The Exception, The Guardian, and The Monster

Astroray
Cypress pipes up. "Shall we get to it then?" Motioning for the two to hop on their back.

Momo 

Alise nods and starts to climb onto her back. She extends her hand out to Jack.

Astroray 

He grasps it and hops on with a little less ease than usual. Jack grips onto Alise tightly, having some unease riding the beast that caught him.

Momo 

She wraps an arm around him and pats Cypress' back. "Ready."

Astroray 

Cypress starts a little slower this time, knowing they have two on their back this time.

Plat 

Esredes shifts himself back to his knochen form in order to follow.

Astroray 

Jack's head rests against Alise's back as they ride, his eyes shut tighter with each bound they make.

Momo 

"... It is pretty scary." Alise replies. "But if you peek open an eye, you'll see it's fun too."

Astroray 

"Nghhh...alright."  Jack's head lifts from her back a little and he catches a quick peek at the trees whizzing by.

Momo 

She keeps a tight hold on him but watches the trees whizz by as well. "... It's even prettier at night."

Astroray 

He keeps his grip, but lets his gaze up to the trees. As they speed by, a glimpse of the glittering sky above can be seen.

Momo 

Alise looks up above. "... yeah, definitely prettier at night."

Astroray 

Cypress leaps over a log and gives them both a good jostle, making Jack duck his head back down.

Momo 

Alise keeps her grip on Jack, a bit startled as well. "Whoa- having fun down there??" She calls down to them.

Astroray 

"What can I say, I miss hearing you squeal." They chuckle heartily.

Momo 

"I don't know if I like Nice Cypress or Mean Cypress more." She replies, giggling a bit.

Astroray 

"With time, you'll grow to like both I suspect."

Momo 

"Does this mean you'll be visiting me too? Do I need to start making two lists?"

Astroray 

"HA! You may be on my back, but don't think I'll trot to that song and dance."

Momo 

"Okay good! I can't keep making these things. I'm out of terrible people, and I don't wanna put anyone innocent in Esrey's path."

Astroray 

"I'm sure focusing on one terrible person should be enough for him." And with that, Cypress slows to a halt on the white sand again.

Plat 

Several seconds later as they halt on the sand, Esredes lands nearby, looking to the group.

Astroray 

Cypress walks over to him with a confidence in their step. "I'd like to acclimate them again before we leave."

Plat 

"Acclimate them? You mean to the shadow travel?"

Astroray 

"Yes, it can be uncomfortable at first. Resisting will only make it hurt. Alise is already familiar, but the child is not. Please do your best to console him, Alise."

Plat 

"Take the time you need to do so, both of you. The child needs to be ready."

Momo 

Alise nods and looks to Jack. "It's like sinking in mud. Breathable mud. Just hold onto me and close your eyes." She smiles weakly. "I'm kind of nervous too."

Astroray 

Jack looks to her for a moment and nods, gripping her midsection tight. "....It...it doesn't hurt, right?"

Cypress shakes their head. "Not at all."

Momo 

"They're right. It doesn't hurt at all. It just spooked me."

Astroray 

"Then do you think you two are ready?"

Jack shifts, getting as comfortable as possible. "Mhm"

Astroray 

Cypress gives themself steady footing and begins sinking in. "We're going down, so don't be surprised."

Momo 

"O-okay." She replies, holding onto Jack. Rather, she's slightly clinging to him for support.

Astroray 

As they sink, Jack's foot touches the ground and sinks. He reflexivly jerks a bit, but settles back down.

Momo 

Alise takes deep breaths as they continue to sink and keeps her eyes shut. "We got this. This is easy..."

Astroray 

Jack grips onto Alise harder as he feels his midsection sink in. He feels it because his eyes are shut tight, not wanting to see what it looks like when done.

Momo 

She pats his head and she feels him cling. "It's okay. We're okay."

Astroray 

Jack steadies his breathing, but his grip remains.

Cypress descends further, their back finally at ground level and soon enough, their heads are swallowed up in the inky black.

Plat 

Esredes watches the three of them sink down, waiting a moment to speak. “How are they all doing down there?”

Astroray 

Cypress projects a whisper to him. "They are stable. Fearful, but stable. We should move quickly."

Plat 

“All right. Let them know I’m about to take off, then. Let’s go.”

Astroray 

Cypress retreats back down to the puddle, whispering to the pair. "We will begin moving soon, brace yourselves."

Plat 

Esredes stretches his wings out, and pushes off the ground, flapping several times as he ascends into the air, establishing his presence in the ocean air. “The water’s pretty at night,” he calls to his shadow below. “I hope you three can enjoy it from there.”

