Tri:Power || A Heart / Mind / Soul Fanfic

-tallyinghalls-

Tri:Power

The power of three!

Follow Heart, Mind and Soul as they navigate their life as… magical boys? In Australia? Well, our friendly trio of struggles will help you feel truly cared for and respected, be it in their own, clumsy way! Make way for strict parents, agender skirt wearers, blind boys and random gods that bestow powers upon three emotionally unstable people to save their world! Anxiety and depression be darned! No good magical boy story is without the villain, issue is, is the villain on the outside or the inside? Will Mind's panic be too much for him? Will Heart forever see everyone as good people? Will Soul be able to get out of bed in the morning? Or will the Tri:Power team get through thick and thin without fail?

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WARNING

Tri:Power may include the following

Depictions of anxiety attacks
Depictions of depression
Mild violence
Implications of abuse
Body dysmorphia and stuff that's with that
And general Magical Girl / Boy themings

You have been warned.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 8, 2026 01:01:22)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #1 | TRUE HEART

I was just at school. That’s what always happens. I’m a blind kid, people often make fun of me for that, but then they don’t hear the whispers of the teachers. They don’t hear anything about their behavior reports and the disappointed reactions of their parents. I do.

I was just at school. That’s what always happens. I’m no one special, just a blind kid who walks around with a cane. No one talks to me, and I don’t talk to anyone else. I feel lonely, but that’s how the cookie crumbles. Everybody just ignores me, like I never existed. My pen clicked idly in my hand.

I heard something. Not just another whisper this time. It wasn’t a ghost of someone’s kindness either, it was a scream. Of pain. Their breathing turned heavy. And instead of finishing my lunch, I ran to the source of the sound. I ran through corridor after corridor, trying to pinpoint the panic until I opened the science room door, where it reeked of something metallic. “What happened?!”

I didn’t get an answer, just more hollowed out breathing. I didn’t know what I could do. What could I do?! I’m just the blind boy, I can’t save anyone. I tried to remember the layout of the science room where I had roamed so many times, but toppled desks were everywhere. Someone was here.

I finally pushed my way through the disgruntled sea and started lifting the whiteboard where it had cut into someone’s shoulder. The body then flopped against the floor, a darkened energy seeming to drown them out like hatch marks of ink on a page. His breathing only turned shallower, the panic still radiating from him. “JUNO! DUCK!” The boy said, and I ducked. The whiteboard cracked above us, rubble dusting our hair.

“What happened?” I try to reach for his hand to get out of here, but it was cold, nearly lifeless as the light was sucked out of him. No. No, no, no, no. Please don’t. I held his face, trying to get at least some semblance of warmth, but it was still freezing, and the jawline was hollow. The sickness curled up in my stomach.

There had to be a way out of here. I tried pulling him out, my arms were weakening rapidly. But I had to save him, I simply had to. There was one thing I had to set my life towards, if it means this one, the one cold and dark on the floor lives, then okay! I tried to drag him out. His body only got heavier the further I pulled him from the room.

Tears pricked at my eyes. No, no! I can’t let him! No! NO! I WON’T LET IT! I pulled him with more fervor, I couldn’t let hopelessness seep in! Not yet! Not when someone’s life is on the line. No! NO! NO! NO! NO! Something came shooting towards me.

It felt like time stopped for a moment as I stared blindly in the direction where I heard the shot. I was like a deer open to hunters. I was an easy shot. They clearly had gotten me, I thought I was dead. Then I realized I wasn’t. Powerful wings protected not only me, but the man I held in my arms, the man who was now lighter than the feathers on my back. It felt like a shield more than anything. I rushed to carry him off, breaking down doors. It felt like everything had its own outline, that everything was visible but not really. I still felt blind, but less blind than before.

I felt weird. I felt different. I didn’t know what to do specifically, but it felt like I had a plan. I had a plan to make everything turn better. That’s when I heard the voice. “Hello, Heart.” This wasn’t the Apollo in my arms, but rather something calmer. I set Apollo down, letting him rest against the indoor planters.

