#maybe aster is locked in a room very close to the whole thing and can hear it all

[autistic-shaiapouf]

Writing a story and staggering out the climax by replaying it over and over from different perspectives

[curse-ofthe-altonwoods]

Chapter Five: The Party

Cosmia didn’t say much during the walk, the only thing she did was occasionally look back at Isidore, who snuggled into Aster’s grip a little. 

It was dark, but thankfully they didn’t have to walk much longer. He put Isidore down, though he kept a hold on her hand. 

“She’ll be ready to see you both soon.” Aster looked over at Isidore, giving her a calm smile as he moved away and gently moved her forward as the queen started to walk out, trying to encourage her to overcome her shyness for that moment. Illirya smiled, her black orbs meeting with Isidore’s blue ones which she shyly tried to hide.

“Hey there, little one.” She got down to Isidore’s level, trying her best to seem less intimidating to her, though the little girl still tried to shy away from her. Though, she had a feeling that she would get used to her soon.

“How is she?” The queen focused on Aster, who seemed somewhat nervous when she spoke to him. That might be something to look into later, but for now, she shrugged it off. 

“She’s doing...well. Isidore is getting stronger.” Aster straightened himself up, removing any nervousness from his voice, making him sound almost robotic. Illirya smiled softly, adjusting her hat a little as her eyes locked onto the two adults. Cosmia looked over at Aster before looking at the queen, clearly having something to say.

“Is she...stable?” Aster turned around to give Cosmia a confused look, prompting her to explain further. “Are her powers stable, can she control it?” Aster looked down at Isidore, who’s gaze was moving everywhere except the people around her.

“We’re still working on that.” Cosmia seemed disappointed at the answer as she looked over at the queen, who seemed satisfied with the answer. At least he was being honest about it. 

“She is young, that is to be expected.” With that, the queen turned around, the clear veil followed behind her gracefully before the group of three did.

Kaye looked over at the group as they walked down the stairs, thankful that they were finally back. Cosmia was starting to creep the curly-haired girl out.

“Alright, now that you’re aware of the ball, we need to get you both some outfits.” Cosmia seemed to perk up at this, a calm smile formed on her face, she seemed genuinely happy in the moment. “Cosmia will help design your outfits.” Aster instructed as he looked over at the group.

Cosmia took the two teens by the arm, her touch was surprisingly gentle as she led them into another room.

The room had a whole bunch of interesting fabrics that were different shades of grey, though there was a hint of color that Kaye could see. Curiously, she reached out to touch one of the fabrics, causing a bright green color to grayish-black spread out from where she touched. Cosmia looked up at Kaye, a small smirk forming on her face. 

“Nice color, do you want it?” Cosmia asked as she grabbed multiple flexible rulers so she could take her measurements. Kaye nodded, the fabric felt nice and it was a good color. Cosmia wrapped one ruler around Kaye’s shoulders and one another around her waist. She wrote down these measurements, and once the spider-like woman was done, she motioned for Vincent, who reluctantly walked up there. 

Vincent shot Kaye a confused and slightly unnerved look, which the curly-haired girl responded with a shrug. The teen tried his best to stay still as he got measured, though he couldn’t help but tense up.

“Alright, you're both done, now leave so I can work in peace.” Cosmia snapped a little, pointing towards the door and allowing the two to walk out. They kept exchanging looks until they got to a more private part of the house, that’s when Kaye spoke. 

“What did you and Aster talk about?” She kept her voice down, just in case anyone nearby could hear. Vincent looked up at her, putting his hands behind his back nervously.

“He...uhh...said that Isidore would...train me?” It sounded weird saying it aloud to his friend, especially in the way he phrased it. Kaye put a hand on her hip, giving him a slightly skeptical look until she figured out that he was actually being serious.

Kaye was about to speak again, only for Isidore to softly knock on the wall. There was definitely a warmer aura around her, Vincent couldn’t help but smile at the girl while Kaye gave her a curious look.

“Do you wanna start now?” Isidore asked shyly, fiddling with the cloth around her sleeves. Vincent turned to Kaye as if asking her if she would mind. She responded with another look while Vincent turned around and nodded. Isidore gently grabbed the older teen’s hand, leading him outside.

There wasn’t much, the place was surrounded by trees but that was to be expected. Isidore gave him a patient look as she turned to face him once she was a few feet away. 

“Okay, take a deep breath and concentrate as much as you can.” The young girl instructed, and Vincent did as he was told to the best of his ability. He felt Isidore’s hands slip through the string holding the necklace together. It felt smoother this time around as he felt his mind scanning for something to read.

He tried Isidore’s mind as a test, only for nothing to come up, so he tried to concentrate inside the house.

‘This is just weird.’ He heard the familiar voice of his friend, a smile formed on his face but he kept his focus for a moment before stopping due to feeling guilty for listening to his friend’s thoughts.

Isidore had a hint of pride in her eyes as she looked over at Vincent.

“That was good for your first time, you’ll have to practice a bit more though. Now’s not the time.” Isidore stated as she came closer to slip the necklace back on before going back to the house.

Kaye seemed to be talking with Aster, wearing a green, shoulderless, and backless dress with some nude makeup on. Vincent couldn’t help but find his friend’s smile….cute, though he brushed aside the thought very quickly out of slight embarrassment.

“Alright, now that you two are done. Isidore, you’ve got to put on your dress too.” The girl groaned a little at the statement, but she still followed Cosmia, who had a stern look on her face. 

Kaye looked over at Vincent, taking a breath before she decided to speak.

“Aster and Cosmia told me the plan, we’re both going to sneak into the party with...someone, they didn’t tell me who.” Vincent was confused, but not surprised considering the whole situation. It at least explained why Kaye said (or rather thought) what she did. “Anyways, we’re supposed to get the king alone, then Isidore would sneak in and knock him out. That’s all I know.” Kaye took a breath, seemingly tired from all of the talking. 

“Well, I guess the less we know, the better.”

“Yeah...I guess so.” Kaye gigged out a little before returning to her slightly neutral state as Isidore walked out in a long grayish-black dress, similar to the one she was wearing but less poofy around the skirt and her hair was up in two French braids and her bangs were less noticeable. The two assumed that she probably had to get her hair cut. 

