Catch-all: Bradley

[ercnerd]

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[ercnerd]

[His own emotions retreat into himself, replaced by tenderness as he watches Bradley.]

. . . It's frustrating, not being able to do anything while we're here.

[battling]

I hate feelin' this helpless.

[ercnerd]

Is there anyone who enjoys feeling that way? . . . Are you worried about him?

[battling]

[Mmm... He doesn't like being called out like that but...]

Why wouldn't I be?

[The heartbreak is much louder now.]

[ercnerd]

[His empathy grows.]

We'll have to get to the bottom of this sooner than later. That way, you can be with him in person.

[battling]

[All he wants to do is take care of who he wants to take care of, and he's not even allowed that much.]

He took today so fuckin' hard.

[ercnerd]

He lost more than just a person. . . . The secrecy is killing them faster than the killers.

[battling]

[A deep, heavy sigh.]

We know why they can't say shit. And so do they but...

[His incredibly depressed neet, he's so worried about him.]

[ercnerd]

It doesn't make the experience any less pleasant. In that sense, we're lucky to be here.

[battling]

We'd be luckier if there was anythin' we could actually learn.

[Frustration back in full force.]

[ercnerd]

You're right.

As we are now, we have to rely on what the newcomers bring and pool our knowledge from there. And there's still no way to safely relay what we know to the other side . . .

[battling]

We saw what happened when Miss Doctor tried.

[He absolutely does not want a repeat.]

[ercnerd]

[There's a spike of concern at the mention of Otome.]

We should keep an eye out for further repercussions—just in case.

[battling]

Yeah. Gotta make sure shit doesn't get worse.

[A slight feeling of dread. He is expecting it to get so much worse.]

[ercnerd]

. . . If it does, we'll find a way to fix it.

[battling]

We barely even know what we're doin' here.

[ercnerd]

Hugo thinks it falls on us to find our way out of here. Once we figure that out, we can work on everything else.

[battling]

So... keep helpin' the bear with his keys? 's that it?

[ercnerd]

For now. We can brainstorm better once the next location becomes accessible.

[battling]

[A spike of frustration.]

How much waitin' are we supposed to do?

[ercnerd]

Tomorrow's already looking busy.

After that, give it another day or two. That's how it's been so far.

[battling]

[A frustrated sort of helplessness as he looks away.]

[ercnerd]

. . . Hey, look. We managed to get the word out about this place. It may not seem like much to us, but I'm sure it meant something to those kids. We're not just waiting.

[battling]

[It feels like waiting. Waiting for the next Calamity, the next disaster to strike. Not being able to do anything about it. Being trapped in prison and wondering, waiting, what will happen this time.

Who will they lose this time? How many?

There's a part that feels familiar.]

Hope they get we're fine here.

[ercnerd]

[It's not just waiting, but it certainly feels like it when they have to slog through most of the week in indolence. Still, the distinction is important.]

If they didn't get it this time, we'll just have to remind them. It's the least we can do.