White and Black and Grey

Both cats jump a little with Garric at his surprise. They themselves were used to the noise and light, but not to their owner being so jumpy. Cassandra relaxed again easily while Winston leaned more into him for safety from whatever small threat had caused his shock.

Luna’s nubs were more dexterous than you’d expect, but she still needed some help. It wasn’t particularly unusual in this galaxy, either, to have no fingers. There were other things around the house suited for her, too, like mugs with wide handles to grasp.

Neither of the cats were bothered by Garric lying down. Cassandra was laying down already and Winston followed shortly after to copy them. It was a shame they couldn’t help with his dilemma any more than they had already.

The phone buzzed again with another message. This time it was from someone else with just an attached photo of a baby puff with tomato sauce all over their face. An above message from Luna herself asked if ‘Oh had gotten any better with his table manners’.

He quickly returned to petting Winston, trying to keep him from running away again, murmuring an apology to him. This cat seemed far more jumpy than the other, and he didn’t want to make him upset with or scared of Luna.

Now he was thinking about it, he didn’t want to upset or worry anyone who knew Luna. If she spoke to them they had to have at least some redeeming qualities and the idea of scaring her family upset him even more, judging by the kind of person she was and the rest of the company she kept she didn’t seem like she was troubled.

He didn’t want to be the source of any new issues for her, she just didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of things he caused, and honestly he was very glad she’d made such a good impression on himself, even as the Dark Lord, who knows what might’ve happened if she-

Wait. Hold the phone. The Dark Lord.

If she hadn’t already been set on staying here, Luna certainly would be knowing it meant more flattery from her kids. “Awww, you’re going to make me blush!” …How would that even look? “You can bet I’ll be spending a lot of time with the both of you!”

As she was relishing in the compliments, Luna didn’t immediately recognize she’d been asked about something. “Hm? Oh, yes, Luna Sr. I’d love to tell you about her if you’re both interested.” Twisted up as her personality was on account of the curse, her love for her family was still there. “Lord may not have wanted to, but I’m more than happy to talk about the rest of my family!”

“You’re right, Horrizon, my family’s history is almost certainly much different from what you would know in this world. My great grandmother was born perhaps a century before the war began, so she had the memory of peacetime with her. Sadly, she passed on before I ever met her myself, but my grandmother told me quite a bit about her.”

“She wasn’t especially powerful, had no copy abilities, but she was a good soldier. She kept up my grandmother’s hopes for peace with stories of what the world was like before. I believe she fell when her unit was overrun not long before my grandparents were married. I’m proud to have her name.”

The story made her a bit sad to think about even if Luna had never met her. What Davvey said, though, cheered her right up. “Everyone else?” She gasped. “There’s more of you?!? That’s fantastic!!! I can’t wait to meet them, too!” She didn’t care how many there were, more kids meant more love for her!

She was extremely excited now, but she turned to address Horrizon anyway. “Of course! Anything to make you feel better! Popstar’s very peaceful, he’ll be fine.”

They both positively lit up seeing how happy their compliments made her, it meant the world to them to see their Lord so happy, and it made them even happier to know they were the source of such joy for her. “Really? I can’t wait! This is gonna be the best!” To say Davvey was Excited would be putting it incredibly gently.

Horrizon nodded quickly, eager to learn all he could, especially since it was both foreign history AND the history of his mother! “Everything you know! Dad didn’t really want to talk about his family other than us so... if you do I’d love to hear it all!”

Pride glistened in Horrizon’s eyes for a moment at the validation, slowly becoming intrigue as she continued on with her story. “War? What do you mean?” Topia, being such a peaceful place, has never seen war other than the current battle between monsters and humans. Therefore, the word.. simply doesn’t exist.

“She sounds amazing, though, if I’m reading your story correctly I’m assuming you mean she was a fighter of some sort? That’s certainly something to take great pride in. It’s a grand name to have...” His voice trails off as he processes all the information he was given, committing the tale to memory. “What is a copy ability though? We don’t possess such things here..” He’s interested in them! It seems they’re an important part of Luna’s society.