Judging by the look on her face, she wasn’t too happy about having to wear the dress, but she didn’t complain. Isidore gave the two teens animal masks, similar to the one she wore when they first met the other girl. 

“I assume you informed him, Kaye?” The curly-haired girl nodded at the question, Cosmia gave her a sly smile before continuing. “Your transportation should arrive soon. If anyone asks, Aster is your driver and his name is Hel.” She motioned for Vincent to follow her.

“Here’s your suit, I assume you won’t need help putting it on. A bag for your clothes will be in the bathroom.” The spider-like woman handed him a classy black and white suit and pointed him in the direction of the bathroom. 

The teen quickly put it on, admiring how he looked in the suit for a quick moment before putting his original clothes which consisted of a red shirt, grey jacket, and black jeans, into the bag with his name on it before leaving the bathroom. 

“Wow, you look good.” Kaye stated before grabbing his arm and leading him outside. Isidore gave Vincent a smirk that only he could notice while the teen responded with a playful glare. 

Aster was waiting outside with a carriage straight out of a fairy tale with him. Isidore put on her mask quickly, which was her original fox mask, before urging the other two to do the same. Vincent’s mask was some kind of salamander-like creature, maybe an axolotl while Kaye’s mask was some kind of snake. 

Aster opened the door to the carriage and let the three teens inside, giving the two a calming thumbs up before closing the carriage door.

The ride was quiet, but it was calming as they looked out the window and watched the street pass by them.

Though the group’s anxiety would start to rise as the place started to come into view. Animals of all types were at the building, showing the guards their invitations before being let in. Kaye looked over at Isidore, who started to straighten up her posture to look more confident as she handed the other two their invitations. 

The black-haired girl was clearly excited as Aster opened the door, making sure his identity was obscured as he helped the three out of the carriage. 

Kaye looked around curiously as they entered the line, waiting for their turn to show the guard while Vincent kept his gaze to the ground as he gently wrapped his hand around Kaye’s hand. The curly-haired tensed up for a quick moment before relaxing as she turned to look at Vincent.

It felt like forever, but they were at the front of the line. The three handed in their invitations, which the guard examined closely before letting them inside

The room was differing shades of grey, with chandeliers hanging up at the top of the tall ceiling, and the stair railing had a unique pattern to it. Thankfully, they didn’t attract too much attention as they started to blend in with the crowd as they were eating some food and talking amongst themselves before the loud sound of metal hitting a glass rang through the air, everyone turned to the sound almost immediately.

“King Erebus and Lady Illirya have just arrived.” 

[moirai-au]

Not exactly shippy but 12 with Chase and Marv?

Timeline: early in Arc 5: The Orator

@immabethehero @bupine​ @tabbynerdicat @i-maybe-exist @its-ethan-bro @sandinthetardis @honestlyitsjustkenna

He’s running.

He doesn’t remember what he’s running to, or from. But he knows that if he stops, bad things will happen.

The black void echoes with disincarnated whispers, rising and falling like the tide. He can’t pinpoint their origin, and the words don’t make sense to him- he’s not certain they’re even words at all. And when he tries to focus on them, their meaning edging his awareness, so close- it trickles away like sand through his fingers, scattered to the winds.

There’s a pressure, somewhere around his head. The louder the voices, the stronger the pressure grow, bordering on painful before receding.

He hears a clock ticking, and laughter. It’s devoid of mirth, of light, of life. It makes his hairs stand on end. 

Something is wrapped around his wrists and neck, digging painfully into his skin- strings? Someone is screaming. Why are they screaming? It’s too loud, too close, the strings rub and burn and he can feel white-hot spears digging into his shoulder and he wants it to stop, he wants everything to stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop

s

 t

  o

   p

“Wake up!”

Mars’ eyes flew open, wild and unfocused. He arched off the bed with a choked gasp, his limbs tangled in his bedsheets and flailing around violently.

“Mars! Kid, it’s okay, calm down, you’re safe!”

He stilled, blinking into full awareness as his blind panic died down; David was standing over him, his hand squeezing his shoulder, his face twisted by the type of concern only a father would have. Mars looked around; he was in his room, the light from the corridor the only thing allowing him to discern his surroundings.

He took a deep breath, falling back onto his pillows, then grimaced; his throat was sore and dry as sandpaper, and he was drenched in cold sweat. Again.

“I heard you scream,” Dave said quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Another nightmare?”

Ah. So the screaming had been his. No wonder he felt like he’d swallowed a cactus. “…Yeah.” the mage admitted. “Always the same. The others?”

“Downstairs. I don’t think they heard anything, this house has pretty thick walls. Good thing I was walking by.”

Mars nodded. Good. The last thing he needed right now was more people crowding him.

“Kiddo… what’s happening here? What’s wrong?” Dave asked. The mage rolled his eyes at his paternal tone. “Don’t call me that, you’re not that much older than me. And nothing’s wrong.”

The man stared at him with a deadpan look.

“I’m not lying!” Mars exclaimed indignantly, “That’s the thing! Everything’s been… normal lately. I don’t know why this is happening.”

“Well there has to be something! That’s the third time this week. You can barely eat. You look exhausted. For all I know this has been happening every night.”

The mage stayed silent. That alone told Dave everything he needed to know. “Fuck…” the dad sighed. “This looks bad. And you’re freezing. Are you sure you’re not sick?”

The mage blinked, porting his attention on the feeling of Dave’s hand on his shoulder; it was warm, very warm, almost too much for comfort. So either the snapback-wearing man was sporting a freak fever that was somehow not bothering him, or Mars’ body temperature had dropped abnormally low while he slept.

He growled, rubbing at the dark shadows under his glassy yellow eyes. “I’m not, believe me. Cecil checked already. Twice.”

Dave’s expression softened at the mention of his partner; the whole… thing between those two had come as a surprise to Mars, given how hostile the German had started off towards the recovering alcoholic. But he’d found that he didn’t mind. They seemed good for each other.

“Wanna come downstairs?” Dave asked, “Ollie and Aster are watching the Exorcist. Well,” he chuckled, “Ollie’s watching. Aster keeps complaining about how ‘inaccurate’ it is, so that’s pretty fun. I can make popcorn and hot cocoa.”