“Hello uh… disconnected voice?” I greeted, still heavily on guard, wings spread. “Where are you?” I whispered into the unknown. The adrenaline still pumped through my veins I felt every little micromanagement in the pulse, which felt really weird. “Also, why Heart?”

“There’s someone out there that wants to drown the world in disconnection. It’s a broken spirit, Heart. Lucky for you, you can empathize with them and help revert them back to their original state.” The voice explained. I was already running out the school when they said someone wants to drown the world. I wasn’t going to let that happen, not any time soon. I heard the havoc and thanked every god out there that this was reversable. “They want me.”

“Well, who are you?” I tried to sense what was after this voice in my head, but no one seemed to be there. “Maybe, if you’re not a criminal, I can help you.”

“First, I need to explain who you are.” I rolled my eyes at that; I know who I am. I’m Juno. I don’t need someone mansplaining me my own personality. “You are Heart. You are the emotions guiding us as humans and the love keeping us together. You are not Juno when you are Heart.” Didn’t make sense to me, but I let them keep talking. “You are a magical boy. You will use your magic for the greater good and if you use it for evil there will be consequences to your body.”

I scoffed, running about to find whatever wanted this voice in my head. I should have let it to rot, but I didn’t. I just sighed. “Where do I find this troubled spirit?” I finally agreed. Then my legs moved on their own to the plaza. It was just a spirit. It didn’t have a face, nor did it have eyes to investigate my blind.

Almost immediately something hurdled towards me, I tilted my body, narrowly escaping the debris. The people scattered and screamed, voices loud and booming. I really did have my work cut out for me. “Heart is a caring individual; he always sees the good in people in short. You believe anyone can be a good person, right, Heart?”

“Yes. I do.” I kicked the discombobulated body, watching it stumble against the floor before tilting its head back up to me. The claws dragged on the ground like nails on chalkboard. My boots clicked against the ground as I also backed up from the being. “If you believe in the good of others, anyone can do anything. Others deserved to be loved as much as you, no matter the hardships or flaws.”

“Exactly.” The voice agreed. I dodged another thrown object, this time it recoiled from the strength it used to sling it. “I was a free spirit, Heart. I wanted the best for the world as much as you wanted the best. I was seen as a child, naïve, too trusting. But this world is now broken, Heart.” I listened to the voice as I continued trying to disarm the entity, failing miserably. “I’m giving you the chance to fix it. Your necklace, the one with the moon, is our communications. If you wear this necklace, you can save anyone you want to when these dark spirits run loose. You also have a bow that you can use like an archer, but careful, there’s more to it than what meets the eye.”

“HOW DO I SUMMON THE BOW? Couldn’t you have told me that earlier?!” I was now hoisting the dreaded spirit into a headlock. It was the same cold as from what I found Apollo in, but this time it almost burned to touch. It was a freezer burn, for lack of a better word.

“Simply manifest.” Manifestation boloney never got me anywhere, except for here. The bow was quickly wrapped around the spirit’s neck. It was now immobilized for the world to see me beat this thing up without magic. How fun. “There, you have it. You’re doing stellar, Heart. Now the spirit just needs to be calmed down and neutralized.”

“And how do I neutralize it?” I placed a hand over its screaming mouth. The pressure inside my shoulders decreased almost instantly, it was getting to be a lot.

“Show it its true emotions.” The voice explained, now getting even more suspicion from me. “When it releases what it feels, the spirit will be calm, and you can purify it with your bow.”

“And how do I do that?” I grumbled.

“Say the magic word ‘True Heart’ and all that the being has repressed will resurge back to life. Careful, it can wear you out.” The voice explained, and I was about to say it before the voice interrupted once more, almost warning. “Heart. It may not always have good effects, but on troubled spirits like these, it’s the best you can do.”

