Something has never gotten so out of hand for you.

Just a couple hours ago, you had ran into a cookie that was so-called Fortune Cookie, saying quite the grim things about this place, all about Shadow Milk Cookie and how you and your friends had no hope in a palace of lies such a this. You tried to push forward, Gingerbrave encouraging you throughout all this, making sure you remained positive, but it was getting harder and harder.

The next thing you knew, you were on some stairs, Fortune Cookie pulling his hood down to reveal what could only be described as your worst nightmare — Pure Vanilla Cookie. But it wasn't the one you knew, that one seemed long gone for now. Truthless Recluse, as Shadow Milk called him. He pushed out your friends, before pulling you with him, Shadow Milk even using some strings to make you stay.

You sat at a table now, Candy Apple and Black Sapphire were arguing over... something, you didn't know. Truthless Recluse held your hand as he ate, Shadow Milk laughing with them, almost... happy that more people were at the table. You were just confused, you didn't know how to feel about this situation. On one hand, you were glad Pure— Truthless Recluse was okay. On the other... you missed your friends, you were basically kidnapped, and had no way out.

Your days were much boring now. You were mostly locked up now, you had some board games in your room, some books with some scribbles done by Candy Apple. You didn't know what to do, you were so used to being out and going on adventures. What were you supposed to do when you were forced to do now?

Truthless Recluse kept you company all the time. He was more clingy than Pure Vanilla ever was, his embrace was much firmer, more reluctant to let go at all. Even with Shadow Milk's strings, he made you stay by his side at all times. He wasn't much of a talker anymore — Pure Vanilla could talk your ear off, but now, you could barely get a word out of him.

One time, you almost managed to trick Candy Apple to get you out, yet as soon as you tried to make a run for it, he was there. He didn't express it, but could tell he was upset. His grip almost hurt when he got his hands on you, and it was as if you were dragged to Rapunzel's tower. You had windows, yet the only thing you could see were the eyes of Shadow Milk, just like all of the sky was outside.

Candy Apple and Black Sapphire did try to make you some company here and there, before Truthless Recluse sent them away with a scowl, or Shadow Milk gave them some meaningless task for them to do to keep them away for at least a good while.

It did seem you were stuck here for at least a while.

Walking. Lots and lots of walking.

He felt he had been walking for at least a couple hours, his feet already starting to hurt since maybe the half an hour mark, the heat of the sun getting annoyingly hot as it noon passed by. He looked towards Korekiyo and Angie, almost jealous of how good they were handling both the heat and walk, but it was no wonder with how many times they had probably done this kind of journey.

Today's goal, for what he had gathered, was to find the ruins of some sort of castle for some... god? He spaced out while they explained, but he truly dodn't have any other plans, and he had to settle for this, the kind of nonsense only those two would do. Maybe Rantaro too in his off days. But alas, now he was stuck, and he was too far in to fake a tummy ache and get out of this.

"When are we gonna get there..?" Kokichi whined, feeling his legs buckle from exhaustion for the fifth time as they went up yet another hill, the ground almost going in some sort of wave form. "Sooner rather than later." Korekiyo replied, another non-answer for the thousand time. Now he wished he had brought his phone. He wanted to send S.O.S message to any of his contacts now.

Finally, nestled between the great amount of trees and greenery, laid a... castle. Huh. So they weren't joking when they mentioned a castle. He could see mainly white and blue colors all around, even the vegetation near the castle seemed in an odd blue hue, the flowers nearby either white or blue. Weird... but no matter, he could finally rest!

"Come along now, we should set up camp inside." Korekiyo instructed him and Angie, with the white-haired girl nodding along, grabbing her backpack, unpacking the tent and sleeping bags she had bought. Kokichi stayed back, straying away from them, trying to find maybe a cool place in these ruins, or at least any semblance of people here. Maybe a groundskeeper? He hoped so, maybe they could lend him their phone and he could get a sign to where they were and maybe get someone to pick him up.

