Nino & Rita 2014/04/28(Mon)16:22 No. 572636 ID: a32d59
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>>572409
Hmmm... let's see...

This world's protagonist is... huh, that's funny. I've never seen that girl before. She's very far away; I can't see her very well. Peter Pan is very important, too, but I get the sense that it's this other girl's story more than his. I know he thought Nina was some girl named Wendy. Is that her?

But the weird thing is... I feel as though Tinker Bell is tied into this as well. She isn't the protagonist, but she has some protagonist-like leanings...

The more time I spend looking at this world's structure, the more I'm starting to think that this isn't just one story. There are layers, here. Maybe... something to do with an extended canon? Pixie Hollow feels... fresher, somehow. As though it were added in later. It doesn't have anything to do with the corruption, but I have a feeling that this world still has an evolving sense of canon.

NINO: So... what do you think?

RITA: Hmm? Oh, I was just testing out my powers for the voices. They wanted to see what all I could tell about this world.

NINO: Learn anything interesting?

RITA: I don't know. It's probably not all that relevant.

NINO: Oh. Let's go exploring!

>>572339
RITA: Okay, Nino. But we shouldn't go too far. We want to be back in time.

NINO: We could just walk along the beach, I guess. I mean, it's something to do. And I guess that's as good as we're gonna get.

RITA: Sounds like a compromise. We don't wander off, but we don't just sit here doing nothing. I like it.

NINO: Yeah, I guess it sounds alright.

We walk up and down the beach for a while, finding random things buried in the sand. It's mostly junk, but Nino picks up a few shiny coins and a pocket watch. He pockets his small treasures, and keeps digging in the sand.

RITA: What are you doing?

NINO: I thought I saw something shiny... Aha!

He pulls something out of the sand, and it sparkles in the moonlight. It looks like an earring in a really sweet vintage style. Victorian, maybe. But it looks really new! And there's a huge gem in it. It could be a real diamond, but I don't know.

NINO: This is GORGEOUS!

RITA: It really is.

He holds it out to me.

RITA: Huh?

NINO: Take it. I can't wear it anyway. I never got my ears pierced.

RITA: Really?

NINO: Yeah. I figured you'd like it. Plus, it'd be a shame to leave it behind.

RITA: Thanks, Nino.

I slip it into my right ear. I'm so used to just my coral one on the left, I'm not used to feeling the weight on that side. It really is a lovely thing. That was pretty sweet.

Aww, jeez, that doesn’t match at all. Like, her other earring is coral or something? But... I figured she’d like it. She doesn’t seem to care that much about matching anything. I dunno.

It doesn’t really matter. It looks really pretty on her, anyway. I’m pretty sure it’s real diamond, too, and you really can never go wrong with diamonds!

We walk in silence for a long time, except for the incessant, gentle lapping of the ocean against the sand. It's perfectly tranquil and lovely, and I wonder if all of the worlds we'll visit are as beautiful as this.

We turn around to walk in the other direction, and see glittering, golden lights in the distance. The Fairies!

We run towards them, and they spot us, meeting us half-way.

Uh oh. I just realized we don't have anyone with us anymore who can understand Fairies. I have no idea what they're saying! Also, what are we even supposed to say to them? 'Cause I don't have any ideas!

Hrrm. That could be a problem.
Okay...Understanding the fairies...We didn't really solve this one last time either now that I think on it. We just lucked out in that one of them could talk to Br'er Rabbit.
Hrrm...Okay so this is probably going to be a stretch of an idea, since I really really dunno how exactly Rita's powers work but...Part of me wants to try and...Story tell some sort of magic conch shell that could let us talk to the fairies.
Another thought is to ask them to 'trace' out what they want to say via flying but I dunno how tiring that would be for them, and generally it seems like it's possible to read their body languange I think?

Do you think Br'er Rabbit will be rested by now? Ideally I think we would want to try and get them to have a conversation with Tinkerbell, but that might go badly if we can't understand what they are saying. Maybe we can ask them if they know someone who can translate?

Nino & Rita 2014/05/19(Mon)22:56 No. 575089 ID: a32d59
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>>572680
I don't know. He's probably still sleeping. I wouldn't want to bother him just yet.

RITA: Hi, Fairies! You know, it just occurred to me that we can't exactly understand what y'all are saying. Do y'all know anyone who could translate for us?

They jingle back and forth to one another, and Vidia raises a tiny eyebrow at us, looking annoyed. Wait a second...

RITA: I remember now! Wasn't Tiger Lily talking to y'all?

They all nod. Vidia looks almost disgusted that it took me this long to remember. Well, excuse me for being a little preoccupied with saving the world, Sassy!

NINO: So... we have to go back to the Indian Camp?

RITA: Looks like it.

I gesture for the Fairies to climb onto my arm, and they do. Nino and I link hands, and he takes hold of his ponytail again.

NINO: Hair, take us to the Indian Camp.

When we get there, it looks as though every Native American in the encampment is seated in a large circle, except for a few who are dancing in the center. A calumet pipe is going around, of course, and the sound of drums echoes among the tipis. The Princess is seated next to her father, with Peter Pan on his other side.

The Chief notices us, and waves us hover.

CHIEF: Haau!

RITA: Haau, Chief. We need to speak to your daughter.

CHIEF: Very well. Daughter, speak-em with storyteller squaw and funny brave. Party no stop-em until long into night.

TIGER LILY: Yes, Father.

She stands and walks toward us, and we all walk a short distance from the encampment, so the sound of the drums is distant and muffled.

The Fairies swarm around Tiger Lily, and she greets them quietly.

TIGER LILY: What you need, friends?

RITA: What we need is a translator. We have to speak with the Fairies, only we can't understand their language at all.

NINO: And you can!

TIGER LILY: Yes. Tiger Lily understand-em Fairy speak. It heap beautiful language.

RITA: I'm sure it is! We need the Fairies to talk to Tinker Bell, if that's alright. And we'd like to help.

An uncertain jingle ripples through the small swarm of Fairies.

TIGER LILY: Rita make-em good point. Fairies need-em reunite with Tinker Bell. Tinker Bell heap important, and heap good friend. Tiger Lily come, too.

RITA: Peter Pan said that Tinker Bell is back at the Lost Boys' hideout.

NINO: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

We all grab hold of each other.

NINO: Hair, take us to the Lost Boys' hideout!

Just like that, we're back in the dark, warm room under the roots of the tree.

The Fairies are suddenly dead silent, floating gently in the air.

NINO: What's wrong?

TIGER LILY: Fairies heap nervous. No talk-em to Tinker Bell in heap long time.

Sounds like this is going to be one awkward conversation. I'm at a loss for how to handle this. We've figured out how to talk to the Fairies, but we still don't know what to do now that we can. How do we approach this?

Hrrm. It's been awhile?
Then I guess we just need something to break the ice! Like what's the latest news with the Fairies, or how are things going with the Lost Boys?

>>575104
Something to break the ice sounds good, though maybe not with mentioning the Lost Boys in particular since that seems to be a sore spot. Some kind of joke would help, though I can't think of any topical ones at the moment.

Nino & Rita 2014/06/15(Sun)16:48 No. 578761 ID: a32d59
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>>575212
That's a great idea! Only... I kinda can't think of anything either, right now.

NINO: Come on, guys! What are you so afraid of? She's your friend, right? Does she bite or something?

A few of the Fairies break into nervous laughter, but Vidia just glares at Nino. From a small hole in one of the walls, I can see a faint golden glow. Tinker Bell peeks out of the hole slowly, as if both desiring and dreading this encounter.

>>575104
RITA: Hello, Tinker Bell! Your friends just wanted to stop by and talk to you. Aren't you curious about what they've been up to?

She just jingles, a stubborn-yet-sad glint in her eyes.

TIGER LILY: No. Tinker Bell no curious. Tinker Bell heap indifferent.

RITA: I don't think that's true. Isn't there any news or something she wouldn't know about?

The other Fairies all start to jingle in unison.

RITA: Tiger Lily, how can you even understand what they're saying when they all talk at once?

TIGER LILY: It heap easy. All Fairies say same thing.

RITA: What are they saying?

TIGER LILY: All of Pixie Hollow heap upset. Tinkers no invent-em or build-em good things anymore, because Tinker Bell best tinker. Zarina use-em tinker dust, make tinkers better. But it not same thing. Also, Terence and Periwinkle both heap distraught. Terence no focus on job now, him cry whole heaps. But Periwinkle even worse! Periwinkle no eat-em, no make-em frost. Only lay-em in bed.

NINO: I don't think I understood any of that!

TIGER LILY: Long story.

RITA: I think Tinker Bell gets it, though. She looks real upset, so I guess they're getting to her.

TIGER LILY: Tinker Bell say, "Tinker Bell no care. Tinker Bell Lost Boy, now. Tinker Bell no abandon friend Peter Pan."

Vidia zips toward Tinker Bell so fast that she's nearly invisible, and grabs her roughly by her shoulders.

TIGER LILY: Vidia say, "Tinker Bell already abandon-em many friends. Abandon Silvermist, Rosetta, Fawn, Iridessa. Abandon Terence. Abandon Fairy Mary, Bobble, Clank. Even abandon Periwinkle, sister of Tinker Bell. And Tinker Bell abandon Vidia. What one more friend?"

Tinker Bell sinks to the ground, holding her face in her hands. Everything is silent for a long moment. Suddenly, a faint jingling disrupts the quiet.

TIGER LILY: Iridessa say, "Also, Pixie Hollow under attack. That important news, also."

Tinker Bell looks up, her eyes wide with fear and her face streaked with tears.

TIGER LILY: Tinker Bell say, "What?" Silvermist say, "Mermaids." Fawn say, "Tinkers try-em build weapons, but it heap difficult."

