Kankri Talksprites

I swear I've 6een l99king f9r the cr9pped versi9ns 9f Kankri's talksprites, and I've 6een g9ing insane due t9 my lack 9f result. S9 here, I did all the dirty w9rk. It t99k 13 years f9r me t9 get int9 H9mestuck, and I've n9w fulfilled my purp9se. Thank y9u f9r having me.

Original image here.

-- colostrumTractatus [CT] began trolling circuitousGrievance [CG]  -- CT: Kankri. Hello. CG: 9h, hell9. H9russ is this y9u? CT: Pardon me. CT: I did not realize I hadn't shared my client handle with you yet. It seemed like such a trivial thing. CG: N9 its quite alright, I am just relieved t9 hear I guessed c9rrectly. CG: What may I d9 f9r y9u? CT: Nothing. CT: I suppose messaging you without a tangible reason must seem odd. CG: N9t entirely, I am guessing that means y9u desire t9 talk freely with me? CT: In all horsenesty, I don't know what it is I desire! CT: It is quite difficolt to think clearly in this moment. I am... experiencing quite an upheaval of emotion. CT: But there are not many places to turn to for udderstanding. Why should there be? CT: There are not many who do. CT: In actuality, it might not matter. CG: 9h my. I am s9rry t9 hear if y9u are having a m9ment 9f em9ti9nal distress, d9 kn9w I am all ears if y9u d9 in fact desire s9me9ne t9 listen t9 y9u. I might 6e m9re understanding then y9u might think, depending 9n the t9pic. CT: I don't wish to burden you. CT: But I also do not wish to destroy the body I am residing in. CG: That w9uld 6e a h9rri6le thing t9 happen t9 y9u if it did! Even with9ut a risk like that, I assure y9u it w9uld n9t 6e a 6urden at all. CT: Please. CT: Will you meet me in the engineering labs? CG: Certainly, give me 6ut a few minutes t9 get there. HORUSS: *And so Horussbot finds himself in the engineering lab, carefully checking the VOID PORTAL as it stands. It's off currently but giving it a look over is as good a distraction as any. He waits for Kankri.* KANKRI: *As he informed Horuss he does not take long to get to the labs, as if he would doddle when he has a chance to actually do his JOB. Although Horuss is a friend, so technically it would be a friend seeing a friend... But he wont let that invalidate the surge of purpose he is feeling as he enters the room right now to find Horuss working with some sort of large contraption.* I h9pe I did n9t keep y9u waiting l9ng. HORUSS: *Twitches an ear as he hears his voice, turning his head when Kankri enters the lab.* You did not. And if you did, I wouldn't hold it against you. *Rests hand against the contraption* HORUSS: But you are here now and that is all that is important. KANKRI: *He is a bit curious about this machine, he has no clue as to what engineering works on here.* I am pleased t9 hear that. KANKRI: N9w what is it that is tr9u6ling y9u? HORUSS: Nothing I can speak comfortably about out here. KANKRI: 9h.... *Shifts on his feet a bit awkwardly.* S9rry, I am a 6it c9nfused why y9u have asked me here then. Sh9uld we rec9nvene elsewhere t9 c9ntinue? HORUSS: Yes... *he is messing with the keypad on the portal. Suddenly, it hums to life. The arch darkening into some kind of pathway.* If you do not mind terribly. HORUSS: You might follow me. KANKRI: *Ahahah thats funny, for a moment he thought Horuss just asked Kankri to walk into some sort of dark portal machine.* Y9u... KANKRI: Want me t9 g9 with y9u. In there. HORUSS: Yes. *says this like it's OBVIOUS.* It's quite stable. And I will not run the risk of devastating the mechanical body I am in. KANKRI: *HHHHHH. Well, hes approaching closer to at least check it out from the very edge of the pathway.* KANKRI: Are y9u sure it is safe? HORUSS: E%ceedingly safe. *mournful neigh* KANKRI: *What is he getting himself into...* KANKRI: *Kankri takes a deep breath to steady himself.* Well. S9 l9ng as y9u are sure 9f that. And if y9u really are insisting this is the 9nly place y9u feel safe talking. KANKRI: 6ut y9u must pr9ceed first! *This is crazy, he is crazy.