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jsabspinkhorsepro123 · 1 year ago

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Survivor's Guilt

Copper’s life started simple, like many other shapes. He was born to a male shape and a woman who’s great grandmother had fought in the war against the corrupted lords. His sister, only a year and a half older than him, was bossy, but loved him to death, them doing almost everything together. He was a good kid, though quite shy when it came to other people

But like a lot of shapes… he was robbed of the happy beginning, and of the ones he held dear.

This is the story, of how Copper became a prince and lost his feelings of safety, and how the other heroes came to live with King Sabre.

The 5 year old, filled with anxiety, and excitement, looked to the large building in front of him. His first day of school… he hoped to enjoy it like his sister did.

She seemed to have made many friends her first year, he was hoping to at least make a few-

He knew he was NOT as much of an extravert as his sister, nowhere near-

But he had promised his sister, and now his parents that he would do his best, and he planned to keep to his word! His mother softly leaned down. “Are you ready dear?” He took a breath, and nodded, being as brave as he could. She smiled, kissing his forehead. “My little warrior… I’m proud of you. Have a great day.”

He gave her a large smile, waving bye as he and his sister, Chrysalis, walked into the school hand in hand.

He looked around, the many people making him a bit anxious, but calming with the small squeeze his sister gave in assurance. But that comfort soon subsided, when it came time for them to part ways as he was at his classroom.

She gave him a hug. “You’ll do just fine Cops.” He nodded, nuzzling her as they separated. “Love you sis…” “Love you too.” He slowly walked into the classroom, being greeted by the teacher kindly, feeling calmer. She led him to his cubby, and then his seat, being sat around two boys he recognized from around the village. He shyly waved a hi, them simply ignoring him.

He slowly sat, setting out his pencil and paper and waiting to see what he’d do for his first day of school.

~~~~~~~

Copper found himself stepping into the cafeteria, his lunchbox in hand. He looked around for his sister, feeling anxious not seeing her anywhere. ‘She probably has another lunch period…’ He slowly walked around, looking for somewhere to sit. Everytime someone made eye contact, for some reason they’d always make it clear they didn’t want him to sit there.

…He didn’t understand… why did they all not want him near…? Was it his jacket?

Or his hair? Was he not smiling bright enough?

Slowly he gave in, finding an empty table and sitting down. He brought out the things in his lunch box, starting with his sandwich chewing it silently.

“Hey.” He heard a voice say, him turning his head towards them. “What’s up with your skin?” An older boy said, two other’s behind him. “... W… What, do.. You mean…?” He said, lighty confused. “The scales idiot.” He was surprised at the language. “I-It’s just how I was born, a-and that’s… not very nice-” “Ugh, they move when he talks!” “What a freak!”

The eyes all turned towards him, his heart starting to quickly beat. “You aren’t a shape! Your more like a reptile!” The older yelled, purposely to make sure the entire cafeteria heard. The small kids all laughed at the comparison, as Copper teared up, holding tears back just barely.

“Aw, look at the big baby! He’s gonna cry now!” “Must be because the reptile’s drying up!” The kids laughed loudly, as Copper hurriedly grabbed his lunch, pushing past them running to the bathroom.

He heard the larger kids “swear” as he had knocked one of them down in his hurry to not cry in front of so many kids. He barricaded himself in the bathroom, crying into his arms. He didn’t understand… why was his scales so weird to them…? They were slowly disappearing after all, his mother said it was just because of what his arti’s must be. They never thought they were ugly… why does everyone in the school think so…?

He stayed in the bathroom till lunch ended, leaving back to his classroom. He needed to tell his sister what happened… but he’d have to wait till the end of the day.

~~~~~

When recess came around, he made sure to stay away from the others hiding inside one of the tubes.

Unfortunately, luck didn’t seem to be on his side, as one of the older kids was currently holding his hands behind his back and covering his mouth. “Listen here freak, if you so much as THINK of telling anyone else about any of what happens here at school, you’ll wish you were never born.”

The 5 year old shook and whimpered as they pulled his hands back again. “Understood?!” He quickly nodded, tears gathering in his eyes as he was let go of finally, backing away from them.

They glared, but just left back out the tube, leaving the terrified kid to shake and cry.

