[Burichan] [Futaba] [Nice] [Pony]  -  [WT]  [Home] [Manage]
In memory of Flyin' Black Jackson
[Catalog View] :: [Quest Archive] :: [Rules] :: [Quests] :: [Discussions] :: [Wiki]

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]
Posting mode: Reply
Name (optional)
Email (optional, will be displayed)
Subject    (optional, usually best left blank)
Message
File []
Password  (for deleting posts, automatically generated)
  • How to format text
  • Supported file types are: GIF, JPG, PNG
  • Maximum file size allowed is 10000 KB.
  • Images greater than 250x250 pixels will be thumbnailed.

File 149675417465.png - (698.63KB , 800x800 , tftl1.png )
806269 No. 806269 ID: a606da

Expand all images
>>
No. 806270 ID: a606da
File 149675421246.png - (675.31KB , 800x800 , tftl2.png )
806270

This is bad.

I set up a date at my house with a girl I met online, and she’s already at the door.

I’ve never invited anyone back to my place before. I haven’t prepared at all, and my apartment is a mess!

What do I do?!
>>
No. 806272 ID: 912a9c

Go out to a cafe instead!
>>
No. 806274 ID: 6f97db

Let them in. It's not like they'll find your stash of porn.
>>
No. 806275 ID: a606da
File 149675510524.png - (646.81KB , 800x800 , tftl3.png )
806275

>Let them in.

Ah, right!

I rush off to the door, opening it quickly.

"Goodness!" The black-haired girl grins. "Took your time, huh? I almost thought I had the wrong address."

"Sorry."

"It's fine." She shrugs. "So... are you going to invite me in, or what?"

>Go out to a cafe instead!

Should I? But I specifically invited her over. It might seem rude to change plans at the last second.
>>
No. 806276 ID: 6f97db

Invite her in. Accidentally show her your bedroom first.
>>
No. 806278 ID: a606da
File 149675669419.png - (746.21KB , 800x800 , tftl4.png )
806278

>Invite her in.

"Oh, uh... please, come in, make yourself at home!" I step aside, closing the door as she strides into my apartment.

"Nice place." She whistles. "Pretty spacious!"

"You think so? Thanks! I'll, um, give you a tour." I lead her along.

>Accidentally show her your bedroom first.

"This right here is the bedroom, and..." Wait, what? No, not this first! What am I doing?!

"Ooh, confident, aren't you?" She laughs.

"No, er, that's not... I mean to say, uh..."

"Don't apologize. I appreciate directness." She strolls over and sits at the end of my bed. "Comfy! Join me?" She pats the sheets with a smile.
>>
No. 806280 ID: a606da
File 149675685180.png - (675.94KB , 800x800 , tftl5.png )
806280

I sit down beside her.

"So?" She smiles, leaning in. "What do you want to do next?"

Wow, this is nerve-wracking. But she's giving off some pretty clear signs, here.

Should I go for it?
>>
No. 806281 ID: f23c81

You go for it of course, make sure you close the door behind you when you leave. It's rude to stay in the room when a lady is resting.
>>
No. 806282 ID: d79f26

start leaning in, grasp chin. HER chin, gently.
>>
No. 806283 ID: 6f97db

Some foreplay, I mean, Earl Gray, I can make some tea, if you'd like?
>>
No. 806285 ID: 9876c4

Punch her in her stupid teeth.

You know, seductively.
>>
No. 806287 ID: a606da
File 149675877407.png - (644.24KB , 800x800 , tftl6.png )
806287

>Some foreplay, I mean

“Would you like some tea?” I offer.

“Sure!”

“What kind would you like?”

“Hmm, let me think…”

She’s distracted. This is my chance!

>start leaning in

I move towards her, letting my true face show. My chelicerae extend rapidly as my jaw unhinges. My other eyes flit open from underneath my fake skin.

“What - ?” She turns to look at me, then freezes in shock.

>Punch her in her stupid teeth.

I start off with a swift punch to the mouth, leaving her dazed.

>You go for it of course

I’m going for it! I lunge at her, going for her neck.
>>
No. 806288 ID: a606da
File 149675885593.png - (537.25KB , 800x800 , tftl7.png )
806288

I bite down, tearing her head from her body. It isn’t as clean as I’d have liked, sadly, but it got the job done.

But now I have a new problem! Her blood and guts are splattered all over the place, including me, my clothes, the wall, and my bed.

How can I get rid of this mess?
>>
No. 806289 ID: f23c81

I mean... eat it yes? No need to be wasteful
>>
No. 806290 ID: 6f97db

Again! It keeps happening! You really ought to ditch this antisocial habit of yours, of tearing up anyone that tries to get close to you.

Call up a cleaning service. One that doesn't ask questions.
>>
No. 806291 ID: a4bd7f

Dare I ask what you are and why you've done this?
>>
No. 806292 ID: d69df4

So. Lemme guess, you're some kind of spider monster and you have to eat people to survive, I take it?
>>
No. 806294 ID: a606da
File 149676192544.png - (685.54KB , 800x800 , tftl8.png )
806294

>Again! It keeps happening!

Not as often as I’d like! This is the first human kill I’ve had throughout my entire adult life, and she was practically begging to get murdered.

I’m going to have to kick things up a notch if I want to eat regularly. I’m sick of chasing after wildlife in the park.

>Dare I ask what you are and why you've done this?

I don’t really know what I am or where I came from. I was raised in an orphanage.

As for why, well… I’m hungry, and humans are all over the place. I’ve got to start somewhere, right?

>So. Lemme guess, you're some kind of spider monster and you have to eat people to survive, I take it?

Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m some sort of spider thing. That’s about all I’ve figured out, really. It’s hard to learn more about my species without having any others to compare myself to.

I’m also a full-on carnivore. I have to eat things that bleed, the fresher the better.
>>
No. 806295 ID: a606da
File 149676199048.png - (686.49KB , 800x800 , tftl9.png )
806295

>I mean... eat it yes? No need to be wasteful

Of course! What was I thinking?

Best to start off with the head. That’s where the tastiest blood vessels tend to… hey, wait. Where’d the head go?

I look wildly around, and then I spot it rolling away. As soon as it notices me looking, however, it starts yelling.

“Bloody murder! Help! Bloody murder!” The head shrieks, bouncing around on the floor. “I’ve been sliced in twain! Slaughtered by a horrible monster! The ghastly sight of my own corpse fills me with terror! Terror!

What?

I mean… is this normal? Do humans do this?

I try to shake off my confusion. At this rate, that screaming is going to get the police pounding at my door. I need to stop it! But how?
>>
No. 806296 ID: a4bd7f

>>806292
>you have to eat people to survive
I've never understood that.
What's so special about humans that it makes their consumption a necessity for some monsters?
Is it a matter of convenience? I have to believe that it'd be easier and safer to just buy a package of chicken down at the grocer like everybody else.
>>
No. 806297 ID: 9876c4
806297

Clothes and sheets go in the laundry. Then knot the neck of the shirt, and drag the body to the tub. Hopefully you have a mop and bucket for the rest.

Check for her phone. Drown it inna sink.
How long with this one's mass keep you satiated for?
>>
No. 806298 ID: a4bd7f

>>806295
No. That is not normal.
Either someone is fucking with you or you managed to bag another supernatural.
You may wish to abscond as that head is going to draw a lot of attention you don't want.
>>
No. 806299 ID: f64d1f

Remember to eat all the evidence, you don't want to be caught
>>
No. 806300 ID: 6f97db

Get all jiggy with it. That should redirect its attention.
>>
No. 806301 ID: be0718

Self-narrate? No, they don't usuallly do that. It's weird. Stuff a rag in her mouth until she calms down.

Cleaning up after a human kill is more or less the same as cleaning up after an animal kill, which I trust you've had to do. You're going to need some pretty heavy cleaning supplies for this, though. Next time set up a kill room beforehand with plastic sheets laid down, say they're for renovation purposes.
>>
No. 806302 ID: a606da
File 149676399412.png - (771.91KB , 800x800 , tftl10.png )
806302

>What's so special about humans that it makes their consumption a necessity for some monsters?

Eating humans isn’t a necessity. They are all over the place, though, and that makes them a pretty convenient dinner if you can learn how to catch them.

>I have to believe that it'd be easier and safer to just buy a package of chicken down at the grocer like everybody else.

Like I said, the fresher the better. For me, eating processed meat is like a human trying to eat a brick. Sure, it can be done, but it won’t do much good.

>How long with this one's mass keep you satiated for?

Oh, gosh, I’m not sure. A long time. A few weeks, maybe, or even a month!

>You may wish to abscond as that head is going to draw a lot of attention you don't want.

But I live here! Where else am I supposed to go?

>Get all jiggy with it. That should redirect its attention.

Desperate for options, I start dancing wildly.

There’s a pause as the head goes silent. Then, suddenly, I can hear a strangely familiar laughing echoing throughout my apartment. As the room slowly fills with an unusual fog, the laughter draws closer and closer!
>>
No. 806303 ID: a606da
File 149676404962.png - (904.73KB , 800x800 , tftl11.png )
806303

And then, with a sudden gust of wind, the gore in the room vanishes, the body disappears, and the smoke clears. Instead, a smug-looking lady around my age stands in front of me.

“Stop, stop, you’ll put me in hysterics!” She guffaws. “Hey, there, spiderbro! How’s it hanging?”

Wait… I know that voice! That’s my little sister Mbweha, from back at the orphanage! I haven’t seen her in years. Not since my, ah… incident.

“So, you a proper murderist now?” She asks, tilting her head. “That’s the path you’re taking, huh? That there’s some questionable life decisions you got going for you, Nancy. Still, great to see you! How’ve you been?”

I’m utterly baffled. I don’t know what just happened, why she’s here, or where my dinner went.

I’m not even sure what question I should ask first!
>>
No. 806304 ID: 6f97db

Ask her why did she tricked you into killing her.
>>
No. 806305 ID: f64d1f

Ask her for a dance
>>
No. 806306 ID: be0718

Ask how to make it less obvious on your dating profile that you're a murderous predator.
>>
No. 806307 ID: a4bd7f

>>806303
>I haven’t seen her in years. Not since my, ah… incident.
Explain.

>“So, you a proper murderist now?” She asks, tilting her head. “That’s the path you’re taking, huh? That there’s some questionable life decisions you got going for you, Nancy.
Hey, if she has a better option, then she can lay it on you. "Man-eating monster" isn't the best line of work.

>where my dinner went
I don't think she was ever real. I think it's all been Mbweha fucking with you.
>>
No. 806314 ID: 9876c4

>>806305
>>806306
These seem most practical.
>>
No. 806335 ID: 3ce125

>>806302
>fresher the better
Eat stray dogs and cats. Get a hunting license and hunt deer. Buy live lobster. Buy animals from pet stores. Literally buy livestock.

There are a lot of very simple options that don't require murder of sapient beings, and they're even legal! Well, it's legal to eat cats and dogs in *most* states, anyway.
Considering how long you can last off of eating one human you probably won't even need to spend more money than average on food if you buy animals to eat them.
>>
No. 806360 ID: be0718

>>806335
1) Eating humans is free,
2) Eating strays is what he's *been* doing and he's sick of it,
3) If monsters fulfilling their dietary requirements is too upsetting for your stomach then hide the thread and move on with your life.
>>
No. 806365 ID: 3ce125

>>806360
Rude. None of what I suggested involves chasing after animals in the park. You can lure and/or trap stray cats and dogs easily with food, and the other options don't compare to what Anansi is so sick of either.
>>
No. 806419 ID: e2566d

>>806335
This, honestly.
There is significantly less chance of attracting negative (read: violent) attention to yourself if you look into other options.
Hell, you could go public with your spidery-ness! This is the age of the teratophile. People would love a big, sexy spider person. They'd certainly be willing to donate some livestock for your particular dietary needs.
>>
No. 806437 ID: a606da
File 149679784906.png - (755.53KB , 800x800 , tftl12.png )
806437

>Explain.

I don’t really want to think about it. It happened when I was teenager, and afterwards I ran away from the orphanage and never looked back. I’ll regret it forever.

>Get a hunting license and hunt deer. Buy live lobster. Buy animals from pet stores. Literally buy livestock.

I’m not made out of money! I can barely afford to pay rent.

>Eat stray dogs and cats.

That’s unsanitary!

>Hell, you could go public with your spidery-ness!

I’m pretty sure that’s a quick way to get vivisected! Besides, I like being incognito. Bibi’s rule number one: keep your head down around humans.

>There are a lot of very simple options that don't require murder of sapient beings

I guess. I do admit that I feel a little squeamish about it. But it’s not like I’m doing something wrong! It’s not cannibalism to eat other animals. Just because I was raised by Bibi, that doesn’t mean that I’m a human!

>I don't think she was ever real. I think it's all been Mbweha fucking with you.

What?! Wait… no, yeah, maybe. When we were kids, she would put on little shows with smoke and sparkles. I suppose she might have gotten better at it over the years, at least enough to make a fake lady.

“Why’d you trick me into killing you?” I scowl.

“I mean, I had no idea you were going for the ‘bloody carnage’ type of relationship. I was just going to wait until you started stripping, and then jump out with a ‘surprise’! Consider it a little payback for not keeping in contact all these years.” Mbweha hops over onto my bed, stretching out. “But, man, I didn’t think I’d run into you on a dating site, of all things.”

“About that… how can I make it less obvious on my profile that I’m a murderous predator?”

“Maybe don’t be one?”

“Hey, if you have a better option, then you can lay it on me.” I sigh. “‘Man-eating monster’ isn’t the best line of work.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet.” She snickers. “Well, here’s an idea, Nancy: How do you feel about helping me fix up the old property? I can pay you - a little, at least - and the house could totally use some TLC. It’s been getting pretty run-down these past few years.”
>>
No. 806441 ID: 600f38

>>806437
As long as you can get some livestock, sure.
>>
No. 806444 ID: e2566d

Go for it!
>Gainful employment
>New place to live
>Reconnecting with an old friend
>All the fresh meat you can eat
>No eating humans
It's a win on multiple fronts!
>>
No. 806451 ID: 3abd97

>>806437
It's pretty weird trying to reconnect with a date, sis, even if it was a murder-date.

...wait, are you even attracted to human looking things?

>eat humans cause they're everywhere
Sure, the downside to that is once you get caught or found out, there will be people with guns looking for you everywhere. Guns work on you, right?

Really if you need fresh meat, the easiest non-murder solution is probably a farm. Murder works, but you have to not screw up over a very long term, and the consequences escalate quickly.

And I mean, if you absolutely have to eat people, why innocent teens just trying to date? Why not eat some proper jerks? Lots of jerks in the world. (Or alternatively, just find the vore fetishists online).

>How do you feel about helping me fix up the old property?
I mean, sure, why not? Reconnect with family, have a home, help kids.
>>
No. 806454 ID: be0718

Sure. You've had a deep-seated desire to mend broken fences. ...Not literally, but, you know.

Is there anyone else you or Mbweha knows that has to deal with these urges? Someone experienced in covering their tracks? You could also seek employment with criminal elements, they know how to get away with murder.
>>
No. 806461 ID: e2566d

You could use your spider powers for good!
Become a dark vigilante! Hunt down the criminal element! Deliver fanged justice!
Sure, the cops still won't like you, but you'd be eating murderers, rapists, and pedos, so everyone else will think you're awesome.
Kinda like an edgy Spider-Man. So like Black Suit Spider-Man, but not the one from that one movie. The cool comic one.
>>
No. 806464 ID: be0718

>>806461
>eating murderers, rapists, and pedos
Gee, when you put it that way, it sounds so appetizing. Besides, that is such a tired damn agenda for people to push on monsters who just want to keep their head down and their bellies full (of human).
>>
No. 806466 ID: 047acf

>>806464
Yeah eat those people who talk really loud in the cinema instead.
>>
No. 806467 ID: e2566d

>>806464
That's the second time you've accosted someone on here for having an opinion that wasn't yours.
That's not smiled upon around here.
>>
No. 806561 ID: a606da
File 149682351382.png - (807.84KB , 800x800 , tftl13.png )
806561

>Become a dark vigilante! Hunt down the criminal element! Deliver fanged justice!

That sounds pretty dangerous. What if I had to fight someone? I’m not very tough. I don’t even exercise regularly!

>Guns work on you, right?

I don’t see why they wouldn’t. I’m not looking to test it, though!

>...wait, are you even attracted to human looking things?

Sometimes, I guess. I wonder if that counts as bestiality?

>And I mean, if you absolutely have to eat people, why innocent teens just trying to date?

It seemed like a good idea at the time! Also, I don’t date teens. I’m in my twenties, for goodness’ sake!

“It's pretty weird trying to reconnect with a date, sis.” I cross my arms. “Even if it was a murder-date.”

“Well, maybe I wouldn’t have had to, if you’d just given me any other way to reach you!” Mbweha pouts. “I was afraid that if I told you who I was, you’d bolt again, and I might never get another chance to see you.”

“I wouldn’t have.”

“You did it before. Clean break. Nobody knew where you went, if you were okay, nothing.” Mbweha grimaces, showing off her pointed teeth. “It kind of hurt my feelings, man. I missed you. Thought maybe it was ‘cause of something I did.”

“It wasn’t. Honestly. I just had to leave for a while. Figure out who I was.”

“And this is who you are?” She snaps her fingers, and the severed head reappears in her hand for a moment. “You were never this kind of person. Not before what you did, and not after. Come with me back to the house, Anansi. Please.”

“Sure, why not?” I nod. “Reconnect with family. Have a home. Help kids. If I can get some livestock, it’ll be golden. I don’t know what I’ll say to Bibi, though.”

“Oh.” Mbweha freezes. “Right, you wouldn’t know…”

“What is it?”

“Bibi’s gone, Anansi.” Mbweha’s face falls. “She got sick. Asase Ya and I tried to take care of her, but… well, there wasn’t much we could do.”

“She’s…?” I feel a lump in my throat. “When did it happen?”

“Two years ago, in December. We tried to get a hold of you - really, we did - but like I said, nobody knew where you were.”

“Sorry.”

