Finally... Walker might finally believe me... and all it took was a complete mental breakdown! Violet, realizing she's been emotionally unstable since getting here, decided to just let it go for the time being. She'd need to control herself lest she be a burden on everyone should another fight break out. With how kite was looking at Kaath and judging by her responses... that could be any time soon. With how little she could even see her movements, Violet would rather not let things come to that; she doesn't want to put everything on Kite. She's seen his limits and doesn't want him to test them again. Letting those two... converse... she'd answer Walker finally. I have no reason to lie to you anymore. Since we're on a team trying to survive, it'd be bad if we kept secr- and then there was shouting. Violet would quickly look to Kaath and ready her ball before nothing would happen. She'd be back to being calm just a bit later, though apparently still resentful. Violet would carefully watch Kaath walk away more exhausted. Maybe she was some type of fighter who's anger powered them, a barbarian as she's heard it called in games. As she got lost in thought Kaath would whisper something she'd miss before fading away into nothingness. Great... and now our guide just completely fu- calming herself again, vanished without a trace and we're alone here just sitting ducks for whatever ELSE lurks here. With a sigh, she'd look around to see if there was somewhere else to go to move on from here. Kite would spring up, looking rather worried before hearing their gloves start to click again. What followed seemed like a vision but... more real, and as quickly as it start, it dissolved away instantly. Now, however, Violet could hear a voice in the distance. Seems like moving forward might be a bit easier than she originally thought. She was about to slowly move towards the voice but then she heard a vase breaking. Someone must be angry and throwing stuff. I don't want to end up like that so maybe I should take this hint and cool it from now on... Walker would speak to get the group moving along and she, for once, could actually agree with him. She'd begin to follow the group out of the cave. Reaching the end she'd see... a... forest?! Honestly, after being in that nightmare filled cave, this forest was absolutely beautiful to her. She could almost feel her stress melting away before hearing that same voice beckon to the group. She'd notice the body that lied in a bush and a pair of broken legs... literally?? The upper part spoke very politely and eloquently, Violet couldn't help but feel bad for this poor soul who was put through this. Whoever this 'Madam' was, needed to get a verbal lashing for what they put this po- Then she'd hear a loud squawk. This thing mentioned the Madam was put in a mood... Kaath? Suddenly this would all make sense and now that verbal lashing was just a completely terrible idea. Walker would begin conversing with it before Violet would do SOMETHING for this thing. She'd go to pick up the legs and bring it closer to the body. I don't suppose you know anyway we can help you... put yourself back together?
Kaath was getting pretty close to Violet... almost too close. She put her arm around her like they were being friendly, but this somehow put her even more on edge. Her ball would begin to glow a bit yellow. Before she could voice anything that would resemble an opposition, a sword would come swinging from out of nowhere towards Kite. It was blindingly fast and she could barely see it... but Kite did, and stopped it. Violet would heave a sigh of relief, but something still felt off. For some reason she could feel like it wasn't over, she felt a sinking feeling as Kaath's let go of her and she saw the look in her eye. Her ball glowed an even brighter yellow and again with blinding speed, a sword would appear right at her cheek. Kite had saved her this time and she knew without Kite, she'd be dead without even seeing what killed her. Violet would hear Kaath speaking but didn't know what she said... too much for one day. First Keepa, now Kaath. Why does everyone want to kill me today... Even Kite almost did it by accident. Do I just have bad luck with 'K' names today?
Violet would collapse as she feels it's been a pretty stressful day. Dying, waking up, almost dying from psychic images, watching a friend die, meeting a bird head, dying to the bird head, waking up from dying to the bird head, then almost dying to a Nightmare lookalike... yeah stressful day today. She finally lets out her sigh though it comes out shaky while she tries to get it all out. Walker would start to rant about sides and secrets and magic. Everything just giving her a headache at this point. Her ball burst into a bright red ethereal flame before she let it all out. I have come close to death in the last hour more times than MOST people would in their entire life! If you could just give me ONE DAMN SECOND TO COLLECT MYSELF, MAYBE, just maybe, I'LL GET TO YOUR FUCKING CONCERNS!!!
Violet would huff a bit before noticing her ball is a giant red flaming ball. Realizing she lost control there, she tries to calm herself down a bit. She closes her eyes and takes deep breaths in and out slowly to calm herself, the ball dimming with each breath. After her last breath out she finally speaks calmly. I apologize for that outburst. It was rude of me and very childish. I'll try to not let it happen again. I've had quite the awakening here but since you seem concerned about it, I'll share with you what happened. She'd sigh a bit before she began. I wake up to a stranger in a mask bombarding my mind with overwhelming psychic images telling me he's my friend. I then meet another one of them and the two begin fighting and the second one starts bombarding me with MORE images. The two Kites fight each other until the second one dies and our Kites is severely wounded. We both then go to free you both where afterwards we meet Keepa. Now your up to speed. I can tell you all the images he showed me too if you'd like that? Violet wanted to hide the fact that she was annoyed but the more of the story she told, the more it boiled up. She'd take one last breath in and out before hearing everyone else out.
As well as it could have. Violet would unconsciously keep petting the Kite as she'd talk with Kaath... or at least she would but it would seem she's not exactly the most talkative type. She'd watch as Kaath would continue to clean and polish her sword. Maybe that sword means a lot to her? I could find out but if I asked she probably wouldn't let me and even if she did, I'm not sure I'd want to look into her past. It's not like Kaath was wasting her time though, something about the polish, the soft lighting, it all just made the blade look all the more beautiful. As she was getting lost in thought, she'd feel something under her hand move with a very familiar sound. Violet would slowly lift her hand and her eyes would begin to grow very wide as she'd watch Kite slowly come back to life. K-Kite? She would quickly go and scoop Kite up in a hug but then she'd remember what happened last time. Remembering his injuries, she'd offer and pat on the back and a friendly I'm glad to have you with us again! Looking to Kaath, Well the muffled talk, yeah all the time. This hissing and wheezing is new. Violet would move closer to kite to see if there was anything she could do to help. She'd then watch as Kite removed their mask revealing the adorable face they kept hidden. She'd watch Kite try to compose himself and steady his breathing as he looks over everyone. He'd again talk in that language she still couldn't understand. She'd look to him expecting a vision to be coming but instead she'd hear Kaath... speaking? Kaath began approaching Kite with a clear murderous intent and readying her sword. Violet KNEW she couldn't take Kaath in a fight, but she prosimed Kite he'd always be on his side. Besides... she fought a few Nightmares in her world, how bad could this be... She'd stand and place the ball near Kaath in an attepmt to get her to stop for a moment. Kaath what are you doing? Kite isn't our enemy. He's been helping us get out this whole time. There's no need to get violent right now. Please relent. She wasn't expecting much from this and if Kaath wanted, she could probably bat her ball away without any effort, but she had to try something.
