[Bonus Inksgiving Scene – Interview Stage]

[Spotlights rise on a modest stage. AERO sits on the left side of the stage, bright-eyed and holding a clipboard. Three chairs are set off to the left of her, occupied by MAGNUS, BARON, and PROFESSOR DONABY.]

AERO:
Hey guys! Welcome to our very special Inksgiving Bonus Scene! Today, I’ve got a real treat for you—please welcome Magnus from The Scarlet Thread, Baron from Embers of Hope, and Professor Donaby from Dog Familiar! Give them a round of applause, audience!

[Audience remains silent. A beat passes.]

BARON:
*snorts, then bursts into a guttural belly laugh*

DONABY:
*pats Aero on the back—way too hard—in sympathy*

MAGNUS:
*glares at the audience until his eyes literally ignite*
[Audience begins clapping aggressively out of sheer fear.]

AERO:
Thank you, Magnus. Really appreciate the backup! *grins and gives a thumbs up*

MAGNUS:
*scoffs* I didn’t do it for you, idiot. I just can’t stand disrespect.

AERO:
…Ah. Got it. My apologies.

BARON:
Alright, seriously—why are we here? And who are these losers? Does this guy even talk? *pokes Donaby’s arm*

AERO:
Uh, Baron… you really shouldn’t—

DONABY:
I CAN TALK JUST FINE, STRANGE MAN WITH WINGS! ONE SHOULD RESPECT THEIR FELLOW FICTIONAL BEING, FOR WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN THE EYES OF MS. AERO!

BARON:
*cupping his ears*
What the f*ck is his problem?! Aero, what did you do to him?

AERO:
*curls into a ball on her chair, avoiding their combined glares*
I’m sorry… I tried to warn you…

MAGNUS:
*sighs, running a hand through his hair*
Anyway, why are we here?

AERO:
Well… no one gave me ideas for the 25K Inksgiving reward, so I came up with this little “interview” idea featuring some of my favorite guys from each series!

[All three stare at her.]

BARON:
Wait—you actually like this guy? *thumbs at Donaby*

AERO:
*tapping her index fingers together, avoiding eye contact*
I mean… sure. But that’s not exactly why he’s here.

DONABY:
I AM NOT ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS, MS. AERO?

BARON:
*laughs loudly*
Doesn’t sound like it, Mr. Walking Punchline!

AERO:
Baron, please! Don’t displease Mother so!

[All three freeze, staring at Aero with wide eyes and slack jaws.]

AERO:
*curling back into a ball*
Don’t look at me like that! It’s technically true!

MAGNUS and BARON (simultaneously):
The hell— / The f*ck— It IS?!

DONABY:
IT IS TRUE, BUT VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO FACE OUT LOUD, MS. AERO! I NEARLY FEEL OBLIGED TO ADMINISTER PUNISHMENT FOR SUCH A CONFESSION!

BARON:
*side-eyes Donaby*
Is this guy, like… a s*x weirdo or something? I don’t feel like sitting next to him anymore. *turns to Magnus* Hey. Trade seats with me.

MAGNUS:
*not even looking at him*
You’re dreaming if you think I’d subject myself to that willingly.

BARON:
*stands abruptly, staff appearing beside him in a flash of light*
Then I’ll fight you for it.

MAGNUS:
*grins, standing with hair ablaze and fireballs swirling in both hands*
Now that’s more my style, fairy boy.

[MAGNUS and BARON stalk off to a distant part of the stage, preparing to throw down. Sparks fly. Meanwhile, DONABY begins awkwardly comforting AERO, who looks completely done with everything.]

AERO:
*mumbling into her arms*
Why did I do this to myself…?

DONABY:
WHAT DID YOU SAY, MS. AERO?

AERO:
*groans*
I said… Why did I do this to myself?

[End Scene.]