Rosa/Shuna

Zuka's face lost the smile after you mentioned Venom. He took the package from you as you pulled out the magazine you got. "I found a picture of you.," you said and opened to the article with his picture in it. You pointed to it with a big smile. He looked down at the picture and then to your happy face. "You are so cool, Zuka!," You cheered. Zuka motioned for you to follow him in with his head. You did and he placed the package on the table. "That was a long time ago, kid.," He said, "I am not proud of it." You looked between Zuka and the picture of him when he was younger. He was a lot more desaturated. "I still think you are cool now.," You said, "You are a good person, I'd like to be like that when I grow up." You felt his large and calloused hand on your head. You heard a tired sigh. "Don't lose your kindness in this world, Kid.," He said to you as he rubbed your scalp. His hand was big enough to cover most of your head.

He let you out after waking up his son. Zuka had to open the shop. You walked through the streets again. Your little shoes tapped on the pavement. You didn't have Sisyphus with you. But it was just a quick errand run before going back home. You passed by the cafe that Slingshot owned and saw him getting ready to open. He and his siblings saw you through the window. You gave them a friendly greeting wave, one that they returned. It was a beautiful morning and you felt happy. You didn't see that a one eyed someone was watching you from the alleys. You found your way to the library and knocked on the door. The door opened and you saw Traffic on the other side. He was scratching his belly with a sleepy smile as he held the door open for you. Did he sleep in the library. You walked in and saw Ghosdeeri at the desk. Her silver glasses reflected the lamplight she was working under. "Good morning, Ghosdeeri. Morning Traffic.," You greeted the two. Ghosdeeri looked up from what she was writing, "Good morning, Lualight. Did you enjoy the books?" You nodded.

"Yes! The one about the animals was interesting. It was also fun to hear about more things from Venom as we read it together!," You were smiling as you relayed the information to the pumpkin headed creature. She seemed to be pleased with your happiness. She took the books from you and put them back. "Is there any other books that you would like to borrow?," She asked in her melodic sounding voice. "Uhh. Do you have anything that needs to be translated?," You asked, "Like some manuscripts or tablets?" Ghosdeeri shook her head, "I do not have any of those. But they can be found in some government buildings in other regions from what I hear. There are also come in the museum." You nodded, "Okay. Thank you." You walked to the door and wished them goodbye. You returned to walking through the streets, seeing the streets begin to be filled with inphernals.

A familiar set of horns beckoned you when you saw them in an alleyway. Dark blue. Curved with a slight swoop backwards. You peered down the alley and saw Broker on his tablet. He had his usual grin on. He looked up. His face lit up after seeing you. "Lualight!," He cheerfully greeted, "You have been having quite the adventure!" You walked up to him and sat on the box he was on. You looked at the video he was watching on the tablet. It was a video of you and Scythe. She was swaying to music as she held you. You remembered it, she was making you feel better after you had to get some vaccines. "Your mama misses you a lot.," Broker said, "This week has been the scariest I've ever seen her." "I miss her too.," You said. Broker patted your head with a smile. You leaned into the petting. His hand moved down to your cheek as his thumb ran over your cheek as he held it. He watched as you nuzzled into his hand. "The Father has been worried. We all have been.," he said, "And it's been hard trying to keep track of you. You keep moving about and Banhammer keeps getting close to catching me again."

Broker gave you a silly expression to see you smile again. He was always so friendly and warm to you. "Was afraid that Meds lost you for a bit.," Broker said, "But I'm glad that you are safe. Poor Meds has been going through it though." You remembered that you needed to apologize to Medkit. You had wandered off and gotten kidnapped by Banhammer. It was your fault. "Please don't be mad at him.," You said, "It was my fault for not being careful." "Oh, it's not me. Your mama has been super stressed after you disappeared.," He said with both his hands up, "She's been giving him a hard time all week." You could believe him. Your mama was very protective about you and had a little paranoia concerning you. Broker patted your head still. He placed you on the ground. "I still have some business here in crossroads.," the scarred inphernal said, "Be safe~."

He gave you a smile as you walked away. You wandered back through the alleys. You began to be very aware of someone following you. A shadow was on your back as you walked. You stopped for a second before looking back. You saw hands reaching for you and you were picked up swiftly. You were snugly placed against a warm chest and your head was nuzzled into. You struggled to escape before the arms holding you squeezed tighter. Your eyes were facing a forest green neck scarf. You knew this smell very well. You knew the hands that picked you up and the sharp fangs that nuzzled into your scalp. You snuggled into the familiar chest and let yourself relax. The body holding you heaved as she made a sigh. Her tension relaxed after having you in her arms. "My lil' darlin'.," She said finally, "You gave your mama a good scare." You looked up to her face. She was giving you a smile. Your mama gave you a kiss on your forehead. "Mama, I missed you!," You said and hugged her neck. Scythe started to walk with you in her arms, "Oh I missed you too, Darlin'."

You noticed that you were not going to the same destination you were originally heading, She turned off to go somewhere else. You passed by Slingshot's cafe again. Even when you tried to get out of her hold, she kept you against her chest. Scythe kept nuzzling and running her hand over your back. She was careful not to put pressure on your bandaged injuries. Your mama took you up further to a high point. You found her vulture was waiting there. The bird bowed to allow Scythe onto the saddle while she held you. After she got on and had you settled, the bird lifted off into the air. You were going back to the church. Scythe had noticed that you were not wearing the clothing that you had on when you left. You had new clothing on. She thought you were so cute. She had also seen your bandaged wounds, that meant that something had happened. She was not going to let you out of her sight or out of her arms for a while now. You saw the giant tower getting smaller as you were flown away from Crossroads. Scythe held you close to her body with her real arm while she held the reigns with her robot one.

"We've been worried sick, darlin'.," Scythe said, "After you disappeared during the ambush, we all got very worried. Then hearin' that 'Kit lost you as well." "That was my fault, not his.," You said, "Please don't be mad at him." Scythe didn't look mad at you at all. She looked more relieved. Like she had been fretting every day since you disappeared. She was more tired looking. "The Father wants to hear everything that happened when we return.," Your Mama said, "He'll especially want to know how you got hurt like this." You saw her grit her teeth. She was mad that you were injured. Her own and only baby. She wanted to have some beauty sleep after getting back to her room with you. You felt her pressing you tighter against her as you two flew through the area that you had been ambushed in.

She didn't let you look down. "Keep your eyes on the horizon.," she told you. But you saw a faint red on the sand below. You looked to the horizon and watched that. Not wanting to see anymore of what you glimpsed. You relaxed against you mother until you got back to the church. Even when you two had gotten off the bird, she didn't let you walk. Almost like she was afraid that if she let you go you would disappear. Her shoes tapped on the floor. Other members stopped when they saw her walk by with you. They either bowed or gently greeted you. Scythe walked you into the office of the Father. He was sitting at his desk before he looked up and saw you.

"Lualight, you've finally returned home.," The Father stood and pulled a chair out. Scythe hesitated, yet put you in the chair. She stepped aside as the Father walked behind you. The clawed gloves traced the chair behind you. What used to feel like comfort now felt like a threat. It felt like he was threatening to keep you restrained unless you gave him the answers he wanted. "We were worried when you vanished. Our little god was lost in a dangerous world.," his voice had a gentle tone to it. He was not genuine. He didn't mean it. You had heard genuine concern from Venomshank. You just looked forward as you were taught to. How Father taught you to be when he was speaking to you. "Now, my dear Lualight, where did you get these injuries?," He asked.

