Chapter Text
.
.
.
???:
Come on, it’s time we get back to Thunderclan.
???:
Are you sure we’ve caught enough?
???:
Of course we have! You outdid yourself today, you know?
???:
Hm! You’re right, let’s not keep our clanmates waiting!
https://youtu.be/JnUe6ZEhgB0?si=U9yZGc5IVmKKyQXH
???:
We really should do more hunting patrols together! You’re way more fun to hunt with than Bumblestripe is!
???:
I’ll make sure not to tell him you said that.
???:
It’s been a while since I caught a crow, I’m gonna savor this for sure!
???:
Remember the code, Sparkpelt.
Sparkpelt:
Huh?
???:
…
Sparkpelt:
Oh, yeah, of course, the kits and elders eat first, but can I at least claim one of the wings when we get back to the camp?
???:
Sparkpelt…
Sparkpelt:
Please?
???:
…Oh, all right, you’re lucky those eyes still work on me.
Sparkpelt:
Hah! My technique hasn’t slipped once since kithood.
???:
Just don’t tell your father about this.
Sparkpelt:
Don’t worry! I don’t wanna get stuck cleaning the elders den just as much as you don’t, Squirrelflight!
Squirrelflight:
Well, I’m glad we can agree on that much. Just remember, this is a one time occurrence because of how well you did hunting, alright?
Sparkpelt:
Remind me to keep doing well on hunting patrols when you’re around, then!
Squirrelflight:
Sparkpelt. She can certainly be a pawful, what with how stubborn she is, but I can’t exactly blame her for it. After all, she probably got it from me. She’s a remarkably strong cat, having to weather through the terrible losses just a few moons prior was undoubtedly hard on her, yet she still has the will to go out out and hunt for the clan as often as she can.
Sparkpelt:
Hey, how about I race you back to the camp?
Squirrelflight:
Hm?
Sparkpelt:
For old times sake, come on!
Squirrelflight:
Without warning, she tore off through the last patch of trees heading toward the familiar scent of home.
Squirrelflight:
Sparkpelt!
Squirrelflight:
I quickly took off after her. Any annoyance I might’ve had with her brashness was quickly replaced with my own enthusiasm to win this race. I felt the wind rush through my fur as we dashed back to camp.
.
.
.
Squirrelflight:
errrgghhh…
Sparkpelt:
Ha! I made it back first!
Squirrelflight:
You’re lucky I was going easy on you there.
Squirrelflight:
Great starclan, I’m acting like such a kit!
Sparkpelt:
Whatever you say, mom. Anyway, we’re back now!
Squirrelflight:
Thunderclan. I couldn’t ask for a better clan to serve. Even after the worst patrols, returning to camp always makes the day a little better.
Sparkpelt:
Come on, the fresh kill pile isn’t gonna fill itself!
Squirrelflight:
The two of us paced over to the fresh-kill pile, even without our contributions, it was brimming with the various catches of our clanmates. It’s been a truly plentiful greenleaf so far. As I placed my own catch in the pile, I saw Sparkpelt discreetly remove a wing from the crow she caught herself.
Sparkpelt:
I’m gonna go check on Daisy and the kits, I’m sure they’re giving her an earful by now.
Squirrelflight:
With that, she trodded off to the nursery. Only shortly after that, I was approached by another familiar face.
???:
Squirrelflight! You’re back! How did the hunting patrol go?
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar! The patrol went wonderfully, Sparkpelt has really shaped up to be a great hunter.
Bramblestar:
She takes after you in that regard… dare I say she takes after me, too!
Squirrelflight:
Ha! We’ll call it even on that front.
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar. My mate of many seasons and the leader of our clan. He’s had a large role to fill since my father’s passing, but he’s managed to keep the clan together through thick and thin in spite of it all. We’ve… had our share of disagreements, but we’ve always been able to patch things up eventually.
Bramblestar:
A lot of cats have been bringing in a generous amount of prey, it’s truly been a plentiful season for the clan.
Squirrelflight:
Yes. Starclan knows we needed this after losing…
Squirrelflight:
I found myself trailing off. It’s still hard to accept her passing, even after the moons gone by.
Bramblestar:
…Leafpool’s death is still on your mind, then?
Squirrelflight:
…Yes. I know, I should’ve gotten over it by now, I have a clan to serve, and-
Bramblestar:
No, you don’t need to apologize. Leafpool was a wonderful medicine cat, and the clan won’t be the same with her gone.
Squirrelflight:
…It’s not just that. She was by my side throughout my whole life. She was the best sister I could’ve asked for. She was so much more than just an asset to the clan.
Squirrelflight:
…Though, I pushed down the urge to say that aloud. I knew Bramblestar was only trying to help.
Bramblestar:
If you need some time alone…
Squirrelflight:
No, no, it’s not that. I think I just need to clear my mind a little. Has the medicine den received their fresh-kill, yet?
Bramblestar:
No, we just finished distributing it to the elders den and nursery.
Squirrelflight:
Then I’ll bring some prey over to the medicine cats. Leafpool may be walking with starclan now, but I can still support the medicine cats our clan still has.
Bramblestar:
That’s great to hear, Squirrelflight! Let me know how Jayfeather and Alderheart are doing when you get back!
Squirrelflight:
I nodded and picked out a couple voles and a mouse from the fresh kill pile before carrying them over to the medicine den. Inside, I found the two cats I was looking for.
???:
Oh, mom! I didn’t think you’d be the one bringing prey here!
Squirrelflight:
I wanted to check in on you two, how are things, Alderheart?
Alderheart:
Well… there’s been a few more cases of whitecough springing up, but so far none of them have turned into greencough so far, at least!
???:
They might if we’re not careful, though. Our catmint storage is nearly empty.
Alderheart:
R-right! I’ll make sure I go out searching for more first thing tomorrow, Jayfeather!
Jayfeather:
Just make sure you watch yourself around the thunderpath. I don’t want to be stuck as the only medicine cat left because you weren’t paying attention.
Alderheart:
I won’t let myself get hit by a monster…! …Hopefully not, at least, their growls seem to be getting quieter and quieter…
Squirrelflight:
Alderheart. He’s nearly the polar opposite of his sister. He’s one of the most nervous and overly cautious cats in the clan. I was worried for him at first, but with the pressure on him as one of thunderclan’s only two remaining medicine cats, he’s handled things surprisingly well.
Squirrelflight:
And Jayfeather. While he’s not my kin by blood, I raised him as my own in my sister’s stead. He’s had his icy demeanor for most of his life, though, I can see where it comes from. He’s faced a lot of challenges, from being looked down on for his blindness to having to shoulder the burden of being Thunderclan’s oldest medicine cat after his mother’s passing.
Squirrelflight:
If the two of you ever need help gathering herbs, just know you can always ask me.
Alderheart:
You really mean it? Uh, I mean, you don’t have to do that, you know. It’s supposed to be the medicine cats’ responsibility!
Squirrelflight:
I’m aware, but with all you two have done for the clan, the least I can do is try to lift some of the weight off your shoulders.
Alderheart:
…Really? …Thanks, mom.
Squirrelflight:
Of course. It’s my duty as deputy to serve the clan, after all.
Jayfeather:
…Thank you, Squirrelflight.
Squirrelflight:
I’ll go out looking for catmint tomorrow. Just know if you’re ever struggling with something, you can always ask me or Bramblestar, and we’ll do all we can to help.
Alderheart:
Alright, we will. Take care, mother!
Squirrelflight:
He nodded his head to me as I left, and I did the same.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Night was already upon the camp. Most of the cats had retired to their dens by now, save for one.
Bramblestar:
You’re back! How were our medicine cats doing?
Squirrelflight:
They’re doing alright, but could use some support with herb gathering, which is why I’ll be going out to get catmint tomorrow after sunrise.
Bramblestar:
It’s great to see you helping the clan, squirrelflight. I knew I made the right choice picking you as my deputy.
Squirrelflight:
He leaned in, and the two of us affectionately touched noses.
Bramblestar:
You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Here. I definitely can’t finish this on my own.
Squirrelflight:
He pushed over the fat rabbit he’d been eating to share it with me. I could feel my mouth watering as I gratefully dug into its warm flesh. The two of us ate for a while, eventually polishing off the fresh-kill.
Bramblestar:
Let’s get some rest now, we’re both going to need it.
Squirrelflight:
Right, it’s about time we get some sleep. Goodnight, Bramblestar.
Bramblestar:
Goodnight, Squirrelflight.
Squirrelflight:
With that, he turned around and crawled into the leader’s den, I followed after him, feeling the hanging moss brush past my pelt as I ducked through the entrance.
Squirrelflight:
Entering the den, the chill of the night air was warded off by the body heat of myself and Bramblestar. With a stretch, I settled down to rest alongside Him. Curling up into the soft moss of the nest, I could feel the surroundings of the den fade away as sleep overtook me. As the last slivers of my vision faded out, I wondered what the next day would have in store for the clan.
…
…
…
Squirrelflight:
..?
Squirrelflight:
…When… did it get so bright..?
Squirrelflight:
…Is it morning already?
Squirrelflight:
?!?
Squirrelflight:
What’s happening?
.
Squirrelflight:
Is… is Starclan sending me a vision? What-
.
.
Squirrelflight:
What… is…
…
…
…
https://youtu.be/UyjYwd9gtKw?si=DJytbrA3rZPuW9kU
…
..
.
???:
..Sq…rel..ght!
Squirrelflight:
…?
???:
Squirrelflight, can you hear me?
Squirrelflight:
mmmgh?
Squirrelflight:
I could barely register the voice. My ears felt like they were ringing, and the ground was cold and hard beneath me, nothing like my nest… what… happened?
???:
Squirrelflight! You’re awake!
Squirrelflight:
Wait! That’s…
https://youtu.be/PCRqV4WcE5Y?si=22zE_DgmTa7M0kgm
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar!
Bramblestar:
Oh, thank Starclan! I was starting to worry when you weren’t waking up!
Squirrelflight:
Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.
Squirrelflight:
…
Squirrelflight:
My enthusiasm quickly faded as I took in my surroundings. This was nothing like Thunderclan camp, the place was entirely boxed in with no sign of the sky anywhere. The only light was coming from some sort of false-sun at the top of the den.
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar… do you know where we are?
Bramblestar:
…No. I don’t know how we wound up here, either, but from the looks of it, we’re in a twoleg nest.
Squirrelflight:
I just don’t understand how this happened… one moment I was sleeping, then I saw these strange lights… and the next thing I know, I’ve woken up here.
Bramblestar:
The same happened to me. I don’t know who could be behind this, but it’s best we start-
???:
WHO THE HELL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?
Squirrelflight:
The sudden scream was so jarring I found myself bristling up in sheer shock. And looking at Bramblestar… I could see he had the same reaction.
Squirrelflight:
…Who is that?
Bramblestar:
…I don’t know… I don’t recognize their voice…
Squirrelflight:
And then, before we could fully process the first voice, it was followed by a second.
???:
I see you’re awake now, too.
???:
Huh? Don’t gimmie that fuckin’ look! I bet this was your doing, wasn’t it!
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar turned to me and gave a nod before he started silently creeping forward towards the back of the den where sound was coming from, with me following closely behind. Soon enough, we could see the source of these voices.
Squirrelflight:
I could hardly believe what I was looking at. Before us stood a pair of strange, shadowy twolegs in a spat with eachother. The strangest thing, though, was that I could somehow understand what these twolegs were saying. Next to me, Bramblestar had the same shock written on his face.
Shadow twoleg 1:
I assure you, I’m just as clueless as you are.
Shadow twoleg 2:
Fat fuckin chance! Get rid of the competition, that’s it, right? That’s what you’re tryna do here?
Shadow twoleg 1:
If that was my goal, why would I be here as well?
Shadow twoleg 2:
…
Squirrelflight:
As Bramblestar and I got closer to better hear what the two of them were saying, I felt the ground squeak under one of my paws.
Shadow twoleg 1:
…Did you hear that?
Shadow twoleg 2:
Hear what?
Shadow twoleg 2:
Wait…
Squirrelflight:
I felt my heart catch in my throat as the shadowy twolegs turned to look at us.
Shadow twoleg 1:
…There’s cats here, too?
Shadow twoleg 2:
Is this someone’s idea of a joke? Locking us in a room with animals?
Squirrelflight:
The strange twolegs took a few steps toward us… and then I hard a hiss right next to me.
Bramblestar:
THAT’S CLOSE ENOUGH!
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Both of the twolegs seemed to stagger back at Bramblestar’s remark, with the larger one nearly falling over himself in the process.
Shadow twoleg 2:
Whatthefuck? WHATTHEFUCK? DID THAT CAT JUST TALK?
Shadow twoleg 1:
..!
Squirrelflight:
They can… understand us too?
…
…
…
Squirrelflight:
Everyone, myself included was nearly too stunned to speak. But… someone needed to break the silence eventually. I reluctantly decided to be the one to eat that frog.
Squirrelflight:
…Can you two… understand us?
https://youtu.be/iABAB0xo75A?si=xqc6PxQBSbEb5ukh
Squirrelflight:
For a moment, they continued to stare at us in bewildered silence, until…
Shadow twoleg 1:
…Yes. We can understand you. Though, I’m frankly unsure how.
Shadow twoleg 2:
ThefuckdidIeventakelastnight..?
Squirrelflight:
I couldn’t believe it myself. I never once thought I’d find myself speaking face to face with twolegs, and yet…
Bramblestar:
…So you two don’t know how you got here either?
Shadow twoleg 1:
No. I considered asking you, but you seem to be as in the dark about this as we are.
Shadow twoleg 2:
You’re just gonna ignore the fact that THE GODDAMN CATS ARE TALKING?
Shadow twoleg 1:
…Well, I haven’t exactly gotten used to it, but whatever’s going on here is bizarre, to say the least, talking animals not withstanding.
