Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ivan was sitting down under a large oak tree.

He was thinking about Till, playing guitar. Ivan couldn’t play guitar himself, but, he copied the hand motion Till always did once his fingers strummed the strings. 

He felt something drop on his head, his hand lifted up to touch it, it was a flower crown. Ivan turned around and saw Till, standing behind him with a neutral expression.

”Here, you said you wanted one too..” Till said, his teal-eyes meeting Ivan’s as he looked down.

”Don’t misunderstand, Mizi asked me to make you one as well.” Till quickly added, a faint blush spreading on his cheeks.

”T-that’s my peace offering for the other day, don’t get it wrong!” Till yelled, when he noticed Ivan’s eyes gaze at him— the same red pupil began to form on Ivan’s eyes.

Ivan wasn’t sure what got into him, but he bent down and started laughing loudly. The other kids who passed by snuck a glance and looked at him as if he was insane.

”Y-you!”

”Weirdo, what are you laughing at!” Till kicked Ivan’s back, making the flower crown resting on top of Ivan’s head to tumble down. Ivan ignored Till’s words and the slight pain in his back, he crouched down and chased the flying flower crown.

“Don’t you dare bother me today!” Till screamed, before running off into the opposite direction.

Ivan did not bother, he stared down at the red flower crown in delight. His fang poked out and pressed down on his lower lip, Till gave him a flower crown… Till remembered what he said yesterday…

A flush of joy passed by Ivan’s chest, his heart began pounding loudly.

Ivan gently took the flower crown and plopped it back down into his chest, wearing it with much pride.

”Hehe.”

Mizi was playing in the pond inside Anakt, her ankles were drowned in the fresh blue water, and the hen of her dress was soaked with water.

Her eyes lit up when she laid her hands on the mechanical fish she has been trying ti catch for hours.

Mizi excitedly held it up, “Sua! I got it!” She happily squealed, Sua clapped her hands as Mizi walked out of the river. She dragged the fish down on the grass under a tree.

”You’re so cool, Mizi!” Sua bent down and started laughing. Mizi grinned in accomplishment, she leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss on Sua’s cheek.

”You said you dreamt of catching a fish in your dreams one time.” Mizi said, “That’s why i’m giving you this fish, Sua!” Sua froze, completely caught off guard that Mizi even remembered.

Sua hugged Mizi tightly, “You remember that?” 

”Of course, silly… I remember everything you tell me!” Mizi replied, she kissed Sua’s cheek again. Sua blushed, a faint red rushing on her nape.

”I want to catch all the fish and give them to you.” Mizi announced.

Mizi, her absolute light. Her charm. Sua gazed at Mizi lovingly.

Sua chuckled, “I’d be happy to receive them.” the two rolled down on the grass and enjoyed the bright sunlight. When all of a sudden, a few kids came rushing to them.

”Snow! There’s snow!” The other yelled, ushering for Mizi and Sua to follow them. They looked so happy, excited.

Mizi’s eyes brightened, she turned to Sua and tugged the hem of her dress. “Sua, snow! I wanna go!” She yelled in anticipation, Sua nodded with a small smile and followed Mizi there.

Which human pet had died? Sua thought.

“Hey, i already told you stop washing my sister with your saliva!” Hyun-Woo scolded, he dropped the large fish in his hand and huffed at Luka.

Luka was leaning down, his mouth on Hyuna’s forehead. Hyuna had a bewildered expression as Luka cradled her head in his lap.

”I’m fine, Hyun-Woo!” She reassured, Hyuna sat up and wiped off the saliva on her forehead. Luka’s drool was still dripping from his lips, his finger was inside his mouth as he looked absolutely out of it.

Hyun-Woo pouted, “But, Noona… Luka is a weirdo!” He argued, pointing his sharp gaze at Luka.

”Luka is… quirky, he isn’t weird.” Hyuna sighed as she replied, her shirt was wet with saliva.

Luka stood up and approached Hyun-Woo, he pressed a kiss on his forehead, making the younger boy freeze.

”H-huh?!?”

”Sorry, you were sad.” Luka retorted.

Hyuna chuckled, “that’s Luka’s way of apologizing!”

 
“These weird people kidnapped us and drugged us!! Oh my gosh, Noona, we’re gonna die!” Hyun-Woo started crying, he was continuously shaking Hyuna’s shoulder back and forth.

Mizi looked at the boy in amusement, “Uhm, we aren’t kidnappers… we fainted and got sent here like you guys did.” She hurriedly interjected.

Till doesn’t know how the situation got to this.

First, while watching the snow fall, everyone felt dizzy and passed out. And then, they woke up in a weird room. Ivan told them the doors led to more rooms, it was practically endless.

They wandered the area for a few minutes, before ultimately giving up and just doing whatever they wanted. There were no aliens to stop them, after all.

Ivan hid behind Till the whole time, Ivan was so sticky! Always clinging to Till. He didn’t understand why Ivan did what he did, Ivan was weird. But that was currently the least of his worries, Till was holding a… frying pan? That’s what the box said, after thirty minutes of wandering around, three children obviously from Anakt appeared in bright lights. No one recognized them, and they didn’t recognize them either.

Sua questioned them, and they soon found out they were from different timelines.

Weird.. but it was cool.

A few minutes later, more bright lights appeared and all of their alien guardians spawned inside.

Mizi ran to her guardian, Shine. Sua and Nigeh exchanged two words and stayed silent after. Urak was blaming Till, Unsha looked at Ivan fondly, and Heperu sat next to Luka. Hyun-Woo and Hyuna were confused on why their guardian wasn’t present, but let go of the matter rather quickly.

”Where are we?” Nigeh asked, a bright red light suddenly appeared from above.

”You are in my personalized room creation!” A voice said.

”Why have you brought us here? We are very busy aliens.” Urak growled, some of his words being mixed in the alien language.

”To watch the future.”

Chapter Text

“The future?” Hyun-Woo speaks up, disbelief evident in his face. “I’m sorry, but that’s not possible— i think.” He mumbled, the only comfort Hyun-Woo had was Luka clinging to him, and his elder sister backing him up.

Unsha hummed, “As much as i hate to say so, the human is right. And if your words turn out to be true, i would like some concrete proof.” Unsha said, though he seemed vaguely interested.

”And proof shall be granted! I will be playing the first round, so please, take your seats!” The voice eagerly responded, before anyone could ask where the chairs were, a familiar bright light appeared, spawning chairs in the room, in a specific order.

Till stayed silent, he wasn’t sure what to think of the situation. Moreover, Urak being there to monitor him limited his speech. Till retaliated against his guardian on multiple occasions, but with the other aliens present— it was difficult, they would surely take Urak’s side and push him to punish Till. Probably not Shine, though. Mizi used to say she was... an alright alien, she always seemed sad when he asked.

Nigeh and the other alien guardian sat on one side of the room, while the humans were left to find their own spots. Hyuna in-between Hyun-Woo and Luka, Sua beside Mizi, Till beside Mizi— with Ivan next to him. 

“Shall we begin the spectating?” The voice rang out once again, the aliens responded with a chorus of agreements.

Now Playing….

Round 1: My Clematis…

”My Clematis…” Shine murmured, she felt as if she’s heard this title before. It must have been included in the songs her Mizi would sing.

The screen showed a young Sua, presumably around ten-years old.

”Oh My Clematis.”

Mizi gasped, “Sua, it’s you!” She happily pointed out, tugging on Sua’s sleeve. Sua forced her lips to curve up-ward.

”It seems like I will be the first participant to be shown.” Sua replies, voice tinging with fake joy. She couldn't tell Mizi she knew what would happen.

”You’ll do great, Sua! I know it.” Mizi said, her face bright with laughter. It made Sua's heart tighten.

Till’s face blushed a faint pink, he seemed  mesmerized as he snuck a glance towards Mizi. He missed the way Ivan's eyes trailed on his face.

”You will do well.” The laughter was cut off when Nigeh’s voice took over. Her voice was deep, strong, and commanding. Sua merelt nodded her head, sheltering her face.

”Yes, Mother.” She swallowed the bile rising in her throat as she did.

The screen panned from behind Sua, revealing a heap of Pink hair, belonging to Mizi.

”Hope bloomed from the abyss..”

Sua’s eyes widened when another voice collided with hers, she turned around and saw Mizi. Her eyes were shut close as she sang alongside Sua.

”Oh My Clematis.”

”Mizi’s.. there?” Sua nervously asked, a hint of concern in her eyes. Mizi tilted her head and looked at Sua with a pout. She knew they would go against each other inevitably, but on the first round?

It made her nervous.

”Did you expect someone else?” Mizi asked, her tone was hushed. Sua quickly shook her head and smiled.

”No, I was just taken aback.”

Ivan knew Sua’s tactics all too well, it was starting to become quite obvious these two were against one another. Ivan can already guess the result.

”You have a nice voice,” Luka suddenly said, his voice was hesitant and shy. Mizi giggled.

”Thank you, Luka. Oh, and call me Mizi.” Luka blinked his eyes and nodded with a soft smile.

“Always be by my side…” Mizi continued singing, the screen switched from behind them. Showing Mizi and Sua standing together in the fields of Anakt.

The camera suddenly changed into an older Mizi and Sua. They were standing side to side in black and white dresses, the sky was dark and littered with stars.

“You bloomed… from the huge black wall…”

”Hm, I recognize that dress. It’s apart of my sketches.” Nigeh proudly pointed at the dress the older Sua wore.

Till’s breath hitched, future Mizi looked.. stunning. Her soft pink hair got longer, the tips of it now dyed in a bright blue. She got taller too, well, obviously.. but Till couldn’t look away from Mizi. She looked even prettier in the future, though his feelings have been rejected, Till can't help but admire her anyway. She was like his light in a world of darkness.

Sua stared at screen, partly staring at herself, but most of her attention was on Mizi. She has gotten so beautiful. The way her figure hugged the black dress she wore, her new hair color… everything. Mizi's entire being was beautiful, inside and out.

”Sua… you’re so pretty.” Mizi whispered, a fading bright pink started to show on her cheeks. Sua grinned, before leaning and kissing Mizi’s cheek affectionately.

Mizi allowed herself to relish in this moment, the memories of the times she snuck peeks inside Sua's room involuntarily coming back to remind her. She was wicked for letting it play out.

Ivan didn’t have much to say, but they were beautiful, that’s a fact.

”They have good voices, and visuals. I’m sure they will do amazing, Nigeh.” Heperu commented, earning a thankful nod from Nigeh.

”It seems the mysterious voice was telling the truth after all…” Unsha mumbled, “when will Ivan perform in these rounds?” He asked the voice, seemingly imagining how his own pet's round would turn out.

”He will start his performance on round 3, Mister Unsha.” The voice answered after a brief moment. Unsha nodded, so after this one and the next one. He was excited to see how his biggest investment would do.

A bright pink light started to form around the two girls, forming into a replica of the planet earth.

It showed Mizi next, blush evident on her face. Her pink hair waved around as she sang, her smile wide.

“The galactic starlight,” 

“—In your eyes spread out.” The camera switched to Sua, her face the same as Mizi’s. She was blushing, and a bright smile was evident on her face.

”In the endless darkness,” The video switched to a younger Mizi and Sua running around the grass near the river inside Anakt garden.

It then showed Mizi hopping inside the river and happily shouting as her arms cradled a huge mechanical fish.

”Woah! This happened only a few hours ago, how?” Mizi stared at the television with confusion. "It's so cool.."

”Hmm, my dear Mizi.. this mysterious person has the ability to teleport us and show us the future.. i theorize they may have access to everything we do..” Shine calmly explained, her long arm stretched out to pat Mizi’s head like a parent does to their child.

The action made a few people envious. But Mizi knew better. She felt her limbs turn numb as she forced out a naive smile. "I understand now." 

”Correct! I have access to everything!” The voice said once again.

Sua was standing near the river, hunched over in laughter.

”I find you with your scent,” it showed Mizi and Sua resting below a tree as the sky turned orange, the sun setting.

“Even if I sleep in infinity,”

Mizi was giggling as she snatched Sua’s hand, Sua turned around and met Mizi’s gaze. Their hands were stretched out to reveal a (PASS!) floating on their palms.

Sua happily showed it to Mizi, who ran at her with a big hug, making them both trip.

“Don’t leave my universe.”

The scene of the younger Mizi and Sua switched into an older Sua, singing her heart out.

After a brief pause, Mizi and Sua synchronously turned to each other and continued to sing.

It zoomed in into their faces.

”Oh My Clematis,”

”You two don’t seem to be competing against each other.” Urak gruffly said, “the point of Alien Stage is to defeat your opponent and move on to the next bracket.” He added, visibly irritated at the thought of such a boring round. Though they had amazing harmony...

”I… me and Sua, we plan to do a duet..” Mizi nervously responded, obviously not saying the reason why. Urak was intimidating.

”What nonsense.” Urak mumbles with a huff. Yet he still delighted into the cries of the humans, one of them was going to die, anyway.

”Hope bloomed from the abyss,”

The next scene was Mizi, her expression full of happiness. She sung softly as the mic pressed onto her lips, it then moved to Sua, doing the same notion.

Their voices harmonized.

”Oh My Clematis, always be by my side.” The background was plenty filled with beautiful pink lights, the camera started moving upwards.

a bracket slowly started becoming more visible to the eyes, the screen flashed with Mizi’s face and Sua’s face next.

It then showed a spinning planet, earth.

”Do you believe in God?” 

“Oh, Mizi… i’m so proud of you.” Shine smiled, “Your cries sound wonderful.”

”Thank you, Guardian Shine.” Mizi giggled lightly. Already feeling disgusted, she unconsciously let her fingertips drag on her scalp, where Shine had used another Alien to experiment on her. The feeling of seeing the very Alien she wanted to escape...

Hyuna smiled at the healthy relationship Mizi and Shine possessed. Sometimes she wishes she had a great relationship with her guardian, too. Mizi was very pretty, talented. But it was too bad, she was so naive.

Hyun-Woo seems to have noticed Mizi’s nature, he frowned and shook his head. It seems that being raised in a favorable environment makes you ignorant of reality.

The screen flashed with flying rubble and debris, bright red lights infiltrating.

”The earth’s destruction.” Ivan told Till, before he could ask. Till froze, before nodding. They never witnessed it first-hand, considering it was a long time ago, but the passing thought of--'What would have happened if the Aliens never came? Often flashed through their minds.

In the air were multiple UFO’s, multiple aliens crawled down from the spaceship and started destroying the buildings.

”Once upon a time, mankind believed in God and had religion.”

”A retelling of earth’s destruction.” Nigeh hummed somewhat happily. “I remember stepping my legs down after everything was down to rubbish.” She sighed while drinking a cup of tea, who knows where the hell she got it? 

”Ah yes,” Heperu joined in, “This will be great.”

”They believe that things that cannot be solved by human strength are the will of God.”

'Your God is non-existent.' Heperu thought with a slight scrunch of his face, if God had truly been real, could he have stopped them from invading earth? A cocky smirk was on his lips at the thought.

The scene switched away and instead focused on a random participant on the big screen performing in the center of many aliens and human pets alike.

“They believed that the entire universe  revolved around the earth”

Mizi’s hands stretched to the sky, covering the brightness of the sun.

”Thought that the place that connected with the sky, which they cannot dare to reach,” a second hand, Sua’s joined in.

Sua playfully grinned and grabbed Mizi’s hand in hers, they were both laying down on the grass while laughing.

”—was the place where the Gods lived.”

It showed the earth, dry of resources. The planet was shattered in a million pieces.

”From the moment humanity left the universe, we all forgot God.”

'Right...' The image of God was erased the moment the Aliens came, their beliefs were in the Great Anakt now.

All of the students belonging to Anakt garden were lined up, back straight and singing while the aliens watched with pleasure.

”But, if belief in God is human..”

It showed a young Mizi, not singing along. She turned her head to the side and set her eyes on a singing Sua.

”If all i can do as a human is to believe…”

It zoomed into Mizi’s eyes, shining brightly.

“My God.”

”Is this going in the direction i think it is?” Shine asked, looking at Mizi with a soft smile. Mizi's eye twitched, what was she going to say?

”…Yes, Guardian Shine.” Mizi nervously replied. Not that she cared, but would Shine press on about the matter of mating like that person? The very thought of being a man made her vomit internally.

”I accept your relationship.” Shine said, like it made a difference. Mizi stared at her, even if Shine hadn't approved Mizi would have been with Sua either way.

Mizi gasped softly, smiling at her alien mother. She hugged Sua quite tightly, pressing endless kisses on Sua’s face. She wanted to get away from Shine, but she couldn't let her mask crumble.

”We’re winning, Sua.” Mizi said, despite knowing such a thing was impossible. She stared into her lover's eyes, seeing the slight tremble in her irises.

Sua’s smile shakes. "We are." She indulged in Mizi's act, touching the side of her neck. The very side that Mizi saw her point a needle at. It was coming, Sua's rehearsal turning into a performance. Why didn't Mizi stop her? Why couldn't she be as desperate as Sua?

Sua turned around to meet Mizi’s eyes, she playfully stuck her tongue out.

It switched to an older Sua, smiling.

”My Universe.”

Both Mizi and Sua were facing each other and singing, the score sheets appeared from behind them.

Till swallowed his anxiety and looked at the score chart, it’s not like he doubted Mizi, or Sua. But he was now made aware that Mizi wasn’t informed of the punishment.

He felt Ivan’s hand slither into his, normally, Till would shout. But, a wave of anxiety was tugging at his stomach. He didn’t touch Ivan’s hand, but he allowed Ivan’s hand to roam freely.

72

80

85

”Their scores are tied…” Urak said with disdain.

86

They had the same score, but Mizi’s went up to 87 in a second.

Hyun-Woo's nervous smile dropped. She won--Mizi won, Sua lost. He hugged his sister, knowing what came next, he buried his face into Hyuna's chest.

Sua was always afraid of death, she was scared of it. But if it was for Mizi, she'd gladly go through it. Sua knows Mizi was putting up an act to survive, yet she can't help but turn a blind eye to it--she loved Mizi more than herself.

A bright light shined in the audience.

Sua smiled at Mizi, her eyes seemed stressed but relieved. Sweat trickled down the sides of her forehead, she was clutching the mic.

”Sua?” Mizi whispered, It happened. It wasn't a needle poking at her throat anymore, but a real bullet. For a moment, Mizi sat there, trying to process what just happened.

She didn't stop her. She was violently shaking, before the tears fell from her eyes. If only she was more desperate, she was selfish--Mizi was terrible for letting this happen.

The memory of Sua watching a previous season in her room alone came back, the needle--the bathtub--

Mizi was smiling back at her.

Before a large splash of blood appeared on Mizi’s face.

Sua was sitting still, a tear fell from her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mizi. I didn’t want you to know.” She whispered guiltily, holding her own neck. The nights where she'd watch the same video over and over again came back to her, the same needle she hid under her belongings.

"You...You always knew what death was, why didn't you tell me?" Mizi quietly said, she knew her mask was starting to fall apart, but she couldn't let it slip, not yet. So, she wailed. 

Ivan stared at all three of his friends with a slight quiver in his body.

Sua was dead.

She lost.

He expected it.

Ivan expected the outcome, he knew what Sua would do for Mizi— the lengths she’d do. But why, why did he feel hurt? Like a stab to his chest. Ivan was vaguely aware of Mizi's act, there was no way any human-being would be blind to their circumstances, no alien was good--they all had the same twisted nature.

Mizi cried loudly on the ground as Till comforted her while holding back tears himself. 

Nigeh looked disappointed, “So, you knew..” she whispered. “Selfish.” She crossed her spider-like arms and looked away. “What a disappointment.” How could a pet she invested so much in fail to pass the first round? She hasn't felt so much disappointment since Ji-Ah.

Luka was confused in what was happening, he felt sleepy a while ago. The music from Mizi and Sua’s round sounded like a soft lullaby. He just woke up, and Mizi was sobbing on her knees.

Hyun-Woo’s expression looked guilty, and so did Hyuna’s. “She wasn’t aware, Luka.” Hyuna whispered.

Luka did not really believe that. 

The room was silent, only Mizi’s sobs and please were heard, the whispers of Till and Sua.

Mizi’s eyes widened upon realizing, she fell to her knees and stared down at Sua’s dead body. Her smile disappeared.

”Oh My Clematis..”

It was only Mizi’s voice now, Sua’s voice has completely faded away.

It showed the aliens, fans of Mizi, cheering happily in the crowd.

”How disrespectful.” Till hissed, his body trembling with anger. Mizi had just lost Sua, can’t they read the room?”

But, of course.

It was aliens.

They don’t listen to humans.

”Hope withered in the abyss,”

The camera switched to a far viewpoint, the big screen had Mizi’s trembling body and destroyed expression on view for everyone to see.

“Oh My Clematis….”

“Please stay by my side.” Mizi’s voice starting sounding more desperate, and more hushed, compared to earlier.

The stage was pooling with Sua’s blood.

It showed Mizi, alone and crying on stage. She was on her knees, tears escaped her eyes.

Someone approached from behind her, they leaned down and pressed Mizi’s collar on her neck, the light switched form green to red in an instant.

“My Clematis…”

Mizi looked miserable, her eyes were wide open in shock.

The words ‘Alien Stage’ appeared, before the screen went completely black.

END OF ROUND ONE, WINNER: MIZI.

NEXT ROUND, ROUND TWO, ON HOLD.

Sua was in the floor, Mizi was above her, her tears fell on Sua’s face.

”How could you, Sua? W-we could have made it out of there alive—“ At this point, Mizi was spouting nonsense, deluding herself in a false reality--she was pathetic.

”No, Mizi.. it’s impossible, if we tied— they would have killed us both.” Sua argued back, cupping Mizi's face and pressing their foreheads together. 'How cunning, you are.'

Mizi was sobbing, her nose dripping with snot. Her eyes were red and puffy.

”I’m sorry, I needed to protect you…” Sua whispered in Mizi’s ear. 

”I could have protected you, too.”

The room was silent after that, other than some insensitive mocking from Urak. Till and Ivan had to physically hold down Mizi to stop her from yelling at Urak.

”I’m gonna lose her, Ivan, Till.” Mizi sobbed into her friends’ chests, her tears staining their clothes. 

Till’s breath hitched, he played with Mizi’s hair in an attempt to calm her down. Ivan went to Sua and helped her up. Sua’s eyes were unreadable, they were empty.

”I told you.” Ivan whispered.

”I know.”

NEXT IN QUEUE…

ROUND TWO: UNKNOWN (TILL THE END.)

”It’s Till’s round.” Hyuna spoke up, “the song name says everything.”

A sadistic grin spread on Urak’s face, “Make me proud.” Till gave him a dirty look.

Till gulped, “I won’t lose.” He promised, he needed to protect Mizi.

3…2…1…

NOW LOADING.

Chapter Text

NOW LOADING…..

ROUND TWO: UNKNOWN (TILL THE END)….

NOW PLAYING…..

A bracket popped up, It had Till’s icon and another boy with short brown hair.

”Hey, I noticed, Till… why are you wearing your collar in the picture?” Hyun-Woo spoke up, slightly whispering. “I don’t think you’re supposed to do that— not that i’m judging….”

Till shrugged, recalling the memory from that day. “I wouldn’t sit still, so they held me down using the collar.” He was thrashing around, and almost super-glued his ass down.

”Oh..” Hyun-Woo muttered, Till did look the un-behaved part.

Till and the boy were beside each other, the stage was ascending as an instrumental played in the background.

Till’s gonna play guitar, Ivan blushed. Before being teleported here, he was dreaming about seeing Till strum his fingers against his guitar.

Sua glanced at Ivan with a sarcastically disgusted expression. Surely... everyone but Till knew about Ivan's feelings towards him.

Till looked somewhat upset. His bangs covered his eyes, and his eyes were cast down.

Once the stage completely lifted, not even a second later— Till lifted his hand, holding his guitar pick. He brought down the guitar pick and aggressively strummed it against his guitar.

His opponent was caught completely off-guard, his eyes widened in confusion.

Unsha observed the boy quietly, judging by the other boy’s reaction— they never agreed on that part during the script. Or Till may have caught him off guard.

It explains why Till had his collar on while the others did not.

Urak had secured himself a rebellious one. And Ivan was often clinging to him.

The camera panned from a far-view, showing the large crowd in awe.

”On Till’s neck, why is there a rope attached?” Mizi somberly questioned, her voice was hoarse from crying for hours.

”To keep him in check.” Urak begrudgingly replied, much to Mizi's dismay. “Let’s see how you do…” He mumbled to himself, Till better not embarrass him.

The boy looked at Till with a shocked expression, Till stepped forward with an echo his guitar created.

Till’s neck had a green patch as it zoomed in. It showed Till’s fingers, decorated with multiple green rings, he held his red guitar pick and started playing.

”Come on!”

it showed the crowd again, cheering. A large ‘Alien Stage’ appeared once again.

”Yeah!”

It showed Till’s face, he was frowning. And his brows were furrowed, he turned his neck to side.

The scene presented Mizi, right after her round. She was inside a circular glass and looked wrecked.”

”You can do it, Till….” Mizi quietly cheered, a small smile forming on her lips. She's already lost Sua due to her selfishness, and she knows thay not everyone will live--but she wanted to see Till win. 

Till blushed, scratching the back of his head nervously. I’ll do my best” Mizi smiled, Till is too obvious...

This interaction earned glances from two certain people.

Sua noticed Mizi’s shoulder’s tensing, from nervousness, probably. Mizi is probably traumatized from round one, Sua can practically hear her thoughts rushing.

Sua squeezed Mizi’s hand, “Till is gonna win.” She whispered, Mizi sent a weak smile her way. But, deep inside, Mizi just wanted to cry again. 

The scene switched to a younger Till, hiding behind a large tree, watching Sua place a flower crown on Mizi’s head with a smile.

The camera showed a clearer snippet of younger Till’s face, it was bruised.

Mizi frowned, “Till, if you want to play with me and Sua, then you can tell me! I would like to play with you, too.” Till’s face got impossibly more pink. She knew about Till's feelings, and she already made it clear to him about how she felt--but it seems he still can't let go.

That cheerful persona of hers... Ivan didn't fall for it, he knew it was Mizi's way of coping with everything. But he can't help but feel a strange sense of jealousy when Till beams at her, why can't he do it to Ivan as well?

Sua didn’t say anything, but she nodded along Mizi’s words. “Stop getting into fist fights, moron.” 

”U-uh, i’ll make sure to do that….” Till embarrassingly replied to the two girls.

”I wanna play with Till too….” Ivan pouted, his chin was on Till’s shoulder. Till looked at him with a slightly annoyed expression.

”You can, just don’t bother me so much…” Ivan smiled, his fang poking out. That fang was annoying--(and cute.) 

It changed back to Till strumming his guitar loudly.

It switched into a young Till, blindfolded and collared. He was thrown against a wall harshly.

”Why are they doing so much bad things to him?” Hyuna mumbled, this is the first time she’s seen a pet be treated so poorly. Well, everyone is this world was obviously treated like the lowest beings, but Till's was different.

”It’s because he isn’t well-behaved, the aliens don’t like that.” Luka answered for her. He didn’t have any personal experiences of the aliens hurting him like that, mostly because he was behaved, and fragile. His guardian would kill them if he was damaged, the dealers don't like damaged goods.

Ivan frowned upon seeing Till being pushed and shoved, he wanted to stop them from hurting Till. When people hurt Till, he hates the way Till's face contorts in pain.

“What are you frowning about?” Ivan’s thoughts were cut off when Till spoke up.

”Nothing.” He smiled, acting completely oblivious, although the feeling was clawing at him from inside.

Till was shown inside an empty and dark room, his wrists were tied to his back, he was clutching at a destroyed flower crown.

It then showed Till’s face, his back was against the wall, a collar was on both his mouth and neck. His eye was dripping with blood.

Mizi and Ivan clenched their jaws.

The aliens were full of shit, that much was widelt agreed on by the humans.

Mizi uncomfortably recalled the time Shine was..playing around with her, those sharp teeth piercing her scalp, and her hair being held up--it made her nauseous. 

”Hey, that looks serious… are you sure you’re okay?” Hyun-Woo popped up from behind Till, he probably crawled there secretly. But Hyun-Woo looked genuinely concerned.

”I’m fine, thanks for worrying.” Till grinned, “Their going to have to try harder to bring me down.” Hyun-Woo nodded, Till was really brave.

”Nothing was my everything.”

It showed Till in an empty room, practicing alone.

Three cameras were pointed at him, Till did a motion, pretending like he was holding his guitar.

Multiple lyric sheets were scattered on the floor.

”The melody that filled the empty me,”

Till was wearing a loose black shirt, you could see his bruised face once again.

“—It’s you, alright.”

“My feelings are error: no better options.”

It showed Mizi, smiling happily.

Sua's brow twitched. She knew about Till's feelings for Mizi, but she can't help but feel possessive over her. Although she knows Mizi would never go with Till.

Mizi liked Sua--that much was made ovvious tonher a long time ago.

She had no reason to feel threatened.

’So it’s that type situation…’ Hyuna thought, her lips pursed. Damn, she feels bad for Till. Unrequited love, she though--glancing at the two girls huddled together.

'Till's genes are far from superior, but his talent can be passed... it could be possible to have them mate.' Urak thought, if that feeble girl is the key to make Till stay disciplined, he could arrange something with Shine.

”Shaking paradigm,”

“I don’t care if my world turns upside down.”

Mizi’s eyes lit up once she spotted her own face on Till’s lyric sheets. Till was a really skilled artist, it was just that she thought of him as nothing but a friend.

”I wanna know, all about you!” The screen zoomed in on Till singing, a droplet of sweat trickling down his face.

“No more takin’ it slow,”

A young Mizi and Sua were shown, happily playing with each other.

“The edelweiss of my feelings that blossomed because of you.”

Well, there’s no mistaking it… Till was in love with Shine's pet sitting there, who was in-love with Nigeh’s human.

As long as it keeps the damn human motivated, Urak thought. He needed Till to win, he needed the money--the exposure.

Till was sitting against the wall of a dark room, his palms were holding up a (PASS!).

He imagined the (PASS!) with Mizi in his palms.

”Don’t wanna stop,”

“Don’t even think this times enough,”

It showed a scene of Mizi singing during round one, her hair flowed beautifully in the wind.

As much as Sua disliked Till’s feelings against Mizi, he sure imagined some really beautiful pictures of Mizi…..

Ivan looked at the screen with mixed feelings. He was happy for Till, but he wishes it could be him, instead of Mizi… someday.

Till was watching her round, Mizi struggled to smile. The memories of Sua in her room haunted her.

”’Cause you baby, still it’s not enough, for me, alright?” Till’s voice softened towards the end.

