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The Gods of Fantasia

My Dearest Friend

I will add more when there are more posts, but for now, I will add links.

Trigger Warning: Trauma, Child Trauma, Descriptive Intimacy, and Emotional Cheating

The three continue their search for Drake, but with an extra member: Alice. As the four search, Gabriel is able to bond with his friends, as well as sharing his secret.

In total, the Google document is 100 pages. It is ALMOST longer than the original story.

Again, this chapter is mostly dialogue, but I promise that is does get interesting.

Also, fair warning, it's going to get much crazier next chapter.

Everyone remained silent, staring at nothing, lost in their own thoughts.

Gabriel spoke, his voice solemnly quiet.

“Well, we found Drake…”

Riley added on. “It was more like he found US.”

Gabriel became silent, being reminded of the horror that recently occurred.

“He wasn’t acting like himself…”

A dark shadow passed over Sam’s eyes, flashbacks of that horrific expression happening in his head.

Riley clutched onto herself. “He… It was scary.”

Alice was still confused.

“But, what was it that made him so mad…?”

Once again, everyone grew quiet, guilt growing inside.

Gabriel spoke up.

“It was me… I… I called him a coward.”

Tears began to well up in his eyes.

He knew it was his fault.

He knew he hurt his friend’s feelings.

He knew he broke his friend’s trust.

Seeing Gabriel becoming upset, Sam spoke up, in an attempt to help him feel better.

There was kindness in Sam’s voice. “It isn’t your fault, Gabe… You were only trying to help me!”

It felt like things were becoming more and more confusing for Alice.

“Wait, Sam. What was Gabe helping you with?”

“Drake was mad I didn’t listen to him, so he told him that I was… lonely.”

Sam was hesitant to share his feelings.

Alice was beginning to understand.

“Oh, I see…”

Riley explained more. “He told him that not all humans are bad, and even though I don’t completely agree… he made a good point.”

Alice nodded in both understanding and agreement.

Gabriel spoke again, still crying but calmed down.

“That’s why I called him a coward. I was just trying to explain that we can’t hide away from our fears forever…”

A warm smile appeared on Alice’s face, one of sympathy.

“I understand, Gabe. I know you deeply care about him.”

Alice’s expression grew more determined.

“...And I am sure that once we find him, you can tell him sorry, because we WILL find him. We are not giving up.” She paused. “Now, we should probably start leaving, so that we can catch up to him.”

Gabriel paused, his expression still solemn as he stared at the ground, thinking.

“Okay…”

The moment Gabriel answered, everyone turned and began to walk in the direction they had been before.

As everyone began to leave, Sam ran up to Gabriel’s side in urgency.

“Wait, Gabe! Are you okay…?”

There was genuine concern in Sam’s voice, along with innocence.

To Gabriel, it was adorable.

“Yes, I am okay, Sam.”

He paused, before remembering how horrified Sam seemed before.

“But… Are YOU okay?”

Immediately, Sam’s expression became extremely confused.

“Huh? Why are you asking ME?!”

A hint of concern could be heard in Gabriel’s voice. “Because back there with Drake, you seemed pretty frightened.” He continued. “...And I know that it wasn’t JUST the situation.”

He paused, his concern growing.

“There was a look in your eyes, Sam.”

Sam quickly looked away, his anxiety growing as he hesitated.

Seeing the hesitation, Gabriel spoke with understanding and sympathy.

“You don’t have to tell me, but I think it would help.”

Sam finally spoke.

“I was… remembering something.”

Gabriel listened. “Remembering something? Remembering what?”

“I was remembering… What happened at the sleepover… with Abigail.” There was discomfort in Sam’s face.

Gabriel suddenly realized.

He knew that Drake had gotten angry with Sam…

He knew that Drake did something bad to Sam…

…But he didn’t know what.

Does everyone else know?

…Or are they just as clueless as him?

A bad feeling grew in Gabriel’s stomach.

“What… What DID happen?”

As Sam remembered, he looked down and began to fidget with his hands.

“M-Me and Abigail were getting ready for bed, but then… Th-The lights began to flicker and we heard sounds behind the window…” He continued. “S-So Abigail opened the curtains and-!”

Sam didn’t finish.

Instead, his eyes suddenly went wide as he stared in the distance at nothing.

From the way Sam acted earlier with Drake…

Gabriel knew what had happened.

His voice shook. “I… I understand, Sam. You don’t have to continue explaining.”

Sam continued to be silent.

After what felt like forever, he spoke.

“Please, don’t tell dad.”

His voice was robotic and dull, continuing to stare at nothing with his wide eyes.

Gabriel pointed out in his head that Sam, once again, called Drake ‘dad’.

He stared at Sam in extreme concern and disbelief.

“Wait. Why would I NOT do that?”

At once, Sam’s mood changed.

He began to hyperventilate as he talked quickly.

“B-Because then he would be upset! He would hate himself more, AND THEN-”

Gabriel grabbed Sam by both of his shoulders.

“Sam! SAM! You need to calm down!

Slowly, Sam began to relax as he took deep breaths.

Guilt filled Gabriel’s heart.

Sam has truly been through a lot.

He was clearly traumatized.

…From MULTIPLE things.

Gabriel spoke in a quiet, calm and caring voice.

“I… Won’t tell him. BUT… You need to realize that you can tell me things. Okay?”

Sam went quiet, considering his words.

His voice was small. “...Okay.”

Gabriel began to think to himself.

What Sam described was horrible.

But, he had gotten the chance to know Drake.

He knew that Drake didn’t do it on purpose.

He knew he wasn’t a monster.

He knew it was an accident.

But then…

Why did he have this certain feeling in his chest whenever he thought about it?

Either way…

Gabriel knew what Drake did was wrong.

Suddenly, Sam spoke again.

“Gabe?”

“Yes, Sam?”

“I think I know why Conscious disappeared…”

Gabriel grew confused. “Okay… why did he?”

Sam paused, not knowing how Gabriel would react.

“...Because of you.”

Gabriel was surprised at that.

Him?

What could he have possibly done?

“Me?! How so?”

Sam began to explain.

“I think he was my bad thoughts. That was why his name was Conscious.”

He paused.

“But… what I think is that he disappeared because I realized my bad thoughts were only that… Bad.”

Gabriel was quiet.

He gave a soft smile.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I was able to help.”

. . .

Once the sun set and the moon rose, the four began to settle.

As everyone began to fall asleep, Gabriel stared at the sky.

He watched as the various amounts of stars twinkled.

It was so beautiful.

His eyelids began to droop.

He closed his eyes…

…Then he fell asleep.

Like his other dreams, Gabriel stood in front of Drake.

His face lit up as he saw his friend.

“Drake!”

But, as Gabriel looked at Drake’s face…

…He saw that a smile was stretched across his face.

The whites of his eyes were black, his iris a glowing hot red.

“Traitor…”

Drake stepped forward.

“YOU CALLED ME A COWARD!”

Gabriel’s back sprung up from the ground he slept on.

He breathed quickly from fear.

Suddenly, he felt a presence.

He turned his head towards the direction he sensed it.

…And he saw Riley.

Riley stared back, a neutral expression on her face.

She was still awake, being assumed to be keeping watch for anything.

“Bad dream?”

Gabriel was silent, remembering the events from his dream.

“Y-Yeah…”

“Want to talk about it?”

After thinking it through…

Gabriel knew that Riley would most likely tease him, and frankly, be unsupportive.

He gave Riley a look.

He turned his body to face the opposite direction and plopped his head on the ground.

Then, he fell asleep again.

. . .

It was the next day.

The moment morning came, the four began to start walking again.

By the time it was the afternoon, they were still walking.

Sam was hunched over as he walked, heavy discomfort on his face.

