#risu: um.... with a... knife.....?

[clownsgobeepbeep]

Underland

And now...part 12 of my story! Gosh, everything is taking me too long but I’m at least halfway-ish done ^^’ Warning...this is long...as always

And if anything seems off...sorry but I read through it fast because I wanted to post this asap

Tagging @grotesquegabby and @post-itpenny because some of your characters are here uwu

“Is it Halloween?

“Nope.”

“Halloween II?”

“No.”

“Halloween III?”

“No!”

“Tell me what movie it is then.”

“IT!”

“IT? But how? You must have cheated.”

“I didn’t cheat.”

Far away from the world, yet ever so close to it, was a hole. A hole that was so very dark, yet it seemed that there was a light shining on those who resided in it against their will.

“Maybe you’re just not good at this game.”

“Flora, that hurts.”

There was a group of five in the hole; a single one stood with her back turned to the rest who sat on what was the ground of this hole, one of these laying on the lap of another.

“Sorry.” the youngest of the group slightly shrugged. “But what made you think that my hints were about Halloween?”

“Well, you mentioned a clown. So I remembered when he dressed as a clown.”

“But he uses a kitchen knife, not a balloon.” the girl continued. “Pennywise has balloons. Colorful ones in the 1980’s series and red ones in the 2017 movie.”

“Oh, I see. And the 2017 version is where it has teeth like Alex, right?”

“Yup.” she nodded, then looking down at her brother who’s eyes were shut as his breathing was finally steady.

“Jelly.” called out the one who was standing. “How is he?”

“His breathing’s fine for now; he’s finally resting.” Jelly ran a hand through the boy’s hair, then adjusting her and his positions so that he was closer to her chest. “I’m just…”

The woman looked over at Flora, looking at her face that slowly lost the comfort Jelly had worked so hard on building. It made her chest hurt, especially as the boy on her lap squeezed one of Jelly’s hands as tightly as he could, which was not tight at all.

“I can tell he’s going to get better.” Jelly then reached up to stroke Flora’s hair, feeling as the girl leaned into her touch. “Flora, make me guess another movie. But don’t cheat this time.”

“I wasn’t cheating!” Flora exclaimed in a whisper before scooting closer towards Jelly, leaning her head against her. “You’re the one cheating Mama Jelly.”

“I am n…” Jelly’s smile faltered before she looked at Flora who realized her mistake, then turning up to look at Jelly as neither noticed the others also stare.

“I’m sorry, I-”

“I guess I was right.” Jelly interrupted before bringing Flora into a hug. “You act just like a D’Vitt and have both of your parents’ looks. Mostly your father’s.”

“Mommy says me and Basil have his scowl.” Flora quietly giggled. “And my manager said it was perfect for my next movie. Did I tell you that I’ll be starring in the Orphan remake?”

“You didn’t.” Jelly smiled warmly before planting a kiss on Flora’s hair. “I’m proud of you, and Basil. Proud to call you my grandchildren, even though I made Ula promise to not make me a grandmother! I need to have a serious conversation with that girl.”

“I mean,” Flora started before her smile fell into a saddened expression. “It doesn’t really matter. At least not with us, with our father.”

“What do you mean?”

“The mime killed him.”

In that moment, there was a dead silence as everybody stared at Flora in total disbelief. 

She turned to the side where the mime’s sister sat, her back facing the group but her head now turned to them as she heard the latest of her sister’s doings. 

Arabella could only stare in silence, then turning away from the others again in total shame.

“That...he can’t be. The both of you are still here-”

“Basil’s withering first because he’s the first born.” Flora brought her knees up to her chest before she wrapped her arms around them and placed her head on top. “Once he’s done, I’m next. And then that universe which died the moment my daddy did. Cantarella and Ryder just made sure to make it painfully slow in this pocket dimension.”

“Um...Flora?”

“Yes?”

“How about you tell me how Schrader proposed to my little oyster, hm?”

“Oh. Okay.”

From afar, Velvet gave a sigh at those words before placing a finger on her temple. This dimension took away everybody’s powers, but that was not going to stop her from attempting to do something.

_____________

“Where in the world could that stupid bitch be?” 

Cantarella cursed to herself as she stormed through the woods. She was angry at herself for not having caught that stupid crow. But was it really her fault? It was her stupid father’s fault the crow got away and no doubt talked to Sionis. That was why she visited the house.

“Fucking hell!” she yelled out before kicking her heel into a tree and injuring it rather deeply. “Where the fuck is Evie…”

Finally, the girl found herself in the outskirts just outside of Cuckoo’s circus where she knew her ‘sister’ or whatever was found. So Cantarella carefully made her way into the circus, making sure that nobody saw her slip in and sneak around.

“E-Ella?”

Or not.

Cantarella turned on her heel to look at the owner of the familiar voice, her eyes landing on Bubbles.

“Bubs,” she approached the red head before taking hold of her hands. “What are you doing here?”

“I...I’ve been worried about you.” Bubbles replied before returning to squeeze Cantarella gave her, but Bubbles pulled herself away in the moment. “Um...I’m sorry.”

“Don’t.” Cantarella shrugged before letting go of Bubbles. “It’s not every day your girlfriend is inside your cousin’s body. Speaking of, I still am not used to Ula’s height. It’s actually annoying being this short.”

“Well, it’s not her fault.” Bubbles turned away. “It was that Ryder guy’s. I don’t think you would have liked him.”

“And why not?” Cantarella raised an eyebrow at Bubbles who gave a shrug of her own. “Well, anyways. You haven’t told anyone about this, right?”

“Of course not.” Bubbles rapidly shook her head. “I swear nobody knows, n-not even Jeff!”

“Good.” Cantarella nodded. “Because if you tell anybody, they’ll go back to paying attention to Ula, and you wouldn’t want that, right?”

“R-right…” Bubbles whispered with a small nod. “But...when is all of this going to end? Because…Ama’s suspecting something.”

“What?”

“I haven’t spoken to her, but she came to me. She knows something’s not right. You need to be careful if she comes around.”

“Don’t worry, I will be.” Cantarella stated before placing a hand on Bubbles’ cheek. “Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s some business I must attend to.”

“Oh. O-Okay.”

“I’ll make sure to talk to you later, got it?”

“Got it.” Bubbles nodded before walking by Cantarella who stood in place.

“You can come out now.” Cantarella rolled her eyes to the side, watching as her father walked out of the shadows whilst still keeping a close eye on Bubbles who never noticed him. “What are you doing here?”

“Check up, darling.” Ryder picked something from under his nails before glancing over at his daughter. “What have you been up to lately?”

“Fucking shit up of course.” she rolled her eyes again. “Right now, deer boy’s bound to be moping because I told him to his face that Schrader was a better boyfriend.”

“Hm, not bad. Should have mentioned something about the s-”

“I’m saving that for another blow. I’m not done pulling his antlers out just yet.” Cantarella interrupted. “I know what I’m doing, do you?”

