loopadoop

[loopadoop]

> "Ought to see if there's an 'adult toll' now. (Chat with the kids at the rock.)"

(Might as well, given they're on the way to your proper destination.)

(You walk towards the broken bridge and stop in front of the big rock. the Sky-Loving Kid is dancing to a tune of her own, the Wizard-Loving Kid is resting atop the rock, and the Frog-Loving Kid is keeping to themselves with a frog-themed project.)

(The Sky-Loving Kid takes notice of you first, and keeps dancing as she looks at you curiously.)

"............ You look so weird. Are you and your bird up from the sky?"

*gasp*, Oh my, how could you tell~? You must have quite the eye for sky people.

"Yesssss... I knew that was true... If you two are from the sky then... I'm going to give you this. It fell from the sky, but I'm giving it back."

(She gestures a rather unique leaf towards you stoically.)

Ah, I was wondering where I left that. Thank you so much for keeping it safe for us.

(You got a Four-Pointed Leaf. You put it with your other belongings.)

"Hey, Hatted One."

(The Wizard-Loving Kid chimes in. You turn to look as they look at you.)

"My mother was talking about someone else with a bigger hat than yours. She said they were a traveler but their hat's bigness didn't mean they were a wizard, because wizards aren't real."

Aw, she just hasn't seen a proper one yet. There's only one thing you need to be a real wizard.

"Really? What's that? Will you tell me?"

(They lean in closer, their eyes alight in curiosity and excitement as they do their best to keep calm and cool.)

Why a special keepsake of course. I've got a coin myself, but it can be anything you hold dear.

"Wow... Amazing."

I know, it's always quite the unexpected info. I was surprised to hear it myself, but I'm sure it'll help you plenty as it did for me.

"! I knew it. Thank you, wise wizard."

Don't mention it, always happy to help a fellow wizard~.

(You tip your hat to the Kid, and they tip theirs back enthusiastically before settling back down in their prior position on the rock. Finally, you walk a bit closer to the bridge and stop beside the Frog-Loving Kid. They appear too shy to make eye-contact as they make their embroidery.)

"...…..."

… (It's a tad awkward, this silence. Guess you might as well start this exchange.)

Say, that's quite the project of yours. I'm guessing you like frogs?

"...Yes."

Well from one frog-liker to another, do you want to know what their favorite hobby is?

(They pause for a bit and finally look towards you in intrigue

"...What?"

Making Croak-chet~.

"Oh! Hehehe, 'Croak-chet', like the sound they make!"

(They show off a genuine smile towards you as they giggle before going back to their embroidery. You wave goodbye to them as you take the queue to leave. Even though it was your own joke, you're quite amused by it yourself.)

[loopadoop]

> "Let's see how business is going. (Go to the Flower Growing One's house.)"

(You walk up to and enter the Flower House. The aroma of flowers washes over you and the amount of pollen in the air almost makes you sneeze. The house and its resident certainly live up to their names.)

(Speaking of, the Flower Growing One doesn't seem to be in right now, though it's not hard to imagine that's due to them being busy with other things - even they have other things to spend their time doing, hobbies or otherwise.)

Hm, guess I won't be having a chat about or receiving flowers this time around. Oh well, I've got plenty of my own as is, so no pressing issue there. Might as well take my leave before I cause any worry or anything of the sort.

(You give the place one more look around - seeing nothing else of note - before turning back and exiting the Flower House, making sure the door is properly closed like it was before you leave.)

[loopadoop]

You said that an early introduction with the rest of the party surely won't derail things if that chat with the kid didn't, but what if it did? What then, Loop?

Well I... I don't really know, in that case. Not sure what would go afoul, but despite your attempt to worry me I highly doubt anything really could because of it.

And hey, worst case scenario, nothing a good ol' loop can't fix~.

[loopadoop]

> "Wonder what they're drawing... ('Talk' with the Drawing Kid.)"

(They are the closest right now, so might as well start local.)

(You walk up to the Drawing Kid, and you two exchange a hand wave greeting. They're laying on the ground, pencil in hand and a few sheets of paper in front of them. Seems they're putting the finishing touches on one drawing.)

(... It's Stardust.)