Everything seemed full of twists and bends, making the place seem almost endless, the checkered tiles of the floors repeating over and over, and before he knew it — he was lost. Bloody lost. Just his luck. He sighed, trying to find a clue to which hallway or space he had ended up. He just saw some stairs, and other hallways leading to more never-ending mazes. Just what was this place?

He finally heard... something. A voice. It didn't sound like Korekiyo or Angie, but maybe it was the person taking care of this place? He walked once more, already quite tired, before stumbling into a... theatre. Well, finally some change in scenery, Kokichi thought. He took one of the seats, just staring into the stage, feeling a sort of odd anticipation. But for what? For all he knew, this place was haunted. Yet as he thought that, the curtains slowly spread open, tying with gold rope to hold them apart.

He flinched back, staring. Silence. Then suddenly, a voice rang out, that same voice from before.

"Well, hello, dear audience!" The voice spoke dramatically, yet it seemed... rehearsed. Whoever was speaking didn't expect anyone to actually be there, more so just talking to themselves, or to the empty theatre seats. "Welcome to the most expected show in the lands of Beast Yeast! Today's theme; Liars!" Odd. But, he just laid back in his seat, too nervous too actually speak out.

"There was once a god, with so much knowledge to pass down his disciples..." The voice rang out once more, as if telling a story. Puppets made out of cardboard now presented on the stage, simulating that of a puppet show. "That god was loved, oh so loved, yet a silly, insignificant man came to ruin it all for him..!" The voice sounded angry, still masking it behind a dramatic reading.

"That man took half of the god's power, stealing it like a thief, taking the god's glory..." New puppets fell, one simulating a blue man, and the other a blonde man. "He lied to everyone, saying he could protect and heal them, lead them even... What liar, right guys!?" The voice laughed, before finally the man who was speaking came out, huffing in a frustrated manner, tearing the blonde puppet up. "A big, big, big liar..." The man murmured beneath his breath, yet loud enough for Kokichi to hear.

The man in blue finally bowed to no one, as if finalizing the show, yet Kokich quickly stood up, clapping his hands. The man in blue's head shot up, staring at him in shock, yet almost... hopeful. "Well, I didn't know there was an actual audience for this show. Apologies for cutting it short, dear guest! You deserve the full story!" The man in blue ran behind the stage with new-found eagerness, the puppet going back into position. Kokichi moved to the front of the seats, right in the middle of the front row, the perfect view.

"The man taking the god's power pretended to be like him, all while demonizing the god! Could you believe that!?" The theatric delivery was toned up, fully giving it his all to this show. "The god, of course, grew angry, rightfully so. The god had been demonized, sealed up, until one day — the knowledgable god and the other gods freed themselves, in seek of their rightfully owned power. They would restore their power, back to an even greater extent!" The curtains fell down, before they opened to the same man in blue bowing once more.

Kokichi got up, clapping excitedly. He did have an appreciation for a good show, after all, and this was the most fun he'd had in hours. "Another one, another one!" The man in blue seamed eager to comply with his demands, and continued telling him stories. It ranged from gods, to normal fairytale stories, to much recognizable stories. He wasn't sure how much time passed, but he didn't want to leave.

Finally, at the end of another one, the blue man invited him on stage, taking him backstage, slowly getting to a set of stairs leading up to somewhere up in a tower. "And who might you be, my eager audience member?" The man in blue asked. "Kokichi," he responded, just simple. The man in blue nodded, more curies than ever.

"How... How did you end up here?" The man in blue asked, almost confused by his presence, as if he didn't get people here often. "My... friends, they dragged to this place. They wanted to find some... castle?" Kokichie shrugged. "I guess we did." The man in blue nodded, before speaking once more. "I suppose introductions are in order..."

He bowed once more, almost dramatically. "Shadow Milk, at your service!" Shadow Milk spoke with some dramatic flare, yet slightly more genuine now. "And you, my dear audience member, are in fact in my castle!"

"This whole place... it's yours!?" Kokichi exclaimed, looking around, almost shocked. "You must be insanely loaded..."

Shadow Milk simply laughed at that, almost... floating? How was he floating? "Well, you see, my dear..." He started, "I am the Fountain of Knowledge. Isn't proper for me to have my own castle?"

