An unofficial forum to talk about MSPA while the MSPA Forums continue to be offline. HOMESTUCK^2 BONUS STORY "Diamonds, Dames, and Dads, Part 2" IS HERE!
> Don't worry, this man may be big, but he's probably your "dad" and doesn't seem to be an abusive one. Shake that hand.
Though he means well, the man's size alone is enough to intimidate you. You can't even bring your hand towards his to shake- and it doesn't help that you haven't exactly had the best string of luck when it comes to introducing yourself. Nor does the moment get any better when you realize your 'mother' is watching you in an expectant manner, presumably because she wants everything to be peferct or something along those lines. It's really hard for you to move your hand forward, but just like a bandage being ripped off the skin it must be done.
And just like that, it's over. All of the intense buildup to this very moment, ending with some sort of letdown. Some may call it a dissapointment, but any obstacle that you've struggled to overcome and somehow manage can be considered an achievement of some sort.
'Dad': ... Er... Nice one, son. That was real great, 'Sis': It looked overhyped without any payoff to me. 'Mom': Now dears, it's imperative to remember that he's not exactly comfortable being around us yet. Give it some time and I'm sure he'll warm up to us all. 'Sis': I mean, if you say so? 'Sis': (Hey Michael? Why are you so aftaid of him? Where's all of that confidence you had in the bathroom?) Michael: (I don't know. It just kind of... came to me.) 'Sis': (So you can't just summon it up when you want?) Michael: (If I could, then I wouldn't be shaking like a leaf...)
'Mom': Well now that's out of the way... It's time for the main event! That is to say, our family dinner! 'Sis': Whoo! I'm starving! Michael: I'm not as enthusiastic but... I feel the same way honestly. 'Dad': I'm sure that's somethin' we can all agree on, boyo. But first...
'Dad': My lady... you've worked so hard on preparing our food for us, surely you deserve some sort of reward.~ 'Sis': Oh please no... 'Mom': Oh?~ But what could a big, strong man like you ever offer to a woman like me?~ Michael: (Don't tell me they're going to...) 'Dad': Why don't you hop into my arms and find out for yourself?~ 'Mom': Don't mind if I do!~
Your 'parents' (if you can even find the dignity to call them that ever again) then proceed to have one of the sloppiest makeouts in the history of paradox space (whatever that is.) This is the kind of embarrassment that many would pray for the sweet relief of death to take them and never have to experience such a shameful display ever again (that is, if they don't already die from embarrassment.)
>Nope, too much to take. Time for a much needed black-out. They can deal with the rag-doll that is your unconscious personage, serves 'em right.
And just like that- as if some celestial deity heard your prayers for the sweet release of the end- you feel a bizarre shock to your body and all but pass out onto the floor. Who or what caused it is unknown to you at the moment, but hey... at least it's better than being hit over the head with a blunt object... right?
Michael: ... This place again? Michael: Isn't this the place where I'm dreaming in someone else's consciousness or some other convoluted idea like that? Huh.
Michael: Well that was... certainly something. Michael: Why am I even back here again? Did I do something I wasn't supposed to? Am I -actually- dead this time? Michael: ... This place is actually pretty relaxing now that I think about it...
Michael: Still though, what was that weird pain that I felt before I blacked out or... whatever? And why am I back here? Michael: It's weird... I feel safe enough to talk to myself and re-assess everything, but maybe that's just because no one else is around to bother me?
Michael: Well, besides the possibility of that one girl. Michael: ... Ooooooooh yeeeeaaaah! Her! The one that made me confused about all of this in the first place! I wonder if I'll run into her again... What did she say her name was? F: I didn't. I only gave you my first initial.