His claws trailed by your head. "From Windforce.," You answered. His pacing behind you stopped. The claw dug into the wood behind you. His voice was less gentle after and more demanding, "Explain." A single word order. No asking if you were okay or if you still were in pain. Just demands for answers. Scythe tried to speak, but Father had her be silent. "I was taken to the Splintered Skies and put on a trial by her.," You explained to the Father, "She got mad at me and..." You didn't finish your statement. You remembered how scared and hurt you were. The Father tapped his claws on the wood. "Continue.," he ordered. "I got hit with the power of her sword.," you told him. His clawed hand ran over your bandaged wound. It hurt when he pressed into it. You winced and pulled away from him. "Who gave you aid?," He asked. "Medkit.," you answered.

The Father seemed to be satisfied at the moment as he went back to his desk, he steepled his fingers. "You will be made to speak on this after the sermon. Rest for now.," He ordered, seemingly giving your mother the order to rest more than you. He had turned to her on the last part of the statement. Scythe picked you up from the chair you had been seated on. Her hands were careful and gentle. She returned to her room with you. Scythe took off her hat and scope. Her jacket, scarf and necktie were taken off after as well. You were held against her, you could feel her exhaustion catch up to her. You heard her breathing change as she fell into sleep. She kept her arms around you as she slept. Your mama was warm as she slept with you in her arms. She was relaxed now that you were back with her. Back where you belonged. Scythe had not been able to sleep since you had disappeared. Even when Broker called back to tell her that you were safe. She did not rest. She had been running on fumes to get you back. Her beloved daughter.

Your little head was slotted onto your mama's chest, right under her chin. You felt her breathing, heard her heartbeat. It was hard to not drift off yourself. You had slept well, but the soreness from the training Venomshank had given you had made you tired. You could not leave. You might as well nap with her. A sense of safety was with you as you slept in your mama's arms. While you were sleeping, word of your return spread through the church. As did word of you being injured. The news spread like wildfire through the church. "Scythe brought her home this morning." "I saw that she had bandages on her." "She's safe now. Good." Nobody tried to interrupt the nap you and your mother were taking. They knew that you two needed your sleep. Besides, it was too precious of a sight to see. The young god they loved, asleep in the arms of her mother.

The sun moved across the sky. Venomshank was waiting for you to come back. You did not come back. Sword went out to find you, even asking Medkit if he had seen you. The gladiator helmet wearing iphernal went to the library to ask the ones there if they had seen you. They told him that they saw you when you returned the books and nothing else. He thanked them and looked for you some more. Sword remembered that you really liked the cafe that Slingshot owned. The young warrior walked in and started asking the staff if they had seen you. His heart dropped when he heard they did. And that you were being carried by a very dangerous inphernal. Vinestaff could not hide her disgust when talking to Sword about seeing you being carried by your mama. She even mentioned that the inphernal carrying you claimed to be your mother. "How in the inpherno is she even related to Lua? Lua is too sweet to be hers!," Vine fussed. Shuriken nodded with an uncomfortable smile. "Thanks for the information.," Sword said. "Hey, It'd be best to not go after her. The people that her mother are with are very dangerous.," Slingshot said through the kitchen window. Sword deflated. You had been taken.

He went back to the home he shared with Venomshank. The god worriedly stood and looked at Sword when he came back. "Did you find anything?," Venomshank asked. Sword made a grimace, "She was taken. Her mother took her." Your mother. That dangerous individual that you had told him about before. He had also gathered more information on her when you and Sword were out together. Venomshank knew she was the most wanted criminal in the Inpherno, if not the most deadly. His own nephew had multiple dangerous encounters with her.

Scythe.

The enforcer of the Church of the True Eye. Banland Police force's most wanted criminal. Wanted for multiple murders and mass execution. She didn't seem to be one to adopt a helpless hornless. Yet she did. She loved you dearly from what you had told Venomshank. The most wanted who adopted and loves the most innocent. He did not know the location of the Church itself. If he did, he may have considered retrieving you himself. But then again, he did not like to interfere with mortals and their follies. "Venom?," Sword's voice pulled Venomshank from his thoughts, "Will Lualight be okay?" "She will be. Hornless may be soft in body, but their power can shake the inpherno itself. Only fools would dare to challenge one of the creator species.," Venomshank said. He hoped his words were as true for the young as the one he had known. Telamon's memory gave Venomshank some hope. If you were similar to he, then you will be perfectly fine.

You had woken from your nap, but Scythe was still sleeping. She was stubbornly holding you. You couldn't move. You did see some of your fellow church members peering in to check on you and your mama. Nobody dared to wake her. Nobody dared to take you from her either. All you could do was watch her sleeping face and listen to her breathing, listen to her heartbeat. Her warm breath blew over your hair. You would see her face muscles move, like she was dreaming of something. You could only hope that it was something nice. You saw the familiar shimmering of crystals that had appeared during your sleep. Finally, your mother stirred. She got up and stretched her joints out with some popping. Scythe wrapped her arms around you again and hugged you tightly. She smothered your face in kisses and nuzzles. The tickling of her fang against your cheeks making you smile. "Mama! That tickles!," You could giggle out as her kisses were turning your skin pink. She stopped kissing your face and gave you a smile. One that was so full of love and warmth. She had really missed you in the days you were apart.

You were taken to get changed out of the outfit that you had bought in the crossroads. You were dressed in one of the robes that were made for you. The habit to hide your hair and hornless head was placed on you again. The inphernal dressing you also painted your face with makeup, symbols of the church on your forehead and under your eyes. some rogue on your little lips. Your wounds were cleaned and examined, leaving the healing tissue exposed for viewing by the other members. You were taken to the Father again. He wanted you to give you some direction on what you were to say on your part of the sermon. You had to tell your story, or at least the parts he wanted you to tell with certain embellishments. The Father wrote down the script he wanted you to follow and practice. You read over it, reading aloud for Father to coach you. "Again. But put more emphasis on this part.," The father said, pointing to the passage. His clawed hand tapped the page as the other was resting on the back of your chair. You repeated the sentence, with more emphasis as he asked. "Good girl, much better.," He praised as he petted your head. His claws ran from your scalp to run gently across your cheek.

The Father's clawed fingers ran across your cheek, letting the back of the fingers brush over your soft skin to not cut you. He was careful to not smear the makeup put on you. "Start again, from the beginning.," He said in a kind tone, directing you to speak again. "My trip beyond the church has been wrought with both danger and discoveries-," You began, reading the script based on the story you had given the Father. He kept running his fingers over your cheek as you spoke, giving gentle encouragement to keep going. His demeanor was a lot more gentle than when you first returned. He stopped you when you got to the part of when you were learning to defend yourself. He took his claws off of your cheek to tap on the wood of the chair. "Could you do a demonstration of this new power of yours?," Father asked, "At least just summoning one of those shearing crystals without damage?" You thought a bit, you had only been able to do attacks with those types of crystals. You didn't know if you could suspend it like your church siblings did with their gears. Plus, you knew that the use of the power would be felt by Windforce and Venomshank. You were moved from the seat you were on to the Father's lap. You did not try to argue with him. His claws were so sharp that if you struggled, they would have cut you. He had you continue to practice under his watch. He corrected any mistakes and made you redo the speech until you had it perfect. Or as well as a child could do. He was reading over his own notes for the sermon later that day. You were a few days out of practice for speaking to the family, but you still had to. It was part of your duties. The Father kept running his claws over your skin, running over your cheek and neck. He ran his claws close to your still healing wounds. "Now these sections are crucial, they link to my own sermon.," The Father said as he pointed to his notes and then to your own. 'The Evil of the False Seven' Something that Father kept preaching. How the 'Swords' were false gods. Especially in regards to the one known as 'Firebrand'.