Mars hummed; that did sound nice. He could already feel the iciness leaving his body at the prospect. He opened his mouth to acquiesce, but froze up in sudden horror when something brushed against the edge of his mind.

The whispering. It circled around him, taunting him, making his previous panic come back with a vengeance. The cold feeling settled back into his bones, his spine, his fingertips.

This wasn’t right. The voices had never followed him into the waking world before. They weren’t supposed to be real, they weren’t supposed to exist-

It as at this moment that Marvs understood; they weren’t going to stop. The dreams, the voices, the feeling of dread… they weren’t going away. Not this time. They’d just grow stronger and stronger, louder and louder, until the mage eventually broke.

Unless he did something about it. Now.

“Mars?” Dave’s voice rang out, snapping him out of his reverie. “You with me?”

“Yeah,” Mars replied distractedly, “Yeah. You know, I think I’m gonna pass on that one. I’m pretty tired, and I don’t think that weird-ass dream is gonna come back tonight.”

“You’re sure?”

He nodded. “Positive.”

“…Alright.” David relented, getting back on his feet. “Just know that- we’re here for you, yeah? You know you can tell us anything. I’m not letting this go.”

Mars stared ahead. His fists were gripping the bedsheets tightly, his knuckles going white from the strain.

They’d try to stop him. He knew that. He couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t let them get roped into this.

He turned to face Dave, and smiled. “I know,” he said, “and I’m grateful for that. For all of you.” He raised his arm to rest it atop Dave’s own, the one still squeezing his shoulder comfortingly. “I’ll tell you everything tomorrow, okay? I promise. I just need a little more time. To figure it out.”

Liar. Liar. Liar.

“…Okay,” the older man relented. “I’m holding you up to that, okay? I trust you.”

A spike of guilt threatened to make Mars cave, but he resisted. You shouldn’t, he thought. “And I trust you,” he said instead, shifting into a more comfortable position and closing his eyes. “G’d’night.”

He heard Dave bid him goodnight and leave his bedroom, gently closing the door behind him. He didn’t move as he listened to the older man’s footsteps going father and father away, until he could no longer hear them.

After about two minutes, he opened his eyes, slitted golden orbs gleaming with determination. He threw his covers off and got up swiftly, rummaging through his closet to throw on some jeans and a warm, clean winter jacket. He then grabbed his mask and fastened it around his head, the familiar feeling alleviating his anxiety somewhat.

He took a deep breath and focused, summoning his magic; his fingers twitched and glowed a vibrant cyan for a moment, his power slowly reaching out to cover the whole mansion.

Once he was satisfied, he breathed out in relief and walked out of his room, no longer worried about any commotion he might cause.

He walked by Cecil’s room; he could hear quiet snores through the half-opened wooden door. He leaned over and took a peek inside: the doctor was out cold, slumped over the stacks of paper sitting on his desk, a half-empty cup of coffee spilling its contents onto the floorboards below him. 

Cecil. The father he’d never had. The one he wished he’d had, deep down. He clenched his jaw, closed the door, and kept going.

As he went down the stairs, he caught a glimpse of Dave sitting in the kitchen; the man was fast asleep, him too slumped over the table, his phone still grasped in his hand. A steaming mug of tea sat next to his head, the sweet smell almost bringing tears to Mars’ eyes. He teared his gaze away and pressed on.

The TV was on, still displaying horrific images from the Exorcist. Aster was curled up in front of it, way too close to the screen in a way that would’ve made Henrik scowl. His clawed, black fingers twitched every so often, a strained expression on his face despite the deep state of unconsciousness he was plunged into.

Mars let out an airy chuckle; who would’ve thought he’s end up rooming with a literal demon from another realm. Weirder yet, befriending him.

…Well, sorta. The fiend was still an unhinged asshole with a moral compass like a russian roulette. But at least they weren’t worried about him stabbing them in their sleep anymore, even without the Deal. So that was good progress.

Finally, his eyes landed on Oliver, sprawled out on the couch in a small, messy heap of limbs; the hero had ditched his iconic jacket and jeans for a pair of grey sweatpants and a red, comfy-looking hoodie, with “Yeah I’m AFAB. Assigned Fucking Awesome, Baby” written on it; a gift from Dave. Ollie loved it.

Mars’ throat seized up as he lingered on the vigilante’s still form, on the slow rise and fall of his chest. Ollie. His first friend. The one he loved like a younger sibling at this point. The first new face he’d seen in so long, the one who’d dragged him out of the bubble he’d locked himself into.

He hoped he’d thought of taking his binder off this time; that airhead always forgot.

As he left the room and approached the door leading to the back of the property, he reached out with his powers and turned the TV off; Cecil had always been adamant about saving power.

He unlocked the door, and the freezing wind hit his face. For a split second, he hesitated.

The whispers doubled in volume, as if sensing his indecision; like a siren’s song, they dug their way into his brain, in his stomach, under his skin, filling him up until he could no longer wait.

“I’m sorry.” he murmured, his slitted eyes squeezing shut in pain and regret. “I’m so sorry.”

He felt sick. He hated himself for doing this. But he needed to. He needed to do this on his own, or he’d go insane. The call was too loud to ignore, the need too strong. He didn’t know where he was going, but somehow, he knew his feet would lead him there.

He took a first step outside; with a dull sense of surprise, he found that he couldn’t feel the cold anymore, not even the freezing snow under his bare feet. In fact, he realized, he couldn’t feel much of anything.

He took a few more steps, slow and slightly unsteady. But they soon became more assured, strides larger, faster, like fueled by a mysterious force that beckoned him far, far from his home, far from his family.

And as his gangly form grew smaller and smaller, heading for the woods behind the property, the back door swung on its hinges and came shut with a quiet click.

For a few more minutes, complete silence reigned in the mansion. Then the heavy blanket of magic keeping everyone asleep disappeared. And five pairs of eyes flew open in perfect synchronicity.

Aster snarled, jumping to his feet and looking around wildly. Ollie sat up on the couch, still looking a bit dazed. “Wha… Aster? What’s happening?”

