BONUS ROUND 2

[hso_mods]

Bonus Round 2

The Return of Round Robin Fanadventures

Comments have been screened; we will be tallying the points over the next 48 hours or so, after which we will unscreen the comments. Comments have been unscreened! You may continue the fanadventures on this post as long as you like, though we will not be awarding further points.

Hi shippers! Welcome to Bonus Round 2.
Round Robin Fanadventures generated so much awesome stuff last year that we decided to bring it back!

For those who are new to HSO, this is not actually that complicated a concept, but it might be a little tricky to explain, so bear with me. The point of this round is to create a bunch of fanadventures that are for a team other than your own.

Rules

1. If you are starting a new adventure: start a new thread using the title format defined below. Include either text or 1-2 pieces of embedded art setting a scene (or both!), and finish with a command (==> does not count as a command for new threads). Then sit back and wait for someone else to contribute!
   
2. If you are continuing an adventure: find a thread that does not center around your team's ship. Then comment using the title format defined below. Include either text or 1-2 pieces of embedded art continuing the scene (or both!), and finish with a command (this can include ==>, though generally we would prefer otherwise). Then sit back and wait for someone else to contribute!
   
3. For ease of reading, we suggest using standardized image sizes. 600x400 landscape is a pretty good size! But as long as it's the same as the other images in the thread, people will have an easier time following along. The HTML for inserting images is <img src="http://yourimageurlhere.com">
   
4. For this challenge, there is no minimum wordcount. We are trusting you not to abuse that fact!
   
5. You may not comment twice in a row in one adventure. The point is to hand off the scene like a hot potato.
   
6. You may not introduce or create for your team's ship into a fanadventure. If someone else introduces your team's ship to a thread, you can still contribute to that thread so long as your contributions do not involve your ship.
   
7. This challenge will run until 11:59PM EDT July 7. After that time, even if it's just by a minute according to the LJ timestamp, no submissions will be accepted for points.

NOTES:

• Audio posts are fine, so long as you include a transcript.
  
• Please make sure to check that your titles are correct!
  
• You may answer commands that have already been answered. Think of it like a 'choose your own adventure' game!
  

Title Format
If you are starting a new thread, use this format in your title.
New [THEIR SHIP] Game (FILL: TEAM [YOUR SHIP])
Replace [THEIR SHIP] with the ship you want this particular fanadventure thread to be. Remember that you cannot create a fanadventure based on your own ship. Whatever ship you choose must be represented by a HSO team not your own. The only exception is gen adventures, which are permitted.
Replace [YOUR SHIP] with the name of the team YOU belong to; please use the characters and quadrant, not whatever portmanteau or nickname you've come up with. If your team name is not in this format and in the title it may not be counted.

If you are continuing a thread, use this format in your title.
[COMMAND] (FILL: TEAM [YOUR SHIP])
Replace [COMMAND] with whatever command the previous fill has specified.
Replace [YOUR SHIP] with the name of the team YOU belong to; please use the characters and quadrant, not whatever portmanteau or nickname you've come up with.
If your title is not in this format it may not be counted.

Posts not using this format in the title will be understood to be unofficial discussion posts, no matter what they contain. They, like all comments on the comm, are subject to the Wank Policy.

Scoring
(as stated here)
First 5 entries per team: 30 (per entry)
Entries 6-10: 20 (per entry)
Entries 11-15: 10 (per entry)
Entries 16+: 5 (per entry)

All fanadventure content must be created new for this round.

We would prefer that any questions about this challenge or anything else in the HSO be emailed to us at homestuck.shipping AT gmail!

Comments

NEW Davesprite<3John Game (Fill: Team Dave<3Karkat)

[lacertae_dreamscape]

Your name is DAVESPRITE, and you are currently standing in the middle of an INTERGALACTIC SHIP travelling through UNCHARTED territory, heading towards a new universe, in which you will reunite with your FRIENDS (and your less feathery OTHER SELF).

But this will only happen in TWO YEARS, and right now, you have far more PRESSING MATTERS to face.

Today you are going to surprise a certain someone with something SPECIAL, and that is why you have been carefully avoiding said person all day.

That person is your best bro friend JOHN EGBERT, a person you are harbouring FEELINGS OF A DEFINITELY ROMANTIC PERSUASION for.

You decided that since you don't know what will come of you once you get to the new universe, you might as well woo him properly right now.

You are positive that he will be unable to resist your STRIDER CHARMS, especially if they include your new AVIAN TRAITS.

==> DAVESPRITE: think about what you have to do.

You are going to woo one John Egbert by preparing him a dinner and accepting to watch one of his HORRIBLE MOVIES that will put him in a GOOD MOOD for your wooing.



You asked JADE HARLEY for help, even if you were a bit unsure about it at first, but she is your other best friend, and she was SUPPORTIVE and even cooed a bit. You viciously denied being called CUTE because Striders are never cute. They are COOL and MANLY.

Jade gave you a list of things that could help you.



To which you added the most important part, obviously.

==> DAVESPRITE: Start working on your surprise.

DAVESPRITE: Start working on your surprise. (Fill: Alchemiter FRUITY RUMPUS))

[cephalopod]

You alchemize a SHIT TON of candles. It's important, because you are not planning to take your shades off. Not until the right moment. Like maybe when your faces are drifting closer in that will-we-or-won't-we moment and you'll do that giggle oops glasses thing and John, who will by that point be half-crazed by the excesses of romcomical tropes in which you will have cunningly enveloped him, will gallantly sweep them off your face and then...makeouts. Credits roll.

Okay, shit ton of candles check. Minor grist outlay. Worth it.

You're not really feeling the cookies this very second, right now you're kind of digging the highlight reel that's playing in your head. You and John parking on a moonlit bluff overlooking town. You cooking for him and burning something so you have to go to a restaurant and look at each other tenderly over the breadbasket. John standing outside your door in the rain because he forgot his key and you're too busy masturbating in the shower to hear him knock wait what.

Wrong genre there, forget that last bit. Later. Anyway.

Rap time. It's a question of timing, at this point: is this a seductive rap or a rap which announces to the world, post-facto, that the sweet Egbert ass and the sweet Stridersprite hybrid erogenous zones have tapped each other in wonder and glory? You don't know. Maybe you should get a second opinion.