Copper wondered why they all seemed to hate him… he must really be gross…

~~~~~

He embraced his mom and dad at home, them asking how his day was. He wanted to tell them… instead he just smiled and said good. They seemed relieved, kissing his cheek and allowing him to relax from his day at school. Once he got to the safety of his room, he began to cry and sob into his bed. He looked at the picture on the bedside table.

… He really did look so different from his parents and sister with those scales…

He hoped they’d disappear soon

~~~~~~

“Happy birthday to you..” He heard his family sing, his mouth watering at the red velvet cake with cherries in front of him. Everyone singing on his 9th birthday made him so happy and excited, it was like the one day he could be happy and not worried about what his bullies had in store for him.

“Happy birthday dear Copper… Happy birthday to you!” He beamed, taking a moment to think of a wish then blowing out his candles. Cheers erupted, as his mother began cutting cake for each of them. Copper happily took a bite out of the first cake slice, adoring the taste. His father was an amazing baker, he swears his cakes get better every year!

They all enjoyed their cake, till it was time for presents.

He adored all of them, but was excited the most at the last present. The shape of the wrapping… could it be…? He quickly unwrapped it, gasping in delight.

It was.. The acoustic guitar he had been asking for… it was beautiful.

He also noticed carvings on the bottom

He quickly hugged his parents, saying multiple thank yous. They happily held him, obviously pleased he liked it. “You are so welcome my dear, I know you’ll learn to be a wonderful player.”

~~~~~~

Copper stayed silent, hearing their harsh voices.

They were looking for him again. For what? Probably a beatdown, maybe they’d force him into a locker again and lock him in…

He hoped not that one. They were so small..

He knew it'd be better to immediately show up, get it over with.

But, he was so scared… and still sore from what they did yesterday.

He decided to go hide in one of the bushes, hoping they’d calm down. There… he came across someone. They seemed about his age, reading a book in said bush. He didn’t recognize him… maybe he was new?

The other looked to him. “Oh uh, hi there. Who are you?” “… U-Um… C-Copper, I-I’m sorry I can leave you alone I-“

“Nah, nice to know I’m not the only one who hates prying eyes, for some reason reading a book during recess is weird.” He joked, Copper shyly nodding

“Are… you sure?” “Course, name’s Aero, it’s nice to meet you Copper.” Copper sat next to the other who continued to read.

“Your arti’s and tail’s really cool, animal based shapes are pretty rare.” Copper felt his face get blushy, him looking away thanking him.

The other chuckled, as he continued the conversation. Copper seemed to have finally been able to keep his promise to his family.

He finally made a friend.

~~~~~~~~

The two were inseparable, staying at each other’s houses, tied to the hip at school. Copper finally found himself spared from the constant bullying, and truly happy for the first time. He gained confidence in himself, and in his looks thanks to the other.

Though… soon he found, the other didn’t just wish to be friends with him.

At 11 years old, he found himself in the happiest moment, the other asking to be his boyfriend.

Aero had never looked this uneasy… but luckily he soon found out he didn’t need to worry.

Copper hugged him happily, the two in love to no end.

Copper’s family were so glad to see him so happy, and it was the same for Aero’s mothers and father.

But… one year later, he found his spirit broken, and hope gone.