Astroray 

Jack cracks an eye open, but rather than looking up, his eye shoots immediately down. Solid black for miles down consumes the ground. Cypress's body is a warm black silhouette that blends perfectly into the pool bellow. Jack's breathing quickens and immediately Cypress picks up on it. Their whisper can be heard throughout the chasm. "Do not fear this. No harm will come unto you. If it upsets you, do not look, but focus on your grip and your physicality."

Momo 

Alise nods and gently pats the back of Jack's head. Despite her hands being covered by metal gauntlets, there's a light warmth coming from them. "I like to think about how soft Cypress is."

Astroray 

His hand hesitantly leaves Alise's waist and puts his hand down on the velvet black surface. The surface, while jet black like the expansive void below, is thick and soft, with the ridge having coarse guard hairs. Jack ran his hands through the short mane at the back, focusing on the texture as it ran between his fingers.

Momo 

"So soft. Aww... I miss Brynja. She was this soft. She hated being pet but she's let me pat her." Alise can only feel with the side of her legs, but she doesn't dare move them as she's using them to cling to Cypress.

Astroray 

Jack's head perks up a bit. "Who's Brynja? Was she an experiment?"

Momo 

"Ah, no... she was someone I used to work with, back when I was a soldier. She was a knochen, and a really fluffy one."

Astroray 

"...You worked with knochen before. That's why you aren't scared."

Momo 

"I guess yeah... after working and living amongst other knochen, they become a lot less scary."

Plat 

After a while of the quartet flying over the ocean of night, land finally starts to come into sight. Esredes remains silent and focused, continuing on his way to Alise's town. He's begun to memorize the way from this direction by now. It'll be another while before the town starts to appear in his vision, and he descends towards his usual spot, landing in the nearby tree cover. From there he shifts to human form, taking on his less conspicuous outfit once more. Standing up, he looks around a second, then towards the town. "All right everybody, time to come out."

Astroray 

Cypress slips out of the shadow, the two proped up on their back. "Sorry that was longer than last time. How did you two fare?"

Momo 

"Better than the first time." Alise replies. She looks over to Jack and pats his back. "C'mon, we're climbing down now."

Astroray 

He opens his eyes and sees the world is back to normal. He hurriedly jumps off of Cypress.

Plat 

"So," Esredes says as he observes them all, "should I be at all concerned about how you're explaining this to Levi?"

Momo 

"Calmly." Alise replies, climbing off and starting to make her way towards her home.

Plat 

"All right. Now that we'll have the child taken care of, you need to keep resting and recovering without any more surprise trips. Though I'm still relieved to see that even within just two days you already seem a lot better. That dress suits you."

Momo 

"What, the torn up dress?" She looks over her shoulder and smirks. "... I'm glad I look fine... To be honest, I was relieved when Cypress said I had to come with them."

Plat 

"Relieved? Really? Were you itching to get out of the house that much already?"

Momo 

"... being with Levi is great... but it's the quiet moments that start to get to me." She replies. "A mini adventure kept my mind active."

Plat 

"All things considered... I didn't want you to be there, but I hope you liked the island. It's like its own sanctuary of sorts."

Momo 

"It was nice... and really pretty. I'm glad I got to see it." She looks up at him. "How have things been on your end?"

Plat 

"Busy. Finally starting to wind down on dealing with all the aftermath of the battle. Now there's going to be more investigation to be focused on."

Momo 

"That's good... I feel like I should be helping instead of just sitting at home. Keep my mind busy. But you and Levi will probably tell me it's poor for my health."

Plat 

"Right now it is, but we'll have to talk in the future."

Momo 

"That's fair." She replies. "Besides, haven't you heard? I have a kid to look after."

Plat 

"Yes you certainly do," he says. "And you get to tell Levi he's going to be a mom."

Momo 

"Oh my gods, he's gonna be a mom." She smiles brightly.

Astroray 

Jack frowns at the implication they are making.

Momo 

Alise looks over to Jack. "... you'll like Levi. He's a big sweetheart. And he's not really gonna be your mom."

Plat 

"It's more of a joke," Esredes adds. "Levi just has a really motherly nature."

Astroray 

He nods curtly, and ear twitching, listening in on the noises of the town.

Momo 

The lights inside of the house are lit up, as if Levi was expecting someone. The group can see him sitting outside of the house, working on a small prototype of some machine. When he spots the group, he stands up and waves excitedly.
Alise smiles and runs over to him, meeting him with a large hug.

Astroray 

Jack stays a bit of a distance from the two, letting them sort themselves out, not wanting to draw attention to himself.

Plat 

Esredes also hovers a bit back, watching the hug. He's going to let them talk before he says anything.

Momo 

The two seem to chatter a bit. Things like "where were you?" "did you have fun?" "are you hurt?" "who's the scrawny kid?"
Once Levi has asked his questions with Alise answering most of them, she motions for the group to come closer.

