still, okay?!"

You freeze. The dragoness leans forward, closing the distance, her shuddering breath flowing across your neck.

She lunges.

Her lips slam against yours almost painfully as her claws desperately lock onto your shoulders. You wince, eyes going wide in the sudden assault.

"MMPH!"

You struggle to breath, to remain under her weight, to even process what was happening. You begin to sense the marks being driven into your shoulders, her grip closing tightly around you as you melted into the embrace. You weren't sure if you would survive the attack, if there would be anything left of you once everything was said and done.

You weren't sure you cared.

Her lips parted from yours as you struggled for air once more, the dragoness continuing to hover above you. Her mane fell over your shoulder, blocking much of the world away from the moment. The darkness hid little though. A mindless smile painted your face, hair thrown across your vision as your body began to ache from quickly forming bruises. You peer up, noting the dragoness in much the same condition. Her hair was a disaster, curling and sticking across her shoulders, her scales flaring into a deeper royal purple. The t-shirt she wore bunched and twisted into a heap across her form, whatever fiery text depicting death and doom long since hidden from sight.

But…

She was smiling, a dopey grin filled with razor sharp fangs and softened amber eyes.

"…pfft-"

You couldn't help it.

"Wha-" The dragoness mutters, "The hell you laughing for?! You're the one who kissed the side of my mouth!"

"N-No, I-" Your chest tightens as further laughter wracks your body, "S-Sorry! Just, your face, it's-"

"Pick your words carefully, freak."

"…it's really cute."

Susie grumbles, laying her full weight upon your chest as she limply flops upon you, "…pain in the ass."

You reel backwards, the dragoness' sudden embrace catching you off guard, sending you flat against the roof's tiles.

"Agh!" You yelp, struggling under the suffocating mass of scales and muscle.

You feel the drake stretch out against you, nestling into the crook of your neck.

"Shut-it." Her mane dances across your arm, "…better as a pillow anyway."

You stare down at the dragoness, her mess of hair hiding the girl from sight. You take a deep breath, wrapping your arms around her back. You mindlessly loop your fingers through the ruffled cloth of her t-shirt, dancing across the patterns of her scales through the material. You trace lines across her back, her own breaths slowing against you.

"…Susie?"

"…mmph?"

You squeeze your eyes tight, careful of your next words, "The...roof kinda hurts."

The mop of hair upon your chest lifts, tangled weaves drifting across her narrowed eyes, "…what?"

"The…tiles? They sorta hurt to lay on. I-I mean, I guess it's okay? Just, uh, yeah…" You stammer.

"Ugh…fine, you crybaby."

You feel a weight lifted, relief soon soured by the realization of just how cold you were without a blanket or entire dragon curled upon you. You shake away from the thought, watching as Susie effortlessly springs to life, hastily throwing her hands down across her wrinkled t-shirt and patchwork pajama bottoms. She pauses, staring at you for a moment, eventually reaching down with a huff and yanking you back up to your feet. You're nearly thrown back against her, stumbling to catch yourself from falling to the ground.

"Alright, alright, I'm up! Jeez…" You shake your head, hair dancing away from sight, "Could've just sat like we we're…"

"Nah. Now come on already."

The mauve dragoness turns away, stomping back towards her open window.

Your eyes follow along as you wrap your arms around your sides, the chill of the night air making itself known.

"Uh…"

"Would you come on already!" Susie's eyes snap to you, the roar echoing into the distance.

"A-Alright, okay!" You scramble across the rooftop, ensuring each step meets a stable bit of tile, "Probably shouldn't be yelling when we're up here…"

"Wouldn't have to if you'd just hurry up." The dragoness grumbles.

"Okay, but hurry up and wha-" You freeze, "W-Wait, n-no, I mean…uh, are you sure? N-Not that I don't want to! Wait, no! I-I mean, not that that's what you mean but…I-I can just go back to my room a-and-"

Susie sighs, "Dude."

"…sorry."

