Altered consequences

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Teen And Up Audiences

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OMORI (Video Game)

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English

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Published:: 2025-03-23
Updated:: 2025-08-23
Words:: 45,630
Chapters:: 16/?
Comments:: 15
Kudos:: 28
Bookmarks:: 2
Hits:: 1,536

Summary:

This is a fan continuation of the fanfic by ligmaballz69 titled "Everyone Hates Sunny," where after chapter 14, Sunny injects himself in the eye with the Extract of Persistence and Justice.
And let me tell you right away, yes, this is UNDERTALE. In the info, I will just list the changes I will make to this AU.

Notes:

Inspired by Everyone hates sunny by ligmaballz69

Chapter Text

So, if you read the description, you should already know that this is mostly about changes in the AU (alternate universe).

Marie is trying to deal with her problems after Sunny left.

Marie's mother goes to a psychiatrist and realizes her problems while trying to help Marie.

Sunny can't sleep because he's afraid of nightmares, so he started drinking a lot of coffee.

Sunny doesn't do self-harm.That's all the changes I made to the AU. I'll say this: this AU managed to piss me off in a good way. Simply put, if I were in this AU, the first thing I would do would be to befriend Sunny and beat up anyone who tried to harm him in any way.

Chapter 2: What is this?

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

I rushed into the room and started crying.

I continued to cry until I noticed a black box on my bed.

Next to the box was a note.

Hi, Sunny.

You probably don't know who I am, but I know who you are. I just want to say that I can't take this anymore; I want to help you.

You might ask how. Well, I'm going to give you a power that will allow you to avoid beatings. Sorry, but that's all I can do.

Now that I've spoken up, I'll tell you what to do:

Open the box; inside you'll see a glass case with a syringe containing a yellow-purple liquid.Now, don't be scared, but you'll have to inject this liquid into your eye. I know, but it's necessary, Sunny. Your life depends on this decision.

If you accept, you'll be able to avoid or resolve your problems.

If you refuse, you'll suffer from your sister's lies for the rest of your life, and I don't want that for you. Yes, I know what happened then, and I'll just say this: PERFECTIONISM will be her downfall. Just a herd of sheep, like your former friends, don't understand this and think she's PERFECT, even though they don't realize the simple truth that perfection doesn't exist.

I opened the box, inside which was a glass case with the liquid.

Taking the syringe, I aimed it at my left eye. My hands were shaking, but I had already decided I would no longer be a punching bag, NEVER AGAIN.

With a quick push, I plunged the needle into my eye. I held back the pain and began to slowly inject the liquid. The pain was terrible, but I managed to endure it.

When I pulled the needle out of my eye, I immediately looked in the glass at my eye.

It started glowing yellow. When the glow stopped, I noticed that my eye had two shades: yellow at the bottom and purple at the top.

I didn't even know what to think; plus, the pain still lingered, but then I noticed that there was more on the back of the note.

Now listen, let me tell you about the side effects and the power I gave you.

First, the side effects:

Your anxiety will increase, so sorry about that.You'll always feel cold, so I recommend wearing a jacket; trust me, it will help you a lot.

<Well, it could be worse.>

Now about the power:

Creation and control of bones - just imagine bones where you want them.

Teleportation - imagine the place you want to move to, and it will teleport you there immediately.

Blasters - creates a skull that shoots a yellow beam that can destroy your enemy!!! Only in extreme necessity!!!

Telekinesis - you can grab a person from a distance.

!Addition!

There are also blue bones; if you hit someone with them, they won't be able to move until you dissolve them.

That's all. If you want to know more, here's my number - "..."

"He left his phone number; it's late; I should try my abilities, ugh."

Just imagine the place you want to go to and

SUDDENLY I heard a click. I opened my eyes and saw that I was in a classroom that was empty.

<What? Did I succeed? Wow, this is amazing, but I'm cold. Oh right, jacket and preferably gloves.>

I approached the door...

It was locked.

I'll just try to teleport, maybe to our secret place.

...

Okay, it's night, so I can go there; I doubt anyone is there anyway.

<Alright, I'll try again. Phew.>

Phew, focus on the place and

CLICK

And here I am again, in the place, and there really is no one here. I just walked to the bridge and sat down to think about everything that had happened.

I summoned the blaster.

<No, stop, Sunny, stop thinking like that.>

And then

<<BARK>>

The blaster started barking. Wait, it's alive? Although, yes, the blaster looks like a snake skull, but snakes don't bark or something like that.

But what is it barking at?

I turned around and saw B-Basil entering the garden.

I urgently need to teleport away from her. Wait, where? I don't have enough energy to move back home. Aaaah, stop, what do I do?

I noticed a statue.

But when I was about to teleport to it...

...

But why am I running away? It's just Basil.

And suddenly I felt calm. If he and his lackeys ruined my life, why should I even run away?

Why should I even pay attention to him?

I'll just keep sitting here. I put the blaster away and continued to sit, but somehow I still felt his gaze.

I've had enough. If they're not going to believe me, then why should I even try to convince them? Let the sheep follow the lying shepherd; let them live in ignorance. I don't care anymore.

I calmed down and continued to sit; let him watch. He's not bothering me.

Five minutes passed, and he kept staring.

Maybe I'm just imagining things, and I'm already hallucinating from this place. Plus, I haven't slept in two days.

I turned around, and he was still standing there.

Well, fine.

But he was still there.

God, he's frozen. He's just staring. He can't be planning to stand there all night.

An hour passed.

Well, he's probably gone, and this feeling is just my paranoia.

I turned around.

HE HASN'T EVEN MOVED FROM HIS SPOT! WHATEVER.

<Hey, echo from the past, aren't you tired of standing there until class? There are only 4 hours left. I'd sleep for 2 hours if I were you; spending 2 hours sleeping isn't great.>

He just looked at his watch and quietly left.

<Phew, he's gone. Wait, how did I even say such an epic thing? Stop, why am I freaking out? I feel morally bad.>

Wait, the first side effect: increased anxiety. That explains a lot. Damn, I really need a jacket and gloves, and I should go there quickly. I don't want to run into anyone from school. It's better to arrive first; I think I can grab my jacket, but for that, I need to go home.

Focus and

CLICK

I found myself back home. Four more hours until school, so I could have some coffee.

Fifteen minutes later -

Here's the fresh coffee.

After drinking the coffee, I put on my jacket and gloves, then teleported to class and started waiting for the lesson to begin. Thank goodness Luke, Finn, and Ari have a day off today, so it's just me with lessons.

And the first one to enter the class was... wait, who is this?

He's not our classmate.

<<Oh, Sunny, thank God I found you!>>

I immediately noticed it was a boy about 12 years old, the same age as me.

But I didn't even have time to think; he started talking.

<<Yeah, it's you. Don't worry; I'm the one who sent you the gift. Look!>>

SUDDENLY, the boy summoned red knives that flew in his palms.

<<See?>>

And then I finally managed to say a word.

<O-oh, so it's you.>

<<Yeah, it's me, and let's be on a first-name basis.>>

<O-okay, w-what's your name?>

<<Shift, and I'm new here. I transferred, and I'm sorry I couldn't help earlier; I needed to find the time. Just consider that I was choosing a side.>>

<A-ah, don't apologize; I just...>

<<Sunny.>>

<<Stop, you're not to blame for anything. You weren't at fault from the start. The only one to blame is that damn perfectionist, Mari. Sorry, I have a hard time pronouncing long words.>>

<<...>>

I didn't know what to say. I found someone who knows the truth.

<<And yes, from today, I'm your new friend.>>

He winked at me.

I quickly hugged him, tears in my eyes.

<>

He said the last words with venom.

<`<John, I think that's the new kid the teacher mentioned, and he's sitting with that killer.>`>

<``<Yeah, I see him, that bastard.>``>

Shift immediately sprang into action and, with lightning speed, punched John in the stomach.

<<Now listen here, sheep!>>

He grabbed him by the hair and lifted him to eye level.

<<You touch him again, and I'll break your knees. Now shut up and follow the lies of your shepherd. Do you understand me?>>

<`<B-bastard, you know...>`>

<<Yeah, yeah, I pushed a bitch down the stairs, but I'm not stupid, and I try to see the situation fully, not just from the words of one bitch, so I don't need you to recap that bullshit for me.>>

He let him go and walked back to me. I was shocked by Shift's strength.

<<And now you know what my power is. Let's hang out after class.>>

And I happily replied,

<<Y-yeah, of course!>>

Notes:

Hooray, they registered an account for me, thanks to ligmaballz69
to be honest, my first chapters are a bit cringey, but from the second chapter everything will improve a bit

Chapter 3: Meеting

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

And then they entered the classroom: Basil, Kel, and Aubrey.

Shift just said about that,

<<And here come the sheep into the class. By the way, how many lessons do we have today? It's Friday, right?>>

After thinking for a moment, I said,

<Y-yeah, we have 5 lessons t-today.>

<<Well, it could be worse. By the way, look how shocked our sheep are that their plan went to hell.>>

I glanced at them slightly.

It seems they are in shock, but then they just angrily went to their desks.

<<See, I told you not to worry. We'll have another encounter with them.>>

<O-oh, you're not planning to fight them, are you, Shift?>

<<What? No, Sunny. I'll fight if they throw the first punch.>>

<O-okay.>

After 2 lessons...

<<Fuck, I hate fraction problems so much!>>

<S-Shift, don't swear.>

<>

I smiled at that.

<W-well, I hope you manage to solve them.>

<>

<Y-yeah.>

We went to the cafeteria. From time to time, I caught disgusted looks directed at me, but Shift tried to distract me from them.

...

And here we are in the cafeteria.

We quickly grabbed some food and sat at one table.

<<Well, the food here is good. I love it, especially chocolate!>>

<Y-you like chocolate?>

<<You could say that! I'd take all the chocolate in the world for myself and eat it in secret!>>

This amused me, even though I usually eat fruits.

<Hahaha!>

<<What? I'm serious!>>

But then I noticed Aubrey starting to walk toward us. I began to panic until Shift grabbed my hand.

<<Calm down; it seems it's time for the encounter.>>

And just as she was about to yell at me,

<<Shut your mouth!>>

<+<BUT you know what he...>+>

<<SHUT YOUR MOUTH R-I-G-H-T N-O-W!>>

Aubrey fell silent when he started speaking.

<<Now listen here, sheep. If you approach him again, you'll find yourself in the hospital with broken knees instead of home, so go back to your sheep and the lying shepherd you call Mari.>>

<+<Arghhh! How can you believe him after what he did to her?>+>

<<HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!>>

He laughed out loud.

<<Sorry, but I'm still laughing at how you all fell for that bitch's lies. God, it's so hilarious! And you know what's the funniest part? You have no proof that Sunny did it. You'll always say that Mari would never lie to you because she's PERFECT, even though the only thing she does perfectly is sweetly manipulate you.>>

I looked at Aubrey, and she was furious. She clenched her fist and was about to hit Shift.

<+<Ahhh, you...>+>

She hit Shift, but he managed to grab her hand and counterattack her in the face, sending her flying back to the table where Kel and Basil were sitting, who didn't expect Aubrey to come crashing into them.

Shift turned around with a grin from ear to ear and said,

<<Wow, she flew! Sunny, on a scale from 1 to 10, how good was that hit?>>

<Uh, I-I think eeeeeee...>

<<Although, you know what? Forget it. I didn't hit her that hard; God forbid I kill her!>>

I looked at the table where Aubrey lay, and she seemed to be coming to.

<<Ah no, she's alive. Well, okay, Sunny, let's go back to class. Ugh, I still have to face the teacher. Ugh!>>

We went back to class, but they didn't show up.

Three lessons later...

<<Phew, thank God they believed me more than Aubrey.>>

I just smiled at that.

<M-maybe because few people would believe that you threw someone 7 meters away?>

<<Yeah, and thank God the cafeteria is always noisy, so no one heard my maniacal laughter. Honestly, I feel awkward about it. Hehehe.>>

<W-well, it seems we just got lucky.>

<<Well, that too. By the way, let's go to the bathroom; we need to teleport.>>

<W-why?>

<<Sunny, think about it: Aubrey, Kel, and Basil could have already told Mari about what I did, and I have no doubt that she's either lurking around the school or already searching for us inside the school. I don't like either of those options, so let's go to the bathroom before the teacher comes looking for me.>>

We just entered the nearest bathroom, and then Shift took my hand.

<H-hey, Shift, what are you doing?>

<<Don't worry; you're not in my interests. We just need to be together to teleport.>>

<Oh, I thought you had that ability too.>

<<No, my abilities are creating red knives and plant magic, which I can summon, and I also have enhanced strength.>>

He summoned a few red knives and vines behind him.

<<See? So your arsenal of abilities is better; lucky you. Well, let's teleport before I get too awkward.>>

<O-okay.>

I closed my eyes.

Focus on one place and

SNAP!

And just like that, we were back at our old meeting spot.

<<Yeah, the pond. It's actually smart for Aubrey to keep an eye on it, so there shouldn't be anyone here.>>

<A-aren't you supposed to be looking for us, though?>

<<Well, that was just my assumption.>>

<<Well, that too.>>

He sheepishly scratched his head with a smile on his face.

<<Alright, let's go to my house; it's close by, and when I say close, I mean really close.>>

<H-mm.>

<<Just let me show you.>>

We walked around the pond from the other side and arrived at a two-story wooden house. The most surprising thing was that this house was in the middle of the forest.

<<And here we are!>>

<W-wow, so this is your house?>

<<Yeah, let's go inside.>>

We entered through the door. The inside of the house looked like this: first, there was a kitchen; to the left of it was a door with a sign that said "CAUTION: HIGH VOLTAGE!" To the right of the door was a staircase leading to a hallway with two doors, and the strangest thing was that to the left of the kitchen, there was a recessed area where boxes were stacked.

<<W-wow!>>

<<Yeah, I know, it's beautiful for an orphan. This place is amazing.>>

<W-what? An orphan?>

<<Yeah, I've been on my own. I work the night shift as a security guard at OTHERMART.>>

<<Oh yeah, it's actually a funny story. Do you want to know how I got hired? But first, let's go to the kitchen; I'll pour us some coffee.>>

<I-I wouldn't refuse.>

We went into the kitchen, where I sat on a chair waiting for my coffee. After 5 minutes...

And here's our coffee. He sat down next to me and started telling his story.

<<One time, I went to apply for a job at Othermart, and they offered me a bet: if I could beat the security guard in a fight, I could get hired for the night shift.>>

<<Of course! Although the guard was pretty good; he hit me pretty hard; look!>>

He opened his mouth, pointing to a missing tooth.

<<See? I had to put up a good fight to get that position.>>

He took a sip of his coffee at the same time as I did.

<<AHHHHHH, BLISS!>>

We said it simultaneously.

After finishing our coffee, I had questions for him: who he was, why he was an orphan, how he knew the truth, and where he got such strength.

<H-hey, Shift.>

<<Hmm, what's up?>>

He took a sip of his coffee.

<<Can you tell me more about yourself?>>

His expression showed slight surprise at my question.

<<Well, what do you want to know?>>

<Everything! Why haven't I seen you before in Faraway? How do you know the truth, and explain what kind of power flows within me?>

<<Before that, I want to tell you a story about a girl.>>

<A-a story?>

https://youtu.be/N-qZaGm8m4k

Once upon a time, long ago, when the world was greener and the sun shone brighter, there lived a girl. She had everything: a loving family, friends, and a world where everything was simple.

The girl lived happily, being kind to everyone, including her friends, but this didn't last long. One terrible day, her father died from an illness he had been fighting, but in the end, he lost and passed away quietly and peacefully.

After what happened, her mother, whose soul was crushed by the grief of losing her husband, stopped letting her go outside, locking her in the basement. She sat there, only occasionally leaving the basement under her mother's watchful eye. Most of the time, she looked at the world through the basement window and dreamed of the outside. She dreamed of how vast other cities were and how enormous the world itself was. One day, she decided to go outside against her mother's will, distracting her by setting the storage room on fire. When her mother ran to extinguish the fire, she escaped outside. She ran through the forest, not even realizing what had happened to her mother.

His eyes filled with tears.

She burned alive, but the girl didn't think about that; she ran and ran, rejoicing in her freedom. She was so happy, but then she smelled smoke. At first, it was faint, but when the girl turned around, she saw her village completely on fire, one house after another.

Tears began to flow from her eyes.

And she just watched until dawn. No one came to help her; she simply watched as her home, her village, and her friends burned alive while she sat on a hill, realizing her guilt. After everything was turned to ash, the girl decided to run as far as possible. She didn't care how far she had to go, but then she bumped into something—a wall of a house. Exhausted, the girl began to cry, but then she heard music. She looked through the window of the house and saw a girl four years older than her playing alone, enjoying the music. Then she heard a violin. She looked out the window and saw a boy playing it, but the girl didn't like how he played. She watched as she began to hit him for mistakes that weren't there, and then the boy took the violin, and it broke. The girl couldn't bear to watch; she ran away, listening to the distant shouts and cries, hearing something fall to the ground. She began to run, not even realizing she bumped into another house. When she decided to enter, she saw records older than the world itself but still understandable to her. It told her about souls and their power. At that moment, she promised herself that if she was ever destined to die, she would do it with thoughts of the good memories she would create. She promised that she would save the boy she had seen. As she continued to explore the house, she noticed two suitcases. One contained a syringe with red liquid, and the other had yellow-purple liquid. She saw instructions on what to do with them and thought that if she needed to save herself and that boy, she had to have power. So, she called upon her soul, which glowed a bright red. Taking the needle, she injected the liquid into her soul and felt immense pain, but she endured it. Looking at herself in the mirror, she marveled at her strength. Glancing at the other suitcase, she decided to give that power to the boy, writing him a message about what that power was. But before giving him the power, she decided to watch the boy. She saw how everyone ignored him, yelled at him, hit him, and turned away from him. Then the girl remembered her mother's words about the shepherd and the sheep, and from that day on, she no longer believed in people. A few days later, she decided to give the power to the boy, after which she enrolled in school. And you know the rest, Sunny.

<<And now tell me what we did wrong to deserve all this,>>

she said with tears in her eyes, hitting the table and starting to sob while I just looked at her.

Notes:

So now the prologue arc is finished, everything should be fine with the next chapter

Chapter 4: 3 Days Until the Concert

Chapter Text

The only thing I could say was out of my mouth.

...

Finally, Shift was able to calm down.

<And-sorry, I-I shouldn't have asked.>

Shift looked at me and smiled.

<<It's nothing. Thank you for listening. I needed to get it off my chest anyway.>>

<Oh, n-no, it's nothing. I just thought that if I stayed, I could support you emotionally.>

She looked at me, and tears began to well up in her eyes.

<<SUNNY!!!>>

She hugged me, but I froze in place from the sudden embrace, and I started to shake. For some reason, I felt uncomfortable, but I continued to stand there until she realized what was happening and let go of me.

<<Sorry, I forgot that people with anxiety don't like sudden touches.>>

She laughed apologetically.

<Oh, n-no, it's okay.>

<<And yes, you can pull the bone out of my leg.>>

She pointed down at her leg, where a blue bone was sticking out.

<Oh, yeah, s-sorry.>

I made the bone evaporate.

<<Well, anyway, do you want to check out my room?>>

<Oh, yeah, let's go. I think it will be nice.>

We headed to the stairs.

<<Of course, although it's not all tidy; there's a bunch of scientific stuff that needs to be packed into boxes.>>

<No—really, are there that many? >

<<Unfortunately, yes. I've already packed three boxes. By the way, do you want a slightly creepy fact about this house?>>

<Well, if it's slightly creepy, then I think it's fine.>

<<Okay, look, do you see that door with the sign that says!!!HIGH VOLTAGE!!!?>>

<Isn't there a circuit board behind there?>

<<Yes, but the question is what powers this house. Haven't you wondered why there's still electricity working here?>>

He approached the door and opened it, revealing a flask with connected wires, but the most horrifying part was that inside the flask was a blue soul.

<<Yes, all the electricity comes from the soul, and no, I don't even know who this soul belongs to, but considering this house is nearly 100 years old, I don't think we can find the owner of this soul.>>

He closed the door, and we went upstairs.

...

We entered Shift's room.

The room looked pretty normal: a bed on the right and a desk on the left. In the corner of the room were boxes filled with papers, flasks, and other things, and documents were scattered across the floor. It seemed like it needed to be cleaned up, but the most surprising thing was that there was an electric guitar hanging on the wall.

<<Yeah, there's still a lot to do here.>>

<Y-yeah, but it's still better than Kel's place.>

<<Hmm, is it really that messy there?>>

<Um, y-yeah, and the worst part is that Hiro has to put up with it.>

<<Hehehe, that's funny. By the way, you know I can play the guitar? Watch this.>>

He went to the wall and took the guitar down.

<>

<<Wait, let me plug the guitar into the amplifier.>>

He went to the bed and crawled under it, pulling out a box with lots of knobs. After connecting the wires to the guitar, he started to play.

https://youtu.be/1OahBc0y3yM

<<THEN GET RID OF THE TYRANNY>>

Wow, she played really well.

<<Phew, what do you think?>>

She proudly stood up.

<M-I liked it! Maybe you should participate in the concert.>

After my words, she looked at me questioningly.

<<What concert?>>

<N-Well, you know, there's a concert at school where anyone can participate, as long as they have musical talent.>

<<Hmmm...>>

She leaned against the wall, resting her chin on her hand, and it seemed like she had an idea. She suddenly jumped up with a shout.

<<EXACTLY!!!>>

<A-Ah!>

I immediately hugged myself and looked away.

<<Oh, sorry, I forgot.>>

<N-Nothing.>

<<Well, getting back to the idea, look, if I play the guitar, I might get attention, and that means I'll have some reputation. My words will have some weight, and that means I can influence your situation at school.>>

I felt excited for a moment, but then I remembered the problem.

<A-Ah, but there's one issue.>

<<Oh, and what is that?>>

<<T-The sign-up for participants ended a week ago.>>

She wanted to scream something in frustration, but remembering I was in the room, she decided to hold back and just muttered,

<<Damn it, fuck, aaaaaaaah!>>

<<Okay, then let's think of something else.>>

Calming down, she looked at my gloves.

<<Looks like you enjoy playing with your gloves.>>

And then I noticed that I had instinctively started playing with them.

<N-So what should we do next?>

Shift looked at me thoughtfully.

<<Ugh, I don't know. I actually don't have any other activities to do. Tomorrow is a day off, and I'm too lazy to do homework.>>

She pulled a cigarette from her hoodie and started to light it.

I looked at her in shock.

<<What? I want to smoke. It's not like someone is going to lecture me about how smoking kills—ugh, it just makes me angry.>>

She exhaled smoke, and the room was immediately filled with the smell of tobacco.

<Well, I thought you were one of those girls who don't smoke.>

She just laughed at my words.

<<Expectations can be deceiving. By the way, how about we use our abilities?>>

<A-Aren't we going to be heard? >

<<Well, if there's no one at the pond, then no one will hear us. So let's see if our sheep are there.>>

She casually walked towards the exit.

I immediately followed her.

...

<<Wait, why didn't we teleport?>>

After three minutes of walking to the pond, Shift asked.

<Well, um, teleportation doesn't always work.>

<<Hmm, yeah, you're right. It's just that you have a really cool ability. If I were you, I'd use it all the time.>>

<T-You're just lazy.>

<<Well, yeah, hehehe.>>

She scratched her head with a smile on her face.

...

And soon we would be out of the forest.

Suddenly, Shift pulled me back, pointing her finger for us to be quiet.

<...>

<<Look!>>

She pointed to the exit where Basil, Mari, Kel, Hiro, and Aubrey were sitting. It seemed like Mari had set up a picnic again.

<<Damn, we'll have to wait.>>

...

<<Hey, I have an idea.>>

Then she summoned a huge blue flower from the ground.

<<This is an echo flower. It repeats everything it hears.>>

<<And what are we going to do with it?>>

Shift stood proudly and whispered,

<<We're going to play spies. Just watch.>>

I looked in their direction, and from behind the tree, the echo flower appeared. Now we could hear them.

...

Now I could hear Mari.

<&<Of course, I'm surprised he could throw you that far, but the most amazing part is that you only got a bruise on your nose.>&>

Shift got angry.

<<I'm a girl, by the way!>>

She whispered.

But I continued to listen while Shift lit another cigarette.

</<Yeah, imagine how surprised we were when you flew to us. I have no doubt he has some superpower.>/>

Kel said.

At this, Shift closed her eyes and sighed dramatically.

<<Sunny, I want to scream.>>

<Well, um, I actually thought you were a guy too.>

At this, Shift looked at me sadly.

<<Don't disappoint me, Sunny, please.>>

<Well, um, maybe we should keep listening.>

<<Let's just say I'll smoke on the side.>>

We continued to listen.

<!<Kel, what's the name of that guy?>!>

Hiro asked.

Shift just mumbled, seeming like she was on the edge.

</<Oh, I think his name is Shift.>/>

Kel said.

<*<Hmm, that's a pretty cool name.>*>

Basil commented.

<**>

Mari said.

<!<Mari, is something wrong?>!>

Hiro asked.

<&<No, I was just thinking. It's good that Sunny found a friend.>&>

Mari replied.

<+<What did you say, Mari?>+>

Aubrey asked.

<&<Oh, n-no, you just imagined it. I'm just worried about my parents' divorce.>&>

The shock I felt was beyond words, and Shift almost choked.

<<What the hell?!>>

Shift exclaimed in surprise.

I stayed silent, contemplating the situation and what was happening in my old family.

<!<Hey, Mari, let's not bring up this topic.>!>

Hiro said.

<&<Yeah, I know. It's just that Mom said she started seeing a therapist after everything that happened, and she changed. Because of that, Mom fought with Dad, and plus, our aunt died in a fire. Now she's at the funeral, so I'm temporarily in charge of the house.>&>

Mari said sadly.

<<Okay, enough eavesdropping for today.>>

Shift said, seeming like it was really enough for today.

<<We need to think about everything.>>

He made the echo flowers disappear.

<Um, weren't we supposed to practice magic?>

<<Well, I thought about it, and God forbid someone sees us. I don't want any trouble. By the way, since Mom is at the funeral, let's go out through your old house.>>

I didn't want to. I couldn't. I crouched down, and I started to shake. I immediately hugged myself.

<<Hey, hey, hey, you don't have to, Sunny. I'm sorry; I didn't know you would react this way. Let's just...>>

<N-No, it's okay. Let's just get out quickly, right?>>

<<Are you sure, Sunny? You're not obligated. I'm worried about you. You already have anxiety, and I'm afraid that visiting might hurt you. Let's not do it; just forget my suggestion, okay?>>

I stayed silent. Shift looked guilty.

<<Sunny, just know that if anything happens, I'll always be with you, and I'll never break the promise I made to you. We're both brothers in misfortune.>>

She smiled apologetically and then sat down beside me.

<<Hey, Sunny, I know that with your anxiety, you might have um, "wrong thoughts," but I just want you to know that you're strong, even if you think otherwise. That's why I wanted to practice magic. Running away isn't always the solution to problems; sometimes we need to face our fears and fight them.>>

<<Uh-huh>>

I mumbled.

Shift stood up and approached me, extending her hand.

<<From this moment on, let's not run away from our past.>>

I looked at Shift with admiration and the confidence that only Kel or Mari could give me before, but now it was Shift—my BEST FRIEND.

Taking her hand, I stood up. She looked at me with a cheeky smile that made me realize she wanted to test me; it was like understanding someone just by their gaze.

<<Ready, Sunny? Now we'll show them how little we care about them with our behavior.>>

<Yeah, Shift, now I'm ready.>

After these words, I took off the hood I had been using to hide my left eye, which began to emit a purple-yellow glow, and started walking out of the forest.

<<Then let's go!>>

She followed me.

As we exited, I didn't even look in their direction, even though they were clearly watching us.

<<So, where are we going next?>>

Shift asked, pulling out another cigarette.

<Hehe, I think we can go to the shelter now. I want to introduce you to Luke, Finn, and Ari.>

I replied, now with the confidence that I could fulfill the promise I made to myself last night: "NOW I AM NOT A PUNCHING BAG."

<<Hmm, okay.>>

She said, stepping out with me from the secret place.

...

And so we entered the shelter. Seeing Anna, I immediately approached her, and of course, Shift decided to hide her cigarette.

<Mom, hi! I want to apologize for yesterday.>

Anna immediately paid attention to me.

<<Oh, it's okay, Sunny. We all have bad days, even me. But you came in all bandaged up.>>

<<Oooo, look at this!>>

Shift chimed in. Anna looked at the girl in the green hoodie.

<<And you are?>>

<<I'm his friend. So, yesterday some bullies attacked us. I managed to fight them off, but Sunny got hurt worse.>>

<<Oh, so that's what happened. It's actually good that Sunny has friends who can take care of him.>>

<<Oh, thank you!>>

<Mom, where are Fred, Luke, and Ari? >

I asked with interest.

<<They're probably in the garden. Go, Shift, you won't mind getting to know them.>>

<<Oh, Sunny brought me here for that. We were just bored, and Sunny suggested I come here.>>

<<Then I won't keep you any longer.>>

Anna replied, returning to her book on the couch.

