Star-Bound Archive's

“Oh…” “My…” “God…”

Those were the only words you found yourself able to muster when you were looking at the situation in front of you. Ever since you found yourself trapped in The Amazing Digital Circus, you quickly grew to learn to expect the unexpected within this digital world. From the over the top ‘adventures’ and ‘quest’ you go on, the slightly overwhelming scenery and locations around you, and the very…enthusiastic…ideas from the ringleader Caine; it became second nature to always keep your head on a swivel while within this new world. The only reprieve you'd find yourself having would be the downtime you spent with the other troupe members in the circus grounds, well…most of them; and the comfort and quiet of your own room within grounds as well. At least, you had believed that to be true, until a loud crashing sound rang out within the grounds as you were hanging out with some of the other troupe members; a sound that seemed to come directly from…your room?!

The moment you heard the noise; alarm bells were already going off in your head, as you excused yourself from the group before dashing towards your room. Possibilities of what exactly could have caused the noise began to race in your head…and almost all of them weren’t good. At best it was probably something that dropped and caused some sort of chain reaction in your room, a simple cleanup job needing to be done; but at worst, you knew of the chaos that Caine could bring on any day so long as he wishes it…along with some of the more…uncontrollable dangers found within this world. Your thoughts only drove you further to find the source of the noise as you had finally made your way to your door; hoping with everything you got that nothing…abstracted…found its way in there. 

But…as you began to turn the knob on your door, you began to hear a new noise…or rather…a voice…one you recognized all too well.

“Argh, well…ain't this just lovely.”

And as you slowly opened your door to find the answers to your questions, it took every bit of your power to hold back the smile that was forming on your face when you saw what…or rather…who made the noise.

“H-Huh?! O-Oh…well…fancy seeing you…here?~”

That voice would belong to that of another denizen of the circus troupe that you have come to know…in some very mixed ways. This individual was in fact a rabbit-like individual who looked to be fairly tall and lanky for the most part. His fur had a light purple color which looked to match well with the yellow color that both his eyes and mouth had. His ears were fairly tall in height and his three-toed paws were fairly large too; two stark contrasts to the rest of his lanky body shape. As usual, the rabbit had on his signature outfit of red overalls with yellow gloves; two colors that would compliment each other well clothing wise. 

The sight that you would find to welcome you as you opened the door would be the sight of the rascally rabbit you’ve come to know as Jax. The very same rabbit that was currently tangled in your room by a plethora of colorful streamers that looked to be tied up by your room's chandelier. The rabbit’s eyes looked to try to feign innocence as you tried your hardest not to laugh at the current situation…as hints of curiosity, and a bit of annoyance, began to grow.

“J-Jax…” You attempted to state as a giggle almost escaped your lips, trying desperately hard to look upset at the obvious attempt at mischief that the rabbit tried to pull, “I’m only going to ask you this once, what…are you doing…in my room?”

It hadn’t taken long after your arrival into the circus when you had the…pleasure…of being introduced to Jax. That pleasure being that you found yourself running into the wrong room in the circus grounds; the very same moment that when the rabbit stated that signs were swapped “accidentally”. Since that first day, you have been one of Jax's favored targets for his schemes and pranks. You tried to ask just why he pranked you a lot more than the others, he would say—

“—because your a treasure trove of trouble waiting to be made doll~”

However; over time you would begin to see that while you were the rabbits favored victims to prank…he would never go too far or do harm with them. Once more…he would take a moment to show a genuine smile when you had begun to play along with these pranks as well. It was this…severely unexpected turn of events where you two would share this…unique form of friendship. A friendship that entails a good amount of chaotic pranking and ribbing…but one that in truth, was fairly genuine and sweet. 

However…that would not excuse the rabbit of the current situation of being in your room right now! And when the rabbit heard your question laced with growing annoyance; he didn’t waste a second to respond as he tried to untangle himself from the streamers he was trapped in.

“W-Well it’s funny you ask actually,” Jax would begin as he gave a small grunt of effort to bring down one of his arms from the tangled streamers to no avail, “You see, I thought I forgot something in your room the last time I popped in to say hello-”

“-You mean when you wanted to steal one of my pillows because yours weren’t ‘too fluffy enough?’,” You would clarify as you crossed your arms while hearing that rabbits “explanation”

“Eh details, details,” The rabbit would blow off before giving an absolutely innocent smile to you in turn as he finished his explanation, “So I only came in here to get that thing back, but you weren’t in your room so…I let myself in with the keys I got.”

Now at this point you knew for a fact that Jax wasn’t just here cause he “forgot” something. And you had a pretty distinct feeling that due to the current spiderweb of streamers that were now around your room and the rabbit; he had something else in mind. But at the same time; you could not help but find the fact that one of the rabbits' pranks actually backfiring on him absolutely hilarious. This was absolutely an attempt at a prank…but you just had to hear it from the rabbit that it backfired.

“Uh-huuuuh,” you replied with a sarcastically convinced tone as you raised a brow and motioned to the streamers the rabbit was in, “So how did all these streamers get here then huh jax…cause last time I checked I wasn’t planning on throwing a party in here…though, I can’t say I oppose the gift that came with it.”

As you stated the obvious of the current situation before you, you could see that Jax was trying to come up with the perfect excuse for the streamers. You pretty much had his whole idea figured out that these streamers were meant to tangle you…and not him. But now that the rabbit was cornered from his scheme, he’s already trying to worm his way out of it.

“O-Oh this…oh it's nothing really,” Jax tried to play off with another grunt of effort to escape the streamers, “These streamers were the things I forgotten is all and I just-hngng-just tripped on them while trying to–” “You were gonna trap me with those streamers weren’t you?” You asked the question before even letting Jax have the chance to finish the story he was trying to spin to get out of this web he was in…figuratively and literally, “Buuuut…seems as though it backfired on ya didn’t it?”

Jax would in turn give a dramatic gasp of supposed “shock” as he would hear what you said; knowing full well he was caught red handed…but didn’t want to deter his prankful pride. “Me? Trap you? I’m honestly offended, doll,” Jax would declare with a smug smile, “I am much more professional with the pranks I pull…this…this ain’t backfired at all just…all part of the plan.”

You couldn’t help but give a small annoyed pout at the reply from Jax and his dodge of the question. Figures, the rabbit was as stubborn in being wrong as he was prideful in his trickery; so the fact that he wouldn’t admit that this prank backfired on him was honestly expected. But this was a moment that you couldn’t just pass up, it was like catching lightning in a bottle for Pete’s sake! Here he was, tangled up in the trap that he tried to spring on you; and now you had the chance to not only make him admit he isn’t as masterful in pranking as he claims to be, but to also get back at him for even trying to pull this prank in the first place. It was the perfect “two birds with one stone” chance that you couldn’t just pass up! There was only one question that crossed your mind as you looked at the rascally rabbit…just how would you go about your revenge in the first place?

“You know if you keep staring at me like that I might think you like me or something~” Jax would interrupt your train of thought as he would give a smug look in your direction, a clear attempt to throw you off from the idea that the rabbit failed in pranking you as he tugged at the streams he was trapped in. “So how’s about we pretend this never even happened and you can kinda just…help me out, how’s that sound doll?~”

You could practically feel your annoyance flare up the moment that the rabbit made that comment. He’s trying to turn this on you when he’s the one all tied up?! The nerve of this rabbit! Your eyes would shoot back at him as you gave yourself a moment to get a good look at just how tied up the rabbit was at the moment through your annoyed glare. 

From where you were standing you saw that the streamers had tied up Jax enough to have him hover a bit off the ground. His right arm was tangled up a bit higher than his left arm; but both arms were definitely raised above his head with little room to get pulled down again. The rabbits left leg was also unlucky in being tied up in the streamer; tangling just below the knee so that it was raised up. His right leg however was free and simply hovering just a few inches off the ground; barely touching the floor of your room with his paw. Simply put, he was practically in a colorful spider web of his own creation; and as you walked up to him, your annoyance would resort to you finding the answer you needed…and you wouldn’t even know it…for about a few seconds at least

“Help you out? You’re kidding right, after trying to pull this,” Your retorted, moving a hand over to give a firm but harmless poke to the rabbits side out of annoyance, “I should just leave you here just to see how long it takes you to get yourself out of your own mess.”

Jax was smug when it came to hearing your annoyed reply, which was the typical reaction whenever he pulled a prank on you. But the moment that you had poked him in his side, you could see that the rabbit's expression…changed. What was once a smug smile had slightly shifted, the corners of the rabbit's mouth almost shivering. And…for whatever reason…you could have sworn that you heard him squeak…did he squeak?

“Jax…” you asked with a look of growing curiosity on your face, with hints of that annoyance still evident as you looked at the rabbit, “What was that?”

Jax on the other hand looked as though he was trying to regain his composure. His face still showed that shifting wobbly smile that seemed to grow from his smug one. His eyes also looked a bit…nervous? And as you continued to gaze at the tangled bunny, you started to see hints of a growing blush show on his face as well.

“N-Nothing at all doll, it ain’t the point anyways,” Jax answered as he cleared his throat as he gave another tug to the streams around his arms, “B-Besides…I didn’t pull anything on you, but that ain’t stopping you from pulling me free right?~”

At this point it was apparent that something changed the rabbits tempo from the smugness he was showing before. But you couldn’t for the life of you figure out just why he was acting so…flustered all of a sudden? Why was he blushing? Why was his smile wobbly? All you did was give him a…poke on his…side…

…wait a minute

A realization dawned on you that you had not even considered in all your time knowing the rabbit. A realization that in hindsight would have been so obvious to at least try but had never crossed your mind to do. But that one poke would be all the evidence you needed to confirm the realization you made. At the same time, that one poke would also become the answer you were looking for to get back at the rabbit. As the gears began to turn in your head, your face began to change as well; shifting from a look of annoyance, to one that showed pure…unrestrained…mischief. It was a look that Jax took note of with growing nervousness as you looked to him with your newfound idea.

“H-Hey…w-what’s that look for?” Jax stuttered out as he squirmed a bit in his colorful bindings, “Y-You wouldn’t actually leave me hanging like this would ya doll?~”

As Jax attempted to reason with you, you would begin to take a few slow steps toward the rabbit. You would begin to circle the tangled prankster, walking around him like a shark circling newfound prey. Your face was unchanging as all the fears clicked into place and were ready to enact your revenge.

“Oh not at all Jax, I wouldn’t dream of just leaving you here with no way out,” You began with a mischievous lull in your voice as you circled, “But…that doesn’t mean I’m just gonna let you go without getting something in return~”

“O-Oh yeah?” Jax would reply as he attempted to follow your circling with his head, a shiver coursing through his whole body in anticipation of what you were scheming, “And what exactly would you want from me even?”

“Simple,” You stated as you stopped yourself right behind Jax, out of the rabbits sight and perfectly defenseless, “Admit that your prank failed…and that I’m the better prankster~”

The moment the rabbit heard your terms of setting him free, he would grunt in sarcastic amusement. Though he couldn’t see you, he could feel that you were right behind him, inches away from his back. He would motion his head while rolling his eyes in response to your statement, shaking the streamers a bit doing so.

“In your dreams,” Jax would retort, “You ain’t gonna make me say it doll, might as well just set me free~”

Those words would be exactly what you wanted to hear from the rabbit. As you would give an impish…almost teasing snicker as you stood behind the trapped rabbit. You would begin to raise one hand towards Jax’s right side; utterly defenseless…and now…utterly at your mercy. It was payback time…and you were going to enjoy every minute of it as you said a simple, yet decisive response.

“Suit Yourself Bunny Boy~”

Without another second wasted, you would go on and execute your little…revenge plan. With that raised hand now at the rabbits side, you’d lift a lone finger that would touch down on the lower base of the spot. You’d see the initial touch send a small visual shiver through the rabbits, just as you wanted it to, let him realize what’s about to happen. You would then direct that finger to begin slowly tracing from the base up to the bottom rib. It would be that slow teasing motion that would elicit the sound you wanted to hear from the rabbit.

“Gy-Gyehehehe h-hey!” The rabbit would stutter out as a giggle looked to escape his mouth, trying to look over to you from the side of his head in almost flustered fear, “W-What do you thihihink you're doing back thehehere?!”

Giving a little hum of amusement at the rabbits initial reaction, you’d then decide to kick it up a notch. As the lone finger finished its ascent up the Jax’s right side, you’d move your other hand towards the rabbits left side as well. With both hands now primed to attack, you’d extend two fingers out towards their desired targets. Those fingers would then start to slowly flutter right on the middle of the rabbits sides, gently pressing into the soft skin under the fur.

“Just getting some well deserved payback for all the times you pulled something on me,” you’d answer with a impish tone as you’d flutter your fingers directly on the rabbits defenseless sides, “I mean if you aren’t going to admit your prank failed, I can always just make you admit it. After all, I think that’d be much more fun too, don’t you think?~”

It didn’t take long for the Jax to put the pieces together as to what you intended to do, and for a split second you could see a blush forming on the rabbit’s face before he turned his head away to hide it. Though it didn’t help that most of his strength was being used to hide the growing smile on his face and to squirm out of the fluttering fingers that were now attacking his sides. The rabbit attempted to shimmy between the attacking hands, however, for each time he’d squirm he’d only be met by the gentle but unbearable touch of your fingers wiggling on his soft fur. Once more, the sputtering giggles that were coming from the rabbit also looked to grow as well, it seemed like someone’s got a sweet spot on his sides. 

“M-Mghghghghgh I-I swehehehehear when ihihihih g-get outtahahahaha here–,” The rascally rabbit attempted to threaten before sputter of giggles escaped from him as your fingers moved up to gently skitter on his upper sides, “G-GYEhehehehemph! I-Ihihihif yohohou think th-this is gohohohohonna wohohork, thehehen yohohohu’re just as gullihihihihible as yohohou ahaha-are ohohoblivious.”

That little jab would make you glare at the rabbit; both out of sheer disbelief of his resilience, but also out of a growing surprise at his stubbornness. He was in the midst of being tickled and he was still trying to find ways to get at you; you were supposed to get him riled up, not the other way around! Though that little jab wouldn’t deter you from your revenge against the rabbit, if anything it would only drive you to up the ante on him because of it. And as you would continue to flutter your two fingers on each of Jax’s sides, you could only wonder if there were other sweet spots that you could discover, or even better…a death spot.

“Well then, I guess I'm just gonna have to try harder, won't I?” You’d retort with a glaring smirk as you began to move your hands from the rabbit’s sides. Thoughts of where to strike next circling your mind before you finally decide on your next target.

Moving your hands upwards, you’d begin making the journey up from the rabbit’s sides and towards his raised arms, much to the rabbits lack of realization. Just before Jax could even ask where you were going; you’d proceed to hook your hands into the rabbit’s underarms, letting all your fingers touch down on the defenseless area’s. Once hooked on, you’d begin to rapidly skitter your fingers into the fur of your temporary prisoner, pressing your digits into the soft fur as if you were typing out an essay. Attacking this spot also allowed you to get closer to the rabbit's large ears, a perfect opportunity to whisper into them just to add on to the rabbit’s situation.

“Awwww, look at you trying so hard to keep those giggles in,” You’d coo out impishly as you skittered your fingers around the rabbit’s hollows, the quick but gentle pace almost unrelenting as you teased, “What? Can’t the funny bunny handle a few tickles, you were soooooo certain of that earlier so why not find out?~”

The moment your hands hooked onto Jax’s underarms was the same moment you heard a squeak escape from his mouth. But it was the moment you began to skitter around his underarms where you saw, and heard, the walls start to come down around the rabbit. At first, the rascal was able to keep his composure from the initial skittering touch on his fur; but when you began to type around his hollows, he wasn’t able to hold the dam back any longer. The stutters Jax elicited before would begin to grow into steady giggles as he would squirm in the tangled binds around him, sometimes attempting  to arch away from the attacking hands for a few seconds before falling back into their relentlessly soft touch. His smile would also start to wobble and grow as the ticklish attack would begin to crumble his defenses, 

“Gyehehehehehmhmhmhmhph I-I cahahahahahan hahahandle ahaha-anythihihihihihing yahaha-ya throw at myehehehehehehehe!” Jax would declare before falling into a giggle fit as your fingers started to skitter directly on the rabbits hollows, making him squeak out and arch away from the playful hands, “Yohohoh-You ahahahahain’t gehehehetting ahahaha-anything ohohohohoutta-Ohohohohoho gahahahahahawd c-cuhuhuhuhuhut ihihihihihi-ehehehehe-it ohohohohohohout.”

As you heard the rabbit start to crumble under your playful touch, you began to notice something….awfully peculiar the rabbits reactions. Specifically, the moment you had peered down towards the rabbit's small tail as you continued to skitter along his underarms. As the tickling continued, you would start to see that Jax’s tail was…moving…albeit it was in small bouts but it was…wagging? Such a discovery would prompt you to look back at the smiling and giggling rascal and prompt another new realization about him. Could it be that the rabbit was…actually enjoying this?

Oh…Ohohoho now you just had to be certain if this little discovery was true. To think that the rabbit would actually enjoy this form of attention despite his outward protest and resistance. Such curiosity would lead you taking your playful attack another step further as you showed mercy to the rabbits underarms. You would hear Jax huff out a sigh of possible relief;  unaware that your mercy would only last a few seconds as you walked over and knelt down next to his raised left leg. Jax would turn his head to see where you were; the blush on his face now openly visible as a look of nervousness met your look of mischievous intent.

“H-Hey now,” Jax would stutter out as he squirmed his leg a bit out of instinctive anticipation, “Y-You back away frohohom there right now and get me outta he-GYEHAHAHAMP!”

The rabbit wouldn’t be able to finish his sentence as you quickly raised a hand towards his large paw; a paw utterly exposed with the help of the streamers that raised his leg…a perfect target. You had quickly directed your fingers to begin skittering right on the middle of the rabbits sole to test your hypothesis. You would skitter your five fingers along the soft but squishy surface; crawling along the defenseless spot like a spider trying to make a web. A web that was now squealing out in a newfound giggle fit, attempting to shake away the attacking spider that was your playful hand.

“Yohohoho-OHOHOHOHO JEHEHEH-EYAHAHAhahahaha-Jeheheheheheherk!” Jax would blurt as his giggles would turn into bouts of loud laughter for a few seconds at a time, his paw shaking and twitching in vain against your skittering fingers, “Geheheh-GEHEHEHEHET OHOHOHOFF’AHAHAHA TH-TheheheheheheHEHEHERE FAHAHAHAHA-#%@&!”

While you continued to skitter your fingers along the plushy sole of the squeaking rabbit; you’d take the time to look back over to his tail just to see if anything changed. Sure enough, the newfound tickling on Jax’s paw has sent a shockwave through his body, including that small adorable cotton ball behind him. The rabbit's tail was wagging almost a mile a minute, definitely much faster and prolonged than the original small bouts of movement that you saw beforehand. Regardless, that would give you more than enough proof to confirm your suspicions; which would only help in growing that impish smile on your face as you continued to skitter along the rabbit's paw.

“My My, I didn’t know that your tail could wag that quickly bunny boy~” You’d tease as your fingers began moving up from the rabbit’s sole and towards his toes, rapidly poking at each of the beans in rhythmic succession, “If I didn’t know any better…i'd say that you’re enjoying this~” You could practically see the moment that the rabbit's blush shifted to a deeper crimson when you teased out his secret enjoyment of the situation he was stuck in. It didn’t help that his laughter would become more bubbly and squeaky as his toes were now the victim of your ticklish scribbling. His paw would squirm from side to side in unavoidable vain while his head would twist and turn in flustered feedback from the ticklish onslaught. Jax would try to muster up a glare in response to your teasing proclamation; which had only lasted a few seconds before that wobbly smile returned on his face.

“MMMHMHMHMHMH-AHAHAHAHAHAHA IHIHIHIH-ITS NOHOHOHOHOHOHOT,” Jax shouted through his laughter while he continued to writhe in ticklish recoil, the blush on his face showing an almost comical amount of heated steam, “YOHOHO-YOU SEHEHEHEHEHEHE NOHOHOHOHOHAHAHAHAHAHATHIHIHIHIHING!” “Uhhhhh-huh, so you’re telling me that you would want me to continue tickling you then,” You’d respond as you with skitter your fingers on each of the rabbits toe pads in kind, “If you aren’t going to admit that i’m a better prankster than you should be able to take a whole lot more~” “SHUHUHUHUHUHU-EHEHEHEHEEK-SHUHUHUHUT UHUHUHUHUP, G-GEHEHEHEHET AHAHAHAWAY FR-ohohoho-FROHOHOM MIHIHIH-MY FOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOT!”

“Nooooot really helping your case here bunny boy, though you are pretty adorable when you’re laughing like that~” “IHIHIHIHIHIHI SAHAHA-SAID SHUHUHUHUHUHUT UHUHUHUHUHUP!”

You’d give off a playful snicker while relenting from the skittering onslaught that you subjected to the rabbit's foot; standing back up as you moved your hand away from his leg. That brief moment of reprieve allows you to hear the rabbit take a few short huffs of breath, giggles still lingering from his wobbly and unchanging smile. Hearing the rabbit’s genuine pure laughter was something you never thought you needed to hear, but it was an experience that you had to admit was downright adorable. But you decided that it was time to finish off your revenge; and you were gonna finish it with a bang that you knew the rabbit wouldn’t be able to handle.

From where you stood up, you’d begin to slowly walk around the rabbit once more, all the while letting a single finger take a gentle trace on the rabbit's ribs. That little motion would earn you a squeak from the trapped rascal as you finally stood a few inches in front of him; his bright blushing face and nervous wobbly smile now in full view for you. An almost devilish smile would beam on your face as you raised both of your hands so that Jax could see them, shaping your fingers into claws before scrunching and grabbing at the air just to rile him up. The action alone would send a visible shiver down the rabbit's body, but what you’d say next would be the real kicker to his already unbearable fluster.

“Last Chance Bunny Boy,” You began as you continued to claw and grab at the air inches away from the rabbits defenseless body, “Admit that you failed at being this big bad master prankster…or else you’re really gonna start squealing~”

You could tell that the threat left a potent effect on the rabbit’s nervousness; but at the same time you had begun to notice that the rabbit…wasn’t…squirming so much? Curiosity couldn’t help but brim in your mind as you tilted your head, still keeping that clawing teasing motion in the rabbit's view to keep him riled up. As you teasingly threatened him…you would see that Jax wasn’t…really trying to escape anymore; so much so that you had to question to yourself if you had already worn out the rabbit to exhaustion. But as you looked closer at his reactions, you would see that his blush was just as prominent…if not more so…as it was before; and that he wasn’t…stopping his tail from wagging. His wobbly smile would look up to you in turn after your threat, the fluster on his face showing as clear as day; but that face would also share another reaction, one that would show challenge…or rather…enjoyment. 

But what would surprise you the most…would be the words you’d hear from the rabbits mouth, showing nothing but…enjoyable defiance.

“Not…A…Chance…Dollface~”

It had taken a few seconds for you to register exactly what the rabbit said before you settled on the truth that the rabbit…really did enjoy this. It may have been an unexpected turn of fate for the both of you, yes; but it also seemed to be one that, while he looked peeved by, Jax actually didn’t mind much. In honesty you’d think he rather liked egging you on to get as mischievous as he does…and it looks as though he just found another way to do it…and one that he genuinely found fun. 

Though…it wouldn’t take long for that surprise to slowly shift into a more wickedly playful grin. Well…if the rabbit was so defiant as to want to be wrecked more…who were you not to oblige and give him what he wanted. 

“Fine then,” You declared with a impish snicker towards the bunny, your claws primed to strike at their prey, “Just know…I gave you a chance~”

With that declaration, you wasted no time in diving your hands right at the rabbits upper body before he could even register where you were targeting. 

