Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Death is a thing riddled with beauty, anguish and peace. A melancholy wonder, they didn't think it would come so soon

It was dark, cold and loud, the crashing coming down around them over and over and the cold was numbing to the core, was that pain? The flashes of light illuminated the floor, all they could see was blood. All they could feel was cold. All they could hear, was no longer just the crashing around them but their, last, dying, breath.

---

It was dark, the darkest place they have ever seen there was not a spec of anything. They were flouting it was odd to be waitless but not bad. Their mind was foggy they couldn't remember much of anything confusion riddling their thoughts.

Before they could probably wrap their head around what in whatever God that would listens name was happening they heard a voice through what they could only call a void "ah young bird, I did not expect you to wake so soon "

All they could do was freeze up apon hearing that. Slowly a figure became discernible from the pitch black around them they were indescribable, and literally they couldn't describe them?

"How cute can't speak in my presence aren't you adorable"

"W-who are you" the being reached down and scooped them up in her hands and smiled down at them their eyes covered in shadows. "You can know me as Lady Luck but you may call me my lady.

"What do you want from me? Where am I? What's going on?" They were on edge clearly and their eyes were darting around nervously. The being or Lady Luck now, chuckled lightly her voice deep but airy. "My, you mortals are always scared aren't you. I'm not going to hurt you young bird." She still looked mildly amused and brought her hands slightly closer to her face

"You young bird have died." When they heard that their whole body seemed to stop eyes wide the sheer shock of what had been said ringing through their head and their thoughts come to a stop. Lady Luck's face turns more melancholy their head turning pityingly "...I always forget how you mortals feel about death." She sighs tiredly

"...what's going to happen to me now?" Lady Luck smiles warmly "well this won't be the end for you. You died before your time so you get a second chance" they look up at her confused still shaken by the previous statement. "And... What does that entail?" Lady Luck smiles more and looks more instead now. "You will be sent to a new world and receive one helper for your troubles"

"The trouble of dying?"

"Yes." she smiled "as long as it is reasonable and not over powered. But you have yet to even ask where you will be going?" they tilted their head "where am I go-"

"You will be sent to the Phighting universe or inpherno!" They paused confused "like the fics?"

"Yes like the fan fiction." she paused then continued. "Now since you are going to inpherno you will need a gear as well and I will allow you to pick that as well" they thought for a minute then answered "well I suppose that's not to hard I do-did-do fence so I suppose an Épée because that's the blade I use and have experience with." they stuttered hafe way through their sentences a little shaken up still and more after thinking about it even slightly.

"Hmm well there is a foil gear and a similar sword that's closer so I'll just combine those two. Now without further ado what would you like for your power?" This time they paused for longer and looked more conflicted and seem a little cautious while asking. "Could I just be... Hafe dragon. And I mean like the cosmetic parts mainly but like flying and breathing fire would be neet but mainly the cosmetic parts?" They looked up at Lady Luck hopefully a bit pessimistic but mainly hopefully

"Well I suppose-" she stopped right at the end and a more mischievous smile spread across her face "I can grant you that and the ability to fly and breath fire if you so wish." They looked up at them warily "what's... the draw back?" Lady Lucks smile got even wider. "Ohh it's not really a draw back infact it could be a good thing for you but it will be entertaining no matter what happens!" They looked uneasy or somehow more uneasy then they had been since they were told they were dead.

"Ok then thank you but what will happen now?" They looked curiously at Lady Luck now. "Well I'll send you to your own apartment already paid for by me and cash for needs will be supplied by me certain things will already be in your house and a weeks worth of supplies as well" she turned her head slightly her eye now visible. "Text me on your computer if you need me I will visit you. Now good bye young bird remember luck will be on your side"

Then it felt like they fainted, it felt like Épée fainted.

---

Épée woke slowly, they felt... different heavier they had yet to even open their eyes and yet it was odd. Waking up was always a slow process and would always be a slow process but necessary non the less. Upon opening their eyes they saw what looked like their bedroom wall dark brown and the curtain next to it still visible pulled shut. As they sat up they saw the mirror at the end of their bed didn't have the blanket they always kept over it on.

But that didn't seem important when Épée saw their appearance the first thing they noticed were the horns curved ram horns alike to the ones they would draw their persona with, the second thing they noticed was the tail it was long and a similar color to their horns a dark orangish yellow, Their skin was a very light grey as well.

They studied their new appearance for a solid thirty seconds before they started panicking. And as they started panicking wings extended from their back, and they froze slowly extending their wings they were like a bats or dragons and the same color as their tail along with a fairly large wing span, the oddest thing however was the fact that the wings lacked the flaps inbetween the more pointy bits?

Épée stared at the wings everything felt odd the horns on their head were heavy and the new tail and wings were so odd felling and they felt taller to somehow. They finally got out of bed and stood in front of the mirror. They were in fact taller then before, their tail was a decent bit longer than their legs and had spikes along the top, their horns were on the side of their head and relatively sharp and their wings, they stretchered them to their full wing span.

And then as if instinctually the flaps seemed to unfold making the wings less skeletal and more draconic. Their face stood out though their pupils were slits white on black with hints of brown and green. They had markings under their eyes and on their cheeks.

The markings on their cheeks curved out with a small diamond in the middle like a card and looked like Lady Lucks eyes. The markings under their eyes however looked similar to closed eyes. And their teeth were razor sharp. And they had claws their fingers looked more animal like, not to mention they hand a thin layer of FLUFF over their entire body.

They looked so different. Épée reached for the blanket on floor and covered the mirror. "Later I can't deal with this later." As Épée turned they saw that their desk now has a computer, their phone and a note. Picking up the note and slipping their phone which was the same as their old one into their pocket, and they start reading the note

'Young bird I hope you have made it here safely, your name is Fencing Épée. Now I have left the things I told you I have left if you need to contact me simply email me using the computer the email itself should already be saved. I'll be watching over you, and remember luck will be on your side'

Épée grimaced after reading the note. Then turned and checked their shelf and they found what they needed, their beloved side bag. Everything that was in it before is still there. They put the note in the bag before sitting in their chair and grabbing their phone from their pocket.

All the apps that were there previously reminded along with some additions. Épée never really got around to downloading most social media sites and such but they were on their phone now

Well sort of everything was a little of, all now inpherno versions. Checking Épée didn't have accounts for anything so they supposed that could be done later. Putting their phone in their bag they finally got up and left their bedroom.

The apartment was a decent size it had a kitan a washroom and a living room. They checked the windows as well and they looked like they were on the third or fourth floor. The apartments condensation was pretty nice as well no damage and everything was functioning.

Everything seemed ok however one thing was looming over Épée. They sat and grabbed a note pad and made a list, if they were in Phighting then they would need a plan they knew a good bit about the lore and such but not ethrything. If you asked Épée to tell you every phighter's name they probably could but lore knowledge alone wasn't enough.

Eventually Épée got a list of things to do, necessities and wants,

.figure out social rule's and such

.gear?

.job

.fly?

.fire?

.get food

.MEDS??

.to avoid the Phighters or to not avoid them that is the question

.have meltdown ):

X. make list

.make social media accounts

Now that that is done Épée started on the things that they would not have to leave the house first.

Their gear. Now Épée had fenced before, many times infact it was a hobby of theirs that they enjoyed so it's not like they needed to learn how to use their sword. but how to summon it?

"Hmm" then all of a sudden seemingly summoned by their thoughts, an Épée appeared in their hands. It was different from their old one the color of their old one, more yellow-orangey, was different, and this one had a point instead of a button and is lacking a wire.

"Nice." Épée turned the blade studying the point especially, it was incredible sharp and Épée didn't touch it out of fear of cutting themselves it had a presence to it but that's probably how gears work. De-summoning their blade (somehow, they seemed to know how to do this instinctually) and getting up to check the food in the kitchen

Lady Luck didn't lie about giving them a weeks worth of food there was more then that really, but after checking the time they got to work on dinner. Épée didn't cook much back home but they did bake occasionally.

They eventually chose a simple can of chicken noodle soup and got the kettle going. After a bit the water was ready and they fixed their soup, it wasn't bad but not as good as their moms

Finally after finishing the soup Épée puts the bowl and spoon in the sink and, after realizing just how tired they are attempts goes to bed

Now only trying to banish the thoughts of their death and that they will never see the people they love again, that they will never see their mother again

---

Chapter Text

---

It had been two days, two days since they had come to inpherno, two days since they had met Lady Luck, two days since they died

Everything had been... Good enough. Épée had messed around a bit (done jack shit) and had researched inpherno and made spark notes

.Inphernals thrive off of conflict and fighting with each other but most are satisfied watching others fight in turn, phights

.Touching someone's gear without permission is considered harassment

.Sex doesn't exist here however swears associated do?

.No concept of sexuality just pronouns and preferences flags exist though and are used similarly to Earth

.Unnecessary aggression is still looked down apone most make an effort to be civil

.Being polite to anyone isn't really expected

.Inphernals tend to say SFOTH or deities instead of God or gods

. Their teeth and claws were unnaturally sharp and face markings were fairly rare for inphernals, and having a tail wasn't very common either (they were actually pretty odd by inphernal standards)

A fine list if Épée says so themself it included the necessities and what not. Along with their list they made a few social media accounts as well, that they don't know if they even want to use or not.

