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hqmillioncorn · 2 months ago

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I'll always know something you don't!

Chelinka was somewhere she didn't know. As she looked around some more she noticed that she was outside, surrounded by small buildings. The first person Chelinka saw was a man wearing a mask. Since this was the first person she saw she quickly followed him into the building. The deeper they descended down the stairs the louder the sound of crying became. Chelinka wanted to go turn around but her body wouldn't let her. When they reached the bottom she saw more people, and her mother lying down on something in the middle. It looked like she was asleep. Chelinka couldn't find her voice in time. Not before one of the strange people surrounding her mama raised their butcher knife up and then swung it down.

lalapril 22: echo

babycorn chelinka corn tries to watch over her new brother but it turns out, hes very loud.

There weren’t many bright sides in this situation right now.

Not like Chelinka wasn’t trying or anything it was just that…! There were way too many things going wrong right now that she couldn’t really think of anything good about this situation.

It was also so loud that she could barely hear herself think!

The day had barely started and her brother was already crying. Really loudly might she add!

Usually whenever Yuri started crying it could be fixed by giving him something to chew on like Mash or her stuffed sock she used as a doll. Or sometimes he was just hungry, and sometimes Chelinka would have to be really brave and change his diaper the way her papa taught her.

But right now nothing she was trying was working! Her brother just kept crying and crying.

Chelinka tried covering her ears and she tried hiding under the bed but the sound of her brother crying still reached her. “Can you be quiet?!” She had already tried everything!

Chelinka came out from her hiding place for a quick peek, just to check on the situation.

“Hey! Stop CRYING!”

Turns out yelling louder than the crying didn’t help much. Aside from make her ears hurt.

Just as she was about to yell again a voice suddenly spoke inside her head. ‘Ask him why!’ It managed to be even louder than Yuri’s crying. Which was part of the only reason she listened to the strange voice that sounded just like her.

Chelinka suddenly felt a lot calmer. Even if the crying still wasn’t stopping.

She got out from under the bed and walked closer to her brother’s cradle. She climbed up onto the step-stool until she was looking right down at him. Listening to the her inside her head. “Hey! Why are you crying?” She raised her voice just a bit, but not enough to yell.

Yuri looked up at her, the crying finally stopped but he didn’t look any happier. He was still sniffling and his eyes looked tired from all the crying he had been doing. His face was still a little bit red but it did look like he was calming down a bit. Especially once he was able to see Chelinka.

He babbled something out loud and held his small arms towards her, trying to grab at nothing.

Chelinka noticed that he looked really tired. “Yuri? You okay?” Maybe he was tired from all the screaming he was doing? It made sense, even she would be tired if she had to be that loud. “You don’t have to cry anymore!” She held out her hand towards his own, “Tell me why you’re crying and I can help!”

Yuri was able to coordinate his hand enough to wrap his hand around some of Chelinka’s fingers. He let out a squeal and smiled. It was the first time Chelinka had seen him show any other emotion besides crying his eyes out today.

This was a good sign! The voice in her head had the right idea! “Phew!” Chelinka gently moved her hand away from Yuri’s. Just when it looked like he was going to start crying again he quickly settled down when he realized Chelinka was just picking him up.

“Up! We're going up!” Chelinka sang.

Chelinka held him up just like her mama showed her and started carrying him all the way to the bigger bed she and her parents slept on. “Good thing you don’t gots a tail like me!” She wagged her tail from side to side.

It would make carrying him a lot more harder than it already was!

All Chelinka had to watch out for was the singular horn on his head. Easy peasy!

After putting away her own horns she was able to use her own head to push a bunch of their pillows together in a pile. “There we go!” Then as gently as she could she placed her brother down so he was sitting against the pillows.

“Mama says you need these so you don’t fall over!” She helpfully explained.

Yuri let out a squeal and sank back into the pillows. Before cooing out some more noises that Chelinka was sure meant that he was saying his seat was comfy. That must be what he meant because she knew Yuri only chewed on his foot when he was really happy.

With that out of the way Chelinka sat down in front of him and criss-crossed her legs together.

“So why were you cryin’ so loud little Cherry?”

Of course Yuri was not even a year old so his vocabulary was small, to say the absolute least. So obviously Yuri answered her question with a bunch of baby babble that was incomprehensible to the average person.

Not that it mattered to Chelinka. If you asked her it was perfectly easy to understand what her brother was saying. You just had to listen reallyyyyyy closely. Just when she thought his explanation was done he babbled some more before shaking his head and letting out a big yawn.

“...You had a bad dream?”

Yuri looked up at her with his big blue eyes and just stared at her. Usually that meant something like ‘yes’.