“True Heart.” I announced… Nothing happened. “Hey, I thought something was supposed to happen.” I rolled my eyes as the voice urged me to believe in myself. It was difficult to believe in something that was so far absurd. I took a deep breath. This was for the greater good, I can do it. “True Heart!” I repeated.

The surge pulsed through my veins again, this time calming, and the spirit dropped to its knees. It looked peaceful from where it sat. I aimed my bow at the back of its head. “Anything I need to say so I purify it?”

“Tripower Heart: Purify.” The voice stated simply. I repeated it and shot at the back of the spirits head. I watched as everything calmed in their bones, and the people were finally regaining their normalcy. I stood in the plaza, utterly stunned that I did such a thing. “Then just slam your bow in the ground to undo any damage.” And I repeated. The buildings seem to magically become repaired, and everything seemed to be back to as it was.

“You did great.” The voice whispered, now out of danger like the rest of us. “My name is Harmonia. I am the god of harmony and unity. This world is breaking, Heart, but soon I will be able to fix it.” Harmonia explained everything. I started walking back to school. “I selected you because you’re one of the only ones who can buy me enough time to sort out the mess I’m in. I’m granting you these powers to only use for the greater good. Do you accept my blessing, Heart?”

Do I accept his blessing? I bit my tongue; I couldn’t really think of why not to. I love this city, I love everyone in this city, and I love people. As much as I would want to keep the burden off my shoulders, I can’t help but think about the lives that would be lost to these evil spirits. “I accept your blessing.”

And just like that, I was in my hoodie again, my wings were gone, but I now held a cute moon necklace. Maybe this was the start of something new. I ran back to school, now knowing where I was going, and rushed into my science class where I helped Apollo earlier. He didn’t seem to remember what happened, but I did.

Thank gods for this temporary peace.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 7, 2026 18:03:07)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #2 | SEARCHED SOUL

I didn’t want to get out of bed. I glanced at the alarm clock; it was blaring 11:32 AM on a school day. I would have been in math by now had I not faked being sick. Was it really faking when just the thought of talking to someone brought the illness back? I swallowed the thought down, maybe I just needed a good breakfast.

But I REALLY didn’t want to get out of bed. So, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling. I let the tired seep deep into my bones before gnawing away at the will to stay. My eyelids turned heavy again, maybe the sickness was finally overtaking me. But I wasn’t sick. I hated lying to myself.

I felt cold. Very cold. I huddled my legs in, tears welling up before I could even try to brush them away. Something touched my socked foot. I kicked it off, heart now racing. My vision blurred, as much as I wanted to see what it was, I couldn’t. I glanced around for another moment more, reaching for my phone. There was only one message, “Are you okay?” It was from Apollo. He’d probably been worried sick. He always was. I sighed and everything came back.

The sick urged at my stomach again, but there was an unfamiliar pulse from beneath my wrist. My bracelet. There was no one there, but it felt like it. It felt like an embrace. I was now leaning against a figure that it felt like only I could see. The kind that had a gentle face and a calm resonance. The being ran its hands through my hair, the feeling was familiar.

“Isolate. I am—” NOT AGAIN. I shoved it away, kicking it in its lying teeth. I remember the last time. I remember being choked by that stupid bow and the people that the angel reminded me of. Heart. I remember his name; I remember my savior. I didn’t want to be Isolate again, I don’t want to be isolated in my own thoughts again! NO. I watched the dark scramble back under my bed. My hands were now shaking.

I stared at my phone once more, it buzzed. “Atlas, do you want to talk?” My eyes narrowed at the text from Apollo. Something told me to answer it, a voice. So, I did.

“I do need to talk.” I texted back. I waited for his response, which came within a few minutes.

“I’m at lunch now, I can call from the bathroom.” I waited once more, then my phone buzzed, a call from Apollo. His profile picture was a rather sad looking one, just photography of him looking neutral at one of his award ceremonies. I picked it up and heard his voice loud and clear on the other end. “Is everything okay? You haven’t been at school these past few days.”