Copper found his entire life destroyed before his eyes

~~~~

It was the boy’s 1 year anniversary, and they were currently walking through the streets, excitedly talking about what diner they would be going to, still trying to decide. Copper’s family was still at home, but he was sure as soon as he returned there they’d tease him to death-

But he didn’t care much. He had his love, and they were simply walking along the village in bliss. This was their first date they had been allowed to go alone, as both their parents trusted the other. Of course they were told to stay in public, and only go to the nearby village, but that wasn’t an issue.

“Hey Clementine, figure out the place we should eat?” The other teased, Copper getting very blushy at the nickname. “Y-Yeah, it’s this way-” He shyly mumbled, the two’s hands intertwined as they walked through the streets. … A noise from an alleyway interrupted them. Copper looked at his newly formed tattoo, seeing it glowing.

“... That’s ominous… what could be down there?” Aero muttered, Copper thinking. “We could… check it out…?” The other looked at Copper. “Since when are you so courageous?” “I-I mean, being a hero, it is… my job?” Aero thought, unsure. ‘We’re in broad daylight… if something happens it’ll be easy to call for help.’ “Alright, but be on your guard.”

Copper agreed as they stepped in. It wasn’t much, just an alleyway with a cleaned out dumpster. “Well that’s a let down.” The taller joked, Copper sighing. “Guess it was nothing… come on the-”

He was cut off as he was suddenly thrown into the concrete wall, gasping in pain as his scaled tail shot up. “HEY!” The other yelled, quickly attacking the covered shape. He didn’t get far as another jumped behind him, his head meeting a bat knocking him out. “AERO!!” He screamed in horror, desperately trying to use his magic to just… do SOMETHING.

The only thing he remembered after that was an intense pain in his skull.

He could hear voices, some… uncomfortable, mean, sickeningly sweet while the others were desperate and scared. Copper didn’t understand, where was he? Wasn’t he and Aero going on a date? He slowly forced his eyes to open, letting out a weak groan. There wasn’t much light so it was easy for his eyes to adjust, but his body felt so.. sore. It felt like his head was going to explode, making him wonder if the bullies got to him again. Then he slowly started recognizing the voices.

Aero, Chrysalis, his mom and dad. He slowly looked around, trying to ignore the pain. His eyes widened in horror seeing them. His mother and father were chained to the wall, their bodies black and blue with bruises, and spewing red due to injuries. His sister looked to be blinking away tears, wrapped in chains and her ankle completely twisted, looking beyond broken. Aero was tied up with rope, his head covered in bloody bandages and also in bruises.

His eyes teared up trying desperately to get up to help them. He was stopped with a cry by someone slamming their foot on his back, shooting pain down his spine. “Now now, there’s no need to rush.” That condescending voice sent shivers down his body, as the other hooded figure leaned down to get a good look at him. He could only tell the other was a pure, lightly green skin somewhat visible.

“GET AWAY FROM HIM!”

“LEAVE OUR SON ALONE!”

“D-DON’T TOUCH HIM!”

He heard everyone yell against his attacker, making him feel a bit more confident, trying to get them off. He honestly got nowhere, the foot not being affected at all. He wasn’t strong enough- but he was a hero! He was supposed to-

“Now now, we have something we must do before we consider letting you all go~” He felt scared looking at that terrifying smirk. “It’s simple. We wish to see what a hero can do. So, if you can defeat one of us COPPER, we’ll let you all go~” Cops froze, how did, did they know his- His thoughts were distracted when fingernails dug into his chin. “Or we could always just kill you all right now~” He couldn’t hear their distant begs for him not to agree, and their shouts of horror.

All he could see… was that grin that he knew wasn’t joking around. He HAD to fight, for his family, for Aero… He was a hero! It was his job to protect! So he had to win this.

He gathered up his courage and looked his kidnapper dead in the eye. “... I-I accept.” Their screams of no and begs for him to take it back fell on deaf ears, he knew he had to try! Their smirk grew only larger as they backed up. “Alright, then let’s see how strong you are “hero”~” He felt the other finally step off his back, sending relief through him. He shakingly stood, his body already bruised from the rough handling. His tail laid limply by his side, broken from having been thrown into the wall. But despite the pain and welling terror inside of him, he put on a brave face and readied himself.

Their terrifying smile, filled with glee of the pain they would do to the others would forever haunt his mind.

They moved so quickly he almost didn’t dodge in time, a spear filled with sharp ends clear. He quickly backed up, desperately trying to summon a weapon. The weapon barely missed his hand, as he finally felt his magic gather. An ax… more like a hatchet honestly, but it was definitely better than nothing. He swung it at the other, stopping their spear from hitting his arm.