>Davesprite: Consult Nannasprite on the etiquette of pre- versus post-coital rhymes

New Dave<3Jade Game (FILL: TEAM JOHN<3VRISKA)

[tehstripe]

(warning for blood and possible character death ahead)




d...

...av...

.....

dave!!!

dave, wake up!

> Wake Up

You are DAVE STRIDER, the KNIGHT OF TIME. Your limbs are numb, your head is foggy, and you can't even tell where you are. You hear JADE crying over you, but she sounds like she's miles away.



You think you might be dying.

How did this happen? You can hardly remember.

Maybe it's best to start from the beginning.

> DAVE: Flashback

> DAVE: Flashback (FILL: TEAM EQUIUS<3GAMZEE)

[brightgray]

Frogs.

You were catching frogs.

Jade told you all about her weird frog breeding job while you two were moving them from the grass and half-melted snow piles to her flooded house.

(She told you that they looked nice and cozy sitting on the lilypads under her stairs.)

Collecting frogs in a melting wonderland with Jade who had a loud voice and bright eyes was the calmest you've ever felt since Sburb started. Maybe even your whole life.

(The lights were beautiful.)

>Dave: But what happened next?

New Sollux <3 Karkat Game (FILL: TEAM Psiioniic<3 Signless)

[breakingmachines]

===========è

Karkat: DAD I AM NOT GOING TO FUCKING *CAMP*.

“Douche”Dad: Oh come on kid, and you expect me to take care of you? Seeing you every day is bad enough, and now I have to hang out with you for a total of three months? Sounded like a nightmare I had to fucking escape. You know you aren’t exactly the easiest to deal with.”

Karkat: NEGLECTING YOUR PARENTAL DUTIES IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO PUT ME IN SOME SHITTY CAMP WITH REALLY DIRTY BATHROOMS AND BEARS AND SHIT. I COULD FUCKING DIE OF E. COLIE FROM SOME IMPROBABLE ATTACK BY SOME DERANGED ANIMAL THAT WOULD RIP ME TO SHREDS BECAUSE IT WANTED MY SANDWICH OR SOME STUPID SHIT.
“Douche”Dad: Oh stop complaining, and suck it up. It’s just for a couple of months. Besides it’s better for you to run around with these losers, then staying locked up in your room all day watching those lame movies.”

Karkat: DAD THEY ARE NOT LAME, THEY AR-

“Douche”Dad: They’re cheesy unrealistic romance films with really tacky actors, your movies are the epitome of lame. Oh look at that we’re here.

You give your dad one more angry glare, before you step out of the car, and reach for the trunk. Your asshole of a father doesn’t even bother to get up from his seat. You roll your eyes accordingly as you grab your luggage out of the truck .As soon as your father sees that you are in possession of your luggage, and you’re a good few feet away from his car, you watch in a scowl as your dad speeds across the road, managing to run over a squirrel as he speeds away to child free bliss.

==================è Introduce Yourself Asshole

Your name is Karkat Vantas, and you’re a whole 5’2 inches UNCONSOLIDATED rage now currently trapped in a so called all boys camp located in the middle of fucking nowhere. You don’t really know much of this “camp” other than the fact that it used to be a really shitty camp, that was shut down, and replaced by a so called new and improved camp.

You take a gander at the so called *camp* – your future home for four weeks in disgust.

You still can’t believe you’re even here; most of the kids running around here in tacky brown shorts are at least five years younger than you, and are still running around flinging boogers at each other.

And to believe you’ll be stuck with these assholes? You’re still not even sure how you even made the age limit honestly, (but you’re pretty sure your dad forged your age on the papers)

You walk over to the a giant area marked “Campees Drop Off”, where you see a teen on one of those metal chair thingies that close up and open up reading a magazine named “ PC Magazine.”

He doesn’t even glance up from the magazine,

Counselor: no technology allowed thatth iincludeth viideogameth con2oleth, iipodth, and camerath. bag check ii2 over there.”

You nearly snicker at the lisp. You drag your one bag of belongings, and pull it to the side. You know you didn’t bring any of the shit mentioned but you might as well indulge this guy.

==========è Karkat Vantas: Examine Contents of Bag Over at Hipster Teen Douche

==========è Karkat Vantas: Observe Teenage Boy Sitting on Metal Chair Flippy Thingy

New Nepeta<3Calliope Game (FILL: TEAM ERIDAN<3ROXY)

[2091_shadow_mew]

You are now the world famous cop Nepeta Leijon, but you work in a different defense sector of the law than your friends Terezi Pyrope and Sollux CopCar...you mean Captor, you work in the shipping division.

And man is it a dangerous job. You have the constantly defend what ships are allowed to sail and which ones have to crash and burn. If you had it your way you would control exactly which ones did what, but sadly your boss, someone you've actually never met, a Dr.Scratch, tells you exactly which ones are to sail.

And you abide by them.

Sometimes your close friends try to coax you out of the job, but it's a harsh world you there, and heck if you're going to let some crazy kids ship what's against canon (unless it's great, which most of it is...you quickly tell your brain to not tell your boss that, he'd probably fire you.)

All this, is not the point however. The point is, that you have a new recruit coming to work today, and since you've been on the shipping force for so long, evidently it's your job to teach them the ropes.

Nepeta: Meet the new shipping cop

Nepeta: Meet the new shipping cop (FILL: TEAM ERIDAN<3KARKAT)

[universeheart]

You hear the door to your office knock while you wait for the new recruit to arrive.

You tell your new recruit to come on in. The door opens and the.. person comes closer.



She sure looks weird, but you are always open for new people.

> Calliope: Introduce yourself

New Jake<3Vriska Game (FILL: TEAM JOHN<3VRISKA)

[thelphenom]

Your name is JAKE ENGLISH and you have pillaged, plundered, and pilfered the shit out of these ANCIENT RUINS. The only thing standing in your way of the last horde of treasure and TOTAL VICTORY is the final guard, alternatively called the FINAL BOSS.

==> Jake: Take a gander at your final boss.


Hubba hubba.

This boss fight might turn out to be a little more than you bargained for.

==> Vriska: Acknowledge the new challenger.

==> Vriska: Acknowledge the new challenger. (FILL: TEAM KANAYA<3VRISKA)

[memyselfandi]

Ha! You call that a challenger? Looks like easy prey to you.

But whatever. Guess it doesn't hurt to say hi.