Post by rectifiedReaction on Oct 4, 2017 17:50:02 GMT
>Punch self in snout to establish unconsciousness. >Begin conversation. >Talk about your wonderful new 'Family'. Have the narrative free will expansion pack; >Elaborate about Father. >>Explain INNATE INTIMIDATION. >Elaborate about Mother. >>Explain INEXPLICABLE ATTRACTION. >Elaborate about Sister. >>Explain newfound BROTHERLY BOND. >Elaborate about Mindwiping Alien. >>Explain FAULTY MINDWIPING POWERS. >>>Explain YOUR OWN MAGIC POWERS. >Elaborate about Evil Mirror Self. >>Inqure about CIVIL WAR WITH YOURSELF. >Ask what you need to do now. >Ask for F to finish her STORY. >? Explain, F. >Rise. >RISE UP. >Feast on delicious food. >Strike up friendly dinner conversation. >Inquire about position in family. Narrative Free Will 1.5: Kind Of, But Not Really >Talk about Room. >Ask how you got here. >Nudge sister affectionately in snout to establish brotherly bond. >Address the akward, sloppy makeout elephant that was just in the room a few seconds ago. >Discuss plans for tomorrow. >Best for last.... >Dessert!
(EDIT) I'm running on the assumption that in this dream link, Michael is in slow time. So the whole conversation that is about to ensue is only a few minutes long. So, when Michael wakes up, it will still be dinner time.
Also, sorry for dumping so many commands on you! i've been ogling this adventure for a really long time, and i decided to finally let all of my ideas loose.
>Nudge sister affectionately in snout to establish brotherly bond.
oops my finger slipped and hit the 'make problem sleuth reference' button on my computer rushed, but gets the message across. These two are too perfect for this world.
Post by automatedTimeshift on Oct 13, 2017 20:11:50 GMT
Due to the result of this specific update being so image heavy (and also due to the nature of the update in general plus I hate this forums way of BBCODE), I figured it would be best to put the most recent update on the mirror and instead link it here for all to see!
Post by rectifiedReaction on Oct 13, 2017 21:35:57 GMT
>Drop items in the BEDROOM that clearly are only relevent later during some weird shenanigans. >Strategically implant weapons in the most stupid (yet perfectly concealed) locations.
I don't mind you just linking to the mirror, especially given the split-path nature of the exposition dump. (By the way, nice touch with the "next" arrows reflecting the number of characters in the scene.)
> Well he's already made some progress with "Sis," so perhaps you should focus on her first.
>Well, obviously you should uproot those couch cushions and look for pocket change.
Despite it being completely unnecessary as alien currency is practically worthless to you due to not being accepted in your society, you nevertheless decide to search for something valuable.
And it seems your search bears fruit! There’s a brown little coin as well as a few larger grayish ones. Beside that is a green bit of paper with a number and someone’s face on it. Interesting how humans put other humans on their currency. Unfortunately- as stated earlier- you’ve no need for any of this since your government most likely won’t accept it.
You decide to take them nevertheless, as you never know when you might need more metal or some paper.
> Well he's already made some progress with "Sis," so perhaps you should focus on her first.
Now that’s an idea. Michael has come so far with the girl, why not undo the final lock? Of course this means you’ll have to climb up many STAIRS to reach your goal. And stairs stink. You hate them.
Despite your INTERNALIZED GRIPING, you manage to make your way up the hazardous stairs. Seriously, there needs to be some sort of railing there or SOMETHING.
You then make your way to the room were Michael and the girl supposedly sleep.
And finally, after your perilous journey... Gazing upon the room in its glory, it can be said that this place is pretty nice looking in all honesty. You and your affiliates did everything you could to merge the boy and the girl's rooms, while also deciding to add a personal touch. None of your friends had the faintest clue what the humans use that weird thing for in the northern corner of the room... but it fits. It fits well.
>Drop items in the BEDROOM that clearly are only relevant later during some weird shenanigans. >Strategically implant weapons in the most stupid (yet perfectly concealed) locations.
But now the question stands... where to leave the clues? There are places that you could PROBABLY place them at the risk of being noticed. The older woman has the eyes of a hawk- which you can only assume means she's good at noticing things, and the big guy can tell when something's up. Where would you hide a WEAPON and your CLUE, if anywhere in here?
I don't mind you just linking to the mirror, especially given the split-path nature of the exposition dump. (By the way, nice touch with the "next" arrows reflecting the number of characters in the scene.)
> You need a place no one will think to look, but someone using the room normally will stumble across it. Under the sheets perhaps? So long as it wouldn't leave a noticable lump and wouldn't make it unsafe for someone climbing in bed that is.
