STORY

STORY

ZOO AND ME
[Kevin MacLeod: Cipher]

Just a few days ago, the duo were given a business card by Zookeeper to come to his company. With little money to their name and a (shockingly) paid internship up for grabs, both agreed to go check out the job.

When Madam hears the beep of the door opening she's quick to make assumptions. "Ah, you must be the inter-"

She pauses to stare, tilting her head slightly.

"Zookers? Bones?"
Tibia
2024-12-24 02:33:10
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 02:36:12
"No one's called me "Zookers" before, I like it!"
"Hmm no not you..."
Zion
2024-12-24 02:33:41
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:09:43
The robot unclips the ID on his shirt, holding out to the cekeki to read. It says "Zion" on it.

She turns to look at the robot, only to come face to face with an ID.

"Zion?" She places a hand to her mouth in thought. "Are you suuuuuure you're not Zoo pretending to be undercover at your office? I'm just saying, if you are, it ain't that good of a disguise, no offense."
Madam
2024-12-24 02:37:15
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 14:59:30
"If you really need help, I can get you dressed up in something that'll really fool them!"

Zion looks at the cekeki and back at his boss, though he feels that having them speak for him would do no good in convincing the Lady.

He looks back at her and shakes his head, pointing again at the ID in his hands. 'Zion, Zion,' he points twice.
Tibia
2024-12-24 02:38:40
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 02:39:44
"Ah, silly me, Zi-boss, is just feeling shy!"
Madam
2024-12-24 02:39:22
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:13:51
Madam snorts. "I got it, Zion." She says with a wink. "Let's see what tasks you two are helping us with." She checks her computer, her eyes narrowing.
Madam
2024-12-24 02:41:04
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:14:50
"Ooooh funny joke, lads. If you wanted me to walk you to your room, you know you could have just asked me."

Madam takes a pen and clipboard off the desk as she heads towards the elevator, using her tail to wave the duo forward.

Hesitantly, Zion looks at Tibia before following Madam, looking at his boss to beckon them over.
Tibia follows, a pep in their step. So this is what the inside of a super official building looks like!
2024-12-24 02:43:00
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Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 14:59:59

Madam takes them to the top floor. She steps out of the elevator and jumps in shock.

"T-Two of them!?"
"Oh the interns I ordered are here."
"Don't worry about Madam, she was in shock when she saw Collector for the first time too!"
"I can't believe she's so surprised someone would steal my looks. I mean, when you look this good everyone wants to steal it!"
Small crumbs and sickening sounds come from above. Madam motions that it's best to not look up, but taking a quick peer upwards reveals a large foul cekeki, eating a clump of what could only de described as "trash."
"As you can see, pickings are slim on assistants right now."
Zion
2024-12-24 02:47:18
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:12:45
Zion leans in close towards Tibia as he glances at the odd parties. ("What an odd party of officer workers, right…?")
("Well, what can you say? Knock-offs can never compete.)
"Are they talking about me? I see them whispering!"
Zookeeper
2024-12-24 02:48:33
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 02:49:00
"You are literally hanging upside down in my office eating a ball of trash, Herr. We're all talking about you."
"You chose the best of the best!"
Zion
2024-12-24 02:50:10
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:15:51
Uncomfortably leaning away from Tibia, the robot rummages in his pocket, taking out the business card that his look-alike had given him a while ago. He looks at Tibia to ask the other robot what exactly they'd be doing at this company.
Tibia
2024-12-24 02:51:16
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:16:31
Tibia takes the card, holding it out in front of themself like a state of the art Gumby! "Zion and I were wondering what we'll be doing."
"Oh right it's you two! You know I'm so glad you came here Zion!"
"No idea why you brought the other guy here but hey I get it! He's stuck to you like glue!"
"By the way, sorry for calling you Collector before. I just really thought you were him! Now I see that you're from one of those alternate universes!"
Zookeeper
2024-12-24 02:53:51
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 02:56:15
"Woah! Like, he's an alternate version of you? I wonder how I'm doing in that other universe?"
"You are likely dead."
"Oh."
"Honestly I was going to ask you folks to help clean up Herr after he finishes eating, but I was wondering if you two....would....."
"Hh...make me some art..instead."
Zion
2024-12-24 02:56:43
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:17:13
("This guy's a little intense,") He whispers to Tibia.
("Kinda like you, honestly. You're both one in the same.")
("He's nothing like me. Do not ever say that again.")
("I'm so much better in every single way. Why would you ever compare us!")
2024-12-24 02:57:57
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Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 02:58:09

Zion gives a brief cough, his voice a bit shakey and too quiet that the sound of the AC seems to obscure his voice.