“I’m bored… and my legs hurt!”

Gabriel chuckled at Sam’s innocence.

“I would carry you, Sam… But I don’t think I’m strong enough.”

Sam pouted. “Aw, man!”

“As for being bored, we can get to know each other!”

Sam was a bit skeptical.

“Okay… I’ll ask first!”

Sam put a hand to his chin in thought.

“Hm, I guess… Why were you spending so much time with Drake?”

Gabriel immediately became nervous.

“UM…”

How could he even answer that?

He did NOT want to have to explain to a child that his father was drunk.

A child should NOT know about such topics!

To add, Sam would be petrified to hear the truth.

He had already shown how he reacts when his father suffers.

Gabriel didn’t want to allow Sam to go through more trauma.

He also did not want to have to explain to Sam that he wanted to spend time with his father.

What if he thought he liked Drake more than a friend?

Sam was certainly smart.

Plus, DOES Gabriel like Drake as more than a friend?

Gabriel was still nervous as he spoke.

“A-Ask something else.”

Sam’s expression changed to small disappointment. “Aw, okay…”

He immediately came up with a new question.

“What about… Why did you run after him?”

Gabriel was in disbelief, thinking the answer was obvious.

“B-Because I care about him…?”

Wait…

Saying that could ALSO make Sam think he liked Drake more than a friend.

Gabriel decided to take control.

“Maybe I should ask a question. Okay, Sam?”

Sam was enthusiastic. “Okay!”

After thinking for a little bit, Gabriel remembered something.

“Well, I have noticed you have been calling Drake ‘dad’ throughout our little trip.”

Sam huffed. “Dang it! I was hoping you DIDN’T notice that!”

“There’s nothing wrong with it, Sam! In fact, I think it’s quite adorable!”

Sam proceeded to pout as he grumbled.

“It’s just that I’ve seen families before… and… Drake reminds me of a dad…”

Gabriel understood. “I see! Is there anyone you see as a mom?”

“No, but Alice likes Drake! Maybe she could be my mom!”

A thought suddenly appeared in Gabriel’s mind.

If he liked Drake, he could be Sam’s father.

He shook his head, in an attempt to get rid of the thought.

He stuttered as he grew nervous.

“Y-Yeah, I can see that!”

Alice’s voice chirped from in front of them.

“I heard someone say my name! What are you guys talking about?”

“I was telling Gabe how I see Drake as a dad, and… You could be my mom!”

“Awww! That is so sweet of you, Sam! I would be more than happy to be your mom.”

Sam practically jumped up in excitement.

“Yay!”

Alice suddenly grew more serious.

“But, wait… Are you saying both me and Drake would be your parents, as in together?”

“Yeah… I mean, you like Drake!”

Doubt could be heard in her voice.

“Yes… But I don’t know if he would accept me…”

“I think he would! You’re a very nice person, Alice!”

A smile grew across her lips as she looked at him with warm eyes.

“Aw, thanks, Sam.”

“How long have you loved him?”

“Oh! It’s been a thousand years…” Alice’s voice became soft. “...Or more.”

Then, she paused for dramatic effect.

Everyone could practically sense Riley rolling her eyes.

Riley groaned in annoyance. “Please, help me…”

Sam was easily amazed.

“Wow! That’s a long time!”

To Riley’s displeasure, Sam asked another question.

“What do you like about him?”

Alice stared into the distance as her eyelids drooped and her smile became one of bliss.

“Oh… His eyes…”

As Gabriel listened to her, he began to think about Drake’s eyes.

Drake had beautiful eyes.

He liked how dark they were.

He didn’t mind when Drake became extremely emotional, because he liked the glow that came from his burning red eyes.

“His face…”

Gabriel agreed again.

Drake had a very stoic face.

He had a straight, square jaw.

“His hair…”

Once again, Gabriel agreed.

He liked Drake’s cleanly cut, swoopy hair.

As Alice described Drake, Riley wore an uncomfortable expression.

“Okay, Alice. I think you can stop, now.”

Alice couldn’t hear.

She continued.

“His musclarity…”

Again, begrudgingly, Gabriel agreed.

Drake was very muscular, especially his arms and chest.

His chest…

Gabriel remembered falling on top of Drake.

…How he looked into his eyes.

Riley interrupted his thoughts by shouting.

“That’s enough!”

Alice gave Riley an annoyed look. “Riley, it’s how love works.” She continued. “Anyway… That is why I like Drake.”

Sam stood still as straight as a stick.

His face was twisted in discomfort.

His arms were pressed up against his sides.

Sam awkwardly responded. “...Uh-huh!”

Riley was looking off in annoyance.

“To be honest, I think Gabriel would agree with you.”

Everyone stopped.

Everyone slowly turned their heads towards Riley in shock.

Realizing what she just said, Riley gritted her teeth.

“...Shit.”

Alice slowly turned her body towards Riley, concern in her voice.

“Huh…? What do you mean, Riley?”

Riley tightened her lips, refusing to answer for Gabriel’s sake.

Instead, Alice turned her body towards Gabriel.

“Gabe? What does she mean?”

He hesitated, his own lips tightening.

“I… I think I might have started developing feelings for Drake.”

Sam showed his own shock. “Wait… You like Drake?!” He paused. “Awww- Wait. But… You’re married to Willow!”

Alice began to walk up to Gabriel, concern in her tone.

“Yeah, Gabe. I would be happy for you, but you love Willow!”

Gabriel’s tone was desperate. “I- I do! It’s just that… I really care about Drake. I have gotten the chance to know him, and-”

Gabriel suddenly stopped.

His voice became solemn.

“She has been through so much. She has gone through three break-ups. Three!”

He paused.

“I don’t want to break her heart.”

. . .

In another part of the forest, Wendy, Willow, and Aidan were walking, Aidan being far away from the other two.

Wendy would have stayed at the Kloud.

…But, she didn’t want to have Willow left alone with Aidan.

She knew what he would do.

Willow walked closely behind Wendy.

She stared at the ground with a solemn expression, fiddling with her hands.

After a few minutes, she walked up to Wendy.

“Wendy, Can I… talk with you?”

Wendy immediately accepted. “Of course…”

“I think Gabriel has fallen in love with Drake…”

Wendy usually showed a calm demeanor, but there was a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Really? What makes you say that?”

Willow paused, her expression growing more solemn.

“Gabe was telling me about Drake falling on him. It sounds silly, I know…” She continued. “But he told me it was an accident. I was relieved, until… He said he wasn’t sure it was an accident…”

The moment she finished the sentence, Willow began to sob, her body shaking.

“Everyone I have ever loved has left me…”

“Willow, I am sure he does love you.”

“I know! But I feel like he’d be happier with Drake.”

Her body shook more as she sobbed harder.

“I’m tired of bad things happening to me… I just want someone to love me…”

In response to feeling pity for Willow, she began to rub her back.

“Oh, Willow… I promise that someone out there loves you.”

Aidan stared at the two as Wendy rubbed Willow’s back.

A smile crept onto his face.

Gabriel loves Drake?

…And Willow has become heartbroken because of it?

Interesting.

Then, he turned and ran in the forest.

Wendy turned her head to see an empty space.

“Wait, where is Aidan?”

. . .

Alice gently placed her hand on Gabriel’s shoulder.

“Well, Gabe… I think whatever choice you make will be the right one.”

“Th-Thank you, Alice. That made me feel better.”

“You’re welcome. Now, let’s continue walking, okay?”

Gabriel nodded.

Then, Alice turned her body and walked away.

Gabriel began to follow, but he was stopped by Riley walking up to him.

She whispered.

“I fucking knew it.”

Gabriel immediately yelled at her, horrified by her behavior.

