plotdevised | [Serpentine Horizon] Inbox

[after this.]

Foundling: You ought to have a closer look at your own profile.

Edited 2022-07-14 02:14 (UTC)

Supreme King: I've seen it

Foundling: Had to call you something, didn't I.

Edited 2022-07-14 02:23 (UTC)

Supreme King: So you don't know what it means

Foundling: If I had to guess, it sounds like you're being accused of being a character from someone else's story.

Supreme King: "Blorbo" is a character?

Foundling: In somebody's book, evidently. Never heard of a kind called a "webnovel", but it's clearly someone's story and, just as plainly, you're "from" it.

Sir Blorbo.

Supreme King: It's a book that you read on your phone

Foundling: You can do that with one of these things? Shit.

[somewhere, Cat holds her phone up and looks at it.

[... it's just a bunch of metal, glass, and lightning. nothing magical to it at all. what the fuck. how the fuck. how.]

Supreme King: Not here
Supreme King: Unless someone writes one and shares it

Supreme King is typing...

Supreme King: Also it's Yu Junghyeok
Supreme King: You should know that, if you've seen my profile

Foundling: Yu Junghyeok, huh? I had wondered. That's not any sort of name structure I'm familiar with from anywhere I've ever heard of before.

[at least "Blorbo" almost looked like it might be Ashuran, at a glance. not that she expects that would mean anything to him. none of them were from the same place, except, she supposes, for the few of them that are. which -]

Foundling: Which raises a rude question in my mind. Might be ruder than I know, actually, so feel free to call me on it.

[it's the sort of thing she's learned might be wiser not to overlook. there's something there, that she's noticed, though she's not sure this is actually it, and her instincts are screaming at her that this is unwise to ignore.]

Foundling: Any connection to a "Han Suyeong" besides your names looking related?

Supreme King: We're comrades

Foundling: Aha.

[so, probably not the webnovel's writer, then, since the profile denotes "his" and this Suyeong is a "she". Cat nods to herself.]

Supreme King: ?

Writer: yu junghyeok Writer: come outside

Supreme King: Why are you awake?

Writer: cant sleep

Supreme King: Aren't you human right now?

Writer: come outside

[SIGHS!!!

and heads out]

[ she's fully healed now!! though she still looks pretty pale and tired, but. ]

...

Hey. You good?

[good, seems satisfied when he sees she's all healed now.

he also looks pretty tired, but has at least cleaned up]

I'm fine.

[ oh yeah she also showered and whatever. u know.

she nods towards the pond ]

Walk with me.

[looks at the pond, then back to her, and starts heading there]

[ settles alongside him, her usual three steps for every one of his strides. And she's quiet, for much of the distance. But. ]

... The other day. I wasn't using you as a punching bag.

[oh, this is not the conversation he was expecting to have?

but she has his attention]

I did need to work out my frustration, somehow. And I hoped you would understand, but that didn't work.

[ she seems to struggle for a moment-- at least her honesty objective is being triggered some-- before just blurting out, ]

On top of other things, like effects from the drinking game-- Kim Dokja rejected me for some shiny new boy of his and yeah. Maybe I'm a little fucking bitter about it. I think I have a right to be upset, after everything.

[seems surprised? confused?? for all of two seconds, before he goes back to his usual neutral-angy expression.

not saying anything, though.]

[ she works her jaw for a moment, but it's less trying to hold in anger and more trying to work out what else to say. but eventually her shoulders slump a little. ]

I don't really know what to think. Or how to feel. If he's happy, then-- of course I'm happy for him. Any of us would be. Maybe it's the stress getting to me, or the lack of real sleep, or being in new scenarios again, but I just can't help thinking that if anybody, it should have been you.

[ a pause. ]

... or us.

[ok this time the confusion intensifies and does not leave his face]

Not me. Do not involve me in this.

Shut the fuck up? I'm not going to sit here and play not-it over how we feel about him.

I'm not involving anyone in anything that isn't already there, anyway. I just wanted to explain what happened. That's all.

Thank you for the explanation, but none of this "is already there" for me and I would appreciate you not assuming otherwise.

[ stares at him in complete disbelief for a moment before looking away. ]

... whatever. Just forget it, it doesn't fucking matter.

Evidently it matters a lot, now that we're out here discussing it, but I'm not sure what I can say that could be comforting in these circumstances.

Kim Dokja is a pain.

