Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sampo could never remember anything before becoming an Emanator.

It was a price he had to pay, one he had no idea that he had to pay. Not that he had any choice; after all, he had been young when he was taken in by the Masked Fools.

‘Rescued’, even.

At least, those are the memories of his earliest days.

He was only seventeen, and he had been entangled in the strings of Aha and the Masked Fools ever since.

Even when he had left the Masked Fools… he still couldn't recall a thing from his past.

Perhaps because he left unofficially?

He wondered if he would regain his memories if he confronted his Aeon about leaving.

Now that was a thought he never dreamed of having, nor did he have the strength to actually do.

After all, Aeons could be so kind yet so cruel, and an Aeon as unexpected as Aha would be no different. Sampo knew that by experience.

Still, that didn't stop him from searching.

Even if he is aware that ‘Sampo’ isn't even his real name, there should be clues about him somewhere, right?

Travelling planet after planet, hiding from the Fools and searching for clues about his past, yet he couldn't find a single thing to help.

He finally stopped trying when he reached Jarilo-VI.

A dying planet belonging to the Aeon Qlipoth, who had preserved one city called Belobog among the Eternal Freeze.

He lived among the Underworlders for years, taken in as one of their own the moment he showed up after a small tussle in the Overworld, and his desire to bring them Elation, especially the young children suffering beneath, overpowered his willingness to leave and seek out for more answers about himself.

So he stayed.

He pulled on the strings of the script, calling out to the Astral Express with the radiance of his blessings, and orchestrating the plan to save the planet he had been attached to. It took many years, but he was willing to wait, staying in the Snow Plains to be the first to meet the current crew of the Express.

And none were in vain for at long last… they had come.

He praised Qlipoth for preserving this planet long enough for him to help, even the stuffy Overworlders and the Silvermane Guards that saw him as a criminal. No matter the chaos he brought, he still longed to save them all.

And save them, he did.

He helped the Astral Express traverse through the boundaries of the planet, passing them through the seal that the Supreme Guardian Cocolia had created. A small feat of power to show for an Emanator such as himself, but one that helped them greatly nonetheless.

And now, Belobog had re-established itself amongst the universe, and he had never been prouder of his work.

He couldn't even help himself into contacting his old friend Giovanni from the Masked Fools Tavern in Epsilon. He knew he shouldn't, after all, he spent years trying to hide from him and the others to not ever… speak to the likes of her , but in a victory such as this… he couldn't help but miss chattering with the Mortal Head of the Masked Fools.

Meeting Giovanni in person was the most surprising scenario he had thought of, but after the IPC came to the planet to ‘collect the taxes’ (oh how he remembered having his ass handed to him but that IPC girl. Topaz, was it? Argh, how infuriating.), it was no surprise that it was easier for him to be found.

And that made him grow worried.

It only gave him more worry when the Silvermane Guard came back from battling with severe wounds. Even the Captain he enjoyed being chased by could be found badly injured in the hospital, and he could only pray to Yaoshi to help him and the guards to heal well.

It was no fun watching someone's pain.

He had no idea how she could do it, but he certainly couldn't.

His worries grew worse when Gepard returned with only half the men he had sent out. The new Supreme Guardian Lady Bronya had been waiting for him in front of Qlipoth Fort with the Intelligence Officer Pelageya Sergeyevna, and Sampo was in a disguise nearby to catch the conversation.

“Captain? What happened?” Bronya asked, her voice laced with severe worry.

“We found… some more monstrous creatures, Lady Bronya,” Gepard informed, letting the rest of the guards leave to be healed while he bowed. “They seemed to unfreeze from the ice, but… they don't look anything like the Fragmentum Monsters. They appear more… dangerous,”

“Dangerous?” Pelageya blinked and shifted her glasses as she stared up at him. “How dangerous, Captain?”

“Dangerous as in…” Gepard’s breath hitched. “One took out three guards all at once. It was by pure luck that I managed to help half of us escape.”

Three guards at once?

Sampo felt himself grimace. It couldn't be… could it? It wasn't too shocking that they'd start to unfreeze after the Stellaron was subdued… but this quickly?

Was Nanook coming already?

If the Masked Fools were a nuisance to the galaxy, then the Aeon of Destruction and his Antimatter Legion were worse .

Far, far worse.

“…That isn't good.” Bronya hissed. “I'll have to send out a distress call to the Astral Express. Surely they'd help us the third time?”

They definitely would, but given their Trailblazing missions, Sampo doubted they'd get here on time.

“Or perhaps the IPC could be of assistance?”

Sampo held himself from scoffing. And have the IPC given them more IOUs? He'd rather just wait for the Astral Express to come than accept the help from those stuffy IPCs. They're far worse than the Overworlders, and he had seen them complain about them enough to know.

Gepard seemed to share his sentiment, lips pursing at the idea. “I don't… believe the people of Belobog trust the IPC enough to help with this matter, Lady Bronya,”

Ain't that the truth?

“And the Astral Express had never steered us wrong,” Pela gave a firm nod. “Perhaps we can message them for assistance,”

“Alright,” Bronya released a sigh. “Let's go contact them,” She looked up at the blonde. “Except for you, Captain. You need to rest,”

“B-But–”

But an expression from Bronya quickly clamped his mouth shut. Sampo nearly laughed as he watched the handsome captain bow before taking his leave.

Instead, he watched Gepard limp to Serval’s workshop. He quickly got up and followed after him, narrowing his eyes as he nearly tripped a few times. The workshop wasn't too far from Qlipoth Fort, in fact, it was just beside it, but that didn't stop the captain from stumbling.

Was he hurt that badly?

Sampo didn't wanna risk him hurting himself more, and he rushed to pull him up before he could fall. “Woah, easy there, Geppie. Don't wanna fall for me now, do you?” He joked.