It was currently a few hours past midday and Épée hadn't done much. Of anything. "Hmmth." They felt the need to sneeze and to their surprise, FIRE came out of their mouth. "???" Well Lady Luck did say she would give them fire as well, but that might get annoying

Well at least they knew that that could happen now. They hadn't really been thinking about that when asking for their ability. But putting that to the side and maybe they should start looking but then again that could be risky. But only their home and utilities were paid for, not their food

But then again-. They could figure this out later. It had only been here two days and still had five days worth of food they would be fine

It was going to be time to start making dinner soon and after snooping around online they found out a phight would be happening and all phights with little variation, are streamed for free, which was incredible exciting their first time watching a phight. Maybe they won't all. be phucking idiots like half the people playing the same game who don't know what a pro server is.

The phight would start streaming in about ten minutes so they got to work making soup, for the third time this week. Soup is good and easy to make why not eat it again. They got the kettle going and once the water boiled they poured it in to the bowl with their now warm soup. They sat down at the couch and started flicking through channels until they finally found the Phighting one. It had five minutes till start time.

After they started on their soup the finally phight started,

"Greetings folks we welcome you to this weeks phight-"

"And a fantastic night!"

"My, Valk you can't go three seconds without interrupting me can yo-

"NOPE!"

The sibling banter was just as funny as it was in game but they had been watching for a total of half a minute and were already finished with their soup, wonderful.

"And for our line up on the red team we have Rocket, Skateboard, Biograft, Vine Staff and last but not least Medkit"

"And now for the blue team we have Subspace, Ban Hammer, Scythe, Boombox and Hyper Laser!"

Valk was far more energetic then Dom and it was fun to watch. They didn't know a thing about team composition though so who would win was not a thing they would bother guessing.

---

Watching the phight was exhilarating, seeing Rocket's explosions was a highlight for them. Épée wasn't sure why the destination specifically is so endearing, but it could be their new... Dragonyness they had enjoyed looking out of the window even more as if it wasn't just liking high places anymore.

Another thing they had noticed was how much brighter everything was compared to Earth it, it was incredibly annoying and they had the curtains drawn the majority of the time because of it.

"Now folks that wraps up tonights program have-

"HAVE a good night!"

Was the phight already over? that was disappointing it was so fun to watch they'd have to check to see when the next one is. It was getting late and they should probably head to bed they wanted to preserve what they could of an already bad sleep schedule.

After putting their empty dishes away and continuing to procrastinate washing them, they finally head to bed. Going to sleep was always a slow process, doom scrolling (it was odd to see the inpherno version of everything but doom scroll they did) sit their for way too long because they apparently aren't tied enough, start to fall asleep then realize they are and now start it over again-

The works, they only hoped that they would be lucky and tonight would be easier and the thoughts of the past and future wouldn't claw at the corners of their mind. And to their surprise sleep did find them easy, and luck seemed to have all to do with it

---

It was dark again very dark, they were flouting, again. It didn't take long for Épée to realize that they were in the void again, but why? They hadn't asked Lady Luck to speak and nothing important had happened?

"Well hello there young bird" Lady Luck appeared again quickly picking then up and smiling warmly at them "my lady?" They said that a bit awkwardly, not used to the term. "It's nice to see you again so soon, but I imagine you want to know why you're here?"

Épée nodded albeit nervously. "Why am I here did I do something did something happen?" "Lady Luck looked sympathetically at Épée. "No very much the opposite I'm a little worried about you. You don't seem to egar to leave you house which is understandable, but what if I help you?" Épée looked confused and little embarrassed.

"Help me? What do you mean by that?"

"Well what if I help you get a job? The Roblox museum here is understaffed and there's an event soon so there's a position that you will be able to deal with well." Épée looked even more nervous now. "I don't see why not?"

"Great choice tomorrow when you wake up go to the place marked on your phone's map, and when they ask you why you're here tell them you're there for the job interview. Alright good night and good bye young bird"

---

Épée woke with a start. After that, dream? Meeting? Whatever that was, they were on edge. But if they did have a interview then they should figure out what time it's starting. Épée grabbed their phone with the the intent of doom scrolling, found an alert on their calendar. The interview would be at 11:00 and it was 9:00

Perfect they had three hours to... Oh shit, how would they hide their wings?!? How did they only just realize that, if they have wings then they might (would definitely) be associated with the fucking SFOTH. And the dragon bits won't help they look like Firebrand!?!

Oh gods, oh no, oh shit

---

It took Épée an hour and a half to figure out how they could hide their wings. The fact that their wings resting place was the flaps closed helped, they ended up covering them with a jacket. The same one they wore constantly as a human, they had it off their shoulders and just about covering the upper part of their back

But now they only had hafe an hour to prepare, actually because they don't know where the museum is they should try to leave as soon as possible they had already changed, done general hygiene and they weren't one for breakfast. So actually they were good to go

Huh, Épée checked their map and the museum was about five minutes away. They'd want to be five minutes early because anxiety and extra five for getting lost so they would leave in fifteen minutes.

Might as well watch the news despite never doing so willingly before<./p>

"Hel-"

"HELlo and good morning! we here at Flipside have your greatest news"

Actually that got them thinking of course they asked to look like a dragon, but they did resemble Firebrand in more than just 'dragon' it was so odd.

"And for today's news we are happy to announce are next phight in a weeks time, will be at Darkage Cliffs"

"Annnnnd that means a conquer mach!"

If the next phights in a week then they'll need put a day aside to watch it. They should be leaving now, they had three minutes till they said they'd leave but whatever.

Now Épée was leaving their house for the first time, and bonked their head on the door frame. The hight of their house seemed to be made for a taller inphernal, but not the doorway great. And it was so bright to, how could anyone see???

Their eyes adjusted to the light albeit annoyingly slowly, and they took a good look around. Épée had seen some of Crossroads from staring out their window and what they had seen in game could not compare to seeing it properly. And from where they were it was beautiful the tops of shorter buildings visible and inphernls walking about.

---

After checking the map on their phone and figuring out a route, they started walking. And walking, and getting a little lost, and walking. And finally getting their with seven minutes to spare.

"Hello I'm here for a job interview?"

Alright, name?"

"Fencing Épée"

"Thank you, please wait until your name is called" Épée nodded and sat by the window, the building was indeed a museum. It wasn't the largest they'd seen but it seemed interesting from the entrance alone. But now they weren't sure what to do with themselves and ended up looking around, and at floor, for the majority of the time.

"I have an interview with Épée?" Épée got up and smiled friendly at the person who called their name. "Hello that's me"

"Wonderful would you mind following me" Épée nodded and followed them looking perfectly calm, thankfully nobody noticed how tightly their tail was curled around their leg. "Alright take a seat and the interview will begin."

"Alright just to start could I have your name, age and birthdate, gender and faction?"

"Fencing Épée, I'm 19, non binary and I grew up in the Cross Roads, and I grew up in Cross Roads." The interviewer looked a little curious about the faction comment, but it was all they could think of at the moment.

"Thank you now, why are you interested in this job?"

"I've always had a mild interest in history so working at a museum sounds nice, I have been looking into history more recently to. And I have a history in similar work."

"Hmm, well where do you see your self in five years?"

"I'm hoping to be working happily and living stably." Épée just hopped that their lies were believable. They just wanted this to go well, Lady Luck did say she was watching them.

"Alright how do you work with others?"

"Id say I'm good at remaining civil and showing respect to my peers. Cooperation isn't my strongest trait but I'm not bad in the slightest."

"Alright tell me about your self?"

"I enjoy sparing, reading occasionally, participating in online spaces and baking etc."

"Interesting, what are you looking for in a work place environment?"

"I am hoping to have a welcoming environment where I feel safe." At this point they were running out of stereotypical 'what to say in a job interview' lines

"Alright, so I'll be straight with you. We had some of our employees quit without warning and we have a big event in a month. Along with that your resume is pretty good and it's rare to find an inphernal who won't try to fight someone every five seconds. So when can you start?"

Épée is silent for a second surprised, they supposed that Lady Luck did say that she orchestrated it but gods, are they glad. "Thank you truly, I needed this job you are doing me a service. But would next Monday work for my first day?"

"Perfect we'll see you soon. Have a good day."

Épée after successfully getting a job, finally went home.

---

It had been, a long day. All they did was leave the house once but apparently the unneeded stress was enough to have them exhausted. But at least they had a job. Oh shit they don't know jack shit of Inpherno's history or relevance or-.

At least they did know how being employed (kinda) worked but that's because one of their friends was at a crappy burger joint and wouldn't shut up about it. They knew a lot about the lore but that was all things that would be considered oddly specific or not something mortals knew.

There was only one fix for this they had four days and plenty of determination, an (autistic) research session. Thank the gods that they were already curious about inpherno's history and the deeper parts of the phighting lore or this would have been mind numbing.

---

It was 3:00 am Epée was so tired and they still had plenty of time to do more research, but they just found a list of articles on the effects of the SFOTH's presence in inpherno... They could read a little more?

