The Exception, The Guardian, and The Monster

Momo

It's been two days since Levi had arrived home and Alise calmly explained to him everything that happened. She added in a few things in her explanation, one with Esredes being a knochen, and another with her new uncanny transformations. Levi saw the first one coming, but he expressed a lot of concern with the transformations. The two practically haven't left each other's side as they've spent their time talking, cooking, or sleeping. Mostly sleeping.
This morning, while Alise sleeps in late, Levi is spending the time making breakfast downstairs.

Astroray

Cypress keeps their shadow form as they approach the home, warry of any increased security. They consider simply intruding by slipping under the door, but find it potentially a better option to just knock on the door. Slipping into her room may cause a bit of a panic. Not too far off, Cypress shifts into their human form, donning a large, dark coat and relaxed, yet fashionable, looking clothes. And not a moment later, they knock.

Momo

Levi sees a bit surprised by the knock but he makes his way over. "Hm? Hello? Ah! Good morning! What can I help you with?"

Astroray

"Good morning. Sorry to intrude, but Alise wouldn't happen to be home, would she?"

Momo

"... Why would you like to know?" Levi replies with a smile, but Cypress can tell that he's a bit tense.

Astroray

"I suppose it'd be easier if I was plan and clear due to the current situation. My name is Cypress, I work along side Esredes."

Momo

"You should have said so sooner!" Levi lets out a sigh in relief. "I almost pulled out- nevermind. Come on in!" He opens the door for Cypress. "Alise is still asleep upstairs."

Astroray

"Pull out a weapon? It's fine, really, I'm used to people not being pleased when I come around." Cypress walks in, feeling foreign as they are in a suit that is not theirs and the last time they were here, they slid upon the floor.

Momo

"That sounds... really sad." Levi replies before leading Cypress upstairs. "And it's not just you. I've been a bit on edge since coming home. Alise has been doing... better! Kinda. There's a large outbreak of feathers from time to time." He knocks on the door to her room before entering.

Astroray

"Oh? Right, the last time I saw her was when I encountered her at the compound. Feathers n all that." They motion to their hair and make a sort of poofy shape.

Momo

Levi points to the motion and nods. "That happened from time to time... I think it's when she's overwhelmed. Ah, Alise?" He walks over to the bed.
Alise is curled up in a ball under the sheets, her standard sleeping position. She already seems to be waking up though and sits up in bed. Her hair is a bit of a mess, with a few feathers sticking out from a previous transformation. She rubs her eyes and looks around. "Hmm, Levi? Levi and.... ... uh... ..."

Astroray

How cute... "You probably remember me as a shadow, but I thought a human shape would be a bit less startling for your friend here." They give Levi a gentle pat on the shoulder.

Momo

".... .... Cypress?" Her eyes widen. "Damn. I pictured you... really skinny. Cause of the whole shadow thing, I don't know why." She climbs out of bed and pulls the feathers from her hair. "What's up? Did something happen?"

Astroray

"Fair. I try not to show off my human form too much. But we do have a small problem. Since we've taken hrm.....Jack? I believe his name is Jack- into custody, he hasn't been eating....much. He ate for a little while, but I'm sure his mental state is keeping him from eating properly. We also are unable to speak with him." They pause for a moment to consider their words.

"I'm not sure how well aquainted you two are, but our options at this point are...limited."

Momo

"I think once a person kidnaps you, the two of you become pretty acquainted." She starts to stretch her limbs out. "Alright. I'll speak to him."
"wHAT?!" Levi turns to Alise. "What- Alise- you just got home- and you're saying this guy-"
"Jack is a kid, Levi. A confused kid... I have to try something."

Astroray

They stay silent, letting the two verbally duke it out.

Momo

The two continue back and forth for a bit, Levi having plenty of reasonable objections. However, Alise finally stops him by holding up her hand. "... I'm going to be okay, Levi..." She replies softly. "Do you trust me?"
He seems uneasy, but he does nod. "I do..."
"Thank you." She looks over to Cypress. "I'm guessing you're here to take me to him?"

Astroray

"That I am." Cypress perks up once they are addressed.

Momo

"Give me five minutes and I'll be ready to go." She starts to change out of her clothes.
Levi's face turns red and starts moving Cypress and himself out of the room. "WAIT UNTIL WE LEAVE!"
"This is my room. I change when I want."

