Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[Garrett looked around the area. He was slowly dragging himself across the place while cowering himself in his own brown coat. Where's Tristan that was with him...? Where's Spike...? He felt so scared without them...]

[But then, he heard something... Something that was completely wrong...  A dim light shined on the child. The light was grim red, with shadows upon shadows of complete darkness. The voice was shouted from the sky of the pure world of THEM.]

{±} EXPUNGED {±}
> "I SENSE YOUR PRESENCE, DEAR LITTLE BEING. " <

[Out of the great shadows came the Lord. Lord Crimson Eye at their appearance... They leaned over to Garrett with a grin so impure and filled with no soul. They were more taller then him. They've looked at the young animal teacher, with a sinister grin painted on their face.]

[They swooped him up from the ground, with their hand, just to face him towards the lord themself. He'd cowered while starting to weep. He was scared.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "P-Please let me go...! I did n-n-nothing to you...! Who even ARE YOU..!?!?" <

[The Lord smirked. Pathetic, he doesn't know who they are. Their voice became more scarier as they spoke more.]

{±} EXPUNGED {±}
> "YOU LITTLE WORTHLESS HUMAN BEING... DON'T EVEN QUESTION WHO I AM! WE'VE CREATED NEW PARTS OF YOUR LITTLE WORLD INTO OURS. SO YOU, SPIKE, AND YOUR LITTLE FRIEND ARE NEVER GONNA BE PRESENT EVER AGAIN!" <

[His fears where overcoming on him, his friends he know... Are they dead...?! Did they kill them...?! He'd got out his little dagger, just to try and stab them in self defense. But it was no use, they got a hold of it and threw it aside.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "NO!! M-MY WEAPON...!" <

{±} EXPUNGED {±}
> "QUIT YOUR CRYING NOW. IT'S TIME YOU'LL BE LIKE THEM! AND I HOPE YOU'LL NEVER HAVE HELP TO SAVE YOUR WORLD! EVER!" <

[They managed to pull out the eye bandana they've had. It was looking around drastically right before it eyed on the kid. It was scaring Garrett badly. He wanted to be free... He wanted to be saved...]

[He...]

{±} Tristan {±}
> "Garrett! WAKE UP!" <

[A voice woke him up, startled and terrified. The floating golden heart looked worried for him as the 8 year old was crying.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "i-i thought... i lost you...! *sob*" <

[Tristan floated closer to him, just for him to hug the golden heart softly. He had no clue of why Garrett was having those nightmares after Spike rescued him and Tristan. And this is the 3rd time he had that this happened to him in his sleep. Unlike the 1st one of the Lord Crimson Eye's singular eye haunting the poor young animal teacher.]

[After the calming, the 8 year old seemed so worried to go back to sleep. He just feared that he could have that same dream again if he did.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "What if it h-happened again...!? I don't want the scary king eye to get me..." <

{±} Tristan {±}
> "Listen to me. We will get that evil being! One day, we would try our best to get rid of them. And after that, we could get my dad, Mr. Bambi, and maybe Jr back!" <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "... You're right... But what about Spike...?" <

{±} Tristan {±}
> "He's okay. He's just asleep in his hammock in the other room." <

[Relief was a good thing he sighed on. And now he heard knocking on his door. Which was Spike himself.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Garrett...? You had that nightmare about the crimson eye thing again, didn't you." <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "Y-Yes I did..." <

{±} Spike {±}
> "*Thinking: Hazel nuts... When will his suffering dreams end?* Oh... Right..." <

[Now Spike slowly came inside the room. He didn't had his shades at the moment since  he took them off.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Hey bud. I'm here now... That lord of that thing would NEVER get you! As long as we find them, we could defeat that lord for good! Along with their so-called friends." <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "... You're right.. You're a great person, Spiky..." <

[Spike smiled softly now. But when he looked out the window, he saw a multi color eye who's watching them. He saw that, and pulled out one of his sickles in defense.]

[The young animal teacher was confused about what he's doing... Until he saw that eye. That eye looks different then the lord themselves eye.]

{±} Tristan {±}
> "Who is that?!" <

{±} Spike {±}
> "I don't know who you are, but SCRAM! You don't belong here!" <

[That made it ran right in the darkness, never to be seen again.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "*sigh* Let's try and go back to bed now... You too  Trist ..."

{±} Tristan {±}
> "Ok, Spike..." <

{±} Bendu {±}
> "Ey! Bandu, I saw those survivors inside!" <

[The lord of grief sighed just to eye on the lord of worship.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "Yes... I see them too... The lord would be curious about those unworthy children..." <

{±} Bendu {±}
> "Señor will really REALLY loved how those bugs will one day be captured!" <

{±} Bandu {±}
> "I get it now... Let's go back to Lord now..." <

{±} Bendu {±}
> "As you may, amigo!" <

{±} Bandu {±}
> "*mutters* For the love of the lord, stop calling me that..." <

[Now the two lord's walked off to go back to the lord crimson eye's place where it's far far away.]

[∆]

[CHAPTER 1 LOG_END.]

[∆]

Chapter Text

[It was basically day. And Spike was searching and adventuring this dessert around him with Garrett and Tristan by his side. Then, they noticed a hut of a small village that was created there.]

{ ±} Spike {±}
> "Huh? Ey, there's some stands there! It looks like some survivors made them." <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "There's more then the three of us..?!"  <

[Tristan peeked out of the pocket, just to see a figure. A figure with no arms and a box hovering with them. And seemed to be wearing a hat. He might've recognize them before...]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "Wait... IS THAT DYA?!" <

[The young animal teacher was thankfully that Do You Accept was actually there! Do You A ccept heard that kid's voice. And saw him from a far.]

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "...Garrett?! I thought you were gone!" <

[Since they both find themselves, the 8 year old animal teacher just ran up to his stand. He'd hugged him greatly while Do You Accept just let him hug onto him since he doesn't have any arms to hug back.]

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "Thank  Conbi  you're ok..." <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "I'm glad about that... But, where are the
others?"  <

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "I couldn't find the other crew members and Leggi... But I did however find two teens from some school." <

[He really mentioned the fact that his brother and his bff are ok! But where are they? Then, he heard some loud explosions from a far. He yelpt as he cowered behind him.]

[Out of the blue came Diamond Man, landing on his feet. While for the older Garrett? Well, he was on top of Do You Accept's stand. He'd jumped off from it and landed as well.]

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "Hey HOT shot, are ya asking about somebody new?"  <

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "Yeah man! Where are they??" <

[The little whimpering was heard behind Do You Accept. Algebra Garrett peeked through and saw the young animal teacher quivering in fear.]

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "Lil' bro, are you ok?!" <

[He ended up picking Garrett up just to cradle him. Spike just doesn't know that both of the friends are ok! But, what about the school? But he wasn't worried about that.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "GARRETT?! WHAT EVEN HAPPENED!?" <

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "Spike?! I uhh- Some corruption garbage attack our math teacher (Algebra Dave) and my principal with Playrobot! Thank god Mr Dave's ok... As well as the others. But not the school..." <

{±} Spike {±}
> "Dear  Conbi ... I hope the teacher's ok..." <

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "HE IS OK, YA JUNKIE! He just had a scar on his face n stuff..." <

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "Don't start with the yelling now..." <

[Tristan's constant shining ended up getting the attention towards Do You Accept. He recognized his own son because of that pocket inside.]

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "...Hang on, that's my boy in there!" <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "Huh..?!" <

{±} Tristan {±}
> "Dad...!" <

[Do You Accept was worried about his biological son's appearance. The golden heart floated out of the pocket just so he could see him.]

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "Who even did this to you my boy...?" <

{±} Tristan {±}
> "It's my other dad... Him and Mr Bambi suddenly attacked me..." <

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "Dave did this to you?! Oh dear  Conbi ... They've might got him and Bambi too..." <

{±} Spike {±}
> "What about their creations before all of this?" <

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "There was only one survivor. Which was a minion who's not with their side. She's only just 11 months old." <

[He carefully opened the box, revealing the child herself inside the box. She'd looked up at Spike, cooing at him.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "...Why would they dump a baby?" <

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "I don't even know... She doesn't even have a name, so I named her Star.." <

{±} Star {±}
> " abbu ..!" <

[Spike carefully picked her up, just to hold her in his arms. Why would the lord crimson eye themself even do that to a literal child they created? Do they really hate her?]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "A child abandoned at this young age...? Poor girl..." <

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "I agree lil' bro... I just don't know why would anyone do that to her... I just hope that she's ok..." <

{±} Spike {±}
> "You're right. Right now, we have to find if there's any survivors from the other places." <

[He set Star down on the table.]

