the-writing-starchive

[the-writing-starchive]

Razzie trips.

Okay, maybe that isn't the best way to describe it.

She's cheerfully walking through the marketplace, hands full of her and Rubio's groceries for the week- the scent of raw meat subtly poking through the smell of vegetables and flour makes Razzie's mouth water and mind contemplate if just one little bite would hurt, but she resists and keeps walking.

When all of a sudden, her foot hits something small, stubby, and soft. With a gasp, Razzie lurches forward, the groceries tumbling out of her arms and their bags so she can catch herself.

The secondary yelp hardly is noticed as she hits the ground and dust flies up, a couple people gasping and clearing the area.

... ow... Razzie thinks as she wiggles her fingers and starts to push herself off the ground, coughing out the sand stuck in her mouth and nose. Those falls are never pleasant, especially in the marketplace where sand gets everywhere and anyone can witness the incident.

... hands... fingers... arms... legs... nothing broken..? No... okay. I'm okay. Good.

"Oh no, are you okay miss?! I'm so sorry, are you okay? Do you need help?!"

The voice catches Razzie off guard- she didn't even see a person, but why is she hearing one speak? Why is it suddenly so close to her face? And why does she hear sniffing?

Without knowing what to expect, Razzie opens her eyes... and immediately gasps.

"OH MY GOSH A PUPPYYYY!!!" She exclaims, sitting up on her knees.

The dog- with a fluffy body, big pointy ears, and fur that seems to blend in with the sand below despite some white on his face and belly, steps back, but its face fills with excitement almost as quickly as Razzie's.

"Mhm, mhm, I'm a dog!!! Hiya, miss!!!" He exclaims.

Any lingering pain is immediately forgotten by Razzie as she leans down, eagerly petting the dog and scratching his side. "Ohhhhhh, you're so cuuuuuuute, and you have a little hat and bag and tiny little bootiessssss!!!!" She gushes, completely ignoring the weird and concerned stares around her as she continues to pet the dog. "Ohmigosh you're just the cutest little puppy dog in the whole worldddd!!! What's your name, puppers?"

"I'm Explorgi!!!" The canine yips, attempting to stand tall but immediately leaning and rolling into Razzie's pets. "The canine adventurer extrodinare!!!"

"Ohhhh, well you're just the cutest little adventurer everrrr, yes you areeee!!!"

As Razzie continues to be completely distracted by Explorgi and vice versa, she suddenly feels a small wooden tap on her shoulder.

"Excuse me, miss?" A ragged voice asks. "You dropped your groceries when you fell, are you alright? Do you need a bandage?"

Both Razzie and Explorgi look up at the stranger- a cloaked, stout, old lady with a kind smile and wooden cane, and 3 young boys peeking out from behind her, all of which holding the groceries that Razzie had dropped. They even put the items back in their bags.

Almost instantly, Explorgi sits down as his ears droop. "I made her trip, it was my fault, I'm sorry..." he says, a soft whine heard in the apology before he looks to Razzie. "Are you okay, miss? Are you hurt?"

"Oh-" Razzie looks back at Explorgi, then up at the elder, before laughing slightly and waving her hands. "No, I'm alright! I've had way worse falls, heheh, it's okay! I should have been watching where I was going, are you alright as well Explorgi?"

Explorgi nods, smiling once again. "I'm okay!"

"Good... yes ma'am, we're all okay- thank you so much for getting my groceries, truly!" Razzie confirms, standing up and dusting sand from her skirt. In all truth, her knee does feel like it has a small scrape... but, she ignores the feeling for the time being.

The three boys carefully hand her the bags of groceries before looking down at Explorgi in awe. "Woahhh... he talks..."

"Mhm, mhm, I can talk!!! Hi there!!!"

"WOAAAAAH!!"

The elder can't help but laugh at the boys' awe... and neither can Razzie. She's always admired a child's awe at the world, and the amazement they have from something so simple yet unheard of, such as a dog talking...

Meanwhile, Explorgi's tail wags excitedly as he hurries to the boys, bouncing into their upside-down paws for pets and falling to the side as they rub his belly, happily yipping and panting.

"My my, what a curious fellow, I've never met a talking dog here," the elder says to Razzie. "What's a young pup like him doing all the way out here..?"

"That's a good question... Explorgi, sweetie?" Razzie asks, sitting on her heels. "What are you doing here in Egypt? Are you from here? I've never seen you around the market before."

Explorgi lifts his head and rolls back onto his feet, looking up at Razzie and shaking his head. "Uh-uh, I'm from the circus!!!"

Razzie tilts her head. "The... circus?"

"Mhm, mhm, the circus!!! I live with Taika and Mister Dialtone, but Taika calls Mister Dialtone Drias!"

That's... a lot of interesting words all together, words that cause Razzie and the woman to glance at each other with sheer confusion. But the corgi isn't done yet.

"I woke up, and Taika and Mister Dialtone were missing, and that didn't seem right! And I could smell other weird people with them, so I followed their scents and now I'm here! They have to be around here somewhere!"

At the remembrance of Dialtone and Taika, Explorgi starts looking around frantically, his paws pacing in place anxiously as he circles the small group, looking for any sight of them in the bustling crowd around... but of course, they're nowhere to be seen.

"... oh dear, you poor thing..." Razzie mutters to herself, feeling her heart swell with a melancholy sympathy for the poor lost dog trying to find his friends. Her next idea of what to do comes almost instantly, and she stands back up and redirects her attention to the elderly woman who's face is also creased with concern.

"Don't worry about him, my husband and I will be able to help him! We'll take him back to our home, he'll be okay- so will his friends."

The woman tilts her head. "Oh? Are you sure, dear? Surely that would be crowded, especially if you have children at home... dogs are quite a lot of work."

Razzie hesitates, the words stabbing at her like a dull knife. It's a small moment before she responds, head hung low as she pretends to look at Explorgi and hide the hurt in her voice. "We.. don't have children. B-but it's okay! We have more than enough room to take care of a puppydog for the time being!"

Explorgi looks up at her with wide eyes and a tilted head. She quickly looks away, forcing a bright smile back at the elder. "Here-" She sets down one of the bags and crouches in front of the three young boys, reaching into her pocket. "Could you three hold out your hands for me, please?"

The boys oblige, each holding out cupped hands. And with a smile, Razzie drops several silver coins into each ones' hands. Their eyes all widen to the size of saucers.

"You three get yourself something nice, okay? As a thanks for helping me out and being so kind," she says.

"Woaaaah- thank you miss!!!"

"Yeahyeah, thank you!"

"Thank you very much!"

"Of course, boys!" Razzie beams at the three, grabbing her bag once more and standing up, looking at their wide-eyed grandmother. "They were raised well," she says. "I hope you're very proud of them."

The woman can't help but smile, reaching up and pinching Razzie's cheek affectionately. "Why, aren't you just the sweetest lady? I am very proud of them, but you didn't have to give them money! It was only the right thing to do."

"Heheh, oh, but just a little reward for their kind deeds- who knows who could have stolen my groceries if they didn't help? I have plenty of money to spare, and they more than certainly deserved it."

The woman looks down at the boys, who all whisper among each other of if they should get toys or candy, before looking up at Razzie and smiling. "Well, thank you, dear... I suppose I'll be taking them to the candy or toy shop now, heheh. You have a lovely day, yes?" She leans down and pats Explorgi on the head as well. "And you too, little one, I hope you find your friends soon."

Explorgi barks softly and leans his head into her hand. "Thank you, miss ma'am!!"

"Yes, thank you... and again, thank you for your and your boys' help! You four have a good day as well, yes?"

"We very much will, thank you. Come along boys, say goodbye to the puppydog."

Each of the young boys wave and pet Explorgi once more.

"Bye-bye, doggie!

"Byeee!"

"We'll miss you, be a good boy!"

"I will!" Explorgi responds as they start to depart. "I always try to be a good boy!!!"

And with another beaming smile, the old woman and her three boys slip into the crowd, leaving Razzie and Explorgi alone with each other and none others paying much attention.

"... what's your name, Miss?" Explorgi asks first, smiling up at his new friend. "Did you tell me yours?"

"Mmmm... nope, I don't think I did! I'm Razzie!"

"Razzie's a pretty name! It reminds me of raspberries, do you like raspberries?"

Razzie laughs a little. "Oh, I love raspberries! Do you?"

"Mhm, mhm, I really do! My owner used to give them to me all the time!"

Razzie tilts her head, starting to walk forward along a less crowded path within the crowd. "Would that be Mister Dialtone, then?"

Explorgi shakes his head, trotting alongside her. "Mm-mh, my owner in the other world! She'd get raspberries sometimes, and she'd feed them to me even though they made a big red mess on the blankets! But she'd always smile when I ate raspberries with her, so I kept doing it!"

The hyena girl laughs a bit, although she can't help but wonder more about the owner... how did a dog of all beings get here to the digital world? That can't be humane.

"My sister and I always loved to eat raspberries," Razzie replies. "We'd have picnics outside and use our money to buy fruit salads, then eat while reading and talking."

"Woaaaah, that sounds fun! My owner always wanted to have a picnic, but she couldn't."

"Oh? Why not?" Razzie asks, turning right and out of the crowd, down to the streets of mud brick houses.

"Because she was always in the hospital and had to be in bed," Explorgi replies, as if it's no big deal.

However, Razzie can't help but pause in her tracks.

"... oh-..."

She stays in spot for a moment, Explorgi overtaking and walking a few steps in front of her before he looks back. With that one confused glance, she forces a smile and follows him. "I see..!"

"Yeah, yeah she was always sick and wanted to see the outside world but couldn't because it'd make her even more sick- so that's why she had me, so I could play with her and make her happy! I love making people happy, hehe!"

Razzie's forced smile grows genuine. "Well, you know what Explorgi? You're the best at your job, you make everyone happy, hehe."

The dog gasps. "Really?! YAY!" And with that he starts running circles and circles around Razzie, making sure to give enough space as to not accidentally trip her again.

Razzie just laughs, continuing down the street. "You are just the sweetest little thing ever, you know that? Rubio's gonna love you."

"Rubio?" Explorgi stops racing for a moment. "What's a Rubio?"

"Hehehe, he's my husband, silly! He might seem tough at first, but he's a bit softy, he's going to love you!"

"Ooooo, a husband! So you're married?"

"Mhm! He's the love of my life!"

"Woaaaaah, that's really nice!" Explorgi resumes calmly trotting alongside Razzie. "My owner's parents were always talking about marriage, they wanted her to get older and have a husband and kids, but she didn't want that."

Razzie shrugs softly. "Well, marriage isn't something everyone wants... my parents were the same, and I wanted it too; a husband, house, kids- my little sister didn't, though. And that's alright! People should do and have what makes them happy."

"Mhm, mhm, yeah yeah yeah they should!!!" Explorgi yips, looking up at Razzie. "I think you should meet her. She'd like you! And Mister Dialtone and Taika would like you too!!!"

"Awwwh.... well, here, how about this." Razzie stops in front of her house, crouching down to Explorgi once again. "We'll find Mister Dialtone and Taika, okay? And we'll make sure they're all okay and happy, and you can live her with me and Rubio until they're back, okay? That way you don't overheat in Egypt, it's super hot around here. We got super yummy food, and we'll look around to try and find them, okay?"

Explorgi's eyes light up. "Really?! You'll help?!"

Razzie nods, setting down a bag and petting Explorgi's ears. "Of course we will! Everything's going to be okay, okay?"

"YAY!!! THANK YOU MISS RAZZIE, YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY-"

And once again, Explorgi's racing circles around Razzie, causing her to burst out laughing as she takes her bag, stands up again, and goes up to the door of her home, unlocking it and walking inside.

Heheheh, he's so cute! What a good boy. She thinks to herself.

Rubio's going to love him.

[the-writing-starchive]

The entire journey home is a daze for Rubio, feeling as if he's blinked from the path down to the market, and has suddenly found himself in front of a small mud-brick home.

He's not disappointed, though. That's exactly what he hoped for.

The house still has a few golden lights on, compared to the surrounding houses which are silent and still, almost blending in with the sandscapes all around. But those little golden lights, shining through his windows... again, exactly what he hoped for.

The man steps into the home, a subtle warmth engulfing him. Frizzy black hair bounces up over the couch as Razzie sits up and turns around. Her red eyes light up with joy as Rubio walks in.

"Rubio!!!" She exclaims, vaulting over the couch and into Rubio's arms. There's no hesitation on her husband's end, not as he swiftly kicks the door closed before she tackles him, and not as he wraps his arms around her just as tight and hugs her with every fiber of his being.

The love floods through both of their exhausted bodies, filling their tired minds with a sense of solace and ease. It's been a long day... but finally, they're back in each other's arms. Razzie's tail wags wildly as she giggles softly into Rubio's chest, before leaning up and kissing him.

"Ohhh, it's been such a day.... I missed you, Rubi, I was thinking about you all day," she confessed, a hint of melodrama in her voice.

Rubio's face clouds slightly with pink. "I have, too... it's good to see you, Razzie, I missed you. A lot..."

"How much?"

"It was a struggle to not come home sooner, that's how much."

Something about his voice sparks concern within Razzie. She looks him up and down, swiping her hand over the stubborn fire stain on Rubio's cheek that he just couldn't get off. He almost seems to melt in her touch, eyes fluttering closed.

"... Rubi, honey, you look so tired, what happened...?" She asks.

Where do I even begin? Rubio wants to say. However, his legs are starting to shake from the exhaustion hitting him all at once.

His words are soft and small. "... can we go to the couch please...?" He whispers.

Razzie smiles softly and nods. "Sure."

The distance is only a few steps, hardly even. Yet, as soon as Razzie sits and lowers Rubio onto the couch as well, he seems to collapse and rest his head in her lap, face against her stomach as his limbs go limp.

"Do you want your caps?" Razzie asks, rubbing her hand along his face. At his nod, Razzie leans forward and grabs a small ceramic dish from the coffee table, one filled with about ten rubbery foam caps. She continues to speak while carefully sticking one on each of Rubio's fingers.

"Wanna talk about today...?" She asks.

"... it was... very emotionally charged."

Razzie noticeably pauses before continuing, the fingers she's already capped now helping to put the rest on. "You've never described a work day as 'emotionally charged'. Did something happen?"

Rubio turns so his head is facing up at his wife. "It was the first day of the apprenticeship I told you about."

She gets ready to wince. "How badly did it go....?"

".... it actually went very well."

Razzie blinks in surprise. "... it... it did?!" she exclaims a little louder than she meant.

Rubio nods. "He actually showed up, and was willing to do the work. There was an outburst, as I predicted... but he was able to work through it with some guidance," he explains.

Razzie's grin grows, her tail thumping slightly against Rubio's torso. "That's great, then!!"

Rubio nods. "It also went... not great, in some ways."

"... how so?"

There's a small pause before Rubio finally admits, "He doesn't know he's in a computer."

The woman pauses. "... he doesn't?"

"No, he mentioned something about 'Purgatory'... which, I'd assume is some religious term."

Razzie nods. "It's just, like, the middle ground between Heaven and Hell.... not good, not terrible. Or something like that, I haven't heard it in a long time."

"Regardless, I briefly tried to explain it to him. That I'm an AI, and we're in a digital world... he didn't understand, though. And I dropped the subject."

As Rubio speaks, all his fingers are finally capped off, and he wraps his arms and fingers around Razzie's waist as comfortably as he can for her, eyes remaining closed under her touch. Every word feels like a hike in his lungs, barely making their way out. The only thing truly keeping him awake right now is the experience of talking with the only one who knows everything about him.

Razzie's expression is solemn as she swipes her fingers over her husband's face. "... I'm sorry, honey... I know you hate having to say that," she whispers.

Rubio shrugs. "I say it when I must. I'd rather not try fooling anyone as a human... I'm simply not. And it's easier to accept than trying to convince others that I am.... or trying to convince myself."

A small lump forms in Razzie's throat as she nods. How she hates when they have to discuss this subject, and how she has to hear any life be sucked out of Rubio's voice while he restates what they both know.

"... did anything else happen...?" She asks, trying to change the subject.

"... I think I... what's the phrase... hit a nerve. There was a discussion about his apprenticeship and how long it was, and who it was meant for... and I told him honestly. I get very little out of this. It was all for him. And... he happened to get emotional."

Razzie forces a small chuckle. "Oh boy... I know how you feel about that..."

"It wasn't entirely unpleasant, there were no others around. I think it may have been in a positive light as well, which is.... reassuring, I suppose. I have confidence he'll be returning tomorrow."

"Good...! And the commission...?"

The shadow of a relief crosses over Rubio's face. "Almost finished. I should be done by the weekend."

"Yay!!" Razzie leans down, cradling Rubio's head and planting a gentle kiss over his forehead. She smiles more feeling his face heat up subtly from her affection. "I'm looking forward to having my husband back for the evenings, it's so lonely here...."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it as well... I do not enjoy dinner away from home."

Razzie nods, and the two sit in content silence for a short while. Rubio feels as if he's about to pass out on the spot, but he's not quite ready for that yet.

"How about you...? How has your day been, Razzie...?" He asks softly.

The woman beams a bit. She loves when he talks like that to her... but as she thinks about her day, her smile fades.

"It... wasn't bad..." she responds quietly, looking away. Rubio pauses and slowly sits up, head raising from his wife's lap and eyes shooting open.

"That means it wasn't good. Who was it. What happened." Rubio asks, a deadly familiar tone rising in his voice. Razzie quickly puts her hands on his shoulders.

"No no no, don't get upset, just... a few men who wouldn't leave me alone..."

"Were they talking about your body? Your laugh?"

"Rubi..."

"Razzie. Answer me. Please."

The two stare into each other's eyes for a silent, tense few seconds before the woman's slowly lower and she nods.

"... a guard on the street came to my aid when they wouldn't leave me alone. Threatened them and everything. And when they left, one of them said something like 'how could you date someone with a laugh like that?'... sorta said off-hand that I'm for the streets..."

Rubio remains silent, staring at Razzie as she purses her lips together.

"It's alright, you know I get those comments a lot..."

"... so not only do they have the idiocy to stare at you in a disgusting way... they also have the audacity to insult you when they actively tried to get you."

Razzie nods. An alert, sharp gleam returns to Rubio's eyes as he slowly exhales, expression darkening. His voice is low and dangerous.

"You know I can't let them go unpunished for that."

"Rubi, honey, don't harm them, please..."

"They said what they said. Filthy hypocrites, they are, and nothing more. I can make them regret it. Let me make them regret it."

".... just a warning? Please?"

"Only a warning?"

Razzie adjusts herself to face him better, taking his fingers in her hands. "Because if they do it again, you can say you warned them. It was their choice to not heed it... and whatever happens will be their fault. Please? For me?"

Rubio pauses before slowly relaxing, the muted anger screaming in his mind ebbing away as he sighs. "Okay. I'll give them the warning tomorrow. Leave a paper of their appearances and details before I leave, okay...?"

Razzie nods. "I will... thank you, honey," she sighs.

"There's no need to. I may not like to publicly show it. But you... all of you..."

He brushes a stray hair out of her face, taking hold of her waist.

"Your body. Your love. Your laugh. No one gets to insult any of it. And no one gets to have you, in all of your beauty, awe, and wit... no one except me. Right?"

A small smile and giggle escapes Razzie's lips as she nods. "I'm all yours. And you're all mine. Forever."

Rubio slowly leans forward and kisses Razzie softly, eyes closing. "There we go. There's that beautiful smile and laugh." His words elicit more flustered giggles as Razzie kisses him back, the two locked together in that state for a few seconds before pulling back. Rubio's face, while not deviating from his often blank expression, is still full of ease and tranquility as he stares into his wife's eyes.

"I love you, Razzie."

She beams in turn, tail wagging excitedly.

"I love you too, Rubio... now come on. It's late. Let's get you cleaned up, you smell like fire"

"I always smell like fire," Rubio replies, standing.

"You smell more than usual. And there's soot on the couch now- I'll clean it up tomorrow, don't worry."

"I have no doubt you will. Thank you, Razzie."

Razzie, again, smiles brightly at Rubio as he squeezes her hand gently. And the two walk down the hall, to the bathroom, finally content to be back with each other after the long day.

[the-writing-starchive]

"Heyyyy, Vaga!!!"

Vaga jolts slightly as Nova jumps on his back, arms around his shoulders in a tight hug. With only a small pause, Vaga laughs and turns around, hugging his brother back.

"Look at this, look at all the people!!! Isn't this great?!" Nova exclaims excitedly.

Vaga can't help but giggle, hands going to cover his mouth as they pull back from each other. "It really is- I wasn't expecting to enjoy something so social like this!"

"Same- I mean like, you've been smiling the whole time, haven't had a panic attack, or even cried once! ... Actually no, I take that last one back, you were sobbing into your handkerchief at the vows, hehe."

"Oh hush!!!"

Both twins laugh a bit, as Nova reaches towards a nearby table and grabs two glasses of wine, giving one to his brother. "Got you the non-alcoholic one, hope you don't mind."

"That's perfect, Nova, thank you.. we both know my tolerance, I'll probably have a smaller glass of actual alcohol later as the party starts to die down."

"Yeah, same."

They both sit down, each getting a strange sense of nostalgia. Even though they still spend so much time together, they can't quite remember the last time they've actually sat down and talked.

"Soooooo how're you and Nathaaaaaan~?" Nova asks with teasing smile, leaning his chin in his hand. Face growing red, Vaga covers his smike and averts his eyes.

"Stoppp, not in front of everyone else- um- we're doing... pretty good... really good, actually. He's... really amazing...."

"Good! Seems like you two are, you were staring at him for like half the ceremony."

Vaga rolls his eyes and hides his grin with a sip of wine. "What about you, though? You and Mirobelle? I saw you spinning her around like how Icia spun Lance, it was adorable."

Nova shrugs, his smile growing as big as his cheeks grow pink. "We've been good too! She likes being spun around, says it makes her feel light and like she's flying a bit."

"Huh- I thought she didn't like flying all that much?"

"Not on the dragons, they're a bit too rough for her liking when it comes to flight. That's why she prefers being around Tranché and the water dragons," Nova explains, waving his hand through the air to demonstrate the bumpiness of flying in the air.

Vaga nods, understanding that a bit. "And since they mainly stay in the water, it's easier for them to stay clean."

"Mhm- except moss. Apparently the water dragons get mossy. I wanna see that for myself."

"Eugh... I don't... sounds like texture torture."

"Meh, you've never ever liked slimy things. I think it's fun."

Vaga shrugs and takes another sip. "You do as you please."

There's a small pause as each of the boys look out into the crowd around them.

"Oh, I just remembered- you haven't gone up to Charles yet, have you? He's right over there. You didn't manage to find him until today, did you?" Vaga asks.

Nova shakes his head. "Honestly, I totally thought he wasn't gonna show up.... but he's talking to people right now, I'll ask him soon...."

"... you sound disturbed."

"Yeah, 'cause I am. Something's still off about him, he doesn't look right, doesn't look healthy, and it's scaring me. I mean... he's not even from this world, but I still just... know he's not really well right now."

Vaga's eyes drift in the direction of Charles, whose back is currently towards the two... he and three others who they hardly recognize seem to be talking and laughing amongst themselves.

"He seems happy right now..." the older cautiously notes.

Nova looks down into his drink. "I meant physically he doesn't look right, it's kinda freaking me out a bit but they don't seem to see anything wrong. I dunno."

A familiar grin returns to his face slightly. "Maybe your paranoia's passing onto me now that you're kinda starting to be a bit more yourself, heheh. I don't like it, you should take it back," he jokes, pointing the glass at Vaga.

"Oh trust me, it never left in the first place. It's just no longer... what's the word... crippling. Hindering. Affecting my everyday life. Now it affects my every-other-day life," Vaga retorts. Both twins laugh a bit at the mediocre joke.

Nova's smile grows a bit more. "Heheh- but for real, I'll talk to him soon about it. Probably whenever you go back to Nathan. Where is he, by the way?"

Vaga nods his head in the direction of the bride & groom's table. "He's talking to Lance right now. The cat he's taking care of, that joined Joy down the aisle, was a lot better behaved than normal, from what I've been told. I'd suspect Lance is asking Nathan how exactly he managed that."

The younger bursts out laughing. "Dude, you bagged a cat whisperer! I thought you liked dogs more!"

"That was only because I was allergic to cats in real life!! You knew I only liked the relaxed dogs, the ones that basically were cats. It was you who in awe by the Borzois or Ovcharkas- or the Mastiffs. ... actually, I did like the Mastiffs quite a bit..."

Nova beams. "See!"

"I still always liked the concept of cats more... except for them knocking everything off tables. That part still confounds me."

"They gotta clear their flat napping surfaces and put all the inferior objects in their place, obviously."

"They don't even nap in those spots then! Except Bacon... she's lazy though, she won't even bat the objects off in the first place."