I glanced over at my torn calendar, then swallowed the lump in my throat. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him, not at all. But the urge to tell him quickly turned into a storm behind my eyes. I pushed it down as quick as it brewed. “I’ve just been sick. Really sick.”

I heard him packing his bags from the other end of the line. Already? “Wait, no, Apollo, what are you doing?”

“I already took my tests today; I’m going to check in on you. What are your symptoms?” He said it so simply, like I was worth having around. The storms started flooding behind my eyes again, threatening tears. I didn’t want him here. I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t explain to him that I wasn’t sick, that I just told him that. “Look, I can get you a decent treatment, my parents are generous, just tell me.”

“No, Apollo, not that kind of sick.” I whispered. I think I was drowned out by the sounds on the other end. There were a lot of other boys there. His phone dropped. I didn’t hear anything on Apollo’s end for a while, water must have flushed the mic.

I just heard panting on the other end for a minute. Just Apollo’s frantic breaths. “What kind of sick then?”

My stomach churned at his breathing. It was hollow, scared for his life or thoughts or beliefs, like he had run half a kilometer. It sounded like he was outside now, “Apollo, are you panicking?” I asked.

“I’ll focus on that later; what kind of sick are you?” Apollo’s voice rung out as cold, a bit detached. I knew it wasn’t his fault, but it still hurt a bit. “Please don’t tell me it’s back again. Are you hurt?”

My silence spoke volumes. I didn’t want to tell him anything, but I might have accidentally told him everything without even opening my mouth. “Please don’t come over. You have the rest of the school day.” Apollo grunted in response; the scoff was always like a soundboard with him. It was something signature to only Apollo. “At least don’t tell Juno.”

“He won’t know a thing.” He said into the phone’s mic, although it felt a lie. They always lie to me. The thing brushed up against my foot again, I kicked it. My wrist pulsed once more; my bracelet felt tight. Stop trying to get to me. “Your secrets are safe with me.” Something about that felt soothing. The shaking stopped in my hands, and I set the phone down on my dresser, now having it on speaker. Apollo’s voice rang out through my room. “Can you at least try to come to school tomorrow? I can give you my notes.”

I thought about it for a moment, then I gave a quiet sigh. “Yeah. I’ll try. Don’t worry, Apollo.” I probably wouldn’t. I’ve lied to him about this before, I feel guilty doing it, but that’s nothing sleep can’t fix.

Then his line suddenly cut off. It was loud static, the kind that makes you throw your phone against the wall… because I did that. It was hurled with a thunk when it hit the wall then fell to the floor. My bracelet hurt more, it felt like it was cutting off circulation to my hand. I swallowed the growing lump in my throat. “Apollo?” I call out to the cut-out line. “Apollo?!”

No words except the ominous static and clouds in the sky. That was so odd. My hopes for reaching Apollo quickly dwindled, but something else flickered. There Heart was, fighting off whatever evil spirit had manhandled the weather. The white wings and angelic appearance seemed to be a light. He fell. I watched him crash to the ground, buffed gloves and heels and all. The blindfold fluttered uselessly in the wind, leaving long streaks of purple.

I didn’t think. I just acted. I jumped out of my window, which wasn’t high since it was on the first floor, and I was now running. My legs were working on nothing, but it still worked enough to get there with a slight sickness from the run. I threw a rock at the weather girl, taunting. “HEY, YOU OVEREXAGGERATED UMBRELLA!” I shouted, watching as the masked demon glanced at me. The thunder roared around her. “Let me guess? You like picking on little birdies because you’re Ms. Meanie? How about you knock two birds with one stone?!” I stood in front of Heart, holding my arms out like I could do something to save him.

“It’s Weathered Girl to you.” The girl muttered, pointing her umbrella to me. The lightning struck before Heart shielded me with his wings. His voice sounded panicked.