“Yeah.” Mbweha looks me right in the eyes. “I’m sorry, too. Sorry that things played out the way they did. But we are where we are.”

“…Right.” I nod again. I really don’t want to talk about this anymore, so I change the topic. “I don’t have a lot of stuff. Do you have a car?”

“Yeah. An old pick-up.” She thumbs towards the door. “It’s parked down by the curb. Want some help carrying your things?”

“That would be nice. Thanks, Mbweha.”

“No problem, Nancy.” She smiles softly. “Glad to help.”
>>
No. 806564 ID: a606da
File 149682387850.png - (929.91KB , 800x800 , tftl14.png )
806564

We load up the truck, both pretty quiet. Packing doesn’t take as long as I expected it to, and we’re ready to head out within the hour. I leave a letter for my landlord, and then slip back downstairs, hopping in the passenger seat. As soon as Mbweha starts the car up, I’m bounced a good foot up in the air, and I clutch my seatbelt in terror as we careen down the road.

“Where did you get this thing?” I gasp. “It’s a deathtrap!”

“Sorry, should have mentioned that it’s a bit rough.” Mbweha chuckles. “It’s a hand-me-down from Oshosi. He crashed it at one point, and the shocks have been busted ever since. He gave it to me when I turned sixteen.”

“It almost threw me through the windshield!”

“Oh, yeah, you’re super light, aren’t you?” She turns a corner, and I’m thrown to the side. “Sorry! Glad you’ve got your seatbelt on. How much do you weigh nowadays, by the by?”

“Low seventies, last I checked!” I wince as we drive over a bump in the road. “Can you go a little slower, please?!”

“Sure thing, Nancy.”

True to her word, she slows down, and the trip gets a lot more comfortable. Well, not exactly comfortable, but a lot less terrifying, at any rate. After that, we drive steadily along for a while. We don’t talk much, though Mbweha throws a tape in the player and starts singing along to pop songs at the top of her lungs. I can’t help but smile.

By the time we reach the house, night is falling, and I’m feeling drowsy. The scenery starts getting familiar, and I poke my head out the window. There it is. The place where I grew up.

“Huh.” I blink. “It’s funny. I always thought I was making the orphanage look bigger in my head, but it really is that huge.”

“What can I say? Bibi had a lot of cash.” Mbweha shrugs. “It’s not an orphanage anymore, though.”

“It isn’t?”

“Can’t be an orphanage without any kids, and Bibi didn’t take in any more after you left.” Mbweha pulls the car to a stop a little ways away from the side door near the road. “Before long, we all grew up. First it was Oshosi and Ori, then Eshu a little bit later. After Bibi passed on, everybody started drifting away. Packed up, made their way out into the world. It’s just you, me, and Olokun, now. Oh, and Asase Ya, but she mostly keeps to the garden.”

“Even Yemoja left? How? I thought she couldn’t live outside of the water.”

“Well, she didn’t want to leave, but she started getting too big for the pool. Olokun and I helped her get set up in a lake a little ways down the road. We were going to visit her tomorrow, if you’d like to come along.”

“Maybe.” I yawn. “I think I need to sleep, though. I have a lot to process.”

“Sure thing. Where do you want to crash? You’ve got your pick of rooms, except for the library, the turret, and the greenhouse. Your old room kind of, uh, exploded, so that’s a no-go.” She points upwards. “You can take the attic room, if you want! We’ll be neighbors. Ooh, or the tower! I remember when you and Oshosi would fight over who would get that one. There’s also a few comfy guest rooms on the lower levels, if you just want to sleep ASAP. What’ll it be?”
>>
No. 806565 ID: 3ce125

>>806564
Spider in the attic seems appropriate, but the tower is nice too.
>>
No. 806568 ID: c31aac

>>806564
SPIDER TOWER SPIDER TOWER SPIDER TOWER
>>
No. 806575 ID: 9876c4

That is totally our bendy tower.
>>
No. 806576 ID: 3d2d5f

>I wonder if that counts as bestiality?
Naaaah. At worst it makes you a furry-equivalent.

>>806564
Claim the tower.
>>
No. 806622 ID: be0718

Take the attic room and spin yourself a hammock bed.
>>
No. 806762 ID: a606da
File 149690087275.png - (910.58KB , 800x800 , tftl15.png )
806762

“I think I’ll take the bendy tower.” I reply.

“Cool. You know, I always thought it looked like a wizard's tower, like from a storybook. You going to be a wizard, Nancy?”

“That seems more like Nyame’s thing.”

“It’s not the power that makes a wizard! It’s the attitude.” She shakes her head, grinning. “Tower’s all yours, Nancy. Want help getting your stuff up there?”

“Nah, we can do it tomorrow.” I yawn, making my way out of the car and up the front steps. “I just want to sleep for a while. It’s been a long day.”

“I hear you. I’m going to go catch a bird for dinner, and then I’ll turn in, too.” She gives me a wave, then hops on all fours, bounding off into the woods. I hear a distant “See you in the morning!” and then she’s gone.

I amble through the house. It’s just like it was when I was growing up… no, that’s not quite true. It’s quieter, darker, and dustier. Still, I know my way around. I head up onto the walkway, and then into the tower.

> spin yourself a hammock bed.

I climb up to the very top of the tower, politely vacate the residents and help them move their cobwebs, and then I start in on my own web. It’s a rush job, so the result is a bit simplistic, but it does the trick. I yawn again as I take off my shirt, falling backwards onto my new bed.

I unfold my legs, stretching as I drift off to sleep. It’s nice to give my limbs room to breathe at the end of the day.
>>
No. 806764 ID: a606da
File 149690102537.png - (872.71KB , 800x800 , tftl16.png )
806764

I wake with a start.

I am so, so hungry. I need to eat. Now.

It’s no surprise, after losing my dinner yesterday, but I’m completely famished!

That raises the question: Where am I going to get breakfast, and how?
>>
No. 806766 ID: b50a96

Lure in some chicks with your shirtlessness. And by that I mean spin a web and catch some birds.
>>
No. 806767 ID: 3ce125

Get help from Mbweha in hunting some wildlife, so you don't have to kill someone. Illusion magic should make it less of a pain in the ass, and she can keep you from being discovered to boot!
>>
No. 806768 ID: 3ce125

>>806766
>web to catch birds
That's a good long-term plan! Some big, strong webs placed in the gap between the tower and the house should catch a bird every now and then.
>>
No. 806769 ID: f1a994

>>806766
>>806767
These.
>>
No. 806771 ID: be0718

Eat out Mbweha.
>>
No. 806799 ID: a606da
File 149691181796.png - (788.40KB , 800x800 , tftl17.png )
806799

>Get help from Mbweha in hunting some wildlife, so you don't have to kill someone.

I wouldn’t kill anybody anyway. We’re above the city, up in the hills near a national park. Generally speaking, there’s nobody around here but crazy survivalists, rich hermits, and the occasional hunter. And us, obviously.

As for Mbweha, I don’t know where she is!

>Lure in some chicks with your shirtlessness. And by that I mean spin a web and catch some birds.
>That's a good long-term plan! Some big, strong webs placed in the gap between the tower and the house should catch a bird every now and then.

I put on my shirt, open the tower window, and then scramble out onto the roof and get to work.

Before long, my web is ready! Now I just have to wait. A bird will fly into it any second now. Any second now.

…Aaargh, this is taking forever! I’m bored, and I think my being here might be spooking the birds off. I should probably go about my business and check in on breakfast later.

It might be nice to catch up with the family. Olokun’s probably in the library, and Mbweha said Asase Ya’s in the garden. I could look for Mbweha, too, but she might still be out hunting for her morning meal. So, what’s first on the agenda?
>>
No. 806800 ID: d2a32f

Your shirt makes you stand out too much. Take it off and rely on your natural camouflage.

Or I guess you're already outside, go to the garden.
>>
No. 806801 ID: 3ce125

>>806799
Don't count on catching a bird with this web today. Spiders can afford to wait until a catch because frequently, they catch something that's almost as large as they are. You won't be catching any birds that large, so you either have to make multiple webs or use this web as a meal supplement.

Go say hi to Asase Ya, maybe you can help with pest control? Gardens are usually assaulted by caterpillars (yes I'm saying to eat some bugs) and she might even know where a rabbit burrow is.
>>
No. 806802 ID: be0718

Check with Olo-kun-senpai-rama-sama.
>>
No. 806807 ID: d36af7

Have you tried eating raw eggs? Should have pretty much all the same nutrients in there as a chicken. As for catching live birds, you might have more success if you set out some bait along with the actual snare. Breadcrumbs or apple cores or something.
>>
No. 806943 ID: a606da
File 149697596077.png - (849.23KB , 800x800 , tftl18.png )
806943

>Have you tried eating raw eggs? Should have pretty much all the same nutrients in there as a chicken.

Raw eggs work well as a dietary supplement, but I also need fresh blood in my diet. I get sick without it.

>you might have more success if you set out some bait along with the actual snare. Breadcrumbs or apple cores or something.

That’s a good idea. I should see if there’s any bread in the kitchen.

>you either have to make multiple webs or use this web as a meal supplement.

I just need a snack, a morsel, anything! I’m starving!

>I guess you're already outside, go to the garden.
>Go say hi to Asase Ya, maybe you can help with pest control?

I shuffle down the back of the house, land in the yard, and then stroll out into the garden.

The greenhouse looks pretty much the same as it did before I left. No, looking at it closely, it might actually be a little cleaner. It’s no surprise, really: Ever since Bibi had it built, Asase Ya’s practically treated this place like a temple.

I peek into the greenhouse proper, but there’s no sign of my big sister anywhere. Even after a cursory search around, I still can’t find her. With a sigh of resignation, I start walking back towards the house.
>>
No. 806947 ID: a606da
File 149697610054.png - (1.07MB , 800x800 , tftl19.png )
806947

As soon as I start to step past a nearby oak tree, however, I hear a screech.

Noooo! My babies!” A flurry of green shoots out of the branches of the great oak, throwing me aside. Asase Ya huddles around an odd-looking plant on the ground, which I hadn’t noticed. She starts cooing at the plant, comforting it. “Oh, my poor darlings, are you okay? Mama’s here, don’t you worry! It’ll be alright!”

“Um…” I blink, getting to my feet.

“Mbweha, I’ve told you a thousand times: watch your step around the garden!” Asase Ya scowls at me, then blinks. She squints at me, looking more angry by the second. “And - and what are you doing, looking like that?! Is it April Fools already? You know I hate your pranks, and the visage of our dead brother isn’t going to make them any better!”

"Uh, Asase Ya..."

"What is it?!" She snaps. "What do you have to say for yourself, missy?"
>>
No. 806948 ID: be0718

Who told you I was dead?
>>
No. 806950 ID: 3ce125

>>806947
Tell her sorry for stepping on her plant. Also that you're not dead, this is really you. Also that you're really hungry so if she knows where you can get a fresh kill you would be very thankful!
>>
No. 806951 ID: d862ef

I came back from the dead to say hi.
>>
No. 806952 ID: 3abd97

>dead brother
...I'm not a prank, I'm the ghost of your dead brother here to haunt you! Boo!
>>
No. 806962 ID: f08985

>>806951
Pretty much this. Then tell her you have to go back now and leave.
>>
No. 806980 ID: 022719

>>806950
This
>>
No. 807014 ID: d36af7

Calmly explain that you're not an illusion or dead, just really bad at staying in touch.

>I also need fresh blood in my diet.
How fresh, exactly? You might be able to cut some sort of sketchy back-room deal with a butcher's shop, or a slaughterhouse, or even a hospital, for slightly contaminated pink juices they'd otherwise be discarding as biological waste. Disgusting, but worth a try if you're worrying about rice-and-beans level subsistence.

As for more conventional strategies, if there's open space around the house, and some degree of agricultural activity already going on, you could simply breed chickens.
>>
No. 807023 ID: a606da
File 149701988040.png - (1.13MB , 800x800 , tftl20.png )
807023

>How fresh, exactly?

Killed within the past day. Maybe two days, but only if I’m desperate.

>You might be able to cut some sort of sketchy back-room deal with a butcher's shop, or a slaughterhouse, or even a hospital, for slightly contaminated pink juices they'd otherwise be discarding as biological waste.

I don’t know if I have enough money for that. It’s an interesting idea, though. I should look into it.

“I’m not a prank.” I shake my head. “Who told you I was dead? I might be really bad at staying in touch, but…”

“What are you on about?” Asase Ya pulls herself upright, looking at me more closely. “Hold on, you’re not - you’re not actually Anansi, are you?”

“Would you rather believe I’m the ghost of me, haunting you just to say hi?” I jump at her slightly. “Boo!”

She just stares at me.

“Okay, okay. I’ll go back to the underworld, then.” I turn back towards the house, walking away. “Sorry for stepping on your plant.”
>>
No. 807024 ID: a606da
File 149701992656.png - (945.09KB , 800x800 , tftl21.png )
807024

Anansi!” Asase Ya yells with joy. Before I can move, she explodes forwards, wrapping herself around me in a full-body hug. “I missed you so much! Where on Earth have you been?”

“Around.” I wheeze. “Asase Ya, can you, uh…”

“I was so sure you were dead. Even Nyame wasn’t able to find you!” She starts to cry while smiling at the same time. “Welcome home, little brother, and don’t you ever stray that far again!”

“I - I won’t.” I choke. “Please, Asase Ya, take it easy. I can feel my exoskeleton straining!”

“Oh! Sorry.” She unwraps herself and retreats a little ways away. “I’m just happy! It’s so good to see you, Anansi.”

“Good to see you, too.” I smile softly. “I hate to ask for things after being away for so long, but… do you maybe know where I could find some food? Some rabbits, maybe? I know we used to have a lot of those around here.”

“Oh, you’d better believe they’re still here. They’ve gotten even worse over the years.” She grimaces. “You’d be doing me a favor by eviscerating a few of those little jerks, actually. They keep eating my babies while I’m sleeping. There’s a burrow pretty close by, I think. Do want me to guide you there?”

“That would be fantastic.”
>>
No. 807026 ID: a606da
File 149702016255.png - (880.66KB , 800x800 , tftl22.png )
807026

“Right this way.” She leads me into the woods, but stops me as we come up to some bushes. I can hear a number of crunching sounds coming from behind a tree ahead of us. “Shh!”

“What is it?” I peek around the tree and catch a glimpse of a familiar face, covered in blood. “Oh, it’s just Mbweha.”

“I guess she got here first.” Asase Ya clicks her tongue. “She’s got a fair few of them, looks like. She’s eating one right now.”

“It’s a burrow full! She’s got to have some extra.” I start to walk out of the bushes, but Asase Ya stops me. “Huh? What is it?”

“She gets a little feral when she’s hunting, remember?” Asase Ya whispers. “If you go out there right now…”

“What, you think she’ll attack me?”

“No, she’ll be embarrassed. You know Mbweha. She doesn’t like to let people see that side of her.”

I peek out again. There’s a bunch of freshly-killed rabbits laying out on the ground. Nice, juicy, tasty rabbits. I am so, so hungry. If I let Mbweha devour them all, I might not get another chance to eat today. What should I do?
>>
No. 807028 ID: 9876c4

Try to charm your way into her good graces. Go in, all smiles, and pick up a bunny.

If she's offended, you'll apologize later. But right now you need to not starve.
>>
No. 807032 ID: d69df4

Well, you need to feed really badly, and she gets embarrassed should she show her feral side...
Why not match her? Let your true face show, maybe make a big show of saying "Hungry, so Hungry" or something like that as you approach. Granted It'll be acting versus the actual shift, but hopefully it'll set her more at ease.
>>
No. 807035 ID: be0718

You're not people, you're family. Ask if she can share.
>>
No. 807039 ID: f08985

Hey, she did the same to you back when you were trying to feed on your "date". Go back to your actual appearance and remind her that she owes you a meal.
>>
No. 807051 ID: 3ce125

>>807039
Yeah, that's about right.
>>
No. 807068 ID: 3abd97

>>807026
Well she embarrassed me by pretending to be a date I was trying to eat, so fair's fair.
>>
No. 807078 ID: a606da
File 149704876195.png - (828.82KB , 800x800 , tftl23.png )
807078

>Why not match her? Let your true face show, maybe make a big show of saying "Hungry, so Hungry" or something like that as you approach.

“Hey, she already embarrassed me yesterday.” I let my true face out, extending my chelicerae. “She pretended to be a date I was trying to eat, so fair’s fair.”

“You tried to eat another person?!” Asase Ya recoils. “Anansi…!”

“Shh. I’m going to try to go over and borrow a bunny.” I stand up, walking into the clearing. “Hunger! I feel hungerrrr.”

Mbweha’s head shoots upwards, and she looks my way, sniffing the air. “hm?”

“Mm, mm, gotta eat.” I amble over to the pile of meat. “Hunt hunt.”

“…brother?” She grunts, chewing a bit of meat. “why here?”

“You owe me a meal, sister.” I lightly pick up a rabbit. “I’m just collecting.”

“meal?” She looks down at herself, and what she’s doing. “oh… oh! no, no, i hunt… i dumb?”

I shrug, backing away.

am dumb!” She whines, hiding her face behind her bloody hands. “nooo, i dumb-me! stop look! go ‘way!”

“It’s fine, Mbweha. I understand.”

“dumb-me gross! go ‘way!” She starts to cry. “bad mbweha! dumb mbweha! dumb gross ugly!”

I pause. Mbweha looks really upset. Should I try to comfort her, or just get away as fast as possible?
>>
No. 807081 ID: 3abd97

>>807078
You're still smarter than me when I was "hunting" yesterday. And today, too, I didn't catch anything on my own!
>>
No. 807082 ID: be0718

Dumb Mbweha want go, you go.
>>
No. 807084 ID: d909da

So, how do you see her as a romantic partner? Cause calling her cute would mean something different if you see her as only a sister.
Also; not dumb, good hunter. Anansi bad hunter, real dumb. Teach hunt later? Share food now?
>>
No. 807098 ID: d69df4

"Not dumb. Different. You better hunter now. And when not hunter, better tricks."
>>
No. 807138 ID: 3ce125

>>807078
Tell her she's not gross or ugly.
>>
No. 807272 ID: a606da
File 149716094312.png - (777.01KB , 800x800 , tftl24.png )
807272

>So, how do you see her as a romantic partner? Cause calling her cute would mean something different if you see her as only a sister.