Squirrelflight:
We’re not familiar with hearing twolegs speak, either.
Shadow twoleg 2:
Th’fuck is a twoleg?
Shadow twoleg 1:
Hmmmm, I see, so that’s the term you use for ‘human’?
Squirrelflight:
‘Human’? That’s what they call themselves? Actually… come to think of it, I belive that’s what the kittypets call them as well. It’s a surprise to see those cats were right about something.
Bramblestar:
Yes. That’s what your species is known as in Thunderclan.
Shadow twoleg 1:
Thunderclan, you say?
Bramblestar:
It’s the clan I lead, with Squirrelflight as my deputy. As warriors, we hunt, eat, and sleep together. The well-being of our clanmates is our top priority.
Shadow twoleg 1:
So something of a community then… oh, and this molly here is Squirrelflight, I presume?
Squirrelflight:
That would be me. I’ve served as Thunderclan’s deputy since Bramblestar took up the role as leader.
Shadow twoleg 1:
Then you must be-
Bramblestar:
Bramblestar, yes. Now, who exactly are you?
Albert DeSalvo:
Of course, it’s rude of me to ask for your introductions without giving one of my own, isn’t it? Well, I am Albert DeSalvo. Pleased to make your acquaintance in spite of the… let’s just say ‘enigmatic’ circumstances.
Squirrelflight:
Um- likewise, Albert DeSalvo.
Albert DeSalvo:
Just DeSalvo is fine. Let us keep things formal, since we’re still fundamentally strangers.
Squirrelflight:
…What does he mean by “formal”? What’s “formal” about calling someone by only half of their warrior name?
Shadow twoleg 2:
HEY! If you’re done getting chummy with the talking cats, help me get this damn door open!
Squirrelflight:
The portly twoleg was in the process of fiddling with the strange wooden covering at the back of the den. The ‘door’ as he called it…
Albert DeSalvo:
Have some patience, will you, Comrade Ferguson? I’ll have a look at it.
Squirrelflight:
…So Comrade Ferguson is his name?
Albert DeSalvo:
Oh? Hah, no. ‘Comrade’ is a formality in our great state. His name is Pete Ferguson.
Squirrelflight:
…”Our great state”?
Pete Ferguson:
Hey, asshole! You gonna help me open this thing or what?
Squirrelflight:
Ferguson was now throwing his whole body at this ‘door’, which still remained in place. DeSalvo took his time pacing over to him before checking out the silver sphere on the side for himself.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Albert DeSalvo:
…
Albert DeSalvo:
Ferguson, this is a pull-door.
Squirrelflight:
Slowly, DeSalvo pried open the door, which gave a reluctant shriek in reply.
Pete Ferguson:
…
Pete Ferguson:
…You speak of this to anyone and I’ll fucking bury you. You hear me?
Albert DeSalvo:
Dully noted. Let’s get out of this room.
https://youtu.be/PCRqV4WcE5Y?si=22zE_DgmTa7M0kgm
Squirrelflight:
I watched as the twolegs exited the room before turning to Bramblestar.
Squirrelflight:
…Should we follow them?
Bramblestar:
While I’m not sure I trust them, we… don’t have anywhere else to go. There’s not much of a choice.
Squirrelflight:
The two of us made our way out as well. Upon stepping through the door, we were greeted with far more dim lighting, a welcome change from the intrusive bright lights of the last room.
Squirrelflight:
The den completely opened up, the whole place must’ve been ten times the size of the little chamber we were just in. The walls were studded with decorative patterns, and at the back of the den lay a wooden platform with a bright red coat draped over it.
Pete Ferguson:
The hell? Are we even in the same building anymore?
Albert DeSalvo:
We are, but I don’t blame you for assuming otherwise. It’s quite the drastic change in scenery, that’s for sure.
Squirrelflight:
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a twoleg den this large before.
Albert DeSalvo:
It appears to be some sort of stage room, I remember Helmer had these before theater performances were banned by the state.
Squirrelflight:
So that huge platform is a stage, then… Hold on, banned by the state? I’ll have to ask him what that means later…
Bramblestar:
Does anyone see a possible exit?
Pete Ferguson:
There’s a door over at the back.
Bramblestar:
Alright, then. Let’s keep go-
*shuffle, shuffle*
Squirrelflight:
!!!
Squirrelflight:
The sudden noise prompted all of us to turn our attention to the stage. The red coverings that partially hid the platform from view were moving.
Albert DeSalvo:
…Looks like there’s someone behind the curtains.
Squirrelflight:
Curtains?
Bramblestar:
Whoever you are, show yourself. We can hear you back there.
[MUSIC STOPS]
???:
…Wwwwwow. Way to ruin the surprise, there.
???:
It can’t be helped, our fellow guests have some keen ears on them!
???:
Alright, might as well do the reveal now, then!
Squirrelflight:
These ‘curtains’ slid back, revealing the rest of the stage, and standing atop it…
https://youtube.com/shorts/T2_3bEPsAyE?si=Vo_x5dbMDl16yY3E
Squirrelflight:
If seeing the shadowy twolegs wasn’t enough of a shock to the system, this certainly was. Standing on the stage were two… creatures. The first was the single tallest twoleg I had ever seen. Even in comparison to the already tall twolegs we had met, this one towered over them. Their face also seemed to be split down the middle into two different colors. The second was even more bizarre, though. It seemed to be some sort of… twoleg water-holder, but it was alive, and speaking somehow.
Water holder:
…He-llo! What brings you guys to our… domain?
Pete Ferguson:
Domain? The hell’re you on about?
Impossibly tall twoleg:
It’s a figure of a speech, honey. We’re going for the “dramatic-introduction” angle, you know?
Squirrelflight:
What good is a ‘dramatic introduction’ going to do in a place like this..?
Impossibly tall twoleg:
I have to give you credit, we didn’t expect you all to be so perceptive!
Pete Ferguson:
Get to the point! Who are you, and why is the water cooler talking?
Impossibly tall twoleg:
Impatient, are we? Fine, have it your way, then.
Squirrelflight:
The tall twoleg stepped off the stage, with the water holder following close behind.
Rue Meringue:
Famed reality show host Rue Meringue, charmed to meet all you lovely folks…! …and Ferguson.
Squirrelflight:
She extended a lanky hand, which Pete Ferguson slapped away.
Pete Ferguson:
First off, what even are you? Second of all, how do you know my name?
Rue Meringue:
…I’m a famed reality show host..? I just said that, you really should pay more attention. Also, with the racket you all were making back there, it wasn’t hard to glean your names.
Albert DeSalvo:
…Can we get back to Ferguson’s earlier question about the talking water cooler?
Water holder:
Hey, it’s bad form to talk about someone like they’re not there, you know? What would your mother say?
Squirrelflight:
…How ARE you talking, though?
Water holder:
Dunno. Shouldn’t I ask the same thing about you? Talking cats certainly aren’t something you see every day, after all!
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
…
https://youtu.be/3vzCWT3ejnw?si=ZK7O5jif9W5T85Uj
Water holder:
Hah, just joking around here! I know a talking cat myself, of course! And an owl, for that matter…
Pete Ferguson:
…Yep. That confirms it. I’m hungover.
Bramblestar:
…Let’s… just get back to introductions. What’s your name?
M. Bubbles:
And here I thought you’d never ask! I’m M. Bubbles, the one and only!
Bramblestar:
How did you two find yourselves here?
M. Bubbles:
That’s the weird part, me and Rue just woke up on the stage with no idea how we got here! Then, we heard you guys in the break room, and Rue got the idea to make a surprise entrance, which, no offense, you guys kiiiiiiinda ruined, but it’s no biggie, really!
Bramblestar:
So, the same as us, then. We still have no clue who’s behind this.
Rue Meringue:
Whoever it is, they have an awful taste in decoration. Have you seen how tacky some of these posters are?
Squirrelflight:
How in starclan’s name are you two so calm about a situation like this?
M. Bubbles:
Eh, compared to the robot kaiju fight that destroyed half the neighborhood last Wednesday, this is a pretty average occurrence.
Squirrelflight:
Somehow, Bramblestar and I managed to respond in perfect unison.
Bramblestar and Squirrelflight:
The WHAT?
Albert DeSalvo:
“Robot… Kaiju fight”..? Just what kind of state do you live in?
M. Bubbles:
Heck if I know, Newfoundland, maybe? I’m not a cartographer.
Pete Ferguson:
What… WHAT EVEN-
.
.
*THUD*
.
.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
The sound of something heavy hitting the ground echoed from outside the stage room, getting everyone’s attention.
Pete Ferguson:
What was that?
Bramblestar:
Whatever it was, it probably means there are more… things here besides us. We need to check.
Rue Meringue:
Sounds like a plan, this room was getting stuffy, anyways.
Squirrelflight:
Our group of now six headed over to the door, then stepped outside into another part of the twoleg den. This room was much smaller, as well as longer at the sides. The ground felt much softer beneath my paws as well, almost as if it was made up of matted fur.
Rue Meringue:
Even the hallways here are in less than stellar shape…
Bramblestar:
Does anyone see where that noise might have come from?
Squirrelflight:
As if on cue, it happened again.
.
*THUD*
.
Squirrelflight:
This time, we all turned down one end of the hallway, following the noise, and immediately spotted the source.
https://youtu.be/rgmFR9MBRTQ?si=bOSkk314IjMIUr7W
Squirrelflight:
Two beings that almost resembled small twolegs were on the ground, presumably having fallen down. However, even at a first glance I could tell these were not twolegs. Their skin bore a silvery sheen, almost like the coats of the thunderpath monsters, and their limbs seemed oddly.. segmented. Most noticeable were their heads, which sported rigid looking antenna in place of the hair the other twolegs had, as well as a pair of wide, buglike eyes.
Pete Ferguson:
And now there’s robots too? This place just keeps getting weirder, I swear to god.
Albert DeSalvo:
M. Bubbles, was it? You mentioned something about robot fights earlier, do you know these two?
M. Bubbles:
Nope, they’re strangers to me! Haven’t seen anyone that looked like this before.
Rue Meringue:
Well, let’s remedy that right now… Howdy there, fellow roomies! What brings you here?
???:
- - - - - - - - - - -
Squirrelflight:
!!!
Squirrelflight:
A sound began to emanate off of one of the creatures, but I couldn’t at all make out what it meant. It sounded like a series of distorted chirps and shrieks.
M. Bubbles:
Ermmm… you guys heard that too, right?
Pete Ferguson:
Yeah, no shit. I can’t speak gibberish though, so that doesn’t help me.
Albert DeSalvo:
Oh, they appear to be moving now.
Squirrelflight:
We watched as the creatures attempted to shamble to their feet. They seemed to be trying to support eachother in order to keep upright, and only upon looking closer did I realize why they’d been struggling to stand. Rather than having feet like the twolegs, the legs of these creatures just ended in rounded stubs. No wonder they’d fallen over.
Bramblestar:
…Who are you two?
???:
- - - - - - - - -
Squirrelflight:
Once again, none of us could make out their words… were they aware of this? I needed to check.
Squirrelflight:
Can you understand us? We can’t hear what you’re saying.
Squirrelflight:
One of the creatures narrowed its bright white eyes. It seemed to be… annoyed by my question. Then, it raised an arm and pointed at me.
Squirrelflight:
Before I could understand what that meant, I saw a glow in my peripheral vision. That light quickly started to glow brighter around me, to the point I needed to shut my eyes.
Bramblestar:
SQUIRRELFLIGHT!
[MUSIC STOPS]
.
.
.
*PANG*
.
..
…
Squirrelflight:
Everything went white .
Squirrelflight:
It was as though the light of a thousand sunrises had been condensed, then amplified and released into my mind. As my vision returned to me in blurred spots, I felt a sharp ringing in my ears, followed by a buzzing sensation all throughout my head. Only when I felt the rough sensation of the matted floor on my face did I realize I had collapsed.
…
…
Bramblestar:
Squirrelflight! Squirrelflight, are you alright?
Squirrelflight:
Oough…
???:
Is this reaching you?
Squirrelflight:
!!!
https://youtu.be/NEiwUiLMyUY?si=5YcZZnGWa1e7bqjB
Squirrelflight:
I heard, no, felt a voice echo through my mind, one I didn’t recognize. This first unfamiliar voice was quickly followed by a second.
???:
You could’ve at least given them a warning. Look, the others think you just attacked that creature.
???:
And how was I meant to do that? They said it themselves, they couldn’t understand us.
Squirrelflight:
I quickly put two and two together and realized that the voices I was hearing must’ve been from the two unfamiliar creatures. What exactly had happened, I wasn’t sure, but they had somehow done something to allow me to hear their voices…
Bramblestar:
Squirrelflight-! Oh, thank Starclan, I feared the worst when I saw you lying on the ground…
Squirrelflight:
While I was still trying to process what had just happened, I could see Bramblestar, tail bristling, turn to face the unfamiliar creatures.
Bramblestar:
Now, what did you two do to her? What was that light?
Pete Ferguson:
Yeah, what kinda weird ass flashbang are you fuckers armed with?
Squirrelflight:
I heard the voice in my head once again.
???:
Great. Now I have to give the mark to the rest of them, too.
???:
Hold on-
Squirrelflight:
I quickly found myself shouting to get everyone’s attention before this could escalate further.
Squirrelflight:
Everyone, STOP! Listen to me for a moment!
Squirrelflight:
Surprisingly, that seemed to work. Everyone turned to face me right before they had the chance to start going at eachother. It seemed I would have to explain what I thought was happening here to the best of my ability.
Squirrelflight:
Whatever those reflective… buglike things did to me, it wasn’t an attack. At least, I don’t think it was meant as one.
Squirrelflight:
Again, I felt the voices chime in.
???:
…Iterators. We’re called iterators. How does one even come up with “reflective buglike things”?
