Chapter Text
Grian sat at the front desk mindlessly doodling on a piece of paper.
It was kind of quiet today. Nothing much happened besides a few reservations. But besides that nothing big was happening. That how it always was in the middle of the week. Quiet. Boring. Besides the small chatter from the few regular customers the restaurant was awkwardly silent. Grian stared the door. Then glanced back at the clock.
6:01 PM
Just a few more hours until he could go home. Why must time feel so slow? The world somehow felt against him in the moment. Every second felt like 2 hours or just straight pure torture.
The bell chimed above the door, shifting Grian’s attention away from the clock. It was a small old lady, she had white hair that was tied into two careful braids and wore a purple cardigan. She glanced around looking at the entrance as she walked up to the front desk.
“Hi ma’am! Do you have a reservation or are you just walking in?” Grian tilted his head, watching the lady set their bag down on the desk as she glanced up at him then behind him. Grian glanced behind him as well trying to figure out what the lady was looking at., watching his coworker Joe serve someone their food, looking at another table where one girl laughed at something her friend said. Grian turned his head back to the lady standing before him.
“Oh I’m just walking in” The lady gave a soft smile. Grian gave a taut nod back at her. The lady twirled the end of her braid, thoughtfully.
“Okay! It’s not that busy right now so it’s fine’” Grian looked down at the sheet of paper covered in doodles, Grian shuffled around grabbing a new blank sheet, before clicking his pen. “I’m just going to need your name?”
“You can call me Granny” The lady grabbed Grian’s hand. He froze. What was this lady doing?
“I’m sorry, I’m going to need to put a real name” Grian apologized, slowly pulling his hand back from the lady’s grasp. She refused and Grian asked again. The lady- Granny - insisted on being called Granny. Grian sighed, he didn’t have the energy so he just scribbled Granny before grabbing a menu for them leading Granny to her table for tonight.
“Your server should be out in a few minutes to greet you and take your order, I hope you have a nice ni-” Grian started going one usual host stuff he says after seating someone. Granny grabs his hand once again.
“You seem like a kind young man” Granny gave a smile, you know that smile that seems with to be sweet or out of pity for something. Grian shifted his focus down to his hand. “I want you to have this”
Grian felt something fall into his hand. The lady pulled her hand away. Grian stared down at his hand. The item felt cold and heavy and between the cracks of his knuckles Grian could see a faint glow of purple. How strange. A glowing rock or something.
“Thank you ma’am but I really shoul-” Grian looked up from his hand, seeing no one there besides the door swinging faintly like someone left in a rush or a gust of wind just flew by. “-dn’t” Grian finished, looking around confused, feeling a shiver down his spine Joe walked looking down at Grian.
“Who were you just talking to right now, G?” Joe asked, glancing around. Grian quickly pocketed the rock and looked up at Joe.
“I- This old lady- I- I don’t know she was just here” Grian sputtered, completely befuddled at what had just happened. Joe raised an eyebrow, then his eyebrows quickly furrowed in concern.
“You- uh- you feeling alright?” Joe asked. “ ‘Cause no one was there when I saw you setting the menu down. You looked insane man”
Grian felt insane. He felt like the world’s most clueless man. What was that lady doing? What did they give him? Should he take it to the police? He had so many questions and yet no words would leave his mouth besides noises of pure and utter confusion. Joe continued to stare at him with a worried expression.
“I think you should go home ear-” Joe started, setting his hands Grian’s shoulders.
“No! I’m fine I swear. I don’t need to go early Joe” Grian interrupted, moving Joe’s hands away from him. Joe gave a nod, clearly not believing him at all. Joe walked away, leaving Grian alone with his thoughts. Watching Joe walk away, Grian picked up the abandoned menu that weird lady left and made his way to back to the front. The ‘Granny’ he wrote was now scribbled out with eyes surrounding it. Grian shuddered. What in the world was going on. Was Grian genuinely going insane?
~
Grian sat there at the front desk of the restaurant. The sun had set long ago. He’d been running on autopilot ever since what happened earlier with that strange lady. The weight of that strange rock felt heavier in his pocket every minuteIt had grown slightly busier as it grew later. It was around 10pm now. Grian set the menus down on a table while two girls sat down.
“Your waiter should be out in a few minutes, have a lovely night” Grian went on the usual spiel after seating someone. He just wanted to go home at this point. The two girls thanked him and Grian made his way back to the front.
Grian sat down, clicking his pen and staring at a half full sheet of names and doodles. Joe approached him with a bright smile. How could someone be so energetic after working such a boring shift?
“Hey G!” Joe leaned against the counter. It was obvious he had something to say, whether it be good or bad news Grian couldn’t exactly tell.
“Hey Joe..” Grian’s eyes narrowed, raising an eyebrow. “Can I help you?”
Joe let out a nervous laugh. “So I know your shift was supposed to end soon but I have a funny story for you hahah… uhmm” Joe glanced at Grian then looked away again, laughing once again while rubbing the back of his neck.
“Spit out already” Grian sighed, already having a feeling about what Joe’s gonna say.
“You have to close tonight I’m really sorry but I couldn’t do anything about it again I’m sorry hahaha I’m gonna go before you get mad byeeeee” Joe blurted out speeding through his sentence before running back to the kitchen. Grian watched him. Great another 2 hours until closing. Grian groaned, dropping his head on the desk.
“Man, life really does hate me doesn’t it” Grian lifted his head resting his cheek against his hand and doodled on a sheet of paper waiting for someone to walk in like he always does.
Grian watched his coworkers clock out and leave while people left for the night.. He watched couples and friend groups come and go. As it grew later to midnight it slowly grew quieter. The restaurant emptied out slowly but surely. The last one to leave besides Grian, was the manager, Terry.
“See you on Monday, Grian” Terry nodded as he tossed Grian the keys to close up.
“Yep, See ya..” Grian mumbled. Grian caught them and waved to Terry as he left. Being alone in the restaurant felt strange. Grian felt like he was being watched by someone or something. He couldn’t help but check over his shoulder every minute or two while he did the final sweep. Grian stopped in front of a door that was creaked open, behind the door a faint glow of purple peaked behind. Grian opened the door fully and there was nothing besides a random sharp hiss before the purple disappeared. Grian froze, shaking his head before grabbing his stuff and locking up.
Stepping outside, Grian was hit with the brisk air of the winter night. Looking around he could see the faint glow of lights in windows buildings above. The roads were empty besides some straggler cars or people walking on the snow filled sidewalks. With each step Grian could hear the crunch of the snow below him, snowflakes landed on top his dirty blonde hair as the wind blew stronger. Grian slowly made his way to his apartment complex. Stepping inside of the lobby of the complex. Grian could tell it was instantly warmer. In the elevator Grian dug through his bag trying to find his keys. Reaching his floor and walking down the hall, Grian’s jingling keys echoed through the halls. Stopping in front of his door he unlocked it.