“K-Koski?” Gepard held onto him, being the closest he could clutch. “What… are you doing here?” He narrowed his eyes.

“Making sure you don't bruise that handsome face of yours, apparently,” Sampo snickered, taking pride at the heat rushing to the man’s face.

“I… I don't have time for your games, Koski.” Gepard let out a sharp hiss.

“Well, maybe you need to lighten up and play some ‘cause you're a bit stumbly and stiff, Geppie,” Sampo snorted as he helped the other forward, his words distracting the other.

“With monstrous creatures attacking my men and endangering Belobog? I'd rather not.” Gepard glared.

“Well then, your sister better make sure you rest,” Sampo knocked on the door. “Special delivery from Sampo Koski!”

“What–” Gepard could hardly speak as the door opened. “When did we–”

“Geppie!” Serval quickly got her younger brother. “What happened?? Sampo, what did you do to him!?” She growled the blue-haired man’s way.

“Hey, hey! I didn't do anything!” Sampo raised his hands in defense.

“For once… he's right,” Gepard sighed. “We got attacked in the front lines. There were… worse than the Fragmentum monsters, and they took out half of my men,”

“Ol’ Sampo just came to make sure blondie didn't trip on his face,” Sampo crossed his arms.

“…I see,” Serval hummed. “Thank you… Sampo,” She turned back to her brother. “Come on, Geppie. You need to rest after that kind of battle,”

Gepard whined in protest, and Sampo couldn't help but snort at the adorable whines as he was brought inside the workshop. The blue man hummed, hearing the sound of the door shut to leave him in the silence. His hands lowered to the side of his body, and he turned around to face the sky.

Despite the clear blue of the sun, he could feel the gloom of the air. So many had died in the hands of what he assumed as the unfrozen Antimatter Legion, and all of them were trained to battle such creatures. What else a whole city?

He wondered if he could battle them in the Silvermane Guards’ place.

It wasn't an unwelcoming thought. He either succeeds or dies trying. Either way, he would be helping and keeping the guards out of danger.

Keeping Gepard out of danger.

Keeping Belobog safe in the hands of Qlipoth.

—

Penacony.

It was the Land of Sweet Dreams, or so it had been advertised.

However, Sampo never once thought of coming here.

After all, a Land of Sweet Dreams? A place where everyone could reach their dreams just by sleeping in some shell full of water?

There was always a catch to paradise, and he is very aware of it.

Just like this deal.

Sampo had failed miserably in getting rid of the Legion in Jarilo-VI. They were much stronger than he realized, and he remembered feeling his blood flowing down his arms as he was slashed down. He had only been able to take down three with his weapons alone.

Much less a whole army .

He had underestimated the power Nanook held, and he quickly retreated.

The only way he could defeat them was with his mask.

It was a thought that haunted him, even as he reached the Reverie Hotel. The mask wasn't the problem. If he could, he would swipe that mask from the tavern no problem.

But no , Giovanni had told him that she had it.

That… argh.

So here he was, committing to a deal he had to make with her. He swore to never talk to her again, and it filled him with dread that he had to see her face through her mask.

“Well, well, if it isn't Brother Sampo.” Her voice sounded shrill and giddy, but he could easily hear her façade. “I knew you'd come running back to the Masked Fools, but after so many years?”

“No time for your… greetings , Miss Sparkle.” He spoke in a tone equally chilling, a smile faker than hers plastered on his face. “I only came to take back my mask. Giovanni informed me that you kept it?”

“Of course! What kind of… friend would I be if I didn't help keep her fellow Emanator's mask safe after his departure?” Sparkle’s giggles echoed through the bar, and he had to hold himself from grimacing. “But of course, if you want it back… you'll have to do me a small favor in return.”

And the deal… was to mess with the Memokeeper. As to why, he didn't bother to ask.

It was pointless to ask Sparkle for anything, anyway.

So here he was, strolling around for his cue. When it was, he couldn't say, but Sparkle made it very clear to not be seen by anyone but herself and the Memokeeper.

He was sure she was using his image here, and the frustration bubbled up in his throat at the idea.

Was she trying to get him caught?

…

He couldn't say he would be surprised if that was her goal. It didn't mean it frustrated him any less .

As he walked, he felt himself grow weary to his surroundings. He could feel eyes on him, and he was sure it was the Bloodhounds, those who probably already saw Sparkle walk through in his skin. The irritation itched him, and he kept his hands to himself to keep himself from catching any more attention.

He wished he had at least had a cloak.

Anything to differentiate him from Sparkle…

“Woah!”

Sampo managed to catch the man before either of them could fall. “Sorry, didn't see ya there… pal,” He dusted the other off, and he could recognize the peacock-like attire from a mile away.

Probably one of those IPCs.

Of course they'd be here.

The Masked Fools were invited to the Charming Festival, so the IPCs being here too shouldn't surprise him.

He truly wished he didn't have to bump into any of them, though…

“No… ugh, worries.” The IPC man sounded rather in pain while dismissing him.

Sampo’s eyebrows furrowed. “Hey, you okay, man–” He paused as he straightened him up, and he locked eyes with the other.

Those eyes…

It couldn't be…

Could it just be the trick of the light? Of the shades?

It has to be, right? Ha ha…

“I'm fine,” The man dusted himself off. “No harm done… much,” He sighed and removed his shades to clean.

Sampo felt his stomach drop .

It wasn't the trick of the light. It was real .

This man… is an Avgin .

The sole survivor of Sigonia-IV.

Sampo remembered what Giovanni had told him after the failed mission. He had helped keep track of the kid that Sparkle had traumatized, just for Sampo to be updated on the poor child he had failed to bring Elation to, and his words haunted him.

“The IPC took him after he killed his master. I've never seen him since, but I can assume… with the IPC’s track record, he wouldn't be alive.”