---

Épée woke up groggy far to tried and it was 9:00, they fell asleep at 4:00. They got five hours of sleep and to be honest it was probably closer to four. And now they wanted to keep reading so bad but they also wanted to sleeeeeep. But they did need to make sure they knew everything soo why not just keep going?

---

Well they did keep researching and fell asleep at 7:00 PM which was good but when they woke up from their, ahem THIRTEEN HOUR NAP, they felt rather shity. How surprising, and they had only reached the SFOTH's history. And they had so much more of everything to research. and there was a library well within walking distance of their house it was open on Saturdays too.

They left their house for the second time, ever. And they bonked their head on the door again. The walk there was relatively peaceful but they had to keep their tail from wagging slightly with excitement, and their wings didn't like being muffled under their jacket.

But Épée finally arrived and realized two things 1. This is Ghosdeeri's library and 2. This will be their first time interacting with a cannon character. And now they were nervous great. Ghosdeeri looked up at them as they approached the front desk and looked at Épée curiously or as curiously as a pumpkin could. Ghosdeeri was quite pretty as well.

"Greetings welcome to my library, what are you looking for today?"

"Good morning, I'm wondering where your history section is?"

"Ahh you can find that in the upper right of the building"

"Thank you have a nice day" Épée noticed that they couldn't see a single other inphernal on their way to the history section which they found odd. But what was good was the fact that there were comfy chairs, couches and cushions everywhere, and the library was pretty big as well.

Finding the history section didn't take long everything was marked by genre and organized alphabetically and to their luck there was a reading nook they could sit and read in.

After picking out a large pile of books and getting comfortable they started reading. And said reading lasted until they ran out of books and realized the library was closing in an hour. And Épée started Leaving passing the front desk again.

"Good bye have a good night" Épée noticed that Ghosdeeri looked slightly startled didn't seem to notice them immediately.

"Have a good night young one."

---

It was Sunday and Épée's first day of work was tomorrow. They were fairly confident in their knowledge of Inpherno, infact they were fairly sure they knew more then the average inphernal at this point. Their favorite topic was the SFOTH and that was no change from their past life how they were on Earth. While religion was not their kind of thing it was really interesting.

But another topic they quite enjoyed was Thieves Den's history. It was similar to many parts of Asia, and Épée was interested in Asian history in the past. So it was fun exploring that as well.

But they had discovered after their library trip that their wings hated being muffled by their jacket so they'd need to plan for that once they started working.

But they had the whole day ahead of them, and no idea what to do. They had done a metric ton of history research and frankly needed a break, so what to do now?

Scroll that's what. And about 4 hours later it was 1:00 PM and they needed lunch, said lunch was eating chicken noodle soup on the couch while watching the news and not paying attention.

After finishing their food turning of the TV they finally decided, it was time. They would finally, do, the, dishes. It didn't take long.

~Far too long of doom scrolling later.~ Épée's first day was tomorrow and they needed to set out everything they needed so they made a list.

1. Suitable clothing (no dress code so black tank top and black baggy cargo pants it is)

2. Jacket (very important I don't want to be associated with the fucking SFOTH)

3. Breakfast (not my usual first meal of the day but whatever)

4. Lunch (I'm not risking shity food)

5. A back story

And then Épée ended up writing an entire poorly put together back story that could last about seven questions.

Unknown spawn point grew up in crossroads- vague hinting about something bad to avoid questions- got fired from previous job at burger place cause it shut down- no family or friends because of said incident.

And that was sound enough they were tried and needed sleep, barley having the energy to set out the stuff they would need tomorrow and collapsing in bed awaiting tomorrow and what it would entail

---

It was morning and Épée's first day of work, and so they forced themselves to get up and get ready. Things didn't feel all to real right now, but they had felt like this for the past week so it wasn't all to surprising, but was a little disorienting non the less.

Eat breakfast for once, check put on outside clothes, check get food for lunch, check. And Épée was ready to go with thirty minutes left until their shift starts and a five minute walk. In other words they nothing to do. But they could scroll on their phone and they did scroll on their phone

It was finally time for Épée to go leaving their house for the third time, ever. And bonking their head on the way out, again. The walk there was quite pleasant and the weather was perfect, almost a shame their new job was indoors. But the sun felt really good on their scales.

But as Épée arrived anxiety set in and their tail stilled, now low to the ground. They entered the museum and greeted the receptionist. "Hello it's my first day could you tell me where to go?"

"Oh you're the person from yesterday, congratulations on getting the job you can go to the left and Crowbar will tell you what to do."

"Thank you have a good day!" Épée gratefully waved goodbye and entered the only door on the left. Inside were three inphernals. "Well hello, you must be Épée!" the inphernal who Épée assumed to be Crowbar considering they had one on their waist greeted. "Hello, yes that would be me." Épée had a friendly smile on their face and hopefully didn't seem to nervous.

"Perfect well I would like to introduce you to our current two employees you will be working with" Épée turned to the other two inphernals.

the first one was wearing an almost goth like sleeveless black and red dress with a corset one smaller skirt and a second one under the first that only covered the back of their legs, and ribbons wrapped around their arms like sleeves. Their red horns had two small curved pairs with a bigger pair coming out from inbetween the smaller ones. Their hair was mid length with some of it dyed red.

The second inphernal wore a simple light purple t-shirt with a black star it, they had dark cargo pants and A bandana tied through one of there belt loops and wore hiking boots. Their face was rather cat like and their hair was dark brown and wild. They had two pairs of horns the first pair were thicker then the first inphernal's and was purple but had a pattern that looked like those ball things when you touch them with your palm and the second pair was a darker matt purple

The first inphernal greeted Épée. "Hello I'm Spiked Punk Wrist Cuff but you can call me Spike, shy/they." the second inphernal then greeted them with a mischievous smile. "And I'm Ghost Fire Dagger but feel free to call me whatever, he/him :3"

Épée smiled at the two inphernals and introduced themselves "it's nice to meet the both of you I'm Fencing Épée but please call me Épée, they/them"

"Wonderful now that you're all acquainted I will ask do any of you know anything about history" Crowbar looked a little pessimistic neither Dagger or Spike raised their hands but Épée did. "Alright then what do you know about?"

"Well I started doing a lot of research once I knew I got the job, but I am fairly confident in my research. I enjoy reading about the history of the SFOTH and Thieves Den."

Crowbar looked sceptical. "Well could you give us a few uhh facts then" at that Épée's eyes practically sparkled.

~One autistic rant later~

"And that's why the SFOTH's presence holds immense historical significance." Crowbar looked impressed but also tired and so did Dagger and Spike. "Well that's a lot of stuff to know with only four days."

"I'm very proud of myself." Épée smiled jokingly and Crowbar laughed a bit. "Well I suppose we can have you do tours occasionally."

Épée was questioning the legitimately of this museum but is might just be planetary differences? But not checking legitimacy seemed to be common here.

"there are walkie talkies that you'll be expected to carry while clocked in. Alright so my office is on the first right down from here, I'll leave y'all to your work now."

Crowbar left leaving Épée Spike and Dagger left. Spike was the first to speak up. "Well I suppose we should get started" they all grabbed what they needed

"do you want to start together?" Épée and Dagger left together while Spike went to explore on their own.

They made it to the main hall and started conversation together. "So why r u working here :/."

"I was working at a burger place but it closed down so now I'm here." Dagger glanced over at them "hmm, so how do u know so much about history :1."

Épée made finger guns at Dagger. "~autism~" Épée and Dagger smiled at each other in a shared 'god why me' way. Épée heard people approaching and Dagger followed their gaze and some groups of people were coming in mainly tour groups or families.

Eventually a family came up to Dagger. "Could you tell us where the planetarium is?" Dagger looked at Épée pleadingly and Épée replied for him. "It should be the big arch on your right"

"Thank you." Épée waved goodbye and turned to Dagger. "Wonder why they went to specifically you"

"Well you're unnaturally tall, your teeth and claws are sharp as fuck and you have a tail, I guess you're a little intimidating :/."

"And I suppose how short you are makes you more welcoming." Dagger looked at Épée like they just called their mother a pig, and Épée burst out in silent laughter "you're so mean ):<."

An hour past of Épée and Dagger chatting and they each got called to other things.

---

This time they were alone sweeping the planetarium, it was slow that day so there weren't many people coming in and out so Épée put their head phones on and enjoyed the time they had. It was peaceful.

---

Épée's was called to the iron cafe with Spike. As Épée arrived Spike was already there and in a apron and gloves it looked more like a uniform then any anything. "Hello." Épée waved and Spike waved back. "Hi there's aprons in the closet over there and gloves on the counter we're only serving food but it's necessary."

"Alright, thanks!" Épée went to grab an apron and gloves before joining Spike. "So how have things been for you so far" Épée smiled at Spike curiously "well I explored for a while then got called to help at the receptionist desk thingy"

"Neat I was giving directions with Dagger and then I was sweeping the planetarium." Épée leaned against a wall while the two waited for customers. "Things are really slow huh."

"Yeah I mean it's a week day and this is a museum not much happening I suppose." Spike shrugged and the topic of conversation shifted. "So do you watch the phights?"

