It was a disastrous scene that lied before all who looked at it. A terrible trail making its way across the valley of green ooze left in the wake of the enormous Elder Ooze. The trail was twenty feet wide and at least a foot deep. It waved and sloshed like it was a shallow river that had suddenly been carved into the fields. A hissing, bubbling sound could be heard all along the edges as the acidic sludge ate away at the grass nearest to it.

Blue Raspberry had been sent by that Ooze researcher they had met once again to try and assist in the rescue of anyone trapped in this trail, specifically the other researchers who had been trying to study the Elder Ooze. Lloyd had chosen to stay behind on this quest, not wanting to get in the way. They were more likely to be in need of rescue as well if they came along than to be of any help.

Blue Raspberry jogged along in their plate armor alongside the trail, scanning for the trapped researchers. They were amazed by the sheer amount of slime left behind by the Elder Ooze. They were in awe at the size of this Ooze. As they ran along, they started to see three figures in the distance that seemed to be in the middle of the trail along with another one near the trail. Maybe there was someone else here to help.

Plague had been on the hunt for some weird, slimy creature for a week now, she had heard about an influx of these Ooze creatures across Charon since a local researcher had taken an interest in them. She had never actually met Lloyd, but had heard from her little mice that he was a kind fellow, one who offered them bread and water when he could. Anyone who was kind to her children was a man worth keeping around. Further more this creature everyone was talking about also intrigued her, it had interesting properties and gave off a substance that she believed she could use for her own machinations. This substance was what she had actually been using to track the creature, along with everyone else in Charon. 

The woman stood tall, completely cloaked in dark leathers with a dark cloak hanging off her back. Her face was covered in a mask, one alchemist used to protect themselves from gases and fumes that often emanated off of their projects. Her head was also covered in a leather hood attached to the mask. Anyone gazing upon her would find a very unusual individual, their identity completely hidden by her garb. A set of potions and flask rested on her hips, the only visible item on her person. She had come to this valley to find the creature, tracking the long trail of slime it had left behind, studying and taking samples of the substance as she moved along. 

The calm, peaceful afternoon air was soon shattered however as the voices of three men could be heard crying out. Some where up ahead Plague could hear what sounded like distress, someone experiencing some kind of struggle. Normally she would care less about someone else's pain, but because of the situation she was highly interested to see what was occurring. If this slime was the cause, she very much wanted to see the effects of it. And so with eagerness in her heart the masked woman hurried forward. 

She quickly closed in on the trio, seeing what appeared the be three scholars or scientist stuck in the knee deep goo. They were shouting and crying for help, the ooze apparently starting to slowly burn through their clothes. A light chuckle escaped her mask as she just watched, offering a wave to the three men. That was until a large armored individual stumbled upon the scene, approaching from the opposite direction. Turning her attention to the armored stranger, she offered another wave. 

"Well hello there, come to watch the show?"

Blue Raspberry could finally see and hear for certain that these were definitely the three scholars they had been asked to rescue. They were stuck in the goop and calling for help. As they ran toward them, the stranger that was not trapped in the trail of ooze gave the armored ooze a wave and called out to them.

They stopped their jog and slowed to a halt near the stranger and waved back. Unlike anyone else would after such a jog, Blue Raspberry gave no indication of heavy breathing or tired legs. In fact, they gave no indication of breathing at all, but this wasn't so obvious in their full plate armor. They wore a suit of shining armor that seemed almost unnaturally clean complete with large pauldrons, a chain skirt, and red and gold cloth details. The armor was clearly of a knight from a noble class, though Blue Raspberry wasn't aware of this.

"Hello! Uh, show? I'm here to save these researchers. Are you also here to help?" they said to the masked, hooded person that had called to them and turned to the three in the ooze trail. They didn't understand what they were talking about when they mentioned watching the show, but maybe that was just another thing the ooze had yet to learn.

They stepped closer to the edge of the sizzling trail and looked around, trying to think of a good way to get to the researchers without exposing themself to all the people here. They didn't want anyone to know they were an ooze themself, but they couldn't think of a good way of helping while in their armor.

They wondered if they could play off some of their ooze abilities as magic. They had seen some other people able to do interesting things that they called magic. Maybe they could just pretend to be doing that too.

She was not very surprised to hear that this armored person was here to save these three men, after all they were most likely a knight due to the fancy armor, and most knights cared about things like honor, courage and saving people. It was such a shame to be honest, it would have been nice to watch this scene play out with a friend, someone to laugh and tell jokes at the expense of another persons life. Oh how the fates shined against her. Plague knew nothing about this stranger, but based on their armor clad appearance she knew she would have a hard time going up against them, at least in this kind of environment. No, picking a fight with the random knight was not going to go well for her. 