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "Hey, can me and DM come too?" <

{±} Spike {±}
> "Sure, why not..." <

[The five now set out to adventure further. But for Star, she wanted to be with Spike more. So, she tried to make herself fly by fl apping her little wings. Once she managed to get in the air, she landed on the ground and started to follow them.]

[She'd gripped onto Spike's leg, she was whining to give him her attention.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Huh? What do you want?" <

{±} Star {±}
> "bah..!  abbu ..!" <

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> " Hahah , I think she wants to be with you guys!" <

[Confused by that, he decided to let Star join him and the others. He picked her up, and she looked happy to be with him.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Ok, you can join us. I'm just gonna let Garrett hold you." <

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "Wait what?" <

[Spike gave him the baby to carry her. Algebra Garrett was not good at babies at first, bit he'll just gonna try her best to care for little Star.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Now c'mon guys, let's go find more survivors!" <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "Ok Spiky!" <

[Now, with Star with the five, they ventured off from the hut. Do You Accept just watched by as they left his hut from the village.]

{±} Do You Accept {±}
> "I hope she's ok..." <

[∆]

[CHAPTER 2 LOG_END.]

[∆]

Chapter Text

{±} Bandu {±}
> "Oh great.... They've destroyed everything..." <

[He said as he looked over at the wrecked city. It looks all destroyed, littered like trash. Cars are nearly melted, buildings toppled over like dominos, and the statue from that city was knocked down into nothing but pure dust on its upper half.]

[The lord of grief walked to the place to get a better look. He seen many dust and smoke pass by him. Some of the dust were the people who've he'd killed.]

[He can feel the pit of his stomach worsen because of what he did. So many were killed... Many were innocent mortals.]

{±} Cameo {±}
> "You think that  thisss  isss the place here?" <

[The snake of his lover, Cameo, said when he slithered out from his hat and onto his shoulder.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "I'm afraid so..." <

[He replied as he continued to stare on.]

[The lord of grief yet continues to ponder the horrible deeds his 'brother' made him do. But, he noticed something from one of the sides of the back alley ways. A little kid in a cloth.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "Wait, I think I see one!" <

[He said, as he followed the kid to a broken down building. I'm the building were many drawings hung up on the wall. Some were Spike, while some were their friends.]

[Was that kid, drawing these? He has to understand what's happening. So, he sight the kid on his tracks. He cautiously got closer to the cloth child, reaching out his hand.]

{±} ??? {±}
> "h-huh..?-  AAHH !!! PLEASE DON'T DO IT
AGAIN!!!" <

[The lord of grief stepped back by the fear in his voice.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "Hey... Don't be scared... I'm not gonna do anything to you..." <

{±} ??? {±}
> "but, were you t-the same person who-" <

{±} Bandu {±}
> " Shhh ... You don't have to worry about that... But, where are the other survivors little boy...?" <

{±} ??? {±}
> "t-they're all dead.... every single one..." <

[He said as his purple eyes were starting to show from inside the cloak he's hiding himself in.

[The lord of grief just felt bad for him. Like he knew his suffering and what had transpired. He has to give him a feeling that he still has a soft heart.]

[He carefully held out his hand towards the young boy, as a offer.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "Mind if I help you get out of here...?" <

[He asked the question to him.]

[The cloth child hesitated at first when he saw his hand, but cautiously held onto it. His grip on the child's hand carefully brought him back up on his feet. And so, he followed him out of this wrecked city the boy used to call it his home.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "I think this is as far as we can go..." <

[He spoke, making a stop in the corrupted woods as he lost hold of the kid's hand.]

{±} ??? {±}
> "A-Are you sure that this is safe...? It looks scary here..." <

[He'd whimpered under his breath. The lord of grief placed his hand on his head, trying to make him safe.]

[The little boy decided to view the place he's now in. All the branches looked like they have eyes on them, and they suddenly looked right at him. He got startled silently. Then, he eyed on the bushes. They look a purple-ish black that was coated on the green that was previously there.]

[He really feels unsafe to himself because of what state he's in...]

[Cameo then suddenly heard something in a feeling of alertness.]

{±} Cameo {±}
> "Bandu, I think I might've heard  sssomething !" <

{±} Bandu {±}
> "Huh..? What is it dear...?" <

{±} Cameo {±}
> "BEASSST!!!" <

[Without warning, a corrupted shape of a bear charged right at them. Due to it being blind, it hit its head right at the tree. The harsh impact of it caused the tree to fall down towards the ground, separating the cloak child, and the two in the process.]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "AAH! MY TAIL...!!" <

[He cried in pain.]

[The little boy might be so scared, he had no other choice but to make a run for it.]

[While for the lord of grief, he managed to stay quiet, trying to make the blind beast go away. Eventually, it managed to wonder off somewhere else, thinking that it's target is gone...]

{±} Bandu {±}
> "I think it's safe to start speaking now..." <

{±} Cameo {±}
> "What wasss that thing..?!" <

{±} Bandu {±}
> "I have no idea... Huh..? Oh...." <

[He looked at his necklace as it's beginning to glow. They're calling him back.]

{±} Cameo {±}
> "They needed you back again right...? But what about that kid we've ssseen...?" <

{±} Bandu {±}
> "We'll get him back eventually... I don't know where he went, but hopefully he's okay..." <

[Now, he cautiously walked through the corrupted woods. Making sure no other danger strikes him as he exited out.]

[The cloak child hid behind the tree, panting for breath. The whole world around him now is all but dangerous now. He took some time to breathe, before he saw someone, or many walking out of the other exit of the woods.]

{±} ??? {±}
> "...b-brother..? no..! he can't see me l-like this...! i have to keep on this thing so he won't notice...." <

[He muttered to himself. ]

[So, he decided to look out from the tree and see the heroes.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Well there's no monsters jumping out to get us, which is good..." <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "I-I thought we're gonna get attacked again Spiky..." <

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "Hey, don't worry lil' bro. I have you covered with me. Hell, I'm not scared of anything!" <

[He reassured him, with a chuckle.]

[But that chuckle didn't last long when he ended up hearing something in the woods that made him jump.]

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "AAAHH!!!" <

{±} Star {±}
> "bah...?" <

[She looked confused about why he looked frightened.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "WHAT THE?! WHY DID YOU SCREAM LIKE
THAT?!" <

[Algebra Garrett pointed over, as he's looking at some cloaked person.]

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "Big G, that's just a kid ya dingus!" <

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "W-Wha...?" <

{±} Spike {±}
> "C'mon man! It isn't that bad! Lemme see..." <

[He went over to the same cloak child cautiously. The cloak kid seems nervous because of him coming closer to him.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Hey kid, you okay there?" <

[He said, holding out his hand to the young boy.]

[The cloak kid seemed worried, and yet, he had no other choice, but to take his hand to hold it.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "I mean, who are you even? Did you get lost or something?" <

{±} Helper {±}
> "I-I... I'm one of your helpers they sent me...! But they abandoned me though..." <

[He said, in a lie.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "A helper..? I don't remember having one..." <

[He seems confused about the ordeal.]

[So at the time of this, he had no chance. He took the boy's hand, so he can walk off with him, with the other crew members on their quest.]

{ ±} Algebra Dave { ±}
> "Well.. Does he even do anything or something DM?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "I have no clue bro. But we have to go on from here ya know.." <

[Yet for more curiosity, they continued to venture on, with the new cloak kid by their side.]

[Finally, they exit the corrupted woods safely. Even the young animal teacher was tuckered out because of worry.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "P-Phew... At least we managed to get out of that wrecked place... Right S-Spiky...?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "You're right. Now c'mon guys! We have a plan to do!" <

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "bah baah...!" <

[She flapped her little wings in joy.]