The dragoness groans, gently pulling you into an embrace. Your mind goes blank as you stare off into the distance, cyan lights flickering amidst the darkness.

"…you had a shit night. Then I dumped on you and…" She chuckles, "You were there for me. And then we…y-yeah." Susie sighs, "But I don't like you feeling like you did and not being there. I don't want you to have screwed up dreams like that and not have someone there." She tilts her head, nestling into you further, "So come on. Let me be there. Can't do much, but at least I can throw you back in bed if you suddenly decide to go wandering around."

You let out a shuddered breath, an inferno beginning to rise across your features, "…o-okay."

"Cool. Now hurry up before you freeze to death."

You roll your eyes as she untangles from you, turning back towards the open window. Wordlessly, you grip the bottom of the frame, clumsily hopping through, narrowly avoiding the dusty manual atop the shelf as you land on the plush carpet below. A yawn flows from your lips, the flood of thoughts and worries dwindling with each passing moment.

You lazily shuffle from the window, taking in your surroundings. The area was mostly untouched from your last visit, furniture and walls still surprisingly intact. You lean against the bed's frame, careful to avoid the spikes at your feet. You peer over through half-lidded eyes. The icebox at your side had been clearly utilized to its fullest, claw marks torn across the handle in a desperate entrance. You gaze off into the darkened corner of the room, the near life-sized statue of the dragoness continuing to stand guard. You squint, noting the marbled figure's axe having been turned into a makeshift clothes line, many of the drake's spare outerwear thrown haphazardly across. You continue searching, barely registering the window slamming shut.

"Damn it's cold out there." The mauve drake strolls past, tossing her blanket back across the bed.

"Yeah…" The word is stretched, caught in another yawn, "Guess it gets cold during the winter here too."

"Uh-huh. Makes sense." Susie scratches the back of her head, "So…uh, guess we should…"

You raise an eyebrow, languidly staring back.

"C-Come on, one of us has to actually get in…" Her eyes dart away, avoiding your gaze.

"…alright." You meander off to the side of the bed, flopping down atop the tangled sheets.

"H-Hey!"

You bring your legs up atop the plush mattress, rolling over to the side with a satisfied grumble.

"Where's all that stupid worrying stuff from before?!" The dragoness snorts.

"…too tired."

The bed squeaks from underneath as you're pulled off to the side, Susie's weight sinking into the creaking mattress. A sweeping darkness falls across you as the still frigid blanket from before cascades down, thrown over the two of you. You flip off to the side, coming face to face with the dragoness, nestling further into the rapidly dwindling space atop the pillow. A dazed smile paints your features. You begin to drift, only for your eyes to shoot back open as you feel sharp points dance across your side.

"Agh, careful!" You yelp.

"S-Sorry, damn claws…"

You sigh, a dopey smile returning to your lips as you bring the pillow closer to your half of the bed. You dig your face into the plush material, eyelids fluttering, only to go wide once more as you feel Susie wrap around you tightly.

"Stop fidgeting, would you?"

"…your shirt is fuzzy."

"And your hair is itchy." Susie mutters halfheartedly.

You smile, consciousness fading, "…thanks Susie."

"Yeah, yeah." The drake nestles her maw closer, "…hey."

"Mmph? Yeah?"

"That thing you were gonna say…before you…k-kissed me?"

You stare into her amber eyes, a tired smile reflecting back.

"You were going to say…I-I mean…"

You sweep the blanket over, curling an arm at her side, closing the distance between.

"…love ya too, freak."

---

"So…you have the plushie on your bed?"

"Sh-Shut-up!"

You flip the doll in your hands, examining the intricate craftsmanship across each thread and accessory. You chuckle. They even managed the way her eyebrows furrow when she's angry.

Adorable.

"I was just wondering." You stretch your neck from side to side, a small popping sound echoing out, "Hard to not notice when you roll over and it nearly suffocates you in your sleep." You sniff, "True to life I guess…"

You gently plop the offending plush back onto the bed's corner, dragging yourself up and onto the vibrant pink floor. An icy chill shoots through your body, the cold hitting you as you leave the blanket's embrace.