* HORUSS: *Crazy is as crazy does, Kankri. Horuss nods in agreement.* Yes, of horse. *squaring up his shoulders, he takes the first few steps into the dark space. Nothing seems to happen but he does look back at Kankri.* KANKRI: *Okay maybe another few deep breaths just to get himself okay enough to be able to step through. Alright this is it, him being crazy and doing this thing here he goes. Kankri very hesitantly takes a single step through, and when he does he stops, waiting for something to possibly go wrong.* HORUSS: *No, nothing. Horuss continues to stand there, waiting for him.* If you feel the need for assistance, I offer it. *His forearm. Fixed and good as new, Horuss is offering it out with respect.* KANKRI: *He eyes the offered arm with extreme consideration before glancing back behind him just to be sure the portal is still there.* Mmm... n9 I think... I think I'm fine. F9r the time 6eing. *He then moves forward again just to be sure he is as close to Horuss as socially acceptable to be certain he wont some how get lost in, well, wherever they are.* HORUSS: Very well. *And so, they move further into the choking darkness. And just when Kankri thinks he won't ever see the light of day again-- they emerge on the other side.* HORUSS: *The workshop is open and made entirely of stone-- the walls, floors, and ceilings all carved out as if from some cave. It is not dark persay, but it does have a gloomy atmosphere. Worktables line the edges of the room as well, and have robotic parts of every size shape and function imaginable. Behind Kankri the portal still hums, swirling and undisturbed in faint blue light.* KANKRI: *The endless blackness did well to drive terrifying regret into the core of his being as they advance further into it. The last time Kankri underwent some sort of trippy experience like this was when he had been chuckle voodooed onto a hellish nightscape version of his demolished planet. Its not strange for him to be anticipating the same sort of horrors to spring out at anymoment. Until they reach the work shop that is, and while its gloomy, Kankri releases a very audible sigh of relief.* Huh. HORUSS: *The robot Kankri is standing close to also sighs. Before visibly powering down.* KANKRI: *He looks behind him to see where the darkness went and finds the portal still soundly behind him. Almost like they hadnt gone anywhere. The notion makes him a little uneasy so Kankri distracts himself with looking around at their new surroundings.* Where exactly are we-- H9russ?? *Why is his friend powering down?? WHAT IS HAPPENING???* HORUSS: *In the corner of Kankri's eye, Horuss reforms. An actual troll with a real organic, not-robot voice.* Calm yourself, Mr. Vantas. I am right here. HORUSS: *He stands before Kankri wearing his jumpsuit and looks like the most blueblood troll he's ever seen. Long mane and double crowned horns included.* KANKRI: !!! *He almost jumps when Horuss reforms, this is too much for his nervous self. He calms quickly though and stares at the actual "Troll" version of his new friend.* 9h. I was n9t expecting y9u t9... S9rry I am trying t9 piece t9gether just exactly what is happening 6ut I am guessing this is what y9u really l99k like? HORUSS: *The grumpy, gloomy look in his face is as real as it gets.* Yes. This is my appearance as it was when I was alive. In essence. I was near perfect. *unconsciously, he shifts muscles.* KANKRI: *Oh dear, why is he so gloomy. Kankri frowns some with concern, pushing back the previous moments of terror.* Yes, I must say I d9 happen t9 find y9ur real appearance a 6it nicer then y9ur r969tic f9rm. *Must he really shift the muscles?* HORUSS: *Yes. They are finely sculpted and necessary to his form. At the comment, Horuss furrows his brows behind goggles, finding it peculiar.* I suppose I should thank you. KANKRI: *His brows raise in surprise.