#oc rani

The Hunter yanked her hand back before the metallic snap of her trap claimed it. It was sunset in Poteria, and Eterie Ranieri was just laying down a snare when it happened. It was a strange feeling, really, the feeling that something monumental just occurred. There were flashes of memory, no, facts that played out in her mind, yet instead of confusing, it emboldened. Rani spared but a moment for the memories, for she had work to do. If the Shining One trusted her to keep working despite this interruption, then she would.

Unlike Ranieri’s more withheld memories, Hiroshi Nolastname was permitted to remember just a little bit more. They awoke in their grove, with the image firm in their mind of a young teenager punching them in the gut!! How STUPID and RUDE!!! Don’t they know who they are?!? They’re HIROSHI! GOD of WISHES!!! 

And it was about then that Hiroshi realized, with extreme befuddlement, a pomegranate pie was sitting on the stump next to them. How it got there was anybody's guess.

***

One day, two astronomers started arguing. One argued that the stars should be shared with all people, while the other argued the stars are too dangerous to be shared so easily. The two agreed to disagree, and that was it. 

But over time, this question turned to debate, which turned to argument, which turned to conflict. Conflict fermented into fear, and from fear, mistakes grow with an unstoppable fervor.

***

Polaris snapped awake with fear gripping his heart tight, before slowly relaxing as his beloved Muenos rises to reassure him. No sooner had the one named after a star relaxed into the other's arms, did the third, Wren, raise his head to complain about his disturbed sleep.

The three varied in their memory of that night. Polaris knew the least, believing the experience on the cliffside was in some parts real, and some ways fictitious. He remembered madame, the saviors, and some of these adventures, but for his own safety, other details he remembered not.

Muenos and Pitch, due to the discovery of the latter, remembered more. The two remembered the caves, and talks, and the innermost struggles they survived. There were other memories, yes, but they were locked away by friends yet to be met, and forces yet to be discovered.

Wren, by contrast, could not have his vision clouded. The mere act of withholding such memories would spur him to seek them out, and in the process, cause more harm than good. It was for this reason he remembered what passed that night, with an understanding of subtlety imparted on him upon his awakening. 

***

In an act, regretted by all, fueled by anxiety and fear; the people of the Island wished to be isolated from the outside world. No more careless outsiders prying into their craft. No more contrarian moths trying to corrupt their Guides.

To forget and be forgotten, that was what the people wanted. Or, more truthfully, what some thought all wanted.

***

The city of lights and dreams was abuzz with activity. Despite the efforts of both Twilight and Dreams, such an event as the night of nightmares was impossible to hide from the people of the Sun. The experience was fresh in the gut of each and every follower, even if the memories were wiped clean; forgotten, yes, but the impression remains.

Of these followers, there was one who felt this theological crisis most of all. Widow, judge, jury, and executioner, knelt down in her home and looked upon the twilight sun. Was her guidance wrong? Or her dreams misinterpreted? Was her faith misplaced? Or. . . Or maybe faith had been misplaced in her.

***

In the end, the people of the stars got their wish. 

To forget and be forgotten. To throw away the outside world. 

A pity, then, that they forgot the stars along with everything else. 

***

It was with a cold sweat upon which Eden rose from sleep; the fear gripping his heart strong enough to break bone. But, his hands were now claws no longer, and his fangs were teeth once again. Humanity, it seemed, clung to him even now, despite the innermost feelings of disgust still present.

In spite of this, he was coaxed back to slumber by one who was spared the rod of the One Betwixt, Gina, and returning to his arms quickly settled both to sleep again. The doctor would not remember the night of nightmares, as would many other innocent bystanders. Even though the drug-leiden-Dragon would remember only bits and pieces, the fact that he still had a hopeless crush on a certain historian refused to leave his mind.

***

Once upon a time, there was a king.

A king who cried endlessly for a land lost to history, a home always present at the fringes of his memory. A king who wished to return home, or save another's home from the same fate. A king who refused to forget the stars like his countrymen so carelessly did, and mourned its loss every day.

***

The birth of the Twilight One was a boon to all gods; it was a chance to right wrongs that could not easily be fixed. It was a rare gift, being able to mend one's toys in such a way. But one individual, neither plaything nor player, was simply set aside. She was one that did not and never will belong to this toybox.

Vixul Pollana, the lost soul with no home of her own. She could only watch with a thinly veiled envy as the gods did their work. She shouldn’t be bitter, she knew, since this was just the cycle that she’d long ago surrendered herself to see over and over. A hero, or heroes, save the world from eternal darkness again and again, and she could only watch and wish the same could have happened to her and her home. Instead, she sat here, alone.

But she wasn’t alone, the Universe said, for she’s already done so much and saved so many people. Her journey may be long, and full of dangers yet to pass, but the Universe knew that one day she too would return home. 

***

One day, the King got his wish.

As the ground beneath him froze to the touch, he knew not the gift he’d been given. Time was in the palm of his hands; the planet's paralysis within his grasp. He could do so much, and that which he did do was simple. He would save this country from being forgotten as his home was.

What a fool he was. It was only when the chosen Housemaiden of Change reflected his own curse back at him did he realize the true gift he was given.

***

Antoine the beautiful one roused from slumber with a sleepy smile on his face. He did not awaken in the middle of the night, no, they awoke with the morning, after a night most well rested of all in Dormont. They got up, dressed, fed, and walked to the House of Change, where in the highest room of the house, sat a King. 

The Universe asked Chiron, for that was his name, if he wanted to live. Chiron answered honestly, with the full truth within his heart; He wished to return to the dream, the stasis, the frozen moment where he remembered his home.

And so, he did.

***

Once upon a time, there was a couple.

One was a historian, tempered by authority and hardened by lies, who rejected the path emplaced to forge one of his own making. A man who could not trust, a man too smart for his own good. But his story is one well told by now.

***

The ones who called themselves Knights were lucky to be returned to the fold almost unchanged. Despite the bitter enemy they had made, a God has to abide by the Rules, even now. Regardless, all memory of that night was stripped from their minds, save for the nightmarish visage of a Knight clad in Crimson. This, the Twilight One reasoned, would help curb the power these Enlightened few were massing.

However, there were two who reside here that recalled that night perfectly.

With a thud, the not-so-late Squire Aptenia fell from her bed onto the floor gasping for air. While the world may have felt numb to her, with the experience of death on her mind, she was lucky. For the full extent of her expiration was withheld for her own sanity. 