Violet would walk over to the spot and place her ball a little under waist level, sit on it, and cross her legs. She'd wait for the others to make their way over. She noticed The other girl taking her time but it looks like she's talking with Kaath. As she'd start walking over, Violet would notice her wiping her eyes. Either Kaath said something to her or she had something emotional to say. Either way it wasn't any of her business. Once she was with the group, Violet would start. Thank you for indulging me in this request. Feel free to take a seat if you'd like. There's just a few things I wanted to talk about with you two. I'll be blunt since dancing around this subject will get us nowhere. Both of you seem untrustworthy. Now that's not to say I'm not grateful to the two of you, especially you Walker. Carrying me out with an injured shoulder must have been difficult for you, so for that you have my gratitude. What I'm referring to is the fact that, for the most part, I don't know anything about either of you since it seems like what you've been telling others changes with each new person. I'm not saying to divulge your entire story to the enemy, but I'd like to know more about you both. I'd be happy to answer any questions you'd have about me as well... but this is something we need to do. If we're to trust each other with our lives, it's the least we can do. So why don't we start with giving each other our real names... Violet would shoot a look at the girl, Sienna... or Sapphire... Why don't you start us off?
-
Walker had taken his time meandering over for the gypsy's little gathering she had called for. Probably looking to dig information out on her allies, and he settled into standing. He'd spent enough time sitting for now, between waking up on a slab and then sitting around eating and having his shoulder properly patched up. The two of them were untrustworthy? That got a low smile across his face as she mentioned being grateful regardless of trustworthiness. The gypsy was talking about getting to know the two of them better, and that was going to be a hard no, at least for now. He'd have to play around her questions, since there was no promises she was any more trustworthy than the medic and himself looked.
Well, nominally its rude to ask for a true name without offering one's own first, just my humble opinion there. But let's have our little team meeting and see what happens, it could be very enlightening while we keep our host waiting in a cave.
-
Being called untrustworthy stung. Ruby didn't like deception, much less lying. This place was so surreal, so foreign, so hostile, that it seemed dangerous to give even a codename, let alone her real name(s). But no matter how good the reason was, lying always bit back.
I was called Ruby since my earliest waking memories, though my mother carried my true name to her grave. I was adopted by the Redfords, retired mercenaries, and now work as a sort of mercenary myself as the owner and operator of the Redford Porter Service. My job is to handle all the support functions of an adventuring party, including baggage and loot management, equipment upgrades, health maintenance, and such like.
She looked to Walker and smiled. How about you, hotshot?
-
Ruby went through her bit about being a, by his home's standards at least, a reputable mercenary support company owner and operator. Not what he had pegged given her kit and tricks, but it made sense. That sort of thing would have sold well for those who were hired by the Church to find Relics before the crooks, thieves, and those hired by nobles and the mage's guild did. Still, it seemed that his turn had come around, and he offered a lazy smile and a shrug after being referred to as hotshot.
Afraid I'm the least interesting person here it seems. Walker is my name, it's what everyone knew me by, and what everyone used when not resorting to derogatory terms. As for who I was, that very much depended on who you asked, and when. If my arm's being twisted, metaphorically of course, and you want my two cents? Just some gutter rat who managed to thrive before that cesspit I called home got torched. Learned my way around fights out of necessity, and from there developed the skills needed to make ends meet. No glamor there, I'm afraid, and certainly no heroics. That leaves you, my gypsy looking individual, to fill in the gaps you leave now.
Walker had turned his gaze back on Violet, and while he still had that easy smile on his face, it certainly was not one that reached his eyes, metaphorically speaking. Whether he was lying or merely omitting things, well, even he would be hard pressed to confirm at this point. Live a story long enough and, well, you sort of take on that story as your own. At least that's what he would say if pressed further on the authenticity of his rather lack luster background compared to Ruby and, probably Violet. The fact he was the odd one out in names was not lost on him either, mind, but he didn't bring that up.
-
Well then I'm glad you both started. I suppose I should return the favor. As I've said before, my name is Violet. Where I'm from, I ran a faux-fortune teller shop. It was an easy way to make money since people would love to hear that kind of stuff. Violet would pause for a second and get a much more serious look on her face, but while that is true, it's only the surface. While the stand I ran was only a phony booth, my powers are far from fake. As for my main profession, I was an assassin who'd take to killing corrupt lord who'd abuse their power one way or another. While there we're monsters in my world Violet would glance over to Kaath for a moment, I didn't have to fight them, we had a group of hunters to do that for us.
Violet had told this story many times in her world, mostly to acquaintances of Xendrik, so she was used to the question which usually followed. If you're wondering why I also ran the booth, it was to look into common people's past and future to see if they had any information on my target. Places they'd frequent, things they've said around them, that kind of stuff.
Violet would take a breath and put on a calmer expression. I apologize for putting you both on the spot like that but it's something I needed to know. I suppose next, if there's nothing left to add, we talk about our strengths and weakness, our abilities and what we can bring to the table so to speak.
-
An openly admitted assassin, one who seemed to have their story down pat and claimed to only be going after corrupt lords and the like. Supposedly there were 'monsters' as well, noting the glance towards Kaath, but not having ever done it herself. They had specific hunters for that sort of thing, which seemed natural enough. A guild of like minded hunters would work better, assuming they even formed any sort of ranks like that. Regardless, apparently she could read people's fortunes, futures, pasts, and so on. There must be some sort of limitation since, well, why ask if she could just look into someone's past to get the information she wanted. He would have to keep that in mind, since she should have been able to tell he was obfuscating the truth if she was actually capable of that.
I'm sure it was V, I'm sure it was. You've already seen I can protect myself in hand to hand, even if I'm no hunter of monsters. Beyond that, I'm a halfway tolerable shot, it's hard to keep me out of places and things, and I'm easily forgettable when the mood suits. I have some other tricks, though they're much more niche so if they come up, well, then they come up. As for weaknesses? Well, obviously I don't have the tricks you two have, which is the most relevant one. That's probably the main relevant one. Your up, R, since we're putting all the cards on the table.
Walker shrugged and omitted the fact he could take one hell of a beating, that one was probably obvious given the injury and general recovery he had made, factoring in the medical aid that R rendered. He didn't enjoy chatting about himself, so kept it brief and only covered the necessary points in his usual manner of speaking. He was mostly scanning back and forth between the two, occasionally glancing back to see how their illustrious host was doing, otherwise, he kept his peace for now.
