just a husk

Dead? Oh no, not dead. I'll wish I was dead.

It's changing me again, I can feel it.

It's.. fine. This is nothing. Absolutely nothing, when you compare it to the Sanctuary.

(Descole wipes the ichor from his cheeks. They grimace when they lift their head to look at him.)

If that similarity remains, then you know the pain I'm speaking of.

It can continue dining for all I care.

Just give me a moment of rest, and I can get Marshall back! I can locate the girl and Nimbus while I'm—!

(Groaning, Descole leans forward and covers their face again.)

Fucking——goddamn sensitive eyes...

Well, as I've been trying to tell you, the young one was affected first.

In simple terms, he and I are the same person.

I don't recall how long I was in there as a child. This is a reopen wound, in a way. Trying to manipulate the Stream again takes its toll.

But I'll continue, for Marshall.

Why don't you take a guess.

(Descole lifts themself up, sitting up on the couch. The towel from his eyes falls down, revealing nothing but pitch black, leaking iridescent ichor.

Under the sleeve he pulls down, there are static, wisping scars that pulsate his entire arm.)

Good God. What do you THINK I've been doing, Layton?

I've been speaking to him since before you found me in the Stream—and I've been *trying* to get myself in there.

It's not quite a moment he forgot. Very well.

(Shaking his head, he lets out another sigh.)

Yes, the younger Hershel. He's usually a feline while he's trapped in the Stream.

He is.. us.

Hah!! That's rather unfortunate, isn't it? I'm surprised the young one hasn't shown himself yet.

I'm referring this one—

(Lifting their hand, they pointed correctly towards the fae, even without looking.)

Unless you've forgotten him and your trip to the Stream.

Pfeh.. I like this one.

You and Desmond never got to speak as much. Far too busy being suffocated by the child's snake tail.

I don't have to play messenger this time, just the delivery man.

(Descole lets out a deep sigh.)

Unless that was sarcasm.

You're not. They're only winding down.

Feel free to do as you'd please.

Hm.. I've forgotten one more.

(They lean their head back a bit further on the couch, folding the towel off their mouth and more towards their eyes.)

Hello there, Ross. I won't force you to greet us.

I can still hear you, you know.

Ugh, thank you...

(They take it and drape it over their face.)

Get me a towel for my eyes.

(Still covering up his eyes with one arm, he uses the other to wave aimlessly at the air.)

Hello, Layton.

Everyone's looking for that little girl. I'll rejoin them when I've gathered myself.

(Descole groans, covering their eyes with their hand. It seems that they're sensitive to light.)

Don't any of you dare follow. You need to gather your strength.

(Pulling down on their shirt sleeve, they witnessed scars from the stream deepen. Hiding them once again, Descole lets out an exhausted sigh, throwing their head back onto the cushions behind them.

They needed to rest before they attempt to contact Marshall again.)

..I suppose you haven't changed too much.

(A small smile cracks on their face as they watch the two.

Suddenly, Descole looks over the couch, calling out to someone.)

Hey. Get over here, they're back.

(Descole shook their head.)

It should've been done sooner. I had.. exhausted my body.

(Their hand moves once again, holding it out for Hershel, who holds onto their arm tightly, leaving light scratching to their sleeves.

Descole's soon able to pull them out of the Stream, and onto the couch cushions next to them. They cover up their eye with the very same hand.)

(Their hand lifts up again briefly; their index finger softly petting at Simon's head.)

able to see it.)

(The process continues on for some time, and then... Hershel stops. He feels something pushing him away, so he backs up.)

...

(Descole takes a deep breath on the other side, and presses their hand against something solid in the air.

An opening. His arm digs deep into it, and soon the two are

That's it. Excellent.

I can feel your presence getting closer.

You shouldn't be too far — we're all in the same time.

Yes.. it's possible.

Now Layton, if you'll follow the sound of my voice, it should serve as your ticket free.

If I could send you home, I would. Layton will need to seperate from me, first.

Not physically, no.

I'm able to contact you through my mind's eye. It's how I've spoken to Marshall before.

I can try to guide you out of there, Layton.

Judging by your silence, I'll wager you don't recognize me.

It's Descole. Or rather, who you're more familiar with— Desmond.

I am tied to the Stream.

We have a connection.

Well now.. I suppose it wasn't that hard to find you after all.