Lock walks into the livingroom as Kaz looks over.
"Hey Lock." Luna waves with a smile
"Hey," Lock waves, not noticing Kaz yet. Cole walks in behind Lock and snickers to himself. "Whats so funny?"
"Oh, nothing," Cole walks over to the couch and leans on the wall next to it. Lock glances at the room and locks eyes with Kaz. Kaz smiles and gives a nod. Lock stays, there staring. Cole watches Kaz and Lock with a careful eye.
Lock's hair raises some.
"Hello?"
Kaz tilts his head slightly
Cole snickers to himself and looks away, "I'll stop staring for a second." Lock runs face first into the closed front door rather painfully before quickly opening it and darting outside. Kaz sighs. Cole says, "Oop, that looked like it hurt"
"What the heck was that about?" Luna asks.
Cole shrugs, "Who knows, maybe Kaz does?"
"Hm. I guess." Luna turns to Kaz, out of curiosity, "So um... do you know why Lock is seemingly scared of you? I mean other than being revived by this dude over here."
"If anything I should have been the scared one." Kaz sighs, "I would go talk to her but Id rather not run myself to death"
Luna pauses, looking thoughtful. "Why would you be scared of Lock? She's... I dunno, small."
"Puntable," Cole yawns.
"Are you aware of hadals?" Kaz asks.
"Yeah," Cole says, "Still puntable"
"Of course... ohh right right. Alters." Luna sighs.
"Are you aware of failed alters?" Kaz asks.
"The glitchy looking mascot things?" Luna asks.
"No, the action." Kaz says, "I dont know what youre on about"
"Um, I mean I've heard of them, but I've never understood what it meant." Luna says.
"I have heard they can used for murder," Cole says.
"And you wouldnt be wrong," Kaz replies.
Cole giggles, "Good"
Luna is thinking it over, but confused. "Wait, I'm confused. How can a failed alter be used for murder? Unless it's purposefully failed?"
Melody walks in and sits on the floor. She looks to Kaz, "You're new."
"That I am," Kaz says. Cole snaps, as Melody feels the poppy chip disappearing. It appears in Cole's hand and he puts it in his pocket.
Melody pauses, the memory of her death flooding back as she stares at the floor in shock and terror. Cole watches with a careful eye. She starts sobbing and holding her head. Kade enters, casually. Sort of looking on at the commotion. Cole is just watching Melody with a close eye and a hand in his pocket. Mel's just sitting on the floor and crying her eyes out. Kade goes over and starts to hug her. She flinches at first but accepts it and hugs him back, sobbing into him. He just keeps the hug going, petting her back softly.
"N-no one is answering-" She whispers, panicking.
"Answering..?" Kade asks.
"I-in the chat thing," Melody cries.
Cole motions to Kaz to follow him as he walks to the kitchen. Kaz nods and gets up as he follows. Kade continues hugging Melody.
Asphodel walks in and over to Melody, "Hey.. you okay?"
She shakes her head no, "I-I remember dying and no ones answering me-"
"...oh." Asphodel looks down for a second, before holding her hand out. "Wanna come on a walk with me? We can talk about it if you'd like, but we don't have to. I know you like taking walks with me. It could help you feel better."
Melody sobs and takes Asphodel's hand, looking to Kade. "Come with?"
Kade looks between them, "If you'd like, I don't mind staying back either way!"
"Come,," She extends a hand to him. He nods and takes it.
"Wanna go to that playground? Maybe the firepit? Wherever you want," Asphodel puts a hand on Mel's shoulder, and speaks softly.
"P-playground..."
Asphodel nods, "Whenever you're ready."
"Im ready now,,"
"Alright," Asphodel softly takes Melody's hand and starts to walk out the door. Melody follows and looks to make sure Kade's following.
---
Asphodel leads Melody and Kade back to the playground, and up to the portion that Asphodel, Melody, and Smores sat at that one time. Melody holds her head with her free hand as if it hurts. Kade follows along, taking a good look around. Asphodel places her bag down at her side and sits, waiting for the other two to do the same.
"Head hurts..." Melody sits in Asphodel's lap. Kade sits down nearby. Asphodel holds Melody close, petting her. She takes a bottle of water from her bag and hands it to Melody, "Here, it'll soothe your head"
"Im gonna die again..." Melody takes it and sips it
"No you're not, I'm not letting you die ever again," she whispers, gently rocking Melody side to side.
Melody whimpers and sobs. "Bad memories...."
"You'll be okay, you're with me now, I won't let anyone hurt you.." Asphodel leans in and whispers, "Do you think you can be brave for me? Make it through this?"
"I cant I cant- they killed mama-"
"I know dear, I know, but she's safe now, you're safe, you're both in such good, safe places," Asphodel says softly, "I'm sure you'll see eachother again soon"
"I dunno i dunno i dunno-" she sobs.
"Be sure to breathe, alright? In and out." Kade says.
She tries to do so!
"Do you want me to sing to you?" Asphodel asks softly, holding Melody
Melody nods. "Pleeb..."
Asphodel begins rocking her softly again, singing Where'd All The Time Go. Meanwhile, Kade slinks away to deal with something in Wrath...