-
Least interesting? Pish posh. How'd his home get torched? When? By who? Did he catch them? Good lord, does this man have a story to tell! How is this not interesting!?
But Violet, though, has an interesting power. Can she really look into the future? If so, I gotta learn that spell.
That's another conversation, though.
Strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, huh? Well, for one, I'm a good shot with a gu- Wait, they might not have guns on their worlds. Then again, they've seen my weapon. Ruby withdrew her blaster and set it on the ground in front of her. This is a magical weapon that uses my mental energies for ammunition. I'm a good shot with it.
She then reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of firewood. Since my job requires management of large inventories, I invested in a Bag of Holding, which has unlimited space in it. This firewood, for example, is larger than the bag, but the bag can hold it. She put it back in the bag and leaned back on her arms.
As for skills and abilities, I have many. I can do black-smithy, carpentry, alchemy, cooking, sewing, medicine, programming, mage-craft, architecture, all sorts of things. I can even fight, in a pinch, though I've been long out of practice. If there's anything you need done, I can probably do it.
-
As for me, as you've both seen, I can hold my own in a battle. I can use this ball to keep a distance between me and my enemies. It can pack a hell of a punch if I'm in the right mood. If necessary I have a dagger I can defend myself up close with but that goes into my weakness. I'm not physically strong. Yes I have a dagger, but I'm an assassin, it was never meant to be used in a fight, it was meant for a quick kill with no resistance. In addition, if I'm not in the right mood, my ball will barely tickle my enemy.
Violet looked down as if to process everything she'd been told. Working it all together she can see how they could make a decently competent team. Walker would take the front, she'd be in the middle, with Ruby in the back. It could easily work if they stick to that plan. Violet could provide backup for Walker should he get overwhelmed and Ruby provides backup for Violet. Everything was in order but, maybe it's the Nightmare Goo lingering but there was one more thing she needed to do...
Alright sounds good from the both of you. There's just one more thing to do, and admittingly this is a very selfish request. Will you let me read your pasts? I give my word that I will only look into the things you've told me. In addition, since I know this doesn't seem fair on both of your parts, if you have any question to ask me, I'll answer them truthfully. I know my powers can be a bit... intrusive... so I find it morally wrong to look for things I have no business looking for. So... I know this may be a lot but... what do you say?
-
No! Ruby blurted out.
She crawled back, scowling. Let her see who I am, what I'm capable of? It'd be Septra all over again! Hell no!
Ruby's scowl softened and faded. Flipping fidgets. That was too harsh. Maybe it couldn't hurt to let her see a little.
Twenty-five years, if that's possible. No further, please.
-
Walker glanced at Ruby while she mentioned being a good shot with her magic weapon. More enchanted kit, it seemed, and more stuff that outclassed what he had laying around typically. True to her claims as a mercenary supporter, she unloaded all sorts of kit and and rattled off all sorts of abilities and skills. She'd be swamped with work back home, he considered, though all things considered it would be useful to at least keep her on his side. He had no coin, let alone any that she might have even taken, but then he turned his attention to the gypsy assassin as she spoke. Holds her own, the ball of hers was reliant on her mood? That was concerning, and possibly exploitable, and she openly admitted being an assassin and being lacking in straight up fights. What they could use was one of, and he loathed to consider it, the old church guards. Big, looming brutes would work wonders being a wall. Still, what was asked next confirmed his previous thoughts.
She refused to unwillingly look into someone's past without their permission? Based on morality? One of the most confusing assassin's he'd ever encountered. It was a strange amalgamation of traits and qualities that made it difficult to get a solid read on her at all. Ruby's response was harsh but not necessarily surprising. Hell, he had no interest in showing her his past. One, while he technically wasn't lying before, it was none of her business who he was before here. He would have to observe based on what happened to Ruby and decide from there, and his tone was more guarded and less off the cuff than her's had been.
I'll consider it while you read R first. I'm a private person, so having someone sniffing around in my past isn't particularly appealing. It's not terribly pretty either, shockingly. He crossed his arms now, watching the two now so he could focus and analyze what and how it happened. Even if he didn't expect to see anything during this 'reading'.
-
Thank you Ruby. If you'll give me your hands. She'd take both of her hands and close her eyes. She'd then quickly open them and say, I should mention... When I use my powers, I, unintentionally, will see the most important memory to you. It's typically the first thing I'll see but I'll only catch a glimpse of it. If you're fine with that I can continue.
-
Ruby nodded from within her defensive ball. Okay, you can look. she murmured.
-
Violet closed her eyes and was quickly surrounded in a familiar darkness. It's been a while since she's used her powers but she was used to it. She'd see a small bright light which she knew to be Ruby's memories. Once she touched it, millions of screens would burst out. She'd immediately be greeted with a big scene of a man standing over her. He appeared to be bleeding and looking at her. She'd quickly close her eyes from that scene and started to focus on the task at hand.
First she'd look for the name. She'd look back starting from her birth and progress forward until she got a clear memory of someone saying her name... sure enough her name was Ruby. Next she'd look at any battles that Ruby had been in. Again she was truthful, although it seemed that gun of hers was more than a flare gun. Other than that she played a more supportive roll on the field with a long range option. Although that crystal she uses seems interesting. Other than that, it seems she was telling the truth.
Violet would open her eyes only a couple second later and give a sigh of relief. Thank you Ruby. I see you've told the truth so thanks again for indulging my foolish thoughts. Though I'll admit I don't know why you'd set a 25 year limit... Honestly I would have pegged you for 21 or so. She'd shrug then look to Walker next knowing he might be a bit more opposed. Alright it's your turn. Can I look into your past as well. Again I will promise to only look for what you've told me.
-
Walker was watching the rather lackluster ceremony for someone who was supposedly having the past 25 years of their life being read. A strange setpoint, honestly, given how old she looked, but looks could be deceiving. That much was certain. When she finished and looked over at him, he sighed and dropped his arms as she properly asked him. Violet was clearly right to assume he was opposed, his tone guarded and not terribly pleased with the fact that someone was going to look into his past. She might not be terribly happy with, while he didn't lie, there was a lot he omitted of his past.
I'm opposed, but right now it's fairly irrelevant what that past is. Unlikely any of its left, given how we ended up here overall. Can't speak for you two, of course. Be quick about it, not like my past is worth looking into at this point.
-
Violet would look a bit disappointed. That won't do... I need your consent in order to read your past.
-
Of course it was a case of precise wording, it shouldn't have been surprising to Walker given her request for true names, and he finally conceded. Fine, you may do so. Try not to look too closely at the more recent stuff, it ain't very pretty.
