• Published 17th Dec 2017
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Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 4: At Luck's End (Comment Driven Story) - BrownDog77



The Final Adventure of Bugze the Changeling, AKA You. (Comment Driven Story)

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Episode 15: A Fishing We Will Go

Down With Chrysalis’s Comment

After Timber finishes relating the legend to you, you and the two other voices in your head begin to discuss about it. And once again you act surprisingly more logical and rational than you normally do.

Hmmmm, Gaea Everfree...that name ring any bells with you two?

If this spirit existed it was after my defeat at the hooves of the two sisters.

I have no memory of this creature either, nor do I recall a legend such as this with the Everfree back home.

Me neither, so either this Gaea is just from this world...

Or she is simply a local legend to give campers a scare as they visit the camp.

Either way this legend was a waste of time. We came here for signs of the Sirens, not some urban myth.

Ignoring Sombra's heated tone you instead hum in thought, catching the attention of the two humans in front of you. Gloriosa looks rather nervous before saying,

"Please ignore my brother’s silly legends, there really isn't any pro-" You stand up, interrupting the woman.

"Actually, I think there is."

This catch's the attention of everyone, those in your head and not, as a collective "What" echoes around the cabin. Ignoring this you begin to pace and hypothesize.

"So this Gaea lady threatened to destroy the camp for destroying part of her forest to make it right?" Timber nods his head at this before you continue, "And those lake monster sightings have only been happening after the camp’s construction began, am I right?”

Where exactly are you going with this Bugze?

"Well...I mean…” Gloriosa stammers, “Yes the sightings have happened more frequently since the camp was built, but-"

"If that's the case, then couldn't this lake monster actually be...?” You leave the sentence hanging as you wait for the others to realize what you have. A few moments pass before Timber's eyes widen in understanding.

"Wait, you don't mean that the lake monster is-"

"A minion of this Gaea lady? Yes! It’s the most logical conclusion!"

Shocked silence hangs in the air for a moment as this revelation is said, until you hear Selena face hoof hard and groan.

What? You ask in confusion.

THAT’S the most logical conclusion? Wouldn’t it make more sense to suggest this Gaea IS the lake monster? She says in exasperation.

Please, you hand wave, that’s way too obvious. The stories Jack told about the sirens said they were a threat sure, but this Gaea lady can control the whole freaking forest. That’s clearly more powerful than some fish lady, so she’d be the big dog in town.

…I would be more impressed if it weren't for the fact you came to this conclusion from watching far too many films. I knew this new intelligence of yours would only be temporary. And like that your confident mood shatters.

Well...thanks for ruining the moment Selena, you think with a slump.

“I don’t know,” Timber says aloud, “That seems like a jump in logic to me. I thought you were thinking that Gaea WAS the lake monster,” Timber speaks up.

You see? Selena says haughtily.

MY REASONING MAKES PERFECT SENSE!!!You challenge, before staring the human male in the eye.

“Well whatever the case, they’re clearly connected,” you tell him before a brilliant idea pops into your head.

8BitMadness’s Comment

"Say, what's the strongest fishing line you have?" you ask

"Uh, I think we have some rated for deep sea fishing, why?" Timber replies. You catch Gloriosa giving Timber a menacing look, probably for continuing to enable you.

"Why?" You start. "Simple, we're gonna catch whatever is in that lake and draw out Gaea herself!

Bugze, that's THE stupidest idea I've ever heard come out of your mouth in the last few hours. Where did all that confident forward thinking from a week ago go?

Actually, I like this plan, as stupid as it seems. Sounds like it will lead to violence.

Whatever is in that lake is our best chance at getting a lead on the sirens, and that's if it’s not one of the sirens itself, surely underwater creatures got dirt on other underwater creatures. This is our best bet to figure out where they are. We can’t let an opportunity like this slip, Selena! After all, the entire purpose of this mission is to get you a body! You point out.

Bugze, I understand this entirely, but this is risky. Calling out this Gaea entity in this form is suicide. If you die, I die, she says in worry.

Hey, don't forget me! Sombra butts in.

Yeah, but we don't care about you whatsoever, she says coldly.

Ow, that comment stung!He responds sarcastically.

Okay you two, settle down! If this keeps up I'll look weird in front of these humans. Just don’t worry about it, I’m not going to die from some druidic hippie goddess.

Gloriosa looks at you with a slack jaw and dead eyes, while Timber seems to be vibrating with an unknown level of excitement.