???:
Ignore him. You’re correct that it wasn’t an attack. On behalf of my brother, I’m sorry for the lack of warning.
Bramblestar:
…Squirrelflight? What’s going on here?
Squirrelflight:
Ah- I just heard them speak to me again.
Bramblestar:
Speak to you?
M. Bubbles:
No way, you never told us you were fluent in gibberish! You gotta teach me the intricacies of it some time!
Squirrelflight:
No- what I mean is… that strange… light that enveloped me wasn’t an attack. I’m not sure how, but it allowed me to understand what they were saying.
Rue Meringue:
First robots that can rap, and now robots with some sort of mind-communication-magic? What will they think of next?
Squirrelflight:
Robots? I’m… not sure what that means, but these creatures called themselves iterators.
Rue Meringue:
Oh, well, a robot is basically a funky little man-made thing that can move on its own! They’re usually made of metal and wires and all that fun stuff.
Squirrelflight:
Man-made..? Twolegs can just… construct life..?
Rue Meringue:
Oh yeah, it’s a whole complicated process, though, they need to be built with the right materials, and they often run on electricity, or oil, or raisins, or something. I wouldn’t know, I’m not a mechanic.
Squirrelflight:
…What’s a mechanic?
Pete Ferguson:
Forget about that, what’s the deal with these ‘iterator’ guys anyway? What was that weird light they hit the talking cat with?
Squirrelflight:
I could hear the voices yet again, slowly it was becoming easier to discern the two of them.
Blue iterator:
What happened was you were given what’s known as ‘the mark of communication’. It allows us to better speak with those who- well…
Pink iterator:
Those incapable of processing and relaying information at the speeds we can. It also serves to translate from our creator’s’ tongue.
Squirrelflight:
Creators..? So they were twoleg-made…
Blue iterator:
…If you could relay that to the others so we don’t cause panic when we do it again, that would be appreciated.
Squirrelflight:
Oh, of course, they’re trying to de-escalate the situation before it gets out of control. Starclan knows we’ve already had our share of chaos today, we don’t need any more. I’ll have to do what I can to explain this…
Squirrelflight:
…Right. Everyone, listen. What happened was I received ‘the mark of communication’ as the iterators called it. Whatever this ‘mark’ is, it’s what’s allowing me to understand what they’re saying.
Albert DeSalvo:
Hm. It’s really that simple?
M. Bubbles:
Well, gosh! Why didn’t you say that sooner? I’d like one of those too, please!
Pete Ferguson:
Like hell I would! I don’t want em’ putting some weird microchip in my brain! You think I’m just gonna let some machines mind control me?
Pink iterator:
If the mark was capable of mind control, I would have already used it to shut him up.
Blue iterator:
…Pebbles.
Squirrelflight:
…They said they’re not capable of mind control.
Squirrelflight:
I decided it would be for the best if I didn’t mention the second part of that comment.
Pete Ferguson:
Bullshit! You really expect me to trust some weird robots in this hellhole of a building?
Albert DeSalvo:
Would you rather trust that the talking cat is relaying the information accurately?
Pete Ferguson:
…
Pete Ferguson:
Argh, fine! But I die from this, consider yourself accountable.
Bramblestar:
…So, we’re agreeing to receive this ‘mark’?
Squirrelflight:
Seems like it.
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar glanced over at the others, then leaned towards me, speaking in a hushed whisper.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Bramblestar:
…Are you sure we can trust these… ‘iterators’?
Squirrelflight:
I don’t… really know, but- it would probably be for the best if we could all understand each other, right?
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar deeply inhaled, then exhaled, I could see his nose twitch in frustration. Just as I was worrying I’d said something wrong, his shoulders relaxed.
Bramblestar:
…Fine. I’ll… trust your judgement on this, Squirrelflight, but-
Pink iterator:
I think that’s enough forewarning.
Squirrelflight:
I could see that same bright glow envelop Bramblestar, as well as the other four who had accompanied us. The brightness felt even more intense to look at then it felt to experience.
Bramblestar:
WHAT’S-
*PANG*
…
*PANG*
…
*PANG*
…
*PANG*
…
*PANG*
…
https://youtu.be/CoOoN0_KrCs?si=oeZbxG_jz_nAakXW
M. Bubbles:
Woaaah… I haven’t felt this out of balance since the yoga lessons…
Pete Ferguson:
Argh… my head…
Pink iterator:
…Is this reaching you?
Pete Ferguson:
WhaHUH?
Bramblestar:
..!
M. Bubbles:
No way!
Pink iterator:
Based on your reactions, I’ll assume it is.
Albert DeSalvo:
…Yes, you’d be right about that. We can hear you now.
Rue Meringue:
It’s a true pleasure to meet you two! Now that the language barrier’s out of the way, we can really get to know each other! Now, picture this, you have the weekend off, what’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Pink iterator:
…Excuse me?
M. Bubbles:
She’s asking about your hobbies.
Blue iterator:
Hobbies..?
Squirrelflight:
The both of them fell silent, seemingly having no answer to this.
Squirrelflight:
…How about we start with names, first?
Rue Meringue:
Oh, of course, I’m getting ahead of myself here. The floor is yours, you two!
Looks to the Moon:
…Right, yes. I am known as Looks to the Moon, I’m an iterator of the second generation.
Albert DeSalvo:
That’s… an interesting name, to be sure.
M. Bubbles:
What exactly IS an iterator? It’s a cool name, don’t get me wrong, but I just assumed you guys were robots.
Pink iterator:
Simple robotics don’t even remotely begin to describe us. We were created to be capable of solving problems that you wouldn’t even be able to comprehend.
M. Bubbles:
Oh, sweet! Can you tell us how to get out of here, then?
Pink iterator:
…
Looks to the Moon:
…Sorry to disappoint, but neither he nor I know how we wound up here.
Pink iterator:
What’s far more disturbing is how we found ourselves in this… state.
M. Bubbles:
Daaaang… and just when I was getting my hopes up over here!
Albert DeSalvo:
…Then it sounds like you’re in the same situation as us.
Squirrelflight:
The lack of understanding from everyone was becoming quite worrying. If even these supposedly “highly intelligent” beings didn’t know what was going on… wait, “this state”? What did he mean by that..?
Pete Ferguson:
Sonofa - does ANYONE in this godforsaken building know what’s happening here?
Bramblestar:
I’m sure we’ll find the answers eventually, we just have to keep searching.
Rue Meringue:
Oh hey, Pink fellow- love the eyeliner by the way , we never got your name! Mind sharing?
Pink iterator:
Eyeliner? It isn’t- no, I’m not entertaining this.
Five Pebbles:
My name is Five Pebbles. That is all you need to know right now.
Squirrelflight:
“Five Pebbles”? Well, at least someone else here has a normal sounding name…
Squirrelflight:
Actually, who gave them their names in the first place? They spoke about creators, perhaps the twolegs that made them were familiar with starclan in some way?
Squirrelflight:
Can you tell me more about the twolegs that made you?
Looks to the Moon:
…Twolegs? I am… unfamiliar. What are they?
Albert DeSalvo:
She’s referring to humans, “twoleg” is just the term cats use to refer to us.
Looks to the Moon:
Humans are also unfamiliar to me, I’m sorry.
Rue Meringue:
For all we know, these two probably have their own term for human kind! If we want to get our question across properly, we’ll simply have to use the universal language…
Squirrelflight:
Rue paused dramatically before holding up her hands to form a box around her face.
Rue Meringue:
…Imagery~!
Albert DeSalvo:
Oh, good thinking, Ms. Meringue.
Squirrelflight:
DeSalvo turned to face the iterators again, this time gesturing to himself, Ferguson, and Rue.
Albert DeSalvo:
You see, “humans” are what the three of us are. Do our appearances ring any bells?
Looks to the Moon:
…
Five Pebbles:
None in the slightest. I fail to see why you’re so insistent on us knowing about “humans”.
Squirrelflight:
They… don’t know what twolegs are? Do they live somewhere away from them?
Pete Ferguson:
If you don’t know what humans are, who even built you two?
Five Pebbles:
Do you intend to hurl questions at us all cycle? That’s hardly relevant to our current situation.
Squirrelflight:
All… “cycle”?
Pete Ferguson:
What? Oh, you’re hiding some sort of secret, eh?
M. Bubbles:
Woah, woah, break it up, people!
Bramblestar:
This… ‘iterator’ is right, though. We should prioritize finding the way out above all else right now.
Rue Meringue:
Oh, but we were getting along so well..!
Bramblestar:
We should get going, there’s bound to be an exit around here somewhere.
Squirrelflight:
Our group only made it a few steps down the hallway before we realized the iterators weren’t following us. I looked back to see them still leaning against eachother in silence.
Rue Meringue:
You two gonna join us? I can promise I’ll offer some better icebreaker questions this time!
Squirrelflight:
No, I don’t think that’s the issue… you two can’t walk very well, right?
Squirrelflight:
I swore I could see the ends of Five Pebbles’ antennae spark at the question before he responded.
Five Pebbles:
We were never meant to walk on the ground as you were. And yet, someone took it upon themselves to…
Squirrelflight:
He didn’t finish the sentence, instead he glanced over his shoulder at his back, which left me even more confused. If they weren’t meant to walk, how did their creators intend for them to move?
Squirrelflight:
I considered pressing him for more answers, but I could tell just by looking at the iterators that neither of them seemed to be in good shape. Confusion was written on both of their faces, and I couldn’t tell if the trembling in their legs was from the struggle of standing up, or from the fear of the current situation.
Squirrelflight:
Do you two want to stay here for now?
Looks to the Moon:
…Yes, that would be nice, issues with walking aside, the two of us have… a lot to talk about.
Rue Meringue:
In that case, I think Bubz and I will hang back as well. Someone has to catch you two up to speed on the other rooms of this place!
M. Bubbles:
Yeah, besides, I know the struggle, I have no legs at all!
Squirrelflight:
…Come to think of it, they don’t. How exactly have they been keeping up with us anyway?
Looks to the Moon:
Ah, thank you two, and the rest of you as well. I wish you luck in figuring out what’s happening here.
Squirrelflight:
No worries, we’ll come back and let you guys know when we find an exit.
M. Bubbles:
Bye for now, you guys! Send a postcard!
Pete Ferguson:
We’re just going down the hall, fuck’s sake…
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
With that, we were back down to four. Slowly, we made our way through the hall of the strange building, eventually stumbling upon another, much larger door.
Bramblestar:
Do you think this might be the door to the outside?
Albert DeSalvo:
There’s only one way to find out.
Squirrelflight:
DeSalvo opened the door. Stepping through, we were greeted by another huge room, though, not as large as the stage room. This one was full of tall, wooden shelves housing various colorful twoleg books in them.
Albert DeSalvo:
So, there’s a library here as well.
Pete Ferguson:
Real nice, how’s this gonna help us?
Bramblestar:
There might be another door in here, we just have to keep-
???:
AAAAAAAAUUUUGHHH!
Squirrelflight:
A loud scream caught our attention, followed by a dull thud.
Pete Ferguson:
The hell was that?
Squirrelflight:
It sounded like it came from behind that shelf over there!
Squirrelflight:
We wove between the various towering shelves in the room, eventually reaching the one we had heard the scream from. Standing dazed at the bottom of the shelf were two small figures. After all the strange things I’d seen in this twoleg den so far, I didn’t think anything else would surprise me, but I was wrong.
https://youtu.be/69jwOJ4DwC0?si=8J0yd5xtuSteGbKs
Squirrelflight:
Standing before us were two creatures who looked to be walking plants. The first had dark blue skin and carried the tart scent of berries. She was cloaked in a navy blue robe and wore a large yellow hat. The second was bright orange, and had a different herb scent I couldn’t quite recognize. He was wearing a brown coat and a red scarf around his… neck? He didn’t seem to have one, actually.
Herb creature:
Ow- jeez, that hurt.
Berry creature:
Aw, man! Now we’re going to have to climb back up!
Herb creature:
Actually, I think that was the last one up there. We probably won’t need to climb the shelves again.
Albert DeSalvo:
…Pardon me, you two?
Squirrelflight:
Both of them jumped at DeSalvo’s voice, seemingly just now noticing we were here.
Herb creature:
AH- oh, hey. Would’ve appreciated a warning, there.
Albert DeSalvo:
That… was my attempt at a warning.
Squirrelflight:
Did you two also wake up not knowing how you got here?
Herb creature:
Well yeah, we- wait, how many people even are there?
Berry creature:
Oh my gosh, TALKING CATS!
Squirrelflight:
Before I even had time to react, the little blue creature was right up in my face, staring at me with wide eyes. It was clear she was a kit of… whatever species this was.
Berry creature:
This is so cool! I thought I knew about every type of cat-monster, but I didn’t know there was one that could talk! What regions do you live in? Do you have your own currency? Are you carnivorous or omnivorous?
Squirrelflight:
I didn’t know how to react to the kit’s sudden onslaught of questions, much less how to actually answer them. Luckily, the herb creature stepped in before she could throw any more at me.
Herb creature:
Hey, why don’t you give the talking cat some space? We have other questions to ask, after all.
Berry creature:
Oh, right!
Squirrelflight:
With an apologetic nod, the little blue creature backed off. Her wide eyed stare didn’t falter, though.
Berry creature:
Sorry about all the questions, I’m just really excited! There’s so many neat people here, it’s super mysterious!
Herb creature:
…Not to mention a little unnerving. We still haven’t found an exit. That’s what I was hoping to ask you guys about.
Albert DeSalvo:
In that case, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed by our answer.
Herb creature:
No sign of one for you guys either, huh?
Bramblestar:
Unfortunately not. Though, we certainly aren’t giving up. There has to be a way out somewhere.
Herb creature:
Hey, that’s the spirit! …Though, if there is an exit, I doubt it’s in this room.