“Magic!” the demon shrieked, “Fucking-” A string of clicks and growls, his body twitching in agitation as he paced. “Stupid Scars knocked us all out! I can still taste his magic in the air!”

“Mars?” Ollie asked, cocking his head in disbelief. “But-”

He was cut off by a groan coming from behind them. They turned around; Dave was stepping out of the kitchen, rubbing his forehead and wincing in pain. “Shit… I think I banged my head on the table. The hell was that about?”

“David?”

All heads turned towards the hallway; Cecil stepped into the room, looking confused. “I think something’s wrong. I was going over my notes and-”

“You woke up without remembering falling asleep?” Ollie interrupted, “Yeah, us too. Aster says Mars did it.”

Dave blinked, dumbfounded. “That’s- why would he…” he trailed off, something dawning on him. He looked at each person in the room, his heartbeat picking up. “No…”

“Um, guys?” Oliver tried, starting to piece things together. “Where’s Mars?”

“Scheiße” Cecil whispered. He took off suddenly, running to the mage’s room. “No, no, please no-”

“Please tell me he didn’t.” Ollie shook his head in disbelief as the German disappeared down the hall, his face going whiter by the second. “Please tell me this dumbass didn’t pull this shit on us again.”

Dave was frozen, eyes glossed over staring into nothing; the kid had been right in front of him, mere minutes ago. He had known Mars’ words sounded strange. Final. But he’d ignored it. Turned a blind eye to it.

If this was on him… if he’d let him slip away…

Cecil came back not a minute later, looking like he might crumble at the slightest breeze. He looked up, a haunted look in his wide grey eyes. And when he spoke, it felt like a giant hammer fell on them all.

“He’s gone.”

[clownsgobeepbeep]

La Vie en Rose

The eight part of my story uwu

Not necessarily important, but perhaps...interesting...There are some introductions, and I am slightly tempted to draw some of these characters out...but nah

I also apologize that this is so late. I hope it’s at least decent uwu

Part Seven /// Part Nine

Hazel eyes fluttered open feeling a sense of drowsiness in them, their owner giving a groan as she shifted under the soft blankets that had been draped over her the other the night.

Oh yes, the other…

The girl’s ears caught the sound of soft and peaceful breaths that sounded beside her. She felt an arm wrapped around the small of her back and waist, and a hand holding one of hers that lay on a chest that continuously rose up before going back down at a slow pace.

Looking up and to the side, the girl’s eyes caught sight of the fair complexion that was slightly covered by raven locks. She softly smiled at the sight that she could only call charming in her tiredness.

Unlatching her hand from the large one that held hers, she reached up and stroked the features that had no frown or furrowed eyes. For once, at least from what she could remember, these features always looked upset but this time...they were at ease.

Her fingers gently moved some of the hair that covered them, this resulting in a shift before the other pair of eyes fluttered opened to reveal blueberry eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” the girl whispered before the boy smacked his lips a few times, then glancing down at her with a smile.

“Mmm...good morning.”

“Good morning.” he replied before bringing a hand up to rub his eyes and yawn.

“Goooood morning.”

The pair then looked at each other once their eyes had adjusted to the darkness of the bedroom they were in, smiling with loving gazes only meant for the other.

“Schrader?”

“Yes?”

“Is this...real?”

“Is what real?”

“This world...are you my boyfriend?”

Schrader gave a small chuckle before bringing  a hand down to Ula’s face, moving her fringe out of the way to then press his lips onto her forehead.

“If you’re not breaking up with me, then I’m pretty sure I’m still your boyfriend.” he quietly spoke before bringing Ula’s face closer to his own.

“And...you’re not moving back to Australia?” Ula asked as Schrader now gave a little laugh.

“Why would I? I’ve got everything I’ve ever wanted right here.”

“And what’s that?”

“You. Dante, the twins, my brother, a family. I’m happy right here.”Schrader rubbed his nose against Ula’s in an affectionate manner that she returned while snuggling closer to him. “How are you feeling?”

“I still have a bit of a headache...but I think I’m better…” Ula then moved so that she was laying over Schrader’s chest. “Are we alone?”

“I honestly have no idea. If your family is acting like your family, then I’m pretty sure everybody is in the living room waiting for you to wake up.”

“Oh no.” Ula buried her face in Schrader’s neck which made him chuckle to himself.

“Nungen, they haven’t exactly...talked to you in a...long while.” he claimed before Ula lifted herself by placing her hands on Schrader’s shoulders. “Or at least...you didn’t talk to them...or me…”

“Schrader, how long was I…”

“481 days.” Schrader immediately answered. “I...I’ve been counting.”

“You have?”

“Yeah...and every single day I was here, a-and I would talk to you. Update you on everything...but I see that you weren’t hearing me all those times.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be, it’s not your fault.” Schrader held Ula’s cheek so that the two could look each other in the eye. “It was that thing’s fault...but...it’s gone now thanks to your mother. It wanted this to happen...but all that matters is that you’re finally awake.”

Ula gave a bit of a sigh as she leaned her head into Schrader’s hand, nuzzling her face into his palm before placing a kiss onto it. Right after, Ula turned to face Schrader again, both smiling at each other before Ula leaned forwards, planning on kissing his lips until-

“I’m pretty sure they’re still sleeping.”

“I do not think so, it is nearly the afternoon and-” a fourth voice as two figures walked into Ula’s bedroom, the pair laying in bed then turning to see Ula’s mother and...James. “Oh! Our apologies, we did not mean to barge in in such an intruding manner.”

“James?” Ula asked as she rolled off of Schrader and they both sat up in her bed. “I mean…”

“Darling, it is alright.” James gave her a half hearted smile, first looking to Jelly who gave a nod before James ever so carefully approached Ula. “I understand you may not remember me for who I am...we all understand.”

“Schrader?” Jelly called out before said person turned to her. “I don’t mean to kick you out, but do you think we could have a minute alone with Ula?”

“Yes of course, don’t mind me.”Schrader nodded before he slipped out of Ula’s bed. “I’ll go wait in the living room.”

“Good, everybody else is waiting there.” Jelly smiled at Schrader who returned the gesture, then walking out of Ula’s room that he closed behind him. Soon enough, Ula was left alone with the new pair who gave her warm smiles, Jelly reaching out to hold Ula’s and in a comforting hold.