“Atlas?! What are you doing here?” I glanced back at the voice, sounding oddly familiar. I gave a quiet sigh.

“Giving you just a little bit of time!” I explained. “Think of anything? Please?” I was then thrown. It’s weird how much you want something until you finally get a taste of it. I was flying, the gift of falling didn’t seem too much like a gift anymore. My bracelet hugged me tighter until I hit the ground.

It was BRIGHT. I hated lights, but this was bright, bright. “Soul!” A voice called. “I found you!” What. Who’s Soul? I glanced around, poking my head from the trash bin I was thrown in. Everything was spinning still. I climbed out, dumping out the contents of the dumpster with me. I shuddered. “Okay! Your name is Soul, the angel you were just with is named Heart!”

“I know his name is Heart.” I muttered, glancing at the magical boy who had been protecting our city for a little over a week.

“Well, you don’t know your powers, Soul.”

“Oh, please don’t tell me.” I rolled my eyes. Please no. I don’t want to be a magical boy. I don’t think I can, I was barely even alive before this. I was already accepting my horrible fate when I was thrown half a block. Now I was rubbing my head and experiencing minimal damage. I looked over my transformed state, the thigh high boots, plated shins, fingerless gloves… It felt comfortable while not looking like it. That was weird.

“Surprise! Look, Heart needs you right now, so you can either watch the world fall or accept your responsibility.” The voice cheered. I sighed, standing up.

“Fine. But don’t dance around the subject.” I watched Heart struggle with Weathered Girl at his throat. The two basically growled in each other’s faces like dogs. The banter was audible. “Just tell me what I need to do.”

The voice sounded quite laidback for the literal catastrophe happening. “Your suit provides magical protection from just about anything! Not to mention super agility, pretty cool, huh?” I inspected the suit again. The voice was right. The entire suit was a cool piece of technology. Apollo would be thrilled. “Your powers and how you activate them are simple…” A piece of rubble smashed into the wall behind me. “If you survive.”

“Well, tell me about it.” I already started to hop back into the fight I left from Heart. Weathered Girl’s head slammed into the wall, it dug deeper, leaving a large crack.

“Well, from your bracelet, there’s a communications device, that’s how I’m talking to you. You have the power of energy and matter manipulation. Basically, you’re psychic and can control and levitate objects. You show people their greatest desires to calm them down.” I’M PSYCHIC?! I was thrown back again due to my surprise. I slammed against the wall, crumbling to the ground. I watched Heart distract the villain. Maybe I got a bit too excited. “And you have a trident.”

“And how do I use these?” I asked, my gaze locking onto the floating beings. They were fighting like cats.

“Searched Soul for showing desires, you need to believe in yourself though.” Of course. There was a catch, and that catch was literally impossible. I groaned rolling my eyes. “Relax, it’s not that bad. Summon your trident for starters.”

I summoned the trident and immediately blasted back in. Weathered Girl was trapped between two prongs and a hard place. My breath was heavy. “Okay? What now?”

“Say the magic words!” The voice said like an enthusiastic child. I said the magic words, and she flashed into a trancelike state. “You’re a natural, Soul! Great job!” It was weird hearing praise that wasn’t from Juno or my parents. The trident’s light flickered, like it was dimming. The girl slowly returned to her original state, dazed and confused.

“What do I do now?” I was told to wait. Heart slammed his bow against the ground.

“Tripower Heart: Purify!” And seemingly, the world was back to normal. I dematerialized my trident, letting the girl stay confused at the now two magical boys standing above her. Her eyes sparkled with the light of a hundred suns.

“My hero!” She basically bounced, asking questions left and right. I could only catch one as she was yapping too fast! “What’s your name?”

I hesitated for a bit. I was about to say Atlas before the voice in my head stopped me. I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders back. “The name’s Soul. Nice to meet you, kid.” She giggled and hugged me. She was so bubbly, and my heart felt like it was about to burst.

