Well it could always be worse...

You found yourself back with the others fairly quickly. You were panicking. You tried to fight Hail’s control but he was too strong for you. You had no idea what he planned to make you do but it certainly couldn’t be good. You felt so angry with yourself. Why did you trust him again? Why did you let him back in? You knew how terrible he’d been to you before. How terrible he’d been to everyone. You’d... Just felt so alone... It felt like the two people you needed and trusted the most just left you for dead. You needed someone to be there for you so desperately. And that asshole knew exactly what to say and do to get his way. Especially since you’d already been doing awful. You spotted Casey and Aida sitting nearby. The Maid of Hope having noticed you walked over quickly. 

Casey: Hey Erebus! Finally you’re back! Aida and I have been talking and we think we might have come up with something to help everyone- W-Wait... What are you doing?

Oh no... No no no no no... You just drew your daggers. You tried so desperately to scream out in warning to stop yourself. But before you knew it you’d rushed to slash at the other. Aida’s eyes widened in surprise and within an instant they were there shoving the girl out of the way growling in pain.

Aida: What.. The FUCK is wrong with you?! We all know you miss Kat and Lance... but this is no way to be acting! You’re our leader! We need you! And we’ve been trying our best to help! Casey probably the most! If you’re going to be moody so be it but you don’t fucking attack us for it!

Casey was in a state of shock and surprise. You couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved. Aida was strong he could certainly keep you busy till someone could help. Tsk, Tsk. You should know better than to assume what I’ll do little firefly~  You were quickly filled with horror as before you knew it you’d lunged once again at Casey completely ignoring Aida. And this time the attack hit. Her eyes widened looking down to see one of your blades plunged into her side and then ripped out. Blood quickly seeped out of the wound staining her outfit. She breathed shakily slowly collapsing to her knees.  There. Now that should keep her busy while we deal with this one. Don’t you worry. I’ll be joining you shortly~ You felt a sharp stab of pain as Aida attacked you from behind. Sharp tendrils were quickly formed by Casey’s blood and all lashed out at the Seer. You only hoped he could dodge them....

You drew your weapon and swung at the fellow troll sheer anger overtaking any rational thought at the moment. Even as he dodged you kept trying to hit him. You wanted him to hurt for what he did. 

Kat: Stop*fucking*grinning*you*piece*of*shit!!! This*isn’t*funny!!!

It appears Gamzee has drawn his weapons as well. You two are clashing fiercely now. But he seemed to be enjoying it. Which honestly only pissed you off more. However you became temporarily distracted by a golden yellow dot in the distance hurtling towards the two of you. Wait- Was that who you thought it was?! What were they doing here?!

You were panting shakily as you stared down at Aida who was down on the ground coughing up blood. Tears were streaming down your face as you found yourself raising your weapon once more before bringing it down towards the other.

Casey: N-No!!! I won’t let you hurt h-him any more!!!

It appears she’d recovered from her temporary death now and rushed in front taking the fatal wound instead. You stepped back watching her bleed out again. Aida’s eyes widened in surprise and he shakily pulled her into her arms.

Aida: C-Casey... N-No! Y-You shouldn’t have done that! I-I-I would have come back! B-But you.. You died trying to protect me! W-W-Why would you do that?!?! H-H-Hang in there! I-I’ll get you to Chie! S-She.. She can still save you!

Hail walked out from out of the woods dragging Eris by their hair. His outfit covered in blood. He dropped Aida’s sibling carelessly letting her collapse onto the ground sobbing brokenly.

Hail: I’m afraid that won’t be necessary. Chie is no longer with us.

He... He just grinned. Aida growled angrily before Casey gently cupped his cheek her breath ragged and shallow.

Casey: I-I’m sorry Aida..... I.. W-Wasn’t strong enough... I... I hope I’ll... S-See you again someday... g-goodbye.... I-I.... Love.. you-

With that she fell limp. He carefully closed her eyes tears running down his cheeks. 

Aida: I love you too..... 

Hail: Aww~ How touching~ Now it’s you two’s turn~!

Eris hugged Aida tightly shaking.

Eris: I-I’m s-scared...

She whispered softly. He rested his forehead on hers tolding her protectively as well. 

Aida: I know... I.. I am too...

Hail: There. Now that’s done. And guess what? I saved Kat and Lane all for you my love~ Isn’t that fun~? Come along now~!

You grinned softly to yourself. Time had been flying by lately hadn’t it? Oh but you didn’t mind. You adored it in fact. Ever since Kat had left the session the team had been deteriorating quickly. You’d have to thank that Knight of Hope. It wouldn’t be going near so smoothly if it weren’t for him leaving Erebus behind to search for his Matesprite as well as keeping zero contact with them in the meantime. Erebus had been a ticking time bomb lately. Snapping at people over even the littlest things. Feeling abandoned and forgotten they had been incredibly vulnerable lately making it a piece of cake for you to play with their little heart. And his biggest threat from the group has already been unintentionally taken care of by The Prince of Blood. Casey had been trying so hard to keep hope up in the group. And trying to help at one point the two had gotten into a massive fight. It almost got violent. And since then her Hope was plummeting at nice steady rate. You suspected she likely had very little left. Perhaps it would be a good idea to check up on all your little puppets.

