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Kelyeah: Treehouse of Awesomeness
Traveler's Folly / promistaar
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A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

"Nah, not a Star Wars fan." Ben changed the channel, looking for something to have on in the background while he did his computer work. He was also just waiting for his roommate to get home to see the new toy plugged into the TV.
(edited)
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dragons den 10/8/2025 12:56 AM
The front door clicks open and Sam saunters through the door with a exasperated sigh. He plops down on the couch beside Ben. "well that went well.."
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"I can't tell if that was sarcasm or not. Now you get to guess if I'm being sarcastic. Also, I ordered Chinese." Ben motioned to the sizable box of noodles and chicken on the entertainment center, right next to the brand new Pulsar Orbit System.
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dragons den 10/8/2025 1:07 AM
"y... you know im not good with tone. no! it didnt go well.. I practiced so much for that interview. When I got their.... I couldn't get a word out!" He grabbed the box and a fork. He didn't notice the new console
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"That sucks butts, man. Hope the new console makes you feel better." The red panda stuffed the rest of his own food into his mouth, before tossing the box into the trash. Success this time! Wait, his chopsticks were still in there! Cursing through a mouthful of white rice, Ben got up and rushed to dig them out of the trash.
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dragons den 10/8/2025 1:23 AM
He paused for a moment before slurping up the noodle that was hanging from his mouth. He looked back and noticed it this time. His eyes lit up and he swallowed hard "Shh. Shit! is that.... a Pulsar Orbit System?! Dude everyone's been talking about these things"
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"Yep! Got one extra cheap, too. They were selling them super cheap while I was out of town, so I decided I'd get one. Shame I had to go out of town just to pick up Chinese, the only place here in town was closed today. Something about customers fighting over an egg roll."
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dragons den 10/8/2025 2:01 AM
"mann.. Don't get in the way of someone's egg roll i guess" He chuckled a little. He sat aside the noodles and picked up a controller And booted the console up
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The machine lit up, and the logo screen blinked onto the display. "Pulsar Orbit System", with the Pulsar logo displayed on the side panel of a pixel art satellite. "Please Insert Cartridge." "Fuck! I forgot to get a cartridge for it. I know they're selling those at Play Gallery, you can take my wallet off the counter and pick one up. I'd do it myself, but I wouldn't know what exactly you would want."
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dragons den 10/8/2025 3:54 PM
he tilted his head at him. Trying to discern if he was joking or not "wh... don't tell me you bought it and you don't know the gimmick?! The cartridges don't have games on them. You download the game's onto them through satellite"
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"Right, but then why does it need a cartridge? It... Oh my god, HOW do I have a degree in computer science! Obviously it needs a blank cartridge to hold the currently playing game. I'm sorry I'm such a dunce. Want me to run and get the cartridge myself then?"
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dragons den 10/8/2025 5:44 PM
he smiled warmly and threw his head back. He playfully ruffled Ben's hair "you're such a goof! No stress though.. I can wait for you to get back" he picked up his fork again. Going for some of the chicken
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Ben hurried off the couch, grabbing his money and running off to the store. Looks like he left his laptop on, which was showing some news headlines. Well, nothing too interesting, really. At least they were talking about those sudden TV outages that nobody else seemed to care about. Not a lot of gaming news, however, just boring business stuff, disasters, etc. (edited)
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dragons den 10/9/2025 12:12 PM
after glancing over the pictures and reading bits here and there he closed the laptop to preserve some battery. He chuckled when he saw the butt sticker was still there. At first he was going to tell him who put it there. Now hes invested in seeing if he will ever notice (edited)
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Ben finally got back from the game store, putting the new cartridge in the machine. "Geez, these things are NOT cheap in the slightest. So it downloads games onto these from the satellites, right?"
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dragons den 10/9/2025 10:57 PM
He was sprawled out on the couch watchin some tv. He looked up at him and smiled before sitting up and patting the seat next to him "welcome back. how much was it??"
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"You don't need to know the price, kiddo." Classic move, calling someone the same age as him "kiddo". Ben took a seat, putting the laptop back onto his lap and getting to work. "I'm sure your game should work now."
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dragons den 10/14/2025 5:39 PM
He glared at him for a moment "hey I just wanna know how much laundry I gota do so I don't feel like I owe you" He shrugged before trying it again.
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There we go, the game was actually up and running this time. It opened up with a little character creator, which had a ton of options for the little 16 bit characters. Looks like they were trying to be as species inclusive as possible with the limited palette and sprite sizes.
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"Shit... not customization!" he joked a little as he scrolled through the options. Before he knew it he had spent 37 minutes in the editor trying to make the avatar perfect. Besides the fact theire wasn't the right tan he got it pretty spot on
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Once the little guy was made, they got dropped into a cute little RPG town. Seems there were a few other players as well, going between the buildings that seemed to double as parts of the menu for the "game". There was an apartment building for playing downloaded games, a post office for sending mail to other users, a beauty salon for character customization, a game store for buying games, and even different buildings for playing the broadcasted games, separated by genre (a car dealership for racing games, a restaurant for cooking games, a computer store for sim games, etc.)
