@latileaf pt. 11
Rainbow laughs nervously. "What an ominous thing to say..."
...saying I'm going to make sure you two stay together is ominous-? Would you prefer I try to break you up???
.......that is a joke I would never. Please don't eat my soul,Hypno.
The prospect of breaking them up does get Hypno's attention. He silently glances at her before turning away with a smile, knowing she was joking.
"No. It's just the way you worded it." Rainbow's laugh is a bit more sincere now. "We know what lengths you'll go to make sure we're happy."
...he's sooo going to eat my soul...
Hehe- well,I try.
*She smiles bashfully,ears twitching*
I like it when my friends are happy :]
"In that case, we'll try not to let fate rip us apart."
After Hypno speaks, the house begins to shake.
"Spirits, please give us one free day..." Light prays quietly.
CAN'T WE HAVE FIVE MINUTES OF PEACE?!
*Lati starts looking around for Why exactly that is happening*
The shaking subsides as the large form of Chorin descends, the flap of their wings being the cause of the trembling. They peek through the kitchen window, then shrink back in embarrassment. "Is now a bad time?"
The three Arkisen stare in disbelief before Rainbow asks. "You want some soup?"
...oh my GOD,MAN.
*Lati slumps against the counter,slowly calming down*
PLEASE find less terrifying entrances. We thought we were under attack.
"I apologize." They bow. "But, I do have some... interesting news to share." They teleport inside, looking considerably different, smaller with missing wings. "Aha! Finally got the hang of it," they cheer as they look themself over. "Now, you said there was soup?"
Still unnerved, Hypno gestures to the stove. "Help yourself."
Chrona gives him a smile. "Ah, thank you."
It's really good!! Hypno made it :>
*Her tail swishes*
And I really hope you mean the good kind of interesting because. Man. We need good news.
"It's... It's promising." Chrona sits down with a bowl. "There's a chance Void is coming early, but" --they stress-- "they promise not to take action until they asses Arkion fully."
Light shudders. "If you say so."
Oh- in that case- WE HAVE GREAT NEWS!
The nightmare are virtually dealt with!! Lots of places have been cured of the shadow stone,Fern and the other players are in custody,and,AND! CORWIN IS CURED THANKS TO LIGHT!!! he is also in custody!!!!!
*She sounds so absolutely proud of Light. A bit too much. She didn't even notice she started shouting*
Light smiles gratefully, undeterred by her volume. "It was, uh, an exhausting ordeal, but we hope it'll sway Void's opinion."
Chrona puts their bowl down mid-sip, eyes wide. "That's amazing news! You all are incredible."
Rainbow laughs shyly. "We try."
I-it was really mostly Light,really-
*Lati runs the back of her neck,grinning awkwardly*
And we met some really nice elders that helped with the jailing part and healing Light
"I mean, I was just responsible for Corwin," Light humbly corrects.
Chrona scoffs. "You mean the most dangerous Arkis this world has seen? You defeated him?"
"The war's not over. We still have the rest of the Shadow Stone to... uhm..." Light slows as Chrona glares in disappointment, waiting for him to simply take the praise. He clears his throat and nods. "Thank you, my Star."
"Yeah, Light, you've been amazing this whole journey," Rainbow agrees. "I don't know what I would do without you."
Light then stops to stare at Rainbow. He laughs weakly. "You all are too much."
Talented,beautiful and kind. Truly,we've hit the friendship jackpot.
*Lati teases,tail wagging. She makes sure to specify the compliments are platonic this time*
If what you did doesn't make Void reconsider,I dunno what will!
Light smiles at her assurance. Meanwhile, Hypno cringes slightly. He would've been the "what will" if he were stronger against the Stars. Though he recognizes this isn't about him.
He tosses a playful smirk Chrona's way. "We're teaching him to be better about his self-confidence."
They nod and smile. "Understood."
It's very important!
*Lati nods*
Though I am still planning on beating up the reasons for lower self confidence. They know what they did. I must bite. It's good for players to bite. I think.
Chrona tilts their head at Lati. "I don't know if I believe you, but I'm not a Player, so I suppose I can't judge."
Rainbow laughs lightly. "You'll get used to it."
:>!
I won't bite you. I don't bite my friends! Unless they were to ask for it.