"You saw the wickedness of the False gods yourself.," He stroked his clawed hand over your injury on your head, "It is a wonder that you survived. Or maybe it is because you are of the true ones." His claws tickled your scabbed over wound, making you try to move away from his touch. "It did hurt.," You said. "But it did not kill you.," The Father replied, "That is the most important part." You held onto the paper you were reading, The eyes on his coat seemed to be watching you along with his own. "Those wicked false gods will want to stop you. To keep you from becoming what you were meant to be.," The Father asserted, "Either by force or by trying to convince you of their fake goodness. You have seen their true nature, The flames at the ruins and from Windforce."

"Not everyone I met was bad, though.," You told him and looked up at him, "Many were very nice." "You were fortunate to have such interactions.," The Father hummed while running his clawed fingers over your cheek, "Most of the population are violent by nature. Even right from spawn, they begin to fight." His claws kept petting your soft skin as he explained the dangers of inphernals to you. "But you, a hornless, are a kind and gentle being. Not having a fighting instinct as strong as ours.," The Father continued, "Such a nature makes you a more stable and considerate creature. A true god. You need to stay that way to be a good leader." He ran his finger over the bridge of your nose, down to the tip of it.

"Now, from the top. We have a few more hours before we have to give our sermons.," Father said while petting your face more. He made you repeat it again, Correcting mistakes while stroking his clawed hand under your chin. You spoke until the script was finished. The Father patted your head to praise you. His claws wrapped around your head easily as he rubbed over your hair. His claws smoothed over your clothes before lifting you up. He stood himself before walking out of his office. His shoes tapped on the smooth floor as he made his way to the auditorium. It seemed a bit more crowded in the halls, like it was during your introduction to the church. The members all around the inpherno must have been called after you were returned home. A cold feeling ran over you. You could not place it, but you wanted to be at Venomshank's place or with your mama instead. Members stepped aside for you and the Father, bowing as you passed by. Their horns and top of their heads were all you could see. You wanted to see their faces.

The Father brought you into the auditorium and set you on a seat that was new. A seat that was on the stage and near the podium. Inphernals, your church family, flooded into the Auditorium. They took their seats as the sound and smell of life filled the massive room. "My dear family," The Father spoke out to the crowd after they all sat or found somewhere to be, "Our dear Lualight has returned." A roar of excitement echoed through the crowd. It was so loud. They had all missed you. "I know many of you want to hear from her about her adventure, so I shall let her tell you first before our sermon.," The Father turned to you, beckoning you to the podium. You stood from your chair and made your way up, hopping onto the stool provided for you.

You began to speak but stopped from the feedback of the microphone. This made some of the members laugh. But you didn't feel like they were mocking you. You heard some gasp and whisper about your injuries. You spoke, following the script and direction that the Father had given you. Yet, you decided to add something. The fact you hid in the eternal flames from the Inphernals that had tried to catch you. The flames that had devastated so many of your fellow church members. You kept speaking. You didn't tell them about staying with Venomshank or about Sword. You told the rest of your story. You told them about Windforce and her trial, about seeing Banhammer. About seeing other inphernals in the Crossroads and about the wranglers you saw. You told them about how you had also began to learn about self defense using your power. You summoned your crystals as an example, making them burst above your hand.

You returned to your seat after finishing. You allowed the Father to do his sermon while you thought about what you had said. You didn't believe all of what you had said. You followed the script that was given, but that was to keep Father Overseer happy. He gave his sermon as you waited to be let go back to your mama. You would rather be sitting with her anyway. You were barely listening to what he was saying as you looked at the crowd or the hem of your robes. You wondered about Ghosdeeri. Was there others like her? Perhaps one here in Lost Temple? You thought about Chainsaw and Crossbow again. Were they okay? Were your crystals able to heal them? You wanted to know if they were there in the auditorium with you. You looked up and scanned the crowd for them. You finally saw them, their horns peering over the crowd in the very back. The brooches you made for them seemed to be sparkling in response to your want to find them.

After the sermon, you tried to make your way through the crowd to go see Chainsaw and Crossbow. You were stopped by various church members. They wanted to talk to you, to touch your injuries or even pet you like usual. Some, like those who were burned by the eternal flames, touched your skin since you were unburned. You saw that the two you wanted to talk to were called away by someone else, leaving you alone with the other church members who wanted to talk to you. You were picked up by one who held you up so you could be talked to without crouching down. You tried to talk to and help as many of your family as possible. Easing their pains and worries as they came to you for comfort and support. Lua poured from you and into the ones you were helping, easing their pains and healing them as they needed. The inphernal who held you passed you to another when they were called away. You kept healing and helping your family, like you wanted to do. But you yourself were getting exhausted. You kept taking care of everyone else, yet you felt like the others did not stop to want to help you. Only your mother seemed to care. Broker was nice, so was Chainsaw and Crossbow.

After you finally were able to help everyone and got to the archives. You sat in your usual spot to read what still needed to be translated. You recognized it as some medical text. Oh so the scouting teams found some medicine books. It seemed to be for inphernals to help their hornless companions in the days before the hornless left. You carefully translated the words as you could. You were not as fast as Ghosdeeri. You thought that having her help you translate would be nice. Or at least someone like her. You stopped and looked up at the lighting fixtures above you, mind wandering back to the Crossroads and those you met there. You could see why Broker liked Zuka and Rocket, they were kind. Boom box was a lot of fun too. Coil scared you a little, but he seemed to be nice underneath it all. Even though he smelled a little like dog. You stretched your little arms out, reaching out behind you and feeling fabric touch your fingers. Someone was behind you. You leaned back forward. "Oh Sorry.," You apologized. You turned back and saw The Dollmaker, the oracle of the church and the one who had made a lot of your clothes. "Dolly! Are you okay? I didn't hurt you did I?," You asked, knowing her fragility.

She shook her head as one of her dolls piped up, "I am okay!" Dollmaker took one of your hands and looked at it. She must have heard that you had walked through the eternal flames. "No burns, fortunate child.," another doll spoke with a saddened voice. The overhead lights shined off of her four horns. Her bandaged face looked down at your tiny hand as her dolls scampered around her feet. You could not help but feel bad for her, a beloved member who had been irreparably scarred by the heat of the scorch. You had not been told much about the scorch, only that it was caused by one of the Seven and that it hurt many inphernals, killing many more. You tried to soothe her pains whenever you could, even now you let her have some of your Lua to not suffer. The eye shaped gold jewelry on her head shined and she tilted her head in comfort from the healing. The three dolls that made up her gear even slowed down and seemed to relax. "Dolly, is there something you needed?," You asked. She shook her head and presented you with a doll. It was of your mother. You took the soft toy and hugged it with a wide smile. She seemed pretty happy from your reaction and gave you a pat on your head. You could feel her clawed hand on your head through her long sleeves. She left you to keep working on your tasks. You didn't see her look back at you sadly as the needles impaling her spine starting to spark.

Dollmaker walked slowly to the Father's office, feeling another vision coming to her. She instinctively pulled one of the needles from her spine and pulled fabric from her bag. She hurridly made a doll. The frantic pace of it was enough to get the Father's attention as he saw her making the doll. "Dollmaker, Do you have news?," He asked as Dollmaker finished. She held the doll she just finished and began to shake. The father noticed the needle she used was the second one on her spine. The one that warns of coming bad omens and tragedy. "A storm comes.," the voice of the sad doll spoke, "It will shroud the inpherno. Regions will be covered in the shadows the storm casts." "A storm?," The father asked before Dollmaker held out the doll. "Sorrow, rage, pain. This will come to pass.," The dolls all spoke together.

. . .

. .

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> Headcanons - Pre!Forsaken <

Beginning

It doesn't really matter if you were there from the start or not. Whether you were brought into the cult when you were a baby, like Two Time, or when you were older, like Azure.

No matter who you are, it's a bit hard to insert yourself into the duo. (Unless you were there from the start)

But Azure and Two Time aren't rude people; they're mostly polite. But when they see how you seem to actually care about being their friend, they eventually let you in their little group.