Finally, something clicked in Kokichi's head. He looked up at the man in blue, muttering the words, "You're the god from those stories..."

"You're a smart one, ain't cha!" Shadow Milk's laugh rang loudly, leaning back. "And it only took you, what - five hours to figure that one out?" Five hours. Had it truly been that long? Once the former god said that, a yawn escaped Kokichi, stretching.

"Oh, are you slweepy..?" Shadow Milk mockingly asked, before guiding him by the back to what seemed one of many rooms. It was beside a red door with some apple-like decorations on it, and at its left side was a purple door with a microphone laying against the door. Shadow Milk guided him to the door in the middle of them, reality bending to create a room to his likings. "Just for you, dearie!"

Kokichi looked around, confused. "I... I just need to find a way back to my friends." He started to head back, before a firm hand stopped him, pushing him inside the room. "That won't do..." Shadow Milk said. "I think you'll do better if you settle in... 'kay?" It wasn't a question, not at all. A small hint of panic slowly pooled in his stomach - just what was happening?!

"After all, an audience member can't leave before the show ends..." Shadow Milk said, before the door closed with a click behind him. "Now, let's get to know eachother!" A big smile spread across the former god's face, sitting at one end of the table, a chess board being the main design of the table.

"And, maayyybe, if you win, I'll let you see your friends!" A bold-faced lie, and even Kokichi knew that.

the Neige LeBlanche.

one of Hollywoods most coveted actors, always having the lead role, the main character, the one who companies wanted for the face of their marketing campaigns.

him.

smoke filled his room, filling his lungs, lingering scent remaining. the increasing taps from his phone coming through, searching for... you. he doesn't get the privilege to see you every day, now does he? not like those digusting— your... classmates. he often wondered just how it would be like to have you in his school, his dorm, to see you every day... but, then, he remembers you'd see the ugly reality of his school, of him. after all his hard work to present a perfect image to you? no, no, no... he couldn't risk that, that wasn't in his plans any time soon.

he wanted you happy, to not see how his insides were decaying with each breath he took, how—

loud coughs filled the room. he placed the blunt aside, grasping his throat, coughing, "rielle-!" neige spoke between coughs, "pass me my inhaler!"

a groan imminent from the floor sounded, before his inhaler was much rudely thrown at his face. he quickly pressed it to his lips, a habit by now, before relaxing once more. "... thanks, asshole." "whatever."

finally resting in his back, neige focused on the ceiling, the memories still fresh in his mind. your hand only grazed his for some seconds, but that was more than enough for him. he could remember what you smelled like, your perfume flooding his mind. if only your friends hadn't came, he would've talked to you more than those 7 minutes.

you didn't know him, of course you didn't, you aren't even from this world. the fresh air of having to introduce himself was very welcomed. the way your eyes lit up at the knowledge of him, praising him... it was something he didn't he would ever forget.

your voice haunted his mind. if he were to lose his focus for just a moment, anyone's voices sounded like you. the voice in his head? yours. if he was listening an audio book, as his mind drifted off, that was your voice, reading a book to him.

"ah... do you think my beloved might be the one?" there was an once of possession in his tone, always making sure to say my each time, to remind those who knew of you that there wasn't a chance for them. "who knows, who cares..." rielle shifted his position, just to look up at the boy in the bed, before letting out a small noise akin to a hiss. "dude, what the hell! don't pick at the blunt like it's a fucking flower!" his hand acted on instict to snatch it away, rolling his eyes before doing a hit.