[Show Dialoguelog]

VRISKA: Hey loser!!!!!!!!
VRISKA: So good jo8 on making your way through these ancient ruins. I mean, I guess you're not so pathetic if you made it all the way up here. Some people 8arely got past the first few levels! Talk a8out lame.
VRISKA: 8ut you're still not going to make it past me!
VRISKA: 8ecause I am simply the 8est 8oss there is.
VRISKA: So you should pro8a8ly just turn 8ack now.
VRISKA: You know. If you want to live.

Man, this kid looks even lamer than you thought. He's not even saying anything! Just staring at you with this dumb flabbergasted look on his face. Ugh, why do you always have to deal with such idiots? Is no one capable of being badass without your help?

It's such a good thing the world has you to make everyone better. You shudder to think of how much worse off everyone would be without you. Take this treasure, for instance. Think of all the adventurers who would never have climbed their echeladders if they didn't have the goal of making it through these ruins to get it!

Sure, they're all dead now. But at least they got to be awesome instead of lame before they died!

Is that kid still staring at you?

==> Jake: Recover senses.

NEW [John<3Karkat] Game (FILL: TEAM GAMZEE<3JANE)

[playbunny]

Your name is KARKAT VANTAS and you are currently HOT AS FUCK.
After a ton of pestering you agreed to come visit your Matesprit JOHN EGBERT on his STUPIDLY HOT PLANET during his Summer Vacation.

You are currently regretting that decision.

Wait no, you don't regret visiting but you do regret agreeing to go to the beach with him. I mean why the fuck would anyone WILLINGLY agree to leave their pleasantly cool, air conditioned homes, to parade around in the sun and the sand that may as well be MOLTING HOT LAVA.

This frozen ice treat isn't even helping you cool down, shit.

> Karkat : Try to find your stupid boyfriend.

> Karkat : Try to find your stupid boyfriend. (FILL: TEAM JADE<3ARADIA)

[roxxxy]

The sun beats down harshly on the beach, and you are too SELF CONSCIOUS to shed your SHIRT, even if that might help. Getting in the water would be a great idea, if only you could find your damn MATESPRIT.

You wander up and down the shoreline, occasionally dodging SMALL HUMAN WRIGGLERS that are shrieking and generally making a ruckus to amuse themselves, until, after a few minutes, you feel a SURGE OF COLD against your back that starts to drip down. You shout and whirl around, about to unleash a tirade of swears against the perpetrator, but before you can get anything out, you are half-pounced by just who you were looking for.

"Karkat!" John squeezes you in delight, and you swear you can hear at least a few of your bones crunch. Regardless of the pain, though, you wrap your arms around him in return.

"You sure are shitty at these "date" ideas," you grumble as John begins to pull you towards the water. You keep your feet firmly planted in the sand, scowling.

"No I'm not! Beaches are awesome! You're just being ... well, crabby," he says with a laugh. "Now get in!"

===>Karkat: Bedgrudgingly comply.

New Rose<3Kanaya Game (FILL: TEAM JADE<3ARADIA)

[roxxxy]

Your name is ROSE LALONDE, and you are currently a SENIOR at SUBURBAN BETA HIGH. Your four-year journey has been ... interesting, to say the least. Somehow, you have found yourself dubbed the QUEEN BEE of a PETTY HIGHSCHOOL CLIQUE, more specifically, THE GOTHS.

This is not a role to be turned down, whether desired or not. The QUEEN BEE CROWN is presented entirely based on bizarre teen hierarchy that cannot be simply altered. In fact, it is considered a HIGH HONOR. So, being the CLASSY LADY you are, you roll with it.

Currently, you are outside on your lunch break, waiting for the unspoken love of your "dark and dismal" life, KANAYA MARYAM. She herself is the head of the small VAMPIRE COVEN that has made itself a subset of your CLIQUE. Her high collars are incredibly endearing, and she is welcome to BITE YOU anytime.

===> Rose: Light a clove cigarette and wait.

===> Rose: Light a clove cigarette and wait. (FILL: TEAM AUTO-RESPONDER<3ROXY)

[themostpsychotic]

It was snowing quite heavily earlier this morning, but it seems to have stopped since you were last outside. The air is crisply cold, perhaps exacerbated by your outfit, which was not the smartest choice for the weather you knew was coming.

The ever-vigilant janitors have already shoveled the path, making way for those students that wish to leave the grounds for lunch. That includes you and Kanaya, if only she would show up. She's nearly three minutes late already, which is uncharacteristic behavior for her.

You would be worried, but it appears she is pestering you. At least she understands the importance of keeping friends informed, unlike some people you know. (Ahem - Strider.)

You withdraw your phone from your bag and check Pesterchum.

-- grimAuxiliatrix [GA] began pestering tentacleTherapist [TT] at 13:03 --

GA: Apologies Rose Dear
GA: I Am Late
TT: I had noticed.
TT: Where are you?
GA: Well
GA: Rationally I Know I Should Not Be Saying Anything But
GA: I Cant Help Myself
GA: This Is So Exciting
GA: I Have A Surprise For You
TT: Intriguing.
TT: Are you going to elaborate or keep me in agonizing suspense?
GA: The Latter I Think
GA: Dont Worry It Wont Take Long
TT: I suppose I'll allow it this once.
GA: Its Good To Know I Will Escape With My Life This Time Around
GA: Listen Rose Ive Got To Go Finish Up Your Surprise
GA: Ill See You Soon
TT: Before lunch period's over?
TT: We only have thirty minutes.
GA: And Thats All I Need
GA: <3
TT: <3

-- grimAuxiliatrix [GA] ceased pestering tentacleTherapist [TT] at 13:07 --

==> Rose: Be Kanaya.

New gen adventure Game (FILL: TEAM ARADIA <3 FEFERI)

[chiuchiu]

(may be a bit creepy/bloody at the beginning, so mind that!)



A young girl is lying on the floor, it just happens that today you have woken up in a place you don't know at all.
You look at your hands: there's blood all over them.



Your name is ROSE LALONDE and you have no idea of where you are or how you arrived here.
The last thing you can recall is a lot of pain, blood, and a scream, followed by a dash of blue light.
You have now been able to open your eyes after you don't know how much time, and you have found yourself in this completely white, sterile room.