“Do not speak to me in such a way.” Ryder furrowed his eyebrows angrily at Cantarella who scoffed with a cross of her arms. “You’re good at what you do thanks to me. I showed you all you needed to know before you were taken out of that dimension! I’m the reason you and your sister weren’t killed!”

“Well I don’t give a shit, Ryder!”

“Keep it down!” Ryder waved a hand at Cantarella who felt her lips be sealed shut, so she reached up to attempt to pry them open but only fail. “The others are going to hear us!”

Ryder brought a hand up to his forehead, massaging it before giving a sigh.

“Look,” he waved his hand back at Cantarella who was finally able to open her mouth. “What of the crow? Or just anybody else.”

“I’m pretty sure we’re screwed.” Cantarella muttered out. “Zeta went looking for me at your girlfriend’s place.”

“So she knows.” Ryder nodded before bringing both of his hands to his head. “It doesn’t matter, Risus can deal with her. In the meantime, I need you to keep....doing as you do.  I need to go visit Jelly, and that green thing.”

“What about their offspring?”

“I’ll find them, but won’t kill them yet.” Ryder started to walk away.”If anything happens with Jelly or the green thing, we’ll always have a way to make them do as we want.”

“If I remember correctly, that didn’t work last time.” Cantarella commented with a laugh. “Didn’t you get your ass beat after Jelly cried to you and said she’d leave Lennie for you? And then, oh I don’t know, you got locked in that dimension that you just got out of after about ten years?”

“You really know how to talk.” Ryder snarled at Cantarella before finally leaving, especially after she gave him a sweet smile. 

“So! Where exactly is it that you’ll be going to?”

“Must check on the other Cundolilli. Can’t have them taking that or the other position.”

What neither of them knew, however, was that a pair of green eyes watched and heard every word exchanged by the two.

_____________

It was obvious that something was wrong.

Ula would have never cursed at him in such a way, no matter how angry she was at him or anyone.

It really did hurt when she said those final words to him, but something inside Atlas knew that Ula would have never thought or said such a thing.

“She really said that to you?”

“...yeah.” Atlas sighed before taking the cup of soda he had been offered, his eyes looking down as he took a sip from the cup. “I don’t know what got into her, but I’m just really confused after everything.”

“What else did she say about Schrader?” asked his cousin who sat on one of the bar seats next to Atlas, Cosmos standing on the opposite side as the couple attempted to comfort Atlas.

“That he left. Yet another thing I still don’t understand.” Atlas removed his glasses for a moment, setting them down to rub his eyes. “Like, he left without a word after the party.”

“How was Ula feeling about that?” Cosmos leaned on the counter in uncertainty.

“She’s the one who told me about it, and she didn’t seem torn up or anything.”

“That’s just weird.” Vespers slightly shook his head. “Wouldn’t he have at least said goodbye?”

“That’s what I was thinking.” Atlas nodded before giving a shrug. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Did you try calling her band friends?” Vespers suggested.

“Dante’s still pretty pissed at me. Robyn and Rayden...they seemed off.” Atlas groaned. “I even have Schrader’s number, tried checking up on him. He didn’t answer. What am I supposed to do?”

“Well, talking to Ula again is the obvious option.” Cosmos placed a hand on Atlas’ shoulder. “But, just let yourself relax for a bit. Things have been tough for the both of you lately; you guys are still young and will work it out. I swear.”

“Yeah.” Vespers nodded as he also placed a hand on Atlas’ other shoulder. “You guys are best friends. Not even distance broke the two of you apart, and I don’t want to believe that an old flame or any other problem will do that.”

“Exactly.” Cosmos attempted to give Atlas a comforting smile. “You two’ll end up having little baby deers in the future when you finally have the chance of relaxation.”

“Cosmos!”

“What?” Cosmos quietly chuckled to himself, glancing at Atlas who felt his face heat up despite his troubles. “Jelly’s gonna be pissed because she’s gonna be a grandma some day. Says it’ll make her feel old.”

“Alright, enough with that kind of talk.” Vespers motioned to his husband, the two continuing to talk among each other as Atlas only stared at the bubbles inside his drink before he gave another sigh.

“Atlas?”

Cosmos and Vespers soon stopped talking before they looked behind Atlas where they found Ama with a look of concern.

“Hey Ama.” the couple waved at her before she waved back.

“Could I steal Atlas for a bit?” Ama gave a small smile before the men nodded.

“Sure.”

“In fact, I need to go check the bowling alley.” Cosmos hopped over the counter. “You coming Moth Man?”

“Yeah.” Vespers followed behind Cosmos, leaving the friends alone.

“How have you been?” Ama sat next to Atlas who turned to her with a long face. “Have you talked to Ula or Schrader recently?”

“To Ula I have.” he replied before taking another sip of his soda.”Schrader. Haven’t you heard?”

“That he’s gone? Yeah. My uncle Lennie got a call from aunt Jelly.” Ama released a deep breath. “Have you also been feeling the bad vibes lately?”

“Bad vibes?”

“Like something’s off.” Ama claimed before leaning in closer towards Atlas. “Ula’s off, Schrader’s off, and so is Bubbles.”

“Ula I knew that after the ‘date’ we had earlier today. But Bubbles?” Atlas lifted his head to squint at Ama. “What’s wrong with her?”

“I can’t tell yet.” Ama clenched her fists on the counter. “But I just know something’s not right. She was acting strangely when I went to go talk to her today, even knew before me that Schrader left.”

“I thought she didn’t care about Schrader?”

“Same here.” Ama nodded before turning to the side, looking around the area as she felt as they were being watched. “Haven’t even heard anything from the band guys, or the twin sisters. None of them answer to any of my texts or calls.”

“That’s weird. Dante answered to one of my calls, but he answered pretty angrily.” Atlas added before looking back at his soda. “And as of right now, I have no idea where Ula is.”

“Great.” Ama spun in her seat before leaning back and placing her arms on the counter, her body slouching while she scanned the building belonging to Cosmos. “I’m gonna try to call her later again.”

“Don’t bother, she seemed mad when she left me.”

“Why’d she get mad?”

“Because...I...it doesn’t matter.”

“Well, how mad was she?”

“Cursed a lot at me. Said some things I’d rather not remember.”

“Oh, wow. Sorry about that.” Ama’s eyes darted to the booths in front of the bar, then spotting a man who sat alone in one. At first it didn’t really matter to Ama, until the man turned to her and motioned that she go over to him.

“Weird.”

“What?”

“The guy over there is telling me to go with him. Do I know him?” Ama blinked as Atlas turned to look at the booth Ama had been eyeing.

“What guy?”

“The one sitting alone.”

“I don’t know which one you’re talking about. I don’t see anybody sitting alone, save for that guy who I’m pretty sure came in with his girlfriend and is not telling you to go over.”

“Not that one.” Ama shook her head before motioning to the man who gave a sigh. “That one.”