Astroray

They chuckle heartily as they are pushed out by Levi, giving no resistence. "I think I can understand why Esredes likes her."

Momo

Levi sighs softly once the door is closed. "She's very... straightforward... oh, I'm Levi, by the way." He holds his hand out for Cypress. "It's nice to meet you."

Astroray

"A pleasure." They take his hand and give a surprisingly gentle hand shake. "As I said before, I'm Cypress."

Momo

Levi smiles brightly. "A friend of Esredes is a friend of ours. Is he doing well? I need to thank him for everything he's done for us."

Astroray

"He seems a bit troubled, but overall he is well." Cypress returns the smile with one that is much more calm.

Momo

"I'm glad! Ah, I found him some seashells from my visit home- but I'm not sure if he'll like them or not. They're red! Like his hair."
Alise opens the door and pokes her head out. "You two sound like you're getting along."

Astroray

"Something akin to that I believe." They chuckle lightly as they try to get a peek as to what going on beyond the door.

Momo

Alise moves herself out from behind the door, now wearing a long black dress. Rather unusual clothing than what she usually wears.
While Levi lets out a loud "AWWW-" she covers his mouth.
"Stop it. This is necessary."

Astroray

"Necessary?" Honey, you're gonna get fur all over that thing...

Momo

"I've ruined three pairs of pants during the past two days because of my tail!" She pouts a bit. "So, a dress solved the problem." I don't own any skirts, and this is the only other thing I own. Ughhhh She takes a deep breath. "Until Levi invents pants that don't look stupid that I can wear, I have to go dress."

Astroray

"Ah, of course, the tail. Perhaps on the way back we can get something more suitable."

Momo

"Literally anything than this dress would be lovely." She replies. She brushes through her hair with her fingers a bit then look to Cypress. "Alright. Where are we headed? To Jack, right?"

Astroray

"Then perhaps we should make that trip before hand." They give Alise a bemused look. "But yes, we'll be headed to the island."

Momo

"Alright. We can just head straight there. I wouldn't want to waste your time since you came all the way here." She looks to Levi. "I should be back at the latest by tomorrow. I don't know how long this is going to take."
Levi nods, but he seems a bit less excited. "You'll eat and take care of yourself, right?"
She smiles a bit. "I will. I promise."

Astroray

"I can assure you, she will be perfectly safe with me. I am in the favor of the goddess Yaga and if you do not find solace in the goddess's blessing, then know my strength and speed will deliver her home safely." They wave a hand nonchalantly.

Momo

"... whoa... well, I can't argue with that." Levi smiles in response. "You two have fun then!"
"Fun isn't the wor- .... yeah, we'll try to have fun." She smiles and starts to head downstairs, guiding the way for Cypress. "Make sure you eat, Levi!"
"You make sure YOU eat!" He yells back in response.

Astroray

Cypress follows, their steps oddly light for how much muscle they are packing. "Do you have a recommended spot for changing? I'd much rather not get caught by unknowing humans or have you targeted by knochen hunters."

Momo

"We live on the edge of town so a short walk into the forest should be fine. There aren't any hunters around here." She starts walking towards the forest. "Not anymore."

Astroray

"Ohoho? That's right, I almost forgot over the more recent comotion." They pause at the door, turning to Alise. "Do you need to pack anything else?"

Momo

"Ah... hm.... you said he's not eating. What have you been feeding him?"

Astroray

"We've been releasing rats into the cell we have him in at the moment. We were informed he tends to eat food he catches himself or human food as he may find it a comfort. The other experiments have been quite helpful, I'll have to say."

Momo

"..., alright-" She starts to head back into the house towards the kitchen. "Give me two minutes."

Astroray

"Hopefully it'll work. Unfortunatly, I don't believe any of us really know how to cook. Quite pathetic on our part. Perhaps you could teach us." They chuckle a bit, implying the last part as a joke.

Momo

"It wouldn't be bad if one of you learned." She replies. "Think of it as understanding your enemy better in order to conquer." She grabs a large pot and fills it with different vegetables and herbs. "Do you guys have any other animals on the island to hunt?"

Astroray

"Our options are a bit limited as far as hooved animals go, but we have a large selection of birds to pick from."

Momo

"What about rabbit or bear?" She asks.

Astroray

"Yes to rabbit, no to bear." Cypress peers curiously into the bag, inspecting the contents.