“Mroowww” One of his cats, Pearl, yowled as soon he entered. Grian’s second cat, Maui, ran up as well brushing against his ankles.
“Hey I’ll feed you two hungry beasts in a minute” Grian set his bag on his kitchen counter, slipping his shoes off and throwing them somewhere by the entrance before leaning down to pet the duo of cats. “You guys eat your food so fast I swear, your the reason I’m broke”
Pearl pulled back from Grian, she looked as personally offended as a cat could muster. Grian laughed at Pearl’s face before standing up again to grab the food. After feeding the two cats Grian slipped out of his work uniform and changed into a pair of PJs. Slipping a red jumper over his head, Grian stepped into his kitchen and dug through his fridge to find something to eat.
“Hello everyone and welcome back to Sahara News! And today we have a special message from Ariana Griande and Sabrina Scarpienter ” Grian clicked the TV on as he settled on the couch.
His fork clicked against the plate as he stirred his pasta. The news played in the background while he ate. Grian glanced over at his bag seeing the faint glow of purple from the rock that lady gave him earlier. Grian stared at it. Shaking his head he shifted his focus back to his food. Pearl hopped up on the couch laying her head on Grian’s leg as she purred.
“Hey girl” Grian mumbled, running his hand over Pearl’s face, pulling her ears back. Grian snickered at that. “Come on, I need to put my plate away” Grian pet Pearl’s chin nudging her slightly, After getting her to climb off his lap. Grian set his plate in the sink and grabbed his bag off of the counter and sat down on the couch, Pearl immediately took her spot on his lap while Maui set his head on Grian’s leg. Grian dug through his bag grabbing the rock and leaned forward to set his bag on the coffee table. Staring at the purple glow peaking through his knuckles. Grian shook it around in his hand sceptically.
“What are you?” Grian’s eyes narrowed, opening his fist. “And what do you do?” The rock was round, turning it over, there was a purple rectangle but the bottom right and top left corner were replaced with their own separate squares. Grian traced the shape slowly. Grian paused the middle was like a button. Words couldn’t describe how badly he wanted to press the button. Grian leaned forward setting the rock on his coffee table.
“Thank’s for visiting tonight late night news! Have a wonderful evening!” The news finished, before it switched to a new ad. Grian watched the TV blankly, His cats purred as they got comfy on Grian’s lap. his blinking slowed. Grian shifted his eyes down at the glowing rock before closing his eyes. The creeping feeling of sleep slowly over came him.
~
“Hello Grian” Voices echoed from around him.
Grian stood up too fast, a wave of dizziness hit him and he desperately tried to get a hold of his balance. He looked around. He was in a black abyss a glow of purple sat under him. No one was there besides him. There were those voices but he couldn’t see them and the voices sounded familiar. He’d heard it before he just couldn’t tell from where. Grian looked around, he tried walking but it felt like he wasn’t moving. The purple glow followed him as he moved.
“Where am I!?” Grian demanded, spinning around. His heart was pounding in his ears. “What did you do with me!”
“Calm down” The voices hissed around him. “You’re safe here”
“CALM DOWN?? Grian spun around. The voice was coming from all angles. It sounded uncomfortably calming but it wasn’t calming Grian down at all. It was making him panic more. “BEING TRAPPED IN ABYSS WITH NOTHING SURROUNDING ME BESIDES A PURPLE GLOW ISN’T EXACTLY SAFE VIBES!”
The voices didn’t answer. It was pure, uncomfortable, unforgettable, silence.
“WHERE AM I?” Grian shouted. Grian went to take a step but his feet stayed still, He was paralyzed. His hands started to feel clammy and shaking as his breathing sped up slightly he felt like he was running out of air. “LET ME GO HOME!”
“You are home, oh it’s been so long...” The voices wisped, like they’d met before their tone sounded nostalgic. It sounded as if there was multiple people talking at once, slightly lagging behind one another. Different voices echoed in the empty void. “You’ve certainly scared the others but everyone is so thrilled to see you again!”
“I- What are you talking about! This is not my home! This- This is- I don’t even know what this place is!!” Grian barked, Grian hated the fact that he couldn’t pinpoint where the voices were coming from. Grian felt a little insane, he felt like he talking strictly to himself. “I demand answers!”
“We owe you nothing, starlight.” The voices snapped back. “Know your place!” Grian clearly hit a nerve. Grian eventually managed to start walking around more moving farther and farther into this void even if it felt like he wasn’t moving. After a bit of walking Grian walked face first into something. He stumbled back landing on the ground.
“Well pluck my nose hairs and send me to alaska, There’s an end to this” Grian mumbled under his breath as he stood up, pressing his hand against the wall. Forming his hands into fists he hit the wall. Then again and again and again. “HEY! LET ME OUT”
No response.
“DID YOU NOT HEAR ME! I SAID LET. ME. OUT!” Grian shouted again. Hitting the wall harder. “LET ME GO! PLEASE” Grian begged. His throat felt raw from his screaming. Grian swallowed, pressing his head against the wall.
Grian was out of breath from hitting the wall, his eyebrows pinched together. He pulled his head away from the wall. His eyes scanned the area, he pressed his hand against the wall and started walking. He didn’t know where he was going. Maybe he could find an exit, that would be nice. Anywhere but this abyss would be nice actually.
These voices were furious. Grian jumped at the anger in their tone. Grian stepped away from the wall slightly and lifted his hands. He could hear them bickering between themselves. Small quips back and forth. He tried counting how many voices he could hear, but they were still overlapping each other so it got confusing and he eventually gave up.
“Hey! I’m still here y’know” Grian spoke up, cupping his hands over his mouth. Hearing his own voice echo off the walls sent a shiver down his spine. Grian turned his head behind him, then looked up at the ceiling, that he hoped was there at least.
“Oh we’re well aware of that, starlight.” One voice hissed. They sounded annoyed. Grian couldn’t tell if it was because of him or the others.
“Can I know where I am?” Grian asked walking away from the wall and into the centre, or at least what he could hope was the centre.
“Confidtional” One chirped up.
“Can I know why you guys keep calling me starlight?” Grian asked, desperate to at least get some sort of answer from them, He was also getting really annoyed with that dumb nickname. Why couldn’t they just call him by his name?
“Again, Confidential” Another voice quipped.
“You guys really can’t tell me anything” Grian mumbled under his breath. He rolled his eyes , sitting down, he was getting bored of wondering and these…entienties weren’t helping him. Grian whistled a toon of song, he couldn’t quite remember the name of. Leaning back he stared up at the ceiling. The voices had gone quiet again and now he didn’t know what to do. Does he sit there and wait? Does he try an escape? He already tried looking for an exit and screaming about wanting to be let out again would be dumb, his throat still felt really sore from earlier.