Nova shrugs. "Well, if you don't like the dogs, I'll take 'em. I want to ride the back of a huge one- what if Raina and Sammy worked together to make some kind of wolf dragon!!!"

Vaga just laughs and shakes his head, sipping his wine. "Oh, the poor cooks- there're already situations of Sylvia or Basso or Bluebell trying to constantly break into the main castle halls for food, we'd need to have a whole vault for them to keep meat ingredients away!"

"Ah, we can probably find something. How much're you willing to bet there's someone in the circus who can make that?"

"Hmm...." he thinks a bit. "Quite slim- I mean, they have more technology and 'modern' aspects, but they don't exactly have manufacturers for that kind of thing- at least, not to my knowledge, although maybe Raina could make one."

".... soooo that means we COULD get a wolf dragon!!!" Nova exclaims excitedly. Vaga opens his mouth to respond, but only an exasperated sigh leaves it. His brother giggles a bit more as they both finish their drinks.

Suddenly, Nova's eyes shoot open. "Oh yeah!!! Speaking of which!" He firmly sets the glass down and stares dead into Vaga's eyes. "Something happened in the circus."

The older's face fills with worry. "Oh no... did someone get hurt? Did a prank go wrong?"

"Nonono, nothing like that. But first, you gotta promise to not tell anyone, and you gotta promise to believe me."

"... you're making me feel inclined to not believe you."

"Vaga, Vaga..." Nova scoots his chair closer and grips both of his brother's shoulders. "I swear on everything, I'm not fucking with you when I tell you this. I'm being completely and fully honest. If I was lying, I wouldn't be telling you all this."

Vaga freezes, thinking momentarily. He's no stranger to being tricked by his brother, youthful gullibility used against him. That said... Nova's never sounded so serious like this. And the expression in his eyes is one Vaga had seldom seen, one that has never, ever once been used when Nova was lying.

Finally, the older sighs and takes Nova's hands off his shoulders, giving them a small squeeze before letting them drop. "I promise."

Nova inches closer, knees on the chair as he leans up to Vaga's ear and whispers.

"I got a notification when I went to the circus."

"... what do you mean a 'notification'?"

"Like a little message above my head. I heard some kind of 'bling!' sound and looked up, and there was just like... this box above my head. Followed me for a few seconds and then it faded out."

Vaga feels his heart quicken as he mutters the words he knows Nova's waiting for. "... what did the message say?"

"You ready for this?"

"Nova, I swear on-"

"'Familial Link Restored'."

The silence between the two is thick enough to cut with a knife. The sounds of the crowd around them are completely drowned out by the tension rapidly growing. Nova slowly nods with wide eyes as he sinks back into his seat.

A familiar yet unwelcome build of adrenaline starts to form within Vaga's stomach, eventually becoming a nervous ache that makes him feel like he's about to lose the cake he ate earlier.

Eventually, he manages to whisper back to Nova.

"... that... that's the message Icia and Starro told us about."

"Yeah."

"When they...."

"When they learned about Slyn. Yeah. Isn't it awesome?!?!"

The dread trickling down Vaga's neck suddenly halts. "Awesome?! How is this awesome?!"

"Because it finally means our parents are back to visit!!!" Nova exclaims, hardly containing his excitement. Vaga opens his mouth to reply, only for his words to find themselves as a silent grimace.

"Oh come on, you always get that look when I bring them up! They're our parents, don't you wanna see them again?!"

"Of course I do!" Vaga replies, a bit louder than he meant. He freezes as Ode's eyes scan over to them, only relaxing when he feels their gaze return to their music binders.

"I just- it- it doesn't... make sense?" He finally manages to utter. "We were told they couldn't visit. It's been- what, how long since we've seen them, 8 years? Something like that?"

"Yeah? So?"

"Just... why now? It... it doesn't make sense- and it can't be like they chose to come here on their own, with the dance school and everything...."

"You think they wouldn't come to visit us?" Nova asks, teetering on the edge of incredulity and offense. Vaga's fear starts to spike again, his fists tightening to conceal trembling fingers.

And finally, he shakes his head, prepared for the worst.

Nova stares for a while before looking down into his empty wine glass, face black.

"I mean. They love us. Dunno why they wouldn't visit us other than money and tech complications, especially because Papa didn't like computers much. I think they'd visit us if given the chance.

"Plus, it's been a while. Maybe things have finally changed for them in the real world and they actually can visit us."

Vaga looks down, words failing him once again. For a moment, confusion outweighs Nova's offense. He doesn't understand why Vaga is so reluctant and hesitant, even scared, about this discovery.

For a moment, he decides to humor him.

".... what if it was someone else?"

Vaga looks up, the fear on his face fading slightly. "How so?"

"Didn't our dad have a brother?"

"I think that's what he told us, but- we've never met him."

"No but like... if Slyn ended up being Icia and Starro's brother, and there's a ton of people who also have family in here, then maybe! We could have a cousin here!"

Vaga shrugs, smile returning a bit. "Maybe... how about this. Once the wedding is over, we can go to the circus, maybe even find a place to stay. And we'll spend some time there, look for the source of that message and why it was triggered. How does that all sound?"

"Perfect!!! We can bring Miro along too!!!"

Nova's beaming once again, and Vaga couldn't be more thankful. He holds the wine glass in his hand, letting the glass cool his skin as he scans the crowd before suddenly pausing.

"Yeah?"

"... uh, Nova?" he starts to add.

"You... wanted to talk to Charles, yes?"

"Yeah?"

".... he left."

Nova's eyes widen. "He WHAT!!!"

Vaga points to the portal exit. "I don't know, I just saw him leave in a hurry!!!" He exclaims.

Nova stares a bit before yelling out in frustration and sinking into his chair with crossed arms. "Fucking DAMMIT!!!"

"Is everything alright you two?"

Oh fuck. Icia.

Both twins whip their heads around as Icia rejoins the crowds, concern written all over their face. A single glance at the other makes them both shake their heads.

"No Icia, we're alright... just- um..." Vaga falters.

"Charles just left and we don't know why."

Icia's eyes widen before growing upset. "He did..??" She asks, almost heartbroken. "Oh, that's a shame.... I wanted to talk to him."

"Yeah, so did I...."

"He may be back- the night is still young, as they say," Vaga tries to claim, hoping to lift their spirits. Icia waves it off a bit, forcing a smile back on her face.

"It's alright. He was talking with others earlier... seemed to have a good time. And if that's all he could... handle, then that's all he could handle."

Nova quickly gets up, placing an arm on Icia's while noting how the fabric of her shawl starts to feel like it came out of a fridge. "He's alright, I'm sure!" he reassures. "Probably just needs a break. This won't be the last time we see him, most likely. Yeah?"

"Yeah, I know... don't worry, I'm alright. Are you two doing alright as well? Just with everything in general?"

"Go for it."

Both twins nod, although Nova's is, expectantly, more lively than Vaga's. "Yep! I got a question though."

"Any limits on drinking?"

Both Icia and Vaga's eyes widen in shock and confusion, but Icia just sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. "... don't be stupid. You know your limits with it, you're entirely responsible for yourself while drinking."

"Got it. Thanks!!!"

She sighs a bit. "I'll be by the buffet if you need me... please be smart about... whatever you do. Don't hesitate to find me if you need me, alright boys?"

"Yes ma'am!"

Icia smiles and walks away, whispering under her breath in Italian, something about "bevete" and "ubriaci"... or something along those lines.

Nova turns back to Vaga.

"So... drinking comp?"

Vaga pauses. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Drinking comp!"

"I heard you, but did you not just hear what Icia told us?!?!"

"Yeah, but it would only be like... 2 glasses of vodka each. Dime'll hook us up with some, it's just gonna be two. No redo's or anything. We'll be fine!!! Please?"

There's, once again, a long pause of silence before Vaga smiles and sighs.

"I hate the influence you have on me."

"You know you love me, Vaga"

"Just get the drinks already, would you, Nova?!"

Nova nods and bounds away, giggling the whole time. Vaga just sighs and leans his head in his hands.

"After those conversations, I need a few drinks," he whispers.

"How on Earth am I ever going to tell him...?"

[the-writing-starchive]

*30 minutes earlier....*

"I'm GOING to have a HEART ATTACK."

Starro sighs, rubbing his face. "Viv, you're gonna be fine!"

"Are you sure? Because I feel I'm about to pass out right now," Icia protests, almost dropping the prosthetic eye as she waves her arm around. Dunite swats her wrist before returning her attention to holding the veil out of her face.

"Icia if you drop and break that thing, I swear to god I'll march out and tell everyone right now! Don't be fuckin' swinging it like that!"

"Dunite, tone it down a little.."

"Right, right, sorry..."

Icia sighs shakily, taking the moment to adjust her elbow on the table and grasp the prosthetic. "No, it's okay, I need it."

"No, you don't really need to be screamed at on your wedding day, lets not scare anyone who could be walking through the halls..."

"One, I really hope not, everyone should be in the ballroom. Two, I could always use a good get-your-head-in-the-game from Duni," she replies. Dunite shrugs, hiding her grin.

"Just put the prosthetic in, girl! It can't be THAT bad!"

"It's not exactly an arm, Duni, I've never been good with this stuff and you know it."

Starro leans against the nearby dresser, fidgeting with the cuffs of his sleeves and smoothing down the fur. "... you know, if you're REALLY struggling...."

An exasperated sigh escapes Icia's mouth as she whips her head around to face him, frost gathering on the veil. "For the last time, Tonio, I'm not letting you do it! That'll just make everything worse, it's a solid and definite no," she asserts. The slight glare in her eye is definite.

"Alright, alright, just offering."

She exhales shakily, wiping a bit of nonexistent sweat from her face. "Okay, I changed my mind... Duni, could you maybe step back a little...? I just need some space for this."

"Yeah, 'course." Duni lets the veil fall from her hands and steps back next to Starro, sitting atop the dresser and swinging her legs back and forth. Once she's out of sight, Icia sighs and repositions herself again. Her elbows ache from how long they've been pressed onto the vanity, fingers tingling.

"Okay," she mutters, placing a finger on both eyelids. "Okay, okay, okay, it's fine, it's fine, it's fine... just get it over with, it's going to be fine...."

Sucking in a quick breath, she parts the eyelids and stares into the empty purple flesh where an eye once sat. Icia almost gags as she notices the socket glitch ever so slightly.

Don't think about it, just do it! she internally yells, squeezing onto the prosthetic eye and trying to put it into the socket.

An unpleasant squelch and pained grunt causes both Starro and Dunite to flinch. Icia pushes away from the vanity and stands, both hands clasped over her eye as the other two rush to her.

"Viv?!"

"You okay?!"

"I'm fine, I'm.. fine- ow...."

Icia slowly pulls her hands away. "Does it... does it look okay...?"

Dunite and Starro's jaws drop. A cold shiver runs down Icia's spine as she quickly reaches up to cover the scar again.

"Is it bad?!?!"

"Are you KIDDING ME?!?!" Dunite almost yells. "It's PERFECT!"

The frazzled bride freezes. "It is-?"

"YES, WHAT THE FUCK?!?!"

"I'm not even exaggerating Viv, it matches so well, seriously- even the snowflake pupil matches your freckles! It's literally perfect, you look beautiful!!!" Starro raves.

Trembling, Icia carefully removes her hand from her face a second time and clasps it tight in her other. Starro and Dunite beam, waiting to see their friend and sister smile as she hopefully realizes how perfect she looks...

.... but the smile doesn't spread across her lips. Her expression of anticipation never leaves her face.

Starro and Dunite's energy falters from the lack of response.

"... you don't seem okay."

"I don't know if I am."

"Do you need to sit down, Viv..?"

She shakes her head slightly, but still feels around behind her for the vanity chair and takes a seat as her leg bounces anxiously. The heel of the boot rapidly tapping against the marble floor seems to reverberate through the whole room.

Dunite and Starro crouch down beside Icia, trying to stay in her line of sight as their own worry grows.

".... Do you need something? A hug? A cry? Pep talk? A slap? Something like that?"

"I don't think so..."

"Are you sure. We can get you some water or chocolate, or like... a bucket, maybe?"

Icia shakes her head, although her arms slowly fold over her stomach and hold it tight. Both Starro and Dunite glance at each other uneasily.

"It's... probably just wedding nerves.... I think I'll be okay, I just... have to get the anxiety out somehow without entirely freezing the room and ruining our outfits."

"Oh! I know what you can do for that!" Starro suddenly exclaims, reaching into the dresser and pulling out a light gray towel. Icia's eyes trace the repaired rips within as sleeves are pushed up and hands are wrapped in the towel.

"Okay," he states when he's done. "On the count of three, you're just gonna push all the nerves out. You have control of your ice now, yeah?"

Icia nods.

"Great. You're gonna push it all into the towel- preferably away from us. Just get it all done in one quick swoop."

"And... you think this will work.?"

Starro rubs the back of his head, smoothing down his curled hair a bit. "I mean.... I'd give you a pillow to scream in otherwise but I think that'd just make you start sobbing."

Icia pauses before nodding. He's not wrong.

As soon as she looks ready, Starro pulls Dunite behind the changing partition and peeks out the side. "Okay, you ready?"

Icia nods a bit.

"Okay. 3.... 2...."

She closes her eyes as tightly as possible....

"1.... GO!!!"

And with a scream, she forces as much of her anxiety physically out of her arms as much as possible.

The towel freezes solid in an instant, and a jutting of ice spikes sharp enough to break wood easily breaks like a thunderclap through the air. Dunite yanks Starro back right as the longest of the spikes narrowly forms right past the partition.

No one says anything for a few seconds, or dares to make a sound aside from Icia's heavy breathing and eventually a crumbling crash as the frozen block of fabric slides off her hands. Many of the ice spikes shatter along the marble as it does.

Finally, Starro sucks in a breath and peeks past the partition.

"Viv...?"

Icia stands exactly where he left her, staring down at her hands with a kind of disturbed awe he doesn't fully understand. It's impossible for him to tell quite what's going through her brain... but she doesn't look completely horrified anymore. He takes that as a success as she glances up at him, much calmer than he expected.

"... that... actually helped, I think..." she eventually replies. Dunite beams and walks out from behind the partition, taking her friends' hands and ignoring the lingering chill of them all.

"So you feel better then?"

".... somewhat? It feels more as if the emotions are muffled than gone... or like they're fog that's temporarily lifted."

"Well, that's better than completely panicking!!!"

She nods slightly. "Duni... could you head to the ballroom please...? Make sure everyone's okay and not dead. Make sure everything's going as hoped. We'll be there soon."

Dunite nods excitedly. "Got it- but before I do, can you c'mere for a sec?" Icia tilts her head and stands, walking over. Dunite looks up at her for a few minutes before suddenly, her arms wrap around her in a tight embrace. Icia hardly can react before her friend lets go.

"You're gonna be okay. It's gonna go great. It's all gonna be okay."

And Icia only can nod and stammer out a hushed "Thank you" before Dunite runs out, leaving the two siblings alone with each other.

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes of silence.

Ten minutes of the most nervous, exciting, anticipating silence that either of them have ever experienced.

Icia sits on her bed, eyes full of and lips pressed together so tight not a word can escape. Starro's hand never leaves her shoulder, except for as he adjusts her veil to ever so slightly cover her right eye.

"..... you look beautiful, Vivian."

"You keep saying that, Antonio..."

"What, I can't say my sister looks amazing on her wedding day?"

She doesn't respond, watching as he goes down to her door and opens it. The uncharacteristic silence of the hallway outside makes her heart leap.

"It's time. Y'ready?"

Surprisingly, Icia immediately nods and stands. "Ready."

She exits through the door, met with empty silence and a lack of any movement down the hall. It's almost daunting.

The two walk side by side, Icia's arms held rigidly in front of her. Starro walks with a bounce, as always, even though his stars are essentially swirling rainbow at this point. This walk feels as if it'll take forever.

"The flowers are at the venue, yes?"

"Yep."

"Everything is going well?"

"Mhm."

"The swords are in place?"

"Yep."

"...."

".... you're just saying that to help me, right? Because you haven't been to the venue either yet."

".... yeah.... 'm sorry."

Icia shakes her head. "No, it's okay. I appreciate it."

There's a small pause before a breathy chuckle leaves the bride's mouth.

"This is so weird," she mutters. "I always thought I'd be walking through our childhood house for this. Walk from there... across the street... down the sidewalk to the bench... and then all the way to the park. Get married under that pine tree you once fell and broke your arm falling off."

Starro laughs. "Did you actually???" He asks, incredulous. Icia shrugs, a half smile forming over her face.

"Maybe once or twice... the point is, I never expected to be getting married in... a kingdom."

"Yeah... bet not."

Icia stares straight ahead as they turn a corner. "... so much has changed. Everything. Over and over. Nothing's ever really felt constant. I..... I'm not Vivianna anymore. I'm Icia. I have two brothers, not one. My parents are gone. I'm the guardess of a kingdom... one I ran away from... and then I saved it again. I've....." She trails off, eyes sinking to the ground.

"... grown. You've grown, Viv."

She glances back at her brother.

"The last time I saw Vivianna Marino, she was... ready to escape. Going to college for graphic design and history, she was elegant but also kinda silly... and had a lot of weights on her shoulder. Hell, I think I'd even describe you as brash... especially when protecting me."

Icia forces a chuckle. She remembers that.

"And now, she's.... also this Icia person. She's probably the most elegant person I know without being haughty. She's still a protector. Still a guardian. Still optimistic and loving and a great example for anything except self care maybe. But she's just... grown in a way I can't describe, y'know...? She's grown into you."

The two stop walking.

"And I mean... look around us-! We're in a castle, for YOUR wedding to a man our mother would've killed you for dating! And- and I'm the one giving you away to him?!?!"

"Oh, Tonio..." she bites back tears.

"If that's not growth for both of us... I dunno what is. Its a whole lot more than just growing physically though... and again, I don't think there's words for it. But.... yeah. It's just... you've grown and..."

He stops for a moment, sniffling and turning away to wipe his eyes before turning back, stars swirling with the brightest yellow and blue Icia's ever seen.

"... I'm proud of you, Vivian. I'm so, so, so proud of you and so proud to be your brother, because guess what? You made all this happen. This wedding wouldn't be happening like this if you didn't make the choices you did."

Icia's smile grows as she nods, swiping away a tear from her cheek. "Y-yeah, it.... yeah."

"I'm just rambling at this point, I know.... but I just.... don't know what to say, but I can't stay silent about it either, you know?"

Icia nods, and the two start walking again. A silence falls between them as they both collect themselves. They hear a few notes of piano radiating through the staircase they approach, as Starro holds out his hand. Icia takes it, holding up her dress slightly as they walk down the staircase. Each step is counted.... one more step to that'll (hopefully) be the happiest day of her life.

The piano is even more clear at the bottom of the staircase, each note faintly detected in the distance. Just a few more hallways and turns.

".... hey Viv...?"

"Yeah?"

"... do you think Ma and Papa are watching....?"

Icia pauses, her step echoing softly against the music.

"...... I want to believe they are... why?"

"It's just... we've changed but so has everything else and.... I don't know, it's everything. We know how Ma would be... what about our dad? Especially with Slyn, and...."

He trails off, unsure how to put his feelings into words.

A shaky exhale leaves Icia's mouth.

".... I want to believe they're proud. I know our father is. Our mother.... I want to believe her soul on the other side is... healed. We all know she wasn't well here, religion completely took over her... but she still loved us, you know...?"

"She loved you."

"No, Tonio, don't you say that, don't you fucking say that, do you not remember the night after you were attacked? Yeah, maybe I got injured, but do you not remember the way she held onto us both and thanked God we were alive...? The way she held onto you?"

Starro falters, looking down.

"... the mother we love would be sorry. And that's the mother who I saved a seat for. The soul of a mother who wanted to protect her kids. Not the mother who abused you and couldn't accept beliefs beyond her own. Not the mother who let a twisted version of 'God's Word' get to her head."

She reaches over and squeezes his arm.

"If there's one teaching of hers I do believe in, it's that our loved ones are always with us in spirit. And... as conflicted as I am about her, and even our father.... they're our parents. I can't not love them. You don't have to believe the same of me but... I still believe they wanted the best of us. But that doesn't excuse their actions. It doesn't excuse her abuse, and it doesn't excuse his lack of intervention. And it doesn't excuse either of them abandoning our brother," she explains.

"... but we still do love them."

Icia smiles sympathetically. "Quite the conflict, isn't it...?" Starro nods in response.

"Yeah.... I don't like it. Can we.. talk about something else for the rest of the walk?"

"Of course we can."

The two start walking again, although noticeably slower as the piano music continues to grow sharper and louder as they finally turn into the hallway leading to the ballroom entrance... and the waiting section for the wedding party.

"Anything else on your mind...?"

"Um... I dunno- do you rememberrrr... your graduation party? How Papa cried when you showed him the diploma because he couldn't get one...?"

Icia's smile grows, forgetting the ill excitement that has been churning in her stomach the whole day. "Oh my gods, and how you ate so much cake at the party that you were basically bouncing off the walls?"

"Yeah, I do!!" Starro giggles. "I still remember the feeling, my whole body felt like it was buzzing and I couldn't stop laughing. Felt like I was on drugs almost."

"I think I'd rather you be buzzed on cake than on drugs, honestly... or, what about the time you fell off the tree?"

"Why are you bringing that up again! They wouldn't let me into the park for like 2 months after I healed!"

Both siblings laugh a bit, before trying to hush themselves so their laughter wouldn't permeate the music too much.

"Okayokayokay we can't be laughing too loud- what else d'you remember?"

"You're going to think I'm crazy. But do you remember when our cousin snuck his girlfriend to our family reunion?"

Starro tilts his head. "Which one?"

"He was about 19 at the time, you were 4. I remember hearing one of our uncles scream and I rushed to the room, and this poor girl was trying to hop out the window while our cousin's throwing clothes to her and our uncle was cursing him out."

His eyes widen. "Shut up, are you serious?! And you never told me?!?!"

"That's not even it, she ended up falling into the pool about 2 stories down before running off because our aunts were screaming bloody murder. But no, that night..." Icia starts through giggles.

"Yeah...?"

"Ma was talking about how she took you and some of the nipoti to the gelato shop down the road, and she tells this story about how this random woman scrambling to put on clothes, soaking wet, while our aunt was chasing her with a wooden spoon. Apparently she and the shop worker covered everyone's eyes in time."

"Oh my GOD THATS WHAT IT WAS- SHE NEVER TOLD ME WHY SHE DID THAT!"

Both siblings heave into heavy laughter again, barely able to contain it. Icia wipes a tear from her eye, the anxiety almost completely forgotten.

"I always wondered what happened! Now I remember which cousin- didn't he have a new girlfriend every other week or something?"

"I think. Last I heard before we lost contact was that he came out as gay."

"Wow... maybe it runs in the family, heheh."

They both snicker with hands over their mouths. And finally, both siblings stop at the end of the hallway.

"... I got one more. Do you remember the first wedding we went to...?"

Icia thinks before tilting her head. ".... you know what? I don't think so. Have we even been to another wedding...?"

"Papa told me about it. You were 5 I think, I just turned 2. He says it was simple and elegant and the bride and groom looked at each other with so much love he thought it was fake."

"Wow.... why do you mention that?"

They both look up at the entrance to the wedding party prep... one area for the groom, and one for the bride.

"Just think this wedding's gonna kinda be what he meant, if that makes sense. I can't remember but, if I ever have to imagine a wedding where the bride and groom look at each other with as much love as he described... I think it'll be this one," Starro shrugs.

There's a small pause as he looks over at his sister. Her smile hasn't quite faded yet.

"You ready? No turning back now."

"I could never turn back. It's just a matter of waiting instead."

"Well, in that case..." Starro steps forward and opens the bridal curtain. "After you."

Icia smiles warmly and steps into the prep area.

It's time.

[the-writing-starchive]

Yow-weeeeee

[the-writing-starchive]

Valentines Day.

Slyn's absolute least favorite day of the year. Just waking up and realizing what day it was fills him with a primal fear instilled in him years ago... the expectations. The faking. The roses.

Oh god, the roses. How he loathes the roses on Valentines day, it's like they're everywhere he turns.

Slyn turns his head towards the rosebush of the garden, fearing the worst. And just as he had dreaded, it's blossoming bright and beautiful, seeming to outshine every other flower in the courtyard.

He grimaces as best as a toothless snake can grimace. The petals, loose at the top and furling into each other, growing tighter and tighter towards the center until they're folded onto each other into a nub peeking out from the rounds of red.

That furling folding shape that he knows far too well... a voice echoes in his mind, despite his best attempts to distract himself.

"80 petals. Don't you dare forget this time, Vincent."

... 80 petals. 80 petals or else it'd be all worth nothing, he thinks to himself, turning and crawling away.