Berry creature:
Yeah, we checked this place top to bottom, and nothing! Can you believe it?
Pete Ferguson:
So you two freaks were snoopin’ around on the bookshelves looking for doors? Of course you didn’t find anything, they don’t build doors on ceilings!
Herb creature:
That’s because we were looking at the vents, not that you’d be able to fit into one of them! Heheheheh-
Pete Ferguson:
Oh for- you’re gonna regret that, you little rat!
Herb creature:
YEEP!
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
I watched as DeSalvo attempted to hold Ferguson back from strangling the herb creature right then and there. While this was going on, the berry creature approached Bramblestar and I once again.
https://youtu.be/aIFpYnz7t1Q?si=EUjt-fT8Hb1mxDm9
Berry creature:
Hello again! Sorry I was so nosy last time, but I wanted to really get to meet you guys! What are your names?
Squirrelflight:
Right, all this commotion and we still haven’t even introduced ourselves.
Bramblestar: Thank you for getting us back on track. I am Bramblestar, leader of thunderclan, and this she-cat is my mate and deputy, Squirrelflight.
Berry creature: Oooooo! Thunderclan? Is that where you live? Is it also full of talking cats?
Squirrelflight: The berry creature reached into a satchel she’d been carrying with her and pulled out what looked to be another twoleg book, though this one had a much rougher looking covering. Glancing up and down between us and the book, she started scratching something into its pages.
Bramblestar: Well, in short terms, yes. Our clan is comprised of warriors like ourselves who serve the clan and keep everyone fed. I keep charge of the cats in the clan, and Squirrelflight handles leader duties when I’m unable to attend to them.
Berry creature: That’s so cool! Please, tell me more!
Squirrelflight: As much as we’d like to, we still haven’t gotten your name! How about you introduce yourself first?
Nabiu: Oh, right! I almost forgot! My name is Nabiu, and I’m an intern for Professor Wizzro’s program in M.A.G.I.C!
Squirrelflight: M.A.G.I.C? I haven’t heard of anything like that before.
Nabiu: Huh, really? Well, I haven’t heard of thunderclan either. Big world out there, I guess!
Bramblestar: How about that… thing over there? Who is he?
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar nodded over to the herb creature. He had scampered halfway up one of the shelves trying to get away from Ferguson, who DeSalvo was still holding back.
Nabiu: Oh, that’s my friend Karoto! I met him in the woods while I was looking for my professor’s chair!
Squirrelflight:
She met him in the woods? Is that where he’s from? Maybe he would know about the clans, then…
Nabiu: How about your friends? Who are those shadow guys?
Squirrelflight:
They’re-
Bramblestar:
“Friends” isn’t what I’d call them, we only just met.
Nabiu:
Oh, okay! Who are your acquaintances then?
Squirrelflight:
Well, the one currently trying to knock your friend off the shelf is Pete Ferguson, and the one trying to stop him from doing that is Albert DeSalvo. DeSalvo mentioned it was “formal” to call them by their last names, though.
Nabiu:
Okay! Thanks for telling me! Don’t worry about keeping it formal with us, though! You can just call me Nabiu, cause’ we’re becoming friends now!
Bramblestar:
We… aren’t. You’re still unfamiliar creatures, and we can’t be sure if anyone here is worth trusting.
Nabiu:
Oh! A-alright, then…
Squirrelflight:
Nabiu seemed to shrink down a little, her face drooping in disappointment. I couldn’t help but feel a little sad for the kit, even if Bramblestar was right about it being dangerous to trust her in this situation.
Squirrelflight:
The both of them had gone silent, so I decided to quickly change the topic.
Squirrelflight:
Speaking of the shadow twolegs, we should probably try to break them up. Do you need any help, DeSalvo?
Albert DeSalvo:
That would be- urgh- …appreciated, yes.
Pete Ferguson:
Let GO of me, Godammit! I’m gonna wring that bastard’s nonexistent neck!
Karoto:
…Please hurry.
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar, Nabiu, and I quickly ran to help DeSalvo in subduing Ferguson. With the combined effort of DeSalvo holding his arms, Bramblestar and I negotiating, and Nabiu rather unhelpfully clinging to his hair and trying to pull his head back, we managed to convince him not to snap Karoto in half right then and there.
.
.
.
Albert DeSalvo:
Can I trust you not to try anything once I let you go?
Pete Ferguson:
Mgggh, surefinewhatever…
Albert DeSalvo:
More clearly, please.
Pete Ferguson:
I said I won’t try anything!
Squirrelflight:
Albert DeSalvo let go of Ferguson. He shot a dirty look at Karoto, who was still perched halfway up the shelf, but made no move to attack him this time. Looks like that little debacle is over, thank starclan.
Bramblestar:
…Let’s get back on track. You three probably didn’t hear it, but we’ve already introduced ourselves.
Albert DeSalvo:
You’d be right about that, I’m afraid I couldn’t hear you over Ferguson’s shouting.
Nabiu:
That’s no problem, I can just tell you now! I’m Nabiu, and my friend you chased up the shelf is Karoto! It’s nice to meet you guys!
Albert DeSalvo:
Likewise, child. I am Albert DeSalvo, and my… associate responsible for the chasing is Pete Ferguson.
Pete Ferguson:
Yeah, yeah, hey, speakin’ of it, is he gonna get down from there or what?
Karoto:
That depends, are you gonna strangle me if I do?
Pete Ferguson:
I already agreed not to, get over yourself already!
Albert DeSalvo:
Rest assured, Karoto, we’ll restrain him again if he doesn’t stick to his word.
Karoto:
Works for me.
Squirrelflight:
The herb creature jumped off the shelf, wincing a little as he hit the ground feet first, he seemed to have taken the long fall pretty well, all things considered.
Albert DeSalvo:
Now, I believe you were saying something about the vents?
Nabiu:
Ooooooo, that’s right! Karo and I were checking to see if any of the vents up there led outside, but none of them did.
Karoto: Most of them were bolted shut, and the ones that weren’t just lead to other rooms that we could already get to normally, which sucks. I really thought we’d found a way out for a moment.
Albert DeSalvo:
Unfortunate, indeed.
Squirrelflight:
…Hey, I hope you don’t mind me asking this, but I’ve had this question on my mind for a little while.
Nabiu:
It’s okay, knowledge is power! You can ask!
Squirrelflight:
Well, Bramblestar and I are cats, and DeSalvo and Ferguson are twole- humans, what exactly are you two?
Nabiu:
Oh, right! Well, I’m a blueberry, and Karoto is a carrot!
Squirrelflight:
A carrot? I’ve never heard of that herb before, I guess that explains why I couldn’t recognize the scent.
Pete Ferguson:
Great, so now we can add “talking vegetables” to the list of backwards things we’ve seen in here.
Nabiu:
Actually, I’m a fruit! Common misconception, I know!
Pete Ferguson:
Bah, same difference.
Nabiu:
It really isn’t.
Karoto:
You’re saying we’re the weird ones here? Last I checked, I don’t remember humans being so… monochrome lookin’.
Pete Ferguson: The hell you mean ‘monochrome looking’, dumbfuck?
Squirrelflight:
I saw Karoto stifle an exaggerated gasp before putting his hands over Nabiu’s… ears? She also didn’t appear to have any.
Karoto:
First of all, no need to get sailor-mouthed. There’s a kid present, you know! Second of all, if you can’t answer a simple question, maybe you’re the dumb one here.
Nabiu:
Yeah! Take that, dumbfuck!
Karoto:
NABIU!
Pete Ferguson:
HAH! She’s a fast leaner, I see!
Albert DeSalvo:
Hold on, you two know what humans are?
Karoto:
Um… yeah? Why wouldn’t we?
Nabiu:
My professor’s a human, of course I know what they are, silly!
Albert DeSalvo:
That’s… fascinating.
Nabiu:
How come?
Albert DeSalvo:
Well, for starters, Ferguson and I have never seen sentient produce such as yourselves before, and I’m assuming the cats haven’t either.
Bramblestar:
That’s true, though, we haven’t seen twolegs we could understand, either, so these two are also an unfamiliar sight.
Albert DeSalvo:
Cats that can speak are new to us as well.
Nabiu:
Wow! Sounds like this is just the day of new experiences, isn’t it?
Squirrelflight:
That’s one way to describe it…
Albert DeSalvo:
The other thing that stuck out to me is that we ran into some more… out there species who had never even heard of humans before. I’d assumed you two would be the same, but clearly I was wrong on that.
Nabiu:
Huh, that IS weird! Maybe they were hermits or something?
Squirrelflight:
But they weren’t just regular species, they were creator-made.
Nabiu:
Oh, like machines? There’s robots in here too?
Albert DeSalvo:
Yes, though, they specifically called themselves “iterators”, which raises the question, if humans didn’t build them, what did?
Nabiu:
Gee, good question! Maybe a plant like us did it! Actually…
Squirrelflight:
The berry turned to face her companion.
Nabiu:
Karoto, did you build any robots recently?
Karoto:
What? No. Definitely not. I don’t even really know how those things work. It’s not really in my area of expertise, Y’know?
Nabiu:
Hmmmm… I don’t remember building any either… but maaaayybee-
Squirrelflight:
I think we can rule out the possibility of you two being their creators.
Bramblestar:
Look, we’re getting off track again. Did either of you see any possible exit besides the vents?
Karoto:
Nope, we’ve mainly just been focused on this room, and there’s no other doors besides the one to the hallway. Sorry.
Bramblestar:
Mouse dung…
Albert DeSalvo:
So, we’re without a lead one again.
Squirrelflight:
Looks like it… I’m sure we’ll find something eventually, though.
[MUSIC STOPS]
…
Nabiu:
…Hey, do you guys smell that?
Pete Ferguson:
Smell what? You don’t even have a nose! How-
Squirrelflight:
Immediately, a pair of nostrils materialized on Nabiu’s face. I saw Ferguson recoil as she sniffed the air.
Nabiu:
I smell alphabet nearby.
Squirrelflight:
…Alphabet?
Pete Ferguson:
Wha- how did you-
Nabiu:
It’s coming from over there! C’mon!
Squirrelflight:
With a speed I didn’t know she had, Nabiu skittered off down a row of shelves on her stubby legs, rounding a corner and disappearing from view.
Pete Ferguson:
The fuck was that about? Huh- she- she didn’t even have a-!
Karoto:
Don’t worry about it.
Pete Ferguson:
What’s your deal, veggie? Don’t tell me you can smell “alphabet” too!
Karoto:
No? Obviously I can’t, I don’t have a nose.
Pete Ferguson:
You-!
Squirrelflight:
Let’s just follow her, we should make sure she’s alright.
Albert DeSalvo:
Yes, whatever trail she was following, it seemed important to her. I must admit I’m a little curious myself.
Squirrelflight:
We followed the path Nabiu had taken, making our way to the end of the row and turning left at the end before traveling down the next row. In the distance were two figures. I immediately recognized Nabiu by the back of the yellow hat she was wearing, but the second figure was unfamiliar.
Albert DeSalvo:
And there she is.
Bramblestar:
Who’s the other one?
Squirrelflight:
We made our way closer to the two of them, now being able to see them in more detail. I could hear Ferguson let out an exasperated scoff at the sight of this new face, an exasperation I admittedly shared when I got a better look at them.
https://youtu.be/WYxAQJvYdD0?si=mQu4bRzqmW8Zbygd
Squirrelflight:
Much like M. Bubbles, this creature resembled a twoleg device, though, their “torso” was longer and thinner, and had that same shiny look to it as the iterators’ skin. Their “head” was white, and didn’t have the same sheen, but it was far wider than their mid-section. They had wiry legs like Nabiu and Karoto did, but their arms were completely absent. At the moment, it looked like they were in the middle of a conversation with Nabiu.
Nabiu:
Hey guys! I’m glad you caught up!
Wiry thing:
Oh, are these your friends, Nabiu?
Nabiu:
Yeah! Well, I just met most of them, but I think we got along just fine!
Albert DeSalvo:
That’s… a generous way of putting it.
Wiry thing:
Woah, those shady guys sure are tall!
Nabiu:
Most humans are that tall, actually! Can you believe it? Oh, wait…
Squirrelflight:
The blueberry rubbed her chin in thought.
Nabiu:
Actually, did you know any humans before now?
Wiry thing:
Huh? Well, I know one, but…
Bramblestar:
Everyone, please! We can’t get distracted any further. Who are you, and do you remember how you got here?
Doorstopper:
My name’s Doorstopper! I don’t remember how I got here, sadly. One moment I was just relaxing on the grass, the next moment, I wake up here!
Nabiu:
Doorstopper’s super cool! She was just telling me about how she was competing in this big challenge with her team back home!
Albert DeSalvo:
Competing? Are you in some form of sporting event?
Doorstopper:
You could say that, I guess! It’s more of a competition-for-a-prize thing, though.
Pete Ferguson:
So we seriously got another talking object in here? Why the hell are there so many of you guys?
Doorstopper:
Watch your mouth, weirdly tall guy! We- hey, did you say other talking objects? Who were they? Maybe I know them!
Squirrelflight:
Well, Nabiu and Karoto are right here, do you know them?
Doorstopper:
Haven’t seen them before meeting you guys today, so no.
Squirrelflight:
Well, besides them, we also ran into a talking water-holder. Does the name M. Bubbles sound familiar to you?
Doorstopper:
Hmmmmm… nope! Never heard of an M. Bubbles before.
Pete Ferguson:
Fat load a’ good that did us…
Doorstopper:
Boy, that sure sucks! I was hoping I’d find a second familiar face in here.
Karoto:
A… second familiar face?
Doorstopper:
Yeah, what about it?
Karoto:
Well, who was the first?
Doorstopper:
Oh, right! Silly me, I forgot to introduce you guys to my friend! I found her right after I woke up!
Squirrelflight:
And where is your friend right now?