Momo

Inside are carrots, a bag of rice, an onion, some potatoes, and a few different herbed plants. Alise finished gathering her supplies and starts to tie a small blanket around them to keep everything together. "I can work with that. And now I am officially ready to go."

Astroray

"And we are off." They open the door, waiting for Alise.

Momo

Alise nods to them. "Thank you. ... and thanks for being nice to Levi. I appreciate it."

Astroray

"He was going to shoot me. If i hadn't mentioned Esredes, I'm sure he would've put a hole right through me. But I understand, he's protective of you."

Momo

"He would have pulled out the gun at most, but if anything, would have told you to walk away. He's a big sweetheart."

Astroray

"I can see it. He was very hospitable once I introduced myself formally." They stop and pause for a moment, looking Alise over. "Are you sure you don't want something more comfortable? I don't imagine a dress would make for good riding clothes."

Momo

"You have anything more comfortable on you? Cause I still need pants, and I can't accidentally destroy another pair."

Astroray

"I have my jacket and that is all."

Momo

Alise looks down at her dress. She reaches down and starts ripping one long line up her right leg, then doing the same on her left. "There. More leg room."

Astroray

They wince at the sharp, tearing noise. "That wasn't entirely necessary, but for time's sake, it works."

Momo

"I never wear this thing, I'm okay with this."

Astroray

"Fair enough." With that, Cypress sheds their jacket and hangs it up on a tree. Their back begins to extend, creating a harsh hunch in between their broad shoulders. Their mane grows and sprouts further down their arching back. Claws erupt from their meaty paws and their snout extends, showing off four long, curving tusks.

Momo

"... that... is really cool. Does that hurt?" She asks.

Astroray

"Not anymore. It used to when I was first learning, but the body grows accustomed to it. Adaptation is the knochen way." They lift up a bit, grab the jacket, and fling it onto their back.

Momo

"Does that mean my transformation is always going to be a rush of agony?" She asks, walking over to them.

Astroray

"Perhaps not. You are clearly more than just an uncanny if you can change back. But whatever it is you are now, its neither knochen, human, or uncanny."

Momo

"... so a super freak of nature. Not even nature. ...yay." She gently raising her fist in sarcastic joy. "Quick question, you don't appear to have any wings. How are we getting to the island?"

Astroray

"We will be traveling by shadow in our last stretch of the trip." They finally turn around to fully face her.

Momo

".... I'm sorry- by what?" Her eyes widen a bit. "By.... shadow- wha- how?"

Astroray

"You recall the first time we met correct? And I assume you saw me on the battlefield a little."

Momo

"My memory is very hazy but I recall that. ... is it... gonna hurt? Cause I'm going to be honest with you, I'm tired of aching in pain."

Astroray

"It will not, if you allow it. The sensation at first is uncomfortable, like sinking into cold muck, but with time it warms."

Momo

".... okay." She takes a deep breath. "Okay! I'm ready."

Astroray

"You wont have to worry about it for a little while. Only until we reach the sea. For now, climb up on my back." They kneel down, their back at shoulder height.

Momo

She nods and carefully starts to climb on. "Whoa...." So fluffy. "Let me know if you're uncomfortable."

Astroray

Cypress gets up a bit jerkily. "You're fine, but I recommend you hold onto something." And with that, they take off into the woods with a hearty leap.

Momo

She grips onto his coat, her eyes widening as he takes off. "HHHH!"

Astroray

After the first leap, the ride smoothes out considerably, as if they were gliding over the forest floor.

Momo

Alise slowly opens her eyes over time and watches the scenery pass by. ".... this is... This is awesome!!" She replies, and excited glint in her eyes.

Astroray

They leap seamlessly over logs, whizzing by small cottages and over streams. Animals peel away from the two speeding quickly towards the coast.

Momo

She grips onto the coat a bit tighter. "That's- that-are we gonna slow down?"

Astroray

"We probably should." They slow down suddenly, halting the second their toes meet the sand.

Momo

She bends forward and lets out a small yelp. "Ah- aaahh... aahhh... hhhh.... that was... very fast." She carefully sits back up straight.

Astroray

"Would you like to take a moment?"

Momo

"Nah, I'm okay.... I'm all good. Let's do this."

Astroray

"Alright, brace yourself." They approach the sea, but as they walk on, their body seems to sink into the sand. The second Alise's feet hit the earth, they sink into thick, cold, dark muck that only rises as they push forward.