Such a stupid, insignificant factor, yet one taken so seriously. How he hated the idea of trying to count every single petal, hated pissing off each florist in the area because none of their roses had enough, and most of all hated how one rose wouldn't do. There needed to be at least 5 for Roseanne to be satisfied.

Slyn crawls into the castle, lost in his thoughts. The air reeks of love and joy, feelings he's never understood on this day. It's always just been a chore for him, a competition to outdo last years near-impossible lavish display of affection, no matter who it was for.

Roseanne had stuck to her namesake. She loved her roses. Loved them to the point he saw them everywhere in his home, even on the most mundane of days. Almost all of those roses, either from Slyn himself or colleagues trying to convince her she could do better. "You're not doing enough", she'd snarl. "Look at what they got me, and you only got me half! Do you not love me?!"

Always a competition for her love, he thinks bitterly. How pathetic he felt, desperately trying to convince her he did love her, money was just tight. Or the florists didn't have more. Nothing soothed her rage, except a good few hits to the face and some special demands.

.... wow. He really was a weak man back then.

Slyn tilts his head in the direction of some giggling, peaking inside a craft room to see Nova sitting on the ground, cutting red paper into hearts while laughing like a kid. For a moment, the snake pauses.

He remembers that. Kids cutting out hearts and giving them to each other in the halls of school, sneaking them into lockers of their crushes along with candies and flowers from the potted plants kept on the teachers' shelves.

Not once does he ever remember receiving one.

And not once did he ever feel such joy and excitement making one.

Slyn stares at Nova's excited eyes, listening to hums of joy and blissful laughter as he undoubtedly imagines Mirobelle's reaction to his gift.

.... is this really how people feel about this day?

He already knows the answer. He's seen it with his own eyes, time and time again, romantic and platonic, but it all baffles him regardless.

He's never given valentines. He's never received them. He's never had a genuine Valentines experience that he's truly enjoyed, not with family, not with friends, and most definitely not with lovers.

An ill pang of jealousy flushes down Slyn's body.

Is he really that unloveable...?

To be surrounded by so much joy and love, yet feel nothing but anxiety and loneliness. Why is he like this?

Slyn continues crawling along until he reaches his room, feelings mixed and thoughts disorganized. He hates this holiday because he never got what everyone else did. He hates it for the competition it had to be for him, to always impress his lovers. He hated it for the torture he put himself through. Because that's what love is, right?

He gave everything for Roseanne, did everything and all he could, and received nothing but beatings and insults in turn. Hexe was better and worse at the same time... she never did care what he did. He'd turn the castle upside down, spoiling her with lavish gifts and the biggest bundles of flowers she could find, yet she'd give nothing more than a half hearted thanks.

One incident in particular echoes in Slyn's mind as he crawls up the stairs. A bundle of flowers- thankfully not roses- clutched in his arms, the cloth binding them stained with the blood of several... he forced the cooks to craft a divine meal. Found red flower petals and showered the dining room with them. Ignored everyone's confused whispers as he ran to and fro, desperate for... anything. Anything for some semblance of love.

And when Hexe saw it all?

".... hm. It will have to do."

An angry tear pricks at his eye. What was she expecting from the man she called weak and insignificant? Nothing much, evidently, just nearly breaking his back trying to carry all the flowers in one trip.

And the worst part? All Slyn remembers is the joy.

The joy of not being completely ignored. The joy of not being hit or screamed at or told to please her in other ways. The joy of below the bare minimum, but above rock bottom.

....

He's at a loss for feelings. That was love to him. It was abuse and screaming, and then it was "you will do". It was all love in his eyes.

But he's seen Icia and Lance. He's seen Mirobelle and Nova. He's seen Latte and Aklatan, or Vaga and Nathan, or even...

.... Samuel and Alex.

Samuel.

One time he tried giving Slyn a good Valentines day. Just once.

It involved a ride on the dragons... Slyn remembers clearly how he complained about the cold, despite how free it felt to feel his hair whipping in the wind. Samuel, over and over, kept assuring it would be fine, his hands resting on Slyn's shoulders and waist.

He had more planned, he said. But a rush of fear had filled Slyn's mind, and he quickly excused himself after the dragon ride and hid in his bed. That didn't stop Samuel from still trying to bring him dinner, knocking on the wood and saying he hoped he wasn't asleep.

Slyn pauses again before continuing. He's never felt more stupid.

He did have a good Valentines. Or, at least, he had someone attempt to make it good for him.

But he threw it out.

What a stupid, stupid man.

Finally, Slyn reaches his room and wriggles uncomfortably under the door, head spinning with regret and confusion.

Love was yelling.

Love was fighting.

Love was demanding.

Love was complying.

Love was ignoring.

Love was sneering.

Love was giving everything.

Is love still giving everything? Why does he still hear it so often, to give everything? Even if he gave everything it still wasn't enough.

People now say love is kind.

Love is understanding.

Love is reassuring.

Love is mutual.

Love is safe.

Love is joyous.

Love is exciting.

And this wretched day, it should be about love.... but to him, it feels like none of the above. Only anxiety, loneliness, and the expectation of, once again, being ignored.

He starts crawling up the wooden bed post, against the ribbed texture he almost forgotten. None of what Roseanne or Hexe gave him was love, at least according to everyone else. But it all felt so normal and right, even though he envied the normal situations others experienced... but then, when given the opportunity, he ran away and disregarded everything done to him, just as his wives once had.

Slyn curls up on the dusty bedsheets, faded of his human stench. He sighs and closes his eyes.

He doesn't understand this holiday.

He doesn't understand love.

He doesn't understand not-love.

He doesn't understand anything.

[the-writing-starchive]

The door to the courtyard opens.

Slyn looks up from the base of Achilles' statue where he stays most days, expecting to see someone else paying their respects...

Instead, he sees Dunite. And she's staring right at him.

His tiny snake head lifts as a cold fear travels down his body. He wouldn't trust her in this state normally, but something about her face fills him with dread.

This isn't normal. Usually she just gives Slyn a glare in passing... but no, this is a hatred that would have him dead on the spot if looks could kill.

Something tells him he has to get away, and get away fast. He turns and starts crawling away, faster than he ever has in this state... but as Dunite marches forward, it's evident he has no hope of escaping her.

She picks up Slyn without any regard, the wooden joins of her fingers pinching his body. He hisses, mouth clamping down on her hands desperately, over and over as she walks out of the courtyard. The gummed bites leave no damage except an ache in his mouth.

"I should have done this a long time ago," he hears Dunite mutter as she carries him down the hall. Slyn looks around frantically, hissing out for help before her thumb clamps down over his mouth. Nothing releases her grip, no amount of thrashing and flailing and panicking... and finally, they reach the oh-so familiar door to the dungeon.

The musty darkness sends every bad memory he's ever had of being down here cycling through his brain like a video. All the times he's locked people away and beaten them, all the times he's been tortured himself, being locked up and isolated for longer than he can remember fill his mind at once, and the tears start. What is she doing? What did he do? Why did she bring him here? The panic starts to steal his breath as composure slips out of mental grasp, recollections of endless pain and anguish threatening to overthrow any remaining rationality.

"Quit fuckin' crying, you brought this upon yourself," Dunite whispers through gritted teeth as she throws him down into the coldest, darkest corner.

Slyn shakes off the impact of the throw, blinking in the dark to see Dunite sift through her bag. He trembles, paralyzed in the cold of his former prison, wishing he could scream or hiss loud enough for someone to hear.

And out of her bag, Dunite pulls out the head of a halberd, broken off at its wooden handle.

Slyn's eyes widen. It's the same halberd he used to kill her what feels like a year ago.

Dunite's eyes gleam against the ever so slight glint of the blade, her hand shaking as she holds the broken wooden handle. Slowly, she turns her head to the terrified little snake.

"What. Scared?"

He doesn't respond.

"Yeah, well, guess what. So was I. So was everyone."

She puts her hands on her knees, face wrinkling with disgust at Slyn like he's the most despicable creature in the whole world... and to her, he most certainly is.

"You know, my parents warned me about certain people. Greedy people. Selfish people. Abusive people who'd kill and hurt and relish in others' pain for one reason or another. Now doesn't that just sound familiar?"

Dunite scoffs, pacing back and forth. Slyn stays in the corner, paralyzed with fear and not daring to make a sound.

"I don't understand Icia," she continues. "To be honest, I think her whole idea of redemption is fucking crazy. I mean... you?? Redeeming yourself?? YOU KILLED ME!!!!

"And not even only that!!! You abused people, you stole stuff, you enforced Hexe's rule-"

Slyn flinches at the name.

"Oh don't pretend you're scared of her, you were her HUSBAND. You loved her, you did everything for her... for what, so you could be a 'good husband'? Is that what you wanted? To be a good husband? What about being a good person, huh?! A good KING?!"

Dunite crosses her arms. "Let's face it, Slyn. You never should've been king. Icia would've been a better ruler than you- hell, I think anyone would've been better than an abuser who enforced a tyrant's rule."

Slyn doesn't respond. He tries, though. It comes out as nothing more than a desperate hiss as he watches from the corner, paralyzed.

"... bet you know what's gonna happen now, Slyn. I'm gonna kill you. I'm gonna drive the fucking blade down your neck and cut your head off."

She stops pacing and stands over him again, rage continuing to build along with a hint of anxiety. Is this really the best idea? Is she really doing the right thing?

Of course you are, Dunite, she thinks. You're killing a villain. Saving the kingdom. Getting your revenge.

"You're gonna go to the void. And you're going to see exactly why it's so horrifying, and exactly why I've been wanting you to experience it. 'Cause you don't know the HELL that being in the void is. It's the worst experience ever. It feels like being surrounded and filled with... hate. If hate had a feeling. The hatred of everyone else around you."

"That's how it feels. And when you fucking get there, you're gonna feel MY hate. You're gonna feel AKLATAN'S hate. SAMMY'S hate. THE COOKS. EVERYONE. AND THAT'S ALL YOU FUCKING DESERVE!!!"

She lowers herself, vision red with wrath. "Aren't you excited for that? To feel how much everyone really hates you once you get to the void? I know I sure am. 'Cause let's face it, no amount of words can describe how much I hate you, how much I hate what you did to us, your voice, your relationship to Icia, everything."

Slyn hisses again. And for a moment, Dunite pauses... only to burst out laughing.

No... cackling.

A dreaded cackle that sounds almost identical to the one he thought was forever gone.

"Is that supposed to be an APOLOGY?! ARE YOU SORRY NOW?!" She yells, with no regards about if anyone outside can hear her or not. "AFTER EVERYTHING, ONLY NOW YOU'RE SORRY?!?! YOU DON'T GET TO BE SORRY NOW, IT WON'T UNDO WHAT YOU DID!

"IT DOESN'T CHANGE THE PAIN OF DYING!!! IT DOESN'T CHANGE THE FEAR OF SEEING EVERYONE ABUSED!!! IT DOESN'T CHANGE THE FIGHTS, THE HATE, THE ABUSE, THE TORTURE, IT DOESN'T CHANGE OR UNDO ANYTHING YOU DID!!!! AND IT SURE AS ALL FUCK DOESN'T MAKE YOU WORTH FORGIVING!!! YOU'RE NOT SORRY, YOU'RE JUST AFRAID!!! AFRAID LIKE ALL OF US!!!"

Dunite's yells echo through the dungeon, Slyn trembling with each word. Tears fall down his face and body, blurring his already terrible vision.

Dunite pauses for a moment, heavily breathing as both hands take hold of the halberd head.

"I'm done with this," she whispers, stamping her foot on his tail. Slyn shrieks with pain. "You've heard enough. And if I were to say everything I wanted to say to you, we'd be here too damn long. You've already lived long enough."

Slyn stares for a moment before the fear in his face softens. Ever so slowly, he straightens his neck and lays his head on the stone below. His eyes squeeze shut.

Dunite lifts the halberd blade above her head.

"Good riddance, Slyn. I'll never forget how you made my second chance of life a true, complete hell."

And with a final grunt, lifting the blade higher just for a split second before bringing it down....

....... something falls on Slyn's body.

He flinches, thinking it to be the blade.... but no.

It's small. Wet.

A droplet.

There's no pain. No sound of the blade clashing on the stone. No splattering sounds. Nothing.

He pries his eyes open as another little wet droplet falls on him.

Dunite has frozen, the blade stopped right at her head and trembling in her grasp. Her lip quivers as light green tears drip down her face, falling onto the dirty stone below.

There's an expression full of pain Slyn's never seen in her eyes.

"..... I can't do it. Why...?" she whispers.

After a moments pause, she swings the blade down and aside, the metal flying across the dungeon until it clangs against the opposite wall. Dunite bursts with a frustrated yell.

"... why can't I do it??" she asks sharply. "I've wanted to kill you for so long, why.... why can't I do it...?"

Slyn doesn't dare move or open his mouth as Dunite sinks to her knees, more drops of peridot trickling down her face.

Her voice catches on sobs as she stares at her hands. "... I'm so mad," she mutters. "I don't understand. I can't stand you. I hate you. I want you dead. Why can't I kill you....?"

There's a pause, as if she's expecting him to answer.

The rage and adrenaline dissipates as she stares at the unused blade behind her, not a streak or drop of blood dirtying the metal like she was hoping.

Is she... relieved to see the blade clean? No... surely not... right?

"... Icia wants you alive. I don't get it. She'd be so upset if you died.... why...? She fought against you for so long, why does she want you alive now?"

... is it because you're related to her...? Is that why? You're suddenly family and she's so desperate to have a normal life here that she'll just... forgive you for everything?"

She pauses for a response that she knows won't come, a louder sob escaping her lips.

"... I can't do it 'cause of her. You better be... be fucking grateful I love Icia, 'c-cause if I didn't then..."

She stops in her sentence. The thought of how Icia would react if she went through it sends chills down Dunite's spine.

".... I still want you dead, though. I want you dead so bad. I was supposed to have a good life here, I was supposed to live happily and never have to worry 'bout death again... and then H-Hexe came, and you..."

Her voice trails off, and not a word follows. Only choked, shaky cries.

Pull yourself together, Dunite!!! She berates herself internally. What are you doing?! Don't cry in front of him, you're supposed to be the strong one here!

But she can't bring herself to grab the blade and finish what she started.

It's all over.

Slyn's so dizzy and shaky from adrenaline that it takes him a moment to realize exactly what happened. It confuses him as well, after everything he's done to... well, everyone. Why can't she kill him?

He couldn't entirely blame her if she changed her mind now. A part of him kind of wishes she did. Because she's right. All of this is his fault.

She has every right to kill him.

"... I hate you," Dunite whimpers. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you..." over, and over, and over as more tears fall onto the ground in front of Slyn.

The snake looks down, wishing he could assure her that he feels exactly the same about himself. He's killed. He's tortured. He's abused. He's humiliated. He's done everything and more, all for what? For a fake wife? What was he thinking?

The question of what to do now slowly rises through Slyn's hazy thoughts. The door probably isn't locked, he could find a hole and wriggle out... but oddly enough, he doesn't want to leave Dunite here, alone and sobbing in the damp darkness. How would that make him better than any other time he's done it?

The snake hesitantly crawls forward, hoping she both reacts and doesn't react at the same time. Again, he wouldn't be surprised or mad if she did.

Dunite's eyes squint open as he crawls onto the puff of her dress and curls into a spiral as he's done in so many other places. Only once does he make eye contact, a soft, weak, exhausted stare that is slowly broken as he closes his eyes, letting out a shaky sigh.

Regret floods through Dunite's body.

... I was going to kill him, she thinks with increasing horror. I want to kill him, I want him dead, but- Icia... and Raina... and Yume- oh my god, what am I doing?

Her quiet sobs grow louder as she leans down, head resting in her hands on the stone. A few small tears stream down Slyn's face and soak into her dress, guilt filling his whole being. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for him. They wouldn't be fighting, they wouldn't be screaming, they wouldn't be crying. No one would be.

Dunite turns her head to face Slyn.

"... I don't know what you've done to me," she whispers with bitter, regretful tears. "I was supposed to kill you and make everything better for everyone. Why did you have to go and make people love you...?"

Those words stab Slyn like a knife.

".... why did you have to go and make me not want to go through with it...?"

She turns her face back into her hands, the peridot tears seeping through her fingers.

"... I hate you. I hate what you've done to the Kingdom. I hate what you've done to Icia. I hate what you've done to me. I hate it. I hate you..."

"I hate you...."

"... I hate you."

The dungeon door creaks open, and the familiar sound of light, sharp steps down the stone makes Dunite sit straight up.

The light shines from behind the figure, gleaming against her light blue... no- ice blue hair. Her silver eye is wide with horror, going from the halberd blade strewn across the cell to the puppet girl sat in the opposite corner.

"... Dunite..?." Icia utters as she starts to approach. More tears pool down Dunite's face as she hears the terrified tone.

"What did you do....?"

Dunite opens her mouth, only to break into tears once again. "I'm sorry.... I couldn't do it, but I'm sorry...." is all she manages to say.

Icia starts to ask what she means, only to have her voice trail off as she stands over her friend....

... and the little, sleeping snake curled up on her dress.

[the-writing-starchive]

The door to the instrument room creaks open.

"Ode..?"

Ode looks up from their chaisse, leg extended in a makeshift splint. The fall from earlier bent the wood in an odd way, yet somehow didn't break it fully.

"I was wondering to where you ran off, Vaga. Do come in."

He hesitantly does, looking around at the instruments still strewn across the ground. "Where's my brother?" He asks.

"Nova went to the village to obtain more wood glue and wrapping. He suspects our residential doctor may not have such supplies... and I am not yet comfortable allowing him to assist me physically."

"That makes sense... let me help." Vaga goes to the nearest instrument, a cello, and carefully puts it back in its stand.

"I thank you sincerely, Vaga. Your help is much appreciated."

"Yeah... of course."

For a long while, there is a comfortable silence as Vaga continues picking up instruments and putting them back in place. At least, comfortable for Ode.

Vaga's heart pounds in his palms as he grips the instruments to set them in place. The guilt of earlier with Nathan eats away at his thoughts as the lack of understanding as to why he's so fearful about their relationship uneases him further. Something, just something about telling people, it feels so taboo, so unsafe for him, so vulnerable that someone would be bound to take advantage of it.

.... but no one here is like that. Not one soul. Not even Slyn. Vaga keeps thinking that to himself, over and over, yet it fails to calm his anxiety. Something, just something, keeps him from feeling safe revealing the relationship... or, moreso, revealing his own self.

He doesn't feel like he's supposed to be like this. He doesn't know what's wrong with him.

As the last of the instruments are picked up, Vaga's eyes drift to Ode. They have either been watching him or staring down at their leg without any hint of emotion. They're the least of his worries when it comes to these secrets.... he knows they will always be supportive of him no matter what, even if their tone towards him may appear cold. No teasing, no questions, no jokes... just serious, genuine support.

Vaga bites his tongue as he lifts the last bass onto its stand. Ode half smiles, a curve in their lips he's grown to learn is simple gratitude and approval. His heart starts to race as they sit straight up.

"I must applaud you for your efforts, Vaga," they start. "I do heavily appreciate your care in handling my instruments, and I also applaud your diligence and swift nature in tidying. Your help is greatly appreciated, and I most sincerely thank you.. I will find a way to commend your help, if you so desi-"

"Ode I have something to say."

Vaga almost clamps his hands over his mouth as the words slip out. He didn't mean to interrupt them whatsoever, it was an impulse choice he immediately regrets. Regardless, Ode tilts their head slightly as their smile fades into curiousity.

"... oh? And what might that be, Vaga?"

He tries to speak, to get just something out.... of course, now, the words cling to his throat and refuse to be heard. He tries to force them out, as quiet as they may be from fear.

"I..... ... I'm.... I... don't think I like girls..."

"Please raise your voice some."

"I'm gay, Ode. I... don't like girls. I'm gay."

He says it with head hung low, eyes glued to his feet as he holds his body so tense it almost hurts. His palms grow clammy as he hears the words echo in the room, like the walls are mocking him.

Ode evidently was expecting more. "Did you believe me to not have known?" they ask. "I have known you since you were 12, Vaga, it would be incredibly dense of me to not at least suspect it. I hope you have not forgotten that I am also gay, as you act as though I will shun you like hateful priests and preachers for who you love."

Vaga struggles to respond beyond a hushed "I know, but...."

Ode inspects their strings slightly, almost in a bored sense. "You are afraid to admit you like men to me. I may not like men, but I do not dislike those who do. You act afraid, as though I will judge you for it.... you do realize I am arguably the least cisgender, least heterosexual person in this kingdom, yes? Where is my place to judge you?"

Once again, Vaga fails to respond as Ode continues a little.

"To be quite perfectly honest, I believe the only one who may be less so than I, or at least less cisgender, is Nathan."

He feels his muscles tighten and breathing hitch. Should I tell them..? He wonders to himself. Would he care if I told only Ode, even though I'm the one who's wanted to keep this so long? He wouldn't be mad if I told them without him here, right...?

".... you are tense."

".... um."

A hint of interest brightens Ode's face. "Are you and Nathan together.??"

Vaga tries to deny it but finds himself unable to. They would be able to see right through the lie regardless... plus, he feels worse saying they're not together than anything. Logically, it's really not something to be ashamed of whatsoever and he knows it. He feels terribly guilty for the shame he can't seem to shake.

Vaga's nod is so miniscule it's nearly impossible to see. ".... please don't tell anyone. Or... tell him I told you."

Once again, Ode finds themselves in a state of confusion. "I assume he does not wish for anyone to know?"

"No, it's me who doesn't want others to know... I don't think he minds very much if others know..."

"So it is you who wishes to keep the secret," they confirm.

"Mhm..."

Ode stares at Vaga across the room for a bit before carefully moving their legs off the chaise, opening the other end.

"Come, Vaga. Sit with me."

Vaga reluctantly walks over and sits. He's had so many lectures and lessons on this chaise in this exact spot that he already knows he'll be there for a while.

Ode places their hands in their lap, sitting high and attentive as they think of how to ask their questions.

"... I do not... believe I understand you," they start. "I do not believe I understand your current situations and actions. You appear very reluctant to speak of these matters as a whole, even with I, although I have attempted to establish myself throughout the years as a safe individual to speak about such matters to."

"...."

"Nathan is okay, or more okay than you, with revealing your relationship. Yes?"

Vaga nods.

"Then it is only by your wishes to keep it secret, both your relationship and your sexuality. Yes?"

Another nod.

"Why is that? The quantity of those who are not heterosexual or cisgender far exceeds the quantity of those who are. You do not have much to gain from hiding such minor facts from us."

"It's not minor to me...."

Ode waves it off slightly. "Regardless, I fail to see your logic. You are acting afraid, as if something terrible will occur due to your admittance, and I am only possibly a safe person to tell.

"If you cannot explain, you are not required. But I would like to better understand where it is coming from so I may help you more."

Vaga finds himself eyeing the ground again as he tries to explain his thought process and emotions.... so, so, so much easier said than done.

"... I guess I am afraid, yeah...."

"Of what, exactly?"

"I don't know.?! Being... teased, I guess?" Vaga shrugs a little. It's a weak answer, but it also isn't entirely false, knowing how his brother is. Teasing is certainly something he wants to avoid, from anyone he can.

Ode also seems a little unsatisfied with that answer. Once again, they expected more. "Those of the kingdom are very understanding of boundaries and not crossing them, I have no doubt you would be able to set some in place with everyone. Yes, even Nova. I will be willing to enforce that as well, if you feel better about such."

Vaga nods slightly, hands clasped tight and far in front of him. ".. yes, please... that'd be nice, I guess..." He mumbles.

".... it is not only about the teasing, is it?"

Vaga shakes his head. A familiar lump starts to grow in his throat, which he swallows back... it's a feeling he knows far too well, one that occurs much more than he cares to admit.

"... are you truly afraid to come out?" Ode asks, almost disbelieving.

".... a little..." He means much more than just a little.

"... forgive me for asking, but... of what??? What are you afraid of when pertaining to publicly coming out???"

"...... safety?" He squeaks out. He knows that logically makes absolutely no sense, and it's written on Ode's face.

"Does someone here make you fear for your safety? Other than the snake?"

"No, not even him, it's genuinely no one here and.. I don't... know why."

Vaga bites his inner lip. Something about this conversation doesn't even feel safe in it's own right, yet he can't quite identify what it is. Everyone in the kingdom is indeed safe for him, yet he feels as if he needs to speak in hushed whispers and avoid certain things, as if there indeed is someone unsafe lurking, listening to and watching everything.

Ode leans back in their seat, arms crossed. "You are a shy, timid, skittish man, Vaga. But even this fear is not irrational."

"But it's so stupid!" He exclaims. "I don't want to be so afraid, I don't even know why I am, I just feel like if word gets around, someone's gonna find out and I'm gonna be in trouble, and if our relationship goes public, both of us are going to be in danger!!"