-
Ruby snickered and punched Walker in the shoulder. Dude, she just said she's an assassin. I'd bet my pennies your past is wearing a pink tutu with a bow on top compared to hers.
-
Now it was Walker's turn. Violet closed her eyes and was once again quickly surrounded in darkness. She'd come to a bright light and would touch it. This time she's met with a city ablaze. She'd see Walker looking over this city from a bridge. Violet was stunned a bit at the sight but quickly regained her composure and closed her eyes and focused.
She'd start with name again. She'd filter his memories by 'real name' since going from birth was a took a bit last time. She'd see thousands of memories before her. She'd peek into one and hear him referred to as 'Walker'. Good enough for her. Before she could throw these away she'd see a memory by itself. It seemed weird so she'd decided look a bit more into it.
She'd find herself in a well worn, lived in setting. She'd see Walker working over a sheaf of papers over lamp light. Violet would look to see what Walker was looking over and see the name on the documents he was trying to repair: Jericho Cross. After Walker studied them for a while she saw him burn the document. It must not be something he wants to think about. Violet couldn't help but feel a bit guilty at what she'd been doing now. She glance over a few battles he'd been in but was a little too ashamed to pay too much attention to them.
She come back to her senses with a saddened expression on her face. I'm... sorry... I saw a few things and I'd understand why you'd want to keep them to yourself. To clear up any misunderstanding she'd get closer to him and whisper in his ear, I saw you standing over a burning village although I didn't see too much of that. But I also saw your name... Jericho Cross... I won't talk about it unless you want me to. She'd take her original seat back on her ball. Anyway that's your business and I won't pry any further than I have. Again I'm sorry for asking this of both of you. In return, I will answer any question you have on me with the utmost of honesty.
-
Walker did snort briefly at Ruby and her remark, fortunate that she didn't punch his wounded shoulder. Remind me to ask for your pennies when she's done, yeah?
With that, he would focus on Violet as she did her thing, and Walker was not terribly happy with someone sifting through his past. The expression on her face, almost sad, when she finally finished all but confirmed the fact that she probably sifted through some rather private things. that he would rather have left buried. She mentioned having seen things that he would rather have not been dug up and, before he could remark, she was in his personal space and mentioned the birth name he dug up far too long ago and he cocked an eyebrow at her and muttered. I'd leave that well and truly buried for now. As for the battle, that's far less touchy if you two need a depressing story sometime.
Once she returned to her orb seat and spoke on mentioning, with complete honesty promised, answering any questions they had, Walker spoke up, his tone was a bit more clipped than before. Invading his privacy was not something easily forgiven, regardless of the reasoning. Despite his opening, he seemed more focused on pragmatics than simply digging into her past. I've met my share of assassins, a past reading gypsy with a peculiar and specific code of morals and targets is not typical. Rather than focus on semantics, however, the orb. Why is your control of it so heavily dependent on emotion, that seems like a rather glaring problem should things get suitably out of hand.
-
A good question... Violet would stand from her ball and bring it to her hand. This orb is tied to me emotionally to put it simply. Truth be told I'm not completely sure how it works myself but I know it to be true. Different emotions yield different strengths. She'd close her eyes and the ball would burst in to is red flame. Anger is the second strongest of my emotions. You've seen what it could do to Keepa so you know it's power. As for weakest... She'd close her eyes again and the ball would turn a bright yellow. Fear would have to be the weakest. As it stands... She'd launch the ball directly at Ruby's chest but, despite how fast it moved, it bounced off with little to no force behind it at all. I can't hurt anyone with this thing. I have to maintain full control of my emotions at all times otherwise I only become a hindrance in battle.
After what she saw, she felt being completely forthcoming was only the right thing to do. They couldn't look into her past the same way she could look into theirs. This was only the fair thing to do. However, the way he phrased that question definitely meant there was another question he wanted to ask. Look, Walker, I can tell that's not what you wanted to ask... You can feel free to ask whatever you want.
-
I think I just started a gambling game on whose past is grittier... Ruby muttered.
Walker posed an interesting question: Why was Violet's control dependent on emotion? The magecrafts often operated on different rules in different worlds; perhaps if her magic fed on spirit energy, then emotions, being the expression of one's spiritual state, might govern the magic's properties?
Or perhaps it was a "trainer" of some sort. It wasn't unprecedented for master mages to tailor a trainee's magic powers to work under a specified set of restrictions.
But Violet was no mage. She was an assassin given a mage's tool - a remarkable tool, at that. The mystic code governing its operation begged to be disassembled. If it were possible to just take a quick peek...
Ruby stuffed the idea in the back of her mind. She'd flesh out a plan for that later. In the meantime, she had some questions for the lovely young assassin, and raised her hand.
I got one. What is your planet of origin?
-
Another good question. While the answer is Earth I already assumed we came from different worlds. The fact that neither of you had any reaction to Kaath's appearance meant the Nightmares don't exist in your world. Nightmares are the monsters that infect my world. She'd bring her ball to the middle of all of them and project a small image of a Nightmare to them. Completely jet black skin, long oversized arms with long legs to match, claws on it's hands and feet, and to top it off, it's entire body was cover in what looked like a white bone-like plates with it even having some type of 'face'. It almost looked like a mask but it's mouth would open up to show very human teeth. And of course standing out from this all were it's bright red eyes that seemed to peer directly into your very being. That is one example of one type of them but there are many different types, and they all look different. But the jet black skin, white plating, and red eyes are typically their calling card. She disperse the image and bring the ball back to herself. Anything else? She'd eye over toward Walker who she thinks has a question he won't ask.
-
But Terrans don't have access to magic. That can't be right...
She laid her chin on her fist and pondered this conundrum.
-
I covered what I needed to for now, I can always pursue more pedantic things at another time. We've probably left our host lingering and sort of just watching for long enough, and there's probably better places to chatter after all.
Walker would indeed have to find a better time to ask after what he was thinking. She didn't strike him as an assassin of any sort, and while that wasn't in and of itself a strange thing, it was the Relic she had and wielded so casually. However his casual, relaxed tone came back like nothing happened, stretching as he considered what he knew so far. Planet of origin? What kind of strange question was that? He seemed out of his depth in that regard, doubly so when Ruby referred to her as a Terran and that they couldn't be using magic. Glancing at her with a cocked eyebrow, he shook his head and made an idle, offhand remark on the matter in general.
Magic's tricky, dangerous stuff. Playing with a Relic even more so, but I don't judge. Any port in the storm.
