April 12, 2022

Drew pops in in a flash of gold light, and plops down on the floor. "Sup nerds?"

"Hey." Luna says.

“Sup Drew." Cole says.

“And the gang’s all here.” Spider sighs.

“Yep.” Knight says.

“Uhuh.” Cole says.

"Mhm." Luna says.

Cole is side-eyeing Spider slightly.

"Why do I feel like bad stuff happens when we're all together?" Drew asks.

“Just bad luck I guess.” Cole responds.

"Because that's our terrible luck." Luna says.

“Cause it does.” Spider says.

“Who knows.” Knight says.

"Anyway, with my transformation, I got some new powers to try." Luna says.

“Oh?" Spider asks.

"...Like?" Orpheus asks.

"Elemental sword augmentation." Luna responds.

“Sick.” Spider says.

“Oooooh.” Knight responds.

Kade remains peering into the living room. "Sounds fun."

"That's a pretty funny way of saying enchanted sword." Orpheus says.

"Basically, I can imbue my sword here with lightning, fire, and ice. Just requires a little bit of mana." Luna explains. "Yes, that is basically what it is. But my way is cooler."

"Sounds like Minecraft but with extra steps.” Cole says.

"Bane of Arthropods 2!" Orpheus exclaims.

“Fire Aspect 3!” Knight says.

"Hell yeah!" Says Luna.

Cole giggles.

"Nerds." Kade comments.

“The worst one.” Spider chuckles but there's a slight rise in temperature.

"Sounds like a story I wrote once." Drew says.

"Oh please, I’m not a nerd. I don't even own a website!” Cole says.

Orpheus snickers and gestures to Kade. "Alright Mr. I guzzle water down after tearing the bottle open with my teeth."

"Yeah, could you imagine what colegensone.com would be like?" Drew says.

“Oh yeah! I forgot that happened.” Knight says.

"No, I couldn't.” Cole snickers.

"I bet graphic design is his passion." Orpheus says.

"Rude!" Kade exclaims.

"I’m not one for fancy designs.” Cole replies.

"I bet if you got an engraved pistol you'd bawl your eyes out." Orpheus responds.

“Okay, fine, maybe.” Cole grumbles.

"So place your bets everyone, how long do you reckon till something goes wrong?" Spider asks.

"Eleven minutes?" Luna guesses.

"10 minutes." Orpheus smirks.

"I agree with Orph, I’m gonna say 10 minutes.” Cole says.

"I'm giving it 5.” Says Spider.

“Let’s not bet on this, it’ll probably make it happen.” Knight says.

"It’s gonna happen anyways.” Spider says.

"Nah, ten’s a nice round number.” Drew says.

“May as well have fun with it.” Spider says.

Cole giggles. “Round."

"I'm honestly looking forward to it." Luna says.

“Well, Anything is better than boredom.” Knight responds.

"Did you know axes designed for warfare range from 1 pound to 7 pounds?" Orpheus asks.

“Yes." Cole responds.

“Yep.” Knight says.

“Yes." Luna says.

"I did not." Kade responds.

"Yep." Spider says.

Orpheus smiles at Kade.

"Did you know that Master Chief hasn't worn a maid outfit yet?" Cole asks.

Kade looks back at Orpheus. “What."

Claire wakes up, looking at everyone, "Oh, it's a party in here isn't it?”

“A little bit.” Cole responds.

“Yep, I should’ve made a cake.” Knight says.

"Unfortunately yes it is, Claire.” Spider says.

Orpheus looks at Claire. "Did you know"

"Did I know what, funny deer boy?" Claire smirks.

"Master Chief hasn’t worn a maid outfit yet." Luna says. "But he will. In 5."

"4.” Cole says.

“3." Luna says.

"2.” Claire says.

“1." Cole finishes.

"..." Kade looks around. "..So?"

Orpheus reads off the Wikipedia article about solar eclipses.

"Fascinating!" Claire exclaims.

“Amazing.” Cole says.

“Nice.” Knight says.

“That's nice, Orpheus.” Spider sighs.

"A solar eclipse occurs when a portion of the Earth is engulfed in a shadow cast by the Moon which fully or partially blocks sunlight. This occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned. Such alignment coincides with a new moon (syzygy) indicating the Moon is closest to the ecliptic plane. In a total eclipse, the disk of the Sun is fully obscured by the Moon. In partial and annular eclipses, only part of the Sun is obscured.