"That has to be the dumb-"

"BEST IDEA EVER!" Gloriosa begins to comment, before being cut off by Timber.

"I'll go get the line and our best pole. We're catching ourselves a lake monster!" Timber continues, running off with a manic grin on his face.

“Timber!” she calls out after her sibling, before turning back to you, her earlier cheerfulness all but gone.

“Uhh, what’s wrong?” you say trepidly.

“…Nothing,” she badly lies. “I just don’t like him getting so caught up in these games,” she huffs.

“Hey, it’s a free country, “ you shrug before stopping. “I would assume…?”

“What?”

“What?” you respond back.

You two stare at each other for a good few seconds in silence before she takes a deep breath, sighs, and puts on a false smile.

“Mr. Bugze, I know you had a rough night, so wouldn’t you rather relax and get some sl-“

“Yo! I got the gear!” Timber shouts triumphantly from the entrance, holding a large fishing pole and a tackle box.

“Buck Yeah!” you cheer and stand up, your drowsiness drowned out by adrenaline. “Let’s go fishing!!!”

“But I-“ Gloriosa starts, but you are already out the door with the green haired human, running full speed towards the lake.

A FEW MOMENTS LATER

Kichi’s Comment

After leading you to the furthest protruding shoreline on the lake, you hold aloft the deep sea fishing pole, ready to cast.

Alright, let's see if all those boring days fishing with Grandbuggy did something, you think as you try to remember any techniques…but you blank completely.

What the buck?! I know I went fishing with him. He took me all the time even when I didn’t want to, you grumble.

Were you even paying attention back then? Selena asks.

Hmmm, now that I think about it, this was back in middle school and the only things on my mind at the time were video games and how good Chrysalis was starting to look.

Say what now?

“NOTHING!!!” you yell aloud startling the human next to you.

“What? What’s up?” he asks.

“Nothing! I just said that!” you snap as you tightly grasp the pole in your alien hands.

“You alright?” Timber asks. “Your knuckles are white as bone.”

“I don’t want to lose this stupid pole is all. Still not used to stupid humie fingers,” you explain.

“Huh?” he says confused.

“Nothing! Here I Go!!!” you shout as you raise the pole and wildly fling it around like a lasso before casting it out into the lake.

“That’s, uh…an interesting form?” Timber says unsurely.

“Indeed it is Thunder,” you nod.

“Timber,” he corrects.

“Whatever ‘er’ name,” you roll your eyes as all of a sudden you feel drag on the line. “OH, I think I’ve got something!” You excitedly reel in the line, which feels really weird with fingers, and you look upon your prize…a human’s left boot.

“That’s...not what I was going for,” you admit as you toss the waterlogged footwear onto the ground and toss your line back out.

A little while later, you reel in yet another catch. Another left boot.

“Again?!” you groan.

You cast out your line again and again and again, but after an hour the only thing you’ve caught are seven left boots.

“Why? Why is it only left boots?”

Because you are horrendous at fishing, Sombra mocks.

I'm just a little rusty, I will get the monster soon, you groan as you keep casting your line in determination.

GreyRebl’s Comment

Many hours later…

“You are crazy persistent,” Timber says sitting on a log next to yours, the both of you looking out into the lake next to an even bigger stack of left boots. “You know that, right? After so many false catches, I’m surprised you’re still willing to give it a go.”

Listless as you are, what with focusing your all into the task at hoof-er, hand, you barely pay him any mind. Your eyes are growing heavy and dark, and your limbs sag from exhaustion, reminding you that you haven’t even slept since yesterday, but knowing your own luck, the instant you fall asleep, something will ruin your night anyway.

“You’re an eccentric yourself,” you mutter. “We’re fishing out a bucking lake monster for crying out loud, so what are you so gungho for?”

“Hah!” Timber smirks, adjusting the wire of his fishing rod with a tug. After watching you pull out nothing but boots, he decided to give you a hand. “I’d never turn down a monster hunt. Bit of a fanatic myself. When you get to know this neck of the woods like I do, maybe you’ll understand. I’ve been around here since I was small, and Gloriosa’s the same.”

You hum for a bit. For the first time in hours, you relax your gaze on the water where the fishing bob floats. Tilting your eyes up, you begin to see a much, much wider picture of the lake. The lake, ever extensive in all directions, glistens with shades of orange and deep violet under the evening light, and, although you don’t usually care to notice, it’s a beautiful sight.

“...must be nice with all that view,” you say.