{ ±} Algebra Garrett { ±}
> "Heheh, i know Star! We'll get there eventually once we find that lord's ship or weird space craft thingy!" <

[He chuckled, patting the toddler's head.]

[Now they continued to venture off, hopefully nothing worse ever happens to those heroes...]

[∆]

[CHAPTER 3 LOG_END.]

[∆]

Chapter Text

[At night, the fellow heros are fast asleep alongside Star. While for A. Garrett? He was asleep, but awoke with a burning sensation on his scarred eye.]

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "mmmhh... guh... my eye..." <

[He muttered, rubbing his eye patch there. Which, the rubbing made the pain worse.]

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "o-ow...! What the...?!" <

[Confused, he sat up from his bed as he's still feeling this pain. Then he felt oozing from the eye patch. It wasn't even blood, but purple...?]

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "T-THE HECK?!" <

[Now he started to panic, getting out of bed to ran in the bathroom. Once he got to the bathroom mirror, he was looking at himself in the mirror.]

[The teen continue to panic, as he slowly pull the eye patch out of his face...]

...

{±} Algebra Garrett {±}
> "N-No... NO...!!!" <

[He stepped backwards, hitting his back on the wall. He slid down on sitting on the floor while holding his head. He was all but in a sad panic. He can't be corrupted like this! There has to be some solution or something!]

[He checked over back to the bathroom door. His eye hurts that badly. There has to be something for this pain to end. But, the bandages don't work. They only just make it worse. He doesn't want to use those.]

{ ±} Algebra Garrett { ±}
> "M-Maybe if i exit out of the house, t-they won't notice me..." <

[He muttered to himself.]

[He covered his badly glitched eye, and exited out of the bathroom. Thankfully, everyone's still asleep. There has to be a way on how he could fix this. Maybe, a brewer! So he quietly went over to the front door, and went outside.]

[He walked along the grass, while he hissed in pain as the sores and the bleeding got worse. He went back to the village, whimpering under his breath. He can't get DYA, he could be still asleep. He kept walking, until he found the brewer's store.]

[Surprised, like he felt safe, he ran over there, and frantically rung the bell. This caught the owner's attention, and he went over to him.]

{ ±} ??? { ±}
> "Why hello there. What brings you here?" <

{ ±} Algebra Garrett { ±}
> "H-Hello...?! You have any anti-stuff in here...?! It's for my eye...!" <

[He asked him, while pointing at the glitched eye.]

{ ±} ??? { ±}
> "My my, mi hijo! You look all horrible! Here, have this one so it'll be treated well!" <

[He responded, giving him a blackish-blue eye dropper. He thanked him, before he ran off and out of the village.]

[Since the teen ran off, there was something fishy about the brewer. His eye, with all red, green, and blue eyed him running off, and he smiled a wicked grin. He wasn't even a brewer, or even a brew shop at all here in this village...]

[Once he found himself all alone. He opened the eyedropper, to suck it up in the container.]

{ ±} Algebra Garrett { ±}
> "P-Please... Please work...!" <

[He begged, before he carefully put the eyedropper over his glitched eye, letting the substance hit it. But on contact, it glitched more as it stung, making him scream in pure torture.]

{ ±} Algebra Garrett { ±}
> "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!" <

[Back at the Lord Crimson Eye's base, they saw the lord of worship come back with all there smiles.]

{ ±} EXPUNGED { ±}
> "SO, DID THE PLAN WORK BENDU?" <

[They asked him.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "Of course it did! He even fell for one of my potions!" <

{ ±} EXPUNGED { ±}
> "THAT'S GREAT TO HEAR! NOW, BANDU, MAYBE IT'S YOUR TURN TO DO THE SAME THING TOO?" <

[They asked the lord of grief.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "...Yes boss..." <

[He nodded.]

{ ±} EXPUNGED { ±}
> "GOOD! NOW DON'T MESS IT UP!" <

[They hit him on the back, which made him yelp. He stammered down the stairs, as he walked out of the base.]

{ ±} EXPUNGED { ±}
> "HEAVENS, I HOPE HE DOESN'T SCREW UP FOR THE 10TH TIME..." <

[They muttered, tapping their finger at the wine glass they held.]

[In the morning, there were missing posters around the village. Algebra Garrett wasn't seen that night after the incident. Garrett was worried about his brother, not knowing what happened to him.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "W-Where did he even go...?!" <

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "Idk kid! He was just there inside, and now he's GONE!" <

[He said in both confusion and worry.]

[It was unknown about where he had gone, and Star was just upset about where he could be.]

{±} Star {±}
> "b-bah..." <

[She teared up, worried about the teen. Spike noticed that she was upset, so she had to pick her up and cradles her in his arms.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Hey... It's okay...! I'm sure that he'll be alright Star..." <

[He reassured her. She held onto him while still upset.]

{±} Helper {±}
> "No... N-Not him too..." <

[He muttered, feeling scared that he might've been kidnapped or something.]

[While the heroes worried for his safety, Tristan here was thinking of something. Like some path on what to do.]

[But he wasn't even ready to do something. So Tristan flew over to Star, just so he can nudge her a bit.]

[She turned around and saw him.]

{±} Star {±}
> "a-abbu...?" <

[She was confused, with tears streaming down her face.]

{±} Tristan {±}
> "Look Star, I'm sure that he'll come back! We just have to find him somewhere. But right now, we still need to find the evil crimson eye so we can restore the whole world back." <

{±} Spike {±}
> "Yeah..! Like  Trist  said...!"

[He replied. She got happy again, and she fluttered her little wings in some happy way possible. Garrett here knew that, yet, he still worried for him in fear.]

[While for Diamond Man, he's being impatient, and was just pounding his tail on the ground in worry for his own best friend.]

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "i just wanted him to be okay... i really wanted him... he was with me for years...
i want him now...!" <

[Yes, he really just wanted him...]

[Garrett noticed now that he was all but worried for his big brother Algebra Garrett. He has to do something for him.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "D-DM...?" <

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> " WH -WHAT  IS IT NOW..?! CAN'T YOU SEE I'M WORRIED FOR HIM FOR  CONBI'S  SAKE...?!" <

[He yelled at him in stress.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "I-I know how you feel... Idk if brother will be okay... You wanted someone for assistance...?" <

[He asked him, reaching his hand out to him.]

[Diamond Man hesitated at first, not used to the young animal teacher. But he sighed, and held his hand softly.]

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "F-Fine... I just missed him..." <

[He said, accepting the fact that he won't have to see his best friend ever again... Or could he...?]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Look DM, you can worry for him... But right now, we have to still look for the base...! We never leave anyone's side right..?" <

[He reassured him.]

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "...Okay..." <

[Spike then softly pat his back, before he h eld his hand.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "C'mon guys, let's continue adventuring!" <

{±} Helper {±}
> "Wow really..?! O-Okay...!" <

[He said in excitement, despite being still worried.]

[Now, the heros followed Spike, as they continue their quest.]

[Why can't I feel anything...?]

[My eye still hurts... But in a new way...]

[Is this like being one of them...? How am I still alive and have my thoughts and memories...?]

[I still have them...]

[But for my body...]

[ Ỉ̵̤͔T̶̬͖́̔'̶͓̟̅̒S̷̳͐  ̷̪̪͆ Ả̴̮  ̶̰͓̎ M̸̥̀͌E̷̘̔͝S̸̰̖̆̊S̶͕̦̽ .̶̨̲̅̚.̶̮̍͝.̶̟̜̒ ]

[∆]

[CHAPTER 4 LOG_END.]

[∆]

Chapter Text

[Another day, another search. Spike still held the child in his arms, now fast asleep. He looked around just in case if any other of those corrupted beasts are somewhere. There has to be something. Right? He felt like danger is there but all he could ever hear is the wind blowing through his hair.]

[The cloth child then noticed something on the ground. The egg staff. The staff really reminded of when he got hurt by the thing before everything went black. He avoid it by waking around it, trying not to express his fear on his face.]

{±} Helper {±}
> "W-Why did he hurt me like that...?" <

[He questioned himself. But he doesn't want to get his thoughts lost, so he went back to follow along with the heroes.]