-
Case and point. Magic is completely dead in my world. Some things may appear magical but they aren't so. This only further proves my point
-
Relic? Is that what magic items are called in his world? There's only a handful of worlds that see magic items as relics. Where ARE these people from?
She decided to test the waters a little. What year is it, where you're from?
-
Violet would answer quickly. 1642
-
Walker thought on the question of year, realizing he had probably let slip magical items were, well, strange things in his world. Given their situation, however, giving the year of where he was from wouldn't be particularly harmful.
727PD, that's what the mage's quarter would call it. Church had another date completely, mind, but no one listened to them.
-
Ruby put her head in her hands. None of this makes any sense. How is one person from the English Civil War era, and another speaking English in the Byzantine era? This is absurd!
Then it occurred to her.
How is he speaking English if he's from 727 AD? How can Violet use a magic crystal ball, even do fortune-telling, in a time when such things were considered heretical? It's like they're from parallel universes or something.
Parallel universes...
She came out of her funk and glanced at Walker and Violet. Do you suppose we're from different universes entirely?
-
Walker would consider the mild breakdown that Ruby was having over the idea of being from different universes completely. He would shrug, that was how Relics had been explained to him by the mage's quarters. Items that fell between the cracks had ended up in Istvargrad, and that was what made them so valuable. Some were too foreign to even being working with and using, and he figured that would be useful information to Ruby. In this case, confirming that they were from indeed different areas completely might be wise.
It makes sense to me. Time for a brief history lesson, from where I'm from. Relics are almost exclusively foreign to my home, they sort of came through after the event at 0PD, and have trickled through since. Since they were sort of coming into our world, well, we sort of assumed that there were other places that were tossing their stuff into ours. And if these Relics were trash to them, well, we tried to avoid getting their attention. Clearly didn't work. Magic also worked vastly differently, but that...that's a long story.
-
Whoa. Just...whoa.
Ruby's eyes seemed to sparkle at the image Walker painted for her. Magic items, created through painstaking effort by magecrafters, discarded in a rift between universes, to land in a world that could not understand them...
That's amazing, Walker. I think I'd like to come visit your world someday.
-
You're romanticizing it, I know that look in your eyes R. That little sparkle, imagination's running wild. Sorry to curb your enthusiasm, but the place was a cesspit being squabbled over by Nobles, robber barons, and the church. With the street folks in between profiting off them all. As for visiting it, well, I don't think that's an option anymore.
Ironically, the thing that Violet saw, the massive burning 'village', was only one district in a massive sprawling city. The smoke and fire blocked the view, he remembered that much, and he would be hesitant to mention the fact that as much of the burning city was the doing of the defenders as it was the impending doom invading their homes. But he kept an even enough expression, amused even, despite having to shoot down Ruby's desire to visit his world.
-
My world is a pretty normal world in my opinion. Violet would cut in to add to this conversation. With how curious Ruby was, this story might spark something in her. Aside from the Nightmares that plague my world, everyone lives a normal life. There's an upper, middle, and lower class in my world and we wage wars since greedy nobles want more land. If anything the only thing that's of any interest is how magic was taken from our world.
I suppose if I'm to sum it up quickly... My world is ruled by two gods: The God of Light and the God of Dark. They rule over the world and create balance. The god of Light creates life and whatnot and the God of Dark creates the Nightmares. With that out of the way, we can get to the main part of our story. There was a man and woman who loved each other very much. One day the woman falls very ill and dies from her sickness. The man goes to the God of Light and begs for his wife back. The God tells him there's nothing he can do and to stop trying. Devastated, he goes to the God of Dark, fully expecting to have to pay a price to get her back but this god turned him away too. 'Why would I bring life back to anyone. I believe it's better off that she's dead.' The man was angry now. So he decided to take matters into his own hands. He told the God of Dark that the God of Light was going to use his wife's soul as an envoy of destruction to lay waste to all the God of Dark created. The god was not happy to hear this so he took the man and went to the God of Light and soon, a fight would break out between the two gods. Amidst the fight, the God of Dark would say 'I'll never let you use this man's wife's soul to destroy my creations!' The god of light stopped his attack and was confused by the statement. He'd explain he'd never do something like that since it would destroy balance should he bring someone back to life. They both realized the man had tricked them into fighting for his own petty reasons. As punishment, They plagued the man with immortality so that he could never see his wife again and both left the world. Once they left, since magic was their creation, all magic left with them. We believe that our special abilities, or our Focus as we call them, are the remnants of their power that's been left over from their departure
I apologize if that went on for too long... I guess it's a bit of a long story. Violet would chuckle a little bit knowing it was probably something they didn't need to know or just that they would lose interest half way into that story. Even so it was something worth telling if Ruby wanted to know more about our worlds
-
Wow. Is that man still alive today? Was anyone able to talk to him about it?
-
He's... not the same... Violet would look down as she talked. People thought he was lying and Violet looked into his past before. She knew all too well it's truth. It was the most painful past she had to read. She was reading backwards of what felt like a thousand years, it was just so much to take in at once, not to mention what she saw. He's become very suicidal and cynical. When I went to see him, I saw 5 different swords through his chest and stomach. The blood was dried so he must've been like that for a while... No one really talks to him anymore... not much to get from him. Plus the world views him as an enemy. Once I verified his stories, Everyone turned on him as the reason both magic and the gods left our world.
-
Ruby clutched at her chest. Oh, that poor man. That's a wretched existence to live with.
Those who have experienced loss, and have had to live with it for an extended time, must learn how to bury their dead, both physically and mentally. You find them a little corner of your heart, a place in your mind where you can accept their passing without forgetting them, and let them go. It's a hard lesson to learn.
-
Strange places that you two hail from.
Walker listened to the story of Light and Dark, creation and balance, and resisted the urge or need to shake his head at it. There was rage and infighting, deceit and retribution, showing these so called gods were little more than mortals given fancy titles. And that, he reminded himself, was why he gave no credence nor faith in any sort of deity. They were no better than those that worshiped them, just wielded more power and had more influence. Nothing godly or inspiring about being higher up in the food chain. The fact they took a different form of magic with them as punishment against those that had nothing to do with such things, well, was not surprising but disappointing. Mass punishment never worked, and Walker made an off hand remark in response to the actions of both the gods and the cursed one.
Doesn't strike me as any gods worth worshiping. So petty over the actions of a single man that they already ruined, and then pissed off. Not defending the immortal, damn fool played a game with no finish line, but no one was really wise in that whole fiasco.