In any case...thanks for letting us know of the news. If you want to just hang out here for a while,you're more than welcome!
"I guess I have nothing better to do, not until Void arrives," Chrona figures, considering it before a particular part of Lati's statement catches up to them. They shake their head, looking up at her again. "What was that about asking to be bitten?"
Hypno snickers. "That one's not even Lati-specific."
"Yeah," Rainbow agrees. "Friends do weird things sometimes."
"Huh. I..." Their head lowers again. "I suppose I wouldn't know."
Ah- do all of you just have really good hearing???
*...she's now very worried about all the things she's said under her breath. Oh no.*
...ohh,not you too-
*With a little huff,Lati goes over and hugs them*
You're our friend now. Who do I need to beat up??
"W-woah, uh..." Surprised, Chrona timidly wraps their arms around Lati. "No one, dear. Don't worry. I just meant that I don't really have any friends. I'm a busy Star. I don't have a lot of time-- ironically-- to settle down and talk to people."
"We'd be happy to have you," Rainbow insists, with Light and Hypno nodding in agreement.
A warm smile spreads across Chrona's face. "That'd be nice."
Yayyyy ^^
*Lati purrs happily,nuzzling against them. Her friend now <3*
They squeeze tighter, "Aww, you are very sweet, Lati." then they pull away to put their bowl in the sink. "And, Hypno, you've done a great job with the soup."
Hypno seems taken aback by the compliment. He stares up at them before remembering that he should probably respond. "Thank you."
Hehe, I try...
*Lati gives Hypno an overenthusiastic thumbs up. In her mind,they are both very good at socializing! This means they probably aren't.*
"So--" With everyone else finished, they migrate to the living room. Chrona sits down, looking excited. "--fill me in. What do friends do with each other?"
Rainbow is swiftly hit with overwhelming sadness at the question, but he buries it well. "We, uh... we talk about our feelings?" he supposes.
We threaten our mutual enemies. Often.
*Lati nods confidently*
And cuddle,if your friends are comfortable with that! Some don't like touch though,so you have to ask.
"I'm "some"," Light chimes in, raising a paw.
Chrona nods. "Noted." Then they think for a moment. "I don't know if I have any enemies... I mean, Void and Renti are... definitely acting antagonistically, but I'm afraid I can't bring myself to hate them."
Hypno laughs briefly and quietly. "Perhaps a "feelings talk" is needed then."
I dunno if a feelings talk would do much to them-
I mean,not having enemies is good!! You can share ours if you want to though. You can punch Micah. As a treat.
"I suppose, if you needed my help... I wouldn't mind punching them?" they ask more than they offer.
"Speaking of helping us, my Star..." Light sits up at the mention of help. "I-I don't mean to put you to work-- you can do this on your terms-- but is it possible for you to have a conversation with our Elders. Most seem convinced that using Star crystals to clear the Shadow Stone from Arkion is a "waste of your gifts". We're trying to convince them otherwise."
Chrona's head tilts. "I don't remember saying anything like that." Then they mumble. "Though I did just get most of my memories back. Why would they believe such a thing?"
Because they're idiots who want to stay in power by preserving the status quo.
*Lati says,deadpan*
And apparently us helping fix the world causes problems to their power structure.
"Right." Chrona nods thoughtfully. "I'm sure I can have something done about that..."
There's a bright flash that engulfs the room, then when the light fades back to normal, Chrona has changed positions in their seat, cross-legged and smiling. "There. I believe that should sort everything!"
The Arkisen look up at them in shock. "Wh... what did you do?" Light asks, trembling.
"Talked to all the Elders," They explain. "I just stopped time for you all so there wasn't any awkward silence."
They're speechless.
"Um, perhaps I failed in the silence department," they mumble. "Should I not have done that?"
. . . A H .
A L L O F T H E M ? J U S T L I K E T H A T ?
OvO
...yeah,Chrona,buddy,you are really not helping the intimidation factor.
They lower their head. "I apologize. I only wanted to do you a favor."
"And you did." Rainbow reaches out to pat Chrona's back. "We are forever grateful, but please warn somebody before you freeze time."
They slowly turn to him with a smile. "Right. Understood. I'm sorry for scaring you all."