…For once, he was glad Giovanni had been incorrect in his report.

“Um, you okay?”

Sampo was shoved out of his thoughts as he glanced back at the other. His shades were back on his face, but his eyes sparkled through easily, and Sampo could feel his stomach churn.

This boy…

The child he failed to help…

He couldn't feel his next movements, but the next thing he knew, he had dropped a smoke bomb and exited as quickly as he came. He could hear the man coughing, cursing under his breath but he didn't dare to look back.

Instead, he ran .

Sampo Koski always ran.

And now, he was running from the mistakes he never wanted to remember.

He soon ducked into an alleyway, and he crashed between the buildings, crouching to make himself feel small. His hands met his ears, attempting to cover them from the screams and cries of the memories echoing in his mind.

It was too clear for him to turn away.

And it hurt .

It hurt to hear everything again.

It hurt to remember his failure.

To remember the true reason he never wanted to see Sparkle again.

“SISTER!”

The tears pricked the corners of his eyes, and Sampo felt the urge to claw his scalp.

Make it stop, make it stop…!

He felt too lost in the memories, even failing to feel the buzzing of his phone in his pocket. His teeth clenched, and he shut his eyes.

Make… it… stop…

He forced his uneven breathing to slow, and they soon began sharp and heavy. He leaned against the wall as he felt his head lighten.

Deep breaths…

He slowly released his ears, wrapping his arms around his knees instead. He finally felt his phone ring, and he shakily reached down to grab it.

Sparkle: Where are you? The show is about to begin!

…

Sampo had to hold himself back from shattering his phone. Taking another deep breath, he sent a reply.

Sampo: On my way.

He kept his phone and forced himself back on his feet. He could feel his powers responding to his inner turmoil, and the second his hand met the lamp post, it blew up into confetti.

Dammit.

Dammit!

“Calm down, Koski, calm down…” He dusted the confetti from his fingertips and shook his head.

Now wasn't the time for this .

He had a job to do, and a mask to take back.

Then… he'll make Sparkle pay.

Chapter Text

He finally got his mask back.

It was quite a day, and Sampo felt his head ache from the temporary memory loss. He couldn't even remember where he was, only that he was supposed to be helping Belobog.

Ugh, out of all the things to take, why did it have to be that cursed deal?

Nonetheless, he got his memories back as quickly as it left, and he happily grabbed the mask before Sparkle could get the chance to pry him for more information.

“But Sampo... After all this time, what made you suddenly want to take back your mask?” Her snicker made his ears bleed, and he had to keep himself from shutting her up himself. “This doesn't seem like the Sampo I know…”

The Sampo you knew was a failure. A coward.

“Let me guess,” Her smirk sharpened almost instantly, and he felt the shiver down his spine. “A catastrophe is coming to Jarilo-VI, am I right?”

…

Sampo didn't know how to react, but he knew better than to give her the satisfaction of figuring things out. Instead, he gave a fake grin of his own. “Well, no comment about that. But I loved that line you said; ‘If you're too late to take the stage, you can work behind the scenes’!” It was a simple distraction. After all, her ego was as big as his, and he knew that would never change. “That really makes sense. Sometimes, even an old-timer like me feels like taking the stage and making a fool out of myself,” He let out a cackle.

The distraction seemed to work. She turned away slightly, and he could see her expression twist into slight frustration before easing back into her smile.

“If you're all out of options, please get in touch with me,” Her tone sounded almost convincing, but he knew better than to trust it. This was her , after all. “I'm the kind of person who values friendship highly ,”

Friendship?

Sampo was ready to laugh.

Did she really think that their time together in Penacony was going to erase everything she had done?

Especially to the girls and boys she had given no mercy to end?

And the entire planet of Sigonia-IV?

The bloodshed she had committed over what? Her jealousy? Her wounded pride?

The will power he had to use just to uncross his arms and keep the distance between them. “Forget it. You'll be doing me a favor if you stay away from Belobog. After all,” His tone sharpened, identical to Sparkle’s own tone of voice as he gave the girl a smile. One that could never reach his eyes, but one that was enough for non-Fools to believe that he was genuine. “The Elation that Miss Sparkle seeks... isn't something ol' Sampo can stand by,”

He didn't even bother seeing her expression as he turned away.

“Go tell Giovanni I said hi.”

He began to walk off, and he could hear her growling under her breath.

“Fine, I'm just spitballing here. Don't take it so seriously…”

…

But she was close .

Very, very close.

And he hated that she was extremely close to figuring out his true reasons as to why he needed that darn mask.

Oh how he wished that he didn't need to put the blasted thing on. He knew that it would reconnect him back to his Aeon, and he was aware how upset Aha would be to suddenly just arrive in the connection.

And the feeling of the strings strangling him made him choke. He could remember the tightening feeling of the thin lines wrapped around his wrists and legs, forcing him to dance the same path as the other Masked Fools until he was synchronized with Sparkle’s movements…

He remembered how much he fought just to be free from those strings.

And here he was… ready to put himself back in the puppet show, all for Aha to watch.

All for the planet he had grown to love.

All for the people he had grown to care about.

And all for the person he wished to be with .

How ironic, ain't it? A Fool such as himself being able to learn how to genuinely care for the people around him?

It was a laughable situation that he knew Aha would be bellowing over for many years.

He cursed under his breath as he exited the tavern. He found himself teleporting back to Penacony, hiding into an alleyway once more to make sure no one could see him.

He didn't feel quite comfortable placing the mask on in the Tavern now, didn't he? It was his only explanation as to why he returned.

After all, why would he return if not for a safe place to reconnect?

He doubted Aha would dare enter through Xipe’s territory. Even if THEY did, THEY would have no power here.

Here , he was safe.

He felt safe.

Safe-r , anyway.