[As they went through the path. There was something new. The path was all, purple. And the grass was a dull pink. This wasn't the forest they first went through. It was a different one...]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "Spike...? Where are we...?" <

{±} Spike {±}
> "I have no idea... This doesn't look like the forest with all of those
beasts' or anything..." <

{±} Tristan {±}
> "It could be a safe place...!" <

[He rung out.]

{±} Tristan {±}
> "...If there's anything here not lethal..." <

{±} Diamond Man {±}
> "H-Hey...! What are these red floating circles doing here...?" <

[He said to the team, pointing at a path that is filled with pinkish red glows of little spheres dancing around as they float. Spike doesn't trust these, and warned the others.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Careful guys, they could be lethal..." <

{±} Garrett {±}
> "L-Lethal...?! What do you mean...?!" <

[He asked, looking concerned.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Let me throw something..." <

[He looked to his side, eyeing at the bush filled with freshly created apples. He picked one out of its stump and tossed it over to the path. It rolled over to where the glows are, stopping at the paste.]

[It took sometime before one of those glows landed on the Apple. On impact, the apple started to bubble as the ball of glow bury itself inside of the fruit. And lastly, the whole apple melted into nothing but a black tar of dull black red.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Lethal glows..." <

[He said, squinting his eyes as he knew these glowing pinkish red spheres of death are actually dangerous.]

{±} Spike {+}
> "Alright listen up...!" <

[He turned over to his team.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Whatever you do, do NOT touch any of those dangerous glow balls floating around...! If you don't wanna be like that apple over there..." <

[He pointed at the apple, giving them the hint.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "You're right... C'mon guys, we better be careful...!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "O-Okay..." <

[And just like that, the heroes go through the path. Carefully not bumping into one of glowing balls of death. While for DM? He was getting too worried for poor Algebra Garrett. He really misses him that much.]

[He clearly doesn't want to loose him too...]

[Thankfully, no one was hurt once they got out of the path where the floating glow balls were.]

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "Phew... That was a close... One almost touched me for a second but it went somewhere else..." <

[He made a sigh of relief before detailing one floating ball floating to the ground instead on his cloak.]

[Garrett seemed to be making sure his dagger is still with him. While for Tristan? He was just worried about his behavior and how he's acting.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Garrett...?" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "H-HUH...!? Oh... Yes...?" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Are you okay...? You're acting all worried..." <

[He was concerned for him.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "It's just... I-It's just that I missed my crew, and my brother... I want
everything to go back to normal..." <

[He spoke out, fighting back his tears. The poor kid missed his playhouse members, including Algebra Garrett himself. He really felt like he's lonely without them.]

[The golden heart really knew about the whereabouts. He then floated over to Spike for his attention.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Spike...? I'm worried for Garrett..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Really? Why that?" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "It's about his crew... And his brother... I'm making sure his sanity is okay..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Oh... I'll go talk to him soon..." <

[He promised, before he and the rest continued their search.]

[The base. Where the 3 lords were inside. And for two workers, Dave and Bambi.]

[Yet again, Dave himself was in his laughing self. His sanity was no more, and he only clawed at the walls so badly to the point he was making holes on them. Bambi, on the other hand, was getting irritated by his friend's many clawing.]

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "UUUGH, CAN YOU JUST QUIT IT?!" <

[He yelled out.]

{ ±} Dave { ±}
> "H-HEHEHEHEHE... BUT I CAN'T BAMBI...! IT'S SO MUCH FUN...!" <

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "Well we can actually have fun if the lord tells us to actually do something THEN just us overworking..." <

[He muttered under his breath, feeling tired about their orders.]

{ ±} Dave { ±}
> "WHAT ABOUT D-DEATH...!? SUFFERING AND BLOOD...!? I LOVE THE TASTE OF BLOOD..." <

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "What!? No! Too brutal dude! Something else then that!" <

{ ±} Dave { ±}
> "L-LIKE WHAT...!? MORE MURDER...!? I LIKE IT, HEHEHAHAHA...!"

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "According to one of my crystals, it says that there's an intruder coming near... Wait... INTRUDER...!?" <

[He realized what's even happening, and he ran off to find the lord.]

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "LORD! LORD, BAD NEWS! I SENSED THAT THE INTRUDERS ARE COMING THEIR WAY!" <

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "INTRUDERS, HUH? WELL, I CAN DEAL WITH THOSE.
HEHEHEHE..." <

[They got up from the throne, setting the whine glass away. They walked over to the window, looking over to what the intruders are.]

[It was actually the heroes coming this way. The lord knew this, and clenched their fist in a bit of anger.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> " CURSEN, WRETCHING, KIDS..." <

[They mutter under their breath.]

{ ±} Bendu  { ±}
> "The other survivors, i assume my lord?" <

{ ±} Expunged  { ±}
> "YES REALLY... THEY KEEP GETTING ON MY HAIRS EVERYTIME... YOU, TAKE CARE OF THEM WHILE I COMMAND THE OTHERS!" <

{ ±} Bendu  { ±}
> "Yes my lord, hehehe!" <

[The lord of worship then exited out of the base, sneaking in the bushes to blend in with them.]

{ ±} Diamond Man  { ±}
> "FINALLY, we're almost there...! My legs are killing me..." <

{ ±} Spike  { ±}
> "At least we got away and didn't get hurt this time..." <

[He said, looking relieved. But that relief didn't last long when they heard someone laughing. That similar laugh...]

{ ±} Garrett  { ±}
> "A-AAAHH- WHO'S THERE?!?-" <

[The kid panicked, grabbing out his dagger in self defense.]

{ ±} Tristan  { ±}
> "Garrett, calm down...!" <

[He tried to comfort him for his aid, not wanting his paranoia and panic to get worse.]

{ ±} Spike  { ±}
> "Wait a minute... I know that laugh..." <

[Then, a bottle was thrown, aiming towards the blue stick figure.]

{ ±} Spike  { ±}
> "DUCK!!" <

{ ±} Diamond Man  { ±}
> "W-Wha...!?" <

[Spike quickly set Star down (who's still asleep) and pushed him out of the way, making the two dodge the bottle as it land with a crash.]

{ ±} Diamond Man  { ±}
> "Hey, what was that for...!?" <

{ ±} Spike  { ±}
> "Someone tried to throw some acid filled bottle at you...!" <

[He told him.]

{ ±} Diamond Man  { ±}
> "W-WHAT...!? I COULD DIE FROM THAT DUE TO HOW FRAGILE I AM...!!" <

{ ±} Garrett  { ±}
> "A-ACID BOTTLES...!?" <

{ ±} Tristan  { ±}
> "Wait what...!? Who would do something like that...!?
Doesn't acid go through glass...!?" <

[Fear struck on Diamond Man's face more. He could've died like this if that hit him.]

[While for Spike, he got into his attack stance as he got out both of his sickles again. Garrett was in more panic, trying to stay calm but he can't.]

{±} Garrett {±}
> "A-ARE THEY GONNA ATTACK US TOO...!? ARE THEY...?!" <

[Since Spike, the leader, doesn't want anyone else like Star getting harmed. He has a idea of what to do.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "DM, grab Star." <

[He first ordered DM.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Tristan, you guard Garrett." <

[He said to Tristan, still remaining calm.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "And i'll go and find who threw that..." <

[When the blue stick figure first heard him, he had no other choice. He held up Star who she's still asleep and ran off with her in his grasp.]

[Tristan, still on Garrett's side, focused on trying to calm Garrett down.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Mr Garrett, listen...! I'm gonna keep a eye on you so just... J-Just stay with me and stay calm okay...?!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "W-WHERE'S SPIKY- I-I-" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "He went somewhere, but i'm sure he'll be back... Calm down..." <

[With Garrett overwhelmed, Tristan let him hug onto him in a best attempt to comfort him again. Ignoring the worry on Spike, Tristan was more worried for the young animal teacher. He was afraid that he will lose his sanity and...]

[He'll loose who he was...]

[∆]

[ CHAPTER 5 LOG_END. ]

[∆]

Chapter Text

[There was no one but Spike there, searching for someone or something that had happened that almost got one of his friends killed in the deep dark bushes. But who?]