“Grian.” The voices spoke up, now cold and distant much like how they sounded when he first woke up to this place. He looked around at the distant void. “We’re so glad your back.”
“I’m sorry what do you mean-” Grian stammered “I’ve been here for a while no-”
“As for this latest little game of yours. Thank the stars it’s over. Did you have fun? Did you get everything out of your system?” One voice asked. The rest fell silent. This one felt more threatening compared to the other ones Grian’s heard. It sound calmer as well, which really wasn’t that comforting.
“Hey! I-” Grian tried speaking again, standing up before whipping around as he felt a gust of cold wind hit him. Then another gust of wind from the opposite direction. Grian twirled to see what was happening. He clenched his fists.
“Good..Good” the voices mused. “Welcome home, Xelqua.”
~
Grian jerked awake causing his cats to hiss and jump off of his lap. Grian’s breathing was heavy and fast, he was covered in a cold sweat. Grian looked down at his hands then around his apartment. His eyes landed on the rock that sat next to his bag on the coffee table. He stared at the glowing symbol. Grian looked up at the TV that was still playing some random TV show. Maui and Pearl made themselves comfy somewhere else because they’d disappeared somewhere.
“Welcome home, Xelqua” echoed in Grian’s mind. Who was Xelqua? Where they talking to him? Who were those voices? What did they want from him? Now, Grian had a bunch of more questions no one could answer. Did this have to do with that strange lady at all, or the rock?
“God my life is falling apart” Grian grumbled, cracking his neck. Falling asleep on the couch was not the smartest idea he’s had. Grian leaned forward and grabbed his phone to check the time.
3:34 AM
At least he didn’t have work tomorrow. Grian sighed, standing up stretching before turning down the hall and properly climb into bed. Once Grian got comfy he closed his eyes with a satisfied sigh. Pearl curled at his feet and Maui somewhere else in the apartment. Grian shifted turning to face the other wall. Then he shifted again. And again. And again.
“Why can’t I fall asleep?” Grian asked himself opening his eyes and staring at the ceiling. Propping himself upright, Grian looked at Pearl at the edge of his bed. Her soft purring filled the quiet of the room. Grian laid back down trying to fall asleep. But instead he just kept tossing and turning all night. After that nightmare he didn’t want to wake up in a black abyss anytime soon.
Grian did fall asleep eventually, at 5:51AM in the morning.
When he did wake up he was woken up by Pearl licking his face and his phone ringing like crazy. Grian pushed Pearl away lightly and slipped out of bed answering the phone as he made his way to the kitchen to feed himself and his cats.
“Yellow” Grian whistled as he held the phone away from his ear.
“MATE! WHERE ARE YOU?” Mumbo yelled over the phone. Grian laughed at his panic.
“At my apartment? Where else would I be?” He asked as he pour the cats food, the sound of the kibble clinking against the bowl summoned both cats out of the shadows.
“AT LUNCH! WITH ME! WHERE I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU! FOR 20 MINUTES” Mumbo shouted. Grian winced, remembering that plans he had made the week before. He forget. Again.
“Ah.” Grian sighed. “Mumbo- I’m so sorry I didn’t mean- I overslept- I completely-” Grian apologized before mumbo cut him off.
“-forgot. You completely forgot.” Mumbo stated. The sound of a door shutting and a seatbelt clicked came from the background of Mumbo’s voice. “Which I figured would happen, because it always happens.”
Grian let out a disappointed sigh, He knew Mumbo was right. He was always late. But hearing the disappointment in his friend’s voice every time was heart shattering. It made Grian feel guilty and like a bad friend. Grian set his phone down on the kitchen counter as he grabbed a pack of sausage from the fridge and turned on his stove.
“Look man.” Grian fidgeted with the edge of his red jumper. “I really am sorry- I didn’t mean too.”
“Mate, It’s okay.” Mumbo’s voice softened a tad. “You’re all good. I’ll be over at your apartment in-” a small pause “- about 10 minutes. If that’s okay with you I’d like to see Pearl and Maui anyways”
Grian froze, pausing in the middle of cutting up the sausages into slices. Mumbo was a great friend.
“Uh, yeah I don’t mind.” Grian shrugged, even though Mumbo couldn’t see it.
“Alright!” Mumbo chirped cheerfully. “I’ll see you in ten”
“See you in ten Mumbo” Grian chuckled. As fast as the call started, it ended.
Grian threw the sausages onto the pan. Once they finished cooking, Grian got changed out of his pajamas. Stuffing his work bag and the strange rock in his room, his apartment was done and ready for Mumbo to stop by.
DING DONG
Grian opened the door and was greeted with a friendly mustache.
“GRIAN” Mumbo smiled, hugging him. Grian laughed before hugging him back. “Ah it’s been so long.
“Mumbo. I hate to burst your bubbled but it’s barely been a week.” Grian noted. Mumbo stepped back, his eyebrows pinched together.
“Mate- Unburst my bubble right now” Mumbo demanded, getting unhinged laughter from Grian as he wiped away tears of laughter.
“Okayy.” Grian tried to catch his breath. “Your right, Mumbo, It’s been forever”
Mumbo cheered, pulling Grian into another hug. Grian hugged him back, and soon enough Pearl and Maui were running over at the sight of a familiar face. Mumbo pulled away from the hug, walking inside and bending down to pick Maui. Pearl brushing against Mumbo’s ankle with a soft purr.
Grian shut the door as Mumbo walked in. “Stealing my cats are we now?” Grian nodded his hed toward Mumbo and all the attention he was getting from Grian’s cats.
“Not my fault they like me better than you mate.” Mumbo retorted. Grian let out an offended scoff. Maui stuck out his tongue like a spoiled little cat. Grian could’ve sworn he was seeing things. Grian took off his glasses rubbed his eyes and blinked, but now Maui was back to normal.
“Did you see that?” Grian asked, Mumbo’s eyebrows furrowed in concern.
“See what?” Mumbo looked around.
“Maui just-” Grian paused, realizing how crazy he sounded. “You know what- nevermind” Grian’s shoulders dropped. Mumbo’s eyebrows grew impossibly closer as he let Maui out of his grip.
“Hey G? You okay? You’ve been a little-” Mumbo gestured vaguely “-out of sorts recently.” Grian sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Yeah dude. I’m fine” Grian replied. “Just tired, I guess”
“You need to get a better sleep schedule” Mumbo sighed, shaking his head like a disappointed dad. “Let’s go get lunch now shall we?”