"It's alright," Light says, while Hypno stays silent, shrinking back and barely nodding.
Eh,not the weirdest thing I've ever seen.
*Lati shrugs*
But please,no scaring my friends. I'm contractually obligated to fight you. And I would not win that fight.
They let out a hum of concern, then nod. "For your sake, then, I'll remember to warn you all."
"So the Elders are all on board with using their crystals?" Hypno asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, I put the fear of the Stars back into them," Chrona explains. "They all definitely nodded, which hopefully means they'll do it, but if they don't, I told this country's council that they could essentially threaten them with me, since they were on board from the start."
:D oh perfect,you're already good at scaring the elders! You fit right in.
*Her tail wags happily*
Yes,the elders here are good. I like them :]
Chrona giggles softly. "I like them as well." Their tail wags along with Lati's, almost like they're purposefully mimicking her. "Hopefully, it won't come to threats though."
Hopefully. Who knows,maybe they'll actually turn their lives around. Maybe. I do hope this doesn't mean even more people crowding us when we have an achievement,,
"I hope things get better for you all. You're lives have been busy since you left the island, haven't they?" Chrona asks.
Rainbow hums. "My life has been like this for a while."
"Oh." Chrona frowns. "I suppose that's true." Their paw raises to pet him, but they wait for Rainbow to nod before proceeding. "You and Hypno were alive during the uprising. Poor things." They turn to Hypno as they say "You both have been quite brave."
"I guess we have," Rainbow responds. Meanwhile, Hypno just nods silently, unsure how to respond, but somehow less unnerved by Chrona.
They're very brave :] and powerful too!
*This is good. Complimenting her friends is a very easy way to secure yourself a place on said friend roster*
But yeah,it's. Certainly been busy! Someday we'll have a vacation. Someday. I...I hope...
"Hopefully, I've granted you that break," Chrona says optimistically. "You should relax while nothing's happening. Is there anything you'd like to do?"
They all look among each other before Rainbow slowly pulls a certain book out from behind his back.
"No..." Hypno whines over-dramatically.
Rainbow flashes a mischievous grin. "Chrona, now that we're friends, I'd like to introduce you to my favorite work of art."
:DDDD
Oh yes yes show them it's so good it's such a good book you'll be so normal about it and it definitely won't consume your mind for years and you definitely won't want to write fanfiction about it trust me :3
*Oh no. Now there are two of them. Pray for Chrona and Hypno.*
Nervously, Chrona smiles at Lati. "I'll trust you."
"Great!" Rainbow beams. "Now, for a short summary..."
--
"...And then she proposes and they both make out in the rain," Rainbow says. concluding an hour's worth of "summary". "The end!"
Hypno has taken a nap to avoid it, Light looks over at Rainbow in astonishment that he could talk for so long, and Chrona seems to have been entertained for the most part. "That sure was... something."
It's great,right? :D
*Lati's tail wags,greatly entertained by Rainbow's...very short summary*
You really have to read it yourself for the full experience but I'm sure Rainbow could do a more in depth summary if you wish :)
"I'm sure I'll find the time." Chrona then laughs softly. "I always do."
Rainbow puts the book away and sees that Hypno has fallen asleep on the couch. "Oh, my goodness..." he gasps, paws on his hips. "That little jerk."
"I don't think I've ever seen him sleep before," Light notes, watching Rainbow balance an ice duck he formed on Hypno's head.
...cute...
*She snickers at Rainbow's antics,quietly getting closer to Hypno*
Figures he finally sleeps out of spite- hehehe...
Rainbow hovers over Hypno for a while after he gets the duck on him, contemplating giving him a little kiss when he's suddenly pulled down onto his chest. Hypno laughs, starting off quietly before increasing in volume as Rainbow grumbles.
"You can be so mean sometimes," he pouts.
Hypno sighs. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
O h he's up-
*Lati squeaks before getting confused and. Waving to him,for some reason??*
Morning! Or,afternoon I guess. :>
"Thought I finally got you this time." Rainbow pulls himself up.
Hypno follows, then takes the duck off his head and places it atop Rainbow's. "You know I'd never fall asleep before you."
Chrona giggles. "Ah, a protector, aren't you? That's quite charming."
"He's strange about me." Rainbow rolls his eyes.