”Why is it that Till is the only one singing?”Shine asked what everyone was dying to ask. "There is no way the entire song was given to him."

Nigeh nodded along, “This round seems one-sided.” It’s not Till had a bad voice, but she’d like to hear the other one sing too.

”Can you answer the question?” Heperu asked the ceiling.

”Yes, I can.” The voice said, “Till and his opponent originally agreed on a completely different song. But Till sang his own song, hence why his opponent is not singing along.”

Everyone stayed silent even after the voice faded out.

”Not giving your opponent a chance to sing….” Unsha mumbled, it was much in Till’s nature, by how much he’s observed. “It seems very unfair.” Though a great strategy to secure your win. 

Urak shrugged, if the pet wins, he really doesn’t care. He was feisty.

”This is going to be interesting.” Heperu commented with a chuckle. Though, he agrees that with Unsha, the round was unfair, Till set his opponent up for death.

Mizi had an uneasy look on her face, but decided not to say anything.

”Till, that’s sort of over-kill, don’t you think?” Hyuna whispers, “You set the guy up for nothing, I mean, why would you even do that?”

Till looks away, “I know I did too much, I know i killed him. Don’t gotta say it to my face, cause i am aware.” He huffed.

”Its so unfair, i mean, i wouldn’t have minded so much if your opponent actually sang.” Luka said, agreeing with Hyuna. Well, not everyone on Alien Stage was fair, or nice, in general.

Till was shown watching Mizi sing inside the glass cubicle, his eyes were shining.

“Don’t leave me, Li li da da da…”

“‘Cause you baby, still it’s not enough—“

Till was singing his heart out, his fingers skillfully strummed the guitar strings.

“How dare you think time’s enough?”

Till’s face looked distressed, his brows furrowed and his eyes were wide. His face suddenly calms down.

”Ain’t nobody but you’re the one i’m feelings, it’s love.”

And then came the moment that Mizi wanted to avoid. Till was like her brother, and she only loved Sua.

Till’s opponent looked bewildered and fearful of his energy, he hurriedly looked forward and tried to sing.

“Don’t be afraid—“

Once Till noticed the slight colliding of his opponent’s voice with his, he immediately turned around with a dark expression on his face.

Till raised his arms and threw his guitar on the floor.

”Holy crap! Is that an alien?!” Hyuna said, surprised, she pointed at the screen.

Nigeh’s face darkened, “His guitar was an alien…. you do know the consequences of killing an alien, right? Even though it’s a lower class one.” She sighed.

”I do,” Till mumbled, he knew better than anyone else about the punishments. The water punishment, the collars… everything. He knows.

Urak looked around and shrugged, “Well, rest in peace to the alien?”

The eye previously on the guitar flew out, green blood began to spill, and alien organs were shown.

”Come on!!”

Till started doing adlibs, he was shown  raising his hands and looking down at his now destroyed guitar with wide eyes and beaming smile.

The scene switched to Mizi, her head was cast down. She was sitting in front of a a television, watching Till’s round.

Till turned his head around, a gleam in his eyes and smiling.

“Cause i like it better,”

The camera showed the crowd, they were discussing whether or not that action counted as disqualification. A bright red light started flashing in the whole area.

“Feel like i’m crazy, oh- yeah, yeah.”

”Come on!”

Till looked like a maniac, heavy breaths escaping his lips and his chest heaved. His face was painted red by the lights, his eyes darted up-wards with an exhausted smile.

“Can’t refuse,”

Till was shown on the large screen, it was his face, accompanied with a huge ‘Till Win!’

”Overdose.”

An alien pushed down Till’s head while he grinned.

The screen went black, only to show a collared and unconscious Till inside a green glass.

Mizi and Ivan were shown looking at him with mixed expressions. The camera stopped focusing on Mizi, and went to Ivan’s face.

END OF ROUND TWO, WINNER: TILL.

NEXT IN QUEUE: ROUND THREE, BLACK SORROW.

“It’s Ivan’s turn now,”

Ivan looked at the words with a dull expression. If Till was unconscious, does that mean he wouldn’t be able to watch his round? A bitter expression formed on his face.

”Yeah, i’ll do my best.” He ended up saying, Unsha, his guardian— stared at him with high expectations.

‘At least i won.’ Till thought, before placing his head in his hands. Mizi only looked at him after he fell unconscious. Still, the pang of guilt for practically killing Acorn was terrible. Sorry, but he needed to live.

”Stay seated, after round three finishes— there will be a temporary thirty-minute break.”

”Very well.”

Chapter Text

“You’re gonna do great, Ivan. I know it”

Mizi said, grinning widely. She was still hugging Sua tight to her chest, the two started sitting in the floor instead of the chairs. The voice was kind enough to provice fluffy carpets. Ivan nodded along to her words, was it selfish to think he knew he'd do well? 

”Thank you.” He replied. The more Ivan stared at Mizi, he could only think--how long until her mask completely slips? When would she stop pretending to be a naive little girl?

Till had his head on Ivan’s lap, though he had many protests, Till felt a little dazed and gave up— He rested his head on Ivan’s lap. Not knowing Ivan adored it so much, he was practically vibrating in his seat to touch Till’s head, once he did, Till slightly shivered but did not argue.

Hyuna, Hyun-Woo, and Luka also decided to join. All three were beside Ivan and Till, chatting about… stuff, while the alien guardians were guven much more comfier and bigger chairs.

”Is everyone ready?”

They all nodded to the voice, some of the aliens grew curious of who this person truly was. They didn't use alien technology, and seemed to possess otherwordly abilities. Not even they, the aliens, possessed suched power.

NOW LOADING…

ROUND THREE: BLACK SORROW…

NOW PLAYING…

Ivan’s icon appeared, along with a boy with a light brown-haired bob.

An instrumental starts playing, it showed the back of Ivan’s head, he was wearing a full back outfit.

‘I'm guessing by the pattern of the rounds, he'd sing about Till.’ Sua thought, as she cradled Mizi’s head in her lap. Everyone has been singing about whom they love, it’s no surprise if Ivan does so too.

The scene changed to a far viewpoint and showed Ivan and his opponent on the stage.

Ivan slides his fingers up the microphone and began to sing.

“The soggy darkness crouched down,”

“Ivan, you look amazing!” Hyun-Woo gleefully commented, a bright smile appared on his face— his dimples popped out.

”Thank you, Hyun-Woo.” Ivan smiled as he thanked the younger boy. He seemed to be very cheerful, he envied that kind of mindset.

Till could not deny Ivan’s visual, after all, he was a model for multiple brands. Ivan was… handsome. He clutched his own shirt, there was no way Ivan was going to lose. Because if so, Till was so going to beat up Ivan later. 

It zooms into Ivan’s face, his hair was perfectly set, his eyes were dark and cast down.

”Awe, Ivan looks sad.” Mizi commented with a frown, “i mean— it matches the song title and instrumental really well, though.”

‘No, Mizi. That is the look of homosexuality.’ Sua thought. 

The scene switched to a younger Ivan, his hair was ruffled and his face was slightly bruised and dirty. An alien’s claw held him by the shirt.

’It must be before I adopted him.’ Unsha thought with a neutral expression. Ivan looked raggedy, not like the beau he was currently.

He has invested thousands, and even millions in Ivan. It seems like they worked out in the end. Even if Ivan was to somewhat lose in the future, Unsha would accept it, Ivan has profitted him enough.

“Even if we shake our heads, it’s always the same place.”

The angle changed to the darkness of the sky, littered with bright stars everywhere. A red alien was seen in the corner, he had one eye and sharp fangs.

“Thats… the real sky?” Till said, in disbelief. It looked mesmerizing, he’s only seen the sky in a fake bright blue all his life-- and red, when Ivan gave him the opportunity to escape. 

He wonders if he made the right choice running back to Anakt, though he still can’t understand why Ivan came back with him. If Ivan didn't look back when he left, his life would have been different.

The other children stared at the screen in awe, most of them had only seen a glimpse of the real sky— or not even a glimpse. They all thought it was beautiful, and thankful Ivan was able to see it— becase now, they could see it too.

Till wonders who the alien was, because it certainly wasn’t Ivan’s guardian.

A lot of shooting stars came on the screen.

“I can’t reach you, so I imagine alone—“ 

It showed the young Ivan looking up at the shooting stars with a gleam in his black eyes. The brightness of the stars reflected on his eyes, as a red circle also began to form.

Sua sighs, she now has confirmation that those lyrics are definitely for Till. Ivan's love for him ran deep, much was obvious. Though, if Ivan himself can't express his love well, he has no place to talk about she and Mizi.

Sometimes, she feels bad for him.

”You who shine, I stand next to you.”

It switched back to the older Ivan, his eyes were shut close as he sang. Slowly, his eyes started opening.

A few fireworks (?) or shooting stars were once again shown on the screen as Ivan fully opened his eyes.

”So black, black as it can be…”

The night sky from earlier was shown once again, in the distance, you can see the red alien holding a young Ivan up by his leg.

”Hey, why is he flipping you up-side down like that?” Hyuna angrily snarled, she loured at the sight. She knows the aliens don’t care, but aren’t they aware of how dangerous that stunt was?

Ivan nonchalantly shrugged, “I don’t exactly remember, but I think it was because I kept crying.” He replied. He had a blurry remembrance of the Alien glaring and telling him to shut up before he regretted it.

Ivan? crying? Till has never seen that before. Ivan was usually expressionless, or smiling, it was in-between. The most expression Till has seen of Ivan was during their fights. He was...really weird.

Mizi frowned, nodding her head as if agreeing with Hyuna. “She’s right….” She mumbled.

”The dark sea gets deeper as you approach.”

It concentrated on the face of the child Ivan, he was hanging upside down.

”I don’t think that’s in the handbook of how to raise humans….” Shine mumbled, she remembers spending sleepless nights memorizing the ‘How To Raise a Good Human’ handbook. Before she adopted Mizi. She likes to believe she did a great job of raising Mizi, even if she cried sometimes--Mizi's tears were interesting.

”It isn’t Shine, the alien is one who does as they please.” Nigeh replied, rolling her eyes inwardly. 

Ivan was shown crying, a shadow on his face. The shadow began to disappear and reveal Ivan’s eyes getting wider as he stared at the sky.

The shadow was cast on Ivan’s face once again, making his tears look more visible.

”Like a black, black sorrow—“

An even younger Ivan was shown, he had his back against a white wall as a neon blue screen was behind him. Ivan’s hands were bound, a different alien was seen beside him.

”Ivan’s auction, and when i bought him.” Unsha said, a smile forming on his face when he remembers how delighted his wife was when he brought Ivan home that Valentines day.

Sua’s expression turned sour, as so did the others.

The scene changes to Ivan sitting on a slightly big red chair, many alien delicacies were in front of him.

It changes again to Ivan holding a hologram as multiple aliens surrounded him. An alien with sharp teeth leaned down and caressed Ivan’s head.

”A story of such woe.”

Everyone felt conflicted.

Some often wanted to be the favorite of their respective alien guardians, but seeing Ivan’s life as the favorite—

They weren’t sure of what to think.

The scene changed once again to Ivan inside Anakt garden, singing with an expressionless face. It changed again to Ivan standing alone, watching the other children as they play.

“At the end of this story, there is inly a cold spot.”

It focused on Ivan’s face, his eyes seemed dull.

Ivan's gaze flickers to the side, he watches as a red flower crown flies down.

Till’s face lights up, “I remember this… that’s my flower crown.” He mumbles, he had accidentally let it go and the wind made it fly across the garden.

Ivan smiles, he starts playing with Till’s hair while the other was distracted. Till's hair had slight knots around them, Ivan gently took them out with his fingers. Till must have accidentally broken his hair rush again.

’Homosexuality.’ Sua thought again. Ivan's yearning was openly being displayed.

”—Stained with blood and empty air,”

A heap of silver hair comes onto the screen, it zooms out and it is shown Ivan standing still as Till runs, chasing after the flower crown with a bruise on his face.

Luka blinks, ‘Does Ivan like Till? Was it similar to how he liked Hyuna?’ He thinks, he recalls multiple occasions of being possessive over Hyuna. Which is why he often got into arguments with Hyun-Woo.

”Oh, that’s the flower crown I made for you!” Mizi happily exclaims, Till blushes and scratches the back of his head.

”Yeah, I accidentally let go of it.”

Ivan smiles, the first time he saw Till inside the garden. It was a memory etched inside his brain forever, of course, their first meeting was probably something Till doesn't recall anymore.

Till chases after the flower crown and runs inside a tunnel, Ivan follows after him with a dull face.

The screen changes again to the actual competition. Ivan’s opponent was singing, Ivan glared at him quite harshly.

Ivan’s opponent stops singing, Ivan’s attention drifts back as he takes his mic.

“Where your eyes reach,”

The scene switches back to Ivan following Till inside the tunnel.

Ivan was hiding behind a wall, he watched as Till panted on the floor.

Till freezes, “Hold up, you saw everything happen?” Ivan’s fingers stop playing with Till’s hair. Till sits up and stares at Ivan, a million thoughts running through his mind.

Ivan nodded, “I was.” He admitted, Till looked so heroic back then!

”You didn’t bother to help us!” Till yelled, frustrated. He was risking his life to ward those aliens off, and turns out this weirdo saw everything? And didn't help? 

Ivan said nothing, he only listened to Till’s screaming with brief nods. 

Mizi gulps, she remembers what happened on that day very clearly. She was being stupid and ran inside, not knowing what awaited inside…. But still, Ivan was there? Why didn’t he help? Then again, Ivan was just staring at Till the entire time. 

”What are you yelling about now, human?” Urak angrily said, clutching at his armchair.

That made Till shut up, not wanting to provoke his stupid owner more. He did not rest his head back on Ivan’s lap, he sat down on the carpet in his own space. Arms crossed. It made Ivan's heart wilt, he liked the feeling of straddling Till's head in his lap.

”Where your fingertips brush,”

Mizi had her mouth covered by her hands, in the corner, you could see a an alien bearing it’s large teeth at Mizi.

”Mizi, what are you doing there?!” Shine worriedly said, her gaze flickering to her human. 

Mizi looks down in shame, “I’m sorry, guardian Shine.” She apologized, guilt evident on her face. She remembers clearly how Till was hurt during it, but she didn't feel guilty at all for 'worrying' her guardian.

The full faces of the aliens were shown, they had sharp teeth and multiple red eyes.

”Waiting for you endlessly.”

It showed Till panting on the ground.

”Turn the red light hourglass,”

Mizi was beside Till, she was shocked and fearful.

”Mizi, you didn’t tell me about this…” Sua murmured, frowning. She thought Mizi told her everything, but this— Sua never heard of it.

”I… I didn’t want any of you to worry…” Mizi sighs, “I was scared i’d get Till in trouble if I told anyone.” It was the truth, Till was already injured in an attempt to rescue her.

Till was visibly struggling on the ground.

”Inside the black darkness.”

The camera focused on Ivan, his face was half-concealed behind the wall. While other half peeked out with an odd look in his eyes.

”Uhm… i don’t understand.” Hyun-Woo meekly said, “Mizi and Till are troubled, why isn’t Ivan helping?” He asked.

”He’s a weirdo, that’s what.” Till scoffed as he replied. He remembers all the weird stuff Ivan would do, stealing his pencils amd returning them like nothing happened, then his crayons.

Unsha gazed at the television with calculating eyes. He understood now, oh well.

It showed multiple shooting stars falling.

”—With you, for a long time….”

Till was shown again, struggling to stand up.

”Yea, we get it now— i’m struggling.” Till murmured angrily, why was he shown so much in Ivan’s song? 

It flickered from Till to the shooting stars.

It zoomed in on Ivan’s eyes again, the red pupil growing visibly wider.

The screen goes black for a second.

The alien crowd was shown, silently cheering for Ivan, captivated and in awe of his performance.

”So black, black as it can be!”

Ivan looked more motivated, he was holding the white mic closer to his face.

Unsha was seen in the front-row, smiling in satisfaction. The other aliens beside him were wonderstruck.

“The dark sea gets deeper as you approach,”

The camera was switched to a farther viewpoint, there were multiple planet-like props behind the stage. The spotlight was on Ivan.

”You must be proud, Unsha.” Nigeh commented, smirking. Perhaps she could schedule an arrangement between their pets for a shoot.

Unsha smiled, “I am very overjoyed, thank you, Nigeh.” He replied. Ivan had shown potential the moment Unsha first laid eyes on Ivan ay his auction— he saw the talent, the potential, and the income.

Ivan was holding the mic by one hand, his stance was steady.

The camera zooms in on Ivan smiling as he sang.

’Crazy bastard.’ Till thought, how could Ivan smile so wide in a matter like this?

The scene switched to the past.

Till was inside a storage room, tied up and collared. He was being chained by the alien tech.

Till and Ivan freeze, they stare at each other with nervous glances. It was their escape into the meteor shower, they were screwed.

”What’s up with you two?” Sua asked, once she saw the weird behavior by Ivan and Till. Till had tensed slightly, and Ivan seemed a bit on edge.

”Nothing.” Ivan said, he was fine with the other kids seeing it— but the aliens were here. They would definitely do something, more punishment.

This exchange did not go unnoticed by the others.

”Like a black, black sorrow.”

Ivan was seen crouching in front of Till.

And then, the scene switches to a bright red sky, there were bright yellow stars fallings.

”There is no fucking way.” Urak said in disbelief, “Unsha, what are you teaching your pet?!” Urak growled, yelling. How could a mere human pet know the route to leave Anakt Garden? It was supposed to be the most secure place!

Hyuna looked around in confusion, what the hell was happening?! She held Luka and Hyun-Woo close to her. She had many ideas what the next scene could be, but never did she expect this. 

Mizi and Sua were also very dumbfounded, they stared at the other three for answers, Hyun-Woo shrugged--clearly clueless. 

Unsha’s gaze darkened, “I was not aware of this either, Urak.” He sighed, glaring at Ivan. “Human, speak.” He commanded, it was one of the rare moments where he raised his voice towards Ivan. He was usually so well-behaved, but he couldn't let something like this go.

Ivan stayed silent, he noticed Till moving closer to him— Till was holding Ivan’s wrist tightly, as he gnawed on his lower lip until it bled. Till had half the mind to take the blame, he was used to the punishments, but Ivan wasn't.

Urak screeched, he stood up and approached Till. Till got in front of Ivan and shut his eyes, getting ready for a beating. His body was always sore afterwards, Till always struggled to use his legs after, and his lungs felt painful because of the water.

But, a large shield suddenly appeared around Till, “Huh?” He squeaked, taking in the view of a see-through golden shield around he and Ivan.

”What the hell?!” Urak screamed, he marched forward and lifted his fist, but the barrier only flashed slightly, it did not break, not even a crack. "Impossible..." he mumbled.

The ceiling lit up, it never did that.

”The aliens present may not harm the human side, or else there will be dire consequences.” 

Urak huffed, “Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do?” He bared his teeth in anger. “I’m just going to discipline this bastard of mine.” He huffed, as if it was reasonable. Mizi shivered, this is the reason why she hated the aliens so, so much. Their violent tendencies were too much, even someone like Shine possessed these.

”I repeat, the aliens present may not harm the humans while inside my room. Or else there will be dire consequences.” The voice said again, this time more fierce and commanding.

”Urak, I think the voice has made it clear. No matter what we attempt, we cannot bypass the rules of this… sub-space creation.” Nigeh said, “Never in my seventy years….”

”U-uhm, what’s going on?” Hyun-Woo bravely spoke up, which triggered Urak even more.

”What’s wrong, is that these two brats escaped Anakt garden?!” Urak sounded two breaths away from a heart attack.

”Huh?… wait,” Sua’s gaze flickered to Ivan and Till. She stared at them in disbelief.

”When was this?” Mizi asked. To think a route of escape really existed...she could have taken Sua with her, and everyone else--then the competition wouldn't happen. She clenched her fists tightly.

None of them answered.

”A story of such woe,”

It showed Ivan taking Till’s collar off.

The scene changed to Till happily running, his eyes reflected against the red sky.

”Holy shit, you guys are actually outside?” Hyuna said, a hint of hope and disbelief in her tone. “I didn’t think it was possible.” She accepted her fate of being locked-up until death when she was adopted, she wondered if the way of escape would be shown here--she wanted to know.

”Are you thinking of escaping too?” Luka whispered, Hyuna did not confirm nor deny. There was a part of her that wished to be free, but she knew freedom wasn't easily attainable.

The aliens stared at the television with dumbfounded looks, they were all secretly blaming Unsha.

Heperu stayed quiet, he really wanted to give Unsha tips on how to raise a pet. He did it with Luka, now see how obedient his Luka was. The electricity worked that one time, did he not make Ivan undergo the same treatment?

Mizi gazed at the television with the brightest smile on her face, “So that’s what a meteor shower looks like!” She giggled, putting aside the fact Ivan and Till escaped. Sua knew about Mizi’s wishes to see what a meteor shower was, after reading about it in a book. They could only imagine it.

What Sua did not know, was— why didn’t Ivan and Till seize this chance to leave? They were already outside, but they were still here.

Although Sua may have a vague idea of why.

”At the end of this story,”

Ivan was seem smiling, pulling Till along as they ran happily under the red sky.

The scenario changed to the future Till, bleeding and tied up— he was starting to regain consciousness inside the green glass.

“There is only a cold spot stained with blood and such.”

It changed to the stage, the scores were being counted behind Ivan.

It switched back to the two children under the meteor shower.

Ivan was holding Till’s hand, until Till suddenly lets go.

“Black, black sorrow….”

Ivan stared, bewildered. Till was a few steps behind him, looking guilty.

”You two didn’t take this chance to leave?”To everyone’s amusement, it was Luka who spoke up. 

”I didn’t…. Want to leave the others behind, and uhm— I was scared.” Til murmured, his head was cast down. He could feel the judging, the stares from both humans and aliens. Who could blame him? He didn't want to leave the others behind, he couldn't leave Mizi behind.

”And you,”

Ivan turned around, watching Till as he ran off into the distance.

“—You are always for me…”

Ivan stood frozen, before his lips curved up into a sad smile.

“Black sorrow.”

It showed the future Ivan, pointing at the crowd with an equally somber expression on his face.

“To me, you are black sorrow.”

”I don’t mean to intrude, but is Ivan singing about Till?”

Hyuna was the one to ask next, Ivan looked into her direction and nodded. It made her even more sad for Ivan. 

Till stared, bewildered. Ivan? Singing about him? That’s impossible— why would Ivan sing about him, of all people? They fought all the time, and Ivan was always acting weird around him.

Ivan stretched his palm out, the angle changed to behind Ivan. Multiple shooting stars began to come down from the sky.

’Till is Ivan’s shooting star—‘ Mizi finally realized, Ivan liked Till in that way. The same way Mizi loved Sua, it was the same for Ivan.

But, Ivan wasn't putting up an act like her. 

”To me you are…”

”Black sorrow..”

The screen turned black.

It showed Ivan looking down, a dark smile on his face. Behind him were the scores, he had scored a full 90 points, while his opponent scored 68.

“Ivan won by a mile.” Unsha grinned, although Ivan escaping was a very big problem as of currently, he could deal with that once this viewing was over.

Unsha knew Ivan was winning.

“Congratulations, Ivan.” Mizi smiled.

”Thank you, Mizi.”

Till sighed, he whispered. “It’s good you won.” Which roughly translates to: congratulations. Close enough! Ivan thought. He smiled at Till, making the other look away in embarrassment.

A large ‘IVAN WIN’ appeared on the screen after.

It concentrated on Ivan’s eyes, red pupil gone.

The screen went dark.

“Wait, it’s not finished yet?” Sua spoke up, usually after the round has ended— it says the next round in queue.

”I… I don’t think so, that’s odd…” Hyuna replied.

Till pointed at the screen, “Look! Isn’t that Luka?!”

The screen changed to a man, he was wearing dark pants and holding a rubix cube. His finger were purple.

It zoomed in on the man’s face, he looked at the television in front and saw Ivan's win.

The screen went black after.

The portrait of Ivan’s opponent went dark, and Ivan advanced.

END OF ROUND THREE, WINNER: IVAN.

NEXT QUEUE: ROUND FIVE.

”It’s Luka! It’s Luka!” Hyun-Woo happily cheered, he shook Luka’s shoulders. “It’s you!”

Luka smiled, “Yeah, it’s me.” He replied.

”Wait, round five? Where’s round four?” Nigeh asked, everyone seemed to notice as well.

”I presume round four would be Luka’s round, why won’t it be shown?” Heperu asked too, he wanted to see his biggest investment compete.

”Round four will not be shown due to technical issues.” The voice replied.

”That’s so unfair! I want to hear Luka sing!” Hyun-Woo gruffly replied, pouting. Hyuna chuckled.

”Even if we won’t see round four, i bet Luka will advance to round five! Don’t worry, Hyun-Woo!”

”Okay, Noona…”

Till spoke, “If Luka is here, where is Hyun-Woo and Hyuna?”

Everyone was silent, they hadn’t even realized it. Could Luka be battling one of the twins? The thought made Till uncomfortable.

”I’m sure we will be shown soon.” Hyuna replied,  hope wavering in her tone. 

”Correct, although Hyuna and Hyun-Woo are not participating, they will be shown.”

They ignored the fact the two weren’t participating, but Luka was. What could have happened? It was only now that Mizi realized--their classes could be different. And she could see Luka winning a season.

”Okay, then… let’s wait for round five.”

Chapter Text

“A quick break will be given to everyone before we begin with Round five.” The voice announced, tables appeared in front of them with… a lot of food.

Luka had to restrain himself from eating everything. Most of these dishes were widely unfamiliar to him, he remembers the plain meals given to him. Luka shook his head, no— he needed to stick to his diet.

”Please eat as much as you please.”

Luka beamed, “Can i really?” He asked, he received a sound of approval from the unknown voice. Heperu was looking at him with sharp eyes. Luka tried to calm himself down, there was a barrier around him— they couldn’t hurt him. Hyun-Woo squeezed his shoulder in comfort.

Heperu seemed as if he wanted to speak, but he quickly shut his mouth before he could. They seemed to be aware of the ‘no hurting humans’ rule.

A hoard of alien delicacies also appeared in front of the aliens. They all smiled in satisfaction and started to feast, sometimes Till can't understand why the aliens would love something like fish jelly.

Hyuna was smiling so wide Luka was sure it was impossible. She took a bite of a very yummy-looking piece of cake, it was a slice of chocolate cake with candy lolipops as a design. 

”It’s so good, Luka, Hyun-Woo! Taste some!” Hyuna happily yelled, she cut off a piece and fed it to Hyun-Woo first. Hyun-Woo’s face lit up, licking his lips in joy. It was soft, and melted in his mouth. Hyun-Woo hasn't tasted anything like this, ever.

”It’s so sweet, Noona. Give some to Luka, after all, we are gonna watch him sing next!” The boy clapped his hands together loudly, it was odd that the aliens hadn’t told them to shut up yet. Maybe the barrier came with a silencing mode? That'd be most favorable.

”Here, open up!” Hyuna giggled, she snagged another piece and spoon fed Luka. The blonde boy’s mouth was watering— it was a very rare moment when he would be able to eat such sweet food. The aliens said sugar was bad for the diet, and the voice said these food were made using magic… Luka trusts them, after all, they protected them. 

Luka chuckled, he took a piece of chocolate from the tall stand of sweets and bit into it. This was chocolate, wasn’t it? It was so good.

Luka wishes food didn’t have so much calories. If it didn't, his guardian wouldn't be so adamant about restraining his sugar intake.

Mizi was beaming as she bit into a large watermelon. Giggling at the sweet taste it had. Sua was beside her, holding a cup of water— in case Mizi gets carried away again and starts choking.

Till ate in silence, admiring Mizi’s expressions. He blushed. He took a simple dish with… meat? and some mushy white stuff, maybe potatoes. It tasted really good, Till wasn’t aware food could have so much flavor. All they gave him was plain, bland, food. 

Ivan was beside Till, as always. He was slowly biting on a burrito? Was it? Till literally didn’t know what these foods were. But there were flashcards in front of each dish that stated what dish it was.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, the aliens talked amongst themselves while eating. The humans were in their own corner, devouring everything on the snack table. They savored every bite, every lick, and every chug.

After all, another opportunity like this would never arise again.

NOW LOADING: ROUND FIVE….

PLAY?

”It seems like the snack break has come to an end.” Heperu said, taking a tissue and wiping his mouth. That jelly was spectacular.

The humans nodded, sitting down in their respective places. The aliens did so too, Unsha beside Nigeh, Shine next to Heperu, and Heperu next to Urak.

”Play.” Unsha said, watching as the television screen started to load.

NOW PLAYING…. 

ROUND FIVE: RULER OF MY HEART…

The screen flickered to a close-up of the stage, you could briefly spot a dead contestant, they were bleeding all over as their arm fell limp.

Hyun-Woo shivered at the sight, was that supposed to be round four? And wasn’t round four Luka’s round? He was glad his friend won— but it did not make him feel less terrible for the deaths of others.

”Round four, I presume.” Shine said, humming. It wasn’t a pretty sight, what was the importance of showing this specifically? Round four was said to be cut-out due to 'technical issues', but it just seemed like an excuse.

Mizi flinches as she gets flashbacks to the clear sight of Sua’s dead body, she remembers the spilled blood— everything. She kept thinking of the 'what-if's'. What if she stopped pretending not to know? What if she rushed into Sua's room that night and told her to stop?

The contestant’s hand was red, dripping with blood every second.

A hand locks fingers with the limp hand, their finger-tips were purple.

”That’s Luka’s hand, isn’t it?” Ivan comments as he sighs. It was far too odd not to notice— he could already tell Luka had a weak constitution the moment they talked.

Luka briefly pauses at the sight, it was a competition, of course someone would die. He was taught since birth how to win.

The angle switches to a brief view of the man’s clothes. He was wearing black pants, and a white shirt with a slight chest window.

His blonde hair messily draped over his eyes, he had a sadistic smile. The man brought the bloody hand to his lips and kissed it, the blood getting on his lips.

”Okay, this is totally not creepy…” Till off-handedly said, a look of discomfort on his face. Who would kiss the hand of their dead opponent? Only psychos do that.

Luka shifts uncomfortably when he feels a few sets of eyes direct at him. It was a little unsettling, but who could blame him for wanting to win? To live? Not everyone can afford to keep their sanity in tact. 

A picture of a girl in a low ponytail was shown, her photo went dark next to Luka’s. Luka’s photo darkened as well, but moved forward.

It was Mizi against Luka.