You directed your left hand back towards the rabbits left side, a spot you had already attacked before sure, but you were banking on a new method in order to wreck the rabbit. With fingers already shaped into claws, you’d begin to squish and squeeze along the rabbits open side with devilish speed. To make it worse for the rabbit, you made sure that the squeezes would never stick to one place at a time; as you would move your clawing hand up and down the rabbits side at different intervals, just to keep the rascal guessing as to where you were gonna squeeze next.

While your left hand would attack and tend to the rabbits side, you would direct your right hand towards a spot that hadn’t been given any attention as of yet…and that would be the rabbits overall-covered belly. Once your hand touched down on the rabbits belly, you would begin to rapidly poke and prod at the cloth-covered spot, not showing an ounce of reprieve or mercy. Your movements were practically unpredictable as you skittered and spidered up and down along Jax’s stomach, never keeping that hand still as it circled almost every part of the spot. And while his stomach was indeed covered up by a piece of clothing, you had a feeling that the cloth would help in making that merciless skittering ever worse against the rabbit's soft fur just as the squeezing at his side was…

…And you were right.

“GYEEEEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Y-YOHOHOHU LIHIHIHIHIHITTLE SHIHIHIHI-@%#$@%-IHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHA!!!!”

The reaction was instant the moment you heard the resounding squeal echo around the walls of your room. Almost a second after your hands touched down on the rabbits torso he was already squirming and wiggling as a means to dodge the attacking hands before they struck. But his escapes would be in vain as the skittering and squeezing sent him into a full blown laughing fit. Jax would shake frivolously under your merciless touch, finding no amount of mercy through your attack, bucking and arching with every ticklish touch on his torso. Each squeeze up and down the rabbit’s side would result in a short squeal that would both grow his laughter and blush an octave before it goes back to its steady yet manic rhythm. The Skittering along his belly would make Jax keep that stream of laughter going the saw no true end, as the cloth that would brush with the help of your devilish fingers would send shivers along his once defended stomach.

And the only thing that made it much more merciless…was when you began to tease him. “Kitchie Kitchie koo bunny boy, I warned you i’d get you squealing~” You began as you rapidly squeezed the middle of Jax’s side while skittering his belly, “You know, I might just wanna keep you like this for a while, if you aren’t gonna give it up might as well right? Besides…I know you like this~”

“EEYEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OHOHOHO F-FAHAHAH-@&@*&#%-GEHEHEHEHEHET OHOHOHOHOHOFF,” Jax squealed out as he bucked from the squeezing as small tears started to form on the corners of his eyes, “P-PLEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA PLEHEHEHEHEHEASE IHIHIHIHIHHIHIH-I EHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHA CAHAHAHAHAHAHAHANT.”

“Begging Already? Awwwww I thought you were too proud for it~” You sang while moved both of your hands to claw feverishly along the rabbits belly, earning a little shriek from Jax as he arched and squirmed to see your teasing face, “Well you know what I wanna hear if you want this to end~”

“GYEHEHEEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHA Y-YOU LIHIHIHI-AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA PLEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHA I-IHIHIHI WOHOHOHOHONT—!!!”

“Sayyyyyyyy iiiiiiiiiit~” You would coo out as your hands began squeezing up and down the rabbits sides, its pace feverish and unpredictable, “coochie coochie coochie cooooooo~”

It would be that final tease and attack that would at long last break the camel's back. And despite his attempt to hold on as long as he could, the rabbit had no choice but to cut his losses.

“OHOHOHOHOH-OKAHAHAHAHAHAY OKAHAHAHAHAHAHAY,” Jax yelped out through echoing laughter and fluster, “THEHEHE-THE PRAHAHAHAHANK FAHAHAHAHAILED YOHOHOURE BEHEHEHEHETTER, YOHOHOHURE BEHEHEHEHETTER PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

At the sound of the words you wanted to hear, you’d give off a satisfied giggle of your own as you finally showed the trapped rabbit mercy. You’d move your hands away from the rabbits torso and take a few steps back as you looked at your handiwork once the wrecking subsided. Said handiwork resulted in a huffing and giggle-drunk rabbit that sat limp and exhausted in the tangle of streamers that kept him above the ground; a wobbly smile practically glued to his face, and a bright red blush to match it. All in all…not a bad job you did in getting your revenge; though there was still that part of you that wanted to make sure that you didn’t overdo it…just in case.

“You still alive there Jax?” You’d ask gently, empathy beginning to show through your impish expression as you looked towards the huffing and blushing rabbit.

A few seconds would pass without any response from the rabbit, which would begin to slightly worry you from the idea that you may have overdone it. However, those fears would soon be quelled when Jax would huff out a big sigh of air before flopping his head towards you. You’d be able to see that despite the exhausted and practically glowing blush on his face; that Jax wore a genuine, and rather satisfied, smile as he breathed out another giggle. “Yohohoho-you’re suhuhuch a jerk you know that?” The rabbit would respond with a rather smug tone despite the lingering giggle fit that elicited from his mouth.

You’d breathe an internal sigh of relief from hearing that signature smugness from the rabbit, absolutely relieved that you hadn’t gone too far with your own mischievous antics. That comment alone would also prove that…despite the ribbing that either of you pulled on each other…you still held a genuine connection of care, one that showed true when there were times those walls were able to come down. You would give an impish grunt and smirk towards Jax, crossing your arms in mock annoyance at the rabbits smugness. “Well it definitely doesn’t help that you’re around to influence it,” You responded before raising a brow to get one last rib on the rabbit, “Though it looks like you don’t really mind it now do you huh?~”

Jax would in turn squeak as his blush would give off a little glow of warmth, turning his head away in an attempt to hide the obvious truth of what you said. “We never speak of this to any of the others you hear me? Or else i’ll start planning my payback a little early~”

Hearing that little threat would make you blush a little, knowing well that the rabbit was always true to his word when it comes to pranking. However…despite it you couldn’t help but feel a bit…comfortable about it. You had never expected that a little slip up would turn into a discovery about the rabbit that proved to be rather enjoyable for the both of you. And while you two may still share in that impishness towards each other, you’d come to see that…through it…there can be a true friendship that can be born from it. Perhaps it was these very moments that made you realize that being in this digital plane…wouldn’t be as bad as you thought it was. “I make no promises on if they heard anything or not…but,” You’d give a gentle smile to the rabbit as you uncrossed your arms and a nod of agreement, “I won’t say a word bunny boy~” The rabbit would give a little sigh of relief as he looked back up to you, giving a small smile of his own…knowing that his secret was safe with you. “Good…now…with all that said and done–” Jax would motion to the streamers that he was tangled in, that smug smile returning after the fun that ensued from a bit of strung up luck.

Change…an ever existing force that, in one way or another, affects all life regardless of who they are. Sometimes change can be as big as the shifting of the stars themselves, or sometimes change can be as small as finding a new favorite snack to eat. It is change that can drive someone to venture into new horizons and learn about themselves and the world around them in ways they may have never imagined possible; a primordial feeling that embraces those that trailblaze towards those new horizons. But for some, embracing change can come with feelings of hesitation and confusion…where change might not be something fully prepared for….

For a certain individual, such feelings are so profound…that others would begin to notice it in turn.

“Is he still sitting there?” A soft pitched voice would ask in confusion

“Yeah…it doesn’t even look like he’s moving…like some sort of statue.” A mellow voice would respond with equal confusion

At the moment two individuals would be seen peeking through the door of the Astral Express’s party car, making every attempt under the stars to not look suspicious.

One individual was a girl with snow white hair with shades of pink at the end. At the moment, she was wearing a comfortable cyan t-shirt with matching cyan sweatpants with pink stripes on the sides. She was also wearing a pair of cyan slippers with the design of a blue bunny on the end of each of them. Mixed iris’s of cyan and pink would be looking outward to the party car; showing the ever growing curiosity of March 7th, the astral express’s resident photographer.

The other individual was a young man with light grey hair that complimented his golden colored eyes. He was wearing a light grey shirt under a black hoodie with gold stripes along the back of it. Black sweatpants would end with a pair of brown slippers with the design of a dark furred bunny with a red conductors hat at the ends of them. A comfortable yet chaotic type of fashion choice for Caelus, the newest trailblazer of the Astral Express crew…

Or…rather he was…if it weren’t for the newcomer that he and March were currently spying on. 

Said newcomer was that of a young man with fair cream colored skin. His hair was smooth and went as long as his shoulder, its color was that of pure silver, just as the unique pair of wings behind his ears were. Once more, a golden halo could be seen hovering behind his head in turn, a symbol of his heritage and connection to one specific path. At the moment, the man was wearing a blue fitted nightshirt with golden lines on the sides of it; matching blue and white night pants and loafers to go along with it. Navy blue eyes with golden irises would show an unchanging look of contemplation as March and Caelus observed the newcomer.

It had been about a few days since the Astral Express crew had welcomed Sunday to travel with them for the foreseeable. The once head member of the Oak Family has his fair share of history with the trailblazers…or rather…a fair share of bad history. Once upon a time; the Halovian would stand against the crew of the Astral Express under the following of The Order, and with the rest of the Oak Family, attempted to establish a paradise of eternal sleep through the revival of the fallen Aeon…with countless dreamers in Penacony seen as collateral damage. After a grueling conflict, the trailblazers would succeed in breaking Sunday free from the twisted visions of the Oak Family’s idea of a paradise. Though this was the last time the Halovian would see the trailblazers at the time, it would not be the end of his own journey. For it would be a blessing in disguise that Sunday would receive a chance at atonement by none other than the IPC; freedom exchanged for a single favor. When the deal was made; the former head of The Oak Family would go on one last odyssey in Penacony, bidding a final farewell to his home, his sister, and the demons of his past. With a newfound goal to find new meaning to build a true paradise; the Halovian would take his first step by asking to join the Astral Express crew on their voyage. 

From the get go, both March and Caelus were shocked that Sunday would want to join them just as much as the rest of the crew did. But it would be Caelus that saw the truth emanate from the Halovian’s words. And if the crew was able to welcome someone with a Stellaron residing within them with open arms, then welcoming someone trying to find atonement for his past actions would be no different! 

However, based on what the duo noticed, it looked as though the Halovian himself was still reeling from the newfound changes.

“Is he even blinking at all,” March whispered to Caelus as she squinted her eyes, “It doesn’t look like he’s moved an inch…”

Caelus would nod as he gauged that while the Halovian wasn’t moving an inch…he was luckily still blinking, “Just how long has he been-?”

“About three hours now,” A voice would answer the unfinished question with a disapproving tone, “two hours more from the hour you two had started to spy on him.”

Both Caelus and March would turn around to see the unamused face of the man who that voice belonged to. He was tall and rather slender with fair skin in turn; which complimented well with his black hair. At the moment he was wearing a casual green crew-neck sweater with patterns of white cherry blossoms at the bottom. Dark grey sweatpants would be worn on his lower half, all while a pair of green dragon slippers would be worn on his feet…one of March’s signature gifts. Blue eyes would look to the two trailblazers as the Express’s archivist would shake his head in disbelief.

“Dan Heng!” Caelus and March both shouted in surprise before covering their mouths so as to not rouse Sunday’s attention.

“What are you two doing?” Dan Heng would ask as he looked over to see the Halovian still unmoving before turning back to the duo, “you do realize that you two could be seen as incredibly creepy to him while he’s still trying to adjust right?”

March would huff at the archivist and cross her arms with an innocent expression, “We aren’t trying to be creepy, we just wanted to make sure that Sunday was okay so we…kept an eye on him…right Caelus?”

“It was all March’s idea,” Caelus would answer as he began to type on his phone, hoping to receive a message in turn while March gave a look of betrayal.

“In any case, you two really need to cut it out,” Dan Heng stated as he rubbed his forehead out of exhaustion, “he hasn’t moved from there for a while and looks to be in his thoughts at the moment.”

“Huh, How do you know that?” March questioned as she raised an eyebrow, “or were you also spying on him, that’s low even for you.”

“I wasn’t—listen,” Dan Heng started with a sigh as he looked to March and Caelus, “The conductor had been checking up on him the entire time he was sitting there, he’s been muttering about how he regrets what he had done to make his paradise…Pom Pom said his eyes looked watery.”

March’s expression softened as she looked back towards Sunday, uncrossing her arms as she rubbed her shoulder. “Well if I knew that I wouldn’t have spied for so long…poor Sunday,” March whispered as she tilted her head, “I know we were enemies and all but…no one deserves to feel that down on themselves.”

“Can’t really blame him,” Dan Heng responded as he leaned against the wall, “he’s going to be leaving the only home he knew after trying to resurrect a fallen Aeon, homesick might be the least of what he’s feeling right now.” 

“I just wish we could help him in some way,” March sighed with a slump, “But…I have no idea how…”

At that moment a ping could be heard coming from Caelus’s phone, and after a few seconds the trailblazer smiled at what he read, a smile that was laced with mischief.

“Actually,” Caelus mused as he turned his phone towards the other two, “I think I have a plan~”

As the other two trailblazers looked at the message Caelus read, their differing expressions told the story. March would share the same mischievous smile that Caelus had; while Dan Heng gave a disappointed frown.

“Oh this is perfect!” March exclaimed quietly with newfound giddiness in her voice.

“Please don’t tell me I’m getting dragged into this,” Dan Heng sighed, already knowing the answer.

“You have no choice!” Caelus answered with a smug smile

“It’s the three of us or not at all!” March added with her arms crossed 

“This is going to be…interesting” Dan Heng would mutter as the trio would discuss their newfound plan to bring a smile to their companion’s face.

____________

Sunday found himself feeling rather nervous as he started to approach the door to Caelus’s room. The Halovian received a text from the trailblazer that requested him to come to his room as soon as he could…or at least that’s what Sunday registered from a text that said “meeting in my room with March and Dan Heng, be there or be a curio” followed by a Pom Pom heart emoji. Sunday didn’t know what exactly this meeting would entail, the vote for the express’s next destination wasn’t set to happen until a few more days, so the reason for this meeting had puzzled him. Though he couldn’t help but feel as though this meeting had to do with his past with the express…finding himself worried that he was about to get an earful from the rest of the trailblazers. Despite that nervousness; Sunday knew he needed to atone for what he had done, and if that included being reprimanded within a meeting by the trailblazers, then he’d face it head on to make that new path for himself. After all…it’s what she would have wanted him to do…and what he wanted to achieve.

“Let’s just hope it doesn’t involve a baseball bat this time,” Sunday muttered with a little nervous shiver as he made it to the door to Caelus’s room, Taking a deep breath to ease himself before knocking.

“Come in!” Caelus’s voice would call out just a few seconds after Sunday knocked, had they been expecting him to arrive so quickly?

Sunday would put a pin in that question and he slowly opened the door and entered the trailblazer’s room. It was one of the most spacious rooms that the Halovian had seen on the express thus far; fitted with an entire kitchen and dining area, a memoriam section, and even a walk-in bathroom. Sunday would look over to the lounge area of the room and see not only Caelus sitting there, but March along with him as well. Just what was this meeting supposed to be about and…wait…where was Dan Heng?

“Glad you could make it Sunday,” Caelus spoke with a rather comforting tone as he motioned for the Halovian to sit on the large couch they were sitting on, “you can take the seat across from me and March if you want.”

“The pillows are extra comfy too,” March would add as she gave off a smirk of pride, “after all, I was the one to pick them out for his room~”

Sunday would give a nod to Caelus before making his way over to the couch, letting the door close behind him. The Halovian would cautiously begin to sit down on the couch, hints of worry still lingering in his mind. Though they would be dispelled for a moment once he felt himself sink into the cushioned pillows that filled the couch. March was right, these pillows were extra comfortable, perhaps Penacony could learn a thing or two from her sense of aesthetic…but that would have to wait.

“I appreciate that…but I’m curious as to what the purpose of holding this meeting is,” Sunday would ask as he looks to both Caelus and March each with concern on his face, “I hope I have not acted in some way to cause any complications for the express…”

“No no no! That isn’t what this meeting’s about at all!” March would answer with a sheepish wave of her hands before looking to Sunday with a softer expression, “we’re holding this meeting because…well…we wanted to make sure that you were okay.”

Sunday would blink at what March had said, not expecting that type of answer in the slightest, “to make sure that…I’m okay?”

“She’s right,” Caelus continued as he with a frown of care to the Halovian, “we’ve been seeing you down in the dumps for a while now and…we didn’t want you to feel isolated from the rest of us, you’re part of the crew now…and we do everything we can to ensure that each of us are taken care of and comfortable, including you.”

Sunday couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions as he heard the concerns of the trailblazers, unsure of even what to say. They weren’t wrong when it came to how he was feeling, the regrets of his actions under the followings of The Order had been hitting him rather hard during most of the day. Along with that, echoes of doubt had begun to ring in his mind, making him reconsider if joining the Astral Express was the right decision…especially after what he has put them through. Yet here they were now, worried about him when they had no need to worry…or rather…he didn’t want them to worry over something that wasn’t their responsibility to begin with.

“I…appreciate the concern,” Sunday began as he lowered his head in order to hide the small look of sorrow on his face, “I am just experiencing some…adjustment issues with joining the express…it is nothing major and nothing that you have to concern yourself with.”

“But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to help,” March would retort as she crossed her arms with a small pout, “in the entire time you’ve been on the express, I haven’t seen you show at least one smile!”

The Halovian tilted his head at that comment, his worry now turning into confusion, “but…I did smile when you all allowed me to join the express in the first place?”

“She meant a genuine smile,” Caelus noted with a shake of his head, “one that wasn’t forced while still feeling regret or guilt, or even one that wasn’t just to look good in the newspaper…a smile that comes from the heart…from genuine comfort and happiness.”

Sunday found himself staying silent for a few seconds; for not following the path of Harmony, these two were rather skilled in reading someone’s emotions. Regardless, he didn’t want to cause so much commotion over something so miniscule, there was no need for it in the first place in his mind.

“The concern that you two have is not lost on me, but I assure you that I’ll be okay,” Sunday conveyed with a monotone voice and expression, “it is nothing I cannot handle myself.”

If only Sunday knew at that time that saying those words would seal his fate, for the plan that the trailblazers had hatched would start to come to fruition. March and Caelus would look at each other with a nod before looking back to a rather confused Sunday. Their faces now showing rather impish looking smiles from what the Halovian said.

“Sorry Sunday,” Caelus said as he crossed his arms just like March did, “But we can’t let an answer like that slide~”

“Mhm, not by a long shot,” March agreed before looking above Sunday with a little giggle, “Dan Heng, if you please~”

Sunday wouldn’t have time to ask what March meant by that before he felt himself being grabbed from behind the couch. Two arms would wrap around the Halovian’s torso before moving upwards to raise his arms above his head. Sunday would turn his head as best he could in order to see what had grabbed him. Only to be met with the sight of a black haired man who now has him held in a full Nelson from behind the couch.

“D-Dan Heng!?” Sunday yelped as he attempted to squirm out of the Vidyadhara’s strong yet gentle grasp to no avail, “H-How did you…where did you even—”

“You’d be surprised how easy it is to be inconspicuous when hiding behind an open door,” Dan Heng stated plainly before giving a gentle sigh, “besides, I had to do this or else those two will let me have it worse than what you’re about to go through.”

In that very same moment, Sunday would turn his head to see both Caelus and March shifting over towards his side of the couch rather quickly. The grey haired man would situate himself on the Halovians right side with a grunt of content; While the pink haired maiden would plop herself on the Halovians left side with an impish giggle. Their smiles seemed to only grow with excitement as Sunday would find himself surrounded by the trio of mischievous trailblazers.

“Now don’t be so monotone about it Dan Heng,” March mused as she would pat Sunday on the leg impishly, “after all, our noble mission to see Sunday smile is something that only could be done by the three of us together.”

“Working together like this is where we thrive, such is the will of the Trailblaze,” Caelus mused while leaning on the couch next to Sunday, “and right now, our trailblaze mission is to see our new friend feel welcomed...and we know just how to do it~”

Sunday couldn’t help but feel himself grow nervous as his eyes darted towards each of the trailblazers as they talked. His mind was racing as to why they all conspired against him over something as trivial as a smile. Such a silly thing like a smile shouldn’t have to merit this much effort, especially not for someone like him. Once more, the Halovian felt his nervousness give way to a primal sense of curiosity…wondering what exactly Caelus meant when he said they knew how to make him smile.

“G-Guy’s listen,” Sunday attempted to reason with the trio as he shuffled in his newfound trapped position, “Th-there’s no need to resort to any drastic measures, I-I assure you I-I’m fine!”

“No can do Sunday, not until we see a genuine smile on your face,” Caelus retorted as he’d turn directly towards the Halovian, ready to put their plan into action, “I hope you don’t mind, but there's something we have to check first, just to make sure our plan goes off without a hitch~”

As the trailblazer spoke, he’d slowly extend an arm out towards the Halovian’s exposed side. Giving him no warning whatsoever, Caelus would let his hand grasp right on the middle of Sunday’s side, before giving a soft squeeze right on the shirt covered skin. It’ll be that single squeeze alone, would answer the one question that Caelus needed the answer to; as Sunday’s face would shift into one of impeached surprise, and a new sound would escape from between his lips…a rather curious sound.

“Gyehahahamph!” The Halovian squeaked out before closing his mouth as tight as he could, eyes widened from what Caelus had done as he looked to the trailblazer with newfound realization.

All the while, the trio of trailblazer’s would perk up from the squeak that echoed from the Halovian’s lips, realizing that their intel had been correct…perfect.

“So it is true,” Caelus mused with a softer…more teasing tone coming from his smile, “You are ticklish after all~”

Sunday would start to feel a fluster bubble up from within him as what the trio were going to do became clear. Sunday was in fact very…very sensitive in regards to ticklishness, so much so that it was one of his biggest weaknesses. But it didn’t make sense, the Halovian had kept his ticklishness under wraps from almost everyone who knew him, how were they able to figure out that he…wait a minute…she didn’t.

“W-Who told you?” was all Sunday could muster in regards to asking such a question towards the trailblazers.

“Let’s just say,” March would answer as her devilish grin gave way to an equally devilish giggle, “A little songbird told us~”

The Halovian made a mental note that if he ever returned to Penacony, he was going to make sure his sister would pay for such a betrayal tenfold. However, that wouldn’t help him now as March would place her hands on each of Sunday’s thighs, making him shiver from the initial touch. In a literal instant; March would begin to gently squeeze the Halovian’s thighs, ensuring her hand’s clawed with soft pressure right along the middle of such tender areas. Her fingers were nimble in their squishing, like gentle claws that didn’t scratch or dent, but felt unbelievably tickly on any sensitive skin they made contact with. 

This would be proven true Sunday felt his nerves flare as ticklish sparks coursed through his entire body, eliciting another squeal of surprise from the trapped Halovian. Sunday was doing everything in his power to keep his laughter from escaping, his lips already growing a wobbly smile as he shook his head in resistance, even going so far as stomping his feet just from instinctive reaction alone! To think that just one spot would make Sunday fight for his life not to break, he couldn’t be defeated this easily could he?

“G-Gyehehehehehahmph M-Maha-March Plehehehehehease,” Sunday stuttered out through his growing giggle fit in the midst of keeping his mouth closed, “Th-Thihihihihihihis ihi-is uneccessarihihihihihihi!”

“Oh I think it’s absolutely necessary Sunny~” March would retort with a playful coo, continuing to squish up and down the Halovian’s tender thighs with relative ease, “Who knew that someone so prim and proper could be so sensitive, I could only wonder where you’re most ticklish though~”

“Let’s find out,” Caelus would follow up with a giggle as he would extend his arms towards the giggling Halovian in turn with as much impish intent as March. 

It didn’t take long for Caelus to choose a spot to test out, extending his arms towards Sunday’s exposed torso, specifically, his ribs. The trailblazer would set his hands right on the middle of both of the Halovian’s sets of ribs; a rather cheeky smile on his face as he saw Sunday shake his head in protest…but he wouldn’t be able to stop it regardless. Not wasting another second, Caelus began to skitter his fingers along the Halovian defenseless ribs, fingertips typing up and down both sets as if the trailblazer was playing a piano. Every poke held enough ticklish pressure to bring about a new note of laughter from Sunday, even eliciting a few squeaks that blended perfectly in this mirthful melody.