There is just one small window and a door.
The window is barred, and the door seems closed as well.
However, it looks like someone has put a key right in front of it, and has even took the time to write down a message directed to you: whoever has trapped you there, doesn't want you to leave the building, even though, probably, wants you to meet them somehow.
The blood stains on your shirt and hands are starting to make you feel a bit sick and, since you cannot escape for now, you could at least try and read that message.

>Rose: Read the weird message.

Rose: Read the weird mesage (FILL: TEAM JOHN<3VRISKA)

[tehstripe]

You read the letter, such that it is. It's scrawled in all caps, though you do not suspect it is the handy work of a certain loud-mouthed troll. There's something not quite right about the tone.

It reads:

WELCOME ROSE LALONDE.
I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY A GAME WITH YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS.
ALL OF YOU ARE LOCKED UP IN MY PRISON. DO NOT WORRY FOR THERE IS AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO ESCAPE.
HOWEVER I CAN GUARANTEE THAT NOT ALL OF YOU WILL MAKE IT OUT ALIVE.
GOOD LUCK.

Cyrptic. You look to the key for a moment, but decide it might be best to get a better sense of where you are before trying to leave.

There is a small, barred window to your right.

> Rose: Examine Window

NEW Eridan♠Gamzee Game (Fill: Team Eridan<3Sollux)

[musekicker]

Your name is ERIDAN AMPORA. And you are so very, very screwed. It’s unknown how at this moment (and it doesn’t really matter right now) but for whatever reason Gamzee has snapped. You always knew he was a bit unhinged but the horrors you just witnessed...

Best not think about it. All that matters is you hauling ass and looking for a safer location. Because for some reason or another, that psycho Subjugglator is after you.

===> Gamzee: Be the psycho Subjugglator

Gamzee: Be the psycho Subjugglator (Fill: Team Dualscar♠Summoner)

[bronzerebel]

Psycho? You prefer to think of it as enlightened, but there's not much time to dwell on technicalities. Your name is GAMZEE MAKARA, and the Messiahs have decreed to you that you are to carry out their orders, to go forth and spread the good word. You shall speak, and the world shall listen.

Simple preaching wasn't sufficient, and so you'd gladly shown your friends your personal point. After all, you're higher than them, they should be so glad to receive your words.

Except one who just had to go and be salty and run away. You couldn't have that, of course, so you've taken to following. No sense in running, you'll find him eventually and show him the error of your ways.

The tunnels of the meteor are so very empty, so many little hiding places, you're not sure where you should start first.

>Gamzee: scout about for signs of the sea dweller

New [GEN] Game (FILL: TEAM [ENGLISH])

[theultimateburrito]

You are now KANAYA MARYAM and, like so many others who have been in your predicament before, you are blissfully unaware that you are entering another dimension. If you were aware of this occurrence, you might notice that this dimension is beyond that which is known to man. You could say that it is as vast as space and as timeless as infinity, the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. If you were to give this dimension a name, you might consider calling it something incredibly silly, such as the TWILIGHT ZONE. But you are not so much as aware of its existence. It’s somewhat ironic, considering that you are STUCK in this dimension of imagination. But never you mind what you don’t know. Let’s go over what you do know.

You are sure that your name is KANAYA MARYAM. Right now, it is a rainy November evening and you are waiting for a bus. You are not the imaginative type; you never have been and you whole-heartedly believe that you never will. Like most young career women you are gifted with the generic title of “girl with a head on her shoulders”. It is tonight, however, that your head will be tested-- pitted against its very self and tossed straight into what can only be called a nightmare.

>Kanaya: Observe that your bus is late

Re: >Kanaya: Observe that your bus is late (FILL: TEAM ARADIA <3 JADE)

[aradia_de_los_muertos]

You observe that your bus is late. This is no uncommon occurrence. Residents of your STRATEGICALLY UNNAMED neighborhood have long realized that the bus operated on schedules far beyond the KEN OF THE MORTAL MIND. You could set your watch to it, if your watch was forged in the deepest heart of the furthest ring and designed by Philip K Dick. Also, your SOCKS are wet.

All in all it is a relief when a HEINOUS MONSTER comes crashing through the woods.

> Kanaya: Examine FRIGHTFUL BEASTIE.

NEW Equius <3 Gamzee Game (Fill: Team Aradia<>Dave)

[eremiticantiquarian]

You name is Equius Zahhak. You turned 9 sweeps old about a quarter sweep ago, but you look decidedly older than your age. Your stern mannerisms doesn't help the situation any.

It is common knowledge that imbibing mind-altering beverages know as grubcohol is not legal until one is 10 sweeps old.

Your matesprit, however, has somehow managed to convince you that the lowblood shopkeep wouldn't even dare to card you. And he wishes to partake in some of these illegal activities. You also know that he will probably try to get you to drink as well at whatever shindig he is planning on throwing later tonight.

With Gamzee's infant barkbeast eyes trained on you from his horn pile, you realize you can't even try to convince the highblood that this is not the path he should be taking.

==> Equius: Grab your coat and go make some illegal purchases

==> Equius: Grab your coat and go make some illegal purchases (FILL: TEAM Alpha!Dave<3Alpha!Rose)

[andthus]

Being both a blueblood and being so very STRONG with a stern face, no one in the area ever bothers you when you go out, even if you enter the more unsavory parts of town which is where you were heading tonight.

You enter the shop and you notice that you are the only one here besides the shopkeep who is eyeing you nervously as if you might destroy his livelihood. Which you certainly could, but you had better things to do than mess with a lowly mustardblood. At least he was showing you the proper nervousness that one of your station deserved.

Remembering the reason for your coming, you quickly go to the freezing units where the gubcohol is kept cool and grab some. Bringing it up to the counter, Gamzee was right, the other troll barely looks at you, much less thinks about checking your id for proof of age.


>Equius: Leave shop with purchase

New [Davesprite<3Jade] Game (FILL: TEAM [Bro<3Grandpa])

[apollosglare]

Your name is JADE HARLEY and boy, are you lost! You were on quite an ADVENTURE with your cooky old GRANDPA. But you two go separated. It's a good thing you know how to take care of yourself, or else you might actually be worried! Though, it still is a bit worrisome in these woods, Grandpa says all sorts of strange creatures reside here... you can only imagine what those creatures may be.

That, and it feels like you're being watched. Which is definitely not cool!