”Well…” Sua murmurs, her heart felt as if it was about to leap out of her chest. Mizi was going against a super creepy man!! Okay, this was totally not worrying… 

Mizi sighs, “I noticed it toward the end of Ivan’s round… it just hurts me to watch it live…” She says. Sua most definitely thinks Luka was creepy.

Luka mentally prepares himself for their reactions later. He already knew he killed his past opponent, they did not react well to Till doing it earlier, who knows how they'd react to this one?

“Oh, Mizi… I am sure you will do amazing.” Shine says, making Mizi smile. Mizi said nothing, she smiled immediately, like she was on auto-pilot.

Urak smiles, ‘May the best win.’ He thought.

It shows Mizi in the distance, dressed in an all white gown. Her hair was partially tied up with a white ribbon.

Mizi glances at her shoes, it then slowly starts to show her face. There was a purple jewel on the center of her forehead, her eyes were cast down and distracted.

”Mizi, please… don’t be so distracted, it’s Luka you’re up against. Don’t let your guard down.” Sua whispers into Mizi’s ear. Sua may not know Luka personally, but judging by the brief clip of him kissing his opponent’s hand— Sua can tell that guy was not good news. He also has an insane visual, the aliens are easily swooned by beauty.

Mizi shakes her head, feeling as if she was about to scream, “I’ll be fine, Sua…” she squeezes Sua’s hand in an attempt of reassurance. They both knew it didn't assure anyone.

It zooms in on Luka’s grinning.

”Luka, you're…” Hyuna mumbles, sighing. She knows she shouldn’t doubt Luka— the weak, alien favorite human. She so badly didn't want to think Luka was heartless. He was always so weak, he always needed someone to protect him.

Luka said nothing. His lips trembled as he turned away slightly.

”He’s.. he’s smiling like he thinks he’s gonna win so easily.” Till whispers to himself. Unlike him, Luka had the looks, and the charm to allure to aliens for votes.

The lights brighten as Luka approaches the stage with a blank look. There was a large ribbon attached to the back of his shirt.

Mizi was beside him, walking at the same pace.

It zooms out to show the stage theme. It was dark outside, a large bright moon in the back.

Mizi’s eyes widen when Luka gets in her face and whistles.

”Personal space, please.” Sua was trying her hardest not to lose her mind right now. Mizi always seemed to be uncomfortable in the presence of other men, Ivan was as exception, and probably Till, but no matyer how much Mizi tried to cover it up by smiling, Sua knew.

Till feels his anger growing by the minute. Way to add fuel to the fire! Why was Luka so close? He agrees with Sua, ever heard of personal space??

”You can turn away from the light.”

Luka begins to sing, his eyes were shut and his hand on his chest while smiling. Mizi visibly looked uncomfortable, she turned around and looked away from Luka.

’His voice sounds great.’ Heperu thinks with a proud look on his face. Luka seemed confident and motivated, just… perfect. He spent a fortune creating him, the other failed ones...

”She’s obviously not ready to perform yet, why are they…” Hyuna angrily trails off,  she doesn’t know Mizi personally, but she could tell Mizi was a nice kid. The world was unfair, even if she was dying, they'd make her sing.

Ivan meets Hyuna and shakes his head, whispering, “They don’t care, they just need their entertainment.” For once, they all agreed. The voices of the humans were their fun.

”You even outburn the sun, my star.”

Luka was smiling, as always. He leans in from behind Mizi and stretched his hand out. He tucks Mizi’s hair behind her ear and whispers closely to her ear.

Mizi flinches, trying to shake Luka off. Luka smiles, as if expecting it. He dodges skillfully.

’Now, this is just pissing me off.’ Sua’s eyes darkened. Luka’s goal must be to make Mizi as disturbed as possible.

The question is, why?

Till wanted to push Luka away and hit him, how dare he… to Mizi?! This was the reality of Alien Stage, Luka must be doing this to win. It was a smart plan, but it doesn't mean he approved of it.

”He’s skillful.” Nigeh comments with a nod. It was a tactic that fell under the same umbrella of what Till did in round two. Luka taunted his opponents, while Till tricked them and did not let them sing.

Mizi stands shakily trying to grab her mic. Luka stood straight and perfect next to her, calmly taking his mic with a chuckle.

Luka brings the mic closer to his lips and kisses it.

”You’re the perfect subject, with the whole world in your sad eyes.”

”What is with you and Ivan’s deal with the mic?? Are you trying to date it or something?!” Till blurts out suddenly, “Sorry,” he was in fact, not sorry.

Hyun-Woo coughs to hide a poorly concealed laugh. “Probably, why is Luka even kissing it?”

“I think it’s to captivate the audience.” Ivan replies. He wouldn't even be doing these things if it weren't for his personal charm. They had to take classes on how to act on stage.

It concentrates on Mizi next, sweat trickling down her face with unfocused eyes.

Mizi stands still, clutching her mic as Luka surrounds her.

Luka glared at Mizi, and Mizi glares back with fear.

”My savior, beautiful soul.”

Luka leans down and sings, disregarding his own mic and singing into Mizi’s mic.

”Fan service.” Ivan says before anyone could ask. It was very common amongst the competitors, but only very few could pull it off, really.

Mizi shifts uncomfortably in her seat, the only comfort she received was Sua whispering in her ear. Mizi was afraid, Luka knew what he was doing, what if he could see roght through her?

It reminded her of the day that boy confessed his attraction to her, even going as far as to mention mating immediately. Mizi was disgusted, repulsed. She despised it when boys invaded her space too much, sometimes, her cheek still stings from the slap.

”Mizi hasn’t sung yet…” Hyun-Woo whispers. She might be too traumatized to even speak.

Mizi looks to the side with fear in her eyes.

Luka smiles against her chin.

Mizi startles, pulling her mic closer to her mouth.

”I don’t believe, you’re a liar—“

Mizi frantically sings, panic in her face.

It switches to Luka’s hand in the sky, a female voice starts singing along with him.

”That—“ Mizi startled everyone with her sudden outburst. “No…” Tears pricked at her eyes, so that was Luka's plan. She was obviously vulnerable after Sua, and Luka knew that.

”What’s going on?” Hyuna asks, but no one could answer.

”When our darknesses overlap,”

Luka’s arm was lifted while the other stayed down, the moon was behind him.

Luka starts to interchange between Sua.

“S-Sua..?” Mizi quivers, tears streaming down her face again. “You're sick, You’re a sick man!!” She yells, her screams making the room shake. Sua desperately tries to make Mizi calm down. Damn it, she didn't care if everyone found out about what she knew anymore, how dare this boy--

The aliens all had a look of amusement in their eyes— only Shine had a hint of pity in hers.

Luka stayed quiet, his head was down. His chest burns from being on the receiving end of Mizi’s harsh words. He deserves it. Not even Hyuna or Hyun-Woo defended him, they were both equally as shocked. He would have reacted like Mizi if it had been him in her place.

Ivan is stunned silent, and so was Till. He knew Luka was a little manipulative, from what observed— but he didn’t expect… whatever this was.

”What the hell?” Till whispered, his gaze turning to Luka. “Did you just use her trauma and Sua’s death against her?” Luka has no choice but to nod. He was being a hypocrite right now, he was aware. But, he needed to defend Mizi. He did not forget how he killed Acorn in round two.

Till stood up and winded up his fists. Although Ivan wanted to punch Luka too, he had to stop Till. Ivan pulled on the taller boy’s wrists and shook his head ‘no.’

Till’s entire body shook, before putting his fists down and sitting down. He only knew how to communicate with his damn fists.

”Now this is getting interesting.” Urak said with a mischievous grin. Till wanted to scream and yell, what did you find fun and entertaining in this?? Till wanted to comfort Mizi, to be there for her.

Mizi was enraged, barely keeping it together.

Luka’s face turned into Sua’s, it was the same look she had during the first round.

Mizi’s eyes widen as her mic started to lower.

”Mizi, please. Don’t be distracted by him, you need to win this.” Sua says, a little desperate.

”It’s so difficult, Sua.. I-I’m not sure if I can win.”

Luka, as Sua leans down and grabs Mizi’s face.

”Let me take it all away!”

It slowly changes back to the smiling face of Luka. He wraps his arm around Mizi and turns her around.

They were dancing, more one-sided. Luka looked delighted. Mizi was fearful. She tries to punch Luka, but he swiftly dodges it and grabs her wrist.

He turns her around again, so her back was against his chest.

“This has surely got to be a crime— what the fuck?” Till said in disgust, considering the fact they were in different timelines— Luka was probably way older than Mizi.

Slowly, he swallows his saliva and asks the voice. “How old are everyone here?” Everyones is taken aback by Till’s sudden question, though they partially understood why he asked.

The ceiling lights up, “Mizi and Ivan are twenty-two, Sua is twenty-three, Till is twenty-one, and Luka is thirty years old.”

”Thirty?!” Hyuna gasps, “He does not look he is thirty-years-old! Is this a trick?!”

”I fear not.”

Till felt even more grossed out, Luka was eight years older than Mizi. He shivered just thinking about it. Age doesn't matter as much within humans, since they didn't own their lives--the aliens did. But it mattered to Till.

”Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart.”

It zooms in on Luka’s eyes, dark. Then on Mizi’s wide and scared.

”You are forever beautiful.”

Mizi collapses on the floor as Luka circles around her, still singing.

”Ruler of My heart, Ruler of My heart, Ruler of My heart…”

It showed their reflections on a puddle.

The screen goes black.

Luka was in front of a television, a cocky look on his face. He lifts Mizi’s chin with his fingers.

”That’s Sua behind Luka…” Ivan mumbles, not quiet— but loud enough for everyones to hear him.

”Wasn’t that moments before Sua was… you know..” Hyun-Woo’s warily says, he was now beside Mizi and Sua— moved away from Luka. It wasn’t like he hated Luka, but he just really wanted to cheer up Mizi.

Sua nods, “It is, i recognize it.”

”The endless walls,”

Mizi was kneeling on the ground, Luka was sitting on a luxurious red couch.

“A fall with no ground,”

His eyes looked cunning.

Mizi’s eyes move around with discomfort.

”In a single moment, breaking down.” She sings.

They switch back to the stage.

“I go blind and deaf.”

Mizi had a hand on her chest, she was attempting to gather votes as she was singing.

She discreetly looks at Luka.

”My world, collapsing.”

Luka was singing with her, he scoffed at Mizi’s attempts.

”This is just… i’m glad Mizi is fighting back, but I don't think it’s enough…” Hyuna shook her head somberly. Luka...has he always been like this? Was she too blinded with the instinct to cradle him to notice it?

”If only someone would save her..” she whispered, surely— someone would, right? Mizi didn’t deserve to die, and at the hands of Luka. She didn’t know what made Luka’s personality shift dramatically.

Till stayed quiet, occasionally casting pitying looks at Mizi. He was silently praying to the non-existent god.

Sua felt her anger boil and her heart tighten as she helplessly watched Mizi struggle. Against her death— too. Ivan was right, she would be nothing but trauma.

”My savior—“

It shows a large crowd of aliens cheering and holding batons for Luka to win.

”—Beautiful lady,”

There was no way Mizi was winning, Ivan shakes his head and sighs. If that crowd alone was only partial of Luka’s supporters, Mizi definitely stood no chance— he hated to admit it, but it was true.

”His fanbase…” Mizi mutters with hopelessness in her eyes. Sua wasn’t sure what to do next. Hyun-Woo hugged Mizi to comfort her.

Luka shook with anger, not even Hyuna would go near him. He hated it.

They were holding large signs that said; PRINCE!

“Prince, huh?” Unsha says, “that explains his wide-spread popularity.” Heperu definitely hit the jackpot with creating Luka.

It zooms out to show Luka’s entire fanbase, Luka spread his arms open and glared at Mizi from behind.

”It’s like… he’s saying, Mizi doesn’t have a chance against him..” Hyuna was starting to have a headache, what happened to Luka? What happened to the quiet, cute, and weird kid?

“Definitely.” As much as Sua hates to admit it, her Mizi really stood no chance against Luka. Also known as, ‘The Prince’ of the fucking aliens. They acted like he was above other humans due to his superior genes.

A color purple spreads across the arena, Mizi looks around frantically in fear.

”Make me your God.”

“I can give you everything!”

Mizi looks down to the side with quivering lips. It was a young Sua, running beside her.

“When our darknesses overlap,”

The young Sua stops running and turns around. Mizi looks at her in horror, and in instant— it switched to Sua’s dead body.

Mizi held Sua close to her, Luka was a sick, sick man. Even if he wasn't the person he is right now, then again, she let Sua die. If she had desperate enough to stop her from practicing every night...

”He has amazing tactics to bring his opponent’s guard down.” Nigeh mumbles, nodding her head in approval.

Heperu huffs in confidence, “All thanks to me,”

”Let me take it all away!”

It was a clearer view of Mizi looking down on Sua’s body. Her entire expression went dark, and only her eyes were seen.

“Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart.”

Mizi’s gaze turned fierce and angry, they were looking everywhere.

Mizi recalls all of her memories of this round, the way Luka disrespected Sua and everything.

”She’s about to lose control.” Urak comments while biting a cookie with dead spider legs inside.

”That won’t be good.” Unsha replies. He has seen the consequence of harming another contestant multiple times.

Sua wanted to cry for Mizi, she was suffering so much because of her— but at the same time, she couldn’t live without Mizi. She'd rather die than watch Mizi fall, like the time Mizi almost fell off a cliff, she remembered being scared, not wanting to lose the only person keeping her together.

”You are forever beautiful,”

“Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart!—-“

Mizi’s gaze flickers, her arms stretch put and grab Luka’s neck. Luka chokes, before Mizi threw him down and started punching him.

Till cheered, “Beat his ass! Beat his ass! Beat his ass!” He and Sua yelled in unison, well… if there was one thing they agreed on, it was cheering for Mizi.

Ivan was satisfied with how Mizi punched Luka, he definitely deserved it. But… the consequences were dire. He shook his head in sorrow. Luka was like this due to his environment, no one was born twisted, they learn from who they are surrounded with.

Everyone knew that, but they were overtaken by their anger. They were all victims of the aliens, no matter how evil a human was.

Unsha watched how Mizi beat up Heperu’s pet, Heperu stood up and yelled loudly. Telling Mizi not to lay a finger on him, funny.

Mizi felt all of her rage leave and relief washes over her chest. She smiles sadistically. Luka was finally getting his ass beat, she can finally chill out.

Hyun-Woo likes Luka, and doesn’t really endorse violence— but unfortunately, Luka deserved a good beating. Luka was still his friend, and he was just trying to survive.

Luka didn’t like seeing himself get beat up, but he couldn’t deny he earned that.

Till continued cheering.

Luka grunts on the floor, Mizi’s fists are balled and landing hard on the man’s face.

The lights turned red.

”Oh shit, that means disqualification right?!” Hyuna yells, and everyone’s attention snaps to the screen.

Till stops cheering, “Damn it.” Sua’s heart starts beating impossibly quicker.

Mizi was on top of Luka, he was sprawled on the floor and bleeding.

Soft vocals were heard in the background.

It panned to the robot guards, their eyes were red.

”Oh my gosh, Mizi get out of there!!” Sua screeches, Ivan yells at her to shut the fuck up. These lesbians. He had a feelings Mizi wouldn't die, not yet. 

Heperu was shown in the screen, yelling.

Luka looked up at Mizi, unfazed by the beating.

”Damn moron!” Till yelled, his voice was as high as Sua’s earlier. Yet Ivan did not scold him—

A smile forms on Luka’s face.

Sua froze, “the bastard— he’s enjoying this?!”

”Aren’t masochists people who like pain?! Does that mean Luka is a masochist?!??” Hyun-Woo yelled.

Till facepalmed, “He wasn’t enjoying getting beat up, Hyun-Woo!!” It was more like he was happy his victory was secured!

The aliens pull Mizi off of Luka, Mizi was screaming and trying to get them to release her.

Mizi growled, yelling. The aliens multiplied and pulled her away successfully, they held her head down on the floor.

The screen goes black.

”Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart.” Luka sings.

”How the crap is he still singing?!” Hyuna screeched. Luka was obviously injured— Luka was fragile, what if he needed a long time to recuperate after this?

An alien pressed a gun on Mizi’s head.

Sua full on bursts into tears and hugs Mizi close. “Mizi!! They better put that gun away, i’m gonna have a panic attack!”

Till’s smile falls, “I am beating these shitheads up.” Though, he probably won't be able to.

The screen goes black again.

”Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart, Ruler of my heart.”

It shows a human let in the crowd, beside other aliens. They were shocked.

Till places a hand against the glass, eyes widened and jaw dropped’

’I’m gonna keep her safe, please.. someone just save her…’ Till thought.

The screen goes dark once again.

There was a load of smoke around, Luka sits up, his face bloody and bruised.

Multiple hooded figures surround the area, kicking the aliens down. Two hooded figures helped Mizi up.

Nigeh freezes, “What is that?” There was no way—

Mizi gasps, “I’m being saved!!” She yells happily, and so does Sua. Sua kisses Mizi’s cheek in pure happiness and relief.

Till sits back down in relief, that was so nerve-wracking. His dumb please were really heard. Ivan stared at his relieved face, a soft smile gracing his face as well.

Urak growls, “Who are these maniacs disturbing the show!?”

One of the hooded figures take their hood off, looking back at Luka.

”Hyuna?”

”Noona?!?!”

”HYUNA?!?????”

They all yelled in unison, all eyes turned to a confused Hyuna. She pointed at herself, equally bewildered.

”Hey, I don’t know anything about this!” She defended, holding her hands up in surrender.

”Noona, you saved Mizi!” Hyun-Woo happily says, rushing to hug his big sister.

Luka’s expression turned sour, “Hyuna?” He whispered, no one heard him. She took Mizi away from him, how was she there?

”I will explain why Hyuna is there, please be quiet.” The voice calmly said, the aliens were obviously angry. They wanted to scream, but some sort of magic made them shut up.

Luka looked dazed while staring back at her. The fog takes over and Hyuna disappears.

“To explain everything—“ the voice started saying, the ceiling lit up in a familiar light. No one knew how they did that.

”Hyuna escaped Anakt garden during the forty-ninth Alien Stage."

”A human escaped Anakt?!” Urak shrieked, eyes darting to Hyuna. Anakt was known to be the most secured and guarded place for humans, yet they’ve seen two almost escape! And one escaped succesfully!

Hyun-Woo gasps in relief, his Noona was free— she was free! He didn’t even care to know where he was too, he was just so happy to see his big sister alive, well, and free!

“Hyuna then helped the rebellion against the aliens, and dedicates her life to growing the group.” The voice finishes, the light vanishing.

‘If their guardian was present, he would surely break Hyuna’s legs.’ Luka sourly thought, why was Hyuna out of Anakt? If she was free, then that meant Luka couldn’t reach her anymore.

A dozen unwanted thoughts cross his mind.

Mizi’s picture flickers before darkening, Luka’s photo moved up. Before the screen was bombarded with ‘Mizi Missing.’

ROUND FIVE, WINNER: LUKA?

”Why is there a question mark?” Till asks.

”I think its because Mizi didn’t die.” Sua replies, still trying process the fact that her Mizi was still alive was saved. She was definitely going to thank Hyuna later.

Hyuna sighed, she managed to save Mizi! She was free— but why didn’t she take Luka along with her? Luka may be a little… weird in the future, but nonetheless he was her friend.

Til was so happy, Mizi was gonna be taken somewhere safe! She was alive! He felt his cheeks growing hitter by the minute.

Ivan smiled.

END OF ROUND FIVE: RULER OF MY HEART.

NEXT IN QUEUE: ALL-IN….

”All-In?” Hyuna was the first to ask.

”I theorize it may be a video of Hyuna, considering the fact she was seen at the end of round five.” Ivan explained, Hyuna nodded with a grin.

The aliens were all chatting together, now they had proof Anakt wasn’t as secure as they thought— they needed to plan on how to keep Hyuna in Anakt before she escapes. A rebellion against them? It would surely not be favorable.

All will be decided In the next video.

Chapter Text

NOW LOADING…..

ALL-IN….

PLAYING IN TEN SECONDS….

”Noona, we’re going to see you sing next!” Hyun-Woo happily said, lying his head on his sister’s lap.

Hyuna smiled, “We are.” But she can’t help and wonder— where was Hyun-Woo in all of these events? Why hasn’t she seen a single glimpse of her twin brother? She wonders if she’s being too worried, or paranoid, Mizi told her she wasn’t. And with all the deaths being shown, Hyuna starts to become even more nervous.

She hoped this video of her answers everything--all of her questions. Hyuna needs to know what made Luka change so drastically— it was so unlike him. The Luka she knew was soft, gentle, and could probably be beaten up by a mosquito--how could...

”Hyuna?” She flinched, looking beside her. It was Luka. Hyuna doesn’t want to show Luka that she was somewhat afraid of him, He was still her friend— the same kid who stakes his claim on her by making a pool of saliva on her forehead.

Hyuna smiles at him, “I’m fine, just a little nervous. Nothin’ I can’t handle, right?” She flashes Luka a big grin, Luka weakly smiles too. Hyuna doesn’t blame him, Mizi despises him, and the others are wary of him. Though the aliens like to discuss how strategic, intelligent, and cunning the future Luka was.

It makes her feel uneasy. The alien guardians were treating him like an indestructible tool for their entertainment. Hyuna wants to shout, scream, beat them up. But she knows she is incapable of doing so. Maybe in the future, she can.

She wanted to save everyone, it was impossible, but it is what she desired.

NOW PLAYING: ALL-IN….

A rhythmic instrumental starts playing in the background, it shows a place with multiple building in the far distance and sand on the floor.

A newspaper flashes on the screen.

”Human terrorists? What a joke,” Heperu scoffs, what could be so scary about mere pets? Just wag your finger at them and say no. It always works for Luka.

”Hyuna may be part of these so called ‘human terrorists.’ Considering the fact she’s the first known human rebel in this room.” Sua says, Hyuna nods in understanding.

Hyuna wants to be free, she’s gonna take Luka and Hyun-Woo with her. They will all be free together— she still cannot wrap her head around why she didn’t escape with Luka, or Hyun-Woo if possible.

The picture of the hooded figure zooms in and they turn around. Revealing a bruised Hyuna with a lollipop in her mouth.

”Ah! Noona, it’s you! You look so great!” Hyun-Woo cheers. Yea, sure… a bruised and dirty visual of her in the television looked great…

”If you say so,” She shrugs, not ellaborating further--just that she usually looked better than whatever the hell that was. 

The scene cuts to a helicopter in the sky, two humans were hanging with ropes bound to their stomachs. A lot of gold coins fall from the helicopter.

It zooms inside the helicopter, revealing a blue, bearded alien with one eye, large and thick golden rings were on his fingers as he laughed.

It changes to the same alien tied up in the middle of a bar, stripped of his clothes and jewelry.

”How dare they do such things to the aliens? Vile, vile humans.” Nigeh comments, those golden rings and riches looked cheap. “Pets will be pets, put a leash on this human!”

“It’s a rebellion, Nigeh, they’re obviously targeting aliens.” Urak points out incredulously. He rolled his eyes and took a sip of the beer handed out during round five. It was the expensive type, the one that spent decades untouched to sweeten the taste.

Damn right. Hyuna scoffed, it was a rebellion, they hated aliens. She has never wanted to be a part of something so much. Hyuna has always dreamed of freedom, the rebellion could give her that.

The bar showed multiple free humans, chatting, playing, and drinking wine. Completely unbothered by the alien’s presence.

”More free humans!” Mizi happily cheers, Hyuna was an absolute God-send. She will be forever happy about Hyuna saving her life— accidental or not. 

Till feels drawn to the scene in front of him, he wants to be free too. He wants to feel the wind caressing his skin as it changed courses, his feet in the grass, the cobble floor, and a life with no collars, or shock remotes to punish him.

He wanted to see the sky again, the red sky tinged with darkness and stars, the meteors that fell from above. It was the most beautiful sight he has ever seen, nothing will be able to recreate such a thing.

It makes him wonder if he should have went with Ivan that night. He starts to feel guilty, not because he couldn't escape, but because Ivan came back when he did. Ivan could have been free, if he had just sucked it up and left Till alone that night.

The humans direct their attention to a stage when the lights turn on.

“Your eyes grow wide at my dazzling entrance,”

It shows Hyuna’s leg first.

“Why is Hyuna’s leg prosthetic?” Ivan asks, more than half of Hyuna’s leg was gone and replaced by a mechanical one. It was interesting, that body parts could just be replaced with technology and creation.

”It may be related to her escape, she couldn’t have gotten out unscathed…” Sua suggests, sighing. At least Hyuna’s future self didn’t seem to struggle much due to her prosthetic leg, moreover, it looked totally badass. 

What events occurred for her to lose more than half of her leg— Hyuna desperately wanted to ask. Sua was right, though. She couldn’t have escaped through multiple security barriers completely unharmed and untouched.

Hyun-Woo frowned, that can't be good.

before slowly moving the camera upwards. Hyuna was wearing a red bikini, she whistled, before looking a the screen. She pulls down her sunglasses and sticks her tongue out.

”And your heart beats fast, okay!”

”Noona, what are you wearing?!” Hyun-Woo shrieks, pointing at the screen with absolute terror in his eyes, his jaw hanging open in shock.

Hyuna shrugs, completely immersed by her future self, “I don’t know, but damn… I look great.” She cackles, the screen mentioned it was called a ‘bikini’. She looked so hot, and intense in it! Though, the amount of skin she revealed was a little worrying, but it was a step towards freedom!

The idea of expressing herself without any restraints was like bliss.

Hyuna was like peak femininity and masculinity at the same time. Sua thought with a slight blush, Sua could not deny Hyuna’s fierce look and intense charisma. She looks over and spots Mizi blushing as well. Damn, at least they were on the same page. She usually turned jealous when Mizi got close to others...but this was an exception. Hyuna is very beautiful.

Luka feels his cheeks tinge with heat. Woah. Hyuna was… he couldn’t even describe it in words--words alone could not capture her beauty. But all he knows was that Hyuna was very ethereal. He hopes Hyuna doesn’t notice his face...it was so red.

”We’ve let the humans run rampant…” the aliens sigh. They wouldn’t let their own pets wear something so revealing, maybe they would for fanservice… but whatever.

”Theres no point in fighting back,”

The screen switches to Mizi, she was wearing white sneakers, denim jeans, and a black long-sleeved shirt. She looked somber but shy at the same time.

”This is the march—“

Hyuna pops out front the side and kisses Mizi’s cheek, making her blush.

”Wahh!!” Mizi felt dizzy watching this, didn’t a kiss on the cheek mean something romantic?? She always did it with Sua— and Hyuna does it to her, what did it mean?!?! She silently panics, her bones shivering.

Sua, in question— laughs. She could excuse it, as long as Mizi wasn’t always so down about her… death. She wanted Mizi to be cheerful, not always so upset. And well, Hyuna was a great person, both inside and outside. 

Till feels his expression grow sour. What the fuck. He thought.

Luka freezes. Why was Hyuna doing something…. somewhat intimate with another person? And the pink haired girl of all people. Who Luka was sure was a major lesbian, Ignoring the fact he still would have been a major hater even if it wasn’t Mizi, Hyuna never kissed his cheek. It makes him grow jealous.

Mizi blankly stares at the camera, embarrassed. Hyuna hugs her waist and plays with her hair, while two other people peek out the corner of the camera.

It shows a large paper with the words ‘Alien Stage’ encircled on the center.

”—Of the fools!”

It changes to three cars driving quickly, on the front car was Hyuna and Mizi.

Multiple hands appear raised in the sky, and they start clapping.

”Endless cheer and applause!”

“I hear the song growing louder and louder,”

It switches to Hyuna on stage, in her left hand was a mic, while her right hand was on her ear, doing a motion to bear the crowd cheer louder.

Hyuna points her finger out, interchanging from her hand to a gun.

“Fill up the entire nebula!”

Luka doesn’t get it, Hyuna was strong on visual, vocals, and the aliens considered her obedient and skilled enough to place her important on ‘A’ level. Why would Hyuna want to escape? Luka can’t grasp anything.

Hyuna was miles away from him now, she was out of his hold— Luka needed her in arm’s length or he might go insane. He could function or perform for both of them, if Hyuna didn’t want to. As long as she didn’t leave, the rebellion would have to rip her out of his arms, because Luka did not plan on letting go.

He was itching to hold her, the ache was eating him alive, Luka wanted--no, needed Hyuna.

”Noons, you have such a strong voice. You’re doing absolutely amazing, i’m so happy for you.” Hyun-Woo chuckles, hugging Hyuna tight. Hyuna laughs, ruffling Hyun-Woo’s hair until his hair resembled a bird's nest.

There was the matter of Hyun-Woo too. Luka couldn’t freely touch Hyuna, it makes him envious when he sees Hyun-Woo do what he can’t so freely. Hyun-Woo was his friend, but...

They both already have already started to pushevhim away during and after the viewing of the fifth round, Hyuna was the first to apologize and sit back next to him. Hyun-Woo followed after a slight scolding from Hyuna.

She called Luka a nice human, a good kid. It pains him to know he can’t show Hyuna his true intentions, but it was okay, in his case. He loved Hyuna. Hyuna was his.

It concentrates on Hyuna’s face, she raises her finger like how one shoots a gun.

”Just laugh, hey, kick and break ya’!”

It changes to a huge explosion, debris flying everywhere and so where the robot guards.

”Isn’t this… like a crime, a felony… whatever…” Till whispers, quiet enough for no one to hear. Maybe Ivan did though, for he acts like he possessed super-sonic hearing most of the time.

It shows more robot guards exploding in the air.

“To the galaxy shining bright, ch-cheers!”

“Change the game with a single action,”

Mizi’s jaw drops while watching the explosion, she covers her face using her arms.

“Trust me, and i’ll show you— ch-cheers!”

Hyuna was next to Mizi, a shotgun strapped to her back, her sunglasses were covering her eyes as she watched the explosions with a smile.

”Are you an arsonist now, Noona? That’s so cool, I want to be one too!” Hyun-Woo exclaimed, making Hyuna roll her eyes, her little brother was afraid of the smallest things, and was most certainly scared of fire.

Hyuna splutters, “Nope! Too dangerous for you, do not commit arson!” She yells, hoping she can get through Hyun-Woo’s thick skull. Although she knows he would never do so.

Arson sounds cool, Till notes. He wanted to explode Urak's house with bombs.

”We only get one life, so i’m living mine for me,”

Hyuna was leaning down with her wrist on her hips, she looks up at the camera with her sunshades lightly tilted down.

”She seems to be singing about herself, while the other humans were singing about… different people. I noticed it earlier, but this lyrics confirms my suspicions.” Shine says, having been quiet a while ago.

