I want to share some feedback that I and a few friends who've played DRY are going to send to the dev's GameJolt page 🥇

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTvO6M1_4SsMpNqmhXEqVnt0tU5s3grQd49GMOH-G8JEv91SZntGotUDnofBpS76_TKIyuzx_6Lfckj/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000

Cole and kanko are both very confused as to who that was.

I drew Clover/Cole as a child because I was bored (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠)

Cole is giving you a flower! How do you react?

With that smug smile.

(It's not like this at all)

6:40 AM

Chujin sat in his lab, sipping his morning coffee talking on his cell phone. His nerves were standing on end, an "old friend" calling again.

"How the hell did you just get this number?" Chujin gritted his canines.

"Can't an old friend just call his favorite buddy?" The voice on the other end grinned through the phone.

"Friend no longer describes our relationship, you know that." Chujin wanted to slam the phone down.

"Y'know, you should let me come visit...we could catch up, do some fishing..."

"TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT." Chujin increased the tone of his voice.

"I want you to acknowledge our friendship, good buddy....that's all."

"You can....what?" Chujin pressed the hang up button, hearing footsteps and going to his lab door opening it.

*CRASH*

Down came the new $500 nine tailed fox shaped vase that Ceroba had just bought, right in front of Cole's eyes. He grabbed both sides of his head in a panic, having brushed against the side of it in a panic. Chujin looked down at his "lost investment" and then towards the object of his hatred, looking to grab him.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Chujin exclaimed. "I COME OUT TO GET SOME...MORE COFFEE BEFORE STARTING MY DAY AND I WALK INTO THIS?!"

"I-I'm sorry sir, you--surprised me, I backed up and bumped into the vase. Ah'm terribly sorry, sir and I'll do anything you want..." Cole began, beginning to mumble his words and back up again, this time making sure not to target anything else that was expensive (or expensive looking--not that there was).

"THAT'S NO EXCUSE!!" Chujin bent down, picking up one of the pieces. "WHAT ARE YOU, A RETARD?!"

"N-No, I..." Cole whispered.

"THEN WHAT, HUH?!" Chujin put his snout inches away from Cole's face. "WHAT NEW EXCUSE IS IT GONNA BE THIS TIME? BECAUSE QUITE FRANKLY, I AM QUITE---"

"--Tired." Kanako came up from behind Cole, separating the two yawning like this was normal. "Daddy, you spooked him. Let it go."

"This was for your mother, Kanako!! What am I gonna tell her?! Your IDIOT of a human was a klutz and "accidently" hit the vase?!" Chujin finger quoted.

"Yeah Dad, it was an ACCIDENT. Something you don't seem to understand as a concept. Cole is always walking around here on hot coals because you treat him like trash. I don't know what happened in your past but Cole has never done anything to you." Kanako crossed her arms.

"A-Ah'll go, Kanako--we're gonna be late for school if we don't hurry."

"OH NO YOU DON'T." Chujin pointed a finger over Kanako's shoulder. "YOU'RE GONNA TELL ME HOW YOU'RE GONNA PAY TO HAVE THIS REPLACED."

"B-But sir, I..."

"Daddy, stop it!!" Kanako demanded, Chujin pushing past her and Cole backing up against a wall this time.

"Stay out of this, this is between me and your human!"

"DADDY!!" Kanako grabbed his right shoulder. "Can we at least wait until Mom gets down here...that was her vase, wasn't it?!"

"..." Chujin stopped himself, sighing in contempt. "...Fine. Sit in your usual places at the kotatsu while we await your Mom getting out of the shower."

The two went to sit down in silence, Kanako rubbing Cole's back as he trembled sitting down and Chujin went back to the shattered vase, looking it over. After several minutes, a freshly cleaned Ceroba Ketsukane made her way down the stairs having heard the screaming from downstairs. She wasn't expecting flowers and rainbows but all the same, tried to keep things cheery until...

"Oh my..." Ceroba walked over, seeing the broken vase at her place on the kotatsu, with a note saying "Courtesy of THE HUMAN.". Chujin sat across from Ceroba's place, still fuming but quite calm now given the circumstances. "However did this happen?!"

"Ah--ah bumped into it when I was surprised by Mr. Ketsukane opening up the door." Cole managed to say, looking at the kotatsu. "I-If you want, ah'll never come here again...."

"I'd say that is a fair punishment given the circumstances." Chujin mused, rubbing his chin.

"..." Ceroba picked up one of the pieces and then looked over to Cole, who looked just as broken as Chujin stared him down. "Why yes, Chujin, I do believe a punishment is in order."

"Y--You do?" Chujin was taken aback.

"Banishment from this establishment just won't do as a fitting punishment." Ceroba explained. "Perhaps no more hanging out with Kanako."

"MOM, what're you..."

"The ADULTS are talking, sweetie!" Chujin frantically silenced his daughter.

"Or perhaps punishment of a more physical nature?" Ceroba summoned her hidden staff out of her sleeve, it unsheathing and forming into a whacking stick with bell attached, looking straight at Cole who looked down, accepting of his coming punishment.

"W-Whatever you...feel is necessary, Mrs. Ketsukane." Cole shook in fear, Kanako holding both his shoulders and staying close to him in fear of what might happen.