"ugh, my bad..." it was weird for neige to have to apologize for anything, but he could tell that one was on him.

with lazy movements, neige reached for his phone once more... before freaking out slightly. you were live! he could see you talk, see you interact with things, just to remind himself you were real! not just an angelic being his mind fabricated!

shaky fingers tapped on the screen, right on the icon if your profile. you were rambling about something with your friends, clearly on a relaxed setting, much, much more relaxed than his. he wondered if the NCR was actually that bad... it didn't seem as hectic as people made it out to be. then again, it might just be because you're there.

he stayed there for the entire four hour livestream. even rielle had fallen asleep on his spot on the floor by now. everything he could hear was that familiar ringing of happiness inside of him, his pupils wide, and not for... less than favorable reasons this time. he was looking you exist... just interacting with your environment. smiling.

that was all that mattered to him.

when you finished your livestream, his night had just begun. he pulled open his laptop to the many of open files there, all about you. sorting through one of those, he activated a specific system so he could hear through your phone. it seems it was bedtime for you as well... soft breathing came from the speakers as soon as he gained access. he could hear you breathe in your sleep, every so often hearing words being uttered.

he would have to thank his assistant once more for being able to do this for him.

neige laid back in his bed now, headphones covering his ears, firmly grasping his pillow. it had a sweater you had forgotten when he had first met you, your smell faint yet remaining. his eyes closed, that deep rooted fantasy playing out. you were in his arms, holding him as his slept, oh so close that he could you breathe. the things and the money he would give is just... too much.

that's my girlfriend. you stay the fuck away from her, alright?

i didn't know simple words would seal away my fate. i knew that fucker had no business being from the start, i knew shouldn't have taken my eyes off of her, but that's too late now isn't it?

i hate that stupid look when he first arrived. fuck him, fuck everything else i can see. i hate him so fucking much. i fucking hate you.

YOU STAY OUT OF OUR WAY, AND WE'LL STAY OUT OF YOURS, CAPISCE?

i told him. i warned him. it's his fucking fault he couldn't keep his dick to himself.

two whole different worlds between the two of us, yet the both of you ended up at this wretched camp. this stupid badge gave me the value, just like she did, and you come here to take both of them? i guess greed does make a star.

that fucking lake. it was our spot. not yours and her. i saw you two, listening to that song. did she wrote it just for you? did she? i bet you felt special, more than a goody-two-shoes can be. she's perfect, you know that?

did you took advantage just because she said we were having "troubles"?

and, you...

i know, i'm passive aggressive, you've said that.

i'm sorry, just... fuck.

look, i just...

if i ever see his face again, i'll fucking kill him. i don't give a shit about anything else. i told him to stay away, he just had to listen. maybe you liked him because he did some modeling? he's that guy who won against that other actor... uh, the one who always gets the villain roles.

i just want you to answer me, please. i know we're troubled together, but i promise you, i love you. life without you has no fucking meaning, please. some stupid wolf isn't going to stop me from getting you back. you don't know how he thinks, but i do.

he's not a good man, you know?

CLICK-CLICK.

i sat with rielle. that guy always had something good to say. we were practicing over some lyrics, my thoughts clouded. i couldn't focus.

"hey, man?" i didn't realize when he stopped playing that bass. "you okay? you kept repeating the same sequence."

"... yeah, i'm good." i settled my guitar away, your initial engraved on it, since always. "why?"

"i... you've been like that since... her." he sighed, and took a sip of his water. "you need to let her go, man. she'll be happier, you'll find someone else, win-win. i can even introduce you to one of my sisters! i've got 12 of 'em, dude!"

maybe not always.

"shut your fucking mouth." "c'mon, y'know i'm right! you can't be upset about the truth!" "what the fuck did i just said!?"

i couldn't take it anymore. i know i've known you since you got here, i helped you get over that guy, the one you almost died for. but... maybe life always had other plans.

because red symbolizes evil.

a distant memory, fading into obscurity. the feeling of fingers pressing against your scalp, untangling hair, brushing it. you remember reeding a book, the tips of your fingers darting across the pages, flipping and searching through where you left off the last time you picked it up. you never needed something to remember where you left off, always remembering by mere small memories. your memory always was there to save you if you were ever in a pinch, always there for you.

without it, would this moment even be happening?

without it, what would be of you, if not a broken man?

you may think this is the epitome of your problems, but please, let me assure you it's not. that spoiled sultan, you remember his orders with it. you remember all the recipes you've learned to master over your years. you remember the faces of your family.

you remember her.

think of it as your ally, and utilize it well. now, where did you left off?

ah, of course. that moment.