Unsha nods, “You’re correct, Shine. I believe her thoughts of only being able to live one life for herself was what motivated her escape.”

”Just destroy those dumb dreams, who is her guardian?” Urak sighs, "This human's guardian has inadequate discipline over her own pet."

”No one knows, they weren’t brought along for some reason…” Nigeh retorts, it was weird. All the guardians and their respective pets were here, yet Hyuna and Hyun-Woo were alone, no guardian in sight.

Heperu piped up, "Their guardian is Phan, she doesn't watch, or cares about Alien Stage at all." Urak groaned, no wonder.

The next recording was Hyuna twirling her hair while sticking her tongue out, there was a man beside her sticking his own tongue out too. Hyuna was holding onto his necklace.

’Who the hell was this?’ Luka thought somberly. They were so close to Hyuna, Luka didn’t like that. If only Hyuna wasn’t so set on escaping, she would be safe in his arms.

”That must be Hyuna’s friend,” Ivan says, it’s quite rare of him saying something that wasn’t some deep and dumb analytical crap. Till thought with a slight pout.

Hyuna was wearing a red, thin strapped tank top in the next scene. She looks at the camera and holds the red strap as if she was going to take it off. The man she was with earlier had his mouth wide open in shock.

’Yes, please, please, take it off.’

”Hey, you’re so quiet. What’s up with ‘ya?” Hyuna whispers, Luka flinches and looks at Hyuna once he fixed his expression.

”I’m just looking at the television.” Luka replies. Yes, he was down bad for Hyuna, so what? He thought much was obvious.

”’Cause i’m the from your wildest dreams.”

It changes to a view from Hyuna’s back, her jacket was sliding off as she pushed down her shirt.

Her face comes on screen, winking as she licked a lollipop.

It switched back to Hyuna on stage, sweating while grinning. She held the mic close to her mouth.

“I’ll create a fantasy in this crazy world,”

”Fantasy… she made it come true.” Mizi mumbles with a smile, being free and acting out on her own will must have been all just a fantasy for her. And now, she was able to turn that fantasy into a reality— she’s amazing.

She admired the fact that Hyuna lived a life full of truth, while she didn't. Mizi lied to every single person she cokes in contact with, why couldn't she be more like Hyuna?

It changes to Hyuna raising her mic as she drank from a bottle of wine.

It concentrates on her face, she smiled widely as a bit of the wine flew out of her mouth.

“And change it all, i’m going all-in!”

She points at the crowd, who were all flustered and charmed by her performance. Hyuna smiles, before retracting her fingers.

It shows another big explosion in the back, Mizi had a shocked slightly fearful look on her face, which looked a little comedic.

’Sua might get a heart attack seeing Mizi take part in arson.’ Ivan thinks, suppressing a chuckle. Sua was always so protective over Mizi, always chasing off the boys who dared to approach or even stare at Mizi.

”What are you laughing about?” Till says in a hushed tone.

”Nothing." Ivan replied with a crooked smile, making Till scoff.

”…Weirdo…”

”Ha. Ha.”

Mizi runs to Hyuna, who was standing on an alien created scooter or moped. Mizi clings to Hyuna’s waist while Hyuna confidently stood still.

Pinkie was way too close. Luka thought sourly. It should’ve been him on that scooter!

”A universe brimming with dreams,”

It shows a dark sky, a younger Hyun-Woo, Hyuna, and Luka were shown. Hyun-Woo reached his hand out to sky with a grin, Hyuna wrapped an arm on Hyun-Woo’s shoulder while her leg was tangled with Hyun-Woo’s. Luka was ok the other side, licking his arm, Hyuna ruffled his head fondly.

”This was like… a few days ago, kinda creepy how they get this…” Hyun-Woo remarked as he shivered.

Hyuna shrugs, “They have the ability to make a room as strange as this, talk through ceilings, make food using magic…and whatever.”

”Who will remain standing, at the end of it all?”

Hyuna can’t explain why, but… that line sounded somewhat ominous to her. And showing all three of them too, what was it foreshadowing?

”Don’t you wanna know?”

Each beat transitioned from Hyun-Woo’s face, Hyuna’s, and Luka’s.

“Caught within rules without rules,”

It zoomed in on kid Hyuna’s bright face.

It changes back to the older Hyuna, sunshades on, and the same gun strapped to her back.

“A bird is set free.”

The bird was definitely referring to herself, Sua thought. She can’t stop thinking about what drifted three of them apart, it was obvious at that point. Hyuna coldly glared at Luka while saving Mizi during round five, not to mention the constant flashbacks and lyrics that came with it.

She probably shouldn’t dwell on these matters.

The angle changes to multiple robot guards standing in front of her with large shields.

”Kick their asses, Noona!!” Hyun-Woo loudly cheered. Was he finally about to see his elder sister in action??

”Language,” Hyuna quietly scolded. Could she take on so many robots?

”I hear the song growing louder and louder,”

It changed back to Hyuna on stage, closing her eyes and singing closely to the mic.

”Awe, maybe later…” Hyun-Woo frowns, he thought he was going to see Hyuna in action!

”Fill up the entire nebula!”

She raises her hand and starts counting down to three. She balls her hand into a fist once it reached one.

”Just laugh, hey kick and break yeah.”

It switches to the same blonde man Hyuna was with earlier, ok the back of a motorcycle. In front of the man was another guy, he drove the motorcycle into a window. He had a black cap on with a long scar on his face.

“To the galaxy shining bright, ch-cheers!”

It changes to Hyuna leading Mizi away after beating yo the robot guards.

”Change the game with a single action.”

Mizi looks back in shock.

“Trust me and i’ll show you, ch-cheers!”

Mizi was hugging Hyuna’s waist as she drove the scooter, they walked past a billboard of Luka but did not bother to look.

’Seriously, what happened to them in the future? Something major must have happened for Hyuna not to notice his billboard.’ Ivan thought with a calculating expression. Something wasn’t adding up, it could be related to Hyun-Woo somehow.

”Luka looked so cool, why didn’t Noona look?” Hyun-Woo asked while frowning. Did Luka and his Noona get into a fight? He doesn’t like seeing them like this.

Hyuna’s brows furrow in confusion. She wanted answers, she needed them. What happened? Was it because she escaped? Hyuna knows Luka was quite loyal to the aliens, especially his guardian. It must be related to that.

It shows Hyuna on stage, she was singing passionately.

”We only get one life, so i’m living mine for me.”

She raises the mic.

“Cause i’m the one from your wildest dreams!”

It shows a picture of Luka, Hyuna’s hand was briefly spotted caressing his cheek.

It changes back to Hyuna, she clutched her head in distraught. Her eyes looked unfocused and different for a second.

”Hey, what happened. I demand answers!” Hyuna stood up, yelling and pointing at the ceiling. She waited for it to light up and speak, but it never did.

She clenches her fists in anger. Why would she react like that to a flashback of Luka? Hyuna was tired of waiting, why was she treating one of her best friends like this?

Hyun-Woo whispers and tries to make his elder sister calm down. Luka held onto her wrist and repeated what Hyun-Woo was saying.

’Something really big happened.’ Luka gulps while thinking. Does Hyuna hate him? Was she afraid? What was it?

“It’s definitely related to Hyun-Woo, he’s the only who wasn’t shown yet.” Ivan leans into the little circle of Sua, Mizi, and Till. Sua nods.

”Definitely,” She whispers back.

”I’ll create a fantasy in this crazy world,”

She gets a flashback of Hyun-Woo laughing while carrying Hyuna on his back.

It switches back to Hyuna, seemingly more panicked, her voice also gets slightly unstable.

“And change it all, i’m going all-in!”

It changes to a young Hyuna with her eyes wide, she was lying down on the grass while Luka climbed on top of her and tried to kiss her. Hyuna’s collar turned red.

”Woah, what the fuck.” Till harshly whispered, it was beard by everyone. Cause really? It was all clear now, Luka was crazy obsessed with Hyuna.

”Luka, I told you to keep your distance from my sister! You weirdo!” Hyun-Woo yells, folding his sleeves up and angrily marching to Luka. He was stopped by the barrier before he could take another step.

Hyun-Woo grunts, kicking the invisibke barrier. ”I’m warning you, you’re making her uncomfortable. Stop with your weird stunts, keep your hands to yourself.”

“This… it hasn’t even happened yet.” Hyuna whispers, all attention diverting to her. She can’t recall this moment, it was surely from the future.

Luka stayed quiet, he hugs his legs near his chest. He was just trying to show affection, wasn’t that how humans show others they love them? 

Hyuna desperately sings her heart out. Her expression turned distressed.

It changes to a younger Hyuna, she was looking down in horror. Her collar noticeably turns red.

The songs dies down, only hearing a quiet melody.

It shows Hyun-Woo’s head spilling blood while his head rested on a large rock.

”What the hell?!?!” Hyuna yells, there was no way— “Hyun-Woo?!?!” She hugs Hyun-Woo tightly to her chest and stares at her little brother’s dead body with terror in her eyes. There was no way Hyun-Woo was dead— he can’t be, he was so young and…

Hyun-Woo stays silent, his gaze didn’t turn away from the television. Hyuna was clutching him with tears in her eyes, her screams were pain-inducing. He didn’t care. Hyun-Woo couldn’t cry, so that was why he was never shown.

He was dead.

”Knew it.” Ivan whispers lowly, quiet enough for no one to hear. He lowers his gaze and shakes his head. Hyun-Woo’s death drifted them apart.

Till curses under his breath and runs to Hyuna and Hyun-Woo. “I am so sorry, this shouldn’t have happened to him.” Hyuna hugs him tightly too, she wailed loudly.

Mizi joins in too, “Hyuna…” she murmurs, she tried to shush her cries in an attempt to comfort her, but they only got louder. Sua doesn’t join in, but she silently offers her condolences.

The aliens stayed silent, why would the Anakt garden personnel allow such an event to occur? It was supposed to be a safe, learning house. Not a slaughter house. What would this look like to the public? If they even reveal it, was the question.

Luka stood very still, his eyes widened as he watched his best friend bleed out and die on the ground. He was unable to do anything— as much as he envied Hyun-Woo, he wasn’t heartless. Hyun-Woo was his first friend…. it troubled Luka to imagine a place without his friend. First, it was Hyuna who left, and now? It was Hyun-Woo. Hyuna would probably beat him black and blue if he even attempted to hug them.

What happened?

It shows Luka on the floor, his face was embarrassingly blushing red. His body twitched on the ground.

Luka looks the side, smiling while there was blood everywhere on his clothes. Once he saw Hyun-Woo, his eyes widened in fear.

”Hey! Hy-Hyuna” Mizi says loudly, Hyuna was collapsed on the floor, crying--wailing, sobbing. She stayed like that, before hugging her twin brother, silently crying.

Sua stayed in her place, unable to offer anything but her silent condolences. In the end, Hyun-Woo would be turned into snow as well. Hyuna didn't spare a glance towards Luka, she only broke down.

Because, Hyuna knew, that Luka lacked the resilience to accept it like an ordinary child. Luka wasn't normal, at all. 

Luka— in question, freezes. He just stares at Hyuna, tilting his head to the side woth a blank expression. How could someone be so heartless? Till thought, not to shed even a single tear? 

“Luka, you…” Hyun-Woo tumbles over his words, and decides not to say anything in the end. Luka hated him, he hated Hyun-Woo so much he killed him. Hyun-Woo shakes his head and stares at Luka, to think he had feelings for this guy… but why… why can’t he hate him?

”Weirdo.” Hyun-Woo starts to tear-up, all the while staring straight into Luka’s eyes. Luka’s irises tremble, but his expression doesn't change, he doesn't cry, he doesn't scream--nothing.

”I...” Luka stutters as he speaks,  Hyun-Woo says nothing, he could only look at his friend killer. Luka doesn't understand why Hyuna was crying, why couldn't he understand?

Heperu grunts, “Unfortunate.” He mumbles quietly. The boy died, so? Heperu would pay millions to Anakt so that they wouldn’t punish Luka. He needs Luka to grow and nourish in the best place possible, he may have killed that boy, but the world keeps spinning.

Hyuna continues to break down on the floor, “Why...why, Luka?" The Luka she thought as fragile, someone to be cradled and protected, killed someone? Killed her brother? Luka murdered Hyun-Woo in cold blood, yet she couldn't find the heart to hurt him.

He hugs her tightly and shushes her, “Noona, we can still change the future…” He hiccuped, crying as well. "We can change everything..I won't die, Luka won't kill me...nothing...This won't happen.." He mumbled furiously, trying to convince himself everything would be okay in the end.

”Luka was obviously equally as shocked once he saw Hyun-Woo’s body, I think it was an argument gone wrong.” Everyone turned to Ivan, who seemed calm but obviously irritated.

“I don’t mean to intrude. It’s just what I observed, and Luka has a weak constitution, does he not? I’m not sure how killing Hyun-Woo was possible. He might have pushed Hyun-Woo weakly, and he might have tripped on the rock and hit his head.” Ivan offered, though he knew it was Luka's fault, for pushing him.

Ivan only meant to offer a moment of hope, even if it was one of false hope. 

Unsha smiles proudly, he raised a smart human pet. This was definitely something to celebrate over; rest in peace to the kid, anyways.

Heperu needs to put more training on Luka, he wanted him to be totally emotionless. The fear-training needed to make a comeback, it worked the first time.

Hyuna clenches her jaw and stays quiet, knowing Ivan was right. Hyun-Woo was the strongest of them, one of the strongest in Anakt too. Luka… Hyuna wanted to beat the ever-loving life out of him, but at the same time they needed to finish the music video.

”I’ll beat you up later.” She points to the still semi-unfazed Luka, she holds Hyun-Woo’s arm tightly and forces him to move away from Luka, treating him like a hazard.

”Every obstacle in my way,”

It shows Hyuna looking down, hitting the robots.

“I’ve crushed them all.”

Behind the robots’ heads were another billboard of Luka.

“Step all over me, but i’ll rise again.”

“It’s you who’s in the wrong, bet you had no idea!”

It shows Mizi behind the robots, she clenches her teeth and runs forward to Hyuna.

Mizi flinched when the gun points at her, she dodges it but her hair was completely blown off. She grabs the gun from the robot and shoots it.

’Mizi… in gun fights??’ Sua thought with a silent shriek. She would have said out loud, but considering the air full of tension. She decides not to. ‘Mizi’s hair… she looks stunning either way.’

Till blushes at Mizi, she looked amazing with the new hair-do. Although it wasn’t exactly cut off normally…

“Just laugh, hey kick and break ‘ya!”

“To the galaxy shining bright, ch-cheers.”

Hyuna stands in front of the robots, she shakes them off and approaches Mizi.

Mizi clicks the red button of the elevator, Hyuna smiles and runs to hug Mizi happily.

”Change the game with a single action!”

Mizi looks shocked and scared while holding her hands over her hair.

“Trust me and i’ll show you, ch-cheers!”

The robot looks stunned as Hyuna points a gun at it and shoots.

“Whatever comes to mind, give it a chance.”

It shows Mizi, firing a gun with her now cut-off hair and new outfit. It shows Hyuna next, also holding a gun.

The robots fall and try to write ‘help’ on the sand.

“Contemplate all you want, won’t change a thing!”

It shows Mizi and Hyuna in the distance, the sun was setting.

”Ride the waves of passing time,”

”And run with the wind ‘til morning, don’t stop.”

”Thats…. Me and Ivan?” Till says while shaking, he completely forgot he and Ivan were going against each other in the next round—

The tension only got thicker, those who realized Ivan’s feelings against Till feel sorry, “It seems so, Till.” Ivan said, smiling.

Bastard. How could he still smile in a situation like this— one of them was going to die! Till’s anger boils, he knows how beloved the aliens holds Ivan. He knows he doesn’t stand a chance, Till needs to accept the fact that he was about to die.

‘What are you planning, Ivan?’ Sua glares sharply at Ivan with a frown. She has a hint of what stunt Ivan was going to pull.

Mizi gulps. It’s slightly selfish, but she hopes they break-in and save Ivan and Till. Sua was gone— she needed to accept that, Till and Ivan were her only friends left.

Mizi and Hyuna scooter under a tunnel, where a large billboard of Mizi’s face was plastered with the words ‘missing!’

Hyuna hugs Mizi and kisses her cheek.

The screen goes dark.

”It’s not done yet,” Till says, he felt sick. Ivan was going to easily secure the win— He felt nausea from his head to his stomach, he was going against Ivan.

A shadow approaches Mizi’s picture with a large ‘Missing’ written.

They then stamp Till’s photo against Ivan’s.

END OF ALL-IN….

NEXT IN QUEUE, ROUND SIX: CURE…

”That’s that.” Urak claps his hands together. He was interested on how the show-down between Till and Unsha’s human would go. Unsha’s pet was infatuated with Till.

Hyuna was still glaring at Luka, “Don’t see yourself unscathed, once that barrier lifts i am going to beat the shit out of you.” Luka nods slowly, his eyes were puffy, and snot drizzled out of his nose.

‘Cure… funny,’ Sua thought while snorting. Ivan wasn’t going to let Till die.

Not in a million universes.

Chapter Text

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the sixth round will be delayed. In compensation, you will watch a video showing the top three most popular in alien stage as of now.”

Till was a little glad the sixth round would be delayed. He sighs and lies down on the couch. He already knew Ivan was winning, the aliens love him.

“Please do,” Heperu says, chuckling lightly. He needs to see how his dear Luka was fairing in terms of popularity. If Luka makes a mistake, he might let go of him.

Hyuna was already aware Luka was apart of this top three. Something she observed from round five, a majority of the aliens were all cheering for him, and nicknaming him a prince. Luka was very obviously strong in popularity, because of his superior genes, behavior, and attitude. It still pisses her off when thinking about Luka, her mind flickering to the scene of Hyun-Woo’s dead body. She would never forgive him.

NOW LOADING…. TOP THREE…

It starts with a beat in the background, It shows the hands of multiple aliens rising up. It changes to the faces of the aliens, they were laughing and smiling.

It changes scenes to a dark stage in the middle, a singular microphone in the center.

It shows a mountain of gold coins piling, it constantly interchanges in between the aliens and the stage. It changes to a throne on top.

A girl with long black hair grabbing the microphone and singing. Multiple stage lights flicker, it shows Sua during round one.

Mizi frowns, every time she sees Sua, or anything remotely related to Sua, she feels this deep guilt hanging inside of her. Mizi can’t keep herself still just remembering Sua’s death. The death of her God, her universe.

Sua holds her hand in a slight reassurance, she seems to know what Mizi was thinking about. Mizi tries to force a smile, but all that came out was a shaky, obviously forced one. She needs to do something. Mizi can’t let Sua die. She doesn’t want to watch, as they shoot her.

It flashes Mizi next, smiling during round one. It shows Till singing during round two, and then Ivan in round three. It flashes back to Mizi and Sua singing together. The next scene was Luka and Mizi during round five.

Mizi has to physically restrain herself when she sees Luka, he was a murderer and a flipping psycho. Her hand twitches when she remembers how Luka impersonated Sua. She wants to punch him.

Luka was a sour subject to everyone here, it was a big surprise. Everyone surely thought he was harmless the first time they came here. Not anymore, though. Till has had enough of Luka ruining the lives of multiple.

‘Everyone hates me.’ Luka thought with a frown, he was in a corner watching. He wasn’t welcomed in their couch anymore, he doesn’t like it, but he deserves it. After what he had done to Hyun-Woo, he knows nothing will ever go back to how it was.

It switches to multiple billboards in the city showcasing Mizi, Sua, and other things. It changes to two aliens debating on television. The next scene was others holding up signs, it then switches to a large alien laughing as they carry a giggling human child.

’That’s the cover on how to raise a human.’ Shine thinks with a smile, she remembers strictly sticking to that manual alone. Shine wanted to raise Mizi as best as she could.

It shows Till, Mizi, Ivan, and Sua all lined up in a stage.

”Urak, teach that pet of your some decent manners, if you can.” Nigeh grimaces at the screen, the human.. Till? Was holding up his middle-finger towards the crowd.

Urak rolled his eyes, “He wouldn’t, even if i told him to.” Till was annoying, and disobedient. But he was a great money income and talented in the music department. Maybe he can excuse Till’s low visual….

”Try shock therapy, i think that works.” Heperu mumbles, he remembers considering it for another one of his newly bought humans. A rebellious human was a bad one, all of their pets needed to submit to their masters.

”Maybe i should.” Urak replies.

It shows a large ‘Alien stage’ logo, it then changes to Ivan singing during the third round. It shows Ivan extending an arm out holding a microphone close to his lips. Below him was his name, ‘IVAN’.

“Ivan, you’re in the top three, isn’t that cool??” Hyun-Woo clings to Ivan’s side, where he had moved after straying away from Luka.

Ivan smiles, fang poking out. “It’s cool, right?” Hyun-Woo giggles, Ivan felt himself growing closer with Hyun-Woo. Something about his childish personality reminded him of Mizi.

It then flashes to Ivan posing with a loose white tee and black pants, a large black fur coat was hanging on his shoulder. 

To the side, it said— ‘IVAN, ALIEN STAGE, FROM ANAKT GARDEN.’

“Multiple brand deals, how splendid.” Unsha grins, Ivan was surely worth many of his investments. It was quite rare for human pets to become models or brand ambassadors, this surely was a huge milestone.

Nigeh hums, “He seems great for modeling, could i have him as a model ij the future?” She asks Unsha.

”Of course, Nigeh. Your brand is a big one, isn’t it?” Unsha says.

”No wonder he’s in the top three.” Sua says, it was no shock to her that Ivan was able to make it this far. He had great looks, as much as she hated to admit it. She was happy for Ivan.”

It concentrates on Ivan’s face, doing another pose while slowly moving his eyes up to meet the camera.

The scene changes to a different person.

”It’s Till!” Mizi cheers.

Till blushes, “It’s me.” He wasn’t all that glad he was top two, he was just flustered by how Mizi pointed him out first. Mizi, really… you’re so amazing. Till just wishes Sua stoped glaring at him so hard.

Urak grins. So currently, his pet surpasses Unsha’s right now. This would do good for the media, that means more money would come in. More budget for his wine and gambles.

”You’re amazing, Till.” Ivan smiles, moving closer to Till.

Till makes an odd face when he realizes Ivan getting closer, “W-what are you doing?!” He yells, Ivan’s grin grows wider.

It shows Till during round two. It then switches to him tied up and yelling at the screen, he was holding his index finger up. His name was written below, ‘TILL.’

Till is being held down by two aliens, there was a large graffiti behind him. Till slips away from the aliens grip and attempts to run away, the aliens catch him and put two tripes of red duct-tape on his mouth. Till looks at the camera with anger.

”They need to stop hurting you, the aliens suck…” Hyun-Woo mumbles, not wanting his last words to be heard by the aliens.

Till smiles, “I told you it would take a lot more than that to break me, i’m used to it.” He replied, he couldn’t brush off why he acted only like this to Hyun-Woo.

‘If Ivan is third, Till is second… that meant Luka was the first.’ Hyuna thought with a grimace.

It changes to a large staircase trailing upwards. A large throne is seen on the very top of it.

It shows Luka sitting on the throne.

They all turn silent.

’They hate me that much?’ Luka pouts. He was leading in popularity, though. That was a good thing, it would make his guardian happy.

Heperu smiles, Luka was completely amazing in the future. He needed to keep this up, before the aliens grows bored of him. He knew what happened to the participants, whom the crowd grows bored with.

”Luka really is an amazing pet.” Unsha comments, his Ivan comes close. Unsha just needed a little more time to strengthen Ivan’s reputation amongst the aliens, and he was sure Ivan would dominate the industry.

It shows multiples clips of Luka and Mizi during round five. .

”Bastard.” Till mumbles, seeing Luka be so inconsiderate of Mizi’s personal space and trauma makes him irritated. Why was Luka… No, why did he become like this? It could be due to the aliens who favor him, he still hurt Mizi, though.

LUKA, WINNER OF THE 49TH SEASON

Till shivers, he won a season?

”Amazing.” Heperu mumbles, he needs to maintain these victories Luka was achieving.

Hyuna’s face darkens.

A girl with red hair is shown singing on stage.

It shows multiple clips of all the rounds so far, and the screen goes dark.

END OF TOP THREE….

NEXT IN QUEUE, ROUND SIX: CURE…

Till gulps, it was him versus Ivan now. His stomach feels like it was doing multiple backflips, the nervousness was eating him whole! He may have out-ranked Ivan by one spot higher in ‘Top three’, but it seems like his position wasn’t stable currently.

”Best of luck, Till.” Ivan whispers, Till shivers. Was that an omen?

Hyuna sighs, her eyes were tired and puffy from all the crying she did earlier. The reality of alien stage was terrible, and she somewhat hopes herself and Mizi saves them both. They were two really nice guys.

”Let’s place our bets, shall we?” Heperu says while chuckling lowly. The other aliens except Shine nod.

”Gambling is not my thing, please proceed without me.” Shine smiles.

”If you say so,” Urak mumbles.

It starts off with a dark screen, before flashing multiple pictures of Till and Ivan being experimented on. It the background was a loud heartbeat.

Luka frowns. Till seems to be the top victim of the experiments, he notes. They must be punishing him for acting out. It must be difficult, if only Till possessed a better attitude…

Mizi frowns upon seeing the pictures, they were only shown for a second, but she could see all of them so clearly. It hurts her badly seeing her two friends be exploited in such vile ways. There was a part of her that wishes they both escaped instead of her, because if so, they wouldn’t have to suffer so much.

”Allow me to the tips of your fingers,”

Till starts singing, his hair was messily draped over his face while his eyes looked tired and exhausted.

”Allow me, to the ends of your feet.”

It shows Till’s portrait behind him.

Sua looks at Till with a puzzling look, what happened to him? He was so wild and carefree during round two… what made him change so drastically in the span of a few days?

Could it be… about Mizi? Now that Sua comes to think about it, the fog must have covered Hyuna saving Mizi on stage— Till might not be aware of Mizi’s escape, he must have concluded that Mizi was dead. Well, shit!

”Till looks sad.” Hyun-Woo says, frowning himself. Did they finally break Till?

Ivan looks at the television with a neutral expression. Deep down, he felt like hugging Till, even though he knew Till would just push him away. He wanted to keep Till safe, Ivan remembers being angry that Till didn’t seize the chance of escaping that night— then recalls… it was what made Till human. Ivan likes how human Till was.

”Dissolve me in your gaze,”

It concentrates on Till’s face.

“I don’t want to let you go.”

Till’s face changes to the same sad face but in front of a casino.

“Please, leave me scars.”

A microphone is shoved in Till’s face, his eyes widen was he was caught off guard. He pushes the microphone away.

“Please, hurt me so that—“

Urak grows angry, he stands up and throws an object at Till for disobeying.

Sua feels repulsed. It was ‘My Clematis’ playing in the background, the same song that killed Sua— and also the same song that left Mizi traumatized.

The aliens were forcing Till to sing the song that destroyed his crush, Sua dislikes Till for crushing on Mizi— but that was just sick and terrible of them.

Urak marches closer to Till, he grabs Till’s face and shoves it into a newspaper.

”—Not a single drop of me remains.”

It was a portrait of Mizi, with the words ‘Missing or Dead?’

”Oh, Till….” Mizi shakes her head. Till must be so distressed about her disappearance, she just realized that the participants may not be aware of her escape.

Shine gasps, her Mizi… on the newspaper? She was shocked when learning about Mizi’s escape, but seeing the cruelty of alien stage— she was secretly glad Mizi escaped. But bluntly shoving the boy’s face inti a newspaper, where he could see his friend being reported missing? A terrible act. This was why she did not associate much with the other aliens, they were all greedy.

Ivan stares blankly with no reaction, it wasn’t a shocking thing. Till loved Mizi, it was only natural. Yet he couldn’t shake off the feelings of… was it envy? maybe jealousy.

Till’s expression darkens upon watching it.

Till’s eyes glow angrily and looks up at Urak.

”Let me drown in you,”

Till shakes and punches the alien holding him down.

”Ungrateful brat!” Urak screeches, he really needed to consider the shock therapy Heperu suggested. Till was an annoying, dumb piece of shit. He needed to knock some sense into that pet.

Mizi winces, “The consequences….” —of hitting alien were terrible. She’s never experienced it, but she could imagine it.

It changes back to Till singing on stage.

”Until these falling stars,”

It shows Till being held down on the neck by Urak, while one of the other aliens held out a collar.

”Are buried in the blur of time.”

It switched back to Till, clutching the mic and singing desperately but exhausted.

“On your icy lips.”

It shows Till on the floor, his hair being ruffled by an alien. Till sweats and is obviously tired, he reached a hand out and imagines Mizi extending her hand out to him.

Sua looks down, the treatment Till received was more brutal than the other humans. They may have drugged him to render him paralyzed, judging by his position.

’I’m going to kill them all.’ Ivan thinks with a blank expression. How could they, to Till. He disliked seeing Till be so hurt by the other aliens, they disregarded his feelings— but hey, that’s what every alien does right? But still, he needs to get Till out of that stage as soon as possible.

Sua glances at Ivan, though his unreadable face— Sua could tell what Ivan was thinking about. She knew his thoughts too well.

”Till, we’re going to save you and Ivan. I swear.” Hyuna whispers, her future self needs to hurry up. Sua… Hyun-Woo… she couldn’t save them, but maybe she could save Ivan and Till. Mizi needs her friends.

Till nods somberly, “Thanks, Hyuna.” But i’m not winning this round. The inside must be heavily guarded, it would be too difficult to run inside and snatch both him and Ivan. It was practically suicide, breaking in during the semi-finals. He just wishes Mizi was safe with Hyuna.

”Consume me, yes, me. Oh, oh.”

Till feels his eyelids go limp, before he closes them.

The screen goes dark, before flashinng a very young Till on the glass of a shop. Showing he was on a discount.

”… you were on a discount?” Sua asks incredulously, i mean— she should have expected it.

Till rolls his eyes sarcastically, “Yes, i was on a discount.” He snarked. My goddamn owner was a cheap-alien who bought humans on discount.

The screen goes dark once again, before it shows a young Ivan, looking back at the young Till. He had heavy eye-bags under his eyes, while a side of his face was bruised.

”….Ivan,” Till vaguely remembers it, he couldn’t exactly recall why Ivan looked back, nor this specific memory to be exact.

It changes to Till unconsciously laying against the couch. The door opens.

”Who…” He mumbles, probably Ivan.

Ivan’s hand reaches out to the back of Till’s neck and unlocks his collar.

They turned to Ivan, “You can remove the collars??” Sua yelled, she was NOT aware Ivan could do that.

Ivan shrugs, “Yes.” He answers, even if the aliens found out, it’s not like they could change the parts inside the collar to make him unable to open it.