* Thank me? F9r what? HORUSS: Because at one point, I did care for my appearance. *looks off* This is my workshop. The place I made the portal to the mortal world possible. HORUSS: If you have not guessed by now, you are in the void. KANKRI: *He looks around the workshop again, taking time to really see the detail in the shape of the room, the work benches and robotics projects.* I did indeed have a hunch. HORUSS: I will not destroy the mechanical host this way. *Indeed, the robot stands there. Lifeless and creepy as any shell would be. Horuss lumbers off for one of the tables.* KANKRI: *Yes it is quite creepy. Kankri slowly folds his arms for some sense of comfort for himself. This is still too weird for him.* S9 y9u 6r9ught us here t9 av9id d9ing damage t9 y9ur mechanical h9st. 6ut may I ask h9w y9u w9uld have damaged it? HORUSS: The energy from my detached soul can become quite charged with emotion and in part, emit a force from within. The robotic body is not built to handle such abrasions. *He sits at a stool, burying his hands into his hair a moment. Kankri can sit with him on the other.* This is much simpler. KANKRI: *He can and he shall take the other stool, watching Horuss closely. Its quite strange to see him look so, so life-like. But even stranger still is to see him look so down on himself, upset to the point of having to evacuate his metal husk just to have a moment of emotional reprieve. Its really quite sad actually.* KANKRI: Then W9uld y9u feel willing t9 talk n9w? As there w9uld 6e n9 risk 9f damaging y9ur r969tic shell? HORUSS: Oh yes. There are no secrets I carry which you are not welcome to. *rumbles, now twisting at a small valve in his headgear. A small puff of steam is released.* You must find it difficolt. To bear witness to the burdens of trolls as you do. HORUSS: Why is it that you have this profession? KANKRI: *He is a little taken aback by the question, werent they supposed to be talking about Horuss?* Um. Well I ch9se this pr9fessi9n as my line 9f w9rk 6ecause I take j9y fr9m helping pe9ple deal with their pr9blems, pr9viding guidence t9 th9se wh9 need it, 9r aiding in spreading awareness 9f th9se in situati9ns that 9thers might 6e una6le t9 understand. I've always taken an interest in s9cial justice, and this was just 9ne way I c9uld f9ll9w that interest 6ut in a way that all9ws me t9 pr9vide a service t9 9thers. HORUSS: *fingers press along his cheekbones as if massaging out a headache which doesn't actually exist. Still, Horuss listen to Kankri speak.* And do you find your service is stilll... applicable? Or neighcessary? HORUSS: Do you think you are successful at what you are passionate about? KANKRI: *At this next question Kankri finds himself clammering for the words "Yes absolutely" but truthfully he had extreme doubts about it.* I... Um. KANKRI: *Words seem to be failing him as he zones out for a few moments.* HORUSS: Your silence speaks volumes. *more steam emits from his goggles.* But I understand where it comes from. KANKRI: D9es it? *He finally speaks up again.* I mean, 9f c9urse I feel my eff9rts and w9rk are w9rth s9mething, despite it 6eing hard t9 6elieve it at times. Its what I have set 9ut t9 d9, and s9 I place my faith in my pr9fessi9n's usefulness. KANKRI: *Clears his throat.* May I ask what peeked y9ur interest in my 9ccupati9n? *Yes lets talk about you agian.* HORUSS: *he sigh* I find that it is a curious thing. The effort which one puts into believing in one's inherent value or usefulness. Perclops it is neighter here nor there and is simply... a construct, only limited by your own perception of the thing. HORUSS: It may not tr001y e%ist, is what I mean. So does it matter? Why does it, in this particular moment, matter? KANKRI: That certainly is s9me deep thinking y9u are d9ing there, H9russ. Im. At a l9ss f9r a resp9nce temp9rarily, hah. HORUSS: I do not apologize. *gives off a very horsey snort.