Plat 

"Hi, Levi," Esredes says as he steps closer, making sure Jack and Cypress follow suit. His arms are once again crossed in a relaxed way."It's probably best that Alise explains, but... we have a new development to talk about."

Momo 

Levi nods. "Yes! But first-" He hands Esredes a red seashell. "For you, from my trip. I never got to give it to you. Think of it as part of my thanks for helping Alise..."

Plat 

"--Oh," he says, caught off guard by Levi holding it out. His expression becomes slightly surprised as he observes it. He takes it, looking it over a second. That's... pretty. It fit his criteria for something natural. "...I forgot about that. Thanks. And you're welcome." He observes it a moment longer before closing his hand around it and dropping both arms to his side, his expression resuming its neutral state.

Astroray 

Jack steps forward a bit, ready to greet Levi. He stands a bit taller and inhales deeply, using his mock Levi voice. "Hi, I'm 'the kid'."

He hopes that this is within the guidelines Alise set out, fearing retribution, but attempting to connect.

Momo 

Levi's eyes widen, a bit stunned by his impression and height. "You are much taller than I expected... It's nice to meet you. I'm Levi!" He holds his hand out for Jack.

Astroray 

Jack cocks his head slightly at the extended hand and reaches his out in return, gently gripping Levi's.

Momo 

Levi smiles and shakes his hand. "So... new friend?"
"New roommate." Alise replies.
"New roommate I see- n-new roo- what?" He turns to look at Alise. "New roommate?"
"Yup." Alise gestures to Jack. "This is Jack... He, y'know, kinda kidnapped me the other day, but he helped me escape too. We're just gonna try and help him out."
"... .... huh..." Levi nods, seeming to take everything in slowly. "... I'm sorry- he's the one who-?"
"Yes."
"He's so skinny though."
"Wha- Levi!"
"You could totally take him, I'm not buying it."
"LEVI!"

Astroray 

Jack frowns. "I did! I absolutely did!"

Momo 

"Okay- but- WHY? Why- who are you- who is he? Why would he kidnap you, Alise-?" Levi starts seeming a bit frazzled.
"Levi, breathe..." Alise gently places her hands onto his cheeks. "Okay? Look... he's going to be staying with us. He's been through a lot. I have too... think of it like closure. Okay?"
".... .... okay." Levi pouts a bit. "You really should tell me these things ahead of time."
"As soon as I'm feeling better, we can test the steam speed boat .."
"I have been waiting so long for you to agree to that." He smiles brightly and looks to Jack. "Alright! I'll set up a... which bedroom should he sleep in?"
"He can use mine."
"Alise's it is!"

Astroray 

Jack's ears swivel forward. "Steam...boat? What's that?"

Momo 

"Jack- wait no-" Alise attempts to speak up, but Levi is quick to interrupt her.
"I'm glad you asked!!!" He opens the door wide. "It's in the workshop if anyone wants to see it! Alise, Esredes, Jack, large do- wait a minute-"

Astroray 

"Ah...excuse me for my rudeness. This form is more natural for me. It's Cypress, from earlier."

Plat 

"You're lucky nobody's around to see you," Esredes mutters.

Momo 

"Oh! ... Oh... ohhhh......" Levi looks Cypress over a bit. ".... so fluffy."
"They are." Alise comments quietly.
"Aw! You got to pet them?"

Astroray 

"We're on the outskirts of town and its dark. It is likely that the only people that would see us are of an unsavory quality- Oh, uhm, thank you."

Momo 

"So fluffy- AHEM! I mean- you're welcome inside too, Cypress. If you fit. I feel like you can."
"Levi." Alise groans a bit. "Can we do a grand tour of the house tomorrow instead of tonight? I'm exhausted."
"Cypress and Esredes won't be here tomorrow!" Levi pouts.
Alise looks over to the two. "You guys wanna stay the night?"

Plat 

"We... really shouldn't be gone overnight. We'll be just fine getting back."

Astroray 

Cypress clears their throat. "Erm...yes, perhaps...but I wouldn't mind a cup of tea before we 'hit the road' again."

Momo 

Alise's eyes seem to light up. "... I'll start making some." She heads into the house with a quicker step than usual.
Levi smiles and holds the door open. "You sure you don't wanna hang around too, Esredes?"

Plat 

"We can both be here a bit longer. Just not overnight." He too goes to head into the house.

Momo 

The house is a lot different than the last time Jack was there. It simply seems more lively. Alise is in the kitchen, boiling water for the tea. Levi's guided Cypress and Esredes into the kitchen where he's taped up designs for his so called "steam boat" and continues to ramble about it to the group.

