Indigo

So here Joel is, one life down, without a roof and all his belongings scorched to hell.

He gave a tribute to the Red King and his army, and now he wears the same colour as that pitiful dog. All Joel has of this alliance is a stupid, useless red banner blowing in the wind.

So yeah, he is a bit upset. A bunch, rightfully so, and he isn't going to take this betrayal! Joel will show that stupid king.

He'll take down the banner and burn it right in front of Ren's face

If only Etho wouldn't stand in his way.

"Joel— we came as soon as we saw the death message—" Etho says, pleads with this sad little look in his eyes, like he's realising he might lose Joel. Either to the red craze, or to their opposite convictions.

(Etho's eyes, that just two hours earlier were lit with an unmistakable spark as Joel accepted the Red Army's banner, look at Joel with a hope he's never seen in them. Not when they were soulmates, not even when the Red Army asked Joel to join.)

"Well—" Joel smacks his lips, an blood red from biting and contrasting his newly-gained cool-toned complexion— "It's a bit too late now, innit? Bit looking like you guys are all show."

Etho doesn't even seem offended at that, simply recoils as if struck before jumping forward, up Joel's mountain and path, until they're — with Joel elevated at the footsteps of his bruned down home and on top of the mountain — the same height.

Joel glares at banner displayed so proudly on Etho's shield, at the one thrown into a scarf around his shoulder. Etho's better than these theatre kids, isn't he? So why, why is he trying to convince Joel.

Etho starts, "It's not what it—"

—But Joel interrupts, "It's not what, Eefo?! It's not okay? Yes I agree, it's not okay! I'm bloomin' red now and my roof's gone, and all I have to show for it is your stupid ugly banner!"

"What have Ren or Martyn ever done for me to deserve me in their army?"

"I have—" Etho takes a step forward, hands out in front of him, towards Joel— "I've been here for you, Joel– I, right? Soulmates and, and boat boys?"

"Boat boys was _ast season, Eefo," Joel finds his voice sadder than he intended.

The other doesn't spare him a reaction, going back in, "Joel, it won't happen again, I'll stay to– I'll make sure of it."

Joel snarls, "Of course it won't happen again, I lost my second life 'cause you weren't there! There's no bloody second chances, Eefo!"

Joel wants to punch him in the face. He feels the familiar calling of anger and bloodlust, the itch to make dead something that was once alive. And Etho is right in front of him.

But despite it all, he doesn't fucking want to. Isn't that the worst part? That Etho can keep messing up and screwing Joel over, and Joel still won't hurt him back?

The red life takes a step down towards the green life, brows furrowed and red eyes filled with determination.

"You know what? You're right Eefo, we can still be boat boys — soulmates — but you can't have it all."

"Me, or the Red Army, Eefo?"

Joel knows the choice is clear.

Between the clear tactical advantage and Joel. Between a chance at winning and a guaranteed two versus all. Between logic and love.

Etho had always been one to choose what most benefits him.

… He had always been one to surprise Joel, too.

Etho strips his neck of the red around it, throwing it away to fly in the wind. He doesn't look back, and Joel's eyes snap from it to Etho's face, wearing matching expressions of shock.

"Together forever, right Joel?" Etho musters, taking the final step towards Joel.