After a minute, we were at the entrance to the garden, where Fred and Luke were playing by a tree, while Ari was sitting in the shade.

Ari spotted us and shouted to the boys.

<<Hey, Luke, Fred! Sunny is back!>>

They immediately ran to us.

<<Sunny, where have you been? We started to worry!>>

Luke asked.

I replied, pointing at Shift.

<<Hi everyone! So, this is the friend Sunny was talking about. Nice to meet you!>>

<<Nice to meet you! What's your name?>>

Ari asked.

I looked at Shift, and I noticed a vein bulging on her forehead.

<<My name is Shift, and I'm a girl.>>

She said, gritting her teeth.

<<I'm so sorry! I thought you were a boy because of your hood.>>

<<Ughhh...>>

Shift sighed in understanding, taking off her hood and revealing her chestnut hair.

<<Forget it. This is the second time today I've been mistaken for a boy, and it's making me angry.>>

<<So why do you wear a hood then?>>

<<Well, I like wearing hoods. That's my reason.>>

I laughed with Ari, and it seemed like they would get along.

<<Hey, Sunny, what's wrong with your eye.>>

Fred asked.

<Hey, Shift, how are you doing there?>

I turned to Shift; she was showing Ari the echo flower.

<<And now look!>>

After saying that, she handed the echo flower to Ari, who took it in her hands.

And now look!

<<<Wow, it really repeats everything it hears! Thank you, Shift, for showing me this. I didn't know such flowers existed!>>>

<<Well, if you want, you can take it with you. The flower has two modes: one is a recorder that repeats everything you say, and the other is a listening mode. If you connect one flower to another...>>

She took another flower from her pocket, which automatically connected to the first one.

<<And now you can talk and stretch these echo flowers like a phone!>>

<<<Really? Hey, Luke, come here!>>>

<<<What do you want, Ari?>>>

<<<Take the flower!>>>

<<<Hmm, okay.>>>

<<<Now come over to the tree while holding the flower in your hand.>>>

Luke approached with the flower, and its roots began to stretch.

<<<Wow, you could make a jump rope out of this!>>>

<<<Oh, you're right!>>>

She said, speaking into the flower.

<<<Yes, it's a phone!>>>

<<<See, isn't that cool? Where can we buy these, Shift?>>>

I looked at Shift, and she had a mischievous smile, like a villain from a cartoon; it seemed she had an idea.

<<Hey, Sunny, I have an idea on how we can get rich by the end of our lives!>>

She said, making a sly move and quickly coming close to my ear.

<<We'll sell echo flowers and GET FUCKING RICH !>>

I covered her mouth with my hand.

<<Sh-Shift, there are kids here! You can't say that!>>

<<Sorry, I just got hit with such a wave of motivation that if motivation were energy, I'd be a collider!>>

Then she picked me up and turned to the kids.

<<So, kids, I need to take Sunny for a veeeeeery important matter, so bye! I won't give you a percentage for the idea; I'm off!>>

And she really ran toward the exit, passing Anna.

<<<HEY, where are you going?>>>

<<DON'T WORRY, I'LL BRING HIM BACK IN A WEEK! HE'S STAYING WITH ME!>>

She dashed outside, running back to her house at an incredible speed while I hung onto her in shock.

...

When we returned to the pond, Mari and her friends had already started a picnic. Seeing us, they were in huge shock that I was now in Shift's arms, who was running faster than Kel after drinking coffee. At that moment, I looked at them pleadingly for help, and the only thing I could do in that situation was scream at them.

My last words echoed through the forest as Shift ran into it.

<<NO WAY! NOW YOU'RE MY BUSINESS PARTNER, SUNNY! I'M SCROOGE MCDUCK!>>

And just like that, we burst into the house. Surprisingly, Shift stopped and opened the door, immediately resuming her speed as she rushed into the room, placing me on the bed.

<<Wait here; I need to grab a board!>>

She dashed out of the room and returned in a second with a drawing board and a marker.

<<So, Sunny, now I'll explain the plan for how we'll become rich!>>

<Yeeeee, how long did it take us to get here?>

<<I don't know, but look, first we need to go to the cemetery in another city. Since my mom passed away, I found out where she's buried. I need to go there, and then we'll open a flower shop. No, better yet, we'll work with FIX-IT!>>

I asked, shocked after the run.

<<Well, you know, I'll feel lonely there, plus it's an opportunity for us to hang out and go to a restaurant and all that.>>

<<Now for the second part of the plan, look!>>

She opened the marker and began drawing. At that moment, I thought a robe, glasses, and a stick would suit her well.

...

After five minutes, I recovered from the shock, and just then, Shift finished drawing, pointing to the picture she had made.

<<Look, Sunny! First, we go to FIX-IT and offer the seller the best deal ever. He gives us that part of the shop with flowers, and we'll give him 40% of our sales while we keep 60% just because of the echo flowers and the fact that we'll be working there. Plus, they need employees, so we'll consider that too. We'll make a huge profit, Sunny, just imagine!>>

She hugged me around the shoulders and raised her hand.

<<We'll be lying on the beach in Faraway, relaxing, while behind us a house is being built near the beach where we can stroll all day long. It's like a dream come true!>>

And indeed, it began to dawn on me: the greed and stinginess of Shift were starting to manifest in me too, and I could feel a greedy smile forming on my face. I had never been greedy before, but now I was starting to enjoy it. Plus, our reputation would skyrocket! Just imagine, the kids discovering a new type of flower, and now they're richer... richer than I don't know who, the richest person on earth. But still, it would spread all over Faraway, and I could restore my reputation at school.

<<I'm in!>>

Chapter 5: 2 Days Until the Concert

Chapter Text

And here we are on the bus heading to another city for Shifty's funeral.

Yesterday, I slept at Shifty's while she worked the night shift at Othermart. It's actually surprising that I managed to fall asleep today; until yesterday, I hadn't been able to sleep at all. Apparently, that conversation with Shifty really helped me.

...

<<Sunny?>>

<Hmm?>

<>

she said slightly dejected.

<Yeah, I agree. Plus, you really should update your wardrobe; you've been wearing that sweater since the day we met.>

<<Yeah, you're right. I hope we can find a little shop in Ebot.>>

<<Hmm?>>

She froze for a few seconds, calming herself.

<>

She paused for a moment, preparing to answer.

<<Mari.>>

<<Because only she would know where to go. In short, her mother went to the same city we are going to, but don't worry, there's little chance we'll run into her.>>

I started thinking again about what is happening in my family. Basically, this idea is based solely on curiosity. I don't really care whether I'll see them, run away, or start a fight.

<Hey, Shifty, do you have any ideas about what happened between my parents?>

<<The only thing I know is that Mom went to a psychologist, and they helped her out, but Dad got angry about it. They probably just didn't see eye to eye, and that's when she kicked him out of the house.>>

<Ugh, I just don't know what to feel about them. I have a plan of action: running or fighting. I'm sure I can even fight them thanks to that conversation we had.>

<<Even so, I think you just need to wait. But hey, don't be down; remember, we still have to sell flowers, but that's when we get back to Faraway. Today, I need to see my mom, but first, we need to shop for clothes and grab something to eat. We haven't eaten anything since this morning, and it's still a 15-minute ride to the city.>>

<Alright, you're probably right, Shifty. I just need to... forget and distract myself.>

<<Let's stop by a restaurant and get something to eat.>>

...

Fifteen minutes later.

<<Welcome to Ebot City! I'm here, Mom, I'll come to you soon,>>

she said as she got off the bus.

<<Then we need to buy clothes for the funeral and some flowers.>>

<Well, let's go to the restaurant.>

I pointed to the shopping center.

<<Oh, how convenient that the shopping center is right by the bus station!>>

<Yeah, let's go.>

After crossing the pedestrian crossing, we entered the shopping center. Taking the escalator, we went up to the third floor and approached the restaurant.

...

And here we are sitting at a table.

<>

<<Well, then I'll have hot chocolate.>>

<<<Okay, I'll bring it right away,>>>

said the waitress.

<<Well, as I explained, your aunt passed away, and her burial will be at the same cemetery as mine.>>

<Hmm, what a coincidence.>

<<Yeah.>>

...

And here comes our food.

The steak turned out well, although I would have added some ketchup. Shifty liked the hot chocolate.

<<Well, I think it turned out pretty good.>>

<Yeah, I agree.>

<<Let's go; it's time to head down to the clothing store.>>

We got up from the table and took the escalator down.

...

And here we are at the clothing store.

<So, what are you going to get for yourself?>

<<A ton of green sweaters.>>

<Wow, you really have a variety there.>

<<Says the person who constantly wears black t-shirts.>>

<Hey, I actually started wearing a jacket.>

<<Because without it, you'd freeze.>>

<Hmm, fine, but don't forget we need to get a funeral suit with a tie.>

<<Yeah, yeah, I remember. After that, we'll go to the flower shop.>>

We went inside and immediately started looking for clothes when my phone rang. It was Anna, who gave it to me today before we left.

<Hi, Anna.>

<<<Hi, Sunny! I just called to check how you're doing. Have you eaten well?>>>

<Yeah, I had steak, and Shifty had cheesy potatoes.>

<<>>

<Ahahaha, okay, I will. Bye, I'm going to grab something for myself.>

<<<Oh, and after the cemetery, head straight back.>>>

<<<Bye, Sunny.>>>

BEEP

And then Shifty approached me with a green sweater and a pleading look.

<No.>

<<Pleaseeeeeeeeeee!>>

<<But I'm also getting a t-shirt, a bra, underwear, and a funeral suit!>>

<<So what? I'm just going to buy a dark green sweater!>>

Shifty just looked at me with fake tears.

<<Do you want to send me to hell, Sunny? Please, since yesterday, you've changed so much.>>

<Sorry, but I have no other options to dress you properly, and yes, I've changed for you.>

I just smiled at that; in some way, I really had changed. Thanks to Shifty, although I wouldn't take back my words. If anyone is going to make her choose normal clothes, it's only Mari. I'd damn well climb into hell under the guise of my old home to drag the devil of perfectionism out of Mari so she could torment Shifty.

<Fine, take it, but next time Mari is going with you.>

<<Damn, well, okay, I'll endure the horror for the sake of green sweaters.>>

<Ohhhh, you have no idea what horror you're signing up for.>

<<Don't exaggerate; it can't be that torturous.>>

Shifty gulped in fear but still maintained her smile.

<<Sunny, how did you live with her?>>

<<And what about your friends?>>

<<Sunny, think about it; they're just kids. For them, Mari is like an older sister, especially Aubrey and Hiro. They'd go to great lengths to protect her because she's what they call PERFECT.>>

<Perfect? She fooled them, and they sent me to hell. Honestly, I'd rather have friends who would betray me at the slightest call. In that regard, I trust you more, Shifty. Thank you for everything.>

<<Oh my God, Sunny, I understand everything, but please watch your language.>>

<Sorry, I'm just still angry, but let's get dressed in the funeral suit.>

<<Yeah, let's do it.>>

We went and paid for all the clothes, then changed in the fitting room.

<<Well, I'm ready>>

<Yeah, now it's time to go to the flower shop.>

<<Uh-huh, after that to the cemetery.>>

She said the last words with sadness.

<Hey, Shifty, I'm with you, don't worry.>

<<Thank you, Sunny. You're really a good friend.>>

<Yeah, no problem. I should be thanking you for pulling me out of my anxiety state.>

<<Yeah, let's just go to the flower shop and then to the cemetery.

...

<<Well, I thought they would fit here.>>

<<What's wrong?>>

<Well, in the language of flowers, it means wealth.>

<<Well then, let wealth live in paradise.>>

<Heh, Basil knows a thing or two about flowers. He taught me the language of flowers; at least that's something that creep gave me.>

<<Alright, let's go to the cemetery.>>

We left the mall and returned to the bus stop.

<<So, we need to wait for bus 143.>>

She looked at the arrival list.

<<Sunny, what time is it? The bus is coming at 16:30.>>

I checked my phone 16:25.

<It'll arrive in 5 minutes.>

<<Well then, let's sit down.>>

...

After 5 minutes, Shifty and I started a small conversation.

<<Hmm, do you think the fools can be put on the righteous path?>>

<<Well, as I said, I'll support you wherever you go.>>

<<Yeah, yeah, and here comes the bus.>>

...

Now we're back sitting on the bus, and it seems Shifty started shaking her leg.

<<Sunny, to be honest, I'm a bit scared.>>

<<This is about you, Sunny, but here I feel fear.>>

<Shifty, I don't even know how to support you. I'm sorry.>

<<No, you're not to blame. I just think I need to calm down.>>

<You're right. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Let's go.>

<<Okay, I'll try.>>

She started taking deep breaths.

<<Phew, thank you. I feel better.>>

<Anytime. Mari taught me this.>

<<Sunny, let's not talk about her right now.>>

<Fine.>

...

And now here we are at the cemetery. Damn.

Shifty felt uncomfortable, so I took her hand.

<<Sunny...>>

<Let's go together.>

<<Uh-huh.>>

We started walking slowly, approaching the people and the priest.

I looked at the person in the coffin; it was a woman in a burial dress with her face wrapped in bandages and no hair.

Tears began to well up in Shifty's eyes, and I just looked at her with sadness.

I hugged her tightly while holding the flowers.

The priest began to deliver his speech.

<<<May the Lord rest the soul of Your servant, the newly departed Tanna Dreemurr, and forgive her all her sins, both voluntary and involuntary, and grant her the Kingdom of Heaven. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.>>>

<Shifty, I'm with you.>

<<Uh-huh.>>

She cried on my shoulder while I watched as they began to lower the coffin.

Something about that last name sounded familiar, as if I had heard it before.

Shifty calmed down a bit and let me go, continuing to watch the process, but that question started to bother me: where did this feeling about Dreemurr come from? I began to step away from the grave, my finger on my chin.

<<Sunny, are you okay?>>

...

<<It's a joke, you know. I'm not really in the best mood for jokes right now.>>

<Well, no, our mom told us about her, but only rarely.>

"Dreemurr, huh? So, it turns out I'm your cousin.>>

<Uh-huh, but for some reason, I don't really care. No offense.>

<<Probably because of the funeral, heh, brother.>>

<Probably. Wait.>

I suddenly started looking around.

<<Hey, Sunny, I'd rather call you brother.>>

<Stop, Shifty. If she's my aunt, that means my mother is here.>

<<Then stop looking around, or you'll attract attention to yourself.>>

<Right, you know what? Let's step aside a bit.>

<<Yeah, let's.>>

We walked to the back of the grave and started observing the people.

<<Wait, how didn't she notice us earlier?>>

<Well, that's a good question.>

<<Stop, what does your mom look like?>>

<<Good, we're lucky there are a lot of people here. Oh wait, that's not her.>>

<Hmm, no, her hair isn't that long.>

"Well, after all this time, she could have changed her style."

<Yeah, of course, after all this time, she surely has time to dye her hair, especially since I REMIND YOU, she divorced my father, and at the same time, her aunt died>

I said sarcastically.

<<Okay, okay, don't be a buzzkill.>>

<Sorry, I just wanted to show off in front of my sister.>

<<Alright, let's just wait until everyone leaves, then I'll place the flowers, and we can teleport out of here.>>

...

<<Heh.>>

<What?>

<>

<Hmm, okay.>

<<Oh, really?>>

<What?>

<<Everyone is starting to disperse.>>

<<:<Actually, yes, she is here.>:>>

<<Yes where? Wait.>>

We slowly turned our heads to see a woman with chestnut hair, around 40-50 years old. Yes, it was my mother.

<...>

"..."

<<:<You know, I'll just leave. You probably have your reasons for being here, although it's nice of you, Sunny, to come to your aunt's funeral. Thank you, but I think I need to go.>:>>

She simply walked past us and stood by the prayer area with flowers, smiling at both of us while noticing my left eye.

<>

<<Actually, I think she was sincere in her words.>>

<Yeah, and I'll just stay silent.>

<<Okay, she's gone.>>

<Already? Well then, let's go to the grave and lay the flowers.>

<<No, I'll go by myself. This is personal.>>

Shifty started approaching the grave, putting a cigarette in her mouth.

I decided to stand there, pondering about Mom. Was she sincere or not? Honestly, nothing came to mind, so I decided to just let it go for now.

...

Suddenly, someone put a hand on my shoulder from behind.

It was my mom again.

I quickly brushed her hand away and started to step back.

<<:<You can leave if you want; I won't blame you. Just please listen to me.>:>>

I stopped. My left eye began to brighten.

<...>

<<:<The way I treated you was unforgivable. I honestly think I don't deserve to be a parent, and the shelter will treat you better than I did with M-Mari. I just came to say that if something happens, the doors to our home will always be open to you, although I doubt you'll come back. And yes, the last thing I could do for you is to ensure that your father is legally prohibited from coming near us, so he won't bother you.>:>>

After saying this, she began to walk away.

I said to myself as my eye began to dim again. It seems it reacts to emotions, even though I wasn't feeling anything at that moment. Strange; I should ask Shifty about this.

I said to myself as I looked back at Shifty.

She was squatting, sadly smoking her cigarette near the buttercups.

<Shifty, are you done? Can I come over?>

<<Y-yeah, l-let's just leave already.>>

She said, stuttering, wiping a tear from her face with her sweater sleeve.

<<B-But wait, let me do something one last time.>>

She started approaching the grave, placing her hand on the ground when suddenly buttercups began to grow from the earth. Once she finished, Shifty looked at her work with pride. Buttercups were blooming on the grave; it looked beautiful.

<Beautiful.>

<<Yeah, rest in peace, Mom. I'm sorry you died because of me, even though the reason for this was your fear for my life. But let's just say we both acted wrongly we're even, even if I did something worse.>>

<<Let's go, Sunny. We have a meeting tomorrow, and I have a shift coming up soon.>>

<Yeah.>

We looked around.

...

There was no one here; we could teleport. I took Shifty's hand,

closed my eyes, and focused on the location.

SNAP!

We teleported to Shifty's house, and my head immediately started to hurt.

<Ugh, teleporting over long distances is unpleasant.>

<<Well, let's just admit that neither of us wanted to sit on the bus>>

...

<<Sunny, are you okay?>>

<Ugh, I feel a bit off. Ugh.>

<<SUNNY!>>

...

I opened my eyes and found myself on Shifty's bed.

...

It seems the jolt from teleportation knocked me out.

<Ugh, damn, my head.>

I turned my head and saw a note on the table along with some pills and a bottle of water.

"Sunny, good morning! It's me, Shifty. I had to leave you because I need to go to work. Please take the painkillers and avoid teleporting tomorrow, okay?"

<Oh, so that's what happened. Alright.>

I took the pills and decided to head downstairs to the kitchen.

...

Ah, there's my coffee! I sat down at the table and started drinking, but then my attention was drawn to that square area in the house, as if there should have been a cabinet or something similar standing there. I began to approach it.

...

I decided to lean against the wall.

<Well, it's not a bad place to hide.>

Suddenly, I heard a click, and immediately, bars appeared from the entrance of the area, and I began to descend.

<<Whoa, so this was an elevator>>

After a minute of descent, I saw a huge, circular cave. I immediately noticed an underground waterfall with a river in the distance. There were a lot of echo flowers down below. So that's where Shifty gets them!

As I descended, I stood on the ground. Wait, the surface in the cave isn't made of stone; it's actually dirt, and it's quite peaceful here. I started walking, and surprisingly, I felt calm. I even forgot about my headache.

I began to walk slowly toward the river with the waterfall.

<Hmm, this place has a pretty peaceful atmosphere, as if my mind is clearing from problems.>

When I approached the river, I saw shampoo and a towel. It seems Shifty washes here. What a great way to save on water! When I touched the water, I noticed it was quite warm. So it's a hot spring!

<Hmm, I guess it's time for me to wash up too.>

I took off my clothes and started to immerse myself, placing my coffee mug on the ground. It wasn't deep, so I didn't have to struggle with thalassophobia.

<Well, I hope Shifty won't mind if I use her shampoo.>

I began to wash my face with the warm water from the spring.

...

When I finished, I dried myself off with the towel.

I chuckled lightly, and as I turned around, I saw a window. It seems there's another room here.

Putting my clothes back on, I walked to the back of the cave where there was a door with windows.

...

<Hmm, and here I am.>

Turning my head to the side, I noticed a door. I approached it and peeked inside. I saw a table, chairs, and a bunch of scientific stuff, but I noticed a book that caught my interest.

SHIFTS PHOTO ALBUM

So, Shifty decided to make a photo album like Basil's. How amusing!

I opened the photo album, and so far, there were three photographs.

In the first attached photograph, I was sitting and listening to Mari's conversation while Shifty stood behind me with a cigarette in her mouth.

10/11/1992

Today, I introduced Sunny to my home. We got a little bored, so we decided to head back to Sunny's house, but when we were about to leave the forest, we noticed that Mari had set up a picnic. I suggested playing Spy with Sunny.

In the second photograph, Shifty was introducing Ari to echo flowers.

10/11/1992

We went to the shelter to meet Sunny's friends, Ari, Fred, and Luke. I introduced Ari to the echo flowers, and it seems she liked them, so I decided to give her some.

In the third photograph, Shifty was looking at green sweaters with a sad face.

11/11/1992

I had to leave behind a few green sweaters; I wanted to take 4 instead of 7.

And with that, the photo album ended. I closed it and started to leave the room. After shutting the door, I returned to the river where I had left my coffee, and it seemed it hadn't cooled down yet.

I picked it up and began to finish it.

<Honestly, I'm glad Shifty decided to borrow Basil's idea. She probably wanted to surprise me.>

<Heh, thanks... Shifty, I liked it.>

I took a sip of my coffee.

...

But I started to feel sleepy.

So, I went to the river and lay on the ground, closing my eyes.

It wasn't the worst day.

Chapter 6: 1 Days Until the Concert

Chapter Text

I started to wake up.

<Uaaah>

Yawning, I looked around.

The sound of the waterfall, which I liked, was so moderate, as if the water itself was pouring down at a calm pace. For me, it was the perfect start to the day.

...

What time is it now? Asking myself this question, I took out my phone: 8:00 AM. Shifty should be home; yesterday was a tough day for her, so I should be by her side.

I looked back at the elevator; it seemed like it was time for me to go.

As I walked to the elevator, I noticed the echo flowers. They emitted a bright blue glow.

Hmm, I had an idea.

I shouted.

HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY

HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY

HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY HEEEEEEY

I smiled at this; now all the echo flowers would repeat it.

Taking one of the echo flowers, I stepped onto the platform.

After taking one last look around the cave, I pressed the button.

To the buzzing sound, I began to rise up.

...

<<Oh, you're awake! How do you like the echo cave?>>

Shifty said, sitting at the table and sipping coffee.

<Well, I liked it. By the way, I used your shampoo.>

<<Oh, is everything alright?>>

She said, finishing her coffee.

<<Well, in any case...>>

She took out a flask with echo flowers.

<<It's time to introduce the forgotten plant to the world.>>

<Let's do it!>

We went outside and started our way to the pond.

<Tomorrow, Mari has a concert.>

<<And you're coming?>>

<<Curiosity? Well, I'll come too. After all, no matter what kind of person she is, her piano playing is magnificent.>>

<<You're right, and I feel a bit uneasy because of the heat.>>

She said, taking off her jacket and sweater, leaving only her t-shirt.

I said, taking off my jacket and gloves.

<Phew, I feel better.>

<<Yeah, it's like a stone has been lifted from my soul.>>

<<Agreed, let's go to OTHERMART first.>>

<<Let's hurry before I dry out.>>

And there was the pond, but there was no one there.

<<Oh, we're lucky!>>

<Yeah, let's hurry before I jump into the pond myself. Damn, why is it so hot?>

<>

And here we were at the park, where we heard the news on the radio:

Reminder that today in Faraway, the temperature has risen to 30 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and wear summer clothing. This reminder was announced by Alastor, your radio host, and also tomorrow at Faraway School, there will be a concert.

<<Wow, they ordered an advertisement on the radio!>>

<I'm shocked too. Well, at least we got an explanation about the heat.>

<<Alright, let's go to OTHERMART already.>>

...

And here was FIX-IT. We managed to stop by OTHERMART to buy water.

Shifty was already taking a sip.

<<Oh, bless the cold water!>>

<<Yeah, let's go.>>

She said, entering the store, where we were greeted by the cashier.

<<<Hello, kids! What do you want?>>>

<<Are you the manager?>>

<<<No, I'm the owner. What happened?>>>

<<Okay.>>

She said, pulling out the flask with the echo flower and placing it in front of the cashier.

<<<...>>>

<<...>>

<...>

<<<...No, it can't be him.>>

<<Yes, it's him.>>

<<<Open it, show me.>>

After these words, Shifty began to carefully unscrew the cap and then took the echo flower.

<<This is it!>>

This is it.

The owner looked at the echo flower with surprise and shock, then turned to us.

<<<You two, follow me.>>>

<<Of course.>>

We walked through the door behind the cashier. Entering, we climbed the stairs to a room with a small table, where we sat down.

<<<So now I'm curious, where did you get this flower?>>>

<<Will my answer affect our deal?>>

<<<Well, first of all, yes. And secondly, let's do it this way: you tell me where you got this flower, and then we'll negotiate our deal.>>>

<<Alright, you know the conditions that must be met for echo flowers to start growing.>>

<<<That's not an answer, but yes, I know they grow in a very rare type of cave. However, they need water to reproduce, and the water in these caves comes from droplets that fall from the waterfalls above the cave. Because of that, echo flowers didn't live long, as the water fell in very small quantities.>>>

<<Ohhh, let me correct you. Yes, echo flowers indeed didn't live long and had little water, but there are times when water from the waterfalls flows into the caves in huge amounts.>>

<<<There was only one such cave, but it collapsed during the war between two kingdoms. One side were fanatics who believed the flowers were a divine gift, while the other wanted to obtain the flowers for sale. Ugh, and very few people know about this ancient story.>>>

<<Yes, you're right; this story is not well-known. But the thing is, there is a second cave, and the funniest part is that it is located under my house.>>

After this, the man looked at us in astonishment and then put his hands on his head.

<<<Too good to be true.>>>

<<Yeah, it's hard to believe we will be the ones on the brink of a revolution in the phone industry.>>

<<<Yes, but such a chance doesn't come often, especially for you kids.>>>

<<Well, let's not drag out the deal. Here's the deal: 50/50, plus a guarantee in the form of money just because we found the cave.>>

I managed to say after processing the huge amount of information my brain could handle.

They both looked at me.

<<<Ah, yes, Sunny is right. By the way, how is your mom—Anna, to be precise?>>>

<Oh, she's doing well.>

<<<I'm glad to hear that. I heard rumors, and honestly, I believe in you.>>>

<<<But alright, let's do it this way: I agree, but only under a couple of conditions.>>>

<<Well, what are those conditions?>>

<<>>

<>>

<<<Call me Hank.>>>

<<Alright, Mr. Hank, do you agree?>>

<<<Yes, but let's make it official.>>>

<<Hmm.>>

<<<Now I'm going to sit down and prepare a written contract, and we'll sign it the day after tomorrow.>>>

<<Well, yes, that would be more appropriate.>>

<<<Alright, then let me give you your guarantee.>>>

He said, turning to the safe, counting the money, and then approaching us to hand it over.

<<<Here's $3000, $1500 for each of you.>>>

Shifty and I looked at the money with admiration and a sly smile.

<<Alright, thank you, we'll be on our way then.>>

She took the flask and stood up from the chair.

<<It's a pleasure working with you.>>

<<<Likewise.>>>

After we descended to the exit, we stepped out into the heat.

Shifty just took a deep breath.

<<YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! SUNNY, WE DID IT! THE DEAL WENT SMOOTHLY, AND NOW WE HAVE MONEY IN HAND! LET'S GO SHOPPING!>>

<YEEEEEEESSSSS! I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT—$1500! OUR PARENTS COULDN'T EVEN DREAM OF SUCH MONEY!>

<<YEAH, LET'S GET THE BEST STUFF IN LIFE!>>

<<GOLDEN WORDS! WE'RE THE BEST!>>

Half a day later

We were lying on lounge chairs, wearing sunglasses under an umbrella. To our right was a boombox. I was in shorts and had my shirt off, while Shifty was just in her swimsuit.

<Ahhh, this is bliss!>

I said, sipping my cold lemonade from the cooler.

<<Yeah, bro, your idea with the lounge chairs is just amazing! It feels like I'm back in summer again!>>

<Yeah, I just had to think back to that day when we relaxed at the sea. Ahhh, by the way, how much did we spend on this pleasure? >

<<Let's see.>>

She said, pulling out the receipts.

<<Well, it's $1200.>>

<Yeah, we both put in $600, and now we're enjoying ourselves. Alright, let's turn on some music!>

I said, reaching for the remote to play some music.

<<Wait, I almost forgot!>>

<What?>

<<A photograph!>>

12/11/1992

Today in the Faraway, there's an abnormal heat wave, so we bought lounge chairs and an umbrella to relax. Right now, Sunny is getting ready to turn on the boombox while sipping her lemonade.