Say, That looks like one of the saviors. I'd say that captures them really well.

(The kid seems happy from your comment, and sorts through their other drawing to show you another one.)

(Not as chipper as that last one, but you can tell why that would be.)

My, that's quite the frightening depiction of the king. I'm sure even he'd tuck tail if he saw your spitting image of him.

(The kid is beaming from your comments, a wide smile on their face. Certainly feels better to actually share how you think about their works. Hm...)

Do you happen have a drawing of the other saviors? I only recall how two of them look beyond housemaiden Mirabelle, and I'm sure a your renditions would be more than perfect for jogging my memory.

(The kid enthusiastically nods, and sorts through their drawings again before pulling yet another one out and showing it to you.)

(Yep, that's certainly them.)

Wow, you got their likenesses down pact. It's like the genuine articles are right on the page.

(The kid flashes another smile, and holds the paper out flat before gesturing it towards you.)

Oh? Do you want me to have this drawing?

(The kid once again nods yes.)

Well, it'd be rude of me to turn down your kind offer. Thank you ever so kindly.

(You lightly grab the drawing from the kid, and they turn back to their paper. Seems an idea has finally struck them. You take this as your cue to leave them be.)

(You got a Drawing of the Saviors. You put it away on your person carefully - don't want to mess up the drawing any.)

[loopadoop]

(You sit and stew in your own emotions until they leave you - a temporary goodbye but a bye all the same - and as you zone in you let a new feeling take your mind's center stage: confusion.) Okay something is definitely wrong here, Stardust should've gotten pancaked or frozen in time by now, or stars forbid have died to a sadness. Point is they should've had that first loop by now.

Hm, maybe I'm remembering things wrong and the saviors stay a few days in town - an extended rest before making the final trek wouldn't be that bad an idea I suppose... Ah crab it, I've already had the talk with little chef, an early introduction with the rest of the party surely won't derail things if that chat didn't. I'll check the clock tower first - that's the only place vacant for them here.

(You walk back up to town, noticing a new face on the Change God statue in the center. You pay it little mind.)

(You walk to the right of the statue and continue until you reach The east part of Dormont, looking about how you expected. The bridge to the clock tower is still out, but you're sure you can still make the jump across... Although, maybe you could see what's going on here too - you've surely got all the time you'd need, so it wouldn't hurt to do some more here. You've got less options here, sure, but options are options you figure.)

[loopadoop]

(... You dream you're laying in a field of flowers, a single darkless star in the center of a pitch dark sky. You sit up to see flowers going as far as you can see in every direction as a light wind blows through carrying the looser petals with it. Your clothes are gone, and there's no sight of Soupe or Dupe, but you're all the same okay. You stand up and walk forwards with no destination in mind, but eventually you happen across a door. It doesn't seem to be attached to anything other than the ground, nor does it seem to go anywhere, but beyond that there's nothing amiss appearance wise.)

(You walk around the door once, the other side lacking the doorknob the supposed front has. You think to yourself... well, that's not entirely true, you stand like you're thinking but nothing comes to mind at that moment. After a few seconds you reach for the doorknob and slowly turn it, and close your eyes as you open the door. You open them back up to see... Yourself? Is that you anymore? You can remember everything else about yourself but your own face eludes you beyond your eyepatch Your mind starts racing as an anger rises. You don't know why, but your mind refuses to to stop as it builds up and starts rapid firing thoughts - Why was it you who was put through this torture? Who decided to make your life a game? What wrong did you do to deserve any of it? Why can't you even remember your own blinding FACE?!)

(Without so much as a second thought you swing a punch at yourself, your emotionless husk reeling back and grasping their bad eye. The area around you both crumbles away to a shade that makes your head ache as though it's been split open while the faux you stands upright. Your ears are full of static as your legs give out, causing you to fall to your knees while grasping your head as you attempt to keep looking at your faceless fake. You can just barely make out them pulling out a dagger through your blurred vision as they walk up to you and push you onto your back with one foot - standing over and looking down at you. Your head aches too much to formulate anything to at least say while the fake slowly raises their dagger up, grasping it with both hands, and stabbing down into-)

AH! (You jolt upright as you startle awake - your breathing erratic, your heart beating like a drum, and sweating fiercely. You pat yourself down to make sure you're okay and take in your surroundings - you're still in the field, you're still dressed, Soupe is still here although also startled awake and you're... still... here. You hold your chest as you try calming yourself down - Breathe in, Breathe out, Breathe in... and Breathe out.)