Doorstopper:
Here, I’ll show you!
[MUSIC STOPS]
.
.
.
Squirrelflight:
!!!
https://youtu.be/APTO3nD5z0c?si=Sp_c-I8YnXI2I3Gh
Squirrelflight:
We all took a step back in shock as Doorstopper suddenly pulled out another strange twoleg object from behind her back. Somehow, she was managing to hold it without any arms. I didn’t know exactly what this object did, but judging from the horrified reactions of the others that were with us, it was something bad.
Pete Ferguson:
WHAT THE FUCK? PUT THE GUN DOWN, YOU PSYCHO!
Albert DeSalvo:
H-how did you even FIND something like that in here?
Karoto:
AGH- DON’T POINT THAT THING AT ME!
Nabiu:
Oh, so that’s where the alphabet smell was coming from!
Squirrelflight:
A… “gun”? What… what does that do?
Pete Ferguson:
QUIT TALKING AND RUN FOR COVER BEFORE IT FIRES!
Doorstopper:
Woah, woah, woah! Calm down you guys, I’m not gonna shoot you, I just wanted you to meet my friend!
Squirrelflight:
Your… friend?
[MUSIC STOPS]
???:
That’s me! ^-^
Squirrelflight:
!!!
Bramblestar:
It…
Pete Ferguson:
…WHAT THE HELL?
Squirrelflight:
And just when I thought things couldn’t possibly get any more strange…
https://youtu.be/8dFaezpkWUA?si=pbvULvF9Mh1X2OQq
Squirrelflight:
… The gun started talking.
Gun:
I’m just so happy to meet you guys! ^-^
Albert DeSalvo:
H… how even…
Karoto:
…It talks?
Gun:
Yeah! I can talk a lot! What do you wanna talk about? ^-^
Squirrelflight:
I could hardly process what I was hearing. I’d been seeing things I considered impossible all day, yet this was perhaps the most jarring of them all. Unlike the other talking objects, who all sported limbs and facial features, this… ‘gun’ as the twolegs called it didn’t look to be alive at all. If not for the small vibrations it made when it spoke in its raspy, high-pitched voice, it could have been mistaken for any other lifeless inanimate object.
Squirrelflight:
…What… is that..?
Doorstopper:
This is my friend, Spas-12! She’s been by my side for a while, she’s also on the same team as me for that game back home!
Nabiu:
Woah, I’ve never seen a talking gun before! How do you talk without a mouth?
Spas-12:
It’s a trade secret! ^-^
Pete Ferguson:
…What the actual FUCK is even happening anymore..?
Doorstopper:
Hey, watch your language, buster!
Karoto:
Uhhh, hey, doorstopper?
Doorstopper:
Mhm?
Karoto:
Just curious, is Spas-12 loaded?
Doorstopper:
Well, last I checked…
Spas-12:
Yeppers! Fully loaded, actually! ^-^
Karoto:
Oh! That’s uh… great..! Good for you on that…
Albert DeSalvo:
S-so… *ahem*, I take it neither of you know how you wound up here, then?
Spas-12:
Nope! ^-^
Doorstopper:
Yeah, we’re clueless. Do YOU guys know how we got here?
Pete Ferguson:
Take a wild guess!
Doorstopper:
…
Doorstopper:
…Yyyyes?
Pete Ferguson:
NO!
Bramblestar:
…That makes twelve of us, none of whom know what’s going on.
Karoto:
Real comforting…
Nabiu:
It’s so weird! How’d we all just come here and forget why?
Squirrelflight:
…As terrifying as this sounds, I… don’t think we came here on by our own choice.
Karoto:
You… think we were kidnapped?
Albert DeSalvo:
I think she’s right. Abduction is seeming more and more likely, I’ll say that much.
Pete Ferguson:
Of course we were kidnapped! My question is how? The ministry has top of the line security, how the hell would they kidnap ME without getting beat to shit?
Squirrelflight:
The… ministry? What is that?
Nabiu:
Oooooo, sounds mysterious!
Albert DeSalvo:
It’s where Ferguson and I work. He’s right, though. Some ordinary goons couldn’t hope to have gotten past security. Whoever’s responsible for this must have a lot of power, or a team of true professionals at their disposal.
Doorstopper:
Yikes! What would some professional kidnapping organization want with lil’ old us?
Spas-12:
Maybe our autographs! ^-^
Doorstopper:
Oh, yeah, that would be nice!
Albert DeSalvo:
I… highly doubt that’s what it is.
Squirrelflight:
Then… what do they want with us?
[MUSIC STOPS]
…
Squirrelflight:
Everyone fell silent, it seemed no one had an answer. Truth be told, I didn’t either. Still, it weighed on my mind. What was the aim of… whoever brought us here? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeply sinister was going on.
https://youtu.be/PCRqV4WcE5Y?si=22zE_DgmTa7M0kgm
Bramblestar:
…We shouldn’t waste time wondering what our abductors want. Let’s continue to focus on finding an escape. We’ll worry about what they wanted with us once we’re back home and safe.
Doorstopper:
Hey, yeah! That’s a good plan! This place is neat and all, but I’m really missing the fresh air.
Pete Ferguson:
You don’t even have lungs!
Squirrelflight:
Doorstopper kicked him in the shins.
Pete Ferguson:
OW- you little SHIT!
Squirrelflight:
Before DeSalvo could stop him again, Ferguson charged at Doorstopper, who quickly turned and ran down the bookshelves. She was still carrying Spas-12, who called out to us as the three of them rounded another corner and disappeared into the hall.
Spas-12:
Bye, new friends! ^-^
Albert DeSalvo:
Ferguson-! Agh, I… don’t think I can catch up to them now.
Nabiu:
Don’t worry, Mr. DeSalvo! Doorstopper told me she’s a really fast runner!
Albert DeSalvo:
That’s somewhat reassuring, I suppose.
Karoto:
I’m just glad it wasn’t me this time.
Bramblestar:
…Are the rest of you ready to continue the search?
Squirrelflight:
I think we all are.
Bramblestar:
Alright, in that case, it’s best we split up, we’ll cover the most ground that way.
Nabiu:
Karo and I can stay here and do one last check of the vents in case we missed something, since we’re small enough to fit inside!
Bramblestar:
Okay, that’s the library covered.
Albert DeSalvo:
I’ll have another look at the theater, then. It was quite a large room, I’m certain we missed at least a few things in there.
Karoto:
This place has a theater?
Squirrelflight:
Yes, we woke up right next to it. Did you two never go in there?
Nabiu:
Nope! We woke up in the hall!
Squirrelflight:
…So it looks like we woke up in different places, too.
Bramblestar:
Then Squirrelflight and I will check the hallway. I wish you three luck in finding an exit.
Albert DeSalvo:
Likewise, I wish you the best.
Nabiu:
Good luck, guys!
Karoto:
Here’s hoping we find that exit soon!
Squirrelflight:
With one last nod to the three of them, Bramblestar and I left the library, heading back out into the hall. We’d only gotten a few paw steps across the shaggy floor when he whispered something to me.
Bramblestar:
…I don’t like this.
Squirrelflight,
Hm?
Bramblestar:
All of this… the twolegs, the talking plants, the machines, this confusing maze of a den… I don’t like it.
Squirrelflight:
…I don’t think any of us like it.
Bramblestar:
Just… promise me you’ll stay safe, alright, Squirrelflight?
Squirrelflight:
I’ll promise, but first, I want to hear the same from you.
Bramblestar:
I promise.
Squirrelflight:
Then I promise, too.
Squirrelflight:
Our tails intertwined slightly as we walked. If nothing else, I can take solace in knowing I still have at least one clanmate by my side.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
A little ways down the hall, I could see two more unfamiliar figures standing by a long row of closely packed doors. These two were a fair bit taller than the bunch we’d met in the library. They bore a strong resemblance to twolegs, though, their bright yellow and pink skin stuck out to me.
Squirrelflight:
…Hello?
???:
Huh?
https://youtu.be/F7dhu57yeYU?si=QTgrR02TUFgieFSj
Squirrelflight:
The yellow one turned to look at us, with the pink one quickly following his gaze. Both of them seemed mildly startled by us.
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
…And there’s cats here too.
Pink ‘twoleg’:
Woah, was that you who just spoke?
Squirrelflight:
Just like the shadowy twolegs, these two seemed surprised by the sight of us talking, though, not to nearly the same extent.
Bramblestar:
Yes, we can speak. Don’t panic, we’re just-
Pink ‘twoleg’:
No, no, sorry, it’s not that. I just didn’t really expect it, is all!
Bramblestar:
…You seem to be taking this well.
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
Well, it’s a little surprising, but, like, I dunno, it’s not that weird.
Squirrelflight:
…So, have you two seen talking cats before?
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
I mean, not cats specifically. But yeah.
Squirrelflight:
I see… are you two aware of some of the other… creatures in here as well?
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
Uh, can you… elaborate?
Squirrelflight:
Did you see the living gun?
Pink ‘twoleg’:
There’s a living gun?
Squirrelflight:
I guess that’s a no.
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
Wait, like, an actual gun?
Squirrelflight:
Yes. That’s what I just said.
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
Wow. Okay, yeah. We definitely haven’t seen that one, yet.
Bramblestar:
Who have you seen, then?
Pink ‘twoleg’:
Well, a few minutes earlier, two people came by, one of them was a very tall lady in a blue suit who’s face looked kind of like a Picasso paining.
Squirrelflight:
“Picasso”..?
Bramblestar:
That sounds like it was Rue Meringue you saw, then.
Pink ‘twoleg’:
Oh, okay! That’s good to know. The other one we saw was a water cooler with big glasses.
Squirrelflight:
…And you weren’t at all shocked by seeing a living twoleg device?
Pink ‘twoleg’:
…What’s a twoleg?
Squirrelflight:
…Right, sorry, I meant human device. That’s the word you’re more familiar with, right? I’m assuming that’s what you are.
Pink ‘twoleg’:
Uh… well, sort of…
Yellow ‘twoleg’:
We know what humans are, but we aren’t… yeah, we’re not actually humans.
Squirrelflight:
Oh! I-
Squirrelflight:
I bit my tongue. I suppose the strangely vibrant skin coloration should’ve clued me in, but if they weren’t twolegs, then…
Squirrelflight:
Sorry, I didn’t realize, but… what exactly are you, then?
Pink critter:
Oh! Charlie and I are critters!
Bramblestar:
Critters?
Pink critter:
Yeah! Actually, wait, I just realized we haven’t even introduced ourselves yet.
Bramblestar: Right, neither have we. I’m Bramblestar, and this is Squirrelflight.
Pim Pimling: Well, it’s lovely to meet you, Bramblestar and Squirrelflight! I’m Pim Pimling, but just Pim is fine.
Squirrelflight:
It’s nice to meet you too, Pim. And… you?
Charlie Dompler:
Huh? Oh, right. I’m Charlie Dompler. You can also just call me Charlie.
Bramblestar:
We’ve asked this to everyone else, and I doubt we’ll hear a different answer from you, but do either of you remember how you got here?
Squirrelflight:
To our disappointment, but not our surprise, the critters looked at each other for a moment before they both shook their heads.
Charlie Dompler:
Sorry, man.
Pim Pimling:
We honestly just don’t know what happened.
Squirrelflight:
Well, you’re not alone on that, at least. Everyone else has said the same.
Pim Pimling:
How many people have you seen in here so far?
Squirrelflight:
Fourteen, if we include you and ourselves.
Pim Pimling:
Oh.
Charlie Dompler:
So, I know we’re all pretty clueless about this whole thing, but like, does anyone even have a guess of what might be happening?
Bramblestar:
Right now, it seems like a kidnapping.
Charlie Dompler:
But what for, though?
Bramblestar:
We don’t have an answer yet, but right now, that’s not our focus. We’re currently looking for…
Squirrelflight:
My focus on their conversation faded as I took a moment to stare at the strange layout of this part of the hallway. Why were there so many doors so close together, anyway?
Bramblestar:
…So Squirrelflight and I… Squirrelflight?
Squirrelflight:
Oh! Yes, sorry, I was just looking at those strange doors.
Pim Pimling:
Huh? What about the doors caught your attention?
Squirrelflight:
They’re all too… close together, aren’t they? The rooms here are fairly large, why would they put so many doors to the same room?
Pim Pimling:
Oh, actually, I think these all lead to different, smaller rooms!
Squirrelflight:
They do?
Charlie Dompler:
I mean, we can’t really check, since all of them are locked, but we’re pretty sure they’re hotel rooms. I guess whatever building we’re stuck in is some kinda hotel.
Squirrelflight:
What are hotel rooms?
Pim Pimling:
They’re like regular rooms for people to stay in, but closely packed together so they can all fit inside a hotel! At least, we’re guessing that’s what they are, based on the way the doors are numbered.
Squirrelflight:
…So, twolegs all sleep in separate dens?
Pim Pimling:
Well, not always , but usually, people have their own rooms, so… yeah!
Squirrelflight:
I could feel my confusion growing by the second every time I learned about a new aspect of twoleg life. I couldn’t imagine sleeping without my clanmates by my side.
Bramblestar:
How… do you avoid going cold, then?
Pim Pimling:
That’s what blankets and sheets are for! I- uh, guess you two live out in the wilderness where that stuff isn’t used, huh?
Bramblestar:
We-
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar’s response was cut off by the sound of quick footsteps running down the hall. We all turned our heads to see a thin twoleg with spiky hair quickly sprinting towards us.
Charlie Dompler:
Wait, who are-
Squirrelflight:
The twoleg skidded to a halt in front of us. He looked out of breath, and his face was painted with terror.
https://youtu.be/yC2oSp7pIRU?si=eOolBdAeV1VIqTyB
Spiky haired twoleg:
*gasp* *pant* Hey! *gasp* do you… do you know what’s happening? Do you know where we are? *pant* Have you found-
Charlie Dompler:
Woahwoahwoah, slow down, man.