If the Moon were in a perfectly circular orbit, a little closer to the Earth, and in the same orbital plane, there would be total solar eclipses every new moon. However, since the Moon's orbit is tilted at more than 5 degrees to the Earth's orbit around the Sun, its shadow usually misses Earth. A solar eclipse can occur only when the Moon is close enough to the ecliptic plane during a new moon. Special conditions must occur for the two events to coincide because the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic at its orbital nodes twice every draconic month (27.212220 days) while a new moon occurs one every synodic month (29.53059 days). Solar (and lunar) eclipses therefore happen only during eclipse seasons resulting in at least two, and up to five, solar eclipses each year; no more than two of which can be total eclipses."

"Total eclipses are rare because the timing of the new moon within the eclipse season needs to be more exact for an alignment between the observer (on Earth) and the centers of the Sun and Moon. In addition, the elliptical orbit of the Moon often takes it far enough away from Earth that its apparent size is not large enough to block the Sun entirely. Total solar eclipses are rare at any particular location because totality exists only along a narrow path on the Earth's surface traced by the Moon's full shadow or umbra.

An eclipse is a natural phenomenon. However, in some ancient and modern cultures, solar eclipses were attributed to supernatural causes or regarded as bad omens. A total solar eclipse can be frightening to people who are unaware of its astronomical explanation, as the Sun seems to disappear during the day and the sky darkens in a matter of minutes.

Since looking directly at the Sun can lead to permanent eye damage or blindness, special eye protection or indirect viewing techniques are used when viewing a solar eclipse. It is safe to view only the total phase of a total solar eclipse with the unaided eye and without protection. This practice must be undertaken carefully, though the extreme fading of the solar brightness by a factor of over 100 times in the last minute before totality makes it obvious when totality has begun and it is for that extreme variation and the view of the solar corona that leads people to travel to the zone of totality (the partial phases span over two hours while the total phase can last only a maximum of 7.5 minutes for any one location and is usually less). People referred to as eclipse chasers or umbraphiles will travel even to remote locations to observe or witness predicted central solar eclipses."

"Oh." Luna casually sets her sword aflame cause it's funny.

“Those are…words.” Knight says.

"I found it pretty interesting!" Orpheus exclaims.

“Right.” Spider says,

“He got that from Wikipedia The Free Online Encyclopedia that anyone can edit.” Cole says.

Claire claps.

"It is! They're very pretty I believe." Kade says. "THE Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia anyone can edit?!"

"YEAH the one that black mesa hosts!” Cole says.

Harmonia snaps out of spacing out and looks around, still hugging Spider. “Oh shit, everyone’s here.”

“Why does Black Mesa host Wikipedia?” Knight asks.

"In winemaking, there are distinctions made between ambient yeasts which are naturally present in wine cellars, vineyards and on the grapes themselves (sometimes known as a grape's "bloom" or "blush") and cultured yeast which are specifically isolated and inoculated for use in winemaking. The most common genera of wild yeasts found in winemaking include Candida, Klöckera/Hanseniaspora, Metschnikowiaceae, Pichia and Zygosaccharomyces. Wild yeasts can produce high-quality, unique-flavored wines; however, they are often unpredictable and may introduce less desirable traits to the wine, and can even contribute to spoilage. Few yeast, and lactic and acetic acid bacterial colonies naturally live on the surface of grapes, but traditional wine makers, particularly in Europe, advocate use of ambient yeast as a characteristic of the region's terroir; nevertheless, many winemakers prefer to control fermentation with predictable cultured yeast. The cultured yeasts most commonly used in winemaking belong to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (also known as "sugar yeast") species. Within this species are several hundred different strains of yeast that can be used during fermentation to affect the heat or vigor of the process and enhance or suppress certain flavor characteristics of the varietal. The use of different strains of yeasts is a major contributor to the diversity of wine, even among the same grape variety. Alternative, non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yeasts are being used more prevalently in the industry to add greater complexity to wine. After a winery has been in operation for a number of years, few yeast strains are actively involved in the fermentation process. The use of active dry yeasts reduces the variety of strains that appear in spontaneous fermentation by outcompeting those strains that are naturally present."