Plat 

"Is this going to be the same boat as the last one or a different one?" Esredes asks as Levi talks. How many boats are we talking about here.

Momo 

"It's different! There's better control for Alise to steer, and I'm working on regulating how much steam is used so she can try to speed up or slow down! I learned a lot from our crash a while back, it's just difficult to put it into practice."

Plat 

"Do you just have the resources lying around to build as many boats as you want until they stop crashing?"

Momo 

"Not at all. I have to order the materials from several locations, wait for their arrival, place them together properly, and there's a lot of tweaking involved. This is my third version  of the boat. Third time's the charm."

Plat 

"It sounds like it needs to be," he says. "Does it keep the same name?"

Momo 

"This one is currently 3.0! I add a .1 if I have to change or add something to it. It changes a number though if it is a completely different boat!" He smiles proudly.
"Tea time." Alise walks into the room with a tray carrying several cups of tea. She hands one to Levi then holds one our to Cypress.

Astroray 

Cypress has shifted back down into a human shape so they can more easily fit inside. Jack is curious, but sticks to Alise like glue.

Cypress takes the cup and blows on it carefully. "What blend?"

Momo 

"Levi prefers the sweeter flavors, so it's peach." She glances over at Esredes. "Still no cup for you?"

Plat 

"Nope," he says. "You're getting a new roommate. Enough is changing already."

Astroray 

"Oh, excellent. White peach is such a gentle flavor." They take a small sip, testing the temperature. Satisfied, they take a bigger sip, enjoying the flavor.

Momo 

Alise nods and looks to Jack, taking a cup and holding it out to him. "Here. Try it if you'd like."

Astroray 

Jack looks at the cup with curious eyes and puts it in his long palms, his fingers easily wrapping around the porcelain. He mimicks Cypress blowing on the cup, he hands able to easily feel how hot it is. Feeling ready, he tips the cup into a slot in his teeth, letting it pour into his maw. "Its....its really nice." He takes another quick gulp.

Momo 

"I'm glad you like it." Alise takes a sip from her own cup.
Levi smiles as he watches Jack drink. "He's kinda cute.."

Astroray 

Jack blinks at him with wide eyes, his ear twitching slightly. "Thank you?"

Momo 

"Ah- sorry!" Levi seems a bit frazzled. "I think outloud sometimes. It's a compliment, I swear."

Astroray 

He grins just a bit before looking back up to Alise. "Could I have more?"

Momo 

Alise nods and heads into the kitchen, grabbing the kettle and carefully pouring Jack another cup of tea. "I'm glad you like it."

Astroray 

Cypress takes small sips of the pleasant tea, watching the group exchange smiles and quips. This place...this home was filled with warmth. It was humble and something about that set them into a peaceful state.

Momo 

Alise notices the smile and chuckles. "I'm glad you like it here."

Astroray 

"You two have a nice home and excellent tea, what more could one wish for?"

Momo 

"I'm glad you think so. It's why I like living here."

Astroray 

They pause for a moment and look to Esredes. "Are you ready?"

Plat 

"To leave? We don't have to leave quite this soon. I think I'd like to talk to the others about a couple things before we do."

Momo 

"You could stay the night!" Levi replies.
Alise smiles at Esredes. "You won't have to worry about being in a hurry if you do."

Plat 

"I already told you we probably shouldn't. It might be suspicious to be gone for a night before the child supposedly.... well, you know."

Astroray 

"Well, then you can refuse the offer, but I would like to humbly accept it if you could find the space for me in your home."

Plat 

Esredes sighs. "Well you're not the one who has to make this go smoothly."

Momo 

"We've got space! If you don't mind sharing that is. There's only two rooms."  Levi replies.
"We'll need to figure out sleeping arrangements." Alise thinks it over.
"Big sleepover in my room!" Levi announces proudly.

Astroray 

"Ohoh? I don't know if I've had a human sleepover. You'll have to teach us." They give a coy smile.

Momo 

"Of course! There's telling ghost stories and pillow fights and all hanging out!" Levi replies with a bright smile.
Alise glances over at Levi then back to Cypress. "... how did you expect him to respond?"

Plat 

Esredes sighs even deeper this time. "I would ask you what excuse I need to make up, but I think it's better I make up my own."

Astroray 

"In your honesty, you've discounted your own excuse." They take a sip of tea.

Plat 

"What is that supposed to mean."

Astroray 

"Means you just admitted you don't have many good excuses to give."

Plat 

"Well I'm definitely not being honest after that comment."

Astroray 

They chuckle heartily, nearly spilling their tea.

Momo 

"Just say they got held up with some... shady business." Alise replies with a completely straight face.

Plat 

Esredes laughs under his breath at that. "Wow, really?"

Astroray 

"Totally legitimate. I go on information trips frequently."