Davvey was nodding now, excitedly. “Of course! There’s loads of us! There’s Imps, like Horrizon, in a few different colours, Demons like me in a few types and Fiends! They look like Imps but they’re really different. You’ll know what I mean when you meet them! They’re all gonna love you as much as we do! That’s a whole lot, of course.” He couldn’t wait for her to meet them all, they’d all get along so well!

Brynjarr falls uncharacteristically silent as Arage yells, only to suddenly burst into tears when he finally stops. He shifts, rubbing his face against the wing Arage has around him, though he otherwise doesn’t move or speak.

Kirby watches this, and, frowning, he looks down at Arage. His eyes burn with judgement, though he says nothing. There’s plenty he could say, of course. He could call Arage out for just how selfish what he was saying was - Brynjarr certainly didn’t need this kind of pressure right now, especially not disguised as selflessness. He could try to persuade him to tell him why he was acting so strangely. He could vanish and go tell one of Arage’s parents that there’s an issue.

But he says none of those things, stepping forward, closer to the two. He extends a hand out to Brynjarr, but he’s still looking at Arage. “I don’t think anyone is going to get the answers they want, right now. My priority is keeping everyone safe, and right now, this means taking Brynjarr home.” He flicks his head in Brynjarr’s direction. “Upsetting him is dangerous. I don’t think this line of questioning will improve his mood any further, either.”

He turns his head to Brynjarr, frowning when he sees that he hasn’t taken his hand yet. “Come on, Bryn.”

Brynjarr doesn’t respond, continuing to cry into Arage’s wing.

He doesn’t even notice the silence from Bryn, doesn’t see what’s wrong until it’s much too late. Arage’s eyes go wide and he begins to tremble. Bryn’s crying? Why was- it was him. He’d done this. He’d hurt Bryn. He was awful. SO awful. He’d ruined their friendship. Of course it wasn’t going to last! He- He was nobody. How he thought he was deserving of someone so much... stupid! So stupid! So WORTHLESS!! Such a MISTAKE.

If he’d taken his panicked eyes off Bryn he would’ve seen that furious look from Kirby, but he couldn’t bare to let his eyes leave his f- Bryn. This would probably be the last time he saw him, after what he’d done why wouldn’t it be? He had to make the most of it, even if he was crying... he gently put the other wing around him as well, hoping it might still serve to comfort him, if he was to be so lucky.

Tears prick at Arage’s eyes but he restrains them, how selfish that would be. To cry, when he was the source of such pain. “i.. i didn’t...” He could hardly bring himself to speak. He didn’t deserve to speak. But... maybe he should try? “Bryn I- I didn’t mean- I- I’m sorry.. I.. I’m so sorry! I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry! How- What do- What can.. Wh..” His voiced faded, only barely a whisper. “What do you want me to do?” As if there was anything he could do to make up for this. As if he was worthy of so much as the attempt...

“We’ve got our own lives to take care of.” he responded, “He’s off being all magical and me? Haha… just a fool trying to make a living, you know?”

He grinned, “But I’d consider it. Maybe with some other friends it could be a really good time!”

He frowned just a little at Daku’s initial unwillingness to attempt a friendship with the man. Shaking his head. “I’m sure there’s much more to you than just that. Everyone has potential, whether it’s easy to see or not.”

Brynjarr’s spooked a little by the sudden grab and embrace, almost thinking he was caught for a moment. When he realizes, he actually blushes a little, out of both the sudden contact and embarrassment as he thinks of what would’ve happened if he’d chosen to struggle immediately instead. That would’ve been a mess.

He nuzzles against Arage again, trying to help calm him down as well. “It’s fine, we’re fine. Kirby’s just bein’ stuck up about it!”

The darkened area of the air around Kirby’s face coalesces around him as he steps out of it and entirely into Arage’s universe. By the time he’s through, all traces of him being in the air like that are gone, brought into his cape. He frowns at the two, looking down at them.

He’s taller than them. By three inches, which is a lot when you’re only 11 inches tall.

“I know you’re smarter than that, Brynjarr. You can tell things aren’t fine.”