"The addition of cultured yeast normally occurs with the yeast first in a dried or "inactive" state and is reactivated in warm water or diluted grape juice prior to being added to the must. To thrive and be active in fermentation, the yeast needs access to a continuous supply of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus as well as access to various vitamins and minerals. These components are naturally present in the grape must but their amount may be corrected by adding nutrients to the wine, in order to foster a more encouraging environment for the yeast. Newly formulated time-release nutrients, specifically manufactured for wine fermentations, offer the most advantageous conditions for yeast. Oxygen is needed as well, but in wine making, the risk of oxidation and the lack of alcohol production from oxygenated yeast requires the exposure of oxygen to be kept at a minimum.

Upon the introduction of active yeasts to the grape must, phosphates are attached to the sugar and the six-carbon sugar molecules begin to be split into three-carbon pieces and go through a series of rearrangement reactions. During this process, the carboxylic carbon atom is released in the form of carbon dioxide with the remaining components becoming acetaldehyde. The absence of oxygen in this anaerobic process allows the acetaldehyde to be eventually converted, by reduction, to ethanol. During the conversion of acetaldehyde, a small amount is converted, by oxidation, to acetic acid which, in excess, can contribute to the wine fault known as volatile acidity (vinegar taint). After the yeast has exhausted its life cycle, they fall to the bottom of the fermentation tank as sediment known as lees Yeast ceases its activity whenever all of the sugar in must has been converted into other chemicals or whenever the alcohol content has reached 15% alcohol per unit volume; a concentration strong enough to halt the enzymatic activity of almost all strains of yeast." Orpheus says.

"Oh." Luna says.

"Can you not?" Spider asks,

“Amazing.” Cole says.

“What the fuck.” Says Harmonia.

"Is this still about solar eclipses or?" Kade asks.

Luna turns her sword's flames off.

"Spider it's autism month you're legally obligated to listen to him infodump about his hyperfixations.” Claire says.

“What.” Harmonia says.

Orpheus looks at Spider and shrugs. "I was given unlimited access to the internet, what else am I supposed to do- HEY." He gives Claire a defeated look.

Spider sighs as the temperature rises a few more degrees, it's definitely noticeable to Harmonia now.

"That's the vocal equivalent of a wall of text and my ADHD won't let me focus that long, sorry." Drew says.

Cole bursts out laughing.

Harmonia unhugs Spider. “Jeez girl, you’re warm-“

Orpheus crosses his arms and looks away, embarrassed. "This fucking sucks."

“So does a vacuum.” Cole says.

Claire glares at Spider with a smile that only speaks rage.

“It was really cool!” Knight says to Orpheus.

"Feel free to feed me wikipedia articles anytime." Kade says.

Orpheus sighs but does give a small smile to Kade.

Harmonia flaps her wings and sits on the floor.

Spider gives Claire the same smile, her sharp canines just showing with the smile.

Drew looks at the ceiling curiously.

Luna just sits on the couch.

Roxy appears on the arm of the couch, with a slight crackle of distortion.

She's holding a camera, but it’s not hers. "Hey gang.”

“Hi.” Harmonia says.

“Hey?” Knight says.

“Hey.” Spider says.

"Sup Rox. Long time no see." Luna comments.

“No.” Cole says.

Orpheus hides behind Kade.

“Nice camera.” Knight says.

"Oh hey Roxy, where've you been?" Claire asks.

Kade accepts this. "Oh."

Cole stares at the camera.

"Yeah I've been fuckin. Watching the stuff on the camera and like." Roxy shifts uncomfortably. "I dunno. I feel like I have to upload it because it's what Jeremy wanted but like... it's a little fucked up!"

“Oh.” Knight says.

"How so?" Spider asks.

"Oh, still mulling over that, huh?" Claire says.

“What is it and who’s Jeremy?” Harmonia asks.

"I'm shocked Jeremy never ate that camera." Luna says.

“What?” Cole responds.

"WHat???" Orpheus says.

"I thought his name was Jimmy." Drew says.

“Heh?” Knight says.

“No, Jesse was the one we told to eat the camera.” Harmonia explains.

"I thought it was Himmy?" Cole jokes.

"Oh." Luna says.

"Well. Okay for starters, Jimmy Cicadaman, Mr Ceramic'd Cicadas, kid being stalked by the rake or whatever. I'm weird about uploading it because like. He kinda gets fuckin. Killed by Abaddon in it I think??" Roxy says.

"Oh." Claire says.

"I'm sorry?" Spider responds.

“Oh.” Harmonia says.

"Oh." Luna says.

"Big fucking yikes." Orpheus says.