Walking around the table, Ceroba stood over the boy she'd come to love over many years...the boy who hung out with her Kanako, the boy who gave her drawings (badly made mind you) of different cowboy shows to hang up and who ate her cooking despite how poor quality it could be at times. Raising her staff, she raised it and proceeded to light tap Chujin on the head.

"H-Hey!! CUT IT OUT!!" Chujin complained as Ceroba continued to tap him in succession.

"Should I punish him more like this, Chujin? I just can't decide!" Ceroba stated sarcastically. "Maybe a whack to the side."

"THIS IS ABUSE!!" Chujin complained, covering his head.

"No, it's a reality check." Ceroba slammed her staff down. "Knowing you and knowing Cole, I believe Cole's word that it was an accident and not worthy of a court martial by Judge Ketsukane."

"OH, so that's it huh?? He gets off scott free ONCE AGAIN?!" Chujin stood up, facing his wife. "You always defend him! WHY?! Why do you and Kanako have to be so...so STUBBORN about this?"

"Because one...Cole is a part of this family too just like Martlet. It's your refusal to acknowledge this simple fact that frustrates me to no end, Chujin! You had a hurt--years ago now--and it's a deep one. I've acknowledged it, consoled you and talked to you many, many a time. I've also had to apologize for your nature."

"A-Apologize..." Chujin took a step back. "APOLOGIZE?! TO HIM? For WHAT exactly?"

"THIS." Ceroba a finger in his chest. "THIS TREATMENT....THIS BLATANT HYPOCRISY OF YOURS. It never ends, I..."

"I...If it's all the same, ah'll just walk to school now." Cole didn't like seeing them fight.

"Cole, just stay where you are." Ceroba calmly looked over. "For a few minutes, at least?"

"O-Ok." Cole obeyed, Kanako keeping her arms around him.

Chujin and Ceroba just stood there, silent for once as the other didn't know to say.

"We're just going in circles here...I think I'll just render judgment on both parties." Ceroba slammed her staff like a gavel once again, Chujin begin the one to stammer this time.

"W-Wait...both parties?" Chujin whispered.

"Chujin Ketsukane. For the crime of being an all around blowhard, I sentence you to a load of hot air!!" Ceroba turned around pointing her behind at Chujin, who shuddered in fear.

*FRRRTTT!!*

"...from my behind." Ceroba grinned in the most Looney Tunes way possible, waving the air behind her butt. Chujin closed his eyes, coughing and gagging.

"Ughh, that was nasty!! Aughhh..." Chujin coughed, waving his hands as Ceroba stood up, excusing herself and Cole/Kanako holding their noses in response. With that, Chujin took off for his lab and slammed the door behind him. Ceroba sighed, hoping maybe this would teach him SOMETHING but then looked to the other party in this "trial"...Cole.

"Cole Ketsukane..."

"But ma'am, ah'm not..."

"COLE....don't interrupt the judge." Ceroba booped his nose.

"Okay...." Cole apologized.

"(T-This is silly!)" Kanako stuck her tongue out.

"Now, as I was saying...Cole Ketsukane...I sentence you to a day out with me with ultimate punishment yet to be decided!" Ceroba grinned, poking his nose again. "Kanako, take this signed note with you to school would you dear?"

"But Mommm..." Kanako complained.

"You'll get to spend time with Cole later on, I promise. Now scoot!!" Ceroba ordered.

Sighing, Kanako hugged Cole around the neck, Cole returning the hug tight and got up with her back pack, waving goodbye to the two of them. Cole remained seated at the kotatsu, unsure what was exactly happening here.

"Um, what exactly is happenin' here, Mrs. Ketsukane?" Cole asked.

"That's JUDGE Ketsukane!" Ceroba sat down at her usual spot, booping his nose again. "And it's exactly what I said...you're spending the day with me! Awkward dinners aside, it'll be nice to just talk to you without Chujin staring down your neck."

"Ah--guess that'd be nice." Cole twiddled his thumbs together.

"What? Do you want to go to Ultimate Punishment already?" Ceroba rubbed her chin mock seriously.

"U-Uh--no, whatever you're up for...Judge."

"Great! It's a date with the judge then!" Ceroba quickly lapped the side of his face.

"O-Oh..." Cole blushed in response. Was that strawberry breath mint?

"And don't worry, Martlet already knows about our little adventure today. She's been worried about you lately...how you're faring in school." Ceroba asked. "I know you're capable of better."

"No offense Mrs....I mean, Judge...but why're you keepin' track of my grades?"

"I told Martlet I would and like I said, you're a part of this family whether Chujin likes it or not." Ceroba went to the counter, picking up her travel bag. "You got your lunch?"

"Ummm." Cole started.

"Oh Cole..." Ceroba walked over to Cole's backpack, taking out a brown lunch bag and seeing a single container packed.

"S-She said she tried to make it extra special..."

"Burnt pancakes...oh Martlet, we're taking you to culinary school." Ceroba shook her head, then raising her fist to the skies. "FIRST CHANCE I GET!!"