It's not exactly isolation, but both of them are just the types to keep to themselves. So when you join them, they assume you'll stay within their trio.

For Azure, he was always craving affection. Another person to love him as much as he loves. He gets attached without meaning to; he can't help it.

For Two Time, they're a little indifferent at first. But once you offer a friendship, they treat it as forever.

Azure Specific

More aware of his actions than one might think. He's not dumb, but he's paranoid. He's scared that you'll somehow slip through his fingers. Therefore, he wants you in sight at all times. It doesn't really matter what you're doing, if you're off minding your own business in the corner, he just needs to be there.

He feels a lot more comforted when you seem agreeable to his presence. You don't try to wiggle away; rather, you come to him. Seek his company like how he seeks yours. It helps a lot...

Azure knows he can come off as a scary guy. He's a larger guy and quite strong, therefore, he might come off as a threat. So he does his best to make sure to be more 'soft' around you. Shrink himself down so you feel more comfortable.

Azure loves taking care of you, specifically if you're sick. Does he wish sickness on you? Not exactly... but he enjoys how vulnerable you are. It means you trust him, willing to let him aid in your recovery. It fulfills two things within him.

One, it makes him feel useful. His knowledge of plants helps with medicine, teas, etc. They may not always taste amazing, but they do help. You'll always have at least one cup of tea next to you.

Two, (and more importantly) it puts you in a situation where you completely rely on him, and only him. The other members aren't going to help, the main doctor is quite busy, you know? Why ask for a doctor who is occupied with other patients when you have him? Azure can look after you 24/7, give you the type of attention that no doctor would ever offer.

Maybe that all works out. Maybe you like being all vulnerable and pathetic for him, so he can take care of you like you're some lost, beaten-up animal in the rain. Azure will never comment on it if that's your thing. You both find fulfillment in each other.

Azure sometimes will place flowers along your body. If possible, Azure loves braiding flowers into your hair. If not, then he'll use smaller flowers and stick the stems in. It doesn't last very long, but the flowers are light enough to stay for a bit.

Other ways Azure decorates you with flowers: sometimes he'll make little flower bracelets or rings. Of course, flower crowns are the first things that come to mind, but they also take a fair amount of time. Azure doesn't always have a lot of free time, so he'll quickly just tie the stem of a flower around your finger.

He loves thinking about what type of flowers to decorate with. There's a lot of thought put into it: Your favorite color, your favorite scent, your personality, what colors look nice on you, etc.

Azure gets flustered more easily than you would think. But it's not extremely obvious if you're not paying attention. He craves love and affection, but he gets too elated to think. But he is also a grown adult, so it's a bit embarrassing.

Since Azure gets hot easily, he often takes off his robes. If you'd like, you're welcome to take them for yourself. Since Azure himself is a pretty big guy, all his robes are oversized for you. He also takes decent care of them, so they're always comfortable and fairly clean.

Once he gets them back, however, he's more hesitant to clean them. The scent of you lingers within the fabric...

Two Time Specific

Two Time likes being alone with you. Often, they'll gently force you to accompany them in the study hall or their cottage. They use every excuse to take up your day; the most common one is about your study sessions.

Two Time is extremely knowledgeable about the Spawn; they grew up with its teachings. Therefore, they're more than willing to teach you.

They also don't care for personal space. You two are extremely close, so that means it's okay for Two Time to always be there, right? When you eat breakfast, attend 'sermons', do your assignments, complete your chores.

They don't care for things that might be considered "too intimate" or "inappropriate". So they'll accompany you in areas where most people would not. Where you take a shower or bath, where you sleep at night, etc. Two Time has no problem inserting themselves into your daily routine. Especially if you were together from childhood.

It's not that they don't understand why it can be considered indecent, Two Time just doesn't see it that way. You're not a stranger, some outsider they don't know. Both of you share a bond like no other, one that allows for this type of closeness. It's not meant in a perverted way... You two are close. Why wouldn't Two Time be with you at all times?

The other members only stop bugging Two Time about their weird attachment to you once you speak up. You tell them that it's normal, or that it's okay, you don't mind.

Two Time is already an outcast... maybe you tell the villagers that you're helping them out. Keeping Two Time away from everyone else as a favor, reinforcing all those negative ideas about Two Time. Then, Two Time can really only rely on you and Azure. Huh.

Unlike Azure, Two Time's clinginess comes from pure desire, rather than fear. They're not too worried that you'll leave; in fact, the thought never even crosses their mind. No one ever leaves this village; why would you leave them? How would you leave them?

Two Time has hobbies, not a lot of them, but they have some. Mostly reading; Two Time enjoys that. It's easy and simple.

Although it's hard to read together, you and them. A bit annoying to keep sharing a single book. Two Time reads at a rather fast pace, and getting two copies of the same book is a bit bothersome.

But they like listening to your opinion or thoughts about it. What you thought about the characters, a certain event, or even the plotline. Did you like it? What did you not like about it?

If you write your own little stories, then that's great! Two Time will be more than willing to be one of your readers. Help you as a beta reader. It makes them feel really special, getting access to your little stories. And then they wait for whatever next installment you have. Two Time finishes books fast. Your stories are no exception.

Especially if your stories are somewhat unexpected compared to your character. For example, if you're normally seen as a sweet, innocent person, but write dark horror books. Two Time is getting to know another side of you, one that most others don't.

Two Time is also willing to get into whatever hobby you have. Most likely, they're not too interested in the actual hobby, but they like how you fixate on it. It can literally be anything, and Two Time wants to hear you ramble about it. Whether it's artistic, athletic, or anything.

AzureTime

The three of you have your own little system. Almost like jobs within the dynamic.

Azure likes taking care of the more domestic side of things. Cooking, taking care of the ill, etc. He also is sorta the handyman, does more of the hard labor stuff.

Two Time does more of the passive things. They help you and Azure with studies, with tasks, and important events within the community. Two Time is also the one who often interacts with the other members, despite being considered an outcast. You and Azure don't often talk with the others.

You keep balance. Watch all those little habits that disturb the routine. If Azure or Two Time are at their end, if their negative mindsets start to catch up to them. Making sure none of them crash, keeping them safe from any breakdowns. How you do it is... vast. Many ways you can assist.

Do you let them sink deeper? Trap themselves in those obsessive thoughts? Or try and help them into a healthier safer mindset?

For example, Azure's attachment and paranoia issues. Do you try to reassure him? Or do you let him spiral? Making Azure more fixated on keeping you with him.

Or Two Time. Letting them continue with their disturbing actions, causing them to become more isolated and alone. Making it seem like they cross barriers that were never put up in the first place.

For Azure and Two Time, being together also naturally helps them. Azure craves a bond and security. Two Time wants affection and a constant. They're like a puzzle piece that snaps together perfectly.

Azure and Two Time also take measures to keep you by their side. No matter what you do, if you try to reel them back or not. Since the three of you already keep to yourselves, it's not very hard on their part. But then again, it's not like you want to get away from them.

One thing all of you enjoy is rest. The assignments tasked to you can be labor-intensive, so a nap at the end of the day is amazing.

Two Time runs cold while Azure runs hot. So you get the best of both worlds. Two Time definitely gets hot easily, though, when cuddling. They don't stop, but they do keep shuffling around. Funny enough, if you catch Azure on a bad day, he'll lovingly try and get Two Time to lie still. The method of how he does this is up in the air.

Azure gets up the earliest, and Two Time gets up around... whenever they feel like it. As long as it's before the required time before sermon. However, Azure is not a morning person, and Two Time will naturally wake up early, but they choose to stay in bed. (Mostly to be with you in the morning)

Azure loves carrying both of you around. Giving you piggybacks or throwing you over his shoulder. He'll carry both of you at the same time if asked. It's his little prideful way of affection. Two Time doesn't always enjoy being picked up like a rag doll, but it's extremely funny on your end.