“Uh.” Harmonia says.

The temperature around Spider rises again.

"L.” Cole says.

Harmonia puts a hand over her death void on her stomach.

"Yeah So Like. I dunno if uploading it is a good idea or not?" Roxy looks at Claire.

Claire looks to Roxy as well. "I say upload it. His channel's gone, and all the people following your little show who remember him are probably all freaked out about where he is." She pauses. "Or don't. I mean, it's not like there's a reason to."

"I kinda want to just so he can be remembered- also, what do you mean by 'little show' what's with that?” Roxy asks.

"Oh, it's just, you're always recording and documenting every little thing, y’know? That's not exactly needed. I mean, who's gonna see it, to be honest?" Claire shrugs, looking back at the floor. "I mean, hey, do whatever feels right."

“Leave her alone, Claire.” Spider says.

"That's what they said about Omni Pie, yet I know people have read it and used it." Luna says.

“I mean, I think it’s worth it, just to have a record of what's happened,” Cole says.

“I don't think it’s fair to knock someone's coping mechanism… I mean it seems healthy.” Harmonia says.

“Yeah.” Knight agrees.

"??????? Ok, first of all, I literally do that because if this goes as she planned then no one’s gonna remember this ever happened so I'm recording for proof? Also, who are you to say anything about making stuff during the apocalypse? I've seen you re-adding the Facts after I deleted them." Roxy says.

"I'm making the Facts for the safety of the R053s, something you compromised by deleting the Facts. They're there for a reason. Mine aren't harmful." Claire explains.

"Okay??? They'll still cause issues, like. What happens when a R053 goes near some fir trees or something? They'll be convinced they have one growing in their lungs!" Roxy says.

"Not how that works, Roxanne." Claire says.

"I mean brainwashing is brainwashing, you never know,” Orpheus responds.

"Okay??? Still. I don't think making people believe things No Matter What is a good thing to do.” Roxy pauses. “Yeah, what Orpheus said.”

“How can you wash someone's brain?" Cole asks.

"Propaganda, Cole." Orpheus responds.

“Ohhh, I know a lot about that.” Cole says.

“Yeah, it’s not pretty.” Knight says.

"Indeed." Luna says.

"I think it's pretty funny.” Cole says.

"It's not brainwashing, it's literally just. Okay, listen, Roxy? By deleting the Facts you made it so that R053s believed they could do things that they literally cannot, and I know it's resulted in at least a few deaths." Claire explains.

"That's just how people are??" Orpheus responds.

"What part of the world revolving slowly and not getting any bitches killed anyone?" Luna asks.

“That is just human nature.” Cole says.

“People do that a lot.” Knight says.

"Ok??? They're R053s, they're made to be used for obsession. If they die they die that's literally not my fault. I just made it so something like your little incident doesn't happen again." Roxy responds.

"...Okay, fair point." Claire says.

Spider sighs. "You two done squabbling yet?"

Harmonia looks anxious.

"I don't understand why you're not fuckin' grateful that I saved your life. If it wasn't for me, that Fact would have killed you. You wouldn't be here right now. Your body would, but you wouldn't." Roxy says to Claire.

"I am grateful but it's hard to express it when you're so immature about everything." Claire responds.

"She literally isn't being immature at all??" Orpheus responds.

“I think she is being more mature than you to be honest.” Cole mumbles.

“For once I agree with Cole.” Spider says.

“I agree with them both, Roxy isn’t being immature.” Knight says.

"Roxy is insanely immature at times but this ain't it, chief." Drew says.

"Roxy's not being immature at all." Luna says.

"I'm- Excuse me??? Claire. I think the fact that I saved someone who, mind you, is not supposed to exist, is proof that I'm fuckin' mature. I made the choice to save you. I told Lucille not to delete the virus that caused you back in 2019. But, no, I'm immature. Lmao." Roxy says.

"Oh, great, the thing you bring up in every argument! So what? I was born from a virus. Literally means nothing. Plus, I'm a R053 admin, you don't have permission to delete me, it's impossible." Claire says.

"Want me to fucking try right now?" Roxy looks dead fuckin serious.

“Roxy.” Harmonia says.

“Don’t???” Knight says.

“Let’s not do that.” Cole says.

"No, no, go right ahead." Claire smiles.

“Do not.” Harmonia says.

“Please don’t.” Knight says.

"Roxy don't fucking do it.” Cole says.