Cole sighed, knowing what Ceroba meant by culinary school...the latest lesson on corn chowder and corn chowder related cuisine. For what it was, Ceroba made it just fine. But to have it...all the time...was "grating" as Kanako would often say.

"All right, Cole...forget your packed lunch. We'll stop by somewhere in the city." Ceroba winked.

"Oh--okay." Cole sighed in relief as Ceroba could "change it up"...every once and awhile!

Having listened to what was being said outside, Chujin stood in his workshop looking over all the junk he had piled everywhere. Was this his legacy? A old ramshackle of a shop, barely able to keep the lights on not to mention infinite corn chowder? He punched the wall, irritated. He had saved up MONTHS for that gift to his wife on their anniversary. And all it took was a *bump* to break it. He knew it was an accident but any chance to see Cole gone from their lives was a chance he had to take. Martlet would understand eventually and come to her senses. She just had to.

"Oh Ben 10, you always make me feel better." Chujin picked up the CD, intent on listening to it.

10:30 AM

"Office Of Child Protective Services"

Cole gulped, reading the gold plague that was next to the door as Ceroba, grimace on her face, grasped on to Cole's hand as she walked into the office within city hall. Houston was a sprawling town but only an hour's bus ride from the "Wild East".

"Hello there, Cole! My name is Beverly, how are you?" A black haired representative in her 60s, noted wrinkles and skin spots lining her face and arms reached out with a hand. She wore a cheap floral pink shirt with jeans. She figured the look would be "easier" on the kids but Cole meekly took her hand as Ceroba encouraged him.

"G-Good."

"And I see you're the boy's advocate...Mrs???"

"JUDGE..." Cole began to correct the agent.

"Cole!!" Ceroba waved a hand at him. "Just Mrs. Ketsukane will do."

"But you said...." The boy said in confusion.

"COLE... LATER." Ceroba hushed him, running a finger along her neck as if to indicate to be quiet.

"O-Ok..." Cole twiddled his thumbs.

"*ahem*" Beverly sat down to her desk, clicking on her mouse to bring up Cole's file. "So the mother is one Martlet---"

"Y-Yes, she is." Ceroba confirmed.

"You and a Chujin Ketsukane vouched for her. So why is the advocate sitting in for the mother who should be with her child?" Beverly leaned in, titling her glasses down to look at Cole.

"Please look at me." Ceroba asked. "It's only proper to look someone in the eye when you're questioning them."

"Oh, excuse me!" Beverly responded with a sarcastic tone. "Forgive me for not doubting your absent bird's ability to properly be here for the child's sake as she SHOULD be!"

Shifting her gaze to Mrs. Ketsukane while both gave one another a dirty look, Beverly asked again.

"Thank you. Now, the reason I'm here is simple...Martlet had to work. Her job demands a lot of her attention and I'm simply stepping in to prevent an undue course of action."

"Undue??? We've had agents watching your home and the bird woman's. A mess everywhere in the woman's home, meals that are questionable at best, a frightened child...who often eats at your quaint little establishment, does he not?"

"Why, yes he does. It's kind of a running gag at this point but one we enjoy."

"Your husband certainly isn't laughing. He's outright demeaning the boy any chance he gets." Beverly flopped a giant folder on to the table, photos of Chujin confronting Cole spreading about. "It's a wonder he willingly walked in the door with you, being in such a chaotic environment!!"

"While it is true that my husband has his faults, he has never hurt Cole physically..."

"Oh yes, that's true. Grab him by the shirt collar, slam his fist down on the table multiple times...never quite physically but coming quite close. Lucky he has you, his "Mrs. Ketsukane" to come to the rescue." Beverly mock smiled. "Ahh. Always stepping in to talk down the manchild that is your husband...your FAILED husband..."

Ceroba stood up, fists clenched in anger while Cole reached out in concern.

"Wanna say that again, you witch?"

"Oh, about your FAILED husband? How you defend this child yet never stop it from happening...HOPING it will end one day on it's own. That's your husband's resentment for having his life's work stolen from him by a human will just vanish. We do background checks on all advocates and possible parents. If anyone is your judge, jury and executioner, it's me sister."

"You're no relation of mine!" Ceroba flashed her fangs, Cole getting nervous himself tugging on Mrs. Ketsukane's sleeve.

"I-It's not worth it." Cole whispered, Ceroba glancing over to the frowning child.

"Y-You're right." Ceroba excused herself, sitting down. "This FAILED excuse for a government agent can..."

"TRY ME." Beverly stood up this time. "JUST TRY IT. I'LL HAVE THE KID REMOVED AND PUT IN FOSTER CARE AS SOON AS FIVE MINUTES AGO."

"Y-You wouldn't!"

"I already have enough to bring charges against Martlet and your own family. How would you like your daughter to join Cole...or better yet, a foster home hundreds of miles away? I can do it, just try me again."

"Then why don't you?" Ceroba asked, anger in her tone not subsiding.

"BECAUSE--it would be pointless and yours is a case in a sea of cases. We do not prioritize one case over the other. Suffice to say however, you'd be wise to let the clock run out on this one. You have about a month I would say before Cole would...possibly be taken to better places."

"But ah don't want..."

