Chapter Text
Deep inside of the forest that surrounded the abandoned education center and museum… Cosmo sat with Sprout as he was tending to one of Cosmo's wounds. Life had been different. It wasn’t sunshine and rainbows as they had once been taught to believe. It had been nearly a year since they were casted out into this strange containment. It was a fight for survival, especially with the rising numbers of twisteds they would have to deal with. All because Delilah betrayed the original purpose of the toons, fascinated by these new cruel forms they were forced to take. The mains have all split up, having their own territories and toons that they looked after. Sprout stayed with Cosmo in a small area, trying to avoid the crossfire. Not that anyone would really go for them on purpose due to their roles as healers. The amount of friends he had lost, betrayal of the toon handlers, the bloodshed he witnessed… It made Sprout more overprotective and paranoid than ever. Sprout pulls the bandage tight before securing it to Cosmo’s arm. He looked up at him, that worried expression that had become so familiar to Cosmo was plastered on his face. “Are you okay?” Sprout finally asks. Cosmo nods. “I’m okay… are you?” he asks. He shared the same worried feeling as Sprout. Sprout nods, letting go of Cosmo’s arm and letting out an exhausted sigh. “As long as you’re okay… then I am too.” Cosmo looks at him, rubbing his arm. “I guess some things never change, huh.” he cracks a smile. Sprout manages a small tired smile, for Cosmo. “Well… we should get some food, yeah?” Sprout asks, already standing up from kneeling beside Cosmo. Cosmo nods, his stomach rumbling as if on cue. Sprout offers a hand and pulls Cosmo to his feet. Cosmo’s once colorful long socks were now stained with dirt and ichor, some rips and tears here and there. Sprout’s scarf has torn completely, and he now wears it as a bandana. Sprout digs around in the crate they had. “Well, there’s only a box of chocolates… better than nothing am I right?” Sprout makes a poor attempt at keeping the mood light. Cosmo smiles. “Maybe we can split it?” Sprout shakes his head, declining. “You can have it. I’m not hungry.” Cosmo frowns at that. “C’mon Sprout… you have to eat too.” Cosmo insists. Sprout knew it would make Cosmo feel better. He sighs. “Fine, just one.” The smile returns to Cosmo’s face. It was better than nothing.
The cool darkness of the night soon sweeps over them. Sprout gets a fire going as usual. Cosmo sits on the cold grass near the fire. Sprout takes a seat next to him and wraps an arm around him and pulls him close. The charm on their friendship bracelets reflect the light of the fire. Sprout stays awake to keep watch, as he usually does. The bags under his eyes were visible. It has been a while since Astro had given him a dream. He hoped Astro was okay, and well. Maybe he didn’t have time for dreams anymore. Sprout notices himself nodding out as he almost lets himself slump over before jerking back awake. Eventually he leans against Cosmo and lets himself drift off to sleep, his head slumped over against Cosmo’s. Instead of being met with an empty black void he found himself inside of a dream… tonight was the night Astro would visit him. The next morning… Sprout wakes up with a start, gasping as he quickly sits up. Cosmo was still asleep. Sprout had a nightmare… about Shelly. Was it truly a dream? Or a warning? Sprout gets up, his hands slightly trembling from the intensity of the nightmare. He had to check on Shelly. He knew where her territory was. The first dream he’s had in months, and it’s about Shelly turning twisted!? He felt the anxiety swirl around in his stomach, the thoughts of every worst possible scenario popping up in his head. He gently shakes Cosmo awake. Cosmo groans before sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Sprout…? What is it…?” He asks, yawning as his voice is still groggy. Sprout looks down at him, his expression softening. “Cosmo… I had a dream.” Cosmo perks up a bit more at that. “About what?” Cosmo asks. Sprout’s expression hardens.
“It’s about Shelly. She… I need to go check on her immediately.” Sprout’s voice was stiff and serious. Cosmo gets up, his eyes widening slightly. “Woah, woah, hey. Right now? Are you sure-” Sprout cuts him off. “I need to be sure she’s okay. Twisteds are bad enough, just imagine what it’d be like if one of us became twisted…” Cosmo tilts his head in confusion. “One of us…?” Sprout looks at him. “One of us mains. Plus, she’s my friend. I can’t just leave her all alone knowing what could happen!” Cosmo looks at him, he knows how Sprout gets. “But I'm going with you, right-” Sprout cuts him off, his voice sounding conflicted. “Look- I-... I don’t want you to get hurt on the way there, or if she’s already twisted… It’s safer here, as much as I hate to leave you alone.” Cosmo’s eyes widened at that. “What? No way! Please, you need me! How am I gonna do this by myself? How are you gonna go without me?” Sprout’s stern expression softens ever so slightly. “I know it’s risky… but I have to check on her. If I don’t, then who will? I can leave you some supplies and protection items.” Cosmo frowns at that. “I guess… if you insist.” Sprout gently takes his hand in his, squeezing it. “Hey… I’ll be okay. When have I ever gotten into trouble I couldn’t handle?” he gives him a, hopefully, reassuring smile. Cosmo can’t help the smile that soon spreads across his face. “You always know what to say, you idiot…” Sprout takes a bag full of supplies, and helps Cosmo gather things for the time being that he’ll spend alone. Sprout decided he’ll leave today after checking for the 17th time that everything would be okay for Cosmo. Secure shelter, food, water, medkits, bands, and plenty of cupcakes. Sprout stood in front of Cosmo. “I’ll be back as soon as possible, I promise…” Cosmo looks up at him. He holds his pinky out. “Pinky promise?” Sprout smiles, locking his pinky with his as the charms on their friendship bracelets connect. “Pinky promise.” The two hug. Sprout holds him in a tight embrace before pulling away and doing their special handshake. “Good luck, Sprout.” Sprout smiles. “Thanks, stay safe Cos.” They share a nod before parting ways…