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bluepenguinstories · 4 years

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Happiness Overload Chapter Forty-Eight

There was no hesitation.

After all, what did I have to hesitate about? I had no attachments to this world.

My goal was clear, simple, precise. Go in, talk to them, and leave. Find out whatever I needed to know and nothing more. I was owed that much.

So how long would that be? A few minutes? An hour? Oh, I could only hope. When it came time to act on what should have been simple goals, there was always something to make it so much less simple. So far, however, there had been little in the way of complications since I set out; as if a scent in the air, I followed the trail, and it led me to an unassuming house in a near-empty city. If all went well, and I left, I could break ties with this existence and be at peace with everything.

There was no doubt. I was about to step through and face the one responsible. I knew that even so much as a conversation could become a challenge when faced with someone who likes to toy with words, but I would not let that stop me. I would make sure to get what I came for.

Two more days to make something work but all I wanted to do was stay in bed. Sound familiar? Yeah, I know. Broken record. At least things were different, even if only slightly. For one, I felt a nudging against my shoulders and chest as I fought against having to be awake.

“Get up already, you lazy bum!”

Nudge, nudge.

“Nngh!” I tossed, or tried to toss. My eyes begged to open, but I fought back.

“It's 8 AM! I'm hungry! I want breakfast!” Ah, I recognize that voice earlier. Wasn't there something we talked about the night before? Ah, not like it seemed all that relevant here.

“Go get some...” I mumbled. “Tell the people downstairs.”

“I did! I've already been up for a while now! They said they want to wait until you come down, too!”

Did she have to bark like she was giving orders? I mean, it had its charm, but some of us were still trying to sleep.

...Okay, so I was still trying to sleep, but it didn't seem to be working.

“Do I really have to be the deciding factor? Can't a girl get her beauty sleep?”

“No.”

Wow. How direct.

She nudged harder, to the point where I think I was starting to enjoy it.

“GET. UP. NOW.”

She bean pecking away at my neck, one of those neck attacks of hers. Quite lethal.

“T-That tickles! If you keep that up I'm gonna wanna kiss you back!”

She stopped.

“Hey, why'd you stop?”

My eyes were open now. There she was, scowl on her face, right on top of me.

“Are you going to get up now? I'll keep going if you do.”

“Mm...on second thought, I can live without kisses.”

“Oh, fuck you! I'm gonna push you off this bed!”

“Heh. Usually I'd be pushed onto the bed, not off.”

Maybe I shouldn't have said those words. I should've known that I'd have to eat them. Right on cue, she growled, and started pushing.

“Hey, hey, stop! Fine!”

She continued pushing and I found myself closer to the edge.

“Birch, please!” I pleaded and that was that. I lost balance and hit the floor. My poor butt.

“...I immediately regret choosing that name.”

It took me a second to register what she meant, and then I had to hold back laughter.

“I didn't mean it like that!” I looked up at her. At first, she looked sad, but then her lips formed a smug smile.

“Y'know, that name was never gonna stick. Think I'll change my name to Coriander. 'Cause I'm so spicy.” Wow. So smooth.

“You can change your name a million times and I'll still think of you the same,” I replied while making a mental note to start referring to her as Coriander.

“Oh yeah? And what do you think of me?”

“Why don't you come down here and find out?”

The mood must have been just right because she pounced off the bed and right onto me. I retaliated with some moves of my own, and...

...We woke back up a few hours later. Some things happened, okay?

Together, we made our way downstairs where the others were already seated at one of the couches (Trent at one far end of the couch, Juniper about a cushion away, and Blanc on the other end. There was a wide empty space, but that's just how things were with long couches like that. My question was: how did those two afford such nice furniture? Or maybe they didn't. Maybe they just looted it sometime after this whole shitstorm went down. Why did I end up going on such a long tangent?) with plates on their laps with what looked to be sandwiches.

“What are you guys doing?!” Coriander ran over to them and demanded. “Are you eating breakfast already?!”

“Actually, we're having lunch. Some turkey sandwiches. We had breakfast a couple hours ago,” Trent explained.

“You said you would wait up!”

“Yeah, but we thought you wouldn't be long.”

“What time is it, anyway?” I jumped into the conversation and asked.

“11 AM,” Trent told me.

“Eh, three hours. That's not long, is it?”

“Gimme that sandwich!” Coriander reached over and tried to snatch Trent's sandwich, but he pulled his hand away in time.

“Make your own!” He fired back.

Rather than do that, Coriander moved on to Juniper. “You're nice, right? Gimme some of your sandwich!”

Juniper broke off a piece and smiled her sweet smile. “Say 'aah'”

“What are you doing? Don't tease her like that,” Trent scolded.

No matter, Coriander opened her mouth and went “aah!”

It appeared that Juniper was about to put a piece of the sandwich in Coriander's mouth, but then stopped herself. “Wait. Did you wash your hands?”

“What?!” Coriander was taken aback. “Of course! I took a shower and I washed my hands, like, four hours ago!”

“Now that you mention it, I haven't taken a shower yet,” I spoke off-hand.

“Oh! Maybe you'd like to take another shower, Birch?”

“Actually, it's Coriander now and what?”

“Oh, sorry! Coriander! Maybe you and Velvet could take a shower at the same time?” Juniper suggested, which, the suggestion left even me in shock.

“Are you suggesting that she and I...?”

Juniper shrugged. “Why not? It would save on energy and you two could both get clean at the same time.”

Coriander stomped. “I don't need a damn shower! I need food!” I watched as she stormed off into the kitchen.

“I'll just go take my shower by myself,” I pointed behind me. “Likewise, I can make my own food.”

“Okay! See you in a bit!” She waved.

After my shower, I made my way back down, made myself a sandwich, and sat at the couch at the other end of the living room from where Trent, Juniper, and Blanc sat. I took my seat at the end of the couch which was closest to the stairs, and Coriander, with a sandwich in her hand, ate at the chair next to me.

“Say,” Blanc finally spoke up. “It looks like we're all having lunch, huh?”

I nodded. Yes. Everyone else, including Coriander, must have made themselves a second sandwich while I was just starting to have my first one. Damn, and to think, my hair would take a while to dry and I was just starting to eat.

Blanc beamed, bobbing their head and kicking their feet against the base of the couch. “Yes! Yes it is! She should come to me any minute now...hm...”

“Who?” I asked, but before Blanc could answer my question, the front door burst open.

No hesitation. I burst through the door and set my sights on Blanc as I moved with haste until I stood right next to where they were seated.

“There you are!” I pointed at the target. “At last, I've found you, and now you will tell me everything! First of all,” my peripheral vision set in and I started to notice that there were two others seated next to Blanc. “WHAT IS JUN--”

I stopped myself. I almost cried out, “what is Juniper doing here?!” But I managed to stop myself before I could reveal anything about my identity. As I turned around, I saw two other women seated beside each other, who stared at me, all confused-like.

“Err...what I meant to say is 'what is Jupiter a planet for? 'Cause I need to go there to get more stupider!'” I hoped that worked. Damn it, none of this was supposed to happen. Not part of the plan at all. I couldn't tell, but I was certain Blanc was feeling rather smug about all this. Relishing in my embarrassment, I bet.

The two ladies continued to stare, both tilting their heads and their expressions a mixture of disgust and confusion.

Just ignore them. Just ignore...ugh! Why is this happening? This is no good!

I began to pace around the room, palm on my forehead, looking down.

“This isn't good, not good at all. I come in expecting to talk to Blanc and she's here with them. Not good. No, not good at all,” I muttered. It was clear all my planning was falling apart as I became a nervous wreck and the whole problem was her.

“Hey!” The impish lady with blue hair barked at me. Blue hair...wonder if she was anything like the other blue haired woman I knew? No, probably not. She was a unique case. “What's your deal? You can't just barge into somebody else's house and expect some warm welcome.”

Oh no. The tiny one was right. I continued to pace.