But that was not all her luck brang, for The One Betwixt had seen the reality, growth, and doubt of one within the Avalon halls, and permitted him to remember these events also. By the time the next bell had rung, a certain Knight held Aptenia close, regrets bleeding from his mouth.

***

The other was an Astronomer, loyal to the stars, yet was tilted by their peers. The words that she spoke would be twisted askew, the warnings; ignored, and faith; tested. A servant most humble, who gives guidance and knowledge, to never want in return. Tasked with Wishing where others could not, tasked with Wishing where others fear not.

Until one day came to pass, on a day ordained by chance. On a day like any other, the Astronomer left to visit a friend far from home. It was then when it struck, it happened, it vanished.

***

In a port town in Poteria, a watchman of the guard was preparing for her nightly patrol, before freezing where she stood. In a blink, Aurola had memories that did not fit before, or. . . No, not that, she had memories from a time that did not happen, a time undone, in a way. She remembered a castle, and a white haired soldier, and mint-infested knights. That memory in particular made her shudder.

One memory stuck out. Less a memory, more a promise. A promise that they would meet again, and this time, properly.

The shadow in her mind raised its head, and she continued her preparations. Aurola would have time to pursue this later. For now, she had a job to do.

Across the border, in a city not too far away, the white haired soldier known as Ark sat wide awake, staring down at her bonded partner with a mix of concern and relief. The horrible nightmare of memories was but a dream to her now, but still, it made her fear the worst for Thai. So to see them alive, safe, and oblivious, was a boon most welcome.

***

Once upon a time, there was a traveler.

A traveler, lost with no home, no memory, no one. A traveler who went from one town to the next, never remembering, always forgetting. 

Until one day, one became four, then four became five.

Then five become none.

***

The Siffrin who called themself Loop opened their eyes to white void. They blinked, and looked down at their hands, and then their body.  Their body, ever so slightly familiar, with a star mark on their chest. They wore a vest- no-sleeve shirt -and shorts. For a time, they simply stood there in awe and befuddlement. (Where am I?) They thought, (Why do I look like this?).

But their thought process was cut off by a missile in the shape of a worried little kid.

“S-Sif!!!” Squealed the kid. “You’re okay!!!”

The words died in Loops throat, and before they could try to talk again, an older, authoritative voice spoke up. “Now now, Siffrin does not like to be touched, remember?”

“Uh, isn't that the OTHER ‘Frin?”

“No, that's our Siffrin.” Said a third voice. It was familiar, strong, a Housemaidens. “But that's alright!! If you're not okay with being touched please let us know, okay??”

The absolutely befuddled Rogue was frozen like they were caught in a lie. Moments later, the strong figure of a fighter entered their vision. “Uh, Sif? You there? Everything alright?” He was followed soon after by the researcher, housemaiden, and kid.

(Wh- what is going on!?) Thought Loop. [Who-!? Who are these, t-these people?!?] thought Saffron, even though he knew very well who these people are.

“They are in shock. Just give them time.” Said the bespeckled researcher. 

The fighter, unassured, tried not to show it. “Yeah but. . . Y'know, they've gone through a lot already.”

(Am I dreaming?) Thought Loop, as saffron wished to ask [What's going on?!?]. Kyros worried <Are we dead?!?>, While Horizon, ever the logical one, spoke through tears soon to flow. “P-please touch us.”

No sooner had the words left its lips than the kid, housemaiden, and fighter embraced them in a hug. They gasped, and flinched, but held tight at the first sign one of them was going to retreat. The tears started to flow, and soon after so did the incoherent babbling. Although the flood of cries was incomprehensible, one question rang clear; are you my family? 

“Yes!!” Said the housemaiden, “Oh Change, Siffrin I'm so sorry! If only I noticed what was going on or that you needed help, then--”

“We could spend the rest of our life lamenting things we didn't do,” the researcher sighed from the sidelines, “or we could also; not.”

Loop tried to talk, and after dozens of attempts they gave up, simply surrendering to the embrace of their party. The fighters' strong hand pat their head. “There there, it's aaaaall alright, Sif.”

“Big baby.” Teased the kid, still hugging them. “Big dumb baby.”

The rogue gave up at this point, surrendering to sobs and the comforting embrace of their allies, friends. It was warm and reassuring, solidifying, even. After several moments, Loop tried to talk again.

“. . . H-- how. . . ?”

And the Universe answered. “They are remnants, Siffrin.”

Loop turned to the speaker, ready with a thousand questions more, but they found themself mute at the sight of the Universe. It was all, and nothing, and thus there is no reason to describe it. 

“When the star reached your mouth, the Everything that is Anything returned to nothing, and started again. The bodies and minds start their journey anew, with none but gods to remember them.”

“But there was an error; an oversight. You remembered. You remembered your party as they were, not as they became. While their bodies were gone, the selves they are still were. They existed, but only to you, and later, our Bladeheart.”

Loop looked back to their party. THEIR party. The people they wanted to, wanted to, wanted to. . . “

“This was one of hundreds of errors in the Everything that is Anything. With the birth of the Twilight One, we have a chance to right this and many more like it.”

Saffron felt fear, and had to ask. “B-but, are they. . .”

“When this moment has ended, you must let them rest. A life tied to one who remembers only bits and pieces is no life at all. . .”

Is was a weight both lifted, and applied with renewed fevor. Siffrin, tears welling up again, embraced their party, and held onto them for just a little but longer.

Loop won't forget their old family, of course. They would remember the family that no longer is, but with this final goodbye, they could at least let go.

***

Once upon a time, there was a traveler.

A traveler, lost with no home, no memory, no one. A traveler who went from one town to the next, never remembering, always forgetting. 

Until one day, one became four, four became five, and then eventually, five became seven. A teen, a housemaiden, a defender, a researcher, a carpenter, a trainee, and a traveler. Allies, friends, and family numbered seven.

Well, seven-ish.

***

Siffrin was roused from sleep by an anxious Suzilla shaking them like crazy.

“YOU'RE OKAY!!!” She exclaimed, before turning to yell into the woods around them. “SIF’RIN’S OKAY!! THEY'RE OKAY!!”

Siffrin was still waking up from the strangest of dreams. In it, he had been torn into pieces. His guts, bones, and muscles were all in a big pile, and a colony of rabbits were picking over it, grabbing their bits and piecing them back together. 

The rogue looked at Suzilla with a confused, half-asleep smile. Suzy smiled back, then hugged them tight, as if he was about to disappear. 