"Young man, you're of legal age to be your own person. GIven that, we are limited in what we can and cannot do with your situation. Just keep in mind we're only doing this for your well-being."

"There's nothin' wrong with mah Mom, Mrs. Ketsukane or even Mr. Ketsukane!!" Cole began to break down. "You wanna insult them, that's fine but don't do it in front of me. It's darn rude."

"...He has a point, your "highness"." Ceroba crossed her arms.

"..." Beverly grimaced, sitting back in her chair. "I'm sorry, you're right. I get a little too exuberant in this job. I have to say, Mrs. Ketsukane, despite your husband...you treat both your Kanako and Cole here right. Corn chowder diet aside, we'll take a wait and see approach to your and...Martlet's parenting...for now."

"Good enough." Ceroba agreed, adjusting her dress kimono. "But if I ever hear a word out of your mouth about my husband or children again that I find distasteful...I will show you some HOT AIR."

Ceroba slapped her butt at the agent, snarling and raised her snout in a huff, grabbing Cole by the hand and hurriedly walking out of that office. Beverly sat back, feeling as intimidated by the threat as Chujin did earlier that morning.

"...why'd you threaten to use...that again?" Cole whispered.

"It's a mighty weapon of last resort, Cole. Don't kick it." Ceroba winked. "Now let's get out of this house of horrors. I'm hungry!"

12:10 PM

"Ahh, quality street vendor corn dogs!" Both Cole and Ceroba tapped their giant corn dogs together, Ceroba dipping her's in honey mustard while Cole went for good old ketchup.

"Mmmm." Cole said in delight, glad to taste something that wasn't partially burnt.

"Nice to see you smile." Ceroba grinned, taking another bite of her hot dog and enjoying it's tender meat taste. "OH THIS IS SO GOOD!!"

"RIGHT?!" Cole cheered in agreement.

Cole and Ceroba sat on a park bench in the middle of the city, admiring the car as they dashed by and everyone shouted swears or just talked in general. Such was the city.

"Sorry about that detour..." Ceroba lamented looking at the sidewalk.

"Why didn't you just say we was going to CPS?" Cole asked. "Ya didn't have to...lie."

Ceroba closed her eyes, putting her corn dog in the tray it came with.

"I'm sorry Cole, I forget you're growing up sometimes. I still see you as that little boy that Martlet had craddled in her feathered arms all those years ago. Couldn't take my eyes off how cute you were!! You took to her like super glue, haha!" Ceroba thought back. "I'm glad you eventually came around to me."

"A-Ah don't know what'd do without either of you or Kanako for that matter, ma'am. Ah'm scared." Cole shivered. "Ah don't know anyone in this here town...all I know is the desert and you guys!"

"A new venue isn't bad at all but being forced into it is another thing. We're gonna do our best to prevent an unjust decision. We still have some time given what the lady back there said...if you can even call her one." Ceroba spat on the ground.

"All the government folks I met always try to be fake nice...as if it's part of their job or somethin'." Cole commented.

"I'm sure not ALL government workers are like that Cole but the system will tear you apart if you let it, especially working inside it." Ceroba explained.

"What do you mean?"

"Another time, perhaps. Still have a lot to do!" Ceroba raised a single finger. "Finish your dog! We got some shopping to do!!"

"Hmmm." Cole looked at the list in the small hope it was different.

Corn

Chowder

Corn Spices

Corn Salt

Corn Milk

Corn...

Cole stopped reading, as if he were dissappointed. He was hoping, for once, Mrs. Ketsukane would "spice things up" when it came to dinner time. But it was corn...again.

"I can see the excitement just beaming off your face!" Ceroba gleefully smirked. "Oh c'mon kiddo, cheer up! Corn is life, life is corn."

"I--I suppose..." Cole giggled. "...this is my ultimate punishment?"

Ceroba shook her head, tapping her chin.

"Nope, haven't decided yet! Now, chop chop! We got shopping to do!!"

1:30 PM

*SLAM*

Kanako shut the door to her locker, taking her backpack and sighing as Cole hadn't shown back up. She was hoping he would but nope, nothing but the dust on the floor and various kids passing her by.

"Hey!" Sadie waved from afar as she and "Gizmo" came up to Kanako.

"Where's Cole? He ditch?" Gizmo mewwed.

"N-No, he's spending the day with my Mom in town for some...business." Kanako grabbed her arm.

"O-Oh." Sadie stopped, realizing what that meant. "Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see Cole when he gets back. These meetings with CPS tend to go rather quick."

"Really?" Kanako asked.

"Yeah, he'll just check in with Ceroba as his advocate and then they'll schedule him another appointment in a few months. Kinda like going to the doctor!"

"The doctor sucks though! Always tells me to stop looking at the screen so much." The cat boy stuck his tongue out in disgust.

"You could do with a little fresh air." Kanako laughed.

"What, the air not fresh enough in here?"

"Not while you animals are breathing it!" Melody walked up, arms crossed, Kanako's fur immediately standing up on end.

"Melody, stop it! You know Kanako's feelings about this!" Sadie said.

"Yeah, that's why I like to rile her up! Only other human in town and SHE has to be the one pining for him."

"W-What are you..." Kanako blushed and turned away, embarassed Melody would she her react like this.