He felt a bit more confident but kept a level head, dodging and swinging. The weapon got him multiple times, luckily it only being shallow cuts against his skin. It would’ve badly hurt still, if he wasn’t currently running on adrenaline, feeling as if a whole different shape was controlling him. When he finally managed to get a good hit on the other, he felt good, like it was some sort of small payback for messing with his family. He still made sure not to get careless.

As the fight went on, he had more and more cuts and injuries, while his enemy had only been slashed a few times, nowhere near enough to take them down. Meanwhile, Copper was growing exhausted, trying desperately to summon and use extremely intense magic when he had barely practiced summoning at all. His movements were slower, the others desperately cheering him on to try and keep his hopes up for the battle.

… But it wasn’t enough, once he was too tired to dodge.

He gasped out, his body going into shock once he felt the spear pierce his stomach, the sharp ends tearing and ripping as his spine was completely disregarded, the sharpest end poking out of his back. Everything grew muffled, the screams, the cackles as blood ran down his chin. He felt the weapon pulled out of his chest, his body immediately falling to the cold unforgiving floor. He tried desperately to suck in air, gasping and coughing up blood. The pain was searing, his vision almost white as his brain was unable to comprehend it.

He knew it should be killing him.. But he was still alive. The shape tsked, their grin so large he wondered how it was possible. “Poor hero, couldn’t even knock me back~ I suppose you know what that means~” He felt his breathing quicken as he hurriedly shook his head. “N-No- d-don’t-”

He saw the other masked figure step towards his loved ones, them all trying to struggle and stay brave. He tried desperately to beg and move, his body not at all responding.

“How pathetic… a hero that can’t even save his own family~”

He let out a scream in horror as his sister’s throat was slit, and both of his parents head were smashed in. He saw them all collapse, him beginning to sob in disbelief. Copper caught eyes with Aero, their terrified gazes holding each other close.

… But Aero despite the fear held a weak tearful smile, looking at his boyfriend like he was all that mattered.

“I-I love you Clementine… s-stay strong for m-”

He screamed no as suddenly he was stabbed through the heart, his breathing ending as he collapsed lifelessly. “Nononononononononono-” he hyperventilated, his chest still continuing to bleed.

He should be dead.

WHY WASN’T HE DEAD?!

WHY COULDN’T IT END, THE SEARING PAIN, HE NEEDED IT TO STOP.

Their cackles as he screamed out sobs haunted his mind, as their words hit his mind like a train.

“Weak”

“Some hero!”

“Worthless!”

“Failure.”

“How pathetic…

You couldn’t even save your own family.”

He barely processed when they left, just leaving him there with the bloody and gruesome sight in front of him. He cried out begs to just end him, falling on deaf ears. The door was shut, him desperately trying to crawl to the others. He couldn’t get anywhere, his magic struggling to keep itself together. He could see his own intestines, peeking out of the hole from the spear.

He cried, sobbed and begged, begged for them to come back, begged for this all to be a terrible nightmare, begged for death to just take him.

… But no one answered. None of his begging did anything.

The oldest hero was left in the empty room, his only company the corpses that served of a reminder of his failure.

....

He heard a noise.

For once in weeks… months? Years? He heard a noise not made by himself. He tried desperately to call out to the noise, on the off chance it was someone, but his throat was completely raw. He hadn’t drank in (How long? How long had he been surrounded by the sights, the pain, the stench?) and had spent a lot of time crying his eyes out, wrecking his throat. All that came out was a weak rasp, nowhere near enough to gain anyone’s attention. He hoped they’d find him. Or even if it was the kidnappers, that they’d finally finish the job.

He couldn’t do it anymore. The rotting corpses of those he loved the most, their hollow eyes being ravaged by insects, him having to also fend off insects from getting into his open chest, the darkness and emptiness of this… wherever the hell he was. He didn’t understand how he was alive in the first place… He had heard that heroes couldn’t die, but he had assumed it was simply a rumor. Suppose it was true. He weakly flinched as he heard footsteps approach, silent tears rolling down his cheeks as he grew hopeful.

… He heard a gasp of horror, and most definitely the sound of puking.

This wasn’t them… it was someone else. And they saw him.

He tried to make it known he was alive, by moving just, something. He could only manage to move his hand… but thank goodness the shape seemed to have seen it. “Y-Your- alive?!” He felt his body collapse, his fight and energy gone. He heard someone hurry over, the only thing noticeable to his blurry vision is that he seemed to glow, like the Treeangle almost.