“My deal, my deal...yes, I...err...”

What could I say?

“Who do you think you are, anyway?” The imp spoke again. The mouth on her, I swear.

“Who I am, who I am...” I couldn't just tell them my name. That could have been dangerous.

“Hey guys!” Blanc spoke up. “This is my friend!”

I nodded, sheepish and with vigor.

“Her name is Ve...Ve...”

Don't you dare say it!

“Versace!” Blanc blurted.

“What? That's not my name! My name is Ve--” Before I finished my sentence, the red haired one at the couch raised her hand.

“Yes?” I addressed her.

“Velvet?” She seemed to suggest.

“No, that's not my name. What is your name?”

“Velvet.”

“Why would that be my name, then if that's your name?”

“I just figured since you started to say 'Ve' and all...”

“Well, no. My name is Ve--”

Again, before I could finish, her hand shot back up.

“Yes?” This was really starting to get on my nerves.

“Velverosa?”

“I don't know what that is but that's not my name. Why do you think that would be my name?”

“Oh, she's a character from a webcomic I read once! She looks kinda like you, except you don't have the horns, wings, tail...”

“I think I know that one!” Juni...no. Oh god, why did I have to be reminded she was there? “Is that the one where there's that demon queen and she lives atop a tower and this girl keeps going up to the top of the tower?”

“Uh-huh!” Velvet, that strange person, replied. “That's the one!”

“Come to think of it, you do look kinda like the main character! Maybe if you cut your hair down to shoulder length, you could cosplay as her?”

What is going on right now?

“Enough!” I shouted, as I looked to quiet everyone down. “My name is Versailles, but you can call me Verse.” There. As far as made up names go, that one would have to do. Close enough to the name I had used for years, but not so much to the point that anyone would know any better.

I could hear those two ladies, the tiny one and Velvet, snicker.

“What? What's so funny?”

“Nothing,” Velvet assured. “Nothing at all...Verse...” Another snicker.

Does she know the truth?

“There's a joke I'm not getting, isn't there?”

The two just snickered again. “No, you're good, you're good.”

I'm the butt of a joke right now, I just know it. I deserve it, though, don't I? Am I not the one who barged right through that door and made a fool of myself?

“Um...may I sit down?” I pointed to the couch where Velvet sat. Hell, even the empty chair closest to the door would have suited me just fine.

“Yeah, sure. But could you go close the door first? You're letting a lot of cold air in,” Trent replied, as courteous as always. Damn, what was wrong with me? I could think about his name just fine?

“Of course. Thank you, you're as generous as ever, Tre...vor. Sorry, for a second there, I thought you were my brother-in-law, Trevor.”

You nailed it, Ves. You fucking nailed it.

“Ah, I see. I've been mistaken for other people before, but Trevor's a first,” he replied.

As I went to the door and closed it, he continued. “It's Trent, by the way. Trent Bark. And beside me is my sister, Juniper.”

I felt myself twitch, my heart jumped in place.

Yeah. I know.

“Ah,” although I felt like my face was flushed from that blunder of an entrance, I did my best to keep composed. “It's very nice to meet you two.”

Is it, though?

I took my seat at the couch, a position closest to the door, even if it meant I would have to be face to face with Juniper. Fine. So be it.

“I like your hair, Miss Verse,” Juniper spoke. To me. Of all people, she had to address me. “It's all shiny and silvery!”

“Um, thank you. Miss...yes,” I cleared my throat. “Thank you. You also have hair.”

What am I doing?

“Wait a second...” Velvet spoke up. “You look familiar.”

“Yeah,” Trent piped up, too. “Now that you mention it, you do.”

No. No I don't. You've never seen me before.

“Oh yeah, I think I see it, too, Trent!” That...sister...added.

“You're Etna, aren't you?” Velvet accused. Juniper gasped.

“Miss CEO?”

I turned to Velvet. “I'm not a hologram.”

“I knew it!” She pointed. “You ARE her!”

“Would you like to feel me?” I suggested.

“No way! I may like girls, but I still have standards! I'm not into evil!”

“Suit yourself,” I shrugged. “But also, I'm not her. As to why I look similar to her...I cannot say. It's pure coincidence.”

Everyone gave a sigh of relief. I did the same, being glad they could let go of their suspicion so soon.

“Oh yeah, now that I get a better look at you, there's no way you could be Miss CEO,” Juniper noted. What was with that nickname, by the way? 'Miss CEO'? “You look more like a librarian.”

“...What?”

“No,” Velvet interjected. “She looks more like a librarian who practices BDSM on the side.”

“You know, I really don't appreciate being speculated upon...”

“Oh, you're right!” My objections went unanswered. “Like a librarian dominatrix!”

Since when did Juniper talk like that? No. Best not to wonder such things. She is not the same person I am familiar with.

“Again, I would rather you didn't --”

“I bet she acts real tough and like a top, but is really a bottom,” Velvet suggested.

“I don't know what those words mean, but again, I do not want to be speculated on.”

“Ah, sorry, you seem to be one of those prim and proper ladies, aren't ya? Real reserved.”

My eyes lit up. “How could you tell?”

“Because,” Velvet smirked. “I am the best at what I do.”

“What is that?”

“Girls.”

I must be in hell. Fitting for a demon like me.

“Oh, come on, Velvet,” the blue-haired imp scolded her. “Just because her shades are gucci doesn't mean she wants you to tease her.”

“For your information, I do not wear shades, nor are they 'gushy'. I wear prescription eyewear because I need these to see better.”

“Oh my god, Coriander!” Velvet cackled. She looked like she was going to burst into laughter. How uncouth. “This Verse lady is more serious than you are!”

“Hmph. No one's more serious than me,” Coriander(? What kind of a name is that?) replied, crossing her arms. “I'm the most seriousest.”

Why isn't Blanc speaking up? Why are they allowing such a torment to persist?

Right. I had to focus on my objective. But before I could do that, I had to reclaim my dignity. That was when I remembered something: I've heard Blanc mention Velvet before.

“Your name was Velvet, correct?”

“Mhm!”

“Blanc told me a lot about you.”

Finally, this got their attention.

“Oh, yeah! I did! Back when I met you! How did we meet, again?”

“Oh dear, I cannot remember. It's been so long, hasn't it?”

“That's it! Back when I was in Paris!”

...What? I've never even BEEN to Paris.

Trent and Juniper both nodded their heads.

How? How are they just buying it? Do I even sound French to them? Wait. I see what Blanc's doing. Keeping up my secret. Thank you, Blanc.

“Right, when we, uh, met in Paris.”

“Was this before or after Blanc arrived at this universe?” Velvet questioned.

She knows Blanc isn't from this universe? Then, does she know already about me? I know I should have been out in the open about this, but then that would raise several more questions. What was I supposed to say to that?

“Definitely after!” Blanc replied. Thanks again, Blanc. “I never went to Paris back in the other universe! Was a first time experience when I came here!”

“Oh,” Velvet sounded relieved. “So this friend of yours isn't the one who shot you and cut you open and drank your blood?”

The fuck? How does she know about that? Blanc must have told her. Why did they bring that up? Why can't I move on from that?

“Nope! That friend's name was Vespa! I remember now!”

Whew. Saved again. Still, I felt like they were just toying with me.

“Alright. Good to know. So, Verse, what did Blanc say about me?”

“Oh,” my neutral expression turned to that of a devilish smile. “They told me about how you're such a huge dork.”

“HA!” Coriander laughed. “Ain't that the truth!”

“Hey!” She pursed her lips. “I'm not just a dork.”

“I also said you were super badass!” Blanc added.

Velvet perked up. “That is true!”

“Watch out, guys, we have a badass over here,” Coriander waved her arms about and laughed.

I didn't even try to fake a laugh. Rather, my smile remained as it was.

“Yes, they did say that. As well as how you like to act like some sort of secret agent.”

“I really don't like it when people think that,” Velvet puffed her cheeks and scowled.