<<Alright, DJ, turn it up!>>

<Yeah!>

I pressed the button, and music started playing on the boombox.

https://youtu.be/bGiJxE1WLsg

A minute later we started singing

<<Air and oxygen>>

<Money in middle starting speech>

<<History and history books>>

<A B C D>

<<Night and universe>>

<Human ocean>

<<Foot in pool>>

<<Imagery and in real life>>

<A B C D E F>

<<A long time ago>>

<A long time ago>

<<One caveman>>

<One caveman>

<<Had a busy life>>

<Had a busy life>

<<Making tons of>>

<Names>

At this point we started singing at the same time.

{ON A SUNDAY RIDING MY BIKE I NOTICE I NOTICE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT LOOK ALIKE ON A SUNDAY RIDING MY BIKE I NOTICE I NOTICE MANY MANY LOOK ALIKE ON THIS PLANET DRINKING MY COFFEE I NOTICE I NOTICE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT ARE ALIKE LOOK ALIKE ON THIS PLANET DRINKING MY COFFEE I NOTICE I NOTICE MANY MANY THINGS THAT ARE ALIKE}

<<Everything is born from this planet a number a TV even thoughts that entertain everything came out of this planet a boyfriend a pencil even your new videos and everything is>>

{ON THIS PLANET RIDING MY BIKE I NOTICE I NOTICE DIFERENT THINGS THAT ARE ALIKE LOOK ALIKE ON THIS PLANET RIDING MY BIKE I NOTICE I NOTICE MANY MANY LOOK ALIKE ON THIS PLANET RIDING MY BIKE I NOTICE I NOTICE DIFERENT THINGS THAT ARE ALIKE LOOK ALIKE ON THIS PLANET RIDING MY BIKE I NOTICE I NOTICE NEW AND UNIVERSAL LOOK-A-LIKES}

<AHHHHHH, you sang beautifully!>

<>

She said, putting a cigarette in her mouth.

<Shifty, stop it.>

<<Hey, don't ruin the mood!>>

She pouted and handed me the cigarette.

<<Well, please.>>

With a sigh, she gave me the pack as well. After that, I called Blaster, who destroyed the pack and the cigarette.

<<You idiot! I won't be able to get those again!>>

<>

I looked at her in surprise.

<So, if I understand correctly, you took the cigarettes from that house? They're expired! I was supposed to destroy them!>

<<What, cigarettes have an expiration date too?>>

At that moment, I slapped my forehead.

<<Hey, don't compare me to him!>>

<Ugh, fine. Just promise me you'll think before you do something.>

<<Haha, alright, alright! But you know, after yesterday, this money feels like a warm-up for me, especially after yesterday, and it's not bad at all!>>

She paused as if examining something. After a couple of seconds, she summoned a knife.

<Hey, Shifty, what are you doing? >

Then she threw the knife into a tree, where it got stuck.

<<HEY, WHOEVER YOU ARE, COME OUT OF THERE RIGHT NOW!>>

She shouted, taking off her sunglasses.

...

After 5 seconds, Basil came out of the bushes.

{Damn it}

<*<Ehh, hello>*>

<<Ugh, what were you doing there? We're trying to relax from the heat, you know.>>

<...>

<*<Sorry, I-I was just taking pictures of nature>*>

<...>

<<Come here,>>

She said sternly.

<*<O-okay>*>

He approached us.

<<Now show us the pictures.>>

<*<S-sure>*>

She started pulling out the photos from her pocket, but then Shifty approached him and began searching him.

<<Hmm, nice picture,>>

She said, taking out a photo.

<*<T-thank you>*>

<<You know, do you mind if I take it?>>

<<<*B-but that's m-mine*>>>

<<Oh, don't be so nervous, Basil. It's just one photo. Plus, in exchange, I'll give you my Polaroid film. It's pretty good.>>

<<<*O-okay*>>>

She put a pack of Polaroid film in his pocket.

<<And now, I kindly ask you to leave, alright?>>

...

He left.

<>

<Hmm, do you want lemonade?>

<<Yes, and look at this.>>

She showed me a photo, and it depicted a plant, but in the upper right corner was my blaster. It was barely noticeable, but if you looked closely, you could see it.

Shifty summoned a knife and, holding the photo up in the air, started making multiple cuts in the air, after which nothing was left of the photo.

<Wow, cool!>

I said, handing her the lemonade.

<<Thanks! By the way, what time is it?>>

<It's 16:30 Why? >

<<Then let's get ready, plus we haven't done our homework yet. So let's pack up and head home.>>

<Aha.>

Five minutes later, we were all packed up.

<<Alright, I'm ready.>>

<Yes.>

<<Then let's go!>>

<<<!Hey, you, stop!>>>

<Let's pretend we didn't hear and walk quickly.>

<<Yeah, let's do that.>>

We just started walking toward the forest as the voice got closer.

<<Alright, what do you want?>>

We turned around, and I was right—it was Hiro with Basil, whose head was bleeding from the top. Apparently, Shifty had nicked him with her knife.

<<!<Why did you hurt Basil?>!>>

He asked.

Shifty got angry but held back.

<<Okay, listen, I just got scared when I saw the flash from the Polaroid, so I threw the knife in panic.>>

<<<*H-Hiro, it's okay, it's all my fault.*>>>

<<Basil was photographing us; we just wanted to relax, and he started taking pictures. Ugh, fine, look, Basil, I'm sorry for throwing a knife at you, okay?>>

<<<*You don't need to apologize, Shifty; you were just scared*.>>

<<Now that's settled, good.>>

<<!<Alright, if that's the case, then you, Basil, should apologize too. It's one thing to take pictures of us, but you can't photograph strangers without permission!>!>>

<<<*Yeah, I'm sorry, Shifty and Sunny.*>>

<<Ugh, fine, then we're going home. And remember this last thing.>>

She took a deep breath.

<<REMEMBER, I AM A GIRL, DAMN IT! A GIRL! STOP MIXING ME UP WITH BOYS, YOU IDIOTS AND MORONS!>>

With those words, she left while I stood there watching them, and they seemed to be in shock.

After saying this, I also started to walk into the forest.

...

I walked inside Shifty's house.

<<There you are, Sunny!>>

<<Ugh, Sunny, I know you hate them. I wanted to hit them too, but in that situation, I overreacted. Just don't let anger take over your mind, okay?>>

<Alright, I'll try.>

<<Good! Let's do our homework, and then I'll walk you to the shelter.>>

After 4 hours of doing homework

<Hooray! Finally!>

<<Yeah, I hate fractions.>>

<Well, grab your bag, and let's go to the shelter.>

<<Okay, let's go. After that, I can get some sleep.>>

<>

<Oh, then that's good.>

<<By the way, show me your soul.>>

I showed Shifty my soul. It actually looked like a purple heart, which I could only see with my left eye. Apparently, the magic concentrated in my left eye allows me to see things that aren't visible to the human eye.

<<Hmm, well, I think you can already use magic.>>

<Wait, is it a problem that I used my blaster? >

<<I was talking about teleportation, which your magic... umm, never mind. Look, imagine a pulse; it spreads evenly. That's your magic. Right now, it's calm, but yesterday, when you used teleportation over a long distance, your magic was not in a calm state and needed time to settle down. As for the blaster, your magic probably calmed down by that time.>>

<Hmm, well, that explains everything. By the way, can you see souls too?>

<<Of course! Unlike you, I can see souls with both eyes since my soul is red.>>

She showed her bright red soul.

<<It seems that when we inject the soul extract of the same color as our soul, we get a boost to our magic. You have something similar since you have the extract of two souls: yellow and purple, and your soul is purple. So you also received a boost, but to a lesser extent because there was also a yellow soul. If it had only been purple, you would have had to inject it into your soul.>>

<<Hmm, the soul is your body, so when you inject into the soul, the pain spreads throughout your entire body. So it's more painful in the soul.>>

<Well, that explains a lot.>

<<Actually, I should have explained this at the beginning of our meeting, but there wasn't time to do so.>>

<Okay, thanks for explaining. We've lingered long enough; let's go.>

I said, putting on my jacket, gloves, and bag.

<<Alright, let's go!>>

We stepped outside and walked along the path.

<<So, back to the concert topic, whose idea was it?>>

<<Then the situation was like this: Dad said you should be at the concert, and then there was the incident with Mari.>>

<<Well, if it's Dad, then it paints an unfavorable picture. Dad MAYBE pressured Mari to play at the concert, and she started pressuring you. It's a picture titled "My Dad is a Jerk.">>

<Pffft, hahahahaha, you're right!>

<<Yeah, you know, I have a feeling tomorrow will be eventful.>>

<Why? >

<>

<<Oh my God, you won't believe me.>>

<<December 25th.>>

<<Yeah, because my mom deliberately held back; she wanted me to be born on New Year's. She always joked that I was her Christmas gift.>>

She looked a bit sad at the last words.

<Hey, Shifty, come on, sis, don't be down! Today was a wonderful day—successful deals, relaxing by the pond!>

<<Yeah, you're probably right. Let's go!>>

...

As we entered the shelter, we met Anna.

<<<Hi Sunny, hi Shifty!>>>

<<Hi Anna!>>

<<Yeah, hi Anna. I came to walk Sunny home, so I'll be going now.>>

<<<Are you coming for dinner?>>>

<<No, I'll eat at home.>>

<<<Then goodnight, Shifty!>>>

<<And you too, Sunny. I'll drop by in the morning.>>

<Yeah, see you later, sis.>

<<<Sis?>>>

<<Sunny, you tell her!>>

<Alright.>

After saying goodbye, Shifty left.

<<>>

We sat down at the table, and Anna put a steak on my plate.

<<<How was your day today?>>>

<<It was wonderful! Shifty and I relaxed on the loungers and listened to music.>>

<<<Oh, cool! It was really hot today, even though it's October.>>

I started eating the steak.

<<<By the way, Shifty is your sister?>>>

<Step-sister.>

<<<Hmm, that's too bad. I wanted to invite her to the shelter yesterday, but she said she has a home where she lives.>>

<Yeah, and it's pretty cool, but according to her, it needs cleaning.>

<<<Well, I hope she manages to clean up!>>

<Yeah.>

<<<Also, you bought clothes for Shifty yesterday?>>>

<Yeah, she bought a bra, underwear, t-shirts, and a lot of green sweaters. Next time, I'll bring someone who can help her dress.>

<<<Well, that's good!>>>

I finished my steak.

<<<You're welcome! Now go wash up and get to bed.>>>

<Okay.>

About 10 minutes later, I was already lying in bed.

I closed my eyes.

Today was a good day.

Chapter 7: Concert

Chapter Text

I woke up.

<Ughhhh!>

Looking around the room, I didn't find anyone. They were probably all downstairs.

<<Ugh, what time is it now?>>

I took out my phone, and the clock showed 7:00 AM—one more hour until classes.

...

After getting dressed and washing up, I went downstairs, where Shifty was already waiting for me at the table.

<<Good morning, Sunny!>>

<<How did you sleep?>>

<Well.>

<<Then sit down at the table.>>

<Shifty, where's Anna, and where are Ari, Fred, and Luke?>>

<<Anna went to take the kids to school, and I was told you should eat.>>

<Oh, okay.>

Shifty pointed to a plate of cereal, and I sat down to eat.

<<There's a concert today.>>

<Yeah.>

I said, starting to eat.

<<It will be after the sixth lesson, right?>>

<Yes, let's see what comes of it.>

<<Yeah, but I still have a feeling that something is waiting for us.>>

I said with a smile.

<>

I choked, and Shifty immediately started patting me on the back.

<That's enough!>

<<Eat slower!>>

<Yeah, and I wanted to say that we'll just wait.>

I said, finishing my cereal.

<<Give it here; I'll wash it.>>

After handing her the plate, she quickly washed it, put on her bag, and then turned to me.

<<Let's go!>>

<Okay.>

I said, putting on my jacket and gloves, and then I grabbed my bag.

...

Here we are at school. As I walked in, I ignored the stares and just kept moving forward.

Once in class, we took our seats. It seems we still have time to prepare.

<<Math, Math, Physical Education, English, History, and Art, and then the concert.>>

<Let's get out our math books, then.>

At that moment, Basil, Aubrey, and Kel walked in.

<...>

<<Let's just stay quiet.>>

<...>

One hour later.

<<More fractions again.>>

<Yeah, today we're practicing.>

<<Ugh, why? Ahhh, fine, I'm going to the bathroom.>>

<Okay, just make sure no one mistakes you for a guy.>

<<Hahaha, fine, I'll just take off my hood.>>

...

She left, and I was left alone with my thoughts, starting to tap my fingers on the table.

Five more lessons until the concert. Honestly, I'm more curious about it, and I want to spend time with Shifty.

Ever since Shifty arrived three days ago, I've been feeling better. My sleep has returned to normal, although I still can't resist coffee. Mentally, I've started to feel better too, and most importantly, I have a friend and a sister with whom I feel good.

I smiled at the last thought; maybe everything isn't so bad.

<<I'm back!>>

Shifty sat down at the table.

<<You know, I saw Mari in the bathroom.>>

<Oh, really? Well, tell me! If you mentioned it, something must have happened.>

<<Well, no, we just exchanged awkward glances and then went our separate ways.>>

<Oh, I thought I'd guess.>

<<Try harder.>>

And then the bell rang.

<<Ugh, more fractions again!>>

She put her hands on her face.

One hour later.

<I've had enough of math.>

<>

<What's the next lesson?>

<<Physical Education.>>

<<Wait, who even schedules PE after a long break? Everyone wants to go to the big cafeteria; do they want us to throw up?>>

</<Yeah, that's totally unfair for our stomachs.>/>

We both looked at Kel.

Shifty just shook her head questioningly, ignoring him.

<<Never mind, let's just grab some water and chips, then head to the roof.>>

<Yeah, I agree.>

Ten minutes later, we were sitting on the roof, munching on chips—mine were barbecue-flavored, and Shifty's were onion and sour cream.

<<Delicious! Ouch, damn it, a sharp edge of the chip cut my mouth! Ouch!>>

<Here, have some water and watch your tongue, Shifty.>

<<Yeah, my dad stubbed his pinky on the corner of the couch, and then my vocabulary was filled with curses. After that, my mom scolded him for swearing in front of me.>>

<<Okay, I'll try not to swear. Ugh, why did I have to destroy the cigarettes? Now I have this uncomfortable feeling.>>

<<Like I want to burst into Othermart and steal some cigarettes.>>

<<Shhh, okay.>>

I looked at Shifty with concern; she clearly seemed a bit off.

<Listen, maybe you should ask to go home.>

<<NO!>>

She shouted, but then immediately realized her mistake.

<<I-I'm sorry, Sunny. I-I didn't mean it. I just don't want to leave you all alone.>>

<It's okay; just drink some water.>

She took a sip; something was off with her.

<<I've been feeling off since this morning. Let's just go to PE.>>

<Alright.>

We headed to the gym, and I reminded Shifty to breathe in and out from time to time. Unfortunately, that was the only advice I could give her, but it seemed to help her a little.

...

And here we are in the gym.

<<<So today we're playing dodgeball: Boys against Girls. Boys, put on your blue uniforms; girls, put on pink.>>>

...

And I started playing.

Aubrey kept trying to hit me with the ball, but I dodged.

But when I finally got the ball, I managed to hit her on the second try. She seemed furious, and Shifty laughed at that; apparently, I managed to lift her spirits a bit.

<<<Break for 5 minutes!>>>

<Shifty, how are you?>

<<A little better, but the way Aubrey burned with anger after getting out made me laugh so hard.>>

She chuckled slightly, but it seemed she was still feeling off.

I actually had one cigarette left that I had put in my pocket before I threw away the pack. I kept it as a prize for Shifty if she managed to survive a week without cigarettes. Maybe if I gave her the cigarette, she would feel better; who knows?

<Hey, Shifty, take this. I wanted to keep it as a prize if you can hold out for a week.>

She quickly grabbed the cigarette and hid it.

<<Thanks, Sunny!>>

She hugged me.

<<It's okay; I'll smoke this cigarette and try again, alright?>>

<Alright, just promise me that after this cigarette, you'll stop.>

<>

<<<Okay, everyone, second round!>>>

The second round went fine; even Aubrey didn't bother me, surprisingly. But I kept dodging. Eventually, the game ended, and after changing, we went back to the roof.

Shifty immediately took out the cigarette and started to light it.

<<Ahhhhh!>>

She exhaled the smoke while I stood off to the side.

<... Do you feel better?>

<<Like a weight has been lifted off my soul.>>

<<Okay, fine, I feel better. Let's go downstairs for English.>>

As we went down, I noticed a flyer on the wall for high school students trying to quit smoking.

If you're struggling with nicotine withdrawal, remember these three things:

Try to buy nicotine gum, but keep in mind that in the future, you'll have to wean off that as well.

Get into a hobby or go for walks; don't stay at home.

Engage in sports and drink plenty of water to distract yourself from it.

<<Hey, Shifty, take this; it might help.>>

<What?>

I handed her the note I had torn off the wall.

She examined the note for a while.

<<Okay, I'll try to follow the plan.>>

...

An hour later.

<<Well, that was better than math.>>

<<Let's just go buy some gum after the concert.>>

<Alright, let's do it.>

<<By the way, the next lesson is history.>>

<Yeah, so what? >

<<Nothing, just curious.>>

And then the bell rang.

<<Well, it's time to study history. By the way, what's the topic?>>

<<☠️>>

An hour later.

<<Just one lesson left, and then we can hear the song that destroyed everything. You know, it has a really good title.>>

<Yeah, it destroyed everything: relationships, family, trust, school life. You know, it turned out to be quite the combo.>

<<But after that, I fell from the sky for you.>>

<Yeah, like a star from the sky.>

<<Flirting won't work on me.>>

My face turned red.

<W-what? I wasn't flirting; I was just giving an example.>

<<Hahahahaha, I'm just kidding!>>

<Alright, but don't do that again.>

<<Okay, I won't; otherwise, you turned as red as a tomato.>>

<Uh-huh.>

My face returned to its normal color.

And then the bell rang.

<Shifty, let's get our brushes and pencils and start drawing!>

<<Yeah, let's do it!>>

...

<<It's sweet, but I don't remember the moment when we were sitting on the swings.>>

<Well, I just replaced Aubrey with you; we were sitting like that too.>

<<Okay, by the way, it turned out cute.>>

I looked at her drawing.

<<Yes, but actually, there are many more houses there.>>

<Beautiful.>

Shifty smiled sadly.

<Shifty, it's not your fault.>

<>

The bell rang; finally, it was concert time.

<<<Okay, everyone, in 10 minutes, we need to be at the concert!>>>

<<Well, then let's go to the concert.>>

We gathered our bags and headed to the concert.

...

And here's the place where everything will happen.

We sat in the last row and started to wait.

<<How much time is left?>>

<Well, two more minutes, and thank goodness they went to the front rows.>

<<Yeah, and they seem to not have noticed us at all, although they suspect we're here.>>

<<First, we need to buy some gum.>>

<Oh, let's buy some meat and grill it over a fire in the cave.>

<<We'll also set up some loungers there and buy an inflatable mattress; I want to lie in the water.>>

<<Yeah, that's right, plus I'm running out of them.>>

<<So, the plan is this: after school, we make a deal with FIX-IT and then go celebrate in the cave with our ticket to a happy future.>>

<Yes.>

<<Oh, quiet, it's starting!>>

The lights went out, and Marie came on stage; she bowed to everyone and began to play.

https://youtu.be/GtX9UNr9DPo

The performance began, and I started to think: is this really why she played for the audience? Was it worth it? I doubt it. I hope she's happy that she lost everything for her song, although I doubt she even thinks about that. Heh, but you know who apologized and realized her mistake? My mother. Well, in any case, I'm not going back. I have people I'm comfortable with: Anna, Ari, Fred, Luke, and Shifty—the one who changed my life in four days. Yes, she made a mistake and regrets it, but I believe she will get through this, and I will be with her, no matter what happens.

While I was thinking, Shifty quietly called out to me.

<<Psst, Sunny.>>

<Yeah?>

<<What did you think of the concert?>>

<>

<Yeah, but that doesn't justify her.>>

At that moment, Marie finished playing, and everyone started clapping except for me.

<<Just so you know, I'm only clapping for the song.>>

<Yeah, yeah, I know. Well, you know what? Maybe we should go; we got what we wanted.>>

<<No, let's sit for five more minutes and then go home.>>

<Ahhh, fine, let's do that.>

Then Marie was handed the microphone.

<<&<Thank you all! I'm so glad you came. I've really prepared for this. I want to give special thanks to Hiro, Kela, Aubrey, and Basil.>&>>

<<She didn't even mention you, what a jerk.>>

<<Shh, I'll keep an eye on that.>>

<It's not worth it. Plus, even my mother said I'm better off with Anna than with them.>

<<When did she tell you that?>>

<<Wow, it seems the therapist really got through to her, even against your dad.>>

<Well, I didn't respond to her, anyway; I'm not going back.>

And then Marie continued.

<<&<But I can't keep this feeling inside anymore.>&>>

<<Oh, now it's getting interesting.>>

<...>

Everyone turned their attention to her.

<<&<You know, there was supposed to be another person performing on this stage, but because of my actions, he couldn't come and never will. I want to tell the whole story of this concert.>&>>

She took a deep breath.

<<&<At first, this concert wasn't supposed to happen at all, but my father wanted me to perform with Sunny, the person who suffered the most from this concert because of me. But I need to continue. We started rehearsals, and at first, everything went smoothly, but my father started putting pressure on me, and everything began to get worse. I wanted everyone to be proud of me, and that desire blinded me.>&>>

At that moment, she started to cry.

<<&<I started hitting Sunny for the slightest mistake. Oh God, I don't deserve forgiveness. And you know, at one point, he couldn't take it anymore and threw his violin down the stairs. After that, I went into a rage and nearly killed him. In that moment, he pushed me down the stairs, but when I came to, I told everyone that he had pushed me. After that, my parents turned against him, and everyone—EVERYONE I KNEW—started to hate him. They were his friends, but everything changed. And for me, oh God, I'm such a fool! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I just can't take it anymore.>&>>

...She ran away.

I felt nothing—absolutely nothing—at that moment: no joy, no sadness, no anger.

So this is what shock feels like. Everyone was sitting around, and then I felt a touch.

I looked.

It was Shifty, who gently tilted my head.

<<Sunny, listen to me. Y-you need to pull yourself together.>>

<...>

I couldn't respond. Why? I thought I had overcome this. I thought I was fine, so why was I in shock? Why? Why? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? Why...

<<Sunny, listen. Before anyone notices us, we need to teleport to the cave.>>

<Y-yeah.>

I managed to whisper, barely moving my lips.

Shifty took my hand.

<<Okay, let's go. 3...2...1...>>

I closed my eyes, focusing on the destination, and

FAILURE

<<Damn it, Sunny, I'm sorry about this!>>

Shifty summoned vines that wrapped around my soul.

I felt pain but still couldn't say a word.

Shifty closed her eyes, and we teleported.

...

And here we are in the cave again.

<<Ah, sorry, Sunny.>>

<...>

She removed the vines from my soul.

Shifty sat down next to me.

<<Wow, I didn't expect such a finale.>>

<...>

<<Sunny, you seem to be in shock. If you want, I can leave.>>

<What's happening up there? And no, please stay.>

I said gloomily.

<<It's probably pure hell up there.>>

<Yeah, I think I need some time.>

<<Me too.>>

She summoned vines that brought a portable fridge.

Taking lemonade from the fridge, I started to drink.

<<Ugh, you know, after that, I don't even know what to say.>>

She said, taking a lemonade.

<<So now tell me, Sunny, what are we going to do next?>>

I said, finishing my lemonade.

Then I started looking at the glass bottle of lemonade. I don't know why, but it reminded me of a flask. Hm, a flask? And why did that blue soul in the flask come to mind? Wait...

<Shifty, can a soul be placed in a vial or a flask?>

<<Well, yeah. I read about that. When you put a soul in a vial, the body kind of gets sucked into the soul at that moment.>>

<Perfect.>

I clapped my hands; I had a plan.

<<So what do you need it for?>>

<<So you'll tell me about it?>>

<Listen, let's do this: we'll seal me in a vial and make her fight for it.>

<<And what guarantees do we have that she will even do that?>>

<<Hmm, I like your idea. This operation isn't dangerous; when the vial is opened, you should immediately appear at the spot where the vial was opened. But you know, I want to play the villain a bit in this game.>>

<Hehe, okay, I'm fine with that.>

<<Then let me get the vial.>>

...

And now we're sitting here. Shifty is holding two vials: one for the soul and the other just in case.

<<Manifest your soul.>>

I began to show my soul, which was a bright purple.

<<Now pretend you're shrinking it.>>

My soul started to shrink as soon as I imagined it. When the soul was small enough, Shifty placed it in a tiny vial and immediately closed the lid.

<<Oh, here we go.>>

<Wait, what?>

I felt my hands starting to turn to dust.

<Heh, so this is before the opening.>

<<Before the opening, Sunny.>>

She hugged me.

<<I'll make sure they suffer enough while fighting for your soul.>>

<Yeah, thanks, and see you later.>

Pov. Shift

Chapter 8: The beginning of events

Chapter Text

Pov.Shift

Now Sunny's soul is in the vial.

Sunny himself has turned to dust.

But then I noticed something glowing in the pile of dust. I reached my hand inside the pile and felt something round—it was Sunny's left eye.

<<It seems the left eye belongs to Sunny. I think organs that contain magic cannot be placed in the soul. Well, I'm glad I took the second vial.>>

I carefully placed the eye into the vial, but then I had an idea.

I closed the vial with the eye and tried to teleport.

Concentrate on the location and

CLICK.

I appeared in my kitchen. Looking at the vial with the eye, I noticed it was burning with a violet-yellow flame.

<<So the eye is responsible for magic, and the soul is responsible for the body. Well, they'll have to fight for the eye too. But in any case, starting tomorrow morning, I'll have to move the deal and settle in a new place by the pond. For now, I just want to sleep.>>

I went upstairs to my room and fell onto the bed.

...

Ugh, the alarm clock! But then I remembered that I hadn't done my homework.

<<FUUUUUUUUUUDGE!>>

I shouted, placing my hand on my forehead, plus I had the vials in my hands.

<<Okay, Sunny, wait here while I change.>>

I said, putting the vials on the table.

I went downstairs to the echo cave, taking some clothes with me.

...

<<Thank goodness the water in the echo cave is warm.>>

...

I changed and started gathering my things for school.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to do my homework; I hope the teacher understands.

Going back upstairs, I grabbed the vials and placed them in the pockets of my sweater.

<<Ugh, let's start the school day.>>

...

I was at school, and then I noticed that the two vials had been glowing the whole time, visible through the pockets.

<<Damn, how did I not notice that sooner?>>

And then I felt withdrawal.

<<Class, I need to quickly go to the pharmacy.>>

I left the school; there was still an hour until class, so I had time to run.

Damn, my hand is shaking, and I feel discomfort.

So, in through the nose, out through the mouth. In through the nose, out through the mouth.

<Ugh, okay, I have time.>

...

And here I am at Othermart, making my way to the pharmacy.

<<<Welcome! Oh, if the rumors are true, you're Shifty, Sunny's friend!>>>

<<Yeah, now rumors about me are circulating too.>>

<<<Are you okay?>>>

He said, noticing my shaking.

<<Just give me some nicotine gum.>>

<<<Oh, well, I'm actually not allowed to give that to you, but...>>

<<JUST GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY!>>

I doubled over from withdrawal.

<<<Whoa, okay!>>>

He ran to get the gum, and a minute later, I already had a piece in my mouth.

After a little while, I calmed down.

<<<You were really experiencing withdrawal; do you smoke?>>>

<<I'm quitting, but as you can see, I'm suffering from it right now.>>

<<<It's temporary.>>

<<How temporary? I was a wreck until I smoked yesterday.>>

<<<It varies for everyone; you'll be lucky if it's two weeks.>>

<<And if I'm not lucky?>>

<<<Then it could be two months.>>

<<What should I do? I'm quitting.>>

<<<You started abruptly, which is why you're experiencing such painful withdrawal. First, reduce the nicotine in your system; try to stick to the gum for a month, and then try to quit that too.>>

<<Okay, thanks.>>

I said, standing up and chewing the gum.

<<<Here, take this pack and remember to have at least eight pieces a day.>>

<<Thanks, I'll remember.>>

I said, handing over the money.

<<<By the way, how is Sunny? I heard about what happened at the concert, and I feel sorry for the boy.>>

He said sadly.

<<Right now, he's, um... well, I can't say, but consider that he's temporarily not in the city.>>

<<<Oh, okay. Just if you see him, tell him I believe in him and that he didn't deserve all of this.>>

<<Okay, and thanks again.>>

<<<If you need anything, I'm here to help, and I wish you good luck.>>

<<Thanks, I'm leaving now.>>

I started to exit Othermart, and thirty minutes later, I was back at school.

...

And here is the entrance to the classroom.

I sighed as I entered the classroom, but no one was inside.

<<<Shifty, we don't have classes today.>>>

The teacher said as soon as she saw me.