* I only wonder... how this mechanic seems to come much more easily onto others than it does for myself. KANKRI: D9 y9u mean t9 say the mechanic 9f 6elieving in what y9u are d9ing 9r achieving? And feeling a sense 9f validati9n fr9m it? HORUSS: Yes. E%actly. KANKRI: S9, y9u feel like y9u d9nt 6elieve that what y9u are d9ing serves a greater purp9se? When did y9u 6egin t9 feel this way? HORUSS: I am afraid to say I have felt this way for a very long time. Before I died. And when I became conscious of my own being, it was as if it was the only thing that stayed with me into the afterlife. HORUSS: Meeting the Empress was... not what I thought it was going to be. HORUSS: So perclops what I do tr001y does not matter. KANKRI: Hm, well I d9 n9t think that at all. KANKRI: Can y9u tell me what y9u th9ught w9uld c9me 9f meeting the Empress 6ef9re it happened? HORUSS: That... I would have purpose and feel as though what I hope to accomplish will amount to something! And-- HORUSS: Not feel as if my death was all for naught. That I could not change it even if I tried. HORUSS: I could stay submerged and forgotten and it would not matter in the slightest. HORUSS: *runs hands through his hair again, his shoulders so very tense.* Hopeless. KANKRI: 9h... I am s9rry she wasn't a6le t9 help alliviate y9ur feelings 9f this. H9wever I am n9t surprised, I'm n9t sure h9w c9mf9rting she c9uld 6e f9r y9ur situati9n, 9r perhaps any9nes, after what she has endured. May6e in an9ther time she w9uld have 6een 9f m9re help t9 validate y9ur existence 6ut I am s9rry t9 say n9w that is n9t the case. KANKRI: H9wever, I d9 n9t think y9u sh9uld limit y9urself t9 h9pelessness s9 quickly, there are plenty 9f 9p9rtunities y9u can take t9 make y9urself validated. And 9f c9urse y9u matter f9r s9me s9rt 9f grander purp9se 6ecause, well, at risk 9f s9unding as th9ugh I have s9me s9rt 9f religi9us drive 6ehind it, which I d9 n9t, 6ut I d9nt think y9u w9uld still 6e here n9w, alive in a sense, if it were f9r n9t KANKRI: hing. KANKRI: Y9u may n9t have a physical 69dy 9utside 9f this w9rksh9p, 6ut that is m9re then the 9ther mem6ers 9f f9rmer 6ef9rus can say f9r themselves. HORUSS: If you were in my position... is this something you would tell yourself? HORUSS: I must know. KANKRI: *Thinks on it a moment or two.* T9 6e h9nest with y9u I am n9t quite sure. M9st likely yes? 6ut it is hard t9 c9mpletely imagine myself in such a p9siti9n. HORUSS: *He just rumbles, resting his arms down against the table.* I have the capacity to disappear, I feel. But not the courage to commit. HORUSS: The truth is, I may have borne this cowardice my whole life. KANKRI: *!!! That is not a good sounding admition. In fact it sends off some warning bells in Kankri's head.* Firstly, I w9uld 6e distressed if y9u ever ch9se t9 disappear. I happen t9 enj9y talking t9 y9u when we d9, as y9u pr9vide stimulating and intr9specting c9nversati9n. KANKRI: Als9, I fail t9 6elieve that n9t wanting t9 disapear is a sign 9f c9wardice, and that the H9russ I have 6een intr9duced t9 has n9 trace 9f c9wardice in his pers9nality. HORUSS: How can you be certain? I do enjoy conversation with you as well, Kankri. But the entirety of my personality cannot be contained within a first introduction, canter it? HORUSS: Many people e%ist behind fronts, after all. In fact, can you count yourself as any different? KANKRI: *Is it hot in here? Boy he feels like he is sweating. From nervousnes and unease at all these feelings of his own Horuss sure is dredging up.* I uhm. F-F9r the m9st part I d9 my 6est t9 appear 9pen exactly h9w I am c9nsistently. HORUSS: But it is not always easy. *his ear angles at the faulter in Kankri's voice* Kankri. HORUSS: What are you thinking? KANKRI: Me?? *Clears his throat again to get rid of the quiver and rests his chin on his hand, adverting his eyes from Horuss. Its like Horuss can see right through him.* KANKRI: Im just thinking. Thinking 9f ways t9 help y9u feel m9re validated with y9ur existence and t9 make y9u 6y extent feel 6etter. HORUSS: *It's alright. Horuss keeps his gaze trained forward, seeing everything. Seeing nothing all at once.* How sad... HORUSS: But who's to do such a thing for you, I wonder? KANKRI: *Horuss please...