-
Violet wanted to say something but realized he wasn't wrong. In a way, she thought the same thing but since they were gods, she never voiced it. I don't know if they were worshiped, that was before my time. They aren't worshiped now but I believe they were gods by title only. At least they are in my opinion. You aren't wrong by any sense.. but still... She felt like she should take offense to what he said but couldn't dispute anything he said. I... I guess you might have a point though. Maybe they were all wrong. I wouldn't know. I guess you and religion don't mix well?
-
The Church, and yes that is what they were called by us common-folk at least, mostly just used the trappings of religion to further themselves. Preached some 'divine authority' sent the Relics and that meant they were the only authority allowed to collect them, which held up until you saw a Chancellor of the Faith grab some Relic and get fried by it to such a degree that you could only tell he ever was there by the scorched remains of his official garb. Least honest crooks in the nest, really, and that's saying something. So either this divine authority is blatant lies, and I suspected it was, or it was selfish and greedy without at least admitting it. Never met something that was called a god worth giving the time of day, let alone devotion, and that kind of ego is dangerous.
Religion wasn't really anything more than a means to an end in Istvargrad, high ranking positions were hereditary and passed down from father to son, daughters bundled up and sent off to the nunneries or Relic Reclamation Branch. Hell, one of his former gangers he arranged to have posted in Relic Reclamation to spare her an execution. That one, however, was a story for another time, and not one he was keen to tell unless she happened to be around to clarify. He never did get to ask whether or not that was better than death. Everyone trying to make ends meet, that was the rule of the land. Well, was is accurate since it was unlikely the place even existed anymore given what his final waking moments.
- ...Makes sense. Violet was a taken aback by Walker's words. She'd met people who didn't care for the gods but this felt like a real hatred. Maybe people in her world was different since the gods were real people in her world. This seemed like a touchy subject so she'd try to get things back on track. Well in any case, the main reason for this discussion was because I felt I couldn't trust you both. Maybe that nightmare stuff hurt me more than I thought. Since my powers are so reliant on emotion I had to do something about it. I'm thankful to the both of you for what you've already done and for what you let me do. It truly means a lot to me Violet would look back and see Kaath drawing on the floor with the charcoal from a fire stick. Looks like Kaath is getting bored, maybe we should wrap this up. Before we go back... anything either of you want to say?
-
Trust is certainly one reason to invade someone's mind. I think we've spent enough time leaving our only possible guide idling and watching a bunch of humans chattering in semi secrecy. Walker crossed his arms and cocked an eyebrow at Violet as she asked if there was anything else needing to be said or covered right now. He didn't think so at this point, not when they could hold hands and sing tavern shanties another time if they really wanted to get all sorts of buddy buddy. Returning to his usual expression of neutrality, he shook his head and chimed in a little bit.
Not right now, we can have a pleasant little group huddle someplace nicer. Doubt our friend over there lives in this...wonderful little arrival point.
-
Violet would chuckle as she'd stand up. Right... I'll head back over, and again... thanks. She'd give a soft smile as she walk back over to be near Kite again. She'd, again, place the ball under herself and sit near him and pat his head a bit. She'd chuckle to herself, He probably wouldn't like this very much.
Violet sat quietly listening to everyone talk. Talks of shrines, other visitors and other stuff from Kaath. She kinda half listened to her but Violet knew she'd gotten the majority of the picture. Given what she did for a living, she was good at getting information from only bits and pieces of memories, she was able to gather the information being given to her with relative ease. She was more concerned with the first several questions Kaath had asked. While she still didn't completely trust her, she also knew that if Kaath wanted to, she could kill them all rather quickly. Anyone who's stayed here for so long and has made a personal enemy of Keepa must be able to hold their own, especially if Keepa hasn't come to take her out already. Either he doesn't want to, or he can't. Nevertheless she should begin to answer... or at least she would but Walker had just blurted out an answer. Just listening to him, it just feels like he's trying too hard to be the most aloof among them all. Despite that, he still answers as if he knows it all. He should remember that I was the one who woke him up... and given what Kaath said...
I suppose I should speak up now. As far as I know, I was the first to wake up here. Kite freed me first so, if what you say is true, then I suppose I'm the one who holds the string. As for your other questions; when I woke up, it was just me and Kite, and second, We didn't lose anyone from our side. We ran into another Kite who attacked us but I think it was after me... it's just a guess but that's off topic. We killed that Kite after our Kite suffered some pretty bad injuries. I had thought they were mortal but Kite was able to shrug them off. So I've answered your question, but we've been dancing around mine, how do we save Kite? That little guy is pretty strong, it'd be foolish to leave without him. Violet tried to cover up her own personal reasons for saving him by making it a logical choice to save him.
Violet said to her self and thought for a second. Now that I think about it, this isn't the right time to bring that back up... there's another pressing matter. This feeling in Violet, she wasn't going to be able to shake it. Maybe it's a lingering effect of the Nightmare oil or maybe it's something else. After all, the oil makes your nightmares real but they don't come from nowhere, those feelings were inside of her. If she doesn't address them, she won't be able to keep her emotions under control and she'll only end up as a hindrance to the party. So it's best to get this over with now... it's as good a time as any. Violet would look to both Walker and Sienna, I think we need to have a private chat... It's nothing personal Kaath, just a few things we need to work out. I'd ask if you could watch out for us but either you were going to do that anyway, or you wouldn't listen to me in the first place. Either way there's no point in asking She'd give a feint smile to Kaath as she'd turn her attention back to the others. If you don't mind, lets talk over there. She'd motion over a little bit down the hall but still within Kaath's sight.