"Just don't." Luna says.

"Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should???" Orpheus looks at Cole, as if for an example.

“Roxy please don’t do this.” Knight says.

"She’s baiting you Rox, I wouldn't try it.” Spider says.

"That was one time, Orpheus. And Roxy, don't fucking do it.” Cole says.

"I was using you as a good example!! Like right now!!!" Orpheus sighs, muttering "Whatever!!".

Harmonia’s shaking.

Roxy takes out her phone and starts typing. Her breathing seems nervous.

Claire keeps smiling.

Harmonia attempts to grab the phone from Roxy.

"Roxy, I don't think this is a smart idea.” Cole says.

Roxy doesn't let go of her phone, pressing the send button on a text command prompt.

…

Nothing happens.

Harmonia’s shaking as her claws extend, trying to grab the phone.

“Thank god nothing happened.” Knight says.

“Starting to think that didn’t work.” Luna says.

"Huh, that was anticlimactic.” Cole says.

"Did you just try to fucking kill someone???" Orpheus stops hiding behind Kade, sounding shocked.

“Here we go…” Spider says.

"I mean like it didn't work, so I’m not too angry.” Cole says.

Roxy lets go of the phone. Purple distortion crackles all over her body. She doesn't say anything, but she does start to tear up a lil bit! Probably crocodile tears though.

Harmonia snatches the phone to see what’s on the screen.

Kade’s quiet and simply watching things occur.

“>DELETE R053-bc-012” Is on the screen.

"Ok, yeah. It didn't work. Good. But Christ almighty if that isn't the most petty reason to kill someone!"

“Eh, I’ve killed for less.” Cole says.

"You're also..." Orpheus gestures up and down at Cole. "You."

“Fair.” Cole says.

“Can we please all calm down?” Knight asks.

“Here’s the fucking moral high ground again.” Spider sighs.

"What moral high ground?" Cole asks.

Drew returns to staring at the ceiling.

Luna stays quiet. This is not her battle.

“Orpheus, not you.” Spider says to Cole.

"..Moral high ground when you were all asking her not to do it?" Kade asks.

Claire gets up, and walks over to Roxy. She's almost a foot shorter than Roxy, but looks up at her with the same smile on her face. She strikes Roxy across the face with the back of her hand. She doesn't say anything.

Orpheus glares at Spider. “Alright, Mrs. 'Edgy and Cool.' Shut your fucking mouth. There's no moral high ground. Roxy just tried to kill someone. Someone, ya know… Harmonia cares deeply about??? Jesus, I wonder where I've heard that befo-" He flinches and stops suddenly in his tracks, looking at Claire and Roxy.

Roxy looks down at Claire, her nose bleeding.

Harmonia just watches, shaking as she drops the phone.

Knight is just going to watch and try to keep his mouth shut.

Cole looks between Claire and Roxy, not really understanding what's happening.

Claire looks back at Roxy, but Roxy can only see Raine. That smug smile of his. Those warm memories. Ruined by Lucille. Ruined by R053. Ruined by Claire.

Spider rolls her eyes at Orpheus once again the temperature rises a few degrees.

The distortion begins to dissipate from Roxy's body, as she slowly becomes nothing but lines, and then nothing at all. She's gone.

“…what the fuck just happened?” Knight asks.

"Wha-“ Cole is staring where Roxy used to stand.

"I have absolutely no fucking idea." Luna says.

“Ok so now that's concerning.” Spider says.

"Well, now that that issue's been taken care of." Claire goes back to her place on the floor and sits.

"Disciplinary action...???" Orpheus guesses.

“C-Claire what just happened-“ Harmonia’s shaking really bad.

"Nothing of your concern," Claire smiles, staring at where Roxy once was.

Spider growls.

"At least you're not dead. Thank goodness for that Claire." Luna says.

“Don't say that- what just happened.” Harmonia’s voice gets more steady, demanding.

“Is Roxy dead??” Knight asks,

Cole is silent, still staring at where Roxy used to be.

"Roxy died on June 6, 2020, Knight.” Claire says.

"Roxy tried to kill Claire because she tested her authority is what I got??" Orpheus responds.

“Okay???” Knight says.

"Yes, that's essentially what happened.” Claire responds.

“Roxy's okay right? She just teleported?” Harmonia asks.

"Claire you're literally terrifying holy shit." Orpheus says.

"That's up to her." Claire responds.

