pluto ⟢ @voidbinding

@Nu115c4o3rz__ [ Pluto writhed in the scarf's grasp, dropping the textbook out of surprise. They managed to catch it with their own scarf, thankfully. ] Can you put me down–!? Maybe then I'll tell you. [ They tried to force playfulness into their tone, but something was off nonetheless. ]

《 open int 》 [ The island is a wasteland of forgotten worlds, items famililar and unfamiliar scattered throughout. It's relatively far out from the more popular spots of the Void, leaving it untouched by Entities and Explorers alike. ] [ That was, until Pluto arrived. ] –

@mawspassenger [ Pluto yelped as she grabbed them, quickly whipping around to face the person yelling. ] [ It was... Crazz? What was she doing out here? Many questions poked at Pluto's mind, but they were too caught off-guard to ask them. ] I'm—fine. Why are you out here? You need something–?

// i will respond to any other ints tomorrow .. me sleepy 💤

@Null_Combatant [ They wave back, watching her go. It's only after she leaves that they decide to head elsewhere as well. ]

@Null_Combatant Of course. If you ever need assistance with finding things for her, or anything else along those lines, don't be afraid to find me. [ They seem far calmer now; still clinging to the textbook, but hardly acknowledging its existence. ]

@EXPENDABLECHAIN Not exactly—I've just generally been scavenging. [ Seeing that he was likely preparing to leave, they nod to him. ] I wish you luck on finding some more... appealing things.

@Null_Combatant ...Mhm. [ Now determined, they search even deeper into the island, eventually finding a coloring book and a pack of crayons to match. ] [ They bring the items back to Combatant, forcing a small smile. ] I hope these will do.

@EXPENDABLECHAIN I appreciate the offer, but I carry water with me. No need to use up your resources. [ They pull out their canister of water, their hand trembling ever-so-slightly as they drank. ] Did you come here for anything in particular?

@Null_Combatant I haven't searched very thoroughly yet, but the island seems generally good for miscellaneous items. [ They then fully processed the last part of what she had said, which caused them to begin searching around as well. ] Childcare? Is there a child in the Void...?

@EXPENDABLECHAIN [ They glance at the textbook in their hands, then back at the Explorer, shaking their head. ] This island's contents are mostly random remnants; it isn't the best for survival supplies, but nice if you want a souvenir or two.

@Null_Combatant [ With instinct that was only half theirs, they tighten their grip on the textbook, to the point where their knuckles turn white. ] [ Yet, neither their expression nor their tone give anything away. ] I don't really need anything else from here. Go for as much as you'd like.

@EXPENDABLECHAIN [ They take a step forward, their expression one of slight guilt. ] I apologize; I was unsure when to say something. It has only been a few minutes, though.

@EXPENDABLECHAIN [ They still do not speak, but they tilt their head as he looks out into the Void. Their gaze follows the direction of his own, but they don't spot anything out of the ordinary. ] [ It seems as though for a moment, they had forgotten about the very reason they were here. ]

@Null_Combatant It is quite nice, isn't it? [ They finally step away from the edge, and while they still clutch the textbook under their arm, they seem calmer than before. ] So much supplies drifts here... Perhaps I should fly out more often.

@EXPENDABLECHAIN [ At first, they don't notice anything. But, as he continues to rummage through the island's contents, they eventually realize they are no longer alone. ] [ They turn towards the source of the noise—not calling out, but simply watching. Although, their gaze seems distant. ]

@Null_Combatant Combatant... Hm. It's nice to meet you. [ They pause for a moment, their gaze distant, before suddenly snapping out of it. ] ...Apologies. My name is Pluto. Is there a specific reason you came to this island? Its resources are plentiful, but its location is rather secluded.

@Null_Combatant ...I don't know. [ They spoke the words quietly, as if they took a toll. ] For some odd reason, I feel like I should hold onto this. I can't exactly explain why. [ They shrugged, now eyeing the person in front of them. ] Anyways... I don't believe we've met. Who might you be?

@Null_Combatant I see. [ They glance at the textbook, still firmly grasped in their hands, then back at the other Explorer. ] There isn't much to read... Most of the text isn't legible anymore. [ Despite the item seemingly having no value, Pluto's eyes continuously darted towards it. ]

@Null_Combatant [ They flinch at the sudden contact, nearly losing their balance. Upon seeing what appeared to be a fellow Explorer, though, they relax to the best of their ability. ] I just—glided for a while, and ended up finding this place. ...What about yourself? How did you get here?

[ Yet, Pluto couldn't put it down. They stood on the edge of the island, frozen, grasping the textbook like it was a lifeline. ] [ You'd think it'd be a familiar remnant, but as they held it, nothing came to mind. Only a psychological pull, one that left them in a trance. ]

[ They didn't necessarily leave it more of a mess—in fact, they had only picked up one item. It was an old science textbook, its contents mostly faded to time. There was nothing out of the ordinary about it. ] –