Ode blinks in surprise at his sudden burst of emotion. ".. Vaga-"

"No, let me finish because even I don't know what is fucking wrong with me and I'll never have the words to say it!" Vaga interjects. He stares straight ahead as he rants, trying to avoid inevitable tears.

"I love Nathan a ton. He's amazing and understanding and sweet, but any time I think about giving him any kind of affection or compliment in public, it feels so wrong for me! And fuck if I know why, it's like I'm being watched, and it was okay before, but Mirobelle almost walked in on us and I completely panicked and hid under the bed. And when she left and I saw Nathan, he just looked so hurt and confused, and I think he thinks that I feel like I'm ashamed of us, but I'm not, I swear Ode, I'm not ashamed! But he looked so hurt, and now I'm scared he's going to leave me and-"

"LEAVE you???"

Ode's sudden incredulity finally make a Vaga pause and look at them. They're looking at him like he's out of his mind.

"Pardon me for interrupting, but... you believe Nathan is going to leave you... because you want a private relationship???"

... well, when phrased like that, it does sound ridiculous. Vaga feels like shrinking to the size of an ant under Ode's shocked gaze.

"I have essentially raised you for the past eight years of your life, I swear I did not raise you with this kind of insecure outlook on relationships! Do you truly, honest to heavens, believe that is the case? That Nathan will leave you for a desire as small as a private relationship?"

"It's more than-"

"Vaga. Answer the question."

After a long pause, Vaga shakes his head. Nathan wouldn't do that, and he knows it. Ode sighs with mild relief and holds their head a little.

"That is what I thought. You must not let your emotions control your thoughts."

"... I know. I'm sorry."

"An apology is not necessary... what is, however, is to restart. I only require a yes or no answer from you."

Vaga nods, looking upwards.

"Now then... you are afraid. Yes?"

"... yes."

"Of people discovering your relationship."

"Yes."

"Of people discovering you are gay."

".... yes."

"Do you have any possible idea why...?"

Vaga thinks for a long, long, long time.

".... because it feels wrong."

Ode tilts their head curiously, although their expression remains stoic. "Do you feel being gay in general is wrong? Even for others?"

"No, of course not, it just.... feels wrong for me specifically."

Vaga holds his arms tight, face warm with shame as Ode thinks of their next questions.

"Why do you feel it is wrong specifically for you?"

"I don't know... I mean, everything feels wrong for me in general," he replies. "I mean, look at me... way that I dress, way that I act, way that I dance, it's.... none of it feels right. I don't like any of it for me. Being gay... doesn't... fit?

Ode looks Vaga up and down. "You are still wearing the exact same uniform that you have since you first arrived. Seldom have you worn anything other than this, no matter the occasion.... one could argue that the way you dance is a similar scenario. It has changed very little in any way other than skill since you have arrived, even now that everything has changed."

Vaga doesn't reply for some time. They aren't wrong.... neither of those have changed much throughout the years. He's always dressed and performed in a similar way, but he's started to dislike both as he's grown.

"... what are you trying to say, Ode...?"

"You have changed very little in the time you have been here... unfortunately, most of it has been out of your control. However, even now, with our freedom, you remain in this... stereotype. This mold that you do not fit."

Vaga looks down. "I have to be perfect, I guess...." he whispers. "I have to look perfect, I have to act perfect, I have to be perfect... and for me, being gay.. or being openly gay... just doesn't fit that."

Ode nods as they listen. "... perfection in people is subjective. By whoms standards is this perfection..? Are they yours? Who do you desire to please with this... 'perfection'?"

Vaga shrugs a bit. He doesn't like this view of perfection for himself... it doesn't feel quite right.

There's a moment of silence as he tries to come up with a better answer of who he's trying to appeal to... Ode, Nova, Nathan, Samuel, Mirobelle, and most of the other characters are already off the list. He tries to think of people he fears... he never really felt heavily impacted by Slyn, as he never took much interest in Vaga's occupation. He ponders more slightly about anyone else he's known over this time...

The realization hits him like an avalanche.

Hexe.

"... you have realized something," Ode notes as they observe Vaga. The confusion has dissipated from his expression, melting into nothing but a cold chill of dread down his spine.

"... you'll laugh."

"Never."

"You'll think it's stupid."

"It cannot be, if it invokes such fear within you, who or what could possibly-"

They stop in the middle of their sentence, realization dawning on their face. Vaga hangs his head as the pieces fall into place and he watches Ode's expression gain a tense, fearful edge as well.

"... It is her.... is it not?" They finally whisper.

"I told you it was stupid..."

"Stupid? Vaga, in what possible way could your fear of her be 'stupid'???"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe because she's fucking dead???"

Vaga hugs his knees close with one arm and holds his head with the other, a few incredulous laughs escaping him.

"She's gone, and we all know it. We're safe! We never have to deal with her again, except I do, because it still feels like she's here somehow! You saw what she did to Samuel and Alex, and she threatened to do the exact same thing to me if I let myself be gay as well!

"All of this- the outfits, the dancing, everything that I'm trying to be to other people- it's because I'm terrified of her! Ode, it doesn't feel like she's gone- I keep feeling watched and listened to, like her spirit or something is haunting me, and I'm so stupidly scared of her even now that it's stopping me from doing or being what I really want- but, hell, I don't even know what I want to be! I don't know anything about myself!!!"

He grips his hair, choking on pained laughter. "Everyone's been healing, Ode, and being themselves. The only thing I've done to start healing is finally start dating someone I like but I can't even be a good boyfriend to him in public because I'm afraid of a homophobic, abuser who's dead!!"

"Isn't that just pathetic, Ode?! Being afraid of someone who can't ever hurt me again and letting it take over my life... that's ridiculous, right? Come on Ode, tell me I'm being irrational, tell me this is stupid!" He pleads, looking up at Ode.

The older's face is nothing but a pained, shocked pity. Vaga finally feels the tears breach his eyes, streaks of warmth pooling down his cheeks.

He lowers his head, choking back sobs and gripping his knees as droplets soak into tights. Resentment and humiliation cloud his mind, and he can't decide if he blames himself or Hexe more. It feels so ridiculous to be so heavily affected by someone with no possible way to hurt him anymore.

After a few moments, Vaga feels two hands gently placed on his shoulders. He tilts his tear-stained face up to Ode.

"It is not stupid," they calmly say. "It is not irrational. It is not ridiculous. And it is not pathetic."

"... b-but she isn't even here anymore-"

"That does not change the matter. It is not stupid."

Ode reaches to the table behind Vaga and grabs a handkerchief. They offer it to him, which he takes and wipes his face.

"Abuse causes many, many complications in the mind.. especially abuse of the likes of her. You were controlled by fear... that in itself not something one may be freed of simply due to their abuser being absent or unable to harm, especially not fear built up over years. This is not an uncommon issue for such victims."

Vaga continues to listen in silence as Ode looks up at the ceiling.

"To be quite honest, I do sometimes also forget we are free. I had expected this, when she was killed... just because they are gone, does not mean it will feel like it. Some abuse will... affect one for the entirety of their life. It can completely change a person and their way of thinking... or scare them into never changing. That is simply the nature of abuse."

"And... that's normal?" Vaga squeaks.

"It can be. There is never any true normality with abuse, as it varies heavily between different people, and the reactions and effects of it do as well. The only true normal part is that it is unpredictable."

Ode looks back down at Vaga, who's mostly collected himself at this point.

"You are a fearful man, Vaga. It is a fact. You are fearful and nervous, and she had played on that aspect of you for years upon years. Your desperation for security and safety has been long associated with you trying to fit in this impossible mold she made for you... and you are trying to fit into it, despite the fact it is not you.

"You dress in clothes you dislike. You force yourself to eat little to maintain your physique. You dance endlessly and tirelessly, devoted to an art you have started to grow weary of. None of it is you, and it continues to make you feel as such."

"... and... it's not stupid...?"

Ode shakes their head. "Never are the remnants of trauma and abuse stupid. Never."

Vaga is quiet for a moment, looking down at the handkerchief.

"... you know a lot about this," he eventually whispers.

"..... it is not my first time subject to similar manipulation and abuse. I suspect the only reason I am faring well after her is because I have some knowledge on coping... at least for myself."

"Does it help you be less afraid...?"

They nod. "It does help. Not entirely, but it does."

"Does it help you feel safe..?"

"Safer. Not safe... that comes from the people whom I surround myself. I may only do so much to make myself feel safe."

Vaga thinks for a bit.

".... what do I do? I don't want to be afraid. I don't want to be a shy, insecure, scared crybaby anymore.. I want to feel safe. Can you tell me what I can do to feel safer?"

There's a pause of silence, as Ode folds their hands in their lap again.

"... to start, do not call yourself that. You are what you believe. If you wish to not be a 'shy, insecure, scared crybaby', do not describe yourself as such."

Vaga nods.

"Good. That being said..." Ode smiles warmly. It's one of their more rare, lively kind of grins, without much suppressed emotion. "I will gladly show you. I do not want you to be afraid either. Shall you listen?"

Vaga feels a smile tug at his lips as he nods again.

"I'm listening."

"It is about the change as a whole. As stated, you have not changed very much from the time she has been here until now.... without the change, you will hold onto the same mindset.

"It will feel awkward. And yes, it will perhaps be scary to start. But I do confirm... if you are able to change yourself- your clothes, your habits, your day-to-day activities... your mind will reflect it as such. If you change yourself, you will also change your mindset. Do you understand?"

Vaga once again nods.

"..... what do you think I can start with?"

"Well, what would you wish to change first? We shall start there. It will be a slow process."

Vaga glances down at himself before looking back up at Ode. "... I think my clothes, heheh. I don't have really anything else to wear, though... and Alex is already busy as it is."

Ode ponders on the matter for a moment before they seem to get an idea.

".... Vaga. Would you be so kind as to assist me in standing and walking, please?"

Vaga tilts his head, but nods and stands, helping Ode stands on one leg. Their other, injured leg hangs a little limp, but otherwise they manage to hobble along side him. Vaga keeps their arm around him, avoiding any contact with their torso or waist.

"Where are we going...?" He asks.

Ode simply responds, "To my room. I may have something that may be of use to you."

The two travel upstairs, and go imto their room. Vaga always finds himself in awe at how spacious yet empty the room really is, with minimal vintage furniture and even less color. Dancing in this room would feel like a dream

Ode guides them to their closet and sifts through the many white shirts hug along the rack. Vaga can't help but peek inside, awed by their clothing style and various items he wouldn't have expected. He notices a small bookshelf with various music binders, all black. Sitting on the bookshelf is a porcelain dress, clad in a black dress and missing an eye. He swallows back anything he wants to ask about either.

Ode finally hands him a shirt... it's shockingly small compared to them, but still their style: stark white, mismatched bell and bishop sleeves, and a jabot pinned by a single red, round gem. Vaga's eyes widen in awe.... it looks as if it might fit him.

"This had unfortunately shrunk while being washed a mere few months ago.... I had planned to see if one of the smaller residents would be interested, however I have suspicion it may be given to you."

Vaga takes the shirt and feels the material between his fingers... it's shockingly soft and not as stiff as he'd imagine.

"... c... can I try it on? Please?" He asks, trying to not get excited so soon. Ode motions to an opaque divider in one corner of the room with a smile and small nod, and Vaga almost runs over, but not before helping Ode sit on the bed.

Vaga smiles. He actually like how he looks for once.

He quickly takes off his sleeves and leotard, leaving only his tights as he slips the shirt on. It's still a little big, and would look even more ridiculous if he tried to tuck it into the waistband of his tights... but staring into the mirror in the corner, Vaga can't peel his eyes away. He smooths the fabric down his front torso, where the chest window in his leotard once caused much discomfort with cold air on the exposed skin... there's no skin this time, however; only fabric under the jabot.

Ode's smile grows as the redhead exits the changing corner.

"There will need to be adjustments made.... however, they are minimal. Judging your smile, I conclude you like it."

Vaga nods eagerly. "I really, really do... it feels way better than the leotard."

"I suspected as such... they look relatively uncomfortable to begin with, if I am honest. "

Vaga nods in agreement. Now that he's wearing this, he never wants to wear his normal uniform again.

"Now," Ode suddenly states seriously. "This is only a part of the change that one must make. I would heavily, heavily advise you speak to Nathan as well. He deserves to know of your fear and reasonings for keeping your relationship and self private... it will also be part of your own change, to directly tell him why you are afraid. understand?"

"Yes Ode."

"Good. You may feel better with these clothes now, but change and breaking away from your former self is a difficult trial. Do not expect your change as a whole to appear overnight. To heal from trauma and abuse is a long journey, one that may never be fully accomplished. Some aspects of yourself you may never be able to change because of her. That is alright. Change is important, but you cannot change everything. Understood?"

"Yes Ode."

Ode crosses their arms. "When shall you speak to Nathan?"

".... tonight or tomorrow, I think. I'm going to spend the rest of the daylight alone thinking about this."

"If you insist- do as you please, whatever it may be."

Vaga nods.... he thinks about what he wants to do. Dance? No, not really. Practice? Definitely not.

.... study. Yeah, I want to do that.

"Yes Ode."

Ode smiles brightly.

"I am very, very proud of you, Vaga. You have learned lots today. I shall assist however I may as you heal.... I suspect this is a good start for you, however."

"Thank you, Ode.... thank you so, so, so, so, so, so much, I really can't... just... thank you!"

Ode chuckles ever so slightly. "You do not need to thank me.... but I am pleased I could assist. Is there anything else you may need from me?"

Vaga thinks for a moment before something pops into his head. His usual, sheepish gaze returns as he silently and awkwardly opens his arms, expecting some kind of rejection.

Ode pauses for a few seconds, staring at him.... before nodding and opening their arms as well. Vaga moves into their arms, hugging them tight. It's odd for a moment, given they're both not quite used to this, much less being hugged with Ode's semi-new body.... but neither of their smiles drop.

There's only gratitude, safety, security, and understanding between the two for a long, long time.

When Vaga finally pulls away, he's smiling more than Ode remembers him ever having smiled before. He bows slightly, in the same fashion they do, before grabbing his normal clothes, turning and running out the door, letting it shut behind him.

Ode listens as Vaga's footsteps fade down the hall, followed by the skitter of him running down the stairs. They sigh with a smile.... something about the way his face lit up when wearing clothes of their style, it was far more than they expected from him.

... come to think of it, they aren't quite sure exactly what his genuine style even is. All they know is something less feminine than what he's been wearing before.

"... I suppose I still have much to learn about him, even now," they whisper to themselves, standing and hopping back to the closet as best as they can. They sit as carefully as possible in the open doors, gently taking hold of the doll and brushing her hair out of her eyes.

"... did you see? We are helping people," they softly utter with a smile and hug. "We are helping people in the same way we helped ourselves. We are doing for them what we always wanted."

The doll does and says nothing, yet Ode holds it with all the care in the world, like it's such a fragile being in desperate need of care. A lump wells in their throat as they comb the dolls hair with a tiny little brush.

"You are doing amazing here, better than you ever thought. You are helping others to heal, now..... and it is helping you to heal as well. They love and care for your opinion and support... something others have taken for granted. But they do not anymore, not here."

They smile and hug the doll, imagining themselves being hugged in the same manner.

"... we are doing good. All of us. It will be alright, and I can say that surely now. We will be alright."

[the-writing-starchive]

Higher, he thinks.

Higher, higher, come on, come on, we can reach it!

"Celio, you doing okay, bud?!" Sammy shouts over the wind. Celio roars in affirmative as he pumps his wings, skyrocketing straight up.

Sammy holds on as tight as he can, trying to see against the wind in his eyes. All he wants is to keep going higher, past the clouds, past the stars.....

Something about it is familiar to him. The way he's flying up. The way he's felt so unsatisfied down on the ground. The way he's chasing beyond the peaks of the clouds, chasing something he knows he'll never get back.

Chasing someone he knows he'll never get back.

"COME ON BUD, HIGHER!!!" He yells over the wind. Each flap of Celio's wings sends them over yet another cloud. No one would be able to see them from below, if anything it would be a speck.

The wind rushing against Sammy's face and ears starts to make his skin feel numb, but he doesn't care. He has to go higher.

A gruff male voice echoes in Sammy's mind.

"<×[#÷<!!!!"

He doesn't remember what it called him... but he remembers what was said after.

"RUN!!! GET OUTTA HERE!!!"

No, Sammy thinks to himself. A lump forms in his throat. I'm not leaving you here!

"YOU CAN'T LIFT IT!!! JUST GO!!! GET OUTTA HERE!!!"

NO!!!!!

He grips the handle of the saddle tighter and tighter until his nails dig into the leather and his knuckles grow white. He never felt strong enough, and sometimes, he still doesn't.

If only I was stronger back then, he thinks, remembering when hay bales felt like mountains and cows were like cars. All of those would be easy for him now.

If only I was stronger. I could have saved him.

Celio roars, trying to get Sammy to pay attention as the two continue to climb higher. They've long surpassed the cloud line, but it's still not high enough for him.

"KEEP GOING CELIO, COME ON, WE CAN MAKE IT!" Sammy shouts, staring straight ahead again. He can barely feel the wind against his skin anymore, his clothes whipping through the air, or even the belts around his legs and waist. Celio grunts in response, panting; he doesn't understand why Sammy's so insistent.

The memory in Sammy's head turns to another, as the intensity of the flight starts to fade into his subconscious. No longer does he feel like he's holding onto scales and leather; instead, he feels knitted wool and soft hair beneath his hard skin.

Yelling fades into crying. Sobbing. Agonizing wails.

The wind whips Sammy's tears away, which still manage to hinder his vision. A flash of light brown and dusty red is what he can see in his arms; when he glances down though, there is no one there.

"I'm sorry for your loss," another voice whispers. It's followed by more apologies.

"It wasn't his time."

"This must be so hard for you."

"I'm so sorry you had to witness that."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry."

I'm sorry, he thinks to himself.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry."

Once again, the memory configures itself into something new. Samuel recognizes it more clearly now; his letter from Achilles. Those are the first words it read.

Samuel swallows back a sob as he remembers random sentences from his farewell letter, mentally brushing off the roar he faintly hears.

"I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough, and I can't be here anymore."

"You are strong enough. Stronger than I ever was."

"One of the strongest people I know."

No, Sammy thinks to himself, just like how he did the first time he read that letter. I'm not strong enough still. I want to see you again. I want to see him again.

He starts to feel dizzy.

Please, you guys have to be up here. If I go high enough, then I'll make it to you two... I'm not strong enough, still.

"You're amazing at taking care of everyone, keep doing so."

I wasn't enough to take care of my family after he died.

"You're a fantastic protector."

I couldn't do anything to save him.

"One of the kindest and happiest men I know."

My best still isn't enough.

I got my wish and I'm still not enough. I wasn't enough for him. I wasn't enough for you. I'm still not strong enough yet.

"You are strong."

"NO I'M NOT!!!" Sammy yells aloud, scaring Celio into another roar. It brings him back to the intensity of the flight they're experiencing.... and also brings back a memory of similar intensity.

The flash of blonde flashes in Samuel's vision towards him as his arms suddenly ache more than he remembers them ever aching before. The first gruff voice screams in his ear.

"LIONEL!!!!!!!!"

He feels himself pushed to the left by something stronger than he's ever felt, and flinches. Celio yanks to the left with a loud and confused snarl, trying to pull himself upright as all voices and sounds in Sammy's mind grow far.

He feels even dizzier, eyes starting to droop from the sudden yanking and altitude. subconsciously, he expects to feel the resistance of the belts around his legs and waist holding him onto the saddle. Then Celio can lead them to land safely, just like in the past whenever something's gone wrong.

This time there is no resistance, however.

And he slips off the saddle and starts to fall.

For the few moments Sammy's unconscious, he peacefully ponders to himself.

Is this what Achilles felt when he fell? he wonders calmly. Wow.... this is terrifying.

It doesn't actually feel terrifying until Samuel opens his eyes, only to have the force of wind shut them once again. He grabs in the air and kicks his legs to feel around for anything.... but he doesn't. There is no Celio. There is no saddle. He's alone and plummeting, tumbling every which way through the air.

Samuel screams just as Celio roars, both full of more fear and horror than a human and dragon should ever feel.

"CELIO!!!!!" Sammy manages to scream, trying to pry his eyes open. His glasses are long gone, making any details nearly impossible to see other than the flash of green and gold that's speeding down below him. Celio hollers in response- it's one that Sammy recognizes easily.

"Grab on."

Samuel tries to straighten himself in the air, seeing Celio swoop beneath him and spread his wings only enough to slow their fall speed. As soon as he's close enough, Sammy reaches out and grabs whatever he can. It ends up being one of the leather leg belts.

Even without his glasses, Samuel can see the kingdom come into view as they plummet beneath the cloud line. Adrenaline surges through his body as he feels around for the handle and pulls his body back into the seat, breath hitching at the sight of the rapidly approaching ground. He grabs the reins of the saddle.

"HOLD ON!!!!"

And he yanks back, causing the dragon to lurch and spread his wings as they barely avoid the spires of the castle and continue to fall dangerously through the air. Celio manages to direct himself just quick enough to land on the sand, as he lands on his side ungracefully and tumbles headfirst into the sand, causing Samuel to lose his grip and fly forward into the ground with a cloud of dust.

It takes a few moments before he can think coherently.

"... ow...."

Hands.... legs.... knees..... shoulder.....

He pulls himself up onto his hands and knees, weakly rolling his left shoulder a bit. The pain, thankfully, isn't more than he thought it'd be.

Nothing broken. Cool.

Sammy stays there for a moment, staring at the beige below him as tears and saliva drip from his face. He coughs a bit, sand falling out of his mouth mixed with a bit of blood and a stinging sensation in his cheek. Must have bitten it during the fall.

Finally, he finds the strength to look up.

Celio, thankfully, seems much less disoriented than him. It's not much of a surprise, given their strong skulls with shockwave-absorbing bone. The dragon stands and shakes some sand off himself before galloping towards Sammy.

"H..... hey buddy, you okay...? Dammit, my glasses...." Sammy mumbles, feeling Celio's face. The dragon looks at him fearfully, with a look Sammy can only imagine is asking "why did you do that?"

The dragon lays down, whimpering softly. Sammy lets himself fall back onto the sand below, too disoriented and bitter to try and stand, much less walk or find his glasses.

"... I don't know.... 'm sorry, I'm so fuckin' sorry...." He rests his head against Celio's, tears falling from skin onto scale. He's too tired to lift his arms for a proper hug, but Celio seems to understand.

The memories meld together in his mind, fueling his tears. He felt so, so, so close.

Not high enough, Sammy thinks to himself. Internally, he knows that's bullshit. He knows that even attempting to fly that high without protective gear was idiotic. He knows that he, an Auguis dragon-human hybrid, couldn't ever stand the speed and height that Celio reached there. Why did he even do that in the first place?

.... I want to see them again, he bitterly thinks, closing his eyes.

I want to talk to Achilles again.

I want to talk to my father again.

The memories are much more clear in his mind now; the yelling, the explosions, the agony in his left shoulder, the feeling of failure....

He tries opening his eyes so he doesn't have to see it in his mind again, but they hold up for just a few seconds before faltering and closing again.

I could have reached them, he thinks. If I just went high enough. If only I had gone higher.

If only I was stronger.

He lays where he is, fluid still oozing from his mouth as Celio nudges him sadly, both winded, exhausted, and just barely coming down from the fear they just went through.

Sammy wishes he didn't come out now.

[the-writing-starchive]

The dungeon door suddenly opens.

Slyn drowsily lifts his head as Icia and... someone else comes into view. His eyes narrow.

"What do you want now?" he hisses.

Icia steps forward, kneeling in front of him and presenting something.... a pillow. Slyn's head tilts as he stares at it... what is this? Some kind of mockery? A gift?

He looks up at her face. "Icia, wh-"

He stops dead in his words. There are tears running down Icia's face.

It's been so long since Slyn has seen her cry like this... last time, it was of grief and anger. Her silver eye gazes back at him... there's no anger. But there is grief. So, so much grief.

Slyn feels a cold shiver down his spine as his anger temporarily subsides.

"... what is this?"

"It.... was in Achilles' will."

It takes a moment before the daunting chill flushes through Slyn's face. His eyes widen as his hands take the pillow... the heads of snakes that make up his fingers rest into the plush sensation as a rushing forms in his ears.

"...... did he....."

Icia only nods, kneeling as tears race to drop and hit her hands in her lap. The person behind her glows blue in the dark... or moreso, parts of them glow blue.

Slyn's head drifts from side to side a little, as if his neck is losing strength to hold it up. A sick, nauseating, familiar feeling wells up in his stomach as he holds the pillow closer.

He doesn't have words.

There's a moment of silence.... before a very loud, muffled scream almost causes Icia and her guest to startle back. The pillow barely keeps Slyn's scream at a tolerable level.... his voice gives out after a few minutes, and he lowers the pillow, hot tears matching Icia's as they pool down his face.