Mumbo held his hand out like offering a princess his hand in marriage. Grian shook his head at his friends antics before dramatically taking his hand.
“Why yes my liege” Grian pressed his other hand to his forehead, throwing his head back for dramatics- to which Mumbo laughed. The two of them left the apartment and climbed into Mumbo’s beaten up Van. Grian grabbed a helmet that sat in the back of his car and clipped it on.
“Hey! My car isn’t that unsafe” Mumbo elbowed Grian as he started up the car.
Grian gave a teasing smile back. “Better safe then sorry” He shrugged nonchalantly. Mumbo feined offense, pressing a hand dramatically to his chest,
“Oh my heart” Mumbo sighed, starting the car. Grian chuckled as Mumbo drove. They talked about things, Mumbo told grian about some crazy coworker and the exchanged weird work stories. The two didn’t work together, they live about a 20 minute drive away from one another so they met up once a week for lunch. They were quite the iconic pair.
~
The boys hangout session lasted longer then anticipated, which always happened. The two sat at a bar laughing at jokes and enjoying drinks together.
“Then bdubs comes up to be and starts begging for a clock-” Mumbo gestured wildly “-and I was like ‘mate what?’ oh man that was so funny, you should’ve seen it Grian”
Grian nodded vaguely, setting his empty cup against the counter. They’d been out since 3pm and it was clear that the two were having fun. Especially with the effects of the alcohol running through their systems. Mumbo clearly more tipsy then Grian.
“It sounds like quite the tale, Mumbo” Grian laughed. He grabbed his phone from his pocket to check the time.
11:12PM
It was getting late. That was okay because he didn’t have work on sundays as well. Grian twirled the straw of his empty drink, watching Mumbo gesture wildly with his hands while telling work stories. There were a few times he almost knocked over a drink or hit somebody. Then suddenly Mumbo stopped, he frowned.
“You’ve been quiet all night.” Mumbo stated. “What’s going on with you G? You’re never this quiet”
Grian looked up. Mumbo was right. He had been quiet. Way more quiet then usual. He’d tried to focus on the conversion but his mind kept floating back to that weird rock and his dream. Grian had gone almost a day with a thousand unanswered questions. What made it worse is that no one could answer his questions without making Grian looking like he was utterly insane. Which is not what he wanted.
“Uh.. I dunno” Grian shrugged, letting the bartender fill up their drinks again. “ Just tired.” Mumbo’s eyebrows furrowed.
“Hey” Mumbo’s voice was softer now. “You can talk to me y’know? I’m your best bud, I can tell when somethings bothering you G. And something clearly is so spill the beans.”
“..” Grian fidgeted with the edge of his shirt. “You wouldn’t get it, Mumbo.”
Mumbo let out a dramatic groan before putting his hands on Grian’s shoulders and shaking him.
“Mate! Just tell me already!” Mumbo begged, shaking Grian harder.
“Okayyy.. Okayy” Grian grabbed Mumbo’s hands off his shoulders. “So basically yesterday night I was seating this lady called ‘Granny’ - or at least that’s what she said her name was. She wouldn’t tell me her real name. And then she grabbed my hand gave me a weird glowing rock and disappeared. Then I had this super creepy nightmare. I was like in the abyss with no way out and there were these voices. I could hear them. And- And it was like there where multiple voices talking at a time. Sometimes there would only be one talking but most of the time it would be all of them They knew my name. They knew me somehow. The voices- They kept calling me 'Starlight’-” Grian put air quotes around the word starlight. “-And I don’t know where they could possibly know me from. At the end of my dream they called me Xelqua- whoever or whatever that is. And I have a billion questions no one can answer. This whole thing makes me feel insane!”
That felt good to get off his chest. It was nice to tell someone. Mumbo would understand. They were best friends, of course. And boy… Was he wrong. Looking up at Mumbo, he had this horrified expression on his face before burst out into laughter. Grian’s smile faded. What was so funny? Mumbo wanted the truth, he got the truth, and now he was laughing in Grian’s face. Unbelievable!
“Mate” Mumbo wheezed between strained laughs. “You expect me to believe that? You almost had me there. That’s a good one G”
“No- Mumbo I’m not lying.” Grian deadpanned. But Mumbo was still laughing. Did he seriously not believe him? Grian knew it, he knew he sounded crazy. Of course Mumbo wouldn’t believe him! Grian got his hopes up again.
“No wonder it makes you feel insane!” Mumbo was still laughing. “Because you are! Theres no way thats real mate, I’m sorry”
Yeah. Sorry, he was totally sorry. Grian twirled his straw and rolled his eyes, watching Mumbo drink. Some best friend he was. If he was a true best friend he would know Grian wasn’t lying. Mumbo finished his 3rd drink faster then Grian. But Grian had the bartender cut him off because Mumbo was a bit of a lightweight. Unlike Grian, Mumbo did have work tomorrow. Grian called an taxi and closed the tab.
Ordering a taxi was easy enough. Grian and Mumbo were both stumbly from the drinks. Grian managed Mumbo into the car. The drive to Mumbo’s place wasn’t long. Grian tipped the driver,knowing it wasn’t easy driving two drunk men back to their house. Mumbo and Grian said goodbye. Grian stood outside in the cold winter snow for a little bit. He knew he should call another taxi to get home but the cold felt nice right now and standing around never hurt anyone.
After Grian managed to get moving again, he called another taxi and went home. Once he got back to his apartment he took a shower, then he sat down to eat some food and have a drink of water so when he does wake up with a dreaded feeling of regret and a hangover it wouldn’t be that bad. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was fast asleep, he needed it after the little bit he got the night before.
~
“Welcome back” The familiar voices sent shivers down Grian’s spine.
Grian sat up, looking around to see the same black abyss he was in the night before. Slowly getting on his feet Grian started walking around again. This place was familiar already. And Grian was sick of it already.
“Are we doing this again?” Grian asked, his voice hollow and annoyed. Grian looked up at the ceiling.
“We are simply trying to get you back on track starlight.” The voices hummed. Grian stiffened, and crossed his arms. These guys were getting on his nerves.
“What exactly do you mean” Grian emphasized, his eyes narrowing. “I’m on the right track! It’s my life, you- people- don’t control my life!”
“But we do, Starlight. Why do you think you’ve met Mumbo?” The voices hissed sharply.
Grian’s breath hitched. He covered his ears, closing his eyes. His heart started pounding again. He shook his head. He refused to believe these guys.
“No! I met Mumbo because I chose to talk to him! And all you guys are- are some crazy, recurring nightmare!” Grian shouted. “Nothing more, nothing less! So. Just. LEAVE. ME. ALONE!” Grian was just trying to convince himself. These voices were just a nightmare. If that would be true it would give Grian a sense of safety and comfort. Anything felt better than believe someone had been in control of his entire life. Of the people he met or who he’d talk to. Who he dated. Where he went to school. That made him feel crazy, the idea of never having a choice in his own life. He hated it.