[ just... slowly sits down. even if she wasn't just physically exhausted after today this is getting exhausting in general. ]

I'm not looking for comfort.

[ a pause. ]

Not really, anyway. ... It's pathetic, but there's not many people I can talk to in this place.

[watches her, then looks at the pond again...]

I can listen.

[ she pulls up her knees to lean her cheek against them, and watches him for a few seconds before closing her eyes. ]

... Yeah.

[ It's a bit awkward, but eventually she does manage to mumble a small "thanks." ]

Edited 2022-07-21 19:50 (UTC)

[a small nod of acknowledgment, his posture relaxes a bit, as well. it looks like he's okay with just chilling here for a while, at least]

I miss them.

[ there's not really any doubt about who "they" are. ]

They might end up here too.

... no. They deserve to rest.

[ stares at the pond, sleepy. ]

We'll be home soon.

Speaking of rest...

What a mother hen you are.

[ sarcastic, but still a bit fond. ]

You're defenseless right now. Not sleeping will only aggravate things.

I'm less defenseless than you think.

[ she's quiet for a moment. ]

You can go back. I want to be out for a bit longer.

I'll stay. You might nod off, roll into the pond and drown.

Look at you, worrying about me. How sweet you've gotten in your old age.

I just have nothing better to do.

Should I be flattered? Yu Junghyeok is taking care of me? You'd make a good wife.

Better than you, for sure.

I'm more husband material, I think. I'm already the breadwinner?

... I walked straight into that one.

[ -- barks a laugh, flopping over. ]

[just SIGHS, resigned]

[ wears herself out on laughing pretty quick, and just looks up at him. ]

... This is good.

[looks at her, tilting his head sideways slightly, it's a question]

Haven't laughed like that in a bit.

[ watches him... ]

When you tilt your head like that, you look like a big dog.

[KICKS SOME DIRT AT HER]

[ SPUTTERS ]

-- HEY?

Enough with the dog thing.

I was going to fucking say you looked cute, you asshole? But actually you're the same as always?

[ grabs dumb dirt and flings it at him ]

[the dirt hits him, shrug]

Nothing about that was cute.

Dogs are fucking cute.

[ she cleans off her face with her sleeve, though, and turns over to face the pond, head pillowed on her other arm. ]

Good for them. I'm not one.

You know what I mean.

[ seems content to just relax like that, then. ]

[he knows what she means, but also. no.

but he leaves it at that, they can chill in silence for a while, it's comfortable in spite of everything]

[ it is comfortable.

in fact. it probably won't be too much longer before he realizes she's out cold, actually. ]

[

seriously???]

[ yes.

Zzz. ]

[SIGHS.

I guess it's time to pick up awful cat Han Suyeong and carry her back home again]

[ thanks bb.

that said, he doesn't get very far before she shifts, just enough to snake an arm over his shoulder. ostensibly for support but also let her have this with still remaining truth game bullshit.

Mumbly: ]

... What, not going to leave me in the dirt for the wild animals?

You'll be even more of a pain to deal with if you die.

[ with amusement: ]

Surely you could handle one murderous depowered girl.

Obviously.

[does not elaborate]

[ quiet, for a while. ]

... You should come by Chipmunk sometime soon.

[a low, questioning sound. looks at her]

[ she considers dodging a real answer, but... taboo... ]

I just think Kim Dokja might enjoy it. All of us together.

[a small huff

it's not a yes, but it's also not a no]

[ so it's a yes.

well, either way, she's content to be carried home while she leans on him. thanks buddy. ]

Edited 2022-07-26 04:43 (UTC)

[it's just a non-committal noise of acknowledgement!!!]

Is that a penalty?

[the cuddles, he means]

Yeah. I don't really...

[ trails off a moment. ]

... haven't had many chances to. Do this.

[for a moment there it seems like he's going to complain, but instead there's a low "hn" as he keeps walking, not looking at her. they'll be over at Chipmunk in no time, anyway]

[ if nothing else she doesn't really take advantage of his tolerance, just casually leaned against him.

once they get back though she shifts out of his grip easily on her own, if reluctant. ]

... Twice in one day, huh.

[ a pause ]

About earlier...

[setting her down easily]

Go sleep properly.

[ huffs a sigh and raps her knuckles against his chest as she turns to open the door. ]

Yeah, yeah.

...

Thanks for keeping me company.

Don't push yourself while in this state.