“What does that mean.” Harmonia asks.

"Who knows!" Claire smiles.

"..." Spider's head tilts as she thinks, studying Claire.

“Claire don’t bullshit me right now-“ Harmonia says.

Luna feels a bit unnerved by that line.

"I.." Spider cuts herself off, shaking her head.

“Claire, What happened to Roxy?” Knight asks.

"She needed some alone time." Claire responds.

Cole's voice is quiet and slightly angry. “There’s a new fact.”

"...Claire, the hell does that fact mean?" Orpheus is looking at her.

"What the hell does that mean? Alone time?" Luna asks, looking at her phone.

"You skipped 9 facts just to post that one wh-???" Orpheus asks.

Harmonia is barely standing. She looks exhausted and terrified.

“What the fuck is happening?” Knight asks.

"Claire? What the fuck is that fun fact?" Luna asks.

"Not all Facts are Fun, Luna.” Claire says.

Luna feels a shiver go down her spine.

“Claire what the fuck?” Harmonia says.

Cole's eyes flicker purple for a second before returning to normal.

“Why did you tell her to try and kill you?” Harmonia asks Claire.

"Because I know she can't." Claire says.

"Because it was a trap you mean," Spider says. “Show her who's boss and all that bollocks.”

Claire smiles.

Cole whispers. "Wilted."

“That’s….Why?” Knight asks.

“Stop smiling! This isn't okay! Why are you smiling?!” Harmonia yells at Claire, tearing up.

"It will be," Claire turns to look at Harmonia, still smiling.

Luna nods to Cole, as if showing understanding. "Gods. What the hell is this?"

“NOT IT WON'T!” Harmonia yells. “STOP FUCKING SMILING I CANT-“ Harmonia holds her head, pulling at her hair.

"Are you okay, Harmonia?" Claire asks.

“No, obviously not!” Harmonia exclaims.

"Considering you baited someone into trying to kill you, I'd say that's a big negatory there Batman," Drew says.

"I don't think any of us are OK after all of that happened, Claire." Luna says, with an air of fear in her voice.

"What if you were wrong?" Drew asks.

"Hm?" Claire says.

"I'm pretty sure Claire knew full well she wasn't??" Orpheus says.

"..yeah, Claire.." Spider mumbles under her breath.

"But what if she was wrong?" Drew asks.

"I don't think she c o u l d ' v e been, Drew! Like…I dunno how R053 administration works, but I'm pretty sure she probably knows it better than the back of her hand!" Orpheus says.

"She was very well able to kill me. She and Porcelain use the same account. Porcelain is higher than I am in the ranks." Claire admits.

"Does she just not know how??" Orpheus asks.

"No, she does. I was just able to get a word in to a higher-up before she could do anything." Claire smiles.

"..As in?? Like?? Blossom and Lucille or?? You're fucking terrifying what the hell." Orpheus says.

"Someone much higher than them." Claire responds.

Spider chuckles humourlessly.

"..OH." Orpheus says.

“… The Moon…” Harmonia mumbles.

“Oh.” Knight says.

"Nope!" Claire says.

"OH?" Orpheus responds.

Claire s m i l e s.

“Who then?” Knight asks.

"She means Raine." Drew says.

"Bingo.” Claire says.

“OH.” Knight says.

Cole is staring at the floor.

“Oh shit.” Knight says.

"Ohh, I don't even know who that is actually.” Orpheus says.

"Holy fuck you're scary." Luna says.

“How is she?" Spider asks.

Harmonias just. shaking. “Why are you being like this to me.”

"What do you mean, Harmonia?" Claire asks.

"Ominous and scary?" Orpheus asks.

“You're being cryptic and- yeah. that. Just. talk to me please.” Harmonia says

"I don't mean to be either of those things, I just had to put c-15 in her place." Claire responds.

“Suure you did.” Spider says.

“That's not her name and you know it.” Harmonia responds.

"It's her ID." Claire says.

“Use her name!” Harmonia exclaims.

"Okay, I had to put Roxy in her place."

“How would you like it if I called you bc-012.” Harmonia says.

"It would be cute, Harmie!" Claire smiles.

“What.” Harmonia says.

Orpheus looks between the two of them with absolute confusion. "That's so weird what the. fuck." Orpheus says.

Harmonia just. stares at her.

“This reminds me of the Foundation kinda sorta.” Cole whispers.