With a deep breath, he placed the mask onto his face. He felt it shift and mix into his feature, and the feeling of the strings digging into his skin caused him to almost stumble. His hair, oh how he missed the blue of his hair as he watched the strands slowly turn greyish and white.

He wondered if all Emanators with great power were affected by the sudden hair color.

He couldn't say for certain that Sparkle’s hair was turning white, given she uses the mask to shift her entire appearance almost every day, but his surely did, so he wasn't sure if it was just a ‘him’ thing, or a normal occurrence for Emanators.

After some time, he pulled himself back from the alleyway. His clothes had almost shifted with the mask, and he had to tap into his abilities to keep his usual outfit, even place a small cloak over himself just in case another IPC official noticed him in Belobog.

…

The memory of what happened earlier returned to him, and he felt his knees grow weak at the reminder.

Calm down.

Kakavasha might be in the IPC now… but it was a more pleasant position in comparison to any other criminal.

He knew that well.

He felt himself walking across Golden Hour. He didn't know what else he wanted to do as he took a couple of steps around. He wanted to return to Belobog, but there was… something in his gut that told him to wait.

Told him that the Antimatter Legion wasn't quite there yet.

And that… everything and everyone was still okay .

And that perhaps he should… stick around Penacony a little while longer?

He wanted to. Maybe take a little vacation before the Bloodhounds figured out that he was technically a stowaway. Take a break from scamming and having Gepard chase him around–

…

Right.

Gepard was resting .

Well, what a perfectly-timed vacation then.

He felt himself tug on the cloak to put his thoughts at ease. He shouldn't worry too much about Gepard. He's safe with Serval, and he knows it well, so no need to worry about him, right?

…Right?

“ Pardon me,”

Sampo almost fell forward from the voice. Shoot, did he trip someone again? He really needed to watch where he was going. He prayed to any Aeon above that it wasn't another IPC official or something of the sort. Nonetheless, he looked forward.

“Yes–?”

He clamped his mouth shut the moment he saw the person. He expected many things to greet him; a scowl from an annoyed Family member, a hiss from a Bloodhound, even a glare from an IPC Official or from one of the Astral Express (whom he knew had come, he had overheard them a few times around the Reverie).

What he didn't expect is to be face-to-face… with a man wearing a stone bust.

…

Was he… Was he hallucinating right now?

Don't get him wrong, masks all came in different shapes and sizes. He was aware of that, and he didn't mind it, but this man… he didn't look like a Masked Fool. He didn't dress like a Fool, and the “mask” on his face was a literal bust of himself.

Not to mention… His tone of voice along with his clothes sounded far too sophisticated to be a Fool’s voice.

The man stared up at him, even with the bust, he could easily see the annoyance in his body language as he crossed his arms. “Ah… a Masked Fool. No surprise to see the likes of you here…”

Ouch.

Sampo was used to being ostracized, either because he was a Masked Fool or a professional con-man, he was used to people being harsh towards him, but… something about this man made the words sting sharper than normal.

Odd.

“Though,” the man continued on, and he could see him eye him up and down. “you're the first Fool I've seen even bothering with a proper disguise. How… strange ,”

Ah.

He could understand what he meant. Being a Masked Fool meant blending in enough to not seem suspicious but eccentric enough to be the star of the stage when necessary. No Masked Fool had ever disguised themselves like this before because they usually didn't mind being spotted off-planet.

But he did.

He definitely minded.

With a cough to jolt himself out of his thoughts, he gave a bow to the man, like an ordinary Masked Fool would to a new audience. “Strange as it may be, I am still one like the rest! Greetings, new friend! I am Sampo!” No Koski , he reminded himself. It would throw away the fact that he even bothered to disguise himself. “And who might you be, pal?”

“…” The man hummed, clearly unamused by the term. Stuffy IPC and their entitlement, Sampo could only guess. “I am Dr. Ratio of the Intelligentsia Guild.”

Ratio?

The name felt… familiar, somehow, giving Sampo a slight headache. He fought every urge to tilt as he firmly held himself to the ground.

“The Intelligentsia Guild? Oh! So you're a smart cookie, huh?” Sampo grinned through his mask, a dramatic hand on his head. “And a doctor too! Doctor, doctor, save me, doctor!” He bent himself back with his act. “Quite a package, aren't you?” He giggled.

Dr. Ratio scowled. “You are like any Masked Fools; an idiot and a nuisance .”

Idiot?

Sampo snorted. “Being called a nuisance is quite boring, doc. You and many IPC fancy-pants have called us by the same name. But an idiot?” He leaned against the wall, both hands against it with a dramatic swish of the hair. “Quite hurtful, doctor!”

A groan escaped Ratio’s lips, and Sampo opened an eye to see him shaking his head before turning away.

“I'm wasting my time with a Fool such as yourself. Good day.”

Sampo felt something heavy weigh down in his chest the moment the other started walking. He didn't know what urge it was for him to throw himself off the wall and catch up to the other.

“D’aww, lighten up, doctor!” He let out a laugh. It felt forced and yet… it sounded quite genuine as he slung an arm around Ratio. “Why so down in the dumps?” He pouted, though it couldn't be seen. “A penny for your thoughts?”

Just don't leave.

…

Wait, what?

Where did that come from?

Ratio looked surprised but quickly pushed himself away. “Do you truly believe that I would speak about my troubles to you , of all people? You're a bigger fool than I thought.”

“Rude.” Sampo huffed. “Come on, doctor. I'm speaking as a pal! Ol’ Sampo promises to never tattle!”

Just don't leave.

“Highly unlikely.” Ratio scoffed. “I know how you Fools work. You take advantage of the trust others give you and get what you desire, speaking to the other Masked Fools to help you in your schemes.”

…Well, he wasn't wrong . Any other Masked Fool would definitely take advantage of this.

But he wasn't anything like them… right?