“Ama, I seriously don’t see anyone!”

“The guy with the blue eyes and really nice black hair!” Ama exclaimed at Atlas who blinked at her.

“You wouldn’t be talking about Schrader, would you?” Atlas now squinted his eyes at Ama, the latter soon coming to two realizations.

“Wait.” she hopped down from her seat as she now considered that this was a deceased person. “That guy...strangely does look a lot like Schrader.”

_____________

Evie couldn’t remember the last time she was treated this majestically. Oh wait, she could.

The clown snickered to herself at the memory of James. He was nice, so polite and charming, a great husband. Well, Evie didn’t care about all of that. James was an idiot who couldn’t think straight. Even now he couldn’t.

“But not my Cuckoo.”

“Did you call, love?” 

“Oh, no.” Evie shook her head, slightly waving her hand at Cuckoo who was beside a table serving glasses of wine. “I was only thinking to myself.”

“About what?” Cuckoo smiled before approaching Evie, sitting on the bed she already sat on before handing her a glass of wine.

“You.” Evie shrugged before scooting closer towards Cuckoo, her face quite near their own as she sniffed the air. That was when Evie scrunched up her nose once she got a full scent of the tent the pair currently resided in.

“Cuckoo?”

“Yes?”

“It smells awful in here.” Evie commented before she handed her glass back to Cuckoo, the latter taking it before standing up to place the glasses elsewhere.

“I shall attempt to fix-”

“Oh no, no, no.” Evie motioned for Cuckoo to come back, so they did just that before feeling Evie hold their hands. “I think, I have a way the two of us could fix it.~”

“How so?” Cuckoo perked up before slightly gasping once Evie pulled them on top of her figure that lay on the bed, Cuckoo holding themselves up as they stared down at her with blue cheeks. 

“I’m not interrupting anything,” came a voice which made Evie and Cuckoo turn to the open path where they saw Ula casually walk in with a bit of a smirk “Right?”

“You bitch.” Evie murmured under her breath as Cuckoo brought themselves off of her and the bed, fixing their outfit once standing.

“Ula, hello! I was not expecting to see you here.” Cuckoo greeted warmly as Evie presented her middle finger to ‘Ula’ behind their back.

“Cuckoo, hi. Could I steal Evie for a bit?” Cantarella innocently fluttered her eyelashes at Cuckoo who nodded.

“Of course, I shall leave the two of you to discuss as you wish.” Cuckoo then excused themselves out of the tent, leaving the girls alone.

“What are you doing here?” Evie spat out as she got off the bed, walking towards Cantarella who stretched her arms out with a yawn.

“Just came to check on you, but also warn you.”

“Warn me? About what, the mate?”

“No, just that you’re such a whore.” Cantarella rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course about the mate! But also damn Zeta!”

“You’re really going to stand there and call me a whore?” Evie scoffed with a twirl of her hair. “Speak for yourself.”

“Unlike you,I’ve only ever had one beau.” 

“And how’s that going for you?”Evie continued before laughing to herself. “Not like you care about her.”

At this, Cantarella kept quiet for a moment before shaking her head and punching Evie’s arm.

“What was-”

“I’m serious about Zeta. She knows who I am; she literally went to Jelly’s house to find me.”

“So run bitch.” Evie now was the one to roll her eyes. “She knows what’s the deal with me but won’t do shit. No matter what she or Calli-ho do, Cuckoo’s bound to be against them.”

“Running’s not an option.” Cantarella hissed with a stomp of her heel. “Besides, I need to-”

Cantarella was immediately stopped once she turned on her heel, not being able to speak due to the new choking sensation she felt. In fact, it was not a sensation but instead an actual feeling, a very strong feeling as a hand tightly grasped Cantarella’s neck.

“E-vie!” she gasped out before realizing what the new situation was, eyes widening upon the sight of Zeta who squeezed her hand even tighter.

“Cuc-!”Evie began, then feeling as something pushed her back rather roughly. She fell to the ground with such impact that she was forced to stay there a while, eventually lifting her head to see Zeta keeping her hold on the shorter clown.

“I-I’ll call Cuckoo!”

“No, you won’t, nor will you go near them.” Zeta stated before waving her hand at Evie who then felt as her lips were shut. “Now run off before I beat you.”

With a shaky nod, Evie scrambled up onto her feet before making her way out in a rush.

Zeta then turned her attention to Cantarella who’s eyes widened once she looked into Zeta’s furious eyes.

_____________

At first, things had felt like they were perfectly fine.

His daughter looked cheery despite the strange yet saddening news concerning her former steady. His wife called him and she seemed like she was alright. 

But according to the phone call he received from Zeta, things were not perfectly fine, let alone okay.

Lennie gave a bit of a sigh as he made through the path leading to the circus, which was where Zeta had told him to meet her. He was told they needed to have a serious talk, that there were dangers lurking around and very near his family.

“A dead guy told you to come here?”

The clown eyed the area in front of him, hearing a conversation between the pair that eventually appeared in his line of sight.

“Yeah; he said it was urgent.”

“And this guy...looked a lot like Schrader?”

“Yup. A very lot.”

“What else did he say?”

“He did mention Schrader.”

“Ama?” Lennie called out to the pair who stopped to turn and look at him. “Atlas? What are you guys doing here?”

“Oh! Well…” Ama attempted to come up with some kind of answer.

“You guys mentioned Schrader?” Lennie finally reached the two who stared down at him, both still trying to come up with something as to not worry Lennie.

“Kind of.” Atlas nodded a bit. “Ama suggested we come to the circus.”

“What was this talk about a dead guy?” Lennie blinked, Ama finally gaining the courage to tell him the reason for them being there.

“Look, uncle-” Ama stopped herself once an ear piercing scream sounded loud enough to make birds fly out of the trees.

“Oh shit.” Lennie marveled, stepping away from the friends to look over at the circus that was just a few yards away. “That...that sounds like…

“Ula.” Atlas realized before immediately making his way out of the scene and towards the location of where another scream was heard.

“Atlas,wait!” Ama ran after him, leaving Lennie to once again try to catch up. 

“St-!” they heard Ula choke out, right before Atlas skidded to a stop once he found himself in front of the tent belonging to the ringleader. 

Atlas heard Ula continue to choke sounds and words, right until he witnessed Ula be tossed onto the ground before Zeta stepped out of the tent with a deeper glare than usual. His eyes widening as Ula attempted to drag herself away from Zeta in a state of distress.

“A-anyone! Help!” Ula cried out as she dug her nails into the ground, continuing to drag herself before her ankle was grabbed and she was forcibly rolled over. “Stop!”

“Keep crying, nobody’s going to do anything about it.” Zeta fumed as she set one of her heels on Ula’s chest, digging in deep which made the girl yelp with pain while trying to remove Zeta.

“Zeta!” Atlas yelled at the woman who turned to him, heel digging deeper into Ula who reached a hand above her head towards Atlas.