“My question is: which of those aspects defines of you the most? I wonder...”

Okay, maybe I was starting to have too much fun.

“And you, little imp, do you just act so loud and commanding because of your stature?”

“Hey, no one's allowed to disrespect her except me!” Velvet came to Coriander's aid.

“I'll have you know, I was in the military,” Coriander growled.

“Disgusting. How much needless bloodshed are you responsible for?”

She gave no answer.

“And you two...” Shit. I wasn't sure if I could bring myself to say anything so scathing to them.

“You'll have to pardon my friend!” Blanc interrupted. “She's from France! You know the old saying, right? 'Pardon my french'? Well, that's her!”

“Ah, that explains it,” Trent replied.

“I'm not French, you ass!” I spat. “I'm Italian!”

I didn't know why I said that. I wasn't Italian.

“Ah, that also explains it.”

Explains what?!

“Hey! I'll have you know, Italians are also known for being excellent lovers.”

“Oh yeah?” Blanc leaned in. “Who was your last lover?”

You little shit! How dare you? And right in front of her, no less!

“T-That! Is private information!”

“Fair enough!” They grinned. “I was just curious!”

“Ooh, now I'm also curious,” Juniper perked up.

“I would really prefer not to. It's a sensitive subject for me, you see.”

“Aw, not even just a little hint?”

“If you keep this up, we're not going to get along.”

“Aw, okay...” She pouted. Yes. She really pouted.

This really feels like an inside joke that everyone else is in on but me.

“Here, I think we all got off on the wrong foot,” I decided once and for all that I was going to do what I came for, no matter the cost. “We're all friends of Blanc's, right?”

Everyone nodded.

“How about I make everyone a nice cup of tea?”

“You'd do that?” Velvet sounded astonished.

“Sure,” I shrugged. “I brought some tea leaves from home, as I love to make herbal tea for myself, but what's better than sharing tea with others?”

“You got me there, sis. Alright, then, load me up!” Velvet did little finger guns my way.

I got up from the couch and made my way to the kitchen.

“Say,” Velvet called to me. “Maybe I had the wrong impression. Maybe you aren't so bad after all.”

I wouldn't be so sure of that just yet.

“Oh, why thank you,” I laughed. “But I wouldn't go that far!”

As I walked to the kitchen, I stopped next to Blanc. “And what about you? Do you want some tea?”

“No thanks, tea makes me sleepy!” Blanc replied.

“Very well, then.”

Once in the kitchen, I got to work.

Something was fishy about her. Fishier than anchovy. I could tell, Coriander could tell, and I was sure Juniper could tell as well. Something was just off but I couldn't figure out what.

It wasn't like me to get so suspicious. Coriander would be, sure, but me? Nah. Only light suspicion. Grain of salt. Maybe a pinch of vinegar. It almost felt like when Blanc showed up at our apartment just the other day (when we still had an apartment). But, this was even more different. With Blanc, there was a sense of familiarity. Verse, on the other hand, only gave off red flags.

“Psst,” I whispered to Coriander. “What do you think of this Verse person?”

“She's weird, but that's par for the course for everyone we meet, it seems like.”

Well, shit. She wasn't wrong.

Guess I'd have to sit around and wait for anything to clue me in on what was giving off such bad vibes.

I watched as she emerged from the kitchen, no cups in hand. Seemed odd, until she opened her mouth.

“Would anyone like sugar in their tea?”

“Ooh! Me!” Juniper raised her hand up.

“Yes...you...may. You may have some sugar,” Verse sounded like she struggled to form her words. How odd indeed.

As Verse scurried back into the kitchen, Blanc turned to her.

“You're such an excellent host!” Blanc remarked.

“No, you're the excellent host,” she waved her hand and laughed.

“But I'm not even doing anything!”

“Are those two...flirting?” I blurted out, taken aback.

“Hey,” Juniper whispered, then leaned in, hand cupped over the left side of her mouth. “Just between you and me, I think those two might be married.”

“What are you talking about?” I replied.

“I noticed a ring on Verse's finger, and well, she did say she came to see Blanc specifically, right?”

“Err...no. Blanc doesn't seem like the type to get married. At least, I don't think so?”

Hm. Could it be possible, though? It didn't seem likely, but this was an alternate universe Blanc, so anything was possible, I suppose. But if the Blanc sitting across from me was anything like the Blanc I knew before, they wouldn't be interested in someone like that. At least not in that way.

Wait. She did say she had a brother-in-law named Trevor, right? Well, not that I even thought such a name existed, but it was worth a try asking.

“Hey Blanc?”

“Yes?”

“Just curious, do you have a brother named Trevor?”

They tilted their head. “Nope. Not in any of my past incarnations, either. Are you sure that's even a real name?”

I knew it. Something was up.

After serving everyone, including myself, a cup of tea, I sat back down. Right away, Coriander chugged it all down.

“Are you crazy?!” I shouted. “That's still hot!”

She belched. “Sorry, but if you wanna be tough, you gotta chug the whole thing down as soon as it's ready.”

“In what universe...oh, never mind.”

Velvet, who had been eying me with suspicion, took a sip, one eye open and facing me. “Mm, this is pretty good. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was...”

I gulped.

“...Chamomile.”

“Aha, you got me,” I laughed. “Guilty as charged! Chamomile is my favorite kind of tea!”

“Mine tastes kinda like burnt almonds,” Juniper pointed out.

“Oh yeah, ha ha! I added almond milk to it, to enhance the flavor.”

“Ah, almond milk. How fancy.”

I began to take a sip when Juniper spoke up again.

“So, if you don't mind me asking, how long have you and Blanc been together?”

I spit out my tea.

“What?”

“Yeah, I saw that ring on your finger, figured you and Blanc were married from the way you two were talking to each other.”

I shook my head. “No, no, no. You got it all wrong. While I do think Blanc has their own, shall we say, charms, I and them are not into each other.”

“Yeah!” Blanc jumped in. “Vampires aren't my thing!”

You little shit, can you pipe it down?

“Ignoring that comment, while I would not be opposed necessarily to the idea of being with someone nonbinary, granted, if they were feminine leaning. Which I don't think they are. Am I wrong, Blanc?”

“Nope! Not wrong at all! But it's cool how I'm friends with so many lesbians!”

I looked around me.

“Do you mean...?”

“Mhm!”

I laughed. “Small world, huh? Yes, I am as well.”

Juniper's eyes widened. “Wait, so that means...you have a wife?!”

“Yes. You,” I tripped over my words, again. “You are correct.”

“Whoa! That's so cool!”

I closed my eyes. “Yes, but I am not seeing her right now.”

“Aw, did you two break up?”

“No,” I kept my eyes closed. I didn't want to look her in the eyes. “There was a fight, you could say, and I just decided I needed to be alone for a while.”

“Sounds like a break up to me.”

My eyes opened, a nerve having been struck. “Well, it wasn't! Okay? Can we just leave it at that?”

Why was she getting to me so much? Come on! I needed to keep myself composed!

“Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. I've just been going through some things.”

“No, it's okay,” she replied. “I didn't realize it would be such a touchy subject.”

“You're telling me someone like you managed to nab a wife?!” Coriander asked, shocked at the prospect.

“Yes. Believe it or not. Now can we please drop the subject?”

“Hm...okay. I actually think it's pretty cool, but,” she yawned. “I am getting kinda sleepy. Velvet, can I sit on your lap?”

“Of course!” Velvet patted her knees. Then she yanwed as well. I watched as the two fell asleep, right on each other.

Next, Juniper leaned up against Trent and the two dozed off until the only people awake were Blanc and I.

As I took a sip of my tea, I awaited their response. Shock? Horror? Confusion? No, if I knew them, all of those reactions were unlikely.

“Jeez, talk about overkill,” they said at last. “You didn't have to spike their tea, y'know? I could've just suggested that they were exhausted after a long bout of talking, and all go to take a nap, if you wanted them asleep. Or I could've just asked 'hey guys, can you leave the room?' Or we could have just went to a different room.”