Brynjarr looks up at him from his position in the embrace, giving an awkward, guilty smile. His eyes flicker from looking at Kirby to looking at Arage, then back again. “Well, uh, yeah, but–”

“But you don’t want to admit it.”

“No! I mean– I don’t– I…” He can’t seem to think of a reply, holding tighter to Arage. Though something about it feels different, now. Unsure.

Arage would’ve blushed as well, had he noticed Bryn was. He was too far gone to see it. The idea of anyone stealing his friend from sent him into a blind panic, unable to properly process everything going on. The nuzle certainly starts to help but he doesnt show any sign of properly calming down any time soon.

“But- But he’s trying to hurt you! That’s not fine! He- I- He won’t get away with it, Bryn! I- I’ll keep you safe and- and he won’t take you! Nobody can take you from me!!” He was practically screaming towards the end, his panic coming back full force.

His grip on Bryn tightens, wrapping his wings around his friend to hide him as best he can from Kirby, but they begin to droop as they continue their conversation. “Wh- What do you mean? I’m fine!! Why would you say I’m not!? I’m- I’m perfect! I’m perfect for YOU!! Is- Isn’t that good enough? How do I make myself good enough? Just- Just tell me and I’ll do it!”

Luckily, the fact that Garric had stopped petting her didn’t seem to bother Cassandra. She simply laid down where she was, still purring quietly. Winton clearly appreciated the pets judging by how he pressed his head into his nub with each one.

When Garric pressed the right button, there was a small whirring sound. It was certainly doing something. After a moment or so, a small hole housing what looked like a camera lens opened in the top of the phone just above the screen. 

There was a flash and suddenly the screen was displayed in a hologram right in front of Garric’s line of sight. Along with the original message was a large keyboard to respond with. This must be how Luna is able to text. There were also what appeared to be icons denoting text conversations with others along the side of the projection and a shortcut to contacts.

He was glad that Cassandra still seemed content to just sit with him. He didn’t know all that much about cats, he was more of a dog person himself, but he’d heard getting close with them was quite a difficult task. Of course Luna had succeeded in that, she was so kind! He really needed to get some cats...

Whirring from the phone caught him by surprise and he jumped a little when the hologram appeared. He initially found it a confusing thing for her to have, but now he was looking at the size of this hologram? It made sense! It was like... an accessibility thing! It was bigger so she could type with it. That was pretty cool...

But now he was looking at that text... what could he do? What SHOULD he do, more importantly... if he responded he could let Luna’s friend know something was up! But... maybe that was a good idea? He didn’t know how long he’d be here...

Concern flashes in Kirby’s eyes for a moment while Arage speaks, but he directs his gaze back to Brynjarr. “You still broke a rule, Brynjarr. It is there for both your sanity and everyone else’s safety. What if you fell asleep? You–”

“I’m not that stupid.”

“You could get knocked out.”

“I generate energy too fast for that, come on!”

Kirby sighs. “This isn’t the point. You broke a rule, and you’re going home.”

“What! Hey, you can’t–”

Brynjarr’s protest is interrupted as his attention goes to a warble beside him, and he jumps back just as a gloved hand shoots out to grab him.

“I’m an adult, you know!” he yells, dodging another attempt.

Kirby just shakes his head at him. Normally he wouldn’t be so stern about it, but the situation they were in was suspicious. He knew how trusting Brynjarr was, and that Arage didn’t normally look or act like this. He could easily be looking at some sort of mimic. And if this was really Arage, there was definitely a problem.

He’d been keeping a quiet eye on the fellow ever since Brynjarr started growing closer to him. Perhaps the other pink orb didn’t remember asking, but he had some time ago requested he kept watch over all of his friends as a precaution.

Of course, he couldn’t dedicate all his time to doing so, but he’d never seen Arage do something like this.

Arage was quiet during the back and forth, not really being able to process the conversation quickly enough to add anything. However the sudden insistence that Brynjarr was going to be taken from him made his wings jerk up, tense.

“Wh- What do you mean!? No! You can’t take him from me!” His voice is full of panic as he grabs Bryn’s hand, helping him out of the way of Kirby’s attempts to snatch him. “Leave him ALONE!!” Why was he trying to take his friend from him? Why was he being so cruel?!