“CORR LOGA THERE’S SOMEONE ALIVE IN HERE!” His swimming ears heard him call out, as the sound slowly became muffled. He slowly closed his eyes, finally being able to let sleep over take his broken body. He didn’t know what was going to happen… but he could only hope the pain was finally over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

… It was so soft.. He didn’t remember things being so soft. The last thing he remembered was that cold and hard floor… this was so warm too. He wished to just close his eyes again and sleep in unknowing bliss. Unfortunately his body seemed to have other plans, him softly groaning but knowing he had to try and open his eyes.

Once he managed to he immediately closed them, god why was it so bright?

He heard the soft click of what he believed was a light switch, slowly urging him to try again. Still was lighter, but it was much easier for him to get used to. He slowly noticed the soft warm sheets of a bed underneath him, the clean, non rotting smell, the numbness… and he quickly realized he wasn’t in that place any longer. He… believes he’s in a hospital, if the white walls said anything. He heard a soft voice, one that was lightly recognizable. He slowly peered towards it, quickly filled with shock.

In front of him, was King Sabre. He had out a tray of food for him, his blue eyes filled with nothing but care and kindness. He isn’t at all what he expected from a king, he more felt like one of his teachers back in elementary school. He was in complete awe, why was the king standing above him??

“Hello, it’s Copper right..?” His mouth parched, he forced himself to nod instead. “Good good, my name is Sabre dear. I am grateful you are awake, would you like some food?” His chest tightened to remind him how he had no food he had in the past… however long he was there for. The water also reminded him of his aching throat. He nodded, having so little strength that to his embarrassment, the King had to feed him. Wow, what a sight, the nobody with freaky skin was being taken care of by the king of their lands himself. After a while, he found his stomach finally full, Sabre putting down the plate. “... Do you, remember what happened…?” He didn’t answer.

From his expression, Copper saw he didn’t need to. “... I-I’m so sorry.. You and your family deserved better.”

He knew those words shouldn’t have affected him like they had. Copper was well aware they were de- … gone, he saw it after all. He literally saw them slowly rotting. … But for some reason it was those words that really made the loss fully hit. He tried to keep back the onslaught of emotions, but he couldn’t. He felt arms wrap around him, his broken destroyed mind burying into his chest. His cries weren’t like they were, loud, disbelief, begging, screaming… it was quiet, choking, whimpering, confirmation that they were gone. That Copper was now an orphan, and all alone in life.

Nothing could bring back his mother’s laughter, stern talking that was always betrayed by her eyes, his father’s sweet caring smile, his dumb jokes that somehow always got them, his sister’s bright energy, how even though they were complete opposites they were closer than two pees in a pod.

… Or his wonderful boyfriend’s calming hugs and cuddles, his protective aura that always kept him safe, and his cheek kisses that always managed to make his heart flutter.

His life of safety, contentment, and happiness was gone.

And it was all his fault.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The trees swayed calmly in the wind, the soft breeze making leaves fall to the ground. Giggles sounded through the garden, the sound of shoes hitting the floor softly yet quickly, as the sound of clinking metal sounded behind it. “Come on Uncle Logy!” A lightly squeaky young voice called out, their blue and white trainers hitting the floor as he jumped over the small streams around. Fluffy Ocean blue hair was upon his blue tinted skin, his cyan eyes shining with child curiosity and hyperactivity.

His name was Cyan, the new prince of Paradise. As well as the Hero of the waters that flowed through the lands. He was now 10 years old, and beginning to start his training, him rather excited to see what his magic could do. “Wait Cy!” He heard the other call out. The familiar Loga, covered in armor walked over to the young child, looking at his god son exasperatedly. “You cannot just run around here, the ground is really slippery. Plus you know what happens if you fall in the water.”

Due to his magic, when he got a certain amount of water on him gills would appear upon his neck, and his feet would turn into flippers (Well usually, it depended on the situation) “You worry too much! I’m strong, I can take it!” He said confidently, Loga chuckling. “Well my little warrior, even the strongest need to eat, so let’s go inside.” Cyan lightly pouted, wanting to stay outside still but followed the other through the gardens.