NINO: We tried to talk to the Mermaids, Tinker Bell! Their crazy queen said they wouldn't attack Pixie Hollow just yet. But she's completely nuts! We're going to need a more permanent solution, I think, but I don't know what!

RITA: It's clear that something around here's broke, and it needs fixing.

The jingling seems to grow to a roar. Was it something I said?

TIGER LILY: Heap smart, Rita.

RITA: Huh?

TIGER LILY: Tiger Lily think that just what Tinker Bell need. Rosetta say, "Tinker Bell hear lady." Fawn say, "What Tinker Bell have say now?"

Slowly, but resolutely, Tinker Bell joins her friends.

TIGER LILY: Tinker Bell say, "Tinker Bell tinker. Tinkers fix things."

All of the Fairies hug. This is awesome! We finally got them talking again... But we're still going to have to deal with the Queens. I wonder what we ought to do next?

Weee gotta fix up the mermaids!
Easier said then done, they and the faries never liked each other...
I'd think a simple comedian act mixed in with 'no need to fight/Is it really worth the effort?' Could do it...
Anyone know a good joke about war being dumb or something?

There are two general ways I can think of that we could go about this. First, we could try calm both queens together, which has the risk of them fighting or taunting each other but has the advantages of keeping an eye on them and feels like it would fit better from a meta-narrative standpoint (with the themes of not being divided and hostile). The other option is to try and calm each queen separately, which has the advantage of the queens not directly interfering with eachother but might insult one of them or leave us open to the second one causing trouble while we deal with the first one (though that could be mitigated if we spoke to the mermaid queen first since the other faeries can keep their queen from doing anything rash).
I think I am generally leaning towards the calming together option, though maybe Rita can get a feel for whether we can realistically get them to meet without a fight immediately breaking out. The vague concept I have for a plan for this is to ask for the queens to meet with us to discuss their differences, and them make fools of ourselves at the talk so they are too busy laughing at us to be overly angry with each other.

Nino & Rita 2014/06/17(Tue)19:46 No. 579067 ID: a32d59
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>>578923
Hmmmm.... Let me see if I can figure anything out. I concentrate on the story, as I did before.

I'm sensing... tension between the Fairies and the Mermaids. I mean, y'all already knew that, so there's nothing new there. Anyway, the rotten stuff is just making it worse. I think... I think we might be able to get them to talk without killing each other. This isn't for sure, but it's an educated guess, and that's really the best that I have right now. I get the sense the queens don't talk much. Or maybe they've never talked, that part's... fuzzy. But with a little bit of diplomacy, I think we could make this work out alright.

RITA: Alright, so it sounds like we need to get the two queens to talk to each other. The question is, how are we going to do that?

Silvermist jingles softly, a worried look in her tiny eyes.

TIGER LILY: Silvermist say, "Fairies no swim. Mermaids no come to Pixie Hollow."

NINO: What about the Wind Room? It's full of air, and we can just teleport in and out, right? What if we went and got the Fairy Queen, and then took her down to talk to Queen Eewee? I mean, we'd have to get Eewee to talk to us, first. I don't think she'd really appreciate us just barging into her Wind Room. She's really, really touchy. But how else would we make this work?

RITA: Hey, that's actually a really good idea, Nino!

NINO: ...Wait. You're just... agreeing with me? Just like that?

RITA: Well... yeah! What other choices do we have? Besides, that'll probably work.

NINO: Wow! Yeah, okay! Let's just do that, then! You know, normally, we would just have to leave it up to the voices, and...

Oh. Right. Everything's different now. These past few hours... I keep forgetting. What the hell is wrong with me?

Rita gently puts a hand on my shoulder, and gives me a tiny smile.

RITA: Come on, Nino. We can do this. Let's head back to Pixie Hollow.

We all join hands, and the Fairies land on our shoulders, this time with Tinker Bell in tow. Nino twists his hair again, like he did before.

NINO: Hair, take us to Pixie Hollow!

We sail through the air on a storm of colors again, and land exactly where we landed on our last visit to Pixie Hollow.

Tinker Bell immediately flutters away from our group, looking around, as if re-familiarizing herself with this place. Eyes follow her from the branches of the huge trees, and I can hear the faint, whispered jingles of the stunned Fairies.

She jingles loudly, intensely. I don't need to know what she said to know that she said it with purpose.

TIGER LILY: Tinker Bell call-em Queen Clarion.

NINO: You think the queen will actually come out?

TIGER LILY: Yes. Queen Clarion wait-em long time for Tinker Bell return. Queen Clarion good Chief, never ignore-em common Fairies. Tinker Bell no common Fairy. Tinker Bell very rare talent. Best Tinker of all time, so say-em Fairies.

In the darkness of the night, a fine golden mist comes from the branches of the immense tree. Fine golden particles race together, lighting up the darkness. A hush falls over Pixie Hollow, and even the sound of the wind seems to fall silent. The sparkling dust forms the shape of a tiny person, taller than the other Fairies, but still so delicate. Her massive wings are not the dragonfly wings of the other Fairies, but ornate butterfly wings that appear crafted from the magic dust itself. Her golden outfit, also, seems crafted of light. She looks every inch the Fairy Queen, and her voice sounds bright and clear, like the clarion call of a church bell.

TIGER LILY: Haau, Queen Clarion.

The regal Fairy smiles benevolently at Tiger Lily, gesturing a greeting, before looking us over.

TIGER LILY: Queen Clarion say, "Me hear-em of three strange humans. Me see-em two."

Tiger Lily swallows hard as she translates, looking away from us.

NINO: It's just us, Queen Clarion. We're... all that's left.

RITA: Nina was killed by Captain Hook.

A gasp sounds across Pixie Hollow. Nino's staring off into space, like he wants to be anywhere but here.

TIGER LILY: Queen Clarion say, "This violence heap unacceptable. What happen Neverland? First, Mermaids threaten Fairy home. Now, Pirates kill-em outsiders."

RITA: We know, Your Majesty, but that's why we're here. We're trying to save Neverland from all of this pointless violence! The Pirates, the Lost Boys, and the Native Americans have all parted in peace.

Queen Clarion raises an eyebrow, as if not understanding exactly what I said.

TIGER LILY: Rita talk-em heap funny, Queen Clarion! Rita mean "Indians."

RITA: What? No, I don't!

NINO: Rita... I don't think Neverland is even in America!

RITA: Well, no, but... You know what? Forget it. But, anyway, as I was trying to say before y'all interrupted me... All we need to do now is try to negotiate peace between your people, Your Majesty, and the Mermaids.

TIGER LILY: Queen Clarion say, "That heap easier say-em than do. How you do this?"

RITA: Your Majesty, please come with us. We're going to request an audience with Queen Eewee.

The Fairies closest to us all gasp, and eye their Queen nervously. The Queen herself simply laughs.

TIGER LILY: Queen Clarion say, "Mermaids no want-em peace. Fairies never hurt-em Mermaids. No want-em Fairy friendship. Mermaids heap selfish, heap vain, and heap aggressive. Me no discuss-em anything with Queen Eewee."

NINO: But, Your Highness, you have to! If you don't, Neverland won't be safe anymore! This is the only chance we have!

RITA: It sounds crazy, Your Majesty. But it's true. I've seen the fabric of the world, and it's being attacked by... something. The only way to fix it is if you would talk to the Mermaid Queen.

TIGER LILY: Queen Clarion, Tiger Lily want-em say something. Outsiders want-em trade. Outsiders get-em Tinker Bell come back home. Heap difficult task! Tinker Bell home, now. Tinker Bell build heap useful things for Fairy tribe. Tinker Bell fix all broken things. Tinker Bell talk-em to sad friends, make-em happy. Terence work-em again, make-em more Pixie Dust. Periwinkle work-em again, bring-em winter to Mainland. Tinker Bell come home, everything get-em better. Queen Clarion must help-em Outsiders. Queen Clarion owe-em heap gratitude.

The Queen is silent for a long moment. Finally she smiles, and nods at Tiger Lily. She elegantly chimes at her, and Tiger Lily simply beams and looks away, as if embarrassed and proud of whatever the Queen said to her.

Tiger Lily holds her hand out towards the Queen, and the Queen gently nestles herself into Tiger Lily's palm. Tiger Lily looks at us and nods, and Nino prepares to teleport us again.

NINO: Hair, take us to Mermaid Lagoon!

Mermaid Lagoon is really pretty at night, but...

It's weird to think that I was here just a few hours ago with Nina. I'm... I'm never going to see her again.

No! No time to be sad now! Gotta save the world. Gotta do it for her!

Rita's looking around like... oh, wait, that's right! She really hasn't been here before. She's never talked to the Mermaids before at all. That sucks, because she's a lot better at talking than me.

Woon's laying out on a rock, and so are a few other Mermaids.

Tiger Lily's holding the teeny-tiny Queen in both her hands, kinda like how kids hold fireflies on TV. I guess it's so that the Mermaids can't see her. Probably a good idea! I wouldn't have thought of that at all!

WOON: Hey! It's you guys! Hi, again, human-with-pretty hair! And... Wait... You...

This Mermaid's staring at me really hard, like she has some kind of problem with me. She better not say something dumb-as-hell, or I'm going to seriously lose it.

WOON: You got prettier all of a sudden! I mean, you're still not as pretty as me. You're just not as ugly as you used to be. Good job!

What the fuck does that even mean? I...

Oh. Right. Dammit, she thinks I'm Nina. That's really rude!

NINO: Woon, this is serious. We have to talk to the queen again!

WOON: Twice in one day, huh? Did you kill all those nasty Fairies? Wait... Why did you bring HER with you?

NINO: Who, Tiger Lily?

WOON: Yeah! What are you doing here, Princess? Thought you didn't like to get wet! What's a matter, catfish got your tongue?