“RILEY! Language! There is a child right behind us!”

Sam chirped. “Don’t worry! I didn’t hear!”

The four would continue walking.

After walking for a long time, the mountain came into view.

Gabriel noticed it first. “There’s the mountain.” He paused, worry in his expression. “Do you think Drake got to it before us…?”

Suddenly, Riley yelled.

“Wait! I see something! Is that-”

Alice finished the sentence for her.

“DRAKE?!”

“Dad?!” Sam yelled.

Everyone began to urgently run towards the mountain.

The closer the four got, the more clear Drake’s image became.

Hope and joy swelled in Gabriel’s chest.

“DRAKE!”

Gabriel was in the lead.

Hearing their voices, Drake turned his head towards them.

His face was filled with fear.

“Guys, run! You-”

Suddenly, Aidan appeared in front of the four.

A mischievous smile appeared on his face.

“...Fell right into my trap. I wasn’t planning on Riley being here, but I guess plans change.”

Trigger Warning: Implication of Mental Illness, Implication of Child Trauma, Child Trauma, Rage, Implication of Trauma

After Sam seemingly appearing out of nowhere, Gabriel and Riley decide to ask him a few questions.

This chapter is VERY long and it is mostly dialogue. The next chapter should focus more on love and relationships, or at least that is what I'm planning on.

Riley and Gabriel could only stare at Sam.

Nothing made sense.

Sam randomly appeared, with no one to accompany him.

…With different clothes than he usually wears.

Gabriel sputtered in confusion. “Wha- Sam, why in the world are you here?!”

Riley agreed. “Um, yeah.”

Sam stuttered, sweating nervously as his eyes darted in different directions. “Um… Well, you see…!”

He grew silent.

His expression grew solemn as he remembered something.

“I-It’s a long story.”

Riley raised an eyebrow. “Um, I would still like to know.”

Sam looked away, fidgeting with his fingers, clearly hesitating.

“It’s nothing…”

Riley scoffed, clearly not buying it.

After thinking for a few seconds, she decided to not push further on the matter.

“...Fine.” She turned her whole body in a different direction, looking over her shoulder and gesturing with her hand. “C’mon. We need to continue searching.”

Gabriel and Sam began to follow Riley as she led, Sam still looking nervous.

As they walked, Gabriel looked down at Sam.

His expression became one that showed concern as he saw Sam’s nervousness.

He walked closer to Sam.

Gabriel’s voice was gentle. “Sam, are you sure you’re okay?”

Sam paused.

Sam turned his head, his ear facing a different direction.

…As if he was listening to someone.

After another few seconds of silence, Sam turned his head back to face Gabriel.

His expression was frustrated, his lip sticking out as he pouted.

“Okay, I lied to you guys…”

Riley side-eyed him. “Yeah. We know.”

Gabriel’s head spun around as he annoyingly looked at Riley. “Riley…!” His voice was shrill. “You can continue, Sam.”

Gabriel looked at Sam with gentle eyes, ready to listen.

Sam grimaced as he hesitated.

“I…I just wanted to find Da- Drake, but I knew I shouldn’t go alone, so…” After a quick pause, he continued. “I tried to get my friend to help…”

“Your friend…?”

“Yeah. Her name is Abigail, and she’s… human.”

As Sam spoke the last part, he grew more nervous.

“Human?”

Riley’s ears perked up, turning her head in Sam’s direction and staring at him.

Human.

A face appeared in Gabriel’s head.

Thomas.

Gabriel remembered how the gods would repeatedly visit Thomas.

…And no matter how many times they visited, Thomas would continue to greet them with a smile.

Gabriel missed those times.

He missed visiting Fantasia.

Again, he wished that Drake allowed them to visit.

Is that why Sam didn’t listen to Drake?

Maybe he just wanted to have fun, just like they once did.

History was repeating itself.

Sam had a human friend, just like how they had Thomas as a human friend.

Gabriel smiled warmly at that thought.

Sam quickly explained himself. “She’s a nice human! But…”

Tears began to form in Sam’s eyes.

“She said I should’ve listened, and that she would’ve been in danger…” The tears began to fall down his cheeks. “So, I went home and cried…”

He paused, sputtering.

“...And I guess I fell asleep, because then, I woke up as a superhuman…”

Gabriel’s mouth hung open as he stared at Sam.

Riley stared as well, squinting at Sam in confusion.

“Okay, none of that made sense.”

Gabriel agreed. “It is certainly confusing.”

Gabriel gave a sigh before clearing his throat.

“Well, first… I don’t think you should have asked her for help, Sam.”

Sam’s eyes grew wide in confusion.

“Huh? Why?”

Gabriel continued to speak to Sam in a gentle tone. “She is only a child, Sam. The situation we are in needs adults. Children shouldn’t carry responsibilities like that, and that includes you!”

Riley agreed, speaking in a stern, yet gentle tone. “Yeah, Sam. You shouldn’t be dealing with this. Unfortunately, we are stuck with you, now.”

More tears began to form in Sam’s eyes.

“I just wanted to find him…”

“I know, Sam. We all do.” He paused. “...But you should worry about having fun.”

Sam became quiet, nodding as he looked at the ground.

“Okay…”

Gabriel smiled before he moved onto his next point.

“Second, what do you mean you woke up and you were a superhuman?”

Riley crossed her arms. “Yeah. I’ve been trying to figure out that one myself.”

Sam responded immediately without doubt. “I woke up and I was a superhuman!”

Riley grew a little annoyed. “Okay, but how did you know you were a superhuman?”

Sam went silent, not wanting to tell the truth.

Gabriel grew worried. “Sam…?”

Riley became stern. “Sam, tell us.”

Sam was nervous as he grimaced. “C-Conscious told me…”

“Who the hell is Conscious?”

Sam’s voice was quiet.

“He is another version of me… t-that only I can see…”

Gabriel and Riley stared at him, their eyebrows furrowed.

Riley sighed.

“...And he has lost it.”

Gabriel proceeded to give Riley an annoyed look.

He turned back to face Sam, his expression filled with confusion and concern.

“What do you mean? Does he do anything?”

“I mean, he has helped me! But, he can be annoying sometimes…”

After a few seconds of silence, Sam randomly rolled his eyes at an empty space.

“‘Annoying’ how…? Riley responded in a questioning tone.

Despite seeming annoyed, Sam spoke with innocence.

“He was the one who turned me into a superhuman! He said he did it to teach me a lesson…”

Gabriel and Riley once again looked at each other in concern.

Gabriel’s voice was quiet. “A lesson…?”

“Sam, what kind of lesson?” Riley spoke sternly and quietly.

Sam quietly responded with sadness.

“He said it was my fault Drake ran away…”

Once Sam said that, Gabriel’s heart ached with sympathy.

He slowly leaned in as he wrapped his arms around Sam…

…Giving him a hug.

Until now, Gabriel never realized how much Sam had been going through.

He’s been going through so much.

He lost his dad…

…Was let down by his best friend…

…Began to see a person that no one else could see except him…

…And on top of that, he thought all of it was his fault.

…And he has been going through it ALONE.

But, Gabriel would make sure he wouldn’t…

…Because Sam has him.

He wasn’t going to make the same mistake he made with Drake.

Gabriel spoke with a comforting voice. “It isn’t your fault, Sam. I promise.”

Riley gave an understanding, yet solemn expression. “Yeah, Sam. Drake made the decision to run away by himself.”

Tears began to heavily flow down Sam’s cheeks as he stuttered.

“But… But I betrayed Drake! I went down below, even though he said no!” He began to breathe erratically. “I told him I was scared of him! I’m a terrible son!”

Son…?

Gabriel ignored that part.