Not twenty minutes ago, The Bladeheart bolted awake fueled with the terror of not knowing the condition of their family. Despite the twisting in their gut and the bile in their throat, they didn't feel any dangers. The surge of power that felt constant not moments before was now that of a steady stream. Still, Suzy did not have time to dwell on this; she had stars to follow! The first companion I led her to was Odile, then Isabeau, then Siffrin.

As if on cue, Odile and Isabeau appeared, having sprinted to keep up with the anxious teen. The Defender cheered and whooped seeing his darling was still alive, and wasted no time in scooping the rogue up into his arms. Suzy got out of the way just in time. 

“Where to next, oh navigation master?” Odile asked, pointedly ignoring the worrying and doting Isabeau in the background. 

“Uhm. . .” Suzy closes her eyes, and looks up to the sky, a question on their lips. 

“A-are the others okay too?!? Have you seen them?!?” Isabeau asked the rogue as the Bladeheart did their thing.

“I saw Rosmarinus, a-and. . . A, few I didn't recognize.” Siffrin responded awkwardly. “I, I haven't seen Loop, or anyone else from their subsystem.”

“O-oh crab--”

“Oh dear.” Odile winced. “Do you have any idea if they are alright?”

“I think. . .” Despite the evidence clear in their mind, Siffrin had to think about this for a long, long time. “I. . . I think they’re okay.”

“What does that mean-!”

“Got it!” Suzy interrupts. “Follow me!!!”

Without a second thought, they were off.

***

Once upon a time, these stories came to a close.

Not the end, mind you, but a close. Just because this story of lovers, family, and trust has reached its conclusion, doesn’t mean there’s not more to tell; or questions that need answering. I, for one, have many questions. Where am I? Who am I? And am I real at all? Was all this real? Or not? If it’s not real, and simply a story, then how do I talk about it since it was real to me? When did this story turn from fiction, to a memory of fiction? What do we make for dinner? How will we come out to our mum? And why does my back hurt this morning?

I don’t know, and that’s okay. We are all in this together.

***

(Loop) [Saffron] <Kyros> {Horizon}

“. . . -Frin!”

(. . . Huh?)

(You’re awake?)

“Siffrin!”

[And SOMEONE is calling your name! Well, the name you USED to use, anyways. Go on, little guide, open our eyes? Pretty please~?]

(Fine! Fine. You blink open your eyes, and squint to adjust to the light. You’re laying on your back with soft grass against your skin. The sky is clear, with hints of the morning sun lighting clouds above you. You blink, and yawn. Your body is aching, but not as bad as it USUALLY does.)

(All of a sudden, that BLINDING TRAINEE pops their head into your line of vision.) “Siffy!!! You’re awake-!!”

(Without a second thought, you punch them on the nose! O-oh!)

[Whoopse!! Better cover yourself, Loop~]

(Stars above! You sit up.) “Oh Ramos I’m sorry, you scared me!”

(Ramos rubs their jaw, looking a bit hurt for a moment before those silly little eyes light up again.) “. . . L, Loop?!?”

“Yes? What, do you want a medal?!” (You roll your eye.) “Oh look, everyone! Ramos could tell who- oh come on what’s with that face?!”

“Y-you’re back!!!” (Ramos yelped, then scooped you up into a hug.) “Oh crab I was worried you- just, what happened?!?”

(You scrunch your face up, what?!? ACK!! You try to escape.) “Get off me you rat!!!”

(They let go, but still were wearing that stupid smile.) “S-sorry! Sorry! Uh, are you okay?!?”

“Stars above Yes!!” (You get to your feet properly.) “I know I was gone for a minute but really! I’m better than ever~”

(They stared at you, blinking with some expression on their face, before letting out a breath of relief.) “O-okay, okay! If, uh, if you’re sure. Just. . . A-a lot’s happened, so. . .”

 “Oh I’m sure it has~!”[What a moron! Ah you wish you could reach out and shake them~ You huff, and look around.] “Now, where is everyone?”

(You’re in a grassy clearing in the middle of the woods, and you can hear ocean waves in the distance. There was another noise, too, one that sounded almost like. . . Is that, sobbing?!?)

“I dunno, uh. . . I, think everyone got scattered around?” (Ramos rubs their head.) “I woke up nearby and found you and uh. . .”

“Me and. . .” (You squint at them.) “Who?”

(They shuffle on the spot, then turn and point across the field. You squint, having some trouble with the further blobs of shades, damn eyes. . . Stars, you can’t make the figures out. You grumble, then set off towards it.)

(As you get closer, the sounds of crying grow louder and clearer, and you start to make out other sounds alongside it; chattering and hushed reassurances. You glance to see Ramos following you, and walk a bit faster.)

<I-is, is it them?!?>

[Oh if it is, you’ll have some WORDS!!]

(You ignore them, fully focused on the source of that obnoxious wailing, until finally, you knew who it was. You grit your teeth, and clench your fists. Of course, it couldn’t have been anyone else! Of course it was Perci who was crying loud enough to wake the dead! What an idiot. He looked as he ever did, vest, dark hair, tailored pants, and. . . And. . .)

(The world shifted slightly as you got closer. The sky a bit clearer, and the ground a bit more full; Percival's body changed, too, as if a veil was lifted. Now he had a body reminiscent of your old one! A lightless body, with a head halfway between a human and stars. Planets floated around his head, and he still had a tail and scythe-like arms. He was taller than a human, but much shorter than he was not too long ago.)

[How do you know that?!]

(The other figure was. . . Was one you never would have thought to see, or remember, ever again. With a white cloak, white hair, and dark skin, the astronomer sat across from Perci, talking to him in a tone reserved for children. You slowed as you approached, halfway between disbelief, bewilderment, and annoyance.)

<S-should you, con- confront?!? N-no no you shouldn’t! Right?!>

[No!! We should let them know who’s boss, obviously! Who knows what could happen with those two around!]

{Oh Saffron dear Saffron, how silly you are! Cycle along cycles, yet you propagate? No!}

(Oh stars above shut up already!! Percival’s burying his head in Merlons arms, still crying hard enough to rival a monsoon. You cross your arms and tap your foot impatiently, and Ramos, awkwardly, waits next to you. Eventually, Percival looks up at you.)

“. . . .” (His face is. . . Surprisingly human as he wipes his tears away with an arm, then embraces Merlon yet again.) “. . . M-mimi. . .”

“It’s alright, Cici.” (Merlons voice is hoarse, distant, and disconnected. Yet, it still carried a care to it that was undeniable.) “Take your time. Loop and Ramos will still be here.”