“Are you really sure of that, Starlight” One voice asked.
Grian backed up, falling against the wall, Tears streaming down his face as he shook his head, muttering ‘no’ under his breath over and over. He hated this. He wanted out. He wanted his life to go back to the way it was with out this weird dreams. He wished he’d never met that strange lady or was given that rock. He wanted his normal life back.
“Calm down” Another voice chirped. “You’re safe here”
“I don’t feel safe!” Grian barked back. His whole life was falling apart and he didn’t know how to feel. Even if he covered his ears he could still hear them. He felt insane! He probably was insane.
“Now look at what you’ve done!” One voice criticized another. “He’s panicking now!”
“It’s not my fault!” They argued back.
“Yeah well he’s breaking down now and we’re gonna get in trouble because of you!” The original snapped back. The other voice gasped in offense.
“Because of me! Why you little-”
“Guys! Guys! Stop fighting! We’re gonna get in trouble because of the both of you if you keep it up!” A new voice intervened. Then another one chirped in. Soon everyone was arguing and it became hard to tell what they were saying.
In trouble? Who these guys get in trouble with? Did they have some superior or a boss of some sort. Great another thousand questions that would go unanswered. How awful. Grian listened to the voices argue. Something to ground him. Something to keep him from spiraling.
The voices kept arguing. Grian took slow, calculated breaths. His hands pressed against the cold floor. The feeling sent shivers down his spin.
“Starlight! Wake up!” The voices snapped in unison. They’d stop arguing.
“I hate that stupid nickname” Grian muttered. “Why can’t you guys call me my actual name? I’ve heard you say it before!”
“That’s confidential.” The voices stated simply. Grian rolled his eyes. Everything's confidential.
“Should’ve guessed” Grian sighed, getting back on his feet again. He started walking around. His footsteps echoed in the empty abyss.
“It’s really a shame you won’t listen to us starlight” the voices whispered nostalgically. “You have such great potential.”
“I’m not going to listen to some voices from my nightmares” Grian scoffed.
“We’ve told u this before, Starlight. We’re not just voices from you nightmares” They insisted. “If you don’t believe us why don’t you look at that rock”
~
Grian jerked awake, covered in a cold sweat. The sun was peaking through his windows. The sun was high in the sky. Looking at the clock next to his bed it was late noon. Grian groaned, dropping his head in his hands. He turned his head staring at the rock that sat on his bedside table.
The rock gave a soft purple glow around it. Besides the sun it was the only light in the room. Grian didn’t know what to do with it. He’d ignored it for the past two days. What was gonna happen if he pressed it? Grian shook his head. Just because those crazy voices told him to doesn’t mean he should. What if he dies?
Grian lifted his head away from his hands, seeing pearl laying on the pillow next to him. Grian chuckled, petting Pearl’s head, he pulled her ears back. Pearl let out out a little ‘mew’ in defense as she opened her eyes. She look offended.
“What” Grian smirked. “I didn’t do anything” Pearl turned her head and hopped off the bed, opening the crack of the door wider and leaving. Grian laughed even harder. He stepped out of bed and walked out to his kitchen. He paused.
“Can I help you?” Grian asked, pressed his chin on Mumbo’s shoulder. “Don’t you have work?”
Mambo whirled around. Giving a familiar smile as he straightened his red tie.
“I did- I called in sick” Mumbo rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, I guess I kinda am?”
“Oh yeah- I told not to go heavy on the drink Mumbo” Grian teased as he stepped back. “But why are you in my apartment?”
“I figured I’d check in on you too” Mumbo shrugged. “You were asleep when I got here so I figured I’d wait around for a little” Grian beamed at that.
“Thanks dude!” Grian elbowed him lightly. Mumbo laughed giving him a soft push back. They hung out for a bit. It was what they always did, mostly they just sat in silence watching TV but it was nice to not be alone. Something to keep his mind off of that weird dream he had. The sun was setting by the time Mumbo was leaving.
“Bye mate!” Mumbo waved slipping his jacket over his regular suit. Grian waved back. Shutting the door, Grian let out a sigh. The warmth Mumbo had invited in his apartment had disappeared. It was quiet now, Maui and Pearl wandered off somewhere, maybe hiding in the bath tub or in a closet. He walked back into his room. Grabbing the rock and flipping it over to see the glowing symbol. He traced it with the edge of his thumb, skeptically. His eyes narrowed.
The rock still felt ice cold to the touch. It was strange how his world is falling apart by some strange lady, a rock, and a dream. He clenched the rock in his fist. Before sighing and leaving it on his bed. He walked over to his bathroom. He turned on the shower. Maybe that will help him keep his mind off of things.
The water was warm, It felt nice. Like a break from the cold weather and everything else. Grian stood there enjoying the warmth of his shower. Once he finished, he stepped out, got in his PJ’s and climbed into bed. He idly scrolled on his phone for an hour or two. Before taking his glasses off and setting his phone down. He had work the next morning.
~
Grian sat up. This wasn’t the black abyss he was used to. He looked around. He was surrounded by tall grass. He could hear birds chirping. The sun was high up in the sky. The sun was perched high in the sky, a rainbow sat above him as well. The trees were pink and the cherry blossom petals were flying in the wind. Grian stood up, straight. Where was he?
Grian saw different flowers like poppies, lavenders, and sunflowers. He started walking. He could see he was incased in a range of mountains. He stopped at a tree, climbing up and sitting in one f the branches to get a better view. Off in the far distance was a town. He could see people. There were people in the sky.. Where they..flying? Grian shook it off. Squinting to try and get a better view. He heard a rustling sound behind him.
“What are you doing here?” A voice asked above him. Grian yelped, almost falling out of the tree. He scrambled to grab the branch.
“Hello?” Grian tilted his head, looking upwards. He saw someone above him. There was someone actually there, not some strange voices coming from no where.
“Hi.” The guy chirped climbing down, Grian got a better look at the guy. He had blonde hair, blue eyes that felt like could see through your soul and a green shirt with a swirl on it. “You’re not supposed to be here”
Grian froze. The guy’s eyes narrowed as he climbed down onto the same branch as Grian.
“I- What?” Grian stammered.
“Forget it” The guy waved his hand dismissing the topic. “I’m Martyn.”
“Oh! I’m uh-” Grian started, before the mysterious guy- Martyn- interrupted him.
“I know who you are, Grian” He shrugged it off. Grian froze, staring at this guy before him. How did he know his name? Who was this guy?