“EYEHAHAHAHAHAHAH W-WAIT N-Nohohohohohohahahahahahaha!” Sunday squeaked out as he arched and bucked against the hold he was trapped in, trying to get away from the attacking fingers the best he could…all to no avail, “C-CahahahahahAHAHAHAELUHUHUS K-Knohohohohohohock it-gyehehehahahahaha-ohohohohohohohohoff!”

“Gotta hand it to your sister, she really knows how to inspire people to get into music,” Caelus cooed out in response as his fingers continued to poke at each of Sunday’s ribs one at a time, “I always considered learning to play the piano but never knew it could be this fun, who knew that your laughter sounded so melodic~”

“He’s probably been holding out on us all this time, shame on you Sunday,” March would add as she gave a few rapid fire skitters along the Halovian’s thighs as she continued to squeeze them, a playful frown on her face in the process, “You can’t just hide such a wonderful voice like that and get away with it, consider this your just deserts!”

“I…Don’t think you’re using the term right, March,” Dan Heng would sigh as he continued to hold Sunday within the full nelson, a small smirk form as he looked down to the laughing Halovian, “Although it is a rather endearing laugh to be kept hidden~”

As those teases invaded Sunday’s ears, he found his face starting to flare with growing fluster, his cheeks now starting to glow with a rather bright blush. The Halovian had only been tickled a rare few times in his life, but never had he found himself in such a predicament such as this one; the teasing itself made it even worse for the Halovian, making his laughter get bubblier with every word from the trailblazers. However, while he laughed himself silly from this devilish attack, Sunday found himself feeling rather…relieved? No…No that wasn’t right, he was trapped in the devious clutches of three people who wanted to tickle him to pieces all because they wanted him to smile, this was pretty much the equivalent of an unprovoked attack! But…why did he feel so…jumpy from something so simple and childish as tickling?

Why did he feel lighter than he was just a few hours beforehand?

Why did he feel so…happy?

Could he…Could he be beginning to like this?

“HEEYAHAHAHAHAHAHA P-PlehehehehahahaHAHAHAHASE I-I’LL SMIHIHIHIHIHIHILE,” Sunday would attempt to bargain through his laughter those four hands continued to strike at the poor Halovian, “J-JUHUHUHUHUST Cuhuhuhuhuhuhuahahahaha-Cut it ohohohohohohohohohohout!”

“Hmmmm, were getting warmer on where he’s most sensitive,” Caelus hummed as he started to poke between each of Sunday’s ribs, earning him a few more bubbly squeaks, “But I think he’s still holding out on us, but where would his sweet spot be?” The moment the question was asked, something rather unexpected would occur; something that would even make Sunday do a double take through his laughter, never believing for a second that it would happen. For a grunt from Dan Heng would catch the attention of both March and Caelus as they continued to play with the Halovian.

“I…may have a suggestion,” Dan Heng began as he looked away, trying to hide the small smirk on his face, “The archives held some information when it comes to Halovians, and some of the note’s on their biology state that the wings found behind their ears hold more nerves than other areas on the body…which in turn…makes them more sensitive.”

The way that Caelus and March’s faces lit up from hearing that piece of information was almost terrifyingly quick from Sunday’s point of view. Both trailblazer’s would turn to look directly at the Halovian, their smiles now wide with devilish intent, like a light bulb of mischief had just sparked within their minds. Sunday found himself starting to panic, knowing full well just what the two mischief makers were thinking as they both stopped their attacks for a moment.

“W-Wait Wait Wait,” Sunday stuttered out between rather panicked breaths, bucking in Dan Heng’s hold as best he could to escape, but finding the Vidyadhara’s hold unbreakable, “Y-You don’t have to do this, w-we can just let this go right? N-No need to take this f-further!”

Caelus would be the one to inch closer to the panicking Halovian, a soft gaze blending with the devilish smile on his face. He’d slowly reach a hand up towards Sunday’s left ear, reaching around until it was inches away from the small wing behind it, fingers wiggling in the air…itching to attack. The Trailblazers next words, while laced with genuine care, would seal the Halovian’s fate…a ticklish fate that he couldn’t escape if he tried. “Don’t be scared, all we want is for you to feel welcomed, you’re one of us now,” Caelus cooed with an impish giggle in turn, “So sit back, relax, and give us a smile now, won't you?~”

With those words said, Caelus’s hand would gently descend upon the Halovian’s quivering left wing. His fingers would take their time to slowly graze along the feathery fluff of the wing, their touch as soft as could be as to not induce any harm to such sensitive areas. The trailblazer was rather dexterous in their attack, his finger’s tracing along the fluff of the wing as if it were the most delicate of dances. The feathers were unbelievably smooth and silky, the equivalent of the softest fluffiest blanket that you could find in the universe. Such silkiness however, would come at the cost of unbelievable sensitivity, for a Halovian’s wings are one of their most delicate parts, and in turn…

“GYEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA N-NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

…were also the most ticklish.

Sunday practically exploded with laughter the moment those fingers touched down on his wing, his eyes widened as his body felt like it had been struck with lightning. The Halovian couldn’t hold back his laughter even for a second, as squeals would erupt from his lips as his blush would turn a deep scarlet. All the while, the three trailblazer’s looked on with amused surprise; seeing that Sunday’s face was now showing a rather wide, laughing smile.

“Awwwwww there's the smile I was looking for!” March would cheer as she’d use a single hand to continue to squeeze along the Halovian’s thigh, “It looks rather cute on you Sunday, and that laugh of yours is lovely to listen too.”

“NOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHA-NO IHIHIHIHIHIHITS NOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHAT!” Sunday tried to protest before whipping his head back in another bout of loud laughter brought from the tickling along both his thigh and his wing.

“She’s not wrong Sunny,” Caelus agreed with a cheeky giggle as he continued to let his fingers graze gently along the base of the wing, “Your laugh is simply too cute not to listen to, no wonder your sister said that it was as much of a treasure as your smile~”

“SIHIHIHIHIHIHILEHEHEHEHEHEHEHENCE!” The Halovian denied as he shook his head in protest…Aeons above why was this getting to him so much…and why was he having fun?!

“Little bit of advice, can’t really change their minds whenever they’re set on what they believe,” Dan Heng mused as he looked onto the scene with silent amusement, “Just gotta accept it for what it is, if they think you smile and laugh is cute, then that's what you’re gonna have to live with.”

At this point, all Sunday could do was laugh himself silly as the devious antics of the trailblazer’s had crumbled every bit of resilience that he had. The Halovian’s thoughts were in a whirlwind as fluster and relief would mix together in a feeling of confusion that he couldn’t understand for the life of him. The ticklish attack was absolutely maddening to Sunday’s senses, but at the same time, he felt like the stresses and regrets he felt were being lifted from his shoulders. Every new bout of laughter felt and sounded more vibrant than the last…more free…more genuine, and it really did make the Halovian feel…happy. But as much as these newfound feelings were impacting him, a more familiar feeling would start to weigh on Sunday, and that was exhaustion; And soon, the Halovian found himself needing to throw in the towel.

“AHAHAHAHA OHOHOHOHOHOKAHAHAHA-OKAHAHAHAHAY PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE,” Sunday squealed out as he quite literally tapped out on the couch cushion he was sitting on, “MEHEHEHEHERCY MEHEHEHERCHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIH PLEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAAHA!”

All three trailblazers would note the exhaustion that came from the Halovian’s plea, along with seeing how he was tapping his hand on the cushions, it was obvious that he had enough. With a collective nod; Caelus and March would slow their ticklish onslaught until both of them reached a full stop. Cealus would retract his arms from the Halovian and return to leaning on the couch, while March would let her hand rest on his thigh as she started to give a gentle massage along the tickle tendered spot. Dan Heng would also release the full Nelson he trapped Sunday in, walking around so that he could sit on the couch with the rest of his companions; making sure to keep watch on Sunday’s condition just in case.

“Alright now, there we go,” March would hum softly as she continued to massage the Halovian’s thigh, a soft look of concern on her face as she did so, “I hope we didn’t overdo it…did we?”

“I don’t think we did,” Caelus responded as he patted the Halovian’s shoulder gently, “You okay Sunday?”

Sunday found himself slumping on the couch the moment he felt himself be freed from the full nelson, deflating like a balloon as he reeled from the aftermath of the tickle attack. He’d still feel the phantom tingles course through his body as residual giggles would continue to sputter out from his lips, his smile almost stuck to his face just as his blush was. It was only when March began to massage his thigh that the Halovian was able to start catching his breath, taking in slow huffs of air as he tried to regain his composure. He’d take a moment to look up to each of the trailblazer’s, seeing the concern on their faces as they ensured that he was okay, did they…really care about him that much?

“Ihihi-I am fine,” Sunday would stutter out as slowly sat up on the couch, “J-Juhuhuhuhust n-need to get my bearings after…all that.”

The trio of troublemakers would breathe a collective sigh of relief from hearing what Sunday said, glad that they didn’t go too far with their impish antics to hurt their new companion…that would be the last thing that they would have ever wanted.

“His breathing seems to be steadying, so he wasn’t pushed past exhaustion,” Dan Heng noted with a shimmer of care in his eyes, “You two have gotten good at knowing when someone's limits have been reached.”

“Well yeah,” Caelus noted as he flashed a smug look towards the Vidyadhara, “You were a big help in making that possible~”

Dan Heng’s eyes would widen a little before he turned away to clear his throat, his face showing traces of a rather small blush from Caelus’s comment, “We…do not need to bring that up.”

Caelus and March would laugh as Sunday looked on to the scene playing out in front of him, unable to stop himself from feeling a soft warmth within his soul. The Astral Express crew cared for each other more than usual friends would…no…they treated each other like a family. Each of them ensured that one another felt like they belonged, that they didn’t feel left out or isolated; even though their past and paths were all different, they all shared the spirit and heart of the Nameless. Now, Sunday was one of them, they treated him like one of them…even if he wasn’t a true nameless…they all wanted to give him that second chance. The Halovian’s smile started to show its true genuine warmth as he realized what he had been given…was this what true Harmony felt like?

“Thank you all…for making me feel welcomed,” Sunday would look up to the trailblazers as that genuine smile shined for the three of them to see, “I am forever grateful for you all giving me this second chance.”

The Trailblazers would return a smile towards the Halovian as they collectively decided to hang out in Caelus’s room for the rest of the evening. Dan Heng would prepare something for the four of them to eat while March was in charge of picking a video game for the four of them to play. All the while Caelus would take out his phone and send a final text to their messenger bird before spending some time with their newfound companion.

The Still Darkness

The Purest Quiet

The Absolute Peace 

Within each and every aspect it has, many would come to believe that the night would be something that was highly welcomed after the hustle and bustle the day can bring. It would be a time where one would be able to bring themselves to rest after venturing to parts unknown, relaxing from a long day at work, or even just a simple reprieve from the chaos that the day can bring. For many souls, the night was something appreciated when a moment of serenity and calm was needed. Though of course…that wouldn’t always be the case when it comes to some individuals…especially for those whose minds are the loudest when the rest of the world is quiet.

Such would be the struggle that one individual was currently facing as he sat on the ground within a forest clearing, looking outwards to the hillside he had made camp on for the night, the moon gazing back at him with its ivory light. 

The individual in question was that of a tall yet thin young man who was fair skinned despite looking a bit pale at first sight. He had long, flowing tea green hair that was currently tied in his signature low ponytail style…though the shorter streams of his hair would frame his face. At the moment he was only wearing a black t-shirt as a top due to his white mid-sleeved overshirt currently being dried from being washed. A pair of beige skinny fit pants would be worn with a set of cider green sandals to compliment the comfortable style of his nightwear. Of course that wouldn’t stop the individual from wearing his signature white and black fitted cap on top of his head; along with his signature blue and black pendant that he was always seen wearing around his neck. A golden cube with a black center would be seen within the individual’s hand as he raised it up towards the moonlight. Ocean blue eyes would look towards the cube with a mixture of emotions…seemingly telling a story within his own mind without saying a word.

Once upon a time, a prophet proclaimed that the man known as N would be destined to become a proud and kind king. He promised that the man’s dream of happiness for all pokemon would be realized by the power of his ideals. He molded the man into becoming the legendary hero that he preached Unova needed; guiding the man towards the future he only dreamed of. However…the prophet would reveal his true colors…deceiving N for his own personal greed. Twisting the man’s innocent wishes and dreams into a distorted vision of power and control over the entire region. It was only through the efforts of souls that pursued their own truth that the man’s ideals were untangled from the prophet's grasp. Thus would the man decide to venture into the world in order to learn more about the truth of his own dreams…to understand what he had been missing for most of his life…and to atone for all that he had done under the prophet's influence.

Throughout this new adventure, N had come to learn about the true nature of the connection between people and pokemon. Within the lands he ventured into; he would see how trainers form such strong bonds with the pokemon they come to meet. Within stadiums and arenas across the world; he would see how the pokemon battles he despised so much as shaped courage and strength within the hearts of the pokemon that battle with their trainers. Everywhere the young man went, he'd come to see just how much both Pokemon and People thrive from being together…how much they cared about one another. And in nights just like this one, under the seclusion and quiet of the stars, was where the young man’s thoughts would ring resoundingly.

“No matter where I went…their voices never spoke of anguish or pain…” N would mumble to himself as he’d look at his cube in the gleam of the moonlit sky, his eyes shrouded with confusion, “the voices of the pokemon I would listen to have never lied…and even now they showed no hatred towards their trainers…they were happy, content, even fulfilled…”

As N would continue to mumble to himself, his eyebrows would begin to furrow as he’d set his cub down. Looking at the grassy landscape below him as he recalled all that he had seen on his journey thus far. Recollection that wouldn’t come without a feeling the young man knew too well…regret.

“If I followed through with the guidance of-” N stopped himself…unable to muster himself to say the name of the prophet they deceived him, a shaky breath leaving his lips before he continued, “I would have robbed all those pokemon of the happiness they all have seemed to found…but why…what could muster such profound love? What could have made it worth it to give up their wild free lives?”

The young man would clutch the cube in his hand as a wave of emotions started to stir within his heart and mind. Anger from being fooled by the deceiving prophet, Sorrow for not understanding why pokemon were so happy being with people, and most of all…remorse for what he would have done if he truly became King of Unova. Voices would ring within the young man’s head; echoes and whispers of his former followers, those who swore loyalty under the banner of Plasma, and one voice that outspoke them all.

We stand with you against the oppression of those undeserving of having Pokemon!

“I would…”

You truly are the one capable of bringing this cruel world to order!

“I would have…”

Together…we will liberate them all from the privilege they do not deserve…and together…we will make your ideals a reality~

“I…” N would whisper through his lips, as small tears began to escape the corners of his eyes…with a small droplet splashing onto the cube, “I would have been just like him…and taken away something that so many people cared about, how could I have been so blind…”

Just as N felt himself start to succumb to his own thoughts, a soft rustle would be heard from behind him. It was faint at first and easily dismissable…until it started to sound louder and…closer? The young man would perk his head up in alarm as he’d turn himself around to see what was causing the disturbance. But he was left unprepared for what would welcome his gaze when he did so.

“Who is-?”

The moment N would turn around, his ocean blue eyes would meet the gaze of…another identical pair of ocean blue eyes…followed by an identical head of tea green hair…followed by an identical face that looked right back at him.

“What the-!”

N couldn’t help but stumble back a little as he saw his own figure looking back at him; currently kneeling on the grassy floor below them. It was like looking into a mirror that decided to give life to his own reflection for crying out loud! Anyone in their right mind would have been scared stiff by the sudden appearance of an exact copy of yourself! But just as quickly as he found himself surprised did the young man just as quickly realize what had happened…as his eyes would squint in disappointment from the true culprit of this prank.

“Was that really necessary when it came to getting my attention,” N would huff out as he recovered from the sudden scare, making sure to keep his head down in the process, “You could have just said something instead, Zoroark.”

The doppelganger would give an impish giggle behind their hand before jumping up into the air in front of N as a glowing magenta light enveloped the entirety of their body. Once they landed back on the ground, a doppelganger wouldn’t be standing in front of the trainer, but rather a pokemon that belonged to him. The pokemon in question was that of a bipedal, fox-like being with crimson and black accents in her fur. She was rather large in comparison to N but not overwhelmingly tall when standing next to him. She had a large red mane of fur atop her head that held black tips within its ponytail shape; a teal bangle making up the item that tied the mane together in that specific style. Her upper arms were of a thin shape while her lower arms are much bulkier; three crimson red claws could be seen shimmering upon her hands and feet. A pointed snout would twitch a little as the pokemon’s blue iris eyes looked on with curiosity at the rather peculiar position of her trainer.

Zoroark was one of the first pokemon that N had ever befriended, long before he even became a legitimate trainer within the Unova Region. He had known the illusion pokemon from the days when she was a Zorua; living together in the forest when he was but a child, and staying by his side during his false journey to kinghood. Zoroark had been by her trainer's side through every up and every down he had during the entirety of his life…and she had come to learn how to read the enigmatic young man very well. 

Right now, the vulpine pokemon was squinting her eyes with a hint of curiosity to her trainer's current condition…more specifically…the little specks of water she caught sight of on the sides of his face. She would give a little growl of concern as she inched closer towards N from where he was sitting.

N would quickly notice his partner’s gaze towards his bubbling tears as he’d turn his head away from her equally as quickly, wiping them away from his face to hide the evidence of his true emotions. 

“I-It is nothing to be concerned about, just staring too long at the moon is all,” N attempted to lie to Zoroark as he’d look back towards his partner with a small faux smile, “I am fine, no need to be worried…”

Zoroark would in fact start to worry as her trainer's attempt at dismissal was rather lackluster in comparison to the visual evidence before her. She has come to know that N has a difficult time expressing his more…personal…emotions; instead of talking about them to someone, pokemon or otherwise, he’d instead bottle it up and place blame of his struggles on him alone…even when he wasn’t at fault. What is worse is that the struggles that the young man had been recently facing had only served to strengthen that habit of his; placing the blame of the hurt that Team Plasma wrought upon the region in his hands when he had not been the one responsible for it! Zoroark wished that she could have protected her beloved friend from all the lying and trickery that was used against him by that vile false prophet and the organization that used him. N was an individual that wished to see the good in the world he lived in, wanting to see the genuine happiness of pokemon blossom into something truly eternal, but his happiness was just as important…and right now…the vulpine pokemon wanted to make sure that her friend knew that. 

Zoroark would take a moment to approach N slowly and sit herself down beside him on the grass; She’d then lean her head against the young man's shoulder before turning to get a clear view of his face. Just as she suspected, no matter how hard N tried to hide his grief from others, he couldn’t truly get rid of the marks that those tears left behind on his cheeks. The vulpine pokemon’s face would soften to that of genuine worry as she’d give out a soft growl towards N, and while normal humans wouldn’t be able to understand it, the special young man was able to hear the words that such a growl was trying to resonate.

“You don’t have to hide how you’re feeling, you know…” He could hear Zoroark attempting to say.

N couldn’t help but wince at that growl as he’d lower his head in shame, unable to stop a few residual tears from falling from his eyes onto the floor below. He was good at hiding his emotions from others, he’d had done so more times than he could count, but he could never lie about them…especially to his own pokemon…especially to Zoroark. He never wanted his pain to be something others felt like the need to deal with, he didn't want others to feel like they had to shoulder the burdens he carried, especially after everything that had transpired with the false prophet. Though that didn’t resolve the fact that he was rather terrible at hiding his emotions for long…and right now…that fact was rather evident in Zoroark’s eyes.

N would wipe the tears from his cheeks before looking at his friend with a soft sigh, “I’m sorry for hiding it…I just…with everything that has happened, I can’t help but feel responsible. All those trainers in Unova, much less the world, if he…if he succeeded and used me to rid all of those trainers of their pokemon…”

Zoroark would huff out in protest as she nudged the trainer’s shoulder, looking at him with compassionate eyes that told him that it wasn’t his fault in the first place.

“I know, I know, in the end such a vile plan didn’t come to pass…and I’m grateful for that,” N would reply before looking towards the moon in front of him with a solemn frown, leaning against Zoroark’s shoulder close to her mane, “I just wish I wasn’t so gullible to have fallen for his lies…I could have stopped all of this before it even began…and that is where I feel like I failed…” 

The vulpine pokemon couldn’t help but resonate with the grief that her friend was feeling, for she wanted nothing more than to protect him from the harm that vile man put him through. Just as he felt like he failed in stopping the prophet, she felt like she failed in protecting the one human she deeply cared about; and she wasn’t going to let him wallow in his grief alone, not when she is there to remind him that he isn’t to blame. Zoroark would nuzzle her face close to the young man’s cheek before giving a soft purr that reverberated against him…a pleasant feeling that helped soothe his grief if only for a moment. N would keep his gaze towards the moon…but he’d let a hand make its way towards the base of the pokemon’s neck…giving a gentle scritch of affection in return.

“Thank you, my friend,” The young man whispered as he’d give a mellow sigh, “Despite everything that has transpired, I am glad that you are still with me through it all, I am forever grateful…truly…”

Zoroark would give a small chirp in response to N’s kind words, happily receiving the scritches from her friend as she continued to nuzzle into his cheek. As she was doing so however, she wasn’t aware that her soft mane was nearing the base of the young man’s neck. So as the vulpine pokemon continued to nuzzle gently into the young man’s cheek, her soft mane would soon find itself beginning to slowly graze against his neck in the process, tracing along the base of the exposed surface it was against. And it would be that gentle graze in turn that would set off a rather…intriguing…reaction from the young man.

“M-Mhmhmmfff O-Oh goodness,” N would squeak as he’d scrunch his head a little in reaction to the sudden feeling against his neck, “Z-Zoroark h-hohohold on…”

Zoroark would perk up as she heard the sudden change in her friend's voice, taking a moment to look up towards N’s face for any trouble. But what the pokemon would see didn’t seem to be any trouble in her eyes, rather, she saw a small smile beginning to grow on the young man’s face…and…was that a blush on his cheeks? Zoroark would give a little growl in response to the young man’s reactions, tilting her head wondering what had caused him to get so jumpy.

N in turn would find himself blushing more as he realized how he reacted when he felt his partner’s mane on his neck. He’d shiver a little before giving a sheepish smile as he’d rub the spot on his neck where he felt that gentle graze, as newfound fear began to push into the forefront of his mind; but the fear the young man was feeling didn’t come from danger, rather it came from a very…flustering…aspect of himself. The truth was that N was fairly…very…sensitive, specifically…when it comes to being ticklish, and this was a truth all of his pokemon knew of. But none of the young man’s pokemon knew that truth better than Zoroark, and it wouldn’t take long for the pokemon to realize when he was feeling ticklish during any given moment, and this was one of those times. N’s only hope was to downplay his friend’s curiosity by giving some excuse from the top of his head…that should work…right?

“U-Um…i-it was nothing,” N would stutter out as he’d look away from the vulpine pokemon in an attempt to hide the evidently growing blush on his face, “J-Just felt a chill on the back of my n-neck is all, the wind was feeling a bit tickli-”

N stopped himself before he finished his sentence, but his realization would come too late; as he looked back towards his vulpine friend, he’d see the smile that began to grow on her face. Even if he didn’t finish the word, two and a half syllables were enough to get the message across to Zoroark, like a switch that didn’t need much effort to be flipped. The young man would see his friend slowly rise from where she was sitting, snickering with rather devilish intent, as she began to step closer and closer towards him. N in turn would begin to back up farther and farther from the pokemon, knowing that the gears were beginning to turn in her head, but never truly gaining any ground from her as she continued to approach.