Due to his father being a king, he didn’t often get to play with him. He made sure to spend some time with him whenever he could though, and he had not only Loga to make sure he wasn’t bored but the entire castle! Milly made him amazing mac and cheese, Sir. Corr was teaching him, and Sevcon took him to other places when he wanted to explore! There were so many other guards and workers that lived around here too that he enjoyed playing and talking to, so he sure was happy. Lunch was simply a meatball sandwich with some chips, but Cyan sure loved it. He heard the castle doors open, him lighting up.

“Daddy!” He hurriedly ran to the entrance, excited to be able to jump into his arms. … but he stopped moving quickly seeing what he was holding. There was a shape that looked just a bit older than him in his arms, they had cool scales and a lizard-like tail, but were covered in bandages.

Cyan noticed glowing coming from his chest, slowly moving down his shirt. His tattoo was glowing blue, and he could notice their neck doing the same. His father’s shocked face didn’t escape his eyes, as he slowly talk. “Son, this is Copper… the hero of the earth.”

Cyan’s mouth gaped. Now… they finally found another hero! He wasn’t alone! He grew extremely excited, almost bouncing. “Another hero! Is he ok? Why is he out?” Sabre shushed his curious son. “I can not answer all of those questions, some are private. But I’ll lightly explain after I get him into bed.” Cyan slowly nodded, backing up and letting his father go, walking into an empty bedroom next to his. He watched as he walked away, wondering what was happening. Another hero? And he was hurt… What had happened? “Cyan? Come and continue to eat!” He shook his head, yelling coming and running back to the dining room. He could wait for the explanation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was nothing inside of Copper when he awoke. No care, no anger, no pain, no sadness… nothing. He was on a bed, but he didn’t care. He was in a beautiful room, it didn’t matter. He had been given a wonderful meal, he couldn’t taste it. Everything was muffled, silent, bland, like the world had been turned into a staticky broken tv. He barely registered whenever the King visited him, asking him things or getting him to eat.

He was on autopilot, answering things blankly, and doing things like a robot that had been given orders. More often than not he was left alone, him staring at the starry ceiling without a thought in his mind. The few times he did think it was torture, replaying the events over and over, his mind full of anger, self hatred and despair. So, he found it was better to simply just exist. Not think, sleep with no dreams, stay in bed, and follow what Sabre said. He didn’t understand why he was chosen as a hero. Why he was made to protect the kingdom.

He couldn’t even fight one shape who wasn’t even using magic, only a singular weapon.

The scars and stitches across his chest were forever a reminder of his failure. The pain in his back when he moved the wrong way felt the least he deserved for what he couldn’t do. The half of a locket around his neck was a show of the broken heart he had, that he deserved.

That half he’d never get back.

He tried, tried to forever stay empty and numb, but he couldn’t. The intensive nightmares began, the same horrors never getting easier to see. His self hatred only rised as he looked at himself in the mirror. He screamed at himself, learning how to use his magic to soundproof his room, used his hands to tear into himself, he had nothing left in him. “WHY?! WHY DID I HAVE TO LIVE!?” He’d often scream to the sky, desperate to understand why he had been allowed to continue. Why he HAD to in the first place. He’d wish that he’d wake up in his room, his family downstairs and his boyfriend just a walk away.

But it registered once more when his stuff was moved into the castle, when he saw the guitar in its new spot.

13 is when his denial stage finished, and when his anger stage started. He changed his outfit completely, dark clothing to be as far away from the colors that reminded him of them.

He spoke little, his expression hard. He couldn’t help but… feel happy when Sabre had first suggested his adoption. He had been terrified, he couldn’t lose another family! He selfishly said yes still. He was now a prince, and now had a younger brother. Cyan tried to play and hang out with him, but he refused. He wasn’t going to get close to anyone. He was so certain if he did, they’d be wrenched away quicker than he could process. He spent his days learning his magic, prepping for another battle. 14 came by so quickly he barely registered the birthday song being sung. His entire personality had changed, instead of being shy he was now cold, instead of kind he now tried to be apathetic, instead of trying to avoid confrontation he welcomed it now.

14 was also the year he met a boy who called himself Thrasher.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Copper was simply walking along the grass, looking throughout the trees for the perfect clearing. He needed a training place, somewhere no one but him would know about. He needed to only focus on ending his weakness. He could hear shuffling, his senses having heightened since… the incident. He quickly turned towards the noise, summoning what had since grown to be a full blown ax. “WHO’S THERE?!” He called out, his stance defensive, prepped for anything. “Well, look what we have here~” The voice was young, but sounded old too, like the typical smoking voice. He saw three shapes leave from behind the greenery. Only one really stuck permanently in his memory.