"I-I should probably go get my armor and everything. I don't think this is gonna cut it…" You pick at your tank-top's strap, sighing.

"You really should get warmer clothes dude. I get you like your sweaters and everything, but seriously, it's like a blizzard out there in the morning." Susie drags a claw through her mane, straightening the crazed mass.

Air shoots from your lips, a soft popping sound flowing out, "I know…they're just comfortable I guess." You mindlessly shuffle over to the door, gripping the frigid handle, "Meet you out there?"

"Yeah, just gotta find my jacket…"

"Check the axe."

"Huh? Oh shit, right!" Susie locks onto the statue's form, swiping the sleeveless leather tunic.

You roll your eyes, throwing open the door out into the castle's hall. You manage a single step into the medieval corridor before rearing back, a blast of glacial air flowing out through the ancient structure.

"Gah!"

You brace yourself, shakily pushing into the elements, your feet sticking as you walk upon the icy flooring. You grimace, teeth chattering. Just have to make it back to your room which…would likely be just as cold since you left your window open.

Wonderful.

"I-I understand the desire for such a fixture within the castle's walls, though I am not sure as to whether most of the residents would benefit from…"

"An Acid Bath For Recreational Enjoyment And Because It's Dope?"

"Y-Yes…that."

No.

Please no.

"I'm just not entirely sure if we have the resources and…Kris?"

Your mind recedes.

"Wow Hey Kris Nice Look Very Casual And Human."

Think.

THINK.

You were…just strolling through the hall for a few minutes. For fresh air! You were going to see if Susie was awake yet, and as it turns out, she is! So, you were going back to your room and-

"Hey, freak."

The door creaks open as your blood runs cold.

"You see my pants anywhere? Can't find them…" Susie grumbles loudly, her maw peeking through the crack.

"Oh My." A digitized gasp rings out.

"…shit." You hear the door's handle creak as the metal bar is nearly torn from its socket.

You force your gaze back down the hall, finding a mortified Ralsei staring back, the tufts across his cheeks flaring wildly from the inferno underneath.

"I-I was just, uh…just checking if..." You clear your throat, synapses within your mind firing blindly, "W-What I mean is-"

"Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me!" Queen chortles to herself, the high-pitched sound looping, "I Can Totes Keep A Secret!"

"Sh-Shut-it! You-" The dragoness throws open the door, almost immediately retreating in on herself upon spotting Ralsei's thousand-yard stare.

"No It's Great I Love It Really." The automaton's facial display flares to life as 'Nice' is mockingly burned into the screen, "10/10 Very Cute Didn't Know You Two Were Into That." You watch as Queen leans upon the rapidly disassociating prince at her side, using his head as an arm rest, "I Can Even Suggest Some Interesting Articles With Pictures On These Kinds Of Relationships: Incognito Mode Recommended."

"N-No! I-I mean, like, I l-like her, of course, but, well…" Your eye begins to twitch.

A growl emanates from your side, "It's not like that! We just slept toge-"

…

Silence echoes through the hall.

You breathe. In, then out. Slowly. At least you think you do. You really couldn't tell what your body was doing at this point. You were…somewhere else.

"…buh-" A single, delicate whimper catches your attention.

Then, a crash.

"Oh Damn Goat Down LMAO."

[bookof-xreaders]

Anon Asked:

the fun gang and berdly (separately) with a reader that's getting really stressed from school? like they're falling behind on assignments and their grades are slipping and they're just struggling

This post is for Susie! If you're looking for any other member of the Fun Gang or Berdly, please go to this post!

Note: This might be out of character!

Susie x Reader that's really stressed and falling behind in classes

She literally has no idea what to do.

Susie was always in that weird in-between of good grades and bad grades, so she's gotten used to not having perfect grades. If you weren't so stressed out, she'd welcome you to the club.