“They'll be fine. They're just going to take a little nap,” I took a sip of my uncorrupted tea.

“Still, did you have to go that far just to have a private conversation? I mean, I could've --”

“You have your methods, I have mine,” I interrupted them.

“Oh, alright. So, how have you been? What can I do for you?”

“I've been dealing with some things. Doing a little soul searching, you could say. I felt the need to go to a different universe in order to get away from it all.”

“Mm. How's that working out for you?”

“Take a guess,” I groaned.

Blanc pointed to the woman who was asleep a couple cushions down from them. “Will you be okay, what with who's here?”

“Her? Yeah. I'm fine. I'm fine, just fine,” I took a deep breath. “I'll be fine, really. I know she's not the same one that I know, so there should be nothing to worry about. Besides, it wouldn't be a good idea to get attached to anyone here, given what's going on in this version of Earth, and the fact that I am but a passerby.”

They continued to point their thumb in her direction. “You sure?”

“Yeah! I'm fine! Really! I'm just...fine...”

“Okay, just wanted to make sure,” they sounded concerned for a second there.

“That's not why I'm here, anyway.”

“Oh, yeah, of course! I figured that out! So what can I do for you?” They pulled out a syringe and vial. “Need me to donate blood?”

“What?! Do you just carry that around with you wherever you go?!”

“No, I just figured since you're here, you probably wanted a quick fix and it's not hard to create something like that out of thin air.”

“Well, I'm fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Gosh.”

“Okay, then...” They put the equipment back behind them.

“In fact, since I've been here, I've felt refreshed. The air here feels much accommodating. It must have to do with the state this world is in.”

“Ah, so you know?”

“Of course. I make it a habit to be aware of my surroundings wherever I go.”

“And yet you just barged in here like a maniac!” Blanc laughed.

“Look, that was a lapse in judgment.”

“Fair enough. So why are you really here?”

“Simple: I just want to talk. Have a few of my questions answered.”

“Ah, and you considered it a private matter? Very well, what do you want to talk about?”

“First off, might I ask who, or what, I'm speaking to?”

Blanc's smile grew wider and they began to burst into laughter. Then, with a wide grin, they spoke.

“I'M SO HAPPY YOU FIGURED IT OUT!” They then covered their mouth. “Oops! Inside voice! Some people are sleeping!”

“Wait! What was that just now?”

“A joke. I thought you'd appreciated it, or maybe only I did.”

“Yes. Only you.” I sighed. I knew this wasn't going to be easy.

“Though to answer your question, I am Blanc! I am also Euphoria!”

“How is that possible?”

They shrugged. “Simple. They're just names. You could call me whatever you want to.”

“But isn't Euphoria the name of the cosmic being?”

“Is it? It's more a name Etna gave them, then I called them Euphy. There is no true name, but then, you could call yourself whatever you wanted to, as well. Isn't that right, Verse?”

“You little...” I growled. “Did you really forget my name?”

“Maaaaybe!” They played coy. “Okay, so maybe not! But you didn't want to give away your name, either, did you?”

“Point taken. Still, being what you are, does that mean you're a cosmic entity? Or part cosmic entity?”

“I mean, I am human.”

“But--”

“Aren't all humans cosmic entities? I mean, Earth is in space, and people live on Earth, so it only stands to reason that we're all space things.”

“You know damn well that's not what I'm referring to.”

“What? Like a god? It's true that Euphy is powerful, but she, they, don't need to be worshiped to be powerful.”

“Is that some kind of critique on religion or are you just making another joke?”

They shrugged. “I don't know. How do you want to take it? You could worship an asteroid hurtling toward Earth, but if it lands, it will still have its impact regardless.”

“I see what you mean. So is that what she is? An asteroid, and what's happened is the impact?”

“You could say that. I mean, if that asteroid was alive and had a consciousness. But I wouldn't say she's good or bad. She just is.”

“And so are you, then?”

“I'm me. Euphoria is Euphoria. I'm also Euphoria. Hm. Is Euphoria also me? Maybe. But Euphoria is also everybody.”

“I don't think I understand.”

“That's okay! To be honest, I probably gave you quite a scare back when we were in The Flashbulb's lair, huh? Sorry about that! I just came to the realization so there was a bit of an adjustment.”

“I understand. Look, about the whole...thing, I hope you can forgive me.”

“What's there to forgive?” They seemed to have genuine curiosity. “Sure, you wanted to do what you did, but what you wanted to do was wonder what made me the way I was. What I wanted to do was give Etna a physical form through the power of Euphoria. I can't always control how something comes about, but if not for Euphoria's influence, you wouldn't have even thought to drink my blood.”

“Still, there's no excuse and--”

“Hey, don't mention it! We both got what we wanted, didn't we? I found the means to meet back up with my friends, and you got the means to change your fate.”

“I guess...”

“I hope your fate was able to be changed, by the way. I really do.”

“Do you really mean that?”

“Of course. You're my friend, and destructive or not, the whole idea is to be happier, isn't it? Not sadder. Even if I may have manipulated you, I still wanted to find a way for you to be able to live on and live the life you wanted to live. Not to die and have your consciousness transferred over to an evil AI.”

“But she still exists.”

“Yeah, well, I had to hold up my end of the deal.”

“Was it really necessary? Even knowing that she may betray you?”

They shrugged. “Probably not, but who would I be if I made a promise I couldn't keep?”

“You sure are strange, even setting aside the whole spirit thing.”

“Did you manage to change your fate, by the way?”

“I...” How could I answer that? There didn't seem to be anything I could have said that would prove satisfactory. “Well...”

“I don't think of you as a failure, by the way. How could I? You've been through so much and you've fought so hard to get to a better place. So what if you're still not where you want to be? You're still doing great.”

Those words struck me.

“Which one of you said that? The Blanc part or the Euphoria part?”

“Why does it matter?”

“It makes all the difference!”

“Fine, since you're still going on about who said what, let me put it this way: I don't consider you a failure. But that doesn't mean someone else won't.”

“Wow, how reassuring,” I groaned.

“Only the truth. I can't control how others think. Still, I think what matters the most is whether you think of yourself as a failure. I can think of you any which way, but I can't change how you feel about yourself.”

“Well, it's just that I found out how my father tried to merge me with Euphoria when I was a baby, only for nothing to happen. Apparently I was deemed a failure for not being compatible and I could have easily been disposed of if not for him keeping me and pretending nothing happened.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“How do you think I should feel? Awful. Having this kept from me, being some kind of experiment, what's more, finding out that in other timelines, I met my end as an experiment. Even if that didn't happen to me here, the fact that it has, and the damage it caused, yeah. How am I supposed to feel good about any of that?”

“Yeah, I think I get what you mean.”

“My father and I never got along. He seemed like a rather conservative man, and although he on occasion told me he loved me, he rarely interacted with me. Always in his garage. Still, after he had disappeared upon making that time-travel device, I couldn't help but want to find him. I still think I loved him, even if we weren't going to get along. But knowing what I know now, it's hard to know how to feel. Should I resent him?”

They shrugged. “I can't answer that.”

“No, I suppose you can't. What am I doing? I acted as a therapist for a few years and now here I am, venting my problems to some being who doesn't even take anything seriously.”

“Mm...I wouldn't go that far. My friends are serious business to me. Plus, you still haven't answered the question. Do you think of yourself as a failure?”

“I...don't want to. But how could I not? Even if it was against my will, learning that I was incompatible. Then, with every attempt I made to try to make my life right, something else would go wrong. I gained this power from you and you'd think it would make me happier, but it hasn't. I've tried numerous things and nothing's worked.”

“Yeah, that's the problem, isn't it? Even a perfect being isn't perfect. Euphoria can make you happier, but if you don't know what will work, she won't know either. If you think something will work, or help, that will be granted. But that doesn't mean it will always turn out the way you want it to.”