Momo 

Alise smiles a bit. "Really."

Plat 

"You're both awful. Thank the gods I'm not listening to this all night."

Astroray 

"Retiring early, are you?"

Plat 

"I think it's best I didn't have the choice."

Momo 

Alise watches the group and feels a similar reaction Cypress. The feeling of everyone talking with a good mood helps keep her mind off things. She lets out a small sigh in relief.

Astroray 

Cypress takes note and finishes off their cup of tea. "What was that about a tour, by the way?"

Momo 

Levi stands up from his seat. "A tour!! Let's go!" He starts to walk out of the kitchen. "C'mon!"
Alise, meanwhile, stays in the room. "I've seen the house, I don't need to go."

Astroray 

"So have I." They wink, but follow Levi regardless.

Jack tails along nervously, sticking close to Levi, but snatching glances at Alise.

Plat 

Esredes watches the three of them leave. "I guess I'll have to talk to Levi next time. Oh well, it's nice to be alone again for a moment." He turns to Alise. "...Should I still avoid asking how exactly you and Cypress met?"

Momo 

Alise shrugs. "We met by accident. Not intentionally. I caught them being all sneaky. We've only ever spoken once before meeting again at Thiessen's lab."

Plat 

Guess it was worth a try. "I see. Well, they're clearly enjoying themselves around this place... and around you. It's a relief you're getting along."

Momo 

"They're cooler than I expected." She smiles. "Ceila is too. You have great companions."

Plat 

"I do have a lot of good ones." He smiles as well. "Too bad I have to be the responsible one for them."

Momo 

"I'd say let them kinda goof off." She replies. "You all have been through a lot, it's good to relax."

Plat 

"Well they better enjoy the fact that they can right now. All of you. You're right though... you all need it. Especially you."

Momo 

She nods a bit, looking down. "I feel a lot better, especially since I've kept myself so occupied today."

Plat 

"Have you been holding up well? Do you think having the child here will help?" Or make it worse?

Momo 

"I think it will help... If I become less afraid of him, maybe I'll be okay being alone for moments at a time."

Plat 

"I hope so, too. I was hoping you'd never actually be taken again... but do you really think she's done with you now?"

Momo 

"... I don't know." She replies. "... I'd like to think that she is... I prefer not to think about it..."

Plat 

"Probably for the better. Well... it's all right. We're going to get her sooner or later. And then you can finally have peace of mind."

Momo 

"I'm probably not going to have that for the longest time." She replies. "But I appreciate the consideration."

Plat 

"It's something," he says. "How has the... transformation thing been? I know you had a little breakout earlier..."

Momo 

"... It could be better. I've kept it under control."

Plat 

"At least you're controlling it, then. Levi's been helping a lot, right?"

Momo 

"Of course, he's been great. It's not that he isn't helping, it's just.... getting harder to keep it down."

Plat 

Esredes frowns a bit. "Even though you're keeping calm?"

Momo 

She nods. "Yeah... What if it happens again?"

Plat 

"I still think you'd just revert back within fifteen minutes. I don't know if it'll hurt or not though..."

Momo 

"I can't be too sure..."

Plat 

"But you already proved you can..."

Momo 

"Yes, once. Or twice now- but- I can't say with certainty. It hasn't happened enough that I can guarantee a pattern."

Plat 

"I guess not, but it suggests the pattern." He sighs a bit. "I wish I had any way to know just what exactly is happening to you. I found her notes depicting the full procedure... but it says nothing about how you'll react."

Momo 

"Because it's an experiment." She replies. "She doesn't know how I will react. The only thing she could base this off of is the others she's tried the same procedure, and they died."

Plat 

"Right... but like last time, you're mostly fine. Even if, worst case scenario, you went uncanny and didn't revert back... you'd still keep your sentience, wouldn't you?"

Momo 

"... I don't know. Everything was hazy during the escape. I do remember I had some sentience."

Plat 

"You were clearly sentient when we spoke."

Momo 

"I remember greeting you... and then I remember falling, but not much in between."

Plat 

"Do you remember anything that happened before I carried you into the air...?"

Momo 

"... not really." She replies. "I remember telling you to look after Levi..."

Plat 

"Yeah, you were definitely conscious for that. What about the hug?"

Momo 

"I remember that too..." She smiles. "You caaaaaaaare."

Plat 

"It'd be hard not to care when you were possibly going to die on me."

Momo 

"Mmm, it was still nice to see you care."

Plat 

"It was the best thing I could do at that moment. After all you've done to help out myself and my faction, I had to show my thanks somehow."

Momo 

"I appreciate it." She sighs softly and sits back in her seat. "Hmm... I'm sorry you have to jump through so many hoops just to get Jack here. I appreciate that too."