“Heheh. Yeaaah…” Timber trails off, and you notice his expression wane. “Growing up, I thought so too. But see it enough times, and even a place as awesome as this loses its magic.”

You lift your head at that last word.

“‘Magic’?”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Timber licks his lips, rolling the reel of his fishing rod. “I love this place to bits. But I always wanted to believe that, well…” He gave a shrug. “That there’s more to it.”

You blink. “You mean you want more excitement in this place?”

“Nah.” He shakes his head. “This place is exciting enough as it is. We’ve got the reserve nearby, and you know how that goes.” When he gives you a meaningful nod, you realize what he means and sulk with a resounding groan.

“Don’t remind me. Freaking monkeys…”

“Look, man. I’m just saying that the Everfree Forest deserves a little mystery to spice things up once in a while.” He smiles. “Besides. It’s fun.”

Suddenly, a voice from behind breaks the conversation.

“You boys are still at it?” Timber lights up with a grin and turns around.

“Gloriosa! Here to join us?” Gloriosa rolls her eyes, brushing aside a strand of raspberry hair.

“With your shenanigans, no. Even if it’s just fishing, I would have stopped hours ago.”

“Meh.” You greet her with a simple nod. “I plan to keep on going, actually.”

Gloriosa’s brows furrows.

“That...doesn’t sound healthy.” As she goes to sit on one of the logs, her gaze trails toward the side at the obscene amount of musky boots laid in a pile. She winces, her nose wrinkling. “I… Just can’t believe it. I know they turn up once in a while, but just how bad is your luck?” A shudder runs through you.

“Oh, more than you’ll ever know…” you mutter darkly. None of the siblings hear your words, but they see the deep grimace on your face.

The two share a glance. Then, with an enlightened clap of her hands, Gloriosa fishes into her bag, saying,

“I know something that could cheer you up!” One by one, she pulls out a series of items, all enclosed in fancy, plastic wrapping. Marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers. She holds them up with a gentle smile on her face. “Who’s up for some smores~?”

“Oh, sweet!” Timber practically jumps from his seat. “I’ll start the fire! Even got the wood in place.” Laying down the fishing rod, he begins to pat around his pockets. “Now where the heck did I put my lighter?”

You make a show of clearing your throat.

“Please.” With a cheeky, little grin, you pull out a certain, charred hoverboard from your bag. “Allow me.”

The siblings eye your hoverboard, following it as you hold it over the campfire circle.

“Let there be fiyah!” you yell as you smash the stupid thing onto the wood.

Wroof!

The hoverboard lights up in flame, catching the pile on fire along with it! When the camp fire’s toasty enough to your liking, you pull the burning hoverboard away to dip it into the lake where the fire fizzles out. After you shake off the water, you slip the hoverboard back into your bag and then continue fishing as if everything is totally normal.

Timber and Gloriosa stare, completely slack-jawed.

“W-wha…” Timber stammers, “Just… How…?

“The Buck if I know,” you shrug and watch your line.

After a long while of questioning all they know of physics and science, the siblings shrug and start preparing the tasty treats.

You know, so far most humans I’ve met are ugly terrible gross things…you ponder.

And now you think otherwise? Selena asks.

Oh no, I still think they’re all ugly gross things…but Timber and Gloriosa are alright and not entirely terrible.

You are hopeless, Sombra sighs, sounding disappointed.

And you’re a humie fanatic. That show is for little fillies, you chide.

The human mythologies were around far before that wonderful show cockroach! They were her favorite tales…he trails off in remembrance.

Oh… you think awkwardly, remembering the information Nightshade told you about Sombra and his old friend Radiant Hope. Specifically how it all ended.

I…uh…I mean, I guess human…clothes are good? You venture, which causes him to sigh.

Do not patronize me, he grumbles.

Wow…sore subject huh? You say to Selena.

That’s an understatement, she agrees.

Puzzling Frost’s Comment

Kersey’s Comment

Darkinfinity666’s Comment

Wanting a distraction from that awkwardness, you accept a smore from Gloriosa and think about your doppelganger.

I Wonder what B2 is up to right now.

Probably something idiotic, Sombra mocks on cue.

Oi have a little more faith in the other me! He can handle himself.

I don’t know about that my bug. He does not seem as mature as you, and that’s saying a lot Selena says in worry.

I’m sure he’s fine, you say in confidence.

We find B2 after hours at school trying to peel some gum off the floor to no avail, while listening to his “brand new” Walkman, blaring out classic tunes.