He wasn't anything like her…

“Unlike others, I would never be swayed by your silver tongue,” Ratio placed the distance between them, more so than what they already had. “So keep your distance, Fool.”

Sampo watched as the other began to pick up his pace. Something was itching for him to catch up, and before he realized, he was following Ratio as quickly as his legs could take him.

Don't leave, don't leave, don't leave–!

“Leaving so soon? That doesn't seem fair, I haven't eaten any apples today to keep the doctor away,” Sampo laughed, walking backwards to face the other. “Surely, we can chat a few things off your mind, doc– woah!” He felt himself launched forward, landing on his back. “Oof! Down goes the clown!” He let out another laugh.

He could hear Ratio growl and something heavy falter before footsteps were heard walking to his side. “You are… an infuriating Fool, you know.” He was helped up.

Huh, he actually helped him?

Sampo grinned at the progress, allowing himself to be placed back on his feet. “What can I say? Ol’ Sampo may be an old timer, but hey, there's still a Fool in there somewhere,”

“…I can tell,” Ratio shook his head, pinching his nose ridge as Sampo finally got a good look at his face.

He wanted to comment, joke about how he was easily letting him have his fun, but he felt his words caught up in his throat the moment their eyes locked. He stiffened at the glow of the doctor’s reddish-pink eyes, along with the yellow brightening around the other’s pupil.

Quite familiar eyes…

He felt himself swirl into an abyss of memories, and he had to balance himself before he could stumble.

He could remember seeing the glow of those eyes, all those years ago…

“Big brother?”

The ten year old boy’s eyes gleamed in the night as he faced him sleepily. He took the boy in his arms, hands shaking slightly before fleeing out into the fields.

“Come on, we need to go,”

“Where are we going…?” The boy’s eyebrows furrowed. “And where is…?”

Bless him and his inquisitive questions , the older could only sigh.

“Not now. We don't have time. They…” His voice hitched. “They already got Mom and Dad… And… And ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜... We need to go before they get us too.”

“Wh-What?” The boy whimpered. “Who…? What's going on, big brother? Please tell me!”

“It's the–”

An explosion came from nearby, and he had to duck his little brother's head, the pair screaming as the older had to pick up the pace. Footsteps came after them, but he dared not to look back at the people running after them.

He couldn't let them get to him.

He… He couldn't…

He–

“Gah!”

A rock thwarted his escape, and he fell forward. He clutched the boy close, shielding him from the fall. The boy managed to roll away as they landed, letting out a cough. He reached out to him.

“Big brother!”

“Go!” He cried to the boy. “Go, Veritas! Go and hide!”

“But big brother–!”

“GO!”

The boy let out a whimper but he nodded, turning around to limp away. The older could hear the footsteps running faster, and he forced himself to cover the exit the boy took. With a deep breath, he turned around, glaring at the blaring lights approaching him and slowly blinding his vision…

Sampo gasped as he fell onto his knees. He looked around frantically, clutching the ground as he soon realized he was alone.

Ratio was gone .

He felt his stomach churn at the loneliness left in place of the doctor, but he couldn't blame him for leaving. He must have spooked him with how easily he spaced out.

But… What was that?

Was it… a memory of some sort?

He sharply inhaled a breath, forcing himself up and leaning against the wall.

Was this the work of that Memokeeper?

Or the Aeon Fuli?

…

But… Why now?

After years of searching… Why were his memories haunting him now?

He couldn't make sense of his surroundings, and he felt himself growing dizzy. He held his head and shook it frantically. With a flick of his wrist, he teleported out of Penacony, just as a blast of Nihility exploded from the Clock Studios Theme Park…

—

“Fascinating…”

Masks floated in the midst of darkness as THEY stared at the screen. A laugh escaped THEIR lips, one mask twisting at the scene.

“My Dearest Child Sampo… oh how we Aeons have blessed and cursed you…”

A hand reached out to grasp the screen.

“How you bypassed the transformation’s progress, even I cannot understand… but this will be quite a show to watch…”

THEIR laughter echoed through the cosmos of the darkness as THEY continued to watch with anticipation and interest.

It brought THEM quite the distress the moment THEIR dear Emanator cut the strings and parted himself from THEM… quite a first, if they were honest.

No one has ever attempted to be so bold as to pry themselves from the grasp of their Aeon.

No one has ever attempted… and lived to tell the tale.

And yet… there was THEIR child, seeking an Elation THEY could not comprehend yet using a power THEY could not remember he had.

A power that will definitely alter the script of reality already written in the stars.

How adorable of him to not realize the abilities he wielded.

“ Quite a show to watch, indeed…”

Chapter Text

He was back in Belobog.

It was just as he remembered it; cold, snowy…

Home.

No matter if he came from another planet, Belobog will truly be home to him.

No where else was home to him but this planet he had grown to love.

Sampo sighed, even as he sat above Qlipoth Fort. Through his mask, he could see the Overworlders roaming through the streets, with the Silvermane Guards on patrol at every corner of the area. He even spotted Gepard among the Guards, watching over the civilians and aiding his men before their next battle.

A battle that he had to be in.

He didn't know how long he'd stay away from Belobog. Frankly, he wanted to return just as he left Penacony, but the memories ached his head a little too much, and he found himself stopping in different planets.

One planet stuck out to him. It was a deserted planet as of late, nothing but ashes and scraps of the civilizations that used to stand. He had walked across the sand and grass, trekking through what he could assume was a village before the massacre.

A village he saw in his first awakened memory.

It was vivid, it was brief, and yet… it felt stronger the longer he walked.

The mask helped hide the stench of the area, the ground burying corpses after corpses, along with more grass and flowers that grew in their place. He felt nauseous with the scent, but he still pushed through.

Veritas…

It was the name of the boy in his memory.