Scenarios

You wanted to become closer to Azure, so obviously you decided to get into botany. Azure seems pleased, more than willing to lend you a hand. Together, you make your way to the greenhouse, where Azure starts you off with simple seeds. Mostly flowers or edible plants. Things like basil or tomatoes.

Azure makes sure that you meet with him first thing in the morning. Teaching you when to water the plants, deal with bugs, and get rid of weeds. He stands behind you the whole time, watching every little move you make.

"Ah, that's... No, you're not exactly wrong, holding the hose like that. But.... here, let me show you a better way.... There we go. Easy, right?"

Azure likes to stand behind you because he gets to butt in if you make a mistake. He'll bring himself forward and against your back, his large hands holding yours, guiding you in whatever way he can. If you'll let him, he'll rest his chin on top of your head.

Once you grow your first plant, it will most likely be some kind of flower. Azure will pluck one out before keeping it for himself. A little keepsake of this tender memory. He'll press the flower into a book, filled with all his other precious memories of the two of you together. Some you yourself may not recognize...

.....

Two Time's little cottage is not very well-lived in. They live in it, but it's not homely.

An idea pops into your head; you suggest filling some of the empty space with pictures. So it's more personal to them. Two Time seems happy with that idea.

An old crappy camera is all they have, good enough. It only prints out polaroid photos, but even those have their own little charm.

The both of you wander into the forest, somewhere nice and quiet. Two Time starts taking pictures of the trees and scenery, but they're more interested in taking photos of you. You're important to their life, after all.

"You can stand over there, underneath those branches. I'll take a picture of you then."

Of course, you suggest taking pictures together. Two Time is a bit camera-shy; not that they get flustered, they just don't like being photographed. But when it's with people they care about, they don't mind.

So you two have your little photo session, taking silly pictures together under the sun. Even taking photos of random crap once you run out of ideas.

Two Time starts making it a habit of theirs to take photos when you're just out and about. Whenever the two of you hang out, Two Time likes taking a picture of the moment.

Although it starts to wander into more... unsavory territory.

Yes, Two Time started to decorate their place with photos of you and Azure. But there's a small drawer, hidden away from any light, filled with photos. It's not.. exactly shameful. It's just different types of photos, ones that don't scream those same silly, friendly moments.

.........

It's not like Azure or Two Time have official jobs within the village. But it's not like they have endless free time either. So when all three of you have some time for yourselves, it's best to make the most of it.

With the resources you have, all of you decide to go on a picnic. Take a hike around the trees, outside of the tall gates that wall you in.

Azure takes the heavy basket; you offer to help him, but he quietly laughs before shaking his head. He likes carrying heavy things. (Not really.)

Two Time leads the group, picking the spot they think would be the best. They end up picking a spot not too far away from a river.

The three of you sit on the picnic blanket and set the basket down. There were a few sandwiches and water. Some cut fruit, nothing too special. But the moment was more than enough to make up for it. A relaxed scene, one that brought you serenity.

Eventually, the suggestion of going into the river comes up. It's a warm day and it's not often you get the chance to, it's not like there's a community pool back at the village.

None of you own swimsuits, but taking off the heavy robes worked well enough.

The three of you enter the water, all in different ways. Two Time doesn't seem to mind the cold, simply walking deeper into the river. It reaches their mid-calf before they turn over to you.

Azure tests the water by sticking a foot inside. The stark difference in the water's temperature and his own was insane. He feels shivers up his spine, and all he's done is dip his foot in it.

Of course, none of you actually take a swim. Just hang around the river, the shallow part.

But it's still nice, looking at the clear water and being able to see all the stones underneath your feet.

When the three of you get out, you use your robes as towels. Two Time simply curled up like a burrito, while Azure lets it hang around his shoulders.

There are two ways it can go from here.

Azure suggests starting a fire and hanging out around here for a little while longer. (And definitely not because he's cold.) You guys can relax out in nature and outside the village for a little longer, and wait for the night to fall and be able to stargaze.

Two Time suggests just heading back home and everyone to crash at one of your cottages. Everyone can lie on the bed or sofa, snack on something light, and drink something warm.

> Headcanons - Forsaken <

Beginning

If you're a survivor: Unfortunately, when you awaken in this forsaken realm, the first person you meet is a stranger. They help you up, show you around, but then you see a small spawn symbol, carved into one of the wooden logs as part of the wall.

Two Time doesn't often leave evidence of their presence. But after being trapped for so long, it's impossible to not leave some sort of trace. One that you follow.

It doesn't take long for you to find Two Time. You weren't sure whether you'd find Azure or Two Time first, but you just needed to see one of them. All the built-up anxiety was going to make you sick.

Two Time is elated when they see your face. They don't care about how weird they may seem, running towards you and clinging, rambling about some nonsense about how they knew you'd come to them. How the Spawn sent a message in their dreams about your arrival.

If you're a killer: You awaken in a large forest. As a killer, the entity has toyed with your mind to make you less human. Therefore, you wander between the trees like a zombie.

Eventually you come across a small cottage with a garden. The scene triggers something in the back of your mind, but before anything else, the roots from the garden slither and wrap around your legs. It drags you harshly towards the cottage.

You almost don't recognize Azure; he's different. But you're happy nonetheless.

But Azure just stares at you for a moment. No warm welcomes, no excited greetings. When he lets you inside for shelter, it's cold and unsettling.

But he expects you to enter. He knows you'll come inside and stay.

For Azure, his 'self' has been reborn from death. But also rebuilt into a different person. He craves... something. He's not sure what he wants; he just knows he wants you. And in this realm, that means forever.

For Two Time, after being alone for so long, lacking any sense of familiarity, they just want you. They want their partners... so when they see you again, they cannot let you go. Worried and scared you'll somehow slip away.

Azurewrath Specific (Warning for Dark Content. Nothing too crazy, but still.)

He keeps you safe, locked up in his own little cottage. Away from all the other killers, he has no interest in anyone else. Just you.

He's been alone for so long, sitting in his pent-up anger, waiting for all of it to spill out. But now you're here with him. And you'll stay with him; you don't have a choice.

You love Azure as much as he obsesses over you. He can't really feel the fluffy, soft feelings of affection, not anymore. So his love is... different. A shadow of his old habits, but influenced by different values. Different desires.

Azure has all the time in the world now, and one thing that didn't change is his desire to decorate you with his flowers. Since he has the time now, he can make all those flower crowns that he couldn't make before, pretty you up in all that makes him sane.

The problem is, his flowers are rather... poisonous. They're biologically made to wear down survivors and such; therefore, he can't always cover you in them.

But you also can't die. And Azure's own patience wears thin.

Whenever you try to escape, or act out; try to hurt him or make him upset, Azure is more than willing to litter you in all those pretty flowers. Shove them down your vulgar mouth and have the roots wrap around your limbs, all the way to your fingertips. Finally, he'll lovingly place his flowercrown on top of your pretty little head once you're all tuckered out. Numb and dazed for all the poison.

Maybe you don't want to escape, but either way it's easy to tick Azure off. Accidentally imply the wrong thing, and he'll make your mind become mush by shoving more plants down your throat. You hardly need to think anyway; you can just sit there. Like some sort of prize on his shelf.

Azure enjoys the fact that he owns you more than anything else. Before, Azure loved you as a person, but now his monstrous self can't feel those same emotions. Azure used to love you, to the point he obsesses over you. Now, only the obsession is left. The love is all broken apart and torn into an indecipherable mess. Only leaving a small echo in his mind, one he doesn't seem to care for. He "loves" you. But doesn't understand what he likes about you.

Of course, he prefers you to be conscious. Interact with the things around the cottage, including him. But when you are only serving as an annoyance, it's better to just sit still.