... you are stressed out, though.

She's not great at comforting people that aren't little kids like Lancer, so she's at a loss about what to do. Will a distraction help? How does she distract you from your own thoughts??

After thinking about it for five seconds, she decides to get Kris. They know a quarter more about this stuff than her, and she doesn't want to freak you out even more.

Turns out, a hangout can help relieve some anxiety! During the hangout, Kris had suggested that they, Susie, and you form a study and catch-up group for school; Susie said that it sounded like a good idea, as long as someone brought snacks.

It's your decision to join the study and catch-up group, in the end. I'll leave it up to you!

[chao-writes-stuff]

DELTARUNE SPOILERS

Heyyy! I wrote a thing involving Jevil and the Chapter 2 Superboss! I'm going to put it under the cut, but at the end, there will also be an Ao3 link if you wanna support me there!

Thank you! Remember to Reblog if you wanna

The Lightner Trio walked down the stairs in the Queen's massive manor, their hurried footsteps echoing like a rough pitter-patter in the technological nightmare. The massive lair confused and bamboozled them, but they definitely wanted to figure out the mystery behind what the Fountains were about, what Queen's true intentions were… and what was in the basement?

"Uhh… Kris?" Ralsei asked, his soft voice echoing out. "Why are we even here? Aren't Queen, Noelle, and Berdly upstairs? And not here…?"

Susie quickly interrupted him, punching his arm lightly to get his attention. "Of COURSE they aren't here. But whatever is here is probably important. Right, Kris?"

"I guess!" The currently blue human replied. "I've been asked by some… guy, about doing these weird favors for him. He really wants me to be alone."

"We sure he ain't a p-" Before Susie could finish her thought, Ralsei muffled her mouth with his scarf. "Who is he? And why does he want you to be alone?"

"His name is Spamton, I think. I don't know much about him, but he gave me this Loaded Disk earlier, and--"

Suddenly, a strange, chaotic voice rang out. Everyone recognized it. The tail attached to Ralsei's cloak popped off, diamonds and hearts flying out with it. The tail spun and took form, and the chaotic Jester they quite literally put to rest yesterday was reawakened.

"Spamton? SPAMTON? The same Spamton who wished for me to go, to go, and be free, free?" Jevil laughed chaotically, with Ralsei caught quite off guard. "You know him?"

"That dorito chip was part of the reason why I was set free, he was! He used to rule this world, before the Queen I've been hearing oh so much about took over. Oh, I MUST know more of how you met that ridiculous lunatic! And that's coming from ME, ME! Spamton, oh Spamton, I'd like to have a word with him~!" Jevil looked quite pissed off, his normally jovial expression looking slightly stern.

"I didn't wanna go down there anyway. Just come back, okay? You're kind of carrying us with your defense boost." Kris, with a neutral expression, gave the clown the disk they were gifted by the malignant salesman, and watched as Jevil immediately sprinted off into the basement. They could hear an echoed "Buh bye~! I'll be back in a few hundred words!" As the jester descended into the decrepit basement below...

Jevil entered the musty, rotting cellar. Despite him rarely stepping on the ground, each step he did take left a haunting impact on his feet. It was silent, save for the occasional rustling of his clothes. He didn't have long to do this. His physical form only had a few hours to be out and about before he solidified, just like the young boy and the puzzle freak. Thankfully, that's all he needed. He was getting excited, almost giddy, to interact once more with his old acquaintance. Oh, what a wonderful conversation they'd have!

He didn't walk for too much longer before he found the train station that was buried deep below. Or was it a roller coaster? Whoever had this built clearly had some elaborate roundabout in mind… too bad they were still imprisoned, haha! Jevil walked and floated across the tracks, reaching a room with a decaying robot inside.

He knew this was a bad idea. But when did he ever have good ideas?

Without hesitating, the joker put the disk into the robot. At first, nothing happened, and he was getting impatient VERY quick. He gave the robot a swift kick in the lower area, before stepping back out of the room.