==> Eris: Try and talk to Chie.

It’d been pretty clear no one was doing well lately. Even a complete stranger would be able to tell such a thing at the moment. The two of you had been avoiding addressing the situation... But you just couldn’t keep that up. If everyone really wanted to get things back to normal they all had to work together.

Eris: Chie....? I hope I’m not interrupting anything..

Chie: It’s fine... I haven’t been doing much anyways...

Eris: I know you don’t really want to... but I think we should talk..

Chie: What the hell is there to talk about?

Eris: There... There has to be something we can do about all of this... We’re all drifting apart... There has to be some way we can get Kat here or get Erebus to calm down right..? Maybe I could even do something with my aspect to prevent this all from happening at all?

Chie stood up abruptly slamming her hands down on the table in frustration. 

Chie: Don’t you get it Eris?! There’s nothing we can do about any of this! We’re screwed! It would take a miracle to fix everything at this point! All messing with time would do is create yet another timeline! Not actually help us! If you’re so damn sure you can come up with something better than everything we’ve already tried then well go ahead be my guest!

Those words hurt... They hurt so so much... You knew Chie wasn’t herself right now but somehow it didn’t make it any less painful. You quickly looked away blinking back tears.

Eris: F-Fine! I’ll just try something without you then! I.. I don’t need a pessimistic bitch like you anyways! D-Don’t bother talking to me again till you stop acting like such a jerk!!!

With that you stormed out of the room. Regret and guilt quickly spread across Chie’s features but she did nothing sighing shakily before sitting back down.

==>Aida: Attempt to cheer up Casey.

Aida: Hey Cas. Do you mind if I sit here?

Casey: Go ahead.. None of it matters any more anyways...

The Seer carefully sat down next to the Maid wrapping his arms around her gently.

Aida: Don’t say stuff like that... Things will get better I’m sure... We just all have to stick together right?

Casey: Kind of hard when the leader of our group is an out of control Prince of Blood. Whether they realize it or not Erebus is slowly destroying us all...

Aida: Surely there must be some way to calm him down... or at least counter his aspect and stay strong together...

Casey: I’ve already tried talking to them... They won’t listen to me though.. Unsurprisingly... You know how They get... and Kat unfortunately was one of the few people they’d always listen to... 

Aida: Well... You still have hope right? That should help keep the team from falling apart shouldn’t it?

Casey: My.... My hope isn’t strong enough... Trust me I’ve tried... We’re doomed unless those two come back... I... I don’t know how much longer I can keep trying... before I just give up completely...

Aida: ... I know it’s not much... But I’ll try my best to support you the whole way ok?

Casey: Thanks Aida... I just wish it was enough... You’re the only one that believes in me at this point...

==>Kat: Scream.

Kat: B-Bee!!!! N-No...Nononononono!!!! 

You knelt down besides the body of your lucus tears streaming down your face. Yellow splattered the entire area around you. After a few minutes of sobbing you shakily got up fury quickly replacing your grief as you glared at the grinning culprit to your care takers brutal death. Your psionic energy began to spark around you uncontrollably. You were so angry and upset you couldn’t even control your own speech.

Kat: What*the*actual*FUCK*Gamzee?!?!?! You..... You*killed*them!!! Do*you*have*any*fucking*idea*how*much*they*meant*to*me?!?!?!

Kat: I... I*trusted*you!!! I*thought*you*were*my*friend!!! Lane*was*right*about*you!!! I.... I*HATE*you!!! So, So*much!!! I’ll*never*forgive*you*for*this!!!!

You couldn’t help but smirk as you dug through all their memories. You glanced down at Erebus who’s head was in your lap gently running your fingers through their hair.

Hail: You know I’ve really been enjoying this time with you my little spitting flame~ I’m so glad you decided to take me back... I hope you know I’ll never abandon you like that horrible morail and kismesis you have....... You trust me right?

He was met with a quick nervous nod from Erebus fear flashing in their eyes briefly. Scared that Hail would leave them if he thought otherwise...

Hail: Good... I have a favor to ask of you... I need your help with something... I just need you to let me have full access to your mind. Just for a little bit.

Erebus bit their bottom lip slightly clearly hesitant.

Erebus: I... I don’t know-

Hail: Well you do love me don’t you? Surely it should be no big deal if you do.

Erebus looked down at the ground feeling guilty now.

Erebus: Y-Ya... I guess you’re right...

Hail: Well of course. I haven’t been wrong yet have I darling? Now just close your eyes and relax.. 

As soon as Erebus managed to relax you quickly took advantage of their weak state of mind to take complete control over them.

Name: Lethe

Gender: Male

Class: Mage Of Space

Username: strandedSoul

HT: Firefly, I do believe you’re late.

