r/casualtiesunknown • u/bluewolf3691 Expie • Sep 15 '26
Artwork Hopefulness. Part 105.
FIRST: https://www.reddit.com/r/casualtiesunknown/comments/1u9g48x/hopeful_part_1/
NEXT: https://www.reddit.com/r/casualtiesunknown/comments/1whwm6l/hopefulness_part_106/
PREVIOUS: https://www.reddit.com/r/casualtiesunknown/comments/1wg1wpz/hopefulness_part_104/
Comic Fury: https://hopefulness.thecomicseries.com/comics/1/#content-start
Side Comic: https://www.reddit.com/r/casualtiesunknown/comments/1vdrcf6/scraps_part/
My BlueSky profile: https://bsky.app/profile/rookmaevsch.bsky.social (Adding this in because this will be where I post updates regarding pages, like if I decide to take a break, or fall ill, ECT.)
And (hopefully the last link in this growing list), my Ko-Fi profile; https://ko-fi.com/rookmaevsch
Chapter Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtYavrsW1Mw (Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous, The Cosmic Balance)
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u/bluewolf3691 Expie Sep 15 '26
I did another oopsie.
Suprised instead of Surprised :')
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u/NoobButJustALittle Sep 15 '26
Green subconscious guy made grammatical mistake, his jabs at Orion are now discarded.
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u/MrM887 Expie Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
Is that Stringbean in the bottom corner?
Edit: Also, 8488 is a low number for SAWs in this continuity, right? Aren't the other ones in the tens of thousands? Or am I misremembering.
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u/bluewolf3691 Expie Sep 15 '26
:)
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u/NooB_N142003 Sep 15 '26
The ominous ":)" of uncertainty returns
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u/JacksonRJ913 Expie Sep 15 '26
He made a whole comment about how ":)" pretty much just means "you're correct".
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u/Sad_Use254 Chaotic Neutral Sep 15 '26
Definitely would've preferred if it was used in the duality of a smile, but I guess I can't do much.
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u/MrM887 Expie Sep 15 '26
There is a reason that Satan uses kindness to deceive the faithful: he is imitating the true generosity and benevolence of God's angels. One must be ever-vigilant, not just to dissuade those who would lead them astray but also to be ready to openly accept joy into one's own heart. Your smiles continue to fill me with confidence, as your actions prove your good intentions.
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u/NovelInterview7026 Traumatized Sep 15 '26
BLUE WOLF YOU SON OF A GUN
It can't be what I think it is... Right? Every strip you make introduces a other dynamic to this story. I absolutely love your work!!!
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u/DesertRanger427 ISMC, OSI division, Threat #2 to The Company Sep 15 '26
I would imagine milkies are a more limited production, so it would make sense that their numbers would be lower.
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u/DocFGeek Sep 15 '26
8488-SAW-03. Milkies are a....rarer pedigree than the SAW-01 Experiments that number in the hundreds of thousands.
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u/Repulsive-Flight9673 Gleeful Sep 15 '26
Last time we heard about 51549 and that was the very old one so in that case onion is like 100 years old?
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u/omeggga Sep 15 '26
I think the numbers are just random, with older numbers freeing up when their bearer dies.
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u/caracalgaminguwu Sep 16 '26
There are only about 20,000 milky, so assuming it's based on populous count it is somewhat closed to the middle
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u/TheDecayingQueen1225 Sep 15 '26
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u/Correct_Dig4244 Let's not give up just yet Sep 15 '26
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
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u/Swimming_Article_281 Sep 15 '26
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
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u/Thraex_Gladiator Fat Expie Sep 15 '26
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u/sovietrussia1234 Nothing is better than hugging expies :) Sep 16 '26
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u/DeinHund_AndShadow Sep 16 '26
I need warjenkins to do renditions of the characters, i feel they would be very very very yass
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u/Punished-Gecko Sep 15 '26
Oh no, how many groups have they burned through? :')
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u/Ender-dragoncat I've teleported myself one too many times and now I'm here Sep 15 '26
If I was earlier they would still be in the labs
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Sep 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/CrossHairsNitro Sep 15 '26
I believe it to be another milky. A theory another user said, Orion might actually be a runt compared to his peers
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u/FoxyBoi152 Sep 15 '26
I agree, them having distinctly different hair wouldn't make too much sense otherwise.
