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Chapter 5 Rivals in love

All art belongs to @b-r-i-n-g-x do not repost! Fic prompt from @itsajanea Tags: Angst, Romance, Action Adventure, jealously, love confessions, SMG4 discovers he is bi, fluff, abuse, PTSD, Blood, Abuse mention, eldritch horror Last Chapter Next Chapter

The crew made it back to the showgrounds after cleaning up the mess at inkopolis, the crew chatted with each other as SMG3 kept his distance. He felt sick after everything, the fear in his partner's eyes told Three everything he needed to know. He was an idiot for not believing in Aster, an idiot for pushing them away. He watches the crew chatting, he could already hear what they were saying.

“God SMG3 is the worst, Aster really deserves a better partner.” Meggy sighs as she turns to SMG4. He nods as he frowns thinking over what happened “Yeah…if I was gay I know I would treat Aster better. Not like SMG3 wasn't pushing us to be a couple.” Three knew that was being said, he could feel the crew glaring at him for screwing everything up. His breathing was getting rapid as the space around him was closing in, he was nothing but a villain. Villains don't deserve love, they deserve to suffer for all the evil they have done in their life. That's right perhaps it would be the best outcome if Aster returned and left him, after all what kind of boyfriend accuses his partner of cheating when they have done nothing to make you think that beside being loving. Four stops chatting with the crew when he notices Three walking away from them, he walks towards the man hearing his heavy breathing. Four reaches out before pulling back, he looks at the others and realizes they haven't noticed him walking away from them. He bites his lip as he calls out to his other half “SMG3!” The man stops walking as he turns, Three’s eyes water as his body shakes from the rapid breathing. Seeing the man he loves this upset made his stomach drop “Lets go get coffee.” he quietly said as he grabbed Three’s hand and dragged him to the cafe. Eggdog bounces over to them hearing the front door open, seeing his father upset he tackles the man cuddling up to him. SMG3 lets out soft giggles as the pup licks him, Four smiles as he takes a seat watching the sweet moment.

After a while Three seemed to relax as he was petting Eggdog, he took out treats from his pocket and handed it over. He smiles softly before turning to Four “Thought you wanted coffee?” Four shakes his head as he smiles at Eggdog. “You looked really bad so I thought Eggdog was the medicine you needed.” Eggdog barks as he cuddles up with Three again, the man chuckles as he sadly gives the pup a kiss “Well…I’m pretty sure things are over with Aster. Bet you're happy, you get to be on top again.” Four frowns hearing the man's comment “Hey dude, of course this doesn't make me happy! You deeply care for Aster and with what they did im sure they care deeply about you too,” Four gets up from the chair and sits next to Three on the floor “Maybe Aster needs space.” Four smiles at Three making the man blush as he quickly looks away “Didn't need you to cheer me up…baka.” Four chuckles as he leans against Three “Plus if Aster does decide to leave you well they're an idiot,” Four blushes as he plays with his sleeve “after all you're an amazing man with so much talent.” Three looks back at Four, his cheeks still pink, he smiles softly as he grabs Four’s hand. “That's pretty gay.” Four rolled his eyes as he intertwined their fingers, Four let out a shaky breath as he thought on how to help his other half. Three stares at their hands, his heart skips a beat as he feels their connection flow between them. Letting out a sigh he takes out his phone looking at his wallpaper of him and Aster, after a moment of silence Four gets up dragging Three to his feet. “I GOT IT! I have an idea to get Aster to come back, stay at the cafe I will be sure to bring Aster back then get answers!”

Before Three could reply Four was already out the doors, he looked around to see which of the crew was still around. Tari sits down on a bench frowning, seeing her he runs up to her “Tari! Can you help me with finding Aster, I feel that idiot needs a good talking to.” Tari looks surprised “Oh sure! I have been worried about them, I have never seen them so emotional before.” Four pauses for a moment thinking over Aster’s reaction, the fear and confusion in their face. He rubs his chin wondering what exactly caused Aster to run away, noticing Tari staring at him Four decides to not overthink things as waves his hand to her.