<<Damn.>>

<<<How is Sunny after yesterday's concert? I still can't find the words.>>>

<<He's fine, but you definitely won't see him in the city for a while. What happened after the concert? Sunny was in a panic, and I had to comfort him, so I don't know what happened.>>

<<<Well, actually, all the students from his class were questioned about the bullying, and we found out that rumors about him are circulating around the school.>>>

<<And what will happen next?>>

<<<There's currently an investigation, and the school is closed. Since I'm your homeroom teacher, I'm here too.>>>

<<Then I'll leave; I have nothing to do here.>>

<<<Goodbye, and please send Sunny my best wishes.>>>

<<Okay, I will.>>

...

I left the school; it seems the school issue can wait, but I'm worried about my friends. I didn't even see their faces during the concert. I think I can start with Mari's house. Ugh, she's your half-sister. Alright, I'll go.

I popped the gum out and headed to Mari's house.

...

But then I ran into Hank when I was about to cross the street.

<<Well, what a coincidence!>>

I said to him, catching his attention.

<<<Oh, Shifty! Yes, it really is a coincidence. How are you and Sunny? I was at the concert; I'm in shock.>>>

<<Yeah, like everyone else. He's fine, but you won't see him in the city for a while.>>

<<<So he needs time.>>>

<<Yeah, about the deal...>>

<<<Let's do it later; I want to take this deal when things are calmer.>>>

<<Hmm, okay. I have things to do, so I'm off.>>

<<<Goodbye.>>>

<<Goodbye.>>

Hmm, it seems the deal can wait. Now, to Mari's house, see how she is, and then I'll wait by the pond until someone shows up so I can start the game.

...

There it is, the house from which Sunny's mom came out. That's who I need.

<<Hello, can I talk to you?>>

She immediately turned her attention to me, and it seems she recognized me.

<#<Oh, you're the girl who was with Sunny.>#>

I quickly took off my hood.

<#<Oh, I'm sorry!>#>

<<It's fine; I'm like this all the time.>>

<#<Well, then, what did you want to talk about?>>

<<It's about Tanna Dreemurr.>>

She immediately became interested.

<#<Let's go inside.>#>

<<Okay.>>

We went inside and sat at the table.

<#<So, what did you want to tell me?>>

<<First, did you know that your sister has a child?>>

<#<No, we didn't talk much after I got married.>#>

<<Alright, then I'll start, but I want you to listen to me completely before you speak.>>

<#<Okay.>#>

<<Good, then I'll begin. I'm Shifty Dreemurr, Tanna Dreemurr's child. You know, at the beginning of my life, I was a good child. I had a dad, a mom, friends; everything was fine. I would even say it was excellent. I really enjoyed life, but life works in such a way that it can change at the most unexpected moment. Ugh, my father...>>

I started feeling tears welling up in my eyes.

<<He fought for a long time against the illness but lost. He died, and after that, my life went downhill. My mother, specifically your sister, really loved him; I saw it with my own eyes. When he died, she was devastated. She was afraid for my life, so she locked me in the basement. From that day on, I could only watch the world through a window, and at one point, I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted freedom. I was tired of sitting in one place and watching all my friends have fun. You know, it would have been better if I had done nothing at that moment, but no, I had to come up with that stupid plan to set a fire. I set the storage room on fire, and while she was trying to deal with the fire, I managed to escape into the woods, not even realizing what a terrible mistake I was making. But at that moment, I didn't understand; I was having fun. IT WAS FUN UNTIL I REALIZED THAT I HAD BURNED MY VILLAGE.>>

I slammed my hand on the table and began to cry.

<<Yes, you guessed it; I'm the one who burned the village. I saw everything I loved burning, all the way to the smoldering corpses. If you want to hate me for that, I understand, but I had to tell you this.>>

After sharing my story, I was afraid to look her in the face.

<#<Please lift your gaze, Shifty, my dear.>#>

I calmed down and raised my gaze to her; she looked at me with concern.

<#<Yes, her eyes are just as ruby-red. Now listen, you are not to blame for what happened. Your mother succumbed to emotions, just like I did. She is no better than me; I believed the words of a liar and manipulator, and for that, I dared to harm my child.>#>

<>

<#<You didn't mean to. We both made a terrible mistake.>#>

<<Yes, but the question is how terrible they are. I killed not only my mother but also other people—neighbors, friends; everyone died by my hand.>>

<#<Do you regret it?>>

<<Yes, I regret it.>>

<#<Then you are a good person. If you feel remorse, it means you have a sense of guilt, and that is what makes us human. I highly recommend you see this therapist; he helped me in tough times.>>

She handed me a therapist's business card.

<<Thank you; I might try to go.>>

<#<And yes, after hearing all this, I suppose I should take you in, but I want you to decide for yourself whether to stay with us or not. I don't consider myself someone who must take care of you.>#>

<<No, I would be happy to be with you, but before that, I have one thing I need to do first, after which everything should return to normal.>>

<#<And what is that?>>

<<A secret.>>

I smiled slyly.

<#<Then I will wait for you.>#>

<<So will I.>>

<#<Well, thank you for letting me express myself; this is very important to me.>#>

She stood up, taking her bag under her arm.

<##>

<<Okay.>>

I stood up and walked to the exit.

<<Excuse me, but can I ask a question?>>

<#<Yes, ask anything.>#>

<>

She stopped, looking at her room, then sighed.

<#<She needs time, just like everyone else, especially after the concert. She's a good girl who made a mistake, just like you and I, Shifty.>#>

<>

<#<And how is Sunny doing? I think you should be with him now.>#>

I smiled.

<<He's fine, but he also needs time, so you won't see him in Faraway.>>

<#>

She said as she exited the house.

<<Okay.>>

I said as I stepped outside.

<<Have a good day.>>

<#<You too, and good luck with your business.>#>

<<Thank you.>>

After those words, she closed the door, got into her car, and drove away.

When she left, I walked back to the pond.

...

And here I am at the pond.

I immediately began preparing everything for the start of the game.

I dragged a lounge chair and a cooler and began to wait.

...

But no one came. It's surprising since it was already evening, but why do I have the feeling that I forgot something?

And then I jumped.

<<DAMN IT, ANNA, I FORGOT!>>

I said as I started running to the shelter.

<<DAMN, DAMN, DAMN, DAMN, DAMN, DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!>>

...

<<Here it is.>>

I began to knock very hard on the door.

<<<Stop it, Shifty, I already opened the door!>>>

I stopped and, bending over, started to catch my breath, raising one finger at the same time.

After a while, I calmed down.

<<So, first of all, I have to say sorry for not mentioning Sunny earlier; I forgot about you.>>

<<<Oh, it's okay. I heard about the concert, and it was terrible. So, how is he? Is he okay?>>>

<<He's fine. He's in the city, but he won't be around for a while. He said he needs time.>>

<<<Then that's good; I understand that everyone needs time after something like that.>>>

<<Well, then I'll be going. I have something very important to do.>>

<<<Good luck, and please wish Sunny good luck from me.>>>

<<Thank you.>>

After those words, I ran back to the pond.

...

<<Ughhhhhh.>>

With a huge and heavy sigh, I fell to the ground.

<<I'm so tired,>>

I said as I took out the vial.

<<Yeah, how does it feel for Sunny to be in a vial? Hahaha, but still...>>

<*<V-vial>*>

I looked at the entrance, and there was Basil—my first player—and it was time to switch to villain mode.

<<Yeah, the vial now literally holds Sunny's soul in my hands, hahaha!>>

I got to my feet.

And then Basil started crying.

<*<H-he's d-dead>*>

<<Whoa, calm down! He's not dead, although you can't really call him alive. You know, after the concert, he was a bit down, so I thought he needed some sleep. That's why while he was sleeping, I took his soul—well, not exactly his soul.>>

I said, pulling out the vial with the eye that was staring at Basil.

<*<S-soul? An eye? What?>*>

<<You know, sometimes reading is really useful. Did you know that our souls can be visually embodied in the form of a heart of a special color? For example, mine is red, and his is purple. Although I think this information won't be useful to Sunny anymore.>>

I started mocking him to annoy him, and judging by his face, I was doing great.

<*<How DARE YOU! EVERYONE I KNEW HATED HIM, AND YOU WERE HIS FRIEND, SOMEONE HE COULD RELY ON, AND NOW YOU'RE LAUGHING AND BETRAYING HIM AGAIN! YOU!>*>

He shouted.

<<A traitor? Yes, but you're no better than me, Basil. You believed Mari's lies, and instead of looking at this situation from another perspective, you followed the herd like a sheep behind its shepherd.>>

I made my face look deliberately melted, and black liquid started to ooze from my eye sockets.

<<I-N T-H-E E-N-D, I-T'S Y-O-U-R C-H-O-I-C-E.>>

...

Basil looked on in horror, so much so that he fell to the ground.

<<...>>

<<You're horrified; you won't see something like this every day. But the question is different.>>

I leaned closer to his face.

<<D-o y-o-u h-a-v-e t-h-e c-o-u-r-a-g-e t-o f-i-g-h-t f-o-r h-i-s s-o-u-l ?.>>

<<10>>

<<9>>

<<8>>

<<7>>

At seven, he started to run away from the pond.

<<Hahahahahahahaha! Oh my God, I love scaring them! But until they apologize, I will keep scaring them. As they say, revenge is a dish best served cold, to the bone! Hahahahahaha!>>

But I was alone again.

<<Well then, brother, let's keep waiting,>>

I said, wiping my face with my hand. I rarely use this face, but I needed to scare him, though something tells me he will come back.

...

<*<DAMN IT, WHAT AM I DOING? SUNNY IS MY F->*>

Now, this is interesting.

I went to check on him.

<*<A-friend? How can I be a f-friend after what I've done? If only I had the courage to say no to them! If I hadn't spoken in hints and had expressed my opinion, Sunny wouldn't be trapped. Maybe she's right; maybe it's better for him to just sleep in eternal rest. Or... I don't know what to do. Should I tell Kel, Hiro, or Aubrey? No, Aubrey won't care about him; she's just like Mari—a stupid fool. I should tell Kel or Hiro; they know what to do. If we need to atone for our sins towards Sunny, then it's to FREE HIM, AND I WILL DO IT WITH MY OWN HANDS!>*>

He started running, and I decided to follow him. After all, it wouldn't hurt to know where they live.

...

<<So this is where they live, right next to Mari's house,>>

I said, peeking out from behind the neighboring house as I watched Basil enter the house.

<<But I want to make an epic entrance, so I need to go around the house. There might be a window.>>

I approached the house.

To the left were garbage bins, and to the right was a dog that was sleeping.

...

I went left through the woods to avoid the trash bins; that was the last thing I wanted. And there were three windows.

I called forth some vines that lifted me to the windows. I decided to start with the right window, and I wasn't wrong—Basil and Kel were sitting there while Hiro lay in bed.

<<Oh, look, a second and possibly a third player have joined the game!>>

Deciding to swing on the vines like on a swing, I saw Basil talking to Kel, but I decided to join their conversation.

<<Knock, knock, knock! Open up, you idiots, I brought pizza!>>

I knocked, and they turned their attention to me. Kel approached and tried to move the huge trophy, but he couldn't do it, so Basil helped him.

When they moved the trophy, they opened the window for me.

<<Well, it's nice to see you again, and I think he feels the same way.>>

I said, pulling out the vial with the soul.

<<So, how's it going? Basil ran away so fast when I decided to scare him with my face.>>

<**>

</<Shh, Basil, don't shout! And wait, is she really a demon?>/>

<<No, silly, I'm a human like you. I just have this trick to scare people.>>

</<Then can you return Sunny's soul?>/>

<<No, but I can give you a chance to get him back.>>

Kel started getting angry.

Basil and Kel looked at me with interest—that's what I needed.

<<I see I've piqued your interest. Now, listen: the rules of the game are simple. Every day, I will be by the pond where you will fight for his soul. You can either take it or knock me out; then you win. The same goes for the eye.>>

...

<//>

<<Me too. If we can somehow atone for our sins, then this is it.>>

<<Hmm, yes, maybe you're right. This is how you will atone for your sins. But don't think for yourself; others might want to join too, like Aubrey or Mari.>>

<<They won't care.>>

Basil said venomously.

</<Whoa, Basil, they will care; after all, he's her brother.>/>

<<WHOM SHE ALMOST KILLED AND THEN MADE EVERYONE BELIEVE HE FELL DOWN THE STAIRS! AND AUBREY RUINED HIS LIFE!>>

</<Yeah, you're right, but still, you saw her at the concert; she felt sorry.>/>

<<YES, BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE WHAT SHE DID!>>

<<So I lost the thread of the narrative. Am I the enemy or is she?>>

<<YOU BOTH ARE!>>

I just raised my hands in surrender.

<<Anyway, I've explained the rules of the game, so I'm off. It was nice talking to you. I'll be going now while Kel, Basil, and you, sleeping beauty named Hiro, stay here.>>

I jumped out of the window.

Kel just peeked out of the window.

<<I'll be fine. I'll wait by the pond. Looking forward to the battle, sweetie!>>

</<Wait, sweetie?>/

<<Hahaha, I got you!>>

...

And here I am again at Mari's house.

<<Alright, let me quietly peek into her room and leave.>>

I walked around the house and, using the vines, climbed up. Again, there were three windows.

<<So, last time I looked through the right window. That only means one thing: I need to check the right window again; maybe I'll get lucky this time.>>

I moved the vines to the right window, but there was no one there.

<<Hmm, strange.>>

I climbed inside and, stepping out of the room, began to explore the other rooms.

The bathroom was empty.

The room that seemed to belong to Mom was empty as well.

Going downstairs, I looked into the kitchen, and there was no one there, but then I saw a door leading to the backyard

...

It took me 4 seconds to realize what I was looking at.

Mari—she h-hanged herself from the tree.

<<DAMN IT, FOOL!>>

I jumped as high as I could and cut the rope she was hanging from, and Mari immediately fell to the ground.

Running to her, I quickly began checking her soul.

<<Blue soul, perfect! I have little time.>>

So I focused on the spot and—

Failure.

<<DAMN, DAMN, DAMN! TRY AGAIN!>>

So I focused on the spot and—

Failure.

<<DAMN, DAMN, DAMN! TRY AGAIN! THERE'S NO TIME; HER SOUL IS CRACKING!>>

So I focused on the spot and—

Click.

I appeared in the echo cave in the observation room.

<<SO JUST LIE HERE!>>

I placed her body on the ground and took a syringe, then teleported to the electricity room.

<<AT LEAST I GOT IT, DAMN IT, AT LEAST I GOT IT!>>

I opened the vial containing the soul and immediately jabbed the needle into it.

Watching as the syringe began to fill with blue liquid, once it was full, I closed the vial and teleported back.

<<Ugh, damn it, the backlash from teleportation! And now Sunny's eye is going to get it too!>>

I limped over to Mari and jabbed the syringe into her right eye.

After a while, the soul began to restore, and Mari's pulse returned.

<<Ugh, damn, my head! But still, I won't pass out. Damn, and now withdrawal too!>>

I took a rubber band out of the packaging and, putting it in my mouth, started chewing on it.

<<You idiot! You idiot, Mari! Suicide is not the solution to your problems; you're just shifting the blame onto others for your death!>>

And then my head started hurting even more.

<<Damn, my head! But first—>>

I called forth vines that secured her body to the ground.

Damn, I'm falling asleep.

Today has been a long day.

Chapter 9: Ascension for one purpose

Chapter Text

<<Uaaaah!>>

I yawned and began to wake up.

<<What happened yesterday? Oh right, I saved Mari from her actions.>>

My head was pounding.

<<Damn, I have no strength left. I used teleportation too intensively, and now here's the result—ugh, and withdrawal too.>>

I took out a pack and, putting a rubber band in my mouth, began to wait.

...

Why did I even save her?

That question echoed in my mind.

<<Heh, I would be a hypocrite if I hadn't saved her. I've already committed actions that killed people dear to me, and I can't let anyone else die.>>

I said in a hoarse voice.

Damn, the backlash from teleportation is torturous; my whole body still hurts.

With pain, I took out the vial containing Sunny's eye.

<<Damn, and from multiple teleportations, even the eye got a bit damaged, and now it's starting to bleed a little. The damage isn't severe, but it's better not to use Sunny's eye power and let it heal when his game is over. Until then, I need to continue playing the role of the villain.>>

...

And then Mari began to wake up.

<&<Ugh, where am I?>&>

She turned her head and, seeing me, got scared.

<&<What's wrong with you? Are you okay, Shift? You're all injured!>&>

<<Injured?>>

I looked at myself and indeed, my body was bleeding; apparently, my blood vessels had burst in some places.

<<Just consider it the price for your salvation. Don't worry.>>

I said quietly, the last words before I passed out.

...

I woke up already in bed with my wounds bandaged.

<<Aaaah!>>

Looking around my room, I noticed Mari, who was looking through my photo album, and it seemed she noticed that I had woken up.

<&<Shift, you're awake! How do you feel?>&>

She approached me with a worried expression.

<<A little better.>>

I tried to get up, but Mari stopped me.

<&<Don't move! Your wounds haven't healed yet. Stay in bed, Shift!>&>

<<Okay, but how are you? What about you?>>

<&<I'm f-fine, but I just don't understand why you saved me.>&>

<>

<&&>

<>

She fell silent for a few seconds.

<&<Shift, can I express my feelings to you?>&>

<<Heh, sure, I'm listening.>>

<&<Thank you. I just hate myself for everything I've done. I almost killed Sunny, deceived my friends, and now I just don't know what to do. I'm tormented by guilt, and now everyone hates me. Shift, I just don't know what to do. I confessed to everyone because they all deserved the truth, and now everyone hates me, and that's what I deserve.>&>

<<...Listen, confessing the truth in front of everyone is hard. It was hard for me to confess my sins too. Heh, you even did better than me; you confessed right at the concert in front of everyone like in a movie.>>

<&<Heh, yeah. How did you confess?>&>

<>

<&<And how did he react?>&>

<<He understood me. But Mari, you have people to apologize to, while I don't have that opportunity anymore. I simply don't have anyone left to apologize to.>>

<&<What happened to them?>>

I fell silent, preparing to answer.

<<They died because of me.>>

<&<Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. Please forgive me.>&>

She sighed.

<<It's okay, Mari. The main thing for you is to apologize to everyone, especially to Sunny.>>

<&<Yeah, you're right. Thank you for listening, Shift. This is very important to me. You're a good person, even if you don't think so.>&>

<<And thank you, Mari. By the way, I wanted to stick to the game plan, but I think you deserve to know...>>

I took out the vial with the soul.

<&<Beautiful, but what is it?>>

<<It's Sunny's soul.>>

She got scared.

<&<WHAT? WHY?>&>

<<Sunny came up with a game. He asked me to put his soul in a vial for the sake of the game, and the essence of this game is the struggle for his soul. If anything happens to him, he'll be fine; all you have to do is open the vial, and he will appear right where he was. In this game, I play the role of the villain.>>

<&<...>&>

<<Sunny knew that you all would argue after the concert, and that's why the fight for his soul is a way to atone for guilt. You should also join the game, and please don't tell them. Sunny wanted you all to make up, and there won't be another chance. Please, Mari, let Sunny conduct this game. Do it for him.>>

<&<Okay, I'll allow it, but don't make him go through this again. He's making his friends worry about him, and all of this is for a game. Sunny, you're crazy—in a good way. By the way, this is what our souls look like; Sunny's is purple. By the way, that's my favorite color. Heh, what color is my soul?>&>

<<Place your hand on your chest with your palms facing up.>>

Mari did as I said, and a blue heart appeared on her palms.

<&<Blue? What about yours?>&>

I then showed my red soul.

<<Mine is red.>>

<&<Does the color of the soul mean anything?>>

<>

<&<Hmm, it's actually pretty dirty here.>>

<<Yeah, I constantly clean my house, but there's so much paper on the floor with all sorts of scientific stuff that it seems endless. I don't know who the previous owner of this house was, but evidently, he was really passionate about his work.>>

<&<You're right, but he just left everything. What happened to him?>&>

<>

<&<Well, I hope he's okay. The house is beautiful, but it needs tidying up. By the way...>&>

She sniffed the air.

<&<When did you wash? You smell like soap.>&>

<<Well, I washed in the morning yesterday.>>

I said with a smile, but Mari wasn't satisfied.

<&<No, I have to wash you. You ran around a lot yesterday, and now you smell.>&>

<<N-no, you don't have to; I can do it myself.>>

<&<You're injured, and you can't move yet, so...>&>

She picked me up on her back.

<&<Show me where your bathroom is.>&>

<<Ugh, just go down to the echo cave.>>

After those words, she started descending, carrying me on her back.

<&<Yeah, and by the way, under your house is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place on this earth. I almost forgot to mention it; there are so many of those blue flowers. Basil would love it there. Plus, there are so many places to play. You know, when we all make up, let's gather in your cave.>&>

<<Well, I just got lucky finding this cave.>>

<&<Yeah, I think you're right.>&>

She said as she pressed the button, and the lift made a buzzing sound.

...

<&<And here we are. Let me first grab some bandages from that room.>&>

<<Yeah, that's good.>>

She started walking toward the observation room.

<&<Okay, sit here.>&>

<<Wait, can you give me that vial?>>

<&<This one?>&>

<<Yeah.>>

She took the vial.

<&<What is this?>&>

She examined it and realized what was inside.

<&<G-give me that eye! Why do you need this vial?>&>

<<This is Sunny's eye, with which I was able to teleport so quickly from your house to here.>>

<&<What? Isn't the body in the soul, and don't the eyes have injuries too?>&>

<<Yes, and from frequent teleportation.>>

<&<Teleportation?>&>

<<Let me explain. Sunny and I have magic, but the method of obtaining it is different for us. I had to stab his soul into his eye, which is why his left eye is now purple and yellow on different sides.>>

<&<Oh my god, Sunny must have been in pain. That's awful!>&>

<<I had to endure more pain. When you stab the extract of determination into your soul, every part of your body begins to hurt, and your face can melt or not, as if you're being taken apart and put back together over and over until you're given a normal form.>>

Mari stopped.

<&<Why did you both do this?>&>

<<I did it out of emotion, and then seeing how Sunny was being bullied, I wanted to help him. I even attached a note on how everything is done. In reality, I could have protected him myself and not subjected Sunny to this pain, but now we have magic.>>

<&<Did you at least clean the syringes before injecting yourself and him?>&>

Damn, that was the first word that came to mind. I definitely didn't clean the syringes, and if Mari finds out, she'll really be mad at me. Plus, after everything that happened, she'll be angry at me for making Sunny go through this with an unclean syringe. So, Shift, calm down—just breathe in, breathe out.

<<Y-yeah.>>

I said with such uncertainty.

<&<Really?>&>

She said this with such suspicion that if I said anything else after "yeah," she would have figured out I was lying.

<<Really, truly.>>

<&<Okay, but if my brother goes blind, then I—I couldn't think of a threat, but if he goes blind, I will be very upset.>&>

She puffed out her cheeks, placing me on the floor, and began looking for bandages.

<&<Well, I also realized that teleportation can be very painful.>&>

<<Yes, when you teleport once, the backlash isn't felt, but with each time, it increases, and our bodies can't handle such jumps. By the way, Sunny can use teleportation more freely without experiencing such strong backlash because his soul is purple, just like the mixture he injected. One part of the substance was able to integrate into his body, while the other yellow part just got rejected. Thanks to the strength of Sunny's soul, it was able to enhance itself by mixing with the purple part. Since the body forms around the soul, it turns out that Soul = Body and vice versa.>>

<&<Like an equation?>>

<<An equation?>>

<&<Umm, you haven't covered that yet—oh, I found it!>&>

She grabbed the bandages and, taking me on her back, carried me.

<<Now just go straight ahead until you find the waterfall with the pond.>>

<&<Okay, I've been hearing the sound of the waterfall from that direction. Ugh, I can't wait!>&>

...

And finally, we arrived. Mari set me down on the ground.

<&<Okay, let me undress you, plus your sweater needs to be changed.>&>

<<Alright.>>

She took off my clothes and started removing the bandages.

...

When she finished, she took off her own clothes too.

Mari, settling me in the water, began to wash me.

<<Shhhh, it hurts!>>

<&<I'm sorry, but I need to clean you up. You know, why don't you tell me more about magic>&>

<<Well, you know, I can summon knives, although I prefer plant magic more; it's more versatile.>>

I said, summoning several knives and seaweed that crawled out of the pond.

<&<Cool! What about Sunny?>&>

<<Bone summoning, blasters, telepathy, and teleportation.>>

<&<Wow, Sunny has a lot more abilities!>&>

<<Lucky him! But right now, it's better not to use your eyes; otherwise, we could hurt him even more. By the way, I injected you too, and if you're still alive, you should have awakened some magic as well.>>

<&<Wow, really?>&>

She finished washing me and started washing my hair.

<<Yes, but I don't know what's in the vials with the syringes; at least there was an instruction on how to use them. Plus, I injected you in the eye, so like Sunny, your right eye should have some kind of mark. Well, Sunny's eye changed color, and yours might have a different mark.>>

<&<And when will it manifest for me?>&>

<<Well, Sunny's eye changed color immediately, so you should already have a mark.>>

<&<Well, I can wait.>&>

She finished washing my hair and started washing herself.

<&<Ahh, washing under the waterfall with warm water is just heavenly!>&>

<<Yes, underground springs with warm water always lift your spirits.>>

<&<Yeah.>&>

<<What are we going to do next?>>

<&<I'll wash up and keep an eye on you until your wounds heal.>&>

<<But when can I move? The longer we wait, the longer Sunny sleeps in the vial, and the game won't wait!>>

<&<How do you plan to fight in that condition?>&>

<<That's true.>>

<&<Plus...>&>

She finished washing and came over to me.

<&&>

She said, taking the bandages.

<&<Yes, and you could use some rest. You can sleep; you can start moving!>>

She began to bandage my wounds. After some time, she finished and picked me up on her back.

<&<Well, back to bed!>>

<>

<&<Well, you really need to rest.>&>

<>

<&<Well, don't be embarrassed. I carried Sunny on my back when he was your age too!>&>

<<Okay, then carry me, horse!>>

I pointed forward toward the elevator.

<&<Hahaha, alright, let's go!>&>

We started moving, and I began making hoof sounds.

...

Once we reached the top, Mari laid me on the bed and then opened my wardrobe.

And then I realized that the nonsense Sunny was talking about was starting.

<&<Tell me, Shift, do you wear anything other than green sweaters?>&>

<<No, green sweaters are cool!>>

<&<Ugh, I'm definitely taking you to the mall; you need a wardrobe upgrade!>&>

<<Ummmm, I hope that moment doesn't come!>>

After these words, she threw a white t-shirt and a dark red sweater on the bed, which Sunny made me buy for variety.

<&<At least you know something other than green!>&>

<<No, it was Sunny who made me buy it!>>

After my words, Mari looked disappointed at the floor.

<&<After your game ends, Aubrey and I will take you shopping; you urgently need a proper wardrobe!>&>

<<Alright, alright, but when the game ends!>>

I pulled the vials out of my pocket, and Mari started dressing me. After that, I tucked the vials into the red sweater.

...

<&<You know, I was thinking, maybe we should go outside?>&>

<<Aren't I supposed to sleep in bed like a baby?>>

<&<You can sleep outside too!>>

<<Well, okay.>>

She picked me up again, and we headed for the exit.

Once outside, Mari didn't know where to go, so I pointed in the direction of the exit. After that, she closed the door and walked in the direction I pointed.

<&<Well, now I'll know where you live!>&>

<<Uh-huh, just follow the path; it's about a 10-minute walk.>>

...

<&<Wow, right to the pond!>&>

<<Yeah, and your picnic mat!>>

<&&>

She carried me over and laid me on the mat, after which I rested on her lap.

<<I'm going to sleep like you said, and then we'll see if I feel better.>>

<&<Yeah, goodnight!>&>

<<Uh-huh.>>

I closed my eyes, preparing to sleep.

...

After some time, I started to wipe my eyes.

<&<Shift, are you awake already?>&>

<<Ugh, yes! How long did I sleep?>>

<&<Hmm, I think around 4-5 hours.>&>

<<Yeah, today is definitely a sleepy day for me.>>

<&<Hahaha, you're right! By the way, do you feel any better?>&>

<<Yes!>>

I stood up.

<<It doesn't hurt as much, so I think I can move now!>>

<&<Great! What should we do?>&>

<<Well, you can try out your abilities; I'm curious to see how you'll fight against me. Plus, I think I found you an opponent!>>

<&<Oh really? Who is it?>&>

I pulled out a small pouch of dust that was left from Sunny.

<<You'll see!>>

She, intrigued, began to step away from the mat while I sat back down.

I opened the pouch, took a bit of dust in my hand, and rubbed it together.

From the dust, a mannequin appeared.

<&<A mannequin? Alright, I'll give it a try!>&>

Mari approached and tried to strike the phantom, but I stopped her.

<<Wait! Close combat attacks are good, but we're practicing magic right now!>>

<&&>

<<Well, just imagine you're shooting something at it. It worked for me, but the instructions just said to aim. You'll have to come up with your own projectiles.>>

<&<Okay!>&>

She stepped back from the mannequin and stood still.