> Jade: Investigate surrounding area

==> Jade: Investigate surrounding area (FILL: TEAM AUTORESPONDER<3ROXY)

[teakei]

You stare suspiciously into the forest. There are some lovely shrubs and trees here and there, but no sign of animal life. While you're pretty sure this place doesn't have any lions, tigers, or bears (oh my!!) you can never be too careful.

For one thing, your grandpa would never let you hear the end of it if you got attacked. You love him to pieces, but he's always nagging you about being prepared! YES you remembered to bring your gun! No you don’t need a bigger one!! No no no NO this gun is just fine what are you even talking about!!! You can’t even lift his gun, why would you even think about bringing it!!!!!

But wait, what’s that?! While you were busy remembering grandpa’s STERN LECTURES, you nearly missed the rustle in the trees. Something there definitely just moved!

==> Jade: Whip out your trusty rifle!

New Disciple<3Sufferer Game (FILL: TEAM ARADIA<3EQUIUS)

[daemon_sheep]

You are THE DISCIPLE, and you are about to rendezvous with your matesprit. It’s been a while since you two have talked, what with him being busy leading the resistance and all. Caring far too much for your wellbeing, he requested that you and THE DOLOROSA stay behind and support him from the sidelines. Normally you would argue, but he seemed COMPLETELY RESOLVED to keep you safe. It was a noble action.

You creep slowly through the underbrush within the forest, careful not to make a sound. THE CONDESCE was being very careful now, and guards were situated at VARIOUS POINTS on Alternia, some STRATEGIC, but most placements being JUST PLAIN RANDOM. You think that this was intentional though; maybe The Condesce wants to keep her opponents on their toes.

You near an area where the forest begins to thin and you stop dead in your tracks.

THE SUFFERER, your matesprit, is in the clearing, but there are others with him. Two blue bloods and a sea dweller, an anomaly in this area. See, this is exactly what you meant. JUST PLAIN RANDOM.



The sea dweller seems to be inspecting The Sufferer’s sickle as the blue bloods hold him down. He was in trouble, and if you didn’t act soon he’d be culled pretty soon no doubt.

What will you do?

==> Disciple: Leap into action.

=> Disciple Leap into Action (FILL: TEAM Karkat <3 Nepeta)

[pixii_stixx]

You leap into action, and throw your body full force into one of the blue bloods. Unfortunately he is STRONGER than he appears and you fall to the ground, venom still coloring your cheeks. Your heart races as you scramble to your feet ready to protect your beloved matesprit.

You stand up and hold your head high. Maybe you can come up with a good lie to keep them from your inspecting your matesprit further.

==> Come up with an excuse.

New Dave♠Davesprite♦Jade Game (FILL: TEAM GAMZEE♥KARKAT)

[sempiternalserpent]

Your name is DAVE STRIDER, and you are on the precipice of doing something awesome.



Dave Strider is a pretty fucking common name nowadays: a guy can't even go to the store without tripping over a Dave or three. To differentiate between themselves, they've had to start coming up with nicknames: Coinflip Dave, Sketchy Dave, shit like that. You? You tend to go by DAVESPRITE.

Tonight, however, you intend to put a stopper on all these fucking Daves popping out of the woodwork. You are going to kill the Alpha Dave.


Looks like you're receiving a communication from your life-long friend and partner in crime right now.

Davesprite: Answer Jade

Davesprite: Answer Jade (FILL: TEAM BRO<3DAVE)

[candyredcoolkid]

JADE: davesprite?
JADE: you didnt leave yet, did you??
DAVESPRITE: no im here
DAVESPRITE: sup
JADE: are you sure you want to do this??
DAVESPRITE: harley come on weve been over this
JADE: :|
DAVESPRITE: i am as much dave as he is
DAVESPRITE: and he needs to cut out this bs
DAVESPRITE: well i need to
DAVESPRITE: but you know what i mean
JADE: i know...
JADE: just be careful!
DAVESPRITE: sure thing
DAVESPRITE: you got everything set up there
JADE: yes
JADE: once i shut off the exterior cameras you will have about..
JADE: 6 minutes to get in!
DAVESPRITE: cool
DAVESPRITE: lets do this

You close the conversation and take a deep breath. You'll get back in touch with Jade as soon as you've managed to get yourself inside of this building. Alpha!Dave should be in here, working late as usual. You and Jade couldn't figure out the exact floor or room, but you didn't want to wait any longer. This shit was going down.

=> Davesprite: Scale down building.

New Karkat<3Karkat Game (FILL: TEAM Eridan<3Karkat)

[vampyk]

Your name is KARKAT VANTAS and boy do you hate alpha timeline you like no other. You were able to achieve god-tier and you died because of it.

Meanwhile this other shit eating nook stain gets to live in his horrible, anti-climatic, failures.

You've seen him a couple times in dream bubbles, even though you'd rather not lay your eyes on him. Never. Ever.

==>KARKAT: Bitch about other Karkat.

Re: New Karkat<3Karkat Game (FILL: TEAM Eridan<3Karkat)

[doubleohally]

I wish i could do this omfg

New John<3Jade game (FILL: TEAM: BRO<3DAVE)

[sugoiprincess]

(might be upsetting/slightly dark)


You are in a room, chained to a disturbingly clean, white wall. You are project # BCP-2013 but your name is John Egbert and you are 16 years old.



This is the 414th time you've died, you think when you open your eyes. Actually, you really don't know for sure because you sort of stopped counting after the 328th time when they stuck a needle with who the fuck knows what inside of you and watched the blood in your veins boil you alive.

You are so tired. So very, very tired.

All you want to do is call for Jade, to call out and make sure she's alright, that she's alive, that she really did get out like she told you she would, and that she'd come and get you next.

That's all you want to do, and sleep. But you can't, because the doctor is now pushing a new, clean, needle into your neck, for the 415th time.

==>Jade: Where are you?

> Jade: Where are you? (FILL: TEAM [Bro<3Grandpa])

[apollosglare]

You are now JADE HARLEY and you are in PAIN.

Then again, who isn't in pain here? You hope your friends aren't, but you know that's not true.

Today is not a testing day for you, you are currently in lock down in a too clean smelling room, obviously having been bleached since you bled all over the floor after your last testing day.



You can't see, you can't use your powers, you can't believe how helpless you feel.

There is a guard looking over you, that means today is someone else's testing day... and you get a sinking feeling that it's--

You don't want to think about it.