(You sneer, tch! What does SHE know?! You could’ve been Siffrin! Or Kyros! Or maybe even Null!!  Stars, they're not even LOOKING at you! . . But it’s true that you’re not exactly leaving anytime soon.)

“I-I- I need- I-I need to---” (Perci wallows.) “S-sorry I. . . I need to, a-a, ah. . .”

(He quieted down as Merlon rubbed his hair. Or what you assume is hair, anyways. UGH, you were getting frustrated by the mushyness of it all. . . After several more seconds of waiting, Perci slowly looked up at you again.)

“. . . A-alright, okay. . .” (He gulps down a breath, then mumbles his next words.) “Just. . . Just please, a few minutes more, then you can kill me.”

“WHAT?!?”

“H-HUH!?!?”

“PERCIVAL!!!”

“B-but that’s-” (He looks back up, wide-eyed.) “That’s what you want, yes?!? A-and what I, I deserve?!?”

“Stars above can you be any more dense?!?” (You grip your hair.) “After all that work?!?”

“But-”

“I woulda’ thought you'd've gotten the message already!” (Ramos puts a hand to their head.) “Nothing’s gonna get better if we keep trying to kill eachother!”

“But I, I-I, I’ve--”

“Shhhhhh. . .” (Merlon put a finger on his lips, then turned to look at you. Their face was. . . Unchanged. You think. You’re almost sure it’s unchanged, but something about their eyes was. . . Stars you don’t know.) “Thank you, Groundskeepers, Nebulae, and. . . I’m sorry, for all the trouble we have caused.”

“Er. . .” (Nebulae?!? Is that supposed to be you?!? You cross you arms.) “Well, you’re not forgiven! Far from it!”

“Yeah, uh. . .” (Ramos sighed, arms behind their back.) “We’ll, cross that bridge later. Right now I’m just, tired.”

“I expect nothing less. Much has happened, and we have much to be held accountable for, and there are many questions too, I imagine.”

“Well I’ll start with one!” (You squint.) “How are you here?!?”

“Oh.” (Merlon smiled innocently, and closed their eyes.) “I came home.”

“. . .”

“. . .”

“. . . Oh blind it all-!!!”

“THERE THEY ARE!!!” (You jump on the spot and spin around. At the edge of the woods, was a very familiar teen pointing at you.) “I TOLD YA’ I’D FIND ‘EM!!!”

“Alright! Alright! HEY THERE!” [Petronillé follows right after, and waves to you. You wave back. Soon after, the carpenter was followed by Mirabelle, Madame Odile, Isabeau, and--]

(?!?!??!)

<O-oh. . .>

[On, Isabeau’s back, is you. The Rogue. The copycat, second fiddle, replacement. Siffrin. They were tired, yet looked the same as they ever were. He’s looking at you with the same shock you had. A beat later, Odile, Isabeau, Mirabelle, then Petronillé, start looking between the two of you, confused.]

“Ooooh Change.” (Ramos pokes your side.) “That’s- s-stars, Loop uh, are, you. . .”

“Please don’t ask me that.” (You grit your teeth with a very fake smile.) “PLEASE don’t ask me that right now!!”

“Siffrin.” (Odile looked between the two.) “Is this what you mean by ‘Loop’s okay’?”

(Siffrin nods. STARS you want to kill him!!)

“Loop!!” (Mirabelle goes right up to you and takes your hand in hers.) “I-it’s you right?? I’ve been so worried- we’ve all been so worried!!! A-are you okay?!? W-what happened-?!?”

“If I said I’m fine, would you believe me?” (You smirk, she makes a face.) “No? I thought not.”

“Let’s shelve that question, yeah?” [Nille pat Mirabelle's shoulder, then gave Ramos a hug. You try not to be jealous.] “Change it’s good to see you guys alive, though.”

“Y-yeah uh. . . Yeah.” (Ramos awkwardly glances at you, then at the Monets. Suzy’s standing over them.) “. . .”

“. . .”

“. . . You gonna do anything stupid?” (Asks Suzy. Perci shakes his head.) "Good.”

“. . .”

“. . .”

(Isabeau taps you on the shoulder. You glance at him, he’s holding out a hand. You take it. Siffrin’s still gazing at you, smiling like an idiot. After a few more moments, Isabeau speaks up.) “. . . So uh. . . Welcome back, Merlon?”

“Thank you, Isabeau.” (She responds.) 

“. . .”

“. . .”

“. . .” (Odile sighs.) “We should get going.” 

“Y-yeah.”

“M-mhm.”

“I’m exhausted, let’s go.”

(You could do with a good rest. With a moments hesitation, you turn to go. But you’d only taken a couple steps before Petronillé’s voice cut through the air.)

“Hey! What, gonna just sit around all day?”

(You turn back, as does the rest of your family. Perci and Merlon were both still sitting in the grass, the former looking at Nille, perplexed.) “I. . . W-what?”

“I was bein’ serious, Perci!” (Petronillé laughs.) “C’mon, let’s get some grub and a nap, THEN we can figure all this out.”

[Greeeeat.]

<I-it’s, probably a good idea.>

(As Merlon slowly helps Perci rise, you have to, begrudgingly, agree. You’ve had more than enough fighting for two lifetimes.)

(It’s time to move on.)

“Watch this hand.”

“Uh huh?”

“Just one pebble in it right?”

“Yeah!”

“Now look here, then here, then here-”

“THE ROCK CHANGED!!!”

“Oh so it did! Funny, let me just-”

“WHUWAA!??!”

“Ta-daa~”

(You had no idea what xe were doing, but it seemed to be working. Once you and Isabeau came over, the kids all raced over.)

“ZA!!!” (Bonnie said excitedly.) “You okay?!? Are you hungry?!?”

“Where were you?” (Crux asked, with big pleading eyes.) “B’fore you got here?”

“Ehweha? <Did you get sick?>” (Eight said with equal curiosity.)

“H-hey I’m fine! I’m fine, don’t worry!” (Isabeau put his arms up in reassurance.) “Yeah, I’m hungry, I have no idea where I was before meeting Hiroshi, and I don’t think I’m sick?”

“CRAB YEAH!!!” (Bonnie hooted, and dug through their cloak until they pulled out some lightly burned samosas and handed them to Isa.) “Here!!”

“Aw, thanks Bon!” (Isabeau took the food and sat down, and hungrily started eating.) “You made these?”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” (You hear Rani across the camp.) “And slow down.”

“Boo.” (Isa grumbles, but obliges.) 

“Uhm. . .” (Bonnie shrugs, noncommittally.) “I dunno, kinda? Maybe?”