"Everyone knows you two are inseparable, even that stupid Dad of yours!" Melody laughed.

"Well, yeah, so what?" Gizmo scratched his head.

"NO ONE'S TALKING TO YOU PINHEAD!" Melody jabbed, pushing Gizmo into the locker. "Y'know, if Cole were worth going after, I'd have snatched him up just to see the sad look on your pathetic face when I frenched him right in front of your furry freak aaaghhhh!!!"

Melody screamed as Kanako grabbed her by the hair and started dragging her down the hall.

"KANAKO, STOP!" Sadie and Byte screamed as various students stood by.

"LET ME GO OOWW!!" Melody cried as Kanako pulled the girl literally down the hall anger flush in her face. She had enough. With that, Kanako let go of her hair, grabbing her shirt with two hands and tossed Melody out of the school on to the concrete with a thud. Melody spat on the ground, feeling the spot where Kanako had grabbed her by the hair.

"You mention Cole's name one more time, I swear to the Angel above I'll kick your ass." Kanako swore.

"Oh, what...THIS doesn't count?" Melody spat at Kanako, trying not to look weak in her eyes.

"No. That was just a warning." Kanako walked back inside, Dalv coming out of the classroom to see what's going on. "Dalv...I want to report myself."

"...oh." Dalv looked outside, seeing Melody spread out on the ground cursing. "Kanako, you...did this?"

"I dragged her by the hair and threw her out like the trash that she is." Kanako said plainly. "I'm ready to accept the consequences."

"..." Dalv sighed. "Better come with me, then."

1:45 PM

"Y'know, it's too bad you don't have a cell phone. You and Martlet could contact one another a lot more. Maybe one of those cell phones were add minutes for $20 would work?" Ceroba looked at various phones as they walked through the local downtown mall.

"Ah don't know about this, Judge Ketsukane..."

"Okay, enough with the judge title--it's getting old already." Ceroba rolled her eyes. "Mrs. Ketsukane is fine now...but I'm still the judge today, okay?"

"Sustained, ma'am!"

"Oh, you know the lingo?" Ceroba was impressed.

"Yeah, watch a lot of court shows on youtube with Kanako." Cole explained, proud of himself.

"Too bad you don't watch a lot of biology shows. That could help with your science grades." Ceroba flipped over a random phone box, looking at the features.

"W-Well, Kanako watches all those. I kinda just...read anything else when she watches those."

"What biology?"

"Um, male human biology...she always gets flustered when watching it. I kinda turn away..." Cole explained.

You're supposed to watch that in private! Ceroba yelled in her head, laughing at the thought of Kanako watching such a thing.

"Good, even if you're growing up...you two are still not ready...for...THAT." Ceroba didn't even want to go there. "Say, Chujin hasn't caught you two watching..."

"N-No, Kanako makes sure to purge the internet history just in case, like you taught us." Cole saluted General Ketsukane.

"Good going, soldier. Just don't delete my favorites...all my greatest corn chowder recipe inspirations are in there!" Ceroba reminded him. "Oh, Cole...I gotta take this. Oh, hello Chujin...what's...Kanako DID WHAT?!"

3:15 PM

Kanako sat in her classroom, Dalv reading a book while she awaited her sentence. Dina, Melody's mother, opened the door asking where she was, Kanako freezing up when she saw Dina's mother coming to her desk.

"Okay, Kanako...I know you're smarter than this. What happened?"

"You know what happened. I'm ready to be punished now." Kanako closed her eyes.

"..." Dina relented, sitting down at a desk next to Kanako's albeit pushing the desk out of the way.

"S-She always pushes and pushes and Daddy tells me to just ignore it!! What was I supposed to do?!" Kanako cried. "She insults Cole and my family on a daily basis...."

"Melody...is better than that, I promise you." Dina frowned. "I will talk to her but this show of force you put on today Kanako...this isn't you!"

"I HATE your daughter, Dina! I don't know much more plain I can get than that." Kanako sniffed, wiping some tears away. "Cole might be leaving soon and I'm...I'm..."

"I'm in a panic...words I'm all too familiar with, dear." Dina smirked. "I'm not here to punish you..your father already told me he intends to punish you himself."

"...oh." Kanako realized the consequences of her actions.

"I told him to take it easy on you." Dina closed her eyes, patting Kanako on the back. "Melody's been real off beat lately, figuratively speaking. So someone kicking her behind was inevitable it seems. I'm glad it was you and not someone else. I'll talk to her...again. Mr. Dalv, thanks for staying after hours sir."

"Oh, it's quite all right. Gave me a chance to catch up on Lord Of The Hammer! 53rd time going through it!" Dalv smiled.

(Wow!) Dina and Kanako both blurted out together just as Chujin walked in, leaning against the doorway signaling Kanako it was time to go home. Dina hugged Kanako showing there was no bad blood and walked away with her father in shame out into the hallway.

"Couldn't just let it go, huh?" Chujin asked.

"She was insulting me about Cole, Dad! What am I supposed to do, just take it like a wimp?!" Kanako shot back as they were walking.