Stars, I haven't had a nightmare as bad as that in a while. To think I can still get scared by near death experiences like that~... (You drop your mask of a mood quickly and let out an exasperated sigh as you just look down at the ground. You feel Soupe perch onto your shoulder and nuzzles into your neck. You simply pat them on the head lightly in silence, your mind abound with various emotions it wants to express. You can't muster the effort to act on any which one, so you simply sit in silence. It's taken longer for this first loop to end than you thought it would, but at least you're sure you won't be bothered here 'til then.)

[loopadoop]

> " ... (Go down to the field.)"

... (You let out a sigh.) I suppose another visit shouldn't hurt too much. Let's get this last thing out of the way before the Saviors loop back - can't imagine there's much else to bide my time with.

(You walk across the bridge and down the path to the open field. It doesn't take long for you to get to it - an empty patch of grass moving in the wind, trees surrounding the whole area but the path you came from. Stardust isn't anywhere in sight, but you assume that's due to the whole "going through the house" thing.)

Well, here we are. Not much to write home about here, or write to anywhere really. Can't really see any reason to stick around for long...

(You look to the center of the field, arms crossed as you think to yourself.) ... I guess I could get a clear view of the sky here, for old time's sake. This way I won't have to risk climbing up and down a tree to get the view.

(You slowly walk to said center and gently sit yourself down, making sure part of yourself is comfy before committing to it. Once that's done, you close your eyes, gently lay down, and slowly open them back up...)

(... Not much to gaze up at during the day, but your expectations were far from anything high. You lay there and watch as the clouds float by, letting Soupe lay on your chest as they do the same you assume. You catch vague shapes every now and again, but they're gone as fast as they come.)

... (You slowly breath in, and breath out with a huff.) It's so weird to feel this... calm, after everything that's happened up 'til now. There's been panic, hysteria, grief, maybe even death that I don't know about from that blinding regent but, somehow, this single spot stays unstirred. Hm, I'd be so speechless if it didn't feel like a punch to the gut. Certainly better than any paused alternative, I figure. (You let out another, more forlorn sigh as you stare in silence for a few seconds, watching the occasional flock of birds fly overhead or the sparring leaf be carried away by the wind. You begin to feel... drowsy, like you hadn't slept for days on end and finally got to take a break from what hassle you were saddled with.)

(You let out a lazy yawn, not even covering your mouth for it.) Welp, I don't see why I shouldn't take a nap here while I'm already comfy. Maybe it's just the spice of variety I need before getting into the thick of things. I'm sure I'll wind up back at the favor tree anyways, so might as well do so while having a nice dream or something.

(You gradually let your eyes close as you stare to the sky, and let yourself drift to sleep. You feel Soupe start to snuggle in just as you start to fully conk out, and take an arguably deserved nap. You've worked through thick and thin enough to earn it by now.)

[loopadoop]

> "Wasn't there someone fishing here? (Chat with the fishing one)"

Hm, if my memory is correct with that, I could get a couple of things checked off: try some small talk, make sure that "recollection" actually works, and maybe get a proper look at myself more or less... Okay, let's cross the bridge here already.

(You walk to the left, go right from the decent sized rock, and just like that you're in the fishing one's company. They sit in front of the river, fishing rod in their hands as they look down at the water.)

"Heheheee... I am fishing. Say, you look like the type who'd enjoy fishing. Would you care to try to fish for a little bit?"

Why sure, I don't see what the harm would be. Thank you.

(They hold their fishing rod to their side towards you. You walk up closer, lightly grab it from their hand, and prep the grip you'll use. Before doing anything else, you decide to take a proper look at yourself - see if that stuffed likeness is much like you after all. You close your eyes, lean over the semi-dark water, open your eyes and...)

(... Well, at least whoever made it stuck to the model. Your featureless face on your spiky head stares back at you and Soupe. The Lightless sunhat and sundress mesh as good as you envisioned, though the star on your chest bleeds through. Other than the obvious changes, it's about what you came to expect.)