“So is this pantomime over or do I have to grab the popcorn?" Spider asks.

Harmonia sits on the floor, knees to her chest, shaking and holding her head.

Orpheus glares at Spider. "Can you please shut the fuck up and stop acting like this is some show you're above???" He huffs. "Stop treating this like it's something to glaze over. This isn't... Okay. Nobody here is okay and that's obvious."

“Speak for yourself mate.” Spider says.

“I like to think that I'm fine.” Cole mumbles as his eyes flicker purple.

“Can we please stop with the fighting?” Knight asks.

"At least be considerate of the ones who are affected, no? Harmonia isn't doing well.." Kade says.

“Fuck.” Knight says.

Luna looks at her phone. "Fuck."

“What…” Harmonia says.

"Goddammit, Roxy disconnected." Luna says.

“I think…Roxy is dead.” Knight says.

And Harmonia’s now hyperventilating. Yikes.

"How would you have felt if I said that when Terminal died, huh???? How would you have felt?? Think about something other than how you feel, you fucking prick." Orpheus looks over to Harmonia and Claire and, with a frustrated huff, walks off into the kitchen.

Claire's eyes appear a bit glossy. She seems spaced out.

Knight gets up and follows Orpheus.

Luna follows the two of them. Anything to get away from the tense air.

Kade watches from his corner with a sigh but looks over at Harmonia.

"Roxy is fucking dead, gone, reduced to fucking nothing.” Cole's eyes glow purple and Cole's voice is oddly calm.

Harmonia covers her ears, shaking and starting to cry.

Drew snaps his fingers and is holding a bucket of popcorn. He begins snacking and returns to staring at the same spot on the ceiling.

Spider's expression is neutral as the temperature of the air around her starts to get unbearably warm.

Without anyone noticing, Pluvio slipped out. Like, out of the room, she's gone, bye.

Kade goes over and wraps his arm around Harmonia.

Harmonia leans against him, still hyperventilating and crying.

Knight walks in and offers a water bottle to Harmonia. “Please try to drink this”

Drew picks a kernel out of the bucket and tosses it at Spider.

It pops into popcorn as it hits her, she turns and snarls at Drew, not noticing the popcorn.

"Neat." Drew says.

Kade mutters to himself a slight. "I swear nobody here has learned the art of comforting someone." In the angry, garbled demon language. but does look at Knight as he does so.

Cole's voice is semi-professional as he looks up from the floor. “Excuse me one moment.” Cole then disappears.

Drew throws another kernel now that Spider is looking at him.

Harmonia is staring at the water bottle, finally reaching over to grab it. Knight hands it over.

Spider dodges and growls again, it does pop though. "Can you cut it out?"

Harmonia shakily takes the cap off and brings it to her mouth, downing the bottle.

“Would you like me to make you something to eat Harmonia?” Knight asks.

"But you're making the seeds pop, it's... No, you're right, not the time." Drew says to Spider.

Harmonia shakes her head, shaking as she hugs Kade, no longer hyperventilating, just crying

“Okay, if you need anything just ask.” Knight leaves for the kitchen after leaving a full water bottle behind.

Spider sighs and closes her eyes.

Kade keeps Harm close, making sure she can lean on him.

Harmonia is just clinging to him.

He doesn't mind, trying to give a small hug in return. "Would you like to.. lie somewhere?"

Harmonia nods.

"Where to? Your room?"

She nods again.

"Alright." Kade carefully lifts her up into his arms, bridal-style. And begins to make way out of the living room and to the hallway.

Venti is grabbing random shit and attempting to break it, screaming in anger and pain.

"Hey! My mom made those fucking vases!" Mya yells. After a couple things are broken they get tired and curl up in the corner, sobbing. Mya sighs, "I'm sorry, V."

"It doesnt fucking matter. Nothing matters."

"I don't have anything to tell you. Things happen."

"I'm well fucking aware."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I don't want you to do anything!" Venti sobs, "I want Roxy back but god fucking knows I'm powerless to do anything."

Mya sighs. "I know... How to put souls into separate bodies."

"What do you mean.."

"You know how Amos is in Alder's body?"

"Yes."

"I can... transfer ghosts to physical forms."

"Are you talking about Roxy?" Venti asks. Mya nods, and Venti says, "She's already a corruptelam. If she's gone there's no bringing her back."

"Amos is having a party. Wanna drink your brains out and just... forget?"

"I guess..."