I didn't even get to say goodbye, is what he wants to say. The words don't present themselves like that. They come out as ".... was he happy to go?"

Icia nods. Slyn can't decide if he feels better or worse about that, the ill feeling inside churning as if trying to break free from his stomach and take over his whole body. He can't remember the last time he felt that pain, despite its familiarity.

The misery is too much for him to be angry. How could he be? Achilles has been wanting this for years, and he finally got it. How could he be mad?

After a moment, Slyn manages to collect himself. Icia hands him a letter.

"In his will, he left you a pillow... and I decided to give one of his blankets as well. I know you don't do well in the cold."

"Don't pretend to care about me and if I'm okay in the cold or not."

"She's not pretending."

Slyn's head snaps up at the unfamiliar voice.... he focuses on the figure behind Icia, a masculine figure with strange legs... they seem to shrink a bit under his natural glare.

"... Icia," he mutters, bitterness returning. "Who is that."

Icia stands, motioning the figure to come closer... Slyn squints in the dark, eyes more then well adjusted but still unable to see some of their details. As he approaches, the plaid pattern of an unbuttoned shirt starts to grow visible, white eyes a stark yet not blinding contrast to the black around him.

".... Antonio, this is Slyn. Slyn, this is Starro, your... younger brother."

The hollow, bitter resent reclaims its stake on Slyn's mind as he makes out whatever details about this straner that he can. The glowing, bluish patches on his body are shaped like stars, he can see that clearly. Starro awkwardly waves, the star in the middle of his hand being easy to track through the absence of light.

"Hi..." Starro mutters. Slyn bites back an expression of disgust, hearing that young, almost feminine voice. If Icia didn't introduce them as such, he never would have even imagined two people so obviously different to be related.

Speaking of which, he can feel her gaze stiffening on him... she's expecting him to say something, and it's a challenge for him to not simply say 'fuck off'.

".... hello," Slyn finally spats. He hopes that this person can hear the hatred and disdain in his voice... which, given the way his eyes drop to the ground and Icia's narrow, certainly was heard.

Icia's sigh is almost just as frustrated.

"I have some business to attend to down here, cleaning up the rocks and glass so you aren't walking or sleeping on all of that stabbing crap."

"You don't need to."

"Oh for gods' sake, Slyn, I know I don't need to, but I want to. You do not deserve these living conditions... and I'm honestly ashamed I've let you live in them for so long."

Slyn mutters under his breath and looks away, arms folded. He bites back a 'thanks' as Icia goes back up the stairs of the dungeon and comes down with a broom and dustpan.

"You two may talk as you please... I only ask that you keep things civil," she says with a cold stare at Slyn before going to one corner of the dungeon. Starro takes a seat on the ground where he is, and says.... nothing.

For what feels like forever, there is no sound except the gentle sweeping of the broom. Slyn's hateful gaze never leaves Starro.

"..... are you... lonely down here?"

"No."

"Got it, got it, um.... you have a nice plant. You seem to take really good care of it"

"........"

The uncomfortable tension rises as Starro stiffens.

".. Come on, man, work with me here, I'm trying to talk with you."

"And I'm trying to not," Slyn hisses through barred teeth. "In case you haven't realized yet, I hate you."

Icia's head snaps up as she starts a harsh correction. "Slyn-"

"Viv, lemme talk to him, it's fine."

"Fine???"

Starro turns towards his sister. "This is our conversation, I can manage it just fine. I promise. Just let me talk for myself this time."

After a short pause, Icia nods and returns her attention to sweeping.

Starro turns back to Slyn, whose expression hasn't changed in the slightest.

"I was kind of expecting that."

"Good, so you aren't completely brainless."

A small dash of red shoots through the pale indigo within Starro's cheeks as Slyn continues.

"I'll say it again. I hate you. I fucking hate you, and I fucking hate your sister. I hate our whole fucking family, but I hate you two the most for replacing me and-"

"Replacing???"

Slyn's bitter yet controlled ranting grows into a harsher snarl.

"Don't act like you don't know- our mother and father gave me up when I was barely 3, and I went to the shittiest orphanage she could find. The one time I look them up and try to find her when I'm 12, what do I see? I see you four. Happy. Thriving. The whole happy-family experience."

"Now wait just a minute-"

"No, kid, you don't get to tell me to wait. I waited in that orphanage 'till I was 16, and then I was out. I waited for our mom to come back for me while you guys had her and our dad. You all had the good family while I was fucking forgotten and thrown out for NO damn reason!!!"

Starro stands, the rest of the indigo fading into a pale red. "Don't you talk about our family like we were perfect, you had no IDEA what we went through!!! And for the record, we didn't even know about you until a few months ago! You can't be mad at US for something our mom did, and we didn't!!!"

Slyn stands as well, raising only slightly above Starro. "I'll be angry at you two all I FUCKING want. I should have been part of your family! I should have had the family meals and parents who celebrated my goals and whatnot, but instead, I got stuck with even MORE women who didn't give a shit about me and only paid attention when I did something wrong!!! I don't care what your mom did, she was supposed to be mine as well!!!"

If it weren't for a serious glare from Starro, Icia would be pulling him back up the stairs by now, muttering about how terrible this idea was. Her legs freeze in place (for once, not literally), however, and she finds herself unable to do anything but watch as Starro steps towards Slyn. Angry tears prick his eyes.

"You don't know the hell that woman put us through," he seethes, stars brightening. "You don't know the hell she put ME and VIV and OUR DAD through. Our mother was an insane Catholic woman who would berate you and hit you for anything that didn't align with her conservative values!

"And it was so much worse after Viv here disappeared, because she was so insistent that her golden child would come home that she took all her anger out on me and our dad, who was too fucking meek to stand up to her. Our mother was an ABUSER, AND SOMETIMES I WISH I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A MOM BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE PUT US THROUGH!!!"

"DON'T YOU EVER FUCKING SAY YOU WISH YOU DIDN'T HAVE A MOM, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANYTHING TO HAVE A MOM EVEN IF SHE WAS SHIT, BECAUSE AT LEAST SHE WAS THERE FOR YOU GUYS!!!" Slyn screams, eyes blurry with red and tears.

"YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT OUR FAMILY, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANYTHING FOR WHAT YOU SAY WE HAD!!!"

Slyn can't remember the last time he felt this angry, as he rears his hand back and prepares for a slap. Icia's eye widens.

"Try it, Slyn. Hit me. I fucking dare you to try."

Starro doesn't flinch. He doesn't move. His voice has lowered to a deathly calm yet threatening tone.... for a moment, Slyn thinks he sees the flickering of a glitch those glowing, white, tear-filled eyes.

His hand shakes...

Come on Slyn, do it, fucking hit him already, he deserves it, go on, hit him, he replaced you, it's all... his... fault....

.... and he falters.

Slyn's head tilts to the ground, tears falling onto the stone below.

"... it's all your fault," he whispers angrily. Starro shakes his head.

"... no. It's her fault."

Slyn staggers back until he feels his hand against the mossy wall, and he sinks down and leans his head against it in a pathetic attempt to hide his tears. Starro follows and sits next to him, crying softly as well.

"... it isn't fair," Slyn mutters. "What kind of a person gives up their child and then goes on to have two more, not even a few years later...?"

Starro just looks down, blue starting to overtake the red of his stars.

".... not a good mother, that's for sure. And she wasn't one, not at all. She hurt us all. She tried turning us into things we weren't, all in the name of love."

"I would have taken it regardless."

Slyn turns to Starro. "All I wanted was to be loved by someone."

Starro looks back at Slyn. "It wasn't love, though. She thought it was.... but it wasn't. It was hatred. It was paranoia."

"Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference."

Starro looks down.

".... not if you know what real love looks like."

Slyn's closes his eyes, trembling as he curls his hands into fists. "She could have shown me what it looked like."

"No, she couldn't. Her delusions and religious ideas warped it all. Her view of love was just as fucked as yours is now. Abuse isn't love, no matter how you justify it."

Starro turns so his back is against the wall, as he stares at the large plant. The memories are painful... it hurts to hear Slyn say how he wishes he had their mother, knowing who she was.

"Beatings... yelling... cursing... I tried everything to escape it. Viv had to protect me sometimes, she was the only one who could really calm Ma down. I was nothing to our mom without Viv."

Icia feels as if she's been stabbed with those words.

"And when she was gone.... everything kind of went down the drain. I tried to be a good son for her. I really did. But everything about me was wrong... my face, my style, my voice, my behavior, my friends...."

He looks back at Slyn. "You wanted a loving mother. You deserved a loving mother. That wasn't what our mom was."

Slyn doesn't respond.

".... I'm... sorry she gave you up. I'm sorry you had to live in that orphanage..... and I wish I could tell you why she did it. I can't, though. I just can't. But... to be honest... I'm kind of glad you didn't have to deal with her. Not having her meant you didn't have the abuse... the yelling... the fights... the stupid church...

"But, we seriously didn't know anything. She probably kept you secret for a reason... probably 'cause I think if we did know, we'd have tried to find you by now. Does it, I dunno... make you feel better to hate us?"

Slyn hesitates before shrugging.

"... you're the closest things to her, I guess."

"We aren't her though... we were fucked over by her, too. Not in the same way that you were, but she kind of fucked us all over. It's not a 'you against us' kinda thing. It's us against her."

Starro looks at Icia, who quickly resumes sweeping and pretending she hasn't been near tears this whole time. He pretends to not notice, redirecting his gaze to Slyn still leaning against the wall. He's stopped crying, but tears and specks of dirt streak his face.

"... can I admit something?"

Slyn's gaze lifts to Starro.

"I was really kind of excited to hear that I had a sibling, when we first learned. I've always wanted a brother."

"You don't want me as your brother, kid," Slyn retorts, turning away. "That's the most ridiculous piece of bullshit I've ever heard, look at me."

"I mean... Viv does, and she had to deal with you first hand. If she likes you enough to still want you in our family, I wanna give you a chance too."

Slyn tries to maintain the disdain in his voice. "That's long overdue. I don't wanna be part of your damn family, especially not with that poor excuse of a mother."

There's a silent moment, and Slyn wonders if he struck a nerve. Not like he cares though... why would he? Right?

"... what if it was just us?"

"... what is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, we're... kind of all we have left. You don't have to deal with her."

Starro looks back at Viv again, who's paused to stare at a shard of glass in her hand. She swallows thickly, the forming tears in her eye glistening in the dark and reflecting his blue glow.

"Again, I don't understand what that's supposed to mean."

Starro hugs his legs a little.

"... last time I saw my mom, I was paying for her hospice care at an old nursing home. There's no way she's still alive. And... our father passed a couple years after Vivian disappeared, heart condition."

He stares straight ahead.

"Any grandparents we have probably aren't around anymore... we don't have contact with any of our cousins or aunts or uncles.... it's just us."

A tense, melancholy silence hangs in the air.

"... sorry for your loss."

Starro wipes his eyes a little, the grief coming off as a kind of numb feeling that brings a dark, pale blue to his stars, before he turns to Slyn.

"It's just Viv and I now... but it could be all of us. We can't really give you the feeling of having a mom that you've wanted, obviously, and Viv and I aren't perfect with each other either, we're both still dealing with what our mother did and we have our ups and downs... but it's better than nothing."

"... so..?"

"So, we can be an actual family. The three of us. We can be that healthy family you thought we had, with family dinners, and talks, and whatever. That's what Viv's been wanting to do this whole time with you, after all..."

Slyn's irritation, unbeknownst to him, starts to fade.

".... you realize how fucking cheesy all of that sounds, right?"

Starro shrugs. "I may have watched a tad few found-family movies growing up."

Slyn stares before bringing a hand up to his mouth, stifling what Starro really hopes is a genuine laugh. "Yeah, that makes sense... you know what else you are?" he asks with a possibly real smile.

"What?"

"Stubborn as a damn mule."

Another shrug. "Runs in our blood... from what I've heard, you used to be pretty stubborn, too."

"Used to? This man STILL won't accept that people actually care about him here, even with everything Yume, Raina, and I have been doing," Icia chimes in.

"No one asked you," Slyn retorts with a growing grin. Both Icia and Starro force a laugh in response, though neither particularly dislike the comment, as Slyn turns around and rests his back against the wall. "Besides... I don't need to accept anything I don't think I'm worth."

"You're gonna have to accept that some people like you eventually."

"Yeah? What about the other residents?"

Starro looks away, sucking in air sharply through his teeth.

".... no comment?"

Slyn sighs and rests his chin on his knees. "I really don't understand why you're trying so hard. Why you and Vi- Icia, both are."

"Do you seriously need me to summarize everything I just said before...?" the younger asks. Slyn shrugs.

"Our mom fucked us all over, and our dad let her. Maybe not all in the same ways, but she still fucked us over. She fucked you over by not giving you a family, so the least we can do for you is try and give you one now. Or at least a good support system while you- while all of us- heal. Mainly from her, but also just everything in general."

"... even with who I am?"

"Who you used to be, Slyn," Icia interjects. "It's not you anymore. You've changed and grown a lot, you aren't the abusive king you once were."

Starro nods. "People change, for better and for worse. You got people here who want to see you get better... and I'm willing to bet money that you want to see yourself get better, too."

The silence is deafening, but not nearly as tense as before. Slyn tilts his head back, thinking about their conversation so far. The short screaming match, the tears, the admittance, and the reassuring... all from this one person he knows nothing about.

"..... question. How old are you....?"

Starro falters at the sudden question.

"... um... 25?"

"Huh.... 7 years younger than me and still wiser."

"You're only 32?!" Icia exclaims, once again pausing from her cleaning duties.

"... yeah."

"You said this whole time you were 40."

Starro stifles a laugh. "I can believe that."

"Hey!!"

The laughter of all three echoes through the entirety of the dungeon.

"Uh... yeah. I honestly don't really know why I lied about it."

"I mean..." Starro stretches his legs, adjusting his shirt. "I lied about my age all the time when I was a teen-"

"Antonio!!!!"

"Lo so, lo so, that's why I didn't tell you, Viv, or else you'd never let me hear the end of it. Be glad I'm not telling you why."

"I don't think I want to..."

Slyn chuckles a bit... something sounds oddly genuine about it.

"Lo so, hm?"

"Yeah, it means "I know" in Italian. ... wait, did you live in Italy?"

".... yes? Until I was 17." he nods.

Starro feels that he probably should've realized that. "Sooooo... parla italiano?"

Slyn hesitates. "... um."

Starro's mild excitement disappears. "... you can't speak italian, can you...?" he asks, a little disappointed.

"I never needed to. I wanted to get out of Italy as soon as possible, so I didn't put effort into learning the language aside from basics. The only subject I put in any effort in school was English, and I moved to England once I turned 17."

Starro wrinkles his nonexistent nose a bit. "England?? Really?"

"What, do you think I was going to go to America? The states?"

"Kinda... but like... England? Really?"

"That would explain the accent you had when we first met... you've really lost it over the years," Icia thinks, remembering how he used to speak. It was a slight accent, but noticeable nevertheless.

Slyn shrugs. "In hindsight... I certainly could have gone somewhere else. But at the time, I just wanted to get as far away from Italy as possible."

"Jesus... you really aren't a fan, huh?"

"It's just the memories.... unfortunately, England didn't end up being much better, either. Bad memories were replaced by even worse ones... ones I'd really rather avoid talking about right now."

"That's fair, I get that..."

There's a small, awkward pause.

"... your name is... Starro? Right?"

He nods. "Mhm. Fitting, huh?"

"Mmh..."

Starro looks down at his hands. ".... you can also call me Antonio, though. If you want. It's something just for friends and family."

".... I'll stay with Starro. We're not quite family. Or.. friends."

A little glow of blue seeps in through the tips of Starro's cheek stars, but he shrugs. "I mean, I would consider you both.. but alright, up to you."

"You barely know me. We're family only by blood," Slyn replies. His tone is relatively neutral.

"That doesn't change things for me."

A hint of annoyance grows in Slyn's voice. "You only met me today. We have had one somewhat decent conversation, and that's all it takes for you to consider me a friend? Is it seriously that easy for you?"

Starro tries not to look away or feel embarrassed... he can't tell if this is Slyn trying to shame him for it or not.

"... yes?"

"..... Icia, is this also the way you see me?"

"Yes, it is, actually," she answers, gathering the glass and rubble she's swept into a large pile, gathering it into a large dustpan. "The difference is, I know you more. No, I don't know what your past is like, and no, I don't expect you to care for either of us, especially if you think us to be 'replacements'... but I still know you. I know what entertains you. I know what bores you. I know what you enjoy, and I know some of what you cannot stand."

Icia shakes her hands out, sweeping dust off them. "I remember many of our interactions and bickering, Slyn, even long before 'her'. I have known you for quite some time, just as you have known me."

"... and you're still insistent on me being part of your family."

"Once again, I know you. You will hear it so many times, you are not as terrible as you once were. You deserve good things.... whether you accept it or not. Do you also deserve to atone for your actions? Yes. But do you also deserve to heal and embrace a kinder, healthier life where you are loved now...? Also yes."

Slyn's head hangs low as Icia approaches.

"I know you don't like us whatsoever as if now... but, as Tonio said earlier, it's not you against us. I hope you accept that, one day... because we both want to embrace you as family."

It doesn't make sense, he doesn't understand.

"... why, though....?"

"That's the question, isn't it?" Starro chimes in.

"We moreso think of it as... why not? Not like we have other family to consult about this. It isn't like you being a Marino will affect anyone else in a negative way."

"And if it does..?"

"Well...." she shrugs. "We'll cross that bridge when we reach it."

Slyn says nothing for a long, long, long time. Neither do Icia and Starro, as they wait for some response, any response.

".... I would like some time alone, please. To think it all over."

"That's completely understandable. And perfect timing, I just finished cleaning," Icia nods.

"... did... um...."

"..?"

"... did you at least enjoy our conversation....?"

Slyn stares at Starro's hopeful face... it's so interesting to him how such simple eyes can be so expressive, full of almost a childlike hope.

".... yeah. I did."

Starro's stars glow a warm yellow as he beams.... the color reminds Slyn of something surprising. Fireflies.

"We'll let you rest now, Slyn. Do you need anything else?"

Slyn thinks a moment before shaking his head. "I don't believe so.... but um... thank you for visiting today. And.... the pillow, and blanket, and cleaning up down here so no one gets hurt."

Icia's smile is soft and warm. "You're very welcome, Slyn."

She suddenly pauses. "Oh- I almost forgot, I have something for you."

Slyn tilts his head as Icia pulls an old photograph out of her skirt pocket. His eyes widen; its the photograph of him and his mother when he was born.

Icia hands the photo to Slyn, who stares before taking it. "I know you probably don't want this... but I feel you should be able to do whatever you want with it. It's yours, after all."

Slyn immediately turns over the photo, not wanting to look at the picture. He already saw it the first time, he doesn't want to see it again. Instead, he turns it over.

"Benvenuto primogenito, Vincent Marino"

.... Vincent Marino...

The more he reads the name, the more it regains its familiarity until it's no longer just a name. It's his name.

"It's a nice name, I'd say... Vincent Marino. It fits. Vincent, Vivian, and Antonio... Vin, Viv, and Tonio..."

Slyn does not respond.

"We'll leave you be now.... Tonio? Anything else to say?"

"Not that I can think of.... it was really nice meeting you, Slyn, I hope we can talk again sometime soon. Even if you don't like me, I really enjoyed talking to you," Starro says with a smile, standing up.

"I agree. I hope all three of us can talk more in the future... but until then, goodnight Slyn. I hope you sleep well. Thank you for being at least somewhat willing to talk to us."

Icia goes and grabs the broom and dustpan, before walking up the stairs with Starro. The dungeon entrance closes softly behind them... and just like that, Slyn is once again left in solitude with his thoughts.

Normally, after this kind of thing, Slyn would find himself with bitter tears falling down his face, or he'd punch the wall until his snakes are bruised and bloody. This time, however... he feel calm. Tranquil, almost.

He looks down at the photo in his hands, turning it over and staring at the picture. Even through the dark, the outline of his mother causes a hint of anger to swell within him. He still doesn't understand why she left him, or why she had kids after him. He stares at the baby in her arms... such an innocent, unaware, little being, who grew to be abused, and then eventually an abuser. He wishes someone could have scooped that child into their arms and given it the love it deserved.

Slyn wonders if his mother held his siblings in a more loving way when they were born... he almost wishes he could still be mad at Icia and Starro, but they're right. Its not him against them. They didn't know, how could they be at fault for their mother's actions?

The fact they still want him to be their brother, though... it still doesn't make much sense to him. After everything he's done to others, after everything he's done to Icia. How could she be willing to forgive him? Why is she willing to forgive him?

Slyn lies down, resting his head on the pillow. It's been so long since he's laid his head on something soft other than his arm or a patch of overgrown moss. Pulling the blanket over himself, he finally feels truly warm for the first time he can really remember.

Slyn stares at the photo as his eyes grow heavy.

"... Vincent Marino," he whispers. "Marino. I'm a Marino."

For the first time since learning about it, he doesn't entirely hate how that sounds.

Their mother won't ever be my mother, he thinks, shoving the picture under his pillow. And... they won't be my siblings.

Not yet.

But....

He closes his eyes.

I guess it's not so bad to have someone who cares for me. Better late than never, I suppose.

....

Goodbye, Achilles. Thank you for giving me something to sleep with. I'm sorry you aren't here for me to see it.

He curls up and falls asleep, mixed feelings drifting around his mind.

[the-writing-starchive]

she doesn't do any fancy or silly gesture this time. there's nothing she could do to make this any less painful towards anyone.

she just nods

as he's encased in shadow

. . .

*The shadows dissipate after a moment.*

Achilles' eyes widen. He slowly looks down at his hands.

The steel from his fingertips is slowly fading up his arms. He stares at it as his hands start to grow numb..... it's horrifying, in a bittersweet, beautiful way.

He slowly looks up, locking eyes with Icia. Her hands are clasping the letters and will so tight that it hurts. She's shaking, biting her lip.

He steps forward, and she resists the urge to back away. There's a period of silence before Icia finally speaks.... her voice is nothing more than a small whisper.

".... does it hurt?"

Achilles stares at her for a moment before softly smiling and chuckling.

"Like a bitch."

"More than before...?"

"Yeah. A lot."

Icia looks down. Abstraction does hurt.

"I was expecting that...."

"Me too. But I think it's better than other options. And now I can see my wife and child again."

"Y... yeah, you can...." Icia wipes her eyes, fanning her face

"Gonna have a lot to tell her. Going to tell her about everything here in the kingdom. Everyone. The battles I've fought. The victories we've claimed."

Icia nods again, unable to coherently respond for a moment as her stomach churns. A small bit of frost forms under her.

".... we're going to miss you."

Achilles looks down.

"Yeah. I will, too. But, hey... Icia?"

"...?"

"Remember. It's going to be okay. I'm going to be okay."

He reaches out slowly, hand moving to Icia's cheek.... before he pauses.

It feels wrong to hold her like that. She had a fiance.... and there's someone else he wishes to hold instead.

His hand rests on her shoulder instead, and Icia's head snaps up. The silver is above his elbows and knees now.

"It's been a true honor to fight by your side, Icia. To protect these people with you. To laugh with you. To cry with you. To rise with you... and to fall with you."

Icia swallows back a gag.

"I won't forget you and what you've done for me. Thank you, Icia. I'll be watching as you go on and continue to achieve whatever you set your mind to."

Achilles once again looks at everyone else.

"All of you are some of the strongest, smartest, kindest, most respectable people I've met in my life. It's been a true honor to fill not only the role of 'hero' for you all.... but also to be your friend. Your mentor. Your confidant. Whatever you see me as, it has been the greatest honor for me to be that to you."

"I don't deserve it. I still don't think I do. I've wronged many of you. But I appreciate you all coming to say goodbye to me here, whether it is out of spite or care. I wouldn't have invited you all here if I didn't care."

"And... I truly do. I will always care. I will always want to protect you all... and be someone you may look up to, even if I am no savior and not a good role model. I hope that, those who know me more and better understand what I'm going through, will be relieved that I will no longer be in pain. I won't be suffering anymore.... that's the whole point for all of this. For us to not suffer."

Ode turns away, stifling a sob in Samuel's shoulder. Achilles continues.

".... I have said before.... I have nothing to live for anymore. But I've recently realized that that was a lie. I have been living for something.... and that is to see you, the residents who I've vowed to protect, no longer suffer. And I can say at long last.... that has finally happened. I've seen you all. I've seen you all grow in ways our former AI could never allow."

"Aklatan and Latte can now live happily with each other. Ode is no longer in a body that harms them. The twins may be their own people. The dragons may flourish and fly freely. No one is being harmed by any king or queen anymore.... that is what I've sought to live for. I use the term 'live' very loosely. Seeing you all suffer a little less is why I have gotten out of bed. Seeing the smiles has been my goal. Knowing that no one shall harm you or make you afraid."