“I don’t do well with titles, just call me Daku.” he said with a bit of a chuckle.

“He just likes being all mysterious and wise. Honestly, he’s just a big dork though.” Takes one’s to know one. “Though ain’t like we really friends or anything. He just saved my life once… or twice. No big deal, really.”

If this person was an.. alternate, he supposed the term would be, of who he thought saying he didn’t do well with titles would be putting it very gently... “Of course, titles can be quite the hassle, I find.”

Lor didn’t even flinch as the other vocalized their agony, nor did she let up her ruthless attack. Instead, rather than biting harder, she tightens her hold with her claws, wanting to keep Arage still. Now she had more direct motivation to continue this– the mix of blood and fear magic trickling into her mouth fueled her violent instincts. She wanted, needed more of that juice. And she was going to stop at nothing to take it from the other creature. All of it.

To aid this, the monster finally stops her vicious shaking, instead opting to tilt her head back and allow gravity to do its work. The beast didn’t care how little fear magic there was in the other– all that means was that she was going to work harder to get it. Every last drop of the stuff.

It’s highly debatable that this could really be considered Lor anymore; the creature’s eyes aren’t red, but it’s clear something other than the AI is in control at the moment.

Arage’s already weakened struggling all but stops when she clasps her claws around him. The pain was just too much now. He’d let her down, he must’ve done, especially with the weakness he was showing now... it killed him inside, more than the physical injuries would ever physically harm him. There was nothing he could do for her, for anyone.

He simply went limp. What was the point in fighting? He couldn’t escape. Why should he? A quiet whine escaped him as her head tilted back. Was she going to eat him? She was monstrous enough to do so, he supposed, and she seemed quite eager to bite him.

She’d let that go, too. After all, he had promptly corrected himself. That and the flattery outweighed the slip by quite a lot. Luna beamed. “You’re absolutely right I am! So there are no worries either way, hehehe!” It was funny how she used to find it difficult to accept compliments when now it was so obvious they were deserved.

Luna was still happy to give out some of her own, though. Look at how happy it made her sons! She was a great mom. And it got her more compliments in turn, which she was loving. “Yes, I am very kind, too. That’s something you two will be seeing more of!”

“It is a cool name! I’m very proud of it.” That was something she had been proud of before, too, though she wouldn’t have said it that way. “It was one of my great grandmothers’ names. My color scheme matches it a little better than hers did, hehehe.” She paused. “Or, well, it did. Hm, I suppose I could start wearing yellow.”

Oh stars, that was absolutely precious! Luna wanted to hug the two even more now. For now, she settled on just floating closer to them. She’d get to reciprocating soon enough. “Awww, you two are so sweet! I’ll gladly take hugs from you any time whether I can use these big old things or not!”

There was nothing to be concerned over, after all. It would at the least be a long time before Lord got back here and Horrizon didn’t seem intent on going to find him. The truth will set you free and what not. And he felt better, so it was a win-win all around. “As I said, no trouble! Lord will be perfectly safe on Popstar.” Barring another invasion. “He’ll be happy there just as I’m happy here!”

Davvey laughed along with her, his smile widening even more seeing her so happy with his words. “Exactly!! With you around we don’t have anything to worry about!” He laughed along with her, simply glad to see her adjusted so well to being with them.

Even though Horrizon didn’t have a mouth it was more than obvious how happy he was as well. “You certainly are, and I’m quite looking forward to spending time with you.” He might speak and act pretty formally but he’s a big softie as well.

“You should be! It fits you really well.” The Demon’s compliments didnt seem to be stopping any time soon. He listened intently, as did Horrizon, as she talked about her family and her name. “Oh wow! That’s so cool! What was she like? Dad didn’t tell us much about his family, so I’d love to hear about yours!”

Horrizon nodded. “Yes, that’d be great. Your heritage would be a most interesting topic, especially since you’re not from this world. Imagine all the things your family has experienced we wouldn’t even be able to imagine...” His eyes were practically sparkling.