Momo

Alise keeps a straight face, but she's starting to panic a bit. She takes a few deep breaths and clings to Cypress. "I'll be able to breathe... right?"

Astroray

"Yes, as long as we find a bird to hitch a ride on. We'll blend into their shadow and glide to the island with ease. Relax please."

Momo

She nods and continues to breathe. "Okay... hah.... thinking happy thoughts.... you're really soft."

Astroray

"Thank you. If it brings you comfort, then focus on it." They pause for a moment. "Do you wish for me to talk to you through the rest of our trip?"

Momo

"If you're comfortable with that... if you don't mind."

Astroray

"Don't try to be so accomodating, you're the one that is the most uncomfortable." They chuckle as they finish sinking into the black stain on the white sand. "We're in now. A bird will come by shortly to pick us up and take us to the island. It will be short."

Momo

Alise continues to breathe slowly. "This is... new. We're a shadow now. I can tell my family when I go home that I became a shadow."

Astroray

"Where's your family?" A seagull flies overhead nearby and Cypress jerks the shadow over, gripping onto the unaware seagull. The shadow jerks forward. It feels as if they are still, yet sliding through the air, like a moving vehicle.

Momo

"WAH! Th... they live in Lebensdauer. I'm gonna have to make a trip there to warn everyone about Thiessen... and hopefully I can find 305."

Astroray

"305....I heard mention of this one. What are they like?"

Momo

"He's... he seems very large and intimidating. And quiet. But he's probably the sweetest person you'll meet, especially from the conditions he lived in. He always looked after the other experiments... and he would always be the first to take Thiessen's wrath when she got angry."

Astroray

"Another one of the experiments mentioned him and his kindness. He worked close with Jack correct?" The bird seems to be slowing down.

Momo

"Yes.... that's what I heard. He tolerated Jack and put up with him, even with Jack's dedication to Thiessen. We were hoping he'd help Jack come to his senses... but 305 could only do so much."

Astroray

"Quite the sad situation. I think it'll help him knowing people are around that want to help. Might be more willing to speak with us as well...in time." The bird's shadow hits land and there's a slight bump. Cypress leaps out of the shadow and hits the sandwith a slight skid.

Momo

Alise grips him tightly again as they slip out of the shadow. "GAH! Ah- ahh... okay... we're alive." She sits up and looks around.

Astroray

The air on the pristine beach is considerably warmer than the slimy ichor the two just lept out of. Short bushes line the sandy beach and grow progressively taller the further in they go.

Momo

"... whoa... this place is really pretty."

Astroray

"Thank you. Now, shall we catch rabbit? They aren't here, but its not too far."

Momo

"Lead the way... ah, should I look a bit more... uncanny-ish?" She looks down at him. "Will it look bad with a human on your back?"

Astroray

"You could cover your head with the jacket. Or we could always go back into the shadows." They give her a playful smirk.

Momo

"I'll cover my head, thanks." She replies.

Astroray

They chuckle and begin walking towards the bushes. "Claim you're another defector from Thiessen and you're willing to give us information. I mean....that is what you are anyway, but you should have something to tell suspecting knochen...if they speak to you in common."

Momo

"I'll let them know. If they have any doubt, I'll just show them the scar on my back."

Astroray

"See? Prepared."  The bushes around them grow taller and the sunlight speckled as they move further into the island's interior. "Are you nervous?"

Momo

"A little bit... you?" She asks, leaning over and looking down at them.

Astroray

"A little. The reprocussions of letting a human onto the island would be enormous. Aclyone would be furious with me."

Momo

"I've heard a few things about them... how I really hope to never meet them." She looks to Cypress. "They must be strong and a good leader though if you all follow them."

Astroray

"She's a sight to behold with a voice that shakes your core. I would follow no other."

Momo

"I understand the feeling." She replies. "I'm glad you're being led by someone who affects you like that."

Astroray

Cypress gives a slight nod. "To get to the place where the rabbits burrow, we must edge along one of the smaller gathering areas. Before we arrive, you should dismount me, here it is disrespectful to be ridden by a human or an uncanny."

Momo

"Oh right- of course-" She carefully climbs off of them. "... sorry..." As she pats their side, all she can think is so soft and fuzzy.

Astroray

"It's fine. If I had problems with it I would've said something sooner."

