The latest in pocket-sized companions

[adregem]

Upon finding his door back to Evermore and briefing Evan and company on his latest discovery of the Nexus, Roland has finally gotten to returning to the ever-changing realm of portals, dimensions, and alternate universes. His PINpoint is beeping away as he updates his friends on his whereabouts. There's an easiness to Roland this time, no longer wound up by the mysteries that need not be solved. It just works as it is, and he is glad to have somewhere new to explore, a place with no endgame in mind. A place where he can just...be. It isn't often he can let himself relax, with the fate of two worlds at risk almost constantly.

As Roland heads to the very end of the Plaza, he recalls a particularly fond memory, one of his firsts in the new, other world. Their dear Auntie Martha was being harassed by a wyvern, but it was not magic that came to their aid in the heat of battle. Higgledies did, tiny little things that could only speak in small squeaks of Higgle! Pig! Piggle! when they felt like expressing themselves. Other times, the higgledies would dance on the spot, or hop around shoulders, heads, and arms if they particularly enjoyed their master's company.

These spirit-like creatures could call on their own and wreak havoc in a fight, but they are peaceful, if not mischievous by default, and to find a higgledy or two around town is a sign of thriving life. And if you were lucky enough to see them - for not everyone in the other world could - then it meant there was something special about you, something strong in your heart to see such creatures of pure natural energy.

Roland reminisces about that particular memory now, because on top of his broad shoulders, and even sitting at the top of his hair, are a couple of the Higgledies themselves. One of every color hung around his frame, with some walking next to his large boots. He grins as he allows some to hop off his coat, arm extended outwards for their easy mobility. Some are bouncing with energy; some are shy and timid.

If these tiny little companions have caught your attention, dear citizen of Nexus, then you will hear Roland happily ask whoever can hear him:

"So, who wants to meet these little troublemakers?"

[ OOC: I'll be assigning certain Higgledies to whoever tags, as the game lists about 101 different little critters! Though they don't have sentient personalities, they are great for RP threading scenarios, and some Higgledies are more special than others! ]

Comments

[skeksisheretic]

"Hello, Roland! It's been a while. I hope you're doing well!" skekGra first notices Roland, then urGoh tells him about the Higgledies. "So..there are little invisible creatures with you! What are they like?" It wouldn't be the first time he's heard of such things, or maybe there are qualifications to seeing them that he doesn't have.

But since urGoh does see them, he can serve as his darker half's eyes for the time being. Since he's a Skeksis, a creature made of the urSkeks' negative side, his heart is inherently impure, though of course there's a distinction between that and being outright evil.

"Did you bring them to help me with my shows? If you did, thank you very much."

[adregem]

Roland is glad to see one of the first friends he's made in the Nexus. It shows on his face, which is usually so stern and serious. He waves as both skekGra and urGoh approach, though he feels some of the shier Higgledies start hiding in his clothes.

"Same to you two," he replies with a smile. Though his enthusiasm seems to wane slightly when he realizes urGoh has to describe them to skekGra. Still, Roland proceeds. "These little ones are called Higgledies. They're from my world. The best explanation I can give you is that they're natural phenomena come alive. The sunlight, the wind, the night sky...One day, they just decided to grow arms and legs, and well. Out comes the Higgledies."

Roland shakes his head, causing some Higgledies to drop down harmlessly unto the floor. "I thought the kids watching your shows would enjoy them. I know the ones in Evermore do, but..." He sounds embarrassed now. "...I assumed the magic all around the Nexus would make them visible for everyone. I'm sorry, skekGra."

[skeksisheretic]

"It's all right." skekGra tries to comfort Roland. "Maybe it'll just take a while. The magic here isn't always predictable. But even if I can't see them, urGoh can, and he'll tell me where they are. Sorry for disappointing you. In case you were wondering, our offer from earlier still holds. We'd love to work with you either here or in your universe."

urGoh gives a slow nod, shuffling forward. "We...wish to...learn more...about your...planet. Those creatures...with you...are cute. I like...the black...ones." He looks up and down, sizing up the Higgledies. "Thank you...for...bringing them."

"We wanted to ask you something." The old Skeksis's eye twinkles a little. "Do they have any theaters in the universe you're from? I'm wondering if the people there might appreciate one of our shows."

[adregem]

Roland listens to urGoh without rush, making a highly amused expression. Very briefly, he wonders if his son would have liked to meet these two folk, maybe watch their shows. Will was always very happy when he had time to read him a story...