Violet feeling a bit embarrassed after breaking the wall, letting her emotions get the better of her again, then offends Kaath a second time by comparing her to Keepa. Unsure if it was from her recent experiences or from a natural feeling, Violet feels horrible about what she's done so far to Kaath. In addition, seeing her anger start to flair up, was enough to make her skin crawl. Sorry... Kaath? I'm not being considerate to you. I'm truly sorry for that. I wasn't aware of your history with... it. I'll be more careful with my words. I'm still... getting over this.... 'Nightmare Oil' so please be patient with me. I'll try to do better. Violet, trying to come off as sincere as possible. Violet hears 'string' again and starts to think back. She's mentioned that 2 times now. What does that mean? I keep seeing Kite mention that in his visions. Maybe that has something to do with it? Kite never said it was a secret or even implied it. Maybe it's safe to tell. Then Kaath mentions Kite being dead... Violet starts to panic a bit, HE'S NOT trying to calm herself down to not piss off Kaath anymore. He's not dead. He was... almost like this before. Not this bad but he'll come back. I thought he was dead before but I was wrong and he just got back up. He's probably just really hurt and resting... Violet wasn't sure if she was trying to convince herself or if she really thought that. This looked REALLY bad but she wanted to hold out on hope. Kaath started to talk about something called 'The Scab' but Violet was too concerned with Kite. She tried to listen to his heart beat, but didn't hear anything. She wasn't even sure if he should have one or not. She had no idea what he was. Maybe his kind doesn't have a heartbeat? Thinking back, Kaath said something about a string. Maybe Violet can do something she doesn't know about and Kaath does. In Kite's visions, he shows me a picture of a girl holding a string a lot. Maybe that has something to do with it? Thinking back, Violet remembered Kite talked to... Sapphire? Sienna? Scarlet? in a similar way. But now she doesn't even know that woman's name. Violet looked over to her and said lowly, Didn't Kite talk to you as well? What'd he say to you? Not sure if that was a secret since Kite never told her, she said it lowly to try to keep it out of the complete open. She was very curious what they talked about and if she didn't want to talk about it then... Violet didn't want to think about what that'd mean. I'm sure that's all just in my head. That Oil is making me not trust anyone... but they haven't exactly given me a reason to trust them. We just had one fight together. I've been trying to get them to trust me but... Violet was starting to get tired of her own thinking. Violet took a fish from the ones cooking, gives Kaath an 'is this okay?' look and starts to eat a bit of it. Not really hungry from her recent experiences, she takes a few bites out of it and sets it aside. She carefully puts the stick it was roasting on in the ground to keep the fish from touchng it. Thanks Kaath. I'm not much for eating right now but I promise I'll finish it. I just have something I need to do. Violet then takes a seat near the wall and places her ball in her lap. She was a mess of emotions, she needed to sort this out sooner than later before she screwed something else up. The ball slowly rose from her lap and slowly flashed between blue, yellow, and red. So many thoughts were running through her head: Kite's death, the nightmare she had of Keepa, the lack of trust between the people who she's supposed to entrust her life to. Everything swirled through her mind and the ball matched it. Violet started to slow her breathing and tried to push the thoughts away, rationalizing each one. Acknowledging the futility of getting upset over nothing or of things she couldn't change herself helped her in the past and she'd try that here. And it started to help. Given how Kaath speaks of him, she's probably been in a 'war' with him for some time. Since she's still alive, she must know how to deal with him. She doesn't need to worry about that. Kaath knows something about Kite so she might be able to help with that. Last the Nightmare Oil may be making her think the way she was, not that it wasn't warranted. She shouldn't be as upset about it as she is but it needs to be spoken about with all of them. As she thought about that, the colors in the ball began to fade. Over the course of about 5 minutes, the bright blue, yellow, and red all faded until all that was left was the clear ball that floated in front of her. A calmed look was in her eyes as she opened them again. She grabbed the ball in one hand and the fish with the other and joined everyone near the fire. Calmly, she spoke, So how can we help Kite? You seem to know about him so I'm interested with what you can tell me. Also what's our next move from here as she starts to eat her fish again.
Y-You can talk? Violet was genuinely taken aback. She'd never seen Nightmares that could talk before. With that said she knew they couldn't... or at least she thought they couldn't. Nightmares we're closer to animals than to people so it would make sense that this couldn't be one of them. But following that train of thought, Violet realizes she's being a bit rash in her decision making. She's shouting, inciting a fight, and jumping to conclusions... this isn't who she was. Xendrick taught her much better than this. Even so... so much of this didn't make sense, that COULDN'T have been as simple as a dream. A dream would have ended much sooner than that nightmare dragged on. But that's when Violet overheard Kaath mention 'Nightmare Oil'. When she thought about it, Violet did remember one thing before everything went to hell. She remembered saving Sierra and then looking back at Keepa and getting a face full of black goo. After that is when the nightmare began. To add to it, Walker brought up a good point. The fact that she still had her ball means:
It wasn't crushed by Keepa like she remembered
They brought it here themselves so their goal isn't to disarm her.
She's not bound and has her weapons.Talking about 'blind trust' would be naïve and Violet desprately trying to keep on blaming them. The answer was right in front of her and she just needed to accept it. Violet lowered her dagger and her ball went back to it's crystal clear color. Violet sunk to the floor realizing what a fool she's made of herself. Nightmare Oil huh? Violet let out a heavy sigh. Jeez, I must've looked a sight...just some crazy lady yelling about some nonsense. I'm... sorry about my outburst... Violet sits herself proper and tries to gather herself. She tries to shake this feeling of dread looming over her. And Walker... thanks for carrying me here. Sorry to put you through that. I'm truly indebted to you She lowers her head towards him in appreciation.
"So...tha rest'ye got names, ah? Y'humans love tha kinda thin"
Those two sentences brought up old wounds. Violet vividly remember Keepa using those EXACT words. Violet started shaking upon just hearing those words again. K-K-Keepa s-said the same t-thing... Violet tries to compose herself and put herself together. Come to mention it you know a lot about this place and you two almost talk the same... you both would be workin- Violet cut herself off understanding just what she was saying. That nightmare is controlling her. She can't help but feel a bit scarred from the whole experience. Violet buries her face in her legs and with a wave of her hand, her ball burst into it's red flame and strikes the wall with immense force. DAMMIT! What the hell is going on with me... She grabs her head and sits there slowly breathing to try and calm herself down. After Violet had calmed herself she thought about something Walker had said. Speaking of the plague surgeon, where is Kite? Violet looked around and saw the body lying lifeless. She rushed over to his body quickly. Is the Nightmare Oil still effecting him? Is he still locked in the nightmare? She puts her head to his chest and doesn't hear anything. She never did it before so she had no idea if he even had a heartbeat in the first place. Violet looked to Kaath and asked, What's happening to him? Do you know anything about this?
Hearing Sierra ask that only made her more shock and even more so angry. DON'T PLAY DUMB!! Violet's ball began to grow a much brighter red than before. You think I'd forget you all leaving me to die to those Keepa heads? You all seemed so happy to ditch me and sacrifice me but now you come back and are PLAYING DUMB??? Violet started to shake remember what she experienced. All that time Keepa was just playing with me I held out some hope you guys would come back but you never did. I can't believe that you're even trying this... I mean... LOOK AT WHAT HE DID TO M- Violet looked at herself for the first time and realized everything that had happened to her was gone. Everything was back in place. No cuts, no scars, no missing body parts, it's like it never happened. But that was impossible, she remembers the whole experience VIVIDLY. Every second of pain, desperation, and the sinking hopeless feeling of dread. She definitely remembers her last moments as she gave up and waited to die. It COULDN'T be a dream... dreams don't feel like that... something was up. You used healing magic on me or something? Trying to make me look like I'M crazy? Just brush it under the rug and say it never happened? Then how would you explain THAT thing that's just been staring at me Violet pointing her dagger towards the Nightmare still by the fire. Finding a Nightmare to keep me in line? I don't know how you befriended it but I'm not going to let you guys try to trick me. If you want to kill me, then I'm not going down without a fight.