"…Art. I can draw art…. but what exactly does this internship entail?" He uncomfortably messes with his sleeves.
"I don't do art. Apologies."
"Then you will be on Herr duties!"

Zookeeper tosses Tibia a broom, soap, and a bucket.

"Herr is such a dirty filty animal, I beg of you please get him cleaned up before my next meeting. Make sure to put him in a good mood too."
"If he eats another investor........."
"As for the more interesting of you...you will be on....hhhh...."
"Art duty. Draw me...the most amazing thing you can. Something that'll really blow my mind. Something that-"
Madam
2024-12-24 03:01:00
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:18:35
Madam snaps her fingers.
"Draw me something amazing from the heart and soul!"
"Heart and…. soul…?"
Tibia lets the items fall to the floor, hiding a small chuckle.
"Ah! Actually, I think I have a small drawing."

They scribble something onto one of their business cards.

Zookeeper rushes to Tibia to see the artwork. He takes it out their hand.
Tibia shows off a tiny plastic middle finger.
"My best work!"
"Haha!'
"Hahaha!!!"
"That's amazing!"
[Limbus Company OST Combat 3]
"Herr, remove the rat."
"Cekekekekekekekk!!!!!!!"

Herr starts scuttling down the wall. His train sized body is going right for Tibia!

"Wa-wait–! Wait!"
"Wait…"
"They're…. my emotional support…"
"Like an emotional support…..animal.. except like. An emotional support boss?"
"Not to be… bromoromantic but I can't work without him."
("I guess I wouldn't want to upset the artist....")
"Herr, stop!"
Herr does not stop his charge. He smells anomalous powers from Tibia.
"Spunkle use levitate..??"
Spunkle rolls a 20 sided die. A 4 is rolled.
2024-12-24 03:12:25
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Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-25 11:32:25

Spunkle uses levitate!.....On herself! So this is what the magic of loyalty is huh?

Herr rolls a 20 sided die with a modifier of +10. A 20 is rolled.

Herr grabs and shakes Tibia around, making a huge mess, before eating them!

"I hope this makes it very clear why I need new employees."
"That wasn't their last life, was it?"
"…."
"………."
"Well I suppose he always manages to… pop back up. I can just never tell when."
"And if he doesn't, you can stay with me instead!"
"…… If he doesn't come back…..?"
"I think I'd be a cooler boss anyway!"
Zion
2024-12-24 03:16:09
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:20:44
"At least buy me dinner first before you decide to employ me. He was my only friend that let me bunk with him…."
"It's ok, you can bunk with me instead!"
Madam looks like she's about to say something, when Tibia respawns. "O-Oh, that wasn't their final life."
"Hey, rat. Your friend is bunking with me tonight."
"Rat…?"
"W-wait aren't we going too fast?"
"Maybe like… three dinners max before we move in together."
"Going slow is for losers who don't know what they want. And I know I want you...."
"...and your.......talents...."
Tibia
2024-12-24 03:19:28
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:21:43
"Z-Zion…" Tibia gets on their hands and knees.
"We've been to at least 5 dinners! You and me… We're meant to be boss and employee! You were made for me…!"
Zookeeper
2024-12-24 03:21:09
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 03:23:08
Zookeeper steps on Tibia's back. "Lame!"
Zookeeper
2024-12-24 03:21:25
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 03:22:19
"This is the kind of person you want to hang with, so unconfident!"
"I'll have you know, I'll never get on my hands and knees for my employees."
Tibia pushes Zookeeper off of their back.
Zookeeper is pushed off, but doesn't react. "But I will give you amazing benefits!!!"
"You don't know the worth of your employees. I bet you wouldn't even handfeed them either."
("The union requires I do.")
Tibia
2024-12-24 03:24:39
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:22:33
Tibia crawls towards Zion, hand on his knee. "You're the best employee I've ever had. I tell you this every day. He would treat you like trash!"
Zion
2024-12-24 03:25:30
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:42:25
The robot takes a few steps back from the two. There was a slight comfort in being fought over by two devilishly handsome businessmen, he tried to reassure himself.