[It couldn't just be a ghost, he know what it's real. He heard that laugh back then before the apocalypse happened. And once he heard it again, he has to know who.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "C'mon, I know it's you...!" <

[He called out.]

[Yet, there was no response.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "SHOW YOURSELF FOR  CONBI'S  SAKE..!!!" <

[Nothing. When he yelled, there was no single sound of the person.]

[Eventually, he heard it again. This time, it was behind him. He got time to turn around before the person raised his hand. Or, even of it is his hand to slash him across the face.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "AAAHH!!" <

[He felt the pain which caused his shades to fall from his face, shattering on the ground on impact.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "AUGH, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" <

[He looked up at him with rage, tears falling down from his face while the entity smiled in a grim way.]

{±} Bendu {±}
> "Oh please, I've played with someone before  mi amigo... " <

[He walked over to the teen with all of his might.]

[Spike however, stand his guard as he got up, ready to attack.]

{±} Spike {±}
> "I-I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU...!" <

[He yelled out.]

{±} Bendu {±}
> "Scared? Hmm... Why would I scare a kid like
you?" <

{±} Spike {±}
> "DON'T YOU DARE ACT STUPID...! IF YOU DID SOMETHING TO HIM,
WHAT DID YOU DO...?!" <

{±} Bendu {±}
> "The one with the eye patch...? Hehehehe... Well, you see..." <

[He spoke out.]

{±} Bendu {±}
> "Let's just say, I had a 'talk' with him." <

{±} Spike {±}
> "What talk...?!" <

{±} Bendu {±}
> "By that, I simply gave him a potion to cure from a infection on the eye... And that potion being..." <

[He rummaged through his little pocket bag, before pulling out  the same blackish blue eyedropper. The one he gave to Algebra Garrett.]

[That thing... He never saw it or anything that heals wounds. They only have were bandages and clear water to treat wounds and injuries. Why did he have that eyedropper?]

{±} Spike {±}
> "Wha... What is that...?" <

{±} Bendu {±}
> "What's wrong kid? Never heard of something that treats one of your friends' scars RIGHT?" <

[Then he proceed to kick him over, before he stomped right on his leg. Spike let out a shriek of pain feeling it, his leg bones being instantly crushed by the tall being with such strong power.]

[How is he this powerful?! Spike thought to himself. Thankfully, he got time to stab his foot as aim of the weakness.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "OW! CURSES!" <

[He held his foot up in pain, taking it off of his badly damaged leg.]

[Then in a quick flash, he used a smoke bomb to blind him for a brief second. Bendu hissed, covering his eye as dust got in it.]

[While for Spike, he was crawling away with both of his sickles since he can't run that far with his broken leg.]

[Back in the base, DM, Tristan, Star, Helper, & Garrett snuck inside and they're in hiding while trying to find the lord.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Okay guys, just don't make a sound. When we get to them, we're gonna kick their butts! Got it?" <

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "B-But what if we don't win...!?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "We will, i promise..." <

[He reassured him with the best of care.]

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "O-Okay..." <

[Garrett was trying his best not to cry and weep while he was with the crew. Tristan, for example, is just eyeing him with worry.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "...I hope Spike comes back..." <

[He whispered to himself, hoping to his return.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "aa... abbu...?" <

[She had finally woken up, and is now confused about where she is.]

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "Oh, h-hey...! You're awake...! We're at the place the... 'Thing' is..." <

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "bah...?" <

[Meanwhile down in the base, more inside was one furry and a small worker. More minions, Bamwright and Ortogonal.]

{ ±} Ortogonal { ±}
> "HEY, HAIRBALL! DID YOU LOSE ONE OF MY SCREWS?!" <

[The small yet loud mouth yelled at.]

{ ±} Bamwright { ±}
> "Grrrhhh..." <

[He only growled in a response.]

{ ±} Ortogonal { ±}
> "OH, RIGHT YOU DON'T LIKE MY YELLING. UUUHH... BUT WHERE'S MY SCREWS!" <

[Bamwright seems like he doesn't know where they are since the bandana is covering his eyes and can't see.]

{ ±} Ortogonal { ±}
> "FINE, I'LL LOOK FOR THEM MYSELF SINCE YOU CAN'T..." <

[Frustrated, he hopped off to find them.]

[DM was sneaking over while the others followed him along. Then he noticed the door of where the core is. But the entrance was blocked by Bamwright himself.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Great, someone's guarding it..." <

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "Wait... Is that...?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "No Helper, he's one of them now... How do we distract him now...?" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Hmmm..." <

[He looked over on where to find. While he was still looking, he heard groaning from above.]

{ ±} Bamwright { ±}
> "...?" <

[He heard that too, but doesn't know where it's coming from.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "I think the noise is distracting him...! Quickly, through the window...!" <

[He pointed at the tiny window that was beside the door. And now, the crew including Star went inside the window, entering the core of the door.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "YES...! We're here...!" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "And there's the core Spike kept telling me about...!" <

[The golden heart was happy about the core that was powering the base.]

[Now the groans were coming through... The vent? Since where did that come from?]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "What the? What is that..." <

[He looked closer as he inspected it, before he realized that it was Spike crawling through it.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Spike...!?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Uuughh...! My leg...!" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Oh no, don't worry, i'll pull you out...!" <

[He budged the vent open, pulling Spike out and seeing his fractured leg.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "O-Oh my gosh, are you okay...!?" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> " S-Spiky...! Where have you been...!?!" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "My leg's broken...! I-I can't even feel it...!" <

[He tried his best to hide his fear while crying tears of pain.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "C-Calm down okay...!? Someone might hear us...!" <

[Spike kept holding his leg, hissing in pain while being quiet like he told him to be.]

[Tristan floated over to the core, inspecting it and not knowing what to do.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "I-Idk if it's a good idea if we pulled this thing out..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "That... Core...! I-I've seen that think before...!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "Y-You did...?" <

[He questioned while he was hugging him close for safety.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Yes... It's the core of the earth used from Conbi who made it... But when it got taken away, the world is like this now and Conbi turned to stone... I tried to stop the lord, but they clawed my arm...
T-That's why it's being used for the next stage of world domination..." <

[He stated in a story after Jr's death, and when he first saw the base itself before now.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "A-And if we don't return it back, Expunged will destroy the world..." <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "So, you mean that it's the source of the world...!?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Yes... They were hungry for power... You have to pull it out, fast...!" <

[He responded as a correct answer from him.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "So that means i have to pull this thing out...!" <

[He then used his gold glowing magic to gold the core as he tugged on it, trying to pull the core out while the base suddenly started shaking.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "W-WOAH!" <

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "AAAHH..!" <

[She got startled by the shaking.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Hold onto me Garrett...!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "A-AAAHH..!!!" <

[Frightened, he hugged him back tight. He trembled badly due to what's happening.]

[Outside of the core room, the base was still shaking and Bamwright stumbled back and forth.]

{ ±} Bamwright { ±}
>" RRRHH...!?" <

{ ±} Ortogonal { ±}
> "AAHH! WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" <

[He felt the vibrations too as he stumbled off of the ladder he was on, hitting the floor with a squeak sound.]

{ ±} Ortogonal { ±}
> "OOF!" <

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "GRAAHH...! WHAT'S HAPPENING TO MY BASE...!?" <

[The lights were flickering while some of the rubble started to collapse. The Lord has no idea what is going on with the base they have built. They have to know what's happening.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "WORKERS...!!! WHAT IS THIS RUMBLING...!!" <

[They yelled out for their current workers, but the workers themselves were caught in the vibrations too.]

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "The base is gonna collapse...!? What's causing this Dave...?!"

{ ±} Dave { ±}
> "WEEE! RUBBLE! AHAHAHAHA!" <

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "UGH, DAVE...!!" <

[Annoyed, he instead ran out of the room Dave was in right to their throne.]

{ ±} Bambi { ±}
> "My lord...! Some of my crystals are sensing that it's coming from the core room...!" <

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "THE WHAT...!? MOVE OVER...!" <

[They pushed the short worker out of the way, now heading over to where the source is coming from.]