"Yeah I watch them whenever they're on, who's your favorite phighter?" Spike thought for a moment before answering. "That's a hard one but I think I'll go with hmm gotta be Vine Staff her phinisher is so pretty after all. What about you who's your favorite phighter?"

"I really enjoy watching the explosions so Rocket's gotta be my favorite to watch, but like vibe wise I like Vine Staff as well." Spike nodded then turned to customer that had walked up and helped them while Épée assisted another customer from seemingly the same group

After that was done it was time for the cafe to close which Épée was in charge of and Spike was going elsewhere so Épée said good bye to Spike and began packing up the cafe saying goodbye to the cooks as well. It took about thirty minutes and then they took their lunch break.

About an hour later Épée was called to the main hall were they were sweeping again under the massive dino skeleton the rest of the hour was uneventful a few people asked for directions albeit nervously but things went smoothly. As the last hour arrived before they went home. Épée was called to the gift shop and after a few minutes Spike arrived. The two greeted each other and chatted for a bit. "I'm gonna ask why do you look so... and I don't mean this rudely, odd?"

Épée tilted their head and responded. "I don't know I just spawned this way." Spike narrowed her eyes at them. "What faction are you from?"

"I don't know what faction I'm from, I grew up in Cross Roads. What faction are you from?"

"I'm from Black Rock, not biggest fan personally but it is what it is." Épée turned to Spike a bit curious now but thought it for later. "Oh yeah could I get your number in case something happens at work or we want to talk outside of work?" Spike shrugged. "Sure why not?"

They exchanged numbers and finally it was time to leave. Épée had fished their first day of work, and they were hungry a thought came to them that they considered for a little longer than necessary. But why not go Slingshot's cafe, it was open till seven and only made their walk home three minutes longer.

---

And Épée made their way to the cafe getting there quickly it wasn't very far. As they entered the shop careful to not hit their head on the door. It was small and cute there were booths to sit in a few inphernals here and there, and so many cats like there were so many and they were so cute just absolutely adorable. Épée was distracted from staring at the cats by someone greeting them.

"Hello welcome to my Cafe what can I get for you?" The inphernal who was speaking to them was Slingshot this was their first interaction with a phighter, uhh neat? "Good evening could I get some hot cocoa please?"

"Coming right up! fell free take a seat and pet the cats."

Épée sat down at booth were the sun wasn't hitting their eyes but did hit their tail, there were a few cats sitting nearby. One of the cats, a very fluffy white and black kitten came up to them cautiously. Épée watched the cat as it approached them, and eventually the little guy curled up in Épée's tail and nudged their hand until they started petting the kitten.

Épée was practically in heaven the little kitty was absolutely adorable and the sun felt nice on their scales- They sounded like a fucking lizard, was that a bad thing maybe but they did sound like a lizar- "Hello I have your cocoa." Épée smiled thanking Slingshot before he left. "Thank you."

"You're welcome have a good night!" Slingshot disappeared behind the counter and Épée started sipping their drink and petting the cat in the early sunset's light.

And for awhile things were good.

---

Chapter Text

---

It was now Thursday two days had passed since Épée started this job, and they were enjoying it a lot they were set to run their first tour today around 1:00-2:00. They had yet to leave the house but we're doing so in a few minutes watching the news that they didn't care about yet again. They might as well be early why not.

The walk was pleasant yet again,(but it was to bright) but the weather was slowly growing cooler much to their displeasure (at this rate they would have to make a sweater for their tail). But they made it to the museum and greeted the receptionist who they learned was named Cat and had a companion gear.

they entered the break room to get ready for the day and no one else was there yet so they got a little bit of time to themselves.

Épée heard what they guessed was Spike coming in and turned to look at her as she entered the break room, but she paused and froze up staring at them. Épée tilted their head and called out "Spike? Hello?" After a moment Spike paniclly groped at the light switch, which confused Épée even more weren't the light already on-, Spike finally actually hit the light switch and the lights turned on Épée started rubbing at their eyes because of the brightness.

"OH DEAR DEITIES HHhhaaa, you almost gave me a heart attack Épée what in the SFOTH'S name were you doing in the break room with the lights of!?!" Épée was still adjusting to the light cussing under their breath and was about to reply when Spike followed up with. "And why do you FUCKING glow?!?"

At this point Épée was so confused. "One, I thought the lights were on? two, what do you mean glow, and three, please stop yelling my ears are sensitive." Spike was still staring at them but sat down before continuing ."The lights were in fact off and apparently your tail spikes, face markings and part of your horns glow."

Épée hesitated before responding "huh I guess I- wait can I see in the dark?" Spike looked up at them and shrugged but still looked like she had just witnessed a murder. "I mean I guess yeah because if you didn't realize then I guess you can?" Épée was quite for a minute. However they looked up when they heard footsteps and Dagger arrived "did somebody die in here you both look like you've seen a ghost 0:"

Spike was the first to reply. "Well I certainly thought I did." Dagger looked questioningly at Épée and they shrugged. They definitely weren't panicking this wasn't concerning at all "Apparently I glow."

"Apparently you what ]:|"

---

Épée finally took their lunch break and they just so happened to do so at the same time as Dagger. "so what do you have for lunch?" Dagger looked up at Épée before responding. "Nothing /:"

"You should eat something ghost" Épée was talking to him like a tired parent at this point. "I know I know ):<" Épée sighed before handing Dagger something. "At least eat this" Dagger begrudgingly accepted the food it was a baggy filled with grapes. "I like grapes a lot, but now I give them to you"

Épée said the whole thing unnecessarily formally and the two laughed for a bit then left for their own stuff.

Épée made their way to the main hall were group of people were gathered and happily introduced themselves. "Hello I'll be your tour guide today! please call me Épée, they/them." Épée realized their tail was wagging and had make sure it wasn't to visible.

"Alright if you will please follow me. This way you'll see our replicas of the SFOTH swords some of my favorites in our collection. The egg hunt eggs our other of our more interesting artifacts-" the tour continued for an hour and one thing that stuck out to Épée were two wide eyed new spawns one that kept asking questions and the other who watched less eagerly but still interested.

They were cute and reminded Épée of them and their little sister

The rest of their work day was uneventful and rather peaceful really it was rare for someone to have a quiet life in Crossroads
but they managed it and were happy, there were unwanted thoughts but those were... Ignorable.

---

Épée got home late today, they ended up talking to Dagger and Spike to long. They stretched as they got home remembering to duck and not hit their head this time

Eating dinner and heading to bed was normal lonely. A new day approaching hopefully empty of the thoughts they didn't need.

---

The morning came faster then expected and was brighter then ever. Their blinds, always closed mine you had light coming through them. How. Annoying.

But today they had work it was Thursday and they needed to get ready

---

It was later and they had lunch with Dagger again luck really was on their side lately, with neither of them being busy. "Hey Épéeeeee :3" Épée looked up and narrowed their eyes suspiciously at Dagger "my dear ghosty what did you do?" Dagger held their hands up defensively. "I didn't do anything, infact I have a present for you >:3"

"Oh? Then what shall you grace me with this fine day?" Dagger slide them a piece of white string. "Is this for me?" Dagger responded proudly "I found it (not on the ground) and now you have found it :()"

"Interesting interesting." Épée studied the string for a second before tying it around one of their horns. "How do I look good?" Dagger smirked "great, I'm proud of myself really >:D" Épée looked vaguely offended. "I'm the one doing all the work here I tied it to my horn after all."

The bickering continued for a good few minutes before they both left

---

Finally it was the end of the work day and- "HEY ÉPÉE ÉPÉE >:O" Épée turned and saw Dagger waving at them Spike was with him as well "hey you two, you really don't need to scream I can hear just fine."

"Okk we just wanted to ask if ud be up to hang after work tomorrow cuz da museum is closing early this Friday >:3>"

"I don't see why not, any where you want to go?" For once not having a life came in handy and they didn't have any plans on Friday. "I was thinking the mall cause neither me or Dagger have been there in forever, what about you?"

"I'd be happy to!" The three inphernals bid eachother farewell went home Épée excited for the next day

---

Friday felt as if it would never end. It was a hafe day, the museum was closing early. They had to clean the bathrooms, which were disgusting. But after the longest however long that was (three hours) of their life, they get to hang out with Dagger and Spike out of work for the first time!

"HEY Épée!" Spike was waving to them as they existed the building and Dagger ran behind her equally as excited grinning like a mad man as he caught up. Épée waved as they approached the two. "Heyy! What's up with y'all?"

"We're both good. BUT more importantly where are we getting lunch before we go to the mall :O?" Dagger grinned at Épée this time their cat like teeth, while no we're near as sharp as theirs was still funny when they smiled.

"I was thinking we could get food at the iron cafe there" Spike offered, and Épée was starting to realize that it was a food chain a discovery that took far to long looking back. "I don't see why not?"

"AND THEN we can play Laser tag! >>>:3>" Dagger reminded them that the malls whole thing was Laser tag, Épée had LOVED Laser tag as a human especially when they were younger, but they hadn't done it in forever so this was a treat and a half.

"Well I suppose we should get going already." The mall was probably the farthest place they have gone from home in Inpherno,(which isn't saying much) however everything in cross roads was either walkable or there was public transport that actually functioned properly.