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he wandered around for a bit as he talked to some npcs and read the signs. Once he had a feel for what buildings were what, he entered the dealership. It opened a little menu showing a short demo video of the game currently in cycle. The options were styled like text prompts for things like downloading games to checking leaderboards or the next airtimes. He clicked on the button that said 'Take it for a spin' which began downloading the game
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While the game downloaded, one of the other players walked up to the newcomer. They had a cute little alien cat avatar, and they typed through their keyboard. "Hey! Looking to play 2 player?"
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dragons den 10/25/2025 6:34 AM
*He wasn't expecting to see someone so quick. he opend the chat and replied "Sure! but you might lose :P"
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Ben got up, stretching before walking off towards the bathroom. "I'm gonna take a shower. Have fun getting your ass kicked at racing." Meanwhile, the little alien cat responded. "I've been playing this one all day, we'll see about that." Once the game finished downloading, it was time to play, and a little window popped up showing a multiplayer invite from "Zorvax".
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dragons den 10/25/2025 6:46 AM
he tilted his head finding the user 'zorvax' a little odd but joined it. He spots that same ailen cat in the game. ok good he joined the right person. He quickly selected his car and hit ready
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After a few races against this guy - who seemed to be really good at this game - Sam's head started to hurt a bit. Well, not hurt so much as feel dizzy, so to speak? Like his head was filled with TV static. Food sounded good right now. And a drink, and a shower, and maybe even a nap.
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dragons den 10/25/2025 7:09 AM
He tried to push past it. Determined to win at least one. Unfortunately it only got worse and he didn't play his best because of it. Finally he Concedes and types "I need to go. GG dude" before closeing out of the game. He shambles over to the kitchen hopeing theirs leftovers or anything
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There was some pizza left, along with a few other decent looking leftovers, and there were also some snacks in the freezer. Oh, wait, there was still Taco Bell in here, too. Including Ben's nearly untouched Baja Blast.
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dragons den 10/25/2025 9:23 PM
he grabbed the half eaten burrito and reheated it in the microwave for a few minutes. He took the cold Baja Blast and held it to his aching head before takeing a sip of it "nghh. why dose a headache have to strike now? Can't even take medicine for it with ben useing the bathroom" he grumbled to himself (edited)
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The headache subsided pretty quickly, at least. Now just a shower and a nap... although the shower was occupied. Unless Sam wanted to bother Ben about it, he'd just have to find something non-headache-inducing to do while waiting.
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dragons den 10/31/2025 9:43 PM
he took the burrito and Baja and walked back to his room. Passing the bathroom he paused for a moment as he debated asking if he could quickly get the medicne from the cabinet. He decided against it and just plopped down on the bed. Finishing the burrito and Baja he got comfy in bed. hopefuly ben would be done by the time he woke up from his nap
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In his dream, Sam was sitting on a peaceful grassy ledge over a forest of purple trees, watching the galaxy in the sky spin around as stars slowly went this way and that.
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dragons den 11/9/2025 5:41 PM
Despite being unconscious his body still reacts to the beautiful view. A faint smile on his face as he snuggled closer to his pillow. Meanwhile his dream self continued to look around. Kicking his legs slowly
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In his dream, Sam's phone vibrated with a new message. Someone with an alien cat profile picture, and a name in some alien alphabet. "Are you watching the sky, Sam?" (edited)
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dragons den 11/9/2025 6:49 PM
He grabbed his phone and looked at the message with concern. He glanced around before responding "I am, how did you know?" (edited)
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"Keep watching." High in the sky, something akin to a shooting star flew across the sky slowly... but it didn't look much like it should. It was something much smaller and much, much closer. Was that a UFO? It eventually flew off past the horizon, but it had come pretty close. After this, Sam would wake up at some weird hour of the early morning. Who knows how much he slept.
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"Mmhhh. Where am i??" he groaned as his eyes fluttered open slowly. He glanced at his alarm clock to check the time "its tomorrow??! Crist!" he leans back in bed for a moment. Rubbing his eyes as he yawns. Eventually he finally gets up for the bathroom
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The next few... minutes? Hours? Are a blur. Showering happened. Shampoo and conditioner were probably involved. Teeth may have been brushed? Dried off with the hair dryer. Sam woke up naked on the couch feeling freshly clean but still kind of out of it. Is this how werewolves felt waking up? Hungry. Very hungry.
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dragons den 11/11/2025 5:11 PM
I don't even think hes mentally there as he simply got up without questioning any of it. He checks the fridge. None of it really sounded good right now but he wasn't in a state to be picky. Feeling his stomach knaw at itself. He grabs a little bit of everything. Pizza slices, a small salad, French fries, even a block of cheese? He went straight to work makeing a abomination of a...... burger?? Im sure he would've made something more appetizing if he wasn't swaying in and out of this half conscience state (edited)
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This burger was something special alright. Sure, it was an abomination, but it was at least a little filling. Maybe it was time to play more of that game now... Was it afternoon now? Woke up on the couch again, feeling a bit more lucid now, with a throw blanket over him as Ben carried a LOT of fast food in through the front door. "Feeling any better? You've been out of it all day."
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dragons den 11/11/2025 5:42 PM
"Hmm.. wh... huh?? But... I was just in the kitchen!" he said mid yawn. He sat up and stretched makeing the blanket slip. He rested his head against the backrest for a moment before replying "n... no. Something weired is happening... no clue what's up"
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"I think you're sick. Let's see... you've been sleepwalking around the house naked, you tried to bite me multiple times and went on about how hungry you were - hence all the food here - and you've been playing a lot of that game. For as tired as you are though, you're pretty good at those games."