[Meanwhile outside, Bendu was hopping back over to the base with his foot still injured. While continuing to find the base itself, he also saw Bandu walking over to the base too.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "Bandu, there you are...!" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Oh... Hey..." <

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "Did you do the task that the lord told you...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Yes, but it failed... Now the lord's gonna yell at me again for it since i'm coming back..." <

[He told him about the failed mission he did.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Also, what happened to your foot...?" <

[He noticed his bleeding stabbed foot when he looked down at it.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "Fighting accident..." <

[He muttered, before he felt the vibrations on the ground.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "W-What the...!?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Huh...!? Now what's happening...!?" <

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "Look...! The base...!" <

[Pointing over to the antenna of the place both are going over to, it was starting to fall off from the top before it came crashing down.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "The lord's in danger...! We better go there fast amigo...!" <

[He just had to pick him up over by the cloak collar before running with him.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "ACK..! HEY, WATCH THE NECK...!" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "One...! Two...! THREE...!!" <

[With one final pull, he finally tore the core out from the stand and the wires. Now the base started to shake more.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Y-Yes...! We finally did it...!" <

[He was joyous about the bravery his friend did. But that didn't last long when the loud banging was on the door.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "LET ME IN...! I'M NOT LETTING YOU KIDS GET AWAY...!!!" <

[They yelled in anger, still pounding at the door.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "mmmhh...!!" <

[She covered her ears, tearing up as she was about to cry.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "O-Oh no, nonononono don't cry Star...!" <

[He tried to comfort her before the lord bashed their hand right through the door, causing everyone including Star to scream.]

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "AAAHH!!! SPIKE, DO SOMETHING...!!" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "OH NO YOU DON'T...!!" <

[He was protective as he grabbed out one of his sickles to throw it right at their hand, puncturing it deeply and badly. The lord roared in pain as they moved their hand out of the door.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "QUICK TRISTAN, TELEPORT US OUT OF HERE...!" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "O-OKAY...!" <

[The golden glow surrounded the crew, Star, and himself before the crew was teleported out.]

[Expunged burst out of the door, only seeing nothing and the core gone inside.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "NO... NO...! THE CORE...!!" <

{ ±} Bamwright { ±}
> "GRRR...!?" <

[He peaked behind the door and saw the the core is no where there. It's gone. Stolen.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "LORD...! WE CAME AS FAST AS WE CAN...!! WHAT'S HAPPENING...!?" <

[Both him and Bandu came through just in time, but were too late. The base was all but collapsing down.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "T-The base...!" <

[Well, Bendu had to set him down, before he ran to find the lord.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Wait, be careful...!" <

[He tried to warn him, but he was too distracted on trying to find them.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "STUPID KIDS...!! I'LL KILL THEM!!!" <

[They were mad. Mad that the heroes now have the core.]

[But, they heard a chilling scream as the sound of the part of the ceiling collapsing was heard too.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "AAAHHH!!!" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "...!!" <

[He saw everything. The ceiling falling onto him, the blood going everywhere. Everything. He stood there, looking fearful. What is even going on through that head of his when he was seeing this? Is this what is life is now?]

[Now he saw Expunged getting out of the core room, seeing Bendu in great pain. With panic, they went over to them, trying to pull him out.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "DON'T WORRY, I'LL SAVE YOU...!!" <

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "*sob*...! M-My legs...! I can't feel them amor...!!" <

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "C'MON...!!" <

[They pulled him with all their strength, but didn't hear the tearing sound coming from his lower half before he ended up tearing him in half completely as his guts were spilled out.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "AAAAHHH!!!" <

[His screams were loud, now feeling more pain from what they've done.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "O-OH GOD, I'M SO SORRY...!" <

[They looked at him now, and regret started to fill them. Feeling sick by the guts that were exposed.]

[Now, they look over to the lord of grief, who is still looking in fear.]

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "BANDU, DO SOMETHING RIGHT THIS INSTANT...!" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> ". . . ." <

[They tried to command him. But he wouldn't budge. He doesn't want to be commanded anymore. And he doesn't want to be with them anymore. Instead...]

[He ran off. Leaving them in the base.]

{ ±} Bendu { ±}
> "b-bandu...?" <

{ ±} Expunged { ±}
> "WAIT, BROTHER, WHERE ARE YOU GOING...!?" <

> "BROTHER!!!" <

[CRASH!]

[The heroes finally have the core. All of the kids are now teleported out of the forest and now near the village.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "T-Thank Conbi... Is... I-Is everyone okay...?" <

[He felt shaky, trembling as he asked the others.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "W-We're okay...!" <

[DM was unharmed and not broken. Helper is okay but traumatized. Garrett was still hugging onto Spike for dear life while still scared, Star was crying, and Tristan now has the core.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "I-I did it...! I got the core...!" <

[He held it out with his gold glowing magic.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Finally..." <

[Then he realized about Star. Who is still crying because of what happened.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "waaaaahhh...!" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Star...! Oh no..." <

[DM may be annoyed by her cries, but he gave her to Spike so he can comfort her.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Ugh...! Hate it when babies cry...!" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Shhshhshhh... It's okay... It's all over..." <

[He cradled her in his arms, comforting her with his might.]

[Tristan set the core down, just so he can be with Garrett.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "i-it... it was so scary...! i... *hic*...! i thought i was gonna die...!" <

{ ± } Tristan { ±}
> "I know Mr Garrett, i know..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Ugh, my leg's still hurt... We better go back to the village..." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "You're right... C'mon, i'll carry you..." <

[He picked up Spike so he could carry him over to the town. The others as well as Helper and Garrett followed them back town with the core they now have.]

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "Honey, are you okay...!? I heard all of the commotion that'sss going on under your hat...!" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I-I'm okay... I'm okay... Oh my god i can't believe
i just did that..." <

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "Woah... I... Wow... The bassse isss no more..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I know... D-Does it mean that i'm finally free...?" <

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "I think ssso... But where are we gonna go now that it'sss dessstroyed...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Well... It could be a long one... But hopefully they won't try and hurt us again..." <

> "I didn't want them forcing me to hurt those kids in the first place..." <

[∆]

[ CHAPTER 6 LOG_END. ]

[∆]

Chapter Text

[Ever since the incident happened, The Lord of Grief now wonders endlessly through the woods. He felt tired, feeling like he's weak due to what happened.]

{ ± } Bandu { ±}
> "Uuhh... This is getting long... My legs hurt..." <

[Cameo was worried for him, knowing his pain. But he doesn't know what to do now since he's still a snake. He hissed in worry, curling himself in his hat. Hopefully there's hope for them. Right?]

[It took some time to get out of the corrupted woods, yet he went over to sit on a stump.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Can't believe this happened..." <

[He sighed in grief, not knowing if The Lord of Worship is actually dead or not. He didn't see the whole damage up close, but it was brutal seeing... What he saw...]

[Is this what it feels like to betray your own job? Your work you did with THEM? That was very lucky, yet risky for him. But, if he isn't a lord. Who is he now?]

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "...Dear...?" <

[He spoke up, while still in his hat.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Yes Cameo...?" <

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "Ssssince... Well, 'that' happened... What will we do now...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I... I don't know..." <

[He replied, looking at the eye amulet he always has with him. He held it in one hand, looking at it. Heck, looking at it even reminded him of Expunged.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "...What about the amulet they gave me...?" <

[Cameo looked at it.]

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "It'sss your choice... Either you dissspose it, or keep it..." <

[Bandu looked back at it. Deciding on it.]

[Meanwhile at the hut, Spike was trying to rest his leg while laying at the couch. He looked tired and just wanted to have piece.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Gosh... My leg still aches..." <

[He muttered.]

[While for DM? He was in his room, looking at Algebra Garrett's hammer. He left it there when he went missing.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Big G... I miss you..." <

[He hugged it, just hoping he could try and find him. Despite him and the others getting the core first.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "It's all my fault... I could've woken up early to try and help you last night... I... I-I don't know if i can continue this adventure without you... I wish are travels were longer..." <

[He was grieving for him. He missed his best friend that much. He hugged the hammer tighter, now silently crying on the big weapon he used to have with him.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "come back... please... we miss you..." <

[While through the other rooms, RM was in young animal teacher's room with Tristan for a visit. Which he heard his cries.]