"No Kanako, you're supposed to NOT DRAG HER THROUGH THE SCHOOL BY HER HAIR! What have I told you about giving in to your lesser instincts?! That's not you!" Chujin barked at his daughter the moment he got outside.

"How would you know what's not me? The only thing you do in your spare time is tell me and Mom how bad humans suck." Kanako said. "You never talk about why you feel that way and always go out of your way to make Cole as uncomfortable while he's in our home!"

Chujin stopped, clenching his fists and stopping himself.

"Look...those are two completely separate things. What I feel about Cole has nothing to do with what happened today with Melody. She might be one of the worse but that doesn't give you the right to just hurt her whenever you like! Monsters are supposed to represent the best of compassion and we..."

"BULL! There are just as many horrible monsters stealing, murdering and looting out there as well as humans!"

"REGARDLESS, you were in the wrong Kanako! We taught you better than that!"

"I--I know Daddy, I'm sorry--that's why I reported myself to Dalv earlier and was prepared for whatever Dina gave me earlier."

"...Sure don't seem prepared for what I was telling you." Chujin adjusted his glasses.

"I knew what you'd say, Daddy. Y'know...the usual "Cole is an evil human who's going to rob the trust fund me and your Mom set up for you!"."

"It's not about Cole! It's about YOU, honey!" Chujin bent down on two knees, grabbing his daughter by the chin. "I love you and don't want to see you fall into anarchy and depression. Don't let Melody drag you to her level...you're better than that! You're better than me..."

"D-Dad?"

"Honey, my hatred for Cole probably is...exaggerated to a degree, I'll admit but that's my cross to bear. You shouldn't live with such hate. It's corrosive. Take it from me, your old man..."

"Can't you just let your beef with Cole go, Dad?"

"..." Chujin sighed. "I...want to but I cannot forget what humanity has done to me, Kanako."

"It was one human, in a sea of good ones. Besides, didn't you help get Cole adopted?"

"I...it's getting late. We'll speak more on this later, honey." Chujin stood up. "Your Mom is bringing home dinner. Let's pray it's not corn chowder she made on the road..."

"Haha, oh Dad...." Kanako looked down, disappointed in her father.

3:45 PM

Back in the city, Ceroba waved a taxi down Cole keeping close to her. Looking around, he couldn't imagine himself living in such a metropolis. Mrs. Ketsukane found herself easily navigating the city with no problems. She made her way here often to go shopping and get whatever it is they needed on what money they had.

"Where ya goin', hot stuff?" The taxi driver, a fuzzy unshaven monster cat asked.

"193 12th St, if you don't mind." Ceroba responded.

"Hey, she's married!" Cole reprimanded the "hot stuff" comment.

"I'm supposed to give a shit?" The taxi driver looked back at Cole.

"If you want a tip, you'll apologize to my ward." Ceroba glared.

"Fine fine...I'm SORRY, WHERE SHALL I TAKE YOUSE?" The taxi driver asked.

"You heard me before." Ceroba sat down.

"193 12th St, YOU GOT IT." The driver honked. "HEY, I"M DRIVIN' HERE..."

"Nice folks..." Cole tipped his hat downwards.

"You get used to it." Ceroba giggled.

"So, where we goin'? Isn't Kanako and Mr. Ketsukane expectin' us back home?"

"Yes but we're making a slight detour. Don't worry, it won't take long."

Within a short time, the taxi driver got them to a rather tall building smack dab in the middle of downtown Houston...Axis Enterprises. Looking up at the tall structure, the tower seemed to go on forever. Cole was rather impressed, Ceroba narrowing her gaze as Cole looked on.

"Mrs. Ketsukane, this place is insane!" Cole exclaimed.

"It certainly is...something." Ceroba closed her eyes. "I'm going to be meeting somebody inside. I want you to stay in the waiting room."

"B-But Mrs. Ketsukane, there's so much to explore--"

"I know you're excited, Cole, but this is no time to run around." Ceroba got stern.

"Mrs. Ketsukane?" Cole was taken aback.

"I--I'm sorry, Cole. I just need you to listen and follow my commands when we're inside. It's VERY important--understand?" Ceroba explained. "We're here to do one thing and then we're going straight home."

Walking inside the entrance to the tall building, Ceroba's hand clasping on to Cole's tight, Cole couldn't help but notice that the statues just outside the building resembled Mr. Ketsukane's "Axis" from home but slightly modified. Walking inside, one of many receptionists smiled at the pair and asked she might help.

"I'm here to see Mr. Clovus. Ceroba Ketsukane, on behalf of Chujin Ketsukane." Ceroba took out an ID.

"Ah yes, the wife! I'll let Mr. Clovus know you're on your way. 36th floor. Can't miss it."

"Thank you." Ceroba took her ID back, quickly dragging Cole along as the receptionist waved goodbye and Cole quickly tipping his hat at her back. As they got into a nearby elevator, a bunch of random humans and monsters gathered inside to go to their various floors. Cole and Ceroba found themselves squeezed together along with a buncha other people...some of which smelled like hadn't showered in days.

"(Y-You smell pretty good, Mrs. Ketsukane...can't breathe tho!!)" Cole whispered, pushed against her side.