Another thing that doesn't change is his paranoia. He's worried that if he gives you too much freedom, you'll leave. Azure doesn't trust you enough to let you wander into the forest, he doesn't trust that you'll come back.

You have to work up the ability to leave the small room he gives you. Then to the living room, maybe outside where the garden is. But even when you do, Azure is always there.

Azure likes wrapping his tentacles around you. Not really to restrain you, but just to hold you. The tentacles don't squeeze your limbs; they simply wrap around them. Almost like a cuddle. Just... more slimy.

If you were a survivor, it's scarier for Azure. It's upsetting that you don't automatically spawn in the area Azure is allowed. You're with the survivors, and with them. And how much Azure loathes the thought.

So when he manages to get you beyond the barrier, on his side of this realm, he's never letting you go.

If you were a killer, it's slightly easier. For one, Azure enjoys the fact that the only people in Two Time's life are the people who tear them apart during rounds. But also it's easier to contain you. He doesn't need to wonder where you'll go if you somehow die here; you'll respawn on the killer's side. He can be rougher because you can take it, he doesn't need to worry about hurting you because you can fight back.

It's not like Azure is more aggressive when you're the killer. Rather, when you're a survivor, he knows that it's easier to accidentally break you. Either way, Azure doesn't treat you like glass, just enough to make sure you don't shatter.

It comforts Azure that you can't die. You're stuck here, like he is.

Two Time Specific

They're...paranoid. They're scared.

There's no doubt that Two Time has also changed.

Being by themselves, stuck with people from outside the village, it slowly chips away at their mind. They crave someone familiar, someone they're allowed to be with. That someone is just you. There isn't another option. The other option is... him, but he can't be with them. Not yet...

So they've been praying, every second they have, just yearning for you specifically. And the Spawn, with all its power, brings you here.

A part of Two Time feels bad, because they don't want you to suffer the torture of being stuck in this realm. But it's not their fault you're here. Sure, they prayed about it, but the Spawn is its own will.

They didn't exactly wish for you to arrive here, they wished to see you again... different things.

Two Time is paranoid that you'll somehow distance yourself from them. So they cling to you. Nothing really changes from before, but it feels different.

They fall back into their old tactics. They are more knowledgeable about this realm than you are, so stick by them. They can help you live with these death games and the breaks in between. You don't need to go to the others for help, you have them. And they need you.

Aren't you two close? Surely a few months or however long it's been can't weaken the bond you have. So stick close, and don't stray away.

It doesn't take a genius to understand that Two Time's mental state has plummeted. Whether or not it was okay before. So it's your job to help them, right?

Any excuse or reason Two Time can create.

They know they aren't too well regarded by the others; they're not stupid. So they only worsen their image, purely to ruin yours as well. They constantly remind the others that you are also a follower of the Spawn, using its teachings to guide your way in life. Hopefully, it'll cause them to stay away from both of you. You don't need outside influences tainting you anyway.

Most likely, you'll stay in their cabin. You're free to leave Two Time's cabin, but they'll just follow you. There's no light source in their little room, and since it's always nighttime, it's a bit hard to see. There are candles, but Two Time is too scared to light them. Remember? So it's your job to light them for them.

There's really nothing to do. There are no books to read, no games to play, nothing. But Two Time seems happy just being in your presence. Both of you will just sit on the floor, leaning against the wall with your hands intertwined. Two Time will just smile at you, staring. They're exactly where they want to be.

If you're a killer, that's a different story.

Two Time is now faced with the fact that both you and Azure are not with them anymore. Azure hates them, rightfully so. But surely you don't, too?

They feel sick.

Two Time spirals and they're manic. Even if you're a survivor, it doesn't always lead to them getting better.

They just feel nervous all the time, a twisted, sluggish feeling in their stomach. They can't focus, and they just want to be able to slow down and think. But this realm does anything but slow down, being thrown into deadly rounds, and Two Time is forced to be faced with Azure and possibly you.

Sometimes they just stalk you. If you're a killer. In rounds, they don't interrupt your actions, don't try and bother you because they know you'll kill them.

Or they try and come talk to you. At first it's polite. They want to know how you are, what you need, what you'd like. They want to know what you think of them, don't you want to see them again?

But as more rounds pass, the more disheveled they become. Their ramblings become more incoherent. Maybe some pleading, some begging, frustration, and confusion.

Two Time wants nothing more than to be in your care again. They miss being looked out for, for someone to check up on them, treat them like a respectable person, just love them.

They know it's their fault, but they also can't face the fact that their perfect life was ruined by their hands. So they turn to the only thing they can, towards the Spawn. Look for guidance and a second chance...

AzureTime

Azure and Two Time's relationship is broken. Azure hates Two Time; nothing tells you otherwise. But that doesn't only affect them; it affects you. Both of them only obsess over you more, yearning for nothing but you.

If you still care for Two Time, Azure gets angry. It's the only thing he can feel at this point. It's not fair. Why should Two Time have your affection? They will never be as loyal to you as you are to them. A deep part of Azure wishes Two Time would've been like that, but he's not going to gaslight himself into pretending that Two Time isn't some selfish traitor.

When you mention Azure, Two Time gets nervous. They're worried that you'll leave them if they tell you the truth, so they do everything to change the topic. Maybe make small... careful worded sentences that aren't complete lies. Just not a complete truth. Eventually, they just want you to stop talking about him. Two Time can barely handle the guilt; they can't lose you.

They almost switch places with their past selves: Azure starts off as paranoid, scared that everyone will leave him, only wanting someone to love him. Now he only wants you for the sake of it, not being able to understand romance or his past attachments. Two Time starts off indulgent, wanting your affections and to stay with you out of pure desire. After being alone for so long, tormented by guilt and isolation, they just crave your affections, not willing to ever let you go.

Scenarios

You take care of Azure's little garden. The plants aren't... too friendly, so you only handle the ones you can. The small passive ones that can't hurt you. But that doesn't mean the roots of the other plants don't hold you down, acting like chains that prevent you from running away.

It reminds you of the times when Azure would teach you how to tend to plants. He'd stand right by you and tenderly speak to you.

Right now he's not here. He's sitting inside the cottage. He doesn't need to be physically there; his plants work as eyes for him. There's a sinking feeling in your chest; it's a little painful. You miss the way he'd praise you for all your hard work, pat you on the head or peck your temple.

So you work harder, trying to tend to the plants that you don't normally go near. Maybe it'll grab his attention? It goes as well as you'd expect it to. A large cut on the palm of your hand.

The human hand has a large number of nerves, and each one of them could definitely feel the wound, sliced open and dripping blood.

Of course, Azure is alerted right away. For a second, he doesn't do anything. He doesn't need to; you come towards the cottage by yourself.

And for another second, he feels indifferent. Annoyed if he really cared. But you come to him, hurt and asking him for some help. It's cute. He stands over your shaking, slightly scared figure, silent.

Azure does eventually cave. Taking out a small jar of some crushed-up powder and some bandages. He rubs the powder into the cut, a little harder than he needs to. Let it be a reminder to not act stupid again. Then, he'll wrap the bandage around your hand.

Isn't it nostalgic? Remind you of a different time? There's a warm feeling inside you, staring at your palm before muttering out a 'thank you'.

You're pathetic, all happy that Azure patched up your wounds. But he doesn't comment on it; he lets you sink in that feeling by yourself before making his way towards the back of the cottage.

.........

(Warning for starving oneself)

When you find Two Time, they're sitting in a corner in their room facing the wall. Their hands are clasped together, and their eyes are closed. They're praying.

You've come to remind Two Time that they need to eat. It wasn't uncommon for Two Time to forget, and that only seemed to worsen as their mental state declined.