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u/Black_Mane1 Sep 15 '26
Holy shit I'm reading through them all and I got caught up literally as you posted
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u/Espeonstar Sep 15 '26
I very much like this page, it's really nightmarish how what was a peaceful but somber dream became so dangerous feeling so quickly. The "water" that Orion was floating in calmly suddenly becomes a source of danger. If one antagonistic figure can arise, along with memories/evidence of their past "sins", what else could come from beneath?
Excellent work
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u/Necessary-Watch3163 Hollow Sep 15 '26
Poor Orion, it is a nightmare 😢
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u/TigraTyT Sep 15 '26
I’m almost sure he’ll wake up in a cold sweat, screaming that the new group won’t abandon him to his fate.
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u/CharuV3 Sep 15 '26
Y'know...
I love the outlines here to showcase different characters, but I can't help but meta read the fact the author did so. It could mean these characters haunting Orion will appear somewhere down the line in this open story.
...But that's just only a theory, an unknown theory!
...
Cough
Other than that, my attention on high alert and I already can't wait for the next page to show more of Orion's past.
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u/bluewolf3691 Expie Sep 15 '26
:)
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
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u/Signal-Chicken559 Dune Sep 15 '26
This needs to be expiefied
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 16 '26
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u/Signal-Chicken559 Dune Sep 15 '26
Is that biscuit coming in from off frame to beat green up?
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u/Signal-Chicken559 Dune Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
Wait no the color is wrong. Its a bit too gray and the eye scar. Another ghost of the past then.
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u/Signal-Chicken559 Dune Sep 15 '26
But man would it be glorious if biscuit appears in the dream (ether in the wholesome banish the bad thoughts. or the angst version of Orions subconscious fucking with them by showing them biscuit putting them down then leaving)
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u/Bloodwarf Firm Orion believer Sep 15 '26
Yeah it's definitely not any of our beloved expies that are surfacing, if that eye scar is any indication. Orion is getting haunted by previous members of their group(s?). And looks like they were in direct competition with another milky, smarter and arrogant. I dislike them already.
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
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u/Fuzzybun711 Sep 15 '26
Onion and evil green thing I don't know the name of
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
Green onion, it's a thing
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u/Fuzzybun711 Sep 15 '26
Next you're gonna tell me there's a purple onion
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u/Signal-Chicken559 Dune Sep 15 '26
There is.
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 16 '26
it's actually called red onion but that shit lookin purple asf
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u/BleepBloopRobo Sep 15 '26
I love this, this is wonderful.
Why, I beg, why, is Orion's dream ghost of a cooler, smarter Milky, also, for reasons unknown to us all, possibly, coming on to him?
I can't be the only one with this read, I can't just be that brain melted.
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u/BleepBloopRobo Sep 15 '26
Well I suppose they are probably the dream ghost of a more socially confident Milky. But still.
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
Reasons UNKNOWN you say??
Also lmao yeah he lookin awfully flirty there
Not that im complaining lol
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u/Ender-dragoncat I've teleported myself one too many times and now I'm here Sep 15 '26
And now I want to know what happpend
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u/DocFGeek Sep 15 '26
Onion, and their shadow self, Green Onion.
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
LMFAO I wish I had 10 upvotes
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u/Delicious_Nobody_111 I must hug 8d ago
Youll never believe this...
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion 8d ago
LMFAO that's one way to interpret that message
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u/Vigodauzahh1939 Sep 15 '26
Okay, why did we make an antagonist the most attractive person ever? (Or maybe not an antagonist, but still, my point stands.)
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 15 '26
Lmfao yeah kinda hot
I wanna eat that green onion up~-
I MEAN IM STRAIGHT YEAH
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u/Swimming_Article_281 Sep 15 '26
bros swing is unknown
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 16 '26
fym im obviously straight as a spaghetti
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u/ShyBiGuy9 Forklift Certified Expie Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
I saw this panel and immediately knew what I had to do; I regret nothing :3
"What unfortunates have you cursed with your pitiful presence"
I had thought that Orion's previous group had abandoned them; between their alter-ego's words and the others thrashing around in the water as if they're drowning, I'm thinking that perhaps the reason why is they unintentionally got someone killed...