“N-Now Z-Zoroahahark, h-hold on a m-minute,” N would try one last time to talk his way out of facing his partner’s fury, a wobbly smile on his face as he found himself stumbling while he inched away from her, “Th-Their’s no need to do anything r-rash now, s-so don’t get any ideas and–”

Alas, N’s final attempt at peace would be in vain as he’d soon find himself being tackled down to the ground by his partner; letting out a yelp of surprise as Zoroark would pin the young man under her, somewhat straddling his thighs with her weight. The vulpine pokemon was surprisingly heavy despite how lean her body looks, rendering any attempt by the young man useless as he’d wiggle underneath his friend to no avail. As N would come to realize that he had no true means of escape, he’d slowly look back up towards his impish partner as a sense of “dread” began to loom over him. The vixen’s eyes sparkled with pure mischief, as she raised her arms into the air in front of her trainer, those glimmer crimson claws beginning to slowly wiggle in a very threatening manner that would seal his fate.

“W-Wait wait wait Z-Zoroark please you don’t need to–GYEHAHEHEHEEK!”

Zoroark wouldn’t give N any more chances at negotiation as she’d quickly dive her arms down towards him to begin her attack on her newfound victim. She would set those crimson claws to start lightly fluttering against the shirt covered surface of the young man’s sides. The mischievous vixen would ensure that while her claws were sharp, her movements would be soft and delicate against her trainer's sensitive skin as she moved them slowly up and down his sides with energetic glee. Over the course of their time together, Zoroark had come to learn just how to break down the walls that her N’s reserved nature had built; and it wouldn’t take long for him to give the reaction she wanted, as a flurry of squeaks would begin to rupture from the young man’s lips.

“Ehehehehehehehemph! N-Nohohohohohahahahahahahaha,” N would bubble as he’d squirm from those devilish claws in vain attempt to avoid their teasing touches, only to find himself being drawn closer to each set as they gently dug into his delicate sides, “Z-Zoroahahahahahark p-plehehehehehehehehehehahahahahah ohohoho gohohohohohosh!”

Now this wasn’t the first time that N had fallen victim to his partner’s mischievous tickle attacks, and more than likely wouldn’t be the last either, but he couldn’t help just how sensitive he felt when he was at the mercy of her wrath. Over the years she’s come to learn just how to push his buttons, figuratively and literally, to the point that it takes little effort to get him giggling from the get go. Her claws would skitter gently down towards the young man’s hips before moving back up to his lower ribs, continuing that pattern until she stopped to focus her efforts on the middle of his sides. Even with his shirt protecting his bare sides it made no difference to how ticklish the sensation was regardless. The smile on his face was only matched in light with the blush across his cheeks, as he found it hard to repress the torrent of giggles from his throat…and yet…he wasn’t necessarily against such either.

“L-Lihihihihihistehehehehehehehehen w-wehehehehehe cahahahahahan d-dohohohoh somethihihihihihing ehehehehehehelse!” N would plead through his giggles as he shook his head as the ticklish sensation of those delicate claws coursed through his entire body, trying to use his hat to shield his blush from his partner, “Ihihihihihi feheheheheheel-ehehehahahaha nohohohot thehehehere-Ihihihihihihi’m fihihihihihihihine I prohohohohohohomihihihihihise!”

Zoroark didn’t heed her trainer’s false pleas as she continued to let her claws skitter along his sides for a few more minutes before slowing her movements down; eyeing up and down the young man’s body as if she was scouting where to strike next. The answer to that question would come as the pokemon would snicker under her breath as she moved her claws down towards the hem of the trainers shirt. N’s eyes would widen instantly as he’d realize what she was planning to do, as he felt his only means of protection being raised slowly but surely…until he could feel the brisk night wind brushing against his bare stomach. 

The trainer wouldn’t even get a chance to protest before he felt just one of the trickster’s crimson claws begin to trace along the middle of his stomach. The motion of that claw was slow…fluid…like it was mapping out the entirety of the young man’s stomach in a quest to find the sensitive treasures hidden within it. Every shiver, every squirm, every wiggle that the young man couldn’t help but elicit wouldn’t hinder the claw’s journey; as she’d keep the agonizingly slow movement constant as she explored the defenseless canvas before her. N couldn’t help but whine as his giggling became much bubblier from that single method alone, it was tortuous how just one claw was all it took to melt him to a giggly puddle! Yet in the back of his mind, the young man knew that his partner could do worse, much worse.

“Nyehehehahahahaha-EHEHEHAHAHAHA-nohohohohoahahahaa nohohohohohot the behehehehelliehehehehehehe cohoho-cohohome ohohohohohohon!” N would whine as he peaked up to see Zoroark’s impish smile looking down at him…which would only make him hide his blushing giggly face under his hat once again, “Geheheheh-Gehehehehehet ohohohohohout ohohohohohof thehehehehehere yohohohohohou meheheh-mehehehehehenahahahahahahce!”

Zoroark couldn’t help but smile as she saw her trainer in such an adorable position, unable to hide his laughter and smiling like the dork that he was, this is what she treasured close in her heart. The pokemon had seen the joy that came from N when he interacted with pokemon…how their happiness truly resonated with his own joy. Something like that was truly one in a million in the trickster’s eyes, it was that happiness and kindhearted spirit that forged the close relationship that she had with the young man in the first place. After everything that they had been through with the rest of their friends, Zoroark could see that N’s light was dimming from those who’d dare harm his kind ideals, and she feared that it wouldn’t even exist by the end of the tragedies they faced. It was in moments like this that she was relieved to see that the light she saw within N time and again never truly dim…and even more grateful that she was able to make it shine even bright by being by his side.

However, that wouldn’t excuse that little comment her trainer made when it came to her oh-so gentle method of fun. She wasn’t being a menace at all; All she wanted was to see her trainer smile and laugh after everything that he went through! But if N really wanted to see just how much of a menace she could be…Zoroark knew the perfect way to make that happen. The trickster would take a moment to stop the lone claw right on the middle of the young man’s belly, making him squeak in turn from the sudden shift in movement. And before the young man could even take a peak as to what the pokemon was planning…

He would feel another claw touch down on his skin…

Oh no

And another one…

Oh Arceus No

And another one…

She wouldn’t dare do that

And another one…

She would

This would continue on until N could feel all six of Zoroark's claws touch down on his defenseless stomach…and just sat there…motionless…like a beast preparing for the right moment to strike. The young man would slowly raise his hat to be able to see his partner…only to be met by the wide smile of mischief plastered on her face…and her glimmering eyes that were fueled by trickery. No amount of convincing would be enough to even have a chance at stopping Zoroark now, N knew that, so there was only one thing that he could think of to say at this point.

“Oh…Arceus…”

Such would be the last words spoken by the young man before he would squeal out in pure mirth. Without warning, Zoroark would begin to scribble all of her claws right onto the middle of N’s belly, lightfully poking and prodding upon every inch of bare skin she could touch. Her claws were like miniature drills that were looking to excavate the treasures that she had mapped out with that lone claw…and it seemed as though she hit the goldmine. No matter where the trickster’s claws dug, the same result was produced.

Laughter…Pure…Unriblidled…Unrestrained…and Absolutely Adorable Laughter

“EYEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOH GOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOSH NOHOHOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

N had shattered, the walls that he kept up well were completely broken by his partner’s hands, and they weren't being repaired anytime soon. He was bucking and squirming under Zoroark’s weight, instinct taking the wheel as he’d trying to escape his partner's grasp; alas, his attempts at escape would prove futile against her merciless attack. The smile on N’s face was practically beaming with pure mirth as his hat wasn’t enough to hide the bright blush that was plastered across his cheeks. His laughter was as bright as it was vibrant, piercing the quiet of the forest night with its joyful reverberations spreading across the clearing. It was evident enough that N’s stomach was one of his most sensitive spots, but if there is enough pressure and dexterity added to the tickling, it could pretty much be labeled as his sensitive spot number one. And unfortunately, or rather fortunately, for N…Zoroark had come to learn just how to make such a miracle happen. Yet despite it all, the joy that the young man was feeling, it was genuine…it was pure…it was euphoric…and it was helping.

“GYEYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA NOHOHOHOH NOT THE DIHIHIHIHIHIGGING NOHOHOHOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHEHEHE DIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIGGIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHING!” N would squeal as he tried to push and bat his hands at his partners arms to disrupt her attack…although his attempts were hardly genuine if one looked hard enough, “THAHAHAHAHAHA-THATS NOHOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHAT FAHAHAHAHAHAHAIR EHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEEK!”

The trickster would give a growl of amusement at her trainer’s plight before deciding to up the ante just a bit more. As she continued to gently drill her claws along the middle of the young man’s belly, she’d direct one of her claws to target a fairly specific spot, the young man’s navel. Not giving him a chance to register the change in her tactics, Zoroark would gently dig that claw into N’s navel as she would drill with the same ticklish pressure as she was using for the rest of his belly. At the same time, the vixen would lean down towards N’s face and press her nose right onto the base of his neck; she would then begin to nuzzle her face right along the defenseless surface of his neck, allowing bits of her mane to brush along the sensitive skin just as it did at the start of this playful game. To make things even worse for the young man, the trickster would begin to purr deeply, allowing her fur to brush and vibrate against his skin as she was nuzzling him. 

Needless to say, the combination of all of these devilish methods was enough to melt the poor trainer completely, and he knew that despite how much he enjoyed this game, he needed a moment to breathe….thus he decided to throw in the towel.

“GYEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH OHOHOHOKAHAHAHAHAY, OHOHOHOHOHOKAHAHAHAHAY!” N squealed out as he scrunched and shook his head against the playful nuzzling of his devilish partner, tears of mirth bubbling up from his closed eyes, “I GIHIHIHIHIHIVE, IHIHIHIHIHIHI-EHEHEHEHAHAHA-IHIHIH GIHIHIHIHIHIVE, MEHEHEHEHERCY ZOHOHOHOROAHAHAHARK, MEHEHEHEHEHERCHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIH!~”

Zoroark was quick to understand that her trainer was reaching his breaking point and knew it was time to call it quits. After a few more minutes of merciless belly drilling and neck nuzzling, the trickster would slow her attack until it was at a full stop, sparing the young man from any more tickling. She still laid herself against N’s chest as she snuggled up to her trainer, eliciting a soft purr to help soothe him from any phantom sense he might be feeling. Zoroark would look up towards her trainer's face, soft concern on her face as she made sure that he was okay.

From the moment the tickling subsided, N would flop back onto the grass behind him, huffing out breaths of air while recovering from his partner's merciless attack. He could still feel his stomach tingling even after Zoroark moved her claws away from it in order to snuggle him. After a few more minutes of regaining his composure, the young man would look down towards his partner and see the concern on her face, how she cared about him even after tickling him senseless. N couldn’t help but feel his wide smile shift into a soft grin, realizing that despite everything that had transpired, he was never alone on this newfound journey; and regardless of what may come his way, he would always have friends that would make sure that he still had joy through every step of the way. The young man couldn’t help but feel a few more tears drip from his eyes as a small sniffle ruptured from his nose; this made Zoroark nervous but N would easily calm her nerves by gently stroking her mane.

“D-Don’t worry, I’m okay, I promise,” N would whisper with a soft hum as he assured his partner with that soft smile plastered on his face, “I just…forget how it felt to let go of my worries for a while and just…smile…I honestly…really needed that…thank you Zoroark.”

Zoroark would smile and purr happily as she snuggled closer to her trainer after hearing what he had said. She felt relieved that she was able to bring that joy to someone she cared about so much, and no matter what they may face in the future, the two of them along with the rest of their friends would face it with light in their souls and smile on their faces. And should that light ever fade a little…well…she’d personally ensure that there is always a chance to bring that light back even brighter than before. Something that would hold true as Zoroark heard her trainer stammer a little as he stopped stroking her mane, making her look up to him with newfound curiosity.

“Y-You know,” N would find himself stuttering out as he’d look away, a small smile on his face as he did so, “I-I don’t see myself sleeping anytime soon because of that stunt you pulled…b-but if…if you wanted to continue I…maybe…wouldn’t mind a bit more–”

The young man wouldn’t need to say anything else before he found himself being tackled down to the ground once again, squealing out joyously as his partner would grant his wish for round two. It was then that N would come to realize just what made the bond between humanity and pokemon so special…and ironically enough…it was the very same thing that made the bond between him and Zoroark so strong.

How? How did he get so stumped?

“Shadow Milk?

How? How did he get caught off guard by someone so naive yet so…sweet?

“Are you listening, Shadow Milk?”

How? How was so…lucky…to be able to befriend the two most oblivious…selfless…stubborn…endearing–?

“Milly?”

That nickname was all it took to snap the heterochimic eyes of a certain cookie out of the trance they had found themselves in; a pair of eyes that were seemingly staring into space…or rather…staring at something more important than the current conversation being had with the other two cookies that were in the room with him.

The ditsy looking cerulean and cyan heterochromic eyes would belong to a cookie whose flour was that of a soft powdered blue. His sharp and glossy black and blue hair akin to a jester's hat would be flowing behind him…with eyes on its blue underside that were currently looking fairly ditsy as well. At the moment, the cookie looked to be wearing a rather simple yet comfortable outfit, which in of itself, would be a very strange thing to see when it comes to this particular jester. Such an outfit consisted of loose fitting dark blue sleep shirt that was patterned in black diamonds, with one diamond showing a bit of his midriff; along with a pair of black wool sleep pants that were patterned with blue stripes, matching well with the dark blue slippers he had on his feet. The final piece of clothing would be found within a silver broach that he connected to his shirt with his magic for comfort's sake; that broach in turn would house a cyan gem shaped like an ice cream cone, with a single opened eye to reveal the Light of Deceit. 

If Shadow Milk Cookie was honest with himself, and he was always honest, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, he really should start putting more consideration into what he offers others before he offers it in the first place. A lesson that holds especially true in moments where he seems to be making a few new…discoveries…when it comes to his own emotions. Emotions that revolved around the two cookies that were currently sitting within his library a few inches away from him on a bundle of blankets and pillows that Shadow Milk himself had brought for this fairly…unexpected…occassion.

“Are you feeling okay Milly? You seemed to be lost in thought for a moment?” The cookie on Shadow Milk's left asked with a soft and concerned tone in his voice.

“Something tells me he didn’t hear a word of what we were talking about…or he was too busy scheming again~” The cookie on Shadow Milk’s right would chide lightheartedly with a little huff in her voice.

On Shadow Milk's left is a cookie with orange-tan dough sitting rather courteously on a big wafer pillow. Long and creamy blond hair would be neatly flowing behind the cookie’s back, relaxed and free due to the comfortable conditions of the library and the company he was present with. At the moment, he was wearing a silky vanilla colored night dress designed to look like that of a wafer cone; a pair of comfortable vanilla colored leggings and sandals making up the rest of the cookies attire for the night. His own heterochromic yellow and blue eyes would of course be closed…but the expression they gave showed that of concern when looking at the jester.

On Shadow Milk’s right however would be a cookie with pale brown dough that was sitting in a more laid back but polite manner on the green jellybean bag chair that sat on the blankets below her. She would be seen wearing a cozy looking mint green nightshirt with the silvery design of the fairy kingdom etched within its fabric; a matching long mint green night skirt and slippers. Her pure white hair would be seen braided to the side of her with what looked to be natural vines from earthbread itself…along with a few bandages wrapped around each of her hands…although not as many as usual. The cookies' dark fuchsia eyes would match the tone of lighthearted annoyance that she had with the jester when looking at him.

Shadow Milk would admit that the relationship that he had come to forge with Pure Vanilla Cookie and White Lily Cookie was…unique…to say the least…if unique was even the right word to say about it. Once upon a time; the Jester of Deceit did battle with the Heroes of Truth and Freedom, a faceoff that tested their beliefs and pushed their resolve to the limit. It was during this conflict that the beast would come to learn just how determined the two heroes were in what they stood for, and in turn, they’d help the jester understand how much the world had changed while he had been imprisoned. More importantly, it would be the Hero of Truth that helped the jester realize that he no longer had to feel alone in his internal struggles, wanting nothing more than to stand with him not as enemies…but as friends. To this day, Shadow Milk couldn’t understand just what the two heroes saw in him that would make them want to help him; and yet here he was, currently sitting with them in his personal library within the Spire of All Knowledge like they had known each other for years…which wasn’t really far from the truth now that the jester thought about it.

The day in itself was rather boring for the beast of deceit, all things considered, all he had been doing was checking off items in his monthly to-do list just to get it out of the way. Tidy up the spire, make sure Black Sapphire and Candy Apple were doing well, find out whether cake hounds are capable of speaking fluently like cookies, and of course play a few harmless pranks within each of the kingdoms of Crispia. It’s not like Shadow Milk despised taking care of these little errands of his, it kept him busy when he didn’t want to deal with a whole lot of nothing instead, he at least wanted something to shake up the normalcy a bit. How surprised he was to find the universe answering his call when he’d find himself in possession of a letter that had flown through one of the open windows of the spire, a letter from the Vanilla Kingdom no less! Pure Vanilla and White Lily wanted to take some time to relax and discuss their next steps in their travel across beast yeast and, within Pure Vanilla’s gentlehearted handwiring no less, requested an opportunity to commune with Shadow Milk as a means of gathering their thoughts while taking a much needed reprieve. 

At first the jester was dumbfounded when he read the letter, he even went back to reread it a second and third time just to make sure he wasn’t seeing things; out of all the places those two heroes could go to so they could take a break, they chose his home to be where they would do so? It was in that moment that Shadow Milk felt…something…flipped inside of him like a switch that had been waiting to be turned on for millenia. Was it disbelief? Was it confusion? Was it excitement even? The jester didn’t really know what exactly that something was, what he was certain about however, was that he felt a bit giddier than he usually was. He’d quickly send a letter back to the Vanilla kingdom inviting the two heroes to his spire, even suggesting that they could sleep over if they so wished; and soon after that letter was sent, the jester would make quick work of preparing the spire for this unexpected sleepover. From gathering the coziest blankets and pillows he could find in the spire, snacks of plenty that he stored in his secret “Out of Candy Apple’s Grasp” reserve, and making sure they’d have all the time they needed to themselves; Shadow Milk made sure that nothing would ruin this night…which even surprised him…why was he putting so much effort for something as simple as a sleepover? It didn’t help that the moment Pure Vanilla and White Lily arrived at his spire for the sleepover, the usually eccentric and witty jester, found himself at a loss for words. All he could do was simply invite them inside as they’d spend time settling into the spire together, as Shadow Milk found himself getting lost in his own thoughts looking at the two cookies that seemed to vex him to no end.

Which brought the poor jester to the position he was in right now, caught red-handed as the two heroes looked at him with expressions of confusion and amusement plastered on their faces. Shadow Milk would stagger a little from where he was sitting before sitting up straight and looking towards White Lily Cookie with a feigned smile of understanding. “N-Now that is just absolutely absurd! You’d think I’d be so oblivious as to let myself be distracted from such important conversation,” Shadow Milk tried to rebuttal as he cleared his throat, giving that signature giggle of a showman as he'd flip his hair with smug pride, “I’m honestly hurt dear Lily, of course I was paying attention to what we were talking about!”

White Lily would raise a brow before crossing her arms, not buying the jester’s lie for a second, as she’d give a smug smile of her own, “Really now? Then by all means, what exactly were we talking about, Shadow Milk?”

Shadow Milk would snicker as he’d cross his arms right back at Lily, “Oh that is simple, you were just…um…well…” 

The cookie of deceit would find himself faltering mid sentence, attempting to piece together thoughts in his brain that didn’t revolve around how cute Pure Vanilla looked or how White Lily made him feel so giddy…wait why was he thinking about that in the first place?!

“You…um…were talking aboooout…how many steps it would take to get across the entirety of beast yeast on foooooooot…?” His answer would sound more like a question as that smug smile of his wavered a little after he finished speaking.

The hero of freedom would snort a little as she shook her head the moment she heard the jester’s answer. Pure Vanilla couldn’t help but raise a hand over his mouth as a small giggle escaped from his lips as well. The jester found himself blushing a little the moment he heard that giggle as he could practically feel his lively hair start to fizzle from pure emotion…how ironic. 

“Well at least you were close, Wolfsbane~” Lily would respond as she uncrossed her arms and pointed towards a map that she had placed in front of her that depicted the entirety of the continent of Beast Yeast, “What we were discussing was how to easily traverse through the domains of the other beasts, along with finding the location of the fifth beast as well, don’t you remember?~”

“Or maybe,” Pure Vanilla would add with a small, and rather adorable, smug smile of his own as there was a bit of a teasing tone within his voice as he looked towards his counterpart with knowing eyes, “He was too busy paying attention to…let’s say…something else instead?~”

Shadow Milk would stammer from White Lily’s retort before his eyes widened from hearing what Pure Vanilla had said, looking at him directly with newfound fluster flushing the entirety of his face. Of course Vanilla would have figured him out before Lily! They were counterparts to each other for witches sake! The Hero of Truth had learned to practically see through the Jester of Deceit like he was an open book! Shadow Milk felt his jam start to bubble as he wondered just how much did Pure Vanilla figure out…was he onto how the jester was truly feeling…did he even understand what he was feeling more than the jester did? The beast would fidget a little from where he was sitting before he looked back towards Pure Vanilla, so what if he knew, all the jester had to do was play it cool and it’ll all be okay. He was good at acting; he was a jester, a showman for crying out loud, and he did it before with this adorable dork…this shouldn't be too hard to do…Right?

“Pffft! Oh r-right I knew that! I was totally paying attention to that!” Shadow Milk would retort while warbling with that signature clever tone of his, looking down at the map as a means to avoid contact with the small smile he knew that Pure Vanilla still had on his face, trying to keep to the topic on hand as a distraction, “Weeeeeell, if you wanted to f-figure that out, I may have a few maps that detail some of the safest routes between the domains of the beast stashed somewhere h-here…”

White Lily would perk up with curiosity as she looked towards the jester, noting how his tone changed rather quickly in the process, as a part of that smirk remained in the corner of her mouth, “Really? You charted out travel routes across the continent and just…had them stored here?”

Shadow Milk would look at the Hero of Freedom with a smile, slowly getting his groove back from that flustered episode, eyes closed as he put his hands on his hips in pride, “But of course! Don’t you know cartography pertains to knowledge, Silly Lily? Besides, how else would I be able to sneak into the other beasts’s domains constantly without being spotted?~”

“I thought you liked to be the center of attention?” White Lily would state with a deadpanned look in her eyes.

“Yeah, when it is fun to be so, knowing I would be getting what I want!” Shadow Milk would retort with a little huff as he turned his head away from her, “The main character always has to show up when the moment is important to them!”

Pure Vanilla found himself interjecting with a little giggle as he tilted his head towards his counterpart slowly putting two and two together from their previous meetings, “Is that why you’re always showing up in my kingdom whenever I’m not busy doing anything?~”

The jester would audibly wince as he’d open his eyes, faltering in his smug stance in the process, as his act of obliviousness was completely blown by that one sentence alone. He’d shoot a quick glare towards the pure hearted hero as he saw the little smirk that was on his face, he was practically toying with him at this point, and he probably knew that too! In that moment, Shadow Milk felt his body get wobbly just from looking at the two cookies; since when did he start to feel flustered from witty wordplay, he was the king of witty worldplay! What magic did these two sweet, dumb, pure, dorky cookies have that made him feel so…shy…he was feeling shy?! That’s it, Shadow Milk had to get out of there, he needed to escape the two cookies for a bit before he lost any more of his dignity!