Step…

Step…

SLAM! The clown was admittedly caught off guard with how fast the silhouette from above came and pushed him onto his knees. With a small gasp for air, Jevil looked up slowly at the encroaching menace. The jagged movements, the glitchy, unsolidified form… this was him alright.

"KRIS… MY LOYAL [Sponge!] THANK… YOU. THE [Clown Around Town!] I REMEMBER YOUR [Disgusting] FACE. EVERYONE WAS SO [Thrilled] TO SEE YOUR [Calcified] FACE." The massive robotic behemoth loomed over Jevil, rage in his glasses. Spamton NEO.

The clown got up, a smug, shitfaced expression on his mug. He knew damn well that the dorito in front of him was pissed off, so he leaned back in the air to retort. "At least I drink plenty of milk, uee hee hee! As for you, you haven't changed one bit since we last spoke~! Or would it be a byte, a byte? Regardless, I do hope you've given up on the illusion of freedom, freedom~! The only one who can be free is MEEE!"

The robotic menace swung around to the other side of Jevil, making it very clear who was in charge of the conversation. A small concentrated blast of Pipis was fired at the jester, pushing him back with a surprising amount of force. "YOU ACT SMUG, BUT YOU [Crashed our stocks!] AND THEN YOU [Spoiled relations with our Esteemed Partners!] I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU… GOT IN HERE, YOU… [Tuna Fish,] BUT I'M NOT FALLING FOR YOUR [Roundabout!] AGAIN!"

Jevil laughed maniacally at this thought. This guy was mad! Over something that happened how long ago? Why even bother holding a grudge still? Petty, petty! He knew why, and it's why he came back too. "You influenced him. That pretty little kitty. You gave him enough funds to release me into that carousel of bliss and innocence! But I wasn't done, not one bit! And all those years, spent being free… they made me realize something, my dearest Spamton."

The oddly calm tone coming from the jester put Spamton NEO at an incredible amount of unease. "WHAT? WHAT COULD YOUR [Calcified Lump] THINK OF THAT WOULD MEAN ANY GODDAMN THING TO ME?"

"I CAN DO ANYTHING!"

The joker used his latent power to pelt the giant mecha with small white hearts. Spamton was caught off-guard, stumbling back a fair amount. Of course, you have to fight fire with fire, so the robot used his abilities to send out a Big Shot of blue Spamton Head Pipis.

"YOU [Saturated Marketshare!] YOU CAN'T SIMPLY ATTACK ME AND EXPECT IT TO WORK [As seen on TV!] I'M A [BIG SHOT!] [BIG SHOT!!!]"

Jevil hopped up onto the ceiling, clearing the first few Pipis on the lower row heading his way. Unfortunately, the higher row caught him clean in the face as he bounced between the two, making a small Jack-in-the-box melody as he pinged around.

"SPAMTON, MY BELOATHED! I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND, UNDERSTAND, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE TRAPPED IN A CAGE WITH A SHARK, A SHARK! YOU GET BITTEN AND CHEWED UP!"

The fool retaliated by running circles around Spamton, turning into a carousel of horse bullets! The robot, in a surprising feat of puppeteering, dodged the attack almost perfectly… until a stray horsie cut a string, sending the mech's right arm into the horse race. One thing about arms with cannons on them? They fire.

As soon as it happened, Jevil was face to face with a swarm of Pipis all around him. He was stuck. All of them exploded brilliantly, sending the clown flying clean across the rotting tracks and into the wall. Tauntingly, mockingly even, Spamton NEO retorted.

"I'M THE SHARK NOW, JEVIL! I'VE CHEWED UP SO MANY [Failed Buisness Partners] THAT I COULD MAKE A WHOLE [Presentation] OUT OF THEM! STAY OUT OF MY GODDAMN WAY, OR [Sparkle like new!] YOU BRAT."

