Chapter Text
(This is H̸̟̉O̴͠ͅM̶̼̍E̶̦͗.)
In the heart of an empty plane of nothingness, BATTERY nestled comfortably in their cozy abode, enveloped by a feeling of normalcy. Despite its surroundings, this little haven felt oddly normal—a sanctuary of calm amid a vast, white expanse that appeared to be an endless canvas hanging in the void. Lying on their plush mattress, they gazed into the expansive white emptiness surrounding them—a blank canvas stretched endlessly in all directions.
They lay there, BATTERY allowed their gaze to drift upward to a lantern suspended from a chain that stretched into eternity. The intricately designed lantern emitted no light, standing as a silent sentinel in the sterile surroundings. With a soft sigh, they extended a hand toward Brian, the INTELLECT DEVOURER, whose wrinkled, coral-like body leaned into BATTERY’s touch, responding with an affectionate nuzzle. Their mind drifted to their books their spines and covers unmarred despite the passage of time, yet BATTERY felt no inclination to reach for the volumes scattered about along their bedside.
After a long, contemplative moment spent peering into the infinite distance, studying the lantern hanging overhead, BATTERY turned their gaze around the sterile void, slowly pushing themselves upright. They meandered through the featureless expanse aimlessly, their thoughts drifting overhead, untethered and free. Suddenly, something caught their eye on the ground, piquing their interest amidst the stark surroundings.
On the ground lay a wooden staff, untouched. Its surface was adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to swirl and dance across the wood, topped by a large, diamond-shaped violet magic crystal. ‘It’s beautiful’ they thought. The tiefling (?) hesitated briefly, then bent down to pick up the staff.
Turning on their heels, they strolled back. Instead of retreating to the warmth of their bed, they headed toward the door.
They swung the door open, and a vibrant burst of color flooded their senses. Before them lay a whimsical wonderland, brimming with life. The sky overhead was a brilliant cartoonish purple, dotted with vague, white outlines of magical artifacts from their past adventures.
“BATTERY! You’re finally here!” KLIP exclaimed, exasperation and fondness evident in his voice. He was as short as ever. “XIV and Rai are hosting a picnic." With that, he grabbed BATTERY’s hand, tugging them gently yet insistently toward the staircase. "Quick! They’ll start without us!”
BATTERY nodded, their expressionless nature making itself evident. They stumbled alongside KLIP, allowing themselves to be whisked up the stairs.
Emerging from the stump that served as their abode, they stepped onto the soft, lush expanse of the grassy field. As they meandered toward the Campsite, they were pleasantly surprised to see RAI and XIV chatting.
The two friends settled onto a vibrant red and white checkered picnic blanket, inadvertently interrupting RAI and XIV, who paused their storytelling to acknowledge the newcomers.
"Hey, guys," RAI shyly greeted them.
XIV gestured to the brown straw-woven picnic basket nestled on the blanket beside them,
“Help yourselves!”
KLIP promptly dove into the picnic basket and devoured an entire container of mashed potatoes. BATTERY reached into the basket and nibbled a bagel.
“Mhm. Dhis is rhelly good!”, KLIP says, mouth stuffed to the brim with mashed potatoes. “Hoo mhade dhis?”
RAI, the miracle worker capable of understanding anything, replied, “Oh. XIV made it.”
KLIP whipped his head around to face XIV, who sheepishly rubbed the back of their head, their hands occasionally catching on their horns, before clearing their voice.
“Indeed!”, XIV exclaimed proudly, “It was all me that made all the food here!”
"Also", They add, "Chew with your mouth closed."
KLIP and RAI exchanged lighthearted giggles. RAI, with a warm smile, gave XIV a friendly pat on the back. “I agree, the food is pretty good,” RAI said, his voice cheerful.
XIV’s face flushed a shade of pink at the gesture. He fell into a brief silence, brushing off the compliment as he focused intently on his plate. Meanwhile, KLIP leaned over to BATTERY, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. He made a teasing hum, playfully raising his bushy eyebrows, but XIV remained blissfully unaware of the exchange happening right next to him.
“Hello, friends! This here picnic reminds me of that one time at the farm!” TAL exclaimed out of nowhere.
XIV flinched ever so slightly, while BATTERY remained unfazed, locking eyes with TAL in a steady, unwavering stare. “Where did you come from?!” XIV yelled accusatively.
TAL looked at XIV.
XIV stared back.
Nonchalantly, TAL reached into the picnic basket, pulling out a sandwich. Without any further ado, he quickly devoured it, his mouth filled with food as he chewed with abandon.
“Aw, guys, we haven’t met like this for some time. Why are you like this?” TAL said, a playful pout forming on his lips.
Sighing in resignation, XIV returned to chatting idly with RAI and KLIP, this time with TAL occasionally adding an opinion or two of his own.
RAI, with a contemplative expression and his usual quiet voice, said, “Well, TAL is right. It’s been some time since we gathered like this, and this is nice and relaxing. Do you all want to make this a regular occasion?”
The three of them—KLIP, TAL, and XIV—exchanged glances.
“Yeah!” they cheered in unison.
The group clinked their various foods together, and BATTERY slowly clinked theirs too, enjoying a quiet moment of contentment as the breeze rustled the trees above them.