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u/DesertRanger427 ISMC, OSI division, Threat #2 to The Company Sep 15 '26
Two things can be true at once. Perhaps Orion made a call that got someone killed, and then proceeded to make the same caliber of comments as he did to Teddy, and was subsequently abandoned by his group. Perhaps he simply refued to save one of that group's members due to a similar beef as the one he has with Teddy, and was abandoned as a result. Who knows? The possibilites are limitless.
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u/TheSwagheli Sep 15 '26
on one hand, yippee!! im early!!
on the other
dread.
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u/let_me-die_please №1 voyager simp (they need voyager in C:U) Sep 15 '26
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 16 '26
what the fuck is that abomination
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u/let_me-die_please №1 voyager simp (they need voyager in C:U) Sep 16 '26
That's dread from doors
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 16 '26
looks... dreadful yeah
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u/let_me-die_please №1 voyager simp (they need voyager in C:U) Sep 16 '26
Unfunny but clever* pun there
*clever is what KO-guy said in jjk
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u/MShades Sep 15 '26
It's "Orion's Christmas Carol" as he's visited by ghosts who tell him how awful he is....
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u/Additional_Law_7355 Milky Sep 15 '26
2 things!
A: I'm so happy seeing Orion's part of the story get more attention now, not that I dislike the others, but Orion and Biscuit are the only 2 relatable ones for me, Orion being the more akin and therefore likable but still. So this is bringing plenty joy to me seeing this type of lore for him because it's still easy to relate to!
B: Idk how the little flare tags under names work but recently I got the Milky tag under my name and dunno how I got it cause I never picked it in a self assigned thing?
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u/HampturArtz Novice Player+Artist Sep 15 '26
Is this an inner demon that needs to be clocked?
With that said, loving the dream sequence! :D
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u/Derolyon Sep 15 '26
You’ve really improved your drawings since page one. It’s cool to look back and see the differences! Nice work!
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u/Avalanche1666 Expie Sep 15 '26
This reminds me of the saying "you are your own worst enemy" this is in Orion's head and they has seemed distant from the others. If they believe they're going to get abandoned again they may subconsciously do things that push the group away.
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u/West-Appointment3815 Human loyalist Sep 15 '26
We're unmaking ourselves from the timeline with this one, hell yea.
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u/West-Appointment3815 Human loyalist Sep 15 '26
That being said, having themes is a nice touch. I know I listen to a lot of video game music with themes and styles that fit what I'm trying to make.
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u/Roblox_Cat Hopeful Sep 16 '26
:o(The music is hitting a few spots on the brain, 100% yoinking that)
Ok, this one seems like a good theory one. I expected more poetic thoughts maybe a glimpse into the past… Not the start of a psychological beat down to lead into a nightmare ;-;
But I guess they’re more trapped in the water? Rather than casually laying in it. Guess it’s probably going to consume them more as they will “sink” into self hate because of this other Milky… Wonder if they were very up close and just overall accusatory/provoking negative thoughts in Orion, as they’re not actively insulting, but being very suggestive… And as most probably know, your own mind can be a terrible enemy.
Though I find it quite curious how the green one suddenly appeared now as they try to accept defeat? Maybe it’s the music… But it doesn’t really feel right?(Not that I’m saying it’s incorrect but there’s definitely something missing that will hopefully be answered in the next part) like is their brain just using their hate for this character to push them on?
Such a low number too, 8488… I know Milkies are supposed to be less compared to Expies such as 51549’s(Old man of Biscuits unit?) but that seems like quite the size difference… Maybe they’re a special group?(Or shortened number as an insult?)
Also, now that I think of it. If they were abandoned prior while asleep(I think I recall a comment mentioning this or maybe it’s just a thought) and it received the “:)” of doom, doesn’t that mean there can still be parts of their group wondering around? Maybe even Orions group found Biscuits friend?(That would be cruel :3 but a R E A L predicament to find yourself in)[Plus more characters :3 because that’s what you want, more colors, more faces, more distinct personalities >:3 jokes aside, love this all so much >w<]

Love each of the pov’s but fuuuuck. That pose makes me wanna make a furry oc…
;/\;
Anyways, the gray one on the left seems to be pointing accusatory? And the gray hand on the right seems to be reaching out? While I could be mistaken, and just misinterpreting… The thought that the Green Milky and Gray Expie/hand maybe past regrets? They never caught up to someone they saw as better than them, they never helped when they thought they could, and they regret not being good enough(On second thought, that might not be pointing… Crap)
Kinda curious. Wonder if Orion will be willing to yap more about stars, and share their interests with the group as a bonding thing.
