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Pangi isn’t a stranger to grief. He’d even go as far as to say that they're old friends.
But out of all the people he’s mourned, out of all the things he’s endured-
For some strange reason, Pili hurts the most. Maybe it’s the fact that they were a little more than just friends. Or maybe it’s the fact that Pili is alive and well and also just out of Pangi’s reach. Maybe that’s why it hurts so much.
The view of one of Green’s many bases doesn’t help. Pangi taps his fingers against his leg, staring into space.
He hasn’t been alone in a while. He hasn’t let himself. Not even because he misses Pili-
But because he’s fucking scared. Scared of what he will do when he’s alone. He’s not in control anymore. It’s terrifying.
Pangi tells people that he wants to conquer the Realm. That he wants to play the part of the heartless villain, the one who kills for the sake of killing. And sure, that idea does send shivers down his spine, at the thought of the power-
Pangi presses back against the wall, head whirling in fear and shock.
He learned his lesson about power a long time ago.
They all did.
This is what he means. He shouldn’t be left alone with his thoughts for too long. It’ll never end well.
Pangi heaves himself to his feet. He stumbles through the base, weaving around brewing stands and chests.
The water elevator wooshes around him, and he rockets upwards. He emerges, completely dry, in a large forest.
He doesn’t know where he’s going. He just knows that he can’t be alone anymore.
Pangi walks, in a slight daze, in the direction of spawn. It’s night, but Pangi doesn’t have time to look at the stars.
When everything slides back into focus, he’s at the docks. Aimsey isn’t around, probably grinding or sleeping. Pangi stares down into the water, seeing the sky and the stars reflected back at him. He hasn’t been this tired in a long time.
Soft footsteps approach from behind. Pangi doesn’t move, just continues to stare down into the water. Fabric rustles as someone moves to stand alongside him.
He turns, and purple eyes meet Pangi’s own, and he can’t help but feel a tinge of relief.
Just Ros.
She looks at him with concern. Takes in the empty dock, the despair in his gaze. He feels bad. Because this isn’t how this should go. This isn’t how he acts.
Ros tugs at her braid, taking a hesitant step closer.
“Pangi… I… are you okay?”
Pangi stares at her.
“No,” he breathes.
-and then suddenly her arms are wrapped around him, pulling him into a tight hug.
“Yeah. I don’t think you’ve been okay for a long time.”