“Darling, how are you feeling?” James saw as Ula turned to him, so he looked down at her other hand that he wanted to hold, but hesitated and decided not to.”Do you need anything?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” Ula gave a small nod, then reaching out to grab James’ hand which she realized surprised him, but he didn’t mind. “I’m just....I’m just so very confused right now.”

“Did Schrader explain the thing with Ryder?” Jelly blinked before Ula nodded.”What is confusing you then?”

“Well, how everything felt so real...how people that I saw in that...dream...how they don’t exist or actually hang even around here.”

“How so?”

“There’s a clown who...he’s just a clown and he hangs out around the park, or everywhere kinda and...this might sound weird,” Ula shrugged as she felt herself grow embarrassed. “In my...imagination, or whatever, he was my grandpa.”

“Grandpa?” Jelly tilted her head a bit. “Do you mean Aster, Vincent?”

“No, no. I know he’s my grandfather, I mean Cecilio…” Ula looked down at her hands as her cheeks flushed a bit, then glancing back up at the pair. “Do you guys happen to know him?”

“Um…” both of them thought for a bit, James then speaking up. “We know a Cecilio, but he is not clown I believe…”

“He’s Lennie and Billy’s father…?”

“Oh! We know a Billy!” Jelly softly gasped before turning to James. “That’s the name of that one circus owner, right?”

“Yes, yes I believe so.” James nodded as he tapped his chin. “Perhaps we can ask your cousin.”

“Cousin? You mean Perry?” Ula perked up before Jelly shook her head.

“No, I mean Cuckoo.”

Ula then gave her mother a weird expression, Jelly then sighing as she placed a hand onto Ula’s shoulder.

“Look, hope about we go into your living room where everybody is, and we can all remind you who each one of us is.” Jelly suggested before feeling Ula’s hand be placed onto hers, the girl giving a soft nod. “And your fa…James, and I, we can explain our own things later.”

“Sounds good.” Ula nodded, following as Jelly and James stood up. “Hey, I don’t remember having slept with my heels on.”

“What do you mean?” James turned to Ula who then gave a loud gasp as she looked down at her bare feet. “What is it?”

“I’m not wearing heels!” Ula realized, looking up at that pair who stared at her in confusion. “I’m taller than you mom! And I reach James’ shoulders! Without heels!”

“Yes...you do.”

“Um, I’ll explain that later.” Ula shook her head before the pair nodded and walked out of her room. She followed right after them, but not before giving a bit of a dance at the difference in height.

“Okay, everyone.” Jelly waved her hand in the air as she now stood in the living room with James beside her, their guests turning to look at them. “I know things are a bit, strange or unexpected right now, but I need you all to be patient and calm now that Ula’s awake.”

“She’s not sick or anything, is she?” asked one of Jelly’s brothers before she shook her head.

“No, she’s just very confused, especially because of the whole dream sequence she experienced.” Jelly explained with a half hearted smile. “She seems to have forgotten the life she had with us and believed that what she dreamt was her reality. So as I said, we need to be patient with her and help her understand what her reality really is.”

There were then a few murmurs between the guests here and there, Jelly not minding them before she signaled to the hallway where Ula was. Ula then stepped out and into the light of the living room, hugging herself, then tightening her own hold as she felt all eyes on her; she soon felt hands on her shoulders and so she looked up to see James who gave her a comforting smile.

“And, how should we do this?” Pepper blurted out, people staring at him before turning back to Ula who gave a bit of a shrug.

“Maybe, each one of you can introduce yourselves to me again?” Ula suggested before she saw her uncle Cosmos take a stand as one of his hands was intertwined with the woman Ula saw before.

“I guess you remember me, right? Your uncle Cosmos.” he started as Ula nodded. “And this is my wife Carina, you saw her at the-”

“Yeah, I...I want to apologize for my earlier reaction.” Ula coughed, peering down at her slippers before looking back up at the couple. “I don’t know what I was saying.”

“Don’t apologize Sweet Pea.” the other clown smiled at Ula. “We know how confused you must be right now, and we’re all willing to help you remember your life.”

Everybody directed a smile towards Ula who returned a small one herself, eyes looking over everybody before she noticed something off.

“I know that not everybody might be here because they’re busy or something,” Ula cleared her throat as she noticed all the people she recognized and expected to be there, with some exceptions.“But, where are Mama Carol and Grandpa Stripes?” 

In that moment, every single guests felt as their smiles slowly withered away. Some continued looking at Ula whilst others turned to each other, especially Jelly and James who finally then turned to Ula.

_____________

“This can’t be real.”

As Ula stood on what was freshly cut grass just beneath a tree that gave off a nice shade and breeze, her eyes were wide with shock and if she would admit it...horror.

“It is, darling.” James breathed out as he stood on one side of Ula, Jelly beside him and Schrader beside Ula as all four stared up at the mausoleum before them. “I am so sorry that you had to be reminded of such tragedy.”

“How did this happen…?”Ula finally blinked after snapping out of her thoughts due to feeling Schrader gently hold her hand. “When did this happen?”

“You were seven years old.” Jelly turned to Ula who turned to her as well. “You...this might seem unbelievable but...”

“I need to go in there!” 

Jelly sobbed as she was being held back by her father who hugged her tightly to him, far too afraid of letting his daughter go.

“You can’t go in by yourself!”

“We can’t open it!” her older brother shouted as he stood beside large doors that were sealed with an unknown substance. “Jelly-!”

“Let me go! She is going to die in there!” Jelly wept as she kicked and struggled in the air, choking out sobs while her father shook his head in anguish. “She’s just a little girl! She’s my little girl!”

“I know!” Cosmos replied in frustration, running a hand through his hair before slamming it against the wall. “But we can’t go in! We just fucking can’t!”

“Let me go! Dad, let me go!”

“No Jelly!” Aster shouted as he hugged Jelly tighter. “I...I already lost my mother! I can’t lose my daughter in the same day!”

“You’ll lose your granddaughter if I don’t go in there!” Jelly continued to struggle, Aster realizing that this was probably true.