{ ±} Ruby Man { ±}
> "bwother's cwying again..." <

[He was worried for his own twin brother. He also knew about the sudden disappearance of one of the heroes.]

[While for Garrett? He was keeping his sanity together just from hearing his cries alone.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "..." <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "...Garrett.?? Garrett...!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "H-HUH...!? Who...? Oh..." <

[He snapped back to his senses by Tristan's voice.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "I know how you feel, but we're gonna try and plan to find Conbi's place by tomorrow morning... If it's somewhere..." <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "C-Conbi's place...? Where the core is like Spiky told me...?" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Y-Yeah...!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "I-I never went to that place at all... It's so scary there..." <

[He muttered before he heard knocking from the front door. That made him jump.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "E-EEP...!!" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Who's there...?" <

[He seemed confused, yet curious about who is it.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "I'll get it..." <

[He said while he was still at the living room. He struggled to get up before limping over to the hut's door.]

[He opened the door just to see Bandu standing there. It triggered his fight or flight mode to bear his sickle at him.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "W-WHAT DO YOU WANT...?! ARE YOU GONNA KILL US TOO...!?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "M-Me...!? Kill...!? No, i would never do that...! Look- I can explain...!" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "THAT YOU KILLED MY BROTHER...!?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I-It's... Not that..." <

[He sputtered out.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Could i please be let in...? It's cold outside..." <

[Spike thought for a second, before he made his decisio n on either to close the door on him, or let him inside.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Fine, you can come in... Still won't trust you..." <

[He eventually let him inside]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Thank you, kid..." <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "What was the commotion about...?" <

[He was confused. Yet, curious about what he heard.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "I-I don't know..." <

[He's still afraid, not wanting to go out of the room to see.]

[By entering the hut, Bandu can sense the core he has felt. The rest of something has to be somewhere... No, don't think that... Just, make yourself at home... Or, hut...]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Strange how your friends now live here..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Ever since our homes were destroyed, yeah..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I've got to say... I've saw the cloak kid over at the town that was once there..."

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "You... Uuhh... You mean my helper...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Yes, their name...! I've been looking for him all day and night... I'm not asking where they are, it's just that i miss them..." <

[He sat down not to far away from him on the couch, giving the teen some space.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I once saw them alive before... But i don't want to get into detail of it..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Oh..." <

[He was puzzled by that answer.]

[That's where Bandu heard the cooing. Star's cooing...]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Star...?!" <

[His senses kicked in just for him to get up to find her.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "W-Wait...!" <

[He was also gonna get up, but stopped at the moment.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...No...! Do not try to do what you're gonna do... As long as he doesn't hurt her..." <

[He muttered under his breath, just worried for the child.]

[Back to the room, they heard the footsteps coming up. RM doesn't know what's going on, while Garrett tried his best to not freak out.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Is Spike checking on us again...?" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "I-I don't think it's Spike..." <

[Then, there was knocking.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "EEP...!!" <

[Again, he flinched by that. Cowering in fear.]

{ ±} Ruby Man { ±}
> "who thewe...?" <

[He was clueless about who was knocking on the door then just Spike himself.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "aa? " <

[She was also confused by the knocking too. Yes, she was in Garrett's room as well as expected.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Hello...?" <

[Tristan had heard that voice. Bandu's voice. He had seen him back in the past a long time ago. They haven't seen each other again ever since the domination of the crimson eye started.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Bandu...?!" <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "Y-YOU KNOW HIM..!?-" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Shhh...! Calm down...! I can get it for him..." <

[He floated over to the door, opening it for him.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Oh uuhh... You look a bit different from before..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I was gonna say the same thing..." <

[They both know each other by their different appearances. Tristan is now a golden heart. While Bandu WAS one with the lords before the base was destroyed. They have been friends for so long for an adult and child friendship.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I've never seen you for so long... I'm glad you're back..." <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Me too Mr Bandu..." <

[He also noticed that the eye amulet he was wearing isn't on him.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Where did your eye necklace go...? I swore i saw it before..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "The amulet... It's... A long story... But i'm not with them anymore... I left them..." <

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "Y-You did...?! Weren't you one of the bad guys...!?" <

[He exclaimed.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Not anymore..." <

[From the corner of his eye, he finally spotted Star in her crib. She seems to be staring at him while she smiled.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "abbah!" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Star...!" <

[He saw her too, now going over towards her.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Oh sweetie, are you okay...? Did they hurt you or anything...?" <

[He held her up from the crib, holding her in his arms.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "baahh...!" <

[She was happy to see him.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I'm so glad you're back... I hated that when my brother threw you out like this..." <

{ ±} Ruby Man { ±}
> " thwown out...?" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "I-I think he meant by that..." <

[He said to RM. It's untrue that Expunged kicked out a literal baby. How cruel they are... That was Bandu's daughter he created...]

{ ±} Helper { ±}
> "...." <

[He couldn't help but watch. That poor baby. How wasn't she upset by all of that? He was hurt too before he managed to get himself back... The thoughts were going over through his head as he sat there on the bed.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "I-I... I don't know if he's okay to trust..." <

[He said in a worried tone.]

[While for Bandu, he was still holding Star in his arms until he saw the core that was there with them.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Is that...?" <

[Garrett saw him, which cause him to be all defensive.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "H-Hey...! No touching the core...!" <

[He panicked, getting his dagger out to point it at him.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "W-Woah...! Calm down there kid...! I'm not gonna break it or hurt it...!" <

[He tried to calm the kid down.]

[From Garrett being weak despite him having a dagger, he easily gave in and he moved away from the core he was in front of.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Uuuhh... I-I don't know about that core Bandu... I don't want it to explode or something..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I'm not going to... Okay kid...? It's just that it has something inside that's locked there..." <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Wait wha-" <

[He was confused about why Bandu said that, before Bandu's hand carefully touched the core.]

[It shimmered a greenish cyan color. Which started to make himself all, fill with great power. Eventually, the tip of his hat rose like something was coming back to him.]

[The kids watched the sudden transformation as they looked on in awe. While for Garrett, he has no idea what is going on, all confused and stuff.]

{ ±} Garrett { ±}
> "...What is going on...?" <

[Eventually, he moved his hand away, as he looked all different. He didn't have that same coat that Expunged gave to him. Instead, it was now a robe. And there were crosses on them. In fact, his hat was decorated in crosses. Including his robe.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Finally... They're back..." <

[He somehow managed to get his powers back just by touching the core. While for the remaining glow on his hand, the glow transformed itself into a staff.]

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "oaaa...! papa staff...!" <

[She cooed when she saw the staff being made in his hand.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "You like my new appearance kiddo...? "

{ ±} Star { ±}
> "yeaaa...!" <

[She nodded a yes, giggling in joy while her little wings flapped a bit.]

[After the transformation, Cameo poked his head out of his hat to give a good look of his new appearance.]

{ ±} Cameo { ±}
> "Woah honey...! That'sss a new ssstyle i'm looking at..!" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "D'aww, thank you...!" <

[RM seemed to be happy for Bandu's new appearance, wagging his tail by the sight of him.]

{±} Ruby Man { ±}
> "woaaaa..." <

[Everyone, minus Garrett, was surprised by his sudden change of heart. They thought he was one of those violent gods, but he isn't. He is now like that due to a confrontation with 'them' before he abandoned that base he was once there.]

[After what had happened, Bandu had found power of himself again. Real power then just weak power. That power he now has, belongs to himself. Bandu is now finally back, just for support he could try his best with.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Is it alright if i see the others...?" <

[He said to those kids.]

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Y-You can try, it's just that the other Garrett isn't here anymore..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Oh, but, could i see the blue one...?" <

{ ±} Tristan { ±}
> "Okay... You have my permission... Be careful with him, he hasn't been the same ever since one of our members went missing..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "I understand..." <

[He carefully set Star back in her crib, bidding her a farewell before he head out of the room.]

[DM was still upset by the sudden disappearance of his only best friend. Algebra Garrett had been with him for so how long. He missed him that dearly.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "*hic*... bro... why did you go...?" <

[He swallowed guilt, weeping on his hammer.]