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dragons den 11/11/2025 6:18 PM
"Sl... sleepwalking? I tried to... bite you?? Whuhh. What?" it all started to click. He slowly looked down at the blanket draped around his waist. His face flashed red as he yanks it up to cover up. Yelping slightly "yep!! Stillll nude"
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"Yeah, I thought you'd just gotten out of the shower, so I didn't question it until you started trying to bite me. I think it's cause I had a sandwich in my hands, actually." Ben brought over a bag of food before taking a seat at the far end of the couch. "Oh, and you've been mumbling about aliens all day."
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dragons den 11/11/2025 6:44 PM
"Aliens?? Don't know anything about aliens..." he grumbled. Still trying to make sense of everything. He looked through the bag. Right on que his stomach growled. He scarfed down the contents "unless Its that one... Green ailen cat I raced"
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"You did do that the other day, yeah. But hey, if you're sick, I think gaming all day is fine and dandy. I'll order a new thermometer, and then we'll see if you've caught something. I dunno, I'm not a doctor."
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it sounded like a plan. Minus the whole being in his birthday suit, especially with ben right there. He got up, wrapping the blanket around his waist. "I probably should put.... close on.." he mumbled as he walked tward his room. shortly after he returns in a random t-shirt and comfortable sweatpants "thanks for all the.... food" noticing all the wrappers and fast food bags Lying around. It put into perspective just how much hes been eating while asleep?? Awake? Doesn't matter, it likely cost quite a bit. He frowns slightly before he plopped back down on the couch "I promise I'll clean everything up when I have a clear mind" (edited)
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"Are you going to keep playing with that green alien cat? Wouldn't be surprised if they're online today."
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"Maybe.. wait no... I don't think I friended them.." he shrugged before he picked up the controller and booted the game up again. First he checked his mailbox, their wasn't any new events going on and it didn't show anything on the friends list. The chance he ran into the ailen again was likely low. He walked into the dojo with the fighting games (edited)
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Looks like there weren't any fighting games broadcasting today, unfortunately. But just then, a familiar green feline showed up near the bottom of the screen, and started typing. "Hey, follow me. I wanna show you some secret stuff."
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he was confused for a second. usually they have something going for each genre. Just as he was going to check the airings he noticed that Zorvax fellow. before he could type a response they were already walking off. He quickly follows behind (edited)
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As Zorvax typed, and as the two walked, the real world seemed to slip away. The edges of the TV began to blend with the edges of Sam's vision. Pixelated trees began to sway in the wind, and the path started to feel rough under Sam's feet as he walked behind. This place, it looked like a path leading up to the grassy ledge from that dream - minus the purple coloration of the trees, of course. "I think... we're connected now. It's been so hard to find someone who could connect to me, for me to properly share my experiences with. I've been isolated for so long."
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"wait what the hell?!" he stopped for a moment. trying to decern what just happened and if he was dreaming it all. "d...d... did..... did I just fall asleep again!? and what do you mean we're connected?"
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"We're psychically connected. Not exactly the same as a dream, but I'd say it's pretty close!"
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His response only confused him further. He began to think their wasn't a answer to it. So he tries to focus on the beauty of it. taking a good look of the pixelated world "Dream or not.... I never thought id get to see the inside of a game"
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"Well, I'm giving you my psychic abilities so you can go inside of any game like this. Think of all the fun you could have that way!"
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dragons den 11/30/2025 2:28 PM
"Wait really?? Well I geuss thats worth getting sick.. or whatever that was." Sam laughed a little. Still in awe that this was happening. He decides to go further up the path to the ledge
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"When I was first able to start connecting to your world's internet, I was pretty much in shock. All of the sudden, I get the chance to learn everything there is to know about you guys! I haven't had a lot of luck finding people to talk to, so I'm glad you're not running off like everyone else does. That's why I picked you, you seemed like you'd be accepting!"
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dragons den 12/7/2025 1:18 PM
"Why do they run? Well I geuss people don't usually join random invites" he got to the ledge and decided to sit down like he did in his dream.
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"I guess people just find me weird. I mean, makes sense though, not like I'm used to this world's culture, or anything." Zorvax took a seat next to his new friend, looking out over the ledge. Still, sure as all, it definitely beats the silence of space."
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dragons den 12/16/2025 4:27 PM
Sam smiles softly. Takeing the moment to collect his thoughts and relax "you know... I don't know if it has any significance... but I saw this exact spot in a dream... Except for the trees being purple"
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"Oh, yeah, I did that! I was just trying to show you what my home world looked like, so I just came up with a close approximation using this spot as a template. I can blur the line between game and dream as much as I need to."
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dragons den 12/16/2025 5:25 PM
"Your world is pixelated?" he said jokingly before noticing the use of 'looked'. he frowned a little before hoping he was using it wrong "you mean looks? looked makes it sound like it isn't there anymore"
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"That's because it isn't. I was sent out on my little rocket pod to get me away from the planet before its sun went supernova."
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Sam's expression immediately saddens. He scoots closer to give Zorvax a side hug "oh... im so sorry! I won't ask further if its a heavy topic"
Box started a thread. 12/31/2025 4:27 AM
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"Aww, don't worry, it's fine. I have a whole world here full of people I can make friends with, so it's not like I'll be alone."