I feel no attraction towards Mbweha. She’s my baby sister. Nothing else.

“You’re not gross or ugly, sister.” I go over to her, patting her head. “You’re actually kind of weirdly adorable right now.”

“not gross not ugly…” She slowly thinks it over. “…but dumb?!”

“Not dumb. Different. Good hunter. When not hunter, better tricks.” I point to myself. “Anansi bad hunter. Real dumb. Teach hunt later? Share food now?”

“you bad bad hunt. yes. so bad! even dumb-me good. you bad.” She tilts her head. “hm… brother talk funny.”

“Give me a break! I’m talking like you.”

“i talk funny? oh.” She smiles, pacing towards me on all fours. “brother nice. thank. teach hunt if want! kill more bunny!”

“Not right now. Maybe later, though.” I give her a nod, then walk away with my breakfast under my arm. “See you later, Mbweha.”

She grunts, then returns to eating her food.
>>
No. 807273 ID: a606da
File 149716108659.png - (723.11KB , 800x800 , tftl25.png )
807273

I give Asase Ya a quick “See you later!” and then I run off and climb up to the tower, using some of my bed-web to wrap my prize.

I drain the blood from the rabbit, which is delicious, and then I pour a little of my acid into its cocoon. Pretty soon it’ll liquefy, and then I can eat it properly.

More importantly, thanks to getting some blood in me, I feel a lot less hungry!

Now that that’s done, I can think about what I want to do today. I should probably work on getting my stuff up to the tower, but I also want to check in with Olokun.

What should I do first?
>>
No. 807275 ID: a606da
File 149716122337.png - (784.96KB , 800x800 , tftl26.png )
807275

Oh, and on my way to put my slowly-melting bunny in the fridge, I run into Mbweha again.

She’s washing her face in the kitchen sink when I get there, and as soon as she sees me, she jumps back in shock.

She starts staring at the floor, embarrassed.

This feels a little awkward. Should I say something to her?
>>
No. 807282 ID: be0718

Lighten the mood by biting her head off again.
>>
No. 807283 ID: 17c2ee

>>807275
Hug her or something, but more importantly thank her for the help, finding and feeding you.
>>
No. 807291 ID: d36af7

"So, are you serious about teaching me to hunt? You're way better at that than I am, and I want to be able to pull my own weight once I'm settled back in here."
>>
No. 807292 ID: b27cac

Look just point both fingers at her and go ayyyyyyyy. Impersonating the Fonz breaks through all awkwardness.
>>
No. 807301 ID: 7d8168

Worry incessantly about the possibility of having been insensitive by talking "dumb" earlier, but be too embarrassed to actually bring it up.
>>
No. 807303 ID: d909da

Tell her she's still adorable and hug her. Don't worry too much about embarrassing her, family members and meant to embarrass each other.
>>
No. 807310 ID: 3abd97

>>807275
Look, I'm sorry if I embarrassed you, but I was really hungry. (And you did almost the same thing to me).

And I meant what what I said. Thinking different doesn't mean thinking stupid.
>>
No. 807362 ID: 3ce125

Ask her if she's ever read Flowers for Algernon.
>>
No. 807491 ID: a606da
File 149729474184.png - (731.95KB , 800x800 , tftl27.png )
807491

>Worry incessantly about the possibility of having been insensitive by talking "dumb" earlier, but be too embarrassed to actually bring it up.

I try not to worry over the past. Once you do something, you’ve done it, and it’s a part of you forever after. What matters is in the moment.

>Don't worry too much about embarrassing her, family members and meant to embarrass each other.

That’s the truth. I’ve certainly been responsible for more than my share of embarrassment in the family.

“You’re still weirdly adorable.” I give Mbweha a hug. “Thanks for your help. Finding and feeding me… it means a lot.”

Mbweha nods slowly, then pulls away from the hug, fidgeting. “You’re welcome, I guess.”

“Are you serious about teaching me to hunt?” I ask, trying to gauge her mood. “You’re way better at that than I am, and I want to be able to pull my own weight once I’m settled back in here.”

“Anansi, listen, that’s not… it’s not me. Not when I’m like that.” She sighs. “I’m sorry you had to see me that way.”

“Why?” I blink, honestly confused. “Look, I’m sorry if what I did embarrassed you - I was really hungry - but I don’t understand why it would.”

“When I’m hunting, it’s like I’m drunk, or high. I get wired a different way. I turn into - into an animal.

“So? What’s wrong with that? I meant what I said: Thinking different doesn’t mean thinking stupid.”

“It’s not proper, Anansi.” She wipes a bit of blood off her arm. “I mean, it’s not how Bibi raised us, you know? She wanted us to be civilized. Human.”

“We are who we are. We are what we are.” I let a chelicera peek out of my mouth for a moment as emphasis. “We’ll never be entirely human.”

“Please don’t say things like that.” She subtly leans away from me. I don’t think it was a conscious movement, but it stings all the same. “I don’t like to think that way.”
>>
No. 807492 ID: a606da
File 149729488713.png - (789.19KB , 800x800 , tftl28.png )
807492

“Hey.” I let my chelicerae out properly and unhinge my jaw. “Can I bite your head off again?”

“What?” She looks up, surprised. “Why?”

“Come on, let me do it!” I bite the air a few times in an exaggerated way. “Rrr, rrgh!”

She laughs. That got a smile out of her. There’s a flicker of light, and then an odd-looking Mbweha puts a hand to her mouth in faux fear. “Oh no! Don’t eat my precious neck! It was a gift!”

“You can’t stop me! Rrr!” I chomp down on her neck. “Gotcha!”

Aaaargh! Woe is me!” Her disembodied head yelps as it goes flying. “I’ve been decapitated! Doomed to a life of headlessness - or bodylessness, depending on the way you look at it! Either way, how dreadful my situation is! How terribly dire!

After a moment, we both start to laugh. The fake Mbweha vanishes in a puff of smoke, and the real one reappears.

“Hey, I was going to go shopping for a bit. Want to come along?” Still grinning, Mbweha pokes me in one of my upper shoulders. “It’s nothing special - I’m just getting boards and nails and stuff - but I could use some company. I’d understand if you want to stay here and get all moved in, though.”
>>
No. 807496 ID: 9876c4

Social link- GO!
>>
No. 807497 ID: 3ce125

>>807492
Okay, but after you fully eat your rabbit.
>>
No. 807502 ID: be0718

It's a chance to get out and see the old neighborhood. Did you actually get out much while you still lived here?
>>
No. 807507 ID: 3abd97

>>807492
It's not like we have a lot to get moved in.

Go with her.
>>
No. 808396 ID: a606da
File 149765516467.png - (747.52KB , 800x800 , tftl29.png )
808396

>Okay, but after you fully eat your rabbit.

It’ll take a little while to dissolve. If I go out shopping, though, it’ll probably be ready by the time we get back.

>It's a chance to get out and see the old neighborhood. Did you actually get out much while you still lived here?

Of course not. Like I said, we're pretty remote, and Bibi always told us to steer clear of what few neighbors we had. There was this one girl, Davina, who I would sometimes spend time with, but… I won’t be able to see her again. Not after our last encounter.

“Sure, I’ll go with you.” I follow Mbweha out to her car. “Hey, where’s all my stuff?”

“I moved it into the living room last night, so there’d be room for the shopping.”

“Ah. Gotcha.”

Soon enough, we’re driving back down the same road we came in on, down into the little town below. I watch the trees blur by, feeling a little bored.

“How are you holding up?” Mbweha asks, out of the blue.

“Hm?” I look up. “I’m not that hungry anymore, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I meant about Bibi.”

“I don’t know.” I sigh, turning away. “I don’t really want to think about it.”

“That’s fair, I suppose.”

It gets a little quieter after that.
>>
No. 808398 ID: a606da
File 149765529547.png - (817.03KB , 800x800 , tftl30.png )
808398

A brief drive later, we arrive at the local home improvement store. We park under a tree. I start to open my door, but Mbweha stops me.

“Hang on, there.” Mbweha puts a hand on my shoulder. “Are you going to go out looking like that?”

“Like what?”

“You don’t have any fingers, Nancy.”

“Ah. Right.” I go to get my false hands and feet out of my bag - the bag that was with the rest of my stuff. The bag that is in the living room, back at the house. “Oh. Crap. Sorry, I guess I’ll have to stay in the car.”

“Maybe not. I just remembered something.” She looks thoughtful, then rummages around in her purse. “I’ve got a belated birthday present for you! I’ve missed… seven or so, right? I’ll have to get you a few more, then.”

“It’s fine. Really.”

“Nonsense! You’re my big brother, I love you, and you deserve a big pile of presents. Starting with this!” She pulls her hands out of her purse, then puts them behind her back. “Pick a hand: Left or right?”
>>
No. 808399 ID: be0718

We need to know if this was a "Saw your true face" encounter, or a "angsty teen told her to go away forever" encounter. The second, despite what you may believe, is totally salvageable.

The first makes her a priority invitee to dinner.
>>
No. 808400 ID: be0718

Go left!
>>
No. 808401 ID: 3ce125

>>808398
Left!
>>
No. 808404 ID: 3abd97

>Davina
Was she a teleporting swordsgirl?

>left or right
Left?
>>
No. 808414 ID: f08985

"Sure. Third left arm."
>>
No. 808430 ID: a606da
File 149766402333.png - (698.51KB , 800x800 , tftl31.png )
808430

>Was she a teleporting swordsgirl?

What? No. She was a normal human girl with mousy brown hair. She was the kid of one of our neighbors. We used to wander around the woods together. I miss her.

>We need to know if this was a "Saw your true face" encounter

It was.

>makes her a priority invitee to dinner.



“Third left arm.”

“Ha ha. Very funny.” She sticks her tongue out. Wow, I forgot how long it was. It’s almost rectangular, too. “Pick one of my hands.”

“Left.”

“Left it is.” She pulls her left hand out from behind her back, then drops a small pouch onto my claw. “Happy birthday!”

“It looks sort of like a teabag.” I stare at it. It’s a plain, small bag, with a tough string long enough to be worn around the neck. “Oh, uh… thank you.”
>>
No. 808431 ID: a606da
File 149766408248.png - (672.91KB , 800x800 , tftl32.png )
808431

“You’re welcome.” She smiles. “Now go ahead and open it, silly.”

I do so. I turn it over, and a beaded necklace falls out onto my lap. Most of the beads look fairly typical, but there’s one that’s larger, looking more like a small black gemstone. It’s inscribed with odd markings.

“Pretty.” I nod. “Thanks again, Mbweha.” I put it around my neck. The clasp takes a little fiddling, but I manage to make it work. “There we go… what? What is it?”

Mbweha giggles to herself, looking at me with an odd expression. “Sorry, it’s just… a little strange, that’s all.”

“Strange?” I look at it. It seems like an ordinary necklace to me. “I don’t understand. What is it?”

“It’s a Maskstone. Nyame made one for each of us, before he left. They make us look like ordinary humans.” She keeps grinning to herself as she looks at me. “The one I gave you used to belong to Yemoja, but she passed it on to me, since she can’t really leave the water anyway.”

“Huh?” It takes me a moment to realize. “…I look like Yemoja, don’t I.”

“Sort of. Like, a human Yemoja, if you can imagine that.”

“I can’t, if I’m being honest.” I look down at myself. “Why can’t I see the illusion?”

“You can if you want. Just tap the gem twice.”

Should I?

“So, what's in your right hand?”

“Oh, uh… my Maskstone.” She bites her lip. “I don’t use mine either, since I can hide my… my less human bits with my tricks. You can have that one instead, if you don’t mind looking like twins. Which would you rather have?”
>>
No. 808436 ID: be0718

Take her maskstone! We can be creepy twins.
>>
No. 808440 ID: 3abd97

You're in a car. There should be mirrors to see what you look like.

I find the idea of looking like kinda creepy twins strangely appealing.
>>
No. 808441 ID: f08985

"So this is why you've always called me Nancy."

Sure, take her maskstone if it doesn't look like she minds.
>>
No. 808482 ID: 9dc26d

If Yemoja has made acquaintances in town and you stumble on one, they'll expect you to know what she knows. If you use Mbweha's stone, you'll be able to claim to be her long-lost twin and thus after the initial confusion will not be expected to know anything special.

Mbweha's stone is a little safer, I guess.
>>
No. 808496 ID: a307f1

>>808482
this. also, twinsies!
>>
No. 809643 ID: a606da
File 149808493206.png - (705.82KB , 800x800 , tftl33.png )
809643

>If Yemoja has made acquaintances in town and you stumble on one, they'll expect you to know what she knows.

I would be very surprised if Yemoja ever went into town. She has it the roughest out of any of us when it comes to functioning in human society. She was always very lonely when we were growing up, and I can’t imagine moving out of the house has helped her feel any better.

>You're in a car. There should be mirrors to see what you look like.

I peek out into the side mirror outside my window, and I catch a glimpse of an unfamiliar female face staring back at me. I feel an odd sort of vertigo from seeing a different person in the mirror.

“So this is why you’ve always called me Nancy.” I quip, posing in a jokey way. “What do you think? Do I make for a good girl?”

“I don’t know. Average, I guess? As for ‘Nancy’…” She scratches her neck, looking a little anxious. “I have been calling you that again, haven’t I? I didn’t even think about it. I can stop if you’d like.”

“It’s alright. You’ve been doing it since you were less than half my size, you know.” I smile. “You couldn’t manage my whole name for years, but somehow you never had a problem with ’Nancy’.”

“Yeah. I guess it just stuck.” She shrugs shyly. “So, um, about the Maskstone…?”

“Oh, right. I think I’d rather have yours, if you don’t mind. I mean, if someone asks, I can just claim to be your long-lost twin.”

“Sure!” She holds out another small pouch. “Trade you.”

I unclasp Yemoja’s Maskstone and hand it over, swapping it for the pouch. As soon as Mbweha’s hand touches the necklace, her appearance flickers into the visage of a black-haired woman. I recognize her new face as the one I saw in the mirror, and I start to see its resemblance to Yemoja. Something about the tangled mess of hair reminds me of her.

I take out Mbweha’s Maskstone and put it on. Feeling curious, I tap the gem twice, and immediately my body blinks into a visual mimicry of Mbweha. “Testing, testing. One two three.” I mutter, and my words come out in Mbweha’s voice.

“Whoa. Is that what I sound like?” Mbweha leans in close, examining my face. “This is freaky. Say more stuff!”

“You’ve still got Yemoja’s face.”

“I do? Ah, right.” She grabs one of the pouches out of my - my fingers? My claw, I suppose - and places Yemoja’s Maskstone neatly inside, pulling it closed. She instantly returns to being herself. “That’s what the bag is for.” She returns to staring at me, looking me up and down. “I feel like I’m tripping. Hey, why’d you go for my Maskstone? Can I ask?”

“I figured it’d be safer. Also, I find the idea of looking like creepy twins strangely appealing.” I poke her in the nose. “What do you say? Twinsies?”

Mbweha beams at me.
>>
No. 809644 ID: a606da
File 149808496199.png - (739.86KB , 800x800 , tftl34.png )
809644

A few minutes later, we make our way into the store.

“Uh…” The cashier looks over at us. “Can I help you?”
>>
No. 809645 ID: a606da
File 149808499408.png - (833.66KB , 800x800 , tftl35.png )
809645

We approach the counter, side-by-side.

“Renovation.” We say in unison. “We desire plywood.”

“Er… okay.” The cashier says, staring at us. “What kind?”

“Thick. Durable. We also seek stainless sheet metal, insulation, and soundproofing materials.” We giggle together in a near-identical quiet monotone. “Enough to fortify a room.”

The cashier’s face goes pale. “I - I - I’ll just go and get Jeff to help you out, o-okay?”

We gaze at him, widening our eyes slowly. “But we want you.

His eyes bounce between us, terrified. He mumbles a desperate excuse and then practically runs away.

“Dude, that was awesome!” Mbweha turns to me, giggling for real. “Totally worth the time it took to practice! We have to do this again, okay? It’s the best!”

“Sure thing.” I grin. “It’s a promise.”
>>
No. 809646 ID: a606da
File 149808505174.png - (786.21KB , 800x800 , tftl36.png )
809646

A little while later, a bored-looking man named Jeff comes over. “Hey, uh, you’re looking for plywood?”

“Yeah!” Mbweha brightly replies. “We’re rebuilding a room that got destroyed in an explosion.”

“Explosion, huh?”

“Yeah. Gas leak. It was nasty.” She sighs. “So, can you help me with that?”

“Sure thing.” He ushers us down an aisle. “Right this way.”

“I’ll leave this to you.” I give Mbweha a wave. “I don’t know anything about home repair. I think I’d just get in the way.”

“You sure?” She pauses, hesitant.

“Yeah. I’ll wait here, so come see me when you’re done.”

“Alright.” She nods, following Jeff. “It’ll just be a second.”

I lean back against the end of one of the aisles, smiling to myself. It’s nice to see Mbweha so happy. She might be more of a grown-up, but, in a lot of ways, she’s still the goofy little kid I remember.
>>
No. 809649 ID: a606da
File 149808510965.png - (794.00KB , 800x800 , tftl37.png )
809649

A minute later, I hear someone muttering to themselves. “Not here either? Dang.

I open my eyes, looking over at them. They’re a scrawny teenager. I can’t guess their gender at a glance. They’re androgynous, kind of like Olokun.

“Oh, hey. Is that you, Mbweha.” The teenager walks up to me. “You look, uh… youthful. Have you seen Anansi running around?”

No one outside the family should know that I’m back, and I don’t recognize them. Who is this? How should I answer them?
>>
No. 809653 ID: 9876c4

We heard he is- do they want us to give him a message?
>>
No. 809657 ID: 3ce125

>>809649
If it's "like" Olokun, that's probably Olokun's maskstone.