Gabriel became extremely concerned, shouting at Sam. “Sam… Sam! You need to calm down!”

Sam was still breathing heavily. “But-”

Despite being comforting, Gabriel spoke sternly. “Sam. There is nothing wrong with sharing your feelings. That wasn’t your fault.”

Sam sniffled and then grew silent.

“Okay.”

Gabriel’s voice had a questioning tone in it. “But… I want to understand something, Sam. Why do you keep going down below, despite being told not to?”

Sam’s voice was quiet and sad.

“I… I wanted a friend…” Sam paused for a second before continuing. “...And, well… Fantasia is very pretty!”

Gabriel agreed to that.

Fantasia WAS beautiful.

He loves the sunshine that spills down from the sky.

He loves the smell in the air from the nature around him.

He loves the sound of crickets.

He loves the night sky, as well as the light from the moon.

Sam continued. “N-Not all humans are bad.” He paused, looking away as he cringed, growing quiet. “But, some have bullied me…”

Riley yelled in anger. “They have bullied you?!”

Gabriel finally understood.

He understood why Sam didn’t listen to Drake.

He was lonely.

Because of the rules that Drake made, Sam didn’t have friends.

He just wanted to have friends.

Gabriel was lonely, as well.

Because of his responsibilities, Gabriel isn’t able to spend that much time with Willow.

…And the fact that Willow has grown distant towards him doesn’t make it better.

Because of the rules, Gabriel wasn’t able to have that many guests at his wedding.

He truly wished he had more people at his wedding.

Sam just wanted to have friends.

He has been through so much…

On the other hand, Sam was right.

Not all humans are bad.

Thomas was a human. He was their friend.

Thomas wasn’t bad.

They can’t keep avoiding them.

They need to face their fears.

Gabriel became silent.

His voice came out understanding and slightly quiet. “I believe you, Sam. I don’t think all humans are bad, either.”

Riley spun around and faced Gabriel, yelling. “Gabe! Didn’t you just hear that they bully him?!”

Gabriel spun around as well, yelling at her back. “Yes, I did, but aren’t you forgetting Thomas? Thomas was a nice human!”

“Okay, and? Humans are still assholes. They are always causing problems.”

Gabriel’s voice became stern. “Riley, there are billions of humans on the planet. Not every one of them is bad.”

Riley grumbled in response, not wanting to admit he was right.

“We have never visited Fantasia, until now.”

Riley only grew more annoyed.

“So, what? What have they ever done for us?”

“They worship us, only for us to abandon them in return.”

Riley screamed in anger. “They treated us horribly!”

Gabriel’s voice grew quieter.

“I know, but… abandoning them only makes us cowards.”

Riley stared at Gabriel.

It was silent for what felt like forever.

When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet with rage.

“Excuse me…? COWARDS?!”

Sam watched the two argue, pulling his arms close to himself in fear.

“Um, guys…?”

Gabriel continued to yell, guilt in his voice.

“Yes, Riley! We are cowards… You are a coward. I’m a coward, and… even Drake.”

Gabriel hated calling Drake that.

It felt like he broke every promise he made for him.

It felt like he betrayed him.

But…

…As much as he cares for his friend, Drake was in the wrong.

Gabriel looked at Riley with sadness in his eyes.

“We have to face them eventually, Riley.”

Riley’s voice was now quiet.

“B-But…”

“Sam just wants friends, but he has none. Is he really in the wrong for wanting friends?”

Riley paused, and then reluctantly sighed.

“No. He isn’t.”

Gabriel sighed from relief.

From behind him, Sam paused and looked around him.

His eyes widened in realization.

“Um, guys?!”

Gabriel turned to face Sam, relief in his voice and on his face.

“Yes, Sam?”

“I think… Conscious is gone!”

Riley’s ears perked up, her expression and voice becoming confused.

“Wait, Conscious? How?”

Sam was just as confused. “I don’t know… He just went… poof!”

Gabriel and Riley looked at each other, before shrugging.

“At least one issue is solved.” Riley gave a small smile. “Now, c’mon. We need to hurry and find Drake.”

As Sam looked at Gabriel, he felt…

…Grateful.

He was able to tell someone how he felt, and they DIDN’T react negatively at all!

Maybe Gabriel is someone he can tell his feelings to?

Riley began to walk, Sam and Gabriel following.

As the three walked, Sam looked at Gabriel, making the decision to walk by his side.

Gabriel turned his head towards Sam in surprise, before giving him a warm smile.

Sam gave him a bright smile in return.

He continued to smile as he walked, looking down at his feet.

But, as he looked down at them, he noticed something.

The grass was beginning to die around him.

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over him.

A large shadow of a man.

Before Sam could react in fear, someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

In response, he screamed at the top of his lungs in both surprise and fear.

Both Gabriel and Riley spun their heads at the sound.

Gabriel’s face was filled with horror.

He screamed. “Sam?!”

Sam stared back with the same amount of horror Gabriel had.

He looked up at the person who snatched him.

It was Drake.

His face was contorted, a sinister smile impossibly stretched across it.

The white of his eyes were black, and his irises glowed a bright red.

Sam remembered that face.

He watched as Drake whispered something, his voice so deep that it shook Sam’s body.

A key plopped into Drake’s palm.

After using the key to trace the shape of a door in the air, a door appeared.

Once the door appeared, Drake swung his arm back, preparing to throw Sam through it.

Suddenly, Riley appeared behind him and shoved him to the ground, anger in her face.

She grabbed Sam’s arm and stepped away from Drake, breathing heavily.

“What the HELL is wrong with you, Drake?!” She yelled.

Drake slowly picked himself up from the ground and stared at her, his back hunched in an unnatural position.

Riley stared back.

As Sam looked up at her face, he could see a hint of fear.

Riley re-positioned her lips, trying not to show it.

She was growing impatient as she waited for Drake’s answer, the fear only making it worse.

She screamed. “ANSWER ME!”

Drake finally spoke, his voice deep.

“Why should I listen to someone who helps traitors?”

Riley became silent, the anger in her face disappeared.

“What…?”

Drake continued. “Sam broke the rules. He went down to Fantasia. Gabriel did the same, and he doesn’t care about his responsibilities! They. Are. Traitors.”

Sam could only stare.

He stared at Drake’s horrific expression.

The sleepover.

He remembered.

He remembered Abigail pulling the curtain back…

…And seeing that horrific expression through the window.

Gabriel watched Sam.

He saw Sam staring, a horrified expression on his face.

He knew that he needed help.

He began to walk forward.

He spoke calmly, yet with urgency. “Drake, Sam only wanted friends! He can’t live in the Kloud forever.”

“The traitor says all.”

Gabriel practically began to plead. “DRAKE! Not all humans are bad!”

Despite what Drake was saying, his tone was calm.

“Then, why did they humiliate me by calling me names?”

Gabriel became silent.

They called him names?

Wait…

Is that the reason his self-esteem was bad?

Is that the reason he has depression?

Gabriel realized.

Drake HAS gone through a lot.

On the other hand…

Is that the reason he made rules?

He wanted to avoid being called names.

…And just maybe…

He wanted to avoid Sam being called names.

A memory echoed in Gabriel’s mind.

“But… He won’t listen, even though I’m trying to… protect… him.”

Gabriel spoke carefully. “Drake, I know you want to protect Sam, but you can’t do that forever.”

Drake’s tone didn’t change. “Yes, I can-” He paused.

He realized what he was saying.

Slowly, his smile faded and the white of his eyes returned to normal.

Tears began to well up in his eyes.

His voice was shaky. “I… I don’t want him to turn out like me…”

Gabriel stared into Drake’s eyes with understanding.

Despite Drake’s eyes glowing a burning red in reaction to his sadness…

…Gabriel still thought his eyes were beautiful.