“Like a monkey's paw?”

“Ew, no! First of all, the thing about monkey paws is first, why would you touch a detached limb that's probably full of germs and possibly diseases? Probably carries fleas and other bugs, too!”

“Okay, but you know what I mean.”

“One of those 'be careful what you wish for' deals? Nah. Not like that. The purpose isn't to make things worse for the person, not to mention, I'm not even sure if wishes are the right thing to call it?”

“Still, if it all leads back to the destruction of everything, how could it be considered anything but bad?”

“Everything has an end. It's just the thing that happens with her around. But about you trying things and you're still not there, that's okay! Just because you try something out you think might work, and then it doesn't, doesn't mean the method is bad. It just means that's not the method isn't applicable. So you just try something else until you figure it out. You wouldn't call a microwave defective when what you want is to make toast, would you? That just means you needed a toaster!”

“I think I see your point. But still I wonder, why wee you accepted as a host for her?”

“Host? That sounds like a silly word. I don't consider Euphy a parasite! But anyway, the answer's simple: she was just asked nicely!”

“What? That's it?”

“Yeah, she was asked to be my guardian angel, and she obliged. Nothing more to it than that.”

“I can't believe this. Such a simple reason and all these scientists who struggled to make it work.”

“Well, she still works her magic, and she still loves everyone in her own euphoric way. Plus, in the end, you got the gift, too.”

“Yes, but you still got everything you want! You're practically a god!”

“I'm still human. If I'm a god, then you're a god, and if we're both gods, then everyone is one. If everyone is one, then who really cares?”

“Couldn't you live forever, though? Most people can't do that.”

“Maybe if I wanted to, but I don't mind dying. I've already done it a few times. All I really want is to be happy. Dying is okay as long as you're happy!”

“You just said by your own admittance 'if I wanted to'.”

“Look, everything has an end, somehow. But then, just like nothing lasts forever, there will always be something new after that thing ends, too.”

“Like an afterlife?”

“There you go, trying to get all metaphysical on me again! I'm a big dummy! I don't know these things! If one of those makes you happy, sure. In a sense, there probably is in that you'll probably end up floating around as dust amongst the stars. But that's not what I was getting at at all! I just meant that even if this universe all ends at once, there will be another universe still around where everything is still going. Or, more likely scenario, most of the universe could be wiped at once, but a few things survive, and those few things rebuild something new.”

“Ah, I see now.”

“Hehe, so anymore questions?”

“One or two more.”

“Okay, shoot. But maybe not literally.”

“Are you the cause of all this? The state of this world, I mean.”

“Am I the cause of all this?” Blanc leaned forward, hand on their chest, sounding surprised. “I've never been the cause of anything! I'm the kind of person that things happen to them, not the other way around!”

“You're responsible for plenty.”

“Oh, alright! But as far as the world goes, nah. That already started as soon as she was introduced to this world thanks to Etna. All I did was stumble into what had already began.”

Something about that sent shivers down my spine, but I wasn't sure why. Then, a realization hit me.

“Wait. Are you the effect?”

“I don't know, are you the effect?”

“What do you mean?”

“Has it had an effect on you, or are you affected by it?”

“What's the difference?”

“Beats me! I was never good at these things!”

“We're getting nowhere. You're still being evasive, I can tell.”

“No I'm not, you're just not telling me what you really want. But I know you've come close a few times.”

“You're right. Now that this is coming to a close, I suppose I ought to get to the heart of the matter: I think I've finally figured out what I need. I just wanted to know if I was making the right decision, and I figured if I could speak to the source, I would have my answer.”

“What, do you have buyer's remorse? Don't like your gift?”

“No, it isn't that. I'm grateful for what I have obtained, though I have found out it isn't what I need.”

“So you want to return it? Isn't it rude to regift?”

“That's not it, either.”

“That's okay if it was! I wouldn't be offended!”

“No, I just had something different in mind.”

“Like some kind of ultimate sacrifice?”

I gulped. “Close.”

“I think it's a novel idea, though I don't think it's quite your style. Rather, I think you'd like to live a nice, long life.”

“That remains to be determined.”

“I suppose it does. Why do you worry about making the right decision, anyway?”

“Past mistakes. Something else. When I went back to my own time, there was someone I met. You could say we were enemies, and she wanted to kill me, but even then, I could tell there was a pain that I wanted to lift. In the end, she ended up dying, and I wanted to bring her back to life, but then didn't. But I still felt like I could have done something. I don't feel like I made the right decision by letting her die.”

“That depends. If she wanted to go out that way, then she was probably happy to have gone down in a fight.”

“But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if we could have been friends instead of foes?”

“Who's to say? But if it made her happy to go out that way, there's nothing more to do.”

“I suppose...”

“You have a big heart, you know? You like to think of yourself as so cruel, but here you are caring about an enemy!”

“Maybe I just value an enemy's life more than my own.”

“I don't think that's true at all, I think you value your wife's life quite a lot and you wouldn't call her an enemy at all, would you?”

I scowled. “How would you know? It's not like you were there to see what I went through.”

“You're right, but maybe I know!”

My heart skipped a beat. “Do you?”

They nodded, and I could feel myself start to turn cold. I watched as Blanc squished their cheeks with their hands.

“I wub you!” They mocked.

“Stop that.” I knew exactly what they were doing.

“I wub wub you!”

“I'm serious.”

“Wub wub wub!”

“I'll kick you.”

“You'll kick me?” They snickered. “That's funny, sis! You must be getting soft! I feel like the old you would have threatened to kill me.”

“I will,” I growled. “I'll kick you to death.”

They laughed harder.

“Well, in any case, I'm glad you're here! It's nice to be among friends!”

“Friends?” I blurted. “Is that what you think of us? All the time I knew you, I didn't consider you a friend, but...”

“...A patient? A test subject?”

“No. I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry.”

“It's fine! I know you would have preferred to be impersonal.”

“...but I wouldn't mind calling you a friend, is what I was going to say. Let a lady finish next time.”

“Oh! That's even better to hear!”

“I believed many things in an effort to shut myself off from others, but I know better now and it hurts.”

“It doesn't have to, y'know.”

“I hope you're right.”

“You should stick around! I think you'd like to meet everyone! Plus that Coriander girl is kinda like you!”

I looked over to the blue-haired imp. Still asleep. “Interesting. I didn't think anyone was quite like me.”

“Well, life's full of surprises! Like how you're already familiar with one person here! Speaking of which, I think someone's about to wake up, so I'll fall asleep and leave you two lovebirds alone!”

“Hey! That's not fair! I don't even know this version of her!”

Too late; they curled up against the edge of the couch and dozed off.

Blanc must have been wrong about this one, as she didn't even seem to stir.

As if compelled, I made my way to the couch and sat at the empty cushion. I stared down at her and watched her sleep.

“She's still the same person, but we don't know each other...” I muttered. What am I doing? Why do I end up watching people sleep like I'm some kind of creep?

I almost reached down to stroke her cheek, or her hair, but I stopped myself.

“This isn't right. We don't know each other. It should stay that way. Still, she looks just like how I remember her.”

“You're baby...” I heard Blanc mutter beside me. “You...are...baby...”

Are they talking in their sleep? It's not unheard of, but then again, can they really get to sleep so fast? Hm...there was only one way to tell...

I kicked Blanc's shin and they jolted up.

“Ow! Fine, I'll go to some other room, sheesh.”

“I knew it! You weren't asleep!”

My eyes followed Blanc until they were out of sight. When I turned back to see this world's version of Juniper, I noticed her start to move and it looked like she was about to get up.

Shit.

I scurried back to the other couch where I had previously been sitting. Just as I did, she sat up and yawned.

“Wow, that was quite the nap. Guess I needed that,” she yawned her words. Her eyes started to open and she looked startled to see me looking right at her.

“Whoa! You're awake too!”