"And now that goal is accomplished. The kingdom is safe.... and I feel that, with the hands that it is in, I may finally rest. It will outlive me when I'm gone."

Achilles looks down at the ground, the steel having reached his shoulders and upper thighs, and fully covered any more scars along his arms.

"... I'm sorry this hurts so much. I wish it didn't. But I hope that my tranquility with this will bring some kind of ease to you all. I am no longer suffering either. I have been wanting this for years... to see my wife and maybe receive some form of forgiveness for my sins and transgressions. I will face her in a form that won't bring me any more pain. I will be okay.... and I hope that will be some kind of comfort to you. Although I acknowledge.... none of this is ideal."

He looks back up at Icia. Her face is stained with tears, hand over her mouth.

".... do you know of the courtyard by the ballroom?"

She nods.

"There is a stone pedestal in the middle. I... I would like to be placed there, please. Under the stars, surrounded by flowers and greenery. It is freeing there... and the one place I do not have any kind of negative memory."

Icia is still.... before suddenly hugging him with a sob. She doesn't respond with words... only bitter, quiet cries as her legs shake.

Achilles almost stumbles back from the force of her hug. He doesn't wrap his arms around her.... his fingers and hands are stuck.

But, as the abstraction reaches his collarbones, Achilles smiles slightly. He swallows back a cry, keeping his arms to the side of him with palms up, embracing the sun.

"... I love you all so, so much," Achilles whispers.

"Take care of yourselves.... I'll always be available if you all want to talk, even if you only receive silence."

Achilles tilts his head up, looking at the top of the castle as both Icia and the steel increase their hold on him.

Suddenly, he sees something.

At first, he thinks it's just a wisp of fog.... but no. Fog doesn't usually reach out with arms.

Fog also usually doesn't look like a human woman... with long, straight hair that falls into her eyes and a serene smile.

Achilles' eyes widen as the illusion grows closer.

..... Galene.....

His slightly surprised expression grows into a a smile... a large smile that strains against his lips. It's a smile he's forgotten he could smile, an wave of freedom and bliss that he forgotten long ago.

He's finally going home.

Achilles closes his eyes, two tears falling down his face as the steely abstraction hardens his chin.... his eyes.... his cheeks... his nose...

... and finally, it comes to a close with his mouth, permanently freezing the expression upon his face.

Achilles takes his final breath through the smile.

[ALERT: Achilles.file has ABSTRACTED.]

[the-writing-starchive]

how ya doin star

Why my archive lmao

[the-writing-starchive]

"Shriek" Pt. 1

@silhouette-anon

[Blackwell County, Arizona]

She finds herself in bushes and brambles of thorns that catch on her skin and clothes. It's a miracle they're mostly still intact.... not for long though, if this keeps up.

A gleam of dark red catches her eye, and she pauses to inspect the berries. The girl grimaces. She almost died the last time she ate those.... don't want to make that mistake again.

.... she's so hungry, though... and somehow, there hasn't been a town for so long that she doesn't remember. Days? Weeks? She's not sure.

Screw it, she thinks, grabbing the berries and popping them in her mouth. She almost gags as the bitter flavor engulfs her tongue, but a quick swallow leaves her mouth tasting sweet.

She carries on walking, counting down the minutes until that awful stomach ache starts to settle in again... last time it took about half a day.

And half a day, it takes indeed. Though it's probably shorter, due to the horrid heat pounding down on her back in endless waves. Her knit cardigan doesn't help either... but she refuses to take it off. It was from her brother.

From Simon.

Simon... I have to find Simon.... I have to get home.... she thinks, holding her stomach. Somehow, it keeps her going.

The shrubbery around her starts to look a bit more dead the next time she looks around to try and distract from the pain. Its almost too dark to see, only illuminated by the moon peeking through trees upon trees above. The sound of bugs and leaves crunching beneath her shoes is the only sound to try and ease her mind, though failing to fully pull her away from the stomach ache.

Her mind grows hazy, and vision starts to falter. Thoughts blur into nothing more than slurred, slow words as she falls, scraping her face and hands on the ground below.

The girl gags, crying out as a puddle of sick splatters next to her. Even in the dark, she notices it's red.... not orange-ish red like the berries before, though. No, this is more of a blood kind of hue... a silvery taste and more red in the saliva oozing down her cheek confirms it.

She tries to pull herself forward, as if Simon is right there, as if she could reach him and he'd help her if she went just a bit further.

The vision of someone standing in front of her starts to form through the black spots.... oh great, she's hallucinating.

... weird, she thinks.

Simon looks.... really, really small. Like a kid. Maybe I'm hallucinating.... his skin is really pale though, wow....

'Simon' kneels down, as a wordless voice drifts through the girl's ears. A confused, young, girly voice that definitely isn't Simon.

The last thing she remembers is the face of a child with piercing blue eyes, eyes that study her as all vision goes blank, and her body starts to succumb to the berries....

All of a sudden, she feels okay.

An odd light greets her eyes, which open and focus to the sight of a slightly flickery light attatched to a slow-spinning ceiling fan, almost too slow for the girl to feel any breeze.

She rubs her face a bit.... the dirt and stinging scratches that once covered her nose and cheeks are now replaced with a tough fabric-y texture that she recognizes as a bandage.

.... what happened to me? Where am I? Did I die? She thinks. This isn't how she imagined the afterlife.

She sits up, a green blanket sliding off her. The room is small, worn down, and hastily cleaned. The smell of bleach greets her nose as she notes the peeling paint on the walls, and stains on the ground that clearly have been there for a while. The bed she's laying in is relatively comfortable at least... and the sheets, blanket, and single pillow aren't TOO badly stained, nor do they smell too bad.

Still, the girl wrinkles her nose in disgust.... whoever lives here sucks at maintaining a clean home.

Speaking of which... a flash of black over the foot of the bad catches her attention, and she leans forward a bit to get a better look. A familiar, childish face peers up at her from the dolls.

"Hello!" She chirps, standing up and leaning on the bed.

"Um.... hi there?" The girl replies, forcing a half smile. "Who are you...?"

"I'm Alicia! What's your name?"

Alicia...? That's a cute name.... she thinks. The girl pauses for a moment before speaking again.

"Alice."

"Hi Alice! How are you?"

Alicia crawls onto the bed, staring at Alice curiously. Her eyes are a vivid ocean color, to an almost fake-looking degree. Her hair is straight and a little frizzy, but it seems to be brushed and mostly clean.

".... confused. Where am I...? You didn't bring me here yourself, did you?" She asks, touching her own hair and expecting to feel her fingers constantly getting ensnared by knots.... surprisingly her fingers glide smoothly through the blonde locks.

Alicia shakes her head. "Uh-uh, Daddy did!"

Alice starts to feel uneasy.

"... who's your Daddy? What did he do...?"

"Well, I yelled for him, and he picked you up and brought you in here, then gave you something to get the berries out of your tummy. And then he told me to stay with you and get him once you wake up!"

Alicia stands up and hops off the bed, reaching underneath it.

"He also got you some clothes.... they might be big though, they're from Stella."

"Who's Stella?"

"Lucas's girlfriend. She's been sleeping here for a few months."

This is such a weird place.....

Alice nods a bit, as Alicia sets an uneven stack of clothes on the bed. Underclothing, a red hoodie with cigarette burns, jeans, and socks.... she tries to not grimace. Why does everything here have to be so worn down and dirty?

"Come out when you're done, then I'll show you to Daddy!" Alicia chirps, before walking out of the room. Alice takes her time debating whether she should change, and even longer to actually do so. Her mind is racing.

Where the hell am I...? Who saved me? What do they want from me? Are they gonna keep me here? I want to go home... I want Simon, I want Mr. Isaac, I want Mr. Edward, I want Elida.... I really, really want Simon.

She pauses before zipping the hoodie over her cardigan, wiping her eyes on the sleeves. It smells like smoke, cherries, and beer.... not Alice's favorite scent combo. At least she still has the cardigan Simon gave her. Alice looks down at herself. Other than the jeans sagging a bit, she's quite comfortable. Maybe just a bit too warm.

Stepping out of the room, the smell of alcohol brings her right back to reality. The hallway looks even worse, as if it really hasn't been cleaned in ages. Alicia's waiting outside the door, and beams as Alice walks out.... it's a bit disturbing how comfortable this girl is in such a wreck of a house.

"This way. And if you feel unsafe, you can hold my hand!"

Alicia offers her hand.... which Alice declines reluctantly. She's been through much worse than this, she can handle it.

The two walk down the hall and down some stairs, Alice pausing to glance at some of the pictures that bring a melancholy sense of life to the house. Almost all of them are mainly boys, with an older woman figure in a couple.... with a family that large, Alice is surprised at how empty the house truly is. It feels as if no one's lived here for quite some time.

They pass through another door, and the glaring sun and sound of sirens in the distance fills Alice's senses. Sharp stones poke at her feet through the socks as the two walk down a small path and along the sidewalk. Each house looks almost just as run down and old as the house they just left, although Alice sees a couple people through the windows. Most of which are drinking or smoking.... or staring at her.

She pulls the hoodie over her head to cover her face, despite already sweating from the blistering hear outside. What kind of place is this...?

After a few more turns that Alice forgets to keep track of, Alice stops in front of a medium-sized warehouse with almost all its windows boarded up. Inside, Alice swears she can hear some male voices.... she steps back at the anger of one of them.

Alicia tries pushing open the door.... locked. She puffs her cheeks, reaching into the pocket on her dress and pulling out two thin metal tools. Alice watches in confusion as she slides the tools into the keyhole and wiggles them around a bit.

"We can come back later, Alicia, if the door's locked then we shouldn't bo-"

"Nuh-uh, Daddy told me to get him when you were awake!"

She hesitates before looking up at Alice.

"It might be bloody. We have a guest."

Before the older can respond, the lock clicks and Alicia pushes the heavy doors open with a grunt. They screech and scrape against the gravel below them, echoing through the whole wearhouse.

The first thing Alice really notices is the man leaning over something. Tall, muscular, wearing all black.... and very long, straight, greasy black hair. He looks back at them, eyes wide and twitching.... Alice steps back a good deal, fear flooding her system. Something about him feels terribly off.

Alicia doesn't show any fear, rather running in as giggles erupt from her mouth. The man's demeanor softens, and he immediately kneels down and turns to her with a surprised smile, embracing Alicia as she jumps into his arms. Alice notices a dirty man tied to a chair a little beyond the two, staring with irritation and confusion.

"Heyyy, sweetheart, what are you doing here...? Did you pick the lock again?" he asks. His voice is even more gravely than Alice would have expected, as if he desperately needs to cough.

"Mhm, because you said I could if I ever really needed you!"

"Li, sweetie, that's for emergencies, I'm a little busy right now...."

Alicia points to Alice, who freezes as the man's eyes slowly move up to her. They make eye contact... Alice can feel his eyes scanning her entire face, and shivers once again... they look like those of a corpse.

Oh, that's why I'm so off put, Alice thinks. This man looks like a living corpse. I didn't even think people who looked that dead still had a pulse, much less could have kids...

".... Stella. Care to watch over our guest, please?" he asks.

It's at this point that Alice notices a second figure step through the shadows... a girl, older than Alice by a few years maybe, with curly light-caramel hair pulled up into a bun and brown eyes that look almost as dead as the mans. Alice notes that she's incredibly thin... also comparable to a corpse. Does every adult here look this dull and lifeless?

Stella puts her hands in the pockets of her oversized hoodie, nodding slightly at Alice before looking at the man tied in a chair.... somehow, despite looking the healthiest, he also scares Alice the most.

"What's your name, miss?" The man asks, motioning for her to come inside. Alice narrows her eyes.

"I don't have to sa-"

"Her name's Alice."

A wave of dread pools down Alice's back... of course the kid would give it away.

"Alice then. Come in, you're gonna boil out there."

"I don't have to go anywhere with you."

The man stares at her before sighing. "Fine. I'll come out to you then."

And that's exactly what he does, Alicia following along. Stepping outside, Alice can see the uneven stubble over his face and many odd scars... part of his ear is missing, too. Not exactly the type of person she'd usually go to for this.

"Adam. I see you've already met my daughter, too." He sticks out his hand.... Alice doesn't shake it, rather folding her arms. She knows that, despite her best efforts, the fear is very evident on her face.

"Where am I? What is this place?"

"You're in Blackwell County, Arizona. Not the most charming, fancy place in the world, I know."

Alice goes pale. Arizona? How the hell did she get all the way over here?! That's so far from the northeast, how far was she taken?!

She feels her breath quicken. She has to get home NOW, Simon needs her, there's no way he'd even THINK to check Ari-

"Alice."

She looks up at Adam.

"I dunno what you've been through, but panicking like this isn't gonna help. Take a breath. I swear, you're safe. Just breathe."

"I have no reason to trust you."

"You're right. You don't. That choice is up to you.... but I'll say it now. No one's gonna hurt you. No one's gonna get you. Until we find a place for you to go, or how to get you home, you're safe here. Seriously."

Alicia nods, wanting to contribute but not knowing how.

Alice looks back and forth between the two. She doesn't know what to believe. She doesn't want to be making these choices.

"It's hard to trust a guy who has a man tied up like you do in your warehouse... that's the kind of stuff kidnappers or torturers do," she hisses.

Adam's eyes darken a bit.

"He was the kidnapper first."

Alice pauses, wondering what that could mean, but ultimately she decides not to ask. God knows what he could be talking about in this rundown, fucked up place.

"I'm guessing you're a missing child then... not from around here, given your outfit when we found you.... fourteen-fifteen-ish maybe. Do you know your parents number?" Adam pulls out his phone.

Alice feels a pang of annoyance bubble in her throat as she shakes her head.... not like they'd care about her, anyways. They never did.

"Do you know any numbers we could call..? You could put it in yourself even. As long as it's not 911."

Alice immediately thinks of Simon... maybe, if this man is telling the truth, she could get ahold of him. He could come down and get her. It could really be that easy.

With a trembling hand, Alice takes the phone and dials Simon's phone number, mumbling each digit under her breath. She's both confused and grateful that this man doesn't seem to have bad intentions, but she's still horribly offput by him. Adam watches over her shoulder as she puts the phone up to her ear.

First ring.... nothing.

Second ring.... nothing.

Third ring... nothing. Alice mutters under her throat, begging for him to pick up.

Fourth ring.... nothing. Adam purses his lips and looks away.

Fifth ring.... nothing.

Suddenly, Alice hears a familiar voice. Her face lights up.

"SIMON?!"

"Hi, you've reached the number of Simon Mallory."

Her heart drops as the message plays.

"I'm afraid I can't come to the phone right now, most likely because I'm trying to find my sister Alice. If this is about her, leave a message at the tone. If not, don't bother. I won't listen to it anyways."

There's a small beep, drowned out by rushing in Alice's ears. It's so good to hear Simon's voice again... but she feels like sobbing knowing it was automated.

The message is still recording. Say something.

".... Simon- it's me, Alice. I'm in Arizona. I'm okay. I'm safe. Please pick up. I want to go home. I'm with a man named Adam, we're in this place called Blackwell County. Please come get me, I miss you, I want to go home, please call this number back... I miss you. Please."

She reluctantly hangs up and hands the phone back to Adam, cursing herself for not remembering Mr. Isaac's name either before slumping to the ground, sobbing. Adam stares at the "Call Ended" screen on his phone before sitting down next to Alice. Alicia sits on the other side of her.

"He- he was supposed to pick up, he always picks up!!! Did something happen to him?! He didn't give up, right?!" She yells, burying her face in her knees.

"... I don't know," Adam whispers. She even hugs her knees like him.

"I want to go home! I don't want to be here, I want to fucking go home! I've been lost and captured for way too long, I don't want to be here!!! I'm going home!!!"

Alice stands up and attempts to run, before tripping on a stray stone. She yells out in frustration and pain, clutching her ankle and falling as Alicia chases after her.

"It'll be okay," the kid whispers. "You're oka-"

"NO!!! NO, I'M NOT OKAY!!!!" Alice screams, causing Alicia to startle and jump back.

"IM ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STATES FROM MY HOME, I'VE BEEN KIDNAPPED BY SOME FREAK FOR GOD KNOWS HOW LONG, AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW IM IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME SHITTY TOWN IN ARIZONA WITH A DAMN CRIMINAL OR SOMETHING!

"I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE, I SHOULD BE HOME, WITH MY BROTHER AND FRIENDS, BUT I'M STUCK HERE, AND I..... I....."

Her screams falter into sobs as she buries her head in her knees, still holding her ankle.

"I want to go home. I don't know what happened to me but I want to go home. This isn't home. I don't want to be here. I just wanna go home."

Alice doesn't hear anything except her own sobbing for a while. She eventually lifts her head as a shadow overtakes her..... Adam. He's kneeling in front of her with an almost tearful look. The amount of emotion in his otherwise lifeless gaze makes her freeze.

"I know," he chokes out. "I'm so sorry. I know you don't want to be here. I know it's probably making things worse and... you want to go home... to your family...."

Adam looks down, knuckles turning white as he balls his fists.

Confusion overtakes Alice's mind, diminishing her sobs. She can't understabd why he seems so affected by this.

"..... why do you care....? What kind of trick is this, don't play with me, sir... why do you even care?" Alice hisses, backing away slightly.

Adam continues to stare down. Alicia pats his arm as he turns his face, eyes hidden by his long black hair.

"Daddy...?" She whispers. "Is this about Uncle Lucas...?"

Adam tenses visibly. Alice hesitates... Alicia's mentioned that name a few times at this point. She hasn't thought about what it could mean.

The young girl looks at her.

"We're trying to find Lucas. Like your family is trying to find you."

A chill runs down Alice's spine.

".... what's that supposed to mean? Adam?"

He doesn't respond.

"..... sir, who is Lucas...? Why does she keep bringing him up?" she asks, forcing her tone to soften.

"He's..... a brother. The youngest of us all. He's been missing for a few months now."

Adam spits out the words as if they're blades in his mouth. Alice's anger grows more and more muted as they talk, a new emotion replacing it.... sympathy.

"How old is he...?"

"18. Barely. He disappeared a couple days after his birthday. He wasn't even really an adult yet.... still just a kid."

"Have you told the police...?"

"We have. The police in these parts are the worst you'll ever meet, though, and... with a family like ours, they kind of slid it under the pile."

"That's horrible, though!!!" Alice jumps up, ignoring a throb in her ankle. "He's basically still a kid, why aren't they doing any more to try and find him?! Clearly you all care a lot and actually want him back, so why aren't they doing anything...?"

Adam shrugs, face towards the ground. "There's too much crime in this area. They gotta focus on the urgent stuff.... which leads us to take matters into our own hands."

That doesn't at all sound reassuring.

"What's that supposed to mean...?" Alice whispers, sitting back down.

"I don't think you want to know."

"Now I really do."

The man sighs, pushing some hair out of his face.

"Remember the man in the warehouse? The one you accused me of kidnapping?"

"Was that not what it was?"

"We consider the right term to be.... interrogation. Things happened that night, his family and our brother. We're trying to pry it out of him."

The words "He was the kidnapper first" suddenly make a lot more sense to Alice.

"... by.... tying him up? Possibly even torturing him...?"

"Who said we were torturing him?"

Alice shrugs. "Kinda looked that way."

Adam shakes his head. "No. Not yet. I didn't need him just yelling any random shit in order to get the pain to stop. I wanted the clear, conscious truth of what the hell he did to my brother. I wanted to know exactly where he was. Torture sometimes doesn't get you anywhere but jail."

Adam stares ahead, eyes twitching. His soulless gaze towards the warehouse is filled with a deep, growing rage.

"The police don't do shit. They don't care about a random missing boy, especially one that doesn't have any status. But that just leaves it to us... and then we can actually put care into finding our family. We can handle leads right. Track the families and gangs. Make deals. Anything to bring him home.

".... it's just a matter of when that'll happen."

Alice doesn't respond.

"Your family is probably also doing anything they can to bring you home t-"

"No."

He raises an eyebrow and turns her, caught off guard by her face stained with tears.

"They're not. My parents don't care about me. I don't think they've even tried to search for me. They don't care."

She looks down.

"Only my brother cares. Only my brother and his friends are trying to find me. He didn't even pick up, though."

She buries her head in her knees... is this jealousy? Sympathy? Bitterness? A mix of all? She can't quite tell.

Adam shrugs, putting a hand on Alicia's shoulder as she leans against him. "Guess that's something that never changes."

"What?"

"Brotherly love. Brotherly protection. Even if the parents are gone, even if the parents are shitty... there isn't anything a brother won't do for his siblings."

He looks up at the sky. "He's looking for you right now, I bet. Doing anything he can to find you and bring you home. He's out right now looking for you, he and his friends.... he sounds like a good caregiver."

Alice slowly nods, trying to swallow the lump in her throat.

"... He really is."

"Yeah. One person is still one person who's going to go to the ends of the universe for you... and respectfully, fuck your parents. If they aren't looking for you in the same way your brother is, then they don't count. That's not family."

Alice doesn't respond... she looks back at Adam. Alicia has crawled into his lap, hugging him tight with a sad frown. Although he has a hand on her back, Adam hardly acknowledges her, staring off into nothingness. Maybe he's trying to imagine something in front of him. His brother.

.... maybe that's why he looks so dead, Alice thinks. Maybe I shouldn't have judged him like that.

The lump in her throat forms again as she imagines Simon standing in front of her. Is he working to find her as much as Adam is now? Does he have the same lifeless gaze in his eye because she's gone?

"... hey. Alice. How about this."

She looks up at him, confused.

"The closest airport here... isn't exactly the best. Neither are the routes for getting out of here. But maybe one of our brothers, maybe Devon or Jules, can drive you up to the airport sometime soon. Get you a flight and get you home. It'd just take a month or two to scrape together the money."

"A month or two...?"

Adam shrugs. "Jobs and money are hard to come by here, and I'm tryna raise a family and a handful here.... if everyone pitches in without doing anything TOO fucked up, we could get you a plane ticket on one of the better airlines up north, plus money for a motel, food, a taxi, y'know. The basics."

"Wh- you don't have to do that!!!" Alice exclaims.

"You want to go home, don't you?"

"Well, of course I want to go home, but I don't want you to sacrifice a ton of money for me like that! Like you said, you have a family to raise."

"Sometimes going home is expensive. And I'll be damned if I let you just try walking through the wilderness to get back, who knows what could happen to you."

Alice opens her mouth to argue, but nothing comes out. She can't argue with that... and she really doesn't want to get taken again.

"... you don't have to work even harder for me, really. I don't want any of you guys to do anything like that, especially since you seem to have a pretty huge family as it is..."

"Yeah. 6 other brothers, a couple of them have partners, and Alicia and Lucas's girlfriend Stella. So... yeah. A lot."

Alice winces. Jeez.

She thinks a bit, trying to come up with a better solution.

"..... my family is pretty well off.... maybe when my brother responds, he could help pay for the plane ticket and to pick me up. And... until then.... I could help you out here?"

Adam raises an eyebrow.

".... you want to help out here."

"I mean... I don't really have much else to do. I'm guessing I'll be around here for a while regardless, might as well try and be productive."

"Alice, I can't ask that of you. You don't even know what we do."

"Well I know one thing I can do, and that's clean up the house I woke up in. 'Cause no offense, but it's kind of filthy."

A hint of offense flickers across Adam's face. "We haven't really had time to clean since Lucas's disappearance. Plus, what do you expect of a family of mainly guys?"

"Wowwwww," Alice retorts, unamused. "So because you're guys, the place is a mess? Doesn't Alicia live there too? That environment can't be healthy for her."

Adam starts to speak, but decides to let Alice finish.

"Look. I can't just stay in bed all day waiting for my brother to call me back, I don't want to just be locked away.... so I don't mind cleaning if it's on my terms. Plus, if I can't help with whatever you guys are doing, maybe I can help in other ways that need attention. Kinda so I'm not lazing around and just another person for you to take care of."

Adam is silent for a long, long time.

"... are you sure."

"As long as I'm able to clean on my terms, otherwise I'm not going to want to do it."

Another period of silence, before Adam sticks his hand out.

"Deal."

Alice stares at it for a moment before hesitantly reaching out, shaking his hand. She's shocked at how rough yet soft his hands are, and only now notices the sparkly pink nail polish over his fingers. She tries to not laugh.

"Daddy?" Alicia perks up. "Is Alice gonna stay then?"

"For a little, yeah. Just until we're able to get in touch with her family and get her home safe."

"YAY!!! Can I show her my dolls then?"

Both Adam and Alice laugh at her bubbliness.

"If she wants to see them, yeah. I think it'd be best to get her some lighter clothes first, though.... she looks like she's going to sweat herself dry," he replies. That's not wrong; Alice didn't even notice how much her clothes are sticking to her due to sweat until now.