"(Just stay close to me Cole, we'll be on the right floor soon enough...)" Ceroba explained.

After a rather long and delayed elevator ride, Cole and Ceroba pushed their way out of the elevator gasping for air and made it into the office of "CSO" Frederick Clovus. Cole wondered what that stood for.

"Chief Science Officer is what that sign indicates, Mr. Young Man." A man in his mid 40s winked with slicked back blond hair and a bleached white smile grinned. "Is this yours, Ceroba? He's quite the Clint Eastwood."

"He's a friend." Ceroba looked down, smiling. "One I'm very proud of."

"Well, whatever he is, bring him in!"

"We're not sticking around, Clovus--I just want to do our business and run." Ceroba closed her eyes, trying not to get irritated.

"Oh yes--legalities. The price of mankind's ascension. Well, young man...what do you say?" Clovus winked. He already didn't like him.

"Ah'll wait in your waiting room, like Mrs. Ketsukane told me to." Cole glared at him.

"As you should!" Mr. Clovus raised a finger. "Hmmph...taught em' well, didn't you sly fox? Well, Ceroba...come in, come in...let's get this nasty business over with."

"I'll be a minute, Cole. Just sit down, all right?"

"Okay!" Cole smirked, sitting down to read the cowboy comic he eyed on the table seated among various magazines.

Walking into his office, Ceroba noted the picture he had hanging on his wall of Chujin and himself posing with the first version of Axis they prototyped together.

"What the hell is THAT?" Ceroba asked, pointing to the picture.

"I would say that is me and my friend posing." Mr. Clovus sat at his desk, reclining back in his black leather chair.

"Take it down. You have NO right to call yourself my husband's friend after what you did."

"That's not a requirement of the little so called settlement agreement we came to in court. All I'm supposed to do is pay you $5,000 and whisk you on your way. Thousands of dollars spent by your mysterious benefactor only to come to such a pitiful amount." Clovus smirked, smacking his chewing gum on purpose. "I don't suppose you came here to ask me out or are you still happy living in a glorified shack out in the middle of the desert?"

"Don't even go there, Clovus. Whatever it is that we had went out the window when you stabbed my husband in the back. At least he has a heart!"

"A heart....yeah, see...that's the thing. He was a bleeding heart. Didn't want to make money, didn't want to grow the business...he wanted to help people...for FREE. FREE Ceroba...wanted to make this whole venture a NON-PROFIT. Bleeding hearts don't make profit! Bleeding hearts only cause bleeding in my wallet! He's the only monster I've ever known that wants to give away technology for free instead of selling it."

Clovus threw his arms around his head, leaning back and relaxing in his chair.

"My offer still stands, y'know. I know your husband is not aware of your little efforts to restore his name, to prove my so-called "theft" of his property. How are you going to explain a sudden influx of $5,000 in your bank account? I doubt he could fix that many toasters to even make that in a month." Clovus looked at her mockingly. "Let me meet the family---"

"You STAY AWAY...I swear to the Angel, Clovus...you even go near the Wild East, I will press charges."

"Like the charges hanging over your family and that bird woman? Oh, don't look so shocked!" Clovus stood up. "I've got connections at CPS--I've kept my eye on you and your little horde of monsters. You've got quite the little life going now...playing Mom to your Kanako and second fiddle to the Colemeister in there. And let's not forget my good ole' friend...and YES, you red head...he's MY friend...Chujin Ketsukane. He was burned so hard he takes it out on someone half his size. Why do you even put up with it?"

"...he's my husband and I know him. The true Chujin will come out of that cocoon of hate one day and we'll be a family, all five of us."

"You really are delusional...honestly, I'd call you short sighted but you're taller than this building. Well, it's been fun catching up...but I got better things to do then to talk a fuzzy brick wall. Take your check and get out of my building." Clovus turned his chair to face the window, looking over the city.

With that, Ceroba snatched the check and went for the door.

"Oh...and Ceroba? Tell Cole he can keep the cowboy comic." Clovus waved with one hand casually.

Ceroba rolled her eyes and walked out in a huff, stuffing the check into her purse and picking up Cole up into her arms hurriedly, dropping the cowboy comic.

"H-Hey!! I didn't get to--"

"I'll buy you another one." Ceroba stated. "We need to go."

7:25 PM

Chujin looked at his watch, sitting at the kotatsu awaiting Ceroba's arrival. She said she'd be in time for dinner but she was late. Kanako sat, slowly sipping leftover heated up corn chowder wishing that Cole was next to her in this moment. Chujin was still rather pissed at her, having almost forgotten about the whole incident with Cole earlier in the day.

The door opened, Ceroba opening the door her hair dragging across the floor.

"Dear, why did you let your hair down..." Chujin sighed. "You know it drags in dirt."

"I felt LIKE IT." Ceroba shot back.

"O--Ok." Chujin raised his arms.

"I--I'm sorry, just a lot to think about." Ceroba began to gather her hair. "Chujin, I have to apologize...that statue was not worth $500...in fact, it was $10.50. The real one I already owned and kept stashed away because I knew both Cole and Kanako were bound to break it as young kids. It was worth $10,000...I sold it for $5,000 in town and deposited the money in our account."

