A duo walks through the streets at night. They were sent by Zoo Corp to chase down, and return, a rogue advertisement machine.

"Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........."

The lights from the machine softly illuminate the area, making it easy to find, but the duo couldn't help but feel they were being followed.

As they turn, corner after corner, a flash of some creature following could be seen in the edge of their vision. Her teeth clattered and she hummed a grating song, but she dared not get close.

The machine does not stop. The mantras of organics have no effect on those who move by the will of electricity and steam. What does happen, is that rain begins on this night.

No one could have known just how long this rain would last.

The priest's loyal tentider wishes to walk in front of the machine. They could tell from its eyes.

The tentider walks over the machine, standing in its path. The machine vanishes as it passes under its long legs.

The duo walk under the tentider. The street before them is bustling with activity, but the faces of the people are empty and hollow as if stolen. Many products line the stalls. Shopkeepers speak in unknown languages as they hold up rare artifacts, gems, and stones. Light is filtered strangely in this domain.

Looking up reveals it to be a world under the water, though how the duo do not drown is unknown. For now, they are detatched from this world. Visitors.


A few stalls are before them.

One for artifacts beyond ones wildest desires.

Another for creatures forgotten. Including a large looming one, far bigger than a tentider.

The final is for nothing.

One of the shopkeepers grabs the priest. Teeth smile from the hole where their face used to be.

They motion to the great beast behind them, slapping the table and hooting as if their deal should be taken.

The tracks on the ground lead deeper down the stalls. The keepers become more increasingly angry. They scream in words drowned. At the end of it all is a twin of the original tent, leading a pathway back to reality.

As both exit, they see the advertisement has tripped over in the street, though its legs still move. An opening has been found for the ancient creature ambushing the group.

It charges using its large arms to shoot forward. It goes for its owner first. The one it hates the most.

...and it knocks the priest over.

The ancient backs up and attempts another ram.

It hisses and spits at the priest as it stops just a foot away, confused why he doesn't flee or move. Is it not ugly? A monster? Does the priest not want to react to it? Is that what the priest thinks? That she's nothing?

The ancient runs in circles.

It becomes more angry as it continues to get no attention. It slows down in its pace, but not in its rage. If she has to be ugly and loud to get an answer, she will.

She fakes many charges, over and over, seeking a reaction. ANYTHING that lets her know that she isn't weak. That she can defend herself.

The ancient hisses louder at being shushed. She will not be quieted! No one hears her. To be quiet is to be DEAD.

She charges, bur her injured arm gives way and she's soon on the floor, wailing in anger. Now everyone has seen how weak the experiments have made her.

The ancient snaps at the hand, but does not bite. She waits, but realizes she is not being harmed. Even when she could have easily been beaten after she fell, put in a cage, the priest did not.

She hops back a few steps. She does not want to be petted or touched, ever.

But she does do what appears to be a short bow before clicking her teeth together.

It's not a perfect friendship, no. But today the priest has gained a [Strange Companion] for having the decency to not attack those who have been attacked so many times before.