"Oh, well I was not completely set on saving them just yet, I dont really have the skills to contend with such an obstacle to be honest with ya good syr"

The best course of action would be to just follow along and play dumb, pretend like she had stumbled upon this scene without any knowledge of anything. In truth she was very interested in the effects of the slime left over, for taking a small sample of it was something she desired. The substance appeared dangerous and seemed as if it possessed acid like qualities, things that would help her in future endeavors.

"Whatever is happening does not look good for those fellas over there, but im not really sure what we could do to help, that slime looks pretty thick, I sure as hell aint touching it. "

If this knight was dead set on trying to save the men, she would offer what ever assistance she could, but she was not going to risk her ass for the sake of those up tight researchers, or this fancy pants knight either.

Blue Raspberry's head turned unnaturally far back to look at the stranger as she spoke to him. They still didn't know each other's names, but there was hardly any time to be giving polite introductions while the researchers were crying and shouting for rescuing. They had to keep their priorities in order.

They bent down at the edge of the slime trail and extended a gauntlet. They tried to make sure the masked stranger couldn't see what they were up to from this angle. Blue ooze squeezed out from the openings in the metal plates of their gauntlets and coated their hands. They lowered them to the trail and began to scoop up chunks of the thick ooze before enveloping each chunk and absorbing them.

The slime was very thick. It was thick enough to leave a dent where it had been scooped out that didn't refill itself right away like a liquid would have. This should be enough to make a trail that lasted long enough to get to the researchers and back! They began eating away the slime in front of them and slowly crawling forward toward the center of the trail. They just hoped this process would be fast enough that the scholars weren't dissolved away before they reached them.

And if the stranger did take a curious look at what Blue Raspberry was doing, hopefully they would just accept an explanation of "It's magic".

The armored stranger really did not pay her much mind, turning their attention to the struggling scholars instead. She wasnt really sure what else she expected honestly, their agendas did not match here and while their priority was to save the men, she really wanted to watch one die. What was more curious to her however was how this person planned on actually saving them. She couldnt fathom a plan for the life of her, but this knight seemed more than confident as they approached the edge of the slime trail. 

Without saying anything, the stranger bent down and began to do something. Plague really could not see much from this angle, the large suit of armor blocking most of what was happening. But as the seconds passed it became very obvious that whatever they were doing was working. A small trail was beginning to appear in the slime, one that this person was now using to close in on the trapped individuals. 

The woman felt a bit defeated, it seemed oh so easy. And these men were going to be saved after all, which was a complete bummer. Now curious Plague slowly walked up on the knight, making sure to go slow and quiet as to not startle them. Although watching this knight fall face first into the ooze would have been hilarious. As she closed in on the individual, Plague tapped the back of their armor, trying to lightly get their attention.

"Excuse me, what ta hell are you doing? Are you eating that shit? That's gross syr"

She still couldent completely see what was happening, but somehow this person was making large amounts of slime vanish into thin air. It bewildered her.

"No, I am not eating it." Blue Raspberry said as they continued to eat the slime.

With their plan looking like it was working, they were happily clearing a trail through to the researchers. They should be able to save them soon. They felt confident enough to look back over their shoulder at the stranger as they worked and try to have a conversation. They followed behind for some reason. Maybe they would help rescue the scholars, after all. Or maybe they were just interested in what they were doing.

"I am just clearing the slime away with magic. Oh, my name is Blue Raspberry. What is your name?" They said to the masked person over their shoulder.

As they spoke, the cleared path grew longer while Blue Raspberry walked along on the kneepads of their armor, their hands out in front of them devouring the slime. The trapped researchers finally noticed that the knight in shining armor was approaching, even if it wasn't in a particularly heroic looking manner. They would actually be saved! They stopped screaming as a sense of relief washed over each of them. Now all they had to do was wait and watch as their rescuer approached.

"Blue Raspberry? That's an odd name for a knight. Can't say much myself, the name is Plague. I'll be honest with ya syr, wasn't really expecting you to have a way out of this. I for sure thought those men were doomed to a gruesome fate, was a tad interested in seeing it honestly."

She had never heard about any kind of magic that let someone completely evaporate acidic slime. Whatever this person was doing, it was extremely effective as a wide, safe pathway had been created, nearly close enough to reach the three men. She would have been lying if she said she wasn't dissapointed, the closer the armor got, the more frustrated she grew. Why did this person care so much about these strangers anyway?