He looked quite young, quite an inquisitive child who looked at him with eyes full of wonder and trust.

His little brother…

The memory’s reawakening echoed in his mind, and he held his head before he could collapse once again. His eyes haunted him, reminding him of the doctor he met in Penacony.

They shared similar eyes…

…

Could he be… Veritas…?

“Argh…”

The pounding in his head worsened, and he found himself down on his knees. His breathing became uneven, and the tears pricked his eyes. He grasped onto the mask he wore, but he felt too weak to remove it.

Veritas…

His little brother, Veritas…

He couldn't even remember from whom they were running away from…

From whom they were trying to escape…

Where were their parents?

What had happened to their village?

Their… home?

He pushed himself further, and he found himself crawling towards a broken crate. He reached out to open it, shoving it back to break through the wood.

And out came… a locket.

He grabbed it before it could sink into the grass, gently wiping away the dirt. In the center, there was an initial of ‘R’.

R.

Ratio.

Like… Dr. Ratio…

With a click, the locket opened. His eyes widened as he found three children in the picture.

Two boys, and one little girl.

A sister.

He also had a little sister.

He held the locket close to his chest, trying to recall any memories with his little sister…

…And yet, he couldn't awaken any further memories.

He had left the planet with the locket and did everything he could to regain any fragment of memory he had… but to no avail.

It frustrated him how he failed to follow the lead he had a grasp on.

He was already given one memory… Why couldn't he get another?

Why was it so… difficult?

“Alright, men, it's time to go.”

Gepard’s voice reached his ears rather sharply, and he was jolted from his thoughts to find the Silvermane Guards already making their way to where they found the Antimatter Legion. Sampo hissed within his mask and held out his hand.

He needed to stop getting so distracted. What if they left without him?

He didn't know what he would do if he was too late to save Gepard from Nanook's abominations…

With a flicker of a wrist, he found himself in Everwinter Hill. The very battlefield that the Trailblazers entered to defeat Cocolia. It was quite different from before Bronya’s reign, less frightening and more… haunting , to say the least.

After all, this is where the former Supreme Guardian had fallen.

This is where the Trailblazer acquired the path of Preservation.

This… is where the Antimatter Legion was awakening from .

Sampo shouldn't be too surprised. After all, this place is where the Stellaron was found and subdued. No surprise that this is where the Nanook’s creatures stayed after all these years.

Though he wished they should have stayed frozen solid…

“Stay close! Ready your shields!”

He glanced towards where the battle had commenced. Gepard was at the front with Dunn, and he held out his… Well, Serval's most likely… guitar case, powering up a shield for each of the guards.

Shoot, he was going to be late–!

He hurriedly ran down the frozen rock he landed on, weapons flashing as he swung them around. He let his power flow through him, fueling up his blades before he threw them towards the Legion. The pair blazed from purple to fiery red, sending half of the unfrozen army down in one slash.

Gepard’s eyes widened. “What–?”

The blades came swinging back, and he was ready to duck when Sampo jumped in front of them, grabbing his weapons before they could injure them. He grinned, pushing his mask up slightly as he turned to meet the blonde’s ocean eyes.

“Ha! Looks like I'm saving your handsome face again, ay, Geppie?”

“Who…?” Gepard blinked before narrowing his eyes. “S… Sampo…?”

“In the flesh!” Sampo chirped. Was it the hair that made him unrecognizable? Or the mask? He couldn't tell.

“What… How!? What!?” Gepard shoved himself from his army, grabbing the other by the shoulders. “You shouldn't be here! This is a temporarily closed zone! Didn't you get the announcement!?”

Announcement?

Sampo gave a nervous laugh. “Haha… probably not…”

“You didn't…” The gears in Gepard’s mind began to turn, and he gave the other a sharp glare. “You were declared missing for nearly two months, and you didn't get the announcement. So, where were you, Koski?”

Two months?

Holy… wow , Sampo did not anticipate to be gone for that long.

He thought for about two to three weeks, but months?

Oh dear, oh shoot , Natasha was going to KILL him for disappearing for that long…

“Haha, funny story, actually…” Sampo coughed with a strained laugh. He could hear the rest of the Legion approaching them, and he quickly turned away. “A story to be told another day! For now, we've got monster butt to kick!”

Gepard groaned. “Fine.” He shoved Sampo behind him and the rest of the Silvermane Guards. “You leave. Let us handle this.”

Sampo snorted. His sweet, protective Geppie… he was adorable , truly.

But he came here to help , and he will help.

“No can do, Geppie.”

Gepard couldn't even react fast enough as Sampo leapt forward, blades swinging around to take down two of the abominations. He gave the captain a wink before rushing forward, tapping into his abilities as he knocked one monster after the other.

And it felt good .

As much as he hated the feeling of the strings tied around his limbs, he absolutely missed feeling all of his powers course through his veins.

He missed feeling the combined powers of Elation and Trailblaze just at his fingertips, using it with no care in the world as he teleported one Antimatter Legion monster away and twisting another’s form into confetti.

The feeling of thrill overwhelmed him, and he could hardly remember what he was doing anymore.

All he could feel… was his powers .

No pain, no pleasure…

Only power.

“Sampo!”

His name echoing through Everwinter Hill harshly shoved him out of his thoughts, and his eyes widened as he found himself flickering the head of one monster from his body, the head bursting into streamers while the rest fell to the ground, disappearing into dust.

Huh.

He didn't recall being that powerful…

“Sampo!”

He grimaced and turned around to find Gepard holding onto his arm. His eyes flickered between concern and fear, his grip slightly loosened while the rest of his guards kept their distance.

Were they afraid of him now?

It made him want to laugh, after all, the conman that they've been hunting down for years , was actually holding back so much power from them?

It was a laughable sight.

But the look the captain gave him pushed down his instincts, and the best he could do was place a hand on his hip.