The trio reached the bus stop and started waiting for the bus, chatting the entire time. "So have you ever played Laser tag before?" Spike tilts her head curiously. "Well I did once but I was really young, and don't remember it well."

"It's sooo fun I can't wait! >:}" Dagger looked ecstatic, and Spike seemed excited as well. It was nice getting to do something with friends almost... Comforting.

"So then I said: y-"

"HEY THE BUS IS HERE >:D" Dagger interrupted Spike VERY loudly, and at some point Épée's sensitive ass hearing was going to kill them. "I've told you five times to stop screaming it's a pain in the ass." Dagger just pouted while they all boarded the bus.

Over all the bus there was slightly bumpy, but nobody got harassed so cheers to that. The mall itself was pretty big from the outside, and Dagger and Spike were already heading inside practically racing each other. "Hey DIPSHITS stop running!" Épée REFUSED to run, they despised running when they were human (they had yet to run as an inphernal despite their new build) and was not doing this.

"HAH cach up slow up slow poke! >:)" the two said in unison Épée glaring at them as they caught up. Cussing under under their breath Épée entered the mall with the other two.

"So where's the cafe?" Épée was kinda hungry and they just hoped that Iron Cafe served something other then coffee, they didn't like coffee and preferred tea but even that wasn't by much.

"It's just around the corner." Spike lead the way, as they walked Épée noticed that there weren't many demons but it was Friday. "And we are here" Spike stood looking at the menu "what are y'all getting?" Épée was unsure but Dagger answered immediately. "Water and a muffin :o"

Épée turned to look at him curiously. "Do you not like coffee or is the coffee here genuinely that bad?"

"Both :/" Dagger turned Épée's question to Spike "what about you ;3" Spike shrugged before answering "Iron Coffee and uhh probably a muffin as well" Dagger turned to Spike with a look of mild disgust on his face and Épée just watched the two at this point. Dagger turned to Épée still eyeing Spike "and what are YOU getting ?_?"

"Probably bloxlaid and uhm, oh some banana bread" something they actually recognized nice "well aren't you fancy get'n a bread :0" Dagger stretched and added. "Well are we ordering or not >:/"

Spike and Épée sighed in together and they all ordered, then finding a table. "This is nice it's good to hang out with y'all we should do this again." Épée was happy to be this optimistic for once and Dagger was eager to respond. "Hundred percent definitely !∀!"

"OH we should watch the phight next weekend, on Saturday!" Spike exclaimed, Dagger and Épée were immediately in on it. "Hell yeah >:D"

"I know! y'all should come over to my place and we can eat pizza and popcorn together!" Épée was a little nervous inviting people to their house, but if things went wrong somehow they could defend themselves. "Absolutely if you're ok with it then we definitely should!" Spike seemed excited and Dagger added on as well. "Fuck yeah I'm in *0*"

"Then it's a plan next Sunday we'll watch the phight together!"

Eventually they all got and finished their food, getting ready to walk around for a bit and shop before playing Laser tag. Épée didn't have anywhere in particular that they wanted to go so Spike and Dagger was Dragging them around.

"We should visit the skate shop." Spike was already walking there, Épée and Dagger following her before Épée asks "I didn't know you skated?" Spike looked surprised. "That's how I get to work? I guess I haven't seen you while arriving or as I leave." The trio was already at the shop by the time she finished talking.

Spike was looking around the shop, Dagger and Épée were talking just outside of the shop. A good few minutes passed and Spike was still looking. "She's taking a while" Épée sighed and Dagger agreed "at this point let's just drag her out"

After a few minutes of arguing they were on to the next shop and after a few more they made their way to the Laser tag part of the mall

"Sooo Spike how was your coffee •-•"

"it tasted like dirt."

"you say that like it's a good thing/:"

"..."

"Spike._."

Épée tuned out Spike and Dagger's bickering in favor of worrying about what they would do about hiding their wings. They could only really hope putting their jacket on, as thin as it was would be enough. Maybe the equipment would hide the base of their wings, which would be the hardest to hide, they're just hopeing for the best.

While Épée was out of it apparently they had reached the little room you go into before playing. There were a few others there as well "please pay attention to the video on the tv" the demon who was seemingly in charge of this explained.

Épée had to swat at the other two a total of five times to keep them from doing something stupid. But the video thing ended and they put the Laser tag equipment (that thankfully hid their wings and no one noticed) on and waited for the round to start

This kind of Laser tag was a free for all hit who you can, but the thing was there was no rules about not climbing on things in fact it was encouraged. Épée was ecstatic to say the least. Eventually they heard a voice over a speaker

"You will have thirty seconds to spread out before the round starts"

They left the starting room and moved to one of the upper corners, once the round started they immediately shot Dagger who was standing near the center. Immediately apon being hit Dagger turned to Épée to shoot back but they were behind the panel covering their corner.

But they spotted a demon running by the far wall but still in line and shot them, seeing them look around confused and th- "HEY ÉPÉE!" Spike was across from them and raising her gun. Before she could shoot however Épée darted down the stairs and to the side of the center area

Immediately upon running past they saw another demon they didn't recognize, and immediately shot them and ran towards the corner opposite of where they started and hid there, it was a bit to exposed but they could catch their breath

After a few seconds they cautiously peaked out. there were two inphernals teaming on a third, who was the one they shot who were all standing in the center. Spike was still up in the corner that she shot at them in still and Dagger was running under the center area. There was only one inphernal unaccounted for.

That question was quickly answered when they heard footsteps above them that apone looking up hadn't seen them. And Épée got an idea carefully existing their (very bad) hiding place and quietly running up the stairs. they shot, missed and the inphernal ran.

Épée shot again hitting them this time, and as they went to the far corner they hit them a second time right before Spike hit the same inphernal and it didn't count. Glancing up they saw Spike glaring at them and Épée smiled back, smug.

Spike's attention was quickly taken as Dagger started attacking them. And Épée started carefully watching the scuffle in the center the two inphernals teaming together were now regretting their choice to attack the lone inphernal as they were holding their own.

Épée saw an opportunity and took it shooting one of the inphernals that were retreating and quickly ran after taking the shot, and hopefully wasn't seen, they weren't sure if they could take on two inphernals.

They ran under the center area where they came face to face with Dagger and they both froze, holding their guns up to each other but not shooting this lasted at least ten seconds until the speakers played.

"two minutes up three remaining"

Épée immediately shot when Dagger looked at the speaker and ran. The lone inphernal from earlier was shooting at Spike who was retaliating in same. Épée quickly shot the lone inphernal and went behind the upper platform. Épée could here a sound of confusion and after a sound of Spike's victory

Soon to ruin that they ran out the far side and shot Spike, they continued running in to one of the side corridors, and knowing that neither of the two had seen them relaxed for a second. And realized just how exhilarating it was. They did NOT remember being this in to Laser tag.

Épée had been sitting there for maybe a fourth of a minute when they heard someone approaching from the other side and raised their gun. And saw it was the inphernal from earlier that had been above the corner they were hiding in.

The inphernal jumped as Épée hit them and covered their face causing Épée to pause "dude are you good? This is Laser tag I'm not going to hurt you." The inphernal looked down "sorry... I'm jumpy and bad at this" the inphernal both sounded and looked genuinely apologetic.

Épée looked around for a second before filling the awkward silence "why are you down here?"

"I was tired and this is hard. Why are you here?

"I was tried"

The inphernal was about to say something when the speaker rang out.

"three minutes up two remaining

"I'll be going now. Bye" Épée waved awkwardly hit them and ran out the inphernal still standing there, confused.

The first thing they saw once they existed the side corridor was Dagger and Spike shooting each other again. Spike had moved to the opposite side of the arena. Seeing an yet another opportunity the went up the stairs to the elevated corner.

Carefully aiming they hit Spike and immediately turned to Dagger and hit him quickly running when the heard their name shouted by one (maybe both?) of the two.

As they ran yet again they saw that the duo from earlier was now split up one hiding in a corner and the other taking the lone inphernal on all by themselves.

Running to a corner they realized to late that both Spike and Dagger where following them and they got hit before they could hide behind a panel. They tried to shoot the two the second they could and entered a back and forth with the two, and apparently the could take on two inphernals at once considering the two weren't doing the best

After a little too long of just shooting each other, Spike hit Dagger and Dagger ran to another panel shooting back, And Épée was free to run. Before they could get comfortable the speaker sounds once again

four minutes up one remaining

As soon as the speaker finished new music started playing, presumably because it's the last minute of this round. But Épée found a good spot too watch the chaos, Spike and Dagger were still shooting at each other, the duo inphernals back together up against the lone demon again and the timid inphernal was no where to be seen

Their tail was flicking back and forth eagerly as they analyzed the arena, they were almost sad they couldn't stretch their wings the vest was uncomfortable in general smushed wings weren't helping.