"Syr, may i ask why you are here? What do these men mean to you anyway and why must ya save them? I mean i get its the decent thing to do, but have you ever seen a man melt in a pile of slime? I aven't and i bet its a sight to see. "

She knew it would be nearly impossible to convince this person to give up and let them all die, especially if they were a noble knight. Maybe there was a way to convince him otherwise though, a compromise to please them both.

"What if we waited a few, let the stuff eat their legs and see what happens? Then we can free them, get them soem medical attention. That sounds fun don't it?"

"I don't think my name is strange. It's just what I was called."

Blue Raspberry continued listening to Plague as the two made their way closer to the scholars. This person seemed very interested in watching people be dissolved in slime for some reason. Blue Raspberry didn't understand the appeal. They'd seen it up close and personal. It really wasn't very interesting them, but they'd never really thought much about it before. It was just natural to them. It was like if a human was very interested in watching another human chew and swallow their food. It didn't appeal to them.

"I am here to save them because I was asked to. Is that not a good reason?" I have seen lots of things dissolve in ooze. It's not that interesting, is it? Do you like oozes?"

This person seemed very interested in oozes. Maybe they could get along even if Blue Raspberry revealed themself? They also thought about their idea of letting the researcher's legs dissolve before saving them. Lloyd hadn't mentioned anything about needing to bring the researchers back with their legs. It would technically be fine, wouldn't it? They had grown close enough for the trapped researchers to listen in the conversation.

"No, that would not be fun! Please get us out of here while we still have our legs, thanks! Who even are you? Are you just here to watch us die? We could see you standing over there watching us before. We have valuable research notes on the elder ooze and it would be a crime against science if it was dissolved in this stuff, you know!" one of the researchers called out to the two. Their looks of relief at Blue Raspberry's approach turned to looks of anger at Plague.

The armored ooze continued their work, getting closer to the researchers. Apparently letting them get just a little dissolved wouldn't be fun. They should just hurry up and rescue them, then.

"Hmmm, well yes I guess that is a fine reason to help, especially if you are getting a reward for it. Unfortunately I have not been asked to save them and will not be rewarded for it, so I only think it's fair to get a little enjoyment out of it, dont you think?"

She was starting to act bratty, like a small child not getting what it asked for. It made more sense now however, these scholars most likely had rich bakers and people that would benefit from their return. As the knight continued forward, getting even closer to the center of the trail, Plague contemplated the idea of taking these men as hostage, holding them ransom for an actual reward. But there would still be the knight to deal with, unless...an evil plan was forming in her mind.

"I like Oozes more than i do most people to be honest with you. I have not really met many of them, but the few i have were very cute and friendly. "

They were now close enough to the researchers for them to overhear the conversation, and were obviously not as thrilled about the idea of leaving them here to become injured. As if rudely interrupted Plague snapped to the three individuals holding up her finger as if to silence them.

"Hey, we are talking. You are the stuck ones, and we are the ones helping to free you. So shut it up unless you wanna loose more than your legs."

It was becoming extremely obvious that this armored individual was not going to succumb to her request. They were diligent in this rescue attempt. She was not going to be able to persuade them otherwise. There was nothing she could do to help however, whatever ooze consuming magic this person had, she did not. So she just remained behind the savoir and awaited the outcome of this venture.

One of the researchers crossed their arms and stared daggers at Plague. They were very irritated by this person's attitude. Snapping at them to silence them, suggesting the knight let them be partially dissolved, and then say they were helping to free them. It was absurd!

Blue Raspberry wanted to respond to Plague's words, but was cut off by one of the researchers. "What do you mean 'we'?" the researcher called back to Plague. "You're not helping at all! You even tried to get him to stop helping us!"

The other two researchers murmured in agreement, but weren't as bold as their fellow researcher. They didn't want to get on this person's nerves, especially after they had proven to be so heartless as to laugh at their situation and suggest leaving them here instead of saving them. They were honestly a little afraid of her.

Blue Raspberry's clearing of the trail continued. The goop was thick enough to hold its shape for a while, but the slime at the very edge of the ooze trail was starting to refill the gap, closing the trail off. They would have to clear it again once they finished reaching and freeing the researchers. They were very close now, within arm's reach of the first scholar. The blue ooze coating their gauntlets worked quickly and soon the first of the researchers was able to step out of the goop and into the safety of Blue Raspberry's trail. The rescued researcher looked nervously at Plague and stuck close to the knight that had rescued them for safety.

Now they just had to reach the other two. There was only a short distance between each of them, maybe about five feet. They should be able to get there soon.

