Animator vs Animation: The Dark Web

Chapter 10: The Archive

The Second Coming gave him a proud look, which then he broke into a soft applause, until the circle joined in. Valhalla, startled by the sudden support, turned in confusion. They weren't just cheering for his act—it was for his bravery, and his courage of letting go of something haunted.

From the circle, a lavender stick figure held out a soft, grey scarf from their hands. They offered it to Valhalla with admiration. He hesitated, but accepted the gift, wrapping it around his neck. The scarf was simple, but for now on, it was a symbol of his independence.

As The Second Coming got up and embraced Valhalla, his shoulders stiffened briefly before he relaxed. The applause faded into chatter as the group returned to telling stories. Then, Lace emerged from the crowd. She waved to The Second Coming and Valhalla to catch their attention, eager for them to follow; there was somebody she would like them to meet.

The two stick figures exchanged each other a glance, mirroring each other's curiosity, before nodding in agreement. Lace beckoned for them to follow through the bustling crowd of stick figures, and they fell into step behind her through the Main Street.

Lace's steps were steady as she began to describe the figure they were about to meet. She mentioned someone named Rouge, a pink stick figure she'd been friends with, and had an impressive knowledge on The Dark Web. He was the chronicler of the Dark Web's secrets, an investigator, and the seeker of hidden truths. His knowledge of the Dark Web could rival anyone's; from the origins of virus monsters, to the history of past incidents, and even most importantly—the hard truths of the Codeborn. Well, mostly.

At the mention of the Codeborn, Valhalla's pace slowed. The Second Coming noticed, and gave a reassuring pat on Valhalla's arm. As Lace continued along, she motioned to the world around them. While the Dark Web was secretive, Rouge's insights could unlock the hidden. He understood the arcane of what the Dark Web had to offer. But when it came to the Codeborn, knowledge of them was extremely limited.

Immediately, the mood shifted. Lace pointed out, Rouge's obsession on the Codeborn wasn't just purely intellectual, however, but it was something more personal. Valhalla asked for more, but Lace ignored him, continuing along.

The road stretched into the darkness, and Lace stopped in front of a grand structure, its stone pillars scarred and crumbling from the chaos of the eidolons. The Second Coming and Valhalla, despite the ruined state, were in awe of its beauty. Rouge lived in there?

Lace walked up the small flight of stairs and knocked on the door with a playful rhythm. The silence was short-lived, and a face shrouded by a black robe's hood popped out. It was Rouge.

Rouge scanned the surroundings before his gaze landed on Lace. His posture relaxed at the sight of her. Lace warmly greeted him, before gesturing toward the two figures behind her. Rouge opened the door more slightly, before he realized they weren't just ordinary stick figures. It was a hollowhead, and a Codeborn.

His expression immediately hardened. Valhalla and The Second Coming glanced at each other, alarmed, not expecting the first impression. Without hesitation, Rouge stepped out of the large doorway, shielding Lace with his arm as if his instincts commanded him to.

The Second Coming slowly climbed the stairs, shrugging slightly at Rouge that they were no threat at all. Valhalla hesitantly followed, feeling the weight of Rouge's scrutiny. But Rouge did not falter. Instead, he backed away, guiding Lace backward with measured steps. To Rouge, those two couldn't be trusted.

Lace gently lowered his arm with a calm yet firm push, a reassurance that they weren't threatening in any way. She assured him that they were one of the figures who drove the eidolons away from the town. But Rouge still had a hint of unease. He studied The Second Coming before returning to Valhalla. Rouge's suspicion pressed on Valhalla, one that was heavy and full of shame.