* I sh9uld really depend 9n myself f9r that, as I myself can 6e the greatest supp9rt I can recieve. 6ut I als9 n9w have a m9irail t9 remind me 9f this. KANKRI: 9r help t9 remind me anyways. HORUSS: *he hesitates... but then nods. Sighing out again.* It must be a challenge overcoming these obstacles. KANKRI: *Glances at Horuss at the sighing.* Which 96stacles? HORUSS: The doubts which surge up. KANKRI: 9h... G99d thing I d9n't have many. *He feels like hes aging.* HORUSS: You said it yourself. You do try your best but it is difficolt to believe in your own capabilities at times. HORUSS: Believe me when I say... I find that it is not such a bad thing. HORUSS: ... HORUSS: In this, I do not feel so alone. KANKRI: Yes well, d9 n9t take this the wr9ng way 6ut y9u als9 find y9urself wishing t9 vanish... *His posture is slouching some now.* 6ut at least y9u d9 n9t feel al9ne. L9neliness can 6e quite terri6le. HORUSS: I never did claim that it was ideal. *peering at him some* But I am also not offended by your remark. HORUSS: It is simply... a fact that I feel this way. But perclops not definitively the whole truth. HORUSS: If my e%istance were to prove anything... *continues carefully* It is that there is always more. KANKRI: That is... an excelent p9int. See, there is always s9me s9rt 9f reas9n. *He feels so tired, and must look it. Kankri longs for the days where topics like this didn't effect him so bad. Maybe his reaction was in part that he was in a sense talking to a ghost of a dead beforean that made all these great points of how its suffering to just exist in uncertinty that really dug his deep seeded feelings of worthlessness in.* HORUSS: *Is content enough to fall quiet and sit in a companionable silence. Mulling these things over in his mind for a moment.* ..................... HORUSS: ........................... HORUSS: ..........I realize this is the longest I have ever spoken to another troll over these protruding topi%. KANKRI: *Hes also reveling in the mutal silence, taking the break from emotional front shattering questions and statements as a heaven sent.* .................. KANKRI: D9 y9u interperet that as a g99d thing? HORUSS: Yes. HORUSS: Is it good for you? *Phrasing.* KANKRI: *Nods.* If it has felt g99d and helpful t9 y9u then I have taken pleasure fr9m it kn9wing as much. KANKRI: *He is so stiff in his seat.* HORUSS: Then... this particular aspect is very good. *Oh. Some feeling of embarrassment is creeping up and he has no idea why.* I must confess. HORUSS: I feel rather filly. HORUSS: Silly, rather. KANKRI: F9r what reas9n? 6ecause y9u have talked t9 me a69ut what has 6een weighing y9u d9wn em9ti9nally wise? I d9 n9t think y9u sh9uld feel silly 9ver s9mething like that, it is m9re "Silly" t9 think y9u sh9uld. HORUSS: *ears flick* Yes. I suppose that's e%actly why I feel silly. HORUSS: Are you cross with me? *fiddles with his fingers, a silly bashful gesture for such a large guy like him.* KANKRI: Huh?? *turns to fully look at Horuss again, and his eyebrows knit together with concern.* 9h, n9 I am s9rry. I am n9t meaning t9 c9me acr9ss as such. KANKRI: I am n9t mad 9r displeased with y9u in any sense 9f the w9rd. I think I just feel... slightly affected 6y what we have 6een talking a69ut. KANKRI: Its really quite unpr9fessi9nal 9f me in all h9nesty. *Hes pretty embaressed about it and looks away from Horuss again to occupy his gaze else where. Like on that wrench over there.* HORUSS: Ah! Oh, I see. *makes a perfect 80 face* Then I am quite relieved. HORUSS: Because I too am not seeing this in a professional setting. HORUSS: In my standpoint, this is an e%change between myself and... someone I care a great deal for! KANKRI: 9h... well, even better my pr9fessi9nal reputati9n is saved. Hah. *Offers a small smile, see hes making a joke of it now, things are fine, hes great. Its okay.