[But, all of the crying stopped when he heard knocking on the door.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "w-who's there...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Hey... My apologies to bother you, i-" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "WHAT THE...?! WHO INVITED YOU HERE...!?" <

[He was upset, yet scared when he heard his voice. Backing away from the hammer he was hugging, he tried to find his bag of bombs.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "W-Woah woah, take it easy blue one...! You don't have to
panic..." <

[He reassured him, not wanting to make him more angry.]

[DM instantly cooled down, but still mad because Bandu is now there...]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Is... There something wrong...? You look upset..." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "...." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "It's alright if you don't want to talk about it... I've been through stuff too..." <

[The blue stick figure thought and thought... Not knowing if he can share his feelings to him or not...]

[Bandu somehow, carefully went in his room as he was cautious. Eventually, he sat down on the bed not far beside the teen.]

[It took a while, but he finally spoke up..]

{ ±} Diamond man { ±}
> "I-I miss him... I miss my friend..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Your friend...?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Y-YES MY FRIEND...!" <

[He shouted.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "He was e-everything to me...! I-I... hhhh... I loved him... I-I don't want him to go missing..." <

[...Before he vented to him.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "I don't even want him gone either...! I now only spend my time crying while w-with my hammer... H-He's been missing for months now...! Now i-i... I don't know what to think anymore... I wanted him back... please... *hic*... i-i want my best friend back..." <

[His voice sounded upset by what he last said. His tears welling up in his eyes as his hands clenched the bedsheets.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "...I wish i was gone with him...." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "...." <

[Bandu, when hearing his words, started to become aware of his sudden behavior. He was supposed to be brave like the rest. But no... The same bravery he once had was shattered when that other Garrett went missing...]

["...How do i tell him...?" He thought to himself. "I heard from Bendu that he gave his friend some kind of potion thing to him before he just... Vanish..."]

["Calm down Bandu... It isn't the first time you delt someone who had those 'feelings' before..."]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "...Hey... Uuuhh..." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "m-mm...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Is it okay if i keep you company for a while... 'Til you get better...?" <

[DM seems to think for a second, before he nodded a yes.]

[And from the response, he made himself comfortable by scooting a bit closer to him to make sure he's alright.]

[The stick figure proceed to hug onto him close, just to cry on him. He was in that much in pain by the reaction to it. Algebra Garrett going missing really affected him that badly.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "...There there... I know how you feel..." <

[He pat his back, still cautious of not wanting to make him angered again.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "*hic*...! uughh... hhhh... t-this is embarrassing crying in front of you..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "No, not at all... You can cry as much as you like..." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "w-weeehh... *sob x4*..." <

[While he comforted DM, Spike on the other hand, he managed to get up from the couch, using hand-made crutches with twigs and leaves. He carefully went over to where the rooms are, not wanting to fall over and faceplant on the floor. Or ground. Before he could even check on one of those rooms, he heard crying from DM.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...Huh....?" <

{It was coming from where DM and Algebra Garrett's room is. Those cries... There were so much of it...]

[He doesn't know if he wants to feel guilt just seeing his friend cry ever since Algebra Garrett had vanished...]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...." <

[He wanted to check up on him. But at the same time, he couldn't since he doesn't want to bothered him.]

["Oh... I... How could i tell him...?" Spike thought to himself. "But... I-I have to see what's wrong... I'm his friend after all..."]

[He built up some courage to knock on his door. That knock made him stop crying a bit.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "h-hhh...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Oh, that might be Spike..." <

[He also heard the knocking too.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...DM... Is everything okay...?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "i... no... not at all..." <

[He responded.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Uuuhh... I don't know if i can come in or not..." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Y-You can come in... If you want..." <

[By what he had said, he did so as he slowly entered his room.]

[He saw him with Bandu beside him. He was having some bad feelings about that night when Algebra Garrett suddenly just... Vanished...]

[He somewhat sad beside him, setting down his crutches.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...Hey... You, don't look good..." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "He has been missing his friend, Spike... He told me everything about it..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "I-I know, i just..." <

[Before he can continue talking, DM asked him about something.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "...Spike...?" <

[He jolted by his question.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...Yes...?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "I... I-I don't know if he's dead... I just... Don't want him to die..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...N-No, he isn't dead...! He's just... Somewhere... I'm hoping for him to be alright... But right now, we're gonna try and find a way to get the
core back to where Conbi's throne is by tomorrow..." <

[He softly reassured him.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...If i can remember where it is correctly...." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "*sniff*... You will...?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Yes i'm sure... We miss him too...." <

> "Huh...?!" <

[He felt the blue stick figure hug onto him tightly. A 'thank you' hug of what he feels.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "...Thank you... Thank you so much.... You're a good friend, just like Big G...." <

[Spike smiled by the positive response he has gotten. Returning the hug that was favored.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "You're welcome..." <

[As for Bandu...? He smiled as he watched the scene unfold. He was so happy for them to get along due to them having some rivalry through out their lives together.]

[By the watching, he noticed his leg who is still bandaged up.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Excuse me, child..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Hmm...? Yes...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Is it alright if i could... You know, try and take care of your
leg...?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "But... But i bandaged it up i.... Ugh, alright fine...." <

[Bandu carefully placed his hands on his cased leg. Lifting it up, holding it as he then held his staff over to it. Spike has no clue about what he's doing, right before he saw the magic coming a light to it.]

[DM was also watching this too. Is this what magic looks like..? Once the magic is over, Bandu gently removed the bandages off of his leg.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Wha- What are you-" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Easy child..." <

[He reassured him, taking off the last remains of the bandages.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Now try walking around by putting pressure on it..." <

[Despite Spike's confusion, he was ordered to do so. He gently put both his feet on the ground, before he got up. He wobbled a little, before regaining balance. That magic he did healed his leg!]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "It's.... It's healed...?" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Very much..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "M-My.... I.... I-I didn't know you can do that... But, your appearance-" <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Well, it's back now...!" <

[He chuckled.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Besides, since that core gave me my powers back, i can finally treat peoples injuries. No matter how damaged they are..." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "I.... I thank you..." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Those... Powers...." <

[He muttered to himself.]

[DM has never seen such power from the former lord member. Since there were many corrupted beasts in this post-apocalyptic world, could this be the cure...? If so. How much power he can use with that staff...?]

[Before the blue stick figure think further, he snapped back to reality when Bandu went back to talking again.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "The night is growing very much clearer now.... Just remember to try and get rest... Besides, it's very important... And by the way, child..." <

[He asked Spike.]

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Would you mind if i stay with you...? With the others...?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "...." <

[He thought about that for a minute. He did not harm all back in the past, very much a nice guy. And by when he saw him with those lords, he looked very much he's forced to do this. Those thoughts he's thinking are very much clear that he was used to be forced to work with them.]

[He needs to give him a second chance. Since he doesn't want to leave him alone outside in the dark.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Alright, fine... Just don't get all lost and out of the hut...." <

{ ±} Bandu { ±}
> "Oh...! I won't... Never at all...." <

[He promised. Soon enough, he got up so he can leave DM's room.]

[Spike was also gonna head back to his couch, but he was interrupted as he stopped and looked over.]

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Spike...?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "....Yes...?" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "Is it alright if you.... Sleep in the other bed....?" <

[He asked, pointing over to where Algebra Garrett's bed is.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Wait what...!? I'm not sleeping in his bed..!!" <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "But i never seen you sleep in a regular bed...! Please...?" <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Alright alright, fine...! I'll sleep in his bed until he comes
back..." <

[He then went over to the bed, laying on it. He can feel himself sink into the soft mattress as he felt the touch again.]

[Spike has never laid in a bed for so long in forever. He got all comfortable, pulling the blanket on himself, snuggling in the bed. As if he was a little child again.]

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Mmmhh... Comfy...." <

{ ±} Diamond Man { ±}
> "*Yawn*... Goodnight Spike...." <

{ ±} Spike { ±}
> "Goodnight...." <

[Thankfully, he was getting some peace and comfort in bed. Him and DM went to sleep. Hopefully, the heroes, including the now new member Bandu can help about the next quest.]

[∆]

[ CHAPTER 7 LOG_END. ]

[∆]