“I-If you two don’t mind!” Shadow Milk would proclaim aloud before standing up from the bundle of pillows he was sitting on, beginning to walk away from the two other cookies who exchanged rather knowing smiles towards each other, “I’ll go see where I put those maps, it shouldn’t take long but you could never be too–”

Unfortunately for the jester, fluster-induced wobbly walking doesn’t pick favorites when it comes to choosing its victims, and not even the beast of trickery and deceit was safe from its wrath. For the moment Shadow Milk took a single step off of the blanketed floor, he’d find his foot landing on a rouge piece of paper, unaware of the fact he even stepped on it in the first place. It would only take a single second later for the jester’s legs to betray him as he felt himself slipping off of the paper and being launched a few inches into the air. Shadow Milk yelped aloud as he couldn’t stop himself from falling, not even capable of activating his levitation, closing his eyes as he braced for the moment his body would hit the floor. But instead of feeling the hard yet cushioned surface of the spire floor, the jester would feel himself landing on something softer…no not just softer something…squishier? Shadow Milk would slowly open his eyes to see what exactly he landed on, only to be met with the sight of being in an unexpected position, as a small giggle could be heard right above him with a teasing purr quick to follow. “Mhmhmhm, well aren’t we being forward~”

Instead of landing on the floor of the spire when he fell, Shadow Milk would instead find himself landing right on the lap of a surprised Pure Vanilla Cookie, sitting between the hero's legs as he sat on the wafer pillow under him. The jester would squeak out as he saw the smile of adoration Pure Vanilla wore across his face as he’d attempt to make his way out of the hero’s lap. Shadow Milk’s mind was racing in that moment; unable to even form a coherent thought that didn’t have to do with how sweet Vanilla’s smile looked, how comfortable he felt on his lap, and how embarrassed he felt for being defeated by a mere piece of paper!

“U-Um! S-Sorry about that! I um…” Shadow Milk stammered out in an attempt to save his dough as a soft shade of blow began to glow on his cheeks while he attempted to get off of the hero’s lap, “I-I didn’t mean to trip up and falling for–I mean–falling on you…I-I’ll be sure to watch where I’m–”

The beast would find his sentence being cut short as he felt something, or rather, two somethings begin to slowly wrap around his torso. When looking down, the jester’s eyes would widen upon seeing just what exactly was wrapping around it; the culprit was none other than Pure Vanilla’s own arms, holding him in a soft hug that prevented the jester from moving away from his lap. Before Shadow Milk could say anything however, he’d feel himself being pulled closer into the hero’s embrace, leaning against Pure Vanilla’s chest as one of the hero’s eyes opened with a knowing look.

“You know,” Pure Vanilla would hum as traces of an impish tone could be heard through his words, making the jester’s hair stand on end, “I feel as though we aren’t really focused enough to continue on with discussing things further at the moment, especially when one of us is too distracted to watch where he is walking, don’t you think Lily?~”

“Agreed Vanilla,” White Lily would answer as she rolled up the map in front of her and put it to the side before getting up from her beanbag chair, slowly making her way towards the other two cookies with an equally impish tone beginning to grow in her voice, “In fact, I think we should take some time to relax and let ourselves have a little fun for a change, we can continue on discussion later on…after all…”

It would be then that Pure Vanilla and White Lily would look down towards the beast that sat between them, showing equal parts confusion and worry, as he’d start to realize just what exactly they were planning. Shadow Milk would look to see both cookies wearing a smile that he was very familiar with, a smile that would instill an ample amount of unique…fear…within him.

“...It seems that someone has been wanting some attention…rather than paying attention~” White Lily would finish with a little wink towards the shivering jester.

The way the blush on the Shadow Milk’s face went from a soft cyan to a deep azure could almost be seen as lightspeed the moment those words left the hero of freedom’s lips. It was in that moment that the jester could feel Pure Vanilla’s hands begin to slowly make their way towards his sides, sitting nice and still as if they were lying in wait for further instruction. At the same time; he could see White Lily move a pillow in front of the lower half of the jester’s body, sitting herself comfortably on it while her lands sat against her legs, her fingers seemingly twitching in excitement. Anticipation began to build within Shadow Milk as he quickly realized that he was trapped between two devilish monsters of his own creation…and now…he seemingly had no way of escape! He squirmed and wiggled as best as he could to release himself from Vanilla’s clutches, but his grip was surprisingly secure despite it being gentle and sweet, since when was he so strong?! The beast had no way out, no way of escape, no way to avoid what was about to happen, and yet despite how nervous he felt, a good part of him was starting to feel…excited about it.

“N-Now N-Nilly, Lily, I-I’m sure that w-we could do s-something else to pass some time,” Shadow Milk attempted to bargain as a wobbly smile threatened to grow from his already warbling lips as he spoke, looking to each of the smiling cookies in a flurry of flustered terror, “Th-There are plenty of other ways to H-Have fuhuhuhun than to resort to a-anything rahahash!”

Silence would follow after the jester made his attempt at peace…and yet…that silence would speak more than words could ever do. The Hero of Truth would look up towards the Hero of Freedom, who would give him a confident nod in turn, before they both looked back down to their newfound “center of attention” with sparkling eyes. And without any warning, the jester would feel the king’s fingers begin to lightly flutter along the middle of sides. Shadow Milk’s eyes would widen the moment that gentle touch would graze his dough as he’d elicit the sound the two heroes wanted to hear from him. “G-Gyehehehemph! W-Wahahahahahahahahait!”

A stammered giggle would bubble up from the jester's lips as the reaction towards the hero’s gentle touch would be almost instant. There are very few things that the beast of deceit couldn’t get away with when it comes to lying, and unfortunately for him, one of those things was how ticklish he was. It wasn’t something he could easily hide either, one of the only “curses” that came with choosing to be a jester, as his love of laughter and chaos was pretty much a dead giveaway to the fact that he’d have close familiarity with tickling. Shadow Milk's fellow beast had known of this fact for the countless millenia they have known each other, and have had their fair share of teasing him about it, but no one could ever match his resonance to tickling than Vanilla and Lily had. From the moment they had both discovered his little secret, it was like it triggered a hidden side that he never imagined either of them having; well he did imagine it once or twice and have seen it as well, but he still couldn’t believe in nonetheless. The two heroes would not only confide their own resonance with the playful method of affection to the jester, but they’d even indulge in it with him as a means of bonding together to each other after everything that had happened. And right now, it seemed as though the two heroes wanted nothing more to see the jester crumble into giggling crumbs after how he’d been acting during the entirety of the sleepover.

“D’aaaw listen to that little giggle of yours, Milly~” Pure Vanilla would coo out as he’d direct his fingers to move slowly up and down Shadow Milk’s sides as he continued to skitter along the protected spot, snuggling him close as the hero kept his voice at a hushed whisper, “I’ll admit that I missed hearing your laugh a bit since our last visit, it’s nice to be able to listen to it now. I think we can both agree on that, can’t we?~”

Shadow Milk would shake his head as he’d continue to succumb to the gentle touches of the hero's devilish fingers. Even with part of his shirt protecting his bare dough, the jester’s raw sensitivity was potent enough to make it feel like it didn’t even matter, which made those gentle flutters even worse! It didn’t help that he was shifting between the covered zones of his side and the more revealing zones around his midriff at random intervals. Every trace, every graze, every brush of Vanilla’s fingers felt like electricity coursing through the entirety of the jester’s body; even his hair was fizzling between a solid and a liquid, its eyes showing mixed emotions of nervousness, surprise, even joy. Shadow Milk would scrunch and squirm in his counterpart’s grasp, unable to stop the flurry of giggles from flowing from his lips with surprising ease…but not too surprising…if you were either of the three cookies.

“Ihihihihihihihi-It’s nohohohohohohot ahahahahahahahahall thahahahahat sp-spehehehehehehahahaha-special!” The jester retorted through his giggling while trying to shoot a glare at Pure Vanilla, but failing fairly quickly as his wobbly smile easily overtook the “annoyance” he was trying to portray, “C-Cuhuhuhuhuhuhuhut ihihihihit ohohoho-out Nihihihihihilly! G-Gehehehehehet yohohohohour hahahahahahahands ohohohohohoff mehahaahahahahahai sihihihihihihihihides!”

Pure Vanilla and White Lily would exchange a dramatic gasp as they both looked towards the giggling jester with very "disappointing" looks on their faces. The Hero of Truth would even show his disappointment further as he moved his hands up from the jester’s sides. He’d then very quickly begin to skitter his fingers up and down the beast’s ribs, along with the zones between each of his ribs, ensuring each and every prod of his fingers was delicate enough to ensure the best results. Shadow Milk would yelp and squirm against Pure Vanilla’s chest with a torrent of bubblier laughter as the king looked down at him with an impish smile. “Nonesense! Your laughter is one of the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard, to say that it is nothing special is criminal in my mind,” Pure Vanilla replied sweetly as he’d nuzzle the jester’s cheek a little, resulting in a brighter blush from the jester in turn, before looking up to White Lily Cookie with a wink, “So criminal in fact, that I think ample punishment is necessary to prove out little jester here otherwise, agreed Lily?~”

“You’re exactly right, Nilly,” White Lily would happily reply, borrowing the jester’s little nickname for the king, as she’d begin to slowly lean towards the beast as her hands slowly approached him in a teasing threat, “And luckily, I know just how to punish the jester to make sure he learns his lesson properly~”

Before Shadow Milk had a chance to get a word in, the hero of freedom would gently place her hands at the middle of the jester’s thighs. The jester would then find himself squealing a little as he felt White Lily begin to gently squeeze up and down the dough of his thighs in a torturously slow rhythm. Unlike Pure Vanilla’s devilish fingers, that were gentle and sweet in their attack; White Lily’s was precise and potent, making sure to take full advantage of the poor jester's sensitivity. This method worked best on squishier parts of Shadow Milk’s dough, like his thighs, and the hero of freedom knew the best ways to make sure that it elicited the reaction she wanted…just as it did right now.

“GYAHEHEHEH-Hehehehehahahahhahahaha nohohohohohohahahahahaha nahahahahahahaht yohohoho-YOHOHOHOU TOHOHOHO-hohohohohoh!” Shadow Milk would squeal out as his legs would twitch and shake from the newfound attack against them, it was a good thing Pure Vanilla made the effort to drape his legs over the jester’s to make sure they didn’t go anywhere as he’d look towards the sage with squinted eyes, “Whahahaha-Whahahat did I dohohohohoho-HAHAHAHAHA tohohohohoho deheheheseheheheheherve THIHIHIHIHIHIHIS ohohohohohoho gohohohohohohohohosh!”

Pure Vanilla and White Lily would both snicker at the question as Lily would look towards the jester with a playful smile, “You seriously didn’t think we’d notice how head over heels you were acting during the entirety of the night, me and Nilly here both know that you aren’t ever that clumsy on any normal day~”

“In all honesty, your letter was the first giveaway when it came to how excited you were about this sleepover, Milly,” Pure Vanilla would add as he’d open both of his eyes to gaze at Shadow Milk with unconditional adoration as he’d continue to skitter along the jester’s ribs, “It’s probably been a long time since you were able to even have downtime like this, so as your friends, we wanted to spend our downtime giving what you had been missing out on. Besides, we couldn’t really resist tickling you after seeing how cute you were being clumsy~”

“Besides,” White Lily would conclude with a little wink as she looked down to the jester’s choice of clothing for this specific night, “You picked a rather interesting outfit to wear tonight out of all nights just for this specific occasion~”

“IHIHIHIHIHIHIT Wahahahahahahahas puhuhuhuhuhuhurely cohohohoincidehehehehent-AHAHAHAHAL!” Shadow Milk protested as the blush on his face spoke of pure fluster and denial…while the hearts forming in the eyes of his hair spoke a very different story, “IHIHIHIHI Dihihihihihidn’t dohohohohohoho ihihihihihiht ohohohoh-OHOHOHON Puhuhuhuhuhur–eheheheheheep–purpohohohohohose!

“Maybe not,” Pure Vanilla would hum before nuzzling into the base of the jester’s cheek, “But something tells me you wouldn’t have minded if we gave you a good bit of attention anyways~”

Shadow Milk couldn’t help but whine the moment he heard the devilish remark of his counterpart, closing his eyes out of pure fluster; not over the fact of him saying it, but over the fact that his counterpart was completely right. The jester couldn’t explain it, but ever since he’d come to form these bonds with Pure Vanilla and White Lily, there was something within him that started to resurface that he thought was lost forever. Memories that had laid dormant within his mind that existed long before he had been sealed in the tree, memories that he had treasured so dearly before tragedy would turn his life around in the worst of ways. And yet as the two heroes tickled him silly, as the two heroes saw the jester not as a beast but as a friend they sincerely care about, he could feel it returning; something that he missed for so so long. It was that very same thing that had perplexed the jester throughout the entirety of the day…it was belonging…and after so long he felt like truly belonged within the earthbread he resided on. And so; the jester would accept the affection and care that his two friends wanted to show him, and in turn, make it even “worse” for himself in the process.

“EHEHEHEHAHAHAHA! C-Cohohohohohohome ohohohohohon! Ihihihihihihihis thahaha-AHAHAHAH-ahahahat ahahahahahall yohohohohou gohohohohohot!” Shadow Milk would squeak out between bouts of giggly laughter as he glared at the two heroes in playful challenge, “Ihihihihihihi thohohohoho-OHOHOHOHOUGHT thehehehehe heheheheherohohohohoes weheheheheres suhuhuhuhuppohohohoed tohohohoho behehehehe mihihihihightieheheheheheher thahahahan thihihihihihihis!”

Pure Vanilla and White Lily would halt their attack the moment those words came from the jester’s mouth, as they were taken aback by the sudden change in his mood, giving Shadow Milk a chance to catch his breath while he could. The two heroes would look towards each other for a moment before slowly looking back down to the huffing jester before them. A mixture of curiosity and giddiness festered within their smiles as they began to shift their positions as they spoke in sweetly devilish tones towards the jester.

“You sure about that, bluebird?~” Vanilla would ask as he’d move his hands towards the jester’s defenseless belly.

“P-Pohohoho-Positive! Y-You two g-got nothing on me!” Shadow Milk would answer as he’d felt his belly shiver from that simple touch alone, but still remained strong in his statement!

“Is that right? You really think we aren’t mighty, Wolfsbane?~” White Lily would add as she’d raise one of the jester’s ankles onto her lap, slowly slipping off his slipper and letting it fall to the floor to reveal the foot hidden underneath.

“A-Absolutely, I’m certain I c-cohohohould tahahahake anything you dish out!” Shadow Milk would enforce as he'd curled his clawed toes when he saw Lily’s fingers getting dangerously close.

Shadow Milk was readying himself for the two heroes to let him have it, preparing to laugh himself silly for the rest of the night, closing his eyes as he braced for the inevitable. But it would be in that moment that the two heroes would do something that would prove to be the jester’s demise.

“I don’t know,” Pure Vanilla would purr as he kept his hands completely still on Shadow Milk’s belly, “I don’t think he’ll be able to take it~”

Oh no…

“You know, you might be right,” White Lily would add with a smirk as she’d let her fingers trace the air inches away from the jester’s scrunching sole, “I think he’d just crumble to pieces if we really got him good~”

No, don't make him wait…

“He’d probably be too ticklish to even handle it,” Pure Vanilla would continue as he’d use a single finger to trace along the middle of the jester’s belly slowly, leaving him a shivering squeaking mess without even truly touching him.

Come on, he didn’t want to wait…

“Perhaps it’s best to call it quits while we’re ahead,” White Lily would conclude as she’d slowly inch her fingers away from the jester’s foot as she gave a knowing look towards her fellow hero.

He wasn’t gonna be able to handle leaving it be! He wanted it now! He…

“Maybe we should, after all,” Pure Vanilla agreed as he’d share that same look towards Lily while eyeing the blushing jester with a playful smirk from the corners of his lips, “it wouldn’t be fair if we went ahead with it without even considering–”

Oh that does it!

“Oh for Witches sake!” Shadow Milk shouted with flustered confidence as the eyes within his hair even looked alarmed by the sudden bout of bravery from their master, “I can’t stand the wait! Just please tickle me already!”

The two heroes' eyes would alight with glee the moment they heard what they were waiting for from their dear friend. They would both giggle at seeing the flustered jester with devilish smiles as they’d each give their own separate winks before speaking together.

“As you wish, Silly Milly~”

Without further delay, the two heroes would give the jester exactly what they wanted, and strike as one. 

Pure Vanilla would let all of his fingers begin to tickle rapidly along the middle of the jester’s belly, with each of his hands going at different patterns to keep him guessing. The king’s left hand would move around the middle of the jester’s belly in slow circles as all his fingers skittered at a playfully unpredictable rhythm, every poke sending ticklish shockwaves through the jester’s body. The king’s right hand would focus its efforts along the jester’s navel, using a single finger to trace along the rim of his button before giving a few pokes within it in an impish pattern. 

White Lily would hold the jester’s foot still with one hand as she’d direct her attack with her other hand. Using two of her fingers, the sage would begin to quickly flutter up and down the defenseless sole of the jester’s foot. Even when the beast would scrunch and squirm his foot, the sage would keep pace, as she’d move her free hand up and down the jester’s foot as she continued to flutter along his sole.

Shadow Milk, simply put, was done for…

“EEEEYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH OHOHOHOHOHOHOH CRUHUHUHUHUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAMBS!” The jester squealed as he’d lean his head against the king’s chest as unrestrained bubbly laughter erupted from his lips, “WAHAHAHA-WAIT WAIT WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAIT THAHAHAHAHAH-THAT TIHIHIHIHIHICKLEHEHEHEHEHEHES SOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO MUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUCH!”

It was absolutely maddening! Each of the two heroes was a menace in their own right, but when they worked together, they were a mirthful force to be reckoned with! It felt like lighting was coursing through the entirety of Shadow Milk’s body as the ticklish sensations sparked against each other again and again, leaving him no room to even get used to either of the heroes methods of attack. Every time he tried to suck in his sensitive belly, the jester’s laughter would let it buck up into the Pure Vanillas waiting fingers; and every time he tried to move his foot away, White Lily’s fingers wouldn’t be far behind to continue their devilish attack on his sole. All poor Shadow Milk could do was squeal, squeak, squirm, and laugh as the two heroes tickled him to his wits end…and if the jester was honest…he was loving every single second of it. 

“Awwwwww, listen to my bluebird sing,” Pure Vanilla cooed as he’d lean close to the jester, giving him no warning as he’d blow a few small raspberries along the base of his neck, eliciting a few more squeaks from the jester as he’d look to him with those adoring eyes, “Such a wonderful melody your laughter brings, my dear, I could never get enough of it~”

“EHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHA IHIHI-I’M GLAHAHAHAHAHAD YOHOHOHOHOU LIHIHIHIHIKE IHIHIHIHIHIT!~” Shadow Milk yelped out as he’d fought his instinct to not scrunch his neck from the playful raspberries from his counterpart, he didn’t want to hurt him, plus they were really sweet.

“Looks like you were able to handle our best,” White Lily would tease as she’d trace her finger up towards the jester’s clawed toes before going back down to skitter all of her fingers along his sole, “Are you enjoying your treatment, dear Wolfsbane?~”

“MOHOHOHOHO-MORE THAHAHAHAHAHAN YOHOHOHOHOU KNOHOHOHOHOW!~” Shadow Milk answered happily, closing his eyes as tears of mirth swelled, the eyes along his hair practically sparkling with hearts. 

Pure Vanilla and White Lily would giggle as they continued on tending to their favorite jester, feeling a gentle warmth alighting within their jam. Despite everything that has happened between the three of them, the two heroes wanted nothing more than to show the beast of deceit that he no longer had to feel alone, that the world had forgotten him or taken him for granted. They wanted him to realize that he was more than just his title or status, just as how the two of them care little for their own labels, and to be able to be the friends that he wanted for so long. No matter what may come, they will always be there for him whenever he may need it, just as they know now that he would be there for them. And if he’d ever find himself needing a little pick-me-up, the two heroes would be more than happy to provide the merriment that he wanted. Although there was a time where one could take so much merriment, and for Shadow Milk, he found himself getting to that point fairly quickly. And soon the jester had no choice but deciding it was time to throw in the towel.

“EYAHAHAHAHAHAH OHOHOHOHOKAHAHAHAHAY OHOHOHOHOHOHOKAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAY!” Shadow Milk blurted out as he’d shake his head out of pure instinct, bucking and squirming as those tears began to trickle down his cheeks, “IHIHIHIHI GIHIHIHIHIVE, IHIHIHIHIHIHI GIHIHIHIHIHIHIVE, N-NIHIHIHIGHTSHAHAHAHAHAHADE, B-BLUHUHUHUHUHUHUEJAHAHAHAHAHAHAY!”

Pure Vanilla and White Lily would perk up the moment they heard their respective magic words, realizing that their jester needed to breathe, and decided it was time to truly call it quits. Pure Vanilla would slow down his skittering fingers until he came to a complete stop, keeping his hands on the jester’s belly as he’d move his face away from the jester’s neck. White Lily would ease up the fluttering along the jester’s sole before coming to a complete stop as well, gently lowering his ankle from her lap as she’d then look at the jester. Both of the heroes showing concern and care in their faces as they’d check up on their close companion.

“Are you okay, Milly?” Pure Vanilla would ask softly as he’d begin to gently rub the jester’s belly as a means to soothe him from any phantom sense he may have, “We didn’t go too far did we?”

“Make sure to breathe slowly,” White Lily guided gently as she’d move a hand over to rub the jester’s leg, her eyes softening into a compassionate gaze, “We’re here Wolfsbane, you did absolutely amazing.”

Shadow Milk found himself flopping back against Pure Vanilla’s chest as he’d feel the tickling slow to a stop. Large huffs of air escaped his lips as he could practically feel how warm his jam felt by how bright his blush was even after the tickling was over. His body still tingled from the phantom touches that traced along his sensitive zones; his stomach would heave as he felt the gentle rubbing along his belly by the king, he would scoop his slipper up with his foot in order to cover it up while it continued to tingle. Small giggles would continue to flutter out of the jester’s lips as he’d slowly but surely regain his composure. He couldn’t help but purr a little as he’d felt the gentle rubbing as he’d look towards Pure Vanilla and White Lily respectively with a gentle smile on his lips and small tears of mirth in his eyes. The eyes on the jester's hair sparkling happily to show just how grateful he truly felt.

“Ahahahare you k-kihihihidding, it was you guys whohoho did amahahazing,” Shadow Milk answered as he’d scooted himself off of Pure Vanilla’s lap, which the king happily allowed him to as he’d stretch out with a little stumble before giggling happily, “Thahahat was the most fun I had all month…you two really…really are something…and I couldn’t be any more happy because of it…”

The two heroes would smile warmly after hearing what the jester had said, closing their eyes as the same sentiment resonated within their jam, truly happy to be able to spend time with a new friend they care about deeply.

“However…I don’t think I can let something like this go…unrepaid~”

Vanilla and Lily would open their eyes in confusion as to what Shadow Milk was talking about, that was of course, until they saw him raise a hand to snap his fingers. Before the two heroes could even react, Vanilla and Lilly would feel puppet strings materialize around each of them; and in no time at all, they’d wrap around each of their wrist and direct them towards two respective beanbag chairs. Both heroes would squirm with newfound concern as the strings would raise their arms up until they held them still over each of their heads, rendering them utterly defenseless to the jester who’d turn around to look at them with an impish smile of his own.

“N-Now M-Milly, I-I thought that you were the one who wanted attention,” Pure Vanilla would squeak out with open eyes as he’d find himself squirming a little, knowing well there was no true way out of this predicament, but it still didn’t hurt to try, “Y-You don’t have to drastic n-now!”

“I-If you’re at least going to do what I think you’re about to do,” White Lily would stammer as a soft blush began to glow on her face before nudging her head towards her fellow hero, “ At least start with Pure Vanilla, he was the one who suggested we get you!”

“Hey!” Pure Vanilla would retort as a blush of his own would soon glow on his face

Shadow Milk simply giggled that signature impish giggle of his as he looked to his two closest friends as he’d begin to walk closer to his two new victims. He would forever be grateful that the two of them were able to bring him into the light and give him something he had missed so much…and he was going to make sure to repay that kindness with every chance he got.