“Oooooooh!” Chelinka ooooooh’d, that made sense. She had a lot of bad dreams herself and sometimes they were so scary that she would wake up crying too. She crawled a little closer towards her brother and gave him a little pat on his head. This time she even remembered to pet him a little gentler because papa said that Yuri’s head was still a little soft.

“It’s okay Yuri! You gots nothing to worry about cause bad dreams are all gone after you wake up!” Since she also had a lot of nightmares her parents were almost always there to help her feel better and when they weren’t, Chelinka would repeat what she said to Yuri to herself.

“And cause bad dreams are gone they can’t scare you anymore! So you’re okay!”

Chelinka had hope that her words would help her brother feel better. She reached over and held his arms, moving them up and down. “Yuris okay! Yuris okay!” The sound of her brother’s laughter made her feel like maybe she had helped!

In between his laughter Yuri happened to babble something else. Something that Chelinka understood quite clearly. Even as confusing as it was.

“Your bad dream was about mama?!”

Yuri once again just stared at her, unblinking. “Bah!” He shouted.

That must have been really scary. Chelinka had dreamt her own fair share of nightmares about her parents. Most of them were about them leaving her all alone forever and ever.

Though there were some that were way worse that she never wanted to think about again.

Yuri’s explanation didn’t stop there. As he continued to babble on and on he explained that his dream was about a little girl wandering around a scary building.

He didn’t recognize the girl he was dreaming of but he could feel that the girl was his mama, somehow.

“Mama but when she was small…? Like me?”

As Yuri watched his mama walked deeper into the building it started to get darker. He could feel someone following his mama through the hallway. Until there was a large booming voice telling her to freeze and to stop right there.

His mama screamed and took off running, tripping a few times but she always got back up.

Yuri looked like he was going to start crying again. His face started to wrinkle. “Stop telling me it's okay!” Chelinka didn’t want her brother to be sad. Even if she never found out about how his dream ended.

Yuri let out a loud “Mah!” which meant something along the lines of, ‘I’m not finished yet!’

While he didn’t finish the story of the dream he was having he did explain that he only started having that dream when he caught a glimpse of mama saying goodbye to him in the morning before they left.

His head was suddenly filled with a weird stinging pain and when the dream stopped he just couldn’t stop crying.

Somehow Chelinka understood all of that from a simple “AwawawaWah.” that Yuri had said.

No wonder Yuri was crying. “That’s scary…”

If something like that happened to her there was a chance she wouldn’t be able to stop crying either. Especially if it was something that really hurt.

As the sun began to set Chelinka stood by their front door, covered in at least eleven locks.

It was foolproof to not let anyone in the house that wasn’t supposed to be inside. She hummed to herself as she began singing a song in her own head about how excited she was for her parents to come home.

It was a lot quieter than it had been that morning.

After giving Yuri a couple of snacks she successfully was able to get him to go to sleep. Sure, she wasn’t as good as her mama was at singing lullabies but Yuri still liked listening to her sing.

At least, he never said he didn’t like her singing. He definitely would have told her so.

‘Maybe I can tell stories like papa does!’ Next time she should try! Her papa’s stories were always the best.

Just then, there was a distinct series of knocks at the door.

This was it! “Mama! Papa!” That was them! They were home at last!

Chelinka quickly began to arduous process of unlocking the door. Eventually she finished and opened it with a huge swing. “Welcome home!” She greeted them just like always. With a tackle hug that would nearly knock over whichever one of her parents she hit.

This time it was her papa, who just happened to be prepared enough to catch Chelinka like a football.

Lalatov held onto her tightly as she wriggled around like a worm. “Hey little babycorn!” It was honestly amazing just how much energy just one little girl could have. Sometimes it was kind of scary.

He moved her from holding her under his arm to right in front of his face so he could wiggle his nose with hers. Chelinka let out a giggle, her papa’s mustache was so ticklish! “Your mama is outside putting some things away but she’ll be inside soon!” Lalatov assured her.

It took almost no time at all for him to notice just how quiet the house was. “Did you get Yuri to sleep?” It wouldn’t be a surprise, Chelinka seemed to have a natural talent for getting her brother to sleep.

“Mhmmm!!” Chelinka nodded her head very quickly, wagging her tail behind her.

But enough about that! “Papa! Papa! I have to tell you somethin’ about Yuri!” It was super duper important! Even better was that she figured it out all on her own! Her mama wasn’t here to listen right now but it was okay! Chelinka could just tell the story two times!! Or even more!

“I’m all ears!” Lalatov wiggled his very pointy ears and laughed.

(well babycorn had to get it from somewhere)

There was no time to waste so Chelinka went ahead and said it. “Yuri says he saw mama when she was real small like us!” She pressed her fingers against her cheeks and smiled.

“D-Did he now?”

Lalatov wanted so badly to suspect that this was probably a result of his children's overactive imagination but if Chelinka’s track record proved anything is that most of the stories she told had some kernel of truth to it. (pun unintended.)