Ask if they're Olokun. The answer's gonna be yes, so just say you're Anansi. Apologize for not saying hello just yet, you spent the entire morning trying to get some food.
>>
No. 809658 ID: be0718

If this was really Olokun, it's very unlikely the conversation with their roommate would start with a compliment, they're too familiar for that. Say no, but you'll keep an eye or eight out for them. It could be that girl you mentioned, going through a phase.
>>
No. 809659 ID: 3ce125

>>809658
Oh, you're right. This must be an estranged family member that didn't even know Anansi left.

Tell them Anansi isn't looking to talk to anyone new right now but you can take a message for them.
>>
No. 809663 ID: cc5ab4

Say something like 'I don't believe we've met' and fiddle with the maskstone?

On the other hand, there can't be many people who know both those names.
>>
No. 809664 ID: 3abd97

>She was always very lonely when we were growing up, and I can’t imagine moving out of the house has helped her feel any better.
Well, you'll have to visit her or something then!

>Have you seen Anansi running around?
"Technically not. He's around here somewhere, though."

Not actually lying, and it'll be amusing to see his reaction when real-Mbweha walks out of the aisle in a minute.
>>
No. 809762 ID: d36af7

>>809649
>Have you seen Anansi running around?
"Yeah, Jeff was just helping her find some plywood and stuff." Point out the way they went, play up twin confusion for maximum hilarity.
>>
No. 810102 ID: 5b93d3

>>809762
>Jeff was just helping her find some plywood and stuff
And if they don't bat an eye at 'her', we'll know if they're bluffing knowledge too.
>>
No. 812058 ID: a606da
File 149905039229.png - (650.17KB , 800x800 , tftl38.png )
812058

>there can't be many people who know both those names.

Pretty much no one outside the family knows our names, in fact, which is why this person is confusing me.

>If it's "like" Olokun, that's probably Olokun's maskstone. 

I seriously doubt it. Whatever Olokun’s disguise is, it’s bound to be dressed in something long and flowing.

“Technically not. Anansi’s around here somewhere, though.” I examine their face, checking for reactions. “Some guy named Jeff was helping her find some plywood and stuff.”

Her?” The person’s eyes widen, and they groan. “Oh, no, have I messed things up that badly?!”

“Er… do you want me to give him a message, or something?” I fiddle idly with the Maskstone. “I don’t think Anansi’s looking to talk to anyone new right now. He’s got a lot on his plate already.”

“…Wait.” The person stares at the Maskstone, then up at me. “Anansi? Is that you?”

I shrug.

“Have you been hiding from me?!” They narrow their eyes. “You jerk! If you’ve been running around dodging me on purpose, you’re the worst! I told you: it’s not a triptych, it’s a whole museum, and I must’ve gone through a gallery and a half looking for you!”
>>
No. 812059 ID: a606da
File 149905043869.png - (716.73KB , 800x800 , tftl39.png )
812059

“Um… I think you might be confused.” I raise an eyebrow at them. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“I mean, this was a favor in the first - “ They freeze. “We haven’t?”

“We haven’t. Not unless you’re disguised, or something.”

“Wait… no, no, no!” They clap a hand to their head, aghast. “This is what you meant?! This is our first meeting? Then… that means I’m the jackass who ruined it!”

“Uh…?”

“This sucks! It isn’t fair! ” They whine, stamping the ground with their foot. “I wasn’t even trying to do it. It’s not my fault!”

“Are you alright?” I back away slightly.

“Forget this!” They swivel and start running away, yelling back at me as they round the corner and vanish from my view. “This doesn’t count, okay? It doesn’t count!”

I stand there, speechless.
>>
No. 812062 ID: 13fded

Time traveler!
>>
No. 812063 ID: a606da
File 149905066582.png - (593.50KB , 800x800 , tftl40.png )
812063

“Hey, Anansi.” A minute or two later, Mbweha returns. “Was there someone freaking out over here? I thought I heard yelling.”

“Yeah. Some weirdo was babbling at me.”

“Huh? Why?”

“I honestly have no idea.” I shake my head. “Did you get your shopping sorted out?”

“Yeah. I could use some help carrying stuff, actually.”

I oblige, and we take turns lugging renovation supplies out to the car. When we’re all loaded up, we drive off again.

“Hey, you mentioned you were thinking of visiting Yemoja today, right?” I break the silence. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s doing… well, I wouldn’t say ‘okay’.” Mbweha’s face falls. “She really didn’t want to move out. She kept saying she could fit in the pool, so we let her stay, but then she started getting sick. She barely had enough room to keep herself under the water, see. Even then, she didn’t want to go.”

“What happened?”

“We came in one day and found her seizing up. She couldn’t breathe. Nyame had to slap together a freaky ritual to bend space so we could move her to the lake.” Mbweha grips the steering wheel so tightly that it creaks. “That was about a month ago. She still wants to come back, but she’s gotten even bigger since then. We have nowhere to put her.”

I think of Yemoja, and I remember my clingy, awkward little sister who loved to play board games. “Where is this lake?”

“Not too far from here, actually.” She bites her lip. “We could go and check in on her before the usual family visit. Do you want to?”
>>
No. 812108 ID: 9876c4

I feel having your little sibling grow to the size of a lake warrants a visit, yes.
>>
No. 812147 ID: b1b4f3

>>812063
Absolutely yes.
>>
No. 812150 ID: 094652

Yeah. This might be a problem. Hey, have you tried calculating her growth acceleration?
>>
No. 812204 ID: be0718

Yes. Say, you and Yemoja aren't technically related by blood, right? So, since you're not related it'd be okay- well, we'll save it for later.
>>
No. 812241 ID: 3abd97

>“…Wait.” The person stares at the Maskstone, then up at me. “Anansi? Is that you?”
So they know your name, they recognize Mbweha, and they know what a Maskstone is. Definitely weird.

>“This is what you meant?! This is our first meeting? Then… that means I’m the jackass who ruined it!”
Either this person is very confused, you're missing some memories, or they're a time traveler not fully in control of their ability.

>“That was about a month ago. She still wants to come back, but she’s gotten even bigger since then. We have nowhere to put her.”
Maybe we need to move the house to the lake, instead? I mean, if we're rebuilding anyways.

>“We could go and check in on her before the usual family visit. Do you want to?”
Yes.
>>
No. 813167 ID: a606da
File 149930082926.png - (828.91KB , 800x800 , tftl41.png )
813167

>you're missing some memories

I wish!

>Time traveler!
>they're a time traveler not fully in control of their ability.

Time travel? That’s ridiculous.

Then again… well. Nothing’s impossible, I suppose. I grew up assuming that magic was make-believe, but Nyame certainly proved me wrong on that front.

That said, I guess time travel might exist. I’ve never seen it, though.

>Say, you and Yemoja aren't technically related by blood, right?

None of us are, except for Nyame. He’s Bibi’s biological son. The rest of us were adopted.

“I feel having my little sibling grow to the size of a lake warrants a visit, yes.”

“She’s not that big. Not yet. But she’s definitely not small.” Mbweha pulls over next to the woods, and she parks. “Right, then, follow me.”

She leads me through an uncultivated patch of forest, and I notice a smallish lake through the brush ahead of us.

“Yemoja was pretty short last time I saw her.” I stop when we come to a chain-link fence. “Have you tried calculating her growth?”

“She was still average-sized until a few months after she turned 17.” Mbweha nimbly hops the fence. I scuttle up after her, and we continue onwards. “Then, for whatever reason, she just started growing faster and faster.”

“Why not move the house here, if she’s lonely?” I ask, pushing aside some branches. “We’re renovating anyway, right?”

“We can’t. This place is part of the national park. We shouldn’t even be here right now, technically. It’s why we chose it for Yemoja, so she could have some privacy.” She moves through the last of the trees and out onto the lakeside. “Is she still asleep, or on her computer…? Ah, no, there she is.”

“Where?” I look out.

“Oh, right, you haven’t seen her for a while.” She smiles. “She’s there. See if you can guess where.”

All I can see in the lake is a floating log, a mess of algae, and a rock jutting out of the water.
>>
No. 813168 ID: be0718

Mess of algae? Nah, I bet that's her hair.
>>
No. 813174 ID: 094652

Let me guess: the rock is some kind of hoof and that clump of algae is her pubic hair.
>>
No. 813191 ID: 3abd97

The algae might be her hair floating up, if she's underwater.

Or the rock might be a tail and fins folded around herself, gargoyle style.
>>
No. 813199 ID: 7fad5d

"I guess the obvious answer is the rock or the algae, but what's the surprise here?"
>>
No. 813202 ID: cc5ab4

Is she that tree with slightly darker lines?

I've watched cartoons before, its always the slightly off background.
>>
No. 813222 ID: a606da
File 149930875819.png - (805.55KB , 800x800 , tftl42.png )
813222

“Is that mess of algae her hair?” I point. “That would be my guess, I think.”

“Let’s see if you’re right!” Mbweha smiles, then walks a little closer to the water. She starts singing wordlessly.

After a few seconds of this, the ‘algae’ shifts, and the slightest bit of Yemoja’s face peeks out.

She stares at us with one eye, getting excited at the sight of Mbweha, then getting confused at the sight of me.

…Two Mbwehas?” Yemoja quietly gurgles from underwater. “What’s going on?
>>
No. 813223 ID: 7fad5d

Maskstone off.
>>
No. 813224 ID: 9876c4

Maybe we could tease just a bit.

"We learned how to clone ourself. Guess which one is the original?"
>>
No. 813238 ID: 3abd97

Time travel!
>>
No. 813241 ID: 7d8168

Let's not delay things, just take off the maskstone. She probably misses us at least as much as we miss her, so it's not fair to make her wait.
>>
No. 813257 ID: a606da
File 149931376258.png - (863.60KB , 800x800 , tftl43.png )
813257

“We learned how to clone ourself through time travel!” I grin. “Guess which one is the original?”

You… clone? Time travel?!” Yemoja’s head shoots a few feet out of the water in surprise. “What happened?! Was it Nyame? And - and oh, I don’t know, you both seem nice. I don’t want to call anyone unoriginal!”

“Oh, knock it off, Nancy!” Mbweha laughs. “It’s just my Maskstone, Yem.”

“It is?” She bends her very long neck, tilting her head. “Oh. That makes sense. And now I feel silly. Who is it?”

I take off the Maskstone. “Hi, little fish! Long time no see!”

She stares at me for a moment, then stiffens. “A-Anansi? What are you doing here?”

“I found him out and about.” Mbweha starts talking before I can. “He’s staying at the house, now.”

Yemoja continues to be transfixed by the sight of me, a growing fear in her eyes. “Are you… are you here to kill me?
>>
No. 813259 ID: 7fad5d

"What."
>>
No. 813260 ID: 3abd97

>>813257
Be visibly disturbed.

"What? No! Why would..."

Please be acting and this be tasteless payback for pranking you with the Maskstone.
>>
No. 813261 ID: ed8729

NO! What, because you're growing at an exponential rate and might metamorphose into a kaiju, killing hundreds by accident before you're blended into a fine paste by military-grade drill missiles and increasing world awareness to supernaturals? Because... actually, that is a good motive.

But seriously, we're not even considering that until you're too large for the salt lakes! Why? Because of something we did? Because we didn't do anything beyond eating Gummy-Aardvark-Flavored Chips and hiring virgin call girls. Maybe it was the time traveler!
>>
No. 813265 ID: b1b4f3

>>813257
I don't know, do spiders normally eat fish?
>>
No. 813266 ID: 7b7ab3

>>813257
"Que."
>>
No. 813270 ID: 9876c4

Play it off as an offhand comment.

"Nah, I had a bunny, earlier. I'll be fine."
Because as far as I know, you don't kill without feeding.
>>
No. 813286 ID: be0718

>>813257
No, I'm here to hug you.
>>
No. 813409 ID: d36af7

Haven't killed anybody, wouldn't start with you. Anyway, Mbweha said you have a computer out here somewhere? How'd you work out the power supply and waterproofing?
>>
No. 816768 ID: a606da
File 150042901482.png - (820.97KB , 800x800 , tftl44.png )
816768

“No, I’m here to hug you.” I laugh, assuming she’s joking. “I had a bunny, earlier. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re lying.” Yemoja rises a little further out of the water, puffing herself up a bit. “You’re here to kill me, aren’t you? There’s no other reason you’d come back! I’m - I’m a burden, and they want you to get rid of me!”

“Yem, stop!” Mbweha steps closer to the shore, trying to console her. “You’re not a burden, okay? Everything’s fine!”

“Admit it!” Yemoja sniffles. “You’re fed up with me, and now - now he’s going to eat me!”

“What?” I stare at her, shocked. “No! Why would…?”
>>
No. 816771 ID: a606da
File 150042912360.png - (886.69KB , 800x800 , tftl45.png )
816771

I remember the last time I saw Yemoja. The day I left.

The day of the incident.

Of course. The past never goes away. It stays. It’s a part of me. When did I forget that? What was I thinking?

>you don't kill without feeding.
>Haven't killed anybody



I look away.

“Yemoja, would you please chill?” Mbweha stamps her foot. “Anansi’s not going to hurt you! No one is going to hurt you!”

“Tell that to his going-away present!” Yemoja snaps.

“Oh, for… Yemoja, please be quiet. Please please please be quiet!” Mbweha looks over at me, obvious worry plastered all over her face. “Uh… Nancy, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to talk to Yemoja alone for a bit. Can you take a walk?”
>>
No. 816773 ID: 7fad5d

"Would you prefer that, Yemoja?" Best to show a bit of goodwill and let her decide what you do. Assuming she says yes, do what she wants and think about why she might be convinced you're going to murder her on your walk.
>>
No. 816774 ID: aaafef

Flashback, pronto.
>>
No. 816792 ID: be0718

Fine! I'm going away, presently!

When tempers have cooled, why not give Yemoja back her maskstone? You don't have much else to give her right now, and a gift might temper hostilities.
>>
No. 816806 ID: 7d8168

>>816773
This is good. Defer to Yemoja, help her feel safe by putting the ball in her court. Try not to break down into listless depression until you've had a chance to back off. Probably fail.
>>
No. 816815 ID: 3abd97

Starting to think it's a good thing we didn't wear Yemoja's maskstone. It would only play into an "I'm here to kill you and replace you" reaction the way she's thinking right now.

>what do
I'm tempted to say break down messily, but Nancy strikes me more as the quite shutdown kind of breakdown person than a crying and yelling kind. And Yemoja seems emotionally immature enough that I'm not sure she would really buy it, or that her response to seeing she had really hurt Nancy with her reaction would be productive.

Trudge away without saying anything and go look for a spider-hole to mope in.

>why not give Yemoja back her maskstone?
Well, it's not currently ours to give, for one thing.

And she already chose to leave it behind, for another (offering her something of her own she had to discard or can't use might just be rubbing salt in the wound).
>>
No. 816957 ID: cc5ab4

Oh dear, is that why we left? We attacked her and decided we couldn't be around people we loved?
>>
No. 817439 ID: a606da
File 150069705463.png - (941.71KB , 800x800 , tftl46.png )
817439

“Would you prefer that I leave, Yemoja?” I ask, quietly.

“Yes, as if you care!” She narrows her eyes. “Go away! Go!

“Fine.” I turn and trudge along into the woods. Before I’m out of earshot, I can hear the two of them start to argue.

“What are you doing?!” Mbweha groans. “The first time you see him in seven years, and that’s how you greet him?”

“Have you forgotten what he did?”

“Have you?” Mbweha snorts. “He was there for us when we were kids. He always remembered our birthdays, and he always had a present for us. He played games with us when we were lonely. He took care of us when we were sick. He taught you how to read, for goodness sake! He’s our brother, and he loves us. Does one mistake erase all of that?”

“It was more than just a mistake! He’s a criminal. A monster.

“Oh, what do you know?!” Mbweha hisses in exasperation. “You’ve spent all this time listening to that hateful nonsense Nyame spouts about him, and now that’s all you think Anansi is. Do you even remember the day he left? You were only ten years old!”

“Yeah, and you were twelve. So?”

“He’s not the boogeyman you think he is, Yemoja. You should have seen his apartment. I’ve never set foot in a place that lonely and miserable. He needs us.”

“Well, we don’t need him.

“Honestly, Yem…” Mbweha sighs. “If you won’t listen to me, then listen to Bibi. Do you know what she always said about stuff like this? About people in need?”


I’m not sure if Yemoja knows, but I do, and I don’t want to hear it. I quicken my pace, and I manage to get far enough away that I can no longer hear their conversation.
>>
No. 817441 ID: a606da
File 150069715793.png - (925.14KB , 800x800 , tftl47.png )
817441

>Oh dear, is that why we left? We attacked her and decided we couldn't be around people we loved?

It wasn’t her I hurt.

>Flashback, pronto.

I recall a memory, but it isn’t the one I expect. It’s not from the day I left. It’s a moment I had forgotten about, from when I was very little. Bibi was reading me a bedtime story about a knight hunting a terrible monster.

I asked her: “Bibi, am I a monster?”

“Nuh, omo.” Bibi looked up from the storybook. “What’s making you wonder?”

“All the heroes are human, and I’m not.”

“Ah, that’s nuh matter.” She shook her head. ”Humans be monsters, sometimes.”

“Really?”

“Yah. Monsters aren’t born, omo.” She gently patted my cheek. “Monsters be made. Most times, they make themselves.”

“How?”

“They hurt people. They lie. They steal.” She stared into my eyes, her expression concerned. “Are you going to do these things, omo?”

“No, Bibi.”

“Of course not. You’re nuh monster. You’re a hero.” She smiled so brightly, then. “You keep sense in your mind, omo, and you always will be.”


On an impulse, I stop walking. I look up at the thin clouds lazily drifting through the afternoon sky.

…No. I hadn’t forgotten. Somewhere inside me, I always remembered: What you do is what you are.

And what you’ve done defines you.
>>
No. 817442 ID: a606da
File 150069727231.png - (881.66KB , 800x800 , tftl48.png )
817442

I continue through the forest, trying not to lose my way. Eventually I run across a rocky, hilly area, and I decide to take a rest. I sit down.