Perhaps this was that 'purpose' artists sought out for passion.
Zion
2024-12-24 03:26:26
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:43:28
Zion reluctantly stands in the middle of the two. "I- Well. I'll consider but."
Zion
2024-12-24 03:26:39
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:43:37
He looks at Zookeeper. "I have a question."
"Ask away!"
"Since you employ so many artists, do you know what it means for artists to find passion and comfort in their work?

That feeling of joy for having committed hours, even days to a project? That relief of looking back on a piece of artwork and… being happy?"
"Heehee. Well you see....."
"Heck no! All I know is that I give you stuff, and you make the art, baby!"
"I don't understand how you freaks do it, but I know that if I just keep feeding you, you'll keep giving me what I need!"
"I don't think a boss needs to know all this fancy stuff. All you need is pampering, food, and a roof over your head."
"You can talk to other artists if you need fulfillment like that!"
"I'm not here for… perks for free food. I want my question answered."
"An answer no one has given me yet."
"Yeah, and I answered it! I did."
"Will my purpose transcend my use to you?"
"I mean, techically I could throw you into the machine and make you a shrimp that goes to the heavens but I have a feeling that you're not looking for the physical meaning of transcending."
Zookeeper
2024-12-24 03:31:00
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 03:31:10
"See, I don't understand what you mean by transcending your purpose....but you know....."
"If you're me I don't think you know either......"
"You are me? Right? Or...are you someone else?"
"I think I could imagine a universe where you would have been interested in the arts, Zooky!"
"I can't."
"Why do you collect art? If you don't understand it? What's the purpose?"
"I collect art, because it's just the most wonderful thing!"
"People lose their minds, their fortunes for it. They gotta....have it....they need it......"
"The machine needs art, needs that special form.......to power itself....I just.....can't make it myself. I need others to do it."
"I just gotta have it!"
"Is there really any need to own art, other than want?"
"But if you continue to gather, you'll never be fulfilled. You'll just be hungrier and hungrier for more, for something better, for something that might satiate it."
"If we are two different leaves from the same branch, will I– never satiate my need to… find the answer for my artistry…?"
"Hmmmmmmmmm.....You know..."
"There was a time I was fullfilled."
"Oh well, that doesn't matter!"
"Art is absurd you'll never be fullfilled, and it's not just cause you are me!"
"It's cause we both know what we'd rather be doing instead."
"But we got quotas to fill baby! Orders to finish!"
"You can't just say that and leave me strung against the pavement…"
"If you know, or have some answer. Some… knowledge, I want to know."
"Yeah I can, and I'll do it again!"
"Look, I'm not going to drop my life story here. All that matters is that if we did what we really wanted to do, life would get in our way. I bet you're still clinging to a way out."
"But you got to give it up! Life isn't going to stop pestering you until you do. You can keep fighting against the tide, but you know what you need to be?"
"Normal."
"And do you presume that working for you would give me that sense of normalcy?"
"Because in that case, what makes working here different from my current job if neither of you can give me purpose with my work?"
"Oh simple! Because I won't lie to you."
Zookeeper
2024-12-24 03:39:35
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:47:43
"I would NEVER tell you that you can find your "life purpose" or some "greater reality.""
"It's impossible!"
"Do you want to chase dreams, or do you want to chase safety and comfort?"
"I know what I would do. But maybe you're different."
Zion
2024-12-24 03:40:44
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:48:19
Zion looks at Tibia, his glare is striking. "And… why should I stay with you?"
Tibia
2024-12-24 03:41:00
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:48:48
"Because…" Tibia pauses, and sighs. They lay on the floor, staring up at Zion.
"I… don't know why you should stay with me.