”How?” Hyuna questions, this was a rare ability, indeed.

”Observation.” Ivan simply replied, not elaborating any further. That was saved for Till.

”Holy shit, he can open the collars, he almost escaped once, what else?” Urak whispers angrily, why would Unsha leave his human freely around and not observing this? If the human decides to teach the other children, it would be more difficult to put them under wraps now.

“This is a difficult matter, we need to discuss this to the higher-ups of Anakt.” Nigeh replies, not wanting to press on the matter any further as she feels a headache coming down.

Ivan’s hand stays on the wall as he looks down on Till.

“Even if your cold words carve scars beneath my eyes,”

Ivan steps forward, he takes the microphone into his hands and brings his mouth closer.

A shadow was cast on Ivan’s face, before quickly dissipating once Ivan opens his eyes.

”May they linger on your tongue.”

“You can break me apart.”

It shows a flashback of Ivan stepping on a flower crown, it shows Till’s face full of rage next.

”I’m still not over that.” Till mumbles, he remembers working so hard on that flower crown, just for Ivan to step and ruin it. He questions why he even decided to show it to Ivan.

He wanted Ivan to acknowledge his skills.

Ivan chuckles, “I know.” He replies.

Till punches Ivan, hut Ivan gets on top of Till and hits him back.

”Notice my pain,”

Once Ivan’s fist met Till’s cheek, Ivan’s face lit up and he grins widely.

”Are you a sadist, Ivan? My sister said sadists like seeing people in pain.” Hyun-Woo says.

Luka gives Ivan on television a puzzling look, he likes seeing Till hurt? He knew Ivan liked Till. Luka is quite sure everyone but Till knows this.

”Uh-“ Hyuna wasn’t sure on what to say, should she insult Ivan for blushing when he sees Till bleeding, or… what?

Sua and Mizi exchange bewildered looks.

”Ivan, what the fuck?” Till splutters, he remembers seeing a glimpse of Ivan smiling, but seeing it in clear view is just… it’s pretty fucking weird.

Ivan doesn’t say anything. Instead, he smiles at Till.

”He’s just a little quirky, i swear.” Unsha tells the other aliens. They did not believe him.

It changes to Ivan and Till under a tree, Till was busy focusing on a drawing. Ivan looked over his shoulder and directed his attention to Till’s face.

“And mend me right now.”

It shows Ivan nonchalantly play with the wide set of teeth of an alien.

”To quiet my fears,”

”How.. just, how are you not scared?” Sua sighs, she knew Ivan didn’t really understand how humans function, but to this extent- it’s starting to worry her. She knows he was like her, they held someone close to their hearts, to the point of co-dependency.

Ivan looked unamused, “It’s not scary, Sua.” He mumbles.

Weirdo. He was crazy! Till thought.

It shows Ivan hiding behind a wall while his eye peaks out.

It switches to a scene of Till sleeping soundly beside Ivan, multiple bruises and bandages on his face.

Ivan obsessively stared at Till, before slithering his hands up to Till’s throat.

”Ivan, y-you weirdo… why are you watching me sleep?!” Till yelled, he stood up and crossed his arms. This is just creepy, why was Ivan… why would he—

“It’s nothing, Till.”

”It can’t be nothing, Ivan…” Mizi whispers to no one in particular. She realized Ivan’s feelings for Till during round three, she shouldn’t even be mad at Ivan for being obsessive. Mizi knows she had that side herself. But Till was obviously unaware of Ivan’s feelings. It was painful to watch.

This is not normal. Hyun-Woo thinks with a silent shriek. Ivan likes to watch people sleep, what did that mean? Ivan’s actions somewhat reminded Hyun-Woo of the advances Luka would make to his elder sister— he knows there was something different between Ivan’s love and Luka’s love, though.

Similar but different.

‘It was great he betted on Till, judging by Unsha’s pet’s backstory— he would most likely just give it up for that rascal, Till. Urak thought with a shrug, He needed Till to make it far into the finals and even potentially win.

”I’ll drown in you.”

Ivan recalls the part where Till lets go of his hand and runs back to Anakt.

”Why didn’t you leave on your own while you had the chance! I-i mean, you could have been free out there and, not participate in this madness…” Till mumbles the last part, he was angry. Ivan seems to be hooked on the part where he let go of his hand. But truthfully, he wanted Ivan to leave on his own.

I couldn’t leave you, Till. Ivan wanted to say, but he kept silent.

It changes back to the Till on stage, he holds the mic and looks down in exhaustion.

”Sick of these night to come,”

Till’s face changes to him bleeding on his cheek, while eating.

“To be engulfed in silence,”

Ivan noticed, and stands up. He sits in the spot next to Till and touches Till’s scar. Till visibly jerks away while Ivan smiled. Till looks at Ivan for a second before turning away, when Till turned away, Ivan brought his fingers to his mouth and licks the blood.

Till had to choose between scared, disgusted, or creeped out. Ivan… why the hell did Ivan lick his blood? This was insane, Ivan was crazy a hundred percent. He’s a nut job!

”Y-You’re such a weirdo, why did you…” Till stutters over his own words, he wasn’t sure on what to say. He shakes off the feeling of Ivan and love in one picture. Till couldn’t love Ivan, he can’t. It wasn’t possible. 

’This is getting out of hand.’ Sua thinks with a begrudging face. Why couldn’t Ivan just… i don’t know! Uhm, maybe express his obsession differently…?

Does he like to see me bleed? Till frantically thinks.

”In your gaze where i am seen,”

It changes to Till’s back-view, his fingers were in the position of playing guitar. Ivan reaches out his hand.

”Consume me,”

Ivan takes Till’s unconscious face into his own hands, Ivan pushes his face closer and nuzzles his cheek on Till.

”Yes, me, oh, oh.”

Till was sure now. Ivan was in-love with him. He didn’t know what to feel, he’s thought of Ivan as a friend, someone he cares for— and someone he hates. But, at the same time, Ivan was an individual whom he has spent years with. Someone that Till has a very deep relationship with.

He wants to cry in frustration, loving Ivan was difficult. He couldn’t help but feel something towards Ivan, but he can’t. He and Ivan? They couldn’t. They wouldn’t work out. Loving Ivan just wasn’t an option, that was why he sought after Mizi. Till knew she could never have her, Till knows he can have Ivan. That’s what made loving Mizi so easy.

It changes to a far view of the stage, thunder struck from behind.

Till sings into the mic, “To this everlasting melody…”

“He stopped singing.” Hyuna says, Mizi’s disappearance took such a huge toll on him— Till was ready to embrace death.

Their relationship is difficult. Unsha thinks while drinking a cup of wine. Even if Ivan dies, Unsha does not regret the years he spent with Ivan. He was definitely worth the loses and money he spent.

It shows a view of the crowd, they all had various expressions.

“Face to face we dance,”

Ivan sings, he glances at Till from the corner of his eye and stays frozen.

’He isn’t singing anymore.’ Ivan’s heart started beating quickly. Judging by the look on his future self’s face, he must have decided. Ivan didn’t want to die, but that meant Till would die.

Ivan cannot imagine a world without Till.

’You’re selfish, you’re petty, you’re dumb.’ Sua wants to scream these thoughts out loud. But she doesn’t. Ivan was somewhat like an annoying little brother to her, Sua wasn’t completely heartless— she knows she would be wrecked after Ivan’s death.

I guess, that was one thing they both had in common.

’I stopped singing.’ Till’s entire body shakes, he knew he was done for— so why, why was he crying? Till sniffles, wiping away his tears with a sleeve. He was going to die without knowing Mizi was alive.

”With our story,”

Ivan keeps his eyes on Till.

Ivan throws his microphone to the floor, creating a loud static.

”Crap, what are you doing?” Till harshly whispers, damn that smile Ivan would flash when he didn’t want to answer his queries— was Ivan trying to sabotage him?!

Hyun-Woo stared blankly at the screen, was Ivan trying to lose? Or was it just some publicity stunt?

”Lost in forever’s embrace!”

Ivan stops in front of Till and cups his face, Till stares at Ivan with wide eyes.

Ivan’s hand makes way to Till’s nape, he pulls Till’s neck, both of their shocked expressions were flashes on the screen.

Ivan’s lips met Till’s.

Hyun screeches, she jumps out of the corner and covers Hyun-Woo’s eyes. Why were they kissing on the middle of stage— huh?!?! Hyun-Woo asks what was happening, but she didn’t have the heart to answer him. She’s also never heard of kissing someone on the lips before!

Ivan’s jaw drops. Was that part of the plan? He… Till looks uncomfortable. This was his goodbye— he finally realizes. Ivan’s eyes are glued on the screen.

“My eyes!” Sua hissed, hiding her face in Mizi’s neck. Mizi stares wide-eyed at the television, flabbergasted.

Till stays quiet.

Ivan closes his eyes and holds Till’s head in place. Till stares at Ivan with a bewildered expression.

Ivan continues to kiss Till. Till tries to push Ivan away, but Ivan captures his face in his hands and resumes the kiss.

Till has his eyes closed, he shut his mouth. Ivan opens his eyes and presses a few more kisses on Till’s lips.

Ivan’s thumb touches Till’s lower lip. Till’s eyes open and stares at Ivan, confused. Till gasps when Ivan starts choking him.

”What are you doing!” Hyun-Woo teared off  Hyuna’s hands on his eyes and stares at Ivan choking Till. Oh my gosh, was he planning on killing Till and taking the win for himself?! Till is really nice, Hyun-Woo doesn’t want him to die!

Hyuna couldn’t even bring herself to scold Hyun-Woo for disobeying her. She couldn’t rip her eyes away from the two boys in the television. She wasn’t dumb. She knew violence wasn’t entertained in alien stage. So, Ivan choking Till…

”Till!” Mizi yells, Till marched to Ivan and held him up using his collar. Ivan stared blankly at Till, a hint of blush on his cheeks. 

There were tears in Till’s eyes, noted.

”You want to win so bad, huh?” Till spat out, “I’m fine with you winning, more than fine, actually! but did you have to rub salt on the wound?!” He screams, it takes a moment for Ivan to realize that Till was talking about the kiss.

Ivan’s mouth opens as if to say something, but he decides to shut it. “I’m sorry.” Ivan mumbled, he looks down and feels the light pain from Till holding him up using his shirt collar.

”I don’t… I don’t want your damn apologies, just… tell me why you did it…” Till lets go of Ivan’s shirt and falls to the floor on his knees.

Ivan sits there, a shadow cast on his face. He couldn’t face Till after what he did. Till must feel so repulsed by how he forced such a thing on Till. He can’t tell Till. Ivan doesn’t Till to live with such a heavy burden, Ivan knows his death would be nothing but a burden on Till.

Mizi and Hyun-Woo runs to Till and tries to persuading him to calm down using words. Till was crying loudly, even Luka, who did not speak for hours turned to look at him.

Why was it so difficult to get rid of these feelings?

Why did he feel such strong things towards Ivan?

Till was now crying silently, calming down little by little. Hyun-Woo was quietly panting his back and offering him company.

Ivan’s hands are tightly wrapped around Till’s neck, he looks down at the bewildered Till with a smile.

Ivan’s hands shake against Till’s throat, he pulls Till in for another kiss.

Ivan glances upwards and sees his score going down.

Till freezes and stops crying. Why was Ivan’s score going down? Theres no way— Ivan pulled this stunt on purpose.

He turns to look at Ivan, just to find out Ivan was avoiding his gaze. Why? Ivan didn’t want to face him? Yea, let’s do this the hard way! He didn’t care if the aliens were watching, if God was watching, or if Mizi was watching. Till doesn’t care anymore.

Till crawls to Ivan and grabs his chin, forcing him to look straight into Till’s teal eyes. Ivan was crying, and so was Till. Why would this bastard cry after what he did?! He’s purposely losing— Till didn’t want Ivan to throw his life away for someone like him.

”Look at me.” Till whispers, and Ivan violently blinks while staring straight into Till’s eyes.

”Why did you do it?”

”I can’t let you die, Till.”

”Try again, i won’t accept that answer.”

”I can’t ‘try again’, that was the truth.”

Till slaps Ivan. The sound of skin meeting skin was loud and echoed through the whole room. Mizi let out a surprised gasp.

Ivan’s face was turned away from the ferocity of Till’s slap. He hiccups, not from the burning pain. But, from his feelings overwhelming him.

“You’re a freak, you know that?”

”I do.”

Till’s chest was heaving, and more tears started flowing down his cheeks like a river. Ivan could have won so easily, so why? Till couldn’t understand Ivan’s actions, he could not understand Ivan’s motive.

He always stole his things in Anakt, when he tells the teachers, they don't believe Till. Ivan, the same boy who destroys the flowers any chance given to him.

How did Ivan love someone like Till?

Ivan’s eyes look back down to Till, he pressed another kiss on his lips and pulled away.

Till stared up at Ivan with an accepting gaze.

A bullet grazed Ivan’s ribs.

”No! D-don’t shoot him!” Till yells, he knows it was recording. Did he think they were going to stop? No.

Why was he crying so hard for Ivan? What sort of feelings did he feel? He couldn’t understand anything, everything was so confusing. He hated Ivan, but he loved him.

Mizi wanted to cry, she shook her head and held back tears. Ivan was her dear friend, Sua was already gone, and now Ivan was going to die. All of her friends went falling down one by one. Sua hugs her, she refused to look at the television anymore and just focused all her attention on Mizi.

Ivan did nothing but stare guiltily at Till.

Ivan wobbles as another bullet hits his shoulder.

Till had his eyes shut, his knees went weak as his entire body was being supported by Ivan’s hands.

Ivan intensely stares at Till.

Ivan’s eyes widen when he coughs up blood.

Till was throwing weak punches at Ivan. Ivan couldn’t be dead— why did the aliens feel the need to shoot him multiple times?! He didn’t want Ivan dead, not in a million lifetimes, no.

‘Unfortunate.’ Unsha thought with a sigh, his glass loudly made a noise when he set it down on the table beside him. ‘His loss was worth it.’

Hyun-Woo feels terrible. He’s only known Ivan for a few hours, but a sense of guilt bubbles up in his chest.

He felt terrible for thinking Ivan and Luka were similar.

There was a difference.

They had a difference.

Ivan’s eyes widen before he smiles sadly. He lets go of Till’s throat, Till’s eyes snap open and grabs his throat. He stares as Ivan falls to the floor with blood spilling from his mouth and a smile.

Till’s eyes widen.

Till stares down at Ivan’s body, before the lights go out.

”Why did you do it on purpose!” Till shrieks, at this point— Hyuna, Mizi, Sua, and Hyun-Woo were making a team effort in pulling Till off of Ivan.

Ivan lies down limp, he deserves all of Till’s anger directed at him. He kissed Till while he obviously looked so uncomfortable and died in front of him.

”You wouldn’t even care—“

Till freezes, “Who the fuck said i didn’t care?!” He yells.

Ivan cries, “I thought you wouldn’t care!” He raises his voice, which was something none of them has ever heard.

The grip the four children had on Till completely slipped. 

Till chuckled, he pulled Ivan up using his collar.

”I do care, I care the most. Who are you to decide whether or not i care!”

At this point, Ivan shuts his mouth. He didn’t want to fight Till anymore. “I’m so—“

”Don’t even start with the apologies!”

Till cries loudly, snot running down his nose and everything. He lets go of Ivan’s shirt and hugs him. It catches Ivan completely off-guard, he was frozen in shock— he couldn’t even bring himself to hug Till back.

”I was so scared that i was going to die, but then i accepted it and made peace with that. I wanted you to live, i wanted your to win.” Till whispers against Ivan’s ear.

Ivan quivers, the waterworks start again. Ivan finally hugs Till back and he cries into Till’s neck. “I’m sorry, i didn’t consider your feelings.”

”You better be, you idiot.”

Ivan’s picture goes dark as Till advances, showing he will be against Luka next.

”God-fucking-damn it.” Till mumbled, he was sitting up now. He was holding Ivan’s head close to his chest, not that Ivan had a choice. Till would have done it either way.

It flashes Mizi’s face, a loud alarm rang in the back. She was holding Hyuna, who was painfully clutching her stomach in pain.

”What happened to Noona?!” Hyun-Woo quickly asks.

Hyuna flinches, “Were me and Mizi supposed to save Ivan and Till?”

”Yes, however— Hyuna was injured and she and Mizi were caught, so they had to hide first. They are both safe, do not fret.” The voice replies.

Hyun-Woo shuts his mouth. As long as his sister was safe. But still, she looked so hurt because of the injury— what happened?

”Until these falling stars—“

”The music isn’t done yet?” Sua asks, this was the first time a song-continuation of sorts happened in these rounds. Maybe this was supposed to be the last part before Ivan… you know..

”I think this is a continuation, if Ivan didn’t do whatever that was.” Hyuna replied.

“are buried in the blur of time,”

”On your icy lips, consume me— yes, me. Oh oh.”

“Sick of these nights to come,”

“To be engulfed in silence, in your gaze where i am seen.”

”Ivan’s is more quiet here..” Till whispers to himself, it was because Ivan was dead, wasn’t it? It just makes him feel even more worse.

“Consume me, yes, me. Oh oh.”

END OF ROUND SIX: CURE…

NEXT IN QUEUE, ROUND SEVEN: BLINK GONE…..

”Well, pay up.” Urak mischievously chuckled while making grabby hands. Nigeh and Heperu groan, taking money out of their pockets and slamming it on Urak’s hands.

”Whatever, let’s do another before the final round starts.” Heperu grunts, “I’m betting on Luka.”

”Till.”

”Luka.”

”Luka.”

”If you dare pull that stunt with me again, i am going to beat the shit out of you.” Till glares at Ivan, who chuckles hoarsely and smiles.

“Awe, come on- Till… you were hugging me so tightly just a few minutes ago!” Ivan teases, making Till’s face turn red.

Till scoffs, “Whatever, come here.” He blushes and spreads his arms wide open, Ivan laughs and runs into Till’s arms.

“Till.”

”Weirdo.”

Chapter Text

NOW PLAYING, ROUND SEVEN: BLINK GONE.

”Get ready.” Hyuna says, cradling Hyun-Woo’s head in her lap. She shivers once she remembers Hyun-Woo’s head, smashed and bloody. Hyuna does not want to see her little brother like that a second time, she grazes her fingertips over Hyun-Woo’s scalp.

Till fidgets with his fingers, he was aware of Luka’s popularity. It would be a very difficult challenge. But, he needs to win. For Ivan, for Mizi… he can’t let them down anymore.

He flinches when Ivan lays his head on Till’s shoulder. Right, Ivan was here. It comforted Till a little. Till lets Ivan do as he pleases, Till knows that he doesn’t owe Ivan anything, he didn’t tell Ivan to sacrifice himself— he didn’t tell Ivan to love him, either. But still, Till won’t let his death and sacrifice got to waste.

”I want you to win, Till.” Ivan whispers, voice barely above a whisper.

Till mumbles back, “I don’t know.” It was complicated.

”Oh, in a blink gone.”

The camera slowly moves up to Till’s body, the lights were flashing a bright green.

”You look great, Till.” Mizi says, smiling. She hopes Till wins, right now, Till was the only friend she had left. Mizi gets somber when she recalls how her universe died, how Ivan died… no one was safe, it was obvious.

Till blushed, “T-thank you, Mizi.” He could feel Ivan frowning beside him. But still, Mizi complimented him! And, it wasn’t like he didn’t love Ivan either… he was just being dramatic.

It was difficult to fully love Ivan.

“Blink gone, i can’t let it go.”

It slowly showed Till’s arm, raised up and holding his ear monitor. His arm appears to have two blank bands around.

”Mourning bands..” Shine muttered, Till does not know Mizi is alive… the two mourning bands must be for Mizi and Ivan.

It zooms into Till’s face.

”Blink and gone.”

It shows Luka next, it showed his back. He was wearing a revealing white outfit.

”The clock goes tick tock tick tock”

Ivan makes a disgruntled expression upon seeing Luka. Who knows what type of tactics or manipulation methods Luka would pull on Till? Everyone has seen round five, they know.

‘Luka.’ Hyuna sourly thinks. She wanted nothing more than to kill Luka right now, every time she sees that damn face, she is reminded of the painful demise Hyun-Woo faced. Accident or not, Hyun-Woo died.

Heperu pursed his lips into a smile, good, Luka seems confident in this round. Heperu is sure Luka would win, if he doesn’t, he might just let him go.

”Just enjoy it.”

Luka had his arms spread open and his head tilted to the side. His hair seems to have gotten longer, it was tied into a low messy bun.

“Blink, gone.”

“Oh, in a blink, gone!”

It zooms out and shows both Till and Luka on stage, a hoard of aliens cheering and raising their hands.

Luka turns his head around and sings.

”Let’s go.”

Till grabs his mic and sings, his actions being mimicked on the large screen behind.

”This moment, won’t ever come back.”

Ivan smiles, Till doesn’t seem too affected by his… death. Till does still seem tired, but nevertheless, more fired up. Ivan wonders, is this enough? Luka was a tough opponent, it would be a close call.

‘Till needs to win.’ Sua’s never spoken to Till directly in the years they spent in the garden, but she needs at least one friend by Mizi’s side. Till was the only remaining.

Hyun-Woo nervously plays around with his hands. He wasn’t sure on who ti cheer for. Luka killed him, sure— but they were still friends. Hyun-Woo probably won’t feel too great about himself if Luka died, but for Till… Hyun-Woo was fond of him, and he’s seen so much deaths of his friend up close…

It was so difficult!

”The party’s getting started,”

Till has a fierce and determined look on his face, he extends one of his arms out and points it to his chest.

It shows Till doing various hand motions, the colors in the background interchanging.

“And, let’s go crazy, high!”

“Woah, this is going to be a crazy round.” Sua mumbles, Till was motivated. He was doing his best, he didn’t want to die yet— Sua shamelessly prays to the non-existent God.

”Make me proud, pet.” Urak murmurs to himself, it would surely only be a miracle for Till to win against Heperu’s pet, but Till entering the finals were a good source of connections and income.

Luka looks at the future Till with a slight gleam in his eyes. He knew everyone in this room wanted him dead, he tries not to let it get to him. But, Till looked so cool.

”Wave both hands ,”

Luka starts to sing next, he raises both of his hands in a motion of leading a choir. He has a hand on his chest while the other touches his mic.

”Let the rhythm take over,”

”His ribs are showing…” Till mumbled with slight fear, Luka was… very starved, it seemed. His ribs were peeking out, his stomach was sunken in, and there were multiple surgery scars on his body.

He can’t feel pity towards his opponent.

But, he can’t help but feel that way.

”This music, on and on—“

The angles switch multiple times and show Urak in the crowd, a hand on his chin.

’Him again.’ Till thought with a frown. He hated Urak to his core. Multiple unpleasant memories flood in.

”The verdant lights,”

The camera was focused on Luka’s face, his ear monitor was glowing bright green, Luka smiled.

“Tickle my eyes,”

It slowly shows Luka on a screen.

Hyuna was crouched down and working on a computer, she was clutching the side of her stomach with a grunt.

”N-Noona!” Hyun-Woo yells, his sister was injured and struggling. It pained Hyun-Woo to see her in such a situation.

Hyuna sighs, “It’s okay, Hyun-Woo.” No, it was in fact not okay. The wound seemed serious, she was sure it would worsen without immediate medical attention.

”Are they trying to rescue Till?” Mizi quickly asked, eyes glowing. Please. They need to get Till out of there. She knows Hyuna was injured, but Mizi was starting to be a little more selfish. Hyuna was tough, she won’t die…

Luka flinched when he saw Hyuna, was she watching? His face burned just thinking about it. Hyuna may want to kill him for the whole Hyun-Woo situation, but she was so… so pretty. It was a crime to be so beautiful, Luka wants her. She belongs to him, does she not?

”And i smile.”

Hyuna leans down in pain, clutchig her wound.

“Before this piercing, radiant moment fades away!”

It shows Mizi next, looking at the screen with worry and fear in her eyes.

”Till! W-we’re going to rescue you, i swear…” Mizi sighs, the whole scenario had her entire body shaking.

Till sighs, “It’s fine, Mizi. I know it’s practically suicide to try and save me right now, prioritize yourself”

It shows a shadow of Till’s face.

”Oh, in a blink, gone!”

Till desperately yells into the mic.

’He wants to live,’ Ivan thinks, please, he needs Mizi and the other to be fast enough. Till wants to live, please save him. He clutches the sides of his clothes, please save Till.

”Forget everything, and just enjoy.”

Luka sings after, he seemed completely calm and collected.

”Damn it.” Till’s expression hardens. Luka was confident in winning, he thinks this as a game!

Ivan holds Til’s hand in comfort, it was shaking. Till was irritated. He was a fool to believe Till wasn’t affected at all during their round, he was so obviously stressed and out of it.

”Oh, in a blink, gone!”

Luka’s hands trace his body upwards and to his face.

”Don’t miss this moment.”

Sua and Ivan look at each other in disbelief. Did Luka just… copy his dumb little mic motion from round three?! It was a pretty great thing Till wasn’t awake during round three.

So that was Luka’s plan. Use Ivan’s death against Till, who was still agitated and fragile from experiencing the death up close. Skillful and strategic, but annoying as fuck.

Sweat trickles down the sides of Till’s forehead.

”I’m tellin’ you, blink, gone!”

Luka smiles as Till sang.

“Leave no regrets.”

It shows the crowd next, the aliens and human pets watching attentively to the performance.

”The clock goes tick tock tick tock tick tock,” It shows a glimpse of Mizi watching Till’s performance.

”Blink, gone!”

A holographic guitar appears in Till’s arms, he plays it loudly and skillfully.

’Did they really give him a fake one, so that he wouldn’t smash it anymore?’ Sua thinks incredulously, well, she doesn’t think the aliens would want another ‘alien-killing’ performance.

”Till, you got better~” Ivan chuckles, clinging to Till.

”How did you even notice the change- whatever..”

A holographic violin appears on Luka’s shoulder next, he plays it skillfully.

’Violin?’ Luka thinks, Heperu wanted him to practice it, but to see himself so good at playing at it, it makes him feel a sense of relief. Would it be enough to please his Guardian for a while?

It changes back to Mizi, she tries to run to the stage, but is stopped by Hyuna grabbing her arm.

”Why would i—“ Hyuna grimaces, didn’t they go there to save Till? Or was she mistaken? She nips at her fingernails, this was all so stressful and confusing.

‘She’s stopping me? Why? Does Hyuna think i’m just going to let my only friend die?!’ Mizi loudly thinks, she bites the inside of her mouth.

‘As i thought, they won’t save him.’ Sua shames her head somberly. It was the final and concluding round, it was suicide to save Till. Hyuna was tactical and smart, but that won’t stop Mizi, Sua knows her.

Hyuna intensely looks at Mizi, a begging look in her face. Mizi guiltily looks back, before shaking Hyuna’s arm off and running.

”Mizi, please, be careful.” Sua says while sighing. Mizi was reckless, she was nice.. and would do anything for her friends. Mizi was going alone, that was dangerous enough. Mizi hugged Sua in a slight reassurance.

Hyuan angrily stomps her fists on the laptop, blood smudged on it. A vein popped up on her angry face.

”I’m sorry, Hyuna…” Mizi whispered. Hyuna must be getting early grey-hairs by Mizi’s recklessness.

This was either going to be bad or good. Till grimaces. Mizi would probably be hurt or struggle a lot, since she was going alone. He doesn’t want to see Mizi hurt.

”Oh, in a blink, gone.”

It switches back to Luka and Till on stage.

”Blink and gone, relish in the present.”

It shows a sculpture of the earth being used as a disco ball.

“In a blink gone!” Till yells, a large red shine appearing behind him.

’Looks an awful lot like Ivan’s eye.’ Sua thought, Till must be more affected by Ivan’s death than she thought. Those two had a relationship difficult to understand.

”You need to calm down.” Hyun-Woo whispers to the television, knowing full well Till couldn’t hear him at all. Luka might take advantage of Till’s instability and use it against him. Dang it, it was so hard to defend Luka with all of these evidences!

”Clear your mind,”

Mizi looks down on a bomb she was holding, and looking back at an alien guard.

”Leave the burdens behind.”

She throws the smoke bomb and sneaks inside the door.

”Make this party yours, and no, don’t look back now!”

It switched to Hyuna, tapping on the laptop and downloading a few files.

”Neither yesterday nor tomorrow.”

“What could she be downloading? Nigeh says, it must be very important that she wouldn’t even attempt to save Urak’s human pet. She might be stealing information about alien stage, or hacking into something. Both ideas made her frown.

”Exist for me, it’s this moment, or no.”

Hyuna looks at the file download with wide eyes.

“The dark crimson air,”

Luka approaches Till, his fingers on his chin.

”What the hell are you attempting?” Till narrows his eyes on Luka, glaring at him. Luka shrugs.

”Do you think i know?” Luka says, slightly scoffing. They got to stop thinking he knows everything his future self was thinking, it was starting to get annoying.

Luka smiles, touching the side of Till’s head. His hands trace down and hold Till’s throat.

“Embraces us.”

“Oh, you sick psycho!” Till shrieks, he was trying to use Ivan against him! How low was Luka stooping?? “I am going to fucking kill you!” He screams, Ivan half-heartedly held him back with a frown.

Mizi’s face grew angry. Luka was using the same tactic he used on her to Till! They really need to stop giving him viewer-access.

”Till—“

”Don’t even try that with me, Ivan.” Till growls, Ivan blinks and steps back. Either way, the dumb barrier was protecting Luka, Till couldn’t lay a finger on Luka even if he wanted to.

’Is this considered queerbaiting?’ I mean, Sua only knows these terms from an old book she found in the corners of the library. Homosexuality, queers, whatever… Sua knows full well she’s gay for Mizi, and Till is.. probably? Gay for Ivan.

Ivan looks way too laid back for this situation. Maybe he was already plotting Luka’s murder in his mind. That was more of Ivan’s style.

”Lifting our spirits,”

Luka whispers in Till’s ear, his thumb pulling down Till’s lips.

”Okay, yea, please beat him up after this.” Ivan says before smiling in annoyance. Not only did this dumb, middle-aged man kill a kid, yes, it’s still killing accident or not. Luka was also trying to copy Ivan and partly re-traumatize Till back.

“That would be where my fang would press if i kiss Till….” Ivan murmurs, Sua looks at him disgusted with a raised eyebrow.

”Yea, dumbass, how did you even know that?”

”Reasons.” Ivan was not about to say that he often day-dreams about kissing Till.

”And the fiery thrill!”

Luka pulls away and Till is caught off-guard. He looks fearful once he realizes the guns pointing at him.

”Blazes out to the sky!!”

The light turns red, Till’s ear monitor turned red.