But then, to my surprise. I hear a voice. A voice I half-recognize.

“Not here? Darn.”

I peek over a nearby rock. There they are, only a dozen or so feet away. It’s the strange person from the store. I stare at them. They’re looking around, searching for something.

Our eyes meet.

After a moment, they make their way over. “Um… hi.”

“Hello.” I politely respond.

“Have we, uh… have we met?” They ask, gazing intently at my expression.
>>
No. 817445 ID: b27cac

>>817442
This is the second time.

Are you a time traveller?
>>
No. 817446 ID: 7fad5d

"Nah, why?" Not like that was a proper meeting, you didn't even introduce yourselves.
>>
No. 817447 ID: 7b7ab3

Yes. Why?
>>
No. 817450 ID: be0718

Hey! You're that jackass who ruined our first meeting!

...So what's new with you?
>>
No. 817451 ID: be0718

Hey hey. Before you forget. "Hands" in pockets.
>>
No. 817488 ID: 3ce125

>>817442
Hmm, first ask if you have to worry about time paradoxes. If yes, then tell her the first meeting "didn't go well", but don't give any details.
>>
No. 817498 ID: 094652

"You're the time traveler, what do you think?"
>>
No. 817502 ID: 9876c4

>>817450
Rather, we should say that A jackass ruined our first meeting, since they didn't know it was them.

Anansi is not perfect, but he should be cautious of the time stream.
>>
No. 817505 ID: 3abd97

>>817442
>“Have we, uh… have we met?” They ask, gazing intently at my expression.
I think so. You were kind of upset about something at the time, though.

Did you want to talk or something?

Don't throw the "hey you're a time traveler" in their face immediately, they're liable to get defensive about that.
>>
No. 817969 ID: d36af7

>>817442
>have we met?
Exactly once, and then only briefly, at a hardware store. It got sorta messed up by a case of mistaken identity. So, how's time travel working out for you?
>>
No. 819724 ID: a606da
File 150152852103.png - (0.98MB , 800x800 , tftl49.png )
819724

>Hey hey. Before you forget. "Hands" in pockets.

Rather than take the time to fiddle around with pockets, I instead angle my arms inwards, letting my oversized sleeves fall down and cover my claws. Whew, close call.

“Yes, we’ve met. Why?”

“Ah, that’s a relief. No need for explanations, then.” The teenager sighs, relaxing. “Besides, I’ve tangled the gallery a couple of times today, and I’d hate to have messed up our first meeting on top of that.”

“Well…” I pause. “I’m sorry, but I think some jackass already did.”

“Huh?” They blink. “What do you mean?”

“You’re the time traveler.” I decide to take a gamble. “What do you think?”

“If I don’t know what you’re talking about, then please don’t tell me.” They groan. “Even if I find out what’s going to happen, it’ll probably end up happening anyway, and I hate predeterminism. I’d prefer to be surprised.”

Wow. I was right. They’re a time traveler. Huh. That’s a thing, then, I guess. “So, uh… how’s time travel working out for you?”

“Not great at the moment. I’m looking for you. Er… not you you, I mean. Another you. Would you happen to be a you from after I’ve found that you? If you could tell me how I’m going to have already done that, then that would make my life a lot easier.”

“That depends. Do I have to worry about time paradoxes?”

“No. Didn’t we cover this?” They raise an eyebrow at me. “Time’s like a fun uncle. It lets you get away with almost anything, it plays around the parts that don’t make sense, and it adores ridiculous antics.”

“…Right.” I nod. “I’ll remember that. And you haven’t found me yet, by the by. I don’t think so, anyway. This is only the second time we’ve met.”

“Huh.” They squint at me. “Wait. Um… Anansi, what day is it?”

“Tuesday.”

“But we met on Thursday. And we left the same day.” They look confused. “So… if this is a Tuesday from before we met, then you wouldn’t know me, and if it’s a Tuesday from after we met, then you’d know how I found you. How is it neither?” They start pacing around in thought, nervously staring off into space. “Have I tripped another tangle? But I’ve barely done anything here! What’s going on?!”

They look so distraught. I kind of want to help them, but I’m not sure how to do that.
>>
No. 819726 ID: 7fad5d

"I don't know, but the you I met said that apparently you were the jackass who ruined it and that it didn't count anyway. So I guess this is our first real meeting."
>>
No. 819731 ID: 9dc26d

>>819724
"Museum Patrons sometimes see works that have been painted over. If they're not paying real attention, they'll miss what they're actually seeing. You will have met me for the first time after tearing through an entire gallery, triptychs and all, and I won't be wearing the right face. Whatever favor I will have asked you for, from my perspective I have yet to ask. I don't know why you're here when you could be in the day after tomorrow."
>>
No. 819732 ID: be0718

Eat them. That'll solve both your problems.
>>
No. 819733 ID: 3ce125

>>819724
Tell them your first meeting was today too, but I guess it didn't really count anyway.
>>
No. 819734 ID: 3abd97

>What’s going on?
Maybe when you "find" me, I pretended / will pretend that I don't already know you so this doesn't mess anything up? Like, your first meeting with me isn't my first meeting with you.

>They look so distraught. I kind of want to help them, but I’m not sure how to do that.
There's no need to panic, right? If you're in the wrong time, you have plenty of time to think things through before you go to the right time. And if you're in the right time, then things are right.

So maybe instead of panicking and running off, we just try to talk this through? Maybe I'll see something you missed. Fresh eyes on the problem, and all.

So if I'm following you right, I'll see you again on Thursday, and I go time traveling with you? And you got separated from future-me somewhere, and now you're trying to find him?

We're friends, right? Or we will be?
>>
No. 819832 ID: d36af7

"Sit down on that rock, take a deep breath, and let's draw a diagram or something. How about you explain all the time travel stuff to me now, and I'll think it over and sleep on it, then maybe two days from now when younger-you shows up I'll pretend to be surprised but then 'figure it all out' really easily?"
Produce some non-sticky silk strands to make the diagram with, pretend you had 'em in a pocket or something.
>>
No. 819952 ID: a606da
File 150162669244.png - (742.53KB , 800x800 , tftl50.png )
819952

“Okay, hang on. Let’s figure this out.” I try to put the pieces together. “So, if I’m following you right: I’ll see you again on Thursday, and I go time traveling with you?”

“If this is the Tuesday before we met, then yes, that would be right.” They shrug, still looking away from me. “But you know me already, so it can’t be.”

“I mean, our first meeting was today, if that helps. But I guess it didn’t really count anyway.”

They freeze. “What?”

“We met today. But we didn’t really introduce ourselves, so I guess this our first real meeting.”

“Oh no.” They slowly turn and stare at me, their face pale. “I have tangled it, haven’t I? Or I will, eventually. Wait, maybe I can fix it by avoiding that situation entirely! But… then this whole conversation we’re having would get tangled away, and the two of us along with it!”

“Whoa, what? What does that mean?”

“And - and we still have to meet on Thursday, right?” They keep on muttering to themselves, growing more and more agitated. “But we can’t meet on Thursday, because we’ve already met, so… crap, no, I’ve tangled myself out of existence either way! Aaargh, this is such a mess! I’m doomed!

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but, um…” I smile in what I hope is a comforting way. “Maybe when you ‘find’ me, I pretended - er, will pretend? - that I don’t already know you. Would that work?”

“I… maybe?” They scratch their head. “So… that means that the whole time I knew you, you already went through all of this and knew me. Wait, that sucks! I prepared such a great introduction for myself, too!”

“I’ll be sure to act really impressed.”

“Now that I think about it, you did understand everything pretty quickly. Wait, hold the phone, is this what that weird reaction to the fish was all about?” They slap their hand to their forehead, aghast. “Oh, what am I saying, of course it was! How could I not I catch that?!”

“Hey, hey! Sit down on that rock, take a deep breath, and try to slow down.” I indicate a relatively comfortable-looking rock nearby. “Let’s draw up a diagram or something. I have silk, for, uh… reasons, so we could use that. How about you explain all the time travel stuff to me?”

“I spent the whole morning doing that! I had visual aids and everything!” They collapse onto the rock with a groan. “Can’t you just wait until then? I’d prefer to not help orchestrate this vast conspiracy on myself, and I’d like to think that the Thursday we shared wasn’t a complete waste of time.”

“Of course it wasn’t.” I sit down beside them. “We’re friends, right? Or we will be?”

“I thought we were. But maybe that was all an act! Maybe this is an act!” They gasp. “Is this conversation part of the conspiracy? Is it part of a different conspiracy? For all I know, this is the eleventh time we’ve met! How deep does this rabbit hole go?!”
>>
No. 819954 ID: a606da
File 150162685277.png - (792.17KB , 800x800 , tftl51.png )
819954

“Relax. Seriously.” I pat them on the shoulder. “If you’re really that worried about it, you can give me your run-down of our time together, and I’ll give you mine. We can compare notes.”

“I guess I could give you the gist of…” They stop, eyes widening. “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” I listen. After a moment, I notice the sounds of nearby twigs snapping under approaching footsteps. “Ah. Someone’s coming.”

“I can’t afford to tangle anything else! Crap, crap, crap!” They jump to their feet. “Where’s the portal?! It was just here, I swear!”

“Portal?”

“I need a portal to travel, duh! Any sort of entryway with at least four sides will work. I arrived under a branch between two trees - ah, there they are!” They run off to a nearby pair of trees. “I’m leaving, so, uh… see you earlier!”

“Wait, hang on, I still have stuff to tell you!”

“Make it quick, then!”

“Alright.” I take a deep breath. “Museum patrons sometimes see works that have been painted over. If they’re not paying real attention, they’ll miss what they’re actually seeing. You will have met me for the first time after tearing through an entire gallery, triptychs and all, and I won’t be wearing the right face. Whatever favor I will have asked you for, from my perspective I have yet to ask.”

The time traveler stares at me for a moment, biting their lip. Then they burst out laughing. “What was that?! You’re talking like Olorun, all of a sudden! And… museum? Triptychs? Gallery? Do you have any idea what any of that means?”

“Hey, I’m doing my best!” I scowl. “Also, wait, you’ve met Olorun?”

“Yeah. Er, eventually, I mean. And don’t worry, it’s fine.” They grin. “The silly part is that you actually made a lot of sense. I don’t completely understand all of it, but thanks anyway.” With that, they give me a nod and duck between the trees. I crane my neck trying to see where they’re going, but the time traveler has already vanished.
>>
No. 819957 ID: a606da
File 150162696614.png - (641.80KB , 800x800 , tftl52.png )
819957

“Nancy!” Moments later, Mbweha bursts out of some bushes. “There you are!”

“Here I am.” I agree. “How’d you find me?”

“Your scent.” She taps her nose, then turns and motions for me to follow her. “We’re going home. Come on.”

“What about Yemoja?”

“Who cares?! She’s acting like a stupid, entitled brat!” Mbweha growls. Literally. “We’ll visit her with the family later. I can’t stand to be around her right now.”

We continue walking back towards the car. Mbweha looks angrier and angrier as we go along.

I wonder whether it would be better if I said something or stayed silent.
>>
No. 819968 ID: be0718

Silence is golden. I think you used up all your weirdness on the time traveler already.
>>
No. 819969 ID: eb8a16

>>819957
Yemoja is entitled to her opinion and anger.
Anansi fucked up. He gets that. He knows what he did.
Coming home after everything isn't going to be all dew drops and spider silk. It's going to take work.
Maybe Yemoja will forgive him eventually. Maybe she won't. Who can say?
Anansi will do his best either way. It's all he can do.
>>
No. 819971 ID: 9dc26d

>>819957
You can always offer to listen.
>>
No. 819973 ID: 3abd97

>She’s acting like a stupid, entitled brat!
...it's okay. I was pretty scary, last time she saw me. Don't be mad at her for me.
>>
No. 820040 ID: 3ce125

>>819957
Ask her if she smelled anyone else.

I mean, the time traveler is only showing up when you're alone; what if they're not real and it's a hallucination brought about by a powerful wish to change the past?
>>
No. 820151 ID: a606da
File 150172602890.png - (809.90KB , 800x800 , tftl53.png )
820151

“Hey, indulge me.” I step closer to her. “When you were tracking me down, did you smell anyone else?”

“Huh? I didn’t notice any other trails, really. But, uh, one moment.” Mbweha closes her eyes, then leans over and sniffs me a bit. Her nose wiggles a little. She opens her eyes and leans back, seeming somewhat embarrassed. “Um… I don’t know. There’s a couple scents I can’t identify, but those could be from a lot of things. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious.” I shrug. “This place is pretty isolated, huh?”

“Like I said, that’s why we chose this place for Yemoja. To give her privacy.” Mbweha’s expression sours again. “She’s done nothing but complain about it ever since. And now she’s bringing you into it, too.”

“…it’s okay. I was pretty scary, last time she saw me.” My exoskeleton feels heavy. I slump. “Maybe Yemoja will forgive me eventually, or maybe she won’t. She’s entitled to her opinion. And her anger.”

“She doesn’t know what she’s talking about!” As we come out onto the road where we parked, Mbweha turns to look at me, anger running through her face. “She has no idea who you are! You’re a good person, Anansi.”

“I do my best. It’s all I can do.” I shake my head. “I knew coming home would take work. Don’t be mad at her for me.”

“Don’t let people walk all over you!” Mbweha snaps. “Nyame, Yemoja… All this time, they’ve been acting like you’re pure evil. They have no idea what it’s like!”

“Excuse me?” I pause. “What do you mean by that?”

“One mistake doesn’t make you a monster!” Mbweha bares her teeth. “Do you think I don’t remember what happened? I’ve had a hundred nightmares about that day! I still have nightmares about it!”

“I’m sorry. ” I look away. “I fucked up. I get that.”

“No, Nancy, that’s not what I - aaargh!” Mbweha stamps her foot on the ground in frustration. “I mean that I have nightmares about going through what you went through! Every time I go hunting, I wonder whether it’s going to happen.”

“Don’t.” I mutter.

“I’m so scared that I’ll come home after eating, and then look down and see myself covered in human blood.” Her voice cracks. “I - I can’t even imagine what you must have felt. I still remember your face when you stumbled inside, and when the whole family stared at you - ”
>>
No. 820153 ID: a606da
File 150172612007.png - (676.79KB , 800x800 , tftl54.png )
820153

Stop!” I hiss, lunging at her. I grip her shoulder with a claw, letting my true face show. My legs writhe under my shirt. “I know what I did. I know what I am.

“Ah!” She recoils briefly, and the anger drains from her face. “Anansi, what…?”

“As if I could ever be normal. As if I could ever be human!” I curl my lip, letting my chelicerae slide out. “Look at me, Mbweha!”

“You can be human, Anansi. We all can. Bibi said - ”

“Bibi hated me!” I narrow my eyes. “You didn’t see her face. That look she gave me. She saw me for what I was: a murderer! A monster!

“…Wait.” Mbweha goes very quiet, looking at me with wide eyes. “Do you think you’re a monster, Anansi?”
>>
No. 820155 ID: be0718

Yes, and I'm comfortable with it. Why count your blessings as curses? You can't always choose the what of your life, but you can choose the how, and I pick contentedness!
>>
No. 820158 ID: 3ce125

>>820153
Tell her to look back on what you almost did when she found you. Would you have tried to do that if you didn't accept your monstrous nature?
>>
No. 820173 ID: 7d8168

Oh. I'm sorry, you're right Mbweha. Plotting to murder and eat people who I've never met and who've done nothing wrong isn't monstrous at all. Thank you.
>>
No. 820179 ID: 9876c4

I dunno yet.

If I'm going to be something else, I'll have to find it here.
>>
No. 820180 ID: 8a0c44

>>820153
"What other choice do I have?! Look at me, Mbweha! Look at what I've done! Out of a family of monsters, I am the monstrous one! I don't want to be this way, but I can't change it! I NEVER HAD A CHOICE! I DIDN'T ASK TO BE BORN!"
>>
No. 820185 ID: 3abd97

>“Do you think you’re a monster, Anansi?”
Deflate a little.

...I think I'm already past the point where I can be a good person. There's part of me that feels I have to be a monster. That there's not a choice.

And I'll be one, for sure, as soon as it happens again, and it isn't an accident.

You saw how close I was to that.
>>
No. 820189 ID: d909da

You're all monsters. You can try your best to be good, but sometimes it's too hard. Sometimes you slip up. That's who you are. That's *what* you are; and no amount of polish will make a gun unloaded.
All you can do is keep it away from innocents in a place where it can't hurt others.

I honestly feel Mc should keep away from humans. Doesn't mean he doesn't deserve happiness, I just think everyone else would be safer with him keeping to his own kind.
>>
No. 820228 ID: 094652

"Don't tell me what I am. I decide what I am, not you, not Bibi, and certainly not the rest of the world who would smile inside for being able to blame me for all their problems."
>>
No. 820259 ID: 9dc26d

You could always say "I yam what I yam, and dats ALL what I yam."

You know.

Like Popeye.

The sailor man.
>>
No. 820337 ID: 9dc26d

>>820259
TOOT TOOT
>>
No. 822607 ID: a606da
File 150270396706.png - (790.06KB , 800x800 , tftl55.png )
822607

>think everyone else would be safer with [you] keeping to [your] own kind.

I wish I knew where the rest of my kind were! Maybe there’s a million other spider-creatures sneaking around like I am, and I just haven’t found any yet. Or… maybe there are no others, and I’m just some freak of nature. I don’t know.

“Look back at what I was trying to do when you found me, Mbweha!” I yell. “Yeah, sorry, you’re right; Plotting to murder and eat people who I’ve never met and who’ve done nothing wrong isn’t monstrous at all!”

“Keep your voice down.” Mbweha glances down the road, but there’s nobody there, of course. We’re in the middle of nowhere. “Also, about your ‘dating profile’, Anansi…”

“What about it?”