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dragons den 1/1/2026 3:10 PM
"That's true. I hope I'm one of many to be your friends on earth" He Released him from the hug and smiled warmly
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"I should probably let you go back now. You're still adjusting to the new ability, so you're spending a lot of energy..."
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dragons den 1/22/2026 1:45 PM
"Geuss that explains why I've been starving. Thank you for sharing this with me, Zorvax" he gives him a warm smile. He looks up at the view for a few minutes more before standing up and stretching. Sam offers his hand to help his new friend up
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The alien reached back and took his new friend's hand to get back up, smiling. "One more thing... from what I've learned, I've apparently got some important cargo in the little pod they stuck me in!"
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dragons den 1/24/2026 8:38 PM
Sam held his stomach for a moment. feeling that weaving feeling coming back a little "I.. could lend a hand if you need.... Might have to make it quick. I'm getting that weird half here feeling.. I guess that means I'm getting low on manna" He laughed a bit at the nerdy reference
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"It's alright, I won't need much help. I just need you to memorize some numbers and figure out what they mean, they're etched onto the top of this cargo box. 36, 46, 29, 121, 47, 51. Oh, and NW, not sure what that stands for." (edited)
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dragons den 1/24/2026 9:03 PM
he tiled his head at the string of numbers. While trying to memorize it he came to a realization. He doesn't need to memorize it when he has technology. He flips open his phone and takes a picture of the etching. He nods confidently and puts it back in his pocket. Turning to Zorvax. "allright.. sooo how do I head back?"
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"Well, you could try summoning the menu and hitting the quit button!"
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dragons den 1/24/2026 9:31 PM
"right... take care!" he mimed holding a controller and went through the motions of quitting out. Completely muscle memory but it seemed to do the job. He takes in the cool breeze as it begins to fade into nothing. The chirping of birds turns into the faint Humm of appliances. The pixels tear away to reveal the Livingroom Just about how he remembered it. Unaware of how much time passed
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As soon as Sam logged out of the game, the... ... Food. Need. Food. Sam was trapped in a bestial state of mind. So much energy was spent. So much energy was owed. It was a debt to be repaid. Some preything wandered the darkened hallways.
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dragons den 1/24/2026 9:52 PM
he groaned groggily and reached to rub his head. Instead his hands cling to his sides. Damm! this was real textbook starvation. He Prowls down the hall without care for being quiet as every odd step brought a crunch of large branded 'leaves' (edited)
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There... there it was. A shadow retreated into one of the rooms. It was about to come back out... The prey was right there. Now was the time to strike.
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dragons den 1/24/2026 10:03 PM
"mhh meal!" he mumbled as he drops down a little before he closed the distance. Capturing the prey in his grasp.
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Easy grab. The thing didn't even run. It seemed completely oblivious to what was going on... in fact it was laughing! Easy prey. Good.
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dragons den 1/24/2026 10:14 PM
"s.... sooo hungry.... eat good" he grumbled before taking one of its limbs into his mouth. When it wasn't going to fit He started to bite down
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Thankfully for Sam, and unfortunately for Ben, the prey seemed to fit just fine. The Psyrus had already enhanced Sam enough for that, so no biting was necessary. Ben stared in amused bewilderment as his roommate swallowed his arm. "Oh geez, not again..."
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dragons den 1/24/2026 10:31 PM
With a strained groan Sam started to stand up on Shakey legs, lifting the prey with him. Letting gravity do most of the work sending the morsel down his throat
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Ben closed his eyes as he was pulled in, trying to stop himself from sliding in so fast. But he was gone very soon, falling entirely inside and curling up. "How did you even do that? Ugh, this is... cramped..." That was so much better. Time to nap this off. There was a very cozy looking bed in view, too...
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dragons den 1/24/2026 10:56 PM
"mmhhf warm" He yawns contently. With a semblance of humanity returning he lies down and tucks himself under the covers. closeing his eyes he drifts into much needed sleep (edited)
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Ben sighed, trying to get comfortable, as he started to feel softer and softer. Then, like cotton candy in a bowl of water, he was gone. Sam and Ben awoke on that alien ledge again. And this time, Zorvax was here. The alien cat looked over to the others, sitting cross-legged. "Sorry for dragging you here in a dream again. And sorry, Ben, but this is gonna be a little confusing. I'll explain everything that's going on if you just give me a bit of time." -# "How do you know my name?"
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dragons den 1/24/2026 11:09 PM
"oh Ben, your here too?" He gave a quick upward nod To him. before turning to Zorvax "All good dude.... im not feeling uber hungry and the view's nice. its a win win"
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"Well... that's the complicated part. You're not feeling hungry, because you ate and digested Ben." "Wait, that was real? Then how am I here?" "Because this is a connected dream, and you've been added to Sam's mind. My space pod has the equipment to bring your old body back, but Sam will need to actually get to me first. Until then, you're pretty much stuck in the head of anyone connected by the psyrus."
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dragons den 1/24/2026 11:25 PM
"That... that can't be pleasant... wait? I digested him?!" he did a double take. Immediately feeling guilty. He turned to Ben # "I... I am soo sorry!"