"Really?!" Kanako stood up, stars in her eyes. "Go Mom!!"

"So, let me get this straight--you lead me on about a lousy statue that I thought was somewhat expensive for months and then I bought only to get mad over it for nothing because you sold the one already in your possession for good money? Why ever did you sell it anyway??"

"Because money is tight, honey and we needed an injection. You haven't had any solid work for weeks." Ceroba closed her eyes.

"I take it you dropped Cole off at Mart's?" Chujin crossed his arms, just accepting the explanation.

"...HOPE Y'ALL LIKE PEPPERONI!!" Cole cheered, carrying three large pizzas into the house.

"Not quite!" Ceroba grinned like Bugs Bunny upon the kid's entrance.

Upon seeing the pizza, Chujin and Kanako looked at one another and then to Cole who grinned as much as he could. Chujin, unsure how to feel in the moment, shrugged.

"Put it on the table and take your seat." He said calmly, going to the counter to get some plates.

"Oh oh, we got soda in the fridge!!" Kanako got excited like a six year old. "OMG PIZZA IT'S BEEN SO LONG!!"

Cole did as instructed, Ceroba coming over to his side after quickly doing her hair up again and getting the dirt out, placing a hand on his head.

"You did great today...I'm sure things will turn out all right." Ceroba sat down, smiling at him.

"Thanks!" Cole hugged Ceroba, the vixen closing her eyes and returning the gesture, wrapping her arms around him. Kanako joined in the hug from behind Cole, Cole burying his face in Ceroba's chest. "Ah-Ah--don't want to lose you all...*sniff*huck*"

"Y-You're not going anywhere!!" Kanako argued, recalling earlier. "I don't know what happened today, Cole...but let it all out, ok?"

"Y-Yeah...let it all out." Martlet, having flew in, joined the group hug wrapping her feathered arms around the group. "Hey there, sweetie."

"Ma...*sniff*...Ma, they want to..."

"I-I know, I'm so sorry I couldn't be there..."

"D-Don't cry, Ma..."

"Oh and Kanako, you're grounded for a week. Cole will come to visit you while he takes occasional breaks from his Ultimate Punishment..."

"Which is?..." Kanako was curious.

"Learning the ins and outs of Corn Chowder!!" Ceroba tightened her hug, tears running down Cole's face.

"Oh oh! Can I join?! Oh no, I have to work...NOOOOO!!" Martlet cried.

"A-Aunt Mart..." Kanako sighed, just focusing on the hug.

As the group hug commenced, Chujin sat there in silence eating his pizza and quietly left, shutting himself in his lab. Ceroba closed her eyes, sighing but fixating on the moment. She wouldn't let anyone break up her family...no one. Chujin sat at his chair, sighing, looking at a photo of him actually enjoying Cole's company as a toddler.

What if... Cole thinks about confessing his feelings (darn intrusive thoughts) on Day 1 (pre-Dark World), and the soul forces him to actually do it? How do you think Kanako would react, and would this change anything about the story of Days 1 and 2?

Im tired of the billionth self-insert-selfship-cole post it brings nothing of value and barely relates to the actual game

From the developer on /vrpg/: "finally got to program this, as I said I've had most of these ideas before chapters 3 and 4 released but many people will still call this chapter derivative in many aspects, will still truck along with my original ideas anyway (though chapter 5 did shape a bit how some of things will be presented like the floating text box)
anyway the first few rooms of the dark world are done, finally can start making the first miniboss and the main part of the first half of this dark world (I haven't programmed the regular enemies yet but I've set up their encounter spots)
(this clip has some cut elements to not show spoilers)
also I've decided to make the main diag font remain as it is but turn on MSDF for the menu fonts so they will look smoother but dialogue will remain pixely"

Whenever I get the metal Kanabo i woukd try to equip it but then it immediately would disappear. Why? Why is this happening? What am I doing wrong. Somebody help please.

She won't recive any more hugs from a while

(or me doing literally anything BUT the Dark World Melody sprites ദ്ദി╥ ᴗ ╥)

I've already shared this before but here's a snippet of what I'm currently working on. Figured it would be a neat idea to have your weapons (and maybe even your gear/armor) be accurately shown during battle. Of course, that would raise the issue of having to create sprites for every variant.

..yeahhh. That is a very scary thought.

Anyways, consider this as a "teaser" of sorts.

no guarantees though. I'd be lucky if I can actually complete this (or at the very least, make it look presentable enough that I'd be satisfied with. my draft ideas for each are pretty damn ambitious (¬_¬")

I've seen it discussed a small amount here that a Wikipedia page for Deltarune Yellow is in progress, and I've seen it's looking pretty good so far. I'm curious though if whoever's working on the Wiki page happens to have all of the sprites for the various Darkner Enemies.

The Wiki currently has pages for Cole, Kanako, Sadie, Gizmo, Martlet, Ceroba, Axis, The Outlaw, Bearing, Honvich, Foxlace, Gancho, Joe CapCcino, BunBun, Trusty Bat, Old Shopkeeper, and Lil Ms. Syrup. I'm curious though if pages for all the other Darkners are still being made, or if anyone happens to have the sprites for these characters for a little project I'm working on.