"Y'know the fish aren't going to just jump out to ya no matter how hard you glare at them, right?"

Ah, r-right, sorry. Better give it a solid try while the sun's still out.

(Better get back to the task at hand. You don't recall having tried fishing before, so you don't know if there's a set technique or anything to follow. You scour through the lures, picking one that matches the shade of the water, psyche yourself up for it, and swing the hook into the water. You take a seat and wait idly by for a tug on the line...)

(...)

(You sit there for a good half hour just about, waiting for the slightest pull on the line, but nothing comes. Defeated, you stand up, pull the empty hook out of the water, and hand the rod back to the fishing one.)

"Aw, what a shame. There's always next time stranger, for the near future anyways. Feel free to stop by again when you want another go. 'Til then, I'll be here fishing. heheheee..."

Thank you for the hospitality. I'll keep that in mind in case I stay around.

(You wave the fishing one goodbye as you walk off and let them get back to fishing.)

*phew*, Alright, so far so good. I think I should try one more thing out here before going back, but just what I'm a bit torn on.

[loopadoop]

> "Anything up with this place's centerpiece? (Check the Change God Statue.)"

Guess that would be a good place to start refamiliarizing myself with the area. Maybe I can get a good enough blessing from it too, while I'm there? We'll just have to check and see I suppose.

(You walk along and "sneak" pass the running one to approach the statue. It's still surrounded by many smaller statues - each with a different face to the others, some animated by craft while the rest remain still, but they all stand for the image of the same individual regardless.)

(The tallest statue stands surrounded by the rest, and towers over you with... a face, that's for certain.)

(It's difficult to tell what mood is behind that face, or if it's directed to anyone in particular.)

... *huff* (You cross your arms as you look up at the effigy.) It's been a good while since I've seen anything of the Change God - Shocking, I know. I'd have a few choice words about how they're "helping" with things here, but I can't quite say anything with certainty. Oh well, not wise to talk ill of gods, especially ones oh so generous with blessings~. Let's see... I think a boost in speed would be a good idea. Good to be safe with small requests like these.

(You look amidst the statues and figures to choose your favorite, and choose a small dancing one. You kneel down and place your hand on it, and whisper "Speed, Speed, Speed".)

(It's. what. you. want.)

(... You stand up, brushing your knees off, and jog in place for a bit. You're a tad bit faster - not by a lot, but by a noticeable amount.) Hm, seems it did as good a trick as it could - Would've been quite the hit to the knees if it didn't do a thing. Anywho, I've done just about all I could here, so I guess I'll go do something else. Don't you run off now, O' Change God~.

(You do a set of jazz hands as you walk away from the statues, again making sure not to bump into the running one.) Okay, so far so good with this trip through town. Now, what to do next...

[loopadoop]

Alright, enough putting it off, it's about time I try and walk around town if only for a bit. First thing's first, I ought to actually use one of these getups.

(You stand up and sort through the outfits to pick which one to wear out first, quickly deciding on the sundress and sunhat before putting it on to the best of your ability. They both fit pretty well.) Okay, good to see this outfit actually... well, fits. Would've been a shame to be tempted with it and be unable to wear it. Not much pocket space to work with, though, so I'll have to carry light.

(You peruse your belongings and choose to grab the Fancy Wallet, the Inventory book, and the Ribbon Whip.) There, best to cover what bases there may be. (You take a peep around the Favor Tree to make sure nobody's there.) Right, the coast is clear, should be able to walk into town with no issue or ire. Ready Soupe?

(Soupe nods and flies up to perch on your shoulder. You hesitate for a bit before walking to the front of the Favor Tree, down the path a good bit, and stop at the turn. You breath in... then out, close your eyes, and walk into town.)

(... You stop after a few steps, and open your eyes. Everything seems to be normal around here, and nobody is giving you any weird looks. You half expected this result, to be blunt.) *phew*, That's the hard part done. Now comes a pressing question: Where do I go from here?