His face and body was covered, none of him able to be recognized. “It’s the hero who doesn’t deserve his title.” His voice was like ice, cold and unforgiving. Copper stepped back untrusting of the other. “Who, who are you.” “You can call me Thrasher.” The other said while holding a gun in his hand, Copper prepared to fight. “What? You scared of a fight? Don’t be WEAK now~” The word immediately sent him into fight or flight.

And he refused to run.

Thrasher yelped as a sudden fist hit him in the face, knocking out a tooth. It fell to the ground outside of his mask, him spiting out blood looking at the other. He couldn’t see his expression, but was sure he was glaring. “You're going to regret that freak.” He slammed into the other, Copper gasping as he hit his chest. He slammed his elbow into his neck, making the other stumble backwards. He took this time to shove him harshly into a tree, but was cut off when something hit him in his shoulder. ‘Magical bullets.’ He thought, letting out a yelp of pain as he quickly backed up, trying to keep the injury from bleeding. He noticed a gun floating, quickly disappearing after the bullet was fired.

His thoughts were shut down by another slam, him falling to the ground smacking his head on the floor. Black spots danced in his vision as the others scoffed. “Just as I thought, you can’t do anything.” Thrasher growled, as he heard their footsteps slowly fade as they left him alone. He laid there, feeling his blood mix with dirt, gulping back tears. His voice was so familiar… but he knew he hadn’t met him before. But either way, he had miserably lost this fight. The other only had been injured at that sneak attack, and maybe a small bruise from the tree. Copper had been done after a single projectile, and a push. ‘Pathetic…’ He thought angrily, forcing himself up. ‘I need to train harder. I need to learn how to be strong.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marigold’s life had been perfect before the incident. Though her father had died when she was a baby, her mother was the best single parent she could ask for. Always supportive, loving, and a perfect role model for the 9 year old. Their bond was as close as could be. Marigold was strong, beautiful, and had an amazing determination for being so young.

Her life seemed wonderful and perfect … But then her mom got sick.

At first doctor’s assured them it was just a common flu, and that she’d recover in no time. Then, when she was sick for a month, that’s when the lawyers got involved. She didn’t understand half of it when she was young, the fact her grandparents were hated by many, the idea that someone to get revenge would poison her, the allegation that the doctor’s were even in on it. But what she did understand was… she no longer could stay with her mother. The poison was slow, but had done its damage. Her mother had been paralyzed. She would forever be bedridden, and was far too weak to care for such a rambunctious little girl.

Mari was now on her own. Or.. so she thought. Once the news of a mother being poisoned, and a young girl now homeless, Sabre was quick in his reaction. His kind heart was open to all, including her. Funny enough, it was only three days after they met that her tattoo appeared. Marigold, the hero of the sky.

Shapes theorized that due to Sabre’s unknown powers, he must have somehow sensed she was a hero, since the same thing happened to Copper. Some said it was just a coincidence. Whatever the case was, Marigold was grateful for the kind King. He brought her to visit her mother once a week, he let her train and do things that she had been scared he’d call “not proper for a lady”, and she loved him like the father she never had. Cyan was more than glad to have someone to play with.

Though, Marigold was not the last child he took in. The last was an 8 year old that had once been called Prasio. Prasio had been born to a middle class family, who had been quite poor before Sabre came into power. Her mother was stubborn, hard headed, and very religious. Well, let’s say the reaction to Prasio wishing to put on makeup, wear dresses and such was not very positive. He’d have to listen to his parents argue for hours on end, his father wanting him to be however he wished, while his mother called him all sorts of vile nicknames. Not to say his father was an amazing parent, he had a lot of problems. Mainly with alcohol abuse. But unlike her, he tried his best, and wished everyday he had been more careful when he was younger, that he hadn’t gotten himself addicted.

One day, Prasio’s father had decided it was time to help his child feel more comfortable with themself. They picked out the most beautiful dress, and discussed things they hadn’t been able to before. Finally, Prasio knew what had been wrong. She wasn’t a boy, she had been a woman the whole time. So… they both decided on a name.

Jade.