You wish you could do something.

If only you could see and get a better grasp on the things around you, then you could fix everything...

> Jade: Coerce guard into removing blindfold

New Dave<3John Game (Fill: Team Eridan<3Karkat)

[twizz]

Your name is Dave Strider, and you are the absolute coolest cool guy. It is you. You have also been on your way to becoming a hero among heroes ever since you made a contract with Kyubey. Luckily for you, a Puelli Magi in the area is helping you along! He is an even bigger dork than you are, but he's a lot more experienced. You'd call him your mentor, but you don't think you could stand to have him tease you about it.

Today is the day he decided to let you take on a Witch alone. He's there for moral support, of course! You thought you could do it, too, but...



It turns out you can't.

> John: Save him.

John: Save him (FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3KARKAT)

[janeybriggs]

You are John Egbert, and whoops, it looks like Dave needs some help there! Aww, you really thought he was ready. It's no problem, though, luckily you have been at this for a while. You've already transformed into your super sweet puelli magi threads, and now you just need to pull out 100000 giant hammers from your pants or something and that gross witch will be history in no time at all. No problemo!

You skip over to where Dave is flailing and running from the witch. He looks kind of scared, actually. Poor guy. When you're done with this you're going to take him to get ice cream to make it up to him! And then maybe make fun of him a little. But just a little.

=> John: Pull out 100000 giant hammers from your pants

New Autoresponder<3Roxy Game (FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3KARKAT)

[janeybriggs]

You are ROXY LALONDE, and you are currently in the process of pouring yourself a glass of 400 years old wine. You are in your bedroom getting ready for your biweekly FLIRTLARP SESSION with your good chum Dirk's AUTORESPONDER.

The biweekly thing is something of a joke between the two of you. Really, you just flirtlarp with AR whenever the hell you feel like it, and Dirk isn't there to be uncomfortable. You really do have a session scheduled today, though, and according to AR Dirk is getting into the shower as you speak, so you should probably hurry up and get ready to party.

You take a small sip of wine before putting the glass down on your desk. Next to it is a tube of black lipstick, which you carefully reapply on your lips, using your computer screen as a mirror. Perfect. You give your reflection a wink before continuing your preparations.

=> Roxy: Put on your robe and wizard hat

Re: New Autoresponder<3Roxy Game (FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3KARKAT)

[djiinraidinnae]

=> Roxy: Put on your robe and wizard hat



You don your amazingly stereotypical wizard robe and hat.

This is incredibly silly, but hey, that's what you're all about-- well, when you aren't busting through space-time windows and feeding the poor carapicians. Beyond all your humanitarian [?] acts of kindness and willingness to go through great lengths and danger to help a friend, you are 100% silly, and you won't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.

Also, you just really love wizards. They're just cool, OKAY?
(Maybe you can get AR to eventually develop a wizard fetish, just for laughs.)

=> Roxy: Ask AR what he thinks about wizards *wonk*

NEW Bro<3Dave Game (Fill: Team Dave<3Karkat)

[lacertae_dreamscape]

Your name is DAVE STRIDER, and you are quite perplexed.

You are ALONE in your apartment, with nothing much to do; your friends are not online, you have already composed enough sweet raps for the day, and you do not feel hungry. Yet.

You decide to train a bit on the roof, but only spend fifteen minutes there before you deem it completely USELESS because you have nobody to fight with. You will have to ask BRO to spar when he is back.

That didn't really do much for your boredom.

==> Dave: peer into rooftop closet.

You usually don't snoop around, because snooping is NOT COOL, but with no real option left, you decide that what the hell, being curious never really killed any cat whatsoever.

You expect to reveal a shitty broomstick closet, but once the door is open, you find, crammed into the small space, a lot of JUNK and weird ELECTRONICAL ASSEMBLEMENTS that you have never seen before.

Bro probably shoves all the stuff he can't fit at home up in there for safe keeping, but judging by the layers of dust on it, you guess he never bothers to come back.

==> Make a double pirouette and jump into the metal junk

No, you won't do that, because it would be far too noisy. You do however decide that double pirouettes would be something IRONIC enough if done at the right moment.

You put that thought aside for later, and dive into the closet like a rapper into a CD store. Most of the stuff in there is a collection of CLEARLY IRONIC junk, OLD TAPES filled with Bro's old remixes, and stuff you remember playing with when you were a little child.

Then you find yourself right in front of a familiar face.

You drag the PILE OF METAL out of the closet, and observe it in silence. It's old and covered with dirt and dust, but you would recognise it anywhere -it's an old robot Bro had around when you were little.

You don't remember much of it, except that it was ESPECIALLY BAD at composing raps, but you do feel an UNIRONIC FONDNESS for that piece of crap.

In fact, you still have a poster of him and ANOTHER UNIDENTIFIABLE ROBOT in your bedroom that you ostentatiously assure is for ironic purposes only.

==> Dave: Reminisce about the past



The robot actually helped you become the ace of rap you are today. You admit he is cool enough to deserve a fistbump.

==>

Out of a sudden impulse dictated by EXTREME BOREDOM and definitely not by NOSTALGIA about the past, you grab the remote control of the robot and turn it on.

You are not surprised to see it click and whirr alive right in front of your eyes. This might be a horrible rapper, but Bro would never own something that lacks quality and sturdness.

Everything in your house could resist the apocalypse. Which it already has, but you do not think about that.

==> Dave: return to your room with sweet loot

While you descend the stairs the robot is silent, probably trying to activate all those old circuits, but once you step into your room, it suddenly whirrs into action, bursting into sound.



==> Dave: Engage conversation with Newly Awakened Robot

Re: NEW Bro<3Dave Game (Fill: Team Dave<3Karkat)

[sugoiprincess]

(SCREAMS!! This is really really cute so far!! thank you for starting this!! <33 )

New John<3Vriska Game (FILL: TEAM Aradia<3Equius)

[person4]

John Egbert's Precious Little Life



Your name is JOHN EGBERT.

Recently you've been dating a cavegirl [Nepeta Leijon: 6 solar sweeps years old]. It's been nice, you guess. Nice and simple, hanging out with someone who just wants to chatter about who's dating who.

That all changed (except that Nepeta kinda doesn't know its changed) when, in the middle of a dream involving finding your father's bloodied hat in an empty castle, you were suddenly interrupted by a girl in orange flying past.