The buisnessman charged at Jevil, his hands becoming phones. "IT'S FOR YOU." Suddenly, before either of them could react, loud blasts of garbage noise manifest expelled from the phones, attacking the court jester with white blasts of energy. There was nothing he could do to stop this robot's onslaught, it looked like.

"OH SPAMTON, IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK? THAT YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S SO POWERFUL RIGHT NOW, NOW? I'D SUGGEST YOU LOOK UP, UP! YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT THOSE STRINGS IMPRISONING YOU, UEE HEE HEE! YOU'RE NOT A BIG SHOT, YOU'RE JUST A LAZY FRAUD WHO CAN'T STOP HANGING ON TO HIM! I GUESS SLEEPING FOR 100 YEARS DOESN'T MAKE LITTLE OLD ME MISS MUCH, RIGHT?"

Without warning, Jevil was myseriously gone from his corner. The spamware looked frantically for his target, before being struck in the arm, the leg, and the chest by scythes. Devilsknives. The last knive cut a few strings clean off the puppet, who briefly hit the ground before rising back up.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! [Hyperlink Blocked.] I'M STILL HIS LOYAL ASSOCIATE! HE MAY NOT HAVE TALKED TO ME IN [Employee of The Month for 144 months!] BUT HE'S STILL THERE…"

Jevil interrupted him cleanly and concisely. "FACE IT. YOU'RE NO BIG SHOT ANYMORE, SPAMTON G. SPAMTON. ALL YOU ARE IS A FAILED INVESTMENT, UEE HEE HEE!"

With those words, a purple blast came from behind the clown, striking the robot right in the noggin. He flew back a bit, giving the joker enough time to turn around to meet his esteemed guests.

"Ah, my imprisoners~! Didn't you guys have a Queen to rock-em sock-em?"

Susie immediately cut him off, as she punched him in the arm (causing his head to spring up, naturally.) "Well, Kris over here couldn't shake the feeling things were off. So they forced us down here, and now they're right. Somehow?"

"I know I'm right.. Jevil, who the hell is Spamton?" Kris replied, their worry about the situation starting to rise.

"It's of no concern to you~! His screws were almost as loose as mine, and I don't think it's my job to tighten them~! Uee hee hee! Thank you for the help, but I can do anything~! Even tell you guys that 3 coasters are about to come down and force you guys along for the ride~!"

Ralsei immediately stuttered something out. "Three… what?"

And just like that, with a loud rumbling, the heroes were swept up into 3 old, rusty carts, barrelling down the track. Jevil laughed to himself, proud of what he got to do. "Ah well, it's a shame I can't finish him personally…"

"But oh well! Are you proud, proud? They took care of him…"

"Doctor."

Ao3 Link!

[redsoul-kris]

Susie barges in past Kris, flipping on the light switch and desperately looking around. "L-Lancer! Ralsei! Everyone! The hell did you-" She turns around, glaring at Kris - no, Red. "You didn't seal the goddamn fountain, did you?!"

"No, no, no!" Red stammers. "I-I-I was, I was with Kris since all of last night, I-I couldn't have-!"

Kris takes control, gently placing a hand on Susie's shoulder. "Susie, calm down, please. I can vouch for Red, they were with me."

Susie takes a deep breath. She turns around, and Kris sees her wiping her sleeve on her face.

"Ok, y-yeah. Y-you're right," Susie says between shaky breaths. "Sorry, I-I... I'm freaking the hell out, man."

Noelle steps in and gently holds Susie's hand. "It's okay... just take some deep breaths. I'm sure they're all fine." She looks around the closet. "This is even bigger than I remember..."

"So..." Berdly says, peeking in. "What are we gonna do now?"

"Um... Kris, any ideas?" Noelle asks.

Kris ponders for a moment. "... Counterparts."

Everyone turns to look at Kris.

Susie understands. "Oh, you mean...!"