Grian tried to say something, anything! But instead he sat there, gapping like a fish. Martyn laughed. He put his hand on Grian’s shoulder. Grian stared at this guy. He was really weird.
“I’m sorry- How do you know me?” Grian fidgeted.
“It’s a long story” Martyn stated, Grian pulled away so Martyn would take his hand off of his shoulder.
“So you’re not like-” Grian gestured vaguely “-some weird dream entity?”
“I-” Martyn paused, considering what he should say. “I guess, right now- to you- I am”
What did this guy mean? What does he mean ‘right now’? Is this place a real place? How’ d he get here then? Where was he? Grian sat there, processing what Martyn had just said. He didn’t know how to react. Was he actually going crazy? Was this the afterlife?
“Wha-” Grian started again before someone below him cut them off.
“Ay! Martyn, I’ve been looking for you!” Someone new shouted, Grian looked down. This guy had dog ears and a tail with a dramatic red king cape with sunglasses. He had a cocky smirk and one fang sticking out.
“Milord!” Martyn announced, hopping down from the tree. “You found me did you?”
Martyn elbowed this guy playfully. The guy’s tail wagged faster.
“Who were you talking too, Martyn?” The two guys looked up at the tree, The dog stared past Grian as Martyn made direct eye contact with him. Martyn wrapped his arm around the guys shoulder.
“Ah, nobody, Ren. Just y’know” Martyn gave a gesture toward the empty grassland in front of them “The voices and stuff”
The dog- Ren- barked with laughter, giving Martyn a small shove.
“Are the voices better company than your own partner then?” Ren wrapped his own arm around Martyn in return. “And why are you so far from town?”
“Hey! I like it out here just so you know” Martyn shook his head. The two seemed happy. Grian sat there in the tree, watching the two. Martyn glanced back at Grian. Grian waved, and Martyn have a nod. Turning back to forward. The couple walked away together. Leaving Grian by himself again.
“BEEP” something blared around Grian. “BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP”
Grian yelped again falling out of the tree.
~
Grian fell face first onto the ground. His alarm was blaring. Maui hopped off his bed landing on Grian’s back. Grian laid there, letting his alarm screech. Grian let out a groan, it was too early for this. Maui climbed off of him, and begrudgingly Grian sat up. He turned off his alarm staring at the time.
5:31AM
Grian leaned against the side of his bed.
“I don’t wanna go to work” Grian sighed. Last time he went to work he was gifted a strange rock by a strange lady and his life had been in shambles ever since. He let his head fall back against his bed. He stared the ceiling, closing his eyes for just a minute wouldn’t hurt him..Right?
RING RING
Grian straightened, rubbing his eyes and grabbed his glasses. He stood up, grabbing his phone. Joe was calling him.
“GRIAN!” Joe screamed through the phone as soon as Grian answered. Grian winced at the sudden noise. He still had time till work started, so why was Joe calling?
“Joe?” Grian asked, grabbing his glasses off of his bedside table. “Why are you calling”
“BECAUSE IT’S 8:30 YOUR SHIFT STARTED 15 MINUTES AGO AND YOUR LATE” He shouted. Grian paused staring at the clock. It was 8:30. Grian pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a strained sigh. He could’ve sworn he closed his eyes only for a minute.
“I’m so sorry, Joe” Grian apologized, digging through his closet to find a clean uniform. “I overslept- I missed my alarm completely” That was a lie. It wasn't exactly the truth either. Joe sighed.
“Just- get here soon okay G?” Joe’s voice softened. Grian gave a hum of acknowledgement before hanging up. He quickly scrambled to grab his work uniform and his bag. He didn’t bother having something to eat. Grian quickly fed his cats before running out the door, down the stairs and out his apartment complex. He sprinted down the snow fill streets, pushing past people, yelling rushed apologies as he ran. Grian got to the back, completely out of breath.
“Woah- Grian! What’s got you in such a rush? Terry grabbed Grian.
“I’m so sorry for being late! I didn’t mean to! I completely overslept and-” Grian bowed his head apologizing. To his shock, Terry laughed.
“Grian, kid-” Terry shook Grian lightly. “Your early”
Grian froze. Processing the words Terry just said. He was.. Early? But Joe said he was late. Grian stared at Terry in befuddlement. The wheels slowly turning in his head.
“I- but Joe said-” Grian stammered. Terry’s eyebrows furrowed. Before realization dawned on his eyes. Terry shook his head.
“Joe is messing with you, your shift doesn’t start till 9AM” Terry wiped a tear of laughter away from his eye. Grian frowned. So he sprinted here all the way there for no reason? He bumped into all of those poor people for no reason? Grian’s shoulders dropped.
How did he not see this coming? Of course Joe was messing with him! He always does this. Joe was such a pain for Grian. Even though Grian probably would’ve ended up being late if Joe didn’t call him anyways. Terry shook his head, patting Grian’s shoulder before going to check on the other employees. Grian walked to the locker room, hanging his jumper in his lock as well as his bag.
Grian let out a dramatic huff, leaning his head against his locker. He was tired- even though that was the best sleep he’d gotten since Thursday- He was exhausted. He felt really warm and dead inside. More dead inside than usual.
The door opened. “AY! Look who’s not late for once!” Someone announced, Grian pulled away looking at Joe.
Joe clapped Grian on the back, a big grin on his face. Joe opened his eyes. His smile dropped, and his eyebrows furrowed in concern, Joe’s hand stayed placed on Grian’s back.
Grian took another huff of air, brushing his hair out of his face. “Hey Joe” He murmured under his breath.
“Hey- You okay G?” Joe rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “You’re not looking to hot”
Grian looked up at Joe, and turned away, giving a shrug.
“Dunno- Just tired I guess” Joe’s eyebrows furrowed impossibly closer at Grian’s statement. Joe removed his hand off of Grian’s back and pressed it against his forehead.
Terry walked into the locker room. “Hey boys we gotta get working- what’s happening in here?” Terry interrupted himself at the sight of Joe and Grian. Joe looked up at Terry. Terry’s frowned deepened at Joe’s concerned look.
“Grian feel really warm- I think he should go home” Joe voiced before Grian could insist he was fine.
Terry walked over. Joe stepped out of the way, standing next to Grian. Terry pressed the back of his hand against Grian’s forehead. His frown deepened farther.
“Yeah, kid. Joe’s right- you should go home.” Terry ruffled Grian’s hair apologetically.
Grian pulled away from Terry. “I’m not a kid! I’m 23!”
Terry barked with laughter. “I’m 48- so your basically a kid. Anyways, Joe can take you home. I really don’t trust you headed back home alone.” Grian’s shoulders dropped. He was being babied. “Joe I’ll cover for you until you get back. Ya heard?”