Tiger Lily eyes Woon warily, but does not speak. I hadn't really thought about it before, but it's clear that she doesn't want to have anything to do with the Mermaids. I wonder if this has anything to do with the "Happy Hunting Ground" thing I heard the Chief mention earlier?

WOON: Ha! Indians really are stupid! Whatever. I guess I can't stop you from coming along. Can't guarantee the Queen will let you leave, though.

The other Mermaids just laugh, and dive off of the rocks they were sitting on. You know what? I really, really dislike Mermaids. I've just decided. They're really horrible.

WOON: Alright. Use your silly magic to get into the Wind Room. I'm sure Queen Eewee will come to see you when she feels like it.

I grab Rita and Tiger Lily.

NINO: Hair, take us to the Wind Room in the Mermaids' Castle!

Wow! This place is gorgeous! I've never seen so much mother of pearl in my life! But it's the entire wall! Wow... This is making me want to design a whole outfit around this castle. It really is a shame that such horrible things as Mermaids live here! This would be such a nice place to live! You know, if it weren't completely underwater.

Before I even have time to ask Nino about the Queen, a Mermaid with the most elaborate hairstyle I've ever seen rises from the water, seating herself delicately on a large slab of rock across from us. She's completely decked in jewelry and stuff. It would be gorgeous, if she didn't look like she just smelled something bad. She just looks really unpleasant. And from what I know about Mermaids so far? I'm really not expecting anything better.

QUEEN EEWEE: Woon was right! You did get less ugly, less-ugly-but-still-not-beautiful human! Well done! And I'm glad to see that your hair is still as pretty as ever, other human. But look who you brought with you this time! Never got to meet you face-to-face before, Princess. How fortunate you are, to finally get to meet me in person! You're just as stupid-looking as I suspected, though. I knew you were insufferable. But I'm glad to see you're really plain, too!

Tiger Lily just looks down, grinding her teeth together in frustration.

QUEEN EEWEE: Well, I don't know why you dragged this into my palace, but I guess it's slightly better than the mangy animal you brought last time. I trust you bring good news about the Fairies? Are they all dead yet?

And now she's trash talking Br'er Rabbit? Oh, no. Oh, HELL no. If we weren't trying to negotiate peace, I'd give this problematic bitch a piece of my mind.

NINO: Huh? No! We never said we were going to kill them.

QUEEN EEWEE: What? Yes you did. You said, "Yes, Your Majesty, the most beautiful and intelligent creature in the world! We will crush the Fairies one by one, and we will do it in your most wonderful name!" I heard you with my own ears. Or are you accusing me of lying?

NINO: Look, we're just here to negotiate peace. Remember? We're professional problem solvers.

>>578777
Come on, gotta think of a joke. Gotta get her to laugh... I reach into my bag, and pull out... A banana peel? Hmmm...

I drop the banana peel kinda sneakily on the ground near my feet, and kinda move like I'm gonna say something super-dramatic.

NINO: I mean, when you really think about it, the issue is....

And... the banana-assisted prat-fall, with a combo-slip into the water!

NINO: ...Really just a lack of communication, and... WAAAAAH!

Nino slipped on his own banana peel, and slid right off of the rock and into the water! He... He meant to do that, didn't he?

Well, the Queen sure thought it was funny.

QUEEN EEEWEE: Stupid human! The rock is slippery! And the fruit is slippery, too! Humans are so stupid, with the feet, and the big, dumb... Hahahahaha! You're all wet, now!

I climb back onto the rock. Man, this can't be good for my outfit. I need to let it dry or something... Wait, where's my hat? Aww man, I think I lost it a while ago... I guess I just didn't notice it.

No! Focus, Nino! Worry about your outfit later, dude!

Wait... why is the Queen looking at Tiger Lily like that all of a sudden? She's smiling, clearly still in a great mood from Nino's little stage dive.

QUEEN EEWEE: What is that in your hand, Princess? Something shiny? Is it a gift for me?

Oh, no! She can see Queen Clarion's golden glow from between Tiger Lily's fingers.

QUEEN EEWEE: Don't keep me waiting! Give it to me, Princess!

Sheepishly, Tiger Lily opens her hands, and reveals Queen Clarion sitting on her palms.

QUEEN EEWEE: Oh, how delicious! What a lovely little toy you've brought me! I shall keep her as a pet... She can't exactly leave this room without getting her wings wet!

RITA: What do you mean?

Tiger Lily whispers quietly, without taking her eyes off of Queen Eewee.

TIGER LILY: Fairies no swim. Fairy wings hold-em water, get-em heavy, drown-em Fairies.

Queen Clarion pulls herself into a standing position, looking regal and brave on Tiger Lily's hands.

The two Queens eye each other, neither one blinking.

Nino's joke put Queen Eewee in a good mood, but she still sounds really nasty. Maybe I made a big mistake in bringing Tiger Lily and Queen Clarion down here. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

But we have to negotiate peace somehow. The question is: how?

Ok, here is a general plan for what to say:
Rita:To start off with, say to Queen Eewee that we remember how she said that the faeries never visit, and as she pointed out wings don't work underwater, so our we have shown her two impossible things. As mere humans {Nino: who are only occasionally royalty}, we are sure that a mermaid queen can do a third and even greater impossible thing that we cannot: to have cooperation between the mermaids and faeries. Even humans can fight and bicker (Nino: "no we can't" followed by Rita: "yes we can" back and forwards ending in a duck-season-rabbit-season switch).
Nino:...What were we saying again? (At this point you can gauge how convinced Queen Eewee is by how she responds.)

If Queen Eewee is still unconviced, further points to potentially bring up include:
- The mermaids have the entire ocean compared to one small island, so they don't need to fight the faeries.
- If they start drowning people, there will be less people left to be superior to.
- The pirates are always trying to attack their enemies and look how undignified they look doing it.

Nino & Rita 2014/06/19(Thu)19:31 No. 579476 ID: a32d59
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>>579182
RITA: Your Majesty, we didn't bring Queen Clarion here as a gift! Think about it. You said that Fairies never come to visit, right?

QUEEN EEWEE: Of course they don't, stupid human girl. Fairies can't swim!

RITA: Exactly! And it's also true that a Fairy can't be underwater, because of their wings.

QUEEN EEWEE: And what exactly is your point?

RITA: Look! Queen Clarion has come to visit you! And, she's underwater, because she's in this castle, and the entire castle is underwater.

QUEEN EEWEE: So?

RITA: Those are two impossible things! We have shown you two things that shouldn't be possible. And do you know what else is impossible?

QUEEN EEWEE: For any living creature to be more beautiful and intelligent than myself?

RITA: ....Other than that?

QUEEN EEWEE: Don't waste my time with stupid guessing games! What are you playing at?

RITA: It's impossible for Fairies and Mermaids to ever cooperate, and have peace.

QUEEN EEWEE: Precisely! Perhaps you aren't as stupid as you look, after all.

RITA: But, you see, we've already shown you two impossible things, and we are mere humans!

NINO: Right! We're not even royalty, like you are, Your Highness! Except, I did dress up as a princess earlier, and that actually was pretty fun. But that's not the same thing as being some sort of big fancy awesome-sauce queen lady, right?

QUEEN EEWEE: You are correct. The two of you are inferior to myself in every way imaginable.

RITA: ...Exactly right, Your Majesty! And so, if puny beings like us can do two impossible things by bringing the Queen of the Fairies to see you in your underwater palace, then we are absolutely sure that a wonderful creature like you can do one single, tiny, insignificant impossible thing, like burying the hatchet and making a peace agreement with the Fairies.

NINO: Whoa, Rita! I'm not so sure about that! It IS kind of a big deal! I don't think I could really believe that even someone like Queen Eewee could do something so hard! Even she couldn't do it!

RITA: Oh, yes, she could!

NINO: Oh, no, she couldn't!

RITA: Yes, she could, Nino!

NINO: No, she couldn't, Rita!

RITA: Could, too!

NINO: Could not!

RITA: Could, too!

NINO: Could not!

RITA: Could, too!

NINO: Could not! Wait... what were we talking about again?

QUEEN EEWEE: You were having a stupid childish argument as to whether or not I am wonderful and magnificent enough to do an impossible thing.

NINO: Oh, right! Well... are you?

QUEEN EEWEE: Well... I am! I most certainly am! I am the most wonderful and magnificent thing there is! But... But I just don't feel like it. That's all. I don't want to make peace with the Fairies, and no one can make me.

RITA: We aren't trying to make you do anything you don't want to do, Your Majesty. We just don't think you actually want to go to war with the Fairies.

QUEEN EEWEE: I don't?

RITA: No! I mean, look how beautiful your castle is! And think of how huge your kingdom is! Why, I'll bet you rule the entire ocean, don't you?

QUEEN EEWEE: I... Of course I do!

RITA: Well, the Fairies only have a very small, pathetic kingdom, bless their hearts! Don't you almost feel sad for them?

QUEEN EEWEE: No, no I don't. I think they're gross.

NINO: Exactly! And you know what? That's a good thing! You should want to have more gross people around!

QUEEN EEWEE: What? Why?

NINO: Well, like... It's really, really obvious that the Fairies aren't anywhere near as cool as you and your Mermaids! And you know what that means? More people for you to feel superior to! Like... if you see the most gorgeous seashell on a beach, and you think, wow, hey, this is really pretty! But... you still kind of ignore it? Because...

RITA: Because you have no frame of reference! But if you put that seashell next to a really ugly rock, then the seashell looks even better! It isn't just a gorgeous shell anymore. It's a gorgeous shell that's even more gorgeous than the measly rock!

NINO: Yeah! The more people enter a contest, the better first place looks!

QUEEN EEWEE: Hmmm... So you're saying... I will look even more beautiful if I keep the ugly Fairies around... Because I'll have more competition to completely outshine?

RITA: Exactly!