“What the hell are you doing?” now came Lennie who frowned at the sight, stepping towards Zeta who lifted a finger up to him. “Zeta!”

“D...Dad!” Ula begged as Zeta reached down to grab her by the collar. “Dad, please!”

“Zeta, put her down dammit!” Lennie demanded as he clenched his fists, attempting to contain himself in that moment.

“I will not.” Zeta replied as she gripped onto Ula’s collar before she looked at Lennie. “Where is your wife?”

“What does-”

“Where is your wife?”

“She’s on a business trip.” Lennie gave in.

“Does she have her phone?”

“Of course she does.”

“Are you sure?” Zeta gave Lennie a look, making him and the friends watch Zeta strangely as she reached into Ula’s pocket. “Call her right now.”

“Why-” Lennie began, but Zeta’s look was enough to have him pulling out his phone before he called Jelly’s phone. Right then, his eyes widened once he heard Jelly’s ringtone come from Zeta’s hand.

“Answer.” Zeta commanded Ula to do before the blonde turned to Lennie with a pleading look in her eyes. “Now.”

“Hi Sharky,” Ula started as she spoke in Jelly’s voice. “How are you Lennie?”

“What…?” Lennie blinked in confusion. “What’s-”

“I don’t want to be giving anymore bad news and I wouldn’t want to waste your time with Billy.” Ula continued which made Lennie’s eyes widen. “I know, but I also need some nap time Sharky. I have another meeting in the morning and I want to go buy some souvenirs for all of you once I’m done.”

“Ula...why…” Lennie shook his head upon the realization that these were words he heard in his phone call with Jelly...or who he thought was Jelly.

“Lennie.” Zeta grabbed his attention. “Jelly is not on a business trip.”

“Where is she?” Lennie now glared at Ula, though his glare softened when he looked at his daughter. “Ula...where’s your mom?”

“And this is not Ula.” Zeta added before bringing the girl closer to her face. “Right Cantarella?”

“Cantarella?” Ama now spoke as she blinked with a shake of her head.

“Wait, you mean...Bubbles’ girlfriend?That can’t be.” Atlas took a step forward. “How is-”

“I am pretty sure you all remember Ryder.” Zeta interrupted before everybody’s eyes widened.

“What does this have to do with….” Ama soon witnessed the ghost from before, seeing as he tapped the corner of his eye. “Ula…?”

Ama then approached Ula who had no way of reacting due to Zeta’s hold, so Ama looked into Ula’s hazel eyes, a detail she was surprised to have never noticed.

“Show me your real eyes.”

Ula stared at Ama before her eyes darted over to Zeta; when she finally looked at Ama again, Ula blinked her eyes a few times before they turned into a pink color. 

Memories of the younger years came to Ama once she remembered where she had seen that exact pink in somebody’s eyes, then seeing as Ula gave a laugh.

“I have my father’s eyes, don’t I?” she cackled out before a punch was thrown her way.

“Where the fuck is Ula!?” Ama shouted at the girl who blinked away the pain.

“Where is my wife?” Lennie now questioned as he walked towards the three, Atlas following behind as he also felt an anger boil in him. “Where’s Jelly!?”

“I don’t know.” Cantarella smirked at Lennie. “Perhaps you should ask Ryder.”

“Ryder!?” Lennie stomped.

“I let him out.” Ula giggled to herself. “Pretty sure you can tell just who it is he went to first.”

“You…!” Lennie further clenched his fists before he immediately shifted into his monstrous self, grabbing and snatching Cantarella away from Zeta before bringing her close to his face.

“Oh my fuck!” Ula burst out with laughter. “Even in your true form are you short! My father is taller than you as a shadow, even in James’ body!”

“Wait, Lennie wait!” Atlas placed a hand on Lennie who snarled in response. “If this is a situation like Ryder and James…”

“So, you actually are smart.” Cantarella nodded quite impressed. “You know you can’t kill or exactly hurt me.”

Atlas nodded at the girl before stepping closer towards her, glaring deeply at her malevolent grin.

“Ula’s been here the entire time.” Atlas told. 

“She sure has; I’m just the little voice inside her head, lulling her to sleep into Wonderland.” Cantarella fluttered Ula’s eyelashes at Atlas who grit his teeth. “Wouldn’t want to hurt your tiny girlfriend.~”

“Don’t worry, he won’t.” Zeta grabbed Cantarella’s chin, forcing her to look at her. “But I will.”

Cantarella’s eyes widened right at that moment, her vision becoming nothing but darkness once Zeta delivered a powerful punch.

_____________

The sound of a scream pierced the air, startling all of those who were around.

“Are you alright?”

“Who, me?”

The young blonde known as Cordelia lay on the ground of her aunt Tilde’s home, giving a shrug before replying again.

“I’m fine.” she smiled before picking up the crayon she had been previously using to color with, then resuming her activity while her legs swung in the air. “Are there any more cookies?”

“Just a few more. I have another batch in the oven.” Tilde leaned down to pet Cordelia’s head, then turning to the side where the sound of continuous footsteps was heard. “Davey, do you need anything?”

Cordelia also looked to the side where she found her brother pacing back and forth, the axolotl family who was also brought with them watching Davey as well. Maybe he was a little more stressed due to the fact that Schrader’s crow friend flew away to an unknown location.

“Davey?” Cordelia called out to him, her eyes landing on his arm that he unknowingly scratched.

All kinds of thoughts raced through Davey’s mind, his pacing never ending as he was oblivious to everybody’s stares. He mumbled some things to himself, anxiety getting the best of him until he finally stopped walking.

Looking down at his arm, Davey felt a pain in it due to his scratching that made him snap out of his thoughts.

“Davey?” Tilde attempted to grab his attention again, finally having the boy turn to her.

“Does Ula actually hate me?” Davey blurted out, feeling as if he had still been talking to himself in his mind. “The not real Ula said she did, but does-”

“Davey.” Tilde interrupted as she approached the little clown, bringing him into a comforting hug that Davey did not return just yet. “Your sister doesn’t hate you.”

Davey blinked to himself before being released by Tilde, so he made his way over to the couch behind his sister. Behind him came Mana and Kala, the latter hopping onto the couch before placing her head on Davey’s lap while Mana lay at his feet.

“When is she gonna come back?” Davey muttered to himself, then feeling Kala nudge his hand with her head which he promptly petted.

But then, there was the sound of knocking at the front door which made all of the axolotls lift their head in alert almost instantly, the puppies barking loudly before running around as Mana attempted to put them at ease.

“Stay there kids.” Tilde told the siblings as she made her way over to the door, making sure to follow as Zeta asked and keep the children safe. Not like she needed to be told of course.

“I wonder who it is.” Cordelia bit into one of her cookies while keeping her eyes on her paper. “Maybe it’s Zeta.”