* Als9 thank y9u H9russ. HORUSS: I am obligated to thank you first. *astonished by these smiles and wonders how he possibly has earned them. Or the happy, fluttery STIRRINGS in his chest that follow.* I believe you are making this strife and struggle worthwhile. HORUSS: ...Help making. *coughs* KANKRI: *Boy, he may be turning a little red from that last confession, even after Horuss tried to correct himself. That sure is a lot of pressure he feels if hes what is making Horuss's existence worth while.* I am glad. 6ut also, we sh9uld try and find s9mething 9utside 9f myself t9 help y9u feel w9rthwhile and validated. HORUSS: *What! And the b100 floods in his face, as if he NEEDED that.* That won't be neighcessary. If you would like for me to clarify, then I shall! KANKRI: *Why is HE blushing.* Yes please g9 ahead and explain if y9u w9uld like. HORUSS: I only think that... it is difficolt to find things worthwhile in the moment but upon further analysis and introspection, I can freely be reminded of reasons why it's *worth* overcoming my own doubts and obstacles. HORUSS: To become a more wholesome person! HORUSS: And strife to achieve those standards within myself! *Don't ask why he's blushing, HE'LL ONLY BLUSH MORE.* KANKRI: That is an excelent reas9n t9 desire t9 c9ntinue trying in furthering y9ur eff9rts 9f existence, H9russ. *Smiles more at him. Thank god for this lighter conversation.* HORUSS: I feel as if you are teasing. Pulling my hoof........... *Don't. Don't smile at him like that.* KANKRI: *He is, he needs to smile let him continue to smile so he can feel better about his miserable life.* N9 I am 6eing quite seri9us. M9stly anyways. I think there are 9ther reas9ns t9 find y9urself and y9ur existence validated 6ut t9 strive t9 6ec9me a 6etter pers9n is quite pure m9tive indeed. HORUSS: *Horuss has made a terrible, sweaty mistake.* Yes... I am aware. HORUSS: I am also aware that you are only being mostly serious. KANKRI: *Why is he so sweaty? Kankri starts to look a little concerned again, but he keeps the smile going, the smile is holding him together.* Are y9u alright H9russ? Y9u seem t9 6e perspiring quite a decent am9unt. HORUSS: I am abide%erous actually. So no. Not "all right". *HUFFS and turns the valve in his goggles to emit out MORE STEAM.* KANKRI: ....Was that a j9ke y9u just t9ld me? HORUSS: I-- ... HORUSS: ... HORUSS: *buries his head in his hand again. Leaning deep against his table.* KANKRI: !!! *OH NO.* Uh!! S9rry I didn't mean t9 9ffend 6y asking. 9h dear. Are y9u 9kay, H9russ? *Hesitently reaches out to touch his shoulder. He is trying to be comforting.* HORUSS: *He cannot hid his furious blushing.* Yes... HORUSS: That... HORUSS: ... HORUSS: (Was a joke.) KANKRI: ...I see. *Horuss please. Kankri just sits there a moment with his hand on his shoulder, unsure what exactly to do so he just awkwardly pats his back in hopes that it comforts the horse.* It was very g99d. HORUSS: *His head is buried in his arms, chirring very low like he is happy. DISTRAUGHT. But happy. Gosh darn it. Why can't he hide these things?* KANKRI: *Kankri has no answer for him, and just keeps patting his back. Hes going to keep doing this until Horuss comes back up from hiding himself.* HORUSS: *Whatever this is, this... physical contact business... it feels very nice. Horuss begins to surface, the blue color tinting the tips of his ears.* ...Hello. KANKRI: *Glances down at him peeking out from his arms finally.* Hell9. KANKRI: Y9ur face is rather flushed. Y9u must have kept y9ur 69dy heat trapped between y9ur face and arms causing it t9 heat up that way. HORUSS: My goggles may be to blame. *slowly sitting up again. Complains faintly....* As well as your relentless ribbing. KANKRI: *Retracts his hand as Horuss sits up.* Ah, my 6ad, I can ease up 9n the senseless teasing if y9u w9uld like. HORUSS: Neigh... It is.... HORUSS: *seems to struggle with himself* HORUSS: Fun. KANKRI: Then I will carry 9n as I have 6een. 6ut feel free t9 ask me t9 st9p at any time. HORUSS: *Kankri can't see him but if he could, Horuss would be shiny eyed.