day 169, public channel

[tacosgay]

So, uhhh, hey, fuck this place!

[Despite his words, Taako actually sounds more upbeat and alive than he has in a while. He sounds angry, but... alive and functional.]

Like, for real, seriously, though, fuck this place. I've got a world to save, and a sister to remember, and all that, and it's like, nope, time to go back to work at your other job, the one you didn't even sign up for!

[Taako's back, yall. Back physically and mentally!]

Comments

[periphrasing]

You do remember that time is literally stopped in your home dimension while you're here, right? So it's not like you're actively missing anything.

[SHE'S HELPING.]

[tacosgay]

[Taako really wants to argue with her; it can be heard in the frustrated sounds he makes, and then the drawn out syllable that finally comes in response.]

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeell... okay, fine, but I still want to hang out with, you know, my only family.

[periphrasing]

[She understands that. Understands it more than she'd like to admit, in a way she never could have previously, thanks to that month in Portland.]

Alright well... why don't you just make some new family here, then? Would that help at all?

[tacosgay]

That is adorable, but, uh, I think I'm good, thanks.

[There's nobody here he really trusts that much-- well. Maybe he should at least try to get to know some of them better, though.]

[periphrasing]

It's not adorable, it's just practical! I mean look at me, gems don't even have families, typically, but knowing what it feels like now, I can confidently say that there are like... at least four people here who I'd basically categorize as family!

[spaghettimonster]

[Some people are happiest when they're angry or flinging insults, that's just how it goes. Papyrus knows it can discourage others from wanting to be friends, so he doesn't... but if this familiar-sounding voice wants to, what's the harm?]

Not only is time stopped... but maybe your sister will find her way here! Then you can remember, and spend time with, her... without the pressure of imminent doom breathing down your necks.

[Because goodness knows a lone Sans was a real piece of work]

[tacosgay]

Uhhh... huh!

[Taako wants to argue with that, but he actually can't.]

Well. You know, that's a fair point, I guess. I mean, I'm not going to sit here and hope she gets dragged into this mess with me, but, hey, if she does, she'll probably do this place a lot more good than I have, anyway. ... uh, do I know you from somewhere?

[spaghettimonster]

[Doesn't that sentiment sound familiar, too. What is it about brothers not wanting their siblings here? Sure, it gets monotonous between bursts of excitement and danger, but doesn't anything? And it's not as though being back home is safety from making some... really regrettable decisions, if he let himself dwell in regret.]

Hmmm, probably. We do both work here! And there is only so much 'here' to work in. Maybe the mess hall, or something.

But more importantly! Are you the older or younger sibling??

[tacosgay]

Twins, actually.

... but I'm older, you know. By a few minutes and all that. She'll say otherwise, but she's just trying to sound big.

[spaghettimonster]

I wonder if she'd say the same thing...

Hey, younger siblings can be big! I'm much taller than my older brother.

[starseedling]

Vacations from the carnival are weird...

[Speaking from experience. He recently went on a similar trip.]

[tacosgay]

No kidding, little man.

[He tilts his head. It's been a long, long time since he's heard this voice.]

Hey, uh... Steve, right? Steven? Maybe?

[starseedling]

It's Steven! You're Taako, right? We didn't get to talk much before Portland, but...

[But they have this in common anyway.]

[tacosgay]

Got it in one, pumpkin.

... so, uh, hey... did you get home from that with some... strange new parts, or maybe a glowing face, or something like that as well, or was that just me?

[starseedling]

I kept the wings I had there... and I guess I have horns now, too. They're only sort of like the horns I had as a changeling, though.

And Childermass says I look like I'm a Summer Fae, now? It's all pretty weird.

[puddingemote]

What happened to your sister?

[tacosgay]

Oh, you know, she died and an umbrella ate her, but then I figured out she was in there after, like, 12 years and set her free, so... eh.

[puddingemote]

... [What.] You left her in there for twelve years? Is she still dead, or...?

[tacosgay]

Well, yeah? I didn't know she was in there until, like, an hour ago. I mean... kind of. She's a lich, so I guess so.

[sunflowerfields]

Please watch your language~!

[I bet you didn't miss this voice]

[tacosgay]

Whoopsie! Sorry about that, uh... sorry, I don't think I ever caught your name, darling.

[Actually, he seems a little less ornery this time. Okay, a LOT less ornery.]

[wild_magic]

If you already know you have to remember your sister, then what else is there to remember?

[tacosgay]

Weelllllll, I meant more like... I want to actually spend some time with her while I remember her. Like... apparently, she's been right here the whole time, and I just didn't know, and that's just a little bit terrible in very way.

[wild_magic]

Do you mean here here, or just with you but not here in the Carnival?

[tacosgay]

Uhhh... well, she was in my umbrella, so both, I guess.