He smiled.

“How would he turn out, Drake?”

“Depressed. A monster…”

That made Gabriel smile more.

He chuckled. “I don’t think he would turn out like that, Drake. Besides… I don’t think you are a monster!”

At those last words, Drake went silent.

His voice was quiet, filled with betrayal.

“But you think I’m a coward…?”

Gabriel’s heart dropped, as well as his smile.

He heard that…?

Gabriel immediately tried to explain himself, his heart quickening.

“I didn’t mean that!”

Drake’s expression was filled with anger, but there was some sadness to it.

“Then, what did you mean? Because it sounded like you thought I was a coward.”

Gabriel began to beg. “D-Drake, I’m sorry!”

“Do you even know what you are apologizing for? I can’t trust anything you say! I can’t trust you at all!”

Drake’s voice became quiet as he grew more sad.

“I… I thought I finally found someone… But, I guess I didn’t.”

Tears were beginning to form in Gabriel’s eyes.

“Drake, you still have me!” He pleaded.

“THEN WHY DID YOU CALL ME A COWARD?!” Drake screamed.

As he screamed, tears went down his cheeks.

Suddenly, Gabriel felt weak.

His bones felt frail.

His legs gave out beneath him.

He felt so weak…

Everything hurt.

He groaned from the pain.

“Drake, please…”

At the sight of Gabriel in pain, Drake’s heart dropped.

His eyes widened in horror.

What had he done?

Drake choked. “N-No…”

Suddenly, a door appeared before Gabriel’s eyes.

It glowed brightly.

From the door, Alice stepped out.

She looked at Drake, her hands folded.

Her voice was soothing.

“Drake, you need to calm down. It’s okay.”

Drake could only stare at her in horror.

He looked at her, looked at Gabriel, then looked at her again.

Without a second thought, he ran off into the forest.

Alice immediately ran after him, reaching out with her hand.

“Drake! WAIT! If you keep running away-”

Drake was already gone.

Alice sighed, and then began to walk back.

Meanwhile, Gabriel held onto himself as he stared at the ground, sobbing.

“He trusted me…”

Drake trusted him.

…And he broke that trust.

He hurt his feelings.

Seeing Gabriel alone, Sam yanked his hand away from Riley’s and ran to him.

“Gabe! A-Are you okay?!”

From the tone of Sam’s voice, Gabriel could tell he was shaken up.

Gabriel sniffled. “I-I will be fine, Sam.”

Riley began to walk over to the two, her hands close together.

Her face was full of worry and fear.

“I-I’ve never seen Drake like that before…”

Alice finally reached the three, looking over them with concern in her eyes.

“Is everyone okay…?”

The three solemnly nodded.

“Okay. Tell me what happened.”

Trigger Warning: Grieving, Rage, Mention of Child Trauma

In an attempt to find Drake, the rest of the gods conduct a search. Due to making quick decisions, Gabriel gets lost.

Similar to the title of Chapter 5, the title is also the name of the song, and I hope I don't need to explain which one, because it is pretty popular.

Things may get more interesting next chapter, so stay tuned for updates!

Gabriel stood in the lobby.

Drake stood with his back facing him, his expression numb.

A door stood in front of Drake, illuminating the lobby from its glow.

He began to walk towards the door.

“Wait, D-DRAKE!” Gabriel reached his arm towards Drake.

He tried to run after Drake, but despite his legs moving, he remained in the same spot.

“DRAKE-”

Gabriel woke up.

It was the same dream again.

He had been having the same dream for two days.

He could only stare at the ceiling as his heart ached.

His heart ached for Drake.

Gabriel turned over to the other side of the bed, only to see that Willow, once again, was not there.

While everyone was grieving, Gabriel and Willow would comfort each other, crying and holding each other.

But, something was wrong.

At one point, Gabriel was holding Willow close to his chest to comfort her, as well as himself.

He looked down to meet her eyes, but she continued to stare off into the distance.

Willow was growing more distant, and…

Gabriel didn’t know why.

Other than that, when he and Willow weren’t comforting each other…

Gabriel would cry by himself, possibly playing with his penguins, so that no one would see him and become worried.

After laying in bed for a while, Gabriel finally got up and entered the lobby.

Everyone was in the lobby, except for Alice and Sam.

Just like Gabriel, everyone looked like they had been crying for days.

Gabriel remained where he stood as Riley began to pace.

“What do we do… What do we do?!” Despite Riley trying not to show it, Gabriel could hear the panic in her voice.

Gabriel had an idea and spoke up.

“Um… Maybe we can try doing a search?” He asked awkwardly.

“Good idea!”

If he could find him, Gabriel could try to persuade Drake to come back to them.

He said it himself.

He trusts Gabriel.

He would be more likely to listen to him.

Well…

He thinks Drake still trusts him.

He remembered Drake’s glare, and how angry he seemed to be at him.

He wants to apologize, but…

He didn’t even know what he did.

Other than that…

Gabriel KNEW Drake was not a monster.

He had to make Drake see that.

Plus…

He missed his friend.

He wanted him back so dearly.

Oh, Drake…

Gabriel’s brain tuned into the conversation.

Riley gave the command to leave for the search. “Welp… I guess it’s time to go…” Her tone sounded emotionally tired.

Gabriel gave a nod.

He closed his eyes and deeply inhaled.

His body glowed brightly as the reincarnation process began.

. . .

Riley, Gabriel, Willow, and Aidan reincarnated in the plains.

As the four walked, Gabriel noticed something.

As Willow continued to stare off into the distance, her expression was empty.

Gabriel turned his head towards her with a concerned expression on his face. “Dear, is everything okay?”

Willow’s eyes grew wide in surprise at Gabriel’s voice.

“Hm? Oh…” She looked the opposite way of him. “I… I’m fine.”

Gabriel stared at her, wanting to talk more, before deciding to leave her alone.

They continued to walk.

After walking for some time, being led by Riley, they ended up by a cliff near the forest surrounding Sunny Village.

Riley walked away from the group, stopping a few feet away from the forest.

She looked around before turning her head towards it.

She stopped.

She squinted her eyes.

She saw Drake standing between a gap in the trees.

“D-Drake?”

She began to run towards him, her heart accelerating.

“Riley?” He said in a confused tone.

He stared at her in fear.

“Drake! I missed you!” Riley could feel herself growing more excited and hopeful.

Drake paused in disbelief, only staring at her even more.

“Missed me…?”

“Of course!” Riley shouted in excitement, unable to contain herself.

She took a deep breath and continued in a serious, emotional tone.

“It may not seem like it… but I care about you a lot, Drake…” She paused for a second. “We miss you a lot, Drake…”

Drake grew silent, a sad expression on his face.

“Even G-Gabe?”

Riley paused for a suspicious amount of time.

“Y-yeah. He’s actually the one who suggested searching for you…”

Drake grew silent, once again.

Riley continued to speak, but Drake became lost in his own thoughts.

He thought he didn’t have anyone.

Yet…

Everyone was searching for him.

Gabriel was the one who wanted to search for him.

And…

Everyone misses him?

Gabriel’s voice echoed in his mind.

“You have us. You have Sam. You have me.”

Sam…

His heart was filled with guilt as he remembered.

He remembered being filled with unfathomable rage.

He remembered walking through the forest at night.

He remembered the unspeakable horror on Sam’s face as he stared at him through his friend’s window.

But…

What about Gabriel?

The only thing Drake could think about relating to Gabriel was…

When he yelled at him about taking his responsibilities seriously.

When he snapped at Gabriel in the lobby…

“You shouldn’t be talking.”

Gabriel was one of the most caring people in the world.

He didn’t deserve that.

…Mostly.