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Aster looks around confused “Hello?” They hear the old man chuckle, making Aster’s eyes flicker red for a moment. They walk around the area looking for the old man, they start to walk away before they hear a hum “Where are you going? Hiding behind your fathers orders so you don't have to face the truth?” Aster growls as they turn around looking around “Alright stop fucking around and show yourself!” The old man sighs, “There is nothing to show, kids these days.” Aster blinks as they slowly touch their head, it slowly clicked that the reason the voice sounded close was due to the fact it was coming from their head. They shake their head “Ha..this whole mess with my darling seems to have messed with me more than i thought.”

“Oh Aster, I was hoping by the time we talked with each other you would have figured out the truth.” the old man lets out a sigh before Aster feels a strange pull in their chest. “I’m well a millennium star, a star of pure energy unlike the other one.” Aster silently listens before they decide to walk again “Listen, I’m going to need you out of my head old man. I have a mission to do and having you in my head is not helping me.” They decide to ignore the voice as they keep walking down the road, after a while the voice begins to speak again “What story did Ztar feed you?” Aster sighs as they keep walking, the strange pull is felt again causing them to stop walking. “Ztar and I are the last of our kind of star, thanks to the meme guardians that got in the way.” Millennium laughs hearing the story getting on Aster’s nerves “Listen you asked i answered, what is so funny!”

Before the voice can answer they hear footsteps approaching them, they turn to the sound to see SMG4 and Tari. They pinch the bridge of their nose slightly, Four steps forward staring them down “Why did you run away?” Aster crossed their arms staring at the man in front of them, they could feel a headache building from the stress of everything. It wasn't enough that they started to feel strange around SMG3, now they had to deal with a strange old man voice in their head along with SMG4. The tug in their chest was stronger, the pull making them feel sick. Tari gently grabs Four’s arm holding him back “Aster we have all been worried with how you ran off, are you hurt?” Aster frowns seeing the gentle look Tari is giving them, they look away thinking over the event “It was…overwhelming, after all my boyfriend almost died then we also had that fight. Hearing his apology was too much, look i'm not a fan of talking about my feelings can we just stop this?” SMG4 pulls his arms away from Tari as he walks towards Aster “No, do you know how bad Three is taking this. You really think you can just use your good looks and charming smile to make us feel sorry for you?!” Aster glares at Four as they step forward “I’m not asking for a pity party cupcake. What, am I not allowed to have my own feelings?” As the two fight the ground begins to shake causing Tari to panic, she calls out to the two men hoping to catch their attention.

The floor starts to crack causing Tari to gasp, the ground shakes harder now catching the pair’s attention. They look at each other before turning to Tari “RUN!” she gasps when the floor breaks swallowing the pair, she reaches out and grabs Four’s hand at the last second. Four turns to see Aster fall to the pit below, taking a deep breath he gives Tari a small smile as he pulls her hand from his. Tari’s eyes go wide seeing him fall, she screams out to the pair as they descend into the darkness. Four looked around in a panic as he fell looking for anything he could get a hold of, before he could grab onto something a piece of debris hit him. Aster groans sitting up, they wait a moment for their eyes to adjust to the new lighting. As they look around they notice SMG4 passed out next to them, they crawl over to Four checking on him. The old voice sighs as Aster is checking on the man “You're a confused child you know that? If you really were your fathers child you have the perfect chance to get rid of Four, that's one guardian down. Then Three would follow you anywhere just to get his mind off of losing his other half, yet you're taking care of him why?’ Aster finishes checking up on Four, they let out a small sigh of relief before replying to their inner voice “I…that's not how I want to do things.” The voice chuckles at the response, Aster couldn't help but growl hitting the wall, they pause as they slowly feel the wall they hit.

Aster stares at the wall concerned “Why…does it feel…” they pull out their cellphone to give themself light. Their eyes go wide seeing the walls of the pit with a strange flesh all over, the more they looked around they notice an eye open up looking at them “AH WHAT THE FUCK!?” They grab Four and pull him away as they stare at the eye before it closes again, they hold Four close feeling anxiety growing. Four slowly opens his eyes seeing he was laying on Aster’s lap, he blushes as he quickly sits up scaring Aster “AH! Fuck man dont suddenly do that this place is already freaking me out!” SMG4 looks around confused as to what the man meant, his eyes wide seeing the familiar walls. He felt himself shake before taking a deep breath. “It…spread.”