“And that means. . ?” <You trot over and sit down with the party.> 

“. . . ‘S one of the snacks I made in Dormont.”

“Ah.” <You grimace.> “That makes sense.”

“Yeah. . .” (You and Isabeau couldn’t help but share a grimace.) 

“. . . I guess the Universe has a sense of humor.” <You chuckle.> 

“Ehe awame! <That’s where Siffrin gets it from!>”

<Now THAT got people to laugh a little. You let the mood settle before talking again.> “So. What’s our next plan of action?”

“Er, maybe clearing a few things up? For me?” (Isabeau asks awkwardly.)

“I can do that.” (You start.) “Percival made a wish, and that broke the borders of reality and unreality. Headmates show up physically, Bonnie's cloak has infinite snacks, if you don’t have a solid plan and wander around, you’ll be lost. Maybe forever.”

“Got it.” (Isabeau nods along and thinks.) “So we both found each other because we both wanted to find the river source, but what next?”

“Well the initial plan was to follow the Saudades.” <You look over to the waterfall.> “But apparently they’re walking on thin air now! I’m not sure we can match that.”

“And that still doesn’t help us find our friends. . .” (Isabeau pouts.) 

“‘S so special about a stupid crabbin’ rabbit sadness anyway.” (Hiroshi pipes up from their corner.) “It’s weak, and DUMB!”

“Saudade are Perci’s sadness.” (Isa replies, turning to Hiroshi.) “Beats me to where there’s multiple Saudade, though.”

“That doesn’t make ‘em SPECIAL!” (He retorts.) “That just means they’re DOUBLE DUMB!!!”

“I’ll grant you that.” <You reply sarcastically.> “It’s a pity that Saudade run away as soon as they see us.”

“What if I could get you one?” <Rani sits up, you motion for her to continue.> “I see two other saudade climb the water before you showed up. That makes it a desire line, and a perfect place for a trap.”

“You know your stuff!” <Isabeau affirms.> “You said you were a hunter right? I gotta ask, for how long?”

“Longer than half the group’s been alive!” <She replies with a laugh, then stands up.> “Let’s move our things behind the treeline, and I’ll set up a snare.”

<You get up alongside Rani.> “Mind if I tag along?” 

<She looks at you, considering it, before realizing the subtext you intended.> “Sure, just don’t break anything.”

<Isabeau was already grabbing things so you chuck him your pack.> “I’ll contain myself.” 

<As the others cleared up, you followed Rani in silence. She looked around, crouched down at spots, traced along stone with a finger, before settling on a spot that was close to the waterfall.> “The Saudade all darted through here, a perfect spot.”

“I suppose they don’t like getting their feet wet.” <You squat down and watch as Rani gets her equipment ready.> “. . . Quindi, il libro. [So, the book.]”

<Rani didn’t pause her work, only letting out an exasperated sigh.> “[You want to know if it’s true, don’t you?]”

“[I have no reason to doubt its validity.]” <You watch as she ties a knot.> “[I more want to see where your chips are placed.]”

“[They are placed with the Monet family.]” <She answers flatly.> “[They have treated me well, and I serve them well in turn.]”

“[Even Perci?]”

 “[. . . Yes.] <Rani had to pause before answering any more.> “[. . . My Lady taught him all to do with swordplay and craftplay, and my Lord taught him things like academics, politics, history, and deception.]”

“[. . . And you?]”

“[I wasn’t a teacher. But one day he asked me for a specific lesson, and I obliged.]” <She pulled a rope taught.> “[I taught him how to make a kill quick and painless.]”

<The temptation to reach into her mind and delve into the implications of those words were strong, but you resisted. No, her mind was not yours to explore. You simply nodded silently and waited until she was finished.>

“There.” <Rani stands up, having set up a simple snare.> “Not my best work, but good enough.”

“Better than what we could do.” <You fiddle with your pin.> So what now, we wait?”

“Yes.” <She replied.> “We wait.”

>>>

(It was a few hours later when you were snapped out of your half-asleep state. Rani had wanted to keep watch, and you trusted her not to stab you in your sleep. Plus, she wanted to keep an eye on the trap; which is the exact reason you’re awake now.)

“Got one.” (She shook your side.) “Alzati!”

“Yeah yeah. .” (You grumbled and got up, rubbing your eyes.) “It worked?”

“Did you not hear me the first time?” (She scoffed, and was off. You weren’t far behind.)

(Just as she said, there was a Saudade caught in her trap. A rope was tied to its leg, and pulled it at an odd and grotesque angle. You couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the thing as it writhed and struggled in the trap. Stars, you’re sure you could hear a muffled screaming, too.)

“. . . . What, do we do now?” (You ask as Rani crouches down by it.)

“This first one? The same as any other rabbit. If that leads nowhere, then we wait for another one.” (Faster than you can react, she grabs the Saudade by its legs and unsheathes a knife from her belt.) “Just one small cut, and. . .”

“Hey wait-!”

(She quickly slices across the Saudades neck, and it goes limp. For a moment, the two of you sat there expectantly as the sadness’ lifeless corpse hung from the Hunters fist. Seconds later, it dissolved into dust, leaving nothing but a small, glowing. . . Something.)

“Huh.” (Rani puts her hands on her hips.) “Well, it was always said Perci was unique. What is it?”

“I, don’t know.” (You squint at it, but you can’t look at it for long. It’s a point in space that’s emitting light, almost like the sun, but it’s not tied to any physical thing. It’s just, there.) 

“And here I thought you were the expert.” (Rani scoffs, and reaches forward.)

“Hey! Whas’ going on!” (Looking behind you, that was Bonnies voice. It looks like the others were getting up too.)

(You go to respond, but catch Rani out of the corner of your eye as she touches the light.)

“Just one quick cut, Percival, and you’re a man. A Monet.” My father pats me on the back as I stare at the knife in my hands, his poisonous words looking for wounds to strike at. “I did it, as did your father, and your father before him.”

“Stop babying the boy, dear.” My mother awaits impatiently with crossed arms. “He is thirteen years old and can slay the thing by himself.”

“Please, can’t a father have his moment of emotion and legacy?” He chuckles like it’s a joke. A joke for The Shining One to enjoy. A joke where I am the punchline.

No, no that isn’t fair. In the grand scheme of things, I am only losing a friend, not a life.

I grip the knife tighter, forcing down the drive to give into indulgence and turn the knife on that disgusting bat of a father. Instead, I twirl it around in my fingers, feeling the weight on my young hands.

“Well, go on then. Kill the beast.” My father says encouragingly.