you remember starting to read once more, golden hour about to set in, the light fading through the light curtains. the brush slipping through your hair as it was water, always so long, since you never had time to cut it. besides, she always seemed to like it. you could feel her placing something on your hair, some sort of cream, before starting to braid your hair gently. you didn't know if it would be a whole braid, or multiple, but you'd let her as long as she was happy with it.

the colored strings started dance in your hair, going from start to finish, braiding into the braid as she went along. you could remember she was speaking about something, but you can't pinpoint her exact words. you wish you could. you remember tone, thankfully. a whiny one, complaining a out something. or... not complaining? you couldn't tell, but she was telling you something about... her day, you assume. with her you could never know. maybe it was something one of her friends told her? possibly so.

you wish you could remember that. minor details.

you can feel her beginning to finish that braid. no. no. no. wait. don't finish yet. don't leave me.

is that all?

she points to the mirror, and you chuckled, setting your book aside as you stand up. you make your way towards the mirror, gazing it into it. a braid, red strings mixed in within each twist. it looked soft.

she comes up behind you, asking you something, but her voice is muffled.

it's night-time, you only blinked once. what happened?

you turn the window, gazing to the moon, then behind you where you stood. she's gone.

you gaze to the mirror. the braid looks sloppy, you look like a mess, the red string being nothing than delicate, thin strings that could be the leftovers of another creation.

it would never be the same, and you knew it.

it was your fault in the first place, you know that, right? you remember that, i assume? not like i'd let you forget that.

just because of a little slip-up, ink poured, and you haven't spoken to her since. you haven't spoken to a lot of people since then, not that you thought about. no other than the sultan you tried to take over.

now, you're left with nothing more than memories.

' you wanna hear the new song we just did? it's not finished, but... yeah. '

the both of you sat infront of the lake, the moonlight shinning down on the water, making a nice reflection. she sat with her legs crossed, while you had your pants rolled up, your shoes set aside, while your legs rested comfortable by the edge of the lake, dipping on the water comfortably.

a comfortable silence filled the air. for as much as you felt like you needed to speak, you decided not to, not wanting to disrupt it. she had an almost peaceful look, her eyes focused on the lake.

you felt yourself at peace for the frist time in a long time. it was nice going outside, even if you didn't do it often. your father would most disagree with this, but at this moment that didn't matter. it's a nice moment, a nice scenery, a nice silence.

"hey, haley?" she spoke up suddenly, pulling you from your thoughts. "you wanna hear the new song we just did? che'nya and neige helped me with this one. it's not finished, but... yeah."

"oh!" you nodded, a bright grin immediately being placed in your face by the mere sound of her voice. you felt as if this was wrong, feeling this way about a taken person, but it's not like they were working either way. she could do much better. better with you. "of course!"

you listened to it, a nice song fitting perfectly. the melody reminded you of her. her voice was beautiful. supposedly, as she told you some days ago, she made it for... him. but, here she was, showing to you. it seemed like she hadn't shown it to him, or at least not yet.

it was such a nice moment, one you knew you could think back when you were alone... by yourself...

god, you wish you could date her. you barely remembered you needed self-control, especially in public, even more infront of her.

you usually wanted to keep to yourself, even more with finally being able to socialize with people after so long, but... you were unsure now. you had to remember you were in your own trip, but that didn't meant you couldn't indulge.

"that's... a beautiful song." you smiled brightly at her, her expression immediately relaxing, almost as if that relived her. maybe she cared about your opinion? maybe not, but it's a beautiful thought. "yo, uh... i wanted to talk to you about something. is that cool?"

"yeah, what is it?" her voice. you wish you could always hear it.

"... why is che'nya such a fucking dick?" you asked, almost too bluntly, but you needed to get that off your chest.

a small laugh came from her. maybe she thought it was a joke? you could let her think that, but it was serious.

"he isn't such an ass, actually. he's only here 'cause he ran away, 'cause some shit happened back home. he's actually just... a bit silly, if you get to know him."

"uh... what happened?"

' can we add some more color, uhm, some more, yellow? '