Drake’s heart quickened.

Wow…

He really is a monster.

Riley had finished speaking.

He gave his answer.

Drake gave Riley a sad, weak smile. “You guys don’t need me.”

Riley immediately became silent, staring at Drake in disbelief.

Drake watched as the disbelief on her face turned into anger.

Her voice was a whisper. “Are you kidding me…?” Her voice grew into a screech. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!”

Drake flinched and winced from Riley’s anger.

Riley continued, gesturing with her hands. “You are traumatizing Sam, Gabriel… ALL OF US… by doing this!”

Riley’s voice grew low in anger. “Running away won’t fix it.” She huffed.

Drake’s breath hitched, and before he knew it, tears were flowing down his cheeks.

“Please…” Drake choked. “S-stop yelling at me…”

Before Drake could continue, Riley interrupted him.

“Not until you come back, Drake!”

The others turned their heads at the sound of yelling.

Faces filled with concern, they ran to Riley’s location.

As he ran, Gabriel could see Drake from a distance.

A smile grew on his face as tears formed in the corners of his eyes from joy.

He ran past Riley and stood in front of Drake.

“Drake!” He practically threw his arms up.

Drake was both surprised and scared to see him. “G-Gabriel?”

“We miss you so much, Drake! I’m so, so sorry for whatever I did that made you upset, just… PLEASE come back to us…”

He doesn’t even know what he did.

With tears still in his eyes, Drake remained silent before smiling.

Drake gave a shaky breath. “Oh, Gabriel… You care so much…”

“Huh…?”

Drake turned his back towards him, his voice quiet.

“Remember to take care of the others… You guys will get used to your lives without me.”

Gabriel’s expression became confused. “No, I will not, Drake… You’re my-”

Drake began to run away.

“Drake, STOP-” Gabriel’s voice was shrill as he screamed.

Gabriel began to run after him.

“GABE!” Riley shouted.

Riley quickly ran after Gabriel, as well as Drake.

Gabriel got closer and closer to Drake as he ran.

Suddenly, Drake jumped and flew a few feet before landing on the ground.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Drake- AH!”

He nearly fell into the gap before he halted at the edge.

Gabriel stared at the size of the gap.

Riley caught up to him and stood by his side.

“DANG IT! We ALMOST had him!”

An idea appeared in Gabriel’s mind.

“R-Riley, I know this may sound crazy…” He hesitated. “But, Can you, uh… give me a boost…? Please?”

“A boost?” Riley gave him a strange look. “Ugh, fine!”

Riley kneeled, putting her two palms together.

Gabriel stepped on them.

Riley quickly raised both arms, while Gabriel jumped.

He flew through the air, landing on the other side on both feet.

Gabriel continued to run.

“Thank you, Riley!” He shouted over his shoulder.

Riley only groaned.

She turned and ran in a different direction, in an attempt to find another way around the gap.

Gabriel’s feet thudded against the ground, trying his best to not slow down.

But, despite his determination…

Gabriel was reincarnated as a human…

…And humans get tired easily.

Gabriel was sweating, breathing heavily.

His legs ached.

As Gabriel had his hands on his knees, he realized he had lost sight of Drake.

Drake was simply faster than him.

But, he wasn’t giving up yet.

He took a deep breath…

…And began to walk.

He walked and walked.

Despite this, he enjoyed the nature around him.

…At first.

As time went on, Gabriel began to sweat.

It was so HOT.

He was practically wilting.

Because of the heat, bugs began to stick to him.

…Especially mosquitos.

He was so ITCHY…

He was so TIRED…

It was insufferable.

Gabriel was usually so fabulous!

…And this…

…Was NOT fabulous.

But, despite suffering and being lost…

He wouldn’t give up on his friend.

Drake may think he doesn’t have anyone in his life, but he was Gabriel’s friend, and friends don’t give up on each other.

Gabriel grew solemn.

He thinks he doesn’t have anyone.

Drake had to handle grieving over his own break-up.

He had to handle the guilt of traumatizing Sam.

He had to handle depression.

He had to go through a lot.

He had to handle it alone.

The worst part is that he didn’t have to.

Why did he feel like he couldn’t tell anyone?

What made him feel like he didn’t have anyone?

It became night.

Gabriel felt the temperature drop.

He can’t believe he was saying this, but…

It was so cold.

So, so cold…

His eyes began to droop.

His legs began to shake.

Gabriel’s legs collapsed from under him, laying there across the grass.

Some time passed.

Gabriel could only see forest in front of him.

Suddenly, he saw a figure.

The figure seemed familiar.

The figure watched him for some time.

Eventually, the figure began to walk over towards Gabriel.

The figure crouched down beside him and lowered his head.

It was Drake.

Drake gave Gabriel a solemn look before going back into the forest.

No… Please, don’t go…

Eventually, Drake came back with a pile of leaves in his arms.

He walked up to Gabriel and put the leaves on top of him.

After assembling the leaves, Drake crouched down again.

He lowered his head.

“Please… Please give up, Gabe. Stop looking for me and just forget about me, okay…?” He whispered with tears in his eyes.

Then, he turned and went back into the forest.

Gabriel tried to reach out, but he couldn’t move his body.

Instead, he blacked out.

. . .

“G… Abe. Gabe. GABE!”

Gabriel’s eyes sprung open.

He groaned from exhaustion.

“FINALLY!” Riley gestured with her arms. “It was really hard looking for you in the dark, dude!”

Riley continued to ramble, while Gabriel tried to understand what was happening.

How did he get here?

Did he collapse?

He looked everywhere until his eyes landed on the leaf blanket covering his legs.

Wait…

It wasn’t a dream.

Gabriel began to cry.

“It… It wasn’t a dream.”

Riley stopped rambling and looked at Gabriel in confusion.

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“I… I saw Drake. He saw that I had collapsed and… he put leaves on me to keep me warm…” He choked on his tears.

“Wait… He… He was here?!” Riley spun around in anger and kicked something. “DRAKE, I SWEAR!”

As Riley stood emanating her anger, Gabriel continued to stare at the leaf blanket, crying.

Despite what he had thought previously, Drake still cared about him.

Drake was still his friend.

Gabriel was NOT going to give up on him.

He was NOT going to forget him.

…Because that is what friends do.

…Because he cares about him.

Riley sighed, dragging her hands down her face.

“Well, it’s going to be difficult finding him in the literal DARK, so we’re just going to have to continue searching for him, tomorrow, okay?”

Gabriel stared at the ground as he solemnly nodded.

“Let’s try to get some sleep, okay?”

Both Riley and Gabriel got into position and fell asleep.

. . .

The moment the sun rose, the two started walking.

As they walked, Gabriel remained quiet as he thought to himself.

He began to recollect the events from yesterday.

The moment he saw Drake, he grew excited and hopeful, not taking a second to think and instead, running after him.

He didn’t take a second to think about Riley or Willow.

Guilt grew in Gabriel’s heart as he cringed at himself.

“Hey, Riley…”

“Hm?” Riley chirped, turning her head to face Gabriel as she continued to walk.

“I’m sorry for running off. I wasn’t thinking.”

Riley sighed. “Yeah, you weren’t.”

Gabriel gave her a look.

“But… I understand why you ran after him, even if it was stupid. I know you…” She paused. “...Care a lot about Drake.”

She hesitated to speak before sighing.

“I know I don’t show it, but even I care about him. He’s my best friend. I just REALLY suck at showing I care.”

She continued to speak.

“You may have been right about me not having a clue on how to be a friend…” She paused, grimacing. “I was so stupid, Gabe. It was stupid of me to make us search for Drake as humans.”

Gabriel put a hand on her shoulder. “Riley, I know what I said, but it isn’t your fault!”