Pim Pimling:
Yeah, catch your breath for a second.
Squirrelflight:
The twoleg reluctantly stopped talking for a moment, the constant gasping subsided, but the panicked tone hadn’t left his voice when he spoke again.
Spiky haired twoleg:
…Do you guys know where you are, and have you found any way out of this building?
Squirrelflight:
Bramblestar and I both snuck a worried glance at each other for a moment. The eeriness of the situation weighed on everyone, but this twoleg seemed by far the most affected by it. He was terrified to a degree no one else had been.
Bramblestar:
…No, but we are currently searching for one.
Squirrelflight:
The twoleg’s face dropped as he grabbed fistfuls of his hair. He was muttering to himself in frenzied tone I could barely hear.
Spiky haired twoleg:
…No… no, this can’t be happening again… Not again..!
Pim Pimling:
Hey, just breathe, okay? Let’s just try to-
Spiky haired twoleg:
No, I KNOW what’s going on here!
Squirrelflight:
Without warning, the twoleg flung his arm out, pointing an accusatory finger at the air, and accidentally smacking Charlie on the nose with his elbow on the process.
Charlie Dompler:
AGH-! What the hell, man?
Spiky haired twoleg:
Who’s the- oh, sorry- who’s the mastermind behind this? I know why you’ve brought us here! Don’t hide yourself this time!
Squirrelflight:
This got everyone’s attention, including my own. Could it really be possible? Someone who actually knew what was happening? What did he mean by “mastermind”? We all looked up at the twoleg expectantly.
Pim Pimling:
Hey, you- wait sorry, we never got your name, what are you talking about?
Makoto Naegi:
…My name is Makoto Naegi, and I’m saying I’ve seen this before.
Squirrelflight:
!!!
Charlie Dompler:
Woah, wait, actually?
Squirrelflight:
So… he does know what’s happening? I needed answers immediately. How was he the only one here familiar with what was happening? What even WAS happening?
Squirrelflight:
Makoto? What’s going on?
Makoto Naegi:
…There’s… there’s no time, I need to see if she’s here, I need to go before he shows up-!
Squirrelflight:
What? Go where? Who’s “she”?… who’s “he”?
Makoto Naegi:
I’m sorry, I’ll explain everything soon!
Pim Pimling:
Wait, M-Makoto! Can you at least tell-
Squirrelflight:
Before any of us could stop him, the twoleg took off down the hall again. Bramblestar and I attempted to give chase, but lost him when he turned a corner and disappeared into one of the rooms we hadn’t entered yet.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Mouse dung! Our only lead on what’s happening, and he just runs away?
Bramblestar:
We’ll find him again eventually. Then, we’ll make sure we get our answers.
Squirrelflight:
With another flurry of hasty footsteps, Pim and Charlie caught up to us, looking equally as confused by Makoto’s actions.
Charlie Dompler:
*huff* …What’s… what’s that guy’s deal?
Bramblestar:
I wish I could say.
Pim Pimling:
I mean, he definitely knows something, right? We’ll just have to ask him about it after he’s done finding… whoever that was he ran off to look for, right?
Squirrelflight:
The pink critter kept an optimistic tone to his voice, but there was a noticeable tint of uncertainty present as well.
Squirrelflight:
…I guess that’s our best option, considering no one else knows-
Charlie Dompler:
Oh, wait, look, someone else is coming, see? Maybe this one knows what’s happening.
https://youtu.be/iEk5BgmfJzQ?si=L8AYk3m-WB8gjRlC
Squirrelflight:
He pointed over at the approaching shape of what looked to be another twoleg. This one was a fair bit shorter than Makoto, most likely younger, too. Her head was covered in thick and tangled looking swaths of black hair. None of us could see her face, as it was covered by an unnerving mask with a crude drawing of a grinning face on it.
Pim Pimling:
Hello there! Do you know where-
Squirrelflight:
Without even so much as a passing glance, she shoved past us and continued down the hall, not stopping at all.
Pim Pimling:
Oh, okay then.
Charlie:
What was that for?
Squirrelflight:
The masked twoleg stopped, but didn’t bother to turn around when she responded.
Masked twoleg:
‘Should’ve gotten out of the way.
Charlie Dompler:
We were literally just trying to ask you a question.
Masked twoleg:
Let me guess, you don’t know how you got here?
Squirrelflight:
No, we don’t. That’s why we-
Masked twoleg:
Well, I don’t know either. There, you happy? Was that the answer you were so desperate to get?
Bramblestar:
Why are you being so aggressive about this?
Charlie Dompler:
Yeah, can you just calm down for a second?
Masked twoleg:
Oh, I dunno, maybe it’s cause’ I was kidnapped by god-fucking-knows-who? For all I know, any of you could be behind this.
Pim Pimling:
W-what? I promise we’re just as lost as you are, here!
Squirrelflight:
None of us did this, we were just discussing the situation when you showed up.
Masked twoleg:
Yeah, sure, believable.
Charlie Dompler:
If you wanna blame us for this, go ahead. I’m just telling you we also have no clue how we got here.
Masked twoleg:
You really think I’m buying that, creep?
Charlie Dompler:
Seriously, what’s up with you?
Pim Pimling:
Hey, hold on, you two-
Masked twoleg:
I know you’re in on this. I KNOW you-
.
*RREEEEOOW!*
.
Squirrelflight:
I felt Bramblestar bristle up next to me as he caught everyone’s attention with a yowl that admittedly startled me as well. As they turned to look at him, he flicked an ear with a tired sigh before speaking.
Bramblestar:
Before this escalates, how about we introduce ourselves? I’m Bramblestar, this is Squirrelflight, and these “critters” are Pim and Charlie.
Masked twoleg:
…
Bramblestar:
Well? Are you going to-
Masked twoleg:
What fucking game are you trying to pull? You already know who I am. That’s why you flagged me down, right?
Pim Pimling:
What? Um, no, sorry, but I don’t think any of us recognized you.
Charlie Dompler:
Yeah- and I didn’t “flag you down”, I just tried to ask you a question.
Masked twoleg:
I know you motherfuckers are lying, but since you already know, I’ll humor you.
Pim Pimling:
Well, thanks, but we really aren’t-
Buddy Armstrong:
My name is Buddy Armstrong.
[MUSIC STOPS]
…
Squirrelflight:
After stating her name, the twoleg looked as though she was bracing herself, prepared at any moment to spring into a fight. It was as if she was expecting us all to be overcome with bloodlust the moment she said her name, but instead, the only thing on our minds was confusion.
Pim Pimling:
Yeah, that um… still doesn’t ring any bells. Sorry.
Charlie Dompler:
Why’d you think we would know that? Are you like, a famous actor or something?
Buddy Armstrong:
…You actually don’t recognize my name?
Squirrelflight:
No. Bramblestar and I didn’t even know twolegs had names up until today.
Buddy Armstrong:
…
Squirrelflight:
Despite her face being covered by a mask, I could tell the young twoleg was shocked by our response. For a while she just stood there, seemingly lost in thought.
Buddy Armstrong:
…Fine, I’ll leave you alone for now, but lay one hand on me and I’ll fucking gut you.
Squirrelflight:
You’ll what?
Pim Pimling:
Oh- don’t do that!
Charlie Dompler:
Holy shi- calm down! We didn’t even do anything to you!
Squirrelflight:
Buddy didn’t even say so much as another word as she continued down the hall. This time, none of us attempted to follow.
Bramblestar:
Well… she’s certainly…
Rue Meringue:
Cutthroat?
https://youtu.be/cENv5uK8qLI?si=pUI4hvWG6KyGhMYa
Squirrelflight:
With absolutely no warning, Rue spoke up from behind us. Her sudden appearance startled me so much I almost jumped out of my pelt. Almost.
Charlie Dompler:
AGH-!
Pim Pimling:
AH- …Oh, it’s you! How’d you get there?
Rue Meringue:
Oh, me? I was just having a stroll through the halls when I overheard you all talking to Buddy! You seemed to be having a pleasant conversation, and I didn’t want to interrupt you, so I just waited until you were done!
Charlie Dompler:
It wasn’t a pleasant conversation. At all.
Pim Pimling:
Yeah, she, um, she threatened to gut us.
Rue Meringue:
Ahhhh yes, she said the same to me! A real character, isn’t she?
Squirrelflight:
You could say that…
Rue Meringue:
Anywaaaaay… The iterators said they needed some space, so we just left them to it. Bubz mentioned wanting to check out the library, so I wished them luck and went go explore the halls a little more.
Bramblestar:
What did you find?
Rue Meringue:
Weeeelllll… I have good news and bad news.
Bramblestar:
Give us the bad news first.
Rue Meringue:
There’s still no sign of an exit anywhere. I checked all the rooms, and nada! Zilch!
Bramblestar:
…
Squirrelflight:
What about the good news?
Rue Meringue:
Unlike the theater, the lounge area actually has some half-decent decoration.
Squirrelflight:
…Great. That’s very helpful to us, Rue.
Rue Meringue:
Glad to lend a hand!
Squirrelflight:
She either didn’t notice my sarcasm, or was deliberately ignoring it.
Charlie Dompler:
I’m lost here, who are “the iterators”?
Pim Pimling:
You mentioned “Bubz” too, who’s that?
Rue Meringue:
Oh, that’s my good boss buddy M. Bubbles! Bubz is just what their friends call them, which, not to brag, is what I am. Come to think of it, I think the two of us passed by you earlier on our way to the library!
Pim Pimling:
Oh! So this M. Bubbles you’re talking about is the water jug, and you would be Rue Meringue, then!
Rue Meringue:
Bingo! Give yourself a Pat on the back!
Charlie Dompler:
Okay, so what about the iterators? Sounds like kind of an ominous name.
Bramblestar:
They were… quite ominous themselves.
Charlie Dompler:
What are they? Are they like, aliens or something?
Rue Meringue:
Literally speaking? No. Behavior wise? Now we’re getting somewhere.
Squirrelflight:
It was strange, they’re “creator-made”, but they’ve never heard of humans before.
Charlie Dompler:
What, so, they’re robots?
Rue Meringue:
That’s the simplest way of putting it, but I don’t think they appreciate being called that!
Pim Pimling:
I guess that’s not too weird, they were probably just built by another species. Maybe ours?
Charlie Dompler:
Or maybe the “iteratieans” made them or something, I dunno.
Squirrelflight:
I… still find myself in disbelief over how casual you two are about the existence of seemingly impossible creatures.
Charlie Dompler:
It’s not really that weird. We see stuff like this pretty often. I mean, not THIS exactly, the talking gun is definitely new, but you get what I mean.
Squirrelflight:
…This is normal to you? You’re used to seeing this?
Pim Pimling:
Yeah, we have all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures running around back home, so nothing here is that jarring! Well, besides the kidnapping, which is still pretty worrying.
Squirelflight:
Back… home..?
Rue Meringue:
Oh, it’s about time I met some more people in the same situation! You wouldn’t believe the looks Bubz and I got when we described how life in the neighborhood was!
Pim Pimling:
What sorts of things happened back at “the neighborhood”? It sounds like you have an exciting story to tell, miss!
Rue Meringue:
Oh, do I ever! Let’s start from the beginning. Last Thursday, I-
[MUSIC STOPS]
.
.
*DING DING DING DONG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
An ear-splitting ringing noise echoed through the halls, startling everyone. I felt my ears instinctively pin back from the shock.
Squirrelflight:
What IS that?
Charlie Dompler:
God- my EARS!
???:
*hem, hem*
Squirrelflight:
Huh..?
Squirrelflight:
The sound of a new voice filled the air, seemingly coming from the same source as the ringing. This didn’t sound like anyone I’d met so far, though…
https://youtu.be/vzKiAbeHG0E?si=_kMiS9nsF1LSV818
???:
Helllloooo? Anybody home? Ha! Just kidding, I know you all can hear me loud and clear!
Squirrelflight:
‘Loud’ is right…
Bramblestar:
Who are you? Are you the one behind this?
???:
Now, I imagine some of you are wondering something along the lines of “Who are you? Are you the one behind this?” WELL! You’re in luck! In just a few minutes time, I’ll be able to answer ALL* of your questions!
*that is to say, all questions I am contractually obligated to answer.
Charlie Dompler:
Did he just audibly pronounce an asterisk?
Squirrelflight:
We have someone else who knows what’s going on here?
Pim Pimling:
That’s what it sounds like, at least! We’ll finally be able to get some answers, now!
Bramblestar:
I don’t know… I can’t help but feel like whoever’s talking to us isn’t exactly trustworthy.
???:
With all that said and done, I’d really appreciate it if you all gathered in the hotel lounge! And by that, I mean do it now, or you won’t like what happens next. Chop-chop!
.
*KZZZZT*
.
Squirrelflight:
The voice cut out after that, leaving us on a rather ominous note.
Pim Pimling:
Well, uh… that’s…
Rue Meringue:
…Awfully rude of them! Whoever this is, they’re a terrible host.
Bramblestar:
A… host?
Rue Meringue:
At least, that’s what I assume they are. Considering they’re using some sort of loudspeaker, they must have some control of the hotel. That means they’re probably the one who… let’s just say “invited” us here.
Squirrelflight:
Dread seeped into our little group at Rue’s suggestion. Of course, we all knew someone had to be behind this, that much was clear, but the thought that we might’ve been hearing our very captor talk to us in such a jovial tone…
Charlie Dompler:
O-oh… oh, god, you’re probably right. Shit, is this a trap, then? Like, are we gonna walk in and then get stabbed?
Pim Pimling:
I… what do we do?
Rue Meringue:
I’m not too sure about it being a trap, but if it helps, I don’t think we have to worry about getting stabbed any time soon.
Bramblestar:
And how can you be so sure of that?
