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Episode 17 : Combustion

Mutual Interest | Ft. Affogato, Strikes, and Cafe
"Falling out."

September 21st, 2025



A few days later Avery and Lance are in a field of tall yellow grass. Lance is busy tilling the dirt to plant seeds while Avery watches. Lance tells her "These grow in about a year." Avery says "I don't know where you get the confidence that we're gonna be around in a year." Lance responds "Affogato I'm not confident we're making it even a single week. But like this is my job. Even in death I will work."
Avery says "This is your job? You're pretty lucky you grew up here then." She slips on some grass as Lance responds "Well I had wanted to be a nurse but... Things got in the way." When Avery gets up from the ground Lance continues "There's some oranges in the other field. Go get them while I cut firewood."
The two are seen playing an old video game. Avery is seen with a tense expression in front of a coffee machine. Lance can be seen talking to Avery with a stressed expression on his face.
Avery can be seen saying something angrily in front of Lance. Lance can be seen shouting in the field. Avery can be seen shouting inside.
Later Avery and Lance are inside currently in an argument. Avery says "What do you care? You just wanna sit around and farm until we die!" Lance responds "Oh right my bad! I forgot we needed food because life isn't like your video games!" Avery butts in with "You've admitted we won't have time to eat that!" to which Lance replies "You seem pretty damn sure we will! You know you're only here because you can't make it on your own. You need to start listening to me. Right now." Avery looks shocked.
Avery switches to therian form as she yells "Well I'm sorry but I'd thought it was because you cared about her! But I guess you don't do you?!" Avery pushes a plant pot which falls onto the floor and shatters. Lance with a tear forming in one of his eyes stutters "Get... Get out of my... Get out of my..." Avery switches out of therian form as she gets on the ground to retrieve the shattered pot with tears in her eyes. Lance mutters "Go to bed, Avery."
Avery's hand can be seen in the dark. The next morning Avery is seen standing up exhausted. She suddenly opens her eyes wide in stress as she hears a ghostly voice say "Well golly Aves you seemed pretty darn mad!" Avery can see Lora at the end of the room.
As memories float around Avery Lora says "Don't be a silly goose sis. You have to be nice to them from now on okay?" Avery responds "I didn't mean it. I don't know what came over me." Lora says "Oh man girl. You're having trouble keeping yourself in line aren't you?" to which Avery responds "I've never been able to. I don't know who I am half the time. I think I'm broken." Her sister asks "Did you tell that to Professor Arkwright?"
Lance stands outside the door as he listens to Avery say "I'm just proving I'm too much for anyone to handle..." He doesn't hear any response as she continues "Something so small made it feel like my whole world was collapsing... I know when it's happening but I can never stop it." Lora in Avery's head and Lance in reality both say "Avery..."
Avery turns to face Lance Lora now gone. He asks "Who were you just talking to?"
Cut to black. Avery can be seen holding onto Lance as they sleep.
Later Avery and Lance are seen walking down a sidewalk next to some grass and roads. Avery says "It's nice to get out. I haven't gotten a lot of fresh air in the past few years. And... I'm really sorry about the other night." Lance responds "Don't even worry about it. I'd really rather not have to think about it anyway. It's okay."
A rock randomly hits Avery in the face. She murmurs "Ow..." as she and Lance hear another voice say "So two lonely souls have wandered into my part of the city... Hohoho! Someone ought to teach them proper manners don't we? Yes... this lonely lady is nigh incapable of fighting is she not? Delightful."
Lance switches to therian form as the voice says "Oh, most delightful." Lance looks stressed as he stares at their assailant who continues "A wondrous feast awaits. Oh. Why yes you two look just delicious!" The attacker is revealed a gold stopwatch object with a malicious grin standing on top of a car.
The stopwatch points towards the two protagonists and says "Henchman, collect them." An object of a green offense turret stares in anger at Lance and Avery who look afraid.

ART

Episode 17 - Combustion (Mutual Interest) - Teaser Art Episode 17 - Combustion (Mutual Interest) - Release Art