“Well, I wasn’t going to say anything, but, um… You couldn’t have looked more like a murderer if you’d tried.” She looks almost apologetic. “What was that description you wrote, again…? ‘Looking to meet people who are lonely! My ideal partner is someone without any family, friends, or important responsibilities.’ I think it was something like that.”

“It wasn’t that bad.” I sigh.

“It was, Anansi. It really, really was.” Mbweha bites her lip. “Do you remember that first message you sent me, replying to my ‘Hi!’? It was: ‘Feel like visiting me at my apartment late at night? It’ll be our secret. Don’t tell anyone where you’re going, and come alone.’ Oh, and I think you told me to shower, too.”

“What’s wrong with that?” I grimace. “I hate the taste of sweat.”

“Point being: you weren’t going to get any dates, except maybe with the police.” Mbweha watches my expression, curiosity in her gaze. “I think you knew that, too. Are you really into this whole ‘murder’ thing?”
>>
No. 822608 ID: a606da
File 150270406464.png - (810.29KB , 800x800 , tftl56.png )
822608

“What other choice do I have?!” I unhinge my jaw, letting it expand. “Look at me, Mbweha! Out of a family of monsters, I am the monstrous one! I didn’t want to be this way, but I can’t change it!”

“Monsters? You believe we’re all…? ” Mbweha trails off. Her face falls, and she looks hurt. “You think of me as a monster?”

“What? I… No. No, of course I don’t.” I stutter, deflating a bit. I back away from her, letting my face go back to normal. “I just… I don’t want to be this way, but I can’t change it. There’s not a choice.”

“You always have a choice, Nancy.” Mbweha pats my cheek. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”

“No, Mbweha. Not anymore. Not for me.” I shake my head. “I’m already past the point where I can be a good person. I have to be a monster, and I’ll be one, for sure, as soon as it happens again.”

“It won’t.” Mbweha frowns. “I know you’re not the kind of person who enjoys hurting others. Let me help you.”

“Don’t tell me what I am! I decide what I am!” I stamp my foot on the ground, dramatically. “I yam what I yam, and dat’s all what I yam!”

“No, Nancy, that’s - !” She pauses. She gives me a hard stare. “…Is that from Popeye?”

I meet her eyes with a serious look. “Toot toot.” I whisper.
>>
No. 822609 ID: a606da
File 150270415011.png - (814.16KB , 800x800 , tftl57.png )
822609

She stands there for a moment, blinking. Then she doubles over, laughing madly. She finally lifts her head up, wiping a tear from her eye. “In the middle - the middle of a serious talk! And then - BOOM! - Popeye out of nowhere!”

“It’s never a bad time for Popeye.” I shrug, feeling myself start to grin. “I mean, he’s Popeye! The sailor man!”

“If you think you’re going to dodge the issue with that, you’re mistaken.” She giggles. “Even Popeye can’t save you forever!”

“But he’s the sailor man, Mbweha! The sailor man!

“Oh, stop it!” She wrinkles her nose and sticks her tongue out at me, curling it playfully. “See, now you’re acting like the Nancy I remember! Funny, friendly, and just a little bit stupid; The perfect big brother.”

“I’m hardly perfect.” My smile fades a touch. “Honestly, though… It’s been really nice, coming back to the house.”

“It’ll always be there for you.” Mbweha gives me a hug. “And so will I. Whatever you do, wherever you go, just drop me a line and I’ll come running. Even if you do become a repeat murderist. Though, um… I really kind of hope you don’t.”

“If I’m going to be something else, I’ll have to find it here.” I pat her hair. It’s all soft and floofy, almost like fur. “…So, were we still going to drive back to the house?”

“Oh, right!” She pulls away, fumbles for her keys, and then we hop into her truck and hit the road. “What do you want to do when we get home?”

“I’m not sure. Unpack, maybe?”

“I could use some help around the house, actually. Sorry, I know we’ve been hanging out a bunch, but…” Mbweha takes a slow turn through the woods, and we curl back out onto the main road. “I have two things I was hoping to get done today, and I don’t think I’ll be able to finish either alone.”

“What’s on the agenda?”

“I want to start fixing up your old room, the one that exploded. It’s been on my mind for a while, and I bought all the supplies today. Either that, or… oh, it’s silly.” She adjusts her hair, embarrassed. “See, the meet-ups with Yemoja have been getting super brief, lately. The family just shows up, says hi, and then bails. I imagine that might be why she’s been so stressed out. So I’ve been thinking, and I had this idea: Why don’t we all get together and have a big family picnic beside her lake?”

“That sounds fun.”

“Yeah, but, uh… Well, we’d have to organize everyone, and you know how crazy all our diets can be. It would take a lot of work to make that happen before it gets too late in the day.” She takes the last turn up the hill, and we start to pull into the house’s driveway. “I don’t know. What do you want to do?”
>>
No. 822610 ID: be0718

I want to get reacquainted with Yemoja, so let's get to work on that. Invites first, then shopping for those that respond.
>>
No. 822616 ID: 3d2d5f

>“You think of me as a monster?”
Fine line you gotta walk with the self loathing, Nancy, if you don't want to lump them in with you.

>what do
Sure, let's plan a picnic.
>>
No. 822626 ID: d909da

Maybe the invites for the picnic today, but I think it would be better to give Yemoja some time to cool down.
>>
No. 822700 ID: 3abd97

>She wrinkles her nose and sticks her tongue out at me, curling it playfully.
Monster or not, your sister is adorable.
>>
No. 822907 ID: 2cae31

Let's have a good ass picnic.
>>
No. 824698 ID: a606da
File 150354931211.png - (838.77KB , 800x800 , tftl58.png )
824698

>Monster or not, your sister is adorable.

Yeah, she is. In a lot of ways, she’s still the energetic little girl I remember. I’m glad she’s held on to that part of herself.

“Sure, let’s plan a picnic!” I smile, enjoying the change in topic. “We should be able to get the invites out today, right? I mean, I don’t know where everybody is, these days, but…”

“Huh?” Mbweha blinks. “Oh, no, I just meant a picnic with who we have at the house. Although, now that I think about it… heck, why not? We haven’t all been in one place for a while. We can get the band back together!”

“Let’s get to work on that!” We get out of the car and head into the house, only to immediately run into two strangers in the living room.

“Oh! There you are!” A tall lady with extremely long hair strides up to us, looking frustrated. “Where on Earth have you been? We’ve been ready to go for a while now.”

“Anansi wanted to say hi to Yem.” Mbweha explains, a discontented quietness in her voice. “It didn’t go over well.”

“You went without us?” The tall lady frowns. “What happened?”

“She freaked out on Anansi, and then we got into another argument. Family visit’s off for today, I think.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” The tall lady grimaces. “We can’t leave her on her own just because we feel like it! It wasn’t her fault that she had to leave. She’s not even eighteen, yet. She needs us to be there for her.”

“I know that!” Mbweha sulks. “But I can’t be around her. Not today, not after that. It would just make both of us miserable.”

“Excuse me.” I politely interrupt. “Do I know you?”

“Oh, sorry.” The tall lady glances at me. “I’m Asase Ya. I’m using something called a Maskstone, and it - ”

“No need to go into it. ” Mbweha interjects. “I already showed him how they worked.”
>>
No. 824699 ID: a606da
File 150354944983.png - (801.27KB , 800x800 , tftl59.png )
824699

“I see.” I nod, peering around Asase Ya. “So, if you’re Asase Ya, then this must be…?”

“Olokun.” Asase Ya tugs him forward, and I notice that she’s been holding his hand the whole time. “He’s Olokun today.”

Olokun’s illusion looks like an extremely thin and pale boy wearing a long loose-fitting white nightgown. If I didn’t know he was Olokun, I probably would have thought he was a girl, so I bet he doesn’t look much different when he’s Olorun. His eyes remain closed constantly, and he doesn’t react to the sound of our voices. I assume that means that he’s still blind and deaf during the day. I’d been hoping that Nyame had found a way around that, but I guess even magic can’t solve every problem.

“Hey, there, Ollie.” I put my claw in his free hand. “It’s been a while.”

He furrows his brow, puzzled. “…Is that Anansi?” His voice is thin and stilted. He must not use it much.

I tap his palm twice in quick succession, the way we all used to say yes to him.

“I see. I thought I tasted the dust of your mind, yesterday. But I wasn’t sure.” Olokun nods slowly. “I will visit, when you rest again.”

“Works for me.” I tap his palm twice, then let go of his hand. There’s no sense trying to talk until we can do it properly.

“Anyway…” Asase Ya glares at Mbweha. “We’re going. Yemoja needs love and support.”

“I think it would be better to give Yemoja some time to cool down.” I sigh. “I’ll stay here.”

“I’m staying, too.” Mbweha is practically pouting. “I don’t want to see her.”

“Alright!” Asase Ya sighs in exasperation. “Alright. I haven’t driven in a while, but I still have my license. I’ll take Olokun with me.”
>>
No. 824700 ID: a606da
File 150354960620.png - (878.28KB , 800x800 , tftl60.png )
824700

“The illusions these Maskstones make are pretty interesting.” I raise an eyebrow at the strange fashions Olokun and Asase Ya are sporting. A stainless white nightgown and a strange sort of long poncho, respectfully. “Nyame built the stones, right? Did he come up with all the clothing when he made them?”

“Ah… not exactly?” Mbweha thinks about it. “I mean, you can change some things when you turn the stone on, but it has a kind of base shape set in. It works a little like my illusions.”

“They are your illusions.” Asase Ya nods. She notices my confusion, and adds: “Mbweha made the Maskstones, technically.”

“Oh, come on, that doesn’t count!” Mbweha looks away from me, and I catch a hint of awkwardness in her movement. “I didn’t really do anything. Honestly.”

“I was watching over their construction, just in case something went wrong.” Asase Ya gives Mbweha an odd little smile. “It sure looked like you were doing it.”

“I don’t understand.” I look between the two of them, baffled. “Didn’t you say that Nyame made them?”

“Did Nyame never tell you? That’s where his magic comes from: he borrows it.” Asase Ya gently pats Mbweha’s shoulder. “And, to make the Maskstones, he ‘borrowed’ Mbweha for a while.”

“He did it a couple of times. He wanted to figure out how my tricks worked.” Mbweha stiffens, pulling away from Asase Ya. “When are you two going to leave, exactly?”

“I’m waiting for you to give me the keys. Also, hang on… does talking about the puppetry bother you?” Asase Ya’s eyes widen. “I’m sorry. I just thought it was an interesting story.”

“It’s fine.” Mbweha starts fishing through her pockets for her keys, then yanks them out and shoves them into whatever is disguised as Asase Ya’s hand. “Call me if you have any troubles driving. Give Yem my best. Goodbye!”

“Ah… okay.” Asase Ya looks a little sad. “Are you still up for watching that movie tonight?”

“I don’t know.” Mbweha turns away, crossing her arms. “Ask me when you get back. Goodbye.

“See you.” Asase Ya briefly waves to us, and then she heads out, leading Olokun by the hand.
>>
No. 824702 ID: a606da
File 150354972044.png - (684.45KB , 800x800 , tftl61.png )
824702

As soon as they leave, Mbweha stomps into the dining room and collapses into a chair. She leans forward, letting her forehead rest on the table. Her face is hidden by her hair, but I can still tell that she’s upset. I want to comfort her, but I’m not sure how.

“Some days, being in this family really, really sucks.” Her voice comes out muffled. “Okay, so, invites?”

“Right, sure.” I find a few sheets of paper and a pen, and I sit down across from her, ready to write. “Let’s start with Oshosi. Where does he live?”

“A couple towns over, in Medford. He’s been going to a culinary school there.”

“What, really?” I blink. “How strange. Isn’t discovery an issue?”

“Nah. He pretty much wears his Maskstone nonstop.” She lifts her head up a bit, and I can spot one of her eyes peeking up at me through her hair. “He got into a big fight with Nyame over leaving, but he really wanted to go.”

“Good for him, I suppose. Do you have his address?”

“No, but I have his number. I’ll just call him.”

“Okay, then. Next up: Eshu. Where is he, nowadays?”

“He’s still in town, but he moved in with his girlfriend. We could probably invite them in person, though. They’re only fifteen minutes away.”

“He has a girlfriend?” I drop my pen. “Who? How? She’s not… I mean, she isn’t human, is she?”

“She is, believe it or not!” Mbweha laughs. “Her name’s Ryleigh, and she’s actually really cool. She comes over for game night, sometimes.”

“How does he keep her from finding out?” I pick my pen back up off the floor. “I mean, about him, you know? About us. About what we are.”

“He doesn’t hide it. He told her really early on, and then he brought her over and introduced her to all of us.” Mbweha giggles to herself. “Nyame practically had a seizure when he found out about it! He was half a second from, like, wiping her mind, but we stopped him. She laughed it off, thankfully. Like I said, she’s cool.”

“Huh.” I pause. The family sure changed a lot in seven years. In the old days, Bibi was so worried about us getting discovered that she wouldn’t even let us leave the property. “What about Nyame?”

“No.” Mbweha’s smile vanishes. “We’re not inviting Nyame.”

“Why not? He’s family, isn’t he?

“Well, yes, but…” Mbweha considers it for a little bit, then shakes her head violently. “No. No! Absolutely no! If we invite him, all we’ll get is drama. Bad drama. The kind that ruins picnics.”

“Won’t we eventually get drama if we leave him out, though?”

“I guess.” Mbweha grumbles. “I mean, yeah, probably. Whatever.”

“Are we inviting him or not?”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Mbweha flops her head down on the table again. “But I’ll leave it up to you. If you really want to invite him, we can. Do you?”
>>
No. 824705 ID: 7b7ab3

Well, can we hear where all this drama is coming from first? What's wrong with Nyame? He a creep? A crook? What's the story there?
>>
No. 824706 ID: c2051e

Sounds like we should only invite him after we try and work the drama out. C'mon, Mbweha, tell me about it. I owe you plenty of help anyway.
>>
No. 824707 ID: be0718

Well, you're inviting me back, so the appearance of Nyame will only alter drama levels, not create it.
Asase's got the car and we've run through all the names to invite. Want to work on the room after all once we write these up?
>>
No. 824711 ID: 3ce125

>>824702
I think we need a bit more information about why Nyame causes drama.

If he's not coming then we should just make it a house-only picnic. Or leave both Nyame and Oshosi out. Excluding him and only him sounds like a bad idea.
>>
No. 824791 ID: d36af7

>>824711
>house-only picnic
Yeah. Get caught up with everybody you're going to be sharing kitchen space with first, save the full family reunion for... hm, maybe friday? Decent chance you'll know about time travel by then.
>>
No. 828771 ID: a606da
File 150483995526.png - (719.70KB , 800x800 , tftl62.png )
828771

>we've run through all the names to invite.

Actually, we still haven’t gone over Ori, Shopona, or the others. But that can wait for a moment.

“You’re inviting me back.” I tense slightly, wondering how the rest of the family might receive me. “Nyame would only alter the drama level, not create it.”

“I guess. Different kinds of drama, I suppose.” Mbweha thinks about it for a moment, then shrugs. “With you it’s like one big burst of drama over, uh… that one thing, but with him it’s just a constant.”

“Well, can I hear where all this drama is coming from, then?” I try to hold my curiosity in check, but it’s there. “What’s wrong with Nyame?”

“Nothing’s wrong with him, exactly. Or… I don’t know, maybe there is, but only a little.” Mbweha sighs, sitting up in her chair. Her hair falls over her eyes, and she doesn’t bother to move it. “He changed, is all. After… well, it began after you left, actually.”

“What happened?” I put the pen and paper down. “Did he start acting like a creep? A crook?”

“Not exactly. He became a control freak, is all. He started telling people what they should and shouldn’t do, tried to get curfews going, even ordered us to all get individual GPS locators so he and Bibi would always be able to find us. I think he felt like he had to watch over us, being the oldest.”

“Did you? Get a locator, I mean.”

“Are you kidding? No way. Most of us ignored him. The more he tried to order us around, the more we rebelled, and the more ridiculous he got.” Mbweha pauses for a moment, as if remembering something. “Ori, the Ollies, and Yemoja did do what he wanted, but they barely ever left the house anyway.”

“I’m surprised he’s not still at the house, if he’s so controlling.”

“When Bibi… after Bibi was gone, he got more distant. He started going on all these mystery trips, leaving the house and then showing up at random. In some ways, seeing him less makes him more bearable, but he’s become even more micromanage-y when he’s here. In really weird ways, too.”

“Like what?”

“Like puppeting people.” Mbweha rubs her wrists, oddly. “Literally.”

“Huh.” I notice her discomfort. “What, like, he can possess other people?”

“No, he puppets. Like, with strings. Invisible magic strings.” She shivers. “It sort of looks like you’re possessed, from the outside, but it feels more like someone’s tugging on your skeleton to make you do things. He usually asks first, thankfully.”

“Is that what Asase Ya was talking about, earlier?”

Mbweha blinks, then narrows her eyes, looking unhappy. “I don’t really want to talk about this anymore.”
>>
No. 828773 ID: a606da
File 150484020135.png - (689.58KB , 800x800 , tftl63.png )
828773

“Well, we could go back to working on the list.” I pick up the pen and paper again, ready to write something - anything, at this point. The paper’s still blank. “After that, we can go work on the room.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Mbweha grumbles. She leans down and opens her messenger bag, pulling a smaller bag out of it. Out of that bag, in turn, she pulls a glass pipe and a little jar filled with a green herb. Then she begins packing the pipe with whatever was in the jar. “I’m feeling really stressed, honestly. I think I might smoke a little.”

“I didn’t realize you smoked.” I stare at the pipe. “What is that?”

“Hm? Oh!” She looks up, startled, as if she’d forgotten I was there. She seems a little embarrassed. “…It’s weed. Cannabis. Sort of.”

“Where’d you get it?”

“Asase Ya. She grew it herself. Blended it out of a couple of different plants. She says it’s super healthy, like, she made it so it actually improves your respiratory system.”

“Huh.”