“Soul? That’s a sick name.” Heart chirped; he shook my hand before hopping off. His voice called in the distance, bright and happy. “Cya next time, huh?” I nodded and went about my own way. My shoulders slumped again. The suit was now gone in a flash of red, I was back in that oversized jacket I wore all the time, and the only evidence I have of that experience remained on my wrist.

“Atlas, my name is Harmonia. I am the god of harmony and unity. This world is in danger, and you are one of the only ones who can help save it. Will you spare me some time so I can manifest and save this breaking world?”

I was hesitant. It seemed like a lot, this world was so much, and what did I have to show for it? Why would I save something that has brought me down so many times? Then I thought about them. About my parents, Juno, Apollo, and… the girl. The girl that hugged me and called me her hero. I don’t want to have people go through the same thing I go through with.

“Yeah. I think I will.”

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 7, 2026 20:57:06)

elrocco337

so peak

-tallyinghalls-

elrocco337 wrote:
so peak

Yo, there's an inbox for messages like that to keep this place clean :3

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #3 | MEND MY MIND

“Apollo.” My father called me over, and I bowed respectfully. “You have your Russian lesson at 6:30 today instead of 7:00. It’s been told that you’ve been slipping in your pronunciation and the extra half hour could help.”

“Yes, sir.” I nodded once more. I wasn’t studying my Russian lately. It was just one more thing I had to deal with on top of forensics, IB biology, IB calculus, IB literature, IB medicine, psyche… The list went on. Not to mention how Atlas has been rotting for the past few days, how everyone has just been slipping out of my fingers and now that everything is crumbling, I simply couldn’t find the time or place to study my Russian. Я не очень хорошо.

“How are your exams?” My mother asked, her voice lacked warmth. I must have gotten it from her. I picked at the plate of food that was nicely prepared. I just couldn’t bring myself to swallow it down. “I heard you won an award for your medical advancements. Do you want to tell us about that?”

“I uh… It was just a cure. One that saved money.” I muttered. It wasn’t too useful, just made it slightly more accessible. It’s witch doctor nonsense, except it’s not nonsense. People just barricade medical solutions behind capsules when a good meal provides just the substances needed. Although, the capsule is much more compact, the meal is cheaper. “It’s witch doctor stuff.”

“You know how it’s nonsense, Apollo.” My mother scowled at me. She always did. She glared at the food then back at my face and hollow cheeks. “Eat or starve, you’ve already lost 15 pounds this month, what’s another?” My hands shook against the table. The oxygen suddenly felt sparse, like she vacuumed it out from my lungs. I cautiously took a bite of the ‘dinner’ prepared.

“Your clothing hung off like leaves in Autumn at the award ceremony. I was utterly embarrassed to say the least.” My father slammed the newspaper shut, standing up and putting on his coat. “I have an appointment. If you skip your Russian, I’m making sure you speak with the locals there.”

I sighed. I knew it wasn’t an empty threat. This happened last year, and I had to awkwardly explain to Juno in broken sentences that I was in Russia for a week. At least it made me about half fluent. “You of all people should know about the importance of eating. What were all those medical courses for if you can’t apply them to yourself?” My mother berated.

“I’m thinking a lot, mother. On top of the IB exams, I just forgot to.” I barely got my word in before she also left me alone to the food on my plate. It went to the garbage disposal, as if it went to the trash, they would notice immediately and give me punishment faster than I can explain what was on my mind. I took a deep breath and without the eyes on me, the oxygen slowly returned to my lungs.

I started washing the dishes like any good son, although it was only three. Only mine was scraped, so I scraped the other two and rolled the gloves high on my forearms. I didn’t like latex, but I hated food scraps more. I don’t see why anyone would avoid this for so long. It takes five minutes at most, and near the day’s end, you start the dishwasher. I set the dishes in the dishwasher after getting most of the grime off. I shuddered at the thought of it, but didn’t say another word.