“It would appear so,” I looked away, down at my teacup.

“Can I ask you something, Verse?”

She remembered my name already. Fake name, but still. In Blanc's words, any name could be my name.

“Go ahead.”

“What's your wife like?

Right. I let the cat out of the bag there, earlier. Dammit, why did she remember that as well?

“You're rather nosy, aren't you?”

“You don't have to answer if you don't want to. No need to be rude,” she scolded right back.

“You're right. It's fine. I can assure you, she's nothing like you.”

“That's weird because that didn't cross my mind, anyway.”

Why can't I just act normal?

“Okay, well, for starters, she's blonde, average height, an adorable smile...” Shit. That's exactly like the person sitting next to me. “She's very kind and likes to help everyone she meets. She's the type who's willing to give everyone a chance. Also, she's incredibly smart! Like, I couldn't imagine making half of the things she has, even if I may not have thought of them to be of much use! Just that she decides to make something, and then sets off to do it, that's brilliant!” It took me a second to realize that I started to get excited talking about her in the last part. How strange.

“Oh wow! You're right, that sounds nothing like me!”

Please tell me you're being sarcastic right now.

“Sounds like you really like her!” She added.

I nodded. To dwell on it anymore would shatter me.

“So if you really like her, why did you two break up?”

“We didn't break up! I already told you that! We're just taking a break!”

“I don't know, sounds like a break up to me.”

“You're real annoying, you know that?”

“How can you say that when you don't even know me?”

I crossed my arms. “We'll just have to agree to disagree, won't we?”

In the midst of it all, I somehow failed to notice the others beside me wake up. Trent remained, but for all I knew, Velvet and Coriander may have heard the whole thing between Juniper and I.

“Look, I'm sorry. Truth is, I'm still not over her.”

She pursed her lips. “Did you do something wrong?”

“Not exactly.”

“Was it her?”

“No, sometimes these things just happen. Sometimes it's neither person's fault and it just doesn't work out.”

“I've never been in a relationship before, but break ups sound tough.”

“It's not...okay, maybe a little. I felt it best to leave, but I still miss her.”

“Hey, that does sound rough,” Velvet nudged me.

“It's whatever.”

“Like hell it's whatever! You're out here spilling your guts to strangers and you're acting like it's whatever?” Coriander barked.

“Yes, well, even though I miss her, sometimes I feel like she's with me. Even now, it's as if she's sitting right across from me.”

“That's funny,” Juniper pointed to herself. “Because I'm sitting across from you!”

“Yes, funny that...”

“Now, now, Juniper, I'm also sitting next to her. Maybe she means me?” Velvet chimed in.

“I don't mean either of you! Gosh! It's a figure of speech!”

Soon after, Trent woke up as well, and I thought maybe I could be free to leave the hellscape behind. I found myself looking down on the floor, staring off into space. I thought I could clear my head, but I was wrong. Coriander got up and tapped on my shoulder.

“Hey, can I talk to you in private?”

“Sure, I don't mind.”

I could have said no, but I wanted to improve the image I had with everyone. There I was, an intruder in their home. The least I could do was listen.

She dragged me to a door and opened it up. I expected it to be a hall closet, but instead it was a small guest room. Two chairs lie there. We each sat across from each other.

“You've been married, right?” She began.

I nodded.

“Can you tell me what it means to, um, like someone?”

Hell if I know.

No, I wasn't about to say it like that. I wanted to help this person any way I could.

“It may be hard to put into words, but I can do my best. It's like, just seeing that person could brighten your day, or thinking of them. Or just wanting to be around them. Or even when you're apart, wishing them well. Does that help?”

“Not sure. That all sounds so vague,” she grunted. “Is it anything like liking a favorite food?”

“That's one way to think of it. One aspect. Someone can bring you joy and pleasure and comfort, just as a food or a piece of entertainment can.”

“'Piece of entertainment'. Why do you talk so funny?”

“Hey, I'm trying to help you!”

“Just sayin'.”

“Well, anyway, sometimes people can make you sad or upset you, but if you like them, then you'll be sad or upset because you care about them that much and even if they're not always able to brighten your day, you still want to be around them.”

“I see.”

“Does that make sense?”

“I suppose. Doesn't sound like that applies to Velvet at all. She just pisses me off half the time.”

What?! That's what this is about?!

“So you wanted to tell whether or not you liked her?” I tried to keep myself composed and continue to help.

“Yeah, I mean, I guess I probably do.”

“So what's the problem?”

“Do you not know what's going on?”

“No, I do. If you're worried about the world ending, all the more reason to confess. You don't know how long you two will have, so why not make the most of it?”

“We probably both want to be in a relationship together, it's just that sometimes...”

“Yes?”

“Well, sometimes I get these outbursts and I end up hurting her, or myself. Sometimes both. I know it's hard on her, and it's hard on me, too.”

I think I'm starting to see what Blanc meant.

“Do you wish you could be free of such things?”

“Duh? What kind of question is that?”

“I just wanted to confirm.”

“Well, yes. I would love that. But I'm worried it may not happen. I mean, I've been lucky in that I've been able to come down from it, and I'm normal now, but still, it feels like only a matter of time.”

“Until what?”

“I feel like a time bomb. Like any moment I'll explode and there won't be any way to prevent it. If that happens, it might be best to not be with her, and to avoid everyone.

Why does that sound familiar?

“I don't think I can relate.”

“What kind of response is that? I didn't ask you to!”

I was taken aback. Still, I tried not to take it personally.

“Is that your greatest fear?” I found myself asking instead.

“It's one of mine, sure. Can I tell you something else?”

“Of course.”

“You won't tell the others. Velvet already knows, but the others...”

“Our conversation will stay between us.”

She took a deep breath. “Here goes. See, I'm a clone. Of myself? Of someone else? I'm not sure. I worked at Area 51 under the name 'Mavis Beacon'. Yeah, laugh it up. Against my knowledge, I had been recreated several times over, my memories replaced over a long period of time. I don't know who I originally was, if I was anyone at all.”

“Do you wish to know?”

What am I getting at? Like I'm going to use the powers I have to treat her?

“I'm not sure. It disturbs me, because I may never know. It doesn't bother me if I never find out, but at the same time, it's like, am I anything like how my original self was or am I a completely different person?”

“You're who you are now,” why did I say that? Why didn't I just dig in and use my power to find out the truth and help her? “I cannot tell you anything else.”

“Wow,” she huffed. “Some help you are. Why did I even bother talking to you?” She got up.

“I don't know. I'm sorry,” I sounded dejected. Defeated.

“At least you tried,” she said before leaving back to the living room.

When I came back to the living room, myself, I already felt a premonition that it was a bad idea to have been there.

“So, Coriander, what was your impression of her?” Velvet asked.

“She's okay, I suppose.”

“Well then,” Velvet addressed me, before I could even sit down. “Seems I was wrong about you.”

“How so?” I sat down, then asked.

“At first I was getting bad vibes from you, not gonna lie. Though it was fun to tease you. But nah, seems you're cool.”

“Oh, well, thanks.”

“So if you're Blanc's friend, and you seem alright, I figure we should get it out in the open.”

Blanc grinned, having returned to their previous position.

Velvet continued. “I've already told Trent and Juniper, so it seems only fair to tell you as well.”

What? What is it? Just get to it.

“The world is ending, as I'm sure you know, and judging from your reaction earlier, you know about Etna and I even wager you know how evil she really is.”

I gulped.

“So in case you don't already know, Etna is actually a creation of this group called The Flashbulb and they're responsible for all this. So Coriander and I are planning on finding The Flashbulb's HQ and saving the world.”

This had to be a joke. No, all of what she said was true, but...

Even still, Velvet continued. “We don't know how we'll get there yet, but it's going to happen. In just a couple days, too.”

That was it; I burst into laughter. My whole demeanor changed.