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"Hey, it's alright! Especially since it sounds like we already have a fix for it. Plus... it really wasn't that bad." He wasn't sure if it was a good idea to admit it felt good. "No hard feelings, Sam."
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dragons den 1/24/2026 11:36 PM
he sighs in relief. Turning back to Zorvax "well do you have a idea where you landed? Any landmarks?"
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"I haven't landed yet, that's the thing. But I think I'm starting to get close!"
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dragons den 1/24/2026 11:51 PM
"Oh your still in space? I kinda assumed you landed if your playing video games.. no big deal.. im sure we'll hear about it on the news when you do make it"
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"Maybe. Maybe when you wake up, you can figure out what that code is. That could probably help us." "What code?" Ben tilted his head at the alien, wondering what these two had been discussing before. "36, 46, 29, 121, 47, 51, and the letters NW. It's engraved on the lid of an important cargo box." "NW? Like north and west? They could be coordinates... maybe that's where you're meant to land?"
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dragons den 1/25/2026 12:16 AM
"Ohhhh, coordinates! That makes a lot more sense than what I was thinking" he gives Ben a playful nudge "or whatever is in the box needs to be placed at those cords?"
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"Maybe? We can look into that when you wake up, I'll try and memorize the numbers." Ben leaned back, looking out over the cliff. "Is this your homeworld?" "Was. It's the best recreation your minds can present. Colorful grass and trees, but the grass where I'm from is more like carpet to you guys. Your world is dull and pointy and itchy... it's hard to really show Ozari and have it make sense."
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dragons den 1/25/2026 1:37 PM
"I feel like I should take offence but.... I kind of agree. Then again I usually stay indoors.." he rubs the back of his neck
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"Sorry about that. Alright, you should probably be able to wake up now. If you can help me figure out where I'm going to land, we can meet up there and I'll get both of you put back to normal."
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dragons den 1/25/2026 1:50 PM
"sounds good. see you then!" he smiles warmly and waves. ... Well that's awkward, he hasn't woken up yet... Sam holds his arm awkwardly "soooo.... did you hear about that new game co-" His eyes fluttered open. ok now hes awake. and he fell asleep in Ben's bed... He blushed a little when he noticed that. He gets up and dose his routine before ploping down on the couch and opeing the laptop (edited)
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The laptop came to life with a little jingle, but it didn't show the lock screen this time. Instead, it showed a glitchy view of that cliff, where Ben was sitting in the grass. "Hey, Sam! Check it out! I'm using the Psyrus to project myself onto the laptop!"
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dragons den 1/25/2026 2:10 PM
He froze for a moment before chuckling. "ok that's really sick! I'd probably join you in their but that's probably going to starve me again... so can you search where those cords lead?"
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"Yep, already did. Just offshore of Opal City, California! Which means he'll be landing in the water, which is probably a really good thing... right?"
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dragons den 1/26/2026 11:38 AM
"Good for him, not really for me... I don't know how to swim" he admits sheepishly "at least we have the where. But I wanna know the when. Ooh! Is there anything about meteor showers in the area?"
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"I'm connected to him through the Psyrus, so I can read his ship computer. Looks like he's not even in our solar system yet. He's still really far, but he's really fast, so it's hard to tell when he's gonna get here."
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dragons den 1/26/2026 1:33 PM
he thought about it for a minute. He didn't want to be late and leave Zorvax stranded, and he had no idea what he would do in Opal City if they got there early "hey Ben, got any family in Cali? We might be there for a wile"
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"No... but hold on, he'll be passing right over us! We can see if he has a way to eject from the pod above us and pretty much land in the yard."
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Box
"No... but hold on, he'll be passing right over us! We can see if he has a way to eject from the pod above us and pretty much land in the yard."
dragons den 1/26/2026 5:39 PM
"damme that's convenient.... ask away then"
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"Alright, let's see..." He went silent for a moment, before snapping out of it. "Looks like he can! I'll patch him in." The screen changed to a different view of the alien planet, with nobody around besides the voice coming through from Zorvax. "I'm coming down pretty quick. It's not supposed to be going this fast... how intense is your planet's gravity?"
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dragons den 1/26/2026 6:01 PM
"Uhh I don't have a frame of reference. y.. you jump and come back down in seconds?? Dose that thing have a parachute.... or something to slow the fall?!" Sam asks as he starts to get worried. This was verry new to him and it sounded like their isn't time to idle by (edited)
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"The ship computer says... 9.8 meters per second squared. The pod isn't even rated for 6." The cat was silent, before letting out a long, resigned sigh. "I never knew such a massive planet could be habitable. Even if I survive re-entry, your planet's atmosphere is going to crush me as soon as I'm on the ground. I'll... I'll do my best to protect the cargo on the way down."
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dragons den 1/26/2026 6:24 PM
"no way! Don't Say it like that! your going to be fine!" He held the laptop close. the urgency Weighed on Sam like the gravity on Zorvax if he didn't think of something soon. he franticly searched online for anything! A lifeline! # "shit! B.... Ben! Got any ideas?!"
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Ben tried to say something, but he could feel Zorvax take over on the line to keep Ben silent. "Don't worry. I know what to do. Just... just wait outside for your package. And watch your head." The line went dead. Up above, Zorvax was unbuckling himself. He reached under the seat and pulled out the sealed cargo box, taking note of the button on the back, labeled "EGGDROP SYSTEM - DO NOT DEPLOY INSIDE POD". "Alright, no do-overs." He then looked up at the top of the shiny box, seeing his own reflection looking back at him. "If he can bring back a planet, he can bring back you. Here we go."