"Wahhh wahh wahh, stop 8lu88ering!" she called out as she darted by, rolling her eyes at you. "It's just a dream, dum8ass!"

John: Obsess about dream girl

((Today is the day I learned that I can't imitate Bryan Lee O'Malley's style for shit with only a mouse available to draw with. orz)

John: Obsess about dream girl (FILL: TEAM KANAYA<3VRISKA)

[memyselfandi]

Immediately after waking up from your dream, you felt the need to share it with your roommate KARKAT VANTAS. This was pretty easy, since you two happen to share a bed. Totally platonically!

oh my god karkat!
i just met the most amazing girl!

JOHN.
YOU'VE BEEN ASLEEP.
WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT.

i had a dream about her!
she was so cool.
she could fly and she was wearing these cool orange pajamas and dude.
she was awesome.

AREN'T YOU STILL DATING THAT CAT CHICK?

she's not a cat chick!
i mean, not literally.
she does have a thing for felines i guess.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO INSIST DATING A SIX SWEEP OLD CAT GIRL THEN DON'T FUCKING OBSESS OVER RANDOM ORANGE CHICKS YOUR DREAM ABOUT.
GOD, THE NEW HEIGHTS OF IDIOCY YOU MANAGE TO REACH CONSTANTLY AMAZE ME.

hehehe. i know you love me karkat!
anyway.
i have to meet her.
want to help me go find her?

FUCK NO.
GET OUT OF MY APARTMENT.

You go to band practice, where you continue to obsess over this dream girl.

>Rose: Psychoanalyze John's new obsession.

((there are no words for how much I love your for this.))

New Mindfang<3Dolorosa Game (FILL: Team Roxy<3Autoresponder)

[ramus]

You are MARQUISE SPINNERET MINDFANG, scourge of the sea and hunter of all things shiny and valuable. You are currently questing for PRECIOUS 8OOTY that's somewhere out here, though it's probably going to take a while to find. Your loyal mount is 8EAUTIFUL SLAVE GIRL WHOSE NAME IS PACK8EAST. There's many reasons you chose not to buy an actual packbeast, it's cheaper, maintaining one is a pain, but most of all, you're having a lot of fun this way. You're sure you'll be able to find the PRECIOUS 8OOTY using the map obtained via PERFECTLY LEGAL MEANS. Eventually. You're a patient woman after all.
>Mindfang: Be Packbeast.

>Mindfang: Be Packbeast. (FILL: Dualscar♠Summoner)

[bronzerebel]

Respectably, Mistress Is This Really Necessary. We Have Been Traversing For Quite Some Time And There Seems To Be No Sign Of Anything Even Remotely Similar To The Markings On Your Map.

Oh come on now, don't 8e 8oring! Look, there's something up there in the distance, let's get going! The reward is well worth our efforts, Pack8east!

You Mean That Oasis We Passed Nearly Half An Hour Ago? I Really Would Prefer If You Wouldn't Call Me That.

Hush! Onward!

>Marquise and Packbeast: make your way back to the oasis

New Eridan<3<Sollux Game (FILL: TEAM JOHN<3KARKAT)

[crowry]

Your name is SOLLUX CAPTOR and this is not you. This is a dream you are having. Half of your dreams consist of stuff you could be doing or having, like hot troll friends at a day club you own. The other half are datadreams. You like these ones way better. They make it almost worthwhile to have been goaded into joining this shithole. You are predictable as all shit.

You have been ashamed of yourself for sweeps.



When you can feel anything, that is. You have so much hardware shoved into your body anymore it's hard to tell between logarithm && emotion. The only emotions you're sure about are (1) that you hate the asshole who put you here, and (2) you regret your whole life, from hatch to present.

> Sollux: Investigate your helmpod.

> Sollux: Investigate your helmpod. (FILL: TEAM PARCELPYXIS)

[veebox]

There's not a lot to investigate. It's simple, efficient, no expenses spared. Cheap. Adequate enough. Definitely not something listed in the fine print. This is not the IMPERIAL SHIP, so what need is there to accommodate for the comfort you could be feeling if you weren't a fleshy computer?

The attachments itch along your spine, but you are unable to give a shit. Another fact, another predictable variable in your sad pathetic life. They could be swallowing you whole and you doubt you would care. If they swallowed THE CAPTAIN, however, that would be a different story. You might even...smile? Smiling is the physical reaction to joy wrought with vengeance in which the muscles in your face contract and lift the corners of your lips upward, perhaps lifting over your useless teeth, if your information is right (it always is).

You don't need your own programs to know that the likelihood of that happening is so slim the nearest percentage is 0%. These things have become your lifeline, and no one has to tell you that for you to know it. They steady your vascular rate, supply you with the bare minimum of nutritional needs, and are working daily to control your unstable temper.

> Sollux: Double-check your vitals.

New SQUAREWAVE<>TAVROS Game (FILL: TEAM GAMZEE<3<TEREZI)

[ilyat]

Your name is SQUAREWAVE and you are a wicked dope robot. You mean rap-bot. Because you were built to rap by a quite literal prince of comeuppance, and rap-offs are what you do best. There are only two people in the entire universe who you haven't beaten yet, and they are your creator, DIRK STRIDER, and his other rap-bot who is your one true idol.

But that's okay. You're pretty sure that you'll never beat either of them. Their flow is just that insane. But that also means that you have the best competition to work against and practice your own sweet lines.

The only problem is that your partner in rhyme left months ago, presumably traveling around the world and completely obliterating any unsuspecting rapper who is stupid enough to challenge him. That leaves only Dirk to test your mettle, and he's a pretty busy guy for a guy who lives alone on a steel island in the middle of the ocean. Well, alone except for you and Lil Cal and Geromy and an amazing collection of smuppets. Okay, maybe not alone after all.

Fortunately, you are a robot in the know, and robots like you who are completely in the know know just what the internet is. And Dirk finally broke down one day and installed a wifi jack in you so you could find new challengers out in the vast web of the multiverse, and possibly also so you wouldn't ambush him as much, but you don't like to think about that second part too much. It's probably not true.

In fact, just now, one of your newer rivals - you mean best bros - just signed onto Pesterchum. You sneak a quick look at Dirk to see if he's actually gearing up for a sweet rap-off of his own, but he's just watching videos of colorful ponies on his computer. Well, damn. Time to try out Plan B.