<&<So, imagining a projectile, right?>&>

<<Yep!>>

She pointed her hand at the mannequin, and notes and high heels appeared out of thin air.

<<Hmm, original!>>

Launching the notes at the mannequin, I saw it start to get damaged.

<<Not bad!>>

<&<Thanks, Shift!>&>

<<You're welcome! But hey, look at your eye socket; it's shining!>>

She, surprised, approached the pond and noticed a white star in her right eye socket, turning to me.

<&<Hahaha, exactly! So I take it this is my mark?>&>

<<Yes!>>

And then I stood up.

<<So now I'll be the enemy!>>

<&<Oh yeah, so we're starting the game now?>&>

<<The game started the moment Sunny locked himself away!>>

I took a fighting stance.

<&<Then I'll finish this game, and I can pay back my friends for the deception!>&>

<<Maybe, but still, THE FIGHT HAS BEGUN!>>

Starting to run towards Mari, I created a knife with which I attacked her.

Mari blocked my strike with a huge heel.

<&<Whoa, running around with a knife is bad, Shift!>&>

<<Well, that's a good joke!>>

Jumping away from her heel, I saw notes flying at me. I started to dodge, but a few managed to hit me.

<<Heh, painful song! Well, then!>>

I sent seeds at Mari from the core, but she managed to dodge.

<&<Silly, I was the leader in softball at school!>&>

But then she grabbed her knee.

<<Heh, and your knee says otherwise!>>

<&&>

After those words, we started sending seeds at Mari.

She responded with heels in my direction.

In the end, Mari was clearly exhausted.

<<Heh, I won!>>

<&>

And then I dodged an unexpected blow from Aubrey.

<+<Damn, I missed!>+>

<<Attacking from behind is a dirty trick, Aubrey!>>

I said, tossing the vial up and down.

<+<In war, all means are fair, Shift. Damn, I thought after the concert, Sunny would be safe in your hands, but you just wanted to take his soul!>+>

<<Oh well, I think Sunny thinks the same about you!>>

I grabbed the vial and stuffed it into my pocket.

Aubrey got even angrier at my words.

<<And now tell me, are you angry at me or at yourself?>>

I took a bit of dust from the pouch and began to rub it.

From the dust, Sunny appeared with black eyes from which a black substance flowed.

<>

<+<That's not him, is it?>+>

<<Hehehe, who knows?>>

F!Sunny started throwing punches while Aubrey just blocked his strikes.

<<What's wrong, Aubrey? Didn't expect a counterattack from him? You know you ruined his life at school!>>

At that moment, Mari looked at Aubrey in horror.

<&<What, Aubrey, WHY?>>

<<Wait, you didn't know?>>

I recalled F!Sunny to observe the conflict.

<&<I'm guilty, yes, I admit it, but even then I told you not to touch him! SO WHY, AUBREY?>>

Mari, with her last strength, stood up.

<<PHAHAHAHA, OH MY GOD, I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING AT THIS!>>

<++>

<<By ruining his life? You know if you wanted to drive him to suicide, you were doing a pretty good job. Thank goodness I showed up in time. By the way, they're similar in that regard.>>

Mari immediately tensed up.

Aubrey looked at me in confusion.

<+<What do you mean?>+>

<<Heh, you know, go to the backyard of their house, and you'll see a cut rope. I wonder who hung it there.>>

I looked at the frightened Mari, and Aubrey seemed to begin to understand what was going on.

<&<...>&>

<+<...>+>

<<And here's that awkward moment, and I wonder who will be the first to say it. But let's put that topic aside for the moment when you bring Sunny back.>>

And it seemed they both just looked at each other.

<+<Do you want to say something to me?>+>

<&<Y-yes>&>

Mari took a deep breath.

<&<Aubrey, I hate myself for everything I've done. I couldn't bear it anymore; I wanted to tell everyone. You deserve to know everything, both about the concert and the stupid concert for which I was ready to sacrifice my brother, and all of this started with my father, who began it all.>&>

<+<Then you're a fool, Mari. Your father is to blame for everything, and he started all of this.>+>

<&<But that doesn't change what I did to Sunny. I said so much to him and did so many terrible things.>&>

<+<Then apologize to everyone.>+>

<<Exactly! I also told her that! By the way, sorry for interrupting your dialogue, but look, I apologized for interrupting your conversation, so now you should apologize to each other, like, forgiveness for forgiveness.>>

<&<Okay!>&>

Mari started to cry.

<&<I'm sorry, Aubrey, for what I did, for deceiving all of you. I'm just a damn perfectionist who ruined everything for the concert.>&>

<+<And I'm sorry, Mari, for ruining Sunny's life. I should have listened to you.>+>

They both started crying.

<<Yeah, Aubrey, you should probably apologize to Sunny more than to Mari, but in my opinion, you still need to apologize to Kel, Basil, and Hiro.>>

<*<They don't need to.>*>

<<Oh, how timely you all appeared!>>

<//>

<!<Me too!>!>

<<Hahaha, a party has gathered, I see. Well, I think you need to get to action.>>

And then Hero noticed that Mari had fallen again while trying to get up.

<!<Yeah, but first we need to take Mari home; she's exhausted!>!>

<&<No, I can fight!>&>

Hero approached her and picked her up.

<&<Hero, d-don't!>&>

Man, I wish Kel would pick me up like that.

Out of jealousy, I took a nicotine gum.

<!<Shift, are you smoking?!>!>

Everyone looked at me in confusion.

<<Ask Mari's mom about me, and then you'll find out.>>

<!<Okay, let's take Mari home!>!>

<<Oh, I'm feeling tired too. Kel, can you carry me like that as well?>>

Aubrey and Mari seemed to understand why I asked for this and smirked.

</<Oh, well, okay.>/>

Wait, why is this so easy? Though I'm not really against it.

He picked me up, but he couldn't hold me, causing him to drop me.

</<Sorry, Shift, but I guess I can't carry you.>/>

<<Alright, I'll try to walk myself.>>

I said, pouting, after which we headed for the exit.

<+<Shiiiiiiiiift>+>

<<Hmm, yes.>>

We stepped aside a bit.

<+<Do you like Kel?>+>

I blushed, but I came up with a question in response to hers.

<<What about you? Do you like Sunny?>>

She blushed and fell silent.

<<That's what I thought.>>

We continued walking, and over time, my face returned to its normal color.

...

We arrived at home.

<<Well, I'll see you later. Thanks for the company, but I need to go home.>>

<&<Aren't you staying, Shift?>&>

<<Well, I have things to do.>>

<&<Hmm, okay, tomorrow by the pond?>>

<<Yeah, tomorrow, gather to take Sunny's soul from me.>>

<*<We'll definitely take it from you!>*>

He looked at me with a serious expression.

<<Heh, okay, goodbye everyone, and you too, Kelsey.>>

After my words, I heard:

</<Why did she call me Kelsey?>/>

<+<Idiot>+>

</<She's just like that>/>

I just laughed and continued on.

...

Finally at the pond, I grabbed a chair and moved the fridge, then I walked on.

...

Upon entering the house, I noticed it was already evening.

<<Wow, today time flew by quickly, didn't it, Sunny?>>

I took a bottle and headed to my room.

As I lay in bed, I began to drift off again.

<<Today was an interesting day.>>

Chapter 10: The first and penultimate battle

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

<<AGHHHHHH, that dream again! Another timeline where I don't exist, and Sunny suffers from others. Is it really that cruel in other timelines? Am I just an anomaly of this timeline? Damn, are there any positive versions of them? I just can't understand—telling my son that he's a mistake. AGHHHHHH, damn, my day is ruined!>>

Tears streamed down my face, and then I noticed the vial with Sunny.

<>

I hugged the vial with Sunny tightly.

<>

Then I noticed Mari by my door.

<<What do you want? Want to hear about another bitchy version of myself? I see other timelines from time to time where I don't exist, and there are so many of them. After a while, I just realized that I'm simply an anomaly that shouldn't even be here. I can't understand if I'm part of this universe or not. Do I exist in other timelines or not? I just want to protect him, and I can't comprehend how broken you are. Are there versions that love him? Are there? Or is he destined to suffer in this universe? Mari, please!>>

I clutched my head.

<<Am I an anomaly or just an unwanted son, as another version of your mother said?>>

She approached me, knelt down, and took my shoulders.

<&<If you're here, then you are the one who must protect him, Shifti. I'm sorry that this happened to you; you shouldn't have to endure this. My mother loves Sunny, that's all. And about my father, you know, share your pain with me, sister. Tell me about your dreams; I don't care how terrible they are. I just can't leave you with this pain, okay?>&>

<<Uh-huh,>> I said, sniffling. After that, I told her everything about my dream—how Sunny lives with Anna in another timeline, how they played hide and seek in the park that day, how he talked to Basil, how they fought after that, and so on.

She listened attentively to my story, and her face seemed sad.

<<That's all after he went to sleep. I woke up.>>

<&<That's awful. Yes, I hurt Sunny, but only until the concert.>&>

<<You know, that doesn't make you better, Mari.>>

<&<I know, but I hope other versions of me can change, just like I have. I also hope there's a universe where I'm kinder and more caring. And Shifti, you're not an anomaly; you're just a good deviation from that universe.>&>

<<Maybe so,>> I said sadly.

<&<Hmm, I think even if there are good versions of me, they still make mistakes. I'm just saying that perfection doesn't exist, and striving for it will only bring suffering.>&>

I just smiled; after all, she was the one who aimed for perfection but regretted it, and I think she understood that more than anything.

<<Yes, you're right.>>

I got to my feet.

<<Let's go; the first battle is today, and I have to give it my all!>>

<&<That's the spirit! I'm going now, and you should eat well before heading to the pond.>&>

<<Okay, sounds good.>>

Mari left, and I was alone.

Taking the vials, I prepared myself some snacks.

While I was eating, I wondered what would happen next in another timeline. Perhaps I would find out everything at the concert. I hope everything works out for them, that Mari confesses, and that Sunny will be okay.

<<It's a pity I can't travel through other timelines; then I could save that Sunny too. Ugh, well, I guess in that case, I should enjoy this one.>>

After eating and washing the dishes, I headed to the pond.

...

<<Good morning, everyone! So, I will explain the new rules of our game.>>

Everyone immediately turned their attention to me as I raised one finger.

<<First, now you must fight only for the soul of the eye, which you will receive as soon as you take the soul.>>

Everyone seemed pleased with this news.

Now I raised a second finger.

<<Now, the second rule: Mari and I have magic, so I will have to use it against you.>>

They seemed to accept this rule with understanding.

<<But the main condition for victory remains the same: you need to either take the bottle or knock me out, and now—>>

I pointed to myself.

<<Attack!>>

Summoning seeds, I prepared for battle.

Aubrey and Kel began running in circles around me while I sent seeds at them, but then I noticed Hiro standing guard over Mari while she was preparing something.

<<Alright, I'm intrigued.>>

I continued to dodge and send seeds at Aubrey and Kel.

But then they both hit me simultaneously.

<<Damn, that was close!>>

Kel started delivering a series of punches while I responded in kind, but I couldn't shake off the thought of what Mari had planned. Hiro just stood there in defense, not attacking at all.

I jumped back from Kel.

<<You're up to something, and it shows. You have an attacker, Mari, but you're not using her. Why?>>

</<None of your business, Shift. And yes, AUBREY, GO!>/>

I turned around, but Aubrey wasn't there. DAMN, A TRICK!

Turning back, I saw Aubrey's fist hit me in the face.

Stumbling a bit, I looked at Aubrey with a smile.

<<Hehe, an eye for an eye, right?>>

<+<That's revenge for that hit!>+>

<<Well, alright.>>

Summoning seeds, I launched them at Aubrey while blocking Kel's punches.

Damn, they're both good, and they're fast. Unfortunately, I can't summon knives; God forbid I stab them and kill them. I'll have to make do with only vines and seeds. It's a shame I agreed to 1 against 5, so I can't use phantoms.

Aubrey suddenly started breaking through the seeds, injuring herself.

She raised her fist to hit me, but the wall of vines stopped her. Instead, the vines wrapped around her arms and flipped her toward Kel.

Jumping back, I saw Aubrey collide with Kel.

<<Alright, you both are pretty good. I admit it.>>

</<Ugh, thanks!>/>

Kel said, helping Aubrey up.

<+<We won't give up that easily, Shift. Although I still don't understand why you're doing all this, I will defeat you at any cost!>+>

<<Hehe, okay, let's see.>>

Kel started launching a series of punches my way while I responded in kind.

Aubrey was about to join in, but then she seemed to notice something. I just kept attacking Kel in response.

But then, Kel and I both landed punches on each other's faces.

We were both thrown aside.

Damn, I'm starting to get tired, but Kel is still full of energy. How much longer can he keep this up?

<+<Kel, you've worn her out. Now let's retreat!>+>

They both backed away while I looked at them in confusion.

<<The bottle is still with me, you know!>>

And then I noticed those two pointing their fingers up.

<<What are they showing?>>

But then I saw that the ceiling seemed to be getting lower.

Looking up, I saw a huge high heel starting to fall on me.

<<HEHE, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?>>

I began summoning vines to try to stop the heel.

<<ARGHHHH, come on!>>

But the vines started to tear, so with my last strength, I jumped to the side.

The heel hit the ground, leaving a huge cloud of dust that spread everywhere.

When the dust cleared, everyone saw me, exhausted.

<<Phew, that was unexpected. But still, AGHHHH, you managed to wear me out. For a first battle, you made me sweat!>>

<&<Damn, I spent so long preparing that attack!>&>

Aubrey said, tired.

<!<Mari, you did well anyway. You managed to exhaust her even more. Kel, Aubrey, are you both okay?!>!

</<Yeah, I'm fine, just a bruise on my face. Aubrey has just some minor cuts from the seeds.>/>

<*<Hey, Shift, you forgot about me!>*>

And then I remembered that Basil hadn't been seen anywhere.

I struggled to concentrate and grabbed Basil's hand, hitting him in the face, which sent him flying towards the others.

<!<Basil, are you okay?!>!

<*<Yeah, thanks, Hiro!>*>

Hiro began healing everyone while I sat down on the floor.

<&<Hero, I can handle my own healing. Since Shift is tired, you can try to join the fight.>&>

<!<Are you sure, Mari?!>!

<&<Yes!>&>

<!<Well, if you say so, then I'll give it a try!>!

Damn, I might need to use the eye again.

Taking out the eye bottle, I noticed it still hadn't healed.

<<No, I can't use it yet.>>

Putting the bottle back in my pocket, I summoned seeds and launched them at Hiro.

He started dodging, but still, a few seeds managed to hit their target.

He began getting closer—damn, I'm too tired to move now.

With my last bit of strength, I summoned vines, making it harder for Hiro to dodge, but one still managed to grab him.

<<Hehe, alright, that was close. Honestly, I thought I was going to lose in the first battle, but still...>>

The vine threw Hero away from me.

<!<Damn, Mari, I was so close!>!

<&<It's okay, Hero. Let me heal you.>&>

She took a bandage from the first aid kit that Hiro had brought in the beginning and started applying cream to the arm he had hurt.

<<Well, I won.>>

<+<We will win next time!>+>

<>

I sat in the shade, resting from the battle, waiting for everyone to recover.

But then Mari approached and started to treat my arm.

<<I'm technically your enemy, so it's strange to help both friends and foes.>>

<&&>

<<Heh, okay, but your idea to tire me out with Kel and Aubrey before launching a massive attack was clever. Kudos!>>

<&<Thanks, sis, but the plan didn't work.>&>

<<No worries, you just need to refine it.>>

<&<Thanks, I've already finished treating your arm, so I'm off to come up with a new plan.>&>

<<I'll be waiting eagerly.>>

I looked at my bandaged arm and began to wait.

Two hours later...

<+<Hey, Shifti, wake up! We're ready!>+>

</<Wait, why couldn't we just take the soul while she was sleeping?>/

<!<Kel, that's against the rules!>!>

<<And we don't know what Shifti could do with Sunny's soul in that situation.>>

<<Exactly, that's why I suggest we stick to the rules.>>

I stood up, preparing for battle, and said,

<<Everyone to your positions; we're starting the battle!>>

After my words, Mari began launching heels at me, which I blocked with vines.

But after a while, the vines started to give under the attacks. I was also parallelly watching Kel and Aubrey, who were trying to attack from the sides, but the seeds were holding them back.

Then everyone suddenly charged at me.

I had anticipated this scenario, and I had two options: either protect myself with a dome of vines, but I wouldn't last long that way; Mari would break through as soon as I closed it. Damn, what to do?

About five meters to impact. Damn, I need to protect the vial at all costs. Wait, the vial!

I quickly pulled out the vial in front of everyone and tossed it as high as I could.

<&<Grab the vial!>&>

Everyone started watching the vial as it fell.

I quickly jumped and, pushing off Mari's head, I managed to grab the vial first.

But then I was grabbed by the leg and thrown to the ground. In the last moment, I tossed the vial towards the vine, which grabbed the vial and began to spin.

This would buy me some time.

Hiro pinned me to the ground while everyone else tried to take the vial from the vine.

<!<Damn it, Shifti, you've lost; just admit it!>!>

<<Heh, no, I'm buying time!>>

But then a buttercup flower emerged from the vine.

<<You protect the vial at any cost!>>

The flower just nodded and started releasing seeds that were weaker and slower.

I began to struggle.

<!<Guys, hurry! I can't hold her for long!>!>

<<Yeah, come on, you damn spider, let go of the web!>>

Hiro flinched, and that was my chance.

Breaking free, I started running towards the vial. The vine threw the vial to me with its last strength.

Reaching for it, I was pushed.

<<Damn it, Hiro!>>

Falling to the ground, I concentrated a seed and, aiming carefully, I shot it at the vial.

The vial flew up and fell into the water.

<<No, noooooo! The vial is broken! If the water fills the vial, Sunny will drown!>>

Mari took half a second to react, and she shot like a bullet into the water after the vial.

I overdid it—damn, I didn't want it to fly into the water; it should have gone towards the ground. No, no!

Falling to the ground, I clutched my head, breathing heavily.

Hiro grabbed me by the shoulders.

<!<So, Shifti, you're worried? Just calm down; Mari is already pulling Sunny out of the pond. She'll be fine; breathe!>!>

In my stress, I pulled out a nicotine gum and started chewing it.

But then a heel with the vial flew out of the water.

<<Oh no, bitch, you're not dying that easily!>>

I immediately dove into the water. As I jumped in, I realized I had made the biggest mistake in the world: I CAN'T SWIM! Damn, what to do? Mari was drowning!

I summoned a vine to the surface, which grabbed both me and Mari, and then they started pulling us.

At first, I directed all my strength towards Mari, who was already unconscious. After a while, she was on the surface, and then the vine pulled me up as well.

We began to rest while Hiro performed artificial respiration, and I tried to cough the water out of my lungs. When everyone was worried about Mari, I reached for the vial, but suddenly a hand grabbed it. Looking up, it was Kel.

</<Hahaha, yes, we won!>/>

Everyone looked at Kel, who was holding the vial.

<<Fuck Sunny, next time think through the game better; I've already been messed up in the second battle!>>

Mari looked at me with a disapproving expression.

<&&>

<<Mari, damn it, I almost died, and on top of that, I lost! I'm not in the best mood right now. So congratulations on winning, but let's all take a moment to recover, okay? And don't open the vial without me!>>

My vision blurred, and closing my eyes, I passed out, falling to the ground.

<<Yeah, I got trampled in the mud, heh.>>

Notes:

Yes, I know, I haven't written to you for a long time, but I still want to inform you that there are still 2 chapters left until the epilogue.
(And yes, I am writing an experimental fanfic here-Something new in hate)

Chapter 11: Before opening the bottle

Notes:

Chapter 10 Anniversary LOL

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Pov. Marie

I’m a terrible sister, and I realized this the day they took him away from me. I used to be a perfectionist who was willing to make any sacrifice for a concert. Damn, I was ready to hurt my brother over a ruined concert, in the literal sense of the word. Every time I think about it, I get angry at myself for my actions. But one day, I just told everyone at the concert.

A few days later, events began to unfold very quickly, so much so that I still can’t believe it.

First, I had my little sister Shifti with me. She had endured the worst events a child could experience. Her father died, and her mother locked her in the basement in an attempt to protect her. But one day, Shifti just burned her village down. She didn’t want to; she just wanted freedom, but she accidentally paid for it with the price of an entire village. After she wakes up, I want to spend time with her just like I do with Sunny. But will he forgive me? Shifti knows about my actions, and still, I’m glad she was there with Sunny. She will be a better sister to Sunny than I am, but she still has issues with nicotine that she took to escape her past.

Second, Shifti saved me from the suicide I was trying to commit, and out of guilt towards everyone. The truth is, we never really talked about it with our friends. When we gathered at my house, we just agreed to talk when we freed Sunny.

Third, I now have magic. Well, I mean, it’s magic. I should have been surprised, but so many events happened that I didn’t even react to magic as such. I just accepted it as it was, but it’s still hard for me to control it, even though we won the game with Sunny’s help.

Right now, we’re just sitting by the pond, waiting for Shifti to wake up. Since she lost a lot of air while trying to save me from the water, she seems to be sleeping now.

The vial is currently in Kela's hands, while Basil just watched its purple glow emanating from his soul. Aubrey and Hiro were just waiting, just like I was.

But the atmosphere was tense. In moments like these, I encouraged everyone, but they probably didn’t want to hear it from me, especially after everything.

I curled up in a fetal position, trying not to look at everyone.

Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I heard Hiro’s voice.

<!<Mari, how are you?>!>

I didn’t want to speak.

<!<I think you don’t want to talk, and I just don’t know what to say after everything that happened. But you do understand that all the blame lies with your father. You could have told me or everyone, but you just decided to take it out on Sunny. Marie, we all thought you loved him like we do, but even after he pushed you away, you lied to everyone and ruined his life. Marie, why?>!>

<&<B-because I’m just a perfectionist who was willing to sacrifice everything for a stupid concert. I was so consumed by it that I completely disregarded his health. Damn, I hit him for playing slightly wrong. I’m like this; I have no excuse, Hiro. And now, while we wait for Shifti to wake up, I’m not sure Sunny will forgive me. Although probably not. We just united to save him, but what’s next? We’ll open the vial, and Sunny will appear, and we’ll meet again after all this time.>&>

<!<Right now, we can only wait for Shifti to wake up. After her backstory, I feel sorry for her, but that doesn’t change the fact that she locked Sunny away. But why did she turn it all into a game in which she lost right after the second battle?>!>

<&&>

<!<Yes, you’re right, but we need to help Shifti. She’s 12 years old, and she’s struggling with nicotine. It’s an unhealthy thing. She’s probably trying to quit smoking using nicotine gum, but even so, it’s harmful. When she wakes up, she’ll have to quit those too!>!>

<&<You know why she’s doing this; she’s just trying to cope. It’s her way of escaping stress.>&>

<!<Yes, but it’s not a solution, Marie. She needs to quit!>!>

I approached Shifti and looked into her pockets. There was a vial with an eye and a jar of nicotine gum.

Taking the jar and the vial, I returned to my place and handed them to Hiro.

He opened the jar, and there was more than half left. Turning it over, he began to read the label.

<!<Maximum eight a day, but this pack is for adults, not for kids like her!>!>

He put the jar in his pocket.

<&<Hiro, I’m not entirely sure we’re doing the right thing. She’s going to suffer from withdrawal.>&>

<!<She will, and that’s inevitable, but we’ll help her as much as we can. I think Sunny would do the same for her.>!>

<&<You’re right; we’ll all try to help her break free from nicotine addiction.>&>

<+<What is nicotine?>+>

Aubrey joined us.

<!<It’s the stuff found in cigarettes!>!>

<+<Why does Shifti need to get rid of it?>+>

<&<Because it’s harmful to her health.>&>

</<Then why is she taking it if it’s harmful?>/>

Kel joined us.

<&<Because she’s addicted.>&>

<*<That means she just needs to get rid of it.>*>

Basil added,

<!<Yes, but after we get Sunny back, we definitely need to repay her for being with him all this time!>!>

<*<It’s more than we can repay her, but I can’t understand why she locked Sunny in the vial and turned it all into a game. I just don’t get it.>*>

<&&>

And then Shifti seemed to start waking up.

Pov. Shift

Opening my eyes, I looked around, and it seemed everyone was waiting for me to wake up.

<&<Shifti, you’re awake! I was starting to worry,>&>

<<Ugh, it’s nothing. You have the vial, and that’s the most important thing. Now I can take off the villain mask.>>

<*<Wait, so you were just playing with us, Shifti? Why?>*>

<<Because that was Sunny’s will after the concert.>>

{WHAT?}

everyone exclaimed, except for Marie and me.

<<Why are you all yelling? Let me explain. After the concert, Sunny created a game because he knew you would all drift apart. So he locked himself in the vial, and I was just playing the role of the villain who had to protect the vial. But Sunny didn’t think about the fact that I wouldn’t manage five against one. They defeated me on the very first day.>>

</<How long was the game supposed to last?>/>

<<Well, a month.>>

...

<&<Um, yeah, we were lucky.>&>

<!<Absolutely!>!>

<+<Totally!>+>

<*<Without a doubt!>*>

</<Yes, I agree; we are the winners of his game.>/>

<<Now here’s a question for you: Did you enjoy it?>>

<&&>

</<It was very productive; it was fun. Everyone really came together, but we could have finished faster if Aubrey had been quicker.>/>

<++>

Aubrey protested.

</<Yes, our task was just to wear her out with heels, Marie. Then all together on her, and you were closest to Shifti. If you hadn’t slowed down, you would have managed to jump on her!>/>

<++>

<!<Calm down, both of you; we won. Kel, you have the vial!>!>

“Yes, here it is.” He showed the vial with the purple soul.

<<Now what do we say to him?>>

And then everyone fell silent.

...

<&&>

...

<<Marie, I understand why you want to do this, but everyone here has made mistakes that we need to pay for.>>

<&<Yes, but I’m the most guilty, so I should be the one to face the consequences>&>

<+<Marie, I made the whole school hate him. I think our guilt here is equal.>+>

<//>

<+<Like I did!>+>

<*<And I just didn’t listen to him!>*>

<&<You all just had a high opinion of me; you thought I was PERFECT. But during all this time, I’ve realized that perfection doesn’t exist. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. The main thing is to acknowledge them.>&>

<*<Yes, you’re right, Marie; we’re all guilty. But you’re his sister, and you should apologize to him first, so…>*>

He began to walk toward the pond’s edge.

<**>

Basil stepped out.

<+<Solidarity, Marie. No matter what Sunny says, remember I’ll be with you.>+>

Aubrey stepped out.

</<And we’ll all stay friends, and I believe in that.>/>

Kel handed the vial to Marie and left.

<!<Marie, we will all support you and Sunny, and even if he doesn’t forgive you, we’ll try to be there for him!>!>

Hero left.

<<Ha, they believe in you, Marie, and I can’t say I don’t believe in you either. I just want to warn you about something.>>

<&<What is it?>&>

<<First, hold back your tears; you look like you’re about to cry. Second, when you open the vial, two scenarios might happen: first, Sunny might decide to listen to you, and second, he might start a fight. Sorry, but the odds are 60 to 40, meaning there’s a good chance he’ll try to hear you out. From there, everything depends on your diplomacy. I don’t know if he’ll forgive you, but I assure you he’s in good hands.>>

I started to walk away from Marie.

<&<If he starts a fight, then I deserve it.>&>

<<Then catch this.>>

He tossed her the vial with the eye that Hiro forgot to give back to Marie.

<<I’m not a fool, Marie. You can’t just steal things from me that easily.>>

Pulling out a jar of nicotine gummies, I popped one in my mouth.

<<Ah, that feels so much better.>>

I walked away.

Pov. Marie

I caught the vial with the eye.

Heh, my sister is clever; she noticed right away when something was stolen from her.

But she’s right; I’m on the verge of breaking down. I want to cry, and now is the time. I’m sitting by the pond where I once saved him, and now I must apologize for everything I’ve done. Even if he doesn’t forgive me, I’ll understand him. But even if that’s the case, Shifti will help him, and I will help her too.

With trembling hands, I began to open the vial.

Notes:

Hello everyone, how do you like the chapter? There is one chapter left before the Epilogue. Write comments. I like to answer them.

Chapter 12: Redemption-(The final chapter)

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Opening the vial, I noticed how the heart-shaped soul sharply withdrew from me.

Then I saw the vial with the eye desperately trying to escape; it seemed it was trying to return to Sunny.

Taking the vial with the eye, I opened it, and it shot out like a bullet towards the soul. It stopped in front of her, turned to me, and approached from the upper left, now looking at me.

Suddenly, dust began to fly out from the side of the house where Shift was, and it started to be sucked into the soul.

CLICK

Pov. Sunny

I abruptly appeared in the air, landing on the ground. I looked up and saw the last person I wanted to see: Mari.

...

We just stood there in silence. She looked guilty, but I couldn’t tell if she was pretending to be guilty, hiding behind a mask, trying to gain my trust so she could stab me in the back.