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dragons den 1/26/2026 6:51 PM
-# "wh... Zorvax?.... You there?" He asks quietly. Sat there with confusion and sorrow

NO!! SNAP OUT OF IT SAM! freezing now is going to cost both of your friends

He droped the laptop and bolts over the coffee table and out the door. looking up at the sky for the pod, -# for Zorvax, for a sign.....
(edited)
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The door of the pod was opened, immediately sucking poor Zorvax out. As he began his descent over America, he pushed the button and held tightly, not letting go. This thing needed to deploy as low as possible. That would be a challenge, because Zorvax was on fire now. Every inch of his body felt like it was being sandpapered off - it was nothing like he'd ever felt back home. He could make out the rivers soon enough, as he clung onto consciousness. It wasn't low enough, but he was running out of strength. Everything burned... As soon as the box was dropped, the eggdrop system deployed. A big inflatable pyramid formed around the cargo, encasing it safely as it fell, violently bouncing onto the front lawn of Sam's house.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 7:09 PM
when he noticed it he stumbled back for a moment. He smiled widely before it quickly soured... It was just a odd crate.. And no sign of Zorvax. He tries to grab it out of the pyramid
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The pyramid deflated, making it easier to take the box out. The box was scorched from re-entry, with a less-burnt shadow of Zorvax's hands as they were grasping the crate. It was then that it began to rain. But it did not rain water. A black, flaky ash descended over the yard, silently.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 7:36 PM
. .. ... -# It felt like a eternity that he sat there frozen. the World started to blur. A wall of denial was the only thing holding back the flood of Sam's emotions. -# ... "n.. no... it cant....." ## AND IT BURSTS!!! Sam collapses to his knees. clinging to the box with all his strength for it was the only thing left of Zorvaz, the only thing that survived from Ozari. His eyes started to burn as they spilled every tear he had "dammit! That son of a biiitttcccch!! Its all my fault!" he hits the side of the box in frustration
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With a single hit of the box, the lid popped open. Inside the padded interior of the box was some kind of alien-looking laptop, a similar chunky tablet, a small lockbox with no visible keyhole or keypad, and a framed photo of some Nebyu folk. A man, a woman, and a child. The child looked a lot like a younger version of Zorvax.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 8:00 PM
Between everything looking like a abstract blur and how he clung to the box he didn't notice it open. once he had a mote of composure he rubbed his burning eyes and sat up. he sat the contents aside with confusion. then he saw that photo... # THEN HE SAW THAT PHOTO... "F....FUCK!" It utterly hurt him.. It was far more than losing Zorvax, it was a whole race. No, a entire solar system. (edited)
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The ash would eventually stop falling. Well, if Sam wanted to fix any of this, it would be wise to see what was on this tablet thing. Or the laptop, of course.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 8:50 PM
Feeling weak from the raw emotions that kept compounding down on him he slowly got up. grabbing everything he retreats inside, straight to his bed. Mmh bed, its a small amount of comfort. He looked over everything. Checking if the tablet or laptop turns on. He tugs on the lock in hopes it would give way. then he saw the photo...

Then he saw the photo...

*What drove the knife deeper minutes ago ignites his determination
"n.... n.. NO! Theirs no way in hell they sent him on a suicide mission if their wasn't a chance! I Need to fix this!"
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The laptop and tablet turned on, but the laptop looked like it needed a password. The tablet didn't, however, and it showed a menu with only one item: "WATCH ME". As for the lockbox, it was locked absolutely tight. No way to open it, it seemed.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 8:59 PM
he sets everything to the side and hit play. wiping away the residual tears
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It opened up an app that immediately began playing a video. It was Zorvax, facing the camera in his pod, and it seemed to have been recorded some time ago. "Alright, if you're watching this, my pod computer is telling me that means you're the one who's gonna be setting everything up for us. If that's me, then congrats, you touched down safely. If this is anyone else, then rest assured I've taken good notes. Or I will, anyways, I'm recording them now, obviously." "So, the tablet will contain blueprints needed to make some important stuff later, don't worry about that. The laptop is your main focus, however - you need to use the Psyrus to connect it to a sufficiently high powered transmitter, and it'll do the rest. And that little box is an important package, you'll need to save that for later. Hold onto it at all costs. When you're ready to continue, press the little next button on the right corner." Zorvax accidentally pointed to the left of the screen, before quickly correcting himself.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 9:31 PM
A faint smirk crept over his face. seeing Zorvax in 'person'. his little avatar on the Orbit System was pretty spot on. he glanced over to the box then the photo he set on it. he pressed next
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The next few videos went over how to set up the laptop. Just had to find a big antenna and use the Psyrus to hook it up. Big antenna... the new KITF radio station had a big antenna, maybe that would do?
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dragons den 1/26/2026 11:10 PM
He thought for a moment before rewinding to the first step. "alight..... any time better than now... You got this Sam.." he Got up and put everything into his bag. he had his hand on the doorknob before pausing. he turned to Ben's laptop, The screen had turned off. He taps the spacebar a few times to wake it "hey, either of you still there?"