Chelinka nodded, “Yeah! Yuri says he saw some dream when mama was really small and in some biiiiiig hallway! She was running from something really scary! That’s what Yuri said!! His head really hurt so that’s why he was cryin a lot!”

Lalatov didn’t know what to say

Sure this could just be chocked up to pure coincidence. Even he had his own share of strange dreams growing up. Something about a teacup becoming evil and absorbing the world into their cup. Never really made sense and he never questioned it.

Yet despite his strange dreams, he never really recalled ever dreaming of his parents, no matter the age they were.

While Lalatov was thinking to himself, Chelinka remembered something else. “And-And-! He saw someone else with her!” She placed her hands above her head, bending her fingers up and down. “Yuri saw someone with reallllyyyyyyyy tall ears! Like this”

…Okay that settled it. Something wasn’t right.

There was no conceivable way that either Chelinka or Yuri would know about Meriala. Let alone what she looked like.

Lalatov knew Aleria, she was very adamant on keeping her past a secret to everyone. It had taken years for even him to learn about Meriala’s existence and Aleria’s past.

Lalatov knew one of Aleria’s biggest fears was that either Chelinka or Yuri would be born with powers similar to her. Or Twelve forbid, both of them. Even when Chelinka was still in her egg she had shared her fears that the Garleans would find them and take their children away instead of her, just because they also had powers.

It wasn’t like it didn’t make Lalatov nervous either. From all the stories Aleria had told him about her time in Garlemald he already knew that he would do anything to stop her and their children from ever experiencing something like that.

The relief they both felt when the weirdest thing about their children turned out to be horns and a tail could not be understated.

Sure, that wasn’t particularly something you saw everyday (especially with the fire breathing) but Aleria was sure that there would be no reason for the Garleans to be interested in just those.

As much as he hated ruining his daughter’s excitement, it needed to be done and fast.

Lalatov set down the still wriggling Chelinka on the ground and held one of her small hands in his. “Chelinka, can you promise me something?” He made sure to lower his voice, not only to not wake up his son but also so Aleria wouldn’t get the chance to overhear.

“Chelinka. I need you to not tell your mama anything that you told me.”

“...N-Not tell?” She wasn’t quite sure what her papa was talking about. “What do you mean papa?”

“Don’t tell your mama about Yuri’s dream. Okay?” Hopefully that was simple enough for her to understand.

Chelinka’s excitement quickly wavered, just as Lalatov knew it would. She frowned, “Why can’t I tell mama…?” There was a cute little pout on her face and for a brief weak second Lalatov considered saying something like Never mind!

“Don’t I have to tell mama? I have to tell you everything…!” Chelinka sniffled. She didn’t want to get in trouble again.

What Chelinka was saying was true. Given the nature of their secrecy she was told to report anything to her parents. No matter how small. “No, no. It's okay Chelinka, we’re not going to lie. Not forever.” Her papa reassured her.

Though the only thing Chelinka could think about was just how strange that word he said sounded.

She’d never heard anything like it.

“I’m going to tell your mama everything you told me. I promise.”

In due time.

#lalapril #lalapril 2025 #Babycorn #Cherrypit #Lalatov #both nightmares babycorn and lalatov have are nightmares i had when i was in kindergarden !#babycorns one is missing a lot of details from my nightmare but lets not talk about that right now #anyway cherrypit was born with the echo and hes had it his entire life #this let him experience some of his parents 'backstories' before he was even a year old #he still remembers them even as a two year old but he doesnt understand what he saw yet #since babycorn just told him they were nightmares he thinks thats all they were #also lalatov does eventually tell aleria what happened and thats what spurns the decision to move somewhere else which is back to gridania #to lalatovs parents and well that doesnt end up very well #cherrypit has the echo right but hes also got alerias powers which is seeing different fates #which he doesnt actually unlock until dawntrail but he can also transmit and share that power with babycorn #cherrypit my freaky little son #i dont think either of them got their dads ability to turn into a dragon but we ll see i guess

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dogicrimsonofficial · 30 days ago

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Howler Logs - #22, The Alder Springs 💖

<== Previous -- Next ==>

Full Travel Log Catalogue Here!

The other side of the North Shroud was, at the very least, familiar. Its damaged landscape, hostile and dangerous monsters, and ever present gloomy atmosphere put Howler back into the old mindset – of when dust clung on to their boots, when air was harder to breathe, and every moment was spent looking over shoulder just in case.

Igey had suggested a sparring match. Smart, really – neither knew how the other fought, and if they were going to travel together they needed to cover these basics at the very least. Hells, Howler didn’t even know why Igey was following them, or why they were tasked with guarding them.

Not that they were ungrateful for additional help, but… well they didn’t know anything aside from the woman's name. And the fact that she could manipulate aether and ice like those old tales of Shiva.