After considering the possibilities they settled on shooting people from a distance. Hitting Dagger and watching him flip off Spike was very much worth it. They managed to hit the inphernal duo and lone inphernal a good few times as well before the speaker played

theirty seconds remaining

Épée got an idea and snuck towards Spike and Dagger's scuffle, they were right next to a panel just in case. "Heyyyy" The two looked up at them and stopped shooting each other for a second. "Would y'all wanna team up on the other guys we don't have long?" Spike and Dagger replied eagerly. "Fuck it, sure >;3"

they all quickly started shooting the other three inphernals, Épée and Dagger attacking in closer range while Spike shot from a distance. The other inphernals were forced to attack the three of them together and abandoned their two vs one

And it was a glorious three vs three Épée hadn't had this much fun, been this energetic in so long. The three inphernals where near being forced to accept being hit and run when the speaker rang out.

Time up round ended

Épée was breathing heavily and their tail was flicking back and forth happily, while the inphernals funnelled back into the room the inphernal who seemed to be asking people questions and got to Épée "are you at all hurt or your equipment damaged?" Épée shook their head.

Épée then turned to Dagger slightly confused. "Oh yeah this place, duz like four five minute rounds and checks for injuries inbetween :1" and Épée turned to Dagger yet again "wait there are three more rounds?"

"Yep :7" Épée smiled

---

Épée had had so much fun playing Laser tag with their friends, they still found it odd how energetic the idea of battle had made them adrenaline running through their veins, it was fun though and they got to look forward to hanging out with Spike and Dagger the next weekend!

Unfortunately they all lived in slightly different directions and had to split up over time whilst heading home, and Épée was now almost home. after crossing the road, they tripped stepping up the curb and their shin caught the brunt force of it.

"Oh fuck that's definitely bleeding"

At least their house was right there and they didn't need to go much farther, but there were a lot of stairs. Épée was. So. tired.

After far to many steps they made it back remembering to duck under the door, and went to grab bandages, cleaning alcohol, etc and sat down to exam their knee

Pulling up their pants leg to their knee they got a look at there shin and- ...

"..."

Why was their blood.

An odd color.

It was black and gold.

Why did it remind them.

Of

ichor

---

Chapter Text

--- Lady Luck ---

It had been a long while since she was this entertained, most of her kind enjoyed watching mortals run about but this was the first time she was this invested. Probably because she actually had something to look forward to, her little sprinkle of drama soon to come.

Lady Luck had taken mortals in before and it was, fine. Nothing special but something to do, she had only ever taken in eleven mortals in her existence which was an interesting comparison to the near hundreds some of the others would have at one time. She would never understand how they did it. (by neglecting them, that was the thing she couldn't understand.)

Perhaps coming up with interesting aspects instead of just leaving them alone and keeping them safe, was why they were so obsessed with it. Lady Luck was proud for coming up with her little plan, every time another inphernal came close to finding out or when Épée themself came close to figuring it, which they still had yet to do, she was on the edge of her seat.

Lady Luck was proud of her little bird, they made friends already and they were taking good care of themselves. She had been worried in the beginning but they seemed to be adapting quickly to the new world around them.

But now the beginning of the truly exciting events would start, will they realize? will they realize before someone else does?

---Épée---

It was a Sunday morning and Épée was board. Dagger was working and Spike was busy so Épée had nothing to do, they were stressed tried as well. the feeling of the bandages around there leg a nagging reminder that they desperately ignored Perhaps they could go to the library again it was rather peaceful the last time they went.

Or they could go to the cafe again it was pleasant last time they went but it was rather late last time it might be more busy in the morning... Épée sighed settling on going to the library and grabbing a drink to go on the way back.

Grabbing there stuff and leaving, they hit their head on the door again (and the lights was blinding as always). Apparently they weren't better than that yet. At this point they were just surprised that Lady Luck was able to find an apartment that had doors that would work for them (or change one so it would).

Épée took a total of five steps out of the door before realizing it was raining. "Why me." Sighing and grabbing an umbrella, before continuing their walk. It was cold which Épée was not happy about, but it was peaceful, there were no other inphernals out and about on a rainy day. Probably because of the fur, that would suck to get wet.

After a couple minutes of walking they reached the library. Ghosdeeri looked up as they entered. "Greetings you can place your umbrella over there enjoy my library." Épée nodded and set their umbrella down. "Thank you, have a good day."

Now what to read? Last time they were on a history binge but now they were really in the mood. Well what kind of fantasy books do they have in Inpherno? That seemed like a good starting place.

Skimming past a few shelves they finally found the fantasy section. It was smaller then they had expected, but compared to the romance section was still pretty good. Inphernals really don't value romance as much as humans, That sounds nice. Not caring for love.

Picking up the first book that looks good and settling down in a near by chair they read for a while. At some point during their book they heard talking from a shelf away.

"Deeriii how have you been?"

"I've been well Traffic, but must you use such nicknames?"

The faint sound of light conversation interrupted their reading, they couldn't focus on their book. It wasn't like the two were being loud, Épée just couldn't focus with noise in the background and had very sensitive hearing.

They only lasted about ten more minutes of faint conversation before giving up putting there book up, which they would need to remember it was pretty good they should really get a library card. And started heading to leave.

As they left they felt someone watching their back, and glancing behind them all they saw was Ghosdeeri and Traffic talking. How odd.

Slingshot's cafe was only a short walk away from the library, thank the gods for everything being close. They did get a little wet on the walk there their tail was damp annoyingly enough.

The cafe was the same as when Épée went a week before, there were far more people unfortunately, not as many as expected but it was raining. Shaking their tail out before heading inside and setting there umbrella in the little cubby by the door.

This time they fully read the menu, everything looked really good though... What to get? Oh! There was boba and mango tapioca pearls! Épée was incredibly picky and hated normal tapioca pearls so this was perfect.

The line wasn't to long thankfully it seemed that Vine Staff was taking orders today.
"Hello welcome, what would you like to order today?"

"Hello, could I get a strawberry boba with mango tapioca pearls?"

"Of course, can I have a name for your order?"

"Épée"

"And will that be to go?"

"Yes, thank you"

"Alright, have a good day"

"You to"
A successful attempt at talking to people, how fun! Épée sat down at one of the booths as they waited for their order. Almost immediately the kitten that they had pet the first time they came here hopped up to Épée and started nudging their hand.

"Hello little one, aren't you cute." Épée whispered to the kitten warmly. How they wished they could take care of a pet, unfortunately they had already learned they were to irresponsible for a pet.

"Order for Épée!"

A tad bit melancholy about leaving the kitten Épée got up and grabbed their drink and umbrella before leaving the cafe and the kitten who just watched them leave.

Their trip to cafe had been nice, and their boba was really good. Épée was rather glad they haven't needed to interact with the phighters often. They had gone too Slingshot's cafe twice and spoken to Slingshot and Vine Staff both of which didn't give a shit about them, thank the gods.

Things were going surprisingly well... Maybe for once it would stay that way. They aren't that stupid, things will change if they like it or not.

---

Four days later and Épée was working again they were currently sweeping the auditorium headphones on. Their wings were aching horribly though. Weighing their options Épée decided to take a break and go to the bathroom to stretch their wings.

It felt good to finally take their jacket off being so smushed all the time sucked. They probably should take their headphones off while they weren't hiding their wings, but it was a slow day and Épée hadn't seen anyone in the auditorium all day so they should be good.

Épée should start planning what to get for the phight watch party this Sunday they had tomorrow off and work on Sunday so-

Épée froze mid scratch, when they opened their eyes they saw

Spike and Dagger.

Staring at them through the mirror.

Épée whipped their head around fully awere their wings were extended in full view and their face riddled with panic.

The three just stared at each other for far to long.

Spike was the first to talk "Épée... What. The. Fuck. Is going on." Épée stared at her for at least fifteen more seconds before answering. "I- uhhm, well- you se- uhm," Épée paused before trying again. "How about we sit down and talk."

Eventually they all sat at the break room table. "So can you explain why you have wings, and are you a fucking demi god?" Dagger was actually being serious for once in his life.

Épée turned their head away, their eyes weren't visible to the other two.

"I don't know why, I have wings. I told you I don't know where I spawned, I grew up in Cross Roads, and I hid them. I knew that they weren't normal, so I hid them. I don't know if I'm... A- ... You know what. But my blood... I don't get cut easily, and my blood it- it isn't any color it should be."

Both Spike and Dagger looked confused and Épée couldn't say they felt different. Épée really really didn't want to tell anyone that they didn't fully trust about their wings, they had known Dagger and Spike for two weeks at most. And Épée did not trust quickly or in most cases at all people that were direct family and weren't bad at all they still didn't trust. They hated how they felt after sharing that.

Eventually Spike spoke up "so you might be a literal demi god and you just don't know?" Epée opened their mouth to respond before just nodding. "You know I've never seen you summon your gear? '-' " Dagger added Épée looked up more so confused this time "why does that matter?"

"Well I imagine, uhh "divine" gears look special or something?"

Épée shrugged still shaken up but summoned their gear anyway, it was the same as the first time they summoned it an Épée the pommel with an yellow-orange coloration to it and a slight presence to it.

The two both stared at it as Épée held the sword Spike's brow was furrowed.
"So I can literally feel heat radiating from your gear"

"... What?" Épée stared at Spike who was rubbing her temple "I'm surprised that you're not currently being burned if I can feel it over here, but that might just be because it's your gear."