A plausible idea, if any. Though the first thing anyone should do is ensure that there's room for such a thing...
And to your dismay, it seems that several objects have already claimed space underneath the bed, and have no intention of moving any time soon! What a shame, this would have been the best place for a weapon of sorts to be placed! Alas, it seems that this is not the day...
>Jump up and down on the bed. A fun and worthwhile use of your time.
What?! How immature! How childish! How completely foolish! You would never do such a thing for the sake of merrymaking! Your cohorts perhaps, but you are a dignified person! You don't resort to such activities as a means of having fun!
You DO however decide it's necessary to test out how bouncy the bed is, should anyone decide to sleep in it. And there's only one possible way to do so...
Hup! Hup! Woohoo! Amazing! This is most likely the bounciest thing you've ever had the fortune to jump on!... Not that you haven't bounced on other things of course... A-assuming you'd take an interest in such activities- which you DON'T!
Needless to say, this bed is without a doubt up to snuff on softness and perfect for private parties!... Or so you'd think. You don't really do that sort of stuff.
That was... exciting. You've never really done anything like that in a while your whole life! Most of the time you were afraid to mess up your sleeping slab. But... you need to wipe that doofy expression off your face! A woman of your state must never find enjoyment from such things! What would happen if your allies saw you? They'd never let you hear the end of it! Think of official, ladylike thoughts...
... Okay you're over it now. And just in time too. This bed...
> You need a place no one will think to look, but someone using the room normally will stumble across it. Under the sheets perhaps? So long as it wouldn't leave a noticable lump and wouldn't make it unsafe for someone climbing in bed that is.
>Obviously UNDER THE PILLOW. They will be none the wiser.
Yes! It's the perfect place to hide a weapon for your collaborator in case things get dicey! Not too incognito, but still noticeable for him to retrieve it!
This certain weapon just so happens to be one of your favorites, even if it's considered outdated and no longer in production. Hopefully Michael learns how to use this thing, because whoever his opponents are will be in for quite a...
...Shock.
And like a young child capable of causing grievous amounts of damage to anything that comes in range of it, the SHOCK BATON has been neatly tucked into bed, waiting for the next day.
You feel as if there's some clever allegory in that statement, but you completely overlook it in favor of noticing how COMPLETELY NOTICEABLE it is. Oh well, that's fine... You think.
After all, with any luck only the boy and the girl will enter this room, right?
And speaking of the girl, a photograph of one of her most PRECIOUS memories has been placed atop the pillow, resting its head as if waiting to be awakened... or perhaps awaken something instead- Yeah no, enough with the allegories. You did the thing with the thing and now the thing is done. But now you realize something amazing. You could potentially stick around to see the aftermath of your deeds if you wanted to! But... should you?
>Yes, without a doubt. Stick around. Revel in the fruits of your handy work. >To pass the time while waiting for them, watch some tv and switch the lights on and off a whole bunch. The power bill's not your problem.
>Yes, without a doubt. Stick around. Revel in the fruits of your handy work. >To pass the time while waiting for them, watch some tv and switch the lights on and off a whole bunch. The power bill's not your problem.
>Totally. >actually while youre at it grab some ethereal popcorn to shove into your nonexistent mouth.
But of course. It’s not every day that you get to spy on people and see whether things went your way or not. Unless it’s you, then it is every day you’re allowed to do such a thing.
This is without a doubt the single best worst idea you’ve ever had. And you absolutely do not regret it.
Until of course you realized this closet is crammed full of unnecessary junk, and then start to regret it. It’s fine though! You’ll survive... you think.
Back in the kitchen...
’Sis’: Oooh maaan.~ ‘Sis’: I don’t have to eat for a week now... Michael: Yikes... (That was almost traumatizing. Never in my life would I ever thought that I’d see a small girl almost destroy an entire turkey by herself.) Michael: (Thank goodness the adults stepped in or else ‘mom’ and I wouldn’t have gotten any.) Michael: (Weird how the dad didn’t eat but oh well.) Michael: Well you sure do look full at least. ’Mom’: Another successful dinner! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much deary.~ ’Dad’: But... If ya don’t mind, couldya please get off the floor? It’s unsanitary, even for a house that’s clean all the time. ’Sis’: Heh.. sorry. Just a second. Michael: Should I uh...