"Yep, you know about this. Every Darkner has a Light World counterpart," they explain. "For some reason, Ralsei has only asked me to handle this stuff, but... Noelle, Berdly, remember 'waking up' in the computer lab?"

They nod. Kris steps further into the closet, trying to look at the clutter.

"The Card Kingdom and Cyber World denizens all connect to something," Kris continues. "Playing cards, chess pieces, computer viruses, spam emails..." They notice a brand-new laptop in the corner. "Oh hey, here's Queen! Serial Number Q5U4EX7YY2E9N..." they add, reading the label on the bottom.

"Th-That's Queen???" Noelle asks incredulously, taking the laptop in her hands. "I was wondering where this went..."

Susie starts looking around the room, noticing the playing cards strewn about. She notices a certain card, and her eyes widen.

"Kris!" she excitedly says, holding up the Jack of Spades. "Got him!"

"Hell yeah!" Kris replies with a smile, offering to take the card. "I can keep him in my pocket."

"Ohhh, so that's why you brought that to the lake..." Noelle says in wonder.

Berdly looks around. "O...kay... That's cool, Kris, but what are we actually going to do? Doesn't that makes things WORSE for us? Everyone's gonna clean out the closet today!"

"I know, I know," Kris says, pacing around the closet. "I'm thinking."

[egg-baby-official]

ok so i hope this doesnt come off as like rude or smth i just was scrolling and saw you were talking abt it so i wanted to ask, how do you actually get to that route bc i don't wanna look anything up and get more spoiled than i am already so is it like a whole procedure or do you just have to like Get to. a certain point and do a certain thing to like trigger it, if you answer this thanks i appreciate it :) /gen

I tried to explain with as little spoils as possible! Still, spoiler warning just in case!

Once you get Noelle in your party use her iceshock ability to freeze literally every enemy you see. Backtrack as far as possible to make sure you get them all.

Whenever Noelle talks about something that seems important, pick the pushiest/most shady dialogue option. You should know when you see it. Act like a freak to her, basically.

When you look at the ferris wheel poster, pick every dialogue option about Noelle riding with you. (Idk if this is necessary but I did it in my run)

When you get to the salesman that talks about divorce shoes, and he talks about a ring when you walk away, you're on the right track. Get the ring.

When you get to the crosswalk puzzles, head to the area that usually has the annoying dog easter egg. (It's at the bottom left of the yellow cars.) Talk to the dumpster.

When there's no more enemies to freeze and you're about to encounter Berdly, GO BACK to the dumpster you talked to. Take what he offers you.

When fighting Berdly, use Noelle's "snowgrave" ability.

You should be locked into the route after that. Proceed as normal. I'm typing from memory here so HOPEFULLY I put down everything important. Anyone let me know if I missed something.

[mrfandomgage]

Susie: Hey Queen, I have a question

Queen: I'd be delighted to answer, but I'm-

Susie: How do I deal with nearly everyone loving me?

Queen, playing cards with Lancer: ... this can wait my boy. Ok now what are you talking about?

Susie: So. Other than Noelle, which is obvious. I think Kris has a thing for me from... a few observations I had. Then Berdly tried having me kiss him [I tried ignoring that...]. Finally, Ralsei has been getting a bit... he's been trying to learn more and more from me, like my habits. Lancer is my bestie, he's just the best

Lancer: Thank you, Susie

Queen, thinking: You want a Harem?

Susie, embarrassed: Look, I don't think you're using that word right, I'm pretty sure that means something else

Queen, laughing: I know, it's the closest I could come up with

Queen: ok, but besides joking, who do you like?

Susie, embarrased: there's something to like about all of them. Except Berdly. Kris, I thought Kris was just a creepy weirdo that rarely speaks cause Kris is just plotting to freak everyone out. Kris is actually pretty cool, it's like Kris sees through people and understands what they're like just by a glance, and makes them happy, and put to it, Kris isn't a slouch in a fight. Kris is fast, strong [not stronger than me], smart...

