I've noticed that more and more frequently new people have been joining the CandleWorld ARG, and we've had to provide a messier and more confusing explanation every time. So I decided to make this to use until we have something better! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CONTINUING FROM PART 8 (The Fish welcomes M-Xalbriss into the Ocean of Dirt) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Before and during the Machine's sixth update, Kai, Visea, and Kenric met in False-Space to discuss their plans for the next infinite cycles. While Kenric and Visea's original plan was to defend the Demiurge, instate Pathfinder ideology, and have Visea prevent Molly from ending the universe, Kai apologetically rejected, stating that her allegiance was to False-Space only. Visea and Kenric tried to convince them otherwise, but eventually resolved to adjust their plan to not involve Kai's assistance, and politely took their leave. Meanwhile, in the Machine, M-Xalbriss challenged the Fish to a game of Italian Chess... To which the Fish refused. M-Xalbriss resolved to calmly negotiate with them instead, asking them what would convince them to step down from power. The Fish argued that they had achieved what the Old Gods that began this cycle could not, and that universal Fishification was a small price to pay for eternal life. M-Xalbriss accused them of being self-serving, and this began a lengthy debate: The Fish arguing that many Pilgrims do the same amount of things as they would if total Fishification were to be realized, and M-Xalbriss arguing that Fish ideology was becoming increasingly similar to Pragmism. The debate came to a resolution upon the Fish realizing this, and they proposed that they would consider an ideological alternative if M-Xalbriss gave them one... Leading to many Pilgrims sending in commands to propose Pathfinder ideology. Because of this, the Fish, outside of Comment Adventures, began a debate on whether Pathfinder ideology or Fish ideology would lead to a better universe, with Kenric serving as the ambassador for Pathfinder ideology. Unfortunately, the beginning of the debate went awry, the Fish criticizing the ideology for being contradictory, and arguing that its intent was "vague." Kenric argued back, stating that his ideology could be a solution because of its lack of concrete laws. The Fish pointed out Kenric's mistake; He had shone violence through himself, and revealed he had no ideology. Without Law, the core of Pathfinder ideology was redirected to another being in the chain, and Kenric became a petal in the shape of a bird. As Kai used their Law to give Kenric an ability, the debate continued. Many ideas were shot down by the Fish, including further versions of Pathfinder ideology, another cycle of Law, a universe of rationality, and others. Eventually, Kai's suggestion to give beings the ability to opt out of Fish ideology was accepted, and the Fish Bell came to be, but even then the debate continued. Several people, including Tsorig and an entity who may or may not be the Spine, questioned the Fish's definition of life, the Fish responding by stating that they couldn't fathom the idea of pain being necessary for true life. The debate concluded when the Gardener came to argue for Parthult ideology, and the Fish went to visit the Thorn (thanks to an argument/suggestion from ). Meanwhile, a new entity was discovered-- The new core of Pathfinder ideology, simply known as "the Pathfinder." One of the first Pilgrims to talk to the Pathfinder-- a Pilgrim named Punster (), a previous acolyte of Kenric-- discussed their path with her, eventually accepting her offer to give them all that they desire. This resulted in the Pathfinder using their Law to pull Punster into an alternate reality. This, and Kenric's recent petal-ification, were what drove Kai and Visea to become hostile. The two of them entered the space and attacked the entity, Kai freezing them and using their Law of Barbs while Visea stabbed them. This was eventually successful, resulting in the Pathfinder giving up her blood (which was almost stolen by Pixed, the sunspark) to Kenric, who drank it and was restored as a Law entity. As Kenric restored his corehood, Pixed attacked Visea and attempted to steal the blood. While Kai was able to freeze them in place before they could do much damage, neither were able to prevent them from taking Visea's blood. The attack, perceived as cold-blooded by the Pilgrimage, was generally met with shock. Many Pilgrims debated with Visea, the False Archon, and each other about its morality. Visea eventually grew tired with the debate, and departed for Star-Space, refusing to discuss any longer. While a few Pilgrims were eager to help the Pathfinder abstract to become an entity again, most others disagreed, due to the negative impact and seemingly manipulative nature of the entity. (continued in Part 10)