’Sis’: I’m fine. Just a bit full. Michael: I’d hope so. I would probably question my life if you were still hungry. Michael: Heck, you’re lucky that we managed to take the bones out, or you probably would’ve eaten them too! ’Sis’: What can I say? I’m a woman that loves her food. ’Mom’: Speaking of garbage, it’s time we clean up. Honey, will you get the plate so I can wash it? ’Dad’: Alright dear! Say kids, could ya move for your old man fer just a sec?
Michael: Moving now. ’Dad’: Much appreciated. ’Mom’: Now were did I put that dish liquid bottle...? ’Sis’: ... Should we help with the dishes? ’Dad’: Nonsense. There’s only one that needs washing. ’Sis’: But you and mum did all the work. Shouldn’t we at least help or something? I feel like that’s a fair trade off. ‘Sis’: Right Michael? Michael: Uh... ’Sis’: Really? Michael: Hey I never said I was opposed to it, but if I don’t have to... ’Dad’: Ya don’t. Now go upstairs and spend time with eachother. Your mother and I have things from here. ’Sis’: Are you sure?
’Mom’: Well, if you two want to stick around... you could always watch your father and I lock lips again.~ ’Sis’: W... what?! ’Dad’: Hohoho! I like how ya think, darlin’. ‘Dad’: After all, we’ve yet to celebrate our successful family dinner you and I? Michael: Oh no no no no no no no no... ’Mom’: How about you take me into those big, strong arms, and show me how much you love me?~
Michael: RUN FOR IT!!! ’Sis’: H-hey! Don’t leave me behind! I don’t want to see them do gross makeout stuff! Michael: Well what makes you think -I- want to see it?! Michael: I don’t want to just as much as you!
Michael: !........ ’Sis’: Uh... Why are we stopping? Michael: ... Michael: Is uh... now a bad time to admit that I’m actually afraid of stairs? ’Sis’: Yes. Yes it is. 'Sis': Actually would've been nice if you mentioned it earlier actually. Michael: Yeah. Sorry about that. But then again, when IS a good time to say such a thing? Michael: ...Hey uh... mind if I ask you something?
Michael: Would you please... Hold my hand? 'Sis': ! You... actually want me to...? Michael: I know it's kinda weird after what just happened but... Michael: I really don't want to go up those stairs by myself... 'Sis': Alright, alright. Fair enough. 'Sis': Let's go.
’Sis’: And we’re finally here! Michael:Thank goodness... now let us never speak of it again. Michael: Also is it just me or does this place look... different?
Post by well hello there on Nov 8, 2017 11:15:17 GMT
> Michael: You're tired, why don't you have a nice rest on that bed? > Michael: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
> F: Look around in closet. What 'unnecessary junk' can you utilise? > F: Step on lego or dice and curse really loudly.
Post by automatedTimeshift on Dec 23, 2017 18:01:59 GMT
’Sis’: No, not really. ‘Sis’: It’s looked just about the same as it always has, I think. ‘Sis’: But given the day you’ve been having, I wouldn’t put it past you to think it. Michael: It’s just... something about this room feels off for some reason.
Michael: It’s... ah... difficult to explain. Michael: It feels like someone’s been in here in the last few minutes? Michael: Someone other than us anyway. ’Sis’: And... how did you get this feeling? Michael: Beats me. It’s just a gut feeling. Michael: I know it sounds weird but... we have instincts for a reason, right? ’Sis’: Well nothing looks out of place to me. ‘Sis’: Are you sure you’re not just stressed out or something? Michael: I don’t even know anymore.
