Runiel, no. We’re not afraid of you, and we wouldn’t be better off without you. Flaps wouldn’t either. You’ve done so much for everyone, you deserve a break. Even though you’ve been given terrible knowledge and responsibilities no one should have, you haven’t gone mad with anger or power. You’re far better than the so-called “gods” of the void. Even heroes need a rest sometimes. We’re glad to know you, we like caring for you. Stop worrying about everyone else, focus on you and Flaps!

* { it’s just been hard. }

* { we’ve been trying – we really have. but. things keep coming up, people go at us for not doing enough. it just doesn’t end. ever. }

* { and if they arent coming to us for help, they’re scared. they don’t want anything to do with us. and i don’t know what’s worse at this point. }

* { but… i appreciate the sentiment. }

∯

* { i don’t think i’ll ever understand what you see in me. you adopted me so quickly, but…. i. don’t really think i’m worth the effort. }

∯

* { you put your lot in with him. i’m starting to think we should just get rid of that addition. }

* { you’re almost as unwelcome here as he is. }

vague symbol

* { the only reason you aren’t dead yet is because he’s protecting you. i hope you know that. i hope you stay afraid of me. }

* { i hope you get every single thing you’ve dished out back tenfold. }

∯

* { i wish i could do something to make people less scared of me. but. }

* { i don’t think that’s going to happen. i don’t blame anyone for that. }

∯

* { sometimes i feel like you’d all collectively be better off if i had stayed dormant. i think things would be easier on you all. less stressful to be dealing without me around to need help to. }

∯

* { i wonder where you went. you certainly up and vanished a while ago, didn’t you. }

* { i don’t think i miss you, though. i don’t think you’d miss me. }

∯

* { i wish i didn’t have to keep doing this. i’m tired. i didn’t ask to know the things i do. }

* { but that doesn’t matter to you or any of your own, does it. i’m just a tool. }

(*From a distance, an anon watches Flaps, scowling.) It seems you’ve been tamed for the meantime…I imagine you’d get agitated again if I came to greet you, but it’d only last until you killed me again, so why bother? I admit, your friends did a good job containing you, but you haven’t been so nice to them. I hope you realize how much of a nuisance you’ve been, and learn to mind yourself around anons. We cause trouble if provoked. Maybe you aren’t always a hero, but you could’ve done better.

* [He doesn’t pay you any mind. His ear flicks a bit, but…. Your words mean nothing to him, right now.]

* [But he’ll understand later.]

Good boy, Flaps, good boy…(*The anon slowly approaches Flaps, watching for any sudden movements from him.) That’s a nice toy you got there…wanna play fetch?

* [That movement catches his eye! He’s staring at you now. Mouth not off the toy, but he’s watching carefully.]

* [Still not making moves to attack, though. He seems content to keep chewing as long as you keep your distance.]