QUEEN EEWEE: That does sound very tempting. But what's done is done. I've already made up my mind, and I won't change it just for that reason!

RITA: Well, you see.... that's not the only reason.

QUEEN EEWEE: It isn't?

NINO: Nope! Queen Eewee, who on Neverland always attacks their enemies?

QUEEN EEWEE: Just those horrible Pirates.

RITA: Are the Pirates beautiful? Are they glamorous? Are they regal and dignified?

QUEEN EEWEE: Ewww! They aren't any of those things! They're ugly and stupid and gross and smelly and mean and I hate them! They're even worse than the Fairies. At least the Fairies aren't also big and loud and scary and push stupid boats all over my beautiful kingdom!

RITA: Exactly! If you attack the Fairies, people might start saying, "Look, it's the Mermaids! They attack their enemies just the same way that the Pirates do!"

QUEEN EEWEE: Blasphemy! Treason! How dare you say such thing?

RITA: Oh, I'm not saying them. But people might! Tiger Lily, what do your people think of the Mermaids?

TIGER LILY: Oh, Indians heap apathetic. Mermaids heap beautiful, but Indians no like-em water. Stay heap far away!

RITA: And what do you think your people would think of the Mermaids if they attacked Pixie Hollow?

TIGER LILY: If Mermaids attack-em Pixie Hollow, Mermaids ugly like Pirates! Mermaids vicious and cruel and heap petty! Mermaids heap dishonorable.

RITA: You see? All of your dignity, and all of the respect that all of Neverland has for you, all of the evidence that yours is the best kingdom in the entire world? It will all crumble to dust if you act out of anger, here. You must be the bigger person, Queen Eewee. You must be the noble, gracious Queen that all of Neverland knows you to be.

QUEEN EEWEE: I am! I am noble, and gracious, and beautiful, and perfect! And that's why I had decided not to attack Pixie Hollow before you even came here! You simply reminded me of why it was such a good idea in the first place.

Queen Clarion relaxes a bit and rings softly.

QUEEN EEWEE: I appreciate the gesture, Queen Clarion, of you coming to my palace to grovel. Of course, I shall grant your boon. Let there be peace between our people for the rest of eternity!

The Mermaid Queen extends her hand. Steadily, nervously, Queen Clarion flutters away from Tiger Lily, and places her tiny hand between Queen Eewee's fingers. Queen Eewee delicately shakes the Fairy’s hand, with surprising gentleness, so as not to injure the other queen.

Whoa... what's happening? My mind fills with images of the story of this world. The dark film seems to peel away, purged in a glowing light. Suddenly, the images go dark, and I can hear the sound of an immense, metallic door swinging closed.

The sound! Yes! We did it we did it we did it!

I just wish Nina could have been here to see this. We did it for her. Her death wasn't in vain. We saved the world. Rita and I make a damn good team. It's what Nina would have wanted. I just....

I just don't know what to do, now. Like... saving this world was literally the only thing I felt like I could actually work up the strength to do. I feel drained. It's late. I'm tired. It's been the longest day of my life. I want to curl up in my own bed at home and sleep for a year.

What do we do now, voices? You've always been there for us, since before I started this adventure. Where do we go from here?

Now? We go...Hrm.
We don't particularly have a place to stay and sleep, do we?
Part of me wants to say that here in Neverland wouldn't be a bad place to spend the night...

>>579492
Staying here would be for the night would probably work. I think we will want to talk to Micky, but after getting some rest.

1/3 Nino & Rita 2014/06/25(Wed)06:58 No. 581012 ID: a32d59
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NINO: Okay! Looks like it's time for us to go!

QUEEN EEWEE: Yes. It's exhausting having visitors twice in one day. Now, leave.

We all huddle together, and Nino uses his hair to teleport us out of the castle.

NINO: Hair, take us to the Indian Camp!

Just as the Chief had said, the party is still going strong, several hours later. Queen Clarion makes a deep curtsy, and makes a soft, deep ringing sound.

TIGER LILY: Queen Clarion say, "Thank-em strangers for peace. No could do without help."

NINO: No problem, Your Highness!

In a flash of gold, the Queen erupts into shimmering, golden dust, and blows on a sudden breeze toward Pixie Hollow.

TIGER LILY: You heap clever. Queen Eewee heap stupid and rude. You know-em just how manipulate her. Heap good job.

RITA: It was no trouble at all! I'm just glad we managed to get her to agree to peace, bless her heart. I think our work here is done.

NINO: Wow, you're been really nice about that psycho, Rita.

RITA: Nah. "Bless her heart" is just my way of saying "She can eat shit and die."

NINO: Oh. Makes sense.

RITA: No, it really doesn't.

TIGER LILY: So... You leave-em Neverland now?

>>579492

NINO: Well, we should probably just stay the night.

RITA: Really? Don't we have worlds to save or something?

NINO: Yeah, but even legendary heroes need to sleep. Sometimes we gotta stay over night. It's hella late. Would you really want to barge into some other world at this hour? I mean, no one would probably even be awake! And then it would just get kinda awkward...

RITA: Oh. I guess you're right.

TIGER LILY: You stay-em with Tiger Lily! Tiger Lily daughter of Chief. Live in heap big tipi. More than enough room for Father and Tiger Lily. Father think you heap wonderful! Love-em have you stay overnight! Eat-em heap pemmican for breakfast. Have heap leftovers!

NINO: Thanks, Tiger Lily! That's super nice of you!

The princess walks through the throngs of revelers, and they part as she approaches. She eventually finds her father, and he nods enthusiastically. She comes back over to us.

TIGER LILY: Come! Look-em heap tired.

She leads us to a huge tipi, and follows us inside. It is surprisingly spacious inside, and there are two large, hide mats on the ground. Tiger Lily pulls out two additional mats from a massive basket on the far side of the tipi, and lays them down near the basket.

TIGER LILY: Good night! Tiger Lily return-em to party. Rita and Nino, get-em rest.

She smiles at us, and then leaves us alone.

NINO: So? How does it feel to be a big damn hero?

RITA: Well... pretty good, I guess. Not as different as I thought. I mean... I don't really know. Today was rough.

NINO: ...Yeah.

RITA: I'm sorry. I... We should just sleep. We'll talk in the morning, okay?

NINO: Sounds good. I... I just need to sleep right now.

RITA: Good night, Nino.

NINO: Good night, Rita.

Maybe it's a stupid thing to think about, with all that's happened, but... I wish I could plait my hair, and I wish I had my satin night cap. I have a real bad feeling I'm just not gonna be able to take care of my hair at all during this journey. Ugh, it's going to be so stupid-looking tomorrow! Maybe I should just change my hairstyle... But I've taken such good care of my afro for so long! This sucks. I don't even have a pick.

Oh, well. I have bigger things to worry about, now. Good night, voices.

I can't sleep. Last night, I was sleeping on Buck Cluck's futon, next to Nina. Since then, we've gotten a new team member, saved three worlds...

And Nina died.

Rita's super-clever, though, and I trust her. We've gotta finish this adventure together. I can't give up, or just curl up and cry. I have to be strong. I have to be tough. I have to... I just have to keep it together!

I'll.... I'll try to get some sleep.

I awake with the sun streaming through the flap of the tipi. Nino, Tiger Lily, and the Chief are all sleeping around me. I really wish I had my dream journal with me, though. I had kinda weird dreams all night!

It's weird to think that, just yesterday, I was worried about exams. Now, I'm in the middle of some sort of adventure. I'm not sure yet whether or not I'm some kind of Campbellian archetype just yet, but it's a really surreal feeling.

After a little while of laying on my mat, thinking all of this over, I look over and find that Tiger Lily's awake, too.

TIGER LILY: Haau, Rita!

RITA: Good morning, Tiger Lily. Your dad and Nino are still asleep...

TIGER LILY: Yes. Father heap heavy sleeper. Always sleep-em until after breakfast.

RITA: Looks like Nino's kind of a heavy sleeper, too.

TIGER LILY: You want-em breakfast?

Suddenly, like something from some kind of cartoon, Nino sits bolt-upright and wobbles slightly.

NINO: Did someone say "breakfast?"

Tiger Lily hands us each a small pouch full of pemmican, just like last night. This stuff really is pretty good.

>>579693

RITA: Alright. We should probably go talk to Mickey, now. I mean... We should probably tell him... Or, at least, talk to him about... you know.

NINO: Yeah. I guess... We probably should do that.

TIGER LILY: Goodbye, friends.

RITA: Goodbye, Tiger Lily.

NINO: ‘Bye.

I take Nino’s hand. He’s shaking. He really doesn’t sound like he wants to talk to Mickey at all. I guess that would make it too real. Still, we have to do what we have to do.

2/3 Nino & Rita 2014/06/25(Wed)06:58 No. 581013 ID: a32d59
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NINO: Hair, take us to Mickey’s house.

We’re suddenly standing in the middle of Mickey Mouse’s living room. It’s a lot warmer than last time we were here, and the ice is off of the closet door. Clearly, the people who were here yesterday found something better to do with their time.

MICKEY: Just the two adventurers I wanted to see! I was actually about to summon you. See, we have some really, really important stuff to talk about.

RITA: Yeah, we do. Mickey, Nina...

MICKEY: I know.

NINO: Wait... You know?

MICKEY: Of course. We’re monitoring your progress, remember?

NINO: You know.... But you’re so... casual about it? No, “Gee, I sure am sorry your friend died,” or “How are you doing, Nino?” Just... “I know?”

MICKEY: Look, it’s complicated.

NINO: Complicated? What do you mean “complicated?” You send us all on this batshit insane quest to clean up all these worlds, and when one of us dies, you just say it’s “complicated?”

MICKEY: Listen, Nino. I know you’re upset. And you should be. You went through something really, really difficult. But it’s not exactly what you think...

NINO: What.... What are you talking about?