Aster gives Four a confused look, before he has a chance to ask further questions Four takes their hand. Aster looks around feeling all the eyes watching the pair “What..is all this? What do you mean it spread?” Four doesn't answer as he focuses on getting out of the pit, he can't bring himself to answer knowing that everything down here was created because of him. Annoyed Aster pulls back causing Four to trip, he falls slamming his face onto the floor. With a groan Four looks up “WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!” Aster crosses their arm “Waiting for answers here cupcake, what is this place?” Four gets up glaring at Aster “We don't have time for stories, this place isn't safe!”

Aster rolls their eyes at the man's reply, they push Four aside as they walk forward only to pause when they notice something moving. They squint staring at the moving shadow, after a moment of silence they jump hearing Four talk “What? Thought you were the big man walking ahead.” Four smirks as Aster glares at him “I saw something walking around, but since you're such a smartass why don't you walk ahead. After all, I'm sure out of the two of us, I'm the favorite.” SMG4 lets out a sarcastic laugh “Right, which is why right now you and Three are doing so well as a couple huh?” As Four takes a step forward Aster trips him, Four catches himself as he turns ready to fight before he sees the dark look Aster is giving him.

“Listen here, I know you have some weird relationship with my boyfriend. But Three is mine understand? Just cause we are fighting doesn't mean you can be smug about it.” Aster gets close to Four giving him a smile filled with rage it took the man by surprise, Four huffs “HA! What's wrong, the mighty Aster is jealous that I'm closer to Three?” Aster grabs Four by the straps of his overalls “Listen here smartass i know you're in love with my boyfriend you're not sneaky!” Four’s face goes bright red as he panics at Aster’s words, as the two bicker the shadow slowly creeps closer to them. Four struggles to free himself “What? Me? In love with SMG3? haha you're really funny, I'm not even gay!” Aster drops Four as they glare at the man “No? Well then you must be pan or bi cause I see the looks you give Three. Or maybe you're too stupid to see that you're in love with the man,I don't care, just know that you're my rival and I won't let you take Three from me.” Four gets up brushing the dirt off his overalls “Alright then Mx knows it all, if you're marking me as your rival, does that mean you actually love Three? Because last time I checked You never told him you do.”

Aster’s eyes go wide as the elderly voice chuckles “You're getting called out, what will you do young one?” Aster opens his mouth ready to fight back only to notice movement from the side of his eye, he turns looking down the dark tunnel. Noticing the strange way Aster is acting, Four also turns, he squints down the dark tunnel wondering what the person next to him was looking at. Millennium felt uneasy by the silence of the tunnel “Aster..do you feel that dark energy?” Aster sees movement coming for SMG4, their eyes go wide as they push Four out of the way. Once Four hits the ground a tentacle wraps around Aster, next thing Four knew Aster was getting dragged into the darkness. Four gets up quickly and runs after them “ASTER!”

Aster digs their fingers into the ground trying to slow down the tentacle “Alright i'm having a shitty couple days SO LET GO!” Their eyes begin to glow red as they use their magic to cut it, once they sliced it a loud roar was heard. Due to the speed they were being pulled they ended up rolling after being freed, Aster coughs as they stand up “What was that roar?” They make their move to find Four when they notice their legs felt heavy, they looked down seeing a pool of strange black liquid “What..the fuck?” Millennium starts to panic slightly “Aster don't move, this strange substance is eldritch origin. The more you move the more it eats away your magic!” Aster pauses as they look around nervously, suddenly the room glowed blue catching Aster attention.

There Four’s eyes glowed blue as he lifts his hands in the air, glowing blue hands begin to manifest behind him. Aster stared in awe before the hands quickly grabbed their waist, Aster looked at them surprised. “Weird..I can feel his warmth.” Aster squeaks when the hands lift them up and pull them to safety, Four smiles seeing Aster safe causing him to lose his focus. Aster gets dropped on the floor, Four gasp running to them to make sure they are okay. Aster picks themself up glaring at Four “Wow thanks for the soft landing.” Four gives them a sheepish smile “Sorry, Three practices solo meme powers more than I do after all I’m busy with my youtube channel.” Aster sighs getting up they feel their legs shake as they slowly walk “What was that slime ick, stars im going to have to take a month long shower after this.” Four grabs Aster’s arm “Need help walking?” Aster shakes their head as they keep walking with Four staying close, they can feel their magic weak. It made them feel uneasy after all with their magic weak they wouldn't be able to protect themself, another roar was heard causing the pair to stop walking. Four looks down hearing the roar, guilt beginning to eat him. Aster sighs as they keep walking. “We can figure out what to do with that roar later, we need to move forward before more of those tentacles grab us.” Four nods as he follows after them, as they walk through the tunnel Four could feel his heart racing as he starts to see parts of Peach’s castle.