Momo

She nods and looks around, searching for any signs of rabbits.

Astroray

There's a hole or two, but they look old and unused. As they continue on, the small gathering circle comes into view through the trees. Knochen lay on the outer rim enjoying the shade of the trees that Cypress and Alise skirt.

Momo

Alise's eyes widen. "There are a lot of knochen here..." She stands a bit closer to Cypress, seeming a bit nervous.

Astroray

"Don't draw attention to yourself. We'll be fine."

Momo

She nods, taking a deep breath. "You're right."

Astroray

"This is comparatively small. We will avoid the other, larger areas until necessary."

Momo

"Right. We need to get cooking as soon as possible anyway. Lets hunt us some rabbits." She starts to walk ahead, but she never strays too far from Cypress.

Astroray

The bare patch of dirt fades into the distance as the pair continues through the forest. "Just a little further ahead and you can get back on. We're close."

Momo

She nods. "Right... mind if I ask you questions? I just get curious, but you're free to reject any of them."

Astroray

"What's the question?"

Momo

"What's your opinion on humans? I know Esredes' pretty well."

Astroray

"You understand where we are right?" They chuckle a little and look to Alise.

Momo

"Yeah, there's the general opinion. Humans suck and we're destroying the planet, I know that. I was thinking more of a personal opinion."

Astroray

"Hm, you aren't too bad I suppose, but you aren't all human anymore are you. That aside....I suppose for the most part I find them....amusing. When I do my information gathering missions, there are some I genuinely enjoy interacting with and others I would find glee in killing myself. Humans are just as complex as knochens and with that in mind...I think I can say that there are some humans I'd be sad to see go."

Momo

"... I'm glad you were honest." She replies. "I'm still fond of the idea that humans and knochen can find a way to coexist peacefully, but everyone has a different version of existence. It can never work out perfectly."

Astroray

"Perhaps it'll work that way, but we'll just have to see."  And they stop. Looking down, Cypress realizes they have a foot stuck in a rabbit burrow and takes a look around. "I believe we are here."

Momo

Alise nods and looks around. "Time to find dinner for a wild child." She kneels over and moves her dress to the side, revealing a hunting knife strapped to her thigh.

Astroray

Their eyes move down to the knife. "I'll spook them out, be ready."

Momo

She nods and crouches lower to the ground. "Go get em."

Astroray

Again, Cypress sinks to the earth as a black stain, moving swiftly into the ruined hole. Thumps escape from a nearby hole as a startled rabbit leaps out.

Momo

Alise is quick to jab her knife into the poor thing as it leaps out. She makes sure that it dies quickly before moving her blade around. "Got one!"

Astroray

Cypress whispers softly. "More? Or is that sufficient?"

Momo

"One more." She whispers back, readying her knife.

Astroray

They root around, looking for another and quickly find one in a another section of the network of tunnels. There's a good amount of noise coming from the ground and Cypress drives the rabbit out a bit further away from where Alise is. Its hops around with frightened eyes.

Momo

Alise stands up and attempts to give chase, but her shoes hold her back. She moves to slow to catch up to it.

Astroray

It races away and into another pit. Cypress hears her stumble and moves to drive it out once again. The continued panic drives the rabbit into a frenzy. It pops out a bit closer this time, but it moves with a jittery step.

Momo

Alise doesn't take the chance to give chase this time. Instead, she makes a quick throw of her knife. It snags the rabbit by it's foot, trapping it in once place. She hurries over and makes a quick kill. "Got it! Thanks!" She calls out.

Astroray

Cypress slips out of one of the holes and manifests next to her. "Not too hard for you? Sounds like that last one gave you a bit of trouble?" They chuckle warmly.

Momo

"If I didn't have weights for hands or feet, I would have been fine." She pouts, looking down at her shoes. "That's the downside to these things. But they're better than setting the forest on fire." She picks up the two rabbits by their ears and looks to Cypress. "We've got dinner."

Astroray

"Good, good.....We should find a place to cook descretely. A member could see the smoke and wander over."

Momo

"We can just tell them I'm making a toxic poison dish called "stew."" She replies. "But it is a good idea to find a quiet place to cook. Where did you have in mind?"

Astroray

"Nowhere yet, though I'm certain someone would be very excited at the notion of concocting a new poison." They ponder for a moment. "Perhaps we could find the other experiments. I'm certain its expected for them to have some odd, human tendencies."