MICKEY: Things in the multiverse are... fuzzy. And my friends and I have a good deal of power over what happens here. Even with all the worlds under attack, we have a good deal of power. We’re not really miracle workers, you see. And there are some things that just... well...

NINO: Come on! Tell me!

MICKEY: There’s a fail-safe. It’s been in place since the beginning.

RITA: Fail-safe?

MICKEY: Yes. We knew how dangerous this quest would be. We knew you could... get hurt. Really badly. And we didn’t tell you about the fail-safe, because, as I’ve already said, we’re not miracle workers. Take Nina’s eye, for example. There was nothing we could do. And, if you knew about the fail-safe, you might get... irresponsible.

NINO: Just what are you saying?

MICKEY: Don’t get your hopes up, okay? The corruption.... Well, some things will never, ever be the same, no matter how it looks. But... you know, why don’t you see for yourself?

3/3 Nino & Rita 2014/06/25(Wed)06:59 No. 581014 ID: a32d59
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Fail-safe? What the fuck does that mean? My head’s spinning, my heart’s racing, there’s no way he means what it sounds like he means...

He points toward the kitchen, and I run in there. I... I don’t know what to say.

This can’t be possible, can it?

Sitting around the table, eating breakfast, is Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, some sort of cow-person I’ve never seen.... and Nina.

>Nina's not dead
!!!!!

She really is the Doctor, folks. Dies saving the world, only to regenerate in time for breakfast.

[to Nina]
You have no idea how happy we are to see you again. And for what's it worth, no, you never failed. We might have failed you there for a bit, though.

[to Nino]
> I... I don’t know what to say.
I would think whoops of joys, generally flipping out, and hugs would be appropriate.

[to Rita]
>This can’t be possible, can it?
Seems it is, somehow. I guess the story isn't done with her, yet.


>boring practical concerns
Wait, did we grab Nina's stuff? Did it respawn here with her? Or did we leave it behind or bury it with her... um. Wait. Did we even do anything with the body?

>>581018
Her body disappeared near instantly.

Try not to celebrate yet- something's off. Mickey said some things would never be the same. That could include her not remembering you, having a different personality, or being some kind of alternate universe Nina- meaning all of the above.

hello Nina? Can you hear us? We're...Well, we're REALLY sorry about what happened in NeverLand, but it's nice to see that you're alright...
And well...Sorry. For always taking the brunt of our mistakes.
Your eye, your leg, your death...You've paid the price when we've messed up. It's something we regret has happened. With any luck, this will be the last time we fail you.

Alright! I had my suspicions, but I didn't want to get people's hopes up if it wasn't the case. (Also, metanarratively speaking counting on immortality is the surest way to lose it.)
Sorry about the getting shot thing, that was very careless planning on multiple levels.

...So does the failsafe cover death but not injury, or is the difference that the previous injury was directly caused by corrupted material?

>>581014
Nina, you're alive!
[Joyous sobbing]

1/3 Nina, Nino, & Rita 2014/07/01(Tue)18:22 No. 582359 ID: a32d59
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You... You're back! I was wondering where you had gone. Last night was sort of a blur... But I missed you. Is it strange, that I'm happy to have voices in my head again? It was strangely... quiet, without you.

>>581030
And it seems like you are happy to be back, as well! That certainly is some comfort!

>>581020
I most certainly can hear you again! I certainly am glad to hear that you do not believe that I failed you. I actually was rather worried about that. Don't worry. We can get better at this together.

>>581018
The Doctor... I suppose you're right! I suppose I just keep getting more and more like him by the day...

My equipment is all currently in Mickey's bedroom. He let me borrow it for the night. Everything's there, except for my clothes. There was blood everywhere. All over my clothes, my hair... I'm sure there's some on my backpack as well, but I don't think it was enough to ruin it.

When I woke up yesterday, Mickey and Minnie wrapped a blanket around me, and told me I was alright. They let me take a shower, and Daisy came over to give me a haircut. The blood was matted into my hair, and it had to come off. I... I actually miss it. My head feels so light... I'd been growing my hair out for years!

This morning, I met Clarabelle Cow. She brought me some clothes to wear, as she is much closer to my size than Minnie and Daisy are. I actually rather like this outfit. Still, it's a shame that I had to throw out the old one.

Hmmm... "the story isn't done with her yet." What an interesting way to phrase that. You mean our story? Or something else? Either way, I'm glad to see her again. Though I don't think I'm as glad as Nino is!

It's her... It's really her...

I don't think I've ever been this speechless! But... you're right! That's the only thing there is for me to do!

As if someone flipped a switch, Nino's tear-streaked face contorts into a huge, genuine smile. He gives a hearty, healthy laugh, and turns a triple-cartwheel, right there in the kitchen! I'm honestly surprised he wasn't acting like this right from the jump, but I guess this was a little too emotional for even Nino!

He throws himself unceremoniously in Nina's lap, and gives her a huge hug. Nina's hard to read, though. She looks happy to see him, but also kinda uncomfortable.

NINA: Nino....

NINO: Oh! Personal space. Sorry. Hehehe... I just really missed you. I thought I was never gonna see you again!

NINA: I was fine...

Her hand goes to her chest, and I can see pain in her eyes.

RITA: Are you sure you're okay, Nina?

NINA: Yes... My chest just hurts a bit. I guess it's still tender where I was shot.

She's hiding something from us. I know she is. I don't really want to say anything, though. Don't know how everyone else in the room is going to react, especially Nino. Actually, except for him, everyone looks kinda worried. Well, except that cow. She's just staring at Nino with this weird look on her face. It's actually kinda creeping me out.

>>581019
See... that's what I'm worried about. She seems the same as before. But... Yeah, she's definitely not telling us everything.

>>581023
Hmm... actually, they never explained to me exactly how the fail-safe works, now that you mention it.

NINA: Minnie? What exactly is the fail-safe? You never told me.

MINNIE: No, I didn't! You weren't in any shape to talk about something so important last night! Besides, Mickey thought we should wait until you were all together again to explain it.

Mickey joins us in the kitchen, and simply nods at Minnie.

MINNIE: Clarabelle, do you mind stepping out for a minute? This is sort of official business...

The cow breaks her steady gaze at Nino, focusing on the mouse instead, her brow furrowing.

CLARABELLE: I'm surprised at you, Mickey! How many times do I have to go over this? I've been here longer than Donald, or Daisy, or Goofy! I have as much a right to know what's going on as any of them, if not more! This is my home, Mickey. Just because you're the boss doesn't mean you can just... throw me out when you feel like it!

MINNIE: Mickey... She has a point. Besides, we did ask her to come over this morning.

MICKEY: Yes, to bring an outfit for Nina.

MINNIE: Now, Mickey Mouse...

MICKEY: Okay, okay. You win, Minnie. Clarabelle, you can stay. But do not breathe a word of this. I don't want to see it in your gossip column, I don't want to hear Clara clucking about it, and I certainly don't want Horace spreading it all over the place. Nothing leaves this room. Understand?

CLARABELLE: You got it. Boss.

MICKEY: Alright. Essentially, the fail-safe is a measure that I put into place before your adventure began. It only applies to the three of you, as well as to the other two heroes that we're calling in. If the world can no longer detect your life signals, it is to immediately transport you to my location.

RITA: The worlds themselves can do that?

MICKEY: Yes. They may be corrupted, but they're still a part of the multiverse. Now, when this happens, the fatal wound is healed, using some of the same power that keeps the worlds alive in the first place.

RITA: And that power is...?

MICKEY: Classified. For the time being.

RITA: Why?

MICKEY: I'm not the one you need to ask about this. You'll learn when the time comes.

RITA: Ah. Hero's Journey type thing. Fair enough.

NINA: So... I'm alive because of Neverland itself?

MICKEY: Yes.

NINO: Wait... if the worlds can heal wounds, why didn't it cure me when my face got all melty, so Nina wouldn't have to?

MICKEY: It only applies to wounds that are actually fatal.

NINO: So... you're saying that... If Nina had just let me die... We'd both be alive, AND she'd still have her eye?

MICKEY: Well... Yes. That's one way of looking at it.

NINO: That's not fair! You should have told us! I...

MICKEY: No. You don't understand. That would have been very, very bad.

NINO: Doesn't sound bad to me!

MICKEY: The fail-safe is an emergency measure. It's less than ideal. If it wasn't for the fact that it's absolutely necessary to keep you all alive, I wouldn't have even put it into place.

NINA: But... why?

MINNIE: Nina, maybe you should... Come finish your breakfast. It's getting cold.

NINA: What about Nino and Rita? Shouldn't they have breakfast, as well?

RITA: No. We already ate breakfast in Neverland. You just... go enjoy your food. We'll fill you in on whatever you miss, okay?

2/3 Nina, Nino, & Rita 2014/07/01(Tue)18:24 No. 582360 ID: a32d59
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Nina looks at me like some sort of caged animal. Her eyes are cold as ice, and her mouth is a hard, stubborn line.

Whoa... I never saw Nina look like that before... What's happening? Is she okay?

NINA: What are the three of you planning?

NINO: Planning? Nina, we're just...

NINA: You're all going to talk about me behind my back. What is this?

MICKEY: Nina, calm down. We're just...

NINA: Did you have fun without me? You saved Neverland without me, so you're clearly perfectly capable. You're going to leave me here, right? And Mickey's going to send the two of you off with his blessing. Because I'm defective. Right?

RITA: Whoa! Just hold on a minute! Without you, we...

NINA: What?

NINO: I missed you! Who cares about saving the worlds anymore? NOTHING was the same without you! Nina... why are you acting like this? Why are you treating us like this?

Nina shakes her head, as if dislodging a particularly nasty mental image. She winces and touches a hand to her chest, looking at us like a wounded puppy.