Four steps in front of Aster getting them to stop walking “Yes?” they stare at Four “Listen, I think i know where the roar is coming from. So I say the plan is we run like hell right to the exit and we never speak of this place again!” Four gives them a thumbs up before he starts to walk, Aster grabs his arm “As much as i love being left in the dark, I was close to dying back there. You know what's going on, so mind sharing cupcake?” Four pulls his arm away as he looks at the broken pieces of the castle, he gently touches it “We all have a past right? I don't think you need to know about mine.” Aster glares at Four before passing by him, he turns his head opening his mouth before closing it as he follows Aster. The pair smile slightly seeing the light to the outside world, they start running towards it Millennium starts to scream “SOMETHING IS COMING FOR THE BLUE ONE!” Aster acts quickly grabbing Four, they pull the man back causing Four to fall and hit the ground. There a claw slam into the spot where Four was, Aster purple eyes meeting red ones filled with rage. “Peach…you have gotten worse…” Four feels his guilt eating at him as the creature takes a step back, she sniffs around before glaring at Four. Seeing Four is the target, Aster grabs Four and runs off with him “Peach?! You mean the missing princess is here?!” She dashes at them slamming down on the castle's piller causing Aster to lose balance, seeing they were falling Aster made sure to cover Four from the shards of rocks and glass flying by them. As they hit the ground Aster let go of Four “Damn it, Four run into the castle quickly!”

Aster touches their cheek and gasps as they look at their hand seeing blood, their eyes go wide as they look at Peach then their hand. “I’m…hurt?” Aster kept staring at their hand before feeling a strange pull, Millennium focuses his energy on Aster forcing them to look at Peach “Your magic can't protect your body anymore thanks to that substance, you need to keep your eyes open..otherwise she will kill you.” Aster shivers at the comment as they watch Peach walk towards them, they get in position ready to fight. The creature growls as she sniffs at their direction, Aster’s eyes glow, getting ready for anything. Peach blinks at him before passing by him “Smell..death…need…living.” Aster turns confused as they sniff themself “Death? Could that stuff I was in cover my scent…shit Four!”

Aster watches Peach movement waiting for an opening before passing her, they look around seeing Four crying in a room. They look around the room seeing a broken computer, they step closer seeing the decoration in the room. Four wipes his tears “I lost my hat…was looking for it then found my old room.” Aster stops walking as they stare at Four “You lived in the castle with Peach? Hm..I see why this place shakes you, whatever happened must have been really bad.” Four turns to Aster with a sad smile before giving them a confused expression when they start to strip off their flannel “HEY WHOA THINK WE MADE IT CLEAR ABOUT THREE BEING MY TYPE!” Aster rolled their eyes “I'm not hitting on you dumbass, I need you to wea-” Four sighs walking away from Aster, they groan as they follow Four with their flannel in hand “To think i could let my walls down, honestly what does Three se-” Aster, having enough of the meme guardian throws their flannel around Four “Shut up! That goop I landed on covers your scent, so wear my flannel now unless you want to be the princess dinner!”

Four blushes as he takes the flannel, he feels ashamed for how he is acting. He is supposed to be Three’s friend, doesn't matter if he has feelings for the man after all he missed his chance now Three has someone else. Four puts on their flannel as Aster watches Peach, the very person watching over him trying to make sure they both make it out. All Four has been doing is treating them like he did with Three all those years ago, Four frowns as he steps forward hearing a crunch under his foot. He looks down to see shards of the keyboard that once caused the crew so much trouble, he picks up a shard then walks over to Aster to show them “..I made a bad purchase on a keyboard, all in the name of making a perfect video. I almost got everyone killed…I turned Peach into a monster, that's why I hate it here. It's a reminder of how much of a failure I am.” Aster looks at the shard of the keyboard then at Peach “That was one hell of a purchase, look we all make mistakes. The main thing is you can make things up, your friends still are by your side.” Four lets out a bitter chuckle “Getting all old and wise on me?” Aster gives him a small smile “Please cupcake I'm only being nice so we both dont die here, once we are free you bet your ass i'm going to be showing off Three.” Four rolls his eyes before jumping hearing Peach roar, the pair peek out seeing Peach sniffing around. Four gasps seeing his hat in her claws before turning to the castle, Four grabs Aster pulling them away from the hole. “You don't think she works like a dog right?”