"The spot they've camped out at is actually fairly close to the cell Jack is held in."

Momo

"Alright, then let's make our way over." She places the rabbits into the pot with the other ingredients. "Would be nice to talk to them too, see if I know any of them."

Astroray

"They seem decent, but they definitely want to keep their noses out of trouble."

Momo

"Well, yeah. That's what I did when I escaped the first time."

Astroray

"And look now, your home is practically a crossroads."

Momo

"What can I say? I'm a magnet for all sorts of weird people."

Astroray

Guess I should count myself as a weird 'person' then. They chuckle again, walking more towards the center of the island. "Suppose you are..."

Momo

Alise stays close to them. "... you're a lot nicer than I expected you. Then again, our meeting was rather cold."

Astroray

"Mmm, I owe you for saving me on the field. You could have left me for dead and yet you didn't. "

Momo

"Why would have I left you? I'm not a monster. Besides, the last thing I want is anyone else to fall under her grasp."

Astroray

Cypress considers telling her all the horrible things they wished upon her, but choose not to and instead, cracks a small smile. "You shouldn't worry to much about becoming a monster if you've already confirmed it. You aren't. And that's that."

Momo

"... thank you." She replies softly. "I appreciate that."

Astroray

"No need to thank me for repeating what you've said yourself. In fact, you shouldn't, we're close to the main plaza." They slow down just a bit and peer through the brush.

Momo

She crouches back down and stands closer to him. "See anyone?"

Astroray

"Its the main plaza, that's a silly question."

Astroray

Just beyond the brush, the trees shrink away into the dirt and stone central plaza. Large, striped cliffs have cracked away from others, creating road like veins splitting away from the large crossroads. Within the cliffs are holes where knochen have nests. There's a low, but audible hum of shuffling feet and a language unknown to Alise.

Momo

Her eyes widen as she looks around. "... wow... this place is incredible."

Astroray

"The group of experiments is along the edge. They are obviously still uncomfortable so it'll work to our advatage. The cells are...a bit further."

Momo

"How are we gonna get past this? Are we gonna do the shadow thing again?"

Astroray

"I'd rather not risk it. You're still highly uncomfortable and it shows. You keep the jacket on and play like you belong, with confidence. I've already taken experiments in to speak with Jack, so its not totally unusual."

Momo

She nods and holds the jacket close. "Right..." she takes a few deep breaths. "This is nothing. This is a walk in the park. A walk in the park full of knochen. Lets go."

Astroray

Cypress holds the bushes back, allowing for Alise to walk onto the dirt and rock. A few knochen look at them, but recognize Cypress, and brush it off as one of those uncannys getting lost. One gives a disgusted look before wandering off. "Now lets find the rest of the group."

Momo

"Right... I've never felt so small before."

Astroray

"Humbling, isn't it?" The two edge along the border of the plaza and just at the base of a cliff is a group of very non-knochen looking figures you could only assume are the defector experiments.

Momo

A few seem confused to see Cypress with another human. Some of them recognize Alise and run up to her, including Fortuna. Alise smiles a bit and runs over to the group, chatting it up with them for a bit with exchanges of "how have you been?" "You look like shit." "I know right?" "Still got those flame hands?" "Nice coat."

Astroray

"Seems you're well liked." They chuckle slightly, looking over the excited group.

Momo

Alise smiles a bit. "When you're in prison, you make friends."
The group continues to chatter a bit longer before Alise finally pulls away from them. She pulls out her pot and ingredients and start to get everything ready.

Astroray

Cypress sits plainly, realizing if they were to lay, it would cast disrespect upon them. They decide to not interfere, watching Alise work and talk.

Momo

Alise gets to work right away, peeling and chopping the carrots and potatoes, cutting the onions, and mincing the herbs. Once those are all set in the pot, she skins the rabbit and cuts out the slabs of meat she'll be using.

Once everything is settled in the pot, she takes off her gloves and places her hands on the pot. After a minute or so, the water begins to bubble.

Astroray

Cypress eyes the hides. "You going to use those?"

Momo

"You want them? They're all yours." She replies. "Consider it as thanks for helping me. I'll even let you have some stew if you're bold enough to try it."

Astroray

"Perhaps another time. There's a starving child that needs this stew more than I do."

Momo

"Fair enough." She replies, sighing and looking into the pot as the food boils. "Hmm... this will take a little bit."