I began to get angry. I remembered what Shift had said: if I was freed, I would give them a chance, but...

<<&<...>&>>

She couldn’t even look me in the eye.

I summoned bones and directed them at Mari.

She seemed to simply block them with her heels.

<Heh, looks like Shift put in some effort, judging by the fact that you can use magic.>

Summoning more bones, I pinned her to the ground with telepathy, sending a barrage of bones at her. She began to block and break them with notes, but a few bones still hit her.

Releasing the telepathy, she managed to stand up.

<&&>

Her eyes began to fill with tears.

She was using the same arguments as at the concert, or was she speaking sincerely?

<...>

I summoned a couple of small blasters, and they shot at her.

She blocked the lasers with her large heels, which started to crack.

<&&>

<...>

Justifying herself like a jerk made me want to attack, but I hesitated. Was she really telling the truth, or was it just a mask? How could I trust her after everything she had done?

Then I started to remember how she confessed at the concert.

I pressed her to the ground again and wanted to summon bones from the earth, but I still wasn’t sure what I was doing. Part of me wanted to end it all, but the other wanted to kill her. What should I do? I felt heavy in my heart; I was saddened by this, and my attacks became slower.

Releasing the telepathy, I simply started to release bones, and they moved slower. Mari began to dodge them easily.

<&<You know, I always want to stop and take the hits because I deserve them, but I don’t understand why I block the attacks. Just try to kill me.>&>

Then I was surprised; she wanted to die? Why? I couldn’t understand. I couldn’t kill her. Wait, why did I feel this way? I-I couldn’t understand.

I summoned a blaster that fired.

She blocked it with her heels, but they seemed to give way, and the laser hit Mari in the stomach, throwing her back against a tree.

<&<It’s too late to say sorry for that hit, right?>&>

She had a burn on her stomach.

I started to back away from her. I couldn’t do this anymore. No, she was just pretending; she wanted to stab me in the back like before. I-I couldn’t understand.

I started to tremble. I tried to shoot again, but the blaster just couldn’t take it anymore. When Mari closed her eyes, preparing for death, the blaster broke and fell beside me. I couldn’t do it anymore.

I started to cry.

<&<DON’T YOU DARE BLAME YOURSELF, SUNNY! I’M TO BLAME FOR EVERYTHING! I’M JUST A PERFECTIONIST! IF I HADN’T TAKEN IT OUT ON YOU, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE! SHIFT WOULD HAVE NEVER HAD TO SAVE ME; I WOULD HAVE RATHER DIED BACK THERE ON THAT TREE! I JUST COULDN’T HANDLE ALL THIS GUILT ANYMORE!>&>

What was she trying to do? Was she trying to die? But Shift saved her. I had enough of this hatred.

CLICK

I teleported to her and hugged her.

<I’m sorry, I let my emotions take over. I should have just listened to you, Mari. I shouldn’t have done all this. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.>

I just cried into her shirt.

<&<Why? Why do you forgive me, Sunny? I’m just a fool, a fool, a fool, and once again, a fool. I’m such a terrible sister.>&>

She hugged me back.

<&<I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Sunny. I’m sorry for everything: for not looking after you, for forcing you to play the violin, for yelling at you, for hitting you, for almost killing you. I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot.>&>

<Yeah, I’m not great either. I should have listened, but I just let my emotions take over and started a fight.>

<&<No, don’t apologize for that. You had reasons to fight; I deserved it, Sunny.>&><

<&<...I don’t deserve a brother like you, Sunny. I don’t deserve such friends and a sister.>&>

<<We both don’t deserve it.>>

Pov. Shift

I was crying from their words. We hadn’t actually left; we were just hiding behind a tree.

Everyone around me was in tears.

<<Damn, this is such a heartfelt scene. I can’t handle it!>>

<+<Yeah, I just can’t.>+>

Aubrey and I hugged and started crying.

<*<Hiro>*>

He looked at Basil.

<!<What, Basil?>!>

<*<Now everything has returned to normal.>*>

<!<Yes, yes, and yes! Everything is back to normal, Basil!>!>

</<What should we do now?>/>

<<Don’t touch them, Kelsey. Don’t ruin the scene. I want to watch it.>>

We all hugged.

Pov. Mari

My stomach hurt, but I was happy. If I were to die, at least I would be with Sunny. I couldn’t wish for more.

<I’m so tired; my left eye hurts.>

What’s wrong with Sunny’s eye? I took his head in my hands and began to examine his eye, which was slightly bleeding. The wounds must have opened from the attacks. I needed to help him.

<&<Lie down now.>&>

<Okay.>

He lay down on the ground, and I took a gauze pad from the first-aid kit, placed it on his left eye, and bandaged it. Now he looked like a pirate.

I smiled slightly; everything should be okay now.

<&<Now everything is fine. Just don’t open your eye and don’t use magic; it strains your eye.>&>

Now Sunny was lying on my lap like in the good old days. It was a pity there were no fruits; I would have treated him to something, but this was good too. I was happy now.

<&<Of course, and even though it will take time, I’m sure that when we finish, we’ll all be together. Yes, she needs help with her addiction.>&>

Then Sunny frowned.

<&<Is something wrong, Sunny?>&>

It was withdrawal, without a doubt. She definitely needed to get rid of that. Hiro was right; we had to help her.

<&<She was going through withdrawal, Sunny, and she just needs to get through it.>&>

<Okay, I just found a pamphlet for those who want to quit smoking and suggested Shift follow it. She seemed to agree, but I’m afraid she might go back to cigarettes.>

<&<No, I’ll make sure she doesn’t touch that stuff.>&>

<Alright, I’ll keep an eye on it too. I’ll help you with that.>

<&<Thank you, brother.>&>

He smiled.

<>

<<&<Haha, it’s fine; it’s funny.>&>>

Shift walked in.

</<Oh, Sunny, welcome back, pirate! And yes, I’m sorry for everything. We all heard, and I saw the fight, and damn, it was awesome, especially your blasters!>/>

Kelsey walked in.

<<Yeah, it’s fine. I said I’d give you a chance.>>

<*<H-Hey, Sunny, welcome back! We all tried to win in your game. You know, I was surprised when you came up with that. And I’m sorry for not listening to you back then.>*>

<Thanks, buddy. It’s all good; everything is fine now.>

<+<Sunny>+>

She ran up to me and fell to her knees.

<<+<I’m so sorry! I ruined your life at school. I’m just such a fool. I’m sorry you have such a silly friend.>+>>

<Oh, it’s okay. I think my reputation at school is fixed after the concert.>

<<+<Yeah, I’ll try to apologize to everyone I lied to about you, Sunny.>+>>

<<!<Hey, Sunny! Oh my God, what happened to your eye? What’s wrong with Mari’s stomach?!>!>>

He started examining my stomach, and I blushed slightly.

<&<N-No, everything is fine, Hiro. Sunny just slightly overdid it in the fight.>&>

<!<How are you, Sunny? And I’m sorry for everything!>!>

<Yeah, everything is fine now. We’re all together. My wounds in my eye opened up.>

<<I’m sorry about the wounds. I just used multiple teleportations when Mari was saving me. I got hurt myself when I was in the echo cave. Oh, by the way, let me show you something.>>

<*<Wait, are you talking about that one?>*>

<<Let’s go; I’ll show you.>>

She led us to her home.

...

And here is Shift's house.

<<And here is my temporary home.>>

<+<It looks scary.>+>

</<Come on, Aubrey, it’s not that bad.>/>>

<<Let’s go inside.>>

We went inside, and Shift pointed to the elevator.

<<It’s time to go down.>>

We all stood in the elevator, and Shift pressed the button.

</<What will be waiting for us down there?>/>

<*<If Shift isn’t lying, then there’s the Echo Cave.>*>

<<Oh, get ready to open your mouths!>>

<+<What’s the Echo Cave? >+>

<*<It’s home to one of the extinct species of flowers. Rumor has it these flowers can repeat sounds.>*>

<<Are you talking about that flower?>>

She handed Basil a flower.

He fell silent in shock.

<*<N-No!>*>

N-No.

<<Yes, it exists.>>

<*<Oh my God, it actually exists!>*>

Basil, Kelsey, Aubrey, and Hiro were amazed when they saw the cave.

When we descended, Shift stood in front of everyone.

<<What do you think?>>

<**>

<<A garden? Do you love flowers?>>

<*<Of course! I love them, and I enjoy taking care of them.>*>

<++>

</<Yeah, there’s so much space for playing.>/>

<!<Yeah, it’s a beautiful place!>!>

<&<Yeah, and this isn’t all there is.>&>

<+<What else could there be? >+>

<<Let’s go!>>

Shift, Kelsey, Basil, and Aubrey ran toward the waterfall, and we just followed them.

...

Here we are at the waterfall. Basil was lying in the flowers; he seemed to enjoy it, while the others were sitting near the waterfall.

<&&>

<+<Yes, it’s so beautiful! The atmosphere is peaceful, the waterfall, and flowers everywhere—it feels like a dream, not a place!>+>

</<Yeah, but one downside is that it takes a long time to bring food here.>/>

<<Hey, I-I can go get some groceries if you want.>>

Shift seemed to be nervous next to Kelsey. I playfully smiled at her, and she shot me an annoyed look in response. I just laughed.

<<&<No, it’s just that Shift is a little embarrassed.>&>>

<<Shut up!>>

She just pouted and stood up, heading toward the elevator.

<&<Sister, where are you going? You don’t have to pout just because you got embarrassed.>&>

<<Shut up! I need to bring something here.>>

<&<I’ll go with you.>&>

After a moment of hesitation, she agreed.

I needed to keep an eye on her, anyway.

Standing in the elevator, Shift pressed the button.

The elevator began to rise.

<&<What should we get?>&>

<<Well, fruits and something else. I also want to show my photo album and guitar. Actually, no, I think I won’t bring the guitar.>>

<<&<You can play the guitar?>&>

<<Yeeees, I can play a little.>>

<<&<It’s ironic that music connects all of us. How did you get into playing the guitar?&>>

Shift sighed a little.

<<My father taught me to play.>>

Crap, why did I ask that?

<&<I-I’m sorry, Shift. I didn’t mean to bring that up.>&>

<<It’s okay. My father was very dear to me.>>

<&<...>&>

I urgently needed to change the subject; I was starting to feel embarrassed.

<&<Um, do you enjoy playing it?&>

Great, I changed the subject (sarcasm).

<<Well, I play from time to time.>>

<&&>

<<Uh-huh.>>

Once we got to the top, I grabbed the fruits that were left and we went to Shift's room.

...

When we entered, I immediately grabbed a spare blanket while Shift took the photo album.

<>

<&<Yeah, let’s go!>&>

We went down the stairs and entered the elevator.

...

After descending, we returned to the waterfall.

<<We’re back!>>

Shift said as I spread out the blanket and arranged the fruits.

Everyone came over and sat down; finally, we were all gathered together.

<>

She said, placing it in the middle, and everyone started looking at the pictures.

<+<Seriously, Shift, do you even have a sense of fashion when it comes to sweaters?>+>

</<Well, Shift likes wearing sweaters; what’s wrong with that?>/>

<<Yeah, I want to wear a sweater; what’s wrong with it?>>

<+<You can’t always wear the same sweater, Shift. What do you even have in your wardrobe?>+>

<<Well, there are...>>

<&<Shift!>&>

<<Yeah?>>

<+<Tomorrow, Aubrey and I are going to the mall to buy you some clothes, no excuses!>+>

Shift just looked at Sunny with a pleading expression, but he nodded affirmatively at me, making her look sadly at the ground.

<<I’m being sent to hell.>>

<&<Come on, Shift, it’s not that bad. Look at it positively: you’ll get new clothes! Plus, you keep complaining that people constantly mistake you for a guy, so we’ll find you clothes that won’t lead to that!>&>

<<Hmm, well, alright, I’ll go.>>

<+<Yay! So we’re going tomorrow, Mari!>+>

<<&<Of course!>&>>

<>

<<&<Deal?>&>>

<<Oh, well, briefly, we made a deal with FIX-IT and got $3,000 as a guarantee.>>

</<What? $3,000? What did you spend that money on?>/>

<<Well, I bought a lounge chair, a boombox, a portable cooler, and a ton of lemonade and soda. I needed to bring them here. By the way, the last photo in my album is from that time when Sunny and I were singing "LOOK-A-LIKE.">>

<*<Oh, I heard you singing that song, and yes, Shift.>*>

<<Hmm, yeah.>>

<*<You know, let’s combine our memories.>*>

<<What do you mean?>>

<**>

<<Only if the photo album is titled "THE PHOTO ALBUM OF BASIL AND SHIFT.">>

<*<Well, there are also your photos, so that would be fair.>*>

He took the photo album.

<+<Cool, our photo album just got filled with new memories, even if we're not all in it!>+>

<*<Well, now we can create new memories together, by the way.>*>

Basil unexpectedly pulled out a Polaroid and took a picture.

<<Whoa, that was unexpected!>>

<&<You’ll get used to it over time.>&>

<>

Then I noticed that Sunny had fallen asleep.

<&<Hmm, it seems Sunny hasn't gotten enough sleep during all this time.>&>

<<Yeah, I’m actually tired too and want to rest.>>

She fell onto Kela's knees and immediately fell asleep.

</<Mari, why does your sister treat me like this?/>

<&<You’ll understand in time, Kel, heh heh, right, Hiro?>&>

<<!<M-Mari!>!>>

<<&<Heh, yeah, I’m just joking.>&>>

</<Ugh, you know, I’d better fall asleep too; I can't watch you flirt like this.>/>

He lay down on the ground and immediately fell asleep.

<&<Silly Kel, he doesn’t even realize he was being flirted with.>&>

<!<What? Basil and Aubrey fell asleep too!>!>

<&<Heh, true, but I think Shift is slightly in love with Kel.>&>

<!<Whoa, is that true?!>!>

<&<Yeah, look at Shift; she may be unusual, but she's caring. I think if we support them, Kel will be in good hands. Oh, damn, my stomach.>&>

I lay down.

<!<Is everything okay, Mari?!>!>

<&<Yeah, I just think I need to rest too. You know, I’ve been thinking that this whole situation has brought us closer and taught us a lot. For example, it taught me that I make mistakes and that I’m not perfect, and there’s no such thing as perfection in this world. I think it taught you all to look at the bigger picture, even when it involves someone you trust and love.>&>

<!<Yeah, you’re right, Mari. Now lie down and get some sleep!>!>

<&<Uh-huh.>&>

I closed my eyes and began to prepare for sleep. Everything returned to normal; it all ended well for us. After such a long time, I was happy. Yes, I still need to rebuild my relationship with Sunny, which I ruined, but I’m ready to put in all my effort so he can trust me again. Everyone in this cave carries their own guilt that they need to deal with, but there’s also Shift, whom Sunny and I will help. She’s trying to escape her guilt with nicotine, and as her sister, I can’t let her handle this alone. I believe she will manage, and as for the others, I think they deserve their second chance just like I do.

I fell asleep.

Today was a wonderful day that brought us all closer together.

Notes:

I finally finished this chapter but there is still an epilogue left which I will write sometime in 1000 years when the universe self-destructs but seriously I just want to devote time to the second fanfic I am about Something New in Hate
AND PLEASE COMMENT ON HOW YOU LIKE THE STORY, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO ME

Chapter 13 Chapter Text

Pov:Sunny

2 years have passed since those events

I returned home and although Anna tried to dissuade me from this, Shifty was able to convince me that they would be fine

Shifty's house became our second home, gathering there, and Mom decided to make a business on echo flowers and quite successfully selling them to different flower shops, providing us with financial independence

And as for Marie, well, we needed more time to trust each other as before, of course, Shifty helped us and Marie was able to get to know Shifty even more, although as she said <M<For me, Shifty is like a little sister that I dreamed of>R>

And this whole situation that happened 2 years ago became a lesson that even the closest person can lie to you, although Kel commented like this <K<It was like a test of friendship, like walking on copper pipes or something like that>L>

And now I think I can tell you the walk of Marie who tried to force Shifty to buy new clothes, because as Marie said <M<She needs new clothes, as a girl she has to wear something other than green sweaters, she doesn't even have a dress>R>

POV:MARI

I was running with Aubrey through the forest chasing my little sister Shifty who was vehemently refusing to go to the clothes store with us vehemently although she wears only stupid green sweaters which was starting to get on my nerves a little of course

I love her but sometimes she can be RESOLVED in her beliefs

<S<YOU WILL NOT CATCH ME>F> She screamed running towards the House of Echo Flowers or Shifty's house and although we called it that but Shifty herself lived with us it was just that her house needed a thorough cleaning of the papers that were left there and a thorough repair was needed so she is still living with us

<A<SHIFTY STOP IT FOR GOD MARY I'M ALREADY STARTING TO GET TIRED>R>

<M<SHIFTY PLEASE JUST ONE TIME WE WILL FIND YOU NEW CLOTHES YOUR GREEN SWEATERS ARE TOO SMALL FOR YOU YOU NEED NEW CLOTHES STOP RUNNING>E>

Then Shifty tripped and rolled until she hit a tree

I immediately ran up to her and she was sitting leaning against a tree and after a quick inspection I made sure that she was okay and calling Blue Heels I pierced Shifty with them my younger brother Sunny taught me this trick and although they do not harm the body, they paralyze the part of the body that was pierced

Shifty tried to get up before herself but immediately realized that she had nowhere to go and going up to her I called my magic staff with a tip in the form of a heel, my special weapon, and this is already my technique that allows you to make magical objects from real objects that belong only to the owner

And pointing it at her I put Checkmate to our games of cat and mouse

<M<Checkmate you have nowhere else to run Shifty Sunny will come now and we will take you to the shopping center by the way where is Sunny>R>She said in a victorious pose turning to Aubrey who managed to run up

<A<He said that he needed a rest so he is sitting near a tree although I think he is either walking towards us or flying>R>

<M<Flying?>R>

Then a huge snake skull appeared from the forest on which Sunny was sitting, or rather Meruem his pet and although he had a snake skull, he behaved like a dog

Having arrived Sunny got off Meruem and patted him with a smile he barked approvingly and approaching he lifted Shifty with his telekinesis

<M<Thank you Sunny I don't even know how we would have managed>R> She thanked him hugging her younger brother

<S<Yeah>N> he answered accepting my hugs

A few seconds later we carried Shifty back

<<S<Maybe let me go please?>>F>> She pouted.

<<A<Oh come on! We chased you for a full 30 minutes just to dress you properly! You keep wearing the same green sweater day after day—honestly, it's been two years and you're still in that same ratty green sweater! And yes, it's way too small for you now!>>R>>

<<S<But I like it...>>F>> She huffed, floating in mid-air while sulking.

<<M<We get it, but you only wear one outfit! When I checked your closet, all you had were identical sweaters. You need at least a T-shirt or a tank top... maybe even a skirt.>>R>>

<<S<ARE YOU TRYING TO CORRUPT ME?!>>F>>

<<M<IT'S CALLED WEARING NORMAL CLOTHES!>>R>>
<<A<IT'S CALLED WEARING NORMAL CLOTHES!>>R>>
They yelled in unison. I exhaled, trying to stay calm.

<<M<Listen, Shifty—there's nothing wrong with wearing different clothes. You're just mad because it's outside your comfort zone.>>R>>
Shifty fell silent and turned away from Mari, clearly offended.

<<A<Hey Sunny, isn't Basil at Echo Cave right now?>>R>> She sidled up to her boyfriend with a grin. Sunny blushed slightly but answered:
<<S<Y-yeah, he set up a little zone there with flowers. Says he likes taking photos there. I think Kel's with him right now.>>N>>

<S<Maybe stop embarrassing my brother?>F>

Shifty interrupted their sweet moment.
<A<At least I have someone to embarrass. Remind me how many times you've tried flustering Kel?>R>

She pressed closer to Sunny.
<S>F>

<M<When he took his shirt off and you flirted? Any guy would've been flustered, Shifty.>R>

<S<Whatever! It still counts! And anyway—why doesn't he notice me? I've gotten way prettier since then! And I've grown in certain areas—hehe!>F> She gestured at her chest (NO HORNY SUBTEXT HERE—JUST SHOWING SHIFTY'S BRATTINESS).

I rolled my eyes enviously and walked ahead, then hatched a plan to convince Shifty to upgrade her wardrobe. Leaning into Aubrey's ear while Shifty wasn't looking, I whispered:
<M<Play along with me.>>R>

She blinked but nodded.

<M<This is why you'll never fluster him.>R>
<S<Huh?!>F> Shifty stiffened.
<M<Think about it. You wear the same rags every day—he probably thinks you're sloppy. Yeah, your body's hotter now, but your fashion's stuck in the past. Plus, he definitely remembers the disaster zone you called a room.>R>
Panic flashed across Shifty's face—perfect.

<S<W-well, Kel's room's a mess too!>F>
<A<His mess is nothing compared to the paper apocalypse in your old room, Shifty.>R>
Her head drooped, fists shaking.

<<S<S-so he thinks I'm gross?! Rrrgh—>>F>> Then came the meltdown:
<<S<THINKS I'M UGLY?! FINE! I'LL DRESS UP SO HOT THAT TALL, TANNED, SEXY BASTARD WILL FALL HEAD OVER HEELS! NO—HE'LL SEE ME SHINING LIKE A STAR! I'M DETERMINED TO MAKE KEL LOVE ME! SHIFTY SUZUKI WILL WIN HIS HEART! AAAAAAAAAH!>>F>>
Somehow, she broke free of Sunny's telekinesis and bolted toward our house at insane speeds—no clue if it was magic or just her/Kel's shared freak genetics.

<<M<Wow. That worked better than I imagined. Alright, let's—wait, my knees can't handle running.>>R>>
Sunny grabbed mine and Aubrey's hands, closed his eyes—

SNAP

—and we teleported to the pond just as Shifty came sprinting from the trail leading to the House of Echo Flowers (formerly Shifty's House, but since she moved in with us, we renamed it).

<<S<HURRY UUUUP!>>F>> She yelled, already ahead.
<<A<Wait for us, Shifty!>>R>> Aubrey dashed after her. I followed with Sunny, and soon we were at the bus stop, waiting for the ride to the next town over.

<<S<Hey Sunny, you coming to the mall with us?>>F>>

<<S<Nah, I'll hang with Basil and Kel in the garden.>>N>>

<<M<Have fun, then. Hero should be over soon, so leave the door unlocked—you know how sound doesn't carry well from the garden.>>R>>

Sunny nodded, then pointed as the bus arrived. Shifty launched herself inside; Aubrey followed. I hugged my brother goodbye, then remembered:
<<S<Oh, and Sunny—if you guys swim, don't go too deep. The pond drops suddenly, and you could drown. Okay?>>N>>
He waved and jogged back toward the flower house.

Inside the bus, I sat beside Shifty while Aubrey took the seat behind us. As the engine rumbled to life, Shifty piped up:
<<S<Mari, can we get chocolate cake from the bakery when we get there?>>F>>
<<A<Ooh, and watermelon milkshakes! It's so hot.>>R>>
<<M<We're literally only going for Shifty's wardrobe.>>R>>
<<<PLEEEASE?>>>
<<<PLEEEASE?>>>
They begged in sync, puppy-eyed. I caved.

<<M<Fine. But if you throw a tantrum in the clothing store, Shifty, no sweets.>>R>>
She nodded solemnly, pinky raised:
<<S>F>>
<<A<Anything we pick?>>R>> Aubrey smirked. Shifty side-eyed her.
<<S<Only what Mari picks. But if you suggest something cool... maybe.>>F>>
<<A<Ugh, fine. I'll just grab ten green sweaters.>>R>>
<<M<HEY.>>R>>
<<A<Kidding!>>R>>

We kept chatting until the bus lurched to a halt.

<<S<Alright, girls—time to make me fabulous!>>F>> Shifty struck a pose, hands on her hips.
<<A<YEAH!>>R>>
<<M<YEAH!>>R>>
We cheered in unison, marching into the mall. The clothing store was on the second floor.

<<M<First rule: we're adding color.>>R>> I scanned the racks, stopping at a violet hoodie with white sleeves and a weird emblem—a shield with a circle, flanked by two upward triangles and one downward one. I paired it with purple shorts.
<<M<Try these, Shifty. Aubrey and I'll keep looking.>>R>>
She headed to the fitting room as Aubrey sidled up, giggling.

<<A<Hey Mari. Look what I found.>>R>>
I turned—and lost it.

<<M<PFFT—AHAHAHAHA! OH MY GOD, AUBREY, THIS IS PERFECT! WE'RE TOTALLY GETTING IT!>>R>>

30 MINUTES OF SHOPPING LATER

<<A<Alright, what's the final haul?>>R>>
<<M<Let's see... Shifty, come on out!>>R>>

<S<Well, it looks pretty good>F>

She said in a dubious tone and stood to the side of us and looked us in the face, but I think she liked it, so let's move on

<A<Oh, let's do it>R>

She said something that made me laugh for 30 minutes, then I held back my laughter and gave it to Shifty, who took it and went back, and while she was changing, we heard her quietly swearing, of course, I could scold her, but I could forgive her just to see how it would look

Then the fitting room door slammed open<S<AUBREY BITCH YOU WILL PAY FOR MAKING ME WEAR THIS>F>She said, showing us the middle finger

We immediately fell over laughing at her appearance, it was brilliant, Shifty looked like SWEETHART who also looked like a maid

<M<Pffff, what are you talking about, sister, it looks pffffff good on you, we'll definitely take that>R>

<S<Shut up, Mari, how could you even make me dress like that, you idiot, you idiot, we won't take that>F>

<M<And I'll buy you a chocolate milkshake to go with the cake>R> Then Shifty looked at the ground, then turned around and made a sound

<S<iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii>F> fitting room and we began to wait for the third outfit

<S<Well, I like this the most>F>She said with a smile

<A<Yeah, I like it too, it suits you and it's not a sweater>R>

<M<Yeah, I think it will suit you, even the colors are similar, by the way, you can wear it on the street, I think Kelu will like it>R>I said the last words with a slightly sly and kind look, from which Shifty blushed

<S<Y-you t-think so>F>

<A<Yeah, of course, I think this idiot will like it>R>

<S<Oh, okay, I'll go put on the next one>F>She said, turning around and going back into the dressing room

<<Wow, this looks really beautiful!>>

<<A<Wow Shifty, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress!>>R>>

<<S<Uh, thank you... hehe, though it's a bit tight around the chest area.>>F>>

<<M<Don't mention it! I picked this specifically for you - you should wear it for special occasions. I think you can change back into your sweater now, Shifty.>>R>>

She sighed with relief before smiling and heading back to the changing room. A few minutes later, she emerged wearing her sweater while carrying the clothes she had just tried on.

<<S<Well then, shall we go? That chocolate cake and milkshake won't wait forever!>>F>>

<<A<Yeah, let's go.>>R>> Aubrey said as we headed to the cash register to pay.

Of course, when we got to that pink maid outfit, Shifty made such a face that it sent me and Aubrey into fits of laughter. But eventually we finished paying, took our bags, left the store and rode the escalator down to the nearest bakery.

As we entered, we immediately noticed a sweet-looking woman practicing her telepathy magic.

<<S<Wow! And here I thought after we handed over all of old man's documents to the government, I'd never get to see magic users in Faraway again!>>F>>

<<M<Well nowadays it's not such an expensive luxury anymore. Remember how a year after we revealed magic to everyone it became such a sensation? And you kept saying "Just wait, we'll all end up being lab rats in cages!" But in the end what happened? They just took some eye samples, ran some experiments, and six months later - bam! - they invented artificial magic. It's still slightly inferior to ours, but now the technology is available to everyone.>>R>>

<<A<Yeah, and now it's only used by the military and some fairly wealthy people.>>R>>

Just then, the girl behind the counter noticed us.

<<What's got you kids so surprised? What can I get you?>>

I silently thanked myself again for the idea of asking the government not to name us as the ones who discovered magic - it saved us from so much unwanted attention.

<<A<Yes, we'd like two milkshakes - one watermelon and one chocolate.>>R>>

<<S<And a chocolate cake too!>>F>>

<<M<And cherry ice cream for me, please.>>R>>

<<Alright then, have a seat and I'll bring it out to you shortly.>>

We went to the nearest table where we marveled at how the food was flying around the kitchen on its own.

<<S<Sooooo what should we do when we get back?>F>>

<<A>R>>

<<M<Yes, I can't wait to see Basil's new garden.>>R>>

Just then our orders arrived and as we started eating, we were overwhelmed by the delicious taste of the sweets.

<<S<Hey Aubrey, how are things at your place?>F>>

Aubrey immediately looked slightly upset but continued drinking her milkshake.

<<A<Well, with your financial help things are getting better and Dad can spend more time with me now, but Mom...>>R>>

<<S<DON'T CALL HER THAT!>>F>> Shifty interrupted sharply.