’Gosh, pack it up, homosexuals.’ Sua grimaces, it was kind of obvious on who was winning. At least Till would have some company up in heaven, or something. The red reminded her of Ivan’s eyes.

It shows Luka holding in his laughter.

”Yea, i’m not holding him back.” Mizi shrugs as she says, Till looked like he was on the verge of committing manslaughter and arson. Well, Mizi would gather bail if Till ever went to prison.

“Neither am i.”

”Same.”

”I third this.”

Luka dances lightly, a large disco ball on top.

”Oh, in a blink, gone!”

“Forget everything and just enjoy—“

”Oh, in a blink, gone!”

“Don’t miss this moment!—“

Till struggles, clutching his chest and singing in desperation.

Luka chuckles, looking down on Till as the votes reveal him to be on first.

”I’m tellin’ you, blink, gone!”

“Leave no regrets!”

Till sings, growing more and more helpless when he sees his place in second.

”Till, don’t give up, please!” Just until i get there, okay? Mizi thinks, Till can’t be losing hope now, where the hell was she?

Ivan’s eyes twitch, Luka was too damn popular. He needed Till to win, Till was his only hope now. Mizi was speeding to save him, please, Till, hold out for a bit more.

Mizi should have never begged Guardian Shine to let her in the garden, if only she knew— if only she aware of the dangers!

Till looks at the television blankly, it seems he has already accepted the outcome.

TOTAL SCORE:

”The clock goes tick tock tick tock tick tock, blink, gone!”

It showed Till and Luka’s faces in the big screen, their voted were seen, Luka was winning by a mile.

“Damn it.” Why did Urak even bet on Till if that stupid shit was going to give up like this?! He bites in his fingernails, that pink-haired oompa loompa needed to show up to give Till the motivation!

The holographic guitar in Till’s arms disappears, Till looked exhausted.

Ivan frowned, he lifted his head on Till’s shoulder and pulled Till into a big hug.

”Hey—“

He didn’t care if Till was mad anymore, he just wants to hug Till in an attempt to comfort him. Ivan really traumatized him so much, and with Mizi’s disappearance too, Till had it rough.

It shows Hyuna’s face, focusing. She watched as the download process sped up.

96%

97%

It cuts off to Till remembering the kiss Ivan forced in him, Ivan coughing up blood and dying.

Till looked as if he was about to burst into tears, he looked away and hid his face in Ivan’s chest. He didn’t want to be reminded of Ivan’s death anymore, it was too painful.

Ivan patted his back, a disgruntled expression on his face. This was the first time he’s seen Till like this, and the first time Till has… trusted him so much to do this. The viewing, terrible. It brought them closer, though.

Sua sighs, not peeling her eyes away from the television. ‘You’re a hypocrite, Ivan.’ She thought. Remembering how Ivan told her she was just going to be left-behind trauma for Mizi, not look who’s talking. Mizi frowns, she wants to comfort Till too, but decided not to, deciding to let Ivan and Till have their own time alone.

Till sweats as his ear monitor turns red. A nosebleed going down his nose.

“Oh, in a blink, gone.”

It was neither Luka or Till’s voice, more like the crowd voice. They sang along and cheered.

Till crouched down and held his knees to support himself.

A photo of Ivan was presented on the huge screen.

”What the fuck?!” Sua shrieks, she turned to Ivan and made a confused-disgusted expression. Ivan looked at her too, jaw dropped.

Why were his pictures there? What? Why? When? How? By this time, Till stopped hiding his face and was watching the television, he looked obviously uncomfortable.

”How are they doing this?” Till whispers. It was so obvious they wanted him to lose.

”This is just… terrible.” Hyuna says, frowning. The world was really out ti get Till, huh?

Luka doesn’t say anything. He needed Till to lose. He’d already accepted Hyun-Woo’s death and Hyuna’s hatred for him earlier, the others obviously hate him and want him dead too. There was nothing else Luka could do, except win.

”Forget everything, and enjoy.”

It changes pictures, it was Ivan crying while clutching his shoulder wound.

“Oh, in a blink gone, don’t miss this moment.”

”Sick, these aliens are sick…” Mizi mumbles, feeling a hint of nausea at the situation. Their bias for Luka was so obvious, showing a picture of Ivan’s death just crossed the line.

Till stares with wide eyes, how did they get this? And so up-close, at that. Why was Ivan crying? Till doesn’t recall Ivan crying and clutching at his shoulder wound during round six. What was going on?

”I’m tellin’ you, blink, gone.”

Till looks down, a pair of hands lift his face up.

”Ivan?!” Sua yells, yup, Luka was a confirmed insane thirty year old traumatizer. What the hell!! Can a miracle just somewhat happen already?!?!

Ivan clicks his tongue before his gaze sharply moves to the kid Luka. “I am going to beat the shit out of you—!” Woah, this was like, one of the rare moments where Ivan curses and yells, Till thought.

Luka doesn’t respond, “Whatever, you can’t touch me in here anyway.” Shit, was he taunting??

”Leave no regrets.”

Ivan— no, Luka,  stares down on Till. Till looks back, eyes shaking.

”Till’s eyes, it’s red…” Like Ivan’s, Mizi wanted to say, but it may be a sensitive topic right now. Still, Till’s pupils were turning red, like Ivan’s.

”The clock goes tick tock tick tock tick tock.”

Till stares terrified. His eyes look around and he spots Mizi in the crowd, his wyes light up immediately.

”It’s Mizi!” Till yells, his future self knows she’s alive now, so please, start singing already!!!!!

Mizi exhales in relief, “Oh my gosh, i got there in time!” She happily says, hugging Sua tightly. Sua lets her, as always.

Ivan smiles, thanks Mizi. Till needs to regain his hope and motivation.

”Oh, in a blink, gone!”

Till starts to sing once again, his face lit up.

Luka’s eyes widen before turning to the side.

’He’s fighting back, for Mizi?’ Luka’s eye twitches, that was all it took? Till was obviously out of it when he did the… thing? With Ivan.

’Good thing the pink-oompa-loompa showed up.’ Urak thinks with a shrug.

“Forget everything, and just enjoy.”

“Oh, in a blink, gone!”

Till blushes, slightly tumbling over his own feet.

”Don’t miss this moment.” Luka’s brows furrow, seemingly threatened.

”He’s threatened!” Hyuna yells, a flash in her eyes. She wants revenge for Hyun-Woo, the aliens must be voting for Till quicker now that he starts singing again!

”I’m tellin’ you, blink, gone! Leave no regrets—“

“The clock goes tick tock tick tock tick tock.”

He smiles, reaching out his hand while Mizi smiles and holds hers out too.

Mizi smiles, at least she could save one friend…. She ignores the shiver running through her body when she said that.

The score behind Till start finalizing, showing that Luka won.

“Blink, gone!”

Before Till could touch Mizi’s hand, the gun aimed at him and shot the side of his neck.

Mizi’s smile fell. “What?” She whispers, chest heaving. She couldn’t save Till— what? Didn’t Till start singing again, h-his score definitely went up. She covers her mouth and cries, Till was gone.

Sua stared terrified, hating that she expected such an outcome to happen. Sua holds Mizi close to her chest and let her cry.

”Oh.” Till said, frozen in place. He died. He lost— he wasted Mizi’s efforts and Ivan’s unforeseen sacrifice, he feels Ivan wrap his arms around his chest. Till bites his lower lip and finally allows his tears to fall.

”I’m sorry, I-Ivan, i couldn’t… i didn’t win…” Till hugs the arms wrapped around behind him, he clutched them violently and feels his tears fall on Ivan’s arms.

Ivan’s breath hitches, “It’s okay Till, i’ts okay…” he whispers in his ear, trying not to freak out himself. Ivan didn’t expect for Till to be so set on not wasting his stupid sacrifice, he hugs Till tightly and hides his face in his neck. Till wails in his arms, muttering incoherent apologies and curses.

Hyun-Woo stares at the bullet going through Till’s neck with much shock. Till lost against Luka. His Noona hugs him and tells him to stop looking, he does.

Urak gazes at the death of his human pet, unfortunate, but that just costed him a good two hundred dollars.

Mizi’s eyes widen and her mouth opens wide.

Mizi had to experience two deaths like this, Hyuna feels terrible.

The screen goes dark.

It shows a flashback of Mizi and Till hiding from a robot. A soft melody of a xylophone was heard in the background.

Ivan jerks up, the used xylophone he gave to Till? He remembers giving Till a xylophone his guardian gave him, for Till’s birthday. He knew Till liked music. It made him a little happy he was somewhat included in Till’s last moments.

Till’s back is against the wall, while Mizi was beside him, covering her mouth. Till blushes when Mizi gets closer to him, Mizi pulls Till by his collar and smiles, telling him not to say anything. She chuckles.

Mizi cries even harder. Remembering the time she and Till almost got caught sneaking around past curfew. This memory was like a jab to her side.

It switches back to Mizi, crying while cradling Till’s head in her lap. Till looked up, struggling to breathe. Blood was pouring down his mouth and nose.

Ivan knew Till would get mad, but he covered Till’s eyes with his hands. Till, surprisingly did not retaliate, and let Ivan do what he wanted.

Mizi touched Till’s cheek and Till uses the last of his strength to hold Mizi’s hand. Mizi uses her free hand to push away Till’s hair from his forehead.

Till’s hand falls limp as the crowd cheers.

They were cheering for Luka, even after Till was deadass bleeding right there. Sua balls her fist, the world was unfair.

It shows Luka, staring wide-eyed at Hyuna. Hyuna stared back, clutching her wound.

FINAL

Till’s portrait flickers and goes dark.

SPECIAL GUEST!

It shows Hyuna’s picture and Mizi’s, before the screen went completely. dark.

END OF ROUND SEVEN: BLINK GONE.

NEXT IN QUEUE: ????

”Special guest?”

”Special guest?!”

Both Mizi and Hyuna looked terrified at the implications, were they going to be forced to perform? Mizi didn’t want to be on the stage anymore, Hyuna followed her there, it was her fault—-

“Mizi, darling, breathe with me…” Sua whispers, Mizi was hyperventilating. Mizi shakes and does as Sua says, she shuts her eyes and hides her face in Sua’s lap.

Till refused to look at anyone, he felt his body go weak, the only thing supporting him was Ivan. It wasn’t so bad, meeting Ivan again… 

The room was silent.

Chapter Text

im sorry yall but the next chapter will be delayed !! (Official arts) there is a typhoon rn so our electricity is on and off n everything

I am also struggling to insert the official arts, i need the URL link straight from google and links from the photos app directly doesn’t work •=• if anyone knows how i can fix this pls help TT I also cant put in the official arts i screenshot straight from vivinos/qmeng channel, if someone knows how to work the ao3 pic thing pls tell me hihihihi

Thats all, thank yew!

Chapter Text

They were given a brief break after round seven, the strange voice, which revealed themselves as a woman a while back, gave them food again.

It was really weird. The food was made out of magic as she said, yet they feel themselves getting fuller and fuller. The guardians don’t seem to have noticed, which was good. The aliens wouldn’t have let them hear the end of it, if they knew.

Mizi was busy snuggling Sua, while eating a plate of strawberry muffins.

“Sua~ open wide.” Mizi grinned, making a silly noise with her mouth. She pulls down the paper on the muffin and helps Sua take a bite, hand stretched below Sua’s chin to catch the crumbs.

Sua smiled, face beaming when she chewed. “It tastes amazing, Mizi… you should try some too.” She said, gazing lovingly at the pink-haired girl. Mizi flushed, before biting a piece off as well, then happily telling Sua about how delicious it was.

Till felt himself blush seeing Mizi so happy, she was perfect, the amazing goddess in his mind, the pedestal he held her to. He shakes his head in thought, the videos really showed him he didn’t know Mizi at all. He feels guilty.

Ivan was leaning on his shoulder, Till did not have the heart, or energy to tell him off. The videos have revealed many things that never occurred to him, Ivan’s motives, feelings… how screwed-up their futures were. Hell, he was even starting to somewhat sympathize with Luka! It was just… Luka as a child, was very different compared to his grown self. Something must have set him off to act like that.

He was a huge hypocrite for even insulting Luka, considering his actions toward Acorn. Till feels… a little guilty for it, he guesses that was why the song was named ‘Unknown.’ Geez, talk about mentally fucked, Till was mentally fucked, everyone was mentally fucked!

”What are you thinking about, Till?” Ivan whispers, quietly slurping on a juice-box of lemon juice, Till insisted it tasted like garbage, he couldn’t find out why Ivan loved it so much.

Till shrugged. “Not much. Now stop talking,  eat more. We only get this chance once in a while.” He acted like a mother, what the fuck. His words reminded him of his own mother, Till winced remembering his own mother’s face, distraught.

Ivan nodded with a soft smile. “Okay, Till.” He replied, “I can rest on you, right?”

”You’re already doing it, did you think i’d push you off?” Till scoffed, Ivan was bright, but insanely dense at times. It made him adorable.

The boy giggled, “You usually push me off, or not talk to me at all.” Ivan points out, “I’m very happy Till is allowing me to rest my head on him~” That tone pissed him off.

”W-Whatever….” Till grumbled, he only pushes Ivan away because he’d always stare at him. Ivan probably thinks Till wasn’t aware, but he was. He felt that fierce, penetrating gaze burning into him.

He was still… very confused about his feelings, Mizi… Ivan. Till knows he can’t love normally, not in a world full of bat-shit insane aliens, who raise mentally-ill humans. Love was much his strong point, in getting through that damned competition. Love was confusing.

“Give me time, and i’ll answer you.” He suddenly blurts, whispering to Ivan. No context. Though, Ivan understood so quick.

Ivan was practically beaming. “I’ll wait my whole life, Till.” He excitedly replies, blush flooding his cheeks. Till rolls his eyes, such simple words said by him caused this? He had to admit, Ivan was… disgustingly cute.

He was glad was willing to give him time, his whole… life. Yet, he died without even receiving an answer, the thought made Till shiver terribly. He just needed to sort out everything, he couldn’t respond to Ivan’s feelings out of the blue. Till wanted it to be genuine, and not half-assed. Ivan was his friend, though he may not act like it…

Till was eating a sandwich of all sorts, there was lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever the hell these round green shit was. They tasted okay, Till continued biting into it. His earlier empty stomach was full, it was really weird. He suddenly gained the strength in his body again, his stomach did not hurl in pain anymore. It was a refreshing feeling, not being hungry.

While everyone was doing their own stuff. The two siblings were in a corner, talking to each other, and hogging the potatoes… no one knows why ‘potatoes’ specifically. They didn’t pay attention to Luka, it seems. Hyuna’s sudden rage towards Luka was reasonable, her brother was most likely killed by Luka. Still, it didn’t make Till feel right. Hyun-Woo still worried, glancing over from time-to-time to check on Luka.

Everyone was trying to survive, Luka was… doing the same, he hates how long it took for him to realize that. Till dislikes Luka for harming Mizi like that, and imitating Ivan in front of him during the final round. But it was all a trick to survive. Using your opponent’s trauma against them, damaging them physically… it was a cruel but masterful tactic.

And by far, Till has observed Luka and Heperu. Luka seems to really fear the alien, their relationship made him feel uneasy. Heperu did not seem to care for Luka as much, considering he took victory over two alien stage seasons.

Nonetheless, Till was about to do something that would definitely make him despised by the others.

“Ivan, get off for a second, i need to stand.” Till warns, slowly nudging Ivan’s shoulder. Jolting when he sees Ivan’s almost asleep face, did he disturb him?

Ivan groaned and clung to Till’s arm like an infant. “Why? Stay here with me, please?” There was something in the way Ivan pleaded, Till looked away to conceal his pink cheeks, damn it.

”I won’t be long, you can… uh, sleep on the couch first. ‘Kay?”

”…Fine…” Ivan pouted, rubbing his eyes, and yawning. Till rolls his eyes, what has gotten into him? He cups Ivan’s cheeks and kisses the tip of his nose.

”Listen, okay?” Till added, trying to hide the fact he was as embarrassed as Ivan was. Sua whistled, making Till look over, the imbecile was lifting her brow while smugly grinning at them both. Okay, fuck Sua and her intense gay-dar.

Till flips her off, “You get it now, right?” He turns his attention back to Ivan. The boy in front of him was stunned frozen, nodding slowly, with his eyes wide open. Ah, his dumb red pupil was enlarging, what did that mean?

Till huffs, making sure Ivan is on the couch. His fingers twitch in… a feeling Till wasn’t familiar with. Till brushes off the extra strands of her falling in Ivan’s face, Ivan holds his wrist— tightly, and keeps his hand on his cheek. Talk about obsession, if he wanted such things from Till, he should have said so— Till would have obliged. “Let go, sleep.” He whispered, Ivan pouted, but followed along.

Once Ivan had his eyes shut, Till walked over to the corner, making sure no one saw him do so. Luka was hiding his face in his knees there, refusing to eat anything.

Till internally sighs, he was eating so much earlier, but that was when he, Hyuna, and Hyun-Woo were on good terms. Luka was hiding at the very… corner, it was covered by a purple veil, which was like the dream place for introverts. Till sweeps the veil to the side and peeks his head inside.

”Uh, are you alright?” He said in a low tone, regretting every second of his decision when Luka fails to respond. “Fine, sorry for what i said earlier… i didn’t mean it, i was just agitated.” That was when Luka looked up at him.

His yellow eyes look tired. “Why are you talking to me?”

”I want to.” Till responded. “Is that a good reason?”

”… I don’t know…” Luka mumbled, Till took that as his clue to sit next to him, keeping a distance to make the “other feel more comfortable. “Your friends are over there.” Luka says.

”I know.” The other retorted, “It’s a little odd, but i understand you more, now.”

Luka squints his eyes. “Understand, how?” He asked, hesitant.

“We’re both fucked up.” Till blurts out, “I only realized that after a bit.” Till softly chuckles, he noticed Luka pause.

”Really?” The blonde replied. “They hate me more than you do. I tried to kill pinkie, i killed Hyun-Woo, i killed you.”

Till winces at the reminder. “You’re just trying to survive, no biggie. Hyun-Woo was an accident, wasn’t he?” He whispered.

He notices Luka go somber. “I can’t have killed him, Till— Hyun-Woo was my first friend, no matter how jealous i felt.. i wouldn’t…” Luka was spilling everything he kept in his heart right now.

”It was an accident, Ivan told me about it. You were clearly distressed when you saw Hyun-Woo. Mizi was your opponent, you would have died if you hadn’t pulled that trick out. As for me, it’s the same. If you lost, you would have died. I just… have a tendency of not being able to control my mouth.”

“Everyone will hate you, if they see you talking to me. They don’t like me at all. Because i’m fucked-up.” Luka laughs. Completely out of it, losing your friends and being bashed does its magic. “I’m a manic, insane, winning-hungry man.”

”Something we both have in common.” Till chuckled. “I deliberately sang a different song during my first appearance, killed an alien with a family, and killed my opponent in an unfair battle, all because i felt like it. Two sides of the same coin, aren’t we?”

Luka smiles, “Yea.” He moves closer to Till, he was feeling more comfortable around him, it seemed. “I’m hungry.”

”Yea, that’s why i brought this little dumb cart with wheels on it.” He mumbles, getting on his knees and pulling a grey cart over. “I stole this from earlier, don’t tell anyone.” Till puts a finger on his lip.

He doesn’t miss the way Luka’s eyes brighten, and sparkle. It was a medium sized two-tier chocolate cake.

”Woah.” He breaths out. “Can i eat that thing?” Luka excitedly points at the cake, bigger than he was. Till nods with a grin.

”Only if you share with me.”

”Deal.” The boy replies immediately, Till hands him a fork.

A few minutes go by, most of the cake was devoured. Luka was so happy, a few smudges of chocolate was on his face. Till scoffs teasingly and hands him a napkin.

Was he really starting to become friends with his indirect killer??? Yes. Does he care? Not really.

“My guardian would kill me if he saw me.” Luka suddenly uttered, but shrugged, eating a strawberry, one of the cake decorations.

Till rolled his eyes. “They’re just mad, we have better taste buds than them.”

”You know what… why does that make sense?…”

They both stare at each other and laugh, Till felt really full, and purposefully gave the larger pieces with the most chocolate to Luka. It was such a small act of service, but Luka seemed to appreciate it a ton, this guy… had a very large appetite and sweet tooth.

They are both unaware to the footsteps approaching them. Luka noticed first, he and Till shriek at the top of their lungs when all five children outside rip the veil to their secret base open.

”What the fuck, Till?” Sua was the first to talk, glaring at the almost eaten chocolate came. “…Wasn’t that a two-tier cake?”

”Maybe…” Till awkwardly laughed. Shivering when he witnesses Hyuna’s intense gaze on Luka, woah, does he need to do damage control? “…Chill, it’s just a cake…?”

Hyuna grumbled, “I don’t think that’s the issue here. Till, you were legit cursing out Luka’s entire bloodline earlier, what happened?”

”Uh.. i don’t know.” He mumbled, shrugging.

Till met Ivan’s tired eyes. “Ivan, why are you awake?” He asked, but Ivan deliberately ignored him, crossing his arms like a child denied of candy. “What the crap.”

”Till… did you really leave me for this guy?! I bet his hair color isn’t even natural!!”

”What the— huh?? Shut the fuck up, what are you talking about?”

While Till argued back and forth with Ivan, Luka sneakily ate the remains of the cake behind him, his drool falling. He hadn’t tasted something like this in so long.

Mizi and Sua went back to their own spot, chilling. Hyuna went back too, while Hyun-Woo stayed and tried to calm the two other boys down. Their argument was filled with a hoard of nonsense, Ivan was acting like a wife who had just been cheated on by his husband, it was ridiculous.

Still, Luka was glad he made a new friend. He licks the sauce off the fork, he wants more…

Their actions are interrupted when they’re teleported back to the center of the room. Luka was suddenly clean of his mess, feeling content with what he ate. Ivan and Till were still bickering, it should be fine, right? Luka walks over and sits beside Till. Till didn’t mind at all, but Ivan did. He glared hole into Luka, eh, he’s experienced worse.

“Huh?” Luka said, when a large cupcake teleported to his hands. His eyes were practically glowing. He looked to the side, only he received it, “Is this for me?”

“Yes, ask for more if you wish. The alien guardians will be kept under a barrier to ensure the safety of the humans, any attempts of bypassing will end in severe punishment.” The voice replied, a cupcake.. a sweet… just… for him? It was unbelievable.

He ignored the glare Heperu sent his way.

NOW LOADING: SONG COVERS…

”Song covers?” Hyun-Woo curiously asked, what did that mean?

Mizi hummed, “I presume it means… different people singing an existing song from rounds one to seven, i think.” She informed, Hyun-Woo nodded in understanding, uh-huh made sense.

NEXT IN QUEUE: MY CLEMATIS (IVAN-TILL)

”Me and Ivan?” Till questioned, “This must be from the future too, but how? I don’t think the aliens usually demand such things…”

Ivan beamed, a duet of he and Till? The world really was blessing him today.

Mizi happily smiled. “Oh, Ivan and Till are covering our song, Sua!” Sua hummed in response, she was a little anticipated to listen to it.

 END OF SONG COVERS (I): MY CLEMATIS (IVAN-TILL)

NEXT IN QUEUE: ???

VOTE NOW:

sweet dream - Luka
cure - Mizi-Sua
ruler of my heart - Hyuna
all in - Till
black sorrow - Mizi
unknown TTE - Mizi-Till
ruler of my heart - Sua

”Interesting..” Urak comments, scrolling through the variety of choices.

Hyuna’s face twists in multiple emotions upon seeing her name beside Luka’s song. How the fuck? Were these? People? Getting these? Covers?

Large Ipads appeared in front of them.

”Place your votes, now.”

They did.

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Chapter Text

NOW LOADING…. SONG COVERS…

NEXT IN QUEUE: SWEET DREAM (LUKA)

Luka did not give much of a reaction upon seeing the title, it would… really please his owner, though the lyrics suggested he wanted to be free, he hopes guardian Heperu does not notice.

Guardian Heperu always whispered in his ear about the possible dangers of escaping, and leaving his line of sight.

This whole ordeal had his thoughts in a conflict, who was right, and who was wrong? Did a free, happy world exist beyond the walls of Anakt?

He thought of the older Hyuna, wild, free. She was… relishing the taste of freedom, Luka wanted it too. Though, it made him nervous and a little jumpy when he realized Hyuna would not be so close to him anymore.

Hyuna can hate him, oppose, and leave— he just wants to have her at arms length. He liked her so much, he wasn’t sure what to do.

Luka nervously bit into the strawberry crumble cupcake given to him, it was really delicious. He was quite full, though he kept eating, knowing this chance would not arise a second time.

Before the video rolled, Till whispered and told him it was okay to be nervous. He seemed to have noticed his slight jumpiness, Luka nodded and kept his words in mind.

He and Till were pretty much trauma-bonding, talking about how they fucked up their opponents, though Till still has a slight grudge against him for re-traumatizing his crush. Oh, and re-traumatizing him in the final round.

It was quite ironic he was covering Sua’s song, despite doing what he did to her pink-haired girlfriend.

Sua definitely disliked him. Though, she seems to dislike everyone that was not Mizi.

Ivan and Till were being all lovey-dovey again, with Ivan initiating most of it, and Till being so embarrassed he forgets how to speak. Ivan was one… what was the word? Freaky— person. Luka already guessed most of him when round six played, the… blood licking and everything.

Freaky.

But then again, so was he, in the future— at least.

The kiss the two boys shared on their round was forever plastered on his mind, it somewhat reminded him of how he attempted to kiss Hyuna as well, and she refused.

It made him confused, this was how the others did it, and so did the aliens. It was the way they used to show others how much they loved them. Why was it different? Did Hyuna not like him too? She said she liked him a few times.

Luka recalls continuously asking Hyuna if she liked him, and she always indulged in his childish questions.

Why was it different, he did not understand.

Luka sat with his back hunched, eating a cupcake, the screen began to load, he could think about this later. 

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They were given another food break, the lady seemed to be getting even more generous as the viewings continued.

The dozen selections of food would never bore them, it wasn’t like the plain ‘healthy’ food the aliens at Anakt garden served them. These dishes actually had flavor, and didn’t taste like stale cardboard.

“It’s good.” Luka mumbles, nibbling on a biscuit. His drool was getting everywhere, honestly, Till would have been disgusted. But it was Luka, he was a whole different breed of human.

Till mumbles, “Yeah, do you think they’d let me keep some to bring back?” He asked, munching on a red… velvet? Cookie.

”I hope so, i’ll just stuff my mouth with cookies and sneak it in, if they say no.” Luka replied, looking dazed as he imagines a whole plate of cookies in front of him.

Cookies were great.

”Will that work? Should i do that too?” Till mumbled, Ivan was behind him, snoring against his back. Till thought it was cute, not that he’d ever admit that out loud.

”My guardian might not believe me if i do, they’re just going to think my face got fatter, and they’re gonna make me take those pills again.”

”Woah, dude.” Till blinks, “Your alien is terrible, full of shit.” Urak was abusive— but that guy didn’t really give a fuck about what he ate. It was only in Anakt he stopped eating so freely, and got thinner.

Luka huffed, “He taught me many things, that probably aren’t important.” He remembers Heperu constantly whispering in his ear, that Luka could not live without him. It still sends shivers down his spine, to this day.

Till pouts, then remembering that one room he found with Ivan earlier, it had a printer, where it printed everything you thought of.

He had an idea.

Till and Luka decided to sneak into the printer room, print pictures of their guardians, and flush them down the toilet— they smeared a pink, sprinkled cupcake on it first.

How… eventful.

”Sua, our cover is next, what do you think it’s going to sound like?” Mizi clings to Sua’s arm, smiling. Regardless of what she’s seen, she still keeps her smile. Sua love that.

Sua pretended to think for a while, “You sound amazing in whatever song, my dear Mizi.” Mizi blushes and tackles her to the ground.

Mizi giggled, thumbs caressing Sua’s cheeks. “You’re too sweet, Sua.”

Sua gently runs her fingers in Mizi’s long, pink hair. She suddenly remembers Mizi’s long hair being blown off by a gun, damn, was she going to miss Mizi’s hair. Still, Mizi looked absolutely amazing.

“Oh look, it’s starting.” Mizi mumbled, eyes aimed at the glitching television screen.

When Till heard it, he shook Ivan awake gently. Ivan was still a bit drowsy, so Till reluctantly allowed him to stay on his lap.

This was a huge improvement for Ivan, Sua thought. 

NOW LOADING: CURE (MIZI-SUA)

NOW PLAYING: CURE (MIZI-SUA)

”Allow me, to the tips of your fingers.”

”Oh, it looks like i will be covering Till’s part of the song! How great.” Mizi beamed, clasping her hands together, she almost forgot the amount of sadness in this song.

Till’s face turned pink as he looked like he was rebooting, “O-Oh, yea..” He replied, damn Ivan, come get your dog. Sua was silently begging.

Ivan’s lips twitched.

”Allow me, to the ends of your feet.”

“Dissolve me in your gaze, i don’t want to let you go.”

”It seems… quieter.” Hyun-Woo said, observing the song with a calculating look. The beat had a calmer tone.

Her little brother was right, it seemed more quiet than the original, it was weird. Cure was a song both Ivan and Till wrote for love… Ivan for Till, Till for Mizi…

Ah, she gets it now.

The love between Mizi and Sua was reciprocated, unlike Ivan and Till’s. At the end of round three, Ivan continuously made his voice louder, Hyuna thought of the possibility that he wanted Till to notice. Till also… probably smashed and murdered his guitar to gain Mizi’s attention.

Hyuna does not condone murder, by the way. Till was trying to survive, who wasn’t? He still played unfairly against his opponent, and killed his guitar, not that she cares much, good riddance.

Geez, this was one sad, and messy story. The melody and beats were made softer, Mizi and Sua already knew they loved each other, they didn’t need to scream for their feelings to be noticed. The detail hurted.

”It’s probably nothing.” She chose to reply, pointing this out would bring nothing more than argument, and sadness.

Hyun-Woo shrugged, “Whatever you say.”

“Please, leave me scars.”

“Please, hurt me, so that not a single drop of me remains.”

”Oh, i would never hurt you, Sua.” Mizi mumbled, holding Sua close to her. Not after what she saw, Mizi won’t be letting the same thing happen.

How would she prevent it, though?

Mizi needed to start brainstorming, Sua loved her so much, she kept the truth. Mizi had mixed feelings about this, Sua said she saw her as happiness, Sua’s happiness was her.

Sua chose to shield her view over reality, make her blind to what really happened behind the image of Alien Stage Mizi had in her head.

”Let me drown, in you.”