Plat 

"You're certainly right about that. I now have to lie to the leader of this faction about both you and him. But I trust the three of us to keep quiet, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

Momo 

"Nice. You don't think I could ever befriend your leader? I've got a pretty good streak going."

Plat 

"I think your safety and my job security matters more than that. You got lucky with Cypress, I'd rather not push it any further."

Momo 

"Fair enough." She shrugs slightly.

Plat 

"Anyhow... I'm just relieved this entire incident is passing, and with it we have a lot more to work with to find Thiessen. By next time I should have a lot more information to tell you between the experiments and examining the contents of her lab."

Momo 

"Feel free to bring more stuff over so I can look at it. I'm going to start looking for some of the missing experiments I know could be alive. They might have more information."

Plat 

"I don't think you'll want to look at a bunch of chemicals, but there are her notes I'll have to bring. It's still off to Lebensdauer once you feel ready, right?"

Momo 

"Yeah, that's the plan."

Plat 

"I'll be very interested to hear how that goes. But we'll talk about it more next time. I'm not quite sure when next time will be, but I'll try to make it sooner rather than later."

Momo 

"Take your time. I'll be occupied with Levi and Jack."

Plat 

"I can imagine you will be."

Momo

Meanwhile, while Alise and Esredes speak, Levi spends his time guiding Jack and Cypress into his workshop.
"And this is where I work!" He smiles. The room is littered with sheets of paper across the wall, filled with drawings and concept sketchbooks of projects. There's a large desk where he works on smaller pieces, the most recent one being a strange looking metal leg.
Astroray 

Jack looks about curiously. "I've been in here. You have some....weird things..." He says as he looks toward the metal leg on the table.
Momo  
Levi nods. "I like to invent things. Ah, this-" He picks up the leg. "I was thinking of making myself a proper leg." He sticks out his peg leg. "Better than this."
Astroray  
Jack jumps back a bit at the shock of seeing his missing leg. Cypress on the otherhand is quite curious. They hold their hands out. "May I see?"
Momo  
"Of course! Just don't drop it." He carefully hands it to Cypress. The leg seems a bit odd, shaped in a strange curve rather than a traditional foot.
Astroray  
Cypress lifts it to their face, inspecting the fine detail of the prosthetic. "The shape is odd, is it still viable?"
Momo  
"Yup! I wanted to find a way to walk smoothly. I haven't found a way to make a regular foot move as well, it's too clunky if you can move your ankles or toes. So, I'm using this curved shape to take in the pressure of my body weight and still push off from it!"
Astroray  
"A spring...I see. Very clever." They hand it back carefully.
Momo  
"Thank you." He smiles and sets it back on the table. "Oh- and we also have the steam boat .-" He runs over to a large tarp in the middle of the shop. Pulling off the taro and the two can see a boat fit for about one person, two people at most, with large metal containers along the front bottom. "She's a beauty."
Astroray  
Jack stares at it, perplexed by the design. "Its....a boat, but its weird. Why did you design it like that?"
Momo  
"The big tanks get filled with water! It's designed for Alise so she can sit in and propel herself with steam, instead of an oar."
Astroray  
He knocks on them gently, listening to the hollow metal knock that reverberates from them. He does it once more and then mimicks it.
Momo  
Levi smiles brightly. "Whoa! That's really cool! What else can you do?"
Astroray  
Jack thinks for a moment and then does Alise. "How about this?"
Momo  
"WHOA!! You sound just like her! How are you doing that?"
Astroray  
He stands up tall to give Levi a closer look as he is always proud of his abilities. "These." He points to three long, gill like organs in his neck. "And these." And he sticks two thin tongues out from his grill.
Momo  
"That's so cool! You could do so much with that! Like... the best story teller in the world!"
Astroray  
Jack smiles brightly. "Probably not! But it's a nice thought."
Momo  
"It could be neat. Or- you could prank someone by making them think they're following themselves! Like if you ran up behind someone and used their voice."
Astroray  
"Usually I use it to trick people into thinking something scary is following them." Jack says flatly.
Momo  
"That's.... something!" He replies with a bit of hesitance. "Could be fun for light pranks."
Astroray  
Jack looks down for a moment, considering repurposing his ability. Though.....he thinks, he already likes to mess with people, so perhaps its not as far of a stretch as he thinks.
Momo  
"We can work on your talents while you're here." Levi smiles. "I don't really have inventions for sound yet, but that's because I haven't attempted it before! You could definitely help me when I start making ideas. Like... a machine that can mimic sound like you! Hmm... I don't know how to accomplish that."
Astroray  
"Well, I learn by listening a few times. Is there a way for a machine to listen? Do you have a listening machine?"
Momo  
"Nope, but we can try and make one!"
Astroray  
"We can use my big ears and my cool teeth!" Jack chomps a few times with his terrifying grill and Cypress lets out a soft chuckle.
Momo  
"I like the way you think!" Levi replies. He holds his hand up to Jack for a high five.
Astroray  
Jack winces at the raised hand, waiting for a blow, but when it doesn't come he takes a peek at the waiting hand. He gently raises his own in response.
Momo  
Levi nods. "Yeah! Like that. Now we gently pat out hands together. It's a high five." He moves his hand a bit closer but waits for Jack to complete the high five.
Astroray  
His eyes dart from his hand to Levi's until he gently touches the palm of his hand with Levi's
Momo  
"Yeah! It's a... a high five is kind of like a celebration. Like "good job!"" He nods. "Once we get better, we can make elaborate high fives. Or... evens better. Secret handshakes."
Astroray  
Jack nods curtly, intaking the info Levi just gave him. "High....five...alright."
Cypress to the side quietly thinks to themself that this may be place where Jack has his big turn around. Having these patient figures will do him good.
Momo  
"Yup. Alise and I had to practice a lot before we got it right. I kept forgetting that her hand had the gauntlets and... well, we can high five now."
Astroray