“Now, Now, Now, let’s not point fingers my dearest heroes, after all–” Shadow Milk would declare before raising his hands towards the two friends and wiggled his fingers with an impish wink, “–You both are gonna be in for a long night of vengeance~”

Time…it is a fickle thing…one that holds as much mystery as it holds dominion over all living beings. It inscribes the deeds of one's past, oversees the actions of one’s present, and awaits one’s unknown within the future. And through time, memory itself is born, as those moments across seconds and minutes hold lasting effects on one’s self; whether it be physically, or emotionally. Some memories can hold hope and merriment within their echoes, carrying joy that someone can hold so close to their heart, reminding them of the good that can always be seen within the world. While other memories can hold sorrow and regret, as their reflections depict the struggles that someone had to face through their darkest hours, and embody the demons they housed within. As time moves forward, such memories find themselves either forgotten by the world…or even more so…remembered in someone's most pivotal moments, such would be the case for one cookie…who has found themselves at the mercy of time once more.

“Despite the millennia that have passed since that fateful day…this place…it is as if it had been frozen in time within a picture…”

Those were first words that would come from the cookie returned to the world by fate, as he takes his first steps into a place he had not been in for a long time. Within the stronghold found among the Land of Silence, the bastion and home of the order of blades once known as the Knights of Kala Namak, a lone refuge sat unknown to all except for that one cookie. This refuge was in fact a garden, not very large by any means, but was still rather sizable for the quaint and peaceful presence it radiated. Within this garden, a number of plots and planters were scattered amongst the cobble and obsidian flooring that surrounded this refuge; with these areas housing plants one could find within the Faerie Kingdom, as trees of silver and obsidian would be seen hanging its dropped branches overhead. A small river would be seen constructed within the far end of the garden, its calm waters streaming down its predetermined path, as lily pads radiating flowers of pure light drifted within its flow. A few small benches of pure silver craftsmanship would be seen scattered amongst the garden, with one particular bench looking a bit larger than the others; this bench could almost be seen as a couch, as soft white and silver cushions were affixed upon it with cobalt silk drapes was set neatly upon it, untouched even by the world itself. It was this particular bench where the sentimental cookie would find himself walking towards, placing a gentle hand along the cool surface of one of its arms.

“And yet…a part of me is glad…that this place was spared a cruel fate…”

The cookie in question was a rather fit tall figure, whose imposing presence severely contradicts the honorable disposition he holds. Normally this cookie would be seen clad in his signature obsidian armor, but within this rare moment, he wore a more informal outfit that showed him in full light. While his dough carried a ghost white color that seemed worn and crumbled, it was in fact very well kept, as youthful and healthy as it had been in days long since passed. The cookie's hair however was rather…unique to say the least; for instead of a normal head of icing hair…his ponytail styled locks carried an almost spectral nature…as dark gray wisp flowed softly over his shoulders. At the moment, the cookie could be seen wearing a rather comfortable yet simple outfit during his time of solace. Such an outfit consisted of a matching tunic shirt and chausse pants that held a deep grey color, with violet lines etched across the sides of both pieces of clothing in a simple pattern. A pair of black loafers would be worn on the cookie’s shoes whose steps were as soundless as the air around him, with matching black socks to match. Across the chest of the cookie’s tunic however, would sit something that almost seemed to be engraved into the very cookie’s body itself, though truthfully was only worn as a crest over his shirt. That something would be a gem-like sigil that carried the shape of an upside down fork, whose glowing color was as black as the night itself. A single grey scar would be seen across the left side of the cookie’s face, as amethyst colored eyes looked towards the bench with both recollection…and regret.

Once upon a time, this cookie was known as the Salt of Solidarity, a name that was both renowned and feared across all of Beast Yeast. This cookie's mission was noble just as his heart was kind, wishing for nothing more than the freedom and happiness for all of cookiekind; that power and choice was not reserved for the few, but was something easily obtained for the many. With the Knights of Kala Namak under his banner, the Lord Commander would let the virtue of which he represented resound throughout the continent; allowing the message of solidarity be one that doesn't just represent the united belief of a better world, but be seen as a calling for cookies to lend their aid to one another in order to make such a world a reality. Through his unwavering belief and steadfast conviction, the Salt of Solidarity would travel across the world, seeking knowledge that could bring about the world he dreamed of. It was through this journey that led the commander to a kingdom that would not only house the answers he sought…but in turn…a friend that he could share such a vision with. With the support of the faeries and the pride of his order; the Salt of Solidarity believed that his vision of a liberated world, free from godly power and dominion, would finally be realized. Alas, the Lord Commander would be a victim of betrayal the likes of which he’d never believed possible; blinded by the corruptions of destruction, sloth, apathy, and deceit, these distorted forces pointed their blades towards all that he built. With his order destroyed, his beliefs shaken, and conviction shattered…the once renowned commander…would become a demon that made all who had wronged him fall to silence. And in the end, the cookie known as the Salt of Solidarity would make the ultimate sacrifice; sealing himself and his fellow beast away with silver forks, with the hope that the tree his friend had cultivated would become the beacon of hope for cookiekind to thrive despite their mistakes.

Now, after all these years, Silent Salt Cookie found himself walking upon Earthbread once again. Roused from a heinous act, the Lord Commander felt as though he awakened in an unfamiliar world. So much has passed…much more than he may even know…and that alone brought a heavy sense of surreality to the cookie. And despite what he had faced during his reawakening, learning that the world can indeed change for the better, the guarded cookie couldn’t truly erase the ghosts of his past. It was for this reason why he found himself stepping into this garden again after so long, through all the commotion found within the stronghold, it was this refuge where Silent Salt felt as though he could find true peace from his own burdens. Yet even as he heard the gentle ripples of the river, the calming wind through the trees, and the gentle cold of the bench…the Lord Commander couldn’t help but feel himself swell with sorrow.

“So much has changed, the world itself doesn’t feel like the one I once knew,” Silent Salt whispered as he looked down to the bench, rubbing his thumb across its silver surface as if he were talking to it, “I cannot help but think what would have happened if our plan didn’t work, and what you had to face ever since that day, I could only imagine the trouble I brought you because of our grievous mistakes…”

As he talked, Silent Salt felt the memories of bygone days drift within the throes of his mind. From campaigns filled with merriment and pride alongside his knights, to camaraderie that grew within the cookies who found themselves under his protection, and to the friend that had guided and supported his dream since the moment they met. The stoic cookie’s hand shook before he gripped the arm of the bench a little tighter as the silence of the garden was taking a hold on his grief.

“Yet you never wavered in your vigil, ensuring that the chaos that once infected us would not wrought the world once again, up until your final breath…” Silent Salt continued, as his mumbled tone held a shaky hitch in breath as he looked towards one of the silver trees that hung over the bench, “If I hadn’t been so careless in believing my comrades wouldn’t be corrupted…handn’t I been blind to the idea that the world could change…then this needless sacrifice wouldn’t have needed to be made…”

Silent Salt would close his eyes for a moment, steadying his breath as the brisk wind brushed against his face, easing his sorrow if only for a moment.

“I only hope that you could forgive me…” He’d finish, his words not even loud enough for the leaves to catch their sound, “…wherever you are…for what this fool has made you suffer through…”

The garden was still for a moment once those words were said, the trickling water being the only sound reverberating through this secluded domain. That was of course, until a gentle rustle stirred the stoic cookie’s attention towards the garden’s entrance. Turning his head rather quickly, Silent Salt would see the figure that had found their way to this hidden refuge. And in truth, the stoic cookie had a lingering feeling that she would have discovered this place some way…or rather…one specific way. 

“I…I’m sorry if I’m intruding,” A gentle voice spoke from the garden’s entrance, stepping into the open in order to avoid any alarm from her arrival, “I did not think that the Soul Jam’s light would have the flowers lead me here…”

The voice would belong to a cookie who Silent Salt had just recently met, and yet, felt as though was a cookie he had known for a very long time. She was slightly shorter in height in comparison to Silent Salt Cookie, though was still partially tall all things considered. Her dough was that of a soft pale brown color that seemed to blend well with her snow white hair…although at closer glance…the ends of the long braid of her messy locks would show small grey burnt marks scared along it. The cookie was wearing her signature attire; consisting of a grassy green sleeveless dress that was donned under a dark green cape. A pair of white slippers clicked under the obsidian flooring within the garden, though such shoes couldn’t usually be seen due to her dress. Within one of the cookie’s hands lay a staff; green in color as vines twisted along its length until meeting as leaves with the faded white calla lily as its head, and at this head, the emerald gem-like sigil shaped like a rightside up fork sat with a gentle glow. Ruby red eyes would look towards the stoic cookie of silence with concern before hearing a gentle sigh escape his throat, relaxing his vigilance at the sight of the familiar face.

“It is nothing to fret over, I had the impression that your connection with nature would lead you to the flora of this garden,” Silent Salt assured, giving a gentle nod of understanding towards his unexpected visitor, “Though I would have also assumed that the Soul Jam would have guided you to me, and knowing your curiosity, you would have followed it without hesitation, O Freedom.”

The Hero of Freedom, White Lily Cookie, would breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing Silent Salt’s words. Infamous as she was amongst earthbread, it would be an injustice to say that this gentlehearted cookie hadn’t atoned for her own sins through the actions of her current adventures. It hadn’t been long since the Hero of Freedom clashed with the Devil of Silence, a test of ideals and convictions between the two wielders of the Light of Freedom. It was Silent Salt that forced White Lily to confront her darkness, and in turn, helped her understand what true freedom meant for oneself. It was through her awakening that the two cookies would find a mutual understanding, aligning in the hopes of stopping the enchantress that threatens not just the other beasts but cookiekind itself. It did take a while for White Lily to convince Silent Salt that the other beasts could atone just as he had, and while he still had his doubts, decided to put his trust in the answer that he sought for so long. Though right now, it seemed as though something else brought the hero to his garden, as she’d set her staff against one of the tree trunks beside her.

“T-There is no need for such formalities,” White Lily assured with a soft stammer, giving a sheepish smile as she rubbed one of her arms while walking up to the knight, “If I’m being honest I…never really was one to follow through with…noble etiquette…”

Silent Salt’s eyes squinted a little, for the renewed hero she became, White Lily still seemed to carry that self-conscious scholar that he viewed she was in her past; though he would wave the thought off while clearing his throat as he looked to her, “Of course, I wouldn’t wish to force such decorum upon you, what has brought you to this garden then?”

The hero would perk back up at the question, shaking off her nervousness as she stepped beside the knight as she looked out towards the garden, “To put it simply, the Soul Jam did, I don’t know what it was but it seemed to sense something troubling…so I followed it through the flowers and well…it brought me here,” White Lily explained as she took in the serenity of Silent Salt’s refuge with mellow amazement in her eyes, “I did not believe a garden like this existed within the stronghold.”

“It is a natural reaction, this garden was kept secret to a good many, even amongst the Knights of Kala Namak,” Silent Salt replied, glad that this shift in topic by the hero allowed him a moment of reprieve from his own thoughts, “I had this place made as my own…personal haven, a place where I could have but a moment of peace from the bustle of the world…and from my own duties…”

White Lily listened quietly as she took in the purpose of this garden, she couldn’t help but feel sympathy with Silent Salt’s want of peace, she always sought the quiet corners of Blueberry Yogurt Academy’s libraries whenever she needed time away from others. The sorceress would observe the flora within the garden, recognizing the origins of a few of the flowers and trees due to their illuminated silver sheen with growing intrigue. 

“Some of these flowers…they look like they originated from the Faerie Kingdom,” White Lily voiced as she looked up towards the tree that was above the bench Silent Salt was standing beside, “And these trees…they’re almost akin to the Silver Tree…”

“You…have deduced the flora here well…” The commander would answer softly after a few seconds, he’d loosen his grip on the arm of the bench as his breath became slightly shaky as talked, “Apart from my advisors, such as the one you know as Salt Cellar Cookie, Elder Faerie Cookie would come to visit the stronghold to discuss current events or plans with me. It was in fact he who insisted on growing the flowers of his kingdom here…it was a welcoming idea…just as many of his ideas were…”

It was only then that White Lily would look down towards the Beast of Silence upon hearing the warble in his words. The hero’s eyes then saw the gentle sorrow that seemed to pain across the knight’s face, even the knight’s own eyes seem to slowly shift from a gentle violet to a soft black. As the hero’s gaze went down further, she’d take notice of the bench that the knight was standing against, and the arm that he was holding. White Lily focused her attention on the design of the bench, the sleek sheen of silver seemed to weave with grey lines, painting different patterns under the cushioning almost like…fairy wings? The realization would hit the hero hard as she looked back up towards the beast, understanding now what her Soul Jam was trying to tell her, the source of the troubling aura…was Silent Salt’s grief…

“It’s…been troubling you…hasn’t it?” White Lily asked softly looking down with her own sense of sympathetic guilt once she realized what was going on, unable to piece the words she wanted to say very well, “I…I know you two were close friends and…I could only imagine after everything how…strange it must feel to see how much has changed, and even still with him not…”

“It…is something I am still trying to grapple with, admittedly,” Silent Salt responded, looking away from White Lily with a gentle huff of sorrow, his free hand clenching as if to calm the anger that lingered within him still, “There was so much more I could have done…If I hadn’t been so blind to my companions’s woes…maybe they could have been saved before all this tragedy took place…and no other lives would have needed to be taken so senslessly…”

White Lily stood quiet as she heard what Silent Salt said, wondering how she could even respond to help ease his pain. She wasn’t as good with comfort as Pure Vanilla was, and she knew for a fact that wittiness wasn’t going to help like it usually did for Shadow Milk. The hardship that the beast of silence was facing didn’t just stem from his own form of corruption; but from the burden of loss and duty that he had to suffer through before, and even during, his imprisonment. No cookie should ever have to carry the guilt of other cookies at this type of caliber, especially when that cookie wasn’t even to blame in the first place. There was only one cookie that could possibly know just how to quell the knight’s sorrows, unfortunately, that cookie was no longer among the living.

“It’s in moments like these where I truly wish you were still with us,” White Lily thought to herself as she looked down, lost in what she could do as she saw a tear drift from Silent Salt’s cheek, “I could really use your guidance in how to help your friend, Elder Faerie…”

Just then, a shimmering light began to glow from behind the hero that would garner her attention. Curious as ever, White Lily would turn around to see what that light could be; strangely enough, the light itself seemed to be pulsing from the Soul Jam upon her staff. The Light of Freedom shimmered with newfound life as if it resonated to the hero’s thoughts, and for some reason, Silent Salt wasn’t taking even a hint of notice to it. Before White Lily could call out to the knight, much less even question what was going on, the light of the Soul Jam would spark into a blinding flash. A flash that would disorient the hero’s senses to the point of feeling that she had been knocked unconscious…but in truth…was merely connecting to the power of her light. 

—

“Your swordsmanship is improving greatly, my friend! But I would advise you not to get so stagnant!”

That distorted voice alone would snap White Lily’s senses back to normal, as the hero would open her eyes slowly to adjust to the bright light she’d been flashed by, expecting to see the garden she was standing in. Instead, the hero would find herself standing somewhere completely different…and yet…somwhere that carried a sense of deep familiarity within her. Looking around, White Lily noticed that Silent Salt was nowhere to be seen; instead, she would gaze at a dense forest filled with silver and green trees surrounding her from all sides. As her eyes met ground below her, the hero would see a multitude of different flowers that she had seen within the beast’s garden, only there were much more growing as far as her eyes could take her. Gentle chirping could be heard overhead while the scenery in front of her seemed…hazy…like she was standing within a dream. It didn’t take long for White Lily to realize just where she was from the scenery alone…

“I…I’m in the Faerie Kingdom?!” White Lily spoke, or rather, tried to, as her voice sounded more like a lingering whisper in the wind rather than being a tangibly audible noise, which only served to confuse her further, “B-But I was just in Silent Salt’s garden, how could I be here? Could the Soul Jam have brought me here? And where did–?”

The hero wouldn’t get to finish her question before the sound of clashing blades would break her concentration. Looking in front of her, White Lily could make out two distant figures that looked to be in the midst of battle, as sparks flew from the meeting of steel. The sorceress would take a few steps forward, confirming that she could walk within this strange instance, before making her way towards the where the sound of battle seemed to be. After making her way through the trees and into a rather sizable clearing, the hero would look towards the center and see the source of her bewilderment, and what she saw surprised her immensely. For the two figures that were in the middle of a heated duel…were in fact two figures that she was very familiar with…

The first figure looked to be Silent Salt Cookie…however…his attire was different from what the hero had seen before. Instead of his armour being colored in pure obsidian steel, this Silent Salt’s armour was a mixture of grey and white; As grey steel molded his shoulder plates and helmet, while pure white could be seen along his chestplate, cape, and faulds. The cookie’s spectral hair wasn’t dark like the hero knew either, rather, it was a ghostly white that seemed to spark and flow with life while two green horns could be seen on the sides of his helmet. The cookie’s broadsword, nor his Soul Jam, wasn’t as black as the night; instead both carried a silver sheen of white that glowed magnificently in the moonlight. This wasn’t Silent Salt Cookie, this was the Salt of Solidarity, the cookie who previously held the Light of Freedom that White Lily now possesses.

The second figure was a slim cookie that was just as tall as the Salt of Solidarity, and just as notable in his attire as his companion was. His dark magenta dough could be seen in nice complexion to the dark slate gray and light blue gray armor he adorned, armor fit for royalty as its metallic grey finish shimmered under the moon. A royal blue suit could be seen worn under the cookie’s armor; while on the top of his head, a spiked jet blue crown sat with a sharp diamond ornament sat perfectly. Long, pale lavender blue hair would flow from the cookie’s head down to his feet; two tufts being styled into triangle bands on the sides of his head, while a longer ponytail was fixed for the rest of his hair. Just as this cookie’s heritage would hold, a pair of large light gray wings akin to a monarch butterfly would be seen spread wide as the cookie flew to meet the Salt of Solidarity’s blade with his own. A large silver gladius would make the cookie’s reflection glimmer as soft periwinkle eyes looked towards their opponent with keen determination. Elder Faerie Cookie; Guardian of the Silver Tree, friend of both Silent Salt and White Lily, ghost of each of their pasts, was now flying in front of both of them in a point in time long since passed.

That was at least what White Lily deduced as she observed the duel between the two legendary cookies, analyzing each of their appearances with notable differences to how she remembered them. They seemed younger than how they were when the hero had met them, and it seemed as though her own presence was something neither of them took note of, or rather something that wasn’t relevant in their time to begin with. 

“This must be another glimpse into the past,” White Lily spoke aloud as looked down puzzled, confirming her theory as the two cookies were unable to hear her voice within earshot as they continued fighting, “just like how the Soul Jam showed me the past within the catacombs…but…what does it want to show me here?”

White Lily decided that the best way to get her answer was to play the role that she had been given, looking back up to watch the scene in front of her as its audience. Solidarity and Faerie were locked in a stalemate, their blades clashing against each other in a power struggle before the force of their strikes knocked each other back. Elder Faerie was the first to recover, using his wings as a boost, he’d launch himself off the ground the moment he stepped foot on it. Holding his gladius in both of his hands, the guardian would swing left towards the knight’s side. The beast stood his ground, prepared to deflect the incoming strike with his blade; but at the last second, the faerie twisted in the air with the help of his wings and swung his blade to the right instead! An audible gasp would be heard from Salt before a resounding grunt echoed as he was knocked back by the flat of the blade. Elder Faerie wouldn’t slack behind, gliding towards the knight as he pressed the attack with a flurry of slashes. White Lily was in awe at how different the guardian’s fighting style was in the past in comparison to how he fought when they met. During their time together, the hero saw the faerie focusing on slow but strong strikes, using just one hand to hold his sword as he attacked through countering his opponents. But here, the guardian seemed to be much quicker in his attacks; each strike having almost seamless fluidity as he’d feint and dodge with ease, it could almost be seen as a dance rather than a duel when it comes to his fighting. Coupled with how the guardian used his wings to maneuver his body when swinging his sword, it was easy to see why the stoic knight of solidarity was having trouble keeping up his defense.

“Don’t keep yourself in one place! Move with your blade less it’ll leave your hand before you know it!” Elder Faerie would shout, a mixture of determination and encouragement as he continued to swing his blade at his opponent, his tone seeming to show hints of honorable excitement, “Use that power of yours not just as a shield but as a weapon like the sword you wield!"

“I-It isn’t I-Intended f-for direct assault!” The Salt of Solidarity would retort in a grunt as he positioned his blade wherever the guardian’s gladius swung, losing ground by the second as he was pushed back inch by inch, “I-It’s purpose is for protection against those who’d be so reckless in their attack!”

“It isn’t about using it for direct assault! The best offense can be found through defense!” The Guardian would shout back as he feint another sword strike for a kick, knocking the knight off-balance as he went in for another strike with his gladius from below, “Read your opponent’s strike, and once you found their target, redirect their power and make it your own!”

The beast seemed to hesitate for a moment as he saw the guardian’s blade coming towards him. It was only then that the knight would put his friends' words to the test as he prepared his sword against the incoming strike. White Lily looked on with intrigue as steel clashed with steel, Solidarity directing the face of his blade to push Faerie’s gladius down to his hilt. Once the guardian’s blade got caught on the knight’s hilt, he’d sidestep away from the guardian, in turn flinging the faerie away while in midair. The knight would then direct the force that was used against him by the guardian to support his next strike. Channeling the power of his Soul Jam, the knight’s blade would begin to glow with a silver light, thrusting his blade towards his staggered opponent. Elder Faerie only had a second to position his gladius in front of him before Solidarity’s sword struck, knocking him back with almost unnatural strength, as he’d tumbled to the ground before hitting a fairly cushioned bush. White Lily found herself amazed at witnessing how different the Salt of Solidarity’s fought compared to how he was now; usually the beast’s attacks were unpredictable and relentless, but here he seemed more calculated, judging his opponents strength and measuring it with his own. His Soul Jam served more as a conduit than a weapon, helping him channel power into his strikes, as evident with how the guardian was currently trying to move himself off of the bush he found himself in.

The Salt of Solidarity would chuckle at seeing his friend’s position, holding his blade up towards the guardian in challenge, “That enough redirecting for you, my friend? Perhaps you need some help getting unstuck?~”

White Lily couldn’t help but giggle as she saw the halfhearted glare that came from Elder Faerie before he pushed himself off the bush with his wings. Hovering in the air as he held his gladius in one hand, looking down towards the smile that he knew the beast had behind his helmet. The Hero of Freedom would look to see how the guardian was positioning his sword, raising it to his side as the moonlight seemed to shimmer across the blade. She could have sworn she saw that same maneuver before…but…where did she?

“An impressive maneuver, my friend, very impressive,” Elder Faerie would commend as he saw how confident and proud the beast was of himself before he grew a confident smile of his own, “But don’t let yourself get overzealous, after all, if you look up too high–”

Before the guardian could finish his sentence, he blitzed down towards the knight at blinding speed; the hero of freedom almost didn’t notice he moved, and neither did the knight! He perked up with alarm and readied his sword to counter, unfortunately for the beast, he would be too late to act. With just one slice of his blade, Elder Faerie struck through Salt’s defense; and from what White Lily could see, it was through what seemed to be the guardian’s version of the End of Silence! It took a few seconds for the Salt of Solidarity to realize that his sword had been knocked clean out of his hands, before he heard the sound of steel piercing the ground behind him. When he turned around, the beast would see his sword planted into the ground as the guardian planted his gladius right beside it with a smug smile.

“–You might just forget about the ground below you~”

The Salt of Solidarity stood perplexed at what just happened, just as how White Lily stood in awe of witnessing such a breathtaking duel. Once a few seconds passed, the beast would give a soft defeated sight, looking down with a bow of defeat.

“Once again, you found a way to best me, my friend,” Salt conceded as he looked back up to Faerie with a nod of understanding, “It…seem’s as though I still have much to learn…”

“That may be true, but I was not lying when I said you have been improving,” Faerie noted as he walked up to the defeated beast, moving a hand up to gently pat his shoulder, “That power coupled with your own personal strength and skill will make you a knight not to be underestimated, I’m sure of it.”