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The screen turned on to a view of Ben fast asleep by a campfire. Looks like even ghosts needed rest. There was no sign of Zorvax.
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dragons den 1/26/2026 11:49 PM
"oh.... sweet dreams dude. You'll be alive soon" He whispers before searching up where the new KITF building was. Closing the laptop. Smiling softly he heads out the door
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(timeskip) (edited)
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The new KITF building stood proudly off the side of the suburban road, sporting a more modern design and a beautiful new tower. There were some cars parked in the parking lot, but more notable was a black van parked on the side of the road right in front of the building. Four men were just now getting out of the van, one of them walking up to the front door of the station while another guarded the van, and the other two walked around the perimeter of the building.
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dragons den 1/27/2026 12:44 PM
"I don't think they work here... great.." he started to get cold feet. Sam opened his bag and glanced between the photo and the patrols. He sighs loudly and puts the photo away "I hope GoldenEye taught me something" Sam carefully moves tward the back
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Well, the guys in black didn't look armed, at least. One of the guys in black stopped to talk with a radio station employee just as he reached the back end of the left side of the building, while the other continued walking around the back.
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Red: Black-Suited Strangers Purple: Radio Station Employees Cyan: Sam Rose
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dragons den 1/27/2026 1:46 PM
he carefully climbs the fence. Going slow so it wouldn't make too much noise. He sets his bag down and pulls out the laptop. Checking that the Coast is clear he begins setting it up
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Ben immediately showed up on the laptop. "Hey! I've got the hacking part from here. But... we might have a problem. There's no way I'm getting this signal going without getting the attention of these guys, so... you're gonna need to be ready to fight. Think you can go animal mode on these guys like you did to me?"
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dragons den 1/27/2026 5:46 PM
he chokes a little and his face turns red with embarrassment "uhh... I don't even know.... h.. how I managed that..." (edited)
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"Try just willing yourself into it? Maybe that'll work?"
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dragons den 1/28/2026 6:36 PM
"Sounds easier said than done." he tried getting into the mindset. Thinking about food in hopes to make him feel hungrier. He tries putting himself in the shoes of a pred in need to hunt
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It felt like reaching in and finding the right switch to flip - and suddenly, the hunger came flooding back. Sam's fur turned bright green, his eyes shifted into inky blackness that stretched across his face, and his size and stature became that of something larger. This hunger was no longer primal, but refined. No longer a beast among prey, but a child among a buffet. "Sounds like you got it. I'm starting the process now!" Words began flashing on the screen, the speakers playing back what it was broadcasting. It was a messy, strange decoded signal that sounded like if the rings of a planet could sing. A short panic could be heard in the distance as those men in black approached.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 12:41 AM
"Huhh!... Correct me if im wrong but I don't think it did that before!!" It says astonished. It stares at It's newly acquired claws. It's pointy ears ripple from the panic. It couldn't help but chuckle wich came out more ailen then expected. It's jumps over the fence and pounces upon the guy as he started to turn the handle (edited)
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Its newly heightened awareness gave it knowledge of its own new abilities. Teleportation, telekinesis, mind control on a singular target at a time just to name a few. The guy that it pounced on was knocked flat on his back, and attempted to push the alien looking creature away just enough to reach for his firearm.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 2:39 AM
It lifted him up and dropped him into Its mouth. As it seals him in behind a row of teeth it swallows. Opening the door It locks eyes to the left of the front door. It crouches down and the corners of its vision pixelate and warp. Its body turns ghostly. like it was being projected there. The air between gets eclectically charged as the next moment it stood next to the main entrance, ready to pounce. (edited)
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The first victim screamed in terror as he was swallowed whole, going quiet as he vanished past the alien's throat. As it made its way in, the lone employee in the building cowered behind a desk in hopes he'd be spared. Whoever was on the other side of the front door, they seemed to be waiting for something.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 3:26 AM
Its ears rippled as it heard the footsteps of the man outside getting a little too close to the laptop for comfort. It quickly slams the door open into the man cloaked in black. It quickly rounds the corner and stares at the one by the fence.

"Get... Back here!"

back here!

back here! -# back here! those words echo again and again in his mind. it was the only thing he could think of. To the point he involuntarily stopped running and started walking back to the van. The creature looks back to the one that just tasted door
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Now that Sam was getting used to this new form, some of the tunnel vision was going away, letting some details come back into the light. The black-furred cat that just got slammed by the door was slumped behind it, while the mind-controlled lemur just kept on walking back to the car as if nothing had happened. The two by the car - a tough looking rabbit woman and a big wolf lady - prepared to engage with pistols ready. The fox inside Sam's stomach was curled up and trying to block out the mental noise surrounding him.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 3:54 AM
It grabs the cat and holds him up like a shield. Holding out its other hand, it lines up the wolf's gun between two of its claws. Makeing a fist it makes a throwing motion. The gun had a faint green shimmer and it felt like someone grabbed the barrel and ripped it out of her hand. Sam starts approaching the rabbit (edited)
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The rabbit still had her gun, and she fired a few rounds at the alien. Sam could feel a minor dip in energy from every bullet that was automatically zipped out of the air. The wolf backed up, before rushing to help the clearly confused lemur. The fox groaned as he sank down a few inches into the body.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 4:36 AM
It groaned a little as its plan was made obsolete by its own reflexes. Who needs a meat shield when you just deflect bullets. It quickly tossed the feline down the hatch and started to charge the rabbit quicker once the wolf got close enough the lemur looked at her and held out there arms. Asking quite submissive

"go on, Eat me"

Eat me -# Eat me and the link transfers to the wolf. Freeing the lemur
(edited)
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The cat yelled in surprise as he was gulped down, falling on top of the fox. Meanwhile, the lemur blinked as his mind returned to somewhat normal, looking up in confusion at the wolf. The rabbit was stunned by everything, and couldn't get away from the situation.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 1:51 PM
with a sweeping motion it grabs the rabbit by the waist, kinda like a aggressive hug. It lifts her up and let's her slide down its throat head first. the wolf started to mirror it's actions with the lemur. Once they're both done, it walks over to the wolf and gives a polite nod "Thank you for the assist.. but this is gg for you!" it grinns and begins lifting her up. It paused for a moment as it decided this was a good chance to get some info "actually...... what was your deal? What were you doing here?"