Astroray

"I haven't had much human food, but from what I have had, I can say it wasn't bad." They stare into the pot, watching the chunks of flesh and vegetable float.

Momo

"It's not too bad. I'm gonna give him more vegetables and meat than the soup itself. I'm not sure how he drinks with all the holes."

Astroray

Cypress stares blankly. "....I'm not too sure myself."

Momo

"I can't give him too much either. If you eat too much too fast, you can throw up."

Plat

Nearby, still on the island going between attending to the multiple matters at hand, Esredes makes his way over to this part of the island, idly observing the few knochen that are around as he walks. He stops completely for a moment as he spots Cypress, having wondered where they went since someone else was at their post, and--- Is that Alise?! What was she doing here?! He quickly makes his way towards them, a feeling of both confusion and unease entering him. It's likely you'll both notice the large crimson beast approaching.

Momo

Alise glances over. "Hey, who's the- oh my gods." Her eyes widen. "Whoa, Esredes, you're a lot cooler in proper lighting."

Astroray

They are quite nervous, but manage to hold theirs nerves. "Good afternoon, sir."

Plat

"...Good afternoon to you too, Cypress." He makes a quick glance to Alise to acknowledge her comment, but focuses back to Cypress... and the pot. "I was wondering where you went after you spent so long watching the child... mind explaining what exactly is going on here?"

Astroray

"This defector offered to assist with the child." They motion to Alise with a paw.

Momo

"You know, I can teach you guys how to make this. It's not hard." She yawns a bit. "We'll have to get you a pot though but you basically have everything else for stew here."

Plat

....Alise wasn't supposed to be on the island. Esredes has specifically kept her away from it, even when she wanted to come. How did she... how did she get here. Alise mentioned she met Cypress sometime during the battle. Cypress recognized her voice when Jack made it. How much... did those two talk? "...By making the child human food?" How in the world did she get a pot here?

Astroray

"Fortuna mentioned his potential fondness for human food. At the rate the child is declining I'm not sure if we have much time to spare."

Plat

We're both avoiding talking about the implication here. But other knochen were around. Perhaps it's better to wait. "I have to agree," Esredes replied. "Then I hope this defector can get him to eat it. The poor stubborn thing needs something. How close is it to ready?"

Momo

"I'm trying to cook it as quickly as possible, but stew needs some time. I want it to at least taste good."

Plat

"Cypress, could you ask her if she's confident she can get the child to eat it?"

Astroray

"Esredes asks if you're confident in getting the child to eat."

Momo

"Yeah, I think I can. I have a bit of an idea on what he's like."

Plat

You have a way with people that's hard to describe, Esredes thinks. As much as I'd rather you not be here... we've definitely become more desperate. "Well, by all means, continue with it.  I'm going to stay here to make sure it goes well. Though... perhaps neither of us should be in sight when she takes it to him." But just out of sight and listening...

Astroray

"He says you can continue, but that we should keep out of sight."

Momo

"I understand. I'll be alright as long as I know you two are witness to this."

Plat

"What's even in there, anyhow? I can smell the vegetables and meat..." Did it all come from her house?

Astroray

"Rabbit.....other vegetables." They go quiet, not knowing much about the stew.

Plat

"I take it the rabbit is from here, then. The child already ate the rats... so he should be fine with a different rodent." Not his personal preference, but that didn't matter if it worked.

Astroray

"We caught them ourselves." They give Esredes a coy side eye. "Aren't you proud?"

Plat

"Just how much did she help to actually catch it?"

Astroray

"I scared, she stabbed."

Momo

"I have a knife." She holds it up. "If I'm not allowed to have it, you guys are free to confiscate it. I don't need it to cook anymore either."

Plat

“I don’t think the knife will be a problem if she keeps it hidden.” So Alise stabbed the rabbits. Impressive indeed...

Astroray

"He says you can keep it, just don't let anyone see." Second in command letting a human keep a knife? Not unreasonable, but it feels as though his nature is peeking out just a bit.

Momo

"Sweet." She places it back into its sheath and focuses on boiling the stew. "I gotta say, this place is really pretty. It's a nice change in scenery."

Momo

Things stay rather quiet as Alise waits patiently for the stew to cook. Finally, after almost an hour, she starts to put her gauntlets back on. "Alright, it's done. We shouldn't keep him waiting."