Chapter Text
When someone is born, they begin to learn. Development comes with understanding one's surroundings, and oneself. Laughter means happiness. Crying means sadness. Lying is wrong. There is good and bad creativity. At first, these concepts develop as black and white constructs, only scratching the surface. Later in life, more emotions come to light, and more ideas are taken to heart. Depth and complexity is developed.
The first was Emotions. When Thomas was first brought into the world, he cried. Emotions were how he navigated the world. Mom made him happy, so he smiled. Hunger made him upset, so he cried. This was how he learned to communicate. He learned what felt good, and what didn't. And when he learned what felt wrong...
In came Self Preservation. He worked with Emotions most of the time. When something hurt, Thomas learnt that crying for help was the best option. When Thomas was in trouble, he'd lie to protect himself. But Emotions would guide him to telling the truth, doing what was right. So, Emotions became Morality.
Up next was Creativity. Arts and crafts, singing along with Disney movies, making stories for his stuffed animals, Creativity shined. He worked with Morality a lot as well, as many stories needed emotions and direction. But the more he worked, the more they learned what was...acceptable.
After a few too many drawings or ideas that concerned or grossed out Thomas' playground friends, Morality and Self Preservation decided they needed to help Thomas. It was Self Preservations idea in the first placed, and Morality backed him up. Thomas didn't need to be bullied for his ideas, he needed to push them down. So, Creativity split.
One side became Whimsy. He guided Thomas' fantastical ideas. Knights in shining armor, kittens being saved from trees, the happy and soft ideas. The other side became...unnamed. He took reign of Thomas'...other thoughts. Thoughts that Self Preservation and Morality believed would cause more harm than good. So he handled the more real aspects of Thomas' ideas, while Whimsy added a sugar coat to keep things palatable. Each side knew this was for the best, and agreed their whole purpose was help Thomas be the best he could be.
After a while, a new side appeared. Having learned about the fantastical side of life, Thomas started to gain interest the more realistic side of it. So, Reason appeared. Ironically, him and the other half of creativity's split, now labelled Realism, worked together to give Thomas the thirst for knowledge. Whether good or bad, Reason believed it was better to know. This caused...strain between him and Self Preservation, as well as Whimsy.
"We all agreed, Thomas doesn't need to see how awful this world can be. It adds more harm to his mental health than good!" Self Preservation hissed.
"On the contrary. I believe that this can only help him." Reason spat back. "Rose colored glasses can only help for so long." At this, Whimsy looked at him confused.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Whimsy started, but Morality held him back.
"Listen kiddos, I think we just need to take a big ol' breather!" Morality said. He turned to Reason, "I understand that you believe Thomas needs to know more to keep himself safe, but maybe some things should stay...hidden." Without realizing, he looked at Realism and winced. "W-what I mean is-"
"You think we don't know that? Thats why I agreed to the split! I want what's best for Thomas just as much as you!" Realism spat out. "Thats why I've been trying to reach him!" Realism yelled, but covered his mouth.
"You what...?" Self Preservation muttered. His tone dripped with venom and Realism fidgeted under his glare. "You know- no, you AGREED in the plan!" At this point, Self Preservation was waving his arms in the air. Gone was his calm attitude, now he was furious. "Thomas doesn't NEED to know these things. You just want to feel important!" At this, Realism dropped his hand from his mouth. The other sides stared at Self Preservation, shocked at the outburst. His arms stayed raised, his mouth open, but no words came out. "Wait, no that's not...." He tried to fix it, but he had already spoke. "Morality, please..." he pleaded to the other side. For... backup? Help? he wasn't sure, but he needed someone on his side. He needed their plan to stay together.
The moral compass moved from Whimsy's side to Self Preservations. He put a hand on his shoulder, and turned to Realism. "Listen bud.... he's right." He said. But he didn't sound sure of himself. He nodded, maybe to encourage himself, but his words still fell flat. While they spoke, Whimsy slowly made his way to his brothers side to offer him comfort. Realism refused his touch. "You can't be talking to Thomas, not yet. Not while he's still so young. He's impressionable!" Self Preservation nodded numbly.