[loopadoop]

You know there's a river in town, right? You can go check out your reflection there, see what you look like. Not like anyone will remember seeing you around next loop anyway

True, true, I could always use the water if I can't manage a proper mirror. Would be a good excuse to check a couple of things off my little list of things to do, too. Only real risk is bumping into any of the saviors prematurely I suppose...

... Ah, crab it, what'd be the harm? Already broke the exclusivity, so even if I do run into them it shouldn't muddy much up I figure.

[loopadoop]

Flower for you!

*it’s a small spiky darkless flower… it reminds you of something*

... Stars, my memory isn't that poor you know. You didn't need to go through the hassle of getting such a special flower to make me remember something so grand. Top marks for the effort though, I certainly don't remember having ever seen one like this before. Hopefully it's not too rare a flower that I'd need to preserve it with utmost care.

(You got the Spiky Flower. You think of where to put it for a second before setting it in the brim of Soupe's hat for the flair. Also- )

(You got a Recollection of Wishing... Not like you could ever forget it by now.)

[When equipped, any wishes made will be doubly as effective no matter the method. The correct method will still provide the best results, however.]

[loopadoop]

If say, theoretically, someone could send a message to your ORIGINAL party, for you, what would you say? Hm? What would you say to them if given that chance? But it’s only theoretical, of course… *wink*

Stars, you bunch are quite set on this other party business. Trying to vent your envy of the saviors through yours truly?

Besides, even if I did theoretically have one, what good would sending a message do now? I could speak until my throat goes sore but no matter what advice I'd share, what topics I'd want to discuss, or what apologies I'd try to make it wouldn't change anything no matter how much I'd want it to. The damage has been long done, and no spiffy letter saying "I wish I was more open with all of you" will fix any of it unfortunately...

Hm, looks like I gave you some proper fodder after all didn't I? Guess my time under this tree has made me lose some of my secret-keeping touch~.

[loopadoop]

Is your head something like a physical thing? Something that could be touched like a regular head? Or is it more ethereal and gaseous like an actual star? It shifts which makes me think actual star, but you do have regular eyes.

I haven't gotten a good look of my own noggin to get the full gist of what you all see - not beyond the stuffed toy of my likeness anyways - but from... I'll say "experience" it's a mix of both. There's certainly a good bit extra to look a star's part, but there's still something of a head with the standard fixings amidst the light and spectacle of it all. Wouldn't have much use for pillows or anything otherwise.

Frankly I'm quite glad I've got some leeway with my starry-ness. Wouldn't be all too comfortable having a full blown spikey head for a myriad of reasons I can imagine.

[loopadoop]

If you could tell anything to YOUR party, what would you say?

W-Why, whatever are you trying to insinuate? My little party of sorts is right here, I can tell them whatever I need to whenever I need to like "Thank you for your time", or "I enjoy your company", or "I'm Sorry"...

... Let's go to a different discussion topic, shall we?

[loopadoop]

My best idea on what the whole canned sadness thing is thus,

If a product is free they are clearly getting profit from elsewhere…

They clearly have some kind of ties to whatever the index is, so they’re clearly some kind of divine….

And also the Ad thing did mention boredom…

So maybe the whole thing is basically a kind of entertainment for divine? Like you open the can, and deities watch you fight?

Oh dear.

-Detective O’Ryan

Well I guess that's not too far from how things are now - You've all been here for a good bit and seen your fair shares, so fighting wouldn't be too off the table. Not 100% on the profit angle still, but you're the detective here so you possibly know a great deal more than me in that field.

Regardless, whatever fights I pick with any of the sadnesses from the thing in there or the sample here will be on my terms, that much I can promise. I'd attempt a scrap with the sample now if I knew at least a bit more about the oh-so elusive "Claustrophobie" if there is any further info to garner, but I digress.

[loopadoop]

I think you should open up the can when you’re ready to fight it??? Or do it when frin around just to mess with them. But it’s up to you loop! 

Well that is how the lot was advertised, although I can't imagine the market for "Canned Sadness" is all too big outside of maybe people who research them, and even then they don't seem to be the target demographic. Least I didn't have to pay for any of it, I guess.

I'm sure it'll all be handy when I next get the itch to fight, so I'll save it until then. In any case, I'm sure it'll be an easy fight for yours truly.