Dagger interjected. "so you're definitely a demi god |:/" Épée looked at him bewildered before Dagger added

"Well you have wings, your gear despite not being related to heat radiates heat, you look incredibly close to a god the Firebrand, and you said your blood was a different fucking color not to mention apparently you glow •_•"

All of a sudden Spike turned to them. "I agree, but what color is your blood?"

Épée turned their head again before responding "...black with specs of gold." Both Spike and Dagger looked at Épée intensely and Épée was grappling with the implications that they had been refusing to put together, and the other two had forced them to.

"Are you ok?" Épée wasn't sure who had said that but they just noded. They were so, tried. "I think I'm going to head home early."

Épée looked up at the other two. "Are we still going to watch the phight together this Sunday?" The other two nodded "Of course, I don't see why we wouldn't?"
"Obviously :3"

Épée smiled warmly, it felt nice for things to still be... Good after what just happened, they weren't used to that.

---

Finally it was Sunday, the day of the phight! Épée had gotten food and was ready to have people over. And they wouldn't need to hide their wings since the other two already knew about them.

The others were supposed to arrive around 5:15 so anytime soon, they had made popcorn, ordered pizza, set out drinks and chips and dip. Everything was set out and now Épée just had to wa-

The door bell rang and Épée shot up quickly checking the peephole and opening the door to see Spike and Dagger.
"Hello it's good to see you two!" Épée smiled and gestured to the other two to come in

"Heyy bich >:3"

"It's good to see you too!"

Épée sat on the couch as they showed of the array of food "how bout we eat before the phight starts, pizzas on the way."
Dagger butted in with happily. "Hell yeah this ganna be great !o!"

The three of them started on the snacks until the pizza got there, which conveniently was when the phight was starting.
"Finally!" Épée quickly switched to the correct channel settling back on the couch as the show started.

"Welcome, this is Flipside and tonight-"

"WE will be bringing you this phight!"

Épée turned to Spike and asked. "Do they do the whole interrupting bit everytime?" Spike shrugged before responding "well they when they did it the first time it was really funny, and then they did it again and again, and now it's kinda just a thing they do."

"Huh" Épée turned back to the TV as the phight started. they weren't paying attention when the phighters were announced, so they were guessing for the cast the entire time.

The camera was following Ban Hammer around as he was chasing Scythe around the battle field, the map was Darkage Cliffs a beautiful place that didn't quite match the violence surrounding it.

The phight itself was loud and Épée could here the sound off Boom Box's phinisher before the camera swivered over to the scuffle between Skateboard and Biograft. Épée was watching excitedly until Dagger spoke up as Biograft hit Skateboard.
"OH COME ON THATS BULL SHIT >:O" Épée and Spike turned turned to Dagger confused

"What I'm a Playgrounder of course I'm routing for Skateboard /:" dagger shrugged and Spike turned to him. "Wait you're from Playground? I'm from Blackrock." The two stared at each other for a couple seconds until a loud sound came from the tv. "Your verdict is..." The three immediately turned to TV

"GUILTY!"

Shrunken was cought and promptly killed. Épée, and seemingly the other two, forgot about the previous conversation. The camera was following Shrunken as he caught Ban Hammer of guard hitting him in the back and killing Ban Hammer, who was apparently on low health.

The camera, incapable of focusing on one thing for one minute, turned to Scythe who was about to kill Biograft from afar after Biograft tried to kill sword and got pretty damaged.

"Which team do you think will win ?-?" Dagger didn't turn to the other two while asking his question. "I don't know much about team composition but red is winning right now, and usually the team with a head start wins." Épée replied. "Definitely red they have a huge head start." Spike added to Épée's answer

As soon as Spike said that red lost the conquer point and a yell of victory could be heard from one team and a groan from the other. "Or not." Spike sighed as Dagger quietly laughed at her.

Épée was... Happy. It was odd to had to have delt with... what had happened earlier, and then be happy. It was nice, really nice.

Suddenly Rocket used his phinisher and got extremely lucky, there was a lage group all on low health. The energy in the room was already high and Épée shot up fully extending their wings as the watched the chaos. The other two were slightly startled by the wings in their faces but both of them were having an amazing time watching the phight.

"AHH! @O@" Dagger got smacked by Épée's wing and the shut their wings apologetically, Spike started Laughing at the others and they joined in. as chaos rained on the screen, the sound of laughter filled Épée's apartment, for the first time.

Épée fell back onto the couch grabbing the bowl of chips attention returning to the tv. The blue team was in the lead but not by much, and sounds of clashing gears could be heard. It was exciting, and Épée was sure their tail was wagging swishing back and forth-

"OVER TIME!!!"

The three of them jumped at the loud noise, before everybody was cheering for one phighter or another Épée was infatuated with the shear chaos and Dagger was basically screaming at tv, Spike looked like a mad man with how she was cussing out the hafe the phighters.

The blue team had a lead before the overtime but it wasn't by much, and the conquer point was going back and forth between the two teams and non of them had any idea who was winning but they were all very excited.

"MOTHER FUCKER"

Spike and Dagger shouted in unison as Skateboard used his phinisher flying of the edge of the map and into the void murder water below.

The camera was centered on the conquer point, and Épée couldn't tell hafe of what was going on. They could've sworn that phighting matches were chaotic but this was a lot. Before Épée could even finish their train of thought a huge explosion covered hafe the screen.

As the explosion cleared the blue team reclaimed the conquer point, and there was only a few red phighters left alive to attempt to reclaim it who were quickly pushed back. One of the blue team phighters was killed by what Épée guessed to be Hyperlaser before he was killed by Biograft.

Suddenly red retook the conquer point in a last ditch effect to win when-

"VICTORY"

The blue team had won despite their enemy's head start.

"MVP: ROCKET

The leader board popped up showing the score.

"Oh COME ON" Dagger groaned as he saw that Skateboard had gotten last place and boom box not much higher. Spike and Épée were both laughing at him as he practically sagged of the couch.

"Well Dom I'll say that was certainly a mach and a half! Wouldn't you agree?"

"I'd say the same brother."

"Well if that's all for tonight than visit us next time at a brand new map!"

The tv continued to drown on before Épée turned it off and stretched. "This was amazing we need to do it again!" The other two nodded now tiredly as it had hit a late hour.

"This was Amazing definitely ! \/\/ !"

"Can't say I disagree!"

Épée smiled warmly at the thought before turning to other things. "So how are y'all getting home?"

"I mean it's not to far to walk."

"It's really late though are you sure you're ganna be good?"

Dagger hummed thinking about it. "That's a good idea actually. I mean I'm not properly trained in my gear and, Spikes your gear isn't a combat one right ?-?"

"Yeah."

"Well I guess I'm walking y'all home then." Épée said with a shrug whilst grabbing their coat. Dagger stretched like a cat, Spike laughed at him and the two stared bickering. Épée was already at the door as they looked back at the two

"Are you coming or not?" Spike and Dagger caught up to Épée as they opened the door to the cold night air and started walking them to their houses

"I wonder what event is happening soon because prep is starting tomorrow :3"

"Huh me too"

Now all Épée had to do was ignore the very possibility of... Them being a demi god

---

Chapter Text

---

It was a slow Monday morning, unsurprising the museum was always slow, not many inphernals had a interest in history. everything was how it always was, the food was mediocre, the break room was slightly messy with piles of papers here and there, Cat was nice, everything was normal.

Épée was rather bored, but that didn't last long, they, Spike and Dagger were called to Crowbar's office. As they walked towards their destination they met up with Spike

"Hey, good to see you" Épée greeted Spike eagerly and Spike seemed rather tired as they responded. "heyyy..."

"You good?" Épée was a little concerned at Spike's response. "I'm fine.. just tried. I slept like shit last night." Spike nearly walked straight into a wall while she was yawning and Épée had to pull her away at the last second.

"HEYYY X3>" Dagger's voice rang through the hall as he ran up to the other two, and Épée waved back at him. "Wow you look like shit :/" Épée chuckled at Dagger's comment and Spike groaned "thanks." the three of them started their way to Crowbar's office together.

"Soo why do you think where being called to Crowbar's office?" Épée asked and the other two just shrugged. "Probably that event thingy that they mentioned a few weeks ago when they hired us." Dagger turned to Spike. "Isn't that why they hired us ?_?"

Before the conversation continued they reached the office, and entered.

"Hey Crowbar."

"Well hello, took y'all long enough." Crowbar greeted them in a mildly irritated fashion with a matching expression. Though none of the other three seemed to care in the slightest.

"Now you must be wondering why I called you here." Dagger visibly rolled his eyes and Crowbar seemed to be aggressively ignoring it at best. "So the museum has an event at the end of the month, if you watched the phight last night you probably saw the the next phight would be at a brand new location."

Épée and seemingly the other two as well were connecting the dots, and Épée slowly started panicking.

"And the next phight will be held at Roblox Museum." Épée was slightly panicking. Flipside was directly related to Firebrand and two of the other phighters were related to the SFOTH as well. So Épée was fucked. Dagger on the other hand looked ecstatic and Spike just looked shocked.