I want you to stay with me, I want… to continue working with you."
"I know I haven't been the best. I know I'm not a good boss."
("How romantic.....")
("Romance puts you on the street, madam.")
Tibia
2024-12-24 03:43:21
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:49:26
Tibia looks away, chest tightening as they say their next words. "I want… you to be happy. If you think you'll find your purpose among the numerous artists here, then… I won't stop you."
Zion grips his blue tie in his hands, sweat emoting from his screen.
Zion
2024-12-24 03:43:57
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:50:11
He looks between Tibia and Zookeeper, eyeing his boss with long hesitation.
"Fine. I choose you," he eyes Zookeeper.
"JACKPOT!!!"
Madam
2024-12-24 03:45:04
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 03:52:51
Madam lowers her head, as if upset.
"On one condition."
"You want the rat to be hired as a janitor, don't you?"
"…."
"Something higher, like my personal manager or something."
"Your personal janitor."
"And only for me. Don't assign them to anyone else."
"Maybe you're the me that's headstrong in his convictions but. I'm the me that hesitates and… is afraid to let go…"
"And that's where we differ."
"Zion… You don't need me."
"He really doesn't need you!"
"I don't."
"…But I want you."
"…With me…"
Zion
2024-12-24 03:49:27
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:53:01
"Just like I want this job, with him," He gestures to Zookeeper.
"Your gayness won't get you anywhere, boys!"
"Your art better be good to make demands like this."
"But I accept, as long as you clean Herr on Fridays!"
"Oh, his art is the best."
"You'll really have me? Zion?"
"It's hard. I can't choose one."
"Maybe it's just better to have both, if that's an option."
"I'll support you, until you're able to let go."
"Looks like that's a wrap! Madam, show them to their new accommodations. Give them one of the fancier rooms, yes?"

Madam seems at an utter loss for words. She lowers her hat and flicks her tail as she passes by the two employees.

"Follow me.....I suppose." Her tone is tense and tinged with sadness as she leads them to the elevator.
Zion follows behind her, his stride a feign of confidence as he follows her into the elevator, falling to the floor the moment he enters.
Tibia stays silent the whole walk, leaning against the elevator wall.
"Please tell me whatever I got myself into was worth it."
She sighs. "I believe you have made the wrong choice in my eyes, but do not mind me. I have......"
Madam
2024-12-24 03:55:55
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:54:10
She stops to pretend to focus on the elevator buttons while considering her next words. "....have no right to decide what is right, and what is wrong."
She looks at Zion, trying her best to not cry. "Do you know me at all? Have we never met where you are from, or am I dead?"
Zion puts a hand against Madam's muzzle and sighs.
"In my lifetime, in a world I've always known, I can't say I have. And if I'm him but a different fate…. then I wouldn't know."
Zion
2024-12-24 03:58:00
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 06:55:52
"But I know you now, and now is more important than the past. I'm sorry. I never have the right answers."

He pets her on her head.
Madam
2024-12-24 03:59:57
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 04:05:11
"I see...Don't worry about me. Sometimes I get it in my head, thinking too hard about people who are too far to help or don't even exist anymore. Sorry."
She smiles. "It's like, being sad over a movie, it doesn't matter none. I just thought about how heartbroken I must have been. To not have met you. Both of you."

The elevator doors open and as if on command, Madam perks up as if nothing happened.

"Anywho.~ Here's your room. Looks like someone left their house plant here."

"Kooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...."

Madam
2024-12-24 04:02:22
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #8
Last edit: 2024-12-24 04:10:38
"Uh, looks a bit....well, if you don't like it, you can always ask for a replacement. Anything for our top artists!"
RESULTS!
"Well......"
"The both of you didn't even try!"
2024-12-24 04:06:41
Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 07:08:08
Goal: Steal 3 items from the office without anyone calling you out on it. If you're called out on a steal, that steal doesn't count, but you can try again.
Powers: You have electrical powers and can make machines malfunction for a short period.
2024-12-24 04:07:07
Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-08-01 07:08:14
Goal: People are stealing around the office, stop them from stealing things at least 3 times.
Powers: You have the power to sense if someone has a stolen item on them. You may use this twice by pming.
"I guess you two aren't very interested in staying around....."
"Sadly, I got an order from the higher ups that I have to let you go."
"They told me, your "rehabilitation is finished" but I personally don't believe that."
"But even I don't mess with the higher ups when it comes to this. Game show is over for you folks. I'm not granting you any wishes, just dropping you off here."
"Try not to die anymore, cause my magic won't keep your bodies together from here on out."
"How funny! To lose immortality."
"Oh well, not my issue anymore. Tataa!"
END OF EXPO
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