Joe gave a taut nod. “Heard, chef” Terry left the locker room. Joe grabbed Grian’s stuff, leading him out to his car. Joe’s car was red, and fairly normal. Except the puppet that sat on the passenger seat when Grian climbed in.
Joe laughed. “Ha! sorry dude” Joe threw the puppet in the back of the car. “It’s a side hobby.” Grian didn’t reply, just climbed into the car. He sat there silently. The car ride was fairly short since Grian’s apartment is only like a10 minute walk away from the restaurant.
“Thanks, Joe” Grian nodded, grabbing his bag out of the car.
Joe gave a bright smile back. “Anytime, man! I hope you get better” Grian hummed an agreement before shutting the car door and walking into the apartment complex. He hauled himself upstairs and onto the couch- not bothering to change out of his work uniform.
Grian stared at the ceiling. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a large purple glow coming from the door of his bedroom. He sat up- shocked. Slowly he managed to get off the couch and walk to his room. He stood in the doorway, Maui and Pearl now beside him. The rock was glowing much brighter now. Grian walked closer grabbing it in his hands.
“What the-” Grian mumbled, sitting on his bed. He cupped the rock in his hand. The glow was much brighter now. Grian hesitated, his finger hovered over the button.
“Do it” A voice echoed in the back of his mind. Grian stiffened. What was that? Grian looked around. He looked back down at the rock. Something in the back of his mind was screaming at him to press the button. He let out a huff of air. He closed his eyes mentally preparing to press the button. He felt Pearl and Maui brush against his ankles.
All of sudden Grian was falling. He opened his eyes. He was somewhere, he was falling fast- past things. He saw a glimpse of a desert. An alleyway at night. A giant mansion but it looked unfinished. A giant tower in the water. A blue cabin implanted into a mountain. Floating rocks covered in different kinds of castles. A giant moon. A cactus fighting ring. Poppies and lavenders. A tower off of the side of a mountain with 3 big birds pink, yellow, and a brown one. A college campus with two guys- one who looked like him- sitting oddly close too one another, they looked comfortable together. Another with two guys again- one looked like him- he was dressed in scrubs the other in a torn uniform.
Was he..falling past- He didn’t even know what. He kept falling past different things. They all felt familiar in a way. Maybe him from another universe. That sounded crazy. Grian kept falling. Then as soon as it started it ended. He landed roughly onto a field.
“Oof!” Grian exclaimed. The fall didn’t hurt as bad as he expected. He sank into the ground closing his eyes letting out a sigh. He laid there in the field. His eyes peaked open. This place looked familiar. Cherry blossom leaves flew over him. He closed his eyes again.
“Guys! Did you see that?” A voice shouted in the distance. Grian just laid there. He didn’t feel good and didn’t have the energy to look and see what the voice was.
“Lizzie! Calm down your probably seeing something” another voice spoke up- they were getting closer to him. But still Grian didn’t bother.
A huff came from the other girl “You don’t believe me Cleo! I swear I saw someone falling from the sky! He had wings” Wings? Grian didn’t have wings. It was impossible that they were talking about him The two started arguing until a shriek of some mix of emotions.
Grian groaned, opening his eyes. Above him were to girls. One had spots of blue scales and pink hair she had a vest and socks that looked like bamboo with a pink tie. Her pink hair was tied back in two heart space buns. The other looked like a zombie in an 80s workout outfit with ginger hair.
“Oh my- Are you okay?” The pink haired girl exclaimed, offering Grian her hand. Grian took it standing up. He felt dizzy. He stumbled forward a bit. The ginger held out their hands to catch him if he fell. Even standing Grian was shorter than the two girls.
“Uh- Yeah.. I’m fine” Grian mumbled. He wasn’t fine. He felt awful but he wasn’t gonna tell that to two strangers with no idea what their intention was.
“I’m Cleo” The ginger nodded. Grian nodded back.
“I’m Grian” Grian rubbed the back of his neck. His back hurt really bad. Probably because of the impact from the fall.
“Aaaand I’m Lizzie!” The pink haired girl gave a bright smile. She stuck her hand out for Grian to shake. Hesitantly, Grian did.
Grian looked around. This place was familiar. It was the place from his dream! The tall grass, the cherry blossom trees. The town in the distance. And the surrounding mountains.
“Where exactly-” Grian gestured vaguely around the three. “-am I?” Cleo and Lizzie exchanged worried glances.
“You-?” Lizzie started, stepping forward in concern when Grian asked that.
Cleo interrupted her. “He probably doesn’t know- He crash landed here, Lizzie. We should take him back into town. Maybe Cub can check on him.” Lizzie paused, nodding.
“Yeah okay.” Lizzie shifted her focus back onto Grian again. “Are your wings okay though? You had a pretty bad landing I wouldn’t be shocked if they did.”
Grian froze. He stared at Lizzie in shock. Wings? WINGS? Was she asking him? A completely average guy if his wings were okay? He didn’t have wings! Why would he have wings? Grian stood there. His mouth open like a fish out of water. He didn’t have wings…right? These two girls were a zombie and a fish of some sort so maybe he did have wings. NO! He was crazy! Grian’s never had wings in his life!
“Wings?” Grian let out an awkward laugh. “I don’t’ have wings. I’ve literally never had wings in my life”
Again the two exchanged worried glances. They looked at each other than back at Grian then back at each other.
“Did you hit your head when you landed at all?” Lizzie asked. “Because from what I’m seeing you have a pair of wings on your head and on your back.” Cleo nodded along. Were they being serious? Grian didn’t have wings. The more he thought that, that more he was starting to doubt himself.
Cleo sighed. “Let’s get you into town and have Cub check you out first before anything else. That seemed like a tough fall dude”
Grian slowly followed the two. They lead him into town. Once there Grian saw the beauty of this town. In the middle was this tall fountain. It was busy. Above head was people flying like actually flying. Grian would’ve fainted. He was shocked. He saw a familiar green shirt in the distance. The two guys made eye contact and in a blink of an eye Martyn was gone.
Grian was lead to a building. It looked very technologically advanced compared to the rest of the town. Lizzie knocked on the door, leaning in closer.
“Cub! Let us inn” She shouted through the door. Cleo sighed like a disappointed mom. The door clicked open. Standing in the doorway was a chubby guy slightly taller than Grian wearing a doctors coat. He chuckled.
“Hey Liz! Hey Cleo!” The guy- who Grian was assuming was Cub- turned to him, Cub’s smile faltered for a split second. It was too fast for anyone to notice. But Grian noticed. He notice the way his smile fell slightly at the sight of him. “Who might you be?”