Crowbar watched the three of them before continuing. "Hmm... I imagine you're aware that we hired you for an event, so y'all will be directly working on this"

"Épée you're the least chaotic so you're in charge." Épée knew their face which they had been carefully schooling into a neutral had turned to shocked. Spike and Dagger were both staring at them, Crowbar didn't seem to care, but Épée was about to die. They were screwed.

"Alright there should be a list of things that need to be done on the break room counter, and you will all be emailed the list."
"Now get out of my office"

The three of them were unceremoniously shoved out of Crowbars office and were left still speechless in the hall.

"We should probably go to the break room and get to work." Épée didn't look to see if the other two were following them but eventually heard two pairs of rushed footsteps as they trudged to the break room.

The first thing they did when they reached the break room was Immediately dart over to the papers they had ignored earlier and found the list.

As Épée read through the list Spike and Dagger read over their shoulder. Épée started muttering to themselves under their breath. "Not to bad..... Uh might be an iss.. maybe?... No... Well-"

"You good Épée? |:/" Épée nearly jumped when Dagger spoke "GHOST. it's ok I'm fine it's just that Flipside just so happens to be the grand child of fucking Firebrand and I'm going to have to talk to them so yeah..."

"Why do you want to avoid the SFOTH so much? if you are a demi god then you would have family?" Spike sounded genuinely curious and Épée just looked at her like she was crazy "Because I'm happy with my life right now, and that would change a lot of everything."

Épée continued their mild panic attack and Spike just shrugged. Eventually Épée's attention returned to the list as they divided a plan on what to work on.

"Alright the museum is closing the Monday to the Sunday of the phight, and this is ment to be a secret so most of our prep will be between that span of time."

"So what will we be doing?"

Épée sighed grabbing a few pieces of blank paper and started writing on each of them eventually showing the papers to Spike and Dagger

"...Épée I can't read shit of this." Épée glared at Spike before Dagger added. "I wasn't going to say anything but... /:"

Épée sighed. "Ok so-"

---

Épée had been hard at work for a long while it was probably late but they just wanted to get this done. It would be fine they had time... All they needed to do was finish painting this banner and maybe if Dagger had gotten the other banner they would put a coat of paint on that

At least this paint dried fast just needed an extra coat of paint, and-

"HEY ÉPÉE!"

Épée could've sworn their heart jumped into their throat. Apparently Dagger felt the need to yell at them from the other side of the very large storage room before Épée could hear them approaching

"WHAT"

Épée heard Dagger running in the direction of their voice and looked towards him, fully awere their face was nothing but annoyed.

"I thought I asked you to stop yelling?" Dagger shrugged sheepishly and Épée sighed. "Sorry... But do you even know what time it is? I'm heading home and Spike already left :b"

Épée checked their phone, and it was late... But Épée was determined to finish this. "I'll work late today, I have my key card I'll be fine" Dagger just shrugged and waved goodbye

"See you Épée!"

"Bye Ghosty."

Épée turned back and continued painting. And painting. And paint- Dagger never got that last banner did he? Well when they finished this they could go grab that themselves.

This banner was red so the next was blue right? The first banner was red the one after blue and they needed two per color, so blue and-

---

Épée was finally done painting. All, of the banners. They were only going to do two today but whatever

As Épée left the windowless storage room and entered the main part of the museum They looked out a window and saw the moon.
High in the sky. There wasn't a single person still there.

Épée muttered under their breath. "God damnit."

But... If there wasn't anyone there, then couldn't they try flying?

That's probably not a good idea, but why shouldn't they? Épée knew for a fact that the cameras were broken.

Jumping from the balcony first isn't the best idea, but could they get enough momentum from a bench or exhibit stand? Épée settled on trying jumping from the bench first. Épée set their jacket next to the bench,

They extended their wings, and jumped.
To no result
They couldn't get enough air. But with more hight they could probably fly, Or at least glide some. Épée knew it made no sense for them to be able to fly period. scientifically they were far to big, but this world was... Odd and the gods and demi gods could fly.

Épée turned to the balcony, and just stared for a couple seconds. If they could fly this was their chance to try, and they were confident all they needed was hight.

Before Épée could think this through they started walking. They started walking up the stairs. They looked over the railing. They stood on the railing, they didn't even sway their tail keeping them steady.

Wings spread wide, the crouched on the railing, as if they were about to dive.
And so they did.

And they flew

They were more so gliding until they flapped their wings, and it was exhilarating, the feeling of wind against their face as they made a turn around the dinosaur skeleton.

They turned upwards and looked down as they made slow circles around the ceiling occasionally flapping their wings to keep hight and speed

Seeing the floor from all the way up there, all they felt was adrenaline running through their veins and excitement like they had never felt before and could only hope to feel again.

"Hah.. HA!" Épée was laughing as they watched the floor with wide eyes. They almost didn't want to land, but they really needed to sit down for a couple minutes.

Carefully, they descended and as their foot hit the floor they almost lost their balance and falling face first. Lucky they were able to grab the bench next to them. Conveniently the same bench that their coat was sitting next to.

Épée moved to sit on said bench covering their face with their arm, and they just breathed. They just sat there and existed for a little bit. Surprisingly it was the calmest they had felt in a long while.

...They should really go home and sleep. Sleep sounded really good

---

Épée was startled awake by their alarm. They had gotten to sleep at a frankly ungodly hour, and slept like shit. Sighing and checking the time they had their alarm set to 8:00 and tried to leave by 8:50. So they had some time to just sit there.

...They were tired, and they wanted to just sleep more. But that's a horrible idea they knew their just going to miss work and they had shit to do. Épée sighed and got out of bed, it was odd they wouldn't have had the will to leave bed when they were human but as inphernal they had to fight themselves anywhere near as much.

Might as well just doom scroll on the couch, they're much less likely to fall asleep there at least. Oh nice their favorite fic actually updated no doom scrolling apparently.

It has been awhile what time is it-
8:45... They should get ready.

After one of the most rushed five minutes of their life they finally left their house. The walk was as pleasant as it could be to their dragon ass when it was cold out. They really needed a sweater for their tail.

"Hey Épée." Cat waved to them and Épée waved back as they made their way to the break room. "Hey bich :3" Dagger was already there but Épée didn't see Spike. "Hey Ghosty" Épée yawned and stretched as Spike came in.

"Wow I'm the last to be here for once" Épée chuckled and added "that's not it Dagger was here first" Spike fake gasped. "Really, I can't believe that!" Dagger glared at the two of them as he tried not to laugh himself.

"Welll what are we doing today?" Spike asked and turned to Épée "I finished the banners so I'll move onto setting up the new order for the gift shop and if y'all are still working on your stuff then you should be good"

Dagger turned to Épée as they were talking confused and questioned "what do you mean you finished the banners, you were half way done when I left ?•?"

"I ended up staying late to finish them." Épée shrugged "how late did you stay /:<" Épée ignored Daggers question and turned to Spike.

"So do you know when we will be meeting with the inphernals in charge of setting things up?"

"Uhh pretty sure all of that's next week." Spike replied. "So we're still working on the current list, anyway we should get working."

"I'm getting stuff out of the storage room anyone else headed that way?" Épée added and Spike nodded.

The two made their way there and Dagger went to do whatever he was doing next. "I need to get some stuff from the pile boxes in the back, I'll help you once I finish."

"Alright see you Épée"

The storage room was really big, unsurprising, it was a museum after all. But there was barely any organization beyond 'breakable and important' and 'doesn't really matter'. Odd in their opinion but the inpherno didn't seem to care much about anything other than fighting, so the lack of care was expected.

Which reminded them if Flipside was coming, there was a possibility that they would point out their resemblance to their grandfather. Maybe they were just being paranoid, but it was a possibility... Maybe they could just play it off and make a joke or something like 'I think I would know if I was a demi god' maybe?

They were definitely overreacting but if things go to shit then a back up plan is a good idea. Lying about not having wings might work. Gods would they ever need to stop worrying about this bullshit.

They just wish things would be fine. They just wanted to go home. They've wanted to go home all their life. They missed so much, they missed their family. And yet... They couldn't truly remember them.

Every time. Every fucking time. would they ever lose someone and remember them. Their family wasn't even dead. They were dead.

Why couldn't they just be sad.

Why were they so apathetic yet so sad.

Why didn't they want to cry

Their face was wet. Standing there, in front of a pile of boxes. Épée cried soundlessly.

why. Why. Why?

"ÉPÉE!"

Spike snapped Épée out of their spiral, how many times did she shout at them? Épée didn't trust themselves to speak.

They turned their head just enough for Spike to know they heard them. "ÉPÉE ARE YOU STILL LOOKING FOR THE STUFF!" Spike shouted again and Épée's ears hurt, but all they did was nod. "ALRIGHT!"

Épée stared at the pile for a little to long. And finally started looking for the supplies, it took them maybe twenty seconds to find what they needed.

Taking the box and walking over to where they heard Spike doing whatever. They sat next to Spike and started looking through the box.

"Épée?" They looked up slightly at Spike. "Are you ok?" Épée nodded. "Are you sure?"

"I'm fine, don't worry." Their voice didn't sound like they just cried. Spike looked concerned but let it go.
Épée really needed to sleep.

---