* Yes. Okay. KANKRI: *It might be for the best he cant see the shiny eyes.* I am glad y9u are feeling 6etter, H9russ. HORUSS: Yes. HORUSS: I insist you have contributed majorly to this outcome. KANKRI: Thank y9u, I d9 try my 6est. *Glances around the room they are in. He's still a little nervous that it might just suddenly cease to exist.* HORUSS: *A frivolous worry. Horuss has completely solidified this particular pocket in the void. It's fine.* HORUSS: Yes, I know. And I... HORUSS: Appreciate you. KANKRI: *Heck.. Who said Horuss was allowed to say these things to him. Kankri has been experiencing an endless flood of emotions since stepping through that portal and now he is being told he is appreciated too?? Its too much.* KANKRI: *His smile becomes a little wattery.* Again, thank y9u, H9russ. That is very kind 9f y9u t9 say. HORUSS: *Oh... and now Kankri's expression is looking a little water. Compelled by compulsion or some other force beyond his comprehension, Horuss reaches out. Carefully. So gently... to place his hand on Kankri's shoulder.* It only begs as a reaction when you were kind first. KANKRI: *When Horuss's hand first makes contact with his shoulder Kankri stiffens more so, but only for a moment before he relaxes with a sigh.* KANKRI: Its simply what friends d9, isnt it? KANKRI: Y9u w9uld 6e just as kind were the r9les reversed. HORUSS: That is very optimistic of you to say. HORUSS: But that is why we two are different. KANKRI: That, 9f c9urse, is y9ur right t9 think. HORUSS: And it is your right to think that it is my right... to think... *trails off. Gosh darn it. That was silly.* Never mind. KANKRI: *It may be silly but it does get him to chuckle.* F9r a m9ment y9u seemed t9 6e 9nt9 s9mething there. HORUSS: Never you mind. *insists, retracting the weight of his hand back.* KANKRI: I in fact mind a little, 6ut I shall let it g9 f9r y9ur sake. HORUSS: You really are merciless. *exclaims softly. Pitiously.* KANKRI: It truly depends 9n my m99d. *Look at them, joking around, like things werent just dark and depressing before.* HORUSS: How could I have earned this... *Laments but not really. Horuss is having fun.* KANKRI: Hmm. F9r starters y9u rand9mly 6r9ught me int9 this strange dimensi9n like space with9ut t99 much fair warning. HORUSS: I did ensure it was quite stable. HORUSS: But I suppose you are brave for taking the plunge. HORUSS: I would have done the same for you. KANKRI: Glad t9 hear that were I t9 ever 9pen up a p9rtal int9 a different plane 9f existence y9u w9uld f9ll9w after me. I will h9ld 9nt9 that 6it 9f kn9wledge f9r a rainy day. HORUSS: Perclops it is a thought which will keep you afloat when all else fails. *totally pouts* HORUSS: Then and only then will you udderstand. KANKRI: Y9u never kn9w it just might. *He rests his chin on his hand and his elbow on the work bench, still feeling very tired from their previous topic. The feeling is going to follow him for several hours, he knows it.* HORUSS: *Gazing at him... considering.* You might return through the portal if you like. KANKRI: 9h. Will y9u n9t 6e acc9mpanying me? *Looks between Horuss and the portal.* HORUSS: *holds his breath, hesitating* I think I may need some more time to process the magnitude of my emotions. HORUSS: But neighvertheless. I will go with you. *rising to his feet* KANKRI: *hes quick to join him in standing. While Kankri is unsure of leaving Horuss by himself, he also knows he'd rather get back to his own relm of existence.* Thank y9u, I really appreciate y9u c9ming with me, at least f9r a time. HORUSS: I can think of no better way to repay you. *says, before fading out and going through the process of reactivating his soulbot. The electronic sound of his voice hums out of the voice box.* Let us proceed. KANKRI: *Its a real shame Horuss cannot maintain his real form outside of the void. Kankri cant help but hope that Horuss still intends to find a way outside of the robot body.* Yes, shall we.