“Fire! I’ll take you to burn!” he sings vindictively as he brings the lit up blowtorch towards the floor. He stops as a voice interrupts him.

“Uh isn’t that a little excessive Mr. Bugze?” he stops and looks towards the voices owner, seeing a violet girl with the glasses that Bugze told him about.

“Actually according to my guide book it’s standard procedure.” He says pulling out a book that says Now You’re Cooking With Gas.

“Okay...well I’m not one to go against a book but did you at least try to peel it off with a paper towel first?” B2 thinks for a moment at that idea. The mop didn’t work, nor the broom, or the jack hammer, or the axe, or the rusty spoon, so could a simple paper towel work? Shrugging, he turns off the torch, grabs a paper towel off of his cart and tries her method. Surprisingly it works.

“Are you kidding me?! I’ve been here for three hours trying to get rid of this thing!” He facepalms realizing he could have left for home when all the rest of the students did. As he tosses the offending mouth rubber into the trash he realizes how strange it is that he’s not the only one still around.

“By the way, why are you still here after school Twinkle?”

“It’s Twilight,” she corrects.

“Whatever “Twi” name,” he hand waves and waits for her answer.

“Oh, well, I actually use the lab a lot here for it’s free resources. I have many personal projects that I work on that I can’t at home.”

“Ohhh,” B2 says knowingly with a smug smile, “Working on revenge pranking like Bugz-errr, I told you about huh?” She smiles nervously and rubs the back of her neck.

“Kind of, actually,” she admits.

“Oh come on then, spill,” he begs.

“Well…The three from the other day are going to that new haunted house with all the animatronic jumpscares in a few nights.”

“Oh yeah, Fazbear’s Fright. I considered working for them before I got this gig. Sounds creepy.”

“Exactly. I’ve been working on a remote hacking device to manipulate the robots and maybe give them more than what they’re paying for,” she insinuates. B2 strokes his beard in contemplation before smiling and clapping Twilight on the shoulder.

“I like your moxy kid. Robot vengeance is best vengeance.

“Really? You don’t think it’s a bit much?” she asks feeling validated.

“Of course not. Now go on and finish that controller thing. Seize Your Destiny!” he commands, which causes the impressionable teenage girl to double down on her plans as she nods and runs back to her lab with gusto.

“Huh. What a nice kid. Now to see how many pounds of frozen tater tots I can steal from the cafeteria…”

BACK WITH THE ONLY TRUE BUGZE

Why do I have a sudden sense of dread?

Probably because your food’s on fire Sombra deadpans.

Ah, good point, you nod as you blow out your flaming marshmallow.

After a few more smores, the siblings look up at the night sky and see how late it is.

“We should probably be getting to bed,” Timber says with a yawn.

“Yes. Would you like a cot to sleep in Mr. Bugze?” Gloriosa offers.

“No thanks, I’m good where I am,” you decline causing her to purse her lips.

“Oh come on Bugze, the lake’s not going anywhere, it will be here tomorrow,” Timber points out.

“Yeah, but monsters like to come out at night, everyling knows that. If I go to bed now, I’ll miss out on my chance to get my magic stones,” you say as you toss the line back into the water.

RandomFastReader’s Comment

Behind you, a clutter of items falls to the ground.

“Whoa sis, watch those butterfingers of yours,” Timber chuckles. You turn around to see Gloriosa having dropped all the smores ingredients which Timber is picking up. She is looking at you, mouth agape, in surprise and shock.

“Wh-What did you just say?” she stutters.

“I said I have to stay up as long as I can. Catching this monster quick will lead me to what I’m looking for,” you shrug.

“Y-You said something about Magic stones?” she says causing your eyes to widen.

Crapbaskets, did I?

Yes you did,Selena berates.

Buck! Guess I am more tired than I thought.

“N-No. I said…Hammock Bones…” you lie unconvincingly.

“Hammock Bones?” she says not convinced.

“…Yes. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it,” you say as you quickly turn around and look at the water. You feel as though she is staring a hole into your back, but you don’t turn around. After a few seconds, Timber speaks up.

“Come on Sis, let him have his fun, he ain’t hurting anyone. Good night Mr. Bugze,” Timber says.

“Night Wilber,” you say.

“It’s Ti…Never mind,” you then hear his footsteps leading off. Eventually, you hear Gloriosa say,

“Good night Mr. Bugze…” in a tense voice.

Once her footsteps have retreated, you let out a sigh of relief.

Oh Thank Luna. I almost blew it there in front of the humans.