I'll do as I like.

[ smiles, though, and heads in. ]

Writer: tonight sunset Writer: come to chipmunk

Supreme King: What for?

Writer: why do you have important business to attend to Writer: just a get together Writer: bring whoever u want if u want. just me kim dokja uriel so far but chipmunk is nosy so im sure theyll come out too

Supreme King: What kind of get together?

Writer: bonfire Writer: food Writer: maybe booze if i can pester someone for it

[ ✅Read. ]

[ well that's fine. She can just drag him out if he doesn't show up.

... probably ]

Writer: hey you Writer: i forgot to give you your present or whatever

Supreme King: This again?

Writer: yup Writer: up on temple roof come here

Supreme King: I told you it was not necessary

Writer: lots of shit here ain't necessary maybe i just wanna be fucking nice or something who knows cmere

[he leaves her on read, but does show up a few minutes later, air stepping his way up to the roof]

[ waves her lollipop at him. ]

Yo. Want a candy?

No.

[ offering him a wrapped one anyway and gesturing for him to sit. ]

I stole a bunch from that scenario before we got all dragged away.

[does not sit down, does not take the candy]

This isn't the "gift", is it?

[ just sets it down on the roof next to her, then, her expression relaxing. ]

Nah.

[ she's quiet for a moment, as she leans back on her hands and stares up at the sky.

For once. her end of their bond is... controlled. Thoughtful, maybe. ]

We succeeded, yeah? Once we're done with this shit, we go home, and we bring Kim Dokja with us.

[he's serene. curious, mostly]

... That's right.

We've been here long enough, I think?

[ amusement, maybe a tinge of bitterness. it's not directed at him, though, even as she looks back at him. ]

It's about time we severed this contract.

[there's no physical reaction other than his head turning to look at her, but the emotions are, in this order: surprise, rapidly replaced by confusion, which is then even more rapidly replaced by a quiet kind of acceptance]

[ she mulls that over a bit with not insignificant confusion of her own, just watching him. ]

... and here I thought you'd have jumped at it the moment I mentioned it. I figured you'd be happy to finally be free of constellations once and for all?

[frowns. annoyed, now]

Would I truly be free of them, with the way the circumstances are back home?

You would no longer be bound to us by anything but your own choice, if nothing else.

[looks away again, letting out a light huff]

Go ahead, do it.

[ quiets. There's something vaguely sheepish at her end of the bond, but just for a moment. ]

... Guess I should have asked first if this was even something you wanted. Kind of a shitty gift if you don't, right?

Edited 2022-09-14 19:50 (UTC)

[increased annoyance]

Just get it over and done with.

[ amused. a little regretful, but the amusement at his annoyance wins out.

Strangely, there's something a little proud in there too. ]

Alright, alright. Don't be too lonely without me.

[ and... deceptively quietly, like a screen blinking off to show only emptiness, the connection is gone. ]

[the last thing she can feel from his end is a muted sense of uncertainty and loss, which is... fitting, when the connection finally blips out.

outwardly, he remains quiet and unmoving, like waiting to see if this really is it...]

[ for a moment everything seems still and quiet.

But as the sparks start to gather along her hands she jumps to her feet, rigid. ]

-- Oh, shit.

[immediately alert]

What?

[ well, her hands are already burning with it. It's not really the worst she's ever had but it's still painful? So far, anyway-- it's still building.

It takes her a second to catch a breath, giving him a lopsided grin even as her hands clench into fists. ]

Only so much we can escape plausability constraints even here, huh? Don't worry about it.

Edited 2022-09-14 21:32 (UTC)

What is happening to you?

[ ahh. He's worried... she feels bad, a bit. Well, it's not like she expected this much either.

But honestly she has to concentrate more on trying to keep the storm at bay long enough to weather it fully-- so she looks away from him, squeezing her eyes shut.

Harder now, when the sparks feel less like static shocks and more like lightning strikes. ]

What the fuck-- do you think?

[grabs her hands with his own, fuck it]

Did you know this would happen?

[ grips his hand deathly tight, but even with that she drops to one knee. ]

No--

[ the tsu-chuchuchu continues on, louder, until all at once it jolts through and over her whole body. She coughs up a mouthful of blood, burns smoking, and just sinks down onto both knees. ]

... fffuck.

[kneels down with her, not letting go]

You fool. If you die from this I'll make sure to kill you myself.

