Rocky Road ~ House of Dill, Saltriv, Shiron, and Vix

[IFBench]

"Yep, let's do our best to keep it like that!" Saltriv said, smiling brightly.

<><><><><><><>​

 

[Sudmensch]

A typical dull thud from the door signaled the return of a certain river monster from his alone time. Rubbing his head from its hitting the doorframe as per usual, Dill lumbered into the house, his tail dragging a bit as he listened for anyone inside.

 

[IFBench]

The sound of a pen on paper could be heard briefly, before stopping, as a certain Meganium approached the Feraligatr. "Hi, Dill!" they said.

 

[Sudmensch]

Dill looked up, a little sad smile appearing on his maw.

"Hey, Sal," he waved.

 

[IFBench]

Saltriv waved their leaf, before noticing the sadness in Dill's expression, and frowned. "What's wrong?"

 

[Sudmensch]

"Wanted to talk to you about that, actually," Dill sighed. "I... you know about all that stuff with how I ended up here, right?"

 

[IFBench]

"Yep," Saltriv said, their leaf and petals drooping slightly. "You...died, and then were summoned here."

 

[Sudmensch]

"...once we're done, do you really think I'll go back? I was talking to Owen down at the beach, and..."

Dill clenched his jaws, unsure of what to think.

 

[IFBench]

"I...I think you'll go back, but I don't think you'll die again," Saltriv said, giving a reassuring smile. "After saving the world, I'm sure you'll be able to continue living!"

 

[Sudmensch]

"Apparently that's not how it works. I'm supposed to... s-supposed to go to whatever "astral plane" I was supposed to go to. S-so... once we're done, that's distortion for me," Dill said, hanging his head. "And I... you know, just wanted to say it's been really nice knowin' and working with you, Sal. It's been great, and I'm gonna do my best to make that all worthwhile before that."

 

[IFBench]

"Wh-what?!" Saltriv yelled. After everything...Dill was just going to die again?

"It...it can't be like that. There has to be a way!" they protested.

 

[Sudmensch]

Dill gritted his teeth, his accepting demeanor cracking at Saltriv's words.

"I-I don't know..." he managed.

 

[IFBench]

Two vines were wrapped around Dill, Saltriv hugging their friend tightly.

"We'll find a way. There has to be one!" they shouted.

It couldn't end like this. It couldn't.

 

[Sudmensch]

At the hug, a few tears escaped the imposing alligator's eyes as he hugged back tightly, being careful not to crush the Meganium.

"I don't know... I-I... don't wanna go, not again, I can't. I can't..."

A sudden memory coursed through his mind, his eyes shooting open.

"Wait, Owen! He said Diyem could-!"

 

[IFBench]

Saltriv's eyes widened. "Diyem could what?"

A glimmer of hope was in their eyes.

They were determined to save their friend from his fate.

 

[Sudmensch]

"I don't know, but he said they can help!" Dill said quickly.

 

[IFBench]

"Let's go see Diyem as soon as we can, then!" Saltriv replied, beginning to smile again, hopeful for their friend.

 

[Sudmensch]

"Right!" Dill nodded, wiping his face dry of crocodile tears.

 

[IFBench]

Saltriv let go of the Feraligatr, then bounded out the door. "Let's go!" they said, looking behind themselves at Dill.

 

[Sudmensch]

Dill hurried after them, a newfound spring in his step. He wasn't sure if this would work, but it was a possibility at dodging oblivion. Why in distortion not?

He held a smile back, though, reminding himself to stay wary as he tailed Saltriv.