“Maybe.” Davey continued to pet Kala’s head after she grunted to the puppies so that they would calm down, all cuddling with Cordelia while Mana went back to his original spot.

“Oh, James! Hi!” Tilde was heard greeting the new guest, right before Davey and Cordelia turned to look as footsteps were once again heard.

“How have things been, Miss Tilde?” James questioned as he was now in the line of sight of the siblings, looking down at them with a soft smile. “Oh, hello there children. I never expected you to be here.”

“Hi James!” Cordelia eagerly waved at James who waved back, then glancing over at Davey who felt as Kala pressed further into him.

“Hello, Davey.” James slightly bowed. “How do you do?”

“I’m fine I guess.” Davey shrugged before Tilde interrupted the small chat.

“So, what brings you around these parts?” Tilde asked before James turned to her.

“Jelly did not answer any of my phone calls today.” James replied. “I wanted to see if you perhaps had heard of her? Lennie spoke to her earlier today, but other than that, I have had no word of her.”

“She’s at a business thing far away.” Cordelia looked up from her paper. “She’s got meetings and stuff with important guys.”

“I understand that.” James chuckled to himself, then eyeing Mana who smiled at him with his tongue lolling out. However, James then took a step back he heard a growl come from Kala, the axolotl baring her teeth at him which made him place his hands behind his back.

“Is she alright?” James blinked at Kala before bringing a hand up to his hair, slicking it back for a moment which made Mana stand and growl as well.

“They’re probably tense because of what’s happening.” Tilde stepped in between James and the axolotls, neither noticing that Davey squinted his eyes at James.

“What has been going on?”

“Something with Ula.” Tilde whispered to James who gave her a look of concern.

“Is she alright?”

“I honestly don’t know the details.”

“I see.” James nodded before looking back at Davey and Cordelia, particularly Davey. “I will be making my way out now. I would like to no longer disturb you all.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Tilde offered, watching as James stepped closer towards Davey whilst ignoring the axolotls.

“And Davey,” he started before giving a smile, Davey blinking when he felt a shiver run down his spine...this smile was creepily odd. “I can not believe I never realized,”

“Realized what?” Davey then felt as James touch a lock of Davey’s hair.

“How awfully similar you look like your father.” James chuckled before backing away. “I will make my way out now, no need to come with Miss Tilde.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you be then.” Tilde nodded before feeling Mana and Kala stand at each of her sides, both frowning at James who finally left. “Well, kids-”

“We need to help.” Davey stood up before having Cordelia and Tilde look over at him.

“Excuse me?” Tilde raised an eyebrow.

“We need to help Ula.” Davey fixed his shirt before Cordelia followed and also stood up. “There was something wrong with James.”

“Yeah!” Cordelia nodded eagerly before Tilde shook her head.

“Whoa, kids. Wait.” Tilde lifted her hands as she walked towards the kids. “We’re not going anywhere. I promised Zeta-”

“Then we’ll go.” Davey stated which made Tilde shake her head again.

“I’m sorry, but no. Going out there is dangerous-”

“That wasn’t James who walked in here!” Davey pointed to the door. “That was Ryder, and he’s really bad!”

“Yeah!” Cordelia nodded again, not knowing exactly what was meant but she trusted him and needed to aid her older sister.

“Look, even if it was-” Tilde started, then seeing as Davey slammed a hand on the cookie plate which caused it to fall and spill cookies everywhere; this made the axolotls pups lift their heads in curiosity then jumping onto their feet before rushing over to the sweet treats. “Davey!”

“Sorry!” Davey exclaimed before grabbing Cordelia’s hand, then rushing away as their aunt attempted to keep the axolotls away from the cookies.

Meanwhile, Mana and Kala briefly motioned to each other before Mana rushed away and after the kids, Kala staying behind.

_____________

“How do we bring her back?”

Cantarella blinked her eyes open, squinting once a bright light hit her face.

“W...what?”

“How do we bring Ula back??”

She finally lifted her head up, being able to make out the shape belonging to Atlas who she was able to sense was more than just upset.

“Tell me.”

The girl furrowed her eyebrows before she tried to pull her arm in attempt to punch Atlas, yet she discovered that she could not. Cantarella glanced down at her arms, shaking herself as she realized that she was completely restricted and forced on a chair.

“Get me out of here.” she demanded before turning back to Atlas who had now leaned down and closer to Cantarella’s face. “Get me out of here you asshole!”

“I can’t believe I never saw this coming.” sounded another voice, so Cantarella turned to see that Atlas was not alone. With him were not only Zeta, Lennie, and Ama, but Maggie, Vespers, and Bubbles were now in the room.

“What an elder you are.” Cantarella commented to Maggie who in turn gave her a frown. “I was right under your nose the entire time.You didn’t expect me or the parents, huh?”

Maggie continued to glare at the girl before turning away as a feeling of disgust came to her, Atlas once again coming into Cantarella’s vision.

“Tell me how to bring Ula back.” Atlas grit his teeth in front of Cantarella who stuck her tongue out at him.

“Say the magic word and I’ll consider it.” she grinned innocently, right before receiving a punch that caught her off guard and off balance.

Cantarella fell sideways to the ground, quite forcefully as she realized that Ama was the one who had punched her.

“How do we get Ula back!?” Ama yelled at her before Zeta picked up the chair and set it straight.

“Let me go...and I’ll tell you.” Cantarella blinked away her throbbing pain before looking up at everybody who glared at  her.

“You know we’re not doing that until you bring my daughter back.” Lennie stormed over to Cantarella who scoffed.

“I already told you...she’s here.”

“The real Ula!” Atlas growled at her. “Get out of her!”

“Make me.” Cantarella then felt another punch from Ama, this time only causing her to spit out before clearing her throat. “What I meant to say was, you’re not getting your tiny clown back.”

“And why is that?” now Vespers spoke as he stepped towards Cantarella, making her give a laugh.

“Oh, the moth speaks. Better be careful not to have your wings ripped off.” she grinned at him. “Especially if there’s a fire beneath you.”

“You…” Vespers huffed, knowing very well just what she was referring to.

“Ula’s off in dreamland.” Cantarella cleared her throat. “Unlike James who was in the passenger seat as my father took over his body, Ula’s sound asleep. She doesn’t know her mind is somewhere else; she’s convinced she’s wide awake and in the reality of her dreams.”

She then glanced over at Atlas, giving him one of her best smirks.

“And you know what she thinks the best part of that other reality is, Atlas? That Schrader’s her boyfriend.”

“Shut up!” Atlas fumed before a hand was placed on his chest, then seeing as Maggie placed herself between Cantarella and Atlas.

“Speaking of Schrader.” Maggie started before leaning close to Cantarella. “Where is he?”

“How am I supposed to know?”

“Rumor has it that you spread the news, and that you were the one to last talk to him.”

