Chapter Text
Grim was the first who noticed that something was wrong with his precious henchman. The smile seemed forced on their face, sweat beaded on their forehead, their breathing was quick and shallow.
"Hey henchman, are you sick?" Grim asked, a hidden worry ringing in his voice. They just shook their head silently and continued the day despite all the difficulties. Grim did nothing. Squirrel have always been able to get over everything quickly enough. No illness had ever knocked them off their feet. Weakness would have been unusual for them. In the eyes of Grim and their friends, Squirrel was the epitome of courage and unshakable determination. They would never give up. So Grim left it unsaid and did nothing.
And he was wrong about that. The next thing he knew, his best friend was collapsing in the middle of their room and despite his desperate calls, they wouldn't come back to their consciousness.
Ace and Deuce were on their way to Ramshackle for some afternoon fun - ahem, studying. They were surprised to find that the usual warm welcome was gone and only a scared Grim ran towards them at the door. The two Heartslabyul students quickly rushed upstairs. They lifted their unconscious friend into bed.
"They’re burning with fever...What should we do?" Deuce asked helplessly. Ace hurriedly put a wet cloth on their friend's forehead, then searched for his phone and threw an emergency report message into their group chat. Emergency! Everyone to Ramshackle quickly! The message appeared and was read immediately on 20 other phones as well. Ace and Deuce sat on the edge of the bed waiting for the others to arrive, casting worried glances at the still unconscious Squirrel.
"What happened?" Jack asked as he entered. Epel and Rook appeared right behind him.
"We don't know. They have a high fever. They’re unconscious. That's how we found them…"
It didn't take long for everyone else to run in. The small room was full of people. But this was their habit. This was their little gathering point, which was always happy to welcome any of them. Here they could be honest, here they could relax, here they could hide from the responsibilities of life. Here a kind smile and an understanding listener awaited them. And when that kind smile needed help, they felt it was their duty to hurry there as quickly as possible. After all, that kind smile had saved them from their demons.
None of them said anything, they just silently crowded around Squirrel. Vil soaked the cloth again, then put it back on their forehead. Trey put a basket of cookies on top of the nightstand. Jack and Silver leaned against the windowsill, watching their every little movement. Epel and Leona sat on the floor with their backs against the bed, waiting for their friend to open their eyes. Jamil wrapped the blanket tightly around them. Malleus followed their silhouette with a worried look, running his hand over the other’s. Sebek muttered something under his breath, saying that they should take better care of themself. Riddle was browsing healing methods on Idia's tablet with the help of Ortho and Idia (who surprisingly also showed up in person). Cater wanted to lean against the table, but accidentally knocked over the small box placed on the edge. The box hit the ground, its lid sliding a few inches on the floor. Everyone flinched at the noise.
"Damn -I mean, Oh Sevens!" Cater stopped himself from swearing. "Sorry." The boy laughed embarrassedly and bent down to pick up the box and the lid. "And what is this...?" The surprised question escaped his lips.
"What's in it?" Ruggie peeked over Cater's shoulder and looked into the box.
"Folded papers?"
"Why would they keep folded papers in a box like that?" Sebek growled and he also stepped closer.
"I advise us to look inside." Azul reached for the box.
"No way! As if I’d let you rummage through their personal belongings. Why? To blackmail them afterwards?" Riddle stopped him in his tracks.
"But maybe it would be worth looking inside..." Jade began, thoughtfully resting a finger on his chin. "Have you noticed that they have been acting strangely lately? As there's more insincerity in that kind smile that we all love for its honesty. You all noticed it too, right?"
Yes. They all noticed it. But none of them said anything. They thought that if Squirrel needed help, they would ask. But none of them could deny the fact that their dear friend was acting strangely.
"Maybe we'll find the answer in these papers. Maybe we could help them with this." Jade's comment stirred something in each of them.
Yes, they were curious about what the box could hold, but there was also a little hesitation in them. They all wanted to help. And they couldn't think of a better idea.
Cater reached into the box and pulled out a piece of paper. He unfolded it and began to read.