[ -- okay. that sparks a laugh out of her, even if the resulting pain makes her cringe.

Her voice is a little hoarse though, and she loosens her own grip a bit on his hand. mostly because it hurts but also so she's not digging her nails into him anymore. ]

If this much could-- kill me. I wouldn't have made it to the end.

Guess we learned something today.

[she could've drawn blood and he wouldn't have even blinked nor cared]

Stop talking.

[ for once, she obeys, going quiet and just sagging a little as her stories awaken and, slowly, begin to accelerate healing. ]

[squeezes her hand, quiet as well, but watching closely]

[ well, it's "accelerated", but she's no healer. so there's no real noticeable improvement except that she's no longer burning. But the storm seems to have subsided, and though her breath rasps a little she seems more tired than in any persistent pain.

She's quiet for a while longer before speaking up again, carefully squeezing his hand in return. ]

... Never been good at gifts anyway.

This is why I said it wasn't necessary.

You deserve it.

[ finally looks back up at him ]

... I'll be here when you want me for a long time, anyway.

Edited 2022-09-15 14:01 (UTC)

I deserve what, exactly?

To be free, asshole.

It's not like you had me enslaved.

You could have said no if you wanted to keep me. Here I thought you'd be happy without me in your head all day.

It doesn't matter either way.

...

[ Han Suyeong has used the skill 'Lie Detection' lv ??? ]

[ The skill 'Lie Detection' has confirmed that the statement is false ]

—Don't do that!

I'll do whatever I want, you lying bastard?

[ squeezes his hand again, bruisingly tight, leaning toward him with only a little effort but breathing hard. ]

It matters to you? It matters to me too. So even if you're an insufferable prick you can at least want something from me. Maybe I'd even give it to you.

[he's not pulling back, at least]

Stop pushing yourself while you're already like this.

Stop changing the topic!

[grumbles, annoyed, but doesn't say anything anymore]

[ gives him a second to settle down. just a second tho. ]

So tell me what you wanted. It matters, you idiot.

We've already achieved that.

...

[ Han Suyeong has used the skill 'Lie Detection' lv ??? ]

[ The skill 'Lie Detection' has confirmed that the statement is true ]

[HE LOOKS INCREDIBLY OFFENDED ANYWAY]

... For once, can't you just say it plainly? I'm tired.

[and now he is pulling back, letting go of her hand]

I'm not interested in having a conversation like this.

[ letting him and gingerly sitting back down again, expression troubled.

but after a moment she looks away. ]

Well, whatever.

[getting back on his feet, he's just wearing his usual annoyed expression]

...

[ stays where she is, sagging a little. eventually she glances up at him again. ]

... What.

Nothing.

[AND HE'S OUTIE]

[ watches him go, appalled, but just flops over onto her side until she's healed enough to walk back home. ]

Fucking jerk.

[well better hurry up 'cause he's tattling on her]

Writer: yu junghyeok i am so sick and injured cough cough me and kim dokja need your cooking to get better Writer: cough cough hack wheeze etc

Supreme King: You are obviously lying
Supreme King: And even if you weren't, I am not your babysitter

Writer: whos looking to be babysat i just want soup Writer: have you been ok

Supreme King: I missed the scenario
Supreme King: Is Chipmunk okay?

Writer: we lost but most of them are fine lost my arm again kim dokjas got a fun little effect but hes unharmed

Supreme King: Lost your arm "again"?

[ theres a long pause before the next message comes ]

Writer: ah i never saw you after the last time huh

Supreme King: It has not been that long

Supreme King: Has it?

[yes it has, Yu Junghyeok, yes it has]

Writer: ya it kinda has
Writer: were you in the woods again

Supreme King: I was not
Supreme King: It is just easy to lose track of time here

Supreme King: What are you doing about your arm?

Writer: wont heal so nothing yet

Supreme King: How inconvenient

Writer: its fine one arm wont stop me from doing anything anyway

[well, she's getting left on read for something like 30-40 minutes

messages sent in-between (if any) will probably not be read though.

it's like he's suddenly busy with something, hmm!]

[ she like doesnt actually question this at all she just assumes he took off somewhere

time to nap ]

[later!! he finally replies.]

Supreme King: Get your soup before it goes cold

[ theres like a ten minute gap between the read message and it being answered, filled with "Writer is typing..." the whole time

but, ]

Writer: myouj made my ksuop./?