She gave him a side-eye. “Yeah, sure.”

He gave a sigh. “I’m assuming that is why you look like that?”

“Yeah. Plus, it’s safer.”

She paused, looking Gabriel up and down.

“You could, too… but it would take too long, and we need to prioritize finding Drake.”

Gabriel nodded. “I understand.”

Riley became silent, staring at the ground with clenched fists.

“We have to find Drake, Gabe.”

Gabriel smiled and put a hand on her shoulder.

“We will, Riley.”

Both Gabriel and Riley froze as they heard a voice.

They looked around them, trying to find the source.

“How much longer?! My legs huuurt!”

The voice sounded young and small.

The voice grew louder.

Gabriel and Riley turned to see who it was.

They both screamed in shock.

“SAM?!”

Sam looked up at them, his tired eyes widening.

“Riley?! GABRIEL?!”

End of chapter 6.

I updated my profile picture!

I think one of the issues with the first one is it looked kinda… corporate. But I’m not, I’m a small artist.

The new one looks better from a distance, while making it clear who I am.

Version B is okay. I like the lighting of Drake’s eyes, but the sunlight coming from the trees, not so much.

I’ll start writing it soon.

If this became an AU, Dana (The genderbent version of Drake) would be a vampire.

Here is the book series the Miis are based on:

Gabriel continues to question his relationship with Drake. On the other hand, everything is going to get much worse.

This is the longest and most serious chapter out of the story so far. I'm really proud of how it turned out!

Now, I will explain the title of the chapter: "Carried Away"! My real life best friend and I like to listen to music, and our taste is based off our characters. To some, the music might be corny, but we both love to use music to represent our characters. So, I'm going to come clean... yes, the title is based off the song "Carried Away" by Shawn Mendes.

Also, as promised, I used the art piece of Drake that I made last week for the chapter's background, which I will link.

Fun Fact: The total number of pages is 15, which coincidentally is the episode number the chapter is based on, which I will also link, so people will have context.

Drake stood in front of Gabriel.

Gabriel smiled brightly up at him.

Drake smiled warmly at him back.

Then, Drake closed his eyes and lowered his head.

He raised his hands and grabbed the sides of Gabriel’s face, cradling his head in his palms.

He leaned in and Gabriel’s lips met his.

Gabriel woke up and sat upright, gasping for air with his cheeks flushed red.

He gently put a hand to his chest to steady himself.

After calming himself, Gabriel began his morning routine.

It had been a week.

It had been a week since Gabriel began to question his relationship with Drake.

A week before, Gabriel explained it to himself as him overreacting.

It is highly unrealistic for someone to fall in love with another person in only 4 days.

Now, 11 days.

Still unrealistic.

Plus, he is married.

Maybe Drake's wedding speech affected him too much.

Gabriel didn’t think that Drake thought of him in that regard.

It made him overwhelmingly happy to hear him say something that heartwarming.

It helped him realize that the two of them were friends.

Then, there was the event that started the whole situation.

Falling on top of Drake.

He grew flustered when it happened, but…

Who wouldn’t be?

He was overreacting.

On the other hand…

It had been a week.

It had been a week and he couldn’t stop himself from thinking about the fall.

It had been a week, and…

This wasn’t the only time he had the dream.

He began to explain to himself, again.

Him and Drake are only friends.

Friends help each other when they are drunk.

Friends comfort each other when they are upset.

But, most of all…

Friends care about each other.

And again…

He is married.

He doesn’t want to break Willow’s heart.

She has had her heart broken too many times.

He hates making his friends upset.

Gabriel decided to immediately start working, to give his focus to something else and because it was his responsibility.

He promised Drake that.

. . .

An hour had passed, and Gabriel was both tired and bored.

He began to move his arms in and out as a way to stretch.

Suddenly, his cabin door slammed open.

“GABE! Something is wrong!” Willow’s face showed only fear.

Soon, Gabriel was in the lobby with the others.

Willow told him everything.

Sam disobeyed Drake’s orders, and filled with rage, Drake snapped.

Everyone began to panic.

“What if Sam gets hurt?!” Willow questioned.

Gabriel began to question himself.

“I didn’t expect Drake to go THIS far…” He said both in his mind and to everyone.

He had never expected Drake to snap like this.

Yes, Drake did get quite angry at times…

But he never lost control.

There must be something deeper.

Riley mumbled to herself. “Drake finally broke… after all these years…”

Then, Gabriel heard the pitter-patter of bare feet.

The shadows moved across Wendy as she stepped out, her hands folded.

Wendy spoke with only calmness. “I’ll retrieve Sam before Drake does.”

Alice joined in. “I’m coming, too!” She spoke with determination out of concern for Sam’s wellbeing.

Everyone’s voices began to fade as Gabriel thought to himself.

In 4 days, he has gotten to know Drake.

He knows that Drake cares for and wants to protect Sam.

He remembers.

“Why can’t he just LISTEN?!”

“But… he won’t listen, even though I’m trying to… protect… him.”

Drake’s voice echoed in his mind.

Gabriel needed to talk to him.

Drake said it himself, Gabriel is one of his most trusted people.

He had hope that Drake would listen to him.

Wendy’s voice came into focus.

“Sam COULD be in danger.”

Sam was not in danger.

Gabriel believed in Drake.

He would listen.

He was his friend.

Not a monster.

Gabriel heard Wendy sigh and start to leave with Alice by her side.

“We’ll be back.”

Gabriel spoke up. “Wait! I… I want to come, too…”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes…”

Wendy didn’t react. “Okay.”

Alice walked up to Gabriel’s side.

“It’s wonderful to have you on the team, Gabe.” Alice tried to muster a smile, but her worry showed through.

The three walked side by side through the door.

. . .

The three were getting closer and closer to Abigail’s house.

They only hoped that they got to Sam first, before Drake.

Wendy was the one leading.

Alice walked by her side.

Gabriel was behind them, a little ways off.

He looked at the night sky.

He didn’t know that Fantasia was this beautiful.

As he listened to the crickets, he felt a tingle of joy in his heart.

He hadn’t visited in a very long time.

When WAS the last time he visited?

When Thomas was still alive, probably.

Gabriel turned his head to focus on Alice and Wendy.

Slowly, he began to tune into their conversation.

“I didn’t expect Drake to do this…” Alice mumbled to herself, at first. “Maybe when I confessed it gave him flashbacks to his break-up…”

It’s not your fault, Alice…

But it made Gabriel think.

Not that long ago, Drake grew angry with him.

What if that was one the things that helped his anger build up to the point where he snapped?

Gabriel hoped it wasn’t his fault.

He tuned into the conversation once again.

Wendy’s tone was cold. “Sam should not have disobeyed like that. It was obvious that Sam didn’t care about Drake’s feelings at that moment.”

Gabriel agreed.

Sam had been warned by Drake countless times, but he still chose to not listen.

But, on the other hand…

He didn’t blame him.

Sometimes, he wished he could visit Fantasia, too.

Sometimes, he wished Drake didn’t create that rule.

Finally, the three reached Abigail’s house.

Wendy raised her fist in front of the door and gently knocked.

A few minutes passed.

Eventually, the front door creaked open to show Sam’s relieved expression.

Alice was the first one to greet Sam. “Hi, Sam!”

Gabriel greeted him next. “Hello, Sam!”

Sam smiled from relief. “I’m so happy you guys found me…”

Wendy remained calm. “We are, too. Now, let’s go back to the Kloud.”

The three turned to walk away.

As they did, Sam awkwardly waved goodbye to Abigail.

Alice leaned down and gently grabbed onto Sam’s hand to give him comfort.

As the four walked away, someone watched from the trees.

Drake stood, his hands clenched into fists.