At that moment Peach sprints towards the castle before any of them could react Peach swings her arms around smacking the pair, Four coughs as he slams on the floor. Through blurry vision he quickly looks for Aster, he slowly crawls towards them only to pause seeing Peach sniffing near him. He shakes as he holds his breath, a rock flys hitting Peach’s head. She turns roaring at Aster “Sorry princess but your dinner is in another castle, but I wouldn't mind being your date!” Peach charges at them as they throw themself out of the way “Stars that was stupid of me.” Four gets up running to Aster “WE HAVE A CHANCE LET'S GO!” Aster gets up running after Four, as the pair run the roaring gets louder as Peach was catching up. Four grabs Aster and hides behind a boulder, they stay silent as she sniffs around looking for them. She steps away as she continues her hunt, Aster sighs “She is too aware that we are here, not to mention she’s fast. If we run she will catch up to us. If we walk there is a chance she could smell you thanks to your hat…damn why did she have to be a smart monster.” While their flannel hides most of Four's scent, thanks to Peach finding his hat she can get an idea where the man is, Four gently taps Aster shoulder “I can be the bait, she wants me. You go back to the showgrounds and get the others to come back, that way you wont get hurt.”

Aster looks at Four in shock. “You must be stupid, I'm not leaving you behind.” Four sighs “If you don't then how will we get out of here?” Aster think’s to themself for a moment before snapping their fingers “Do you have Three’s emergency bombs?” Four’s eyes go wide realizing what Aster is hinting at, he touches his head and frowns “I do but..it's in my hat.” Aster peeks around seeing the hat being held by Peach, Millennium hums for a moment “You know youngster, I think I know how you can get the hat. But it's risky, you could get badly hurt.” Aster looks back at Four who was watching them, before looking back at Peach “Give it to me.” They whisper to themself hoping Four wouldn't pick up that they were talking to themself.

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Bob sighs seeing Three sadly drinking coffee in his cafe “BRO, YOU CANT LET A BITCH GET YOU DOWN!” He turns, staring at his close friend, seeing the angry expression on his face brought comfort. It was always nice to know he had a friend who was ready to be mad in his honor, not that he would tell Bob any of that. Eggdog looks at his father concern on the counter, Three smiles softly at the pup before petting him “I caused this shit to happen, but Aster didnt say it was the end….even if i did fuck up.” Three finishes his coffee holding back his tears, Bob squints at him thinking before coming up with an idea. He slides up to Three whispering “Want to rob a bank or scam some losers?” Three smirks liking the idea only to be interrupted by Tari running into the room, she was out of breath covered in dirt. Three and Bob exchange a look before Bob pointed at him “IT WAS HIS IDEA TO SCAM THOSE ORPHANS!” Three looked shocked at Bob for a moment before Tari started to wave her arms “SMG4 AND ASTER ARE IN DANGER!” Everything around Three slowed down as his red eyes began to glow, he focused his thoughts on his connection. He could feel the meme energy dance around him till he felt the familiar presence “Four is okay…but Aster.” Tari catches her breath before pointing outside “I can take you both to where it happened. ” The pair nod as they get ready to leave, Three hands over a glass of water to the gamer before he finishes packing a small backpack of items.

Tari softly smiles at Three “I’m sure Aster is okay, they're not alone.” Three nods as waiting for Bob to leave the cafe, once everyone was out he locked the cafe. The crew start to run to the location as Three thinks about the missing pair, Four just wanted to help fix the mess he did, Aster ran away thanks to him being jealous and scared that things felt too perfect. It felt as if his past karma was hitting him, as they ran Three feels pain surge through his body causing him to fall. The group stops as Tari runs up to Three concerned “Are you okay?” Three coughs feeling his body sore, he gets up touching his cheek feeling as someone punched him. Tari frowns checking on him before getting pushed away “I’m fine don't baby me, just hurry and show us where the idiots fell so we can save them!” Tari nods, getting up then pointing down the road “We found Aster over there, then Four and Aster started to fight next thing I knew the ground opened up taking them!” Three felt the pain surging through his body, it was a clear sign something was wrong with his other half. He ignores the pain to his best ability as he runs with the others to the hole, Mario frowns getting close to Three “Mario doesnt like that…” Three bites his lip thinking on what to do “Well no way we can follow them this way…if we follow the crack there might be a faster and bigger opening for us! But we need to hurry!” Meggy pats Marios back to help him relax, Tari looks at the hole then catches up to Three “What's the plan when we get there?” Her worried expression reminded Three that without Four the crew essentially didn't have a leader, given he is more of the straight man in the crew it felt as the crew were leaning on to him.