"I owe him my life, is what he means to say," Hypno corrects as he nuzzles him.
Pretty much,yep!
*Her wings twitch as she shrugs*
They match eachother's freak,basically :p
Chrona nods with a focused expression. "I'm sure I can parse the meaning of that phrase," Their head tilts. "I don't mean anything by this, but I never expected you two would still be so close. I'm happy you were able to find each other again."
Hypno frowns slightly, then sighs. "I apologize. I shouldn't be surprised that Arkion's timekeeper knows my past, but I can't help it if I'm a bit unnerved."
"It's a lot to take in; I understand," they admit.
You are a bit scarier in person than in the legends,,but scary is good! Sometimes. You're the good kind of scary,I mean!
*Her wings twitch again*
I mean,most of my friends are frightening,in a way. If that helps. I think your abilities are cool...
"You'll have to get used to not being the scariest one." Rainbow nudges Hypno playfully.
"I'll um..." Chrona laughs shyly. "I'll try not to take your place in that regard, Hypno."
Hypno's brow creases. "Kind of hard to do when you're more powerful than me, but I appreciate the sentiment."
Mm...not saying I don't get it,but I don't think power is all there is to being scary. Chrona is powerful,but they're also really really nice! And you're powerful and only nice to us really. You can also be generally unsettling!! Which helps,I think!
*The sentences aren't really that nice,but she is saying them all like compliments*
I believe,if you really put your mind to it,you COULD be scarier than Chrona. ...but you don't really have to be scary with us,so. :3
Her last few words make Hypno pause. "I... guess you're right. I've gotten too comfortable." He scoffs quietly and falls backwards onto the cushions.
"Well, not for no reason." Rainbow scoots closer to him. "We have each other. The world is starting to heal. There's no need to be so scary when Arkion's not being scary back."
"But what about when Void comes?" Hypno asks, frowning both sternly and worriedly at Rainbow. "We're just Arkisen. I can't even tell what Chrona's thinking right now--"
"You were trying to read my mind?"
"--How much harder will it be to control someone like them? What am I going to do if Void comes after you... or anyone else?" he adds.
"Well, you have me, don't you?" Chrona points to themself, causing Hypno to turn to them. "I understand being powerless, even relatively, mustn't feel good, but I promise you can count on me."
Yeah,we have eachother!!
*Her tail wags hesitantly*
You're incredible fighting by yourself. Obviously. But you don't have to fight on your own anymore!
You know I won't hesitate to try and take out anything that poses a threat to you all. Several nightmare can testify!
He frowns at first, but eventually cedes, giving Lati a smile. "If you say so."
Rainbow cheerfully swings his tail. "That's the spirit!"
:>!
*She purrs happily. Finally,a deep conversation where she doesn't piss anyone off. This is good news!!*
"We should probably change the subject from Void anyway," Chrona suggests. After a pause, though, they remember something and turn to Hypno again. "Why were you trying to read my mind?"
"Just being careful," Hypno answers. "I've come across several people who wanted to do me harm. This is the only way I can ensure my safety, and the safety of my group..." He sighs. "I'm putting a lot of trust in you right now."
*Lati nods*
It's just a safeguard. Don't take it personally.
Because of...me being from an outside world,I do sort of know the type of person you are,Chrona. I don't think you would break that trust. ...but if you do,I will break your bones. >:c
They nod stiffly at Lati, "Understood." then look at Hypno again. "Not that I can bring myself to blame you for how guarded you are. Again, I've seen what you've been through."
After a pause, Hypno turns away and laughs darkly. "You don't know the half of it."
"And I never will," Chrona admits, shaking their head. "So I'll remember to be transparent with you, Hypno."
...
*She doesn't really know all of it,either. But she doesn't need to,to know that she trusts him.*
Yeah. ...that's a pretty important part of friendship too.
"Ohoh!" Chrona softly claps their paws together. "I'm already getting the hang of this," they laugh, mostly joking. They're not that clueless.
The others laugh as well, even Hypno.
:] I'm so proud
*Lati snickers,tail wagging happily*
As they calm down, Chrona's smile softens. "I know I don't have much to compare you to, but you've been great friends so far."
"It's our pleasure." Light smiles back.
"Maybe you'll be able to make more once this is all over," Rainbow hopes.