As urGoh speaks, some of the more courageous Higgledy heroes begin surrounding him and skekGra. A couple of the shy and cowardly ones still find the newcomers intimidating and frightening, so Roland adjusts himself to cover them until they see their braver counterparts make the first move. In particular, Tove the Tenebrous and Wiff-Waff the Wafty lead the charge. Tove starts climbing skekGra's cloak, while Wiff-Waff pokes at urGoh painlessly, following the intonation of his every word.

"Yeah...Don't worry about it. They wanted to come with me this time around, anyway..." He's worried that Tove will cause some mischief, seeing as he's trying to jump off of skekGra's shoulders now to try and make it to urGoh, who he seems to find more intriguing. Wiff-Waff is now switching sides, standing in awe of skekGra. Roland can only sigh in exasperation at their antics.

"I've spoken to King Evan about that actually," he goes, trying his best to ignore the sprites but readies himself if they cast magic. "He's given us his blessing. We have a beautiful Symphosium that you can use for a show. We've got lots of helping hands there, too. Why don't we do a dry run in the Nexus where you're comfortable, and then let's move it to a bigger stage?"

[alittlehinky]

Cricket's chickens have had a minor escapade today. Someone or something tugged a hole in the fence--and maybe it was Roland's companions, but maybe it wasn't. In the Nexus it could have been any kind of playful creature, from a Pokemon to a god in the shape of a magpie. Regardless, he's spend the last hour and a half fixing the fence and then rounding up the escapees. Stir-Fry, the largest wyandotte, and Hot-Sauce, one of the younger black silkies, are the last two, and they are clearly very curious about Roland and the creatures hanging around him, circling and clucking and eyeing him from a safe distance.

Hot-Sauce won't be hard to round up, Cricket knows, but Stir-Fry is fractious and will need to be outmaneuvered. He blames Loki for being a bad influence.

It's not until he gets close that he notes what they're looking at, and at first he takes the higgledies for some kind of Pokemon. Trying his best not to get distracted by curiosity, he makes a grab for Hot-Sauce, and tucks her under his arm as she fusses halfheartedly. He gives Roland a wry smile and a little shrug. "I got some little troublemakers of my own this mornin'. Hope they ain't bothering you and yours?"

[adregem]

While Roland busies himself with his Higgledy hero friends, some trying to cast a few spells here and there in their excitement, he misses out on the first couple of clucks as the chickens come ever closer to his ragtag team of magical sprites. When he finally notices them, he's startled for a brief moment before he realizes they're regular 'ol chickens who've noticed the Nexus' latest oddities. He smiles and tries to lean down to see the black silkie closer, but Cricket comes in fast, swooping one in apology.

He stands up and waves a hand. The Nexus was home to so many people, it was a wonder he'd never discovered the door to this place much sooner.

"No trouble at all. I'm surprised that regular barn animals can even see Higgledies...And it looks like you can see them too, huh?" Roland is pleased at the discovery. Part of him wondered if the Nexus would even allow the natural phenomena to come. "Are you a permanent resident in the Nexus?"

(As they speak, a Higgledy by the name of Runcible the Righteous has made the brave move to jump on Hot-Sauce, as if attempting to ride on his feathery, fluffy back...)

[alittlehinky]

"Nexus regular ain't the same as other regular," Cricket tells him with a wry smile, stroking the hen to soothe her. "They been livin' with Pokemon and a god, so I guess little spirit folk ain't too crazy in comparison."

He nods amiably. "Been living her for almost two years now. Can't go back home, but I got better prospects here than I ever would've there. My name's Cricket, I--"

Whoa! He'd offer a handshake, but Runcible seems to have chosen this moment to try and climb on the chicken in his arms and he has to shift his grip on her to keep her from startling. "Hey, now, you're supposed to ask a lady first!"

[adregem]

Roland looks a little lost, eyes blinking in curiosity.

"Pokemon...? What in the world is that? Heh. You've got some pretty lively friends then, if they're living with such interesting beings." He sees the gesture to shake hands, and Roland attempts to meet it halfway. "I'm Roland, it's a pleasure to --"

Before either of them could finish speaking, Runcible is already on the move. He energetically wiggles side to side, as if willing the chicken to move with him. Was it trying to ride...? Roland sighs, head shaking in embarrassment. "And here I thought you'd behave yourselves. Come on, now. Leave her alone. You're probably not her type." He still manages to joke, dryly.

[tielle_mortevus]

Between her own natural curiosity, and her odd soft spot for small ethereal critters, Tielle lets out an uncharacteristically adorable squeal of glee at the sight of the higgledies. Being a vampire, her strong link to the the undead and spiritual energy is likely what gave her the ability to see the little things.

