third sacrifice : video;

[handholding]

[The video comes on shakily, the hands holding the SFC seeming to tremble. There are no tears on the tanned boy's face, but there is no mistaking the upset there.]

Wander has been sent away by the god of this place...

He hasn't been home in several days. I searched but, I'm-- [alone...] ... I'm certain he's no longer in the city...

[He doesn't say anything for a long time, just looking around, presumably at apartment that only he occupies now]

... what do I do now... ?

[It's muttered only to himself, but it's the last thing he says before the SFC is turned off]

Comments

[Video]

[fightforastar]

I'm sorry. Is that who you were staying with, sweetie?

[Video]

[handholding]

Yes...

[Don't mind that sniffling. He's just trying to not cry.]

[Video]

[fightforastar]

...do you need some company?

[Video]

[handholding]

N-no...

... yes. I-- ... I don't want to stay here anymore...

[Video]

[fightforastar]

I'm sure I could make room if you need it.

[Video]

[handholding]

Actually... Gamzee offered to let me stay with him. ... thank you, though.

[Video]

[fightforastar]

All right. So long as you have someplace.

[420]

Hey, lil' bro.

[He sounds soft, much softer than normal at least.]

Maybe your bro will be back soon.

[handholding]

I'm not sure about that...

[Mainly because Wander had often hinted that if he were to return, there was a bad fate waiting for him.

He never said it out right, but the implication was enough for Ico to pick up on.]

[420]

Shouldn't all be in the motherfuckin' business rightly of giving up hope like that. Shit'll turn out fine. It always does.

[He thinks for a moment.]

Wanna crash here until your bro get to being back?

[even if that is forever, that is cool. That is basically how he got all his other hive-mates.]

[handholding]

[Things will always turn out fine. Until you start dealing with dark gods and colossi...]

... stay with you?

[He's not sure why he's shocked by the offer. He just... is.]

[420]

Yeah! See, what my main man Wataru did all get to schoolfeeding me on was that any motherfucker what be achin' for it could get their rest on at our hive. If you wanna I'm sure we done could be findin' you a motherfuckin' spot. Can't be feelin' like my bros would be against that.

[handholding]

... I would... like that. I don't want to stay here alone...

video;

[dreamchasing]

Oh, Ico ...

You're welcome to come back here if you need a place to go. I don't think anybody will mind at all.

video;

[handholding]

Oh...

A-actually Gamzee offered for me to go to his place...

Thank you, though. I promise I'll visit again soon!

video;

[dreamchasing]

All right. As long as you have a safe place to stay, I won't worry so much.

Come visit anytime you like! We would love to have you over!

video;

[handholding]

I do. Gamzee is very nice. And he has horns like me!

video;

[dreamchasing]

He does? Is he from your world?

video;

[handholding]

No. He's... [what was the word] A troll!

[replicatedcourage]

[Looks like Johnny's not the only one who's gone...]

I'm sure he'll be back eventually, but do you want to do something in the mean time? I could show you how to play an instrument like you wanted!

[That's a good distraction, right?]

[handholding]

Oh... I haven't thought about that. I would like to, yes. Thank you, Sola...

[replicatedcourage]

Okay, meet me in the park! I'll bring you a flute and everything, don't worry.

[He cuts off the video abruptly, presumably to go collect said item and head to the aforementioned location.]

[handholding]

[Oops. That was fast. Ico blinks a few times, but hangs up on his end and heads for the park.]

[replicatedcourage]

[When Ico locates Sola, he's sitting on a rock (his music rock!) toodling on his ocarina as he waits for Ico. There's a small wooden flute next to him just waiting for Ico to pick up and try.]

[handholding]

Sola!

[Ico spots him and waves, though it's pretty obvious he's not feeling as chipper as he usually is.]