NINA: Yes... Quite right. Sorry, I just... I don't feel so good this morning. I'm... I should go eat my breakfast. Just... promise me you'll tell me whatever it is Mickey has to say?

RITA: Of course, Nina. You just eat. You need your strength. You've been through... more than anyone else has, at least anyone alive.

NINA: I suppose you're right.

Nina returns to her seat, her legs shaking. Mickey leads Nino and I into the living room, and motions for us to have a seat on his sofa.

MICKEY: I think you saw for yourselves why I don't really like the fail-safe very much. See... it has to draw in life-force from the world around it...

RITA: ...But the world around it is corrupted, right?

MICKEY: Exactly. Whatever corruption was in that world, it's a part of Nina now. Even after you save the multiverse.... I can't really say for sure that she'll ever be the same again. So... tell me. What was Neverland like?

RITA: Everyone seemed... on edge. The corruption mainly affected the leaders of each faction.

MICKEY: That's what I thought. Paranoia, distrust, a desire to hold onto a position of leadership and relevance...

NINO: Wait! Are you saying Nina's crazy like Queen Eewee now?

MICKEY: No! Well... not exactly. Queen Eewee was never the most stable to begin with, from what I understand. Nina's still Nina. Just... a little different.

RITA: What should we do?

MICKEY: That's really up to you, and your assistants.

RITA: Assistants?

NINO: The head-voices, Rita!

RITA: You know about them?

MICKEY: They're a vital part of your quest. That's all I'm really allowed to say. Still, I would recommend being gentle with her. You need her and her abilities to succeed, and you won't want her getting too mad at you.

RITA: That's a good point. Though Nino and I are a pretty good team! I think we could handle ourselves, in the worst-case scenario. I mean, we thought Nina was gone forever, so...

NINO: Yeah, but I still wouldn't WANT to do it without Nina. She's still Nina, Rita! She's still my best friend in the whole world, or universe, or multiverse, or whatever!

MICKEY: That's right, Nino. No matter how paranoid she gets, no matter how power-crazed she seems... Nina IS still in there. Hold on to that thought. You might need it. Now... I shouldn't keep you any longer. She may start to worry that you're planning to mutiny, or something.

RITA: Oh, yeah. That's not terrifying at all.

Nino shoots me a pained expression, before heading to the kitchen. I know she's his best friend and all, but... Honestly, if she's going to act like one of the giant toddlers in charge of Neverland, she may actually be kind of a liability. I mean, it's not my place to say, and I know y'all really care about her, too. But... This sounds like it could actually be kinda dangerous, and I don't know how to handle it.

3/3 Nina, Nino, & Rita 2014/07/01(Tue)18:25 No. 582361 ID: a32d59
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I follow Nino into the kitchen. Simultaneously, as if they had planned it all out in advance, Nina and Clarabelle rise from the table completely in sync. Clarabelle walks over to Nino, and Nina herds me into the other side of the kitchen. Minnie and Daisy just eye all of us nervously, before simply walking out of the kitchen.

NINA: So... Rita. What all were you and Mickey discussing in the living room? Also, would you mind filling me in on what I missed in Neverland? I can't help but feel a little... out of the loop.

What should I say? I'm worried the wrong answer will just make her even angrier... But I don't know whether a lie or the truth is riskier!

This simply isn’t fair. I’m the leader. This was my adventure, before either of them showed up. I am the Doctor, and they are my companions. Right? They should tell me these things. I have a right to know...

You’re also my companions, right? You’ve always been there for me, and now you’re finally back where you belong! Help me make Rita tell me everything.

Or... You could just tell me. That might actually be easier, honestly. What were they talking about? Rita may lie to me... But I know that you never would. Actually, if you tell me whatever these two are keeping hidden from me... I might just tell you what I’m keeping hidden from them. They may be related. You really cannot afford to leave variables unaccounted for. Right?

Not if you actually plan on getting any better at this, at least.

While Nina and Rita have a conversation on the other side of the kitchen, I guess this Clarabelle lady really wants to talk to me!

CLARABELLE: Nino Johnson! Long time, no see! I mean, I knew that they were calling in heroes from your world, but I guess I just didn't put two and two together! I mean, of COURSE it's you! No one else from your world can DO the things you do! It's amazing. You always were... Did you miss me? I mean, it's been a little while since the multiverse got sealed off, and I haven't been down to Toontown in such a long time... Of course, I'm back together with Horace, at the moment, but who knows how long THAT will last? Hahaha! I'm sorry, where are my manners? I guess I've just rambled on and on, and I haven't let you get a word in edgewise! What have you been up to? Uhh... other than saving the multiverse, I mean!

Oh. Oh, no... What should I say? I mean, I remember Uncle Remus said that we couldn't remember anyone from the multiverse. I knew something like this would happen eventually... I've met so many Toons over the years! Of COURSE some of them are from here! I think we were friends... But I can't remember ever seeing her before in my life!

AND I wanna know what Rita and Nina are talking about, but I can't just be rude to Clarabelle! What should I say? She's so happy to see me... But I have no idea who the heck she is! This sucks.

Nina just asked Rita what we just discussed. I figure she should know since her streak of misfortune is probably gonna break sooner or later, hopefully with a flat end but we might not be so fortunate...Simply put, the Doctor never came back quite the same as before, right? It's the same deal here.
Or, to be more accurate...You are restored via the world's life force, but if the world is corrupted, that also gets in you, and changes you to it's affliction. Which means given enough failures...I'd like this to be the first, and last time this happens.
Now, Nina, in your case...Your 'corruption' thanks to us, and I can't say it doesn't fit...Is Mistrust. Paranoia. A desire to retain leadership and relevance. Being open with you should keep down the mistrust, and as for leadership and relevance...Leadership is practically yours due to your experience, and even if you don't get to lead the way, you'll be relevant for the same reason.
THAT SAID, I doubt it's going to make THAT much of a difference, it seems to even be something you can shake off with enough mental effort, and it's only a drop in a bucket-who you are at your core won't change so easily.

Hooo that was alot to say.
[Rita]
How to handle this...Well, maybe it's just me, but I think I can tell when the corruption starts up, and when Nina, is being Nina. And with any luck, given enough time, you'll be able to as well.
[Nino]
Hrrm. Maybe...Explain the multiverse thing Remus told you to Clara? I don't see any reason not to be honest with her about it.

Nina, the others don't want to anything from you; that was Mickey's decision. He might have some reason for his secrecy like the corruption getting stronger from people knowing more about it, but we aren't going to get anywhere if we can't be open with our own team.
Remember that world with Chicken Little, where the corruption made everyone easily angered? Because we messed up, you are more or less under a similar effect now due to being healed by a partially corrupted world. We have dealt with it before so I know that you can handle it, though it is still unfair that you have to.

We probably should be able to heal her corruption similarly to how we heal a world's corruption, right? I mean, I don't see how this is any different than that.

[to Rita]
You promised you'd be honest. And really, actually lying to her is just going to validate and foster her paranoia when she realizes it. Best thing to do is confront it head on, and try to provide enough trust to counter the effects. If she's aware of it, she can also try to resist.

Short term, she might deny it, or the corruption might make her react badly, but long term honesty is a better way to cope than trying to hide things from her and inevitably having them blow up in our faces.

Tell her the trust, and we'll confirm.

[to Nina]
>This was my adventure, before either of them showed up. I am the Doctor, and they are my companions. Right? They should tell me these things.
Tsk, tsk. Like the doctor never kept secrets. You're even fessing up to doing it right now!

...regeneration always came at a cost. The Doctor survived, but he was never exactly the same as he was before. That's what Micky was warning your friends about- the cost you paid. If they're nervous or unsettled, it's because they're worried about you, and the part of you that isn't the same as it was.

The Doctor had time-energy. Your regeneration? Fueled by world-energy. Specifically, the world you were in when you died. ...a world that was touched by corruption. Leaving you somewhat touched yourself, now. That's why you went off on them, before.

You're now left in the unfortunate position to have to watch your own reactions. To make yourself be the strong person who trusts her friends and does what's right, and doesn't let darkness or suspicion derail that. Rather... too much like the Doctor I'm afraid. You have a dark side, now. You have to trust others to be your humanity, when you can't always trust yourself.

>We probably should be able to heal her corruption similarly to how we heal a world's corruption, right? I mean, I don't see how this is any different than that.
This is a legitimate point. If corruption can be removed from a world, why can't it be cleansed from a person?

If Nina dies in a pure world, it will overwrite the corruption.

>>583713
Maybe. Or maybe the corruption will stay, and more power will just be poured in. I don't think it will actually fix anything. Maybe even make more problems.

Nina, Nino, & Rita 2014/07/16(Wed)18:59 No. 584395 ID: a32d59
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>>582396
RITA: Look, Nina... I'm not your enemy, okay? We're on the same team. Which is why I'm not going to lie to you, no matter what Mickey wants. You've been corrupted. The darkness that was in Neverland--the paranoia, the lust for power--it's a part of you, now. And that's something you're going to have to deal with. Something we're all going to have to start dealing with.

>>582366
>>582368
...Thank you. All of you. This is an awful lot to take in. It would make sense, though. These intrusive thoughts... I keep thinking about Nino and Rita deserting me, or secretly hating me. It hurts.

And I probably should tell you. There's a mark where the bullet wound was. It looks corrupted. I suppose that this explains that, as well.

NINA: Thank you, Rita. I'm glad you told me the truth.

RITA: Of course! What are teammates for?

>>582393
That's a very good question.

>>583713
>>583718
It seems pretty risky to try something like that, since we have absolutely no idea how this works.

RITA: You know, Nina, I think we should go ask Mickey about this corruption. Maybe we can find some way to cure it?

NINA: That would make sense. Perhaps we should do that while Nino and Clarabelle are having their conversation.

RITA: I don't know. Shouldn't Nino be a part of this?

NINA: Well, I suppose we could wait for him, if the voices want us to.