Two Time smiles at you, as they always do. They don't say anything, instead walking towards you before grabbing onto you. Of course, you'll be the one making Two Time breakfast. Two Time is well-known for being extremely horrid at cooking, as well as being banned from the kitchen.

So together you make your way to the main cabin and to the kitchen. There isn't much here, but Two Time will be happy with whatever you make. They sit happily at one of the tables while you cook something up.

Two Time urges you to sit with them once you hand them their plate. You can just chat with them while they eat. They don't care what you talk about, just if you're talking.

But then Two Time brings their fork up to your face, wanting you to take a bite. They enjoy staring at your expressions when they do, whether you're flushed, confused, or annoyed.

They love moments like this. It's all worth it. It's worth going a little hungry for moments like this.

For you to remind them to eat, let them cling to you while you make them something to eat, eat together, and let them feed you. It's all the affection they want.

It's not like they're purposefully ignoring their health; they don't want to be sick. But they do love how you look after them.

__________

a/n: I got more watermelons. :]

Sorry, a bit repetitive, huh. I kinda did this in a rush.

Lowkey, when I was writing for the pre!forsaken stuff, I forgot I was supposed to be writing for yanderes. MY BAD. Hopefully, the Forsaken stuff makes up for it. I was clearly in a very fluffy mood...

- I'd imagine she finds you whilst wandering around a silent area, and seeing as you're afraid and relatively harmless, she decides to let you go

- You decide to follow her around instead, at first at a distance, because you're far from the shelter and find it too loud to enjoy.

- She finds it... odd. But tolerates you, since you're harmless and quiet. Hooray!

- You show her around, help her, and in general are just a positive to have around

- you try to stay away whenever other civilians come around and cause a ruckus, causing Harken to go attack them

- She finds comfort and solace in you, and enjoys the peace <3

- Whenever Harken finishes a round where she kills all the other civilians, she just comes over and stays around you, and warps her wings around you.

- you help groom and preen Harkens wings <3

- bonus : you both throw taunt into the sun foreverrrrr /j

"Today too, huh?" Rocket sighed, as he stared at the rectangular void box next to the leaderboard. "How long have they been gone?" 

The Phighters stood at a stand still, an awkward silence settling upon them as they were waiting for you. It's been days since you came back from school. 

Though lately… you've been acting weird—dodgy and distant. They've thought nothing of it at first, but… it's been getting frequent. 

They figured it's because you got falsely convicted and was sent away in another city, so being in a new environment can be stressful to a person. Not to mention the weird rumors surrounding you on top of that.

"Almost about… four days," Coil recounted, staring into the sky before jumping off the short ledge down to the spawn point of the lobby. "What's the kid doin', even?" 

"I worry for them," Vinestaff's lips curved into a slight frown, de-summoning her gear. "They would usually check up on us every once in a while, no matter how busy they got." 

"Or maybe they're just really busy," Slingshot stretched the strings of his gear, before releasing—shooting the pellet at Rojer. "They have those… midterms thing they've said before, right?" 

"Yes, they do." Medkit nodded. "But I'd say it's too early for them to study… considering their habits. Adding on to that, they still have new lessons yet to be discussed." 

"Psh! It's still not too late to study for the human!" Subspace interjected, jabbing at Medkit. "Though, it would be best for them to hurry back… I still need to know what they teach in those institutions of theirs!" Medkit rolled his eyes at this.

While everybody was chattering and pondering about where you are, Boombox noticed something odd at the corner of his eye.

Swirling wisps of red and black coming from… underground; where the mini-fortress was. It looked like it was coming out from the broken bars. Not only that, the surroundings seemed to warp around inside.

It was also ominous in the way that the environment ambience was distorted, too.

"Guys…? There's something…" Boombox started to inch closer to the source of the distortion, becoming more uncertain as he approaches. His visor displayed question marks, a green glow emitting from the glowing signs.

"What is it, Boom?" Skateboard's gaze trailed Boombox's figure, raising an eyebrow before deciding to follow his best friend.

"There's… something here." With their curiosity piqued, they followed and went inside to the mini-fortress where Boombox and Skateboard stood.

Below the broken yellow bars, instead of a hidden path, it was a deep pool of vibrant red and black. It was moving—warping—around the walls of the path. It almost looked like a portal.

"What IS this?" Shuriken tilted his head, crouching down to look closer, but Slingshot grabbed him from the hood.

"It's not like anything I've seen before!" Subspace rushed to the front, bumping into the others. "It seems to be a portal… Come, Biograft! Let's test where this leads!"

"It's best that we do not tamper with it." Katana looked down, his expression unreadable due to his mask. "The only thing we know is—" "SHOW ME YOUR TRUE FORM!"

A familiar, yet distorted voice echoed from the void.

Almost everyone froze at the sound, collectively looking down at the portal.

"Isn't that…?" Sword murmured, walking closer to the source of the voice.

"No, hold on! What if it's a trap?" Rocket stopped Sword half-way, furrowing his eyebrows in skepticism. "There's no way in hell [Name] would go in that portal! I mean, they're unable to!"

"Rocket's correct." Medkit backed him up. "This… portal came out of nowhere. We do not know what's in it, or what it is. It's volatile." Medkit referred to the distortion it was causing.

Suddenly, the portal was reacting violently. It started to seep out, distorting strongly whatever it touches.

"Well, that's out of the question!" Ban Hammer suddenly jumped back once the portal started reacting. However, the air started to get sucked in by the void, pulling anything or anyone in it's vicinity.

Skateboard summoned his gear, attempting to speed out of the area, but instead slipped and fell. He soon got dragged into the portal, but Boombox tried to pull him up. "Skate!!"

"This is very unfortunate," Scythe tried to hold on a pillar while holding onto her hat, a glint of her sharp teeth showing.

The others were also trying to get out of the mini-fortress, but to no avail. One by one, they got sucked into the red and black void, until no one was left. The portal soon calmed down, slinking back into the yellow bars underground.

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

You grunted as you jumped to the side, dodging an attack from the Shadow. You've been damaging this persistent Shadow bit by bit—you've unfortunately came a bit unprepared to fight Futaba's shadow uncle.

It had the upperhand slightly, with it slashing relentlessly and casting it's skills. You, on the otherhand, were on the defensive. If this keeps up…

"Futaba, can you find his weakness?" You say as you dodged another one of the Shadow's attacks, barely evading it's attack. You let out a ragged breath, gripping your dagger tightly.

"Hold on for just a bit longer, I'm trying to track it down!" Futaba was frantically searching for its weakness, just its weakness could turn the tides in this fight.

"I'll destroy you!! You don't have any money to give to me!!" The Shadow roared. You narrowed your eyes, gritting your teeth at its words. It was about to attack again before Futaba paged you, notifying you that she found the weakness.

"There! [Name], you can hit his weakspot with Psychic damage!" Futaba called out. You grunted in acknowledgement, your hand flying to your mask.

"Okuninushi!" You called out, changing your Persona. Okuninushi appeared right behind you, bathed in a soft, blue light as he pointed his sword at the Shadow, casting Psio.

The Shadow screeched as it was knocked down, falling onto it's back. Wasting no time, you lunged to it to land the final hit, swinging your dagger.

A loud, pained groan was ripped from the Shadow, turning into black wisps and reverting back to his human form. Slowly, you stood up from kneeling, turning back to look at Futaba's Uncle.

"Wakaba was always smart and competent. I'm just a loser. I guess things would always turn out this way…" he lamented, grunting still in pain.

"You were thinking about Mom..?" Futaba murmured, coming up behind you as she let her Persona disappate.

"Even back then, I thought just being normal was okay…" he sighed. "Then, my whole world changed when I won a lot of money through gambling."

"Everyone who thought I was worthless started being jealous of me.. haha.." He then went on that he couldn't forget about that powerful feeling. How he felt like Wakaba.