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The wolf responded as if this was a perfectly normal conversation to be having in this circumstance. "We're from AERO, and we were sent here to play a tape over the radio. The tape holds a signal designed to target the machines that Pulsar Corporation is using to send dangerous anomalies from station to station. This is so we can intercept their Cleaner project before it gets to its destination, which... would be very, very bad for a lot of people."
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dragons den 1/29/2026 5:35 PM
It just tilts its head. Pulsar, like the console company? Sounded like AERO was trying to do some good as well. Testing something it decided to drop the control over her to get a more genuine response "Well, we need it real quick to save a planet. Let us do that, and we will leave you alone. Sound good?"
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The very second that the mind control was dropped, the wolf quickly reached for her other gun. Good thing Sam was quicker than that.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 6:04 PM
it noticed the attempt and held her wrists against her sides. Digging its claws into her skin to let her know it wasn't going to let go without a definitive answer "i don't think I made myself clear enough. It sounds like we are both trying to help people, are we not? Just let us it for a wile and we won't interfere with your work..."
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"You already have. There's no doubt that your interference has alerted Pulsar, so all of our work was for nothing... shit." She didn't know how she was getting out of this one. She would have packed better equipment if she was expecting this kind of trouble.
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dragons den 1/29/2026 6:19 PM
"Geuss that means no use for negotiation... great.." it growled. It shoved her into its mouth. Not wasting any more time it warps back over to the console. Looking at the data flashing on the screen "hey Ben how's the hack going??"
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"It's almost done! Looks like it's trying to crack into some kind of space station? I wonder what this is really trying to accomplish..."
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dragons den 1/30/2026 4:45 PM
"Good because... eugghh!!" it started to shrink down rapidly. His fur reverted back to its usual Carmel coloring. He was breathing heavily and had his hands on his knees. Sam felt pretty tired from holding that form for that long, and eating so much "i..... i... immm good.. just.... spent" (edited)
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"Alright, great. Looks like whatever the signal was, it just finished sending. Oh, I'd recommend you hurry home before trouble shows up..."
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dragons den 1/30/2026 10:03 PM
"y.. yah... just give me a minute!" he said with a huff. letting himself catch his breath he checked the tablet for if it had what he needed to do now.
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It looked like the tablet's screen had been taken over by some kind of TV signal in fullscreen, which was currently a static-filled mess, but something was starting to show... there was a cat on the other side of the screen, now! And he looked rather well dressed. "Ah, hello! Can you hear me?" (edited)
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dragons den 1/30/2026 10:39 PM
he froze in confusion "uhhh.. hi?" He tries to play it cool despite the sudden intrusion -# "Ben I think the trouble found us..... Ben?" Sam looks over to the laptop. noticing it was nothing but static. whelp looks like he was on his own
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-# "No, no, Ozari is the planet, the race is Nebyu." The briefly distracted cat on the other side turned back to face Sam. "Excuse me, good sir, but were you by any chance given any kind of important package or parcel meant to be handed off to a 'higher power'?"
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dragons den 1/30/2026 11:18 PM
Sam paused for a moment overhearing the cat. Ozari... that was the planet he was trying to bring back! not trouble! Verry much good. He nods eagerly "Yes yes yes! it worked! h... hold on" He sets the tablet down for a moment to open his bag and get out the box "If... If its suppose to get to you.... h... h. how would I?" "I got this just hold the thing out like that" A off screen voice chimes in before a jaguar comes into frame, getting close to the screen. Suddenly a arm comes through the screen and grabs the box. Sam jumps from this "WHAT THE HELL!" (edited)
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A quiet chuckle could be heard from the other side of the screen. "Ooh, actually, could you bring him through? We might want to have him around for this next part."
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dragons den 1/30/2026 11:59 PM
They looked away them back to him "sorry.. sorry. this might be a bit unpleasant but I'm going to have to eat you to get you here you good with that Kido?" He frowned a little and sighs. It didn't sound pleasant but it might be worth "Uhhhh... I guess that beats trying to find you and walk there" he shuts his eyes and lets it happen. Jack appears though the screen and gently lifts same into his mouth. he slides down into his stomach. oh.. its a lot more bottomless in here than he thought. Jack vanished back into the other side, causing the tablet to fall with a light thunk
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