Soffice. My best friend. A white, fluffy, Poterian Rabbit that’s been my companion for eight years. I still remember when he was just a kit, when I held him close on my fifth birthday. It was my responsibility to care for him, raise him, and give him a long life. It was a lesson on responsibility, or so I thought.

Now I know it was just a test of loyalty. 

I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t hesitate. I kneel down next to Soff- to, to the rabbit, and place the knife to his neck with hands that want to shake. I’ve never killed anything before, so all I can do is hold my breath and pray that I kill it quickly. 

It took thirty, agonizing seconds.

You blink a few times, and shake your head clear. That, what, what just, happened? You feel so dizzy, you can’t think, or get a sentence together. You put a hand to your head. Where, where are you again? S-stars. . . Just, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe. . .

In. . . . And o[ut. . . .]

[You’re standing where you were just a second ago, next to Rani, the waterfall, and the others were running over. You look down at your hands, half expecting to see blood still coating them.]

“. . . Blooded bats and boiling iron!” [You jump hearing Rani curse like that.] “Porca cazz culo Merda!”

“What, the fuck, was that.” [You walk over next to the Hunter.] “Eterie, what the hell was that blinding memory!”

“You saw too then?” [She looked up to you, any semblance of a smile, gone.] “Merda. . .”

[You tap your foot impatiently.] “I’m waiting.”

“For what?” [Rani glared at you, then back to the trap, setting it up again.] “It’s just one of the  Monet family traditions. He got over it quite fast, you know. Well, once I taught him how to kill quickly.”

“That’s it?!?” [You took a step forward.] “That’s all you have to say?!? He got over it quickly?!?”

“SÌ? What are you not understanding?” [She dismissively waved you away.] “What better way to pass the threshold of manhood than by shedding blood. In earnest, I was proud of him too. His kill was slow and messy, and he wanted to correct that. Learning from his mistakes, that’s the true mark of-”

[She didn’t finish her sentence. On account of your foot meeting her head.]

“What’s going on?!?” [Isabeau finally got close enough to not need to yell.] “Is everything alright?!?”

[You can’t stop your hands from shaking, despite being balled into fists. You grit your teeth, still glaring as that damn Hunter gets back up, glaring back at you.] 

“Culo. What’s your problem!?!” [She practically growled.] “Do you want to fight?!?”

“You ass!” [You spit on the ground.] “You force a kid to kill his best friend and you think it’s fine?!? You’re disgusting, stronza!!!”

“STRONZA?!?” [She jumps to her feet.] “PEZZO DI MERDA, PECORA!!!”

“W-woah okay!” [Isabeau puts a hand on your shoulder.] “That’s enough, you two-“

“PECORA?!?!” [“Piece of shit sheep?!?” Oh that’s it. You swipe your pen out and click out the hidden blade. Stars, STARS!!!] “Oh you’re DEAD!!!”

“Stupid nosey- You know nothing about our family!!!” [Rani unsheathes the dagger at her belt and takes a combat stance.] “Puttana!”

“BITCH!” 

[You lunge in with your knife, and she deflects it. She swipes back, but now neither of you had the advantage, so all she struck was thin air.]

“Can you two stop?!?!” [Isabeau’s trying to butt in.] “This, there’s- why are you fighting?!?!?”

“Your friend started it.” [Rani growls, starting to circle you.] 

“You deserved it!” [You glare at her with all your hatred. Dammit, STARSDAMMIT you can’t get it out of your HEAD!!!] “Ass-fucking-hole!”

“Okay but you don’t need to try and stab each other?!?!” [Stars, Isabeau!] 

“Blood, get out of the way, Defender.” [Rani huffs, circling.] “I just need to teach a bug a lesson. I’ll be quick.”

“Then by all means!” [You step back, and open your arms, grinning wide.] “I’ll take notes!”

[You close your eyes, and focus. . .]

[Isabeau’s to your left.] “Aaaleeex. . .”

“Well? I’m waiting!”

[. . . Left.]

[You step to the side and feel the wind of the Hunter pass by you (Lucky bat!)]

[You keep your eyes shut and grin (Come here, I’m not impressed with your blind acrobatics!). You keep breathing, and as you focus, it’s becoming easier and easier to tell just what Rani’s about to do next. You step back and to the side again.]

(Y’know, usually I’d be pissed that you’re starting fights.)

[Not today, though?]

(Nah, get her ass!)

[With PLEASURE~! She’s getting more and more annoyed by the second. You can feel that sparking, that raging fire being doused by the crumbling earth of annoyance. You grin wider and wider, (Stop, blooded SMILING!!)]

[Instead of dodging this time, you twist your pen and deflect Rani's strike making her recoil; she’s wide open! You hook a foot behind hers and sweep her off her feet. Before she could even register what just happened, you stomp your boot down on her chest, and slipped your pen knife under her chin.]

“You’re right.” [You saw with a wide grin.] “That was quick!”

[There’s cheering from behind you. You turn around to see that Bonnie, Crux, and Eight had been watching and cheering you on; stars, even Hiroshi had wandered over! By contrast, Isabeau had been clearly worried you’d hurt each other. Fair enough.] 

[You get off of Rani and take a bow.] “Thank you, thank you~”

(How in Solaris’ name-!?!) “Wha-”

“Trade secret~” [You reply cheekily.] “STARS I feel a lot better now.”

“Alex.” [Isabeau slapped a hand on your shoulder and put a lot of weight on you.] “That was VERY stupid!”

“Hey-!”

“‘S REALLY stupid!” [Crux joined in, who seemed to be main fronting right now.] “I don’t want you to get hurt! You’re really nice!”

“Hey--” [Ah stars, you made the kids worry!] “Sorry, I’ll be careful, okay?”

“You BETTER!”

“What are you idiots doing out here ANYWAY!” [Hiroshi spat from where he was.] “Apart from doing what mortals do best.”

“We were having a well tempered discussion.” [Eterie gets up with a huff.] “And trying to catch a Saudade.”

“Which, I’ll admit, you did easily.” [You cross your arms and glance at the hunter.] “You tie a strong knot for someone with a stick up her ass.”

[She glares at you with a slight smile on her face, hand on her hip. Out of curiosity. . . (How can one person be so damn annoying. Maybe next time I’ll-)]

[You snap your head away thAT’S ENOUGH OF THAT!!!] “RIGHT, NEW IDEAS. PLEASE.”

“You’re being weird.” [Bonnie’s suddenly in front of you, arms crossed.] “You’re being weird like ‘Frin gets weird.”