Three is the king of the internet graveyard. He knew he had to relax himself and show the crew things were going to be okay. “Not sure yet, I just hope they remember what i always tell them.” Three keeps walking as Bob nods along with his words “THAT BOOBIES ARE A POWERFUL WEAPON!” Three glares at Bob “Where the hell do you think they're going to have that down there?!” Bob looks side to side before getting closer to Three “Have you seen SMG4?” Three blushes as he pushes Bob away as they make their way to another entrance.

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Four nervously walks towards the location of the cannon, if he remembers right when Three and Mario used it the cannon wasn't too far from the front of the castle. Four smirks seeing the star cover, he looks around making sure Peach hasn't picked up his scent. Looking at Aster flannel Four smiles at it, thankful that it was covering his scent, he picks up a rock and tosses it where Aster is hiding. Aster takes a deep breath “Millennium…you sure I can pull this off?” The old man chuckles as Aster feels warmth on their hand, they stare at it confused “Child, you're a star with a power not many stars have. You just need to focus not on the dark but on the light, think on what makes you happy once you have it, hold it and do what I told you.” Aster frowns as they begin to think about something that makes them happy, they start going over everything they do. “Hm, cooking is fun! Designing clothes? Helping dad with his plans so I can spend time with him!” No matter what he mentions nothing seems to spark what the old voice told him, Millennium sighs “you're so blind, here's an idea SMG3.”

Aster roll their eyes as they focus on thinking of their target, the monster that killed all of their people. Yet the soft look he has when he is with Eggdog was adorable, he had strange ways of cooking things not to mention they swore one day he caught Three drinking hot sauce. Aster smiles softly as they remember Three’s giggles at Four’s party, hey they made a bet on who is better at rizzing. All the memories they shared with Three made them giggle as their hair started to glow, they opened their eyes looking over their body that was softly glowing “Three..makes me happy?” Could Aster have made the mistake of getting too close, could they truly be falling for their enemy. They Shake their head, no matter what they felt for Three they knew it would never be real after all Three will be dead once everything is said. Aster noticing the glow vanish they go back to thinking of the happy memories as they get up, there they see Peach slowly picking up on Four’s scent. Aster then grabs a rock making sure that their magic wasn't obvious, they then toss it hitting Peach face causing her to fall hitting the ground. The hat slips from her claws as it flies in the air, Aster runs after the hat catching it. Millennium gasps as he attempts to pull Aster's attention “BEHIND YOU!” Hearing this Aster turns to see Peach about to strike him, using the last bit of their magic they cover their body with a small shield. Her claw slashes at them cutting their side, Aster yells in pain as they hit the floor “AH FUCK!” they hold their side seeing blood staining their hand. “Quick thinking on that son that would have killed you.” Millennium's voice begins to fade until Aster isn't able to hear it anymore, Peach roars as she gets ready to strike again.

Aster starts crawling with the hat in one of their hands, focusing the last of their strength they toss the hat to Four. Seeing the hat land near him, Four takes action, activating the cannon he focuses his aim at Peach. Four smirks as he places Three’s bombs in it “Hey Peach!” The monster turned growling at Four “Say hello to my secret weapon!” He smacks the cannon and launches the bombs at her. As Peach screams in pain Aster hears a voice “SOMEONE FREE ME SAVE ME FROM THIS HELL PLEASE I WISH I COULD GO BACK TO MY NORMAL LIFE!” Aster eyes go wide hearing the voice “Peach is still there.”