“Sure I may have spread the news, but I wasn’t exactly the last one who saw Schrader.” Cantarella shrugged. “But you can believe me when I say that the ‘real’ Ula did talk to him, and that he did say he was leaving back to Australia because he’s got nothing to do here. Other than that, it’s none of my business.”

“So you’re saying that Schrader really did leave?” Maggie squinted at Cantarella who gave a nod. “As if I’m going to believe that.”

“Alright, alright. Ya got me.” the girl shrugged once again. “But the first parts are true. I just did him a favor.”

“What did you do to him?” Zeta was the one who now pressed, nobody noticing that Bubbles took a step back into the shadows.

“What always runs but never walks, often murmurs, never talks, has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?” Cantarella fluttered her eyelashes. “And can I just say that the sight of a head exploding is thrilling?”

“Lennie.” Zeta whispered to the short clown who turned to her. “I need to go somewhere.”

“Okay.” Lennie nodded, knowing that there was no need to be asking questions, especially with the current situation. He watched as Zeta slipped away and made her way out, so Lennie turned back to watch everybody else.

“Hey Atlas.”

“If it’s not about bringing the other’s back, don’t say another damn word.” Atlas hissed before turning along with Ama, both attempting to start a conversation.

“Well, it includes Ula.” Cantarella ignored his words. “And her dear loverboy Schrader.~”

“Whatever.”

“Did you know that after the party, they left together? Then he took her to the garage, gave her her fancy-smancy car before they drove to their favorite cliff.” Cantarella continued. “And you know what they did?”

Atlas also ignored Cantarella, shutting his eyes for a moment until she spoke up again.

“They kissed.” Cantarella grinned, easily able to tell that Atlas’ eyes shot open as Ama turned to Cantarella. “Makes sense, huh? They drive to their makeout cliff and decide to repeat history.”

“Atlas, don’t listen to her.” Ama attempted to help her friend, but Atlas turned around to once again glare at Cantarella.

“What do they call it, necking?” Cantarella laughed out as Atlas approached her. “But wait, wait, wait! You haven’t heard the best part! You could obviously never forget the infamous Basil and Flora, right?”

“You’re looking for a mind flaying.” Atlas threatened.

“Isn’t it weird that they appeared out of the blue, and then left after a certain school dance?” Cantarella snickered as Atlas leaned in closer. “But then, all of a sudden both they and Schrader appear?”

“What the fuck are you saying?”

“Basil and Flora,” Cantarella gave a giggle. “Are Ula and Schrader’s future kids.”

Atlas’ glare soon turned into the look of a deer in headlights one, but he furrowed his eyebrows once again whilst those behind him stared with wide eyes.

“Atlas-” Maggie reached out to Atlas who did not know how to react at that moment.

“Wonder why they’re still existing, huh? I mean, I don’t know either to be honest. But let’s say Schrader was around and Ula back-”

“Be quiet!” Vespers now stepped forwards.

“Ula dumps your miserable ass, goes back to her bubble butt musician. They get married,and-”

“Be quiet!” Vespers repeated before Cantarella laughed.

“No, wait! They get married, have a shit ton of kids, and Atlas...Atlas hooks up with some other pretty girl, right?” Cantarella eagerly nodded before turning to Maggie. “Right, Mrs. Blueblood?”

“What are you talking about?” Maggie blinked in anger.

“Oh, oh! You didn’t really think I wouldn’t know about that conversation you had with Atlas while he and Ula took a break, huh?” Cantarella giggled. “Because of that conversation, little ol’ deer boy thinks to himself that if Ula dumps him, he’ll always have some other bitch to run off to.”

“That is not true-”

“No need to worry when there’s a backup, right Atlas?” Cantarella fluttered her eyelashes at the boy. “I wonder how Ula would feel about that, knowing she could easily be replaced. Do you even care about her at all, Atlas? Are you just keeping her around-”

Cantarella was once again interrupted, but this time with a smack from Maggie.

“Shut the fuck up already.” Maggie leaned in dangerously close to Cantarella’s face. “You really know how to run your mouth, just like your disgusting parents. I don’t know how you know about those things, or how you’re talking, but-”

“She has Arabella’s voice.”

Everybody turned around and looked into the shadows, remembering that Bubbles was also in the room.

“She told me that this thing called Risus took out Arabella’s voice and gave it to her.” Bubbles cleared her throat.

“Risus?” Maggie’s eyes widened before she mentally hit herself. “Damn...dammit! How did I not see this coming!?”

“Oooooh.” Cantarella nodded as her smile now disappeared while she stared at Bubbles. “Switching sides now, are we Bubbles?”

“Wait, what?” Ama squinted at each of the girls before stopping at Bubbles. “Bubbles!”

“What’s Bubbles got to do with this?”Vespers’ frown deepened before Cantarella leaned to the side to get a closer look at Bubbles

“Bubbles loves to watch. Just watch and do nothing.” Cantarella huffed with a roll of her eyes. “How about you tell them Bubbles?”

“Tell us what?”

“Say it Bubbles.” Cantarella now was the one to grit her teeth. “Say it or I will.”

“Bubbles?”

“Look...i-it’s just that…” Bubbles gulped before she brought a nail to her mouth, chewing on it for a bit. “Y-you see…”

“Bubbles.” Ama urged on before Bubbles cleared her throat again.

“I...I may have...seen when Cantarella..um...she…”

“Hurt Schrader?”

“Hurt Ula?” now Atlas was the one who pressed. “And what exactly did you do about it?”

“That’s...that’s the thing.” Bubbles played with her thumbs. “I...um...I did...no...not…”

“Get out.” 

Bubbles timidly glanced over at Atlas who had to swallow his emotions.

“Bubbles, get out of here.”

The girl did as she was told, turning to dash away before she stopped in her tracks to prevent herself from bumping into the new guests. Bubbles gasped once she realized who these were, clasping a hand over her mouth when looking into the judgemental eyes belonging to Davey.

He stood next to his younger sister as well as Mana, all three staring up at Bubbles whilst Davey shook his head in disapproval.

Bubbles ran past all three of them and out of the room, right before Lennie approached his kids.

“What are you guys doing here?” he exclaimed in a whisper. “You were supposed to stay with your aunt Tilde!”

“We came to help.” Davey stated before Cordelia nodded.

“And if any danger comes, we’ll kick butt!” she grinned. “Plus, we have Mana.~”

Mana barked in response before looking over at Cantarella still tied up in her chair.

Cantarella looked at him, baring her teeth with a growl that made him react in the same way before furiously barking at her.

“You guys shouldn’t have come here.” Lennie settled down Mana.

“Aww, little Davey’s back.~” Cantarella cooed before her eyes met with Davey’s. “Ready for some more loving from big sister?~”

“Leave him alone.” Lennie stepped in front of the kids.

“No, dad.” Davey placed a hand on his father’s shoulder.

“Aw, you think you’re a brave one, huh?” Cantarella watched as Davey came towards her, Mana making sure to stay right by Davey as Cordelia hugged Lennie. “Gonna hug big sister?”