RITA: Yeah. Let's just wait for their input.

>>582366
NINO: Clara? Look, I'm sorry, but...

CLARABELLE: Clara!? It's Clarabelle! Nino, are you feeling alright?

NINO: Yes! Sorry, Clarabelle. It's just... do you know what's going on with the multiverse?

CLARABELLE: No. Mickey won't tell me anything.

NINO: Well, apparently something happened to people's memories of the multiverse. Uncle Remus didn't explain that part very well, other than that whatever happened to my memory isn't the same as what happened to the memories of the people in the worlds we've been saving. But... I can't remember anyone from the multiverse that I've met before this adventure. I'm sorry, Clarabelle. But I can't remember you at all. I think it has something to do with whatever it is we're fighting. But I just don't know.

CLARABELLE: Oh. Well. This is... sort of awkward, then.

NINO: Sorry. I guess it is! I mean... have I known you for a long time?

CLARABELLE: Well... time passes differently here, but when we met, I think you said you were fifteen.

NINO: Oh! That was like six years ago! So we HAVE been friends for a while!

CLARABELLE: Yeah... You really don't remember anything about me? Anything at all?

NINO: I'm really, really sorry.

CLARABELLE: I mean, I guess it's not your fault. But I can't help but be a little upset! Mickey didn't tell my ANYTHING about that!

NINO: Were we close friends?

CLARABELLE: Well...

NINO: ...Oh.

CLARABELLE: Yes... I had just broken up with Horace, you see. But I wasn't really ready to get back together with Goofy yet, and... well, I guess you don't remember how that goes anymore.

NINO: No! Not really!

CLARABELLE: Well, it's complicated. But anyway, you were there, and you were such a good listener! It was a party, you know. But that was back when you were a lot younger! In fact, I think it was your first real Toontown party, and...

NINO: Wait. Was this at Roger and Jessica's house?

CLARABELLE: Huh? Oh! Yes, of course you would remember them. I almost forgot they're Toontown-native! Yes, it was.

NINO: Oh. Oh! Shit, I uhh... I don't really know what to say! I mean, I usually just kind of talk and let words come out anyway, but this is... I mean, you know. Because it's starting to sound like you were, well... Anyway, I'm sorry! I'm really, really sorry that I can't remember you! I mean, it's not my fault. I don't really know what happened, but I actually had been wondering why I couldn't remember that specific detail about my life!

CLARABELLE: Yeah, well. Now you know.

This might be the single most awkward conversation in my entire life! I mean, I don't have any reason NOT to believe that she was the first person I ever slept with! She's cute and all, but it sounds like we were actually friends, and I feel really, really, REALLY guilty that I can't remember anything about her at all! Like, seriously, what the fuck is wrong with me? This is weird, guys. Like, really weird! What am I even supposed to say to her?

>There's a mark where the bullet wound was. It looks corrupted. I suppose that this explains that, as well.
Well there we go. Almost keeping the same secret from each other.

>You know, Nina, I think we should go ask Mickey about this corruption. Maybe we can find some way to cure it?
While part of me thinks that helping people can't be any harder than it is to help cure entire realities, I wouldn't expect him to have easy answers. He wouldn't be acting the way he was if he thought this would be easily resolved.

Of course, he has tended to lay things on rather more heavily than was necessary in the past. His being gloomy or cautious isn't really out of the ordinary.

>Nino, what say
Okay, first check, is this actually some kind of freaky amnesia-thing and not you just being uncomfortable because you forgot someone in your past? A person you meant a lot more to than they meant to you? I mean, plain old cruel selective memory is a good deal more common than reality-hopping mind-wipes.

Assuming the amnesia angle: just roll with it. You remember feeling happy that you got Nina back? Well, you just got back a friend you didn't even know you lost. And she's apparently glad to see you, and she was there for another friend of yours when you couldn't be.

>I don't know. Shouldn't Nino be a part of this?
I think we should have everyone there at an important discussion like that. When we do talk to him, if he still won't tell us we might at least get him to say why we wont tell us.

Bumping this to keep it out of the graveyard. I'm certainly not ready to give up on it yet!

[Nina & Rita]: You might want to wait for Nino, I mean this conversation you are planning sounds very important. So wait for him a bit, I believe he should be joining you shorty.

[Nino]: This is so heavy stuff man, I think you should step back from this, a lot of things have happened in a short amount of time. You need to digest what you know now and keep moving, like it or not there are a lot more people who need you right now.

Girls just leave him, nino has other things to do right now.

Nina, Nino, & Rita 2015/01/08(Thu)11:54 No. 618891 ID: a32d59
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>>584430
>>599025
No way, Dude! I don't forget my friends like that. I mean, you know, not on purpose or anything! Besides, it sounds like we were super-close, and I know that something happened to my memories. Even Uncle Remus said so!

NINO: I'm really, really sorry, Clarabelle! You seem super-cool, and I'm really glad that you were there for Nina while Rita and I took care of Neverland. I can't remember you right now, though. It's not because I don't want to! It's some kinda weird crazy magic shit, you know?

CLARABELLE: ...I guess?

NINO: What I'm trying to say is, I wanna get to know you all over again! And maybe I'll even be able to remember you after we're done saving the mutliverse. But for right now, I'm actually super-busy. Plus, it looks like Nina and Rita need me right now. They're kinda looking at us.

CLARABELLE: I understand. I'll let you get back to whatever you're doing for the big mouse in charge. Well, if you're ever in the neighborhood, look me up.

She gives me a small wave and heads out of the kitchen, and I hear the front door open and close. I guess she's gone. Welp. That was certainly a thing that just happened!

>>584574
Perfect timing! It looks like Nino's done talking to Clarabelle. That felt like it took a long time. I don't think it actually did, though. I don't think more than a minute's passed. But something isn't quite right. I don't know if the others noticed it, but time seems a little off, for some reason. Oh, well. I don't think it's anything too important.

NINA: What was that all about?

NINO: Oh! Hehehe, nothing! It wasn't about anything. Why would it even be about anything?

He looks a bit troubled, but I don't think he wants to talk about it.

NINA: Really?

NINO: Yeah. Just, you know... personal things? Like... the kind of thing you wouldn't actually want me to tell you about, even if I did want to talk about it, and I kinda don't, because I've lost a crap ton of my memories apparently and it's super-uncomfortable?

NINA: ...Oh.

Nina turns redder than a tomato. I definitely feel like I'm missing something here, but I don't really have time to ask. Besides, we've kinda got bigger fish to fry.

RITA: Alright. So, now that we've got our whole party together again, let's go ask Mickey about the corruption.

NINA: An excellent idea, Rita.

I don't know what the girls were talking about, but it must have worked! It looks like they're getting along and stuff! Yay!

When we return to the living room, Mickey's sitting on the sofa, along with Minnie and Daisy. A boy I've never seen before with messy, black hair is slouching in a recliner with his legs over one arm, playing with his phone. The mice and duck look at us, then at the boy, then back again. Something weird is definitely going on, but I'm really not sure what.

MICKEY: So, I guess you're off to save another world, right?

NINA: Actually, Mickey, there was something we wanted to ask you first.

MICKEY: ...Okay.

NINA: The assistants were wondering if there was any way to cure my corruption.

RITA: I know they proposed specifically the idea that, if Nina dies in a pure world, the purity would override the corruption.

NINO: Which totally make sense! Good triumphs over evil, right?

RITA: Exactly, Nino!

MICKEY: Well... It makes sense in theory. But it won't work.

NINA: Why not?

MICKEY: For the same reason that we can't allow passage between worlds in the multiverse until everything's been purified! There's a possibility of recontamination.

NINO: Whoa, whoa, back up! Does that mean that if Nina dies in a world that we've already fixed, it could mess it up all over again!?

MICKEY: I never said that.

MINNIE: I think Mickey just doesn't want to take that chance.

DAISY: Besides, Nina's already been through enough dying once. Would you really want her to have to go through it again?

Nina's eyes widen, and her hand moves to her chest.

NINA: If it would fix me, then wouldn't it be worth it?

MICKEY: But it won't, Nina.

Suddenly, the boy looks up from his phone, as if concerned about the topic of conversation.

???: What's even happening?

MINNIE: We're just discussing the corruption of the multiverse with three of our chosen heroes. Remember, Hiro? We told you about them.

The boy just nods and goes back to playing with his phone.

NINA: Is he another refugee, like the queen and princess who were here last time?

MICKEY: Yes.

The boy, Hiro, gives a little half-wave, but doesn't seem terribly interested in any of this.

RITA: And you told him all about us, in just the minute or two that we were all in the kitchen?

Mickey looks a little cagey, if you ask me. This is weird.

MICKEY: We did. Now, please. Go and purify the next world. There are still so many left to go, and time is of the essence.

Alright, then. I suppose we really should do as the mouse says. Besides, the sooner we finish saving the multiverse, the sooner we can take care of the refugees, and return home ourselves.

Wooo, adventure time! Anything we should take care of before we move on?

Something here is really bothering me, but I'm not sure how important it is. We could just keep moving forward, I guess. Maybe it'll be relevant later.

Hrm. Not sure what Rita's sensing here...
But if I had to guess? That kid- his name is Hiro, and he's probably the source, as in, like Anna and Elsa from earlier... But then again, he tends toward being proactive I think, so I dunno for sure...

The time will come when we can help the guy, for now you need to keep moving.
Rita: you are probably feeling the every expanding story, I'm guessing not everything is as Mickey tells it. Leave it for the moment, I don't think there is much that can be done right now.

Before we go, maybe we can ask Micky if he can tell us why he needs to keep some things secret?

Nina, Nino, & Rita 2015/01/09(Fri)03:20 No. 619031 ID: a32d59
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>>618896
Hmm.... No, I really don't think it's coming from him. At least, it doesn't seem to be. Whatever it is, I think it's on a bigger scale. Not sure what that means, though.