Mizi was too far gone, she’s already drowned in Sua already. Her god, her universe, her everything. Mizi won’t give up, she will definitely prevent Sua’s fate.

”Until these falling stars, are buried in the blur of time.”

“On your icy lips, read my soul, yes, my soul, oh oh.”

“Even if your cold words carve scars beneath my eyes,”

’She took my part, i expected it.’ Ivan hummed as he thought, he felt comforted by Till’s hand absentmindedly running through his hair. His touch was ridiculously soft, and somewhat rough at the same time.

He and Sua were both doomed from the start, it made sense. 

Ivan always knew Sua was going to die early, she was selfish, he was aware he might be hypocritical for calling ‘left-over trauma’ his point still stood.

He knew he was a hypocrite, having been reduced to just trauma himself. Ivan smiles sadly at the realization.

“May they linger, on your tongue, you can tear me apart.”

“Notice my pain, and mend me right now.”

”I’ll always keep my eyes on you, i swear.” Mizi felt nervous whenever she takes her eyes off of Sua now, the picture of her death would pop up in her mind, and haunt her.

She should have noticed earlier, she should have. Sua leaned on her shoulder, it felt as if Sua knew everything on her mind. Mizi wanted to cry, she was getting awfully tired of holding the waterworks in.

It wasn’t the place to cry, right now.

Luka stared at the two girls with confusion, how was it that they liked each other so much? Why couldn’t he be like that with Hyuna? He feels envious when their foreheads touch. He wanted it to be him and her.

“To quiet my fears, i’ll drown in you.”

’Quite literally.’ Till huffed, Sua was afraid, so she poured everything on Mizi. The lovely innocence and naivety Mizi amradiated were mostly caused by her, it’s what made Mizi who she was right now.

Till was still quite puzzled, why did he like two people? He viewed Mizi on a high pedestal, an escape to this terrible world. And Ivan… was a complicated one, Till wasn’t sure on what to think.

Round three, the final round… everything.

“Sick of these nights to come, to be engulfed in silence—“

“In your gaze where I'm seen.”

”Consume me, yes me, oh oh.”

“To this everlasting melody…”

It wasn’t their voices, but Till had this part practically memorized. A few seconds before Ivan grabbed his face and forced a kiss on him, he wondered, if the bracket was switched in another universe… what would happen?

Till tossed that thought aside, God abandoned them, there was no way differnet universes existed, then.

Mizi imagined herself dancing with Sua, she isn’t quite sure where or when the thought stemmed. It wasn’t right after dance training, she suddenly had the urge to dance.

”What are you thinking about, Mizi?” Sua asks, and they lock eyes, dear God. Mizi almost melts away at Sua’s beautiful purple eyes, they were so, so pretty.

”You.” Mizi whispers, her warm hands held Sua’s, they were cold. Mizi hated that, but it was a part of Sua, so she loved it.

”Face to face we dance.”

“With our story, lost in forever’s embrace!”

”This is where the music video stopped at, right? ‘Cause of a certain someone..” Mizi gave Ivan the eyebrow raise while smirking. This was such a random thing to bring up, but honestly, she just wanted to tease her best friend.

Ivan rolled his eyes teasingly, “You’re acting like you don’t want to do it with Sua.” He retorted, watching in delight as Mizi’s face turns red.

”Shut it!”

Sua blinks multiple times, as if considering it.

“Until these falling stars, are buried in the blur of time.”

“On your icy lips, read my soul, yes, my soul, oh oh.”

“Sick of these nights to come, to be engulfed in silence.”

’Mizi’s improved so much, i am… so proud.’ Shine thought with a light clap, she regrets sending Mizi to Alien Stage, was it really too late? Shine loved Mizi’s cries, they sounded heavenly.

“In your gaze where i am seen,”

“Consume me, yes me, oh oh.”

END OF SONG COVERS, CURE (MIZI-SUA)

NEXT IN QUEUE: ALL-IN (TILL)

By the time the song finished, Mizi was all over Sua. Ivan could practically sniff the obsession Mizi had over Sua. Her death really… awakened something in her, huh?

Till would be covering Hyuna’s song, it really matched him. Ivan thought, Hyuna was a human rebel, and Till was a rebellious human. If they really hadn’t went back that day, would this song be possible?

”Hey, you’re zoning out.” Till waved a hand in his face, Ivan blinked and smiles.

This was going to be either fun, or terrible.

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ik the chap count is a scam LMAO but anyways i wont be updating this fic for a bit, i have quizzes and honework to rush, while studying for my exams and then christmas programs at school and shit

I literallt spend more time at school than at home, i wanna write in the classroom but i have too many hoes lingering behind me. Not dropping this dw, update will just be delayed.

Next chapter will be around next week wednesday(?) but most likely friday to saturday next week

BYE GUYS!!💜

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“Today, you will be reacting to the teaser of Wiege. I know this is the first teaser there is, but it will give you all a… thought, about what might happen next, toodles!” The mysterious voice cheerily informed, the ceiling lit up as she spoke, then turned dark once again when she ended.

”Wiege?” Mizi questioned, “I don’t quite remember… a round with the name Wiege?” The television screen usually just lit up with whatever they were going to react to next, but the voice… they— she went out of their way to announce this.

The ceiling lit up once again. “Ah, yes. Do you recall the ending of round seven?”

”…We do…” Hyuna mumbled, it was quite difficult to just simply forget how injured she was. The image of her older self clutching at her stomach while struggling to walk— it sent shivers down her spine. She took it as a foreshadowing, that she may possibly join Hyun-Woo in the great Anakt.

No negative things. Hyuna shook those thoughts away, she swore to Hyun-Woo, she must keep her word.

Sua paused, all the puzzles coming together inside her head— “The special round.” She said, quite loudly. “Wiege is the title of the special round!”

”Oh, dear.” Ivan sighed under his breath, this was not going to end well. The aliens are sadistic, it was part of their nature. Because of the flowers, the cameras— they must have seen how Hyuna and Luka’s relationship blossomed, how it started, and how it ended.

Till grumbled, his eyes silently darting to his shoulder, where Ivan laid his head. Anakt, he didn’t even have the heart to yell anymore. “Only for a few minutes.” He told Ivan, who, in return, gleamed.

”Only for a few minutes.” Ivan repeated, like a parrot. He nuzzled closer to Till’s neck.

“Any-who! Yes, Sua is correct. ‘Wiege’ is the title of the special round, which will take place right after the events of round seven.” The voice hummed. “I currently do not possess the… i do not have access to the full round yet, due to some… issues. But, i have the teaser, even if it is only just a few seconds.”

”And, Mizi, i do apologize. We have to delay the viewing of your ‘Black Sorrow’ cover, i do wish you can forgive me.”

Mizi smiled, “No worries, miss. I can wait.” She said in response, a hint of excitement, and fear in her tone.

The voice hummed in reply.”I will ask you all, do you wish to view it?”

”We do.” The humans said in sync, while the aliens merely grumbled— or nodded their heads in approval. It was decided.

NEXT IN QUEUE: MIZI (BLACK SORROW)

NEXT IN QUEUE: WIEGE (TEASER)

NOW LOADING: WIEGE (TEASER)

It starts with a blank screen, then the scene changes to a close-up of a hand, pointing a gun at someone.

”Well, that is one way to start a teaser.” Heperu chuckled, unaware of who the gun was pointing at.

It was the first they were being shown teasers, or trailers. Mizi wanted to keep watching, to know what would happen to she and Hyuna— and find out about Till.

Mizi did not know Till very well, but if there was one thing about Til— it was that he was way tougher than he looks. Mizi refuses to believe he had died, only a picture of his cold, lifeless body would make her give up.

She had lost everyone in her life, and Till was the only left. Mizi did not want to be alone, she needed to keep her promise to Sua. 

Next to the mysterious person, was Hyuna, she was wearing the same black-green hoodie from the rebellion. She tilted her chin downwards and fixed her cap.

”I’m alive.” Hyuna gasped, then sighed. She was very injured last time, how could she look so normal? Help must have came, like those two boys from her video.

They came!

Hyun-Woo was digging his fingernails on her arm, but Hyuna’s shock and relief made her unable to register the pain. “Noona! He squealed. “You were saved! The rebellion helped you!”

”They did!” She cheered, hugging her brother as they yelled.

‘We can’t be so sure yet.’ Sua thought, no, it couldn’t be that easy. There was an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach, and no, she wasn’t hungry— but Sua could tell something was going to happen.

Mizi was beside her, sparkling as she celebrated.

All the while a soft, but eerie tune played. It changes to Luka.

Luka stayed silent. But, he looked… pathetic? 

His gaze was cast aside, his cheeks bright red. Luka’s eyes were full of emotion, even as the gun pointed at his forehead. He slightly turned his head to the side, staring at someone.

’He’s staring at Hyuna.’ Ivan sighed internally, Luka looked so smitten, and so in-love, even with the gun kissing his forehead. Ivan should have expected it, considering how obsessed Luka is with Hyuna— this much, it was barely a shock.

Hyun-Woo felt his blood go cold.

This couldn’t be happening, his gaze was glued on the gun— they were going to kill Luka, noona— no, she would. Noona noticed as he bit his lip and his legs shook, but Hyuna knew she couldn’t comfort him with flowery words, the future was unpredictable.

‘Beautiful.’ Luka thought as he exhaled, Hyuna was hurt, but she was okay. She was okay. But he wasn’t. This would be a rather bittersweet way to die, but Luka was fine, as long as it kept Hyuna safe. He felt sad that they wouldn’t be together just yet.

Mizi didn’t know how to feel.

Sure, Luka toyed with Till before he died, yes, Luka did ‘that’ with Sua— she wasn’t entirely worried about him, but rather the two siblings. This would surely be hard on them, it may even divide the two.

”Damn it.” Heperu slightly raised his voice, they were going to kill Luka? His greatest creation of all time? Not on his watch!

The scene changes to Mizi and Sua, in their white clothing and the same white collars on their necks.

”Its… us.” Mizi whispered softly, it was only a short scene, but every frame with Sua in it was precious. They looked a little older in that one, it hasn’t happened yet.

Sua stared at the television, feeling drawn to Mizi’s bright eyes and smile. She felt comfort, Sua found solace in Mizi.

Sua was holding a piece of paper, a lyric sheet. She was staring at Mizi, while they chatted, Mizi’s bright pink hair was tied into a high ponytail. Her hand was in a position of explaining things to Sua, they smiled, before the screen abruptly changed again.

This time, it switched to a close-up of Hyuna and Hyun-Woo. Hyuna was in the back, while Hyun-Woo was nearer to the camera. They were wearing the Anakt clothes, their eyes shut tight while smiling, and laughing.

”Oh,” Hyuna mumbled, she suddenly felt jitterish. She wasn’t sure why the thought of never being able to see Hyun-Woo past his current age came to her so suddenly. But it hit her, hard. She was already so grown up, but Hyun-Woo was forever a child.

She clawed the inside of her palms, she hated the future. But now, all she could do was stare, stare at their happy, smiling faces. 

As Hyuna leaned forward, it changed to a young Luka.

His yellow eyes widened as he grinned, sweat trickling down his face, his collar was green, he held up his purple fingers.

”I did something.” Luka whispered to no one in particular. He looked like how he did during that part in Hyuna’s video. But it couldn’t be connected to ‘that’, there were no sprinkles of blood on his face.

Next, it was a younger Ivan and Till. They were in front of a large white board full of sketches of trees and mountains.

’Hah, i’m out there drawing and this idiot decides to just stare at a blank wall?!’ Tilll fumed from the inside. Sometimes, Till wanted to be Ivan for a day, just to feel his thought process— like, dissect his brain.

Till’s palm was against the wall, as his other hand reached above to draw a hill. Ivan was right beside him, staring at the wall.

’That wall is so cool.’ Ivan smiled.

And then, the screen goes black once again.

It changed into an image of the large tree inside Anakt garden, in a far distance, you could see Luka, knees to his chest, back against the big tree— as the other human children played.

It zooms into Luka’s little hands, counting his fingers. But before he could raise the third finger, another hand reached out to him, pointing at their own finger.

’Hyun-Woo.’ Hyuna sighed, it was Hyun-Woo’s hand— or hers, she couldn’t tell. But, what was Luka counting?

”I’m feeling nervous now…” Mizi grumbled, they couldn’t tell at all whether or not this would be a video like ‘All-In’ or a round, like, round eight. The suspense was killing her, but she hoped Till and Hyuna would be alright.

END OF TRAILERS: WIEGE

NEXT IN QUEUE: MIZI (BLACK SORROW)

PLAY?

”Play.” Sua said, and the other did so too.

Maybe it would serve a good distraction.

Chapter Text

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT VIVIMENG

WHAT THE FUCK

OH MY GOD IT WAS LUKA

LUKA KILLED HYUNWOO
OH MY GOD??

HYUNA DIED FOR HIM

HYUNA CALLED HIM HER WEAKNESS
OH MY GODAND STILL NO HINTS THAT TILLS ALIVE.

Chapter Text

NOW LOADING: BLACK SORROW (MIZI)

NOW PLAYING: BLACK SORROW (MIZI)

”It’s my turn to sing.” Mizi remarked, a pleasant smile gracing her lips. And on top of that, she would be singing the song Ivan performed earlier— isn’t that splendid?

Black sorrow was the song they would often practice, alongside My Clematis. They were songs written by the aliens, and they would, at times, ask the children to compose.

Mizi snuggled her head in Sua’s shoulder, she was very warm at the moment. She knew Sua was smiling, without even looking— that’s how well they knew each other.

Nonetheless, Mizi’s anxiety felt especially strong today. Maybe the teaser for Wiege made her unnerved, without even looking the gun pointing at Luka’s head and Till’s death. It pained her to see that Sua and Till died in the same way, a bullet to the neck.

To make things worse, she was never able to properly process their deaths.

“ The soggy darkness crouched down,”

Chapter Text

NEXT QUEUE: WIEGE (MUSIC VIDEO)

NOW PLAYING: WIEGE (MUSIC VIDEO)

“You’ll be safe, noona.” Hyun-Woo smiled, holding her hand. He was nervous, to see what would happen. Hyuna patted his head. Though, Hyun-Woo’s words seemed more like he was comforting himself, rather than anyone else.

”Let’s see.” Hyuna wasn’t exactly sure on how ‘safe’ she was, after all, it was just a teaser they have been shown so far. There could be some unexpected twist at the end, or something— watching the other rounds really messed up her thought process. But that was just how world is.

Across the twins, Ivan leaned into Till’s shoulder again, he smelled like sweat. “Who do you think will win?” He asked, rather too calm. His nose was half-buried into the crook of Till’s neck, chuckling to himself as he felt the boy shiver.

”Don’t ask me that, i don’t know.” Till retorted. He can imagine being sad at both options, he had just created peace with Luka just a few hours ago, and Hyuna… they weren’t close, but she made Mizi happy in the rebellion, and that’s more than he could ever ask for.

”Okay~” Ivan giggled, hugging Till closely. They had gotten to the point where Till just let him do as he pleased, he knew he couldn’t stop Ivan anyway.

Or was it his guilt for Ivan’s death? 

Till huffed, “Why do you like clinging to me, anyway.” He murmured, and Ivan simply responded by pecking Till’s cheek with his lips, making him so screech in horror at Ivan’s actions.

’It’s time to see how Luka will fair, once more.’ Heperu thought as he laid back on his chair. If this episode was truly a round, he had no doubts that Luka would be able to defeat Phan’s human.

For that was Luka’s purpose.

Though, Heperu did wonder sometimes— was the being who brought them into this room an alien? They did not seem to speak the language of he aliens, but what human could possess such abilities?

Luka, in question, sat near Till and Ivan. He wanted to go near Hyuna and Hyun-Woo, but he knew it would only attract more trouble. Luka liked Hyuna a lot.

Sua sat with Mizi as always, refusing to leave the girl’s side. For now, she was focused on helping calm Mizi down, fearing the worst for both Till and Hyuna. Sua knows that Mizi’s standing on Luka was conflicted, but she probably won’t care too much if he truly did die.

The crowd is loud, cheering for Luka’s victory. Luka stood there, eyes widening while his lips stretched. His breath shook with every small movement.

The scene changes to Hyuna, staring at Luka as strands of her messy hair falls on her forehead full of sweat.

”What a reunion.” Till muttered. He could see the happiness, relief, and longing in Luka’s face— that much was quite obvious.

Luka really did not care about what could happen to him. He cared more about Hyuna than he cares about himself. Though it seemed Hyuna was fairing well in this moment.

He would really like to get to know Hyuna better soon. Till liked her personality, he admired how carefree and wild she was, just like him. Till liked that about her.

A hooded and masked member of the rebellion draped the jacket on Hyuna’s back. Hyuna turns away from Luka before taking her own hood and covering her face.

”You’ve been saved!” Hyun-Woo proclaimed loudly, his limbs jittering like jelly prepared to collapse at any given moment due to his excitement.

Hyuna smiled, pulling her little brother closer. “I’m safe.” Hyun-Woo was happy, so, so happy— much happier than Hyuna. But her statement from earlier still lingers, this doesn’t ultimately guarantee her survival.

Luka was smiling in relief, and happiness. A heavy bright red blush on both of his cheeks, he was still looking at Hyuna, with a bright light in his eyes.

’…This poor boy..’  Sua sighed, she very rarely thought about others like this, especially Luka— who impersonated her to win over Mizi.

Whatever past Hyuna and Luka had… it must be quite intense to have Luka so hooked like this. But that was just in the nature of every human, they cannot rely on any God, so they love and rely on others.

Just like her.

He took a step forward with shaky breaths, only for his breath to hitch when a pistol is pointed to his forehead.

”They better not.” Heperu growled, there was no way these brash humans could kill his masterpiece. Only he could decide whether or not Luka has served his purpose, and whether or not he could be released from his duties as Heperu’s pet.

He spent far too much money and time on creating Luka, after more than twenty failed clones, it cost him a handful. And Luka still did not come out perfect, his visuals and talents were not questionable, but his state and weak physique were.

It also took a huge amount of effort to make Luka like this, how he was right now. The fear training, the collars, the punishments. Heperu was not ready to let him go, not yet. He had money, he could fix Luka up over and over again.

Luka smiled softly behind his white sleeve, Hyuna looked at him again. He felt as if he would die if he did not see Hyuna again, even if the one with him currently refuses to look at him.

‘It’s like he can’t see anyone else but Hyuna.’ Ivan thought with a slight grimace. It was obvious how obsessed Luka was with the other, his eyes never left her figure, he was so, so mesmerized with Hyuna. So much that he doesn’t care whether or not he died on that spot.

It shows a close-up of the hand holding the gun, and beside them was Hyuna, adjusting her cap, and refusing to look at Luka.

’Of course.’ Ivan thought with exasperation. Hyuna must still be angry at Luka for what happened in their past together. Though, Ivan seriously doubts that Luka will die. Even with the rebellion present, it was hard to believe.

The camera shook as morse code began to play in the background, accompanied by a soft piano sound.

No one could speak morse code.

It was a language of the old earth before evasion, the textbooks or information about morse code was either destroyed in the taking, or hidden but damaged.

Sua took note of this, if she was able to find old, almost-demolished books about old concepts of humanity, maybe she could find one about morse code as well. Considering that the videos seem to like the use of that certain language.

Luka was staring down at Hyuna, gun still firmly pressed on his head. He showed no signs of fear, gaze glued on Hyuna. His gaze softened once more as he turned his head slightly, and smiled softly.

“Hush, my child.”

Hyuna’s voice was soft. The scene changed to a young, child Luka. His eyes were wide in fright, as red, and green liquids were splattered on his face.

”Oh, Anakt.” Mizi swore under her breath. What were those green stuff? The red was obviously blood, but where did the other liquid color originate from?!

And more importantly, what happened to Luka? He seems so terrified, and so… confused— like she was, before everything.

‘Clones.’ Ivan thought with a deep frown. It was obvious that someone like Luka could not have been created so perfectly in one try, of course there were others before him. But they could have been used for another purpose….

Nigeh stared at the clones with interest, she was intrigued. She despised how her own pet threw the competition for another lowly being to win, because of her feelings. If she could clone Sua… then she wouldn’t have to deal with the loss of her pet and model. Money would keep coming in, and her perfect emotionless doll would still be there.

”Brothers, and sisters.” Luka mumbled. He remembered that day, wanting to look at the room father tried so desperately to keep him away from. He should have listened. If he hadn’t tried to free them—

Would they have lived?

Would they be able to play with him like in his drawings?

”Drift into slumber.”

The child Luka was standing in the center of a ransacked laboratory. Holding a stick in his hand, while multiple glass containers were smashed. Other experiments— looking just like Luka either laid lifelessly on the ground, or falling out of their glasses.

Till’s face scrunched in discomfort. He never had to deal with clones or… things like that, unlike the others, since he wasn’t made in a lab. But he felt so bad for Luka.

He looked like he didn’t even want to kill them, it was definitely an accident. Till sighed, someone so young seeing that…

But after all, the world was cruel. Nothing was fair, even before the aliens came.

Two aliens rushed to Luka’s side, before the screen changes to Anakt Garden.

”In your dreams, you’ll run and play.”

Luka was seen in the distance, sitting alone in the middle of a large tree, while children like him played around.

“In paradise.”

’I hate the way it sounds like a lullaby.’ Till sighed. He loved music, he really did. The lullbay was comforting, and soothing. However, the context ruined it for him. It sounded as if Hyuna and Luka were trying to comfort each other for their mistakes.

Even before the situation from earlier, Till saw how Hyuna treated Luka like a baby that needed to be coddled. So that’s what Hyuna thought of Luka, a baby— that needs to be protected and held.

It reminded Till of the times his producer would wrap her thin arms around his tiny body so carefully, as if afraid of scratching him even a little. Till could not quite recall what she looked like. Only the lingering touch of her fingers, and her wide smile.

Luka was counting his fingers, raising them up one after the other. A tanned hand reaches out to him, counting their finger as well. Luka’s gaze flickered upwards, met with a child Hyuna. Her brown hair pulled into a ponytail, while she stared at Luka for a split second.

‘It’s hard to imagine what their relationship is in the future.’ They seemed so close, they liked each other. Mizi wanted to compare that relationship to hers and Sua’s, but Luka was far more different from them to compare. 

“Hush my Child.” It was Luka’s voice this time.

An older Hyuna was seen lying on her stomach around piles of dust and debris.

Mizi’s breath hitched when she laid eyes on the bone poking out of Hyuna’s severed leg. It must have been so painful. The building must have collapsed on her somehow, and crushed her leg. The mere thought of it made her wince, Hyuna did not deserve this pain.

She glanced at Hyuna who did not show much of a reaction, having made peace long ago about her circumstances. Hyun-Woo, however, seemed much more somber.

’I wonder how Phan would react if she saw this.’ Heperu smirked to himself. That old woman…

Both fists clenched together tightly, Hyuna shook as she struggled to stand up. Half of her left leg was chopped off, piles of blood oozing out.

“Gentle now, go to sleep.”

Luka was shown on stage, arms spread wide. He was wearing a loose white outfit, paired with black pants and a purple belt. The ginormous screen behind him glowing ‘LUKA WIN.’

”He wasn’t wearing that outfit in any of the videos.” Till pointed out, “It must be during the forty-ninth season.” Luka really… no, the ones who dress him up really like loose fitting clothing, don’t they? Doesn’t Luka ever feel… cold?

”Probably.” Hyuna mumbled. “Its similar to his round five outfit.” She did not notice how Luka’s eyes lit up when she noticed.

It shows Hyuna’s face closely, her eyes covered by her long hair falling. She was panting hardly while attempting to move, falling down in the end.

Hyun-Woo was now holding on tightly to his sister. “They hurt you.” He choked, the aliens hurt his sister.

”…” Hyuna stayed silent, not knowing what words she should choose. She silently stroked the back of Hyun-Woo’s head, she would do this with Luka as well— perhaps far more she does to Hyun-Woo.

She felt terrible for not being as angry at Luka anymore. It was something she couldn’t admit out-loud, after her outburst from earlier. Hyuna could tell that there was always some sort of tensions between Luka and her brother. But, the image of her brother just lying down lifelessly on the grass…

Was she wrong for still loving him?

A brief scene of Hyun-Woo shows up, standing in the side before turning around.

”And somewhere in that moment,”

”A moment.” Hyuna mumbled. That’s what she was looking for. A happy moment, where no one was dead— and the times where she could be happy. That’s what her future self was thinking as she tried to escape.

Those moments would only exist in her mind, because they would never happen again.

It changes to Hyuna sitting on a couch,  multiple empty bottles of wine emptied and scattered across the sofa. She was holding another bottle in her hand, before chugging it. Someone approaches her, but the scene cuts off before it it shown who it was.

’She’s depressed, it’s only natural— but i’m still worried for her.’ Mizi thought with a somber face, despite not having known Hyuna before this whole incident occurred, she’s really come to care for her.

Hyuna was like her big sister, in the future if not now. With all of her friends gone, the thought made her wince again, Hyuna was the only one she had left. Mizi would probably go insane due to this.

“The lonely moon will dream.”

Hyuna was now white sleeveless top, staring and poking at the metal to cover her severed leg. Dewey was on her side, looking. While two children, one lying on Hyuna’s shoulder, and th other beside Dewey were also admiring it.

”So his name is Dewey.” Hyuna remarked, remembering the two men from her video, who were apparently her friends. Dewey was really buff, he must be very strong.

”Your leg is like Captain Hook.” Hyun-Woo giggled, the aliens read them a story a few weeks ago. Captain Hook was the villain, who had a missing hand covered with a metal hook, and well— it is similar to hers, except it was her leg.

Hyuna smiled, pulling her brother close. “Yeah, just like Captain Hook.” 

It changes to Hyuna, hair in a messy ponytail, smiling. She was surrounded by others of the rebellion, all smiling.

Hyuna combs her hair with her fingers while laughing. Isaac, and other people surrounding her.

”So, this is what my life is going to be like.” Hyuna hummed, “I like it.” Not what she went through to achieve it, but the lifestyle of being free… it seemed so amazing.

She could learn so much about the wild, how to survive, and live like there was no tomorrow. Also, there could be some information about old humanity before the aliens, after hearing Sua speak about it earlier, she was also rather intrigued.

Mizi smiled warmly, so this was how the rebellion spent their days. It was certainly far more different than the lifestyle she had right now, but still so cool. If only she could take Sua, Ivan, and Till with her.

Speaking of the rebellion… Mizi recalls Ivan and Till’s attempted escape from the garden. Would it work a second time? This time, with all four of them? Maybe thwy can escape early, and no one would die in that rotten competition.

And then it showed Hyuna in plain white, turning and smiling as red outlined drawings of the Anakt Children reflect on her.

‘The garden is still a big part of who she is, it seems.’ Ivan thought. She must really care about the other human children, sometimes Ivan really does wonder if Hyuna tried to take the other children with her?

Hyun-Woo smiles for a brief moment, before changing into an upset Mizi. Long hair falling forward, as her cheeks were stained red with tears pricking her eyes.

Sua reached out to Mizi’s hand, and began to rub circles on her knuckles. She wasn’t too good at comforting others, since she was never really comforted, but she would try her best— for Mizi.

“A silent icy gaze.” It changes back to Hyuna singing.

They were in a room, behind them was a graffitied wall with posters. Mizi holds her shoulder and purses her lips, as Hyuna holds her palm to her forehead with frustration. She jumps for a moment when Mizi bursts, crying and yelling.

Hyuna’s expression turns sympathetic when Mizi sobs into her palms.

‘This must be before round six.’ Luka said internally, Mizi must be trying to convince Hyuna to save her two remaining friends. But Hyuna must have refused, due to the dangers.

Shine hated seeing her human so upset, maybe after this, she would withdraw her from Anakt, to keep her safe, at home.

“Falls upon us.”

A white butterfly lands on a surface behind a window with wires.

“Like a fragile reed,”

It changes to a younger Luka, lying on a reclined chair with an oxygen mask. Green and red wires strapped to his body, with multiple machines surrounding him.

Till hadn’t expected that, but Luka’s illness was this serious? How was Luka still alive and functioning well? It really surprises Till that he hasn’t caved in yet. Luka’s body was weak, he was frail, and too small for his age.

Well, perfection must come with a small imperfection. Nothing in this world would truly be a masterpiece.

”Trembling with fear.” Their voices synchronized.

Luka stares wide-eyed at Hyuna’s wanted poster. The angle changes to a zoomed out perspective, Luka was sitting on a hospital bed, before he leaned forward and kissed the poster of Hyuna.

”Totally normal…” Till grumbled, Luka really was that obsessed with her. However, Ivan did the same thing to him, but more… mild. Not that Till was okay with it, the whole mouth-kiss thing was slightly uncomfortable to watch. Till knew kisses on the mouth existed, but the situation… he just hated how he saw himself struggle.

”Fan-behavior.” Sua said, eyebrow raising when she noticed Hyuna’s eyes widen and a small blush on her cheeks. It seems… their love was not as one-sided as she thought.

A gentle melody plays in the background after the screen went dark briefly.

Mizi was shown smiling while running alongside Till, before she sped up and you could see Sua and Ivan as well.

”The gentle wind,”

”It’s us!” Mizi pointed at the television with excitement. However, why were they showing up on Hyuna and Luka’s video?

”For queries: time moves faster when you are in this room, currently it is February Fourteenth, the same date when Wiege and Cure took place.”

“Oh.” Ivan murmured. “Till, that means it’s my birthday today, won’t you give me the kiss you promised?” He cheekily said, earning pinch on his cheeks. “Oww…” before Till pecked his cheeks. Ivan went ballistic.

Sua hummed, ignoring the noise. “That explains it then, it must be showint everyone… because it’s the day of Love.” She explained.

They were in the preparation room for Alien Stage. Others trying on outfits. Sua was smiling while looking at the white dress with a bow that Mizi was holding. Sua was wearing a black dress.

”Ah. They switched outfits.” Nigeh said. “Though both dresses come from my collection, Guardian Shine you have nice taste in clothing.” Shine smiled.

Mizi grinned, her cheeks flushing. “You look better in white, it’s like… your color, you know?” She stated, hugging Sua.

Sua smirked, she loved that Mizi was always thinking about her, but she would have liked to see Mizi in the white dress as well. “It’s my color.” She agreed.

Sua’s face flushed when Mizi turned around and held the white dress up to her.

”Sways and dances.”

Till had his shirt off, holding a black spray-paint can as he paints his white shirt, black paint smudged on his face.

”It seems Guardian Urak cannot even provide his pet with performance clothes..” Nigeh commented, the malice and distaste evident in her tone.

Urak glared at the woman. “He can walk on stage with ripped clothes for all i care.”