"As long as I can keep my cardigan on... it's from my brother."

"Yeah, 'course you can. Nothing stopping you. I'll ask Stella to bring you shopping for a couple outfits of your own... she's a bit picky about her clothes. Plus, you need something that'll actually fit."

A sudden yell rings out from the warehouse, causing Alice to flinch.

"... speaking of which. I need to make sure she doesn't kill our guest." Adam stands up. "Li, why don't you bring Alice back to the house and show her your dolls?"

Alicia jumps up. "'Kay-kay!!!" She turns to Alice, once again sticking her hand out. "Lets go! Daddy will handle Stella and our guest, I wanna introduce you to Gigi and Blossom and Missy."

Alice stares at Alicia's hand for a moment before taking it and standing with a small smile, ankle throbbing lighter than before. The child's eyes light up excitedly and squeezes her hand... Alice notes that it's a little tougher than she'd expect a child's hands to be, though the sparkly nail polish that matches Adam's is both expected and adorable.

"I'll come back and check on you two in a bit, once I get things situated.... stay with Alicia, people know not to mess with her and anyone around her. Things can get rough around here... we're gonna keep you safe though, if you trust us."

Alice nods.

"I trust you."

For the first time, Adam smiles at her. It brings a hint of life back to his face, a hint that's barely detectable and gone almost as soon as Alice sees it... it comforts her a little, though. She feels a little safer, knowing this man isn't going to hurt her.

"Come on, come on, come on!!! I have lollipops in my room!" Alicia exclaims, tugging Alice along. Alice laughs, letting the girl pull her along.

"Take care girls, see you soon." Adam waves them off with the shadow of a grin.

"You too, Adam."

Okay, Alice thinks as she turns and walks. This could be worse. But at least I'm safe here... I doubt a man with a daughter like Alicia has any ill intent towards me. I can probably actually stay until Simon gets back to us.... I hope he does soon. I don't want to stay longer than I have to.

Alice smiles as Alicia pulls her along, back to the house from before. She feels the eyes of people in other houses clinging to her, wondering about her, but she doesn't care as much this time. Nothing's going to hurt her anymore.

All she wishes now is to make sure Simon knows that, too... wherever he is.

"STELLA, STAND DOWN."

Stella looks back at Adam, knife pressed on the outside of the man's chest. Her dull eyes are full of anger and tears.

"HE KNOWS, ADAM!!!!" She yells. "HE KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED TO LUCAS AND I'M GOING TO PRY IT OUT OF HIM IF IT'S THE LAST THING I FUCKING DO!!!"

"GET HER THE FUCK OFF ME, SHRIEK!!!" The man in the chair screams. Adam runs in and curls his hand around the blade, gripping and throwing it across the warehouse. The handle crashes into some boards lined up against the wall, speckles of blood shadowing the path it took through the air.

Stella stumbles back from the force, despite barely being pushed by Adam. The hostage falls on his side, head hitting the hard concrete with a painful thunk.

Adam stands still, blood dripping from his palm. Any hint of kindness from his talk with Alice is gone, as his head and fingers twitch erratically.

"I thought my instructions were clear, Stella. Watch over him. Not kill him."

"I wasn't going to kill him," Stella hisses. "I was going to carve the fucking answer out."

The man tied up starts laughing... it's a foolish, deranged, I-know-something-you-don't-know kind of laugh. Stella and Adam both tune it out, as to avoid grabbing the knife and finishing what she tried to start.

"We know that won't work."

"How. How do we know. How do we know that, Adam?!"

"Because it never has in the past. Not on me, not on any other smart person, not on anyone unless they're fucking morons."

He turns to face their hostage, whose maniacal laughter has increased.

"And if he's hidden Lucas for this long like this, then he's not stupid enough to give us the truth."

"Ohhhhh, well, ain'tcha a smart one, Shriek!!!" The man cackles. "I gotsta say, I was kinda hoping Lucas's little doll here was gon' finish the job... then it woulda been all her fault that y'all never find him again! Your only lead would be gone!!"

Adam roughly yanks the man upright, grabbing his throat with bloodstained, spasming hands. Those dead eyes are livened only by barely-contained fury, nails digging deep into the skin and forcing out a cry of pain among the laughter.

"You listen right now, Steve Hazer, you're not our only lead, and even if I kill you now, then I still have all the rest of your family who knows what happened, and I can use your head as an example of what will happen to them if y'all don't fucking give us Lucas back RIGHT NOW."

Hazer's laughter doesn't cease. "I don't know if we can do that, Shriek," he giggles.

"What the fuck do you mean by that?" Stella asks, pulling out a lighter. At the sound of the cap flicking open, Adam holds his hand up to stop her.

Hazer leans close, inches from Adam's face. His blemished pale skin and dirty blonde hair is even more disgusting up close, light green eyes almost less than human.

"I mean, maybe we could. But I don't think you'll like what you find."

"HAZER-"

"AH, BUT YOU WON'T ACCEPT THAT, WILL YOU, SHRIEK?! YOU WON'T LISTEN, YOU NEVER WILL LISTEN!!!"

"Oh, I'm listening. I'm listening to a bunch of bullshit meant to piss us off while my brother rots in whatever basement you're keeping him."

Adam tightens his grip, reaching into his pocket as the blood from his palm trickles down down the man's tank top.

"Like it or not, Hazer, he won that fight. It's not our fault that you lost one of your own because he challenged us first. He knew the rules. And now, just because you're unhappy, you've decided to keep playing dirty."

"Isn't that what your fights are all about? Playing dirty?"

"Yeah. And that's why we're playing dirty to find him. That's why you're here now. Because it was your family's choice to choose dirty fights in the first place."

The maniacal laughter dies down only for a moment, devolving into a hideous sneer and barely contained giggles.

"Good luck with that. And good luck with what you find... because wouldn't it be a damn shame if something happened to your precious, innocent, 'loving', idiotic, uncommitted, ARROGANT, VIOLENT, UNTAMED, SLOB OF A BROTHER WITH NO PARENTS TO RAISE HIM RIGHT!!!"

*WHAM!!!!*

Hazer falls to the ground, out cold. Adam stares with heavy breathing as new blood stains his brass knuckles before slipping them back into his pocket and kneeling down. He grabs his own head, trying to keep it from spasming and twitching with rage as Stella clicks her tongue and puts her lighter away.

"No point burning him if he's not awake to feel it..." she mumbles before pausing.

"... hey... Adam... you alright?"

"He has to be okay," Adam quietly sobs. "He has to be. He's my boy. My baby brother. He has to be safe. He has to be." His sobs echo through the now quiet warehouse.

After a moment, he sees a flash of tan through his fingers and opens them to see Stella holding some gauze and a roll of bandages out to him.

"I know.... I want him back, too," she whispers, tears glistening in the little light that there is. "But he's okay. Knowing Lucas, he's fighting like hell to get back here. He's a fighter. He won't leave us for anything, they're gonna have to drag him to hell and chain him there themselves if they want him dead. That's what you always say, right?"

Adam shakily sighs, wiping his eyes and blinking away the blood from his hands. "Yeah... you're right. They're bluffing. They didn't do anything to him. He's not out of reach yet.. the Hazers are cruel like that. Bet he wishes he was dead due to whatever those sickos put him through.."

His grief slowly starts to harden back into a familiar rage. "That's why we have to keep fighting to get him back. Let's get this Hazer to the back and leave him there.... I'll have a 'chat' with his dad tomorrow," he mutters.

Stella nods, walking over and trying to pull Hazer to a room. It's difficult due to how little muscle she has, but she manages. Once he's locked away again, she leans against the door and locks it. There's no more energy left for more interrogation.

Adam sits down and wraps his hand, the sticky blood uncomfortable between his fingers. He'll just have to wash it later. His mind never strays away from the fear for Lucas... even though it hasn't for the past few months.

Come on, Luc. We know you're out there, he internally pleads.

Come home to us. Please.

We need you.

THE END.

[the-writing-starchive]

She hasn't really been doing well.

Socializing did help, but the guilt and anger at everything soon crept back up. Icia watches as everyone celebrates and socializes, trying to grasp the joy she felt earlier.... each time, it slips out of reach. Even worse, the tension between Odette and Dunite has certainly gotten to her.

Her stomach is aching. The lump in her throat is growing. Her face hurts from smiling such a fake grin for so long. If it weren't for the obligation to be a good host, Icia would have turned in for the night, locked away in her room or asleep within Lance's arms.

Exhaustion drags at her mind as she ambles through the crowd. Voices blur together into joyous, incomprehensible noise. The only thing coherent to Icia is each thought and regret that runs loops in her brain, clear as day.

Why are you celebrating with Switch gone?

Mocha left, and you couldn't stop him.

Latte deserved that hug more than you.

Achilles is dying soon. And you can't stop it.

Odette and Dunite are fighting once more.

Is everyone truly safe here?

You aren't taking everything into account.

You're supposed to protect them, and here you are hosting a celebration when you couldn't even do your one job.

You're doing a terrible job.

Icia's head snaps up in pure and utter horror as Hexe's voice shines through in her mind. For a moment, she looks around, expecting to see the witch's hat and toothy grin she's grown to dread.... but there is nothing.

Everyone is okay. No one notices her sudden panic.

Icia sighs, quickening her pace to get away from the ice she accidentally left on the ground. Her dress no longer feels comfortable on her skin, bits of frost on the inside of her skirt scratching at her skin. Chills take their time rippling down her spine and sending even more ache into her stomach.

I can't keep pretending like this, she thinks. I need someone to talk to, some kind of distraction.... I need my fiancé, where is Lance, where is he....

She scans the crowd, looking for his familiar brown-to-red hair hopefully nearby....

She sees someone else, though.

Icia pauses. She's never seen her before.

The girl, who seems to sparkle under the chandelier light- from her hair to her skin to her dress- is talking with Starro and Vaga. It's hard to hear over the music, but the three seem to be having fun. She barely looks like an adult.

Icia feels her heart leap.... not in a romantic sense, but something.... something about her is just... so familiar.

The girl glances past Vaga momentarily, locking eyes with Icia. Big, deep, brown eyes.

Sounds start to feel drowned out for Icia, as the girl smiles. She waves goodbye to the boys before walking towards the courtyard.... slipping through the entrance with a grin.

Icia hesitates before following.

The courtyard, with Achilles and Isaac gone, is calm and serene... the moon shines brightly down on the bushes and flowers that line the path. The girl stands in front of an empty statue stand smack in the middle.... Icia hesitantly approaches.

"... excuse me- ma'am?"

The stranger turns to her with a smile.

"Yes, Ms. Icia?"

The formal addressing catches her off guard temporarily, but Icia brushes that off. She steps forward again.

".... do..... do I know you?" Icia asks, almost a whisper.

The girl grins. "I don't know. Do you?"

"We haven't met before, I believe."

"No, we haven't. Not like this."

Icia isn't sure how to respond to that. A few intuitive feelings rise up.

"..... we've met before in some way, though."

"You could say that, yeah."

"And.... you know me."

She shrugs. "Pretty well, yeah."

Icia pauses, searching her mind for any kind of memory.....

"Allow me to introduce myself... I'm Star." Star curtsies a bit.

Star.

Star.

Icia's head snaps up.

"Wait.... you're one of the mods- aren't you?!"

Star laughs a bit more with a giddy grin.

"... oh my gods. You're my mod."

Star smiles even more. "Surprise...!"

Icia feels her breath quicken. Her mod, her creator, standing right in front of her... a bit older than most of the other mods, per say, easily one of the most 'plain human' ones... except for her hands. Her skin fades to black down her arms, white stars speckling the shadowed hands.

".... I.... it's... nice to finally meet you, Star.." Icia bows deeply, trying not to let dizziness overcome her.

"Hey, don't worry about formalities anymore... I've been wanting to introduce myself far too long for that."

Millions of thoughts rise up at once, and Icia finds herself staring in silence as she tries to decide what to say first.

"I'll answer all your questions- or at least, the ones I can think of- soon... for now, I believe you're in dire need of a hug," Star eventually says, opening her arms. Right... mods can basically read minds. Or something like that.

Icia doesn't know what to say or how to respond.... but she slowly moves into Star's arms. As soon as the hands close around her, the will to put on a strong face crashes down, and tears breach her eyes. Star hugs her tight as the guardess quietly sobs.

"I-I don't know what to do," Icia cries, not noticing as Star sits them both down in a stone bench. "Dunite and Odette are fighting again. Achilles is dying soon. Mocha's basically gone. Switch is dead. I didn't even realize Yume was missing until it was too late and she fucking died. I still need to handle Slyn, and I have a family to raise even though I'm not there for them, I need to make sure everyone- including Raina- is able to adjust to the kingdom and heal from Hexe, but I keep seeing her out of the corner of my eye, and... and...."

She pulls back, tears soaking into her gloves. ".... you're doing this to me...."

Star's smile has faded into a sympathetic look as she nods. "I am, yeah.... I'm so sorry...."

".... it hurts so bad. All I want to do is abstract in Lance's arms. Why are you doing this to me...?"

Star looks up at the sky. "... I guess you could say it's some kind of development, but also a kind of projection. But I wouldn't put you through it if I knew you wouldn't be okay in the end."

"This hurts so much. It's so stressful."

"It is, yeah. And it will hurt."

"I don't know what to do... do you have plans for me?"

Star turns back at Icia, a twinkle in her eyes.

"Many."

"I just.... I don't understand. Why....?"

"I.... don't have a direct answer. Just like how I myself don't have a direct answer for why I suffer in my own life. It's one of those things you can't quite explain..... but, in the least manipulative way possible, I mean everything I do out of love. I won't appear like this to beat you down and hurt you."

Star intertwines her fingers. "And sometimes, no, I don't really have control over what happens. A lot of times, it's how I've developed you. The decisions you make and what happens is based on your current development."

Icia nods. Somehow, that makes sense.

".... I'm just... tired."

Star covers Icia's hands with her own. "I know. I know you are. It's going to get better."

"I... struggle to believe you. Especially with everything I still have to do.... I'm amazed that some people don't hate me...."

Star frowns. "Hey... Icia, listen to me."

Icia looks up.

"There's a saying, that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest angels. You go through so much because you are so, so, so very special to me. You are the first. The original. All the way since before Ice Anon, even when I didn't know that she would become who you are today. You don't know how fucking proud I am of the way you've grown.

"It's always going to feel tough. There'll be a lot of times where it hurts, and you're probably going to be very, very angry with me. But never is what you go through simply for the cause of hurting you."

Star gently reaches up and wipes some tears off of Icia's face. "You're so, so, so, so, so strong and amazing. I've created you in a vision of who I want to be. Where even if you have weak moments. Even if you crumble and fall. Even if it hurts. You never, ever, ever give up. You're a beautiful, powerful, supreme, elegant, caring, considerate, strategic, smart, strong person..... even when it doesn't feel like it. Even when you can't see yourself in any way except your worst version. I, and so many others, will always see you as a resilient, graceful, amazing woman. I say this as your creator, who has watched people react to you...

"You're doing amazing. Even when those thoughts in your brain tell you you're not."

I'm doing terrible.

"You're doing fantastic."

I can't do anything right.

"You're doing everything you can."

I'm not good enough.

"You're perfect in every single one of your flaws."

I'm not what they need.

"You're doing your best for everyone involved."

"........."

Icia's hands close around and squeeze Star's own. Her face is stained with even more tears.

"..... will it get better?"

"It will always get better. Everything you go through is to make things better for the future."

"Am I really doing a good job?"

"I'd say you are... I may be biased, though."

"What can I do?"

"I can't answer that with words... you'll figure it out, though. You'll slowly realize what you can do."

Icia opens her mouth to ask another question.... none comes to mind.

Star grins. "I know you have more questions.... I'll answer them in due time. When we both can remember."

"... what?"

"Well, your mind tends to correlate with mine. I can't remember any more questions you have, so therefore you can't either."

"Is... is that how this works?"

"In our situation, yeah. Once I remember, you will too. Speaking of which...."

Icia suddenly remembers a few more of her questions. Star smiles.

"... woah.... so... you already know every question I have?"

"Yep. I'll give you the liberty of asking them, though."

Icia thinks a bit.

"How will things go from here...? Will we meet again?"

"Oh, certainly. I'll visit when you ask me to... but I'll also always be around."

"Will I hear you in my mind?"

Star nods. "I'll address you when you want to hear it. It'll just be like another thought."

"Got it," Icia replies. "And... the others? Do they know? ... are you the mod of everyone in the kingdom?"

"Oh GOD no- a good deal of people, yeah. But not everyone."

"You were going around to them.. I saw you talking with Starro and Vaga."

She shrugs. "Just making some small talk, I didn't tell them anything. Only you get to know who I am... they might know me, but who I am- that's a secret between you and me... alright?"

Icia nods.

"..... it will get better. Right? With... everyone?"

Star squeezes Icia's hands.

"I promise you, it will. Ode and Dunite will be okay. Achilles will be okay. Slyn will be okay. Your family, the kingdom, your friends, and you will all be okay. Even if it gets worse, it will get better."

Icia nods slightly and looks down. Star looks up at the statue stand in the middle of the courtyard.

"This would be a lovely space for a statue, don't you think...? It's a beautiful place. Surrounded by flowers... good light... anyone can find their way here quickly."

"... I suppose you're right..." Icia wonders why she brought that up, before Star turns back to her.

"It's almost time for us to depart. When I do, the celebration will be over."

Icia's eye widens. "Has it really been that long...?!"

"It has. Even if this world doesn't have time, it's the equivalent of... around 1 or 2 in the morning. I'd suggest you and the other residents break out some drinks, have a little fun."

Icia looks skeptical. "Are you sure that's a good idea...? Are you even able to drink?"

".... technically, no. BUT you all can. Drinking age is 18 in the kingdom and I'm making that official. But seriously, a little buzz might feel nice. You don't even have to socialize with everyone else if you want, you could go off and play piano on your own or with Lance. If Fei will do that."

Ah, right, Fei. Lance's mod. Icia nods a little.

"..... is there anything else I should know....?"

Star thinks for a long, long time. She grabs Icia's hands once more and looks into her eyes.

"Be careful."

Icia pauses. ".... what?"

"In recent events, something has come up that even I don't know about. I'm going to try and keep you safe because I don't even know if I want you to deal with it, but, just, please... be careful. Not to alarm you. You're gonna be okay, but be careful."

Icia stares for a while before nodding. After a moment of silence, she pulls the girl into a hug.

"..... thank you. It's been so nice to meet you."

Star smiles and hugs Icia back. "It was nice to finally meet you too, Icia. I'll always be here with you, think of me if you need me."

"I will."

Icia feels Star's body start to buzz in her hands, like pins and needles everywhere they're touching. When she opens her eyes, Star is gone. All that remains is a gentle flurry of small stars gently drifting up into nonexistence.

A bell at the top of the castle rings loudly. Icia stares up at the sky for a second before reentering the ballroom. Ode hands her a microphone, as the music slowly fades out. The energy in Icia's voice has ceased, now replaced with a lulling, sleepy, formal tone.

"The celebration has now come to a close.

Non-residents are free to depart for the night, although they're free to return another day. All guests, with the exception of Joy, Fynn, and Charles as honorary residents, are excused.

Residents and resident spouses and family are invited to a small informal reception with drinks.

Thank you all for attending, and on behalf of all members of the digital kingdom, we are utmost grateful for not only your time in joining us for this celebration, but we also offer, once again, our highest gratitude to all whom assisted in the kingdom rescue.

You may exist through the portal from which you came from. These ones will cease to exist after all guests have departed; however, if you wish to return- which, I do hope you one day will- there is a permanent portal near Candleton that will bring you here.

Once again, thank you for your attendance in this joyous celebration for the night. I look forward to crossing paths with you all in the future once more, please do find me if there are any questions. And with that, I officially conclude this celebration. I wish everyone a very good and relaxing rest of your nights, sweet dreams when you sleep, and safe travels for returning home."

Icia returns the microphone to Odette and starts handling the aftermath of the party. For a moment, she swears she can see a certain girl outside, peering in with a smile.... but upon second glance, there's no one.

Just the stars.

[the-writing-starchive]

".... Fratello? Tonio?"

Starro opens his eyes groggily, vision slowly focusing as he wakes up. He's still holding Conny close, leaning against the polar bear.... still miffed and disappointed on how the slumber party crashed apart. Nearby, he sees Dunite and Aoki sleeping on a couch, wrapped in each other's arms.... and, illuminated by the just-rising sun, is Icia. Her clothes are a bit dirty, and the tip of her hair seems to have been broken off.

She approaches and kneels in front of him, voice barely above a whisper. "Good morning, Tonio... did you sleep alright?"

He murmurs a bit before responding, stars swirling with a gentle blue and red. "No.... not really. Spent most of the night crying."

"I understand that.... I'm sorry," she replies, looking at him sympathetically. She really is sorry about leaving so suddenly.

"Were you able to find Joy...?"

"Yes, we were.... she was brought to the inn I told you about."

"The one with the really flirty innkeeper with galaxy arms...?"

"Yeah, that place. She's okay.... really scratched up from running. We think she was taken by a being called Remnant."

Starro grimaces. "Any creature with a name like Remnant sounds like bad news...."

"Very much so." Icia looks out the window for a few seconds before turning back to her brother. "Are you alright...?"

Starro stares at her momentarily before chuckling.... it's more angry and miserable than humorous. "What do you think? ... sorry, that was rude of me...."

"It's alright. I don't blame you for being bitter."

He looks down.

"I feel bad for not being more worried about Joy.... just- all this bad stuff happening... and Joy getting kidnapped is probably one of the worst things that could happen.... and it had to happen on my birthday. I'm just.... I dunno. I feel bad but I'm also really upset. I just wanted to have a fun party with my favorite people, and I couldn't even have a full night for that."

"I know.... I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Nothing we can do about it now."

She leans down a bit to try and meet his eyes. "If you'd like, we can reschedule...? Or do something else?"

"It won't feel the same, so no.... thanks, though," he mumbles, turning away.

Icia sits up. ".... well.... if you'd like...."

She reaches behind her and slides the gift bag she brought forward. "You could still open your gift....?"

Starro stares at it for a moment, the blue and red diminishing ever so slightly.

"...."

"You can open it later, of course. But maybe, you can still feel like you have at least a bit of your birthday back now. No birthday is truly complete without gifts, after all."

There's a bit of silence before Starro gently takes the bag out of Icia's hands, staring at it. He feels a lump well up in his throat, forcing himself to swallow back a sob as he reaches his hand inside.

Something plush and furry greets his touch first.... and out he pulls a plush German Shephard.

Starro can't help but smile as he hugs the plush. "You remembered my favorite dog...!"

Icia nods with a smile. "I remember you always talking about wanting one. Even if you can't have a real one here... plushies are easier to take care of anyway."

The remaining bitterness ebbs away as Starro hugs both the plush and a still-sleeping Conny. "Thank you, Viv.!!"

She chuckles. "There's one more thing in there.... I think you'll really like this one."

He tilts his head before peeking into the bag.... a very familiar pattern and color combo catch his eye, fabric made up of red and black plaid.

"..... Viv, where did... where did you find this...?!" He utters, pulling out the flannel shirt.

"Just the clothing store in Candleton. But I immediately remembered... this was Dad's shirt. And you loved wearing it, it was your favorite."

"I.... I did.... after you disappeared, I basically claimed it as mine." He unbuttons the shirt and carefully puts it on, making sure to not wake Conny up as he adjusts the collar and rolls the sleeves up past his elbow.

Icia smiles more. "It just felt right to get. A little part of who you are.... and now we both have something of who we are."

She shows him a simple black bandana.... identical to the one from the crate during the kingdom rescue.

"You went and got the bandana..? From the dungeon?"

"Oh, gods no, I simply decided to make an impulse purchase while shopping for you. Now we both have a little more of ourselves here." She puts the bandana back in her pocket before smiling at Starro.

"Happy birthday, baby brother."

He smiles even more, golden yellow shining through his stars.

".... Thank you, Vivian."

He yawns, leaning back against the polar bear and hugging Conny as Icia checks on everyone else. His mood has substantially lifted, and knowing Joy is okay has also helped. Everything feels more or less better.

"..... Hey Viv?"

"Yes?"

"..... I think I only have one wish that I wasn't able to get fulfilled. I don't even know if I can."

"And what might that be?" She picks up a pillow, fluffing it a little.

"I wish I knew who our relative here was. So I could talk to them. And know who else is my family."

Icia freezes dead in her tracks.... if it weren't for the sudden, gentle crack of ice on the marble floor, Starro would have never thought twice. But the sound echoes slightly through the lounge, causing Starro to freeze.

.... I heard that wrong, he thinks. There's no way.... that's impossible, right? There's no way she knows....

He looks over. Her expression, while blank, is... conflicted. As if she's debating with her own mind on her next words. Starro's eyes widen.

".... oh my god, you do know who it is..." He manages to whisper.