Violet laid on the ground, bleeding profusely. She was missing several fingers, an ear, and a LARGE portion of her flesh. The Keepa's all slowly eating her to savor the experience, but also for a much more malicious reason. Ya know, Ah gotta say, you make da mos *delectable* screams ah EVA heard. The Keepas started to laugh but it slowly came to a stop, howeva... Violet lost all will to fight and accepted she was going to die. She'd stab herself but Keepa ate both her thumbs, several fingers, large portions of her arms, and injured her to the point where she could barely move. All she could do was lay there and await her death... whenever he got bored of her. But judging by his tone, this might be coming very soon. Part of Violet felt a bit of relief and even a slight amonunt of joy that it finally came. Why... won't you... just kill me...? Violet could barely get the words out as she weakly squeezed out each syllable. Well bafore, Ah was havin fun listenin ta ya screams, but naow, ya stopped makin em. All'n'all, Ah've gotten bored uh ya. The Keepa heads all surrounding her looking directly at her with their hollow eyes. Then... finish... me Violet closed her eyes as she waited. Any final words I should tell to ya friends... well... ya old friends when ah meet em? Violet had used up the last of her strength to make her final request. She honestly didn't have anything she'd want to say to those traitors. Nothing but a lot of swears and curses but nothing that meant anything. Violet could hear the sounds of the Keepa heads start to swarm her one last time...
Violet's eyes open to the sight of a fire. Her vision blurry and adjusting to the new setting, she tries to get her bearings since this is nothing like where she just was; no more heads and she's still alive. Violet had a pretty bad headache so she sits up grabbing her head. Her body felt a bit heavy, but it was similar as to when she first got here. As her senses were coming to, she started to make out several figures, 3 in total. She rubbed her eyes and she could make out Walker and Sierra by the fire. She blinked a few times since she couldn't believe her eyes. Those traitors are back?? Violet swelled with anger as she quickly grabbed her dagger and pointed it straight forward.
"You guys got a lot of damn nerve coming for me! What? Leaving me wasn't good enough? Wasn't a 'funny' enough joke? What, do you intend to keep me as a pet or something? Have the nerve to say you saved my life and now I belong to you?" She was filled with anger but she still couldn't help but feel sad that these people are doing this to her. Violet was so enraged, so completely red-sighted, she didn't even realize all the wounds she thought she had were gone. All she saw in front of her were a bunch of traitors who think they can still call her a friend. And what's worse that dark figure behind them... a Nightmare, monsters from her world that hated the living and wanted to do nothing but snuff out all life. She'd recognize that look anywhere. It looked to be flying type of Nightmare but much smaller. With that said she knew she hadn't seen all types of Nightmares. But she knew one when she saw it.
And to add to it, you're working with a Nightmare now? Is that monster supposed to be my replacement? Or is this some way to make me fall in line or something? I'd rather die than be some traitor's slave Violet instinctively calls to her ball and catches it, forgetting that in her dream it was broken. The ball bursts into it's bright red flame flame as she readies her dagger for anyone to make a single move towards her.
Violet hears the sound of cracking bones as her ball makes contact with the head attacking Sierra leaving only the head that lies in front of her. It had to struggle to look up near her meaning it couldn't react in time. Her dagger struck true as she rammed into the head with all her force. It was a bit jarring to come to a complete stop but the head... cushioned... the fall? Nevertheless the two heads are taken care of and now attention goes back to it's original- She then feels something under her heel. She sees the head looking right at her, mouth open. Violet knew what it meant but it was too late to dodge. Violet attempted to cover herself but to no avail as the black ichor spewed forth.
Violet wipes and opens her eyes and all of the heads are gone. All she sees are Kite Walker and Sierra together in the middle of the halls slightly ahead of her. She stands up and pats herself off and starts to walk over to the group. 'Looks like we made it out alive guys. I really thought we were gon-' Then Walker raises his sword to her. 'Wal-'
"Gypsy...? This little guy told us everything about you. You're disgustingly under prepared, weak in even stature, and to sum it up... wholly useless to us." His eyes were completely filled with hatred. A darkness of familiar malice flickered behind them.
'Bout as useless as a screen door in a hurricane. Can't even protect the one person ya was tryin' ta save.' Sierra's eyes filled with disgust looking at Violet, arching a brow in disgusted confusion.
Kite approaches Violet and hold out his hand. A kite flying in the sky. A girl holds the string. A hand takes a hand. A hand lets go of the string. A wake of eyes. Violet is the kite. The kite is impaled and shorn to shreads by the beak of a dozen shapeless birds. A hand holds a string. A girl is dead, face-down and crumpled in a dirt hole.
Violet is forced back to reality as she sees everyone now glaring with evil murderous intent. She had been betrayed by everyone she tried to become allies with. She start to back away from them in sheer horror. As she gets closer to the wall she hears
Mah oh mah, now izint this just...unfortunate
Violet turns around to see Keepa emerge from the cell directly behind her.
"Ya closest frieeends...? All up an just turned th'backs on ye! Well shucks, don'y'worry..." As a head comes out of every cell surrounding Violet. "we ain'here'ta turn ah backs on ya. Tch~ We like ya so much, we could just eat... you... up"
Violet tries to call her ball to her, currently a brighter yellow than she'd ever seen before. One of the heads reaches out and grabs the ball, pulling it close to cheek and crushes it in it's mouth.
"No more of that now. If you wanna wallop us, ya gonna haf ta do i'cha-self..."
All the heads begin closing in on her as she looks up and sees Walker, Sierra, and Kite walking away leaving her to her fate. Violet falls to her knees and holds her dagger out at them pathetically.
"Oh come now...Whatcha gonna do with that? Maybe ye can help me pick ya outta meh teeths...when ahm done witcha, of course~!" As all the heads begin to swarm her.
After a bit of a pause, Violet let's out a bloodcurdling scream. She lies in the middle of the room in the fetal position, both hands on her head as she sits there crying and screaming. Her ball shifts to a brighter yellow than it had been before and makes its way back to her but unlike before, this one slams into her knocking her back towards the wall as it rolls away on the ground still shining a blinding yellow. She no longer has any concern or sense of anything going on around her. She just sits there, crumbling, pitiful and afraid.