[sends a photo of a big pot of soup sitting outside Chipmunk's door unattended]

[ what the fuck???

stares at the picture for a hot minute before. getting up to get it. it takes a while for her to respond again, at least more awake this time ]

Writer: i thought you said you werent my babysitter

Supreme King: It's convenient for my objective

Writer: oh i see soft baby boy Writer: thanks Writer: it's good

[read.]

Crow: Hey, I recommend avoiding Donatello for a bit

Supreme King: Why?

Crow: He's pretty upset about losing the scenario
Crow: And I think he knows it's not actually your fault
Crow: But he had plans with his powers so the punishment is making him annoyed

Supreme King: What plans?

Crow: Something about his brother being possessed
Crow: The one on Snail
Crow: He says he can leverage them to get inside his head and try and free him

Supreme King: So that has not been handled yet
Supreme King: Do you have any more details about it?

Crow: Not yet
Crow: I don't know a whole lot more, unfortunately

Supreme King: I see
Supreme King: Any other information you can provide will be useful

Edited 2022-12-05 00:51 (UTC)

Crow: Whatever it was that is possessing his brother killed him the other day
Crow: It seems to be able to read Leonardo's thoughts so he can pass himself off as Leo
Crow: He also mentioned rescuing him might involve "horrible, goopey death vines"?
Crow: NO idea what that's about

Supreme King: Wait
Supreme King: He died?

Crow: I TOLD him he should have texted that!!!

Supreme King: Was he trying to hide it?

[now HE'S mad]

Crow: he SAYS he made a verbal announcement
Crow: but idk about you, but I tend to spend most of my days exploring ruins and hunting monsters

Supreme King: He said his brother was banned from Robin's Egg's abilities and grounds
Supreme King: I did not receive any messages about his death

Crow: I found out about both at the same time just a little bit ago (today)
Crow: He told you about one and not the other??
Crow: He probably should have LED with "I died"

Supreme King: He confirmed he'd been hurt, but not to what extent

Crow: well
Crow: "has been hurt" is definitely one way to describe "dead"
Crow: that can kinda sting

Supreme King: I am aware
Supreme King: Sounds like you are, too
Supreme King: On a personal level

Crow: I've died a time or two
Crow: I'm actually not entirely alive right now to begin with.

Supreme King: What do you mean?

Crow: Well for one thing, I don't have a hertbeat.
Crow: For another, I died and was brought back temporarily
Crow: my life expectancy is attached to my Divine Knight, which isn't here presently but is still the only thing keeping me alive outside of snake cult magic

Edited 2022-12-06 01:53 (UTC)

Supreme King: What is a Divine Knight?

Crow: uhhhh what did Donnie call it
Crow: a "mech"

Supreme King: Your life expectancy is connected to a giant robot?
Supreme King: Has it always been like this?

Crow: No, just for the last year or so
Crow: It's a long story

Supreme King: Were you only brought back to life for the sake of piloting that robot?

Crow: Damn
Crow: You catch on fast.

Supreme King: It is not a situation I am unfamiliar with

Crow: Similar experience?

Supreme King: For one of my companions

Crow: Man
Crow: Sounds like you know some interesting people

Supreme King: That is an understatement
Supreme King: A few of them are here, as you know

Crow: Yeah, I've spoken to Uriel a couple of times
Crow: Not really as much the other ones, but I know they're both on Chipmunk.

Supreme King: Are you also angry about what happened?

Crow: Why would I be?
Crow: I like winning, but there's some prices that aren't worth paying.

Supreme King: Your objective
Supreme King: Plus the consequences of our loss

Crow: Objectives and taboos aside, gotta say I'm not real big on torture
Crow: Can't say I'm complaining about NOT doing that.
Crow: The consequences and not being able to get into my inventory is annoying, but I'll survive

[PRETEND THAT SAID TABOO OOPS

also the "read" notification shows up almost immediately, but Junghyeok's reply takes a few minutes]

Supreme King: Thank you

[ IT NEVER SAID ANYTHING ELSE ]

Crow: you don't have to thank me for NOT wanting to torture
Crow: it's a low bar, but I can definitely clear it

Edited 2022-12-08 06:06 (UTC)

Supreme King: For the information provided

Crow: THAT you can thank me for
Crow: No problem.

[haha the information provided also included informing Yu Junghyeok that he doesn't resent him. hee hee. good.]

[Serpentine Horizon] Inbox

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