"Yeah.....we can do that." He looks around at first, a bit hesitant, but looks back up at Levi with a glimmer of happiness.
Momo

"That's the spirit. Oh! Let me show you our rooms!" He moves the group out of the workshop and leads them upstairs.
Astroray 

Jack follows behind quietly with Cypress in the back, making the the party stick together.
Momo 

Upstairs, Levi shows off the two rooms. Each has a fairly large bed, but while Levi's wall is decorated with drawings and concept ideas, Alise's is plan and simple. The only thing standing out in her room is a vase with orange day lilies by her bed, probably put there by Levi. "Ta daaaaaaaaa."
Astroray 

Cypress walks up to the walls in Levi's room, taking in the vast amount of sketch work posted. "I think to anyone just meeting you two, it'd be safe to say who's room is who's."
Momo

"Heheh, yeah. I need to move most of these to the workshop. I just get bursts of energy at night sometimes and I draw my ideas out in bed."
Astroray 

Jack curiously inspects the drawings, lifting a few from the wall slightly, but never ripping them off. They remind him of home.
Momo

"Do you like them?" Levi asks.
Astroray

"Mhmm, you're good." His hands gently brushing over the sketched pages.
Momo

"Aw, thank you!" He smiles brightly. "That's really sweet of you. Ah, you two might be sleeping in here tonight. We'll still need to make arrangements on who sleeps where. I personally like one big slumber party but I also don't want anyone to be uncomfortable."
Astroray 

Jack and Cypress meet eyes for a moment before looking back to Levi. Cypress cocks their hips to the side slightly. "I see...quite pleasant arrangements."
Momo

"I'm fine with anything." He smiles. "The only rule is that Alise can't really sleep alone."
Astroray

"How unfortunate....I'm sure we can all find some sort of.....configuration that will work best for everyone." Cypress interlocks their hands together, fingers weaving between each other.
Momo

"... o... okay!" Levi replies, seeming a bit sheepish. "Well, let's go talk to Alise then!"
Astroray

"Then let's get going." Cypress moves swiftly out of the room.

Momo 

The group heads back downstairs to find Alise and Esredes talking, not really moving from where they last left them.
"Tour is done!" Levi replies. "It's time to get ready for bed now. It's really late."

Plat 

"Oh, welcome back," Esredes says as he looks over towards them. "That was shorter than I expected."

Astroray 

"We move quick, what can I say?" Cypress gives a coy smile while Jack moves closer to Alise.

Momo 

Alise looks down to Jack. "What do you think? You think you can grow to like it here for a bit?"

Astroray 

"Mhm, it's nice. Levi taught me how to high five."

Momo 

"Really?" She holds her hand up. "Let's put it to the test."

Astroray 

He gently puts his palm to hers. It's more like a pat than anything.

Momo 

"Good job." She smiles a bit. She glances over at Esresdes and stands up straight. "You better get going before Levi starts a pillow fight."
"Wh- I wasn't going to start a...." Levi hesitates a moment. ".... well, now I don't wanna."
"Good."
"Dammit."

Astroray 

"You...fight with pillows?" Jack cocks his head slightly. "But it's too soft to inflict real damage.."

Momo 

"Exactly." Levi replies. "It's playful fighting. Not a real fight. I don't really want to hurt anyone."

Astroray 

"Oh...huh."

Plat 

"If he did start a pillow fight, I bet I'd win." Not for any particular reason. He just felt like he could.

Momo 

"Psh, you'd have to beat me first." Alise looks to Esredes. "I'm the reigning champion."