Yeah!!! I'm sure you'll be able to :>
But y'know,we're a good start! We're so nORMAL-
*Lati yelps on that last word,freezing as one hand goes to her head. ...then her face gets very red. Oh no. Oh nope. Oh she can't tell them about the things that just got beamed into her head,oh NAH- ACT NORMAL ACT NORMAL*
...hhahhhhhhh.
*NAILED IT*
Worriedly, the group brings their attention to Lati, Rainbow coming in to check if she's alright. "Woah, Lati, what is it?" Then he quietly grumbles. "I was hoping we wouldn't get more of these..."
"What happened?" Chrona looks between the others for an answer.
"I believe she's gained a vision," Light responds. "It's how she knows so much about Arkion."
They nod, but their frown remains. "I see..."
Hypno's eyebrows furrow at the blush on Lati's face. "I get the feeling this isn't a typical vision..."
Ohhh- nnoo,no it's nothing to worry about! It- it's um- y-you knowww,it's.
*Oh god oh fuck oh god oh fuck oh god oh f*
It wasn't like. I-information or anything! Pretty irrelevant actually! I have no idea why they showed me it. Especially right now.
*She says that last part with gritted teeth,glaring off into the distance*
Sooo! How bout! We! Pretend that never happened! Hhahahahaha. . Please?
*...she hasn't stopped blushing in the slightest.*
Rainbow gives her a weak false laugh as his smile wavers. "Lati, you... you said no secrets..." He slows to a stop now that he's not as worried, noticing how red her face is. "...Why are you blushing?"
"Oh, I cannot wait to find out what you saw," Hypno says through a snicker.
Nnno nonono it's not like I'm concealing information I- ohhhh-
*Lati hides her face in her hands*
It's- it's embarrassing! I feel like I just walked in on somebody! But I didn't! I was just standing here! IT GOT BEAMED INTO MY HEAD!!! BEAMED INTO MY HEAD I TELL YOU!!!!!!
*Well. She's absolutely failed at hiding anything from them. This will not take long.*
Hypno comes closer. "It's okay. You don't have to say it out loud..." He lifts her chin as he scans... then lets go, puling away slowly as his smile drops and his eyes widen.
Rainbow looks terrified. "What?"
Hypno turns to Rainbow. They both stare at each other until Rainbow dons the same shocked expression. "I don't... remember, uh... that happening."
"What was it?" Light laughs nervously.
Rainbow's eyes flick over in Light's direction, at the same time, Hypno begins to smile deviously. "We're not showing you that."
"We're going to ignore the exact content of that vision for now and focus on the interesting part," Hypno starts, trying to keep himself calm. "The source can give Lati visions of things that did not happen."
"Oh, so it didn't happen," Rainbow says. "You didn't just keep that memory repressed?"
Ididn'tmeantolookIwasn'ttryingtoseeI'msosorry-
*Lati just looks. So mortified.*
Ohkahy. O. Okay. S-so. What do we do with this information? And while we're at it would anyone like to strike me down for accidentally showing that to Hypno and then Rainbow.
"Does that mean there could be things they're lying about?" Light wonders.
"Wait, can someone fill me in?" Chrona asks. "I don't think I understand what's happening. Who is this "source"?"
"The reason Lati knew so much about Arkion before she got here," Hypno explains. "They've been giving her information while she's been here, but it seems they have the ability to share--" He stops to laugh a little. "--what I can only assume are their own assertions, or worse, fantasies."
...g-good lord...
*She puts her head back in her hands*
Fantasies aren't that impossible of a possibility...maybe I wasn't meant to see those ones,,
Chrona tilts their head. "Perhaps it's more of a quest? A calling to fulfill something?"
Hypno and Rainbow vigorously shake their heads. "Not that kind of fantasy."
It takes them a minute, but eventually, Chrona leans back, brows raised. "I see. I will be silent now."
Y-yeahhhh noooo...I mean. It. Could. Be a quest. In a way. If. If you really think about it. ...not really though...
*She sighs weakly*
Again. Sorry you both had to see that.
Rainbow smiles nervously. "Oh, there's no need to apologize."
"I'm the one who looked anyway." Hypno shrugs, then mutters "And it wasn't the worst thing to see."