“Yep and let’s not get into that right now we’re very busy!” [You clear your throat.] “SO! Killing a saudade doesn’t do much, and we can’t exactly follow them if there’s no path.”

“What’re you talking about?!?” [Hiroshi sneers at you.]

“What do you mean what am I talking about?!?” [Stars above.] “Just how do you expect us to walk directly up a waterfall?!?”

“The stairs?!?!?”

[. . .]

“. . .”

“. . .”

“. . .”

“. . . What?”

“Hiroshi. What are you blinding talking about?”

“The stairs?” [Hiroshi looks at you like you’re an idiot.] “The stairs under the waterfall?”

“Uhh.” [Isabeau glances over to the falls, then shakes his head.] “I don’t see any stairs, bud.”

“Hiroshi-! Ugh, WHATEVER!” [They blow a raspberry at Isabeau.] “I don’t care, whatever, you’re all clearly too stupid not to notice the STAIRS that are RIGHT THERE!!!”

“There aren’t any stairs!” [Rani insists.] “Look, do you think all of us are so blind to not see an obvious staircase?!?”

“Wait, don’t forget reality’s fucked.” [You squint at the waterfall, then start walking towards it.] “Hiroshi, could you show me exactly where the stairs are?”

“Oh I dunno, could I?” [Hiroshi sneers, until Bonnie starts stomping towards them.] “OKAY OKAY FINE! UGH. Whatever.”

[The juvenile god stomps next to you as you wade out into the water. As you approach the crashing falls, you get a peculiar feeling of. . . Almost, vertigo? Stars, not that, you have a feeling of just. . . Wrongness. With every step, ideas flowed through your brain. What’s wrong with it, is the water falling too fast? No, not quite. What about the volume of the water? Perhaps, the river it feeds is much larger than what the waterfall would suggest.]

[You hold your hand out and let the waters crash against you. Strange, it doesn’t feel as forceful or harmful as it should. When you take your hand back, it’s dry as a bone. Stranger and stranger. . .]

“See? Here.” [You look up at Hiroshi, who’s standing about eight inches off the ground, arms crossed.] “Stairs. DUH!”

“. . . Hiroshi, from my view it looks as if you’re walking on air!” [Your eyes practically sparkle in excitement.] “Step over here by me for a moment, alright?”

“Whatever.” [They grumble, stepping over.]

[Once he’s standing by you, you step forward and walk to, then pass, where Hiroshi was standing. You walk through it with no interruptions, then turn to Hiroshi.] “What did that look like to you?”

“Uh. . .” [He squints, then waves their arms around trying to describe it.] “You like, where in front of the stairs, then like, behind them.”

“Very interesting.” [You walk back to Hiroshi, then you offer your hand.] “Would you kindly guide me to the stairs, Hiroshi?”

“Oh uh, sure.” [They take your hand and drag you along. Heh, seemingly the complimentary talk worked to cool that head of his.] 

[You stayed a step behind Hiroshi, and made sure to not miss a footfall. When Hiroshi lifted his foot to step up, you started to get a headache. He lifted another foot, and pulled you along, and then everything got blurry, and then suddenly you could see the staircase.]

[A sturdy, grated, well made and artistic staircase that turned back on itself every ten feet or so. It was a strong metal, sanded down, and painted a lightless shade. The ends were worn down, showing the lighter shaded metal beneath. It stretched up and up, far into the skies and disappearing into the clouds.]

“You alright, Alex?” [Isabeau says from behind you; he must have followed you over.]

“Gems alive. . .” [You mutter to yourself.] “It’s, it was just. . . Just here the whole time?”

“Oh NOW you can see it!” [Hiroshi says, sticking out their tongue.] “CHANGE You’re so stupid.”

[With that, he turned on his heels and started running up the staircase.]

“HEY! WAIT!” [You take off after them, but pause.] “Where are you GOING?!”

“I WANNA SEE MY TREE!!!” [He yells down.] “IF I GO HIGH ENOUGH THEN I’LL SEE IT!!!”

“Not without ME you’re not!” [You take off again.]

“Hey!! Be careful!!” [Isa calls up to you both.] “Don’t run on the stairs, you'll slip!!!”

“DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, MORTAL!!!”

[STARS what’s wrong with this kid. You run to try and catch up with them, but after your feet slip out from under you once, you’re forced to take it slow.] “COME BACK ALREADY!!!”

“SHOVE IT!!!” [The clattering of footsteps did not stop.] “JUST, GO AWAY!”

“Why are we even chasing this kid?” (You appear ahead of a step Alex decided to rest on.) “They’re looking for their home, no harm to it!”

“Just, AUGH!” [You huff and pause, glaring at your headmate.] “It could be dangerous up there! Some strong sadness or something! Just-”

“HEY! I SEE IT!!!” [Hiroshi bellows from above.] “‘S NEAR A BEND IN THE RIVER! I CAN TOTALLY JUST-”

[You hear a noise, and then screaming. You jump to your feet and nearly slip, but Ramos steadies you just in time to see something, someone, blur past you towards the ground, screaming.]

“HIROSHI?!?!?” [You lean over the railing and look down, but you can’t see past mist from the waterfall! All you can hear is a thud and a splash.]

“Crab crab CRAB!!!” (You dash down the stairs as fast as your legs let you. Was that Hiroshi?!? What?!?! What?!?!?)

[You still can’t see at all! Stars I think it was!]

(Crabcrabcrab! You reach the bottom of the stairs and stumble.) “WHERE’S-?!?”

“Over here--” (You turn towards Isabeau's voice, ready to help heal something or cover up Bonnie's eyes. But instead, you let out a sigh of relief. Isa was laying on the ground, with Hiroshi clinging tightly to his shirt. Strangely, the water might as well not be there, and just flowed around the two of them.)

“Change, you scared me!” (You squat down next to them.) “Good catch, Isabeau.”

“Thanks--” (He responds in a raspy voice.) “I worked, real hard on it.”

“You alright Hiroshi?” (You chuckle nervously.) “I thought for a second, you. . .”

“. . . ‘mfineshuddup.” (The godling grumbles, not getting up.) 

“So it was invisible?” (Ranis voice made you jump a little. You turn to see her and Crux waiting and curious.)

“No uh, I think it’s more. . . It doesn’t exist for you until you’re brought onto it?” (You get back up and shrug.) “We walked through it, apparently, but Hiroshi guided us on and we could see the whole thing.”

“Woah. . .” (Crux looked up at you, then up the waterfall.) “Cool. . .”