Icia slowly walks back over, sitting on the nearest chair.

".... I was waiting for the right time."

"Well, everyone's asleep now, it's just us awake. Come on, tell me who it is!!"

"They won't be asleep for long if you don't keep your voice down!"

Starro takes a deep breath, his heart racing. He can't believe it. He's actually about to learn who his relative is.

"So who is it..?!"

".... you're not going to be particularly happy with the answer," Icia warns.

"Viv. I've been wanting to know for months. Please, just tell me who it is. I can take it. I want to know. Please."

There's a long, tense silence.

"..... the former king."

The former king? Who-

Starro freezes.

".... wait. You mean.... Slyn."

She nods.

"The former king Slyn."

She nods.

"The abusive former king."

She nods.

"The man locked in the dungeon right now for basically betraying all the kingdom's residents, and who was in love with the worst villain in the history of villains. The man who beat everyone here, including you, out of petty, spoiled anger. The man who helped drive all the fear into everyone's minds. The man who used his title as 'king' for nothing more than to spoil himself and an excuse to hurt or scream at anyone.

"That man is our sibling."

"He's our older brother."

Starro stares at Icia for a very, very, very, very long time before groaning quietly.

"There's really just.... not one normal person in our family, is there...?"

Icia shakes her head, hands folded in front of her. Starro runs his hand through his hair, a rainbow of emotions mixing through his cheeks. Out of all people, it had to be Slyn. Of course it did.

".... are you okay, Tonio?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure."

"Yeah, I'm fine, just.... a lot to take in."

He takes a deep breath and looks at Icia, head spinning. He really doesn't know how to react to this.

"So.... what now?"

"... you're going to think I'm crazy."

"I've done and heard of a lot of crazy things in my life, Viv. I can take it."

Icia takes a deep breath. "..... I'm going to try and help him."

"... what?"

"I'm going to try and.... I suppose... 'reform' him. There's a lot of issues going on, but... I don't know, it's difficult to explain, I just.... I don't want him to be locked away forever, especially since gods know how long 'forever' really is here."

"... you feel sympathy for him, don't you."

Icia nods. "I suppose so. In my defense, I had this plan for even before I knew we were related."

Starro sighs and lays his head in his hand, rubbing his forehead. "Alright, you're right... I think you're crazy. This feels like that "I can fix him" trope in stories and movies."

Icia shrugs. "I've known him for a long time... and I still have much to know. I don't believe he's completely irredeemable, though. He had sympathy. He wants to help people. He wants to be better. He just doesn't think he can yet. Related or not, I'm going to try and help him."

Starro sighs, a long, dramatic, exasperated sigh. He doesn't necessarily like this plan.... then again, he doesn't even fully know what this plan is yet.

".... would you like me to introduce you to him at some point, still?"

He thinks for a long time before nodding.

"Does he know?"

"He does. And he hates us. He views us as replacements."

"Of course he does...."

"Hey.. he doesn't know what Ma put us through. I'm not saying he should be glad he didn't grow up with us, but there are some things we went through that I wouldn't wish upon anyone. Not even him.

"We all were screwed over by our mother... there's a common ground there. Only we know what she was really like, and we've all seen different sides of her."

Starro nods, looking down. Icia sighs a bit.

"I don't know.... we only have each other, though. And Slyn should have someone there for him too, having experienced... whatever he did from our mom. If no one else will treat him with at least some degree of decency and try to help him, I will."

"Alright, alright, I get it, y'don't gotta convince me with your fancy royal monologuing, heh."

Icia chuckles a bit. "I'll find a time after the kingdom celebration for us all to meet. Alright...?"

"Okay.... thanks, Viv."

"Of course. Now go ahead and get some more sleep, you still look exhausted. I'll close the curtains for you." Icia walks over to the giant windows and unties the giant curtains that reach all the way to the ceiling, yanking them closed. It's extremely heavy and tough to pull, but she still manages to pull them closed enough for Starro to not have the sunrise in his eyes.

He cuddles back up to Conny and the bear, feeling the flannel over his arms and squeezing the dog plush softly.

Okay.... maybe this birthday wasn't a complete bust, he thinks. I did have fun while it lasted... even if all of that other stuff happened... and I got to learn who my... brother is. Even if he's the most hated man in the kingdom right now.

.... meh. If Viv can work with that, I probably can, too.

He slowly drifts back to sleep, his stars a gentle, hazy yellow.

[the-writing-starchive]

[Before Amber gets back to the spa....]

Callista can't fall asleep.

She can't get Elysia's words out of her mind, nor the reflection in the mirror. They both haunt her, every time she tries to rest in the quiet and every time she closes her eyes.

The girl with freckles and scratches over her face, and a large thick braid draped over her shoulders.... how could one with eyes so full of fear and anger still somehow look healthier and happier than who Callista is now? That doesn't feel fair.

She peeks out the window at the stars outside..... it's a beautiful night tonight.

.... I need to wash my hands.

Callista carefully unlocks the door and sneaks past Elysia to a washroom. She wishes she was better at sneaking around, but thankfully, Elysia is out cold at this point. Probably for the better.

Her vision grows blurry with tears as she watches her friend sleep. She wants nothing more than for her to be happy and healthy, and NOT try and handle all of this shit that Callista started in the first place.....

All my fault. This is all my fucking fault.

Callista starts washing her hands at the sink. In the dim lighting, her vision makes out blurry red splotches over her fingers and palms...... Callista scrubs harder.

It's not enough.

She tries hard to tell herself it is, and her hands are clean, but to no avail. The soapy suds still look red. Perhaps it's just her mind playing tricks on her, but she doesn't care.

Callista hears Elysia's voice through the sound of running water.

“I mean, you had to doom one of them. Your family or your friend.”

"you had to doom one of them."

"you had to."

"your family or your friend."

"family or friend."

"one of them."

"you had to."

".... there wasn't any other way."

The words stab at her throat. She never wants to say that again, never wants to admit to any kind of acceptance that this was unavoidable. It absolutely was. There were many paths she could have taken, and she chose the worst one imaginable.

Callista barely notices when the water in the sink starts to actually turn red, nor does she notice the raw stinging on her hands as the blisters rip away. It's not enough, not enough, not enough, not enough. Her mind grows hazier, dizzier, the voice and sounds are growing further.....

Callista's eyes shoot open as her body falls on the ground, the impact jolting her back to reality. She sits up, rubbing her shoulder and looking around.... did she just faint? She's not sure.

Regardless, the pain starts to set in. Callista winces, gripping her skirt to try and stop the bleeding. It always hurts more than she expects.... but in the end, at least it tears her away from continuing to hurt herself.

With a sigh, Callista reaches up and turns off the sink, leaving her in silence once again. It's a welcome absence of sound, until Elysia's voice returns to her mind. This time, her sentence ends with a gunshot, followed by a dreaded, deranged scream that sounds an awful lot like Callista. She covers her ears, trying to drown out the sound of her own mind with anything she can think of other than more screaming. What could possibly distract her from such horrific memories that just won't stop?

Callista suddenly hears something.

A melodic humming. Her humming.

A soft, gentle, familiar tune so soft she can barely keep it above a whisper..... but somehow so loud that Elysia's voice and the gunshot are barely audible over the sound of her own voice in her ears.

Callista stops covering her ears, letting the tune follow its own path. Somehow, she knows each and every note that comes next... but she can't place her finger on any lyrics. Regardless, she keeps humming, focusing on the tune until it's time to repeat.

A slow wave of relief and tranquility trickles down her system. She feels oddly calm..... almost concerningly so. But it's hard to care when this melody feels like a warm hug that's shielding all her regrets and hatred.

With a deep breath, Callista finds the strength to stand up. She grips the side of the sink, grimacing as she notices the blood from broken blisters over her knuckles and fingers.

She feels as if it should affect her more than it currently does. But she still can't hear the memories that haunt her mind, so she's content with this odd sense of tranquility.

A towel sits on a nearby rack beside the mirror, which Callista picks up, dampens, and wipes away the bloody fingerprints on the counter, still humming. The white marble shines, even in the dimness of the room... she interprets it as gratitude for cleaning up.

I need to bandage these.... sand would be agonizing to get in those wounds...

She makes her way out of the washroom, holding the rag to her hands as she enters the laundry room. Ambrosius keeps a first aid kit in the lower left cabinet... Callista's sure they won't mind.

Inside, she finds exactly what she's looking for: non-stick bandage wraps. She takes the roll out and carefully starts wrapping each finger. Pinky, then ring, then middle, and so on... she never stops humming.

A lyric finally makes it's way to Callista's tongue.

"Matou te sisiva i le malamalama o le masina, ma uulima..."

She pauses for a moment before repeating it in the same tune she unexpected sang.

"... Matou te sisiva i le malamalama o le masina, ma uulima."

The next lyric is nothing more than humming.

Callista shrugs and continues to bandage herself, humming while also softly singing the lyric where it fits. It's such a beautiful song... where did she learn it? Why does she feel like she's missing something with it?

Oh, well. It's still drowning out Elysia's words and what accompanies it. Callista's too tired to let this tranquility end through pausing and contemplating the melody.

After some time, she looks at her bandaged hands.... maybe it wasn't necessary to also do her wrists and forearms, but she feels better about not being able to possibly hurt those areas. In fact, she kind of likes how the wrappings look.

I'll return with a restock for Amber... he'll appreciate that, she thinks as she wipes any remaining blood up and throws the dirty towel in the laundry machine. It feels nice to be able to think rationally and calmly for once and not be in a panic over her past.

Just keep humming and singing. The memories can't hurt me if I can't hear them.

Callista starts the washing machine, praying Elysia doesn't wake up.... thankfully, it's quiet enough to ease her fears.

A small green light catches her attention instead- the dryer. Looks like it's done.... maybe putting the towels away can be one more favor she does for Amber. He deserves it, after everything he's done for both Calli and Elysia. This is the least she can do.

Callista sits on her knees and opens the dryer, taking the first towel out.... it's so warm against her skin that she can't help but close her eyes and hold it close, softly humming into the fabric.

"... Ua talie atua ma faasusuina i matou i le mafanafana...."

A second lyric. She puts the two together.

"Matou te sisiva i le malamalama o le masina, ma uulima... Ua talie atua ma faasusuina i matou i le mafanafana."

Yeah. That sounds right.

Callista folds the towel as the heat dissipates, setting it aside before grabbing a new one. She always forgets how nice these feel against her skin, how nice any warmth feels against her skin.... it feels like a hug.

The towels make do, as she soaks in the warmth of each before folding them neatly until the dryer is empty. Callista sets them all on top of the machine... she would put them away if she had the energy or courage to go around to each room.

..... she could use a hug.... that sounds nice. Maybe falling asleep against Amber's tail....

She pushes the thought to the back of her mind. It's nice, but she's scared physical touch could rouse her fear once again. She only just started feeling peaceful, with the song she's slowly remembering.

... one more thing, she thinks to herself as she walks to the front desk. Sifting through the drawers, she finds a pen and 2 pieces of paper.

The first one she addresses to Amber.

"Hi Amber. I'm okay. But I can't stay, and I won't be returning for a while. I need time. If you need me, I will be at the beach. I know that is very vague, but you'll find me if you need me. Thank you so much for everything. You've been such a kind friend and I care for you very deeply. I love you, please take care of yourself. From, Callista."

She sets the note on the desk and places a scallop shell with pinkish-orange stripes and brown dots at the base over top of it.

The next note is for Elysia.... she stops humming only for a moment to focus. The memories shine through, but she tries to cut them out long enough to write.

"Hi Eva. I'm not going to be here when you get up. Please tell Mercury and everyone else everything. Tell him I'm sorry and I didn't want any of this to happen. None of this was supposed to happen and I wish I took a different path. Thank you for trying to find me, I'm sorry I'm running away again. I'd prefer if you didn't search for me, but if you must then you may. I won't be at the spa for some time. Please be kind to Amber, he's treated me with nothing but kindness and I love him like a brother. I have no doubt you'll be able to be kind to him though, you never had an issue being polite. I love you all dearly. I need to figure things out though. Please stay safe and take care of yourself. I love you all. Tell Mercury I'm sorry. Tell everyone I'm sorry that all of this happened. From, Callista."

Her hand is shaking as she makes the final period, and Callista notices tears landing dangerously close to the paper. She quickly wipes them away and starts humming again.... well, more like singing now.

"Matou te sisiva i le malamalama o le masina, ma uulima... Ua talie atua ma faasusuina i matou i le mafanafana.

O loo fiafia uma o tatou aiga ma uo o loo siomia ai i tatou i le malamalama o le masina."

Callista pauses before continuing her walk down the hall. Third lyric. She's not sure how she feels about it, knowing what it means.

She whispers the song under her breath as she enters Elysia's room.... the girl is so frail and in such poor health. She wonders if it's possible to change that in this digital world.

The note goes on the table next to the bed.... along with a tiny white conch shell with a pink interior. Elysia will like that.

Callista stands there for a few silent moments, mouthing the lyrics, before turning on her heel and walking out of the room... and out of the spa.

The beach isn't a far walk from the spa. What is a far walk is her 'shack', if it's even able to be considered that anymore. But that doesn't bother Callista, as she walks along the shoreline and sings. Every so often, she reverts back to humming. The tune remains gentle and comforting... like a lullaby of some sort.

She reaches down and picks up a few shells on the way.... they're almost unending, and Calli makes a game of trying to balance them on her head and waist rings, which is easier than she anticipated.

She feels better. Maybe only temporarily, but better is better. Maybe there's something wrong with her. Maybe she's starting to lose her mind. But she's content right now.... who is she to take that away from herself?

The wrecked excuse for a shack comes into view and Callista walks towards it.... something is still missing with her song. She feels as if she's not doing something she should.

Her hand suddenly raises up, as if the muscles acted on their own. Calli pauses, looking up at the hand that's reaching up at the moon ahead of her. That's new.... but oddly enough, it feels right.

Callista continues to look up at the moon as simple steps become something a little more elegant.... she points her toes, and focuses on walking in step with each lyric. The sand seems to beckon her to continue.

She spins a bit, searching for the right feeling as she nears the shack.... this is some kind of dance she knows, what comes next though...? She sways her hips a little, letting her voice grow loose and a little less reserved. It feels... liberating.

Callista stops walking, dragging her feet in arches and steps in place as she closes her eyes and tries to engulf herself in nature. The rustle of trees and grass behind her... the warm, fine sand beneath her... the salty ocean crashing ahead.... and the gentle, swirling breeze all around her...

Callista envisions rain and sun, day and night, nature in all of it'd beauty. She imagines the back and forth of leaves in the breeze, sand holding the memory of even the smallest disturbance, the unique patterns of the waves.... and forms a dance. A dance that feels right, to the lullaby Callista finds herself singing on loop.

Everything, for once, feels right. She can barely hear the memories, or see the face of the killer. Her mind and soul has been taken by nature.

Despite this, tears pour down Callista's face. If emotions had colors, each tear would be more multicolored than a rainbow. All the emotions overwhelm her heart.

She's so angry at why she was forced to make such a choice.

She's so sad for the death of her friend.

She's so guilty for how her actions led to everyone being trapped here.

She's so confused as to what really happened.

She's so homesick and desperate for some kind of familial sense.

She's so happy to, for once, feel like things are right.

She's so scared for what will happen once everyone else learns about what she did.

She's so tired of....

..... she's just so tired. So, so, so tired.

I'm done. To the pits of hell with this all. I can't take this anymore. I just want to go home. I just want to go to hell for what I did. I just want everyone to be happy and content. What God decided that's too much to ask for?

Drops of mixed emotion and exhaustion lands on the sand as Callista's body starts to ache and her voice starts to grow raw..... but she can't stop yet. She needs... the final lyric... to the song... she's almost...

It suddenly hits her.

"O le a ou puipuia oe, laʻu uo, seʻia pa'ū le lagi."

Callista feels herself slow to a halt, smile fading fully.

"Matou te sisiva i le malamalama o le masina, ma uulima... Ua talie atua ma faasusuina i matou i le mafanafana. O loo fiafia uma o tatou aiga ma uo o loo siomia ai i tatou i le malamalama o le masina... O le a ou puipuia oe, laʻu uo, seʻia pa'ū le lagi."

She repeats it, trying to still sing. The meaning of the lyrics starts to weigh on her.

The memories start to return. Guilt, grief, and anger wash out any other emotion.....

And just like that, Callista's back at square one. She falls to her knees, quietly sobbing and repeating the last lyric. Over and over.

She didn't protect him. She did the opposite. She won't ever be able to look beyond that fact.

The night sounds grow into nothing more than the waves crashing against the shore and a girl crying in her sleep.

[the-writing-starchive]

"Viv?"

Icia hesitates for a moment, not realizing he's talking to her, before her head snaps up.

"Oh- hi Tonio..." she replies with a soft smile.

Starro approaches her, trying his best to walk on the creaky ship before sliding onto the bench next to her. "People're wondering where you are, everything okay?"

Icia nods slightly. "I don't like looking out at the void... also, I was getting dizzy on the top deck."

"Makes sense, I dunno how well I'll be able to walk on solid land once we get there."

An awkward silence hangs in the air... Icia's smile starts to fade. Starro looks around, eyes falling on the locket fastened to the first button on her tunic.

"... ummm... You carry that locket everywhere.... it's really pretty."

Her smile returns momentarily. "Thank you... it's one Duni charmed long ago. It has a picture of all my loved ones and friends inside, and the pictures change and flash through randomly when I open it or press a tiny button on top."

"Wow..... all your loved ones and friends?"

She nods. "Everyone. My family in the kingdom. My friends in the circus. The gods. The pirates. You, Aoki, Duni, Lance... even the cats. Everyone who I fight for, everyone who's the reason I do what I do."

"That's so cool..... I um... I actually kinda have a locket of my own-"

Icia looks at Starro in surprise. "You do?"

"Yeah-!" He exclaims, fishing the golden locket out from under his fur. It's well hidden and secured around his neck with a thin leather string. "Take a look!"

He pops the locket open, and Icia's gaze morphs into awe as she marvels at the painting of Starro and Conny.

".... oh Tonio, it's beautiful.... did Conny make this for you???" She utters.

He nods excitedly, a gentle pink flushing through his stars. "Yeah! Just... a little thing to hold onto until I get back."

"That's such a sweet gesture..."

"Isn't it?! OhhhhhhhIlovehersomuchhhhhhhh-" Starro bursts into happy giggles, covering his face. Icia smirks and rests her head in a hand, leaning on her knee.

"My dear Antonio, fratello, you're so very smitten."

He blushes harder, streaks of yellow flying through his rosy stars. "I can't help it! She's just.... ugh, she's so perfect and sweet and soft, and I didn't ever think I'd end up with someone as soft and shy and gentle as her.. but I did and it's- really, she's better than anyone else I've loved, I can't imagine living without her. She feels like everything."

Icia laughs. She definitely understands that feeling, even if Starro's always been romantic like this about people he's loved.... but she's never seen him so truly hopeless for anyone like he is for Conny.

"Any plans to.... you know.... pop the question?"

He pauses, face darkening. "..... eventually, yeah.... but it feels like I only just got her-!!! We have so much to experience first... b-but I will! Just wait, I will and it'll be the most perfect proposal ever!

"God, I can't believe you're getting married before me..... you've always been reserved about marriage 'n dating and stuff. You were the one to be like 'I'll only date and get married when I find the perfect guy'."

"I was indeed. And it honestly was the best choice I could have ever made, I can't imagine my first partner being someone other than Lance. He's my first, my last, and my only."

Starro nods. "I think- no, I know Conny's my last.... I've said that before about others, but I know it this time. She's the one I wanna be with forever."

Icia smiles. "I'm glad we've both found our lifelongs then... even if it's in a way we never expected."

"Yeah...."

As the silence grows, Icia's smile shrinks. The pink and yellow in Starro's stars fades into a medium-ish indigo.

"Everything okay?"

She shrugs, not uttering a word.

"... come on, Viv. Talk to me. Is it just nerves?"

"I don't know Tonio, I'm.. I'm nervous. I'm frozen to my seat.... literally. I still can't believe I'm actually doing this."

She leans against the wall and stares straight ahead at the navigating room, frost outlining her back and head on the wood. "I keep thinking of every possibility... everything Hexe could throw at us... every life on the line.... what will happen once this is all over... it's daunting, Antonio. I'm... I'm just..."

I'm scared."

She turns to him. "I don't want to admit it to anyone. But I'm scared. I'm scared for the kingdom. I'm scared for the lives of everyone on this ship. I won't be able to forgive myself if anything happens to anyone, and I can't take one of you home...."

Starro shimmies closer, putting a hand on Icia's arm. "We're all scared.... if it helps, none of us are gonna stay dead forever. We respawn in the void."

She shakes her head. "Being in the void, actually in it, is the worst feeling ever. It's worse than death. Worse than abstraction. It feels like falling, endlessly.... Dunite says it feels like a physical hatred, clawing at her body and mind. I can't imagine anyone having to go through that, for any amount of time. I'd still never forgive myself."

"You don't forgive yourself for a lot of things."

Icia looks down, unable to reply.

"You don't forgive yourself for going missing with me, you don't forgive yourself for leaving the kingdom... hell, even after we save them, I don't think you really will.... will you?"

The lack of verbal response prompts Starro to continue.

"Look.... we all have things we regret. So do I. I'm not saying I get what's going through your mind, but dwelling on this... dwelling on everything that could go wrong.... maybe that mindset could cost us the rescue."

He winces as ice gets stuck to his fur. "That won't happen, though. Nothing is gonna cost us this mission if we don't let it."

She shakes her head.

"No. Nothing will."

".... Vivian, look at me."

Icia turns her head towards Starro.... he smiles at her.

"You know what you're doing, right?"

"... what do you mean?"

"I mean, look at us, we're on a fucking pirate ship about to save a whole world!!! Isn't that cool?!?! This is literally the coolest thing EVER!"

She chuckles a little at his enthusiasm.

"Viv, you did this. You're doing this now. You're literally leading an army into battle to protect a kingdom!"

"Moreso overtake it than protect-"

"Oh hush, you know what I mean, same difference. Just... you're doing all of this. This is amazing. This is cool. This is exciting."

"This is terrifying."

"Yeah, that too.... but still! You did all of this. You had a problem. You made allies. You enlisted their help and planned for as many scenarios as you could. That's all gotta count for something."

Icia folds her hands over her stomach. ".... yeah... it does."

He smiles bigger. "Vivian. You're literally a guardess. You've always been a protector, but look at you now. This is massive. And it's gonna go great."

He leans backward against the wall, too. "We'll save the kingdom, and then we'll go home to everyone we love and celebrate to no end." His hand reaches up to his neck, clutching the locket tucked safely within his fur.

".... yeah. We will. It's all gonna be okay."

Icia reaches over and hugs Starro gently, using her cape as a barrier to not freeze him.

"Thanks, Tonio."

"Anytime, Viv."

The two sit in silence for a while, before quick footsteps make their way down below deck. Dunite looks at the two, a rare half-smile full of anticipation on her face.

"Hey. Kingdom ahead. It's time."

Icia smiles at her. "Thank you Duni, we'll be up there soon," she replies.

As Dunite goes back up the stairs, Starro stands and stretches, dusting frost and dew off his fur.

"Well, you heard her, time to g-"

"Where did... where did that come from?" He hesitantly asks.

[Alert: Familial Link RESTORED. Processing data....]

.... wait...... what?

It's a few seconds before Icia and Starro process the sudden green text above his head and monotone female voice. Both of them tilt their head, baffled by its sudden appearance.

Icia doesn't respond. She recognizes that message.

The same one she got when arriving at the circus for the first time.

The memory flashes through Icia's vision- traversing through the void, running towards the circus. It was the only world she even knew about, having searched through her own files for any kind of links... as she approached the circus, the message popped over her head: "Familial Link restored".

Why on earth would Starro be seeing that message too then...? If he and Icia's link was already reestablished, then....

.... could that possibly mean....

Icia and Starro slowly look at each other, realizing the meaning of the message. Their gazes both hold the same questions and shock, but not a single word is said for a long time. Not even when the text disappears after about 30 seconds.

No. Impossible. There's no way another member of their family is in the kingdom. Icia would know.

Right?

"Guys?! Hellooooo, kingdom time!!!"

Dunite's voice barely registers in their minds. They just stare at each other in silence, processing what they saw.

It's not just those two anymore.

There's someone else.

Starro finally offers a hand to Icia, expression and stars unreadable.

"We rescue the kingdom first," he whispers. "And then we find them."

Icia remains still for a few moments before nodding and taking his hand, forcing herself out of the icy seat. Each step up the stairs feels like another skip of the heartbeat. She has more family here.

She has to find them.

She has to know who they are.

..... that's not important right now, Icia thinks, forcing the thoughts to the back of her mind.

They're finally here. It's time.

She's getting her kingdom back if it's the last thing she does.