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Having only two life’s left now, Pika and Quackitus became a lot more aware of what happened around them. The two had been attached to the hip, Pika too scared to let Quackitus out of their sight. Quackitus far too protective of the other, feeling any sense of fear or rapid pulse making the other freak. The two couldn’t separate, and the two couldn’t stop being scared when separated.
The duo knew it was a weakness but neither would forget the utter pain it felt to be separated. Mugm had already pointed it out, and had scheduled a session to be separated for that day. Stormz had gone after the two, both far too upset to listen to Mugm. Though, they did know it was important to train being apart. That didn’t mean Pika wasn’t trembling when they made it to the open area. That didn’t mean Quackitus wasn’t clenching her fits tightly. Even with the two being there it was clear both wanted to be far far away from there. Mugm and Stormz knew they had to be prepared for panic.
The room was dimmed slightly, a set of blankets and pillows on the floor. Bottles of water and small snacks on a table beside a set of armchairs. Mugm and Stormz sat in the arm chairs across from the empty set of chairs. They watched Pika and Quackitus.
“No- no I can’t do this.” Pika said, his voice shaky
“No, no it’s okay we got this Pika.” Quackitus assured, though their own hands trembled.
“I can’t separate again! No! Do you not remember how bad it was? How empty, how numb it was?! You have to! It was hell- I- I can’t- I can’t do it again.” Pika cried, ignoring the look MugM and Stormz exchange
“Pika, we did tell you that this was going to happen.” Mugm said, voice holding a hint of guilt.
“I’m- no! I won’t-” Pika rambled
Stormz stood, walking over to Pika, Pika took a step back in fear. Stormz rested his hands on Pika's shoulders and pushed her to the couch. Quackitus followed, looking nervous and guilty.
“No! No! Stormz please-” Pika cried
The other three watched all, holding a look of surprise on just how quickly Pika started crying. The connection between the two hadn’t even been broken yet. Pika tried to get up but Stormz held her down.
“Stormz, is that really-” Quackitus started
“Quackitus shh. Sit down now. Mugm do it once Q is sitting.” Stormz said, his voice dull.
Pika rambled letting out small cries and repeating the word no. Once Quacktius activated it, both of them felt a pit of emptiness. It took Quackitus a heavy breath and clenched fists before they seemed somewhat ok. Their body were trembling but not as bad as it was the time before. On the other hand, Pika had started letting out large harsh sobs. His body was shaking and trembling as he gripped his arms tight.
“Okay, Stormz what the hell.” Mugm said, pushing Stormz away and bending down beside Pika.
“Please- Please-”
“Hey, Hey Pika, it's ok. It’s just me, you can breathe just fine. Listen to my voice.” Mugm said softly
Quackitus stayed silent watching
“M- M where’s- I”
“No no, it’s okay. You’ll be fine. Just breathe for me. Like this.” Mugm said
Pika gripped Mugm tightly, shaking.
“Y-you’re real right?” Pika mumbled
“Yeah I’m real. You’re ok Pika , just breathe” Mugm said
Pika slowly calmed down, the numbness, the tiredness not going away, but it becoming a somewhat manageable level.
“Does this mean it’s cuddle time?” Quackitus joked weakly
Pika was still on edge, tremors racking through them. Mugm gripping Pikas pulse point tight.
“Sorry Pika.” Stormz muttered.
Pika nodded, resting his head on Mugms shoulder feeling the numbness.
“Come on, let's relax.” Mugm mumbled, helping Pika stand and move to the blankets.
Pika was still crying but it wasn’t as bad. The four bodies all moved to curl beside each other. Pika curled against Mugm and Quackitus against Stormz. It was silent besides Pika small cries and Mugms comforted whispers.
Way sooner than any of the three would’ve liked, Pika passed out from exhaustion. His breaths were wet and shallow as he curled against Mugm. Quackitus was quiet against Stormz.
“Talk to us Q, what’s up?” Stormz said
“It’s just a pit of emptiness. It’s so numbing.” Quackitus mumbles
“I’m sorry. If they hadn’t attached you guys this wouldn’t be such a big thing. You guys have been friends for so long and they took advantage of that.” Stormz said
“Why does it hurt Pika more?” Quackitus mumbled
“I’m assuming because of the trauma that comes from not having the connection now. Pika's mind only remembers being maced and not knowing that you were safe and ok. It doesn’t remember the good training parts of being separated from you.” Stormz explained
Mugm stayed silent, holding Pika close. Listening to Stormz and Quackitus talk.
“How do we help them..?” Quackitus mumbled
“We are there for her. And when his mind is better we help.” Stormz said, voice soft
Pika continued to sleep, and soon enough with Stormz no longer talking, Quackitus dozed off.
“What do we do MugM?” Stormz asked softly, holding Quackitus close
“We help them, and stay here for them.” Mugm said
“Will that be enough? Quackitus can be better, but Pika?” Stormz whispered
“Pika just needs help and affirmations. Once Pika’s mind thinks she’s ok, Pika can get better.” Mugm assured
The duo stayed awake for a while holding the two, surprisingly Pika woke up.
“Where- where’s Q-“ Pika whimpered
“Shhh it’s okay, Quackitus is sleeping.” Mugm assured
Pika curled up, gripping Mugm tightly.
“How are you feeling, Pika?” Stormz asked over his shoulder
“Tired, numb.” Pika mumbled
Mugm sighed, rubbing Pikas shoulders.
“Go back to sleep, Pika.” Mugm said
“What about you?” Pika mumbled
“Me and Stormz will sleep too.” Mugm smiled
Pika nodded, letting their eyes slip shut again.
Mugm and Stormz stayed up a little longer, letting the silence fill the void. Stormz connected the two again before the two went to sleep.
Pika's heart was now matching with Quackitus.
Mugm drifted, he would help Pika, he wouldn’t give up. After all, if he wasn’t a weapon for pain, then neither was Pika.