The beast would listen to his friend's words, and yet, there was an air of concern as he tilted his head down in shame, “The Soul Jam’s power is great, but the Virtue of Solidarity shouldn’t be seen as nothing more than some divine force, none of the virtues should. We Beast weren't made to be seen as gods among cookiekind…this power…it should instead be seen as something attainable for all cookies…”

Elder Faerie’s smile would turn into a soft frown upon hearing the knight’s distress, a soft sigh escaping his lips as his voice would shift into a gentler tone, “I understand, you have not been shy in expressing such grief to me, nor can I imagine the burden you and your comrades carry with these virtues. But it is through these virtues where we can guide the world so that a dream such as yours can be realized, after all, we already have a plan set in motion…”

The beast was silent for a few seconds, his mind lost in thought due to his woe, resorting to nodding silently in response to his friend's words. White Lily would look on with solace, even in the past, the beast of solidarity was not spared from the weight his responsibilities brought. The Hero of Freedom didn’t know how this stoic knight had been able to push through such strife with all that he had to face, and even still, how the guardian of the Faerie Kingdom could soothe such worries…

Little did the hero know, she was about to receive the answer to that long unsettled question. As she looked on, White Lily would see a small smirk start to grow on Elder Faerie’s face, as he began to move his hand down from the beast’s shoulder. The hero would look on with confusion as she witnessed the guardian maneuver his hand around to hover beside the unsuspecting knight’s side, just over the undersuit of his armor. Then, without warning, the guardian would gently latch his hand onto the exposed area of the knight’s side, before squeezing gently along it. And what happened next would leave the Hero of Freedom stunned beyond words.

“G-Gehehehemph!” The beast stammered out, startled at the unexpected contact before another sound began to come from his lips, “F-Fahahah-Faerie n-nohohohomph!”

The Salt of Solidarity…

The most stoic of all the beasts…

The wielder of the Virtue Solidarity himself…

Was…giggling…?

“Don’t let yourself get so worked up over so much, less you forget to take a moment to enjoy the good of the world itself,” Elder Faerie hummed out with a growing teasing tone in his voice as his hand continued its gentle squeezes along the middle of the beast’s side, “And we can’t have you losing that smile now, can’t we?~”

White Lily couldn’t believe what she was seeing; the idea that the Salt of Solidarity was even a hint ticklish didn’t cross the hero’s mind until this exact moment. But here she was, witnessing the guardian teasing the knight in the most playful of forms, reducing him to a giggling  fit. Elder Faerie would move himself behind the beast as he attempted to squirm away from his devilish hand, leaving the poor knight in a state of wobbly confusion. Just a second later, the faerie would sneak both of his hands along the knight’s sides latching on with added playfully dramatic effort. Solidarity would yelp as the guardian would proceed to flutter his fingers against the fabric of his undersuit, his gentle touch grazing along the defenseless spots exposed to him. That gentle touch alone was enough for the composed cookie to crumble into a rather adorable flustered state. 

“C-Cehehehehehehe-Cease thihihihihihis!” The beast grunted through his giggling, struggling to get free from his friends playful grasp, only to find himself trapped within the devilish hands that held him, “T-Thihihihihihihis ihihihihi-mhmhmhmhmph-ihihihihihis uhuhuhuhuhunbecomihihihing ohohoho-of a knihihihihihight!”

“Now who dictated that to be true,” the guardian retorted as a gentle chuckle elicited through listening to the beast’s giggling, his hands unrelenting in his gentle attack, “Even the most stoic of knights should grant themselves moments to laugh, letting down those guarded walls could do you some good, especially if this way works so well~”

“T-Thahahahahaha-That is irrehehehehehehhelevahahahahahant!” Salt attempted to respond before a lighter yelp escaped from his lips, feeling one of the guardian’s hands abruptly squeeze his hip, causing him to jump a little, “I dohohohoho-do nohohohohohot neheheheheheheed ihihihihihit!”

“If that were the case, why aren’t you truly trying to escape?~” Elder mused as he moved both of his hands up and down the knight’s torso, switching between fluttering along his sides and goosing both of his hips.

White Lily would perk up from the guardian’s statement, looking towards the knight to see if what he was saying was true. And as luck would have it, the guardian was right; for even though the knight was squirming against the guardian’s grasp, she couldn’t see any true effort put into escaping. Instead, the beast was letting himself giggle despite the stoic stubbornness that seemed to echo from his words, and the hero could have sworn she saw a small hint of a blush peak through the openings of his helmet. White Lily was starstruck upon witnessing what was taking place before her, was the beast actually enjoying this attention? It was then that the hero made a sudden realization, could this have been what the Soul Jam wanted to show her?

As if to answer her question, the scene continued forward as Elder Faerie would move his hands from Salt’s sides. Only giving the knight a moment to breathe before those hands snaked into the openings of his armor, setting themselves upon the knight’s stomach. Salt felt his whole body shiver as he snapped his head behind him to look at Faerie, who in turn, flashed him a smug smirk. “E-Ehehehe-Elder I-I swehehehear,” Salt began as his stammering tone did not do the beast’s threat justice, “I wihihihill ensure that yohohohou feel my wrath if you–!”

Elder Faerie chuckled at his friend’s attempt at a halfhearted threat before simply giving him a playful wink, “Noted~”

Once he said that, Elder Faerie would enact the climax of his mischievous attack. Both of his hands would begin to gently skitter along the beast’s belly, scratching lightly against his undersuit. The guardian seemed to be as fluid in his tickling as he was in his swordsmanship; every poke was quick enough to look like a blur, while still carrying enough gentleness to bring about the sweetest reactions. Of course, this method of attack proved fruitful if the poor knight's instant reaction was evident enough for it.

“E-EHEHEHEHEMPH N-Nohohohohohoho w-wahahahahahahait whahahahahahahahahait!” The Salt of Solidarity would squawk out before finding himself crumbling to the ground, kneeling against the grass below him in a futile attempt at escape, all the while Elder Faerie followed close and continued his assault, “Th-Thahahahahahahahat’s uhuhuhuhhuhunderhahaha-HAHAHAHANDED!”

“There’s that laugh I wanted to hear,” Elder Faerie would muse teasingly as his fingers continued to poke and probe against the knight’s sensitive belly, a gentle smile on his face through it all, “Never lose that laugh, my friend, for that laugh can bring more light than you think~”

As she continued to observe the scene before her, a small smile would grow on White Lily’s face. Never did she think that the answer to her troubles would be so simple, and yet, its simplicity is what made it so great in the first place. The Hero of Freedom wasn’t new to the idea of tickling, after all, she had her fair share of playful mischief when it came to Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk. But to see that this memory practically confirmed the best possible path for her to help her new friend was enough to ease her worries of enacting such a plan in the first place. The hero would watch as the faerie’s playful attack would continue for a few more moments before he decided to relent, moving his hands away from the poor knight's belly. The Salt of Solidarity would lay on the floor, huffing out large breaths as his helmet crept up enough to show a small part of the beast’s face. And through that peak, both Elder Faerie and White Lily could see the gentle blushing smile that was painted across the face of the Salt of Solidarity.

“Y-Yohohohohou…you’re truly unbelievable,” The beast attempted to scold through the genuine smile that crossed his lips, looking up towards his friend gratefully.

The guardian would return the smile as he extended a hand towards the beast in turn, “And yet you never seem to have a problem with it~”

White Lily would clasp her hands together gently as she saw the two cookies appreciate each other's company. Though at that moment, the hero’s vision seemed to become fuzzy once again. The hazy, dreamlike scene before her beginning to ripple and fade like mist. And before the hero knew it, another flash of light would blind her, as the Soul Jam of Freedom would return her to where she needed to be.

—

When White Lily reopened her eyes, she’d find herself standing in the garden within the Stronghold of Silence once again. Looking around, she’d see that Silent Salt Cookie was still beside the bench as he was before the Soul Jam took her into the past; And as the hero looked towards the Soul Jam, she saw that its light had dimmed to a gentle glow. White Lily was amazed, what felt like minutes within the vision seemed to only occur in a matter of seconds in reality, it was like the vision didn’t even happen in the first place. The Hero of Freedom’s curiosity would grow upon this thought, just what other powers did her Soul Jam awaken to after she awakened to her full potential? White Lily would shake the thought for now, those were questions she’d find answers to later; right now however, she had more pressing matters to deal with in regards to helping her new friend. And with the knowledge she attained while peering into the past, she now knew just how to do it.

Slipping closer to Silent Salt’s side, the hero would slowly raise her hands towards the unsuspecting beast’s sides. She made sure she was out of sight by standing right behind the beast, all the while her careful hands inched closer and closer to their targets. Just a second later, the hero would gently latch her hands onto the beast’s hips, her fingertips pushing slightly against his shirt-covered dough. White Lily practically saw the shiver that ran through Silent Salt’s body as a soft gasp escaped his lips while in the midst of turning his head out of confusion. But before he could get a word in, the hero would begin to gently squeeze the middle of the beast’s hips, which would invoke the reaction she was looking for.

“U-Uhuhuhuhuhumph! H-Huhuhuhuhuh?!” Silent Salt grunted out as he felt himself hunch over from the involuntary reaction of White Lily’s hands against his hips, as a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time started to build up within him, “W-Whihihihite L-Lihily?! W-Wahaha-What are you–?!”

The hero of freedom smiled in triumph upon hearing the stammer in the beast’s voice, despite the years that have passed, it seemed as though the beast was still just as ticklish as he was in the past. It turned out to be the perfect case scenario for White Lily; because not only could she use what she had learned from that vision, but at the same time, put her own unique effort when it came to dealing out such special “attention” to the beast. Using her indexes and thumbs, the hero would goose along the center of each of the beast’s hips, gently digging into the soft dough that laid behind his clothing. White her fingers may not be as soft as the guardian’s when it comes to such attention, she definitely makes up for it with her dexterity and gentleness. And of course, there was also the gentle yet mischievous teasing nature that always followed whenever White Lily was tending to anyone within her grasp.

“Well, it looked as though you needed a bit of cheering up, so I decided to take matters into my own hands,” White Lily hummed out with a playful tone, tilting her head for Silent Salt to see the small mischievous smile that grew on her face, “And it seems as though I discovered the perfect way to bring a smile back to your face, haven’t I?~”

Unlike the vision, Silent Salt didn’t have his helmet on, so the hero was able to see the gentle purple blush that began to dust the beast’s cheeks along with the wobbly smile on his face; Confusion and fluster mixing into one as those soft giggles threatened to escape from his lips, “H-Hohohohohohohoh-How dihihihihihi-did yohohohohou–?!”

“You can thank the Soul Jam for that,” White Lily answered as she gave a little wink to the beast, finding it quite adorable how a cookie so stoic can have such a sweet looking smile, “Looks like I’m not the only one that wanted to help cheer you up, speaking of which…”

White Lily would maneuver her hands up the beast’s hips as she began to skitter her fingers along his sides. The material of the knight’s shirt was soft to the touch, so much so, that the hero’s fingers could glide against the silken fabric with relative ease. She’d poke and prod up and down the beast’s sides, moving her hands along the length of his torso as to let the ticklish shocks of her fingers course through the entirety of his dough. And shock it did, as the beast’s concentration seemed to take a heavy blow as a higher squeak escaped his lips, his squirming also becoming more apparent as he’d try to escape the hero’s mischievous fingers.

“N-Nohohohohohohomph P-Plehehehehehehehehehease!” Silent Salt giggled out, closing his eyes out of pure instinct as he tried to gently push White Lily’s hands away from his sides as he squirmed, “T-Thihihihihihihihis ihihihi-is uhuhuhuhunecessarihihihihihihihi! I-I dohohohohoho not neheheheheed to-ehehehemph-to be cheheheheheered uhuhuhuhuhuhup! Ihihihi-ihihihihit’s uhuhuhuhuhunbecohohohohoming!”

White Lily couldn’t help but giggle upon hearing that familiar statement, as Silent Salt was in a state of utter giggly confusion from what was going on. It was one thing to discover that he was still just as ticklish as he was before he imprisoned himself; but it was an entirely other thing to learn that your successor had learned one of your greatest weaknesses from the artifact you once wielded! The beast of silence wasn’t one to express his emotions, and a rare few have ever seen his walls come down upon the rare occasions he did, but tickling always seemed to work to get him to open up. But this was impossible! There was no way that the hero could have learned that just from the Soul Jam alone! What did she see? What did it tell her? And how on earth did she know his exact spots? But what was the strangest part about this whole moment…was this underlying feeling…that the beast of silence had been in this particular situation before. The deja vu would only last for a short while, however, as the beast’s dwindling focus was centered on the gentle yet impish fingers that continued to dance along his torso.

“Nonsense! You are just as deserving of being cared for just as much as any cookie, especially after all you have done for the sake of others,” White Lily retorted before a gentle giggle escaped her lips, prodding her fingers close to the beast’s ribs which earned her a yelp in turn, “As a matter of fact, I think you’re long overdue to be given a real reason to smile~”

The Hero of Freedom would slowly move her hands away from the knight’s torso, giving him but a moment to breathe as he wobbled where he stood in confusion. But before Silent Salt could ask what she was talking about, White Lily would snap her fingers as green sparks around her hand. Upon the snap, a few vines along the trees surrounding them would start to resonate with the hero’s magic; and within an instant, started to move and grow upon her command. Silent Salt would lie unprepared as two of those vines crept from the silver tree he was standing below, and without warning, quickly wrap themselves around the cookie’s wrist. The beast’s eyes would widen as he was gently pulled up a few inches into the ear by the strength of the vines, his arms moved to be raised over his head in their cautious yet stout grip. The vines would also turn the beast around to face the hero standing behind him, allowing her to get a better look at the blushing face of fluster he wore. Four more vines would also extend towards the defenseless beast and the hero strut closer to his exposed form, an impish smirk on her face upon seeing the anticipation begin to build up within the beast.

“N-Nohohoho-Now W-White Lily Cookie, L-Listen,” Silent Salt stuttered out as he squirmed against the vines that were holding him, unable to make their hold budge even an inch as he looked towards the hero with a wobbly smile, “I-I promise t-thahahahat this is unnecessary, I-I sw-swear y-you don’t need to do anything b-brash and–”

White Lily would simply giggle as she raise her hands towards the defenseless beast, stopping him in his tracks with a single word, “Noted~”

Oh…so that’s why this felt familiar…he had been in this situation before…

With that resounding word, the Hero of Freedom would execute her own climax of a tickle attack to the blushing beast, as the vines and her hands all dived towards Silent Salt cookie.

A pair of vines would find themselves targeting the beast of silence’s face, snaking their way toward him with gentle vigor. The vine on Silent Salt’s left would begin to dance its tip along the center of his cheek, brushing gently against his dough almost like a feather would. Meanwhile the vine on Silent Salt’s right would move itself towards the cookie’s neck, allowing the bulk of its length to graze along the middle of that spot. The vines themselves felt incredibly soft, so much so that they didn’t feel like vines to begin with; instead they could almost be akin to a feather boa, or long ropes of fuzz from the softest of blankets. Regardless of their material, it was all the more effective, as it left the beast in a state of perpetual giggling as his blushing cheeks began to glow brighter.

“G-Gyehehehehehehehehehehemph n-nonononohohohohohohoho wahahahahahait p-plehehehehehehease!”

The other pair of vines would focus their efforts along the beast’s arms. Both vines would work in tandem as they’d use their tips to slowly brush from the cookie’s wrist down the entire length of both of his arms. The culmination of their journey would come when the vines found their way to the beast’s underarms, where they would proceed to slowly glide along the exposed dough. The vines worked like they were paintbrushes, dancing their tips along the canvas before them in order to create a work of mirthful art. And based on the beast’s growing laughter, they aimed to be making a masterpiece.

“EHEHEH-Ahahahahahahahamph! O-Ohohohohohoho m-my mhmhmhmhmhmph! P-Plehehehehehehehease cehehehehehe-EHEHEHEASE thihihihihihihihis!”

But the true threat of this finale would come from the Hero of Freedom herself, as her hands would prime themselves upon the other spot that she discovered through her glimpse into the past, the beast’s stomach. White Lily would begin to quickly skitter her fingers along the middle of Silent Salt’s belly, brushing against the cloth that covered the defenseless spot. When the hero of freedom usually tickled Pure Vanilla or Shadow Milk on this spot, she focused on prodding her fingers like she was playing a piano, she wondered if this same method worked with Silent Salt as well. And well…in the hero’s eyes…the results spoke for themselves.

“GYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAMPH W-WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAIT OHOHOHOHOH-OHOHOHO WIHIHIHITCHES ABOHOHOHOHOHOVE NOHOHOHOHOT THE-THEHEHEHEHERE!”

Silent Salt was anything but silent as all three methods of ticklish torment worked over his body. The stubbornness he attempted to muster when resisting such gentle devious touches had crumbled into mere pebbles. What started as soft and low giggles shifted into a loud but deep sounding laugh, a laugh that almost sounded melodic upon listening to it. Like an ocean in the midst of crashing waves, it pitched and dived in a sweet rhythm of mirth that the hero of freedom couldn’t help but find sweet as she heard it. 

“Now isn’t this a sweet surprise, who knew that the great Lord Commander had such a lovely laugh,” White Lily teased as her fingers scribbled against the sides of the beast’s belly while the vines worked over his other spots.

“EHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA L-LIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIES!” Silent attempted to retort as he shook his head in flustered defiance, the vines along his neck and cheeks not relenting in their efforts of ticklish affect, the blushing smile on his face was as wide as it was bright as he looked towards the hero, “YOHOHO-YOHOHOHOHOU SPEHEHEHEHEHEAK OHOHOHO-OF DEHEHEHEHECIET!”

“And yet, you don’t seem to be putting in any more effort to escape~” White Lily would reply with a sing-song tone as she flashed a wink towards the knight, “If I didn’t know any better, I would say that you’re enjoying this, aren’t you?~”

That question alone was enough to make the blush on Silent Salts face practically radiate with a bright royal purple hue. He couldn’t explain it, but there was something about this type of playfulness that had always felt so…safe…with him. He was always seen as the stoic and steadfast leader that never seemed to have a moment of rest for himself, much less was one to express how he felt. When it came to this brand of mischief…it was as if he could let down all those burdens if not for a few minutes in order to just be…himself. He had almost forgotten the last time he experienced anything like this before his imprisonment, but thanks to the hero that has brought him out of the dark, all of those memories began to surge back into his mind. And with those memories came the familiar welcoming feelings of joy and mirth that he felt whenever he allowed himself to embrace this silly form of play.

“GYEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA YOHOHOHO-YOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOU IHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIMP!”

White Lily would smirk a bit more as she continued to tend to the gentlehearted beast for a few more minutes. His laughter would ring out across the entire garden as vines and hands alike danced and played with his ticklish form. It was only after those few more minutes passed that the hero decided that her new friend had enough for one day and decided to spare him. Moving her hands away from the beast’s belly, White Lily would snap her fingers in order to direct the vines once more; as one, the vines along both the beast’s face and arms retreated back into the trees before being released from control. Silent Salt would huff out slow breaths as the two vines that held him would lower him slowly to sit upon the bench he was standing beside, giving him the rest that he needed. The vines would proceed to release the beast’s wrist, as one vine patted his head, before retreating back into the trees as well. The Hero of Freedom would move around in order to sit on the other end of the bench, looking towards the Beast of Silence with gentle concern.

“Are…Are you okay, Silent Salt,” White Lily asked gently as she moved a hand up to soothingly massage the beast’s shoulder, “I…I did not go too far did I?”

Silent Salt couldn’t muster a word for a good few seconds as breath after breath was drawn back into his dough, his head leaning against the bench he sat upon. The fluster on his face not sparing an inch of reprieve as small giggles mustered from his lips due to the ticklish phantom feelings that coursed along his body. Once a few more seconds have passed, a long, yet gentle sigh would resound from the beast of silence as he lowered his head toward the hero beside him. The hero would then see that upon the beast’s face would sit a gentle smile that spoke of relief and gratitude as he looked towards her.

“I…hahahahaha-have not had that much fun in…such a long time…” Silent Salt spoke with a gentle yet giggly tone, “ahaha-and yet you reminded me that not all hope is lost…and that there is always a moment for joy to shine…I thank you for that, O Freedom.”

White Lily would breathe a sigh of relief as she nodded happily towards her new friend. There was so much that needed to be done; a threat still lingered within the world that needed to be stopped, and the combined forces of heroes and beasts alike would be needed to stop her. But right now, in moments like these, the Hero of Freedom was able to see that when all is set and done, happiness can still exist even in the bleakest of days. When this whole ordeal was over, she’d ensure that the beast of silence would have the freedom to live how he wanted to, and even more so, be able to see that his companions can be redeemed to have the same freedom as he does.

“Of course, we’re friends after all, and I wouldn’t want you to lose that smile for anything,” White Lily responded before giving a sheepish giggle of her own, “B-But still…theirs really…no need for noble etiquette…eheh…”

Silent Salt would give a soft chuckle as he’d look back up towards the silver trees above him. What he once believed would be nothing more than bygone days now have become a future the likes of which he never thought he’d have. Through the light he found from friends old and new, the future that the Salt of Solidarity had fought for has never been so close to becoming a reality, or perhaps it already had. There was much that the beast needed and wanted to do, but whether it be protecting the world from the coming threat or reconciling with his former companions, he’d have the freedom to choose how to go about it. And as Silent Salt’s amethyst eyes looked towards the silver tree above him, a gentle wind would brush against his face as those glimmering leaves seemed to show their own happiness, just as the beast showed his.

CRASH!

Well that sound definitely made you pick up your pace as you jogged down the hallway of the hotel you resided in. Ever since you found yourself being welcomed under the roof of the Hazbin Hotel, you have come to expect the unexpected when it comes to loud noises, after all…hell definitely isn’t a place where peace and quiet are the first things that come to mind. From the multitude of accidents that you’ve come to witness within the hotel, some little disagreements that mostly result in something being destroyed on accident, or even when the Radio Demon wanted a bit of…fun, it had become second nature to be prepared for when something’s about to get destroyed. But this time was different; not because of hearing the sound itself, but because of where the sound came from…and that worried you.

“Oh geez that sounded loud,” You’d mutter in a growing panic as you started to get closer and closer to your destination…and in turn the source of the noise, “I hope he didn’t hurt himself while he was getting ready, I thought I told him to wait for me.”

After a few more seconds of panicked jogging, you’d finally make your way to your destination; which in fact was rather regal looking red double doors with golden vine-like designs, an apple along the handle of each door. Just as you made it towards the door you would hear another crashing sound which only made you more worried than before, just what was he doing?

“Your majesty?” You called out as you’d knock on the door in a slight paced panic, not letting your emotions get in the way of your sense of courtesy and respect, “Are you okay in there? What was that crashing sound?”

A few seconds, and another crashing sound, would pass until a rather surprised voice would sound from the other side of the door. Well…what was more so the sound of a squeak followed by a stream of stutters that you attempted to make out as words.

“O-Oh?! Is that you out there buddy?” The rather peppy and bright voice would call out with growing nervousness from the other side of the door as a grunt would echo between their words, “D-Don’t you worry about that noise it was just-hng-just bumped into a little something is all! No need to panic or anything, it's peeeerfectly-gah come on-Perfectly fine!”

You didn’t believe that statement for a second as you’d begin to move a hand up towards the handle of one of the doors. If anything, that statement would only strengthen your worries as every new crashing sound just added to the concern of what exactly was going on.

“R-Really your majesty?” You’d voice out again with a bit more earnest and concern in your tone, “Because you asked me to come here to help you out but I feel as though you went on and—”

“L-Like I said bud, noooo need to worry!” The voice would interrupt with a bit of faux cheer in its tone, another grunt seeming to echo out between his words as he did so, “I got everything perfectly under control and there’s no need to go out of your way to—”

KA-CRASH

“—Oh come on!”