I didn’t want to go to my Russian tutor, Mr. Anatoliy, but I didn’t have anything better to do. It was Russian or medicine, and medicine had my brain stuffed these past few days. I went to my room. It was minimalistic and practical, but Atlas always called it empty. Juno had never been in here before, so he had no say. I sat looking at the blocked letters, how my handwriting only seemed to get worse with the passage of time.

It was unorderly. I sighed, nothing much I can do now, especially with nothing coming my way any time soon. The keys turned in my bedroom door and my father let Mr. Anatoliy in, who sat next to me with a quiet huff. He didn’t say anything, just glanced over at my writing and nodded. “Are you ready, Apollo?” He said in that thick Russian accent I had grown to find annoying. I just nodded.

It was just repetition. I just reviewed what we had learned together and spoke slightly less sloppily in his presence. My brain wandered, couldn’t stop thinking about what happened earlier that week and my call with Atlas. I crossed my legs.

Repeat, rinse and repeat like the dishwasher downstairs that I needed to start. But right now, I was speaking meaningless phrases in Russian and being praised for something that took little to no thought. It was basic conversation. How are you doing? I’m doing well. What did you eat today? I had chicken and rice. Just basic. I don’t think anyone has even asked me what I had to eat today. Except for Atlas and Juno. I took a deep breath, the frustration seeped into my veins.

“Apollo. Are you paying attention?” Mr. Anatoliy asked. For some reason, I didn’t answer immediately like I would have. I just stared blankly at the page. “Apollo.” He snapped in my ear. It was like church bells. “Look, if you don’t have respect, I might as well just leave, since you clearly don’t want to spend the time of day to learn this beautiful language.”

I just couldn’t stop thinking about what happened in that bathroom. Something jumped in my brain. I saw them in his face, my hands shook. “Maybe if you were a bit more patient with me, I would respond.” I grumbled, not making eye contact, not like I ever did now, I just looked between their eyebrows.

“Well, I don’t have all day, Apollo.” Mr. Anatoliy looked disappointed. It was like I was his only student rejecting his help. I didn’t want to reject his help, I didn’t mean to, but he stood up, adjusted his news cap with a knitted deer and slammed the door behind him. My stomach churned.

I sat back down at my desk and studied for my IB medicine test. It was words that I hardly understood the meaning of now, but words none the less. Only 20 minutes later did my door lock from the outside. My ring constricted my finger tightly like a snake. Alarms blared; security measures applied since the first darkening of a spirit.

Who was it this time? Was it Isolate? Weathered Girl? Blanc? I looked outside to hear the shouts, people yelling at each other instead of actually communicating. It hurt my ears. The two heroes, Heart and Soul, were already fighting them. The voice of the villain sounded a lot like Mr. Anatoliy. My blood ran cold at the realization… did I make him darken?

I curled in the corner of my room, ducking my head. I hated this. My breath came shallow, I couldn’t breathe. Please don’t let it be my fault. I’m such a terrible son, I get it. I don’t want to be berated again. This is all my fault. My hands shook and my ring pounded against my finger. I was going to be sick.

“Hey.” A voice said, calming. It was like a hand on my shoulder. “Mind. Breathe. In for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4.” It then demonstrated the breathing pattern. Although, my panic only increased at the random voice in my head that wasn’t mine. “Mind. Listen to me. It’s not your fault, it’s never your fault. There’s something behind these villains that causes their spirits to darken. It’s The Reaper’s fault, not yours. The Reaper amplifies these feelings, but you can stop them. Just stay positive.”

I couldn’t tell if it was messing with me or not. My ring felt tight, and my stomach couldn’t stop flipping. “But it is my fault. I should have paid attention; I should have been good.” The voice cut me off with a quiet hiss.