“You’re not my sister.”

“Ah, right. And what are you gonna do about it?”

“Nothing.” Davey replied, making Cantarella burst out with a laugh. “I don’t have to do anything.”

“What are you-” Cantarella then stopped herself, her smile faltering as she heard something.

But this is not my life.

Cantarella’s eyes widened as she looked at Davey, seeing as he crossed his arms in front of her.

This is just some illusion. It’s not real and I realize that now.

“I’m not afraid of you,” he posited. “And my sister’s smart.”

You are...you are not my dad...you...you’re just a bunch of pure imagination.

“She’ll kick you out.”

Fuck you Cantarella, you useless piece of shit.

“No…” Cantarella shook her head, the shaking then becoming quick before she tugged her arms rather harshly. “No!”

Davey took a step back once he saw Cantarella rip her arms out of her restraints, raising them over her head as she was ready to attack Davey. However, that never came.

Davey opened his eyes once he heard a blood curdling scream, glancing down at his feet where he saw Cantarella violently convulsing. He gasped and stepped even further back until crashing into Ama who held him, everybody staring in shock as the girl continued to scream.

Dark blue spikes protruded all over her, always coming in and out of her but especially her back.

Atlas’ eyes widened once he was able to make out a shape that wasn’t a spike, almost like a second body that was being pushed out through the girl’s back as the stitches now opened. He stepped forwards despite Vespers’ protests, then seeing as a body did appear, right before falling onto the ground.

Now there were two bodies on the ground, Ula’s and Cantarella’s.

“Ula!” Atlas rushed over to Ula, picking up her limp and bloodied body before turning to see Cantarella blink her eyes open.

“How...how did she…” Cantarella blinked several times before eyeing the crowd around her, eyes now wide before she shifted into her shadow self. Before anybody could react, the shadow vanished away which no doubt frustrated the others and Atlas but he was honestly quite focused on something else.

“Ula?” he moved her hair out of her face, right before seeing as hazel eyes opened to tiredly look up at Atlas.

“A...Atlas.” Ula breathed out before coughing, then snuggling her head into Atlas’ chest as he held her close.

_____________

“When’s she gonna wake up?”

“I don’t know, but let’s hope it’s soon.”

“Is she dead?”

“Of course not.”

At the sound of voices softly speaking, save for one who was louder than the rest, Ula released a sigh as she shut her eyes tighter than they already were. She could tell that she was laying on her side, not exactly the most comfortable position at the moment, so she attempted to roll onto her back.

“Ula, Ula! Wait!”

“Not on your back!”

“Hm?” Ula finally fluttered her eyes open, her vision somewhat blurred before she blinked that away and was able to make out a few shapes. Once she could properly see, Ula gave a bit of a smile when she recognized the figures before her, especially as one of them tightly held her hand.

“Hi guys.” Ula breathed out. “Why can’t I lay on my back?”

“Your stitches.” she heard her dad say, just as he held her cheek in one of his hands.

“Dad...Where are we?”

“Cuckoo’s circus, inside one of the backstage tents.” Lennie rubbed her cheek, right before he was forced away due to the jumping girl now in between him and Ula.

“Can I hug her now!? Can I, can I, can I!?”

“Cordie, now’s not the best time.” Lennie lightly chuckled before Ula shrugged.

“I don’t mind.” she also chuckled. “Just be careful with the stitches.”

Ula gave a quiet ‘oof’ once she felt her little sister immediately hug her, still making sure to be gentle.

“I missed you so, so, much!” Cordelia exclaimed while hiding her face into the crook of Ula’s neck.

“I missed you too.” Ula giggled before glancing behind Lennie, finding her little brother standing right behind him. “Aren’t you gonna come and hug me too?”

“Can I?” Davey whispered before seeing his sister nod, then immediately rushing over to hug Ula along with Cordelia.

“I love you guys so much.” Ula attempted to embrace her siblings no matter how uncomfortable she felt still laying on her side.

“Is she awake?”

Lennie turned around as Ula looked behind her siblings, then seeing Ama walk into the tent with a smile.

“She sure is.” Lennie nodded before allowing his niece to approach Ula. “Just be careful guys.”

“I know.” Ama smiled as Davey and Cordelia parted away from Ula, now Ama hugging her friend as best as possible. “How are you doing?”

“Well, I’m me again and there’s nobody controlling my body.” Ula let out a breathy laugh. “So, I’d say I’m doing pretty good right now.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Ama pulled away from her hug before moving out of the way. “There are others here who want to see you.”

“Ugh, attention on me again.” Ula groaned before shutting her eyes, but she was quite startled when she felt saliva all over her face. “Mana!?”

Ula laughed as her axolotl licked all over her face, whimpering as he attempted to climb onto the bed with her for her knew that this time it was his little one.

“Mana! I’m so happy to see you too.” Ula giggled before wrapping her arms around the axolotl, finally settling him down as he nuzzled into her and lay quite comfortably.

“There’s someone else who I think you’ll be willing to see.” Lennie walked over to pet Mana’s head, Ula looking up before seeing another figure standing at the entrance of the tent.

“Atlas?” Ula’s eyes landed on Atlas’ face, a sense of warmth filling her as she saw him smile back at her.

“Come on kiddos.”

“Aw, dad! We wanna stay here with Ula!” Cordelia whined before feeling Lennie kiss her forehead.

“We can come back later, okay? Ula’s nor we are going anywhere.”

“Fiiine.” Cordelia pouted before holding Lennie’s hand, being led out by him, Davey following behind after he and Ula shared some waving.

“I’ll also leave you guys alone.” Ama whispered to Ula before squeezing her hand, Ula nodding and watching everybody but Atlas and Mana leave.

“Hey.���

“Hey.” Ula continued to pet her concerned axolotl. “How you been?”

“I should be asking you that.” Atlas pulled a chair to sit beside Ula, reaching out to hold her hand that she had on top of Mana. 

“I’m fine I think.” Ula chuckled before her smile faltered. “I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“I don’t know what you and everybody else had to go through when...Cantarella was-”

“That’s not your fault.” Atlas shook his head. “Don’t blame yourself for the things she did.”

“Or is doing next?” Ula shut her eyes. “You’re all here paying attention to me when you should be taking care of yourselves.”

“You’re a little more important right now. You literally had somebody inside your body, and…” Atlas cringed at the thought. “Literally ripped out of your body.”

“But I’m fine now. I could get up if I wanted to.” Ula then attempted to stand up, but she bit her lip when a pain shot down from her neck to her back. “Maybe not now, but later I could.”

“You need to rest.” 

“I was already asleep for too long.” Ula shook her head. “I’m scared of going back to sleep.”

“I see.” Atlas nodded before squeezing Ula’s hand. 

“It’s not like it was necessarily scary or anything. It was your typical Ryder nightmare.” Ula squeezed back. “In fact...it was a different reality where everything was supposedly...nice.”