-- variableVermiculation [VV] began pestering adiosToreador [AT] at 16:13 --
VV: YO YO T-NIZZLE, I'VE GOT SOME THICK BEATS READY TO DROP
VV: I'M RIDING DIRTY WITH A SET OF RHYMES JUST WAITIN TO POP
VV: READY AN STEADY, AIN'T NO WAY YOU'RE GONNA MAKE ME STOP
VV: BUT I'M GIVIN YOU A CHANCE TO COME OUT ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
VV: WORDS FLOWIN LIKE A FOUNTAIN
VV: IF YOU'RE READY TO BEGIN, YADIDIMEAN
VV: SO WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT THIS SHIT THAT'S SO WHACK
VV: GONNA JUMP RIGHT IN, LAY DOWN THE SMACK
VV: LIKE YOU'RE FIGHTIN CRAZY WITH A BLACKJACK!!!
VV: OR AM I GONNA SCHOOL YOU AGAIN LIKE CLASS IS OUTTA SESSION
VV: LAY DOWN THE LAW LIKE THE FIVE-O'S OPPRESSION
VV: OR YOU GONNA BE GHOST IN THE FACE OF MY AGGRESSION
VV: MY RHYMES CUTTIN LINES RIGHT THROUGH YOU INTO DEPRESSION
VV: I'LL GIVE IT TO YOU STRAIGHT MY MAIN T-BRO
VV: YOUR BEATS AIN'T GOT NOTHIN ON MY SICK SHOW
VV: BUT I'LL GIVE YOU ONE LAST CHANCE... YOLO!!!


>Be the troll.

>Be the troll. (FILL: Alchemiter FRUITY RUMPUS)

[cephalopod]

You are TAVROS NITRAM and you almost fall backward out of your chair. You have just been BRUTALLY BEAT-SNIPED at your own computer, and that is the kind of sniping that you simply cannot allow to go without return fire.

You take a moment to gather your thoughts. These fires must be surgical in their precision. Tinkerbull hovers supportively nearby, ready to back your play, even if this isn't play at all but is instead the mightiest of mighty battles. Then, you WHIP IT OUT.


AT: yOUR BEATS ARE TOO THICK
AT: tO FLOW, tHEY ARE ACTUALLY SOLID, LIKE A BRICK,
AT: wHICH DROPS REALLY FAST, yOU WERE, RIGHT ABOUT THAT
AT: i THOUGHT mAYBE IT WAS, A, tRICK
AT: lIKE YOU WERE HIDING THE GOOD ONES BEHIND YOU IN A VAT
AT: bUT THEY FELL DOWN flat
AT: aND, tHAT WAS THAT, tHEY WERE VERY SAD BEATS
AT: wALKING AROUND ALL MOPEY THAT, nO ONE WILL GIVE THEM TREATS
AT: bECAUSE i HAVE THEM ALL
AT: mY ROOM IS FULL AND DOWN THE HALL
AT: tHERE IS NOTHING BUT sWEETS
AT: tHAT EVERYONE GAVE ME BECAUSE OF HOW GOOD MY BEATS
AT: aRE
AT: yOLO
AT: yOLO IS A tHING YOU SAY WHEN YOU'RE dONE rIGHT
AT: i THINK i'M DONE HERE
AT: i THINK i HAVE DROPPED THE MICROPHONE
AT: AND OTHER PEOPLE WILL, HAVE TO PICK UP, WHAT i HAVE PUT DOWN
AT: yOLO
AT: fOR REAL THIS TIME,

That bit about mopey beats, that was pure gold. If that rhyme had been a Fiduspawn card, it would have been a first-edition Flangehorker. Solid.


> Pick up what has been put down

New Dirk<3Jake game (FILL: TEAM BRO<3DAD)

[wildlinguist]

Your name is DIRK STRIDER and you have a HOT DATE tonight. Well, more like a bro-outing. But a guy can dream can't he? Your best bro JAKE ENGLISH needs you to join him for the newest BLOCKBUSTER HIT that just came out. It looks stupid, but you'll go anyways. It's hard to say no to that face. You are taking one of your famous INFINITE SHOWERS to get your thoughts in order. The movie doesn't start for a few more hours so you have plenty of tim- WOAH LOOK AT THE TIME. Looks like you spaced out for longer than you thought.

==> Dirk: Get the fuck out of the shower.

Dirk: Get the fuck out of the shower. (FILL: Alchemiter FRUITY RUMPUS)

[cephalopod]

You most definitely do not get out of the shower, you have a reputation to uphold and someday you will damn well succeed in draining the ocean all by yourself. It's a matter of principle. You stay RIGHT THERE. You give the ol' ass and pits another scrub, because you never know.

What are you going to miss, anyway? The twenty minutes of commercials before the previews? The previews for more Jake movies? A chance to get your snog on before he's ensnared by the artfully-crafted work of cinema?

>DIRK: Seriously, get the fuck out.

New John<3Karkat<3Vriska Game (FILL: TEAM DIRK<3JAKE<3JANE<3ROXY)

[playerprophet]

Your name is VRISKA SERKET and you are the most BEAUTIFUL, TALENTED, AND RUTHLESS CAT BURGLAR ON EARTH. With your TRUSTY and sometimes REALLY ANNOYING BOYFRIENDS at your side, THE WORLD IS YOURS. It just so happens that tonight, of all nights, you are finally going to get your hands on what you have been led to believe is THE MOST IMPORTANT OBJECT ON YOUR NEW HOME PLANET.

Vriska: Recall Objective

Vriska: Recall Objective (FILL: TEAM KANAYA<3VRISKA)

[memyselfandi]

You have contributed hours of careful research into the vast IMPORTANCE and VALUE of this OBJECT. Hours spent watching and rewatching some of earth's most culturally sensitive movies, and tonight you believe you are finally prepared.

John has assured you that what you are about to do is indeed a BIG FREAKING DEAL.

Tonight, you are going to do the impossible.

You are going to STEAL THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

And you are going to do it with way more STYLE and PANACHE than Nic Cage ever managed.

John seems duly excited for you and the feat you are about to accomplish. Karkat, on the other hand, is being an annoying grump as usual. It's not your fault he doesn't understand human culture as well as you do. If he did, he would totally be into how awesome and badass you are for doing this. Ugh, what a killjoy.

Karkat: Be the killjoy.