LU 68 - Dr. Thornberry 17

I went back to Spawn today to go restock my shop. And who did I run into while I was running around? Space! I stood and chatted with him for a bit, each talking about our lives. I told him I was planning on going on a little trip to visit my old village when he told me I should stay there for a while. I asked why and he explained that there are people in the kingdom who want to rally up against me. *Sigh,* I mean I didn't expect it, but am I surprised? No, just annoyed. It's another detour in my path to power. But I told him I'd lay low and make sure not to get caught again. Need I remind him, *I got smarter?* I then showed him to the shop where I met Chizzy and Mira. (Space knew them apparently) We exchanged names and small talked a bit. While I was collecting my money, I heard Space talking to Mira about giving them therapy. He really just stole my own job. But I didn't care. Thanks to his idea, I was wearing a mask to cover my face and identity. He's helping me a lot, I guess he can take my job. He then walked to the kingdom with them which I obviously didn't follow. I just rehearsed my alias in my head to make sure I wouldn't mess up.

*"What's your name?"*

*"Vice Sparkleberry"*

*"What's with the mask?"*

*"Oh I got burned as a kid."*

*"Burned how?"*

*"Fell into lava."*

*"How long have you been living here?"*

*"A week."*

After memorizing my lines, I met back up with Space and the others when someone named Shroom popped out of the local nether portal in a panic. They hurriedly explained that Echo was fighting Bird Man and that they need quick help. To not make Shroom or anyone else suspicious, I quickly rushed in to help with Space. But by the time we got to the scene, Echo was splayed unnaturally on the floor. A happy sight for me. Space and I stood back while we watched Shroom mourn and take Echo's things. I was whispering about how happy I was that Echo's dead and how proud I was about taking one of their lives, Shroom over heard me and came to confront me. At this point Space ran away. S*igh,* Coward. I quickly explained it was a misunderstanding and left when there was a gap in the conversation. I ran into Shroom again at spawn when they told me that Echo had left a will. A will with *EVERY DETAIL OF THEIR LIFE IN IT?!?* Anyway, Shroom fully investigated me and my life. The found the lab and I went with them and Space. I said I've never seen this area before and started crying when Shroom kept pestering me.

*"Shroom this is honestly offensive. I can't believe you think I'm like him. I-I can't even say his name it's too much."*

When Shroom asked Space to confirm if I had admitting to killing Echo once earlier, he backed me up and said he didn't remember. Wonderful! But I continued sobbing.

*"I would never.... Only a week in this town and I'm already being bullied.. Just like before. Every town I've been too, I've been a victim."*

I'm honestly surprised how good I'm getting at this acting thing.

*"I don't mean to put you on the spot. I'm sorry"*

They ended up finally believing me and Space took us to the Verdure, where Echo used to live.

*"Woah this is cool! Too bad they're dead!"*

After going home and winding down from the stressful events of that day, I go out again to stargaze at Spawn. But I end up meeting a happy looking fish man who called himself Nat. We spoke about my mask, my life and his life and where he came from. He pointed out that I reminded him of someone he met.. Frez I think was his name? As we talked, he asked me about my job and I told him I was a chemist. A brewer, bartender type guy. He seemed interested and after I gave him some complementary thick water, (which he didn't hate like everyone else) we walked to my shop. He gazed at it and asked me questions about the wood. I told him it was wood from the nether dimension and used to be my father's favorite color. He asked where my father is now to which I replied that he passed. He apologized and mentioned he could help me find him. This kid is sweet man. We talked about people we've met before he pointed out the building with a big red "+" on it. Aka, my therapy building. I told him I heard a therapist (me) works there and that we should go check it out. Of course, when we looked, no one was home. The door was unlocked so we went inside and looked around. Nat recognized a suspicious looking part of the wall so I quickly led him the other way. We spoke for a bit longer until he said he should probable head back to his friends. We parted ways and I watched him run off. *Sigh,* He's such a good kid, I really don't want to lie to him.