No better way to build trust than to spar. If they could trust them not to lop their head off by accident, they could trust them on the field, right?

The spear was light in their hands – cold, but light. Its frozen tip left trails in the air of light blues and purples on every strike, shimmering ribbons that marked the paths taken.

Howler's strikes were fast and precise, while their foot-work was light – eager to move, eager to dodge, to dance out of the way. They only lunged when sure it would hit, with feints mixed in – Howler might’ve not hit hard, but they had their ways of forcing an opening.

Or would’ve, if Igey wasn’t on top of every move, managing every counter. Sure, they didn’t read all of Howler's feints – but the openings Howler managed to get were both hard won and half of the time just as perilous as attacking head on.

The blades of ice were deflected – oftentimes with the staff, or the broadside of the blade – and every time Howler grimaced. Not from the force behind the strike, but rather from fear that the weapons would be chipped. They had just gotten this weapon - of course they'd be afraid of breaking or damaging it!

It was during one of their feints that Howler finally realized something – they were more than familiar with Dark Knights, so they could figure out this much at least.

Igey hadn't broken a sweat once during the spar. Not once had they truly faltered. Caught off guard, maybe, but she was just as quick to adjust and make things a little harder for Howler – a proper tank, all around. Good. Too good, even.

She knew what she was doing.

So, during one hasty back-step to avoid being sliced, Howler decided to push themselves a little. Just a little.

Usually, they avoided tapping into more aether based attacks while sparring, but Igey had made it very clear they wouldn’t get past any defenses without putting more weight and power into their attacks. Turquoise energy coated their spear’s tip for a brief second – always, their aether always changed color like this when channeling any of the elements, always adapting and leaving them feeling off-

The feeling of aether, mixed with wind and ice, suddenly bubbled… and burst. Momentum Howler had started with that strike – from left and below – came to a sudden halt with a loud clang, causing the Elezen to freeze in place.

Igey had fully blocked that attack. Not with just the sword, either – no, she had stepped on top of the blade.

Howler could only stare for a second, before locking eyes with Igey’s – purple. They were purple.

The ever present red lenses had moved further down her nose due to the swift movement, and raw power behind Howler’s swing. Impact had been felt but certainly didn’t phase nor move her solid frame. Now, with freely exposed purple gaze, did those eyes seem to stare beyond the material. Cool, calculating, and knowing, an eerie glow beheld within. Reading every shift of body language. Even as her hands flexed on the handle of that great sword, shifting her aether through the grip.

“Well played. Your attack would be hard pressed to defend from, were I any other living soul on this star. However…”

Howler wasn’t sure what caused them to leap backwards so fast – those words, those eyes, or the feeling of the sword suddenly shifting, signaling a wide arching attack. Whatever it was, an age-old instinct that screamed all the way from the stone embedded inside their arm to the blood coursing in their veins to their very soul – it told them to run.

And so Howler leapt.

The wide swing was swift, yet missed with a whistle through the air. Leaving Igey with a surprised expression- only to shift into worry with a shout. “Edge!”

Howler’s landing was rough, having put a little bit too much into that leap – they were rusty, that much was true. Dirt was kicked up, along with the frost that had been slowly creeping along from the weapons, toes dug into the ground as Howler struggled to keep their balance for a moment.

Struggled to make sure they wouldn’t fall over the ledge.

The woman heaved a relieved sigh as she pushed those red sunglasses back in place. “Seems you panicked.”

“I’m fine!” Howler replied hastily, trying to comfort the woman even as their own heart raced, as they started to stand up properly. The feeling of danger never truly left, but it… lessened. It was easier to breathe. “I just overreacted a little, that’s a-”

The ledge beneath Howler's feet gave away suddenly – with no warning either, the cruel bastard. They yelped, one hand shooting up in alarm – too far away from Igey to come and safe just yet.

“Howler!” Igey rushed to the ledge, metal clinking together, and grinding as she skidded to a stop at the edge. The woman’s downward gaze landing on the Elezen. Fearful for a moment they had fallen to serious injury or worse. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine!” Howler shouted back up, repeating themselves for the second time that day. There they were, between roots, using all limbs and the polearm itself to make sure they didn’t fall any further. “Just some bruises and scrapes! … And my ego took a hit….”

As if Howler had one to begin with.

Igey’s tension melted out of every limb as she stood straight once more. Watching with much less worry, and more exasperation. “Heart attack would be a new one… Going to cause the next death of me at this rate-”

And so she merely watched the Elezen begin the climb… Until they were at the near top, where one gauntlet clad hand extended to offer.

“Let’s put this on hold for now, hm?”

#POLL TIME 8D #Only two locations because that's where the map connects rn #And I don't wanna go back to Old Gridania just yet

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