"Oh my, aren't those precious!"

Quickly pulling out a book from her bag, she starts scribbling notes and making some rough sketches of as many of the critters as she can, intent on learning more about them. She knelt down at Roland's feet getting a closer look, completely absorbed in her own curiosity it doesn't immediately strike her that she's barely introduced herself, let alone given Roland a proper greeting before speaking again.

"So what exactly are these lovely little urchins?"

She continued scribbling away in her book, eyes darting around at all the higgledies excitedly.

[adregem]

Well now. Roland watches the young woman with amusement clearly written on his face, as he takes a subtle step or two backwards to give her room to draw the Higgledies. Though many of them stumble over and roll around, they flash back into life, like a spark in the air as they manifest once more.

"They're called Higgledies," he says casually, resting an arm against his hip. He watches her gush over the sprites, as many of them are now realizing her intentions to sketch them. "Harmless right now, but I can call them to help me out in a pinch. Think of them as natural phenomena that decided to grow a body, two legs, and two arms just because they can." A pause, then a smirk. "Though I don't think they like being called urchins. They have a home, after all."

As the group of Higgledies peer up at the woman, Mutton-bane the Mushy takes a shy step forward, standing very close to her feet. Many of its fellow blue Higgledies, some of lesser power, have appeared in thin air to follow its lead. Tielle may find herself totally circled by a dozen of Mutton-bane's blue Higgledy friends not before long.

[tielle_mortevus]

Finally looking up at him, she realized just how overly absorbed in the little critters she had become.

“Ah, sorry, they just remind me a bit of all the lost souls my mother would take in, though those were a bit more... dangerous...”

She looked back down to notice the circle of higgledies formed around her. Taking a seat on the floor, she looked at Mutton-bane, noticing the sporecaps sprouting on it.

“This one seems special, do those mushrooms hold any significance?”

[adregem]

"Lost souls?" Roland quirks an eyebrow in response. "Huh. If they're what I think they are, then your mother must have a kind heart. That's not an easy feat." And by that, he means literally, imagining wandering spirits similar to those who have remained in the corporeal world and could speak if one knew the right spell.

He watches Mutton-bane squeal in its high-pitched voice - Hig! Hiiig! Pig! - and in a split second, it begins to dance excitedly, deeming the woman harmless enough to warrant its joy and attention. Similar Higgledies begin moving more excitedly, no longer caring if they could not be drawn as they appear atop her shoulders, her head, and around her feet in droves.

"Heh, sure." Roland says, genuinely enjoying the scene unfolding before him. He could almost call it cute. "Mutton-bane here is a Higgledy Hero, so it can command all the little ones if it wants to. That's why there's suddenly so many of them." From his hammerspace of goods and weapons, Roland finds a bunch of Cutesy Pop Mushrooms, pink and sickeningly sweet in their odor. He crouches down to their level for a moment and offers it to Mutton-bane, who wastes no time in absorbing it. It glows for a moment, before jumping up and down in glee.

"As for the mushrooms, well. I don't know about how it affects its magic, but it's also their favorite food."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"Ah! Roland. I was wondering when I'd be seeing you again." Ben approaches the President half-running. He wasn't looking for Roland, exactly, but he's genuinely pleased to see Roland again so soon. "I meant to ask you about the offer you made the last time we talked, the one about citizenship where you came from..."

Thankfully for Ben, the Nexus's magic allows him to see the strange creatures Roland brought with him. While he's not usually one for cute things, there's a certain charm to them, and he's curious anyway. They're small, and some of seem pretty fearless. Others seem scared of strangers. Understandable. The Nexus is a big and frightening place.

"You didn't have those with you last time. I assume they're creatures from your world? What are they?" He gives a small smile, his way of reassuring the little creatures that he's not a threat.

[adregem]

Roland uncrosses his arms upon seeing Ben jog up to him, his expression warm and inviting. "Ben, you're looking well. It's nice to be back." He takes a look around the Nexus, his unexpected little discovery, and feels a bit better about the circumstances thrust upon him. "It's funny you mentioned that," he says next. "It's an offer that still stands. Now that I've found the door home, it'll be easy to take a walking tour. See if you like it. Get a feel of what you could do there. We've laid the foundations, but King Evan's got plenty of work to do yet."

He nods in determination. "Let me know if you're ready to come see it for yourself."