"I didn't have a good feeling about it before, but now I really don't like the source's intentions. It feels like they're..." Rainbow sighs as he struggles to voice his concern. "I don't know, treating this like a game?"
"Have they lied before about things that happened?" Hypno asks, repeating Light's sentiment.
Yeah,certainly not the worst,heh,,
*Lati pauses,frowning*
...I'm...I'm not sure,honestly. I...always just believed everything they told and showed me to be true......they have been...accurate for the MOST part...
"...Would it be possible to use me as a fact-checker of sorts?" Chrona asks.
Rainbow sits up suddenly. "Right!" He turns to Chrona. "I meant to ask if we could get some info about the past from you. There was something the source mentioned that I wanted to ask you about."
*Lati glances at Rainbow before nodding,pretty sure they're thinking the same thing*
Yeah...go ahead,Rainbow.
"My friend, Winter... He was severely injured the day I hibernated, and I didn't get to see him off to the temple they healed him in," Rainbow begins with much less energy. "I didn't even know if he survived, and that source told Lati that his fate was... unknown? I just wanted to know if you can see anything from then and, y'know, verify... Maybe there's a different answer..." He becomes more deflated as he goes on, ending in a weak mumble as his eyes well up with tears.
Chrona quietly whines at Rainbow's sadness, then nods. Their eyes glow, as does the area around them. The look up as they scour through the pages of time, focusing in on Winter's life. "...What?" They find something alarming. Their head shakes and their breathing becomes uneven.
"Wh..." Rainbow looks up at them, terrified. "W-what do you mean "what"?"
"I've never seen something like this before," Chrona says in astonishment. "Two different versions of the past. One where he makes it, and one where he doesn't."
. . . W H a t ????
*Lati's eyes widen,ears and wings going down*
Two different- that doesn't- that doesn't-
*She whines, lightly tugging on her hair*
.......that can't be...........
They dismiss the flashback, eyes returning to normal. "I... I-I don't know what else to tell you. By the time he dies in the one where he survived that fight, the two become one again, like it made no difference. It doesn't seem to have even damaged the timeline in any way..."
Rainbow weakly stammers, trying to find anything to say about the situation, but words fail him. He simply shuts up and shakes his head, leaning against Hypno to ground himself.
"That's... terrifying." Light shudders with his gaze locked on Chrona in disbelief. "How could that have happened?"
"I..." In need for answers, Chrona activates the spell again. "I'm not sure. Maybe if I... uhm..."
*Lati goes over to hug Rainbow,though she looks rather panicked herself*
...
.....do whatever you can to figure this out.
*A realization suddenly strikes her.*
Oh god. That's what they meant. Oh my god. Two technically true answers...
Rainbow accepts the hug and practically buries himself in it.
Chrona takes a while longer to search, looking for oddities in the vision. Eventually, something catches their attention. They gasp. "Oh... Oh, no, no, no..."
Hypno sighs in a mix of stress and anger. "What now?"
"I'm..." The spell fades again, and there's a guilty look on Chrona's face. "I'm sorry. I fear this anomaly may partly be my fault..."
The Arkisen all look to them in shock, Hypno almost looking betrayed.
. . . W H A T .
*Lati hugs Rainbow tighter. Almost protectively.
Chrona,EXPLAIN. I trust you. Explain. Now. Before I do something I'll regret.
Chrona starts quickly, nervously. "T-the visions are fuzzy; I don't... really have these memories, but... Just around the time Winter was attacked, I was..." They hiss. "...Terren, my brother. Of course." They hold their head in frustration. "For a moment, I actually entertained his plans..."
"What does that mean?" Hypno growls impatiently. "Spit it out!"
"He convinced me to try and alter time!" They confess. "It was something about our father. He... he didn't want to live in a world without him." Their volume lowers. "He thought I could help with that, but I couldn't... I wouldn't."
. . . Galaxy?
*Lati's ears twitch*
Something happened to Galaxy,so Terren...?