"You're just a gambling addict." You deadpanned, stuffing your hands into your pockets. He seemed slightly shocked, before reverting back to that shameful face.

"Ha… you're absolutely right." He chuckled pitifully, before mumbling more stuff. Futaba was at a loss for words, just looking at her uncle in disbelief.

He soon disappated in light blue sparkles, leaving behind a budding treasure in front of you. You swiped it, acquiring another weapon. "…There. That should be done."

"Now he won't sue anyone… right?" Futaba asked, looking over to you. "Sojiro's safe now!"

"I'm sure he won't." You shook your head in reassurance, a small smile forming on your lips. "Should we go back now?" Futaba had a big relieved smile on her face, as she was joyfully going back to where you both came from.

Before she suddenly stopped.

She looked around in the air, presumably the little windows in her techy goggles. "Wait… I'm getting readings. It's… It's not shadow readings, then what is it?" she mumbled under her breath.

"Futaba? What's wrong?" You stopped in your tracks, craning your head to look back at her.

"Anomaly readings… it's not—"

"[NAME]?? [NAME]?! Where are you?!" A faint voice reverbrated through the walls of Mementos, a voice that you knew very well.

"Sword, shut up! We might get ambushed by those monsters again!" Another voice followed, this time it was slightly hushed.

"Oh no." You whipped your head to the direction of the voice. That was Sword, and Rocket. How were they here?

"Futaba… I need you to go on ahead." You said suddenly, walking up to her and pushing her lightly to the exit and pulling up the MetaNav on her phone.

"Wha—What?! [Name], you can't be serious—?"

"Just go." You looked into her eyes, holding on to her shoulders. "Now. I can handle this."

She hesitantly opened her mouth to protest more, but you firmly shook her softly, shaking your head no. You couldn't let her see them—if you even sure it was them.

You let her go. Futaba trailed back to the way of Mementos's entrance, seeing her figure become smaller and smaller as you were left behind.

A multitude of footsteps became louder, all of them which varied—and recognized.

"What the—? Now who's this in our way?!" Rocket suddenly yelled out, seeing your figure. It seemed like they haven't recognized you, given your outfit and mask.

"It doesn't seem to look like a monster..?" Slingshot lowered his gear, squinting his eyes to look at you more clearly.

"Let's not get too comfortable," Hyperlaser suddenly spoke, now aiming at your head. "We don't know where we are, or what's in this place."

You slowly turned around, confirming your suspicious. It was them.

And it was so surreal to finally… see them in person. In real time, without a digital barrier between you and them. They were more taller than you, that's for sure.

Though… It would be a little funny to play with them; So you didn't take off your mask, or speak just yet.

"Not talking, are ya?" Scythe readied her gear, changing it to it's rifle mode. "That's fine. If ya get outta of our way."

You were at a standstill with them, before Hyperlaser took the first shot. You dodged, shooting your grappling hook at the ceiling and swinging yourself to be behind them.

Rocket grunted, summoning his launcher and aiming it right at you. Though he missed, as you were swiftly moving with your grappling hook.

Sword charged in as soon as you landed, before you blocked it with your dagger. Though, the impact was great as you barely slipped, trying to stabilize your footing.

Behind you, both Ban Hammer and Katana swung their gears at you. Just at the right time, you jumped—with Sword barely dodging with a yelp.

You tried to run away to hide behind a pillar, but Medkit made it difficult. He started to shoot with his revolver at your feet, making you stutter and almost trip.

Slingshot and Shuriken joined in, with Slingshot shooting pellets in the air and Shuriken coming out of being invisible to throw multiple of his shurikens. You held your mask again, as you summoned Rangda to erect a physical barrier.

The pellets and shurikens bounced back, making the both of them yell in surprise. "What the?! It's those monsters again!" Slingshot yelled out.

"Found ya!" Scythe suddenly appeared, swinging her scythe right at you. You jumped out of the way, dodge rolling to her opposite direction. But that was a distraction—Skateboard soon used his ultimate to stagger you, with Boombox tagteaming to pull you in.

Without you catching a break, Vinestaff summoned her gear, shooting seeds at you. Coil soon followed after, changing to his speed gear to catch up to you. This time, they actually landed a hit on you. Coil managed to punch your back, while Vinestaff hit a multitude of seeds.

You choked in pain, feeling your back almost crack from that punch. Inphernals' strength is no joke, that's for sure.

You coughed, as you stumbled to the side. That's not even all. You hear Subspace yell, summoning his crystal vaccuum, pulling you in again. "ShIT—!" You tried to grab onto a ledge, but the pull was too powerful.

Then, Biograft shot a target at you, before zooming to you and slashing at you. You screamed in pain, before the crystal exploded, making you fall to the ground.

You struggled to keep your eyes open with the pain burning onto you, like a hot searing brand that was pressing against your back.

You were lifted up from the back of your collar by Ban Hammer, letting you dangle in the air. "Who even is this squirt?" He lifted your face up, seeing it smudged with dirt.

"Wait… don't tell me—" Medkit's eyes widened, realizing what he and the others have done. Before he could speak, Ban Hammer tore your mask off in front of everyone.

Everyone was suddenly quiet.

It's you.

They attacked you.

"[Name]!" Sword exclaimed, his eyes wide in horror. He and almost everyone de-summoned their gear immediately.

"Uh.. hgn… Nice.. to see you guys…" You croaked out, breaking out a smile before your head fell forward; you passed out.

Everyone's voices were fading as they were exclaiming for you to stay awake.

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

Medkit, Vinestaff and Coil were by your side as you laid on the concrete floor, eyes still closed. Medkit healed you to the best of his abilities, with the support of Coil and Vinestaff. They felt especially guilty in taking part of harming you.

"What were they thinking?" Medkit suddenly grunted under his breath, sighing as he watched your sleeping face. There was still dirt smudged on your face, with dried blood from your busted lip.

"We just have to apologize later." Hyperlaser leaned on a pillar, his arms crossed. "Just what were they doing here?"

"We heard them through that portal, right…?" Sword recalled, kneeling beside you. Rocket was also beside him, standing. The others were at the sidelines, just hoping you'd wake up.

"We did." Medkit sighed. Hyperlaser's coat was draped over you.

A soft grunt was heard. Medkit whipped his head to find you cracking your eyes open. He wasted no time to check you.

"[Name]? [Name], can you hear me?" Medkit called out to you gently, before you propped yourself up. Coil supported your back, letting you lean on him.

"[Name], we're so sorry, we didn't know it was you—" Vinestaff's words spill out, shifting closer.

"N-No… No.. It's okay. I didn't tell you guys, it was my fault." You murmured, shaking your head in reassurance. "But… how did you guys get here?"

"There was this portal that Boom found," Skateboard piped up, both he and Boombox walking towards you. Boombox's face mirrored Vinestaff's: worried, and apologetic. "and it sucked us all in here."

"Wait.. when did you find this portal..?" You suddenly questioned, your eyebrows furrowing in confusion. You had a gut feeling, but you weren't sure.

"It was by that fortress with the sewer bars," Boombox murmured. "I remember it was all red and black… and it was making everything warp around it. It was just a bit earlier when we got here."

"I think…" It must've been when you and Futaba went to Mementos. You're not sure how a portal to Mementos got to their lobby, but you suspect it was the MetaNav and them living in your phone. "I think I know how. And I know how to get you guys back."

"You better explain to us, kid," Ban Hammer stood imposingly, though not intentionally. "What was that… thing you did? You summoned those monsters we fought."

"You were also acting weird." Shuriken added. "These few months after you moved in with your new caretaker… you've been distant."

"Ah.. I guess I do need to explain to you guys why I've been away for a lot of times." Right… you didn't tell them about what was going on lately.

You were going to have to start from the very beginning.