CC: I have other things to do then visit you. Besides that was a one time stupid mistake.

HT: Aww..... I thought you were going to give me another chance. Besides you promised.

CC: I’m pretty positive I never promised you anything.

HT: But Ere~ I had so much fun with you last time! I’m only asking for a second chance. Not for you to accept me back into the group or date me again.

CC: Ugghhh. How can you be such a pain in the ass?

HT: Well you’re a great teacher for that. But honestly. I know you want to see me again too. I know you’re lonely with them both gone. It’s still be a secret~! And I haven’t messed with anyone since have I?

CC: I..... guess not.

HT: See~! It’s not going to hurt anything. It gets awfully lonely around here as well since you all left. I just want company. Please little firefly?

CC: FINE. But stop calling me that. It’s nauseating. 

HT: Yay~!

Aunty: Please don’t play with the books dear. We don’t want to ruin them now do we? I promise as soon as I close down for the day we can do something fun together ok?

Chie: Ya ok Aunty. Just don’t forget I have martial arts practice at 6 today. I wouldn’t want to miss it.

Erebus: I thought I told you I don’t want to be called a boy anymore-

???: And I thought we talked about how all that wrong poisonous bullshit about all that is not permitted in this house young man. I’m not going to allow you to become corrupted like all those other misguided souls out there. You were born a male and that’s what you’ll continue to be. And someday you will get married to a lovely young woman worthy of someone from your background understood?

Erebus: ...Yes mother.........

???: Good. Now what are the rules?

Erebus: No socializing with people lower than me, no doing anything unworthy or disgraceful of my class, don’t mess up my suit, remain polite and proper at all times, and I am born into a rich pure family lineage therefore I am above almost all others and it is my duty to maintain our pristine image and not to taint our family’s reputation.....

???: Excellent. Your father and I expect you to follow these rules very closely. If you don’t I can assure you there will be consequences. Don’t ruin this party. Now go visit your father’s study. I believe he wished to speak with you as well.

She said finishing straightening the tie on your suit. You avoided looking at her. You always hated these parties. Then, you’d come to hate everything about this fucking place. However, You didn’t have a say in this. You never had a say in anything whether you liked it or not. Once your mother dismissed you  footsteps echoed softly down the large halls. Your dress shoes making noises against the hard polished marble floor as you walked. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. You tried to focus on the noise they made rather than the impending dread of talking to your father.  It wasn’t long till you reached the big oak wood door. You took a shaky breath before walking in.

????: I thought I told you to knock before entering my study son. 

You stiffened slightly staring at the ground.

Erebus: I apologize father. That was very disrespectful and unproper of me.....

????: Tch. Look at me when I’m talking. Honestly. You’re such a disgrace to this family name. It’s hard to believe I got someone like you as a son. 

You looked up from the floor at him. The sooner you got this over with the better.

????: Now, your mother and I have been talking. The mayor’s daughter is your age and currently single. She will be at the party tonight. We both think it will be beneficial to this family if you talk to her at the party. It’s said she’s pretty easily impressed, so maybe you’ll get lucky and actually do something right for once instead of being a useless piece of garbage. If your mother wasn’t so adamant about having someone to carry on the family line I would have handed you off to someone else years ago. Now get out of my sight. And shut the door behind you.

Erebus: Understood father.....

You quietly turned and left the room shutting the door behind you. You’d think after dealing with this treatment for all these years you’d have grown numb to it by now. But it still hurt... It hurt so much it always bubbled into a fiery burning hatred  of everything your life was. You, your family, this house. You hated it all. You walked off quickly down the halls to finish readying yourself for this party. You didn’t want to deal with any more trouble from your parents than you already had to.

The party was boring and pretty uneventful as always. Most people would either avoid you or you’d avoid them. You weren’t exactly the most social person. And the reputation your parents had painted for you didn’t exactly help. Eventually you located the mayor’s daughter and began trying to talk to her. Only to appease your parents temporarily. Though, you quickly began to feel very uncomfortable with her obvious flirting and excused yourself pretending you were going off real quick to do something important. Instead you snuck into a hallway and took out your phone leaning against the wall checking your pesterchum messages. You smiled slightly. She’d messaged you again. She was a really odd cheerful girl that had messaged you out of nowhere about a week ago. You didn’t even know who she was in person. And she claimed to be from a whole other place. It was amusing. And honestly helped you get through this living hell a bit. You typed a response and put your phone back into your pocket. You started back down the hall hoping to sneak into your room and just lock yourself in there for the night. Unfortunately that’s were things went from bad to worse. You ended up running into your mother only to be met with a sharp slap across the face. 

???: How DARE you try and weasel your way out of this. You march your ass right back into the main room this instant! We have NOT put this much effort into trying to teach you to be a proper gentleman for you to disrespect our entire family name due to your selfish pitiful games! 

Erebus: But mother-

She backhanded you hard. 

???: ZIP it and go.