Michael: Maybe I do need to relax. We could just chill and watch some TV? ’Sis’: Want to watch some cheesy movies and criticize the actors for their terrible performances? Michael: Works for me. You find the movie and the remote and I sit on the bed and do nothing. ’Sis’: Excuse me? I don’t remember agreeing to that! Michael: You’re the one who said I need to relax. ’Sis’: I meant that as in not stress so much. How could you possibly think that I’m supposed to do all the work? Michael: Er... what if... You can consider it as a thank you for saving you from that gremlin girl? ’Sis’: ... Fine. But only this once! You’re not going to hold it over my head for everything, alright?
Michael: Deal! Hop to it! ’Sis’: You are so lazy. Michael: Hey, there aren’t any negative consequences, right? ’Sis’: Maybe not now, but karma’s going to get you for this. Michael: Eh, I say bring it on. Any menial work I don’t have to do is a load off my shoulders. Michael: Besides, how bad would this be for my karma anyway?
*BZZZZT!*
Michael: NNGHGHGAGHAAAGH!!!
Judging by the sound of pain and electricity, you can only assume that Michael has found the SHOCK BATON that you left for him, though not in the exact way that you hoped.
Well that certainly could have gone better...
Michael: Ooooow... okay, I guess I kinda deserved that. ’Sis’: A-are you okay?! What happened?! Michael: I think... I got shocked with electricity?... Ow... ’Sis’: Electricity? From where? Michael: I don’t know... I guess from whatever I sat on. Michael: Speaking of, what DID I sit on?
Michael: Here it is. ’Sis’: Is that... some kind of shock baton? Michael: I think? ’Sis’: And it was under the bedsheets? How did you miss that? Michael: I think a better question would be ‘who puts dangerous weapons underneath the bedsheets?’
Michael: (Seriously though, this isn’t the type of stuff you just leave lying around.) Michael: (Someone could get hurt for crying out loud!) Michael: (Well... someone DID, but... still!) Michael: (Who on earth left this, and why?)
’Sis’: Not to change the subject, but what’s that on the other side of you?
Michael: ...? Michael: (Oh hey! There actually is something.) Michael: (Geez, how did I not notice that?) Michael: It looks like some sort of photograph. In fact, it probably IS a photograph. ’Sis’: Just a picture huh? Probably not important then. Michael: I wouldn’t say that too soon honestly. ’Sis’: Why?
'Sis': Of me...? Are you being serious right now? Michael: Completely. Although to be fair, you look a lot younger int this photo than you do now. Unless this is some other girl with a green ribbon in her hair. 'Sis': ... May I see it? Michael: Oh sure, by all means go ahead.
'Sis': !!! 'Sis': This... This is me! Michael: Told you so. Michael: That picture looks old too. Like, almost a decade. Then again it looks like one of those old instant camera photos, so the time period should be like... Maybe ten years ago? Michael: I never knew you had a treehouse either. Or... used to have a treehouse. Michael: Geez. That photo really must have been old, huh..? Michael: ... Michael: Hello? ... Are you still listening to me?
Michael: ... Uh... Michael: Hellooooo? Michael: Are you even paying attention? Michael: ... well? Michael: Sis?
==> Sarah: Remember
Sarah: !! (I-is that...?) Sarah: (I-It is! That’s him! That’s Eric!) Sarah: (But... What’s going on? How did I get here?! And where’s Michael?!)) Eric: HELLO? Earth to Sarah! I’m talking to you!
Sarah: Huh? Eric: Finally got your attention, huh? About time. Eric: Can you please keep your focus? Sarah: (Whoa... why do I... feel so weird...?)
Eric: We have to get back to moving boxes in the house. Eric: Or are you going to give me that ‘I’m too small to lift those big boxes’ speech? Sarah: Boxes? Why do we have to move boxes? Eric: Sigh.... You’ve seriously forgotten? Eric: We’re moving in today. Where have you been for the last 6-7 weeks?
Sarah: (This was around the time when... I was younger...)
Sarah: (Am I... reliving through this memory?) Sarah: (If so...That would explain how I became a kid again... but...) Sarah: (How am I going to get back to the real world? Do I just go along with everything as best as I remember it?) Eric: Well? Are you going to help or not?
Seems like you should probably play along for now, and relive through your memories the best you can. But first...
There. Much Better.
Sarah: Oh don't worry... I'll help with the boxes. Sarah: Uh... where's our room again?