As he watched them, he felt both angry and betrayed.

Not just from Sam…

But Gabriel, too.

. . .

The four arrived at the Kloud.

Everyone rushed towards Sam with concern and relief.

Wendy stepped in front of Sam, folding her hands.

She spoke calmly. “Everyone, Sam is fine.” She turned her head slightly towards Sam. “Sam, go to your room. Alice will come with you.”

Gabriel watched as Sam and Alice slowly entered his room, Alice continuing to hold Sam’s hand for reassurance.

Gabriel smiled lightly at the sight.

He was happy that Sam was okay.

Any joy that Gabriel had was quickly shattered.

Drake slammed the door behind him after he entered.

His expression was full of rage, his eyes burning brighter than ever before.

He groaned loudly in frustration, and the sound scared Gabriel.

He heard a door gently close, and saw Alice walking towards Drake with her hands folded.

Gabriel’s fear was lessened.

Alice will help make the situation better.

Alice spoke with her usual kind and gentle voice. “Drake, You need to calm dow-”

Alice didn’t get to finish her sentence before Drake yelled at her.

“NO, I DO NOT!”

Alice reacted with surprise, not expecting Drake to yell at HER out of everyone.

Gabriel’s heart saddened as he saw a glimpse of Alice’s own heart break.

Riley stepped closer, growing furious at how Drake was acting.

“Stop yelling at her!”

Gabriel hesitated at first, but he decided to speak up as well.

“Yeah, Drake-”

He was interrupted by Drake’s piercing glare.

“You shouldn’t talk.”

In reaction to what Drake said, Riley grew more angry.

“Excuse me?! That includes Gabe!”

Drake got closer in response, his voice low from rage.

“BOTH of them betrayed their promise of not going down there!”

“STILL!”

Wendy walked up to Drake.

“Drake… If you calm down, this will get resolved faster.”

Drake only groaned in response, holding both sides of his head with his hands.

Gabriel could only watch.

He could only watch as everything began to fall apart.

His heart ached.

He wished it would stop.

Then, Gabriel noticed something… or someone.

He watched as Sam quietly snuck out of his room and began to creep closer to everyone.

What was he doing?!

Suddenly, Gabriel tuned into the argument.

Riley yelled back at Drake. “Well… Maybe if you were there more to lecture him, this wouldn’t happen!”

“Yeah. Maybe if you didn’t cry in your room so much, this wouldn’t happen.

Everything became silent.

It was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.

Sam became frozen.

Aidan said it with no expression on his face, as if it didn’t mean anything.

Drake’s rage was gone.

He could only show shock, with a single tear in the corner of his eye.

Gabriel stared at Aidan in shock.

EVERYONE stared at Aidan.

Aidan began to walk forward.

“You cry in your room every single day about being a monster and the break-up.”

Gabriel caught a glimpse of Willow looking at the ground in shame.

“And, now… you are afraid of having a relationship with anyone!”

Aidan scoffed to himself, a smile appearing for a moment.

“Honestly… you shouldn’t even be crying about a break-up that happened THOUSANDS of years ago…” He glanced up and met Drake’s eyes. “Get over it, Drake.”

Drake didn’t move.

He could only stare at nothing, numb.

“You even stopped playing with little ol’ Sam after! How SELFISH!”

Aidan continued to cross his arms and lean against the wall.

“And what is even MORE sad is…” Aidan couldn’t help, but give a low chuckle. “Is that our own LEADER… has depression! Pathetic.”

Willow slowly turned her whole body to face Drake.

She slowly walked up to him, tears welling up in her eyes from guilt.

Willow choked back tears. “Drake… I-Is this true…?”

Drake remained frozen.

His chest began to shake as he gave an awkward chuckle.

“W-what…? Pfft!” He looked at the ceiling. “No-” Drake’s voice broke. “No…”

Aidan smirked, a shadow casting over his eyes.

“And…”

Aidan moved his hand across the room until his pointer finger landed on Sam, who was behind Alice.

Everyone slowly turned their whole bodies to face Sam.

“You traumatized your own SON, because of what you did!”

Sam’s eyes were wide, full of fear.

Despite that, he walked forward.

He kept his eyes on the floor, feeling Drake’s eyes following him.

Drake’s breath hitched as he tried to speak.

“I-is this true, Sam…? Oh, please don’t tell me it is true…!”

Sam’s lips tightened and sweat began to fall from his forehead.

“Come on, Sam! You can tell us the truth!”

Sam’s couldn’t take it.

He couldn’t stand the eyes that watched him from every corner.

“Y-yes.”

Aidan smiled. “How sad.”

Drake couldn’t stop the tears from falling.

To avoid everyone from seeing, he spun around and stomped towards his room with his head down in shame.

Alice ran after him.

Gabriel remained still.

“Drake, wait!” The door slammed in her face. She began to sob. “Drake…”

For a while, Riley stared at Drake’s door.

Then, she slowly turned to face Aidan, rage in her eyes.

She breathed out every word. “YOU. LITTLE-!”

Aidan only smiled.

“YOU… YOU MADE DRAKE UPSET ON PURPOSE!” Riley nearly shrieked. She breathed heavily. “YOU… YOU-!”

Aidan smirked. “I’m what? What words are you going to say, Riley? Everyone is going to hear.”

Riley screamed out in rage and then stomped off to a corner, standing there.

Gabriel stood still in shock.

How did it escalate?

Was what Aidan said true?

It explained why Drake was so emotional.

Oh, Drake…

My dear friend…

Suddenly, Drake’s door creaked open.

Gabriel snapped out of it and his eyes darted towards the door.

Alice slowly backed up. “Drake! Are you-”

Drake’s voice was low and quiet.

“I’m leaving.”

Gabriel’s body went cold.

Riley perked up. “What…?”

Drake tried to hold it back, but he choked on his tears.

“I’m leaving.”

Alice began to cry. “Why…?!”

“You guys shouldn’t have to deal with a monster like me…”

“No-!” Alice tried to grab his wrist, but he moved away.

Drake whispered the words and summoned the key, tears running down with a numb expression.

He formed the door with the key, and began to take a step forward.

Suddenly, two small hands grabbed his hand.

“Please, don’t go…” Tears were welling up in Sam’s eyes.

Drake sighed and kneeled on the ground.

He gently smiled, tears still in his eyes. “Sorry, Sam… But you don’t need a monster like me around, ok?”

“Drake, you are not a monster-”

Drake’s hand slipped away from Sam as he started to leave.

“Wait, NO!”

Suddenly, someone grabbed Drake’s arm.

Drake swiftly turned his head, only to face…

Gabriel.

His eyes were wide, and tears were streaming down his face.

He looked into Drake’s eyes.

His beautiful eyes.

“Drake, m-my friend… p-PLEASE! You… you don’t need to leave! We-”

Gabriel fell silent as Drake smiled warmly back at him.

A single tear went down his cheek.

“Take care of the others, okay?” He gave a small, watery chuckle.

Gabriel’s hands slipped as Drake pulled his arm away.

He went through the door and it closed.

He was gone.

Sam’s legs buckled beneath him and he screamed, sobbing into his hands.

Everyone went towards him and began to comfort him with words and hugs.

Before everyone knew it, Riley was running after Drake.

Gabriel tried to call out to her, but he was too late.

Gabriel paused.

He slowly walked towards Sam, sitting by his side on his knees.

He put his hand on his back.

“It will be o-okay, Sam…”

Gabriel quickly glanced up, catching a glimpse of Willow staring at him before she focused on Sam, too.

He glanced back at Sam and continued to soothe him.

End of chapter 5.

(They are based off the show.)

But I like how she turned out.

She will never put a two/piece on again in her life.

Gabriella is very supportive, though!