<<M<Shifty, calm down.>>R>>

<<S<But Sis, you know her mother is just a drunkard 24/7! It's embarrassing to even call her human!>>F>>

<<A<But Dad protects me - just recently he took me to the zoo.>>R>>

<<S<Aubrey, your dad can't always protect you! It just makes me so mad that you call her that! I know what a loving mother is and I lost that because of my own fault! That's why it infuriates me when someone gives that title to a woman who's never even managed to tell her child she loves them!>>F>>

<<M<Little sis, you know it was just an unfortunate accident.>>R>>

<<S<B-but I could have saved her back then...>>F>>

<<A<SHIFTY, STOP IT!>>R>> Aubrey shouted at her, causing Shifty's hand to freeze in place.

<<A<Don't forget - you're the one who helped Sunny and you were part of bringing all of us back together as friends. To me, you're like the sister and friend I always dreamed of having. The same goes for Mari. If it wasn't for you, our friendship wouldn't be as strong as it was in the past. Remember that, even if you blame yourself for what happened.>>R>>

Tears began welling up in Shifty's eyes, so I went over and hugged her, letting her cry into my t-shirt.

<<M<There there, Shifty. You know we've talked about this before. Everything is fine now and it wasn't your fault - it was just an accident. Nobody blames you for it.>>R>>

I felt Shifty nod against me before she pulled away, took a napkin from the table and wiped her tears.

<<S<Thanks... It's been two years and I still don't feel right about it.>>F>>

<<A<That's what friends are for - to support each other.>>R>>

<<S<Yeah...>>F>>

<<M<Well then, let's finish eating and go meet up with the others.>>R>>

<<A<And don't worry - with you guys around, I'll be just fine. Besides, I mostly sleep over at the Flower Echo House now and Dad knows about it, so I'll be okay. Don't worry about me, Shifty.>>R>>

After nodding, we changed the subject and started talking about other things. It seemed everyone had calmed down, and after finishing our food and paying, we said goodbye and headed back to the bus stop. But then I thought maybe Shifty would want to visit her mother's grave.

<<M<Shifty, I was thinking - maybe you'd like to visit your birth mother?>R>>

Shifty immediately fell silent for a moment before looking up with a smile.

<<S<No... I don't want to disturb her.>>F>>

<<M<Oh... alright then.>>R>>

Just then we noticed our bus arriving. Boarding it, we began our journey back to Faraway.

Shifty seemed slightly tired and rested her head on my lap, apparently falling asleep - which I didn't mind. Looking over at Aubrey, I saw she had fallen asleep too.

I decided to lose myself in my thoughts.

So much has changed in the world since Shifty arrived. The world began changing, people started using magic...

Sunny and I have been growing closer, just like I wanted. People are even starting to forget about the recital, and maybe that's for the best. Although I still play piano, I no longer drag my loved ones into it. I even remember when Sunny wanted to play a duet again, but I talked him out of it, afraid I might hurt him again - and with magic now in the picture, things could have gotten even worse. The funny part is that Shifty volunteered instead, and her guitar playing was surprisingly decent. Even though we had some minor conflicts - unlike Sunny, Shifty isn't afraid to talk back even to me - in the end we managed to perform together and everyone enjoyed our playing. It almost felt like that dream from two years ago had come true... Ugh, Mari, don't dwell on the past. Focus on the present, like I keep telling myself.

Learn from the past but enjoy the present.

I noticed we were entering Faraway and woke up Shifty and Aubrey as we finally arrived back home.

ONE HOUR LATER

POV: SHIFTY

<<S<NO AUBREY! NO, NO AND NO AGAIN! I AM NOT WEARING THAT MAID OUTFIT!>>F>>

<<A<Oh come on, Shifty! You said you'd do anything to keep me quiet about what you were doing in the bathroom that time!>>R>>

My face immediately turned bright red. I'll curse anyone who tries to reveal what I was doing in the bathroom that day!

<<S<THIS IS BLACKMAIL, AUBREY!>>F>>

<<A<Well, I promise I'll keep quiet if you go out to Kel in this maid outfit and give him milk tea while saying: "This is for you, my senpai~">>R>>

Dammmmmmmn it! This is so humiliating! How could I forget to lock the door that time? Ehehehe... I'll look like some anime girl!

Crying internally, I changed into that disgusting vomit-pink outfit, took the tray with milk tea, and turned to Aubrey.

<<S<If Basil takes pictures of this, I'll kill him.>>F>>

<<A<And I'll be praying everyone remembers this glorious moment forever! Oh, and don't forget to smile!>>R>>

God help me, I told myself.

Exiting the observation room at Flower Echo, I started walking toward the picnic area. As if on command, everyone turned to look as I struggled to maintain my smile while carefully carrying the tray toward Kel.

The whole time I felt nothing but shame, embarrassment and all those eyes on me. Good lord, this is so humiliating! As I approached Kel, I prepared to deliver my line.

<<K<Uh, Sh-Shifty? What are you...>>L>>

<<S<THIS IS FOR YOU, MY SENPAI!>>F>> I said with feigned friendliness and hidden rage as I shoved the tea at him. My gaze accidentally fell on Mari, who was barely containing her laughter. Sighing, I turned around and walked back to the observation room with my head hung low.

Entering the room, I immediately saw Aubrey rolling on the floor laughing like a maniac.

<<A<BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OH SHIFTY THAT WAS PERFECT AHAHAHAHAHAHA BEST DAY EVER HAHAHAHAHAHA!>>R>>

She kept laughing like that for several minutes while I changed back into my new t-shirt and skirt.

<<S<Yeah yeah, laugh it up Aubrey. If I ever get dirt on you, the first thing I'll make you do is bring Sunny lemonade wearing nothing but a bra and panties.>>F>>

I said as I walked out of the room while Shifty laughed even harder.

When we rejoined the others, I just sat with a pouty face for a while as Aubrey and Mari laughed together while the others tried to figure out what had just happened.

THREE HOURS LATER, AS THE PICNIC WAS ENDING

Mari and I were in the observation room putting away leftovers in the fridge. The whole time, Mari was struggling not to laugh but failing miserably.

<<M<So how exactly did she make you do that, little sis?>>R>> She asked while suppressing giggles.

<<S<I'll tell you in the afterlife.>>F>>

<<M<Alright, I'll be waiting then... pffft!>>R>>

Suddenly Sunny burst into the room looking clearly worried, and Mari and I immediately stopped laughing as if someone flipped a switch.

<<S<Uh, Shifty... there's a gray door that just appeared out of nowhere in the garden.>>N>>

A gray door? No way... that's impossible.

<<S<A gray door? Yeah right, I don't believe it.>>F>> I said before going out to the Flower Echo garden where sure enough, a gray door stood. I was honestly speechless, just staring in confusion. I cautiously approached and touched it - it felt like cold wood.

<<M<Shifty, what is this?>>R>> Mari asked with interest.

<<S<A Gray Door - or as some call it, the Universal Door. It allows travel between different universes. Nobody knows where they come from, but their appearances are rare.>>F>>

The three of us stood before it, and I smiled.

THIS IS GOING TO BE INTERESTING! A NEW ADVENTURE! WOOOOOOOOO!

Chapter 14: A universe where everything got worse(Volume 2 Chapter 1)

Summary:

The Trinity ended up in a universe where everything became much worse

Notes:

Well, I'm surprised too, actually, but I hope you recognize the universe, the clues are left

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

POV:Sanny

We all stood staring at the gray door as Shifty's hand reached out to open it, until Mari grabbed her.

<S<Hey Mari!>F>

<M<Shifty, are you seriously about to walk into a completely unknown universe? What if we let some monster into our world that we can't handle? Or some virus from another dimension that could kill us all? Or what if we encounter alternate versions of ourselves and cause a time paradox? Or something even worse!>R>

<S<SANNY2011... ummm... remember that dream I told you about? Where I was standing in a throne room filled with golden statues of Sunny, and there was this throne with Sunny sitting on it - but with a terrifying face and red eyes? And how he looked at me like he could actually see me? Ughhhh, so creepy!>F>

They started scaring each other, but I knew I'd prevail. Over all these years, I've learned to control myself well and even grew stronger with age. No matter who my opponent was, I knew I could win - probably even that Sunny2011 Shifty was describing like a Halloween horror story. Though maybe I was starting to overestimate myself.

But I doubted we'd be unlucky enough to encounter him. So while Mari and Shifty were distracted, I simply activated my left eye glowing yellow-violet and pointed at myself. The gray door handle became enveloped in a blue aura, turned with a creak and opened - immediately catching my sisters' attention.

<<SUNNY!>>
<<SUNNY!>>

They said simultaneously as Shifty lightly smacked my head.

<S<What are you doing? Trying to bring some unseen crap into our universe?>F>

<M<She's right little brother. If you're going to do something like this, you should at least ask us first. You don't know what could be there and->R>

<S<WAIT Mari... there's nothing there.>F>

Mari immediately shifted her attention to the gray door where... there was nothing. Beyond the door was just the Echo Flower field. The door led nowhere.

Shifty hesitantly stuck her foot through the doorway, and when we circled around to the other side, we couldn't see her.

<M<SHIFTY!>R>

Mari immediately stepped through the doorway, and following her, we passed through where I immediately saw Shifty staring wide-eyed at the garden. Looking where she was staring, Mari and I were surprised.

Basil's new garden was gone. The lift looked rustier, like on the first day I came here. The observation room window was covered in dust and barely visible.

<S<So we're in another universe... Huh, I thought it would be more... full? But here it's like I'm seeing my old house for the first time again - everything's so old.>F>

<M<Well, if this place looks like this, it probably means no one's been here yet. But anyway, if it's safe here, we could try seeing other versions of ourselves from other universes.>R>

We all approached the lift, stepped on, and pressed the up arrow button. The lift began ascending with a creak.

<M<Hmm, I was thinking - maybe we should call ourselves something different here? To avoid causing problems for ourselves and our world.>R>

<S<Hmm, smart. Well, if so, call me Chara.>F>

<M<Then I'll be Nia.>R>

<S<And I'll be Xenn.>N>

<M<Alright then, agreed. In this world, we'll call each other that. Right, Chara?>R>

She nodded and fell silent as the lift reached the top.

The house itself was dusty, with papers and documents scattered across the floor - reminding me of the first time Chara(Shifty) brought me to her house. Though no, even then it was somewhat cleaner. Maybe Chara(Shifty) never came to Faraway in this universe? If so, what happened to my alternate version? Maybe his recital went better than mine.

My thoughts were interrupted by a light nudge from Nia(Mari).

<N<Thinking about something, Xenn?>A>

<X<Yeah, I was just wondering... if the alternate Shifty never came here, how did things go with their recital? Maybe everything went well for them, and the alternate version didn't destroy the violin.>N>

Then I felt Chara(Shifty) put her arm around my shoulder.

<C<Well, if that's the case, then my village didn't burn down because of me. And if so, I could take you there if you want. But first, I'd like to see how our alternate versions are doing.>R>

<N<Yes, I'm curious too. They'll be so surprised when they see us!>A>

I nodded in agreement and looked at the door. Opening it, I saw a forest with an evening sunset sky. Chara(Shifty) smiled when she saw this.

<C<Hmm, so the time here is the same as in our universe. Actually pretty convenient.>R>

<N<You're saying time flows the same in another universe?>A>

<C<Hmm, maybe. Though it might just be a coincidence. Anyway, let's go!>R>

Agreeing, we walked through the forest following the path until we finally reached our secret spot - but from another universe.

<N<Well, nothing's changed here, right Xenn?>A>

Yes, everything remained the same. I simply nodded and headed toward the exit of the secret spot, hoping to find differences. Finally emerging, I saw the park and several children playing on the playground. On the swings sat Aubrey, swinging while muttering something under her breath.

<N<Well, nothing here either... Oh well. Come on, Xenn, Chara, let's keep going.>A>

<C<Hey, XENN, WATCH OUT!>R>

I turned around and saw a fist flying toward me. Reacting instantly-

CLICK

-teleporting behind Aubrey, I saw her standing confused with her fist extended where I had just been.

I created a bone kanabo and struck Aubrey, sending her to the ground.

Nia (Mari) raised her heel-tipped staff and pointed it at Aubrey, who stood in shock.

<A<Mari, what are you doing?>R>

Nia (Mari) just glared at her angrily. Shifty crouched next to Aubrey, watching her while taking out a piece of gum and chewing it. I simply rested the bone kanabo on my shoulder.

<N<First of all, I'm Nia, older sister of Xenn here, whom you just tried to punch.>A>

Aubrey looked at me, her attention focusing on my left eye glowing faintly yellow-violet. After a moment, her face turned pale with shame.

<A<I-I'm sorry! I just got confused, I thought you were Sunny!>R>

Mari's face twisted slightly in anger, but Shifty looked at her calmly.

<C<Come on, Nia, it happens to everyone. She mistook him for someone else, let her just apologize to Xenn and that's that. We don't need conflicts on our first day here.>R>

Nia (Mari) looked at her, sighed, and slung her staff over her back. Aubrey stood up and examined me again.

<A<Sorry, Xenn... it's just you look so much like Sunny. If not for your left eye, I would've thought->R>

I interrupted her.

<X<Yeah, whatever, forget it. Just tell me - who is this Sunny? We're new here, and when someone tries to beat you up on your first day, it says a lot about the locals not being very nice.>N>

Alternate Aubrey looked at me with slight pity but sighed and began explaining.

<A<No, the people here are normal... It's just... there used to be this guy named Sunny. He killed people with a box cutter and hammer, sold organs on the black market...>R>

She continued describing horrifying things about my alternate version. During her story, I saw Chara(Shifty)'s face - she was watching everything with disbelief.

She's always like that - Chara(Shifty) never takes people at their word and always questions them, focusing only on facts. But one line from Aubrey caught my attention, as well as Mari's and Chara(Shifty)

<<And he also destroyed the violin we worked so hard to save up for, ruined the recital with his sister and my best friend Mari. Thank god he got kicked out of his foster family too - now he's a wanted criminal.>>
Nia immediately looked at me, and we seemed to understand each other with just a glance. Nia (Mari), barely containing herself:

<<Please stop... umm, I think we should go for a walk with Xenn. We just need to talk.>> She spoke with such restraint, not letting her anger show.

Passing by Aubrey, we left the park and walked down the street leading to OTHERMART. Entering the street, we sat by the fountain with empty expressions.

Nia (Mari) sighed and looked at Chara (Shifty).

<N<You don't actually believe everything she said about Sunny, do you?>A>

Chara (Shifty) looked seriously at Nia (Mari).

<C<Ughhh, Nia, I told you->R>

<N<"Don't take people's words at face value - only look at facts.">A>

<C<We can't believe her until we verify it ourselves. And the only way to verify is by finding Sunny. By the way, Xenn, is that bruise mark still there?>R>
I averted my gaze and lifted my shirt, revealing my stomach where a faint two-year-old bruise mark remained near my navel.

Nia (Mari) immediately looked away, probably trying not to remember her actions from two years ago.

<C<This is how we'll know if she's lying or not. We just need to find Sunny.>R>

<N<But how? Even Anna kicked him out. Now he's probably homeless, living on the streets... must be so cold.>A>

<С<Nia, let's just try looking. First, let's change our appearances. I don't exist in this town, but you two should alter yours. Xenn, your hair is long enough...>R>

Taking a hair tie from her pocket, she stood behind me and tied my hair into a ponytail, adjusting it so my forehead was more visible.

<C<There, much better. Nia, do the same.>R>

Nia (Mari) nodded, took a hair tie, and tied her hair into a ponytail.

<N<By the way, Xenn, the ponytail suits you.>A>

Nodding in agreement, we began walking through town searching for Sunny. Though we didn't hold much hope, we kept trying, checking streets and occasionally alleys.

[AFTER 4 HOURS OF SEARCHING]

We sat on the street at night. During this time, our Mom from our universe had called, but we lied, saying we decided to sleep over at the Echo Flower house tonight. For this, we had to hide the Gray Door so no one would accidentally enter.

<N<Maybe we should return to our universe and continue searching tomorrow?>A>

<C<We have to keep looking for Sunny. If my theory is correct, we've entered a universe where everything turned out much worse.>R>

<NA>

I simply followed Shifty's ambitions - she wanted to understand what happened in this universe. But I thought we might be able to help our alternate versions.

<XN>

<?<HELP!>?>

A scream came from an alley. We immediately rushed over and collided with a girl who fell to the ground, curling into a fetal position.

<?<DON'T TOUCH ME PLEASE JUST GO AWAY!>?>

<C<Whoa, calm down. What happened? Tell us.>R>

The 12-year-old girl looked at us and, calming slightly:

<?<T-there was a man taking photos... then a boy came and stabbed him!>?>

Nia (Mari) hugged the girl, calming her and telling her to run. The girl ran off - hopefully she knew where to go.

Shifty dashed into the alley where the girl had come from. I followed and what we saw was horrifying.

The body of a fat man with a slit throat lay on the ground while a white-haired boy my age in dress shoes wrote on the corpse with a permanent marker:

"Ugly bastard"
"Scum"
"Probably shoots tiny loads of his disgusting [CENSORED]"
"Bully"
"Manipulator"
"Likes kiddie [CENSORED]"
"R@pist"
"Small and pathetic [CENSORED]"

I immediately activated my left eye - I could sense a battle coming.

<C<Xenn, block the exits! This isn't just a person!>R>

He immediately reacted to us, showing his dark face with red eyes and a terrifying smile.

<C<This is a creature of Hatred. They used to be human but changed due to intense negative emotions.>R>

Summoning bones, I blocked the alley's entrance and exit. Chara (Shifty) summoned a red knife and pointed it at the Hatred creature.

<S?>

<C<Vigilantism isn't the answer. I don't know you, but I'll purify your soul.>R>

<S?>

He pulled a knife from his pocket.

<S<Then I'll fight you.>?>

They lunged simultaneously, knives clashing with sparks. The Hatred creature jumped and kicked Shifty with his dress shoe, sending her into a wall and cracking it.

The creature tried to strike again, but Chara (Shifty) summoned vines from the wall that threw it against the opposite side, restraining it. Chara approached, knife ready to strike its soul - when an ear-splitting scream erupted from the creature.

Covering our ears from the pain, my bones began cracking from the noise. Chara tried to approach but the creature broke free, scratching her face before grabbing the dead man's face and fleeing west as we tried to recover.

<C<Aghhh my ears!>R>

<N<Sun- I mean, Xenn! Chara! Are you okay?>A>

<C<Yeah, just my ears hurt and my face got scratched. Damn, shouldn't have fought it alone.>>

<<Same here... aghhhh!>R>

The pain wasn't too bad - worse was the ringing in my ears, grating on my nerves like a flashbang grenade had just gone off.

<C<Xenn, just teleport us home.>R>

Quickly checking for cameras and finding none, I grabbed Nia and Shifty and-

CLICK

-we appeared in the Echo Flower garden. Approaching the Gray Door, we returned to Shifty's old room before I collapsed unconscious.

Today was a mysterious day.

Notes:

Well, I hope you liked the beginning of volume 2, I hope everyone guessed what kind of universe this is, and if not, I'll leave you an additional hint
(These people were supposed to suffer at the end and open their eyes to the actions they had committed, but the author saved them from the revenge that he himself was supposed to write)

Chapter 15: Collapsing Sun {part 1} (Volume 2 chapter 2)

Notes:

Hello again guys just want to say that I did something like a combat system in a flashback for me this is the first time I do something like that lol

Chapter Text

Yerkhrkhkhkhkh

I slowly opened my eyes and looking around I discovered myself at home in my room.

<S<What happened yesterday?>N>

Said I, rubbing my eyes and yawning. I went out of the room and met Mari who approached me joyfully.

<M<Sunny, you woke up?>R>

<S<Y-yes... but I don't remember last night.>N>

<M<Ooh, you and Shifti apparently went into an alley and met an enemy and apparently you lost to him.>R>

Exactly! Now I remembered. Shifti fought with the Being of Hatred and lost to a sound attack.

<S<Yes, by the way, where is Shifti?>N>

<M<She only recently woke up and apparently she was slightly disappointed by her defeat, so...>R>

She stopped, apparently trying to find the right words.

<M<She decided to train to become stronger, only the method she chose is unusual.>R>

<S<STYLE OF THREE KNIVES: FIERY SWIPE!>F>

After these words, a crash rang out in the backyard.

Mari only sighed heavily.

<M<That's what I was talking about. Though I think it's better to see it for ourselves than to hear. Let's go, only first brush your teeth.>R>

I nodded, went into the bathroom, and starting to brush, I for some reason started thinking about that being we met yesterday.

Who was he? To be more precise, who *was* he before? He only has white hair, worn-out shoes. The being's physique looks masculine, about 14 years old like me, but his body is completely covered in a black substance, something even resembling resin, but hardened. And most importantly, what did he go through to come to this?

I spat into the sink, rinsed my mouth, went out of the room, and went downstairs to the backyard where I saw a rather unusual scene.

Shifti, in a bra and sports shorts, was holding two knives in her hands and one in her teeth, imitating Zoro from One Piece.

Mari was standing near me and watching this, smiling.

And it really looked funny, though slightly frightening, as she was cutting a tree.

<S<Take this! Take this! Take this! Take this! Take this! Take this! Take this! Take this!>F>

She shouted, cutting the tree.

<K<HEY, WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE, DEAR?>L>

We all paid attention to Kel who had just run here, drawn by the crash, though we most of all paid attention to his last word.

DEAR.

Shifti immediately turned her head to Kel with a face red as a tomato, and the knives, which were slightly burning with fire, fell to the ground, dissolving.

<S<D-dear?>F>

At these words, she fell to the ground, her pupils turned into hearts, and she started muttering something to herself under her nose.

"K-kel called me dear... dear... that means he loves me... heheheheheheheheheh... dear... ehehehe... yesterday's plan worked... he liked it... eheheheheheheh... he called me dear... ehehehehehehehe... what to do... I need to do something... but his words paralyzed me... heheheheheheheheh... K-kel... K-kel... K-kel... K-kel..."

<K<Oh! So Aubrey's spell worked! KRA! I'm a mage too!>L>

Mari approached and lightly hit Kel on the head with her staff, making him go "Ouch!".

<M<Hey Kel, so Aubrey decided to tease Shifti again? What did she tell you?>R>

<K<Oy... well, she said that next time I meet her, I should call her DEAR.>L>

<S<But now...>N>

"Ehehekhhehehe... he called me dear... ehehehe..."

<S<Hey, she needs time to recover from this, Kel.>N>

<K<So why does she react like that to me?>L>

<M<Ekhkhkh... Kel, you'll find out sooner or later. Shifti will gather courage and tell you.>R> she said, looking at Shifti who was still muttering something under her nose.

<K<Ooh, well okay... ohuuu! Almost forgot! Today we won't come, me and my parents are leaving to see relatives. We'll be back tomorrow. Just came to warn you.>L>

<M<Ooh, well, good luck to you then! Bye, Kel!>R>

<K<Bye Mari, Sunny, and Shifti!>L>

<S<Ah, yes... bye, dear!>F> He laughed at this and ran back, leaving us alone.

She got up from the ground with a normal face already, dissolving the knives.

<S<So now, when I've recovered from my lovesick crazy state, we can discuss what happened yesterday.>F>

Mari giggled slightly at the fact that Shifti understood her own state, and I just started listening.

<M<Well, about yesterday... why did you go into the fight yourselves, leaving me behind, Sunny even blocking the entrance to me with bones? I could have helped!>R> Mari scolded us, Shifti and me, slightly.

<S<Sorry Mari... I just didn't want to let the enemy escape. I thought I could defeat him... but I lost.>F>

<M<Exactly! You lost because you fought alone! You told Sunny you'd handle it alone and asked him to focus on restraining, though it wouldn't have hurt for him to fight!>R>

<S<Sorry Mari... we're sorry we left you alone. And the saddest thing is that we didn't find out anything.>N> I said with a slightly guilty face. Mari really doesn't like it when we get into fights, especially when we use magic against people who don't have it, because for her it's "bullying the weak." Though she's less angry about the Being of Hatness, maybe because it managed to defeat us.

<S<HEY, SUNNY!>F> Shifti lightly pushed me to snap me out of my thoughts.

<S<Daydreaming again, Sunny? Anyway, the plan is this: we go to another universe. We need to learn more about other versions of Mari, Hiro, Kel, and so on.>F>

<M<Yeah, I'm not against it either. We've missed something about them today. We need to learn about them. By the way, Sunny, your piano playing is getting better and better. I especially liked that song you played.>R>

Oh, yeah. I got a bit tired of the violin, so I decided to switch to piano. At first it was hard, but after a couple of months of training, my level was almost on par with Mari's. Though, of course, Shifti tried to teach me guitar, but my fingers got cut on the strings, so I went back to piano.

<S<Sunny, come on, catch connection with the ground again!>F> Said Shifti, poking me with her finger. I just nodded and, taking them...

*SNAP*

We teleported to the observation room where, moving aside a cupboard, we pulled out a gray door that blended well with the gray walls of the observation room.

<M<Well, let's go! Can't wait to see another me!>R>

<S<Yeah, that's why we came here!>F>

She said, opening the door behind which was an observation room, only dirtier and dustier. Passing through, Shifti immediately ran out and opened the door, coughing from the dust. We did the same.

<M<Eekh... we need to clean up here because I'm not planning to come out covered in dust every time.>R> She said, wiping the dust off herself. And then, before entering the elevator, she stopped.

<S<What is it, Mari?>F> She said, turning her head to her.

<MR>

She looked at her in surprise.

<S<Well, yeahaaaaa... I told you the story!>F>

<M<Well, don't you think that in this alternative version of this house, those same suitcases might be found?>R>

At that moment, Shifti's face... I could practically hear a lightbulb breaking because her face froze in shock. I hadn't even thought about it! We were so eager to go out and see the alternative world that we forgot to examine the house itself.

<S<FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!>F> She shouted and summoned vines that tossed her upwards.

<M<Hey Shifti, watch your language!>R> she said, pressing the elevator button which started slowly ascending. I didn't wait, just took Mari's hand and...

*SNAP*

...we appeared upstairs where we could hear a crash.

<S<HOW COULD I MAKE SUCH A MISTAKE?! DAMN IT! WHERE?! WHERE?! WHERE?! WHERE?! WHERE?!>F> She repeated. We started going upstairs and approaching the room, we heard a joyful scream.

<S<DAMN IT! NOTHING!>F> She cried out as we entered the room where Shifti was sitting.

<M<But you at least tried. By the way, Shifti, I have a question.>R>

<S<Ekhhh... yes?>F> She said, looking down sadly.

<M<Who did you fight yesterday? If he managed to defeat you, then he's strong.>R>

<S<You mean the Being of Hatred? Ekhh... I'm too lazy to explain. So here's a document I found in the Echo Flowers house from our universe.>F> She said, handing over a document from her pocket.

Mari started reading the document, while Shifti simply left the room with a dejected face.

<M<Yeah... I'm still amazed by the knowledge that was in our forest for so many years. Hmmm... but we need to purify him. Maybe he knows something about Sunny from this universe? And he's harming other people, which means we need to find him as soon as possible. Hey Shifti.... Shifti?>R>

<S<She went downstairs. Let's follow her.>N> I said, and she nodded and went downstairs with me.

Going down, there was Shifti coming out of the Closet Room where the soul that powers our house should be. But judging by the fact that Shifti had nothing in her hands, there was probably only a light switch in the closet.

<M<And nothing there either?>R> She said, while Shifti just nodded sadly.

<M<Don't worry. If they aren't there, it might be for the best. The magic could have fallen into the hands of bad people.>R> At this, Shifti perked up slightly and sighed sadly.

<S<Shifti... I know... I just thought... though, you know, whatever. We'll manage. Ekhhhhh... alright, let's just go outside already.>F> She shoved her hands in her pockets and went outside. We just hurried after her. Outside, I thought I might cheer up Chara (Shifti).

<X<Hey, Chara... Knock knock.>N>

<C<Who's there? Another soul I accidentally roasted yesterday?>R> She said with a heavy sigh.

<X<No... Bone.>N>

<C<...Bone who? If you say "a skeleton without a sense of humor," I'll bury you myself.>R>

<X<Bone is bone... But at least not the kind that tried to smear us across the alley yesterday. You can relax.>N> At this moment, she let out a light chuckle, and I smiled, satisfied with my joke.

<C<...*snort* Alright, that counts. Two out of ten. But if you want to really cheer me up...>R> she ominously summoned knives.

<X<...Kel will make the next joke?>N>

<C<Xenn!>R> She blushes, but the corners of her lips twitch into a smile. <C<You're learning... dangerous things!>R>

<N<Xenn!, don't incite your sister!>A> Nia (Mari) tries to stay stern but is also smiling. The joke worked after all.

<C<Get ready, we're heading out to the pond.>R> She warned, and preparing ourselves, we went out to the pond where it was... surprisingly empty.

<N<Hmm, alright, let's go. Today I want to see another me.>A> She said with all seriousness, and going first, I came out to the park where it was almost empty, only children playing near a big yellow cat and one familiar face. It was Mari with her Mom and Dad, at the sight of whom my left eye immediately ignited with yellow-violet fire. But they seemed to be heading towards Othermart and didn't pay attention to me.

<C<Xenn, what is it?>R> Said Chara (Shifti), touching my shoulder.

<X<There's an alternative version of our Father here.>N> I said, making everyone in the group tense up, especially Mari.