I HAVE WIFI NOOOOOOOOOOW!! And motivation! ... Kinda. No art this time. Just wasting time trying to find a decent-ish animation/editing tool and failing... BUT STILL!
Also if anybody has a recomendation as to what software I can use, I’m all ears!
Sarah -> Go move boxes. Grab the smallest ones. Get the layout of the new house. Maybe going through the locations will help retrigger new (old) memories.
Sarah -> Go move boxes. Grab the smallest ones. Get the layout of the new house. Maybe going through the locations will help retrigger new (old) memories.
Eric: Really? You never even bothered to check out where our room was before the moving van drove up with all our stuff?! Sarah: Sorry, I-I'm just really... really confused at the moment. Eric: Sigh. You really are a pain… Fine. Eric: I'll show you where our room is, and then you help me load up the boxes. Okay? Sarah: Alright, sure. Eric: Okay. This way then.
==> Seconds in the future...
…But not many.
Sarah: (Whoa... This place is more colorful that I remembered.) Sarah: (Definitely a step up from that dismal greyscale that the house was painted with.) Sarah: (Huh... actually, I never realized how depressing the house was painted before. Maybe we should get new colors.)
Eric: I can't believe I have to do this... Eric: Not even three days in and I already miss St. Helens. Sarah: St. Helens? Eric: In the U.K. It's where I lived until mum decided "oh! I want to marry this man travelling abroad for his job and go through the bureaucratic nightmare of applying for citizenship in another country and moving in with him!" Eric: "In fact, let's move onto an island province with nothing to do!" Sarah: Uuuh… If it makes you feel better, I had to move out of my hometown too.
Eric: … No. It doesn't make me feel better. Eric: You want to know why? Sarah: Er… Not real- Eric: It's because I've heard that you're a social shut-in from your father. Eric: You had no friends to lose. You had no honourships to lose. You could move to any place in the world and it wouldn't bother you. Eric: Me? I had friends that I knew back since I was a toddler. I was a valuable player for my school's Cricket team. I was a regular A-B student! Eric: And now all of that is gone! My friends are in another country and I have no way of connecting with them unless I use politically oversaturated and privacy breaching social media, my grades are going to more or less mean nothing at the new school we go to because of the different grading systems... Eric: And as far as I know, Nova Scotia doesn't even have a Cricket team! It's probably just hockey! Sarah: That's pretty presumptuous of you to assume that the only sport Canada plays is hockey! Eric: Am I wrong? Sarah: Er… Sarah: (I haven't been to any sports games, so I honestly don't know.) Sarah: (Plus I haven't been home in... god how long has it been?) Eric: I'll take your silence as a 'No.'
Eric: And then there's you. Sarah: Me? What did I do? Eric: You're one of the weirdest people I've ever met. And now I have the misfortune of sharing my mother with you and your father. Eric: I'm not going to lie, I don't like you very much. That being said, I'd prefer it if you didn't call me your brother. And when you DO address me, make sure it's "Eric Andlin" and not "Eric Evergreen." Sarah: T-that's a bit extreme, don't you think? Eric: No. I don't. Eric: We're almost to our room. Hurry up.
Eric: And here we are. Our shared room, in all of it's disgustingly coloured glory. Sarah: (Oh wow. That is a disgusting shade of yellow...) Sarah: Well at least we already have a bed. Eric: Yes... the bunk bed... I can't believe that I have to sleep on such a childish thing. Sarah: What are you talking about? You're never too old for bunk beds! Eric: That sounds exactly like something that a child would say. Sarah: Hey! Eric: "Hey" all you want. It won't change my opinion. Eric: Once you're done staring, you can come back and help me with the boxes. Eric: I'm not waiting for you, so hurry up.
So that was your brother? Or step-brother from the sounds of it. He was... Really, really rude. You're beginning to remember why you didn't like him much, actually. Well at least he's gone now, and you can take a moment to collect yourself.
I think the text after the second image is wrong. Its repeated and the text after the third image suggests there should be something before it that is missing.
I feel like jumping on the bed is a good idea. But its a bunk bed, and there isn't much room.