Fear was never funny.

He wouldn't be any different from her if he laughed at their fear.

“Oh, hey, Geppie,” He gave him his signature smile. “Hah, sorry, did I take things too far? I do want to help…” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“…” Gepard looked conflicted on how to respond, and Sampo couldn't blame him, though it surprised him how firm yet gentle his hold was on him.

It's like he's afraid that he would disappear suddenly…

…

Oh no , oh dear .

Had Gepard been worried when he had disappeared for two months?

No wonder he looked… on edge, lately…

“LOOK ABOVE, MEN!”

The pair snapped from their thoughts, and they glanced up to find the Antimatter Legion surrounding them, some coming from the highest frozen stones. Gepard’s grip on his arm tightened, and he pulled to get him to move back. “This is getting too dangerous, Sampo. We need to fall back!” He turned to the rest of the guards. “Everyone! Fall back! It's an ambush!”

The Silvermane Guards nodded and fled back without hesitation. Only Sampo stood where he was, watching the army run off before turning back to face the Legion. Gepard must have noticed, pulling on his arm once more.

“Koski, come on!”

Sampo let out a dry laugh. “Sorry, Geppie… I didn't join the battle just to ‘fall back’.” He turned his gaze to the blond, one hand meeting the man’s cheek. It made the other stiffen, but he couldn't care, knowing the persona he had been building was going to falter.

He didn't care if it was.

For once… he wanted to be genuine to Gepard.

Even if it meant for the last time.

“I came to help… and I will help. No matter what happens.”

“What–”

Gepard was cut off, the heat rushing to his face as their lips met oh so suddenly. Sampo couldn't let him talk, pushing their kiss to deepen further as he shoved the other towards the frozen stone. His eyes were closed, waiting to feel the captain melt into the kiss.

One last touch…

First and last kiss…

He didn't know what would happen if he used every portion of his powers, but he wasn't willing to miss out on anything before… an unfortunate death.

He slowly let go and set Gepard on the ground, the man looking rather dazed while the redness of his cheeks reached his ears. He giggled at the sight, swiftly but gently taking the guitar case. He slammed it to the ground, and he watched Gepard's expression twist into panic as a shield formed around him.

Only him.

Not them.

“Sampo!? What are you doing!?” He slammed his hand on the shield.

“Protecting you,” Sampo's eyes softened, and he turned away before he could see the pain in Gepard’s eyes. “And all of Belobog.”

“You… You can't! I… I'm Belobog’s shield! That's my duty! Not yours!” His fists continued to bang on the shield, the desperation bringing tears that pricked his eyes. “Koski… Sampo… please!”

Sampo chuckled. He forced himself to look back, hand gently placed on the shield. “And I will be your shield; to make sure you live another day.”

No more acting.

No jokes, no games.

And Gepard could see it.

He could see it in his eyes.

He could hear it in his voice.

And it heightened up his panic, furiously trying to destroy his shield. Sampo couldn't handle his cries, and he turned away, pushing his mask back onto his face. He could see the blue that had returned in his hair gradually fading into grey as he walked away from Gepard.

He was soon in front of the legion. They surrounded him, inhumane screams echoing from each of their throats. It was funny, he could almost hear Nanook’s rage from their shrieks, yelling at them to take him down.

To kill him.

He took a deep breath, placing his blades together. He felt his power coursing through his once more, and he fought every urge to lose control, only allowing it to fuel up his weapons.

He couldn't lose control again.

Not here , not now .

“Aha… Akivili…” He whispered the names of the Aeons that blessed him, moving to take a stance as he closed his eyes. “I use your powers to keep the people I care about safe… to keep the planet I hold dearly safe…”

He felt the Legion running closer, and the grip on his weapons tightened. He could see the glow of red and silver from the blades. He took a deep breath, grip tightening as he called for another.

“Almighty Qlipoth… please grant me the power to preserve this Belobog and all of Jarilo-VI for as long as I can… to keep everyone and everything in its hold alive and well…”

He allowed himself to relax, not caring if the last prayer was unheard by Belobog’s beloved Aeon. He parted his weapons with a swish and threw his arms back. He failed to notice the glow of amber mixed with the red and silver, not even noticing the warmth as he felt himself lifted off the ground.

For the people of Belobog…

The Antimatter Legion will FALL!

He felt one abomination attempt to hit, but he didn't falter, even as the creature’s weapons met his skin. His eyes glowed a bright orange through his mask, and he swung his blades forward with such a force that it shifted the forms of every abomination in the front line into ashes and confetti. The weapons returned to him like a boomerang, and he raised himself higher than the Legion.

For the people of Belobog…

The Antimatter Legion will never set foot in Jarilo-VI ever again!

He threw his arms back once more and clashed the blades together, a burst of golden light blasting out and shoving the Legion upwards. He raised himself higher once more, bringing his weapons together and twisting the blades together before a small clang was heard. He forcefully pulled the blades apart, and an amber shield was formed, shoving the Legion out into the darkness of space, with only their shrieks echoing through where they once stood.

Sampo watched the last of the remnants of the Legion disappear. The pain from the attack suddenly caught him, and he felt himself arch, placing a hand to stop the gushing blood. He hissed, dropping his blades as a headache came with his injury, the adrenaline fading into pain before he began to fall headfirst. His eyes grew tired, his body trembling as the tears pricked his eyes.

This was it.

He used too much, and this was it.

…

Well, if he was going to fall, at least he did something good in his life before meeting the sweet embrace of death.

He pushed himself to stare up at the blue sky, and his eyes sparkled, mesmerized by the blue mixed with the golden shield. He slowly let go of his injury, allowing him to fall with his hands moving gently in the breeze.

Gepard…

The captain he could only wish to love and have a life with…

He prayed to the Aeons to keep him safe and happy for as long as he lived.