Ivan was shown eating beside the other humans in a table, right across Marty.

Ivan felt something in his chest tighten when he saw Marty again, recalling the last time he saw him. Ivan had defeated him in round three, but Ivan knew Marty was happy for him— that was just the reckless idiot he was.

Unsha hummed, it was nice to see Ivan get along with pets like him. He doesn’t quite recall the name of Marty’s owner, but all Unsha knows it that Marty is behaved like Ivan, having the privilege to not wear a collar.

“As breath sinks deep,”

It switches to a tall hill with grey stones scattered around, young Hyuna was leaning over one in the distance, with Luka behind her.

”The graveyard.” Mizi frowned. They must be visiting Hyun-Woo’s grave. Mizi remembers visiting this area once, she was shocked by how many stone tablets there were, so much kids died so young.

Hyuna felt her already tired eyes water, how could she live without her little brother? They were twins, they were born at the same time, and they were each other’s halves.

“With Quiet longing.”

Luka’s collar turned green as he nuzzled Hyuna’s back.

It shows a a child’s drawing, with a tree, clouds, and a rainbow. A figure of Hyuna smiling was holding Luka’s hand, while Hyun-Woo was beside Luka. multiple other drawings of Luka was scattered around the paper, one crossed out with black and red crayons.

“You wanted your clones to live with you?” Mizi said, shocked. She received no answer from Luka, but they all knew the answer to that. Luka thinks of his clones as family.

Hyuna was laughing beside Hyun-Woo, before the screen went dark.

”And without a word,”

A man was shown smiling weakly while feeding a child.

”You’ll embrace,”

A human was shown laughing behind the glass of the petshop, drawings on the glass, chuckling with the other humans on the other side of the glass.

Till never did that, despite spending a few years at the human editing shop. All the children were either too brainwashed to even act on their own, or they simply were just too tired to function. Still, he would have loved to make a friend like this. (Ivan doesn’t count.)

“The sea that sings.”

Mizi and Sua were shown in their Anakt uniforms, sitting together while laughing and chatting.

The moments when they were happy, and had nothing to fear. Sua missed those days.

It changes to Till and Ivan. Till was sitting on the grass, holding the orange sticks for his xylophone. Ivan was standing behind him, looking down at Till. Before they both grin.

’I still don’t know who gave me such an expensive xylophone…’ Till sighed internally. Although the xylophone was obviously used when he received it for his birthday, it was clearly expensive. He can’t think of anything who would spend so much money on hi— wait a damn minute.

”Did you give me the xylophone?” Till asked, turning to Ivan. Who made a ‘you caught me’ expression.

”Took you long enough to figure it out.” Till wanted to ask more, demand why Ivan did not say anything when it was given to him— but he would save it for later.

Mizi, Sua, Ivan, and Till were shown in the center of a crowd of other students, all holding lyrical sheets as Till carried his xylophone on his lap.

It suddenly switched to Mizi during round one, hunched over in tears, with Sua’s blood staining her cheek.

“Round one!” Till said, a little too loudly. This must be after what happened to Sua, Mizi… he can’t believe what he was about to say, but she looked deranged.

I mean, who wouldn’t be? After witnessing someone’s death, especially if its someone you cared a lot about.

Mizi frowned, body shaking. The reminder of Sua being dead scared her, back then, she hadn’t even thought of that possibility.

Hyuna was running around while laughing heartedly, sweat and soot on her arm and neck, wearing orange sunshades.

Hyun-Woo held Luka’s back as his free hand raises to take a picture. Luka was staring with a straight face, unaware of the roach on his hair.

“That’s gross.” Till commented, which made Sua glare at him. Ugh, he forgot that girl gifted him an insect for his birthday last year.

”They aren’t that scary.” Luka mumbled.

It shows large trees in the middle of a forest, the sky bright.

Sua was grinning and giggling, in a school uniform as she held her cellphone in her hands. Another girl was next to her, laughing. Sua turned to her friend.

”Before anyone asks, the next scenes that follow are from another universe.” The voice said. “Where aliens never invaded earth, and humans are free.”

”Impossible!” Heperu growled, seething at the idea of humans being free. He couldn’t let Luka be free— he was his!

Shine took a sip of tea, sighing. “Guardian Heperu, they said Alternate Universe. You know many more universes exist beyond ours.” Heperu huffed and crossed his arms.

“So, that’s me?” Sua asked, pupils widening as she stared at who she could’ve been. She wanted to meet this version of her, who looks so free, so cared for, and so lovely. “She’s so happy.” She whispered.

”This is so amazing.” Mizi commented, i wonder when i’ll see my alternate self!” Finding out that you aren’t the only version of yourself was certainly interesting.

Mizi was drenched in sweat, hair pulled into a high ponytail as fake cat ears rested on her head. Mizi was smiling while her hands were raised.

Mizi did not say anything immediately, instead, she was staring at the person shown. It was her, they smiled the same. But they were in a better place. “Well i saw myself alright.” She chuckled.

”You’re stunning, Mizi.”

Till nodded in agreement.

Till was wearing a simple green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, focused on the drawing in front of him. He stuck his tongue out as he held the canvas closer and drew.

”It seems like you’re still an art nerd in every universe, Till.” Ivan teased, making Till’s cheeks turn red. Yes, liked art, so what?

”So what?” Till grumbled. He loved art, it allowed him a momentary freedom.

Ivan was sitting on a bench, holding a heart-shaped paper with a confession, though he seemed indifferent. He had headphones around his neck, he turned around to look at the classmate behind him, before smiling curtly.

”A love confession!” Sua said, as if scandalized, wanting to tease Ivan a bit. Ivan rolled his eyes slightly at Sua.

”Ivan’s still famous in this world.” Mizi chuckled. Her best friend was always receiving love confession in the garden, though she did feel bad when they get hopelessly turned down by Ivan.

Till was glaring at the television. “You don’t seem pleased at it, though.”

”Well, it wasn’t from you, why would i be pleased?”

”S-Shut up!”

Hyun-Woo was biking with his friend, he was wearing his school uniform with a cardigan, he smiled with his friend.

”I look nice.” Hyun-Woo grinned. “I have friends there!” People actually wanted to be his friend? He loved this world! Oh, and he wasn’t dead, so…

”You do.” Hyuna ruffled his hair.

A pink phone was angled in front of a stack of pancakes covered in cream and berries, with two plushed animals in front.

Hyuna was holding a bottle of wine, her ring shining. Luka’s hand held hers, a matching ring on his finger.

”Is this…” Whatever Sua wanted to say was suddenly caught in her throat. She read about an old human practice in a book, marriage— and engagement. The aliens do it, but they never knew humans did it as well. “They’re getting married!” She finally said.

Luka’s head whipped around so quickly you would have started to wonder how he didn’t break his neck. “Huh?” He said, and so did a bewildered Hyuna.

”It seems so.” Heperu’s words made them realize that this was real— humans could get married too? This was… unbelievable.

”I got married… to Luka?” Hyuna asked, still baffled, eyes glued on the matching shining rings both she and Luka had. If they were getting married, then it means they were in love, right? Her face felt hot.

Hyun-Woo was alive as well, could this… could this happen in their universes too? If they can prevent Hyun-Woo’s death, could Hyuna… love Luka freely?

Hyuna stared at Luka, he seemed to understand her mental message. He hesitantly stood up and walked over to them. “Why?” Luka asked immediately.

”Just stay there.” Hyuna muttered, Hyun-Woo was holding her hand rather tightly, comforting her wordlessly. No matter what happened, Hyuna knew she still cared for Luka, and it would be difficult to let him go. But she could… save their fate, if that made sense.

Luka settled on a reasonable distance from them. “Come closer.” Hyun-Woo urged, making Hyuna blink. And Luka did so, he scooted closer until Hyun-Woo was pleased.

That was weird.

Hyuna leaned forward and kissed Luka’s cheek, her hair pulled into a ponytail, she was wearing hoop earring with sparkly eyeshadow.

Luka was wearing glasses, he grinned when Hyuna pecked his cheek, before leaning in to kiss her lips.

”You… You’re doing the same thing Ivan did to Till!” Mizi exclaimed loudly.

Luka’s face was red, and he seemed too embarrassed to even say anything. If Hyuna kissed him, and allowed him to kiss her… then she loves him too. She wanted to hug her, and he did. She flinched, but did not push him away.

Heperu glared at the screen. This would only cause Luka weakness. He needed to get rid of the girl.

The scene changed to a hand twirling the red anemone around.

Till had the red flower tucked safely behind his ear, he was holding a microphone and sang loudly with a wide grin.

Mizi was crying, holding a robotic fish as Sua sat beside her, puzzled, but trying to comfort her.

Till was tip-toeing as he drew a hill on the wall, with Ivan standing beside him.

Till was focused on his drawing, not noticing Ivan’s gaze on his.

”That’s creepy..” Till grumbled with no real bad intent. Ivan was a weird kid, and he knew that. But it was about time he got used to his… weird-ness.

”You’re more entertaining than the drawing, after all.” Ivan commented, making Till furiously blush and turn away.

A leaf flew through the wind, Luka was hugging Hyuna’s arm even as Hyun-Woo tried to reach his hand out.

Sua leaped happily on stage, purple eyes shining brighter than ever while her hair wavered in the wind.

If she had a photographic memory, then Mizi would gladly have this image on her brain every day, every second, every hour.

The four children were seen in front of two beasts with a huge set of teeth. Ivan was brushing the dirt off of its tooth while talking to Mizi. Till was being carried in the beast’s mouth with a bewildered expression, Sua looked up at him with worry.

”Hey, you didn’t even bother to help at that time!” Till exclaimed, glaring at Sua.

”Chill, it’s not like that thing would have ate you whole…” Actually, it was possible.

A girl’s legs ran forward. Hyun-Woo’s face grew irritated, before yelling and raising his fist, showing Luka’s blond hair.

”Was this what led to my death?” Hyun-Woo bluntly said. “So i started it…” he said in understanding.

Luka shivered. “No, i must have said something to infuriate you. Sorry…” he earned a smile from Hyun-Woo. Luka did not understand humans well, but he could tell that Hyun-Woo wasn’t mad. He thought… that maybe Hyun-Woo had clones like him, and was able to come back.

The future proved him wrong. There was no coming back after death. He felt guilty, Hyun-Woo reached out to him first— and them… this happens.

”You are both children, fights and outbursts happen.” To their shock, it was Shine who had said that. She was sipping green tea.

Hyuna nodded in agreement. 

Hyuna was leaned over with a grin, a child sat next to her, they were playing a card game with the other members of the rebellion. It then showed Hyuna’s face, sunglasses tilting as she laughed boisterously.

Luka was standing in the corner of a room, holding a tall staff as he stared at three, thin, white and bloody bodies behind the large glass.

”What are those…” Hyun-Woo frowned, Luka shrugged.

Heperu’s glare returned. So Luka blatantly disobeyed him and entered the lab? It seems like his authority on Luka was leaving, he needed to instill that on to him later once more.

The music turned somber as the scene changed to Mizi kneeling on the stage, crying loudly. Four rebellion members held guns and surrounded the stage.

’Oh, Mizi.’ Shine frowned. Her dear pet has experienced so much pain in just a few days, Shine decided wrongly when she sent Mizi to Anakt, she needs to correct her mistakes— or else this would happen.

Sua nudged the pink-haired girl closer.

It zoomed in on Mizi’s face, her lips parted as she sobbed. Suddenly the image of Sua came to mind. Sua turned around and smiled, though her eyes were not visible.

”Is she starting to forget?” Hyuna whispered with shock. Was Mizi starting to forget how Sua looked like? Or was this another situation.

“Wings drenched in longing..”

The gun was still pointing at Luka off screen, as Hyuna discussed with a fellow member.

“—Unfold at last.”

Luka raised his purple fingertips and reached them out slowly, his cheeks still as flushed as earlier, while smiling like a child.

”Noona, you do treat him like a child after all.” Hyun-Woo smiled. But everyone was tense, this was the scene that decided what would happen.

It switches to a young Luka, eyes widened in a somewhat panicked way, with small splatters of blood on his cheek.

Luka’s face darkened.

It changes back to Luka, slowly stepping forward as his gaze locked on Hyuna.

It switched back when he was a child, Hyun-Woo’s lifeless body lying on the grass as Luka walked forward to a frozen Hyuna.

Hyun-Woo sighed, turning away. He did not blame Luka completely, but he didn’t have the stomach to stare at his own dead body.

“Like a fragile sprout,”

Hyuna’s gaze slowly moved upwards, widening when she sees Luka running to her.

Ivan’s heart sank when he thought of what would happen. Till noticed, and surprisingly did not ask any questions. Ivan couldn’t tell if Till knew what would happen or simply just wanted to comfort him, but Till held his hand, shakily.

Hyuna runs towards Luka, and so does he. The scene flickering from the past and present.

”Too small to hold.”

Before the rebellion members shot Luka, Hyuna wrapped her arms around him and took his place.

Hyun-Woo gasped loudly, and so did Mizi.

”No…” Hyuna whispered-Woo whispered. Noona got shot. He was a fucking idiot himself for thinking this secured her survival— he's so stupid, why couldn’t he have thought of this possibility—

“Hyun-Woo!” Hyuna yelled, capturing the boy’s attention. Only then did he realize the fountain of tears falling from his eyes. Hyuna was holding his cheeks softly, her eyes watering, but refusing to let go.

Hyuna locked eyes with her younger twin brother. “I…” She didn’t know what to say.

”You what?! You… i really thought you’d live…” Hyun-Woo sobbed into his sister’s chest. “I wanted you to live, possibly fix your relationship with Luka, stay with him— and, and—“

”Shhh…” Hyuna whispered, holding him close, she crooked her head to look at Luka. The little boy was frozen in shock still, eyes darting to Hyuna when he finally processed what had just happened. Tears were pricking at his eyes.

Luka ran to Hyuna, the girl coddled them both in her arms as the two boys cried their hearts out. She herself was tearing up. She saved Luka from dying, but she died instead.

She completely expected to despise Luka for murdering Hyun-Woo, but he made it so hard to hate him.

They’ve shared a lot of memories together, both bad and good.

Heperu stares at the screen with a smirk. Phan’s human… she prevented Luka from dying, his masterpiece was safe.

Mizi was covering her mouth in disbelief. All of her friends were gone… they’re all dead.

The color of the screen changes to red for a brief moment as Hyuna’s eyes widened in pain when the bullet hit her. Luka, finally realizing the situation was also shocked, staring at Hyuna with fright.

The screen blanks out momentarily, before a rocketship was flying into the air.

“Scattered sorrow,”

Hyuna sat on the bedside of a man, Dewey stood behind. Isaac’s expression was full of worry as he held the dying man.

”Who is that man?” Hyuna said, throat hoarse.

”I reckon a member of the rebellion who guides you in the future.” Ivan replied. Hyuna nodded, that seemed most likely.

”Sways and dances,”

The dying man was speaking, but could not be heard over the music. Patches of his hair were gone, his cheekbones noticeable. A long scar traveled down his eye, as she stared at  them with tired eyes. Before smiling softly.

Isaac’s hand was still holding the man, while Hyuna’s lips were pursed together as she stared at the man.

“As dawn rises,”

It transitioned to Hyuna sitting on a hospital bed, staring down at her lap with a tired gaze.

Someone walks into her room, holding a tray of food and water, was the dying man before he was dying. His cheekbones were no longer visible, he smiled, with long brown hair that did not have bald patched anymore. Dewey was standing beside him, a black mask pulled down.

Hyuna raises her leg and slips off the blanket, only to see her severed limb be replaced by a prosthetic one.

Hyuna’s eyes sparkled. “He…He gave me my leg.” She smiled and teared up, she had so much people looking out for her in the future.

“Unshaken and sure,”

It flickers back when Hyuna lost her leg, she raised her other leg as more blood poured out.

It shows a boy in a white shirt and vest, smiling with his arm up. His picture behind him signifying his win against Hyuna.

Luka glared at the boy and made sure to remember who he was. He knows he was the winner of the forty-ninth Alien Stage, but it would be better if he learned about this boy and destroyed him.

Thought it was hard to imagine Hyuna losing, considering how talented she was. The boy must have won due to popularity.

Luka found out from his guardian that Hyuna’s guardian did not invest her too much, and did not care about Alien Stage.

He couldn’t let Hyuna die, he needs to find a way.

It changes back to Luka resting his head on Hyuna’s back, the camera going up, her teeth clenched as she sobbed.

”I’m sorry for leaving you.” Hyun-Woo mumbled.

”It’s not your fault.” Hyuna quickly said.

“And without a word,”

Kid Hyuna was shown once again, smiling as she counted Luka’s fingers one by one.

”You’ll embrace,”

Luka’s eyes were wide open as he stared at Hyuna before blinking his eyes and laughing, a faint blush on his cheeks.

”The sea that sings.”

Hyuna falls forward and clashes with Luka’s body, transitioning to adult Luka’s fearful face as Hyuna hugged him.

’That was… a really sad way to transition scenes.’ Till sighed, a cheerful hug turning into a desperate one.

Luka’s breath hitched, Hyuna’s sprinkled blood on the center of his face, his eyes focused straight ahead, refusing to look at Hyuna.

“I resented you so,” Hyuna spoke, as tears welled in Luka’s eyes.

“I had to keep moving forward in every moment—“

”—But you were always my one and only weakness.” Luka’s pupils quivered for a second, his eyes shaking as more tears stained his face.

Luka’s eyes widened even more. Hyuna’s only weakness… was him? His chest tightened, how could he have let this happen? He clung closer to Hyuna, unsure of what to say. He was never good at words other than hurting others with them.

Hyuna touched both of their heads. ‘My weakness… and my strength.’ She turned to both of them.

“That’s why i resented you so.” Hyuna’s voice was starting to shake, her hooded head nuzzled into Luka’s shoulder.

Hyuna’s arm wraps around Luka’s body. “Luka, live with love.”

”How can i…” Luka’s breath shook. “How can i live with love, if the one i love is gone?” He said, tears spilling from his eyes, as Hyuna cradled his small body into his arm. The first time she’s done it after her outburst.

”I’m sorry, i-i’m sorry.” Hyuna whispered, hugging him so tightly, pressing Luka’s head on her chest. “I couldn’t…” she did not continue her sentence.

Ivan looked down to his lap as chaos ensued. In a way, this was Hyuna’s revenge on Luka. Having to watch as the one he loves dies in front of him, just as Luka did with Hyuna-Woo. This was Hyuna’s revenge, though they may not realize that yet.

“Embrace the pain, the frailty, and the moments so unbearably shameful.” It shows them both from a distance, the rocketship behind them.

“Forgive yourself again and again, endlessly.”

Hyun-Woo buried his face in his palms as he listened to his big sister’s last speech to Luka. She told Luka to forgive himself for what he had done. She loved Luka despite killing him.

But he could not find his anger, he was shaking with fear and rage— not to Luka, but at the person who still pulled the trigger although he saw his sister do that!

He may be angry with Luka because of how he acts towards his sister, but at the end of the day he was a child. They all were.

“Because everything, begins from there..”

Hyuna’s voice trailed off, the screen went dark. Suddenly the bracket labelled ‘SPECIAL GUEST’ appeared, Hyuna’s picture beside Mizi’s turned dark.

”Sick, insane fucks!” Till cussed, head in his hands. Hyuna’s picture went dark like tthe other eliminated competitors— which was crazy since Hyuna wasn’t even competing!

The members were holding their guns still. Mizi’s arms were on Till’s face, her eyes turning more crazed as she cried.

’She’s slowly losing her sanity.’ Sua thought with a horrified expression. It was now highly possible that Mizi would do something she normally wouldn’t.

Hyuna’s death was her last straw.

END OF: WIEGE (MUSIC VIDEO)

NEXT IN QUEUE: NOWHERE

Hyuna had her arms around the two boys, hugging them close. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair— they didn’t deserve this. She hated that Hyun-Woo died, she hated that Luka betrayed her, she hated… that she died.

She hated many things.

Chapter Text

its been a hot minute lol

i just wanted to say that i am still updating this fic but lost some motivation and interest in alnst but i will update very soon, hope u guys understand :)!

Chapter Text

I FUCKINGGGGGG KNEW TILL WAS ALIVE OH MY SHIT JES ALIVE HE GOT A BOB BUT HES ALIVE LUKA GOT CREMATED AND REVIVED AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Chapter Text

NEXT IN QUEUE: OST-NOWHERE

"Nowhere?" Till piped up, it was another original song, like Hyuna's. From the way Ivan's shoulders tensed, he had a vague guess on who could be singing it.

'How did they find this?' Ivan thought nervously. He was certain this song was donated somewhere. Then again, some extraordinary being summoned them into this room without using alien technology. It's been years since he's last heard this song, frankly, he'd rather this not be shown at all.

"Original song? Like mine?" Hyuna said excitedly. She wondered who else would be getting songs that werent written by the aliens. Close to her, Luka shifted uncomfortably. The shock from the last video was still there.

Luka's eyes were blank and unmoving. Hyun-Woo was dead, he killed Hyun-Woo, Hyuna died because of him. It was all his fault, he was too unaware of his surroundings and couldn't stop Hyuna from taking the bullet instead of him. She was already injured, she was writhing in pain during one scene--and he made her pain worse. That's why, he can't help but keep his distance from the siblings, no matter how much he wanted to sob in Hyuna's arms while she held his body close in that familiar way.

The title sounded familiar, Unsha racks his brain in an attempt to recall where he heard 'Nowhere' from. 

"I wonder who it could be." Mizi mumbled, the title made it seem like something Ivan would sing.

"In love with you, when you were mine."

It was Ivan's voice, though a little distorted. It made Till perk up unconsciously. For some odd reason, he's felt more sensitive towards anything Ivan-related after round six. Till couldn't understand if it was his guilt controlling him, or something else.

He was already dead, and so was everyone else. The only ones who remained were Mizi and Luka.

"It sounds like a song being reversed." Mizi commented, it was a unique feature. And she was correct, this song belonged to Ivan. She wonders what it could be about.

Sua nodded in agreement. "It sounds interesting." When you were mine? 

Now Unsha remembers why this song seemed so familiar to him. It was one of the songs Ivan sang and had donated to Anakt garden, it was incredible, really. Whoever was keeping them inside this space not only had access to the future seasons, but also to small things like this.

"Remember when you're in love."

"Love, love, always you."

There was only one person Ivan loved the most in this screwed-up world. And that person was Till. He hated that he never noticed it until earlier, but Ivan...if that bastard just stopped acting like he did, maybe Till could have been kinder to him, or their relationship would have been different. Till wanted to change everything, Ivan's unfair death, Mizi's sadness, everything.

If Ivan made his feelings clearer...Till couldn't stop dwelling on the what-if's. He's always had the feeling that Ivan somewhat disliked him based on how he acted.

"You always stole my pencils," Till found himself talking, "Then gave them back with a smile like you weren't the thief. Why?" It was one of the questions he's been dying to ask since round six, Till thought it was a way to tease him, but Ivan didn't think the same as others--they all processed things differently.

Ivan smiled, the look in Till's eyes begged for no more lies. "I wanted your attention, I always picked fights with you because of the fierce gaze you always gave me. I liked having your eyes to myself." He admitted, watching as Till's irises trembled slightly.

"You could have just told me." He said quietly.

The drawings of Ivan he always shoved under his beddings came back to him. He never showed them to Ivan, because he was embarrassed. However, they were too precious to discard.

"In love, love, always."

"Nowhere, a history stained from beginning to end."

"It freely chatters away, This always happens to me."

Was that really how he thought? The guilt gnawed at him, Ivan admitted it himself, he wanted Till's attention. They misunderstood each other in all their time together.

Did he feel like he belonged nowhere? Hyun-Woo got to thinking, he felt bad for Ivan. His death saddened Hyun-Woo, he loved Till so much to the point he died for him.

"Nowhere, a rigid dream and hope seeped in a rose tint."

Ivan had dreams back then, where all he could do in the slums were survive and imagine. Even when he was auctioned-off and adopted, dreams were impossible.

He didn't have any hope, It was better to smile. Those machines he was always hooked to, the pliers stretched his mouth wide to form a perfect smile. Ivan was perfect, as his owner spectacled. He didn't like being perfect. 

"It's stained with blood. That's just how it is--"

"This always happens to me."

Not anymore. Till clenched his fists tightly. He doesn't want Ivan to feel like this anymore, this time, he won't be too blinded by his emotions anymore and escaoe with Ivan. If that meant preventing his death, Till would gladly take all the risks.

Till glanced at Ivan, who was already staring at him, he had a neutral expression, his snaggletooth was peeking out as usual. Till wanted to scream and all, why didn't you tell me how you felt? They could have understanded each other.

"My sky, shaped by the world."

"Doesn't even let me stand under it, I lay down and look At yesterday's daydream, all torn up."

"Fly far, far away."

"Never, never come back to me, Because it's easier to forget."

It was easier to forget, if only that much was true. Mizi thought, forgetting wasn't easy for her, she would always remember how she was treated, Sua's frightened expression when she tried to fall off that cliff, and standing outside the doorway as Sua practiced her death.

Mizi wanted to forget, but she couldn't. Which is why she felt safer acting oblivious to everything, it was better to be clueless.

"It's so typical, typical to me."

"Wake up, wake up, in my ovеrwhelming daily life."

He always slept late, and barely slept. He must have it harder because of his high visuals. Luka was always booked with meetings for dofferent aliens, who did it just to catch a glimpse of Luka's face. Hyuna thought sourly, which is why Luka's guardian was often coming by to fetch him. She could semi-imagine how it is for Ivan.

"Is it for real? An еxistence like dust
I can't stand to look at it."

"Close my eyes, and my mind."

"This painful wound that keeps getting worse."

It got worse with every reminder, all the times he was left alone. The acts of perfection, it wasn't like Ivan actually wanted to do those. If he had a choice, he wouldn't do it at all. 

"I become more and more numb to it
In the dark city lights."

"I can't find anyone, anyone, anyone."

"Nowhere, a history stained from beginning to end."

"With that revolting tooth, This always happens to me."

Does he think his snaggletooth is revolting? Till felt quite the opposite, it was adorable, and one of Ivan's many odd charms, really. Ivan always looked perfect others, he couldn't say the same with him, but Ivan was always praised. Till never thought of how Ivan perceived himself.

"You look...cute when your...snaggletooth perks out." Till's face turned red from shame, he didn't usually compliment Ivan, but how could he let it go when Ivan thought his features were revolting?

Ivan's mouth gaped, seemingly caught off-guard. He said nothing, and stared at Till looking like an idiot. "Really?" He finally said, though very quiet. Till's eyes widened as he watched Ivan's cheeks turn slightly pink. He's never seen Ivan react like...like that, it was completely new.

"Mhm." Till nodded, palm pressed against his cheek. "You always look..c-cute." What was wrong with him today? Till couldn't the stop the words leaving his mouth, it was like it was on auto pilot all of a sudden.

Ivan's face softened, clearly pleased with Till's words. A grin spread on his lips, it wasn't the fake, practiced ones where his lips were forced upwards--it was a genuine smile, one that he can finally say came from his heart.

Mizi watched from the sidelines, they were finally getting along better. She unconsciously smiled. Ivan was her best-friend, and the first guy she's met that didn't try and force their feelings on her. She felt glad he was finally patching things with Till.

"Nowhere, a rigid dream and hope seeped in a purple tint."

"It's stained with blood-- That's just how it is."

"This always happens to me."

"That's just the kind of kid he is, so laugh Laugh, because he can't do anything."

He's rapping. Rappers were a bit rare in the  industry, among the pet humans. The aliens always preferred pure vocals over rapping, but there were some, that liked it. Sua thought, though she can admit, Ivan was a pretty good rapper.

No wonder he was so praised. Not like her, whose vocals were barely average, she was only praised for her doll-like features and personality, plus her grades. The aliens gave her the image of an angel, which is why she had to stick to that.

"No one cares about someone like him."

Of course someone cared! Till angrily shouted inside his mind. He cared. These were things he would never admit back then, but they flowed out much easier now--though in his head, for now.

"There's nowhere in the world for him to rest."

"That's just how he is-- He's smooth, flexible, quite easy."

"Just go past it like it doesn't bother you. It's nothing, shake it off and stand tall Again."

It was his routine at that point. Sua always noticed Ivan letting others walk all over him, he was a pushover. He was always brushing it off like nothing at all.

"You shouldn't let those people walk all over you." Till commented, keeping eye-contact with Ivan, who said nothing and smiled instead.

"it's nothing, shake it off and stand tall Like nothing happened."

"Wake up wake up, in this beautiful life. Is it for real? An existence like dust."

"I can't stand to look at it."

"Close my eyes, and my mind."

"This painful wound that keeps getting worse."

Till wanted to tell Ivan he could always talk to him. But at the same time, how was Till supposed to help him when he too had a painful wound as well? And he doesn't think of himself as particularly great company.

When they get back to Anakt garden...should he finally show those drawings he made to Ivan? Would that somehow make him feel better? Ivan's always asked Till to draw him, but Till always refused, though he did it--just, alone. They were probably all crumpled after he just shoved them in a random spot.

"I become more and more numb to it."

"In the dark city lights-- I can't find anyone, anyone, anyone."

The only light he's ever known was Till. His personality was the opposite of his, Till was rebellious--he was everything Ivan couldn't be. Ivan desperately wanted to cling on to Till until the end, but he isn't sure how he'd react. Till would probably shove him off, like always.

"Nowhere, a hysteria festering from beginning to end."

"With these cruel lips..."

Till shivered. Those lips really were cruel. He still felt the pit in his stomach when Till remembers the uncomfortable scene of Ivan forcing himself on him using his lips, just to die. Till didn't like the kiss, despite not having experiencing it yet.

Ivan was so, so cruel. Till's nails poked at his already bleeding lips, it looked weird.

"This always happens to me."

"Nowhere, a rigid dream and hope seeped in a black tint,"

"It's stained with blood."

"That's just how it is--"

"This always happens to me, This always happens to me."

"This always happens to me."

END OF OST: NOWHERE

NEXT IN QUEUE: KARMA

Karma...it could be taken literally. All this time, someone was bound to get their very own karma, a taste of their own medicine--and Mizi had a feeling it would be here.

All of her friends were dead, she was the only one remaining now. Sua died because Mizi couldn't be as desperate as her, she stood by and watched Sua rehearse her death every night. Maybe it was because she just wanted to crush someone, and Sua was perfect for that.

Someone she could crush..instead of being crushed herself.

The next music video...only Luka and Mizi were the survivors out of them all. Ivan was curious to see how it would turn out, Mizi's act...Ivan knows she would be too broken to keep her mask up any longer.

The suspense was killing them.