That crash alone would force your hand as you would turn the handle on the door. Concern and caution in your step as you would push open the door and enter into the room that the voice resided in. You were bracing yourself for some sort of fight to welcome you when you entered, thinking that someone attacked the individual within the room. But nothing would prepare you for what you would come to see as you entered the room…and the giggle you had to stifle as you looked to the culprit responsible for the commotion.

“H-Holy shihihit…” You stifled out as you held in the laughter that was threatening to escape from looking at the scene before you.

Surprisingly, the room itself looked to be okay in terms of condition. The room was fairly spacious, with walls and flooring colored a soft scarlet lined with patterns of gold. On one side of the room sat a doorway that allowed entry to an open bathroom…with enough space to give someone a full spa day. A large bed would be seen across on the other side of the room with an assortment of dressers and cabinets around it…along with a walk-in closet close to the bed itself. Some of these cabinets looked to be pushed around a bit as if some sort of struggle had occurred within the room. Your attention however would be focused on the center of the room itself, where a large couch with very soft cushioning and an…absurd amount of duck pillows…sat across from the mounted television on the wall. Well…you shouldn’t say your attention was focused on the space itself, but the individual that was squirming in the messed up couch in front of you.

The individual in question was a fairly tall man with a rather lean body shape, but was very fit despite the shape itself. He had claw-like hands with rather dull tips for how sharp they looked to be. Short hair of golden blond color would be seen in a slight mess on the individual's head, a definite sign of a unique kind of struggle he had been facing. Golden eyes with red pupils would look wide eyed in surprise at your arrival before your attention would be drawn to what he was wearing…or rather…the lack thereof. The individual looked to be in the midst of changing as he was wearing sleek black dress pants; something that definitely didn’t match with the grey socks he had on, socks that were designs with small yellow ducks along it…which was rather cute all things considered. The same couldn’t be said for his very bare torso however, as his pale white skin would be exposed to you from the current situation he found himself in. 

That situation being that the individual's arms looked to be trapped above his head while in the middle of putting on what seemed to be a dress shirt of some kind. The individual would squirm slightly as you looked at him with a hand covering your mouth, trying desperately hard to hide the smile growing on your face. He would in turn look with the soft red circles making up his cheeks glowing in a soft blush of embarrassment.

“Okay…I know it looks bad,” he began with a slight fluster in his tone as he tugged at the shirt that was stuck over his arms, “but trust me when I say I have a perfectly reasonable explanation for this!”

Now, any demon in existence wouldn’t hesitate to say you were crazy if you told them that you have had a few run-ins with the king of hell himself. But they would more than likely have called you insane if you were to say that you were friends with Lucifer Morningstar, and yet, it was as true as can be. It was a rather unexpected turn of events to have come to know the king of hell, as he would come to take residence with the Hazbin Hotel run by his daughter, and in turn…getting the chance to meet you as one of its other residents. The idea alone of meeting Lucifer would still shock you to this day, even going so far as believing that you had to be dignified and proper with him. But over time, you began to see that the king was probably one of the most down to earth people you have ever met in your afterlife, and in turn, one of the nicest too. You and Lucifer would slowly become good friends as you spent more time together; even going so far as helping him out whenever he had any royal duties to attend to that he wasn’t too keen on doing alone, not to mention the rather fun outings that the two of you would have whenever he had some free time on hand. It was a bond forged from mutual trust between you two, and it had earned you the privilege of being one of Lucifer’s closest friends within hell.

So much so, that the king had requested for you to help him out for an upcoming meeting he had to attend with the rest of the Sin’s of Hell. It had been a long time since Lucifer had gone to any meeting of such caliber due to fairly…personal reasons…and he wanted to make sure he looked presentable after not seeing the others in so long. After reading a rather long winded text from the king asking you to come to his room and help him pick out an outfit, you would agree to his request with the belief that it would be a peaceful task to complete to help the king get ready. Though nothing could have prepared you for the scene that now laid before you as the king seemed to have started getting ready without you, much to his own…rather amusing misfortune.

“L-Lucifer, I thought I told you to wait,” you found yourself saying as you stifled a little giggle as you walked towards the struggling king, “hohohow in the hell did you manage to even do this?”

“W-Well it’s a pretty crazy story actually,” Lucifer began as he tugged at the shirt above his head as he turned to you with as much confidence as he had left at the moment, “you see after I messaged you, I thought that it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to get a head start when it came to getting ready. A king’s gotta be able to make himself presentable after all, so I wanted to try on a few outfits before making a choice and I…well…I may have—”

“—Got yourself stuck while in the midst of changing?” You finished the king’s sentence as you raised an eyebrow seeing his face scrunch up rather stubbornly.

“I did not get myself stuck!” Lucifer retorted with a huff as he turned himself away from you, almost tumbling off the couch in the process as he saved himself at the last minute, “I simply wanted to test the flexibility of the outfit, just because it’s a formal meeting doesn’t mean I can’t be comfortable…eheheh…”

You’d take a moment to hear what the king said before looking at the expression on his face as he said it, and in turn, saw the slight trace of what seemed to be…worry? It didn’t take long for you to register that there was truth in what Lucifer was saying, but the reason as to why he wanted to start getting ready before you arrived was what made all the difference. You knew that it had been a long time since Lucifer had ever attended meetings with the other Sins…much less had even seen them. The king had been in isolation due to his burdens and guilt for such a long time, it would be fair to reason that he was probably nervous about seeing his fellow rulers after so much time passed…and the way he was acting proved it. You would approach the couch to sit beside the trapped king as he looked to you with that sheepish smile of his, only to give a gentle look of concern in return.

“Lucifer…” You began to question softly as you tilted your head towards the king, “Are you that nervous about the meeting?”

Lucifer would take a moment to disregard your question with a shake of his head, giving an almost convincing huff in the process…almost. “Pfff! Me? Nervous?” He dismissed, “What would I have to be nervous about seeing all of my good buddies after oh so long…who have definitely probably thought I abandoned them…and are more than likely going to hate my guts seeing me again after isolating myself for a good few centuries…”

You couldn’t help but feel your heart ache as the king of hell slowly but surely admitted to his own fears. Isolation was never something easy to deal with, especially when it came to the hardships that would cause it. But the aftermath of such isolation was just as difficult…and the confrontation that comes with it. Now of course, you weren’t one to fully understand the more intricate details on how Hell’s hierarchy goes; but you knew for certain that bad blood doesn’t exclude anybody, royalty or eldritchy included. It was a valid fear to have when it came to reuniting with people you were once close with after such a long time…but such fear could always seem much more than what it actually is. Right now however, it seemed as though that fear was starting to get to your royal companion.

“Hey…nobody can truly predict how they’re gonna feel seeing you again after so long,” You began in a hushed tone of comfort, raising a hand to gently pat Lucifer’s leg in an attempt to ease his worry, “You’ve gone through a lot and needed time to…get your groove back. I’m sure if you just took a moment to talk to them honestly, they’d understand. But assuming the worst before it even ever happened won’t do you any good…”

As you spoke, you would see the nonchalant facade the king had on slowly begin to fade. His body became a bit tense as he laid back on the couch behind him and looked up to the ceiling above. His eyes drooped slightly as his once sheepish smile would turn into a soft frown of worry and dismay. Your hand would even begin to feel his leg twitch slightly from pure anxiety…he must have been holding this in for hours…if not the whole day. It was only after a few seconds passed when you finished speaking would he sigh and tilt his head slightly in your direction.

“It’s just…been so long since I last saw them, I don’t even know if they’d even care if I returned or not,” Lucifer admitted as his eyes showed worried guilt as he looked at you, “Bee, Oz, Levi, all of them…I can’t help but think…maybe they wouldn’t want me back after everything…”

“You never know, maybe they miss you just as much as you missed them,” You’d retort while beginning to move your hand up from Lucifer’s leg to his side, “I know it’s…pretty ironic given where we are but…have a little faith that it won’t turn out as bad as you think it would.”

Lucifer wouldn’t give a verbal answer as he lowered his head down and released another anxious sigh. You had a feeling that words alone wouldn’t help the king with his anxieties, though you really wished this was one of the cases where it did. All you could do now was simply pat Lucifer’s side with that raised hand in attempts to comfort him the best you could. You wished you knew of a better way to help him de-stress, but nothing came to mind, not even the things that the king would like to do probably wouldn’t do the trick either. It seemed like you truly wore out all of your options in that moment…that was of course…until that single hand of yours accidentally traced down the bare skin of the king's side.

“E-Ehehehmph…”

You perked up at the newfound sound that rang through your ears, unaware of what exactly was causing it in the first place. Eyeing around the king rings, you couldn’t make out what exactly would have caused that noise; that was of course, until you looked at the king of hell himself and was greeted by a rather…peculiar…sight.

“Um…are you…okay Lucifer?”

Looking at Lucifer, you wouldn’t see the anxious frown of grief that was spread across his face. Instead, your eyes would catch the sight of the king wearing a rather…nervous…expression? No, No it wasn’t just nervousness; something about it seemed…tense…or rather…surprised? It didn't help your curiosity at all as you saw that the frown he once wore was starting to wobble a little into a…smile? Why was he looking like he was just sprayed with cold water and…wait…was that a blush on his cheeks?

“N-Nothing! Nothing at all!” Lucifer was quick to stammer a response to snap you out of your train of thought, as he started to but a bit more effort in trying to get himself free from the shirt he was still stuck in, bare torso beginning to slowly shimmy away for your unaware touch as he failed to free himself, “J-Just felt a little chill is all, everything is a-okay with me!”

Well that was even less helpful to your curiosity as that answer only served to strengthen it, just what exactly caused the king of hell to get so jumpy around you? You tried to think back to what you had done these past few minutes; you first heard how the king truly felt about the meeting, then you tried to counsel him when it came to easing his worries, and when that didn’t work you tried to comfort him but rubbing your hand on his bare side to—

“E-Ehehehehehemph b-buddy please!” A sudden squeak would erupt from Lucifer’s lips that brought your attention back to him as he’d shoot you a rather…nervous…glare, “Y-Your hand ihihis—”

In that moment; your eyes would slowly gaze down towards where your hand was placed…before your eyes moved back up to see the wobbly smile growing on Lucifer's face…and then back down to the bare side that was exposed and defenseless to your touch. And in that very same moment did the pieces finally snap into place within your mind, and the answer to cheering up the king of hell would find its way to you, all thanks to the king himself no less. 

“You know, ” You would hum as you’d begin to slowly begin to move your hand up towards the middle of the king’s side, as your other hand would start to make its approach on his other side away from his prying eyes, “I think all this stressing’s got you too tense to think straight and, well, gotten yourself stuck in your clothes. Right now, it feels as though you need a moment to…let’s just say…loosen up~”

Lucifer would shiver a little hearing what you had said, narrowing his eyes as that wobbly smile had hints of curiosity and concern, unaware of what you were planning…well…maybe partially aware, “W-What do you mean by loos-Ehehehehehemph H-Huhuhuhuhuh?!”

Before the king had a chance to finish his sentence, you’d situate your hands right on the middle of both of his sides. And in no time at all, you’d begin to gently flutter your index and middle fingers along the sensitive skin that was left open for you to exploit for your plan. You decided to keep to a slow rhythm to start off this little idea, directing your fingers to brush up and down the king’s sides like paintbrushes stroking along a blank canvas. It was with this canvas where you would create your own work of art, one that in turn, would bring a smile to your dear friend's face.

“I can’t believe I almost forgotten how ticklish your were,” You’d purr with a sweet teasing tone in your voice as that small smile turned into a pure impish smirk hearing the small giggles begin to erupt from Lucifer’s lips, “I’m really glad I was able to discover this little tidbit about you from Charlie, it seems to help you out quite well when you get moody~”

It was by complete chance that you had discovered that the king of hell was ticklish, if you were honest with yourself, you couldn’t believe that you got lucky enough to discover it in the first place. Who knew that walking down an average hallway within the hotel would result in you catching the sight of Lucifer getting poked by Charlie during the midst of a meeting they were having. It was only after Charlie and Lucifer spotted you would be where the princess of hell would spill the beans over her fathers rather adorable weakness. Ever since that day, you’d find yourself using that treasured info to play little pranks on the king whenever he had any free time or needed a distraction; of course, he’d always make sure to get his revenge and leave you a giggling blushing mess. But through these little moments, the two of you had grown a fondness for sharing that rather endearing form of bonding that helped bring a smile to both of your faces. And right now, it would be the very thing you needed in order to help relieve the king of the stress he was facing.

It was even proving its usefulness right now, as the king of hell was currently squeaking out just from your four fingers alone. Lucifer’s giggles were rather bubbly and sporadic, but at the same time, they carried its own unique melody that was sweet sounding to hear. Every brush on his left side would force him to squirm to the right; And Every graze on his right side would force him to shimmy right back to the left. Leaving him in a constant ticklish loop as he found no true means of escape from your soft yet devilish touch against his defenseless skin. If he wasn’t regretting getting stuck changing his clothes before…he definitely was feeling those regrets now…as his wobbly smile would give way to a cherry red blush growing on his cheeks.

“B-Buhuhuhuhuhuhuddy ehehehahahahahahaha n-no no no no w-wahahahahahahahahait,” Lucifer would stammer out through his giggles as he’d wiggle his hardest to get unstuck from his shirt, unfortunately for the king, that shirt wasn’t gonna be easy to negotiate with, “Y-Yohohohohohou dohohoho-don’t hahahahahave tohohohoho dohohohohoho thihihihihis ohohohohohoh gohohohohosh!”

“Awwwww but I just got you giggling, I can’t stop now,” You’d retort with a playful coo as you’d sit yourself closer to the king’s squirming body on the couch, continuing to wiggle your four fingers along his soft sides with a curious smirk, “After all, gotta make sure aaaaall that stress is outta your system; now let’s see where else we can tend to, shall we Luci?~”

You paid no mind to the squeaks of protest from the king as you’d look over his body to find your next target. It didn’t take long for you to make your choice as you’d move your hands up from Lucifer's sides and towards his ribs. The king’s body was rather slim, but not too slim to make him look like a skeleton, though it did leave it easy to see where his ribs were; though in this case, seeing his ribs would prove useful with your current goal. Unleashing all ten of your fingers, you’d begin to quickly skitter along both sets of ribs on the king’s bare body; ensuring every poke and prod was as gentle as can be, you’d leave no rib unattended from your devilishly sweet assault. You’d even take moments to gently dig your fingers between some of Lucifer's ribs just to get a mixture of different reactions.

Of course Lucifer…graciously…provided such for you.

“YEEAHAHAHA-Ehehehehehehehehahahahahahaha nohohohot-not the ribs not the rihihihihihihibs!” He’d squeal out while shaking his head, arching himself off the couch trying to escape from you, though he wouldn’t really get far as he flopped right back down on the cushions behind him, “D-Duhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhucklihihihihihihihihing plehehehehehehehehease I-Ihihihihihihihim fihihihihihihihihine!”

Your soul melted a little as you heard that sweet nickname Lucifer gave you as those sweet squeaky giggles resounded from his lips, it was a nickname he gave only to those close to him that he felt truly comfortable around. A part of you still wonders how you got to become one of those lucky few…and yet…you’d always find yourself grateful that you were. Even through his protest, you could see it as clear as day; it was in the king's smile, it was in his laughter, it was in the way his eyes sparkled, he was truly enjoying this. Slowly but surely you could see that Lucifer was starting to let himself embrace the affection, setting aside the stress at least for a moment to relax. Despite all that he had gone through, the king of hell was still able to smile, he still held that joy that you only heard existed centuries ago. And in the end that alone made this whole plan worth it, to be able to remind him that he was cared for, to be able to provide the light he needed in his darkest moments…those were moments that you’d treasure dearly. Lucifer wasn’t just a king in your eyes, he was a friend you cared about deeply, and you were gonna make sure he knew that.

“Hmmmmm…I dunno…you might say your fine but I just can’t be sure yet,” You’d muse as a playfully puzzled tone would come from that teasing purr in your voice, all the while you were drilling your all fingers between the king's ribs which elicited a squeal from his lips, “Maaaaaaaybe I’ll be convinced if I just check a biiiiiit more~”

A small whine would escape from Lucifer's throat that almost made you coo from how cute it was…but you couldn’t get distracted…not before tending to one last spot. Slowly you would turn the king around on the couch, until you had your friend’s back facing you. It didn’t take long for Lucifer to realize what you were planning as he’d begin to shimmy away from you, a bright blush and “fearful” smile on his face as he’d do so. You’d chuckle a little as you pulled Lucifer right back into your grasp, resting your hands right on the middle of his spine, earning you a shiver of anticipation. 

“W-Wahahait d-duckling p-plehehehease,” Lucifer attempted to negotiate while given the chance to breathe, turning his head around the best he could to look at you with those sparkling “pleading” eyes of his, “Y-You don’t have to do this, we can just get me ready like we were supposed to do, I’m fine, I promise I’m–!” “Shshshshshshshsh~” You would hush as you’d trace your hands softly up and down the king’s spine, leaving him shivering and squeaking in suspense as he’d suppress the wave of euphoria threatening to come from his lips, your own eyes sparkling with mirthful mischief knowing that this was going to be the ticket to curing your friends woes, “No need for any more words…just do me a favor…and laugh for me Luci~”

Upon those words, you would shoot your hands right up to the king’s upper back, right where his wings would be whenever they sprouted. In that very same second, you would begin to rapidly skitter your fingers up and down that spot with gentle mercilessness. Your fingers would brush and graze and claw along the soft pale skin that “welcomed” you without objection, making sure that no spot on the king's back was left untouched. You had seen Lucifer's wings come out a few good times during your tenure of knowing him, and you were able to discover how sensitive they were when you were given the chance to brush them once or twice. But the one thing that never crossed your mind was if the king’s back was just as sensitive as his wings, after all, they came from his back right? That had to mean his back was just as sensitive as his wings, it would make sense, right?

You weren’t just proven right with your theory, but Satan below, you were much more than right.

“EEEEYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH NONONONONOHOHOHOHOHOHOHAHAHAHAHAHAAH OHOHOHOHO FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAWK!”

Lucifer wasn’t just quacking like a duck, he was full blown honking like a goose! A single touch was enough to make him squeal out instantly before falling into loud bountiful laughter. The king would arch and buck as that wide smile shined as bright as the blush painted over his entire face, hell he bucked so much that he found himself flopping down on the couch belly-first. Something that would only serve to further expose the king’s back as you’d scritch and skitter your fingers up and down the spots where his wings would protrude. Tears of mirth were forming in Lucifer's eyes as he’d kick his legs out of pure instinct while you sat there with an adoringly mischievous smile on your face watching him melt under your touch.

“Awwwww there’s the sweet Luci-Goosey I know~” You’d tease as you scribble your fingers down the middle of the kings back before going right back up near his shoulder blades, “Laughing so cutely just from a few tickle tickle tickles, you’re too adorable for you own good, your majesty~” “SHUHUHHUHUHUHUHUHUHUT UHUHUHUHUHUHUP!” Lucifer would protest as another louder whine would escape from his laughter, hiding his blushing face in the cushions after hearing that little nickname, “YOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOU KNOHOHOHOHOHOW IHIHIHIHIH H-HAHAHAHATE THAHAHAHAHAHAHAT NAHAHAHAHAHAME!”

“And yet you never told me to stop using it all the times I said it,” You’d retort with a knowing smile, Lucifer may be the king of hell but he was a terrible liar at times, “I oughta punish you just for lying to me…but should I? As you pondered the question you would use all ten of your fingers to begin to slowly graze down the entirety of the king’s back, earning a loud yelp followed by more of that resounding laughter.

“EHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHA P-PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHASE!”

You would then direct your fingers right back up the king's back as you kept the slow and “torturous” rhythm as more yelps and squeals escaped from Lucifer's lips while you wore an impish smile.

“Or should I not?~”

“C-COHOHOHOHOHOME OHOHOHOHOHOAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAN NOHOHOHOT THIHIHIHIHIHIS!”

“Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuld I?~” Down the king’s back

“NONONONONO DOHOHOHOHOHOHOHAHAHAHAHAHAHA IHIHIH-I CAHAHAHAHAHANT!”

“Or Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuuld I nooooooooot?~” Up the kings back

“NYEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA EHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHACK OHOHOHOHOHO SHIHIHIHIHIHHIHIHI!”

“Shooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuld I?~” Down the king’s back again

This rhythm of “torturously” slow traces would continue again and again and again until a few more minutes had passed. Lucifer's small tears would begin to stain the cushioning on his couch as smaller hiccups would begin to fester from his bright laughter. Even if he was the all powerful overlord of the underworld, Lucifer has his limits, and it wasn’t long before he knew he needed to throw in the towel. 

“EHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA SEHEHEHEHEHERPENT, SEHEHEHEHEHEHEHERPEHEHEHEHEHENT!” Lucifer would squeal out as he’d sink into the couch out of pure instinct and defeat through his laughter, “SEHEHEHEHEHERPEHEHEHENT PLEHEHEHEASE DUHUHUHUCKLIHIHIHIHING!”

Your eyes would widen as your focus was snapped right back from your mischief the moment you heard the magic word. In an instant your fingers would halt their ticklish tracing and scribbling as they stayed completely still on the middle of Lucifer's back. A softer expression would begin to grow on your face as you heard the loud huffs of air that the king was taking, your brow furrowing with concern over his well being; you didn’t take it too far, did you?

“Easy Luci…Easy there…” You would whisper softly as you’d direct your hands to begin gently massaging along the king’s spine, thumbs pressing and kneading soothingly into the soft skin of his back as your tone was a compassionate hush, “It's okay…you’re okay…breathe for me hun…”

Lucifer would cease his squirming the moment he felt the tickling stop, limbs flopping in exhaustion as the movement of his back would indicate how deep he was breathing. Small hums and whines would escape from his lips through small bouts of giggles that elicited through phantom senses that lingered along his body, ticklish sparks mixing with soothing massaging waves. After a few minutes of catching his breath, the king would slowly turn himself around to look at you directly, shivering a little as those ticklish sparks still grazed his exposed skin. It was then that you saw the traces of the tears that came from the king's eyes, and yet, the smile and blush that was glued to his face were ones of true euphoric joy. 

“Ehehehehemph…y-yohohohou suhuhuhure know how to mahahake a guy feheheheel better,” Lucifer would huff out as he’d sit back against the couch with a gentle glimmer in his eyes, eyes that looked truly grateful for your presence, “I thihihihink I really n-needed that…”

You would breathe a sigh of relief the moment you heard those words, content that your friend was okay, you’d move close and hug the king as gently as possible. You were just as grateful to be able to be his friend just as much as he was grateful to be able to spend time with you. Even within the underworld, in a place for the wretched and vile, there were things that held so much happiness that made being in this hotel worth it…and you would never take it for granted.

“I’m glad it helped, I really really am,” You hum before letting go of the king to look at him with a soft smile, “It may take some time…but give yourself the kindness that they want you there…that they care about you just as much as you care about them…and I’m sure they’ll forgive you.”

“Yeah…You’re right…I’ll try to make that effort, maybe they’ll be happy we’re all together again,” Lucifer would nod with a bit more hope in his voice before he looked towards you with a rather playful glare, “I hope you know that after the meeting is done, I am so getting you back for every second of torture you put me through, little duckling~”

“E-Ehehe…I-I wouldn’t expect anything less,” You’d find yourself stammering a bit as a small blush formed on your face, boy oh boy were you gonna be in for it later, but right now, “Although I think we need to get you ready for your meeting first…and well…get you unstuck.” You would point up towards the shirt that was still snug over the king’s chest, trying to stifle the giggle that threatened to escape when he remembered that he was stuck. Lucifer would give a sheepish giggle as he’d look back down at you, truly this was a friendship you’d cherish for the entirety of your afterlife; cause even if you were in hell, you knew that you were there with some very good people.