“Don’t let go of her dad!” Cosmos demanded, Aster then tightening his grip on Jelly again which made her give a distressed wail. “Don’t you dare let go!”

“James! Tell them something!” Jelly cried out as her husband lay on the ground and against another wall as he held one of his sides.

“Maybe….” he managed to let out before giving a shaky breath. “Maybe they’re...right...trust them…”

James coughed violently before wincing in pain as he felt some course through his side which had been covered in bandages that were once again red due to his new wound. 

“She shouldn’t have gone in there! I should have gone!”

“Jelly-Bean…” James attempted to shake his head despite his extremely weak state. “Don’t...it’s…”

That was when a screech was heard, everybody then turning to the doors as the ground shook. 

Jelly even stopped to struggle in her father’s grasp as then a splatter sound was heard, and she felt her soul escape her the moment a certain scent hit her nose.“No...no!” Jelly gasped as she recognized the scent of the one of death, meaning that one of the two people inside the room she was being prevented from going into. “Let me go!”

Finally, Aster released Jelly who dropped to the floor. She crawled on all fours until reaching the door that Cosmos now backed away from, her hands slamming onto the doors as she felt something radiate from inside.

“Jamie, my little oyster…”Jelly sobbed, then turning to the side as she watched her husband continue to breathe as best as possible. She saw as one of his hands dropped to the side, this being intentional as he reached out to her, so Jelly crawled towards him and carefully hugged his frame as she cried into whatever she could. 

Despite the pain, James lifted his hand and placed it on his wife’s back before turning to look at the doors that soon swung open to everybody’s surprised. They turned and blinked a few times before hearing the sound of soft footsteps come into the light, everybody recognizing the little, black shoes belonging to the little girl they had been worrying for.

                            “Ula!” Jelly exclaimed, eyes trailing down to the girl’s sleeve that had been bloodied, but what brought more shock was what was in her hand.”Ula!?”

“What is that?” James coughed after speaking, turning before realizing that Ula walked towards the couple.

The girl lifted her hand so that she could give them a better look at that item, her face blank as theirs turned into expressions of mixed emotions. Ula held a head with dark brown locks and empty, purple eyes for the head itself lacked life. She blinked at the pair who then turned directly to her, as did her uncle and grandfather, before she finally spoke up.

“Off with her head.”  

“You’re telling me...that Missy killed Mama Carol, and that I killed Missy?” Ula held the side of her head as she attempted to process the new information. “At...how old was I again? Wait, that doesn’t matter. So Missy is dead, and nobody’s bringing her back from the dead or anything, right?”

“Why would we do such a thing?” Jelly made a weird face.

“Well, I don’t know. Maybe to make Ryder suffer or something…”Ula then quieted down before looking at Jelly. “Where’s Ryder?”

“Ryder?”

“Did he possess,” Ula then motioned towards James who raised an eyebrow in confusion. “You know?”

“Darling, Ryder was killed by your mother years ago.” James stated before Ula’s lips slightly parted. “He was dealt with rather quickly, especially after what he did to you.”

“How did you manage to kill...Ryder?” Ula glanced at Jelly who opened her mouth to speak, but she was interrupted by a beeping sound that made everybody turn towards its source who was Schrader. “What’s that?”

“Sorry, it’s my watch.” Schrader muttered out before revealing said item as he pressed a button to cease the beeping. “Looks like my shift’s gonna start soon.”

“Is it time already?” James tilted his head a bit before Schrader nodded. “It appears that I may have to go as well, though I would prefer not to…”

“If this is about me, it’s fine. You can go on and do...whatever you need to do…” Ula shrugged, looking over at Schrader. “Are you going to the diner or garage today?”

“Di...diner?Garage?” Schrader darted his eyes to the side for a moment. “Do you mean-”

“Oh, you don’t work at either of those here.” Ula realized, then feeling as Schrader placed his hand on her shoulder with a comforting smile. “Where do you work?”

“The best restaurant in town.” Schrader chuckled as he glanced over at James, then whispering to Ula. “If I don’t say that, your father’s going to make me the delivery boy.”

“I heard that.” James playfully rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms, Jelly smiling before wrapping one of her arms around his. 

“Wait, you own a restaurant? And are Schrader’s boss?” 

“My darling, I own the entire chain.” James gave a proud grin, hoping that Ula would feel the same way. 

“So, you’re like a Gordon Ramsay?” Ula gave him a small smile, James then laughing slightly before nodding and patting Ula’s head. “But, yeah. You guys can go, don’t mind me. I’m most likely just going to stay at home and...rest. Maybe look through my things.”

“Are you sure?” Schrader stepped towards Ula who nodded. “I’ll make sure to call the guys so they can hang around you, help you if needed.”

“It’s fine, Schrader.” Ula reassured him by holding his hands. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I’m always going to worry.” Schrader gave a bit of a shrug.”I’m still gonna send somebody over there, they weren’t able to go to the first ‘meeting’ but would love to see you.”

“And who’s this person?”

“You’ll find out when they visit you.” Schrader leaned in, kissing Ula’s forehead which made her blush before hugging him as he hugged her back. That was until somebody cleared their throat.

“I am afraid we are both still here.” James then felt as Jelly gently nudged his side. “What I meant to say, is that we should get going to the restaurant, Schrader.”

“Yeah, of course. Sorry.” Schrader also blushed, then leaning in to place a sweet kiss onto Ula’s lips which made her quietly giggle. “If you don’t mind, I’ll visit you right after work.”

“Sounds good.” she nodded before Schrader said his goodbye to Jelly to then walk away, James now stepping towards Ula as they turned to look at each other. 

“I will try my absolute best to get out as early as possible.” James quietly told her, then blinking as he felt Ula hold one of his hands.

“Okay. I’ll see you later,” Ula stood on her toes to place a soft kiss on James’ cheek. “Dad.”

For a moment, James stared at Ula in some disbelief before a smile crawled onto his features. He then carefully brought her towards him in a hug, not letting go of her for a while until he returned a kiss on her cheek.

“I shall see you, Ula.” 

And with that, James was off and had disappeared, leaving Jelly and Ula alone.

“You have no idea how happy you just made him.” Jelly chuckled to herself, turning to walk away before Ula ran after her.