"Thats exactly why he needs us! That is why Realism and I need to show him the dangers! Knowledge is power-" Reason started, but was interrupted.
"You started this?" Self Preservation said quietly, but his anger was heard. Realism straightened his shoulders, and nodded firmly. Self Preservation gave a dry laugh in response.
Finally, Whimsy chimed in. "I don't understand what's so wrong with Realism helping Thomas? I mean, don't we all want what's best for him?"
"Thats easy for you to say. You're allowed to help him." Realism spat. He didn't mean to direct his anger at his brother, but he couldn't fire back at Self Preservation and Morality. Not when they had the control. Whimsy flinched at his words, and backed off. Realism refused to meet his eyes. Whimsy stepped back from him, and bumped into Morality who put his other hand on his shoulder. He shook him off.
"Maybe what Thomas needs.." muttered Realism, "Is to listen to someone other than you two".
"That is NOT our goal Realism and you know it. You all need to stop speaking with so much emotion, and gather yourselves!" Reason yelled.
Now it was Morality's turn to get upset. "Emotions..? Whats so wrong with that?" Reason started to tell him that's not what he meant, but Morality continued. "Maybe that's why you aren't able to lead Thomas in the right direction! You're too caught up on facts that you can't see the actual truth! You two are hurting him!" At this point, Morality was toe to toe with Reason, his voice raised and his finger on his chest. Something in Reason's face changed, but he stood strong. Slowly, he moved the other sides finger.
"I will have you understand, all I want is for Thomas to learn. To understand there is more to the world than sunshine and rainbows" he pointed to Whimsy. "The real harm is you. Suppressing the truth. Hiding it. THAT is what will cause Thomas to falter. Knowledge is power, and you all are making him weak. I will not apologize for seeking the correct path for him." With that, Reason sunk out. Morality stood, shocked. He was shocked with reason, but more at himself. Behind him, he heard a sniff.
"I just wanted to help. I didn't want this..." realism blubbered, but Self Preservation stopped him.
He spoke soft, but his words were heavy. "That is why you must stick to our plan. It is for the best."
The other side numbly nodded his head, and sunk out as well.
Self preservation sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Morality hugged himself, rubbing his arms to give a semblance of comfort. And Whimsy...
He stomped over to Self Preservation and gave him a soft shove. Not enough to push him, but to make his point clear. He frowned, tears in his eyes as he spoke. "You're a bully. You pick on people to make yourself feel better. All Realism wanted was to help!"
Self preservation stared at him. Something in his face changed. "Oh, is that so? And what exactly did you do, huh?" he questioned, poking Whimsy's chest. "One harsh word from your brother, and you flee. If I'm a bully, then what exactly does that make you."
Whimsy stared at him, his shoulders tense. Tears were falling now, but he refused to acknowledge them. He glared at the former side, who glared back. Morality tried once again to put a hand on his shoulder, but he brushed him off.
Whimsy put his attention on Morality now. His face was painted in anger, but also hurt. "And you..." he said. "Why are you siding with him. "
Morality struggled to find his words, stammering a reply, but Self Preservation spoke for him. "Because he knows that this," he waved his arms to signify the situation they were in, " is not what Thomas needs. He understands that I want what's best for Thomas. "
Whimsy looked at him and scoffed. "Now that.... is the biggest lie you've said tonight." With that, he looked at Morality once more, and sunk out.
The two remaining stood in silence. Self Preservation looked at Morality, but he only turned away. His arms were still tightly wrapped around his frame, and his chest shook.
"I know....." he started, taking a breath ,".... I know you want the best for him. For all of us. But...". Finally he turned to look the other in the eye. " I don't think this the way to go about it. You.... WE ...are hurting them. We're hurting Thomas."
Self Preservation stared at him. He didn't know what to say. If morality thought he was wrong.... was he hurting Thomas? Was his whole plan, his entire goal.....
"Morality, I-"
"Hello...?"