Squirrelflight:
Wait- no, she’s right.
Bramblestar:
Squirrelflight?
Squirrelflight:
Think about it, why would someone go through all the effort of bringing us here alive if they were just going to kill us?
Rue Meringue:
Seeeee? We’re on the same wavelength here! Whatever this little roach wants with us, they need us with our heads still attached to our shoulders!
Pim Pimling:
So… are we going to the lounge, then..?
.
.
*DING DING DING DONG!*
.
.
???:
I couldn’t help but notice that a few of you (who will go unnamed) have been dragging your feet a little. Hurry it up, or else!
.
*KZZZZT*
.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Pim Pimling:
…
Squirrelflight:
I… think that’ll be a yes.
Charlie Dompler:
Yeah, I honestly don’t feel like taking my chances with “or else.”
Rue Meringue:
Then it’s settled! Roll out, everyone!
https://youtu.be/ibg3AQxKyhc?si=NFclx7BTKhK22MYC
Squirrelflight:
Since Rue had already seen the lounge while she was exploring the hotel, she led the way, still seeming relatively unbothered by the situation. The rest of us trailed behind her, still uncertain of what awaited us. Next to me, Bramblestar repeated what he’d said earlier, this time in a much more hushed whisper.
Bramblestar:
…I don’t like this.
Squirrelflight:
…
Squirrelflight:
…I don’t, either.
Squirrelflight:
After one last turn down the hall, Rue led us to another room, this one lacking a door.
Rue Meringue:
Voilà! We’re here!
Squirrelflight:
The hotel lounge, while not as spacious as the stage, was still quite wide open. Comfortable-but-unfamiliar looking twoleg seats were lined up around short stumps at the walls, while the middle of the room was barren aside from a large blue coat on the floor. The place was dotted with light from the fixtures above. Looking around, I could see most of the others had already arrived.
M. Bubbles:
Rue! You’re back!
Rue Meringue:
Yes, I am, and I brought some new faces along!
Charlie Dompler:
Uh, yeah, hi.
Pim Pimling:
Hello! You’re M. Bubbles, right?
M. Bubbles:
That I am, skipper. That I am.
Squirrelflight:
M. Bubbles extended one of their strange cylindrical paws to Pim, who awkwardly reached out to shake it.
Pim Pimling:
Hahah, well, thanks, but my name is actually Pim!
M. Bubbles:
Well, Pim, it’s nice to meet you!
Squirrelflight:
The two of them finished shaking “hands”, and Pim flicked off some of the residual water that had been left on his palm.
Albert DeSalvo:
It seems just about everyone is here now.
Bramblestar:
Where are Makoto and Buddy?
Squirrelflight:
I don’t see either of the iterators here, either…
Albert DeSalvo:
Oh, so those are their names, then. The masked girl is off in the corner, and the young man is behind the front desk, he said he was looking for something.
Bramblestar:
Right, then. We can finally get some answers out of him.
Albert DeSalvo:
Oh? I will say, his behavior struck me as odd, but now I’m even more intrigued.
Squirrelflight:
And the iterators?
Albert DeSalvo:
They haven’t shown up yet. Actually, correct me if I’m wrong, but weren’t you two supposed to be staying with them?
Rue Meringue:
And we stuck to our word! We only left because they asked for some space, said they had some personal catching up to do. Sigh… wish I coulda listened in on that, but hey, can’t win them all!
Squirrelflight:
What makes you think it’s okay to listen in on others’ private conversations?
Albert DeSalvo:
For the good of the state, such measures are sometimes necessary.
Squirrelflight:
…What?
Albert DeSalvo:
Oh, and speak of the devil!
Squirrelflight:
I turned my focus over to the lounge entrance and was met with the sight of the iterators, still leaning on eachother as they shambled into the lounge.
Looks to the Moon:
Hello. I hope we are not too late to… whatever it was we were called here for.
M. Bubbles:
No worries, you two! Hope you enjoyed your catching up!
Charlie Dompler:
Uh… what? Who are you talking to?
M. Bubbles:
I’m just talking to our buddies the iterators over here!
Charlie Dompler:
…Huh?
Five Pebbles:
First of all, we’re acquaintances at best. Second of all, he doesn’t have the mark yet. Neither he nor any of the others can hear us.
Squirrelflight:
Right, the mark. Somehow, I almost forgot about that.
Karoto:
Oh yeah, you guys brought up “the iterators” to us before. Is that who these guys are?
Nabiu:
Woah! Their eyes are so shiny! How come we can’t hear them, though?
Charlie Dompler:
Yeah, is it, like, a frequency only water coolers can hear or something?
Squirrelflight:
It’s a little hard to explain, but-
Five Pebbles:
We’ve wasted enough time already.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the iterator raising an arm in Charlie’s direction.
Looks to the Moon:
Pebbles, wait-
Charlie Dompler:
Huh-? Oh, GOD, WHAT THE HELL-!
.
.
*PANG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
Charlie barely even had a second to react before that familiar white light completely enveloped him, then dissipated in an instant. The force sent him flying back onto the floor.
https://youtu.be/50yShkEarT4?si=trM01lHBcxSd6bh7
Pim Pimling:
CHARLIE!
Charlie Dompler:
Errgh… ow, I… what- was that..?
Pim Pimling:
Oh, gosh… are you okay?
Squirrelflight:
Everyone had already been on edge thanks to the circumstances, but this proved to be what pushed everyone past their limits. I braced myself as the lounge erupted into panic.
Doorstopper:
What did you do to him?
Buddy Armstrong:
W-was that a fucking flashbang?
Nabiu:
Are we all about to be incinerated?
Albert DeSalvo:
Don’t panic- it’s not what you think it is, it’s just-
Karoto:
EVERYONE, TAKE COVER!
Squirrelflight:
Wait- it’s not dangerous!
Squirrelflight:
My attempts to calm everyone down went unheard, as the panicked screams of the others fought to drown each other out, made only worse when another voice joined the fray.
Makoto Naegi:
What happened? Did someone already..?!
Squirrelflight:
Makoto had emerged from behind the desk at the front. Perfect, just the twoleg we’d been looking for. I quickly ran up to him, weaving between the others as they ran around like headless rabbits. Bramblestar, seemingly having the same idea, was close behind me.
Squirrelflight:
Makoto! No more running, tell us what’s going on here!
Makoto Naegi:
H-huh?
Bramblestar:
You heard her the first time! You told us you’d seen this before, so how about you explain what’s happening?
Makoto Naegi:
But- I don’t even know what’s going on right now! I looked up, and suddenly everyone was screaming!
Squirrelflight:
Right… the iterators. We should clear this whole mess up first before I go deaf.
Makoto Naegi:
The… iterators?
Squirrelflight:
Those creatures over there.
Squirrelflight:
I nodded over at where the iterators were standing. By now, the others in the room were either actively confronting them or hiding behind the seats, besides Charlie, who still looked rather dazed.
Pete Ferguson:
You couldn’t at least give ‘em a warning first? Now we have to do this whole song and dance again!
Five Pebbles:
We can just as easily clear it up now.
Pete Ferguson:
Well now everyone thinks there’s an active bomb in the room, so good job there, dumbass!
Five Pebbles:
They’re being no less irrational about it than you were, if I recall.
Pete Ferguson:
Oh, fuck right off!
Doorstopper:
Hey, Pete, why are you talking to the air? Wait- oh no! Don’t tell me they got landscape, too!
Pete Ferguson:
The hell are you on about?
Charlie Dompler:
Uh- wait, actually, I hear it too.
[MUSIC STOPS]
Doorstopper:
Huh? Hear what?
Squirrelflight:
Everyone, don’t worry! I can explain.
Squirrelflight:
I padded up to the small gathering, who all glanced my way, most with confusion. Even those hiding behind the seats poked their heads out to see what was happening. Once again, I realized Bramblestar had quickly followed.
Squirrelflight:
They’re-
Bramblestar:
Don’t be alarmed, these “iterators” aren’t going to hurt you.
Doorstopper:
Huh? What was that crazy light about, then?
Bramblestar:
It’s called a mark of speech-
Squirrelflight:
Communication.
Bramblestar:
Mark of communication. Right, thank you, Squirrelflight.
Doorstopper:
Ooookaaaay… And what’s that do?
Bramblestar:
It allows them to speak to us, since we can’t understand them normally.
Five Pebbles:
I can prove this. Yellow creature, respond.
Charlie Dompler:
Wha- huh? You mean me?
Doorstopper:
Actually, Bramblestar was talking to me!
Charlie Dompler:
No- I mean, the uh, the iterator. I- I just heard him again.
Doorstopper:
Ohhhh! So that’s how it works? You get hit with that weird lil’ light and you can magically understand them?
Five Pebbles:
That’s a crude oversimplification.
M. Bubbles:
That’s the gist of it! Rue and I also got it earlier and we can hear em’ loud and clear!
Rue Meringue:
That light certainly left me feeling a little dazed, but as far as I can tell, it does no harm.
Pete Ferguson:
DeSalvo and I also got it, as well as those talking cats, and none of us have dropped dead from it.
Doorstopper:
Huh! Well, I’m convinced, then! Lemme give that mark a whirl!
Squirrelflight:
Without another word, Five Pebbles turned to doorstopper, and that white light quickly reappeared.
.
.
*PANG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
Being significantly smaller than Charlie, Doorstopper was sent flying back a few fox lengths before hitting the floor and getting up with a groan.
https://youtu.be/G6g7zE-X-S4?si=GWxAdPVEsPnpUoW_
Doorstopper:
OW! What the heck was that for?
Five Pebbles:
If you couldn’t keep yourself steady, you have yourself to blame.
Doorstopper:
Why I oughta- oh, hey! I can understand you now!
Looks to the Moon:
Apologies if the landing was rough, but it’s good to know you’re hearing us.
Doorstopper:
Don’t worry, I’ve survived worse!
Rue Meringue:
See? Harmless! Now, who would like to receive the mark next?
Doorstopper:
Yeah! Hey, guys, don’t worry about it! It’s actually not that bad at all!
Squirrelflight:
They both turned to those who hadn’t received the mark yet. They didn’t look entirely convinced.
Karoto:
Ehhh… something still feels off about this.
Pim Pimling:
It looks painful getting thrown backwards like that…
Makoto:
What is that light even made of-?
Buddy Armstrong:
Try anything and I’ll cut your beady eyes out.
Squirrelflight:
I could’ve sworn I saw the iterators tense up at Buddy’s barbaric statement. Where did a twoleg like her learn to act so bloodthirsty?
Rue Meringue:
…Any volunteers at all..?
…
Nabiu:
I wanna try it!
Karoto:
Huh- Nabiu?
Nabiu:
Yeah! These guys look pretty friendly, plus, everyone else has been fine so far!
Karoto:
Well- yeah, but like the tall guy said, we don’t know what’s in that light!
Nabiu:
…And there’s only one way to find out! Trial and error, such is the way of science!
Squirrelflight:
Nabiu skittered over to the iterators, and stood in front of them, bouncing on her feet in excitement.
Karoto:
…Your funeral.
Nabiu:
Okay, I’m ready!
.
.
*PANG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
Being the lightest of the whole group, Nabiu was sent flying by the blast. Rue thankfully managed to catch her midair before she crashed into one of the walls.
Rue Meringue:
My goodness! Are you feeling alright there, cadet?
Nabiu:
Ooooouuughhh… that… WAS AMAZING!
Rue Meringue:
Hahaha! I’m glad to hear it!
Squirrelflight:
The tall twoleg set Nabiu back down before turning to the group again.
Rue Meringue:
Come on now, everyone. If this kiddo here can be brave enough, surely you can find some inspiration!
Pim Pimling:
You know what? I think I’m up for it!
Karoto:
Yeah, alright, I’m convinced. Just- be ready to catch me.
Rue Meringue:
You have my word!
Squirelflight:
Pim stepped up first, putting his arms behind his head to brace himself in case he landed on it.
Pim Pimling:
Alright, just be careful.
.
.
*PANG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
Pim wasn’t sent as far back as some of the others were, but his little headrest preparation turned out to be a smart move, since he fell backward and managed to avoid any damage to his head.
Pim Pimling:
Ouf- o-okay, I think I’m good!
Karoto:
Alright, my turn, then. Just don’t-
.
.
*PANG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
Much like Nabiu, Karoto was so light he was sent flying by the blast. This time, however…
Rue Meringue:
Aaaand iiiii gotcha- whoops!
Squirrelflight:
…Rue didn’t manage to catch him.
.
.
*CRASH*
.
.
Karoto:
…Aauurghhh…
Nabiu:
Karoto! Are you okay?
Rue Meringue:
Sorry, there! Honest mistake, happens to the best of us, right?
Karoto:
…Count your days, Rue.
Pim Pimling:
Oh no, is anything broken?
Karoto:
Ergh- it’s fine, I’ll live.
Rue Meringue:
Ah! Wonderful! I can live free of guilt, then!
Squirrelflight:
Thankfully nothing too bad seemed to have come from that. Though, I doubt Karoto is going to forgive Rue as easily as she just forgave herself…
M. Bubbles:
Alright, who’s next on the chopping block?
Spas-12:
OH! ME! MEMEMEMEMEME! ^-^
[MUSIC STOPS]
Makoto Naegi:
Wh-WHAT?
M. Bubbles:
Jeepers!
Charlie Dompler:
HOLY- …oh- ohhh, okay, that’s the talking gun. Got it.
Makoto Naegi:
The… talking gun..?
Buddy Armstrong:
The talking gun?
Spas-12:
The talking gun! ^-^
Pete Ferguson:
Can we just hurry up and give the talking gun the brainchip already?
Looks to the Moon:
The mark.
Pete Ferguson:
I’m just callin’ it for what it is.