“Do you, uh… do you want to smoke with me?” She asks, shyly offering me the pipe. “If you want, I mean. It always helps me to chill out. It might do the same for you.”
>>
No. 828795 ID: 3ce125

>>828773
Yes.
>>
No. 828816 ID: 0fa7eb

"NO. Last time I baked, two girls at the local den were blinded. Until I find out why my body reacts to narcotics with suicidal rage, I'm sticking to alcohol and bath salts."
>>
No. 828845 ID: 13fded

I guess I can try.
As an arachnid, is it even possible for me to smoke?
>>
No. 828846 ID: be0718

No! Don't become the crack spider's bitch, Anansi!
>>
No. 828875 ID: 9dc26d

Yeah give it a try if you haven't before. If you have and you know it's something you like, go for it.
>>
No. 828882 ID: 9dc26d

Don't forget about your rabbit either.
>>
No. 834207 ID: a606da
File 150700152795.png - (788.96KB , 800x800 , tftl64.png )
834207

“I guess I can try, yes.” I shrug. “I’ve never had the chance, before. As an arachnid, is it even possible for me to smoke?”

“I think I saw an article saying spiders could get high.” She pauses to think. “I think. Well, anyway, you’re barely an arachnid.”

“I’m pretty arachniddish.” I wiggle my extra legs under my shirt, for emphasis.

“You’ve got a nose, dude.”

“What, this one?” I point to my face-nose. “It’s fake. I can shape my skin however I want. I smell with my legs.”

“Huh. Neat.” She blinks. Then, after a moment, she passes the pipe over to me. “Well, here it is, if you want it.”

I turn the pipe over in my hands, baffled. “How do I, um…?”

“Uh, let me see… put your mouth on the other end from the bowl - yeah, that one. Okay, now cover that hole on the side, there. You got it? Okay, good. Now inhale. When you’re ready, let go of the hole, hold your breath for a bit, and then exhale.”

I do my best to follow her instructions. I suddenly start wheezing and coughing, letting great gouts of smoke out.

“Holy crap!” She coughs a bit, too. “That’s the biggest hit I’ve ever seen! Are you okay?”

“I - hrrh - I’m… I’m okay.” I wheeze. “That hurt.”

“Yeah, I bet! Take it easy, next time.” She tries her best to wave the smoke away, but there’s just too much of it. “Damn, dude. Hotboxed with a single toke.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“It means we’re going outside while we let this place air out. Go relax on one of the lawn chairs on the side porch. I’ll join you out there in a bit.”

“Where are you going?” I cough again.

“Just getting changed into work clothes. Old t-shirt, shorts, you know, that sort of thing. Also doubles as lounging gear.” She smiles. “Also… well, I was hoping to take a few hits from the pipe, and you kind of torched the bowl. I have to re-pack it now.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine, Nancy.” Mbweha wears a wry smirk. “Asase Ya’s stuff is pretty potent, though. You’re in for a bit of a ride.”

“Maybe. If it even works on me.” I sigh. “I’ll meet you outside.”
>>
No. 834208 ID: a606da
File 150700171325.png - (750.25KB , 800x800 , tftl65.png )
834208

I wait outside. I don’t really feel anything except for a little shortness of breath, but that might just be from all the smoke. Oh well.

>Don't forget about your rabbit either.

Oh yeah. That sounds really good right now actually. But it’s so far away though. I’d have to go all the way back inside.

Mbweha comes out of the door next to me, then sits down on the chair next to me. I briefly notice my reflection in a window next to me. Lots of next-to-me things happening.

“Hey, sorry it took me so long. How are you doing?” She turns to look at me, then giggles. “Why are you sitting like that?”

“Sitting like what?” I’m confused.

“Like…” She starts to gesture, then shakes her head, grinning. “Oh, never mind. Just enjoy yourself.”

“Okay.” I nod. “I don’t know if it’s working though.”

“I’m pretty sure you’ll be fine.” She laughs again. She has a nice laugh. “Hey, before you get too zonked-out, can I ask you a few things?”

“Okay.” I nod again. “I still think I’m probably immune, so you can ask me anything whenever. Everything’s cool.”

“Whatever you say, man.” She starts packing the pipe again. “So, uh, how are you feeling about being back at the house? Did you miss this place, while you were out and about in the world? Also… well, this might sound a little weird, but what do you think of me? I mean, based on the time we've spent together, what kind of person would you say that I am?”
>>
No. 834212 ID: be0718

Yes, no, maybe, and wow did you just get taller or did I get shorter.
>>
No. 834213 ID: 815bab

>>834208
"Everything's cool. I'm cool, the house is cool, you're cool. It's all cool. Cool. Cooooool. Coo-ul. Ha ha."
>>
No. 834235 ID: fff296

>>834208
Last question-
She's the best person ever and she deserves to be happy forever.(for real though, most people deserve to be happy)
>>
No. 834575 ID: 3abd97

>So, uh, how are you feeling about being back at the house?
It's different, and strange, but also familiar. I don't know if it's what I expected, I had kind of thought I wasn't coming back.

>Did you miss this place, while you were out and about in the world?
Yeah.

>what do you think of me? I mean, based on the time we've spent together, what kind of person would you say that I am?
"I'm kinda jealous, to be honest."

Then go rambling about how awesome she is like >>834213 and >>834235 suggest.
>>
No. 839535 ID: e54266

>>834213
This.
>>
No. 847897 ID: a606da
File 151160695314.png - (700.78KB , 800x800 , tftl66.png )
847897

“I’m kind of jealous, to be honest.” I cough. “You’re cool. Best person ever. You deserve to be happy forever. For real though, most people deserve to be happy.”

“Uh… Sure.” Mbweha looks at me, and her face falls a bit. Not sure why. “I guess you’re really high, huh?”

“Mmmm. Yes, no. Maybe. Wow, did you just get taller or did I get shorter? ”

“Same height as I ever was.” She fiddles with her hair, bored. “Damn it. Shouldn’t have offered.”

“Everything’s cool. The house is cool. Coooool. Coo-ul. Ha ha.”

“Forget about it.” She snuffs out her pipe and puts it aside, sighing. “You’ll be fine, Anansi. I’m here. I’ll take care of you. Same as everybody else.

“I’m fine, you know.” I mumble. “I’m fine.”

“Mmhmm.” She lays back, staring blankly up at the bottom of the awning above the porch.

We sort of lay there for a while, on our respective chairs. The tiniest rays of sunlight sneak in to warm my skin, and a pleasant breeze wafts over me. I can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

It’s nice.
>>
No. 847898 ID: a606da
File 151160709434.png - (665.40KB , 800x800 , tftl67.png )
847898



Where am I?

This is in the woods, I think.

The woods.

The forest near the house.

But not too near, of course.

Someone is laughing nearby. Giggling. It’s cute.

Familiar.

“Who are you?” I ask.
>>
No. 847899 ID: a606da
File 151160718484.png - (670.75KB , 800x800 , tftl68.png )
847899

Who are you?” The giggling voice echoes back. Doesn’t sound right. Not familiar. Not the same as it was. “Who are you? Who are you?

“What do you want?”

, doesn’t it?” After a pause, she snorts in disbelief. “Yeah, okay, whatever you say. But it does.

That’s a piece, I think. A fragment from somewhere.

“I don’t understand.”

I feel like I’m going to throw up, but I can’t focus on why. Just hold it in.

What do you want? I don’t understand. don’t understand. But it does. doesn’t it? understand.” She stops giggling. “Anansi?! I don’t understand. What do you want? What. are you? don’t understand. Anansi?!

She goes silent. Does she want a response? What should I say?

My head hurts. I feel sick.
>>
No. 847900 ID: 33cbe7

Ignore them and remain silent. Maybe barf to the side. Never touch the devil-grass again.
>>
No. 847905 ID: b1b4f3

>>847899
Tell them yes, you are Anansi, and you are a spider.
>>
No. 847906 ID: b1b4f3

And what you want is to find a place where you belong.
>>
No. 847913 ID: a606da
File 151161809552.png - (666.65KB , 800x800 , tftl69.png )
847913

“Yes, I am Anansi. I am a spider.” I groan, feeling terribly nauseous. “And what I want is a place to belong.”

Anansi. I was waiting for you.” She whispers. “It’s freezing out here.

Something catches on that bit. I recall a flash of conversation.

“Were you waiting long?” I mutter.

I’ll say this: My nightgown’s frosted over.

“It’s a pretty nightgown.” I play my part, dully reciting lines. It’s just the script. It’s not my fault.

Trying to flatter your way out of this, huh? Tell the truth.” She sobs. Hang on, she wasn’t crying, at least not then. This isn’t right. “It looks like an old bedsheet, doesn’t it?

“I…” I can’t take this. I won’t say another word. Not this time.

Anansi?! I don’t understand.” She flickers. Tears stream down her face. “It looks like a bedsheet, doesn’t it? My nightgown.

“Davi - “ I reach out for her.

She screams. Hoarse and terrible. It rings through my head, slicing at my insides.

No, that isn’t how it went. That’s not what happened. It wasn’t like in the movies. She never screamed, not even once. She was very quiet, very still.

But she did cry.
>>
No. 847914 ID: a606da
File 151161821162.png - (524.30KB , 800x800 , tftl70.png )
847914

“Pardon the interruption.” A voice like a hummingbird splits the scream. “Anansi?”

I gape at the strange figure hovering in front of me.

“My other half told you I would visit, did he not? Though we did not expect you to rest so soon.” The figure twists her neck strangely, this way and that. Searching. “I can taste the dust of your mind, Anansi. This place is tied to you. But if you are here, then you aren’t, not really. You’ve failed to draft a visible form.”

“What are you?” I gasp. “No, I know you. But I can’t know you. You’re not - but you are.” My head hurts.

“Oh. You’re not lucid. Pity.” She tilts her head. “My name is Olorun, and Olokun. I am your sister, but I am also your brother. This is a dream, Anansi. A nightmare. Yours, at least halfway.”

“Ridiculous!” I sputter.

“Well, if it isn’t a nightmare, would you mind particularly if I were to eat it?”
>>
No. 847932 ID: 3abd97

>would you mind particularly if I were to eat it?
...I shouldn't be free of what I did that easily.

And you said yourself, it's only halfway mine. I can't give it away by myself.

I'm sorry.
>>
No. 847933 ID: 094652

"Go ahead. Even if I needed to hold onto my trauma, this particular play has seen more re-edits than Bioshock Infinite. Nothing but mindless pain here."
>>
No. 847941 ID: 17c2ee

>>847914
>>847932
Agreed.
>>
No. 847984 ID: 9ef868

>>847914
"NO! No. Don't eat it. I can't... I can't forget what happened. What I did. It wouldn't be right."
>>
No. 848021 ID: 33cbe7

I've already forgotten the significance of this so yeah, bite me.
>>
No. 848023 ID: b1b4f3

Guys I don't think eating the nightmare will remove the memory. It'll just prevent the nightmare from recurring.

Which is a good thing.
>>
No. 848047 ID: 830fb7

>>847941
seconded
>>
No. 851185 ID: a606da
File 151305625059.png - (736.60KB , 800x800 , tftl71.png )
851185

“No! Don’t eat it. I shouldn't be free of what I did that easily." A distant vision flits at the edges of my consciousness, but I try not to hold on to it. Force it away. Keep it buried. "I’m sorry. I've forgotten the significance of this, but I can't... I can't forget what happened, what I did. It wouldn't be right."

“You would forget nothing, Anansi. Dreams embark from memories, but it is a tenuous road, and only the rarest few journey back to recollection. This nightmare is painfully common. It will likely be forgotten regardless.” Olorun pauses, glancing at the flickering girl. “Besides… if tormenting yourself with this moment is something you do out of guilt, then keeping her here to experience it strikes me as counter-productive.”

“Her? You mean...?” I stare at her. “No, isn’t she…?”

“Yes.” Olorun nods. “But she remains.”

“How?!”

“Do you think the dead do not dream, Anansi?” Olorun hums to me in melodic whispers. Her voice is always so calming, even if her words confuse me. “It is they who dream most of all.”

dead?” The wispy figure goes still. “I am. dead?

“You said this was a dream. My dream. So she’s a figment, right?” I start to panic. “She isn’t real, is she?”

“The dust of your mind is here. So are the ashes of hers."

"I don't understand. What does that mean? Speak clearly!"

"Dreams are rarely clear things, Anansi.” Olorun rises into the sky, fading slightly. "Please, brother, let me devour this nightmare for you while it is young. Staying will only bring you pain."

"pain." Davi blinks. I catch an inkling of awareness in her, and it terrifies me. “dead? ashes? nightmare? I don't understand. Anansi? I waited for you."

“Davi.” I breathe. “I never meant... I mean, you were my…"
>>
No. 851186 ID: a606da
File 151305631665.png - (773.33KB , 800x800 , tftl72.png )
851186

“Don't do this to yourself, Anansi." Olorun interrupts. "She’s not who she was. She is composed of memory, and so speaks the language of echoes. Echoes of her, echoes of others, but echoes only. She won't hear you for you, nor you her.”

"You don't know that!"

"I do. The two of you have shared this dream, or variants of it, on every night for the past seven years." Olorun sighs, her appearance turning a gloomy translucent. "I have tried to help you through it, Anansi. Many, many times. Believe me, I want to help the two of you to understand, to move on, but it always ends the same."

"What happens, then?"

"As I said, this is a nightmare. It comprises a memory. Of what, I'll let you guess."

I almost know. It claws at my mind. So close, so dangerously close. If I remember...

"I'm not going to watch it all happen again, Anansi. But if you don't want me to devour it, then I won't." The world lurches, giving me a vague sense of throwing up, and suddenly everything is different. Davi is gone. I can't see Olorun anywhere - but then I hear her voice. "Your nightmare remains. We're just no longer in it."
>>
No. 851187 ID: a606da
File 151305643848.png - (861.25KB , 800x800 , tftl73.png )
851187

"We're not?" I look around at the chaotic scenery. "Then where - ?"

"Hah!" A bellowing cackle booms throughout the world. Its origin becomes obvious: Nearby, a lithe man is dodging nimbly around as odd floating ribbons try to grasp at him. "Nice try, brother, but you'll have to be quicker than that! Quickly, now, quick! Oh, what am I saying? You'll never catch me!”

"Who is that? They look strangely familiar.”

“This is Eshu’s dream, I believe.” Olorun whispers to me. “It has been a few years since you’ve seen him, hasn’t it? He’s changed so much.”

“You’ll never be her, you know, and I’ll never be you!” Eshu laughs as he dances, spouting the occasional twirl of flame to shred the ribbons that venture too close. “For that, I shall forever be grateful!”

“Why hasn’t he noticed that we’re here? Can he even see us?”

“No, though I can make myself visible to him, if I wish. You, however, have no form for Eshu to perceive. He’s not lucid, and this is not your dream. If you want to interact with him, then you’ll have to take the place of one of his figments.” Olorun pauses. “But none seem present, at the moment. Besides, I brought you here so we could talk, not Eshu.”

“What is it you want to talk about?”

“You’ve returned home. Out there, I mean. On one hand, it’s nice to finally have you back with us. I love you, Anansi; You’re my brother. But I have known your nightmares, and they scare me. I’m not sure who you are anymore, not really. I fear for the safety of my sisters, as well as my own. Out there, I am frail and senseless. In here is all that I have.”

“What are you saying?”

“I don’t enjoy ultimatums or threats. Still, I must be blunt.” Olorun’s soft voice suddenly sharpens, and it chills me. “Tell me why I should let you wake up.”
>>
No. 851188 ID: 33cbe7

Because I am physically incapable of eating my siblings. Can't argue with the rules of nature.
>>
No. 851191 ID: 3ce125

>>851187
Because Mbweha would be sad if you didn't.

Also eat the nightmare.
>>
No. 851192 ID: 0252ea

>>851187
Mbweha.
If you trap me in a dream, force me to remain asleep, then Mbweha -WILL- find out.
And when she does, when she realizes what you have done, she will never, ever stop hounding you until you release me.
And she may not be the only one.
>>
No. 851194 ID: 830fb7

I wake up every morning knowing what I have done and it haunts me, I know deep down what could happen if I wake and I'm scared of it. Even so the worst nightmare I could possibly have is of loosing control and harming you... My family. All I want is for you to be safe, if I have to leave to make sure of that I will, if I need to fall into an everlasting sleep I will, if anything less causes you harm than I will do my best to make sure that doesn't happen. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything I do and am. I'm sorry.
>>
No. 851195 ID: 3abd97

>“Tell me why I should let you wake up.”
Huh. That's refreshing, honestly.

>Because Mbweha would be sad if you didn't.
Mbweha would blame herself if I never woke up. She'd think it was her fault for giving me those drugs. If you do choose to do something to me, I'd ask that you please do it in a way that spares her that. Make her think I left again, or something.

I'm supposed to go time traveling with someone on Thursday, apparently. Eventually you're supposed to meet them too, and I think you got on well. That probably doesn't happen if I never wake up. ...and it probably doesn't happen if I wake up and go crazy on my family either.

You've seen how long and how much that nightmare has tormented me. Do you think I would, or could, add to that?

>I’m not sure who you are anymore, not really
I'm not sure who I am, either. I still wonder. And if you've been watching my dreams and nightmares all this time and couldn't figure it out either... *sigh*

I won't fight you, if you think you have to protect them. I respect that. I love you all too much for that.

>Also eat the nightmare.
Nah, I say stick with stubbornness for now.
>>
No. 851196 ID: 33cbe7

Eat the nightmare, obstinance won't do you any good! Besides, you already don't remember it when you wake up so all this would do is improve your sleep.
>>
No. 851206 ID: 094652

"Because I will do to you what I did to her if you keep me in YOUR head."
>>
No. 890373 ID: a606da
File 153017616282.png - (851.79KB , 800x800 , tftl74.png )
890373

“I won’t fight you, if you think you have to protect them. I respect that. I love you all too much for that.” I speak faintly. I know that this is what I deserve, really. It always was. “All I want is for you to be safe. If I have to leave, I will. If I need to fall into an everlasting sleep, I will. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything I do and am. I’m sorry!” The last apology comes out as a sob, which is a bit of a shock, since I can’t actually cry.