For now, he watches the smaller higgledies slowly walk in circles around Ben. Plenty of them stare up at his figure, while the shy ones continue to disappear and reappear in the safety of Roland's shadow. However, Roland notices a quick surge of magic, and right in front of Ben appears Phantasmagoria the Foul, an incredibly powerful Higgledy Hero, but was also greatly misunderstood according to Auntie Martha. Roland looks impressed, a finger under his chin in a moment's contemplation.

"They're called Higgledies. Imagine natural phenomena like sunlight, the night sky, wind, fire, and lightning deciding to grow a body, arms, and legs one day." His smile grows as Phantasmagoria begins to chant in its high pitched higgledy language. He can't speak fluent Higgledy like Evan can, but he can feel that its intrigued at Ben's presence. "I'm happy you get to see them. This one in particular seems drawn to you."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"I'm relieved to hear the offer's still open. I would like to see your world, see what it's like. The description you gave the last time we talked piqued my interest, let's say. Travel between universes isn't uncommon here in the Nexus, though I'll admit to not being one of the better-traveled Nexus residents."

Inter-universe travel is a perk of Nexus life, especially for someone who was effectively blocked off from his own. It came with the territory of being dead back home.

Ben made note that Phantasmagoria seems to like him. Of course it's an ominous-looking one, and the Higgledie's name certainly sounds fearsome. But from the way Roland talks the dark little creature isn't so bad. "Uh. Hello there. What does it want with me?" He's glad that some Nexus creatures like him. "So they're...elemental creatures. We don't have these where I come from."

[adregem]

Roland is visibly pleased.

"That's fantastic! And you don't need to worry about commitments. While majority of our citizens are there to settle down, we have people who are on loan indefinitely, until they decide to live in Evermore permanently. It's not a problem." He has a couple of people in mind, but regardless of their personal circumstance, Evan is determined to allow them a place to settle on Evermorian land. The same invitation would be open for Ben, and anyone else who wanted to live happily ever after.

He crosses his arms and nods with determination. "Just be ready to put in some hard work. Everyone in Evermore plays a vital role in building the kingdom, so we'll need to assign you some jobs." But his serious expression melts into a playful one just as quickly. "Heh. You'll get to pick what you want to do though. We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

He takes his PINpoint out of his pocket and briefly exchanges relevant information with Ben, starting with coordinates. As they discuss plans for the near future, Phantasmagoria begins to coo in its high pitched higgles, summoning about a dozen of his dark friends to come and stare up at Ben. Some have taken to dancing in front of his boots, while Phantasmagoria itself reappeared to float briefly in front of his face, arms waving excitedly.

Roland pockets his PINpoint afterwards, watching this silent exchange between Ben and his higgledies with some level of amusement. "To be honest, I don't really know. I can't understand them the way Evan can." He hums. "But I can feel them, if that makes sense. And I'm pretty sure this one just wants to come with you for a while. If you allow it to, at least." Indeed, this was what Phantasmagoria decided on, as it wiggles in agreement.

[skyti]

Atreus enjoys the strange, the unusual. So of course all those little guys quickly grab his attention. They come in so many colors! So bouncy too, and there are so many of them! Atreus kind of has the image in his mind of a litter of particularly rowdy puppies.

...Weird looking puppies.

"What are they?" his hand twitches at his side. He wants to touch! But he also doesn't want to seem rude, "Some kind of spirit?"

He has the gift of being able to see and communicate with spirits and ghosts... but he's never encountered any quite like these fellows before. Most of the spirits he's had experience with... well they're usually not very nice.

[adregem]

Roland watches Atreus slowly approach from the corner of his eye, allowing the young boy some time to get used to the Higgledies move about before he felt comfortable enough to make his move. He uncrosses his arms upon hearing him speak, smiling at some of them topple over when they feel a new presence come close.

"Higgledies," Roland says lightly. "They're what happens when nature decides to grow arms, legs, a head, and a body. They look cute now, but they've gotten us out of a lot of trouble during some pretty tough fights back home." He is keen to notice Atreus' curiosity, judging from the way his eyes followed each jump, dance, and wiggle. Roland smiles genuinely as he nudges a particularly special Higgledy - a High Higgledy - to come and lead the charge.

"Why don't you come meet this one? Bamboosh the Brave's really strong. He was born out of the heart of someone who never gave up, after all." And true to its name, the fiery Higgledy appears in front of Atreus, waving his hand and proclaiming loud squeals of Hiiig! Piiig! into the air. Atreus may not know it, but Bamboosh is sizing up this new human's spirit.