Plat 

"Is that so? Then forget us sparring, we need to figure out who's better at this instead."

Astroray 

Cypress chimes in. "I thought you didn't want to play, Alise?"

Momo 

"I don't. I'm too tired. However, when I'm not too tired, I'll take all of you down."

Plat 

"Let's all make a note to team up against her next time."

Astroray 

"Of course. I'm not one to forget a challenge."

Momo 

"It's agreed then." Alise smiles.
Levi looks between the group. "... I'll need to get more pillows if this is gonna happen next time."

Plat 

"Better get to it, then."

Momo 

"I will." Levi smiles.
Alise glances to Esredes. "You better take care of yourself. Have a safe trip home."

Plat 

"Thanks. Have a safe time at home." He looks to Levi. "And I'm sure you and Alise have been doing a lot, but... you keep taking care of her." Then he glances at Cypress. "And you better be back tomorrow once you're done having your fun."

Astroray 

"Of course, boss." They give Esrey a sly wink.

Plat 

A good time to acknowledge that I still am your boss. "Good. And.... Jack." His voice shifts tone, as if he's trying to soften it. "Please just... stay out of trouble."

Astroray 

Jack looks a bit startled when Esredes addresses him, but he gives a curt nod, not making eye contact.

Momo 

"I'll walk you to the door." Levi replies, making is way out of the group and into the hallway.
Alise gives a small pat to Jack's head. "He will. Don't worry so much."

Plat 

That's the best I can do for now with him. "All right. See you later, everybody." He follows Levi.

Momo 

Levi walks him out to the front door. Once they reach there, he holds his hand out to Esredes. "Thanks for bringing her back." He says in a cheerful tone.

Plat 

"You're very welcome," Esredes responds after a second. There's a brief delay, but he holds his hand out too, making contact for a handshake. "...I know she means everything to you. And she means a lot to me now as well. I'm just... relieved I could save her."

Momo 

Levi stays silent for a moment before clasping Esredes' hand with his other. He bows his head down and clings to him. "... Thank you... There's nothing I can do that can ever truly repay you... Thank you." His voice, trying to keep its cheerful tone, is slowly starting to break.

Plat 

This reaction alarms Esredes, just a bit. His neutral expression shifts to one a bit more vulnerable. "You don't have to. Both of you are payment enough. It's... it's all right now, Levi. She's out of harm's way."

Momo 

Levi nods, standing up straight again. He lifts up his goggles to wipe his eyes, which is probably the first time Esredes has ever seen them. They're slightly puffy from the build up of tears, but it only shows off the light blue color they are. "I know... I just... I can't say thank you enough."

Plat 

It adds to his alarm to see his eyes. It's almost a surreal moment, after having been so long clouded behind goggles. Now he can finally make eye contact. "...That's fair enough. Hey, are you going to be all right?"

Momo 

"Yes, I'll be fine. I just worry about Alise...  She's a lot like when we first escaped. Frazzled and not willing to be alone."

Plat 

"She's a strong one. It'll probably take her a while to return to normal, but... she's got the strength to do it. In the meantime, she definitely needs you like she must've back then..."

Momo 

"I'll do my very best." He replies with a more cheerful tone.

Plat 

He smiles. There's the tone he's known for. "I believe in you to do so, too."

Momo 

"Aw, that's really nice!" He smiles a bit more and nods. "Like Alise said, take care. And you're welcome back any time."

Plat 

"I'll be looking forward to coming back, whenever I next get the chance. In the meantime, you've got a new child to mother." His smile shifts to an amused one.

Momo 

"Hm? Oh... OH! I'm a mom!" He starts to chuckle. "That's right!"

Plat 

"Exactly. I wouldn't actually say that in front of him, he still thinks Thiessen is his mother... but you can think it. And you'll definitely be a better mother than that horrid creature."

Momo 

"Oh definitely." He nods. "By leagues."

Plat 

"By leagues and oceans upon oceans. You have the kind of nature any kid would need."

Momo 

"You mean that?" His eyes widen and sparkle. "That's so sweet!"

Plat 

"It's an easy observation to make. I'm horrible with kids, but I can see it in you. But anyhow... we'll all take care tonight. And thanks again for the shell. It's quite fitting."

Momo 

"You like it? I'm glad. I'll look for more souvenirs next time Alise and I travel."

Plat 

"All right then. I know you two would enjoy the trip."

Momo 

Levi waves and stars to head back inside. "Have a good evening!"

Plat 

"You too," he responds, before being left alone again. He observes the house's exterior in the nighttime backdrop for a moment. At least things are... well, going to be back to normal here. As much as possible. Next time is going be eventful... that's for sure. He turns away from the house, and makes his way back to the woods.