You did blow it, now they think something’s up, Selena points out.

OK, but I didn’t mess up TOO badly. They only think I’m eccentric, not insane. They have no cause to tie me down in a dark room or anything.

Not yet they don’t, Selena sighs. But they are right Bugze, you do need rest.

I’m fine. I meant what I said, I can’t waste any time. I’ll stay up a few more hours and catch this stupid thing.

30 Minutes Later

You are snoring like a chainsaw against with your back bent around the log and your feet in the air. Surprisingly, the fishing pole is still in your hands. You are jerked back to the waking world though, when the pole is tugged on hard.

“ZZZZ-Wha’s Huh?!” you babble as you reawaken and see your pole nearly bent in half.

“Ha HA! I knew it! This is it guys!” you shout as you tighten your grip and try to reel in the line. “I swear if it’s just another boot I’m gonna…gonna…” you trail off as an ethereal glowing light makes it’s way from out of the dark water. A large human like figure emerges from the glow, and as your jaw drops, so do your hands, and your fishing pole is yanked into the water by the figure.

“HOLY BUCK!!!” you scream aloud and scramble backward. The figure begins floating towards the shore getting closer and closer to you. “Gaea Everfree IS the Lake Monster!!!”

“Leave…My…Woods…” the eery female monster demands sending chills up your spine.

Bugze run! I can feel that thing’s energy! Selena shouts.

What?! You think in shock.

I can feel it too roach, run now! Sombra agrees.

But I-

“Leave…My…Woods!” the nature spirit demands again, louder as she steps onto the shoreline, and you get a better look at her. It has vibrant blue green hair, skin that looks made out of bark and other flora, and her sinister smile spooks the Tartarus out of you.

“I-I…No I can’t!” you say to the monster. “I came all this way just to talk to you.”

The figure looks taken aback for a moment, so you continue.

“Look, I see that you’re a busy plant thing, and I’ve got no beef with you. I just want to know if you’ve seen any sirens or anything in the last thousand years or so? I’m kind of looking for some stones and-“

“LEAVE! MY! WOODS!!!” she shouts as she darts in front of you, her form towering over yours. Only now do you feel what Selena and Sombra did. The sheer power. There is magic in this world, and now it might kill you.

You panic as the monster you sought out glares at you with her glowing eyes. You should run, you should hide, you should beg for forgiveness and mercy, but you don’t do any of these things, your mind is too frightened. So instead, you do what you do best...

Zapper frost’s Comment

Gorgeous Freeman’s Comment

Something incredibly risky and stupid.

“FALCON PUNCH!!!”

*CRACK*

“OOOHHHH!!! Son of a Bitch! You punched me in the nose!!!” Gaea Everfree cries out as she cups both hands over her face in pain.

You stand before her as she crouches and curses and cups her injured face, with your outstretched clenched fist in both shock and awe.

I…I can’t believe that actually worked, Selena says flabbergasted.

YOU can’t believe it? I just punched an alien god in the face…Why did I do that?! You mentally panic.

…I can’t believe we’re not dead right now.

Oh we’ll have plenty of chances I’m sure, you think as you watch as the forest sprit falls to her knees by the water’s edge.

“Oh God I’m bleeding!” she groans as she starts splashing water onto her face. As she does, you notice that on her wrist, there are five different colored objects. Five Colored Stones.

Holy…I’ve found them!

Bugze I don’t think those are- ignoring Selena’s wisdom, you rush forth to the grumbling goddess.

“Oh if this is broken I’m gonna-HEY!!!” she shouts as you pluck the purple stone from around her wrist.

“I ONLY NEED ONE! KAY, THANKS BYE!!!” you yell as you run off with what is surely a Siren Stone.

“GIVE THAT BACK!!!” the spirit shouts in anger.

You have now stolen a magic stone from a pissed off forest godess that you sucker punched.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Author's Note:

In Horror Movies, Nobody ever throws the first punch against the monster/killer, but it appears Bugze once again breaks the mold.

Hi Hive Mind,
That's right, a pissed off lady with poison ivy type powers is on Bug Boy's tale. Fight, Run, or Both? You Decide.

As always remember that there is no killing, and to otherwise go nuts.

Anyway, with that I have another announcement.

I'll be on vacation on Saturday the 19th for over a week due to the Phoenix Comic Con, and more than likely won't be posting the next chapter till after I'm done. I hope you all understand.

Anyway, I'll see you on the Battlefield Hive Mind,
Brown Dog.

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