........b-but I don't understand,what does that have to do with Winter? Did you do something to him on purpose? God,Chrona,it better not have been a test or experiment-
"I swear to you, I had no idea where my magic would land," Chrona stresses, then growls. "I might have been able to know if he wasn't yelling at me and distracting me and..." They have to stop to relax their heavy breathing. "I'm sorry," they say after a sigh. "I shouldn't be making excuses. I caused you all strife, Rainbow most of all... I gave Winter an unclear end. I didn't mean for this to happen, but it is still my fault." Filled with shame, Chrona's head lowers and they look away. "I hope you can forgive me."
Surprised, Hypno parrots "Forgive you?" He makes something between a laugh and a scoff. "Why would we have the authority to do that?"
"I don't want to be seen as your superior." Chrona shakes their head. "You should be allowed to judge me. Please, don't treat me as your god, but as a person. A flawed person."
There's a beat of silence before Rainbow answers "I forgive you, Chrona," which causes them to lift their head. "I know you didn't mean for all this to happen."
...
*Lati sighs softly*
...I don't think I can hold it against you either,considering the circumstances. It was just a very unfortunate accident. It's not like you meant to hurt them or anything.
...if you think about it,it is...kind of like a glimpse into the multiverse. A universe where he lived and a universe where he didn't...
...maybe he had been meant to die earlier and thanks to this,there's a part of the timeline where he survived and recovered. It's...nice to think of it that way,I think...
"Yeah, that makes me feel better, I guess." Rainbow shrugs and smiles a little.
"Honestly, I'm still surprised this could happen at all," Light admits to Chrona. "I'm... mildly terrified, but not upset at you, exactly."
Hypno quietly huffs. "Seeing as Rainbow forgives you, I have no reason to hold a grudge."
"I..." Chrona manages to smile. "Thank you all."
*She looks mildly surprised at Hypno,but then smiles at him. Of course. His moral compass basically points to Rainbow at all times*
Of course, Chrona. ... though I'll admit. I'm frustrated. Not at you,but kind of at your brother,and kind of...at the source.
They nod. "I feel the same. It isn't like I don't understand him; I wish I could see my father again, too, but he... He went about this all wrong."
Hypno frowns. "He isn't still a problem, is he?" he questions.
"I don't know." Chrona lowers their head again, this time out of sadness. "Terren's been quiet, distant. He isn't bothering me about "fixing things" anymore, but I can't shake the feeling that he's still bent on doing something dangerous."
...your father...
*Lati pauses,ear twitching*
...wait,what exactly do you think happened to him?
*...worryingly,she doesn't refute or say anything against the idea that Terren might be plotting something.
"I have... some idea. At this point, I'm only half sure he exists at all. He's the one person whose timeline I can't trace, and Terren can't check for him either, but that's thanks to my cousin, the one working with Void. I had to fight to get the memories I have now. What's left is just..." They hug themself loosely. "...This feeling of warmth whenever I think about him. I know I cared about him, and I know Renti took those memories for a reason. I'm afraid she and Void might have done something to him."
*She growls at the mention of Void. That emo bitch. Aside from that,though...*
.....assuming the source wasn't lying about it...I can confirm that Galaxy is alive. He's...actually the reason players can come here at all. Leftover energy helped make a portal- I very much suspect void and renti of doing something do him,though. Specifically his memories...
Chrona nods while they think. Their expression darkens, and they laugh sadly. "Is it selfish to say I hope that's the case...?" they start. "That he hasn't come back because they tampered with his memories? I'd hate to find out he had just... abandoned us."
Cautiously, Rainbow comes closer to Chrona and rests his paw over theirs. He then leans his head on their shoulder, and they nuzzle him in return. "I get it. I miss my parents, too," he says softly. "I can't imagine what it's like to not know where they are..."
I don't think he would intentionally abandon anyone. ESPECIALLY you.
*Lati's tail swishes briefly in contemplation before deciding the best course of action is to go rest her head on Chrona's other shoulder. That seems like the best plan*
They hold her close, then start to purr. Despite being Arkis sized, Chrona's purrs are still so loud that it almost feels like an earthquake, a very friendly and cozy earthquake. "You all are terribly sweet." They lean over to nuzzle Lati as well. "It seems I've made good friends."
Though Rainbow is practically melting into Chrona with how intense the purring is, he does manage to reply. "That's what we're here for."
OoOoOOh you could get a job as a massage chair ^^
*...it takes Lati a moment to remember that isn't a normal sentence*
I mean,um- ...we try,heheh,,