Peach collapse near Aster groaning in pain, their eyes meet again causing Aster to frown as they begin to glow. The moment Four sees Peach collapse he makes his run to Aster, he hits the brakes when he sees Aster glowing as they touch Peach. “Aster..?” Everything begins to shake again as loose rocks begin to fall around them, seeing the rocks land close to Aster made the meme guardian panic “Aster I dont know whats going on but we need to mo-” a bright light strikes where Aster was causing Four to fall to his knees. The shaking stopped as Four stared in shock “Aster…no no ASTER ARE YOU THERE!?” His eyes begin to water as he struggles to get up, he needed to find Aster, just because their rivals in love didn't mean he would leave them for dead. As he gets up a large shadow is seen, Four looks up wide eyed to see Peach looking down at him. Four was ready for the worst only to notice Aster in her arms “This man collapsed on me…where are we?”

Four looks at her nervously “Peach? Is..that you?” He couldn't believe his eyes, Peach looked around confused and scared “Yes..I see you guys finally remember me.” Four rubs his arms “yeah…very late, I’m sorry about…” Peach shakes her head, handing Aster to him “The man is bleeding.” Four panics, hearing that as he sees their hand stained with blood, quickly checking their body to see the wound on their hip. He rips the sleeve of the flannel wrapping it around the wound, as he does this Peach notices on Aster chest a star-shaped birthmark. She stares at it until Four finishes covering the wound, he gently taps Aster face in hopes to wake them up. Peach looks around where they are seeing her castle in ruin, along with the eldritch remains surrounding them. She then looked at her claws then the rest of her body, she had become something new. No longer was she the princess the kingdom knew, she turns glaring at Four as she walks over to him with Aster “I can still feel my white magic, I should be able to wake him.” Four looks up at her surprised “White…magic?” Peach nods “As a child the stars blessed me with the power to heal, the last white star before Three decided to make a new one with Ztar.”

Peach looks at Aster as she places her claw where she saw the birthmark, she focuses her energy as it flows to Aster. Four watches Aster glow before their eyes open, Peach pulls her claw away watching them sit up. They hold their side as they look around confused, their eyes landing on Peach they jump slightly. Four grabs their hand. “Um Peach is back, she won't hurt us.” Aster relaxed for a moment then looked at the two confused “Wait, how did she wake up when she was so ready to kill us.” Four shrugs as Peach stares at Aster “You don't know what happened also? I thought perhaps you…we must return to the kingdom. I'm sure the place needs its ruler back.” Four helps Aster stand up as they slowly walk out the exit of the cave, only to be greeted with SMG3 and the rest of the crew. Mario tackles Four crying his eyes out “S-M-G-4 YOUR OKAY! STOP SCARING MARIO LIKE THIS!” Four smiles softly as he hugs Mario back “Sorry buddy.” The crew smile at the warm reunion before staring wide eyed at the monster behind Aster, Peach notices them staring at her “Hello, It's been quite a while since i have seen you all, having fun while you left me here to rot?” Meggy frowns looking down in shame “I’m sorry we forgot about you Peach, so much happened!” Tari smiles softly at Peach “It’s great to see you back, you um really rocking the new look!” Peach sighs seeing the crew giving her guilty looks, that is until her eyes land on Three.

Three steps forward causing Aster to nervously look to the side, Three looks at Aster seeing how dirty they are along with the cut on their cheek. Three takes a deep breath holding back his tears, Aster starts to play with their hair trying to figure out their emotions, Millennium chuckles at the sight “I return and see you're still unsure.” Aster pouts hearing the voice in their head teasing them, after a few moments Three runs to Aster tackling them into a hug. Three’s hat flies off as they land on the floor, Three holds Aster close. “Can't leave you alone without you getting into trouble, not like you scared the shit out of me baka.” Aster giggles wrapping their arms around Three “I’m sorry I left your side, everything just felt overwhelming. But I will make sure to not leave your side again darling.” Aster pulls away, caressing Three’s face they both smile lovingly at each other. Slowly they lean in pressing their lips together in a sweet kiss, a kiss filled with real affection from both sides. An apology and forgiveness all in one action, Millennium hums at the sight feeling proud of Aster.

The crew watches for a few moments before Four lets out a soft cough “Maybe you guys could make out later? Aster needs a hospital.” Three pulls away with panic in his eyes “Hospital?!” Peach gently grabs Aster with her claw pulling him away from Three “Before I woke up I gave your boyfriend here a good cut on his right hip. There was lots of blood before.” Peach lifts Aster and gently places them on their feet “I suggest we all head to the hospital, who knows what these two went through in this hell.” With the crew in agreement Three and Four hold each other's hand focusing on their destination, Aster watches in awe as a portal appears showing the hospital lobby.