Whoa, is she sensing stuff? Her powers are super-cool! She's like some kinda magic psychic person or something!

What exactly are you talking about?

>>618909
Yeah, that sounds plausible. Oh well, I reckon it's not that big of a deal. Besides, if there's nothing we can do about it, then there's no sense in wasting an awful lot of worry over nothing.

>>618948
NINA: I still don't quite understand why exactly you need to keep so many things secret from us, Mickey.

Mickey looks mildly uncomfortable, as if he's debating with himself internally.

MICKEY: For one thing, we don't know exactly how any of this is happening. You'll get better information from other sources.

NINO: Other sources? But I thought you were the big cheese around here!

DAISY: He is. But it's complicated.

MICKEY: Don't worry. The Storyteller will call you again when he has more to say.

Oh, wow! Rita looks super-excited. I guess he's kind of a big deal to her, huh?

This is so frustrating! I suppose that he just doesn't want to tell us. Still, I'm sure we'll find out everything we need to eventually.

NINA: Well, if that's the case, then it doesn't seem as though we have anything to gain from staying here.

Nina heads upstairs and returns with her backpack, broomstick, and rifle on her back. The two mice and the duck wave bid us goodbye as we all take each other's hands, and Nina uses her magic ring.

We seem to be in a small room, with five doors against one wall. Over each door is a screen: two blank, and the other three each bearing one of our faces. A familiar voice comes from the speaker in the ceiling.

MINNIE: This is a pre-recorded message. This world requires that you change your shape. Our automated system will allow for the most pleasant possible transformation experience. If each of you would report to your designated changing room, we'll get the process started.

NINO: Oh boy! I can't wait to see what kinda super-cool things we get to be this time! I hope I can be a monkey again!

And just like that, the doors slide open, and Nino dashes into the one under his own image.

RITA: What on earth?

NINA: Don't worry, you'll get used to it. This is the third time I've been here. Just follow the instructions on your terminal, and you'll be fine.

And now Nina's gone, too. Oh, well. When in Rome, I guess! I head into my own room.

Inside, there's a computer terminal against one wall, and a closet with empty hangars, and a small chest with a sign on it that says "Jewelry and other miscellany." A small sign says, "Rita, please keep your handkerchief on your neck. Deposit all other items, and they will quickly be returned to you upon your return to your human form. Thanks!"

So... it looks like we really will be shape-shifting after all! Neat!

I take off my clothes and leave them in the closet, putting my earrings in the tiny chest. Suddenly, the terminal springs to life and, another pre-recorded message starts.

DAISY: Hello, Rita. This message has been pre-recorded. After depositing your items, please select one of the following forms.

The screen displays two images: a mouse and a bluebird. This is going to be pretty interesting. I'd be lying if I said I weren't a little nervous about it, but I guess I've just gotta roll with whatever happens.

Oh, no. I see the clothes closet is back. I suppose there's no keeping my items this time, is there? There's the same little sign as before, instructing me to keep my ring. The terminal switches on, and the same messages plays that played in the world with the Windigos. I place my rifle and broomstick on their respective racks, and my clothes in the closet. This time, there are only two choices on the terminal. It looks like... a bird and a mouse? The question is, which one should I choose?

Whoa, there's a closet this time! The computer thingy turns on again, and Daisy's voice comes out.

DAISY: Hello, Nino. This message has been pre-recorded. After depositing your items, please select one of the following forms.

Depositing my items? Wait, does that include my bag? Oh, no! What'll I do without my props? Oh, well. I leave my clothes in the closet, but I leave my ponytail holder in, since the sign says "Nino, please keep your hair in a ponytail. Deposit all other items, and they will quickly be returned to you upon your return to your human form. Thanks!" That's pretty good! I like my ponytail!

When I go over to the screen, though, there are just two big buttons instead of a keyboard. It looks like I only get to choose between a mouse and a bird. Oooh, those are both pretty neat choices! Uhhh.... I don't know which one I should pick!

Nino you should choose mouse, Rita and Nina you two should be birds.

>What exactly are you talking about?
Rita noticed things don't seem to quite sync up when we're there. Mickey's apparent conversation in the other room seemed to wrap up too quick, and Nino's uncomfortable conversation seemed bigger on the inside (longer for him than for outside observers).

It could be some weird property of that universe (conversational relativity?) or something more deliberate (making sure you have enough time to talk before you're interrupted strikes me as very convenient for someone as secret prone as Mikey).

Our problem remains that we have too little information to draw conclusions, and Mikey and his cohorts are largely unwilling to enlighten us. It would be really helpful if we could find some other reliable source of multiversal knowledge in our travels.

>shapes
In case you're wondering, all three of you were given the same choice.

I'd guess we'd want at least one person in each shape, as they have different advantages.

Nina, I'd suggest your taking on wings. You've already got flight experience (if by another means), which should help.

Nino, you probably want to go mouse. You'd still have hands (sort of) which would facilitate your abilities better, even if you're limited to what you have on-site to work with rather than props.

Rita, I don't see as strong a bias for, although I suppose their is a storyteller archetype associated with birds. (Plus, two birds might be able to carry one mouse, if needed. One bird carrying two mice is less likely).

>mice and birds
...here's hoping you don't suddenly feel like eating each other on the other side.

>>619048
Supporting this choice of forms.

>For one thing, we don't know exactly how any of this is happening. You'll get better information from other sources.
So he won't tell us why he is keeping secrets; that is bad news (though on the positive side he seems to be evading rather than outright lying). I think that means that either the enemy gains some advantage from us knowing about it or that he thinks that if we knew too much about the plan at this point we would not go through with it. We don't currently have any viable options other than continuing as before though, since we can't just not save worlds.

Hrrm. Aside from him being stressed/painful options...How, exactly, is he locking these realms?

And yeah, Bird Rita&Nina, along with mouse Nino.

Nina, Nino, & Rita 2015/01/18(Sun)17:34 No. 620991 ID: a32d59
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>>619058
You're right. Best thing to do is just keep on going, and hope we figure out just what's going on around here soon enough.

>>619037
>>619048
>>619068
I press the button with the picture of the bird, and the pre-recorded voice plays again.

DAISY: You have selected BIRD. Is that correct?

So, I tap the green button.

DAISY: Remain still.

A beam of light comes out of the computer terminal and begins to scan my body and... whoa. I can feel myself shrinking down, little purple feathers bursting out of my skin. It doesn't hurt, but it feels so strange! My lips lengthening, hardening into a beak, my arms transfigured into wings. I give them a little flap, and find that I easily lift off from the ground.

DAISY: You are now a bird. Prepare to enter the next world.

The terminal slides out of the way to reveal a vast, dark portal. I guess it's not actually all that vast, though. I'm just really, really small! I flutter through it to the other side. Flying really isn't that hard. Maybe I got the instincts to go with my new body, too? I don't know, but I figure it kinda does make some sense.

I repeat the exact same procedure from the last two times that I've done this, turning into a little red bird. It's funny how something so extraordinary can become normal, after you've done it enough. It is strange to be so much smaller, though, even smaller than when I was a Fox! My ring has shifted to my ankle, where I can use it easily with the claw of the opposite foot. The control panel is still on the side of my head, though. I suppose it doesn't transform along with me, under any circumstances!

I fly through the portal.

Okay, okay, I remember exactly how this works! Hit the mouse button, hit the green button, turn into a mouse! Whoa! I'm super super super tiny! Everything in the room looks so big!

I dash through the big hole, and there are these two birds on the other side! I guess that's Rita and Nina!

So, it looks as though were all on a windowsill or something. On the one side, there's a long way down, looking over a bunch of trees and pretty little European-style homes. Maybe 18th century? Yeah, let's go with that. On the other side is a very small, simple room. At least, it looks like it'd be small for a human. To me, it looks pretty big. Anyway, this is definitely a classic fairy tale. Very structured, very archetypal. Hopefully that means that purifying this world is gonna be easy!

NINA: Peep, peep. Chirp-chirp peep?

NINO: Huh?

RITA: Chirp chirp chirp, peep. Cheep cheep chirp cheep peep.

NINO: What?

NINA: Peep, peep peep chirp?

NINO: Sorry-sorry, but... What?

RITA: Chirp?

NINO: Rop-a chirping, Ninanina! Rop-a chirping, Ritarita!

NINA: Chirp chirp peep, cheep.

RITA: Chirp chirp chirp, peep. Chirp chirp peep cheep cheep cheep!

WHY WON'T THEY TALK TO ME!? And why the heck is everything I'm trying to say coming out SUPER-wrong!?

This is ridiculous. Why is Nino talking like that, and why on earth is he so confused? Rita and I can understand each other just fine! It seems as though this world is going to be rather difficult...

Alright, so I can understand Nina, Nina can understand me, Nino can't understand either of us, and he's talking really weird. Can you understand what we're saying? I'm not actually sure if that's relevant or not, though, since you can actually hear our thoughts...

Haha, whoops. Apparently bird and mouse are different languages, here. Odd. In the wendigo world we had different kinds of animals talking fine.

Sorry, Nino. Didn't mean to leave you the odd one out. We can still hear you guys when you talk to us though, so we can relay messages around the language barrier.

Birds can talk to each other in bird, and mice appear to have a vocal handicap but can still get the point across to birds. If either of the girls want to give Nino a message they will have to do so through us.
Also Nino you are now a mouse and i'm willing to bet that humans aren't going to be found of you. You need to find other mice, so look around the room for a mouse hole. Also be on guard, i believe there is a cat in this house.

So birds can speak mouse but mice cannot speak bird, and speaking mouse sounds weird. Perhaps the language barrier thing will be part of some social allegory theme.
Anyway, lets start looking around. Is Rita picking up anything yet on her story senses?