“I am guessing the kid is alright?” (Rani asks, looking past you.)

“I‘M NOT A KID!!!!! (Hiroshi protests.)

“Aha, right. Immagino che il bambino stia bene?”

“SÌ, they’re alright.” (You chuckle. Hiroshi stands and moves a few feet away, which lets Isabeau get up and dust himself off. You give him a look over once he walks over to you.) “No booboos big guy?”

“Nope!” (Hands on his hips, all chuffed looking.) “They just knocked the wind outta me. Oh and I still can’t see the stairs, for the record.”

“Let’s fix that.” (You grab his arm and drag him over to the base of the staircase. You take a few steps up, and Isabeau follows.)

(He pauses, squints, scrunches up his head, then lets out a chuffed huff.) “W-woah! Woah that’s, that’s really cool!”

“Right???”

“No no it’s like, it doesn’t exist until it’s perceived and then it exists, but only for one person! It’s. . .” (Isabeau looks at you, then falters, and looks away, flushed.) “N-nevermind--”

“Huh?!? But I was curious!” (You hop down after him.)

“U-uh, it’s just. . .” [He looks at you shyly.] “. . . . It’s. . . Just, that it’s a localised version of the observer effect that’s contained to a singlepersonuntilthatpersonshowsittosomeone- I-it’s some nerd thing, sorry.”

“Never apologize, I love seeing your nerd side, dude.” [You punch him in the shoulder.] 

“‘A warrior's best sidearm is the mind’” [Rani chuckled, pushing past him and holding out a leather gloved hand.] “Alright, me next.”

“Well since you asked so nicely.” [You tease, reaching over and snatching her hand.] “You need me to-GH-”

[She is SQUEEZING your hand. You are trying very hard not to react.]

“. . . Hmm?” [She looks at you and raises an eye.] “Is something bothering you?”

“Nope! Totally ffffine!” [You force out and tug Rani towards the staircase, trying even HARDER to not make a sound as she grips your hand tighter.] “J-just, fine!”

“Interesting. . .” [You dare not look behind you.] “. . . Hai una forte debolezza, non è vero? [You have a strong weakness, don’t you?]”

“SHOVE IT-!” [You grit your teeth despite feeling a rough leather thumb on your palm.] “Sei un asino. . . [You’re an ass. . .]”

[You FINALLY get to the staircase and start walking up, dragging Rani along with you. But after just a few steps, she lets go. You turn to her with your patented smug smile, expecting to see her baffled face. But instead, she was as pale as the moon.]

“. . . Are, stars, are you okay?” [You step towards her; you'd only dragged her up eight steps.]

“. . . . . Alex.” [She voice is shaky, but firm, eyes focused, but wild.] “I need you. To help me. Get down from these steps.”

“. . . . What?”

“Please. Alex.”

[Oh. Stars, okay, if Rani’s actually being polite then it was serious. Hell you could feel the freezing fear as you reached forward and helped her turn around. She shut her eyes tight, and you helped guide her back to the ground.]

[You had no sooner gotten the words “you’re down” out of your mouth when she ripped herself away from you and walked away to the riverside, stomped a few times and stood there, then walked back towards you and the others.]

“. . . Uh-” [Isabeau starts.]

“Not a word.” [Rani scowls and turns away.] “Out of any of you.”

“. . . Rani-” [You reach out.]

“No. Don’t talk to me.”

“. . . Are you like Ms. Odile?” [Crux speaks up from behind Isabeau, looking at Rani.] “She doesn’t like heights. Do you not like heights too?”

“I-” [She starts, but bites back. She looks away from you, scowl turning to a sad frown.] “. . . Yes. Don’t tell anyone.”

“That’s alright!” [Isabeau beams at her.] “Nothing to be ashamed of! I’m sure we could figure out a way to get you up there.”

“Like a blindfold?” [Suggests Crux.] 

“Stop mocking me.” [Rani hisses.] 

“We’re not!” [Isa protests, holding his hands up.] “I’m being genuine here!”

“And if that doesn’t work, I have a few tricks.” [You cross your arms and nod.] “You’d essentially be sleepwalking up, and we’ll wake you up once-”

“N-no! No. . .” [For once, you see her mask slip, and her face softens.] “I, no. . .”

“. . . Do you need a minute?” [Isa asks.]

“No. . .”

“Do you need a hug?” [Crux tilts their head.]

“. . . Maybe.” [Rani snaps to attention then shakes her head.] “I mean no! I’m fine! I’m fine. Just, fine. . .”

[You look over at Isabeau, who looks as worried as you, and an idea comes to mind. You turn fully away from Rani.] “Hey Isa! Do you see something over there?”

“Hmm, maybe!” [HA! He caught on immediately, using a hand to shade his eyes as he squinted at nothing.] “Dunno what it is but we should keep looking for it for an excessive amount of time.”

“True that, buddy!”

[The two of you stare off at nothing, during which you spot Hiroshi laying face down in the riverbed. After a few moments, you hear a shuffle, then a noise, then some loud splashing footsteps.]

“I don’t think there’s anything there, you two.” [You turn back at Rani’s voice. She’s smiling a bit, now.] “But, thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” [You chuckle.] “So, plan?”

“I’m staying down here.” [Rani rolls her shoulders.] “Patatino wants to go find his tree, yes? For whatever reason.”

“Patatino?” [Isa tilts his head.]

“Little Potato. I call my nieces that.” [She chuckles.] “And after that there will no doubt be others who need help here.”

“What about Perci?” [You ask, motioning towards the distant sun.] “Weren’t you going to. . .”

“‘. . . When blinded, sometimes all you can do is surrender your trust to the dark. . .’” [She sighs as she says it.] “I place my quest in your hands, Saviors of Vaugarde. Don’t make me regret it.”

|’One must let the dark guide you, until the morning comes. . .’|

(That was from home, wasn’t it?)

|. . . Yeah, it was. . .|

“We’ll fix this AND get him out alive.” [Isa thumps his chest.] “You can count on it!”

“Take care ‘f Hiroshi, okay?” [Crux’s still staying near Isa, but is smiling up at Rani.] “It’ll be okay, okay?”

“And if not, I give you permission to kick my ass.” [You put your hand on your hip; like that’ll ever happen.] “And uh. . . Stay outta trouble.”

“HA! I’m more worried of keeping patatino out of trouble.” [She laughs, and looks at you. Smiling.] “And if we, Solaris Willing, make it out of this alive; I’d like to cross swords again Alex.”

[Huh! Alright then. You lean over and punch Rani's shoulder.] “Your funeral.”