Aster slowly walks through the portal scaring several patients and doctors, Four awkwardly waves as people gasp seeing him. Doctors came running in to take Four away before fans started to line up demanding autographs, noticing the looks women were giving Aster some of the toads grab Aster hand also taking them to a room quickly. The crew slowly started taking their seat, Peach was the last to walk in causing the lobby to go dead silent. Peach looked around the room seeing the fear and shock in their faces. “Does anyone have contact with Toadsworth, Princess Peach has returned.” The moment she said this the toads went into a frenzy, some were in a panic while others were into the new look of the princess.

Meggy looks at Three who was looking at the hospital doors, she sits next to him giving him a pat on the back “I’m taking that you two kissed and made up?” Three shakes his head “Not yet, what does it even matter to you squid?” Meggy lifts her hand up “I’m just checking on you we are friends after all.” Three huffs as he rolls his eyes at her, his mind focused on both Aster and Four. He couldn't imagine how rough it must have been to be back there again, last time they went there to get a power star for his new castle. Even then Four was scared out of his mind being there, Then Aster was also a victim of that place without having the full story on what happened, his eyes drop to lap as he thinks back on how they looked. For once the charming person he has known wasn't there, instead in front of him was a person drained from trying to survive a nightmare. Their hair was a mess, their clothing was covered with dirt and other substances.

Peach said her goodbye to the crew as she left the hospital getting annoyed from the reactions she was getting. Three watches Peach leave before returning to look at the door wondering what exactly happened. Four was the first to go out the doors, Three got up walking straight to him “Hey scrub next time you want to help me, don't get your ass in this much trouble.” Four smirks at Three “Aw worried about me?” Three rolls his eyes as he blushes “As if, all your friends were worried about you. I could care less.” Four giggles as he lightly hits Three “Always the tsundere.” The crew all pull Four into a group hug excited to see him okay, Three frowns at the sight as he walks to the counter “Um any update on Aster dusk?” The toad turns typing on the computer for a moment, she smiles at Three “Sorry no one by that name is checked in.” Three stares at her confused “What? They’re blond, black t-shirt with ripped jeans.” The nurse shakes her head “I’m sorry, our computer shows nothing.” —--------------------------------------------

Aster groans holding their side “Ugh these three days felt like years.” They look around seeing that no one notices them leave. They sit under a tree “ Millennium, why are you here?” They look up at the night sky waiting for a reply “To guide you, Aster you're not like Ztar. Did you not see what you were able to pull today?” Aster sighs hearing the voice “I don't need a guide, my father taught me all I know.” Millennium shushes Aster making them pout “Aster your father isn't who you think he is, wasn't today enough to show where your happiness lies?” Aster mind thinks about Three, how the man will be upset to learn that they sneaked out of the hospital. Then their mind goes over how Ztar would be pissed seeing that they failed in protecting themself and have gotten hurt. “I need to get home, been away for so long I dont need my father to think I'm back stabbing him.” Aster gets up ready to head home when their phone rings, they stare at their pocket shocked. So much happened they forgot they even had a cellphone on them in the whole mess, they took out their phone to see missed calls from their father. The newest call being from Three, Aster frowns sending a text “I will explain later, I’m sorry three.” They stare at their phone watching the dots appear, a ding sounds as Aster reads the reply “You better, if I find out you died because of something stupid Im getting Luigi to summon your ass from the grave.”

Aster laughs from the text making the star in their mind smile “Aster, you have two paths to pick. It's never too late to pick the one that is better for you.” Aster stops laughing hearing the voice in their head, they frown “I am, I could never abandon my father, everything he does is to protect me.” Millennium couldn't help the venomous tone that came out “Right, cause a loving father would abuse his child into being perfect. Cause a loving father would hurt you whenever you make a mistake, Aster can't you see!” Aster holds his head feeling frustrated over the voice words “SHUT IT! HE LOVES ME!” Millennium takes a deep breath “You have two paths Aster. One of love, one of darkness. Think for one moment what you want, whatever you pick I will be by your side. I apologize for attacking your father.” The voice goes silent leaving Aster fully alone, they look at their phone then the path to their home with Ztar. Putting their phone away they slowly start their walk back home getting ready to explain everything to their father.

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