<C<Whoa whoa whoa, calm down. Maybe this one will be better than ours.>R> Chara tried to calm them down, but her tone suggested she didn't really believe it herself.

<N<L-let's just go. We're here to find our alternative versions, after all.>A> After these words, Hiro, Aubrey, and Kel headed towards Othermart. I wondered where Basil was.

Nia and Shifti apparently also noticed them.

<N<Yeah, they're no different, even in appearance. Ekhh... and I thought there would be at least some external differences.>A>

<C<Well, I guess it's useless. I think even you won't look different from her, or from yourself.>R> At this, she just exhaled disappointedly, agreeing with Chara (Shifti).

<A<HIRO, STOP! IT'S XENN!>R> Shouted the alternative Aubrey, making me turn around. A few meters from me stood an enraged Hero.

<H<So you decided to come back, brother Mari? >R> He said in a calm-angry voice. I decided to joke.

<X<Hey buddy. Knock knock.>R> I said in a slightly mocking tone, but this only confused Hero.

<H<W-what?>R> He said irritably and puzzled.

<X<Relax, bone.>N> I replied calmly. The others just stood silent in bewilderment, except Nia and Chara who were waiting for the punchline.

<H<Bone who?>R> He replied just formally. It worked.

<X<Bone is bone... But at least not the kind that mistakes people for murderers.>R> At this moment, the park fell silent, only the wind filling the void.

Then the alternative Kel, along with Nia and Chara, burst out laughing, and Aubrey walked up to Hiro and sighed heavily.

<A<Hero, this is Xenn, a guy who looks like Sunny, but it's not him. Believe me, I made the same mistake yesterday. And these are his sisters, Nia who looks like Mari, and... hey, you're the one who saved me from your sister's wrath!>R> The last words were addressed to Chara (Shifti), who, calming down, greeted them.

<C<And I'm Chara.>R> She greeted.

Hero looked us over. His gaze lingered slightly on Nia.

<H<Hmm, alright. If everyone says so, I guess it's fine. We gotta go, they're waiting for us.>R> He said, addressing Kel and Aubrey, and then they left.

Chara lightly nudged Nia and, getting her attention, whispered something to her, making her just nod.

<N<Hey Xenn, do you want to go to Gino's too? I'm hungry, I didn't even eat anything this morning.>A>

She was right. I really hadn't eaten anything, so going to Gino's wasn't a bad idea, even if the alternative version of my father was there.

Nodding, we walked on. Reaching Hobbez, I noticed a newspaper. Approaching it, we started reading.

*SERIAL KILLER "BLOODY SNOW WHITE" CONTINUES HIS BLOODY VIGILANTE SPREE*

*Today, in one of Faraway's alleys, the mutilated body of Brother Mer was found. Brother Mer had been repeatedly accused of pedophilia. Much prohibited material was found with the body at the scene.*

*After numerous inquiries to Mer, we received an apology for his brother's actions.*

*Residents of the city mostly regard him as a revolutionary of this city, trying to cleanse it of its afflictions. Police are attempting to patrol the streets, but say the murders happen instantly and there is no information about the Killer.*

*What will the Bloody Snow White do next? Follow our newspaper, the Faraway Post.*

*And now to less important news: a new chapter of Sunny the Cat should be released today.*

I put down the newspaper and continued walking.

<N<Well, seems even the newspaper can't give us an answer to that question. Too bad. Alright, let's go.>A>

<C<Surprising the police just didn't find the killer by fingerprints on the body. Like, isn't that how they do it?>R>

<N<Maybe he uses gloves.>A> She suggested, and Shifti just sighed. Approaching the door of Gino's, we opened it, and I immediately noticed the piano in the corner. But taking a table, we just started waiting for our order. The alternative Mari and her family, along with their friends, were sitting near us, so we could hear their conversation.

<X<Yeah, it's even unusual to see them happy. Though, knowing our father, he would do that to show himself as a happy family man in public.>N> I whispered.

<N<Yeah, a strange feeling, like you're seeing your own bad past. Well, anyway, I'll go order us pizza and cola.>A> She got up and went to the waiter, leaving me and Chara (Shifti) alone.

<C<Listen, Xenn, I've been meaning to tell you something for a long time. It's about...>R> She leaned closer so no one could hear. <C<Magic.>R> I was surprised at this. Before, Chara (Shifti) never talked about it. The last conversation about magic was when we were explaining to Mom what magic even was.

*FLASHBACK*

Our Mom found out that we... well... wield magic. At first she was surprised and didn't know what to think, even thought it was a joke. But in the end, she demanded an explanation of what it even was. So we ended up sitting in the room with the TV. Shifti, me, and Mari sat on the floor while Mom sat on the sofa.

Mom sat with a very displeased look, waiting for explanations from us. As always, Shifti decided to just explain what she knew about it.

<M<Well, how much longer do I have to wait?>T> Mom asked with all her sternness, though you could understand her – her children possess magic, which is generally amazing.

Shifti sighed and, preparing herself, began her monologue.

<S<So, as you know, Mom, in our world we can see our souls. We were able to do this a century ago thanks to a great scientist. And every soul has its own color which signifies our characteristic trait:*

*Determination*

*Bravery*

*Justice*

*Kindness*

*Patience*

*Integrity*

*Perseverance*

*And the others are considered just subtypes.>F> She got up from the floor, pacing back and forth, continuing the talk.*

*<S<And when I first arrived at the Echo Flowers house, I was... well... not in a completely sound mental state, like all of us back then. And in that house were two vials of magic created by some genius whose name I don't know and I'm not sure we'll ever know.>F>*

*<M<Shifti, dear, can we get to the point?>T> Mom requested with all her politeness.*

*<S<Mom, it's important for understanding. Ahem, I'll continue. So my assumption is that Magic was created from souls. Because there were 2 vials. One was filled with red Determination, which coincidentally turned out to be my soul trait. And the second...>F> She glanced at my left eye. <S<...Perseverance and Justice.>F> She sighed. <S<Actually, I regret giving Sunny magic.>F> She looked at me. <S<There were risks, as I later learned. Combining two soul traits can lead to serious health problems because we are trying to alter a person using the soul which is responsible for our mental health, and the brain conflicts. And unfortunately, this can lead...>F> She paused briefly. <S<...to death. But luckily, when I found out about this, I was already writing a note to Sunny with the suitcase. So I thought injecting the substance into the eye would avoid this. But as you can see, even here there's a fly in the ointment. Using Magic slowly burns your eye, Sunny. With heavy use, and endurance... well, we injected it into the soul, so with excessive use, our Heart will hurt, which spreads into pain throughout the whole body.>F> She turned back to Mom, who looked slightly alarmed. <S<Though our body will restore it little by little. But if Sunny overdoes it with Magic, he could go blind, and the Magic will pass into the soul. And if that happens...>F> She made an ominous pause. <S<...I'm not sure everything will be okay with him.>F> She paused again, but then added:*

*<S<And in short, Magic gives us the abilities of the previous wielders who created their techniques. If anything, that's why Sunny has the ability to create and manipulate bones, along with teleportation. As for how they got the magic... someone wielded Sunny's magic before? It ended up in someone's eye, as the document dedicated to the vial of Perseverance and Justice listed the techniques of the Previous Wielder. As for Mari, I injected the Magic from the soul in the Closet. I didn't know what techniques the Previous Wielder had, so you could say Mari created her own techniques. And as for me, the previous wielder of my magic had techniques related to knives, but I prefer plant Magic more. So that's all I know myself.>F>*

*A long, expected pause fell. We all looked at Mom. Mari decided to break the tense silence.*

*<M<Yeah, Shifti, you really don't know how to be brief, do you?>R>*

*<S<Hey, it was necessary! Mom didn't know anything!>F>*

*<M<No, it's all right. I needed explanations, Mari, and I got them. That's all I needed. I just wanted to know what's up with my children. I can't afford to lose you all again.>T> She smiled. <M<Just please don't abuse your power. The world just found out about magic, and it's very unusual for people. So please, don't make trouble.>T> We agreed and just continued discussing other topics.*

*END FLASHBACK*

<C<...I mean that if there's a critical situation, don't force yourself to keep fighting. My big ass just senses that the Being of Hatred won't forget us and will be more prepared for our next meeting.>R>

Then Nia came back to us.

<N<I'm back. Had to listen to the waiter say that I look a lot like myself from this universe. Kind of awkward.>A>

<M<Wow, you really do look like me!>R> Suddenly said the alternative Mari, addressing us. At that moment, I caught a familiar stern Fatherly gaze that I used to fear before, but now I just wanted to shoot. I turned and met HIS gaze. I simply looked away, ignoring his scrutinizing stare.

<N<Y-yeah, I guess...>A> She replied, frightened by her alternative version.

<M<Oh, sorry, seems I scared you. And ooooooooh, what an interesting star-shaped pattern on your eye! Is it a lens?>R> she said, pointing at Nia's (Mari) right eye.

<N<Ummm... just genetics. And it's not a lens, thanks.>A>

<M<Wow! It's really not a lens? Wow, you got a lucky STAR!>R>

They laughed similarly, though Nia (Mari) had heard that joke many times already.

<N<Yeah, I get that joke a lot.>A>

<M<Oh, yeah. Well, I tried to lighten the mood, hehe.>R> She spoke cheerfully, but she seemed overly energetic, unlike my Mari.

This one seemed fake. She behaved as if she wanted to suck up to my Mari, who was always sincere with others. Though maybe it just seemed that way to me.

<M<Oh, so you're Xenn? You really do look like Sunny. You don't play violin anymore, do you?>R> She said, turning her head to me.

<X<N-no... I play piano.>N> She seemed surprised, as did her father, whose gaze seemed to become more intrigued. I decided to just keep looking.

<M<Wow! What a coincidence! I play piano too!>R>

At that moment, I wanted to answer sarcastically, but I restrained myself.

<X<Yeah, coincidence.>N>

<M<By the way, haven't you seen a boy here who looks a lot like you, Xenn? Only his eye is black, not yellow-violet like yours? His name is Sunny. Though I guess you already know about him.>R> She's talking about her Sunny. Why is she interested in him for some reason? Maybe she wants him back? Then I heard Kel's voice quietly say:

<K<And why does she need that bastard?>L>

<X<No, haven't seen him, sorry. My sister-like friend and I... well, she...>N> I looked at the alternative Kel. <X<...I mean, are you very worried about him? I hope everything will be back to normal soon. Though if *you* are at fault, you should apologize before it's too late, because...>N> I closed my eyes, making my eyes disappear so that when I opened them, there were two black holes instead of eyes – Shifti's intimidation technique. She taught me this when we were preparing for Halloween. Opening my eyes, I leaned slightly towards her face. <X<H-E M-I-G-H-T T-A-K-E R-A-D-I-C-A-L M-E-A-S-U-R-E-S.>N> I said in a frighteningly threatening tone and fell silent for a few seconds. She seemed genuinely startled. She took a couple of steps back. The others didn't seem to notice. Then I blinked, canceling the technique and returning my eyes to normal. After that, I laughed. <X<Ahahahahahahaha... s-sorry, sorry! I sometimes like to scare people with my tricks. Don't pay attention.>N> I laughed, then heard the waiter's voice.

<?<Table 10! Your order is ready!>?>

<C<I'll go get it.>R> Said Chara (Shifti), then got up and left.

<M<H-how did you do that? Y-your eyes just disappeared! W-what?>R> She said, happily surprised.

<X<Hehehe, I don't reveal my tricks, friend.>N>

<M<Oh, so you're a magician *and* a pianist? You're an interesting person, Xenn! By the way, there's a piano at Gino's. Want to compete to see who plays better?>R> The idea was good, but I knew I probably wouldn't win this battle.

<X<Heh, sorry friend, but I won't win this battle.>N>

<M<Why? I think you play well!>R>

<X<No, it's just that in all the time I've been with your friends, I realized they love you too much to say I won.>N> I decided to tease her, to which she grinned defiantly, while the others looked at me strangely.

<M<Don't sass me! I go first!>R> I turned to Nia (Mari) who smiled. <N<Go on, Xenn, I believe in you!>A>

<X<Thanks, sis!>N>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spuWn7H0qsE
Alternative Mari went to the piano and started playing her song. As always, that song sounded perfect, but I'd heard it many times already. Then she finished.

<M<Well, now it's your turn.>R> She said, inviting me to the piano. I stood up, and Chara (Shifti) sat down at the table with the pizza and cola.

Approaching the piano, I sat down and, preparing myself, started playing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OugKuIXt9ig
Playing piano for so many people was a bit awkward, but I didn't let it interfere with my music. I imagined a heartfelt conversation between two friends and a relaxing rain dripping on your head – the atmosphere of this music conveyed that, at least for me. Then I finished.

Silence fell. I just walked back to my table with a smile and, grabbing my cola, started drinking it.

<M<Wow... Sunn-... I mean, Xenn! That was beautiful! That song... your piano skills are wonderful! Hehehe, I underestimated you.>R>

<N<Well, of course! My brother is awesome!>A> Nia (Mari) boasted about me.

<C<Hey Nia, Xenn isn't a thing for you to boast about!>R> Said Chara (Shifti), laughing while eating pizza.

<F<Well, honestly Xenn, I thought you were Sunny, but after your piano playing, I think I dismissed my suspicions.>T> I looked at him for a few seconds. Was this his way of apologizing? Yeah, he'd better have kept quiet, the asshole.

<H<Yeah, I agree. Your playing is good, but Mari's is better in my opinion.>R>

<K<And I liked Sunn-... damn it, I mix them up! They look too much alike! Ekhh... Xenn's playing, I liked it!>L>

<A<Well, Xenn's playing is good, but Mari's is still better.>R>

They started arguing, and Mari, getting ready to break them up, went over when suddenly...

<C<Hey Mari.>R>

She looked at her, surprised. Chara didn't usually initiate conversation.

<M<Chara?>R>

<CR> She looked at her with all her suspicion.

Then Mari just made a neutral face.

<M<Hmm, alright.>R> She said neutrally and went to separate Kel and Aubrey, while Hiro looked at Chara disapprovingly.

Soon we finished the pizza and cola, then left with a neutral look, saying goodbye.

<N<Well, finally! Honestly, my alternative version is worse than me. Honestly, she seemed fake during the conversation, like me after the incident.>A>

<C<Yeah, and I finally saw our father. Honestly, he kept giving you murderous looks. You should look around more, Xenn.>R>

<X<Don't worry, I'll win.>N>

<CR>

She said, and we went back to our universe to wait until evening.

To be continued...

Chapter 16: Collapsing Sun {part 2} (Volume 2 chapter 3)

Summary:

Sanny met alternative version of his best friend

Notes:

I hope you still like it

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

We were trying to pass the time until evening in the Echo Cave, but as if on purpose, time was moving slower, which was a bit annoying.

I was playing with bones, Shifti made herself a hammock out of vines and was just lying there tossing a knife, and when she got poked, Mari scolded her. Mari herself was creating notes and trying to give them different effects that could help her, but she only managed to make fiery notes, and even those had a very weak burning effect, comparable to a lighter, which pissed her off.

<M<DAMN IT>R>

She shouted, summoning her staff, and hit a note that flew into the hammock, pushing both it and Shifti, who, caught by surprise, fell out of it and, hitting the ground, glared angrily at Mari.

<S<MARI, BE MORE CAREFUL, YOU CAN'T DO THAT!>F>

<M<Sorry, sis, you okay?>R>

<S<Yeah, it's just that boredom is killing me, plus Aubrey and Basil are busy right now>F> She got up, brushing herself off.

<S<Agreed, it's kinda boring today>N> I added, dissolving the bones. From the look on Mari's face, I could guess she remembered something.

<M<Shifti, I wanted to ask... day before yesterday, Hero wanted to talk to you and said it was personal>R> I looked at her, not understanding what she meant. Shifti, however, looked slightly shocked.

<S<Ah, yeah, it's just personal stuff, forget it>F> She tried to drop the subject.

<M<Hmm, well, okay. Listen, maybe we can head out to the other world a bit earlier?>R>

<S<But it's only 4:00 PM right now>F>

<SN>

<M<So it's two against one>R> She smiled, and Shifti, with a sigh, got up and walked to the door.

<SF> She said indifferently, and approaching the door, we entered. A couple of minutes later, we were in the park, enjoying the cold weather and heading north.

Then suddenly I saw Basil at the intersection. I barely recognized him. Unlike other friends from this universe, he had a bag, and his hair was black. He himself seemed displeased about something.

<X<Chara, isn't that Basil?>N> I called out to her, and she looked.

<C<Ughhhh, but yeah, that's him. By the way, with black hair, he looks pretty cool.>R>

<N<Agreed, but we need to keep searching for now.>A>

Agreeing, we moved on, but then I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Turning around, I saw Basil, who was out of breath and also holding my shoulder with his right hand. I decided to stick to the persona I adopted yesterday.

<X<Hey, buddy, looks like the wind was really knocked out of you, hehehehehe>N>

He was still out of breath, which a couple of times turned into coughs, but after a while, it stopped, and when he raised his head, I saw he was crying.

<X<Whoa, so you decided to spill some water between us, hehhehehehe>N> Despite the joke, I was still a bit worried about him, and then I noticed that Nia (Mari) and Chara (Shifti) were gone.

Damn, they probably went ahead, thinking I was following them.

I stepped back to go after them, but Basil decided to hug me.

<X<Buddy, sorry, but now's not the best time. I kinda lost my sister here, so...>N>

<B<SUNNY, ARE YOU AN IDIOT? DID YOU FORGET WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?>S> He shouted in my face, causing my smile to stay but my eyes to widen. I don't even know how it happened. So that's what this is about.

<X<Sorry, pal, but you seem to be confusing me with someone else.>N>

He was surprised and, after looking me over, seemed to realize I wasn't Sunny, causing his face to turn white with shame.

<B<SORRY, I GOTTA GO.>S>

He was about to leave, but I grabbed his arm.

<X<Hold on, I didn't say you could leave, pal. I have a few questions.>N>

He turned to me, shocked.

<X<So, from what I understand, you're looking for Sunny, and it just so happens that me and my sisters are doing the same thing.>N>

Basil was in shock, but after a couple of seconds, his face turned grim.

<B<What do you want from him? Do you want to beat him up?>S>

I was surprised but kept my smile.

<X<What? No, you're seeing a monster in me, pal. We just want to find him to find out what happened to him.>N>

Basil's face became calmer and seemed slightly happier.

<B<Thank God, there are still people who don't take others at their word.>S>

<X<Hehehehehe, my Sister would approve. By the way, maybe we can exchange information?>N>

I looked around and, noticing a place that looked like a café, pointed at it.

<X<For example, right here.>N>

I pointed my finger at the establishment, and he, nodding, followed me.

We can meet up with Nia and Chara at the gray door, so no need to worry, plus I can teleport there anytime. Hmmm, by the way, a pretty good joke popped into my head.

I walked past the establishment and, turning into an alley, I discreetly grabbed Basil's sleeve. He was about to ask me something when I closed my eyes and...

*SNAP*

We exited the restroom of the establishment, and Basil froze in place, not understanding what just happened. I simply continued on my way to a table by the window.

<B<H-hey, w-wait!>S>

He ran up to me.

<B<What was that? How did you do that?>S>

<X<Hhehehehe, don't pay it any mind, pal. I just took a shortcut.>N>

I sat down at the table, and Basil did the same, still surprised by my antics.

<X<And sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Xenn. I'm a guy who just looks like Sunny. I have a sister, Nia, who, surprisingly, looks like the pianist girl from this city... what's her name... ah, Mari, right. And there's also Chara, and she doesn't look like anyone else, hehehe.>N>

<B<Oh, and my name's Basil. I'm Sunny's friend... or rather, I was. But I'm trying to fix everything.>S>

He said the last part with confidence, which intrigued me.

No matter how much time I've spent in this World, I've only heard negativity towards my alternative version. But this is something new.

My smile widened, and I continued to listen.

<X<What happened?>N>

<B<It's a long story, and I don't entirely believe the words of those who told me, but to understand everything, I probably need to start from the very beginning. So here goes.>S>

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

<B<From the very beginning, for as long as I can remember, I was friends with Sunny, along with Aubrey, Mari, Kel, and Hero. Mari and Hero were the oldest in the group and looked after us. But at one point, everything fell apart because of the concert. Mari, who was Sunny's older sister... or rather, used to be.>S>

<X<Let's get closer to the point. I already know that. Mari and Sunny are brother and sister, just like Kel and Hero. We know that.>N>

<B<Ah, right, sorry. Just good times. So, before the concert, Sunny pushed Mari for some reason, and because of that, he was sent to a foster family. We were all furious about it and stopped being friends with him for the next 2 years. Then it got even worse.>S>

He hung his head, showing off his black hair.

<B<Mari held a second concert, and Sunny was miserable all that time. I could have done something, but I was afraid to, so I stood aside. At school, he was disliked after he pushed her, and because of Kel and Aubrey spreading rumors that he was a murderer, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ALL LIES!>S> He suddenly shouted, causing me to flinch back.

<X<Whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy, I understand your anger, but we're in a public place. Let's keep it down.>N>

Just then, a waitress approached, and after ordering us some lemonade, I continued listening.

<B<I-I'm sorry, Xenn. It's just... built up.>S>

<X<H-hey, it's alright. Continue.>N>

<B<Oh, yeah, okay. So, the concert... everything was fine at first. Mari played a song, and when she finished, Sunny's father came out and...>S> He fell silent.

<X<And what happened next, Basil?>N>

<B<He said that Mari wanted to tell us something, and when she stood up, she started explaining that Sunny hit her, bit her, and took advantage of his position as the younger brother, even though I knew myself that Mari was loved more than Sunny, so her words were lies. But everyone believed her, even my friends. And after that, everything just got worse. Rumors about him doubled, and then the foster family disowned him. CPS was supposed to take him, but he disappeared. And now I'm trying to find him to apologize. I don't hang out with my friends anymore; I can't be with people who talk trash about someone behind their back. And I want to apologize to Sunny.>S>

Hmmmm, this is interesting. It's even infuriating. Sunny's father decided to finish off Sunny even when he was in foster care. That clown has nothing better to do, hheheheheheh. But time for JUDGMENT will wait; we have little evidence. We need to meet Sunny and preferably tell everything to Nia and Chara. I think they'll like it.

<B<Xenn? Hello?>L>

<X<Sorry, got lost in thought, pal.>N>

Then he smiled, as if remembering something.

<B<Heh, you remind me of Sunny.>S>

<X<hehehehehe ok this is interesting story. But it's time for me to tell you what we encountered yesterday.>N>

He looked at me interestedly, waiting for an answer.

<X<We just arrived in Faraway yesterday, and that's why I almost got hit by Aubrey, who thought I was Sunny.>N>

<B<Typical Aubrey, doing something without thinking, heh. She'd probably punch the first dark-haired guy she meets if he reminds her of Sunny.>S>

<X<Heh, yeah, exactly. So anyway, after defeating her, we explained who we were, and she apologized and started telling us all that nonsense you just told me. But Shi—I mean, Chara—didn't believe her, just like us. I mean, a 14-year-old kid engaging in crap like selling organs? I mean, that's just ridiculous.>N>

<B<You know, after your words, I'm starting to believe more and more that our town is made up of idiots who will believe anything anyone says.>S>

Just then, the waitress came with our lemonades, and after thanking her, we continued.

<X<Whoa, it's that bad?>N> I said, taking a sip.

Hmmmm, tasty.

<B<Unfortunately, yes. And thanks for the lemonade.>S> He took a sip in return.

<X<No problem. So anyway, we decided to look for Sunny because Nia is very caring, and we just decided to play along. But somehow we got lucky.>N>

<B<YOU MET HIM?>S> He shouted, almost spilling his lemonade. Everyone else in the café turned to look at him, and he, embarrassed, turned away and took another sip of his lemonade.

<X<Well, not exactly, though I think it might have been him. So, we were walking down a night street, and then we heard a scream. We ran over and met a girl who, to put it mildly, was shocked. She was saying something about an uncle who was photographing her and a guy who stabbed him. After those words, Chara ran into the alley, and I followed her while Nia calmed the girl down. Right there, we met...>N> I paused and, before continuing, took a sip.

<X<A guy no older than 15, covered in something black. He had white hair, a green cloak, and worn-out shoes. And next to him was a clearly dead man. He was writing all sorts of "nasty stuff" with a permanent marker. Shifti wanted to attack, and she almost managed to restrain him, but he broke free, scratched Shifti's face, took the corpse, and left.>N> While I was saying this, Basil sat with his mouth open.

<B<You met the Bloody Snow White? Wait, stop, that's the recent case about Brother Mer, who was blackmailing little girls, forcing them to...>S>

<X<No details.>N> I said quickly, not to ruin the taste.

<B<Yeah, I get it. You were looking for copper and found gold. But still, do you think it's Sunny?>S> He asked warily.

<X<Possibly. But think about it: Sunny disappeared on the night of September 8th, and the activity started just after September 8th. That's one hell of an interesting coincidence, don't you think, buddy? And it's just a guess based on a coincidence, so there's no direct proof.>N> Basil seemed to be thinking.

<B<Yeah, that's true. But still, I don't believe he could do that. Even if he did, he's just amazing. Everyone betrayed him, but he's still trying to help our city by killing such people.>S>

Whoa, that's not good. I need to straighten out his thinking.

<X<Whoa, buddy, calm down. That's the job of law enforcement.>N>

<B<But Xenn...>S>

<X<No "but," Basil. These people need help. And yes, I understand that law enforcement isn't always honest. Even with Brother Mer, just think... if they catch him, Mer would probably weasel his way out. I understand that, and I don't even condemn that killing. But regular criminals should be handled by the police.>N> He fell silent, and an awkward silence seemed to hang between us, which I filled by sipping my lemonade.

<B<Sorry, Xenn. You're right. I just... ughhh, I don't know. I just reacted sharply. Sorry.>S>

<X<It's nothing. Let's just go find my sisters, okay?>N>

I said, putting down the glass.

<B<Yeah, okay. I'll be glad for your help.>S>

We got up, paid for the lemonade, and went to look for Nia (Mari) and Chara (Shifti).

Notes:

Hello everyone, I'm here because I'm still continuing this saga, which I hope you haven't gotten tired of yet. If you want to reasonably criticize my robots and give advice or just chat, then write to me in discord jeik2413

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Magiceres, AED45, Plankbread, Kugow, Cyle, pumpKe0, Sub0zone, GhostLulu, DestinyDuo, Star_Rank, Blameshark, and ligmaballz69 as well as 16 guests left kudos on this work!

Comments

pumpKe0 on Chapter 2 Thu 03 Apr 2025 05:53PM UTC

snuuy became sans fr

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1. jeik2314 on Chapter 2 Thu 03 Apr 2025 07:55PM UTC
  
  Yeah lol
  
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ligmaballz69 on Chapter 5 Tue 25 Mar 2025 11:22PM UTC

Its funny how a fanfic of my fanfic became my favorite fanfic
Keep up the good work

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BHoliday01 on Chapter 7 Fri 28 Mar 2025 11:10PM UTC

Is this a sunny x shift chara if so I love that, when people do crossovers they never pair sunny with someone from the crossover part it is always Aubrey or basil or kel.

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1. jeik2314 on Chapter 7 Fri 28 Mar 2025 11:46PM UTC
  
  Dude, they are half-brother and sister.
  
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2. 1. BHoliday01 on Chapter 7 Fri 28 Mar 2025 11:50PM UTC
    
    How, sunny only has one sibling you know what never mind I have lost interest in this thought this was going to be something different and interesting but it is not.
    
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  2. 1. jeik2314 on Chapter 7 Sat 29 Mar 2025 12:30AM UTC
      
      Sorry, the translator screwed it all up, but I meant that they are cousins.
      
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    2. 1. BHoliday01 on Chapter 7 Sat 29 Mar 2025 12:39AM UTC
        
        Oh my bad, and sorry about the negative reply been having a bad day so it is affecting me mind negatively, hope you have a great day.
        
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      2. jeik2314 on Chapter 7 Sat 29 Mar 2025 05:25AM UTC
        
        Thank you, I hope this day will be a little quieter for you.
        
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pumpKe0 on Chapter 12 Tue 08 Apr 2025 07:54AM UTC

Great story! I really enjoyed reading it. I hope you continue writing your other fanfiction, "Something new in hate," because it's also fascinating!

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1. jeik2314 on Chapter 12 Tue 08 Apr 2025 12:51PM UTC
  
  Thank you very much, in fact the second chapter is already ready so I just have to translate it
  
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2. 1. pumpKe0 on Chapter 12 Tue 08 Apr 2025 02:30PM UTC
    
    Hell yeah!
    
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  2. 1. jeik2314 on Chapter 12 Tue 08 Apr 2025 03:56PM UTC
      
      HOORAY CHAPTER TWO IS HERE
      
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ligmaballz69 on Chapter 12 Wed 16 Apr 2025 07:02AM UTC

Reread it Agine
Still a masterpiece

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Magiceres on Chapter 16 Sun 19 Oct 2025 04:19PM UTC

Wondering if there’s a continuation of this story
But whatever The writer can do whatever they want

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