Queen: Kris did lead you in the fight against me, I do have to say, it was well coordinated at the least.

Susie: Noelle is sweet, maybe a bit too scared and curious. Honestly I did enjoy that she wanted to walk with me, and I loved talking with her.

Queen: She was much stronger than she was willing to let herself be too. I feel bad for what happened to her, I still want to help her, but oh well!

Susie: Ralsei is a nerd, a shorty, four eyed, trying to explain everything.

Queen: ... are you going to get to the good about him?

Susie: What? That was the good. He's smart, cute, and excited to teach others. He's especially fun to mess with, and he's pretty good at making cake. I mean, yeah, him trying to explain everything can be annoying sometimes, but his teaching gave me the ability to heal people [I still prefer to hit people, but healing is still cool].

Queen: What's wrong with Berdly again?

Susie: remember the negatives I gave Kris?

Queen: yes?

Susie: It's that, but loud instead of quiet

Queen: Thought so.

Susie: and Lancer is Lancer, he's my friend so I don't count it as him viewing me romantically

Lancer: Can I view you romantically?

Susie: No

Lancer: Oh thank goodness, I like being your friend.

Susie: me too buddy.

Queen: So, what will you do?

Susie: I don't know. I like all of them, but I don't know how to feel all about them entirely. It's nice to know they like me at the very least

Queen: To answer your question, you should figure out how you feel towards everyone, to make sure you don't end up conflicting your emotions getting into certain relationships you can't maintain.

Susie: What?

Queen: Maintaining a healthy relationship you need to understand yourself just as well as the person you're interacting with, and to work with said person, you don't need an intense, deep understanding, but you do need to know how you feel at least

Susie: I thought you weren't good with people?

Queen: I'm pulling it from the internet

Susie: but the-

Queen: I'm obviously using data

Susie: but-

Queen: have you ever downloaded something over data?

Susie: ...

Queen: thought so

[alilaro]

What are your headcanons for Kris and Noelle?

warning for deltarune spoilers!

firstly, I really like all the characters from undertale/deltarune. toby pays so much attention to each one; even background ones; and has a way with making everyone very charming and likable.

kris: I feel bad for every time I play. like on a meta level the game guilts you into playing: you have to play to progress, but playing means you are possessing kris; a young kid, into doing your bidding. even if you make "good" choices, you still are controlling them to do so. kris is your puppet. (it's not a surprise they ripped the veil in the end of chapter two. its not them being evil, it's their only means of feeling in control, and a cry for help)

there are options in the game where you can force kris to hug ralsei, despite other characters stating how much kris hates hugs, and it feels violating and perverse, it feels wrong. i believe kris genuinely would like susie regardless of the players intervening, but ralsei obviously looks like asriel and the idea of trying to push them together into some weird make-believe like you're playing dolls freaks me out.

i deliberately avoid ralsei in-game because of this (also bc they're obviously hiding something lmao), and even though I don't know much about Kris, using tidbits from other characters I try to make choices based on what I think kris would approve of most.

+

noelle: I think is super super cute. i love the ghibli-static hair thing her sprite does whenever she gets embarrassed talking to/about susie. and how she is very warm and friendly, but likes a lot of weird and dark stuff too.

I'm also really interested in the lore surrounding her and her family. her dad is in hospital with an illness that he makes light of despite it seeming pretty serious. also I think him and asgore have some sort of romance between them? her mom is the mayor and apparently a hard-ass, and I'm excited to meet that character in the upcoming chapters.

there's also the fact that noelle has a sister name 'Dess', or december, but its heavily implied they died. there's a bit where berdly and noelle were in a spelling bee, and the only reason berdly won was because the last word was 'December' and it made her freeze up.

the snowgrave end is really eerie too. the idea of manipulating noelle into killing people—killing berdly, while she's under the premise of everything being a dream, and afterwards is so out of it and exhausted she just walks around by herself until she eventually finds a way out. (the way berdly's dead corpse just lies there at the table and no one notices)