“This is Grian” Cleo gestured. “Me and Lizzie saw him fall from the sky. We think he hit his head and his wings- we wanted you to check him out before we jumped to conclusions though” Cub nodded, he let the three in. Cub led them to the back. Lizzie and Cleo sat on a couch by the door, Cub led Grian into the other room. Inside sat a cot, a chair, and a bunch of doctor like supplies.
“So where does it hurt Grian?” Cub asked, grabbing a clip board and a pen.
Grian let out a breath. “Uhm..the like- sides of my head and my back” Grian lifted his hands up to press his hands against his head to show Cub where it hurt. Instead his hand hit something feathery. Grian jerked his hand back immediately.
“So- where your wings are?” Cub tapped his pen against his chin. Again? Grian rolled his eyes. Grian knew he didn’t have wings. Why would he have wings? That’s like the stupidest thing possible.
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Grian scoffed. “I don’t have wings. I’ve never had wings in my life.” Cub nodded like that made sense, he quickly scribbled something down on his clipboard before grabbing a mirror off of his desk
Cub handed the mirror to Grian. “Just humor me a little, and tell me what do you see?” Grian hesitantly rose the mirror. In the reflection he saw wings. Actual wings. On his body.There was a set on his head and his back. He stared at himself. It felt like he was seeing someone else. The wings were red, yellow, and blue in that order. Like a parrot.
“I-” Grian couldn’t get any words out. He had no idea what to do. He had wings!? Grian almost dropped the mirror if Cub hadn’t caught it. Grian’s chest tightened. Grian looked down at his feet. His vision blurring. He took off his glasses, pressing his hands against his eyes. He tried to take breaths, He tried to calm down. Grian’s leg started bouncing. He had no idea what was going on.
“Grian?” Cub set his hand on Grian’s leg, Cub scooted forward the sound of his chair’s wheels rolling sounded strangely loud to Grian. Grian looked up at him. “Are you okay? Do you need a minute? I could step out- or stay if that’s what you want.” Cub offered.
“I- I think I’d rather be alone?” Grian squeaked. Cub nodded, he stood up and walked outside closing the door. Grian stared down at his legs. His right leg bouncing up and down.
He had wings?
He had wings!
Grian didn’t know what to do with that information. His chest still felt tight and he could hear his heart beating. His hands were shaking. Grian closed his eyes, pressing his hands against his eyes again.
“AUGH” Grian groaned. Not to loudly- even though the others outside could probably still hear him. Maybe he was going crazy. That would explain all of his insane dreams. Grian shook his head. He took deep breaths.
In for 1..2..3..4
Hold for 1..2..3..4
Out for 1..2..3..4
And again.
Grian sat there for what felt like three hours. Eventually he stood up, he was shaking but he calmed down. He opened the door. Cleo and Lizzie stood up. Cub was somewhere else in his lab.
“Grian!” Lizzie shouted before Cleo could.
“Are you okay?” Cleo asked. Grian nodded picking at the edge of his red jumper. “Yeah? We were worried. Cub said you just needed space, he said he wasn’t done with the check up though. He wanted to check on your wings.” Grian nodded again.
“I’ll go get him!” Lizzie jumped up at the idea. Cleo nodded. Lizzie disappeared into the lab as well shouting cubs name. Grian went to sit down on the cot again.
Cub entered the room soon after, shutting it behind him.
“Hey! Good to see you’ve calmed down” Cub gave a soft weary smile. “So for this I’d prefer for you to take off your shirt- Just so I better your wings.”
Grian hesitated, but eventually he lifted his red jumper and the shirt he wore under leaving him in a pair of black jeans and converse. Grian stared at faded scars from when he was in high school, those days were past him but it still felt awkward. He turned so his back was facing Cub.
Cub eyed Grian’s wrist for a split second before moving on. “Just tell me if it hurts or you want me to stop.” Cub said, pressing his hand against Grian’s back at the start of the wings. Grian winced at the touch, Cub pulled his hand away immediately.
“No! It’s okay I just didn’t expect it” Grian straightened up. Cub pressed his hand again. He felt the area around his wings before going up to the wings. It was significantly more painful. Grian dropped his head wincing.
“You okay?” Cub asked, Grian nodded slightly. Cub kept looking for wounds on his wings.
It was absolute hell. It hurt a lot. Cub finished eventually. Even though Grian was fully aware Cub was probably going to check the wings on his head.
“So I’m going to wrap your wings in bandages because it looks like they have some pretty significant damage done- most likely from the fall.” Cub gestured vaguely. “It’ll take at least two week your wings to heal. I need to check the ones on your head”
Grian sighed. “Yeah.” Cub rolled over to the desk.
“Would you like a certain color or would just white do?” Cub asked.
“Uhm- just white would be fine.” Grian murmured. Cub hummed in response. Grian winced feeling the bandages be wrapped tightly around his wings.
“Sorry” Cub apologized. Grian nodded. Cub finished wrapping his wings, and started checking out the ones on his head. That wasn’t as painful. That pair of wings didn’t sustain many injuries. It was mainly his back that took all the damage.
Grian heard the door open in the front. Three voices shouted from the front. The foot steps grew closer.
“Hey! Don’t go in there! Cub’s-” Cleo tried to warn the two strangers, the door burst open anyways. Grian jumped at the door opened, he covered his chest.
“OHH CUB!” One dude announced. He was tall, he tapped his cane against the floor leaning forward on it. He had bright jade green eyes and a cocky smirk. A scar that climbed up on his face and some on his hands. He wore a similar outfit to Lizzie except his tie was red and he wore a longer pair of pants. Grian blushed.
“Scar! Not now” Cub shouted, getting up to cover Grian.
The guy- Scar- laughed it off, trying to see who Cub was blocking. “Who is that?” Scar asked, he sounded like a curious kid.
“Scar leave him alone-” One of the voices spoke up. Grian recognized that voice but from where.
Soon enough, everyone was in this cramped room. Grian still facing the wall trying not to die from embarrassment.
“Everyone needs to get out!” Cleo spoke up. No one listened.
“Scar why’d you even come in here” Another voice jumped in.
“Why don’t we all take this outside?” Lizzie suggested. Again ignored.
A laugh came from Scar. “I wanna meet the new guy though”
“Maybe later when I’m done with my check up” Cub begged, still blocking Grian. Which he was ever so thankful for.
“Jimmy help us out here” Lizzie begged.
“Come on, mate” One voice perked up. “He’s not gonna help”
Grian whipped around, pushing Cub out of the way. He didn’t care that he was shirtless anymore. Upon shoving Cub out of the way he was greeted with a familiar face. One he’s known for years. The familiar suit and tie- except he was missing the blazer and his sleeves were rolled up, one arm covered in a sleeve of tattoo’s. Grian remembered being there for emotional support when he got those tattoos.
“MUMBO!?!?”
The room fell silent
“GRIAN!?!”