“Well, I guess I’d be happy too if my daughter was finally awake after a long coma-thing.”

“It’s not just that.” Jelly sighed as she continued walking. “You...you had a bit of an argument with him before you, fell asleep. And you stopped calling him ‘papa’’ and ‘dad’ when you were about eleven. Only ever called him ‘father’ after that.”

“Oh...”

“You really have no idea how much that man loves you Ula.” Jelly shook her head with a small smile, then turning to Ula. “If he were a deadlight, it may have been a sort of bloodbath on the day of your birth.”

“Why is that?”

“James was so enamoured when he first laid his eyes on you, and then when he finally had you in his arms. He was so protective over you and, though he has toned it down over the years, he still is. You’re his everything.”

“I...I didn’t know that.” Ula whispered, looking back at Jelly who smiled again.

“It’s not your fault. We’re just glad you’re back.”

_____________

After a lengthy discussion with relatives and a walk back home with her mother, Ula now found herself sitting on the living room floor as three pairs of hazel eyes blinked at her.

“Alright. Names again please.”

“My name is Hector.”

“My name is Vincent.”

“My name is Davy.”

“Davy?”

“Yup! Davy without a ‘e’!” one of the owners of the hazel eyes eagerly nodded as he and two other identical boys sat before Ula. “I don’t know why so many people add an ‘e’ to my name.”

“Right. And you three are triplets….well, that’s obvious.” Ula looked at each one of the boys at a time as they nodded in sync.

“Ula.” one of the other boys called out. “Did you have any siblings in your dream world?”

“I...I think I did.” Ula slightly coughed. “You guys don’t want to know about that though.”

“Is it because in your dream world mother was married to another man?”

“Was he human or a deadlight or something else?”

“What was his name?”

“What was he like?”

 “I...I don’t remember…” Ula admitted before shaking her head. “But, how about you guys tell me more about mom and dad? Why are they together?”

“What do you mean?”

“They love each other, of course!”

“Duh!”

“No, no, no. I mean, didn’t dad cheat on mom?” Ula asked, then being taken back once she heard the boys give gasps of terror.

“Ula!”

“How dare!”

“Father would never!”

“Okay, then please do tell me what went on between them…”

Although she was able to travel through time periods and such, a week already seemed to be rather long and boring...especially without him.

Jelly gave yet another sigh as she sat at the edge of the dock found in the English town she frequently visited. She swung her boots as she looked at her reflection in the water down below, not a single stir nor wave since there had been no movement. No ships, no fish, nothing.

Jelly removed her gloved hands from the edge and instead placed them on her lap that had been concealed by the poofy, purple dress she decided to wear that day. For some reason, she felt the need to wear just that elegant gown.

She finally decided to look up ahead after noticing a bit of a ripple in the water, then growing puzzled as she caught something in the distance whilst soft sprinkles of water fell upon her.

“Why, how peculiar.” she heard a voice behind her, then seeing a pair of sailors who were also looking into the distance. “I thought no ships would be coming to port today.”

“Might be some early comers.” the other man commented, neither noticing Jelly who squinted her eyes at the figure she now recognized as a ship. “Perhaps merchants.”

“Ah yes, I did hear that there was a ship missing.”

“Yes, yes.” the men were soon on their way as Jelly turned to look back at the water, more ripples coming about as an emptiness filled her. Sometimes she believed her emotions influenced the state of things, but that was rather ridiculous to think of.

She continued to swing her legs as a horn sounded, but she ignored it and went back to thinking to herself.

Voices were heard, some cheers here and there, and some words of encouragement as the dock was now beginning to flood with people who wanted to see what was going on. Jelly, however, remained the same way as she watched the water ripples with sad eyes.

“Please, make way!”

“Make way for the man!”

“Have you seen her!?”

That last voice…

Jelly lifted her head as she heard the crowd mutter among themselves, and she turned to the side where everybody was.

“Has she been around the area!?”

“A blonde, little angel?”

“Yes!”

Jelly furrowed her eyebrows and blinked a few times, eyeing the crowd which she now saw part like a sea to let through a pretty frantic man. That was when she felt her eyes widen upon the realization of who this man was with a messed up hairdo and a panting appearance.

“James?” Jelly stood up before stepping into the line of sight of the man, and his hazel eyes widened upon seeing her.

“Coraline!” he exclaimed before darting towards her, and he grabbed her face quickly yet as gently as possible before pulling her into what was a kiss.

Jelly was taken back in the moment for, not only wasJames was back from his trip quite early, but this was her and their first kiss.

She eventually melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around James’ neck before feeling as his hands traveled to her waist to spin and dip her. Neither minded the plethora of eyes watching them, some judgemental while others had their owners cheering for the couple who had now parted from their kiss yet remained in their same position.

“Jamie...I, I thought-”

“I had to come early.” James interrupted before finally bringing Jelly back up, hugging her to his chest to then whisper into her ear. “I realized that it was a mistake leaving you for so long. I love you and would never dare part from you again.”

“Oh James…” Jelly whispered before James pulled himself away so that he could have a proper look of Jelly’s face as they smiled at each other. “I love you too. I missed you so much, even if it was a short period without you.”

“I missed you as well, and I had time to reflect to myself my love.” James breathed out before reaching into his pocket with a shaky hand, pulling it out to reveal something to Jelly. “Marry me.”

“W-What?” Jelly blinked in surprise, especially now that her eyes looked at the ring held by James.

“Jelly, Coraline D’Vitt. Marry me, please.” he repeated while holding her hands tightly in his. “I love you more than life itself, more than the seas and oceans. I no longer want to spend time away from you, I need to be with you always. Please allow me to become your husband and I shall go wherever you desire me to. I would do anything for you, all I ask is that you marry me.”

Jelly felt a tears pricked the corners of her emerald eyes that glanced down at the jewel presented to her by James, and then she peered back at him as a lump was felt in her throat. She could not muster up any words, so she gave a rapid nod as she bit her lip.

James smiled in relief and lifted Jelly’s hand, slipping the ring onto her finger before they brought each other into another kiss.

Neither ever taking notice of the purple eyes that glared at them from afar.