“That’s good!! Everyone else is gonna wanna hug you too! We’ll wait as long as we gotta until you can return them, thats fine!” Davvey couldn’t wait to introduce her to the other kids. Everyone else implied More Kids. Wonder how many there are....

Winston leaned into Lord almost as soon as he touched his fur. Seemed he was in need of reassurance and was very happy to get some. He started to calm down the longer he was pet, just like his sister had. Speaking of his sister, Cassandra started up a light purr.

The two kittens had pretty clearly different personalities. Regardless of that, they both were equally fond of their owner and though they couldn’t understand that this was no longer Luna, they would stay by her side anyway. Besides, Lord was treating them well, just as she would.

Tapping the screen seemed to do… nothing. It seemed as though it wasn’t a touch screen after all. The little message must have meant something else, then. There were still two buttons Lord hadn’t tried, it was probably one of those that would do something.

Garric had to choose one of the kittens to pet, and seeing that Cass seemed to be calmed down he’d decided Winston needed the attention, he was being gentle of course, considering how he was so easily startled earlier he figured it was the best idea.

He noticed how different the two were easily now. It reminded him of how much stark contrast there was between some of his children.. but he had to keep reminding himself : they were probably with Luna, they were probably fine.

As the tooth takes another impact, another surge of sharp pain shoots through Lor. She lets out another screech, once again biting down even more. By now the force was making it a bit more difficult to bite harder, and the damaged tooth only made it more painful as well.

But the beast isn’t letting go, not now. She’s growing angrier by the second, mostly due to the pain in her mouth. Subconsciously aware that what she’s about to do won’t help that, but also too enraged to really care at the moment, she begins to shake her head. The other monster is swung back and forth, back and forth, not in the swiftest of motions but very powerful ones, like a stuffed animal in the jaws of a rough playing puppy.

Let’s just hope the “puppy” doesn’t make this “stuffed animal” lose his stuffing.

Teeth drive in even harder response to his attack, he lets out another wail and writhes in her ever-strengthening grip. But he’s getting there! If he can just... take this pain he can impress her! He has to handle it. He can’t risk letting her down like this! Not when he’s come so far!

Brynjarr almost starts crying when Arage leans into his petting, simply happy he could do it. No surprise, really, taking care of another’s wings was supposed to make his kind happy. But it was even better he wasn’t able to do it for Arage, since normally he wouldn’t be able to!

He opens his mouth to say something, only to notice a warble in the air above them. He watches as that area darkens to a purple, gaining a starry texture, and then as a little pink face appears within it. It’s Kirby! And he looks kinda mad.

“Brynjarr,” his voice is level, stern, disappointed. “A little butterfly told me that you’ve left the castle without anyone else with you.”

Brynjarr makes a face, bringing his hand down fro me Arage’s wing to prevent himself from gripping the fabric feathers. “I’m just visiting Arage! Certainly there’s no harm in that, right?”

“Where is he, then?”

Brynjarr takes one of Arage’s arms again, pulling him closer. “Right here! Look, he turned himself into one of us for me! Isn’t that cool?”

The thought crossed Arage’s mind that he should really be doing this for Bryn, not the other way around. What’d he done to deserve such affection? Nothing, if you asked him... however, he found himself enjoying the attention too much to comment. He’d just.. repay Bryn somehow! Yes! That was a good plan.

Seeing the warble he panics, his wings shooting out protectively. Whatever that was it wasn’t getting to his friend until he was certain it was safe. He lowers one of them just a little when Bryn starts to speak, so that the conversation can go on uninterrupted.

He nods as Bryn points him out to Kirby. “Yes! It’s me! I thought- I thought this would be a better form to take! Being so much taller isn’t- probably isn’t nice so- it’s fine! Bryn’s safe with me, I promise!” 

“It’s kinda funny. You also look like someone I remember.” he mused to himself, trying to think on why it was so familiar, “Though he’s ain’t no big fan of showin’ his face off too much, ironically.”

He really should’ve seen being recognized by this man coming, alas, he did not. He blinked a couple times in surprise. “I do? Well perhaps we met some place else? My name is Paul. It’s a pleasure Mr...?”