Veritas…

His little brother… one whom he saw once and will never see again…

He prayed to the Aeons to keep him safe with a very fulfilled life, more than it was already.

Viktoria…

His little sister that he could feel himself start to remember by name as he fell…

He prayed to the Aeons to keep her safe, even if he had no clue if she was alive.

To the people of Belobog…

He wished for only the best to come to their lives…

To Natasha , the big sister he never knew he yearned for…

To Hook and the Moles , the children of the Underworld that he hoped to have a bright future…

To Serval , his former best friend that he knew he owed so much to…

To Seele , his current best friend that he knew cared for him no matter how much she hides…

He wished to see them all again… to be with them… but he knew it was a wish too far to reach, especially with how the blanket of snow was reaching his vision. His tears were floating upwards towards the sky, tears he didn't know were escaping his eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to remove his mask. Instead, he closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the force of the wind.

He was at the mercy of the Aeons now.

His life… was in THEIR hands.

“Big brother!”

He turned to see the seven year old little boy and the three year old little girl jumping onto the couch. He laughed and set his notes down.

“What is it, you two? I've got a shopping list to write,”

“Can you play with us?” The little girl pouted. “I'm bored…”

“Or read to us?” The little boy chirped. “I want to read one of Dad’s fairytales!”

“Fairytales are for babies, Veritas!” The little girl stuck out her tongue. “And I'm no baby!”

“True, I'm not saying you are, Viktoria,” Veritas rolled his eyes. “These fairytales have legends surrounding them, and they've been–”

“Boo! Boring!” Viktoria gagged. “I wanna play on the computer! Mom installed a new game for us to try!”

“Some of those games will corrupt your brain!” Veritas argued.

“Better than melting your brain in boredom!”

He could only laugh once more, ruffling their heads. “Well, unless you two can think of a solution so we can all play and enjoy ourselves, I'm not doing either,”

“But why??” Both children pouted.

“Because I don't wanna do something that upsets one over the other, silly sweet things,” He kissed their foreheads. “Let me know if you two think of something when I get back from shopping,”

He got up and turned to head to the door. Before he could leave, however, two heavy weights were on his ankles, and he glanced down. He chuckled.

“Oh, so we're playing shoes now, huh?”

“Yeah!” Viktoria giggled.

“Take us shopping with you!” Veritas grinned.

“Alright, alright, you two win,” He burst out laughing. “But behave, okay?”

“We will, Vulpine!”

Vulpine…

Vul… pine…?

The blow he felt on his head was harsh yet numb as he met the ground. He couldn't hear anything but the sound of ringing echoing in his ears. He couldn't feel anything but the blood flowing down his face from his head. His vision was blurry, not able to see the sky nor the snow he most likely landed on. He couldn't feel any pain on his body, only the numbness of the blood reaching his torso and limbs.

All that was echoing in his head… was that name.

Vulpine.

The name that his siblings were calling him by.

The name he responded with.

Was… Was that his real name?

Was he… Vulpine?

“SAMPO!”

Gepard's voice echoed through the harsh ringing, but he couldn't find the strength to turn his head. Instead, he let fate lead the captain to him, and he felt the shift as he was taken into a pair of arms.

“Oh my… Aeons , Sampo! Hold on!”

He was shifted again, off the heavy snow and into a warmer grasp. He buckled his knees, pulling them close to his chest. His head landed on some heavy armor, but the warmth of Gepard’s chest was a better substitute to the chilling snow. He could hear a hiss above him, and he forced himself to look up at the hazy silhouette of the captain.

“Come on, Sampo… Stay with me…”

Geppie…

He felt his vision blur once more, the darkness taking over him before he felt himself succumb into slumber.

—

“…Impressive. He still lives .”

Aha let out a laugh. “I told you he was quite an interesting child, Qlipoth! First, he was able to survive tearing himself from my grasp and now this?” THEY giggled . “ Quite a show!”

“Indeed.”

Qlipoth’s non-existing eyes peered into the screen. When THEY felt the prayer calling out to them, THEY wondered if it was another one of their followers, begging for solace and protection. What THEY didn't expect was one of Aha’s Fools, more specifically THEIR Emanator, calling out to be given a fragment of power to protect Jarilo-VI.

One that THEY were quite hesitant to give, but with the Antimatter Legion closing in towards one of THEIR planets, THEY gave in and opened an eye to gaze upon him.

Perhaps THEY should have been careful. After all, it was a Masked Fool, among every being in the universe, asking for THEIR power. It was dangerous to simply give even a chip of THEIR power of Preservation.

But Qlipoth knew there was no hidden intention to the call.

There was only one intention.

To preserve.

To protect.

And so... THEY opened an eye.

“Oh, little Sampo, my sweet child…” Aha’s voices rang Qlipoth out of THEIR thoughts, reaching a hand to the screen. “First, the power of Elation. Then Akivili's blessings of Trailblaze. And now, Qlipoth's Preservation? Hahaha, he is as blessed as he is cursed!” THEIR laughter echoed through the darkness. “He is quite a collector of power, isn't he, Qlipoth? Pray tell, which power do you believe he is longing to collect next?”

“Whatever power necessary,” Qlipoth responded. “He has no script, ripped apart the moment he tore off your strings, shifting his destiny into his own. It impresses me that not even a Destiny's Slave can predict his next move,”

“Agreed,” Aha giggled. “But not quite a disappointment, eh? I did have my doubts on whether he would be a success or a failure,”

“Whichever it may be, it would be out of our hands.” Qlipoth moved away from the screen. “The only thing we control is how much power we would give to aid him.”

“ So you admit that he would be the first, among many Emanators?” Aha turned to THEM, masks raised in place of eyebrows. “You believe it's possible?”

“Perhaps.” Qlipoth gave a hum. “We shall see.”