“How so?”

“My mom and that side of the family was all...the same, except for...James was my father. And I had brothers who were triplets.” Ula explained as she made a weird face. “Cosmos was married to some deadlight name...Karina? Pepper was single, as was Ace. Ferry wasn’t around, nor Belinda-”

“Wait, Vespers and Cosmos weren’t together?” Atlas raised an eyebrow as Ula shook her head again. “So...there were no Phoebe or twins? Pepper and Belinda’s kids? Cuckoo and Calliope?”

“None of that. Not even Davey or Cordelia, since my mother and Lennie didn’t even know each other. Hell, Maggie and Billy weren’t together and I saw an adult version of Ama.”

“What? I understand Cantarella didn’t want you waking up...but what?”

“That’s not the entire deal. When I had my first...accident with Ryder...my dead uncle Lucky talked to me and told me about this timeline.” Ula released a deep breath. “I’m pretty sure this was that timeline he was referring to, because my mother and James never broke up.”

“Wait, so you’re saying that James…” Atlas looked Ula all over, connecting the dots: the latest streaks of dark brown in her hair, the hazel eyes, and the blood that was no longer green but red.

“I wouldn’t say that exactly, especially because I don’t exactly understand everything yet. But I was their biological child in that timeline which no longer exists.” Ula pinched the bridge of her nose with her free arm. “ And...Schrader was there.”

“I imagine he was.”

“You weren’t there.” Ula peered up at Atlas. “So...even if I didn’t know...that place couldn’t have been real.”

The pair share a moment of silence, initially staring at each other before their gazing was interrupted by a grumble from Mana.

“Um...what else…”

“Atlas?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you remind me of the day we met?” Ula warmly smiled at him. “Please?”

“Why would you wanna hear that?” Atlas scoot closer towards Ula, then feeling as she unclasped her hand from Atlas’, instead holding his cheek now.

“I need a reminder of one of the best days of my life.”

Atlas leaned his cheek into Ula’s palm, smiling before he closed his eyes.

“Well, for starters you didn’t say anything to me. You only communicated with sign language.” Atlas started. “You had your ‘small but knowing’ theme before getting really into Alice in Wonderland.”

“It was an autumn afternoon, right?”

“Yeah, kind of chilly.” Atlas nodded. “You were quiet and calm, just sat next to me while I read a book in the garden.”

“I liked you at that moment.” Ula was the one who now added on. “I could tell we were going to be friends.”

“You were my reading buddy.” Atlas placed his hand over Ula’s.

“And I always will be.” Ula rubbed his cheek, particularly focusing on his freckles; her smile, however, soon faltered once she thought of something. “Atlas���there’s something we need to talk about.”

“What is it?”

“The night of the party...after the party,” Ula cleared her throat, Atlas now pulling his face away from her palm when those words seemed familiar. “I left with Schrader.”

“Yeah, to get your gift. I remember.”

“But...something happened. No, something was going to happen.” Ula bit the inside of her cheek. “I told myself I would tell you as soon as possible but...that was obviously delayed.”

“I understand.”

“You see, me and Schrader were talking and there was a moment where…” Ula shut her eyes for a moment, but she opened them right back when she realized that she had to look Atlas in the eye. “We leaned in close...I swear Atlas, nothing happened. I left after that. I really swear, it just felt like those days back when we were…”

Ula then stopped herself before a feeling came over her, and she knew it was coming from Atlas. She could tell the hurt in him; she knew just what he was thinking, and he knew this.

“Thank you for your honesty.” Atlas mumbled out as his eyes looked down at his feet. 

“That’s...that’s not all.” Ula coughed. “I didn’t nor could believe at first...but Basil and Flora...are apparently mine and his kids.”

“Huh.”

“I…”

“Didn’t you, uh…” Atlas forced a chuckle. “Didn’t you have a crush on Basil when we were younger?

“Atlas-”

“Like, like in Back To The Future.” Atlas continued, still not looking at Ula. “That’s kinda funny. Basil’s Marty and you Lorraine, making Schrader George…”

“Atlas-”

“Maybe this means you’re meant to be with Schrader.”

“W...what?” Ula blinked at Atlas. “What do you mean?”

“You and I are together, yet Basil and Flora exist.” Atlas answered. 

“But...I want to be with you.” Ula whispered. 

“But...what about Schrader?” Atlas whispered back. “What’ll happen if...their parents aren’t together?”

“What if our kids’ parents aren’t together?”

Atlas finally turned to Ula, seeing as her cheeks flushed as she closed her eyes.

“Hey, Atlas?”

He turned around once he heard Ama’s voice, spotting just the girl who cleared her throat. 

“Vespers wanted to talk to you.” Ama pointed to the outside of the tent. 

“I-”

“Just go.” Ula told him, Atlas turning to her before she pulled her hands to herself and the sleeping Mana. “I’ll survive.”

Atlas gave a bit of a nod before standing and walking out, Ama soon sitting on the chair he had been using.

“Did Vespers really call Atlas?”

“Of course not.” Ama replied before holding her friend’s hand. “Something just told me you needed Atlas away.”

“He wants to break up with me.”

Now Ama’s eyes widened at the sound of this, Ula speaking before she could.

“He obviously doesn’t want to be with me.” Ula bit her now quivering lip. “He doesn’t believe me when I say I want to be with him. I’m sure he’s wanting to break up, but can’t. Maybe he feels like he’s forced to stay with me, like he’ll feel bad when I’m sad. Maybe he just can’t find a way to break up and is trying to convince me to do it.”

“Ula.” Ama shook her head. “You shouldn’t be thinking those things.”

“Ama.”

“You and Atlas really need to have a talk.” Ama interrupted with a shake of her head. “All three of us are best friends, and he hasn’t told me anything about this. I’m sure-”

“He’d never tell you anything like that.” Ula laughed with a small head shake. 

“Ula, look.” Ama fixed Ula’s hair. “I’m serious when I say that you and Atlas need to talk.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You’ll know when the moment comes.” Ama softly smiled at her. “And no matter what it is happens, I know you guys are gonna be there for each other. I just know it.”

Ula stared at Ama for a moment before sighing with a smile and nod.

“I just…” Ula felt as her cheeks heat up once again, never realizing that there was a third presence just outside the tent. “I want that idiot to propose to me some day.”

“Is that so?” Ama felt her smile widen.

“I wanna get married to him, with you by my side as my maid of honor.” Ula crinkled her nose with eyes closed again. “My mom would be sobbing her eyes out, my dad would walk me down…I sound just like a hopeless school girl. I basically told him that I wanted kids with him.”

“It’s nice.” Ama shrugged, then leaning over to hug both Mana and Ula. “I hope the both of you come to your freaking senses.”

“Me too.”

Just outside the tent was Atlas, having listened to the conversation inside. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

“Atlas?”

He then turned around, right before his eyes widened at the sight of a familiar face.