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Jax was absolutely exhausted after the latest adventure. It was supposed to be a fun time in a winter wonderland with Ribbit and Kaufmo. They were supposed to be running around in the snow, having a snowball fight, make snowmen, relax with hot cocoa. It was going to be a happy memory he’d cherish forever. But it ended up turning sour.
Ribbit kept going on and on about how she might’ve found the exit. She was trying to get Jax to go with her. But Jax gave up hope of leaving a long time ago. He accepted his life here. It’s not like his real life was any better. In fact, he’d rather stay here than go back. He doesn’t have anybody waiting for him anyway. But Ribbit didn’t understand his situation. She kept insisting they could leave together. Jax started getting mad and fought back. He ended up saying some hurtful things that he didn’t mean. It ended up being really awkward the rest of the adventure.
Once he had time to cool off, Jax felt immensely bad for the whole thing. He had a hard time controlling his anger and easily lashes out. Which leads to hurting the people he loves. He’s hurt a few other people in his life like that. And he felt guilty every time. And Ribbit was the last person he wanted to hurt. She had been his best friend since she got here. She reached out to him when nobody else did. They supported each other, laughed together, shared stories. He cared for her so much. So much he can’t even describe it in words. He… loved her.
He gave Ribbit some space for a while and hung out in his room. He layed flat on his bed, his arms crossed under his head. Their conversation replayed in his mind over and over again. And the more he thought about it, the more his heart ached.
After enough time passed, he decided to get it over with it and apologize. He pushed himself off the bed and walked to her room. He simply stared at the door for a minute, fidgeting with his hands. He suddenly felt anxious. But he didn’t want things to stay like this. He needed to do this if he really wanted to keep their friendship.
Jax stretched out his arm and gave a few nervous knocks. “Uh, Ribbit? Can we talk?” He paused to see if she’d say anything. When she didn’t, he kept going. “Listen, I wanted to say I’m sorry for what happened. I didn’t mean anything I said. I was just mad.” He paused again but nothing. He continued with a sigh. “You are my friend. I care about you.” He shuffled his feet. “If you’re willing to hear it, I can explain everything.” He started getting a weird feeling when she still hasn’t said anything. He nervously chuckled. “C’mon Froggy, don’t leave me hanging.” He suddenly heard a crash from inside.
His mind immediately went into panic mode. He pulled out the key he had in his pocket and unlocked the door. “Ribbit, are you o-” When he swung open the door, his heart nearly stopped. He was only met with an abstraction. He stared wide eyed at what was left of his best friend. His mind was racing. “...R-Ribbit?” He muttered.
The abstraction stared at him with its multi-colored eyes. It didn’t move and just looked at him. There was a small hint of recognition in its eyes. Ribbit was still in there.
Jax slowly stepped forward, still in shock. He cautiously extended an arm and placed his hand on her body. All the eyes looked at his hand then closed them, seemingly leaning into the touch.
In that moment, Jax lost his composure. He let out small whimpers as he started sobbing. “I-I’m sorry.” He whispered. “I’m so sorry.”
“Jax?”
He suddenly heard a voice from behind him. Startled, he quickly turned around. It was Ragatha. He couldn’t find anything to say to her. He just stood frozen.
Ragatha looked between him and the abstraction. Her expression softened. “Jax…” She methodically walked towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Once he realized what she was doing, he struggled against her grip. “Ragatha, let me go.” He tried pushing her arms off. “Let me go!” As she started dragging him out, he desperately reached out to the abstraction. “No! Ribbit!” He cried out. He struggled the whole way. “Ribbit!! I’m sorry! Come back!” He screamed as he was pulled completely out of the room.
Ragatha quickly closed the door with her foot and faced toward Jax, hugging him tight. “I’m so sorry, Jax.” She whispered.
Jax collapsed to his knees and sobbed into her chest. He gripped tightly onto her, refusing to let go. His body was shaking while wracked with sobs. His wails echoed through the halls. His heart felt broken. He lost the person he loved the most. And it was his fault. He hurt her, and now he can’t take it back.
After a while, Caine appeared and put the abstraction into the cellar. Much to Jax’s dismay. He eventually quieted down, but tears still flowed out.
Ragatha stayed with him the whole time, trying her best to soothe him. Of course nothing she could do would get rid of his pain completely, but she can at least try to comfort him.
Jax had shifted to leaning against her chest, ears drooping down. He had a tired expression and honestly wanted to end it all. He just wanted his best friend back. He’d do anything to get her back.
Ragatha was gently petting his head and held him close. “How are you feeling, Jax?” She asked.
“Numb.” He merely said. His voice was hoarse from the screaming he did earlier.
She frowned. “You should get some rest.”
Jax certainly was exhausted right now. Especially with the adrenaline coming out of his body. But he didn’t want to go back to his room right now. “I wanna stay here.” He squeaked.
“Okay. You can rest here.” She continued petting him gently.
He layed still for a while with the occasional sniffling. Eventually, the exhaustion hit him hard and he passed out. Though Ragatha remained still for a bit.
She finally decided to pick him up and carry him to his room. She walked in and layed him in his bed, tucking him in.
She stood there silently for a bit then sighed. “I’m sorry, Jax. I let you down.” She witnessed the fight. She could’ve stepped in to stop it. She didn’t know if that’d stop Ribbit from abstracting, but maybe she could’ve helped relieve the tension. But she didn’t. And now Jax had his heart broken.
Before she felt any worse, she walked out and quietly closed the door behind her.
A few hours passed and Jax finally woke up. He slowly opened his eyes to find himself in his room. The memories from earlier came flooding back in his head. Suddenly his eyes shot wide open and he quickly sat up. “Ribbit!”
He stood up and walked to Ribbit’s door. He stopped as soon as he saw the red X across her portrait. She’s gone. It’s my fault.
Feeling defeated, he took a seat with his back against the door. He pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his face in them. He didn’t move for a long time.