“Hey, what's so funny?” Velvet demanded to know. No? It wasn't a joke? Well then. It must not have been a joke. Everyone else stared at me.

“Sorry, but I'm going to have to stop you right there.”

“Why?”

“Let me give you, all of you, a healthy dose of reality: there is no stopping this.”

I really wanted to get along with everyone, but I just couldn't be dishonest anymore. If they shall all hate me, so be it. I continued.

“There are only two foreseeable paths for you all: death, or a fate worse than death.”

“How can you be so sure about that?” Velvet pressed. If I had to give her anything, her spirit didn't seem to waver.

“Because, little girl, I know all about what is causing the destruction of Earth. It is something beyond all of our control, as well as understanding.”

“Little girl? You don't look much older than me. Also, if The Flashbulb's the one responsible for this, then they must have a way to stop it.”

“Oh, they do. It's called turning back time to before their little experiment began. Of course, they won't do that until the world is already gone.”

“You know about them?”

I laughed once more. “Of course I do! Similar to Blanc over there, I'm not from this timeline.”

Her shock only lasted a second, then she continued to fight back.

“So you didn't meet Blanc in this version of Earth. Got it. You felt the need to hide that from us, too. Which raises the question: if you had the means to travel to other timelines, something that apparently only The Flashbulb's technology can do, does that mean you're with them?”

“Please,” I hissed. “I have my own vendetta against them.”

“If you know about them and you don't like them, why wouldn't you work with us to try to fight back against them? We can stop this together!”

“Just because I'm not your foe, that doesn't make me your ally.”

“Noted.”

Yes. The environment sure changed. Some in fear, some heated. Not the most desirable outcome, but one I was used to, and necessary.

“But why wouldn't you be our ally? Why even come here at all?”

“Because I know what I'm up against. I've been there once before. What you're talking about is facing an enemy you know nothing about. It's kid talk. As for why I'm here, I already said when I got here, I wanted to speak with Blanc. Why Blanc is here, I do not know.”

“Exactly! You know about them! Which means you would be a valuable asset! Why don't you see that?”

“Did I stutter? You have no idea what they're like. What they can do. If you were to go there, you risk facing a fate worse than death. I'm sure your friend already knows what I'm talking about.”

“Hey!” Coriander protested. “You said you would keep it between us!”

“I'm not elaborating, am I? But the point still stands. You're talking about facing an organization which has been around in what feels like an eternity. They don't need soldiers to stop you, they have technology. They would rather experiment on you or torture you than kill you. There have been countless attempts to stop them, all ending in failure. What makes you think you would be any different?”

“I have to try something!”

“Give it up. If I had to choose between death and a fate worse than death, I know which I would choose. So my advice to all of you is to enjoy your last days on Earth and hope you all rest in piece.”

“How could you just think that way?” This time, the voice didn't come from Velvet, but from Juniper.

“Cover your ears if you have to, this is mostly for the ones who think they can be heroes, anyway,” I suggested. Could I have said something nicer? Of course. But it was already too late for that. If I had to burn bridges, at least it was with people I just met. I turned back to Velvet.“Defeating them alone would already be nigh-impossible, but when you factor in that you want to reverse the damage done? Do you know the only way to do that?”

She stared, her face close to a scowl.

“I'll tell you: turn back time. Which is what they already plan to do. It may be true that I don't like them, but if that is the only way to stop this mess, then it stands to reason to just let it happen. Live out your life until it all ends, and then when everything is reversed, the new you will be none the wiser.”

I expected them all to break.

“Damn, you're actually serious about this?” Trent asked. “So, then, everything?”

I nodded, not even looking at him. “Live every day like it's your last. Because it very well may be.”

“I'm sorry,” Velvet spoke up, not breaking her stare. “But I can't accept that.”

“You're going to have to.”

“Oh no, I understood what you told me. Which only strengthened my resolve. Plus, considering you got here, you probably know how to get there, too.”

“Of course I do. So does Blanc.”

“Blanc said they lost the device to get there, though.”

“Ha! Blanc may be many things, but they wouldn't be so clumsy as to lose the means to get there. What I'm willing to bet is that they just hid it from you so that you wouldn't be able to get there. They could probably take you there any time.”

Ah, that time, Velvet broke from her stare. She turned to face Blanc.

“Blanc, is that true?”

They shrugged. “Sure, but I wasn't trying to stop you. I just wasn't interested in going back there. Besides, I was sure you would have still figured out a way to get there sooner or later.”

“I see,” Velvet, rather than mad at Blanc, turned back to me. “I'm still going to do this. The Flashbulb's hurt too many people, and even if we discount this little happiness experiment, there's all these other things they've done throughout history. Someone has to put an end to it.”

“Fine, let's say hypothetically, you get there. You even manage to defeat them. But then you're there and you find out the only way to stop the destruction of Earth to reverse time. So you do. Then you go back to Earth, alive. You think you did it, right? You saved the day.”

“Your tone makes it sound like I didn't,” Velvet growled.

“You're right. You just killed yourself.”

“What?”

“Oh, you'll live. But the version of you that was already living there will have died. Or, if they weren't born yet, they won't ever come into existence. Do you think you can live with that? The good scenario is that everyone else will live, and the version of you who was aboard The Flashbulb's headquarters, will live. If you're lucky, the version of you that would have lived never ended up born. But that can't be guaranteed. Would you be comfortable if you knew you could have denied the version of you in that universe a chance at a good life?”

“How would you even know that?”

“It's not a written law, but one that is observable with enough experience. It has remained consistent throughout each version of Earth I've been in. If you go from your current universe to another, the version of you that was already there ceases to be.”

“So you went here, even after knowing that?”

“Yes. I was born in 1951. I'm half the age I should have been had I stayed put in my own time. I've already traveled through time several times before. Knowing that, because I came here, you can be certain that the version of me that belonged here is already dead. If she were so lucky, she died of old age.”

“Blanc, did you know about this, too?”

Blanc acted nonchalant once more. “Sure, I kinda figured something like that was the case. I came here, and before I did, the version of me that you knew died in Area 51. So it makes sense.”

“But that could just be a coincidence, right?”

“Hm...maybe. But that could also explain why you never saw several Conrads walking around at once. He probably kept going back in time to try to defeat The Flashbulb and save my life, and each time, the version of him that belonged there stopped living.”

“Why don't you sound so concerned about that?”

“It's not a big deal, right?” Blanc shrugged. “I mean, you're still alive, technically.”

“Point taken...”

I wasn't sure if it were I or Blanc who was more harsh in their delivery. Still, I took a sigh of relief.

“Now do you see the dilemma?”

Velvet gave a small nod.

“Will you give up this foolish endeavor?”

As stubborn as ever, she shook her head.

“I'm sorry. You keep saying it's near impossible, but I can't just sit quietly as this goes on. So maybe I defeat them, maybe I find a way to stop this apocalypse without turning back time, ever thought of that?”

Ugh. I hated how persistent she was. “Okay. You defeat them. You don't turn back time. You stop the destruction, which would take a fucking miracle, but let's just say you do. Well, the damage would still already be done. All the lives already lost wouldn't be coming back. If you take long enough, humanity may even go extinct. Then you have an empty, even if not destroyed, planet to go back to. Is that what you want? A lonely existence?”

“If I don't do that, then I'll let time turn back, but I'll just stay at The Flashbulb's headquarters and I won't return to Earth. Problem solved.”

“Then you'll still be isolated. Unable to go back to Earth. Oh, maybe you could go back after that Velvet dies however she'll go, but what if you meet someone who knew her? Or you go back to the far past, or the far future. Then you'll either be exposed to diseases, expose others to diseases, or face culture shock in a time you don't belong in. You could stay at their base with a finite amount of supplies and die there, isolated. Either way, there is no good ending.”

Before I could get Velvet's response, Blanc burst into laughter of their own.

“Oh my, you're sounding rather Etna-like!” Blanc pointed out.