[skyti]

"So they're cute and formidable!" he grins, laughing a bit at their antics. It's almost hard to imagine such joyful wiggly little things on the field of battle, but Atreus has had just enough experience with spirits to know appearances are FAR from everything.

Case in point the fiery one approaching him. If one had to go by headgear alone this one was VERY impressive. He looks about as feisty as they come too! That suits him just fine.

"It's an honor to meet you, Sir Bamboosh! I'm Atreus," he takes a knee to get a closer look, "I'm sure there are many tales of your valor."

He holds out a hand in greeting, and well... he's not sure if these fellows shake hands or not but it's worth a try.

[to_the_wolves]

"Troublemakers, huh? They seem full of life and personality." And cute, but Marie won't say that out loud, for the sake of retaining her pride. She approaches Roland, nodding politely to him, especially after noting his wardrobe and stance. Military garb? That's the guess she's going with, so being formal and respectful is the way to go here. Even in the presence of cute new creatures. Her resolve is certainly being tested today.

"Thank you for bringing them here today. It's rather refreshing seeing new companions from other worlds, especially ones that like to have fun." She extends one hand to Roland, once again resisting the urge to pet the Higgledies. "My name is Marie. It's nice to meet you, sir."

[adregem]

Roland pays the formality no mind, reaching over to shake her hand with a firm and practiced ease. But he had no airs about him. He was just excessively used to the sirs, misters, and whatever else came in between. The habit of a workaholic was hard to break.

"I'm glad more and more people can see them," Roland expresses warmly. "You can call me Roland. The pleasure's mine, Marie." He does entertain the thought of the woman coming from a world he was familiar with, if the recognition was anything to go by. She spoke in a way - an accent - that tickled his memories as well, memories of his time traveling from state to state, coast to coast, in the name of unification...But for now, he does not linger on the idea too much.

"You've hit the nail on the head. I've been told Higgledies appearing in places means there's good energy there. Signs of life flourishing." For once, the shier higgledies seem to be crawling out of their shell, pushing one another to approach and stare at Marie. He smiles, carefully nudging them closer to her with a gentle pat as he crouches down. "Why don't you guys say hello? Be polite, come on."

A particularly outgoing light Higgledy, Jumblie the Lovely, comes to life at his insistence, bowing at Marie before deciding to rally its fellow higgledy troops to do the same. They follow, making for quite an adorable scene.

[to_the_wolves]

Workaholics, indeed! There's clearly a bit of lingering stress on her face, quickly melting away at the change for a casual conversation and meeting some new spirit friends. Her handshake is equally practiced, years of consulting with denizens of the Nexus for business purposes have taught her a lot about proper manners.

She has to hide a bit of surprise at hearing his name, the quickly reassuring herself mentally that this Roland is different than one she knew from her past. For starters, Roland is well-dressed, has a different hair color, and doesn't reek of alcohol. "The feeling is mutual." She's actually smiling now, her serious persona dropping after the introductions and the presence of the Higgledies.

"That's a good sign towards the state of the Nexus then. Long periods of peace are thankfully common, but there's always some random rogue scenario that occurs from time to time." Approaching the Higgledies seems like that of a child: speak calmly and reach their level. Thankfully, Marie has a lot of experience in both those categories, as she kneels down to be as close to eye level as she can, extending one hand outward. "It's quite alright if you're nervous, I was the same way when I first came here."

And then Jumblie takes the lead, getting a gentle laugh from the suit-wearing woman. It's the hat and the general confidence the Higgledy has which truly impresses her. "Well met, brave Higgledy! Your hat is very spot on for the summer weather." She'll try to bow her head as well in greeting.

[neverseenhimbefore]

"Hello, Roland. What little troublemakers?"

The young Emperor cannot see the critters.

[adregem]

"Your Majesty," Roland nods pleasantly. "I hope you're in good spirits, Emperor Lotor." He takes a moment to look around, as more and more higgledies of varying personalities appear in the Nexus. He places a hand under his chin, humming.

"Can't see 'em, huh?" he says quietly. "I'm not sure if I can explain this eloquently, but I just brought with me a bunch of natural-born entities called Higgledies. In my world, not everyone can see them, but I guess that rule applies here too. Maybe give it time?"

He looks around and crouches down at the nearest one, resting by his feet. It's Dishcloth the Dragony, snoozing against his boot. Roland gestures to it.

"How about this one? Can you see something?"

[neverseenhimbefore]

Lotor looks very carefully.

Hmm. There might be something, he's not quite sure. Oh, how frustrating it is, to know something's almost in reach, and not be able to perceive it, not quite.

"Almost-"

Should he admit that?