“It’s alright, Anansi. You don’t need to apologize.” Olorun whispers, her calmness fading a little. “I love you. Things have been hard for all of us, and especially for you. Your life has been twisted down a sad path through little fault of your own. You are family, Anansi, and you always will be. And even if you are stuck here, I still - ”

“Wait.” I croak. “Mbweha. If I don’t wake up, she’ll be sad. She’ll think it was her fault.”

“Ah.” Olorun pauses. “We can visit her, if you’d like.”

“She’s already asleep?” I’m surprised. It was the middle of the day when I conked out. Then again, I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep.

“Only daydreaming. Just enough for us to visit.”

“Ha!” Eshu laughs loudly, startling me. His clothing keeps shifting in appearance, as though his outfit can’t decide what it is. He’s still dancing with the odd curling red lines in the air, however. He dodges them quickly and cleverly, to and fro. He’s also still yelling at apparently no one. “Try again, brother. Try, try, try! You might keep the rest of our family bound in your love and blood, but I refuse to live my life in hiding. There will be no more masquerades for me!

The lines begin to swivel more frantically in the air, like snakes, each trying to wrap itself around Eshu. Eshu just giggles again, slipping through the lines’ path. Suddenly, he leaps forward, gripping one of the cords tightly. It glimmers with heat, as though his fingertips are burning through it. He grins victoriously. “Give it up, brother. Let her go.”
>>
No. 890376 ID: a606da
File 153017642751.png - (829.35KB , 800x800 , tftl75.png )
890376

A visage of Nyame sprouts from the mists of Eshu’s dream. This Nyame looks older than I remember, more tired, but unmistakably himself. At his side sits a short human woman I don’t recognize, who appears to be under some spell of Nyame’s. Nyame’s arm is somehow the source of the red lines, and he winces in pain as Eshu grips the captive strand. “Whatever. Just shut up and let me save your life.”

“Whose life are you trying to save?” Eshu snorts. “Don’t play the victim with me. All you’re doing is looking after your precious little home life!”

“I’m doing this for you, you idiot.” Nyame glowers at Eshu, annoyance cracking his curt expression slightly. “What do you think that humans will do to you, when they find out? What do you imagine will happen to our family?”

“I trust her. She won’t tell anyone. And even if she did, that falls on me and me only!”

Nyame sneers. It’s a strange expression, and one I’ve never seen him make. “I can’t take that chance.” He spits.

“Too bad!” Eshu shrieks, his emotion bubbling to the surface. “I love her, and you won’t stand in my way!”

Nyame and Eshu glare at each other, hatred evident in their looks. I take the silence as an opportunity to ask Olorun questions. “Did this really happen?”

“As I’ve said: dreams embark from memory, but few return there. This is Eshu’s dream, and is likewise tilted in his favor. Here, he is the hero, and Nyame the villain. Things are rarely so clear-cut, however.”

My eyes linger on the woman Nyame holds captive, her body jerking wildly around as her face spews something that looks like electric blood. “How accurate is this recreation?” I feel queasy just looking at it.

Olorun is quiet for a moment. “I have no idea, Anansi. Dreams like this are the only way that I perceive the waking world.”

“Oh.” Embarrassment fills me. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I get the sense she’s uncomfortable, as she quickly changes the subject. “Would you like to greet Eshu before we leave? You could inhabit one of those figments and say hello.”

“Figments?”

“The image of either Nyame or the woman beside him.” Olorun explains. “You can control and speak through one of them, though it would no doubt turn Eshu’s dream lucid. Would you prefer to do that, or simply continue on to see Mbweha?”
>>
No. 890379 ID: d887c0

>>890376
Speaking of Mbweha, you do realize that if you stick me in a coma and she finds out, she'll do absolutely unspeakable things to your body until you undo it, right? Like, I don't know what you're hoping to accomplish here. Are you trying to destabilize the family more than it already is? I think perhaps your unique way of perceiving the world blinds you to reality, Olorun.
>>
No. 890386 ID: 33cbe7

He's not even here two days and you're trying to break the family up again. Good grief, Olorun.

Possess Nyame and see what it's like having his abilities for a while. Maybe you can weave webs out of those strands.
>>
No. 890455 ID: 3c9e0e

Maybe now’s not the time to antagonize anyone. Possess Nyame and do the whole “testing, testing” schpeel. Maybe broach the topic of an invitation.
>>
No. 890532 ID: 4f1cbc

>>890376
The woman's not really doing anything in the story of this dream, she seems like she's more a plot device than character. So no guilt for stepping into her place and making her a character.
>>
No. 890636 ID: a606da
File 153041248172.png - (863.35KB , 800x800 , tftl76.png )
890636

“I’ve already walked around looking like one sibling today, so I might as well make it two. I’ll use Nyame.” I decide, but then realize I have no idea how to do that. “Um, what do I…?”

“Just focus on manipulating the image. Think of it like a marionette.”

“I was never a fan of puppets.” I mutter. “I just can’t see the appeal. Might have been my lack of fingers.”

“Okay, then, think of it like you’re molding clay.”

I did do that, once. Bibi bought some clay at the store and brought it home. The whole family spent an afternoon playing together and making little urns and such. I look at the figment of Nyame and imagine I’m curling my claws around it, shaping it as it spins -

And it slips into my control. From a distance, at first, which is disorienting, but I manage to slide my perception so that I’m looking out from its eyes. It isn’t at all how I imagined it’d feel. Rather than inhabiting a body, it’s more like I’m piloting a robot made out of paper-maché.

I tug at the figment’s arm, pulling back the red strands and undoing whatever’s happened to the female figment beside me. I lift the figment’s arms gingerly, in a gesture of surrender. I make the Nyame figment talk. “Hey, Eshu. You’re dreaming.”
>>
No. 890637 ID: a606da
File 153041259270.png - (0.97MB , 800x800 , tftl77.png )
890637

Instantly, Eshu lunges forward, wildly shapeshifting to extend his arms and pull the woman aside. Then he rounds on the Nyame figment, grabbing it by the collar. “Dreaming, huh? At least I have dreams, you maniacal idiot!”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” I have the figment sigh wearily. Ironically, that’s probably the most accurate Nyame impression it’s done. “You’re inside a dream. This isn’t really happening. I’m Anansi.”

“Anansi?! Don’t you dare talk about Anansi, after how you and Bibi treated him! It wasn’t his fault, but you - ” Eshu trails off, blinking. “Dream?”

“Yes.” I make the figment nod. “You’re asleep.”

Eshu scowls. “I don’t believe you. This is a trick, and not a good one. Tricks are my thing, and don’t you dare forget it, you - you Poindexter Gandalf!”

I laugh at that, unintentionally making the Nyame figment laugh as well.

Eshu recoils, shocked by the sound of Nyame’s laughter. I’m not surprised; Nyame rarely laughs at jokes. He’ll smile, once in a while, but he’s typically a very quiet person.

“You said you’re Anansi?” Eshu asks, confused. “And… I’m dreaming. Did Olokun bring you here?”

“Olokun’s awake, out visiting Yemoja with Asase Ya. Olorun’s the dreamer right now.” I explain.
>>
No. 890639 ID: a606da
File 153041268447.png - (949.03KB , 800x800 , tftl78.png )
890639

“I’m asleep. This is a dream.” Eshu repeats that quietly, as if trying to convince himself. He smiles, apparently having succeeded. “Okay. I think I’m lucid. Olorun? Are you there?”

“I’m here. We’re just passing through. I hope you don’t mind.” Olorun speaks in a pleasant tone, but doesn’t show herself. “Plus, I wanted to let you know that Anansi’s come home.”

“You’re Anansi, right?” Eshu looks at the Nyame figment. “Wait, you’re back? Like, for real?”

“Yeah, I guess so.” I make the figment shrug. “For however long it lasts, anyway.”

“Yes. Yes!” Eshu hops up and down with gleeful abandon. “Man, I can’t wait to see you! Olorun, can you wake me up now? Please?”

“After we leave, certainly.”

“Fantastic! Thanks a bunch.” Eshu laughs, bouncing from one foot to the other. “Welcome home, brother! This is going to be an amazing night, just wait and see! Oh, I’ve missed you. You’re at the house, yeah?”

I make the figment nod.

“Perfect. I’m bringing Ryleigh over right now!” He waves to me, shooing me away. “Go on, now, get out of here, I need to stop dozing and get ready to go!”

“Alright.” I make the figment wave. “Love you, brother.”

“Love you too!”

A moment later, Eshu’s dream fades away, and I’m somewhere else, bodiless once more.
>>
No. 890640 ID: a606da
File 153041276128.png - (848.12KB , 800x800 , tftk79.png )
890640

It seems like a party of some kind, or maybe a club, but the environment isn’t detailed enough to say for sure. A catchy beat-oriented song plays distantly in the background, and various vague figures are dancing to it.

An area near the back wall, however, seems far more clearly defined. There, a person who looks very much like Mbweha is speaking with a short woman with a smile on her face.

“You’re so stiff!” The smiling woman pokes Mbweha in the arm. “Loosen up!”

“I’m scared of relaxing too much. I might lose control.” Mbweha is clumsily shuffling around to the beat. “And I don’t do much stuff with my body. I’ve never danced, or played sports, or… um, anything physical. It all feels so far away.”

“Aw, that’s nothing to worry about! Everyone has to learn new things sooner or later!” The lady beside her laughs pleasantly, lightly dancing side to side. “Consider it a part of the human experience.”

Mbweha frowns. “I don’t think that applies to me.”

“Of course it does! You’re human, after all!”

“Oh. Uh, I guess I am, aren’t I?” Mbweha looks down at herself, smiling nervously. “I - I am normal, right? I’m okay?”

“You are! And there’s nothing wrong with you. So, just take it easy, find your rhythm, and dance with me!”

“Can I kiss you?” Mbweha blurts out, blushing.

“Sure!” The small lady giggles, and immediately engages Mbweha in a passionate make-out session.

“This is Mbweha’s daydream?” I ask Olorun, feeling my anxiety start to build.

“Yes.” Olorun replies, simply enough.

“Ah.” I pause. “Do I still need to, er, pick a figment to occupy, and all that?”

“Yes.” Olorun repeats.

“Would one of the other dancers work?” I ask, desperately.

“Figments are detailed. The dancers are a backdrop. I’m sorry.” Olorun murmurs sympathetically. “If you want to talk to her, there’s currently only one avenue open to you.”

This is so uncomfortable. I don’t know what to do.
>>
No. 890644 ID: 33cbe7

You can just do that when you wake up, then. if Olorun has anything to say, he can go say it.
>>
No. 890646 ID: b1b4f3

>>890640
Uh maybe you should just wait until the dream changes. They never stay the same for long.
>>
No. 890648 ID: 4f1cbc

>Eshu coming over immediately to see you
Well that's going to be awkward if you never wake up.

>The small lady giggles, and immediately engages Mbweha in a passionate make-out session.
>If you want to talk to her, there’s currently only one avenue open to you.
Maybe wait for the make out session to end? Or for something in the dream to change.
>>
No. 890669 ID: d887c0

Just as an aside, I want to say that I absolutely D E S P I S E Olorun.
On topic, we are in a very precarious situation. If we wait too long for a chance to insert ourself, then Mbweha may stop daydreaming, and we'll lose our window of opportunity.
If we do insert ourself, what do we say? Do we just say nothing about our predicament or do we try to enlist Mbweha's aid? If we try to get her help, do we drop subtle hints so as not to draw Olorun's ire or do we just be direct and tell her Olorun is being a bastard?
So many choices!
>>
No. 890932 ID: a606da
File 153059151413.png - (0.96MB , 800x800 , tftl80.png )
890932

I decide, diplomatically, to wait. It doesn’t take too long, as it turns out. Mbweha suddenly shoves the other woman away, with a dull shock in her expression.

“Did I do something wrong?” The woman asks, blinking.

“This is stupid.” Mbweha shakes her head. “I don’t even know your name. I just saw you once, when I was out shopping.”

“It’s okay to fantasize about me.” The short woman laughs happily. “I don’t mind!”

“Stop it.” Mbweha stares off into empty space. “I’m such an idiot. I can’t do this. I shouldn’t even want this.”

The woman and all the dancers instantly freeze in place, and the dream starts to get more disorganized. Perspective begins to fail itself, distance distorts, and the music’s tempo begins to speed up rapidly.

“Screw you, Eshu.” Mbweha bites her lip, hard, as a few tears roll down her cheeks. “Screw you for making me imagine that this could even happen. I hate you. I hate your gorgeous girlfriend. I hate me.

The visuality of the world starts to snap, bend, blur, and break. I don’t need Olorun to tell me what’s happening here: Mbweha’s daydream is dying.

I impulsively take control of the female figment, holding it together even as the rest of the environment starts to crumple under its own weight. Now I can speak to Mbweha. I just need to figure out what I’m going to say, first.
>>
No. 890937 ID: 977456

Hugs. Tell her you're body-jacking her imaginary girlfriend. Tell her that you're certain that she can manage something, she is clever after all. She should talk to someone, someone who isn't about to vanish, make a plan, start small or something...

They like their families and hate betrayal. If one can be accepted into a family and then reveal their species in some way that isn't a betrayal...
>>
No. 890940 ID: d887c0

"MBWEHA WAIT IT'S ANANSI I NEED TO TALK I NEED HELP"
>>
No. 891006 ID: 2007b6

If this is a dream, can't you have the figment behave in ways that would be impossible in the waking world? Unfold your fangs or take off a disguise or something. "You thought that was a cute girl? It was actually me, Anansi!"
>>
No. 891019 ID: 5f3f48

>>891006
>"You thought that was a cute girl? It was actually me, Anansi!"
This is pretty much perfect. Bonus points if the head / mask you take off goes rolling across the floor the way Mbweha's disguise did in the beginning.
>>
No. 891784 ID: a606da
File 153110820198.png - (809.49KB , 800x800 , tftl81.png )
891784

“Mbweha, wait!” I make the figment jump towards her, grabbing her by the shoulder.

“What?” Mbweha blinks, and the world trembles. “Why are you… what’s happening? I didn’t imagine you saying that.”

“Um…” I think for a good way to break the tension. “So, uh, you thought that was your imaginary girlfriend? It was actually me: Anansi! Now we’re even.”

“What?!” She gapes. “You’re not Anansi. Anansi is lying right next to me, aslee…” She trails off, going pale. “Olorun. Oh no.”

“Yeah.” I nod.

“What are you doing here?!” She forces herself to stay calm, but the world around us is still warping. “Why are you in my brain? Get out of my brain, Anansi!

“Sorry.” I make the figment grimace. “I need your help. Olorun’s going to put me into a - a coma, I guess. I’m just here to make sure you don’t freak out.”

“Excuse me?” Mbweha stares dumbfounded at the figment. “Olorun is going to what?”

“Put me into a coma.” The figment’s voice is quiet. “I mean... What if I hurt someone else, Mbweha?”

“Olorun!” Mbweha ignores me, shouting into the nothingness instead. “Olorun, I know you’re there! Stop hiding!”

Olorun appears, hesitantly. “Hello, Mbweha.”

“What have you got to say for yourself?” Mbweha demands. “Is it true, what Anansi just said?”

“Yes.” Olorun says. “Listen, Mbweha, I know you care about him, so do I, but - ”
>>
No. 891788 ID: a606da
File 153110845899.png - (0.98MB , 800x800 , tftl82.png )
891788

“Bullshit! Stop falling for Nyame’s garbage!” Mbweha roars. “Anansi’s not even been here for two days, and already you’re trying to break up the family again! You are acting like a fucking child!”

“Look, you haven’t seen his dreams,” Olorun backs away from our furious sister. “You don’t know - ”

Mbweha howls, lunging forward. Her shape is twisting, sharpening… oh no. “Wake him up, or I will do unspeakable things to your body! I will skin you and rip you apart and eat your pieces and - !”

“Mbweha, you’re losing control.” I make the figment urgently remind her, but she’s not listening. “Mbweha!”

“Get out!” Mbweha shrieks, clawing repeatedly at Olorun as the world breaks down around her. “I hate you all! None of you do things properly like Bibi taught us to do! I’m trying to be human, every second of every day. It takes everything I have to just hold myself together. I’m nineteen; I’m just a kid! So how is it that you get to fall in love, and I don’t? Why the hell do I have to take care of you?! Grow up!”

“She’s going to break down, if you stay here. You need to swap out with Olokun.” I speak to Olorun, but keep the figment silent. “Go wake up.”

Olorun whimpers. “But... I’m not tired.”

“Go.” I hiss. “Now!”

Olorun hesitantly flickers out. It feels like a cord snapping, and suddenly the figment feels a lot more like a body. Without anyone to guide me out, there’s nowhere else for me to go.

“Mbweha, she’s gone. I’m the only one here.” I say, urgently patting her shoulder. “You’re okay. Olorun’s waking up. You’re okay.”

Mbweha just screams out in miserable frustration, and the whole dream flickers again. If she stays like this, she could hurt someone. That can’t happen. I won’t let it. I have to calm her down.

I search desperately for something to say, something to help Mbweha come to her senses.
>>
No. 891789 ID: 3b108e

"I know I ripped your head off earlier, but could you leave mine alone?"
>>
No. 891790 ID: b1b4f3

"Ok fine I won't do it jeez"
>>
No. 891792 ID: 33cbe7

This is still a dream. Dreams are for venting those frustrations. When you wake up (and you better wake up), thank her. She needs a reminder that her remarkable restraint is paying off, slowly.
>>
No. 891795 ID: d887c0

"If you'd like some good news to maybe cheer you up, I got in contact with Eshu and he said's coming over to visit. Oh, and thank you for saving me."
>>
No. 891796 ID: 094652

"... You know, when was the last time any of us talked to someone sane? Because from where I'm standing, I think all the movies and video games we've been playing have warped us more than our monster sides ever will.

... @#$% it, let's hire prostitutes to go on dates with us."
>>
No. 891896 ID: 977456

Deploy hugs. Keep her talking. See if she can cry some of it out. It won't fix anything directly, but talking about things usually helps.
[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]

Delete post []
Password  
Report post
Reason