“Excuse me?” I hissed. “It's not like I take pleasure in this! Do you think I wanted this disaster on Earth? If there was a perfect way, I would have said so!”

“Oh, you're such a drama queen,” Blanc continued. “You know it's not really all that bad!”

“Easy for you to say! You're not even from here!”

“You've told me enough,” Velvet spoke up again.

“Yes, I know it's hard to swallow, but--”

“No,” she interrupted. “I thank you for that. But I'm still going to do this. You can protest all you want, but nothing you have told me has convinced me to stop. At this point, doing anything would be a better outcome than doing nothing.”

“Might I remind you, the chance of failure is all but a guarantee,” I argued.

“Yes, I'm aware of the risks. But that's not going to stop me. Even if I fail, it will be something worth doing.”

“This isn't just about failure! They'll experiment on you! They'll turn you into a monster!”

“Ves, I mean, Verse. You gotta have more confidence in them,” Blanc's voice came in. “Velvet has raided Area 51. She's stolen a ship. She's even gone back there, when things were worse, and lived again. Didn't I tell you she was badass?”

I let out a deep breath. “Fine. She understands the risks, she still wants to go. It just so happens that I was planning on going there, anyway.”

“Perfect!” Velvet cheered.

“...But only you and I. No one else. Got that?”

“I'm coming with her,” Coriander added.

“We don't need any dead weight.”

“Sorry, but she and I are a package deal,” Velvet rebutted. “She and I are both going. We already promised each other we would.”

“Fine! But I won't be able to guarantee either of your guys' safety! The more people who come along, the greater risk there is.”

“Now that you mention it, I'd like to go there, too!” Blanc joined in. “I wasn't going to, but then I thought of it, and it seems neat! I didn't get to explore much of it last time!”

“...You can go there if you want. Not like I could stop you either way.”

“I'd like to check it out, too! It sounds like there'd be a buncha neat technoloy and gadgets!” Juniper also joined in the conversation.

“No. I explicitly forbid it.”

“What? Why not?”

“This isn't some game. It's not a museum and I'm not your tour guide.”

“But what about Blanc?” She pouted.

“Blanc is a special case.”

“I wanna be a special case, too!”

Damn it, just leave me alone! You're making this more complicated!

“I give up! You're all out of your minds! Whoever wants to go, can go. Sheesh. What a hassle. What about you, Trent?”

He looked the most shaken, which might have surprised me.

“I haven't made up my mind yet. I'd like to stay with my sister, but I'm just hesitant for some reason.”

“Fair. What I told you ought to have made you all hesitant.”

“Which is why,” Velvet broke in again. “We give it another day before we depart. Tomorrow, we formulate a plan. The day after, we depart. How does that sound?”

“Suit yourself. If I were you, I'd be in more of a rush, but if you need an extra day to think things over, go ahead.”

I sighed again. I couldn't believe they all talked me into this.

“Oh! Oh!” Juniper raised her hand. “You said you were from another universe, like Blanc. Does that mean that your wife is too?”

I would have preferred if anyone else had asked that, but of course it had to be her.

“Yes. That is why I'm not with her right now. Because I'm choosing to go hunt down an evil organization. It sounds silly out loud.”

“Kinda, yeah.”

“Trent,” I addressed. “I know you may not be feeling your best right now, but I'm going to need to ask if there's a free room to stay in.”

“Yeah, sure. Uh, the guest room, but it's pretty small and empty.”

“That will do.”

“Trent!” Juniper nudged. “We have another guest room with an actual bed in it! You could let her stay there!”

“Oh, right. Yeah, that's probably a better idea.”

“I'll take the empty room, but thank you for the offer.”

Later in the evening, everyone celebrated with dinner. I didn't hear what they had, I was already in the guest room, sitting. I refused to come out to eat. At one point, someone knocked at the door and let me know that dinner was ready, but I ignored them. As to who it was, I couldn't say. I remembered only the words, not the voice. Everyone else could do as they pleased, eat to their heart's content. All of it was too merry for me to join in on. They already knew my true nature, they knew what was in store.

While everyone else in the house was most likely asleep, I was restless as always. Coriander was a sweetie (when she wanted to be) and gave me all the loving I needed (again, when she wanted to) but it wasn't enough to keep me asleep nor keep my mind from racing at ten thousand miles an hour.

I slipped out from Coriander's embrace and managed to keep her asleep. She slept like a baby, and I only hoped she didn't wake up now that I wasn't underneath her.

“I need some fresh air or something,” I mumbled. Then again, I knew I wouldn't get that. I could already sense the rustling of someone downstairs. So, in an effort to investigate, I slipped on my bunny pajama tops and bottoms and made my way outside the bedroom.

What I expected them to call me the next morning was a coward.

I slipped out of the guest room and was about to leave their house when Blanc, on the couch, stopped me.

“Where are you off to?” They asked.

“I'm leaving. I cannot stay here.”

“Aw, but Velvet's really counting on you.”

“You can take her there yourself, can't you?”

“Yeah, you're right! Still, I gotta ask, why do you feel you gotta leave?”

“Because,” my voice broke as I began to speak. “It hurts too much to stay here. I know I said I was planning on going there, anyway, but now I'm the one who isn't up to the task. I would only be a hindrance if I were to stay.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I've been compromised. I don't know why or how, but I haven't been able to control my emotions like I used to. I may snap, I may burst into tears, but I feel like I can't keep myself together. I feel like I could end up crying at any moment and I don't know why.”

“It's okay to cry, y'know?”

“Maybe. Elsewhere.”

“Alrighty, I can't really stop you, y'know, but I really liked seeing you again. I'm sure the others will miss you, too!”

“Are you kidding? After that impression I gave earlier? I don't think so.”

“You just haven't given them a chance, that's all!”

“They're just strangers and reminders of my past mistakes. We're both better off away from each other.”

“Stop being so down on yourself! Didn't I say I don't consider you a failure?”

“Yes, well, I--”

“Yeah, yeah. How about this? Stay the night. If you want to leave any time tomorrow, go for it. Deal?”

“Fine,” I sighed. “But you should know it's going to take a lot to change my mind.”

“Goodnight, Ves.”

They turned back to lay down on the couch. I wondered if Blanc even slept at all ever since being what they are. As for me, I was going to head back to the guest room, which was more of a walk in closet, and sleep on the floor. There was just one more interruption to get through.

From down the stairs, came Velvet, in some sleepwear, no less.

“Hey, I see you're awake,” she spoke.

“Yes, but I was just came out to get some water,” I lied.

“I see.”

Well, if that was that, I could just try to get a little bit of sleep.

“I was your wife in the other universe, wasn't I?” She stopped me dead in my tracks.

“What? I don't even know you!”

“Wait, really? I thought for sure I'd get it right!” Velvet cried out. No regards for others' sleep, I see. “Come on, when do I get a wife?”

“I don't know. Why do you want a wife so bad?”

“Obviously so I can say during the big final battle 'before I die, tell my wife I love her'. Or, or! I could go into a restaurant and punch someone and yell 'Hey! That's my wife!' She doesn't even have to be there!”

“That's dumb,” I remarked.

“Well, what about you? Why did you get married?”

“I wanted to feel like I was a normal person. Like I had some sense of safety and stability.”

“What? And you said my reasons were dumb! No one's normal or stable just 'cause they're in a relationship! Like, you didn't do it out of love or anything?”

“Yes, I know it was foolish at the time. I know better now.”

Her face turned dour, as if she didn't like how I replied. Well, sorry. I wasn't good at telling jokes.

“Well, goodnight Verse.”

“Yes. Goodnight.”

She turned back up the stairs, but before I could walk away, she turned to me once more.

“By the way, everyone knows why Jupiter is a planet. They teach that in grade school.”

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

#happiness overload #long chapter #fiction #scifi #parallel universes #conspiracies #coriander #versace #versailles #vesuvius #etna #juniper #tea #cosmic horror #metaphysical #relationships

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