Hmm, what else… They obviously feel inferior or at least intimidated by the other Milky, looking away and silent.
I love all the characters but Orion is a Milky and short(And I love their design and all the changes you’ve done to it >w<[From my memory you’ve changed a lot] so can’t wait to see this all play out)
Beautiful art as always, depictions are very nice, and just because I keep thinking it. You somehow always improve between parts and or just keep topping your last work. Each one beloved, but each one better than the last which is still incredible to see and so damn impressive :3
Though, a little treat if ya made it to the end[No art sadly, using my one photo already], I still often enough look through past parts and comments(I love them all so much) part 31 and 33 are why I know Orion is gonna push through this in the end, they got this! >:3
Have a wonderful day ;D
Keep on blazing like a roaring star :3(Because stars are ✨ cool ✨)
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u/yourlocalidiot143 Protecc the Expies | Certified Onion Sep 16 '26
my man wrote a novel (i wish i had the time to read that it looks interesting as hell but school's started recently which I HATE btw so I need to manage the time I have at some ;-;)
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u/Roblox_Cat Hopeful Sep 16 '26
Yellow ;3
TLTR:
•Music good
•Looks like there’s a lot to unpack
•Is it self hate?(But there is something off…)
•Numbers are odd?(Why is Orions number so low?)
•Abandonment = Where did they go?!?(+Biscuits friend could be with them?!?)
•I like the art and POVs of said art, they’re always impressive(So much so I want to make a oc to try and draw more poses)
•Is it Orions Self hate but due to regrets?
•I like hearing Orion Yap
•Orion feels intimidated by other Milky
•Lover character designs, and how much they’ve changed throughout the comic
•Amazing art as alwaysI hope you have a good school day <3
No worries ;P3
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u/MrBrineplays_535 Beginner player Sep 15 '26
"that this group will be any different from the last" wait so this isn't the first time he encountered a group??? Oh shit D:
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u/Dr4gon132 Expie Sep 15 '26
I really like these chapter themes your including with each page, it really manages to capture the theme of the page.
Like the last page with "My Destiny" being its theme really gave the page a very melancholic, emotional feel to it, Whereas this chapters theme is starting to show a sense of tension, unease and hostility. It really adds another layer of emotion to the comic. I love it!
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u/Drago1490 Sep 15 '26
"We"? I could very well be missinterpriting the realm of Orion's subconscious, but the use of we instead of you has me alarmed. Who is this green creature? If not a guilty conscience, maybe a bully or poor influence that had such control over Orion in the past as to literally manifest within his mind whenever not physically in the same area? Perhaps even influencing some of their 'worse' decisions.
And next question, you are way too good at portraying poor mental health conditions, do you need a hug?
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u/WoblelBloblel Sep 15 '26
Oh, hey, look! it's another page of my favorite trauma simulator! Clearly, this one is based off of Orion drinking green milk and regretting it.
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u/ALICEv3 Expie Sep 15 '26
Wonder if those other sawians coming out of the water are this group (like Stringbean) or Orion’s supposedly past group :^
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u/Humble-Elk-2826 Sep 15 '26
Hmmmmm what does that dream ghost mean by "last group"
Could be like in one other comic I saw...
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u/Additional_Study_649 Sep 16 '26
I know the green one is zesty but when he went "My, My" I just heard Igor.
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u/_Varinki_ Expie Sep 16 '26
You can't even dream on the Grey planet without taking some kind of damage seeing as Orion's sleep paralysis demon has shown up to ruin their rest.
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u/Menelaus300 23d ago
Orion dreaming of the stars… took me a second to connect the dots, pun intended. Got me thinking about the connection though. Caverns and labs, both filled with suffering and death, both are defined spaces. Even the larger caverns still have walls a floor and a ceiling. So easy it would be to think thats just what the the world is, small and so so cruel, but the stars show otherwise. We look up at the stars in wonder and amazement, but some people also feel dread at our insignificance compared to them, I imagine it would be the complete opposite for someone who experienced the labs and caves, the stars are proof that the world is so much bigger than they know and has so much more to offer them. If I were Orion, they’d give me hope.






















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u/Desperate_Ad_3138 Sep 15 '26
Okay but why they so zesty with it