Trench Inbox

[laminae]

[There's just a bunch of hissing and chirping. It's probably Fern's inbox? Maybe leave a message?]

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{{username: doublehedgesword}}

Comments

[laminae]

[That would have been easier...?

Fern cringes.]

Gross, dude. But - does that mean no more corruption? You're okay now?

[no_reload]

There's a bit left, but I have it under control.

[It wasn't as if he had the energy to get up and chase after more of it right now.]

You're a good kid, Fern.

[laminae]

[That's... good, but Reaper isn't in the clear yet.]

Um, thanks. Do you need anything Is there anything I can do to help with the corruption that's still left?

[There has to be.]

[no_reload]

Just take care of everyone here until I can stand for more than a minute at a time. That's what is important.

[He knew Fern could, but he also knew not to put much pressure on.]

And I am here if something comes up. You don't have to go at it alone, alright?

[laminae]

Okay. I can do that. [He can try to do that. Not trying isn't an option here.]

I... I know. But it's hard sometimes, I don't wanna see any of you get hurt.

[no_reload]

Well... this was of my own making, and I'll sort myself out.

You're doing just fine, Fern. You're a good protector.

[laminae]

C'mon man, don't blame yourself for corruption. Pretty sure that'll just make it worse.

Um, thanks. Not sure I totally agree, but it's really encouraging to hear, coming from you.

[no_reload]

I have to. It's my responsibility to be functional. I vowed to protect the household.

You're problem remains confidence. You're better than you give yourself credit.

[laminae]

Maybe... but you also gotta look after yourself. You know we care about you beyond what you can do to protect us, right?

[He feels like he needs to make that clear right now.]

I know, I know I should. I just... don't, usually. It's too hard.

[no_reload]

I know, and I appreciate it. You're all good kids.

[Yes, even the young adults. They were still kids to him given the gulf in age difference.]

It's too hard because you make it so. I knew someone who looked in a mirror every day and said one thing they liked about themself. Maybe you should give it a go.

[laminae]

Hah. We try.

[He isn't going to argue about being called a kid. He still definitely feels like one most of the time.]

Yeah? Did uh, did that work for him? Sounds kind of... hard, coming up with one thing every day.

[no_reload]

[Most of the kids tried to keep out of trouble. This place just happened to bring trouble to the door of all of them one way or another.]

I'm sure there were some repeats. It might have, we never discussed it much.