She felt much more confident in herself now, more stable and proud. But.. once her mother found out she went off the rails. Jade screamed in fear as she ran after her, trying to rip her new dress to shreds. Her father ran over immediately, protecting Jade from his wife’s wrath. He hadn’t expected her to have been drunk out of her mind. … or this dangerous

Jade’s entire life shattered in front of her eyes while she watched her mother slice a knife across his face. She cried as she heard his scream, it having cut both of his eyes. Her mother’s rambles meant nothing as she quickly ran to the phone, recalling what her father told her to do in emergencies. She managed just barely to hit the dial button before she was pulled back, screaming in fear as her sharp fingernails cut into her skin. Jade cried as her “mother” hit her, blow after blow to her fragile form terrifying. Before she could do any intensive damage, her blinded father managed to yank her back, trying his best to keep her away from Jade. Every second was nerve wracking, the knife ready to be grabbed. Jade then heard the door broken down. She was thankful as the guard’s ripped her away from her father, holding her back so she couldn’t hurt anyone.

But… the damage had been done. Jade’s father wasn't prepared to take care of his daughter on his own, blinded, and now trying to go clean was not a good combination for her. Sabre once again came to the rescue, bringing Jade into the family, even paying immediately to change her birth certificate. She finally felt like herself… she got along very well with Marigold, and enjoyed Cyan’s company.

She soon learned she was also a hero, the hero of nature. She grew plants where she walked, was as quick as the wind, and though it’d take many years, she finally could grow confident in herself.

But, no one got along with the oldest of the heroes… Copper.

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Copper’s bargaining phase mixed with his anger and depression, going all the way into his 16th year. He continued to push the other’s farther and farther away, get into fights with “Thrasher”, training himself to death, and eventually set himself down a dangerous path.

It all started with Sabre being given a gift. It was well known the king was not a drinker, but he was still given a few beers. He put it in a cabinet up high, not wanting to be rude and not accept the gift. Of course… If he knew what it would cause, he would’ve said no to the gift a thousand times. Copper that night was looking for his nutritional bars, unsure where he put them when he found the cans. He got one down, looking at it lightly curious. He had heard of course in school a hundred times the dangers of drinking… but he had also heard it could make one feel numb, and forget everything. And god, did that sound much too enticing.

He grabbed a few cans, leaving to his room to try it out. He figured it was worth a shot, opening and pouring the liquid down his throat. He nearly choked at the taste, sure he had heard that it usually didn’t taste that great the first time, but he didn’t think much of it- He shook his head, waiting for his stomach to settle before carefully taking another sip. Still kind of gross, but it was better this time around. As the night went on, he got used to it, drinking more and more till all three cans were gone. He quickly figured out that he wasn’t very resistant.

But at the same time, he felt wonderful that night, sleeping without a single nightmare. Which, even with his hangover, quickly sealed the deal. Addiction is a powerful thing… and Copper had allowed himself to be sucked in. He hid his habit for many months, before Sabre caught him with a bottle of whiskey. He had seemed angry, but truthfully he was just terrified for the other, trying to tell him just how bad this could end. Their fight was intense, well for them anyway- Copper eventually fleeing.

It didn’t stop anything. Copper still drank, trained, and got into fights constantly. He was going down a dark path, everyone could realize it. But… they didn’t know what to do about it. They could only do so much, before the decision was fully up to Copper.

Come 17, he seemed to be too far gone… before the corruption started.

His mindset he gained from the incident was proven incorrect, that the others would be fine as long as he was distant. He learned, with watching them all die in front of his eyes, that it only had made it worse. When he came to, Paradise fixed, his new found TIO form having sucked up the last bit of his fight… That was when he began to change,

The last thing the other 3 expected was for Copper to wrap them all in a hug, sobbing sorries. But they were quick to assure him, as Cyan got the first time of Copper calling him brother. They held onto each other, their hearts beating in sync, as they all realized one thing. No matter what they go through, they’ll always be together.

No matter what happens, they’ll always build it back once again.

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This was SO MUCH FUN AHH-

I’ve been wanting to write his backstory for YEARS, and it’s finally here! Again, some parts are not fully addressed for plot reasons, or just me finding it unnecessary. But in general, that’s the hero’s beginnings! Hope you all enjoyed!

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