Spas-12:
Can I have my brainchip now pretty please? ^-^
Makoto Naegi:
…
Five Pebbles:
…At this point, I’m as lost for words as the rest of you are.
https://youtu.be/la_Y8nmSkSU?si=OrEOWqs_KGjDDYdb
Squirrelflight:
The iterator pointed at Spas-12, and the light returned yet again. It was hard to believe I was actually starting to adjust to it at this point. Once it dissipated, Spas-12 was knocked back, clattering against the floor when she landed.
Doorstopper:
How was it, Spas?
Spas-12:
WHOOPIE! Again, again! ^-^
Rue Meringue:
Now that’s what I like to hear! Anyone else eager to join the party?
Five Pebbles:
I don’t see why we’re making such a deal out of this. The sooner we can get this done, the sooner we can work towards finding out what’s happening here.
Rue Meringue:
It’s all about making a convincing sales pitch! With the remaining bit of fear surrounding that mark of yours, I’m just doing my part in making it more-
Makoto Naegi:
Okay, I’ll do it.
Rue Meringue:
…Aaaaand case in point!
Makoto Naegi:
Uh, no offense, but it’s not because of your marketing, it’s just… probably for the best if we can all understand each other.
Squirrelflight:
As strange as his demeanor had been, it was a relief to see someone else thinking rationally in this situation. I gave Makoto a nod as he stepped up to the iterators.
Makoto Naegi:
…Alright, you can do it now.
.
.
*PANG*
.
.
Squirrelflight:
Unlike everyone else, Makoto actually managed to catch himself and avoid falling over. He staggered back with a groan, grasping his head.
Makoto Naegi:
Uuhhghh… okay- I… I think I’m alright.
Pim Pimling:
Don’t worry, Makoto! The ringing actually goes away pretty quickly, just give it a second.
Makoto Naegi:
R-right…
M. Bubbles:
I’d say we’re trucking along pretty well at this point! Your marketing is working like a charm, Rue!
Karoto:
…I wouldn’t give her that much credit.
Rue Meringue:
Aw, shucks! It’s nothing! Now, if my memory strikes me right, that only leaves…
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Slowly, all our heads turned to Buddy, who was still taking up a defensive stance in the corner of the room.
Buddy Armstrong:
…
Bramblestar:
Now, can you-
Buddy Armstrong:
No.
https://youtu.be/HVhtTlOxR_Y?si=OLbZmzmMrAQc3v7p
Bramblestar:
…Excuse me?
Buddy Armstrong:
I don’t know why you idiots were so insistent on trusting these things, but I’m not just gonna follow you off the cliff like a headless sheep.
Pim Pimling:
Well, I know it may seem frightening, but you don’t need to worry! We all got the mark, and we’re unscathed, see?
Karoto:
Most of us are unscathed.
Buddy Armstrong:
Is this some larger scheme you’re a part of, or are you just that stupid? Just because there no immediate damage doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Charlie Dompler:
What, do you think they put a bomb in our heads or something?
Buddy Armstrong:
I wouldn’t put it past them.
Albert DeSalvo:
You’re speaking as if you know them, but from what I’ve seen, most of us are strangers to eachother.
Buddy Armstrong:
All the less reason to trust you guys.
Pim Pimling:
Come on, Buddy! I- I may not know these iterators very well, but I don’t think they mean any harm! Besides, we need to work together if we want to figure out what’s happening here, so we’ll need to understand eachother for that, won’t we?
Buddy Armstrong:
Just forget it. I’m not taking the stupid mark. And if you know what’s good for you, you won’t come any closer.
…
Five Pebbles:
Diplomacy isn’t going to work on her. It’s best to just get it over with now.
Squirrelflight:
Five Pebbles raised his arm again, pointing at Buddy in preparation to give her the mark, this time without her agreement. She seemed to realize what was happening, and raised her fists in warning.
Looks to the Moon:
Stop.
Five Pebbles:
..!
Squirrelflight:
With a tone I’d never heard from her before, Looks to the Moon glared at Five Pebbles her eyes narrowed to near slits.
Looks to the Moon:
She’s made her stance clear. She doesn’t want the mark of communication.
Five Pebbles:
That hardly matters right now. What matters is our ability to communicate, especially in a situation like this.
Looks to the Moon:
The rest of us can understand eachother clearly now. If we truly need to relay something to her, we can just ask one of the others to act as a translator.
Five Pebbles:
That’s an unnecessary remedy for an obstacle that can be dealt with right here and now.
Looks to the Moon:
She already doesn’t trust us. Let’s not give her reason to distrust us any further.
Five Pebbles:
We-
Looks to the Moon:
Please listen to me this time.
Five Pebbles:
…
[MUSIC STOPS]
Squirrelflight:
Slowly, the iterator lowered his arm.
Five Pebbles:
…Fine. If she insists on not receiving the mark, she won’t receive it.
Looks to the Moon:
Thank you. Now let’s… give her space.
Squirrelflight:
The two of them slowly shuffled back to the middle of the room. The rest of us followed in silence, not really knowing what to say.
Buddy Armstrong:
Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Looks to the Moon:
…
Squirrelflight:
Considering she wasn’t able to hear the exchange between the iterators, Buddy seemed to think they’d backed off out of fear. None of us bothered to correct her.
Squirrelflight:
I couldn’t help but wonder, was it really such a wise move to leave Buddy out of receiving the mark? Surely this would only make communication more difficult. Though, she wasn’t the most cooperative in the first place, it might not have made a difference.
Rue Meringue:
W-well… *ahem*, with the exception of Buddy, all of us have the mark now! We’re now one step closer to really getting to know each other!
Pete Ferguson:
What makes you think we want to mingle with each other all of a sudden, huh? This is a kidnapping, not some Tupperware party!
Charlie Dompler:
Yeah- I mean, you guys seem alright but I just want to figure out how to get back home.
M. Bubbles:
And that, my friend, is where the magic of teamwork comes in! If we all put our heads together, I’m sure we can figure out a way-
Makoto Naegi:
There’s no way out.
https://youtu.be/SU-8l9RMuVY?si=mDQ0DDxiwim28xfI
Pim Pimling:
H-huh?
Pete Ferguson:
You serious?
M. Bubbles:
Say what?
Squirrelflight:
Makoto stood up as everyone’s attention turned to him. He tried to speak over the clamoring of everyone’s confused voices.
Makoto Naegi:
Listen, I- I’m sorry for not elaborating on this earlier, but I know what’s going on here. I’ve seen it happen before, I’ve been here before.
Karoto:
W-What are you talking about? Where’s “here”?
Albert DeSalvo:
You’re saying this is familiar to you? Squirrelflight, is this why you were looking for him earlier?
Squirrelflight:
Yes- it is! Makoto, please tell us what you know.
Makoto Naegi:
Right, here’s what’s happened, someone kidnapped the sixteen of us and locked us in this building. Trying to find a way out is pointless, whatever way out you might’ve thought of, it’s already been closed. This place may be designed to look like a cheap hotel, but I’m certain it’s far more fortified than meets the eye.
Nabiu:
No way out?
Doorstopper:
Then it really WAS a kidnapping!
Karoto:
So- so we’re trapped in here? There’s actually no way out?
Makoto Naegi:
Unfortunately, no. There isn’t.
Karoto:
Well..! What’s stopping us from just breaking down a wall or something..? Yeah- we could… we could probably pull that off, right..?
Makoto Naegi:
Chances are, they’ve got rules in place against that, and if we break them… we’ll die.
Pete Ferguson:
“They”? Who the hell is “they”? Who’s even behind all this?
Makoto Naegi:
While I can’t know for sure, I think the one responsible is-
???:
…Yours truly!
[MUSIC STOPS]
Makoto Naegi:
..!
Squirrelflight:
That voice… I recognized it immediately. It was that same sickeningly high pitched squealing that we heard over the loudspeaker. We all turned to the source immediately. It seemed to be coming from behind the desk.
???:
Thanks for giving them the run down Makoto, but I think I can take it from here!
Bramblestar:
…What?
Albert DeSalvo:
…Who is that..?
Squirrelflight:
…And then, from behind the desk, the source of the voice finally revealed itself.
https://youtu.be/Rq7PkSBaUG8?si=fg7epSvikKJItz0G
Squirrelflight:
What appeared from behind the desk was yet another strange creature, just one of many I’d seen in this place so far. It almost resembled a bear, but it stood on its hind legs, and was split down the middle into black and white. It didn’t appear to have fur of any kind, instead being covered by that same reflective coat the iterators had.
???:
Hello one and all! I’m just so thrilled to meet you all face to face! Sorry for the late appearance, but I figured I’d let you sort out your little language debacle first!
Pete Ferguson:
And who the hell are you?
???:
Now hold your horses there, pal! I’m just getting to that! I am the one, the only-
Makoto Naegi:
MONOKUMA!
Monokuma:
Hey, that’s my line!
Makoto Naegi:
What do you want with us? Who’s controlling you this time? Wh- why did you force me into another-
Monokuma:
Ah-ah-ah! I know you’re thrilled about this little reunion, Makoto, but you’re gonna have to hold your questions for now! I’m kind of in the middle of an introduction, here.
Squirrelflight:
!!!
Squirrelflight:
This bear… “Monokuma”, as he was called, knows Makoto by name? Furthermore, Makoto knows HIM by name? It seems he wasn’t lying about having history with this situation. Only one question remains, then…
Squirrelflight:
What do you want with us?
Monokuma:
I suppose you’re eager to know, hmmm? It’s been too long since I got to answer this question for a hapless guest! It’s got me feeling all nostalgic! Oh, pardon me, I think I’m getting teary eyed… hic, sniffle!
Charlie Dompler:
Just cut to the chase, dude. We can all tell you’re fake crying right now.
Nabiu:
We can?
Monokuma:
Fine, be that way! And here I thought a little suspense would be appreciated!
Rue Meringue:
It’s an underrated art, is it not?
Monokuma:
See, this gal gets it.
Pete Ferguson:
FUCK’S SAKE, STOP BEATING AROUND IT ALREADY!
Monokuma:
Okay, okay, Sheesh! Impatient, much? Anywho! The reason I’ve invited you all here-
Five Pebbles:
Abducted. You abducted us.
Monokuma:
No need to argue semantics, now! But as I was saying, I’ve invited you all here to partake in a very special game!
Spas-12:
I like games! ^-^
Doorstopper:
Yeah, hey! Maybe this isn’t so bad after all!
Squirrelflight:
I… wouldn’t be so sure. It sounds more ominous than anything.
Charlie Dompler:
Oh, yeah, one hundred percent, whenever some creepy doll-thing says they want to play a game, it probably means they’re gonna kill you.
M. Bubbles:
H-huh? We were brought here to get murdered?
Nabiu:
I don’t wanna be murdered!
Monokuma:
Aw, cool your jets, fellas! You can rest assured that so long as you stay in line, I won’t be killing any of you…
[MUSIC STOPS]
Pim Pimling:
Huh-? Oh! Well, that’s a relief-
Monokuma:
…Because you’ll be the ones doing the killing!
https://youtu.be/HfGm7V2IQJY?si=-1eOFwgDoclYxxhH
…
Pim Pimling:
…WHAT?
Karoto:
You- you want us to kill each other-?
Monokuma:
Preeeeecisely!
Squirrelflight:
Around me, everyone broke out into panic once again, and this time, I was right there with them. Kill each other? Monokuma wants us to slaughter the ones we only just met in cold blood? The very thought sent chills down my spine.
Pete Ferguson:
What kinda sick joke is this?
Pim Pimling:
Wh- why would we ever want to kill each other?
M. Bubbles:
Yeah, we’re all buddies here, aren’t we? None of us would stoop that low!
Monokuma:
Are you sure you wouldn’t?
M. Bubbles:
Yeah, of course I’m sure!
Monokuma:
Are you sure you’re sure?
M. Bubbles:
Yeah- wait, I don’t know, am I sure?
Nabiu:
We’re sure we’re sure! Nobody’s gonna be doing any murdering around here!
Monokuma:
Even if the prize for doing so was your freedom?
Nabiu:
Yeah! Wait- what do you mean by “our freedom”?
Monokuma:
Weeeeeelllll… I’m sure you lot have noticed that this hotel is a little on the isolated side! No fire exits, no windows, no way out! Whatever will you do?
Squirrelflight:
I felt my heart drop. I already knew where this was going, but…
Monokuma:
…Well, I’ll tell you what you can do! You can kill someone! Stab em’, bludgeon em’, broil em’ and feed em’ to piranhas! Doesn’t matter how, so long as it’s by your hands! If you get away with it, you’ll be free to go!
Squirrelflight:
…Hearing it all but confirmed was like a blow to the throat.
Looks to the Moon:
…You brought us all here… to force us to kill each other out of desperation?
Monokuma:
Well when you put it like that, it loses some of its pizazz, but yeah! That’s the long and short of it!
Charlie Dompler:
Wh… what the hell..?
Albert DeSalvo:
This… this is just barbaric…
Rue Meringue:
Red alert, people! This is not a drill, I repeat, this is NOT a drill!
Squirrelflight:
The lounge had devolved into chaos. I couldn’t muster the will to join the fray, to question Monokuma, or even to speak at all. I simply stood where I was like a rabbit on the thunderpath until I heard a familiar voice next to me.
Bramblestar:
…Squirrelflight..?
Squirrelflight:
…
Squirrelflight:
I don’t like this.
Bramblestar:
…
Squirrelflight:
I felt the warmth of Bramblestar’s long furred pelt as he brushed up against me. His tone was warm, but even he couldn’t hide the shaking in his own voice.
Bramblestar:
…I don’t like it either.
Squirrelflight:
The two of us leaned against each other, trying, even if just for a moment, to ignore the panic surrounding us. Neither of us had a full grasp on the situation yet, we both knew one thing…
[MUSIC STOPS]
.
.
Squirrelflight:
…This was the start of something terrible.