“That...is actually really nice…” Ula nodded before giving a small smile. “I’m so glad that’s how things went.”

“It is very romantic!”

“As is the story between you and Schrader!”

“Between me and Schrader? Why?” Ula asked before seeing one of the boys run away, then coming back to hand Ula a picture frame. “Is this…”

“That’s you and Schrader!”

“Childhood sweethearts.~” Vincent wiggled his eyebrows as Ula scanned the picture, recognizing her younger self.

“Oh wow.” Ula breathed out, smiling at the sight that was a younger Schrader who had a large smile plastered on his face as he was beside an equally happy Ula. “Wow…”

“In that picture, he’s missing a tooth ‘cause he got punched on the face.” Davey explained with a laugh. “He was defending you from teenagers who wanted to hurt you for no reason.”

“He obviously won.”

“Schrader is your knight in shining armor!”

“Except without the armor. And the noble steed, he has a motorcycle at least!”

“Yeah, anyways...What else is there that I haven’t been reminded of yet?” Ula cleared her throat, then seeing as the boys turned to each other and then back to her.

“Have you seen your best friends yet?” 

“Best friends? Do you meant Dante, Robyn, and Rayden?”

“No, silly!” the boys giggled out before ‘Hector’ rolled backwards to land on his feet. “Schrader called us and said one will be coming, so we’ll show you the other one!”

“Show me? Is it, a doll of some type?” Ula stood up as the other boys followed suit, holding each of her hands while smiling up at her.

“Just stand here and don’t move.” Hector ran off, leaving his siblings alone as Ula grew slightly concerned. She was slightly reminded of a pair of twins...with...black hair...she couldn’t remember.

“What am I supposed to expect here?” she whispered to the remaining triplets who only shrugged in response.  But then, they and Ula turned to the side as they heard a series of strange sounds...almost like they were being made by some kind of creature, and not one that would be typically seen anywhere.

They all then heard footsteps, running ones, go down the hallway before finally reaching the living room where the siblings stood. Ula held her breath in anticipation as her eyes remained glued on the hallway end, then widening once black claws came into view. She saw as another set appeared, and both sets walked out of the hallway to reveal a body of green and red feathers.

“Guys…?” Ula froze in place, her grip on the boys’ hands growing tighter as they grinned at the sight. “Why is there a deinonychus in our living room?”

“That’s your best friend!” Davy and Vincent exclaimed before letting go of Ula and scattering away as she still remained on her spot.

“My what-!” Ula was not able to finish speaking, in fact, she wasn’t even able to finish thinking of what to say or processing the situation, for she saw the dinosaur give a sort of hiss before rushing towards her at full speed. 

Before Ula was able to react in any way, she felt as she landed on the couch that was somehow moved behind her. She shut her eyes but...then opened them upon the realization that there was a whimpering sound, so she turned and saw the dinosaur on top of her...nuzzling its snout against her cheek and even licking her here and there. She even noticed that they were wagging their feathery tail in pure joy and excitement.

“G-guys?” Ula called out to the boys who were now floating over her and the dinosaur. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, pity.”

“We thought you would remember them.”

“Especially since they missed you so much!”

“Who exactly are they?” Ula questioned before petting the dinosaur’s head, even hearing a purr from them as they snuggled with her and she felt that they were wearing a collar that she found a medallion on. “Biollante?”

The dinosaur then gave another sound as it looked up at her, licking Ula’s nose which made her giggle. But then, she felt as her giggles slowly died down as she remembered something...something blue...something purple ...but then, these left her thoughts.

“So, I have a pet dinosaur?”

“Yup!” the boys all nodded.

“And, who’s the ‘other best friend’?” 

With that, everybody turned to the side as they heard the front door’s bell ring. The dinosaur was careful when hopping off of Ula, then dashing towards the door to begin scratching at it.

“Biollante, no!” the triplets shouted before they dropped onto their feet on the ground, running to pull the dinosaur away.

“Biollante, heel!” now Ula shouted, feeling surprised yet again as the dinosaur obliged and seated itself beside the couch. “That was easy...anyways, can you guys open the door now?”

“Sure!”

Soon enough, the door was unlocked before being swung open by the triplets who had stacked themselves on top of each other. Right in the doorway stood a young man that was most likely around Ula’s age, and he was basically a tower of purples and blues.

“Ula!” he exclaimed as he threw his hands in the air, dropping the box he had been originally carrying, though it was thankfully caught by one of the triplets.

“That’s me.” Ula watched as the guy ran towards her, bringing her into a hug as he managed to lift her smaller frame into the air. “Whoa! Whoa, a little too much there!”

“Oh, right! I’m so sorry!” he quickly apologized before setting her back down, then straightening Ula’s hair and outfit as he laughed to himself. “Ula, I am just...so happy! You’re awake now! I missed you so much!”

“I...I, um-”

“Don’t try to remember, it’s fine! I’m fine!” he reassured her, though Ula could sense some sadness in him as he realized that she had no idea who he was. “Ula, my name is Richard.”

“Richard. Okay.”

“And he’s your best friend!” the triplets announced, making Ula give a smile before looking over at the guy who smiled at her.

“Bestie!”

“Bestie!” Richard repeated to Ula before the two hugged each other, Biollante even running towards them to nuzzle against the pair’s legs before the triplets hugged them.

However, she was startled at the sound of a hiss that made her jump back and away from the other. Ula looked down to see as Biollante had rushed away and towards a window with open curtains, everybody taking notice of a black cat that was perched right outside.

The feline had large, emerald eyes that looked straight at Biollante who attempted to scratch at the window. The feline, however, did not bat a single eye and continued to stare at the dinosaur before eventually scurrying away due to the triplets who ran to the window and shooed it away.

“Dummy cat.”

“Always comes around here to bother us.” they complained among themselves.

“Especially bothered you a lot, Ula.”

“Me? Well, I’m sure it means no harm.” Ula gave a bit of a shrug, but she flinched in that moment as a pain soared through her head.

“Ula!”

“I’m fine, I’m fine...I swear…” Ula waved a hand as she held her head, instantly forgetting about the cat.

After a while, Ula smiled to herself, thinking of how things were just getting better and better.