The young woman was really just being a nuisance at this point, she had no real skill set or desire to help when it came to this situation. All she wanted to do was study the slime and take a sample of it for her own use. She had never expected to stumble upon a group in danger. As Blue Raspberry made it to the first scholar and freed them, Plague just stared at them through the tinted glass in her mask. It was obvious this man was scared of her, how could he not be? She had done nothing to help his rescue and had only hurled threats at him the entire time. 

In any normal situation she would have made good on her threat, injuring or even killing this man where he stood. However she was in a better mood today, a more playful one, and with Raspberry there to assist, it may have been difficult to actually hurt these people. So as the man cautiously and sheepishly walked past her, Plague did nothing but flex, scaring the man half to death as he ran the rest of the way out, arriving to safety. Plague burst out into laughter as the armored individual continued their work, slowly closing in on the final two men. 

"You are doing such a good job, their king will be so proud of you for saving them. I bet you will get a big fancy reward huh"

She was obviously teasing them, and throwing insult their way at the same time. She never really cared for authority and did not really like being told what to do. So it was an odd concept for her that others were willing to risk themselves for someone else's benefit.

The researcher had had enough of standing near the intimidating masked woman and had decided to risk it. He ran to the edge of the slime that was slowly refilling the cleared out path and took a running leap over it. He landed safely on the other side, outside of the ooze trail entirely. That's one of the three researchers safe. Once they reached the other two, it wasn't likely they would be able to jump to safety, though. They'd be stuck with Blue Raspberry and Plague until they made their way back.

Blue Raspberry was a bit confused by what Plague was saying. The ooze didn't know anything about their king or a big fancy reward. They were just doing this because Lloyd asked them.

"What reward? I wasn't told about a reward. Lloyd just wanted me to save these people because they have a lot of research on the elder ooze." they replied to Plague, their helmet turning back toward her as they worked. "Are you getting a reward?"

The pair reached the second researcher and the knight cleared their feet of the slime that was holding them in place. The man jumped into the clearing and glared at Plague. This was the researcher that had been bold enough to yell at the rude woman. He stood with crossed arms and walked behind Plague, not wanting his back to be turned to her, not trusting her in the slightest.

At this point Plague was nothing more than an annoying child bothering the knight while they worked to save the men. One had been rescued, and now they had arrived at the second, Blue Raspberry quickly magicking away the slime around their ankles. Despite being saved, the ooze had already begun to eat away at their clothing, the lower half of their pants and robes almost completely eaten away. Plague stifled a chuckle as she noticed the bare ankles of the scholars. 

It was obvious this second man wanted nothing to do with her, doing his best to stay on the other side of the cleared area, keeping the armored individual between himself and the masked girl. Blue Raspberry continued their work, doing whatever it was they did to remove the slime as they moved as a unit towards the third and final researcher. 

"Well I just assumed you would be getting a reward for saving these people. Why the hell would you risk your own life just because someone asked you to? You arn't dumb in the head are you?"

Plague shot a glance at the scholar, flipping him off with a gloved middle finger while her voice echoed out from under her mask. She really didnt understand why someone would help strangers like this for free. Especially since if the roles were swapped, there was no way in hell these men would help either of them get free. But hey, they were a knight and knights were bound by duty and honor, something else she could not understand.

"Hmm, they have important information on the elder ooze you say? Hey, guy, is that true? You know stuff about that big slimy thing?"

The scholar looked at Plague with a bit of contempt on his face.

"Yes, we've been studying it for some time now. We've collected a lot of very important data on its ecology , growth rate, movement speed, and other notable capabilities. It's a fascinating creature and would be a shame to lose. That's why we want to keep it alive for further study. Unfortunately, as you can see, it may be a bit dangerous to leave it as it is. There's plans to cut it down a bit to make it less dangerous, but not kill it. We're going to learn everything about oozes! And a little danger won't stop us!" the man proudly declared to the masked woman, his voice full of determination as he clutched a leather bag with several rolled pieces of parchment poking out from under the flap.

Meanwhile, the final researcher was finally being rescued. His boots were nothing but a few scraps that fell away into the slime as he joined the others in the safe area. He heaved a deep sigh of relief, obviously fearing he may have had his legs dissolved like Plague had wanted, after all.

"Oh thank Solaris. That stuff was starting to burn. Thank you." he said to the knight as he stood up, no longer needing to clear a path. She looked at Plague with a nervous expression. He was still a bit afraid of the masked woman.

"Let's go back now. I'll clear the path again." Blue Raspberry announced as they walked through the group to head back to the edge. The slime had flowed back in, refilling about ten feet of the path at the edge. They'd have to clear it again to safely get back out, at least far enough for the group to jump over it. As they began, they turned their helmet to look back at Plague and asked them a question.

"You said you liked oozes? Do you really like oozes?"