“It's gonna be okay. Your name is Mind. You’re the magical boy that’s going to save these people, okay? I'm talking from your ring. Hi!” The voice gently coaxed; my chest lightened a bit as it explained more. “You have manipulation over time, numbers, if it can be calculated, you can control it. You can even take a breather if you need to. Do you trust me?” I nodded. “Then allow me to give you my help to transform, kay?”

And it happened. In a brilliant flash of blue, I realized that this entire thing was real and not some crazed delusion my panic had set up. It was beautiful, long, heeled boots, intricate patterns, flowy skirt and all. I loved it, oddly enough. As unorthodox it seemed, it looked like me. I held a gloved hand to my chest, fiddling with the tied ribbon around my neck. “How is this practical?” I asked.

“It’s called magical boy, Mind, not practical boy.” The voice laughed, and I laughed too. It was a funny joke, seeming like my life was always such a rigid box. Now it’s skirt go spinny and bad guys get angelized. “You have short foresight. You know what’s going to happen before it happens, and it’s your job to plan that out. So? What is it, Mr. Big brain?”

I glanced out the window and opened it. I hopped out to look at the people shouting at each other and the villain occupied by Heart and Soul. My eyes narrowed at the scene. Everything was so loud, no one can properly communicate. Therefore, you could sneak up on someone. As good as an idea as I get. “So, what’s my power again?”

“You can pause time by saying Mend My Mind.” The voice explained. “However, you cannot move when you use your power. You can only speak to make time start again. You use this power to get a breather and clear your head.” I glanced over at the Prince Bandroom. There’s bound to be many people there and live stage venues. The sound would bounce off perfectly in there.

“Tell Heart and Soul to get the villain in the Prince Bandroom. There’s going to be a lot of people there, a lot of noise.” I muttered. I was already heading over there at a sprint. It was only 5 minutes, I love super agility. I stayed pointed at my stakeout.

“You also have a ribbon wand.” I laughed at the voice’s utterly deadpan tone. Maybe it wasn’t joking. “No, seriously, you have a ribbon wand. Don’t believe me? Summon it.” The ribbon wand made a loud whip sound inside the bandroom. Oh, I’m going to have fun with that.

Just shortly after, Heart and Soul busted in with the villain, both struggling against the loud noise. They seemed off. Of course, since everything was so loud. I called upon my power. “Mend My Mind.” Everything froze, even my movements. I overlooked the now silent band room. It was weird. But more specifically. Right there. There were antlers where his cap was. “Mind Mended.” Then time started again. This time, the ribbon wand wrapped tightly around the antlers, sending the man down.

Both Heart and Soul looked stunned, and Mr. Anatoliy reverted to his original state and Heart did his thing. Mr. Anatoliy looked confused before thanking Heart and Soul. He apologized before running off. I hopped down from the top curtains. “Hi, Heart and Soul.”

“YOU’RE MIND?!” Heart was ecstatic, cheery and loud. But in a much friendlier way than the other people I had encountered while transformed. “You did such a great job!” I flushed; the smile was eminent on my face.

“Hey dude! Looking awfully pretty.” Soul joked, pushing me a bit. “You did such a cool job there… despite the odd clothing choice.”

“Oh no! I didn’t choose this.” I stammered. The ribbon wand dematerialized from my hand, now a figment of what was. “Some voice did, apparently.”

“Harmonia.” The voice introduced, and we all three looked at my ring as it flashed blue. “Mind, my name is Harmonia. I am the god of harmony and unity. This world is in danger, and along with Heart and Soul, you will buy me time to fix the rift that has grown between man and psyche. You will use this power for the greater good. Can I trust you?”

I thought about it. About everyone. Just another thing on my plate? Can I even handle that? But as Mind, I felt more carefree. I didn’t have to be the Apollo hoisting everything on my shoulders, I can be who I want to be? I didn’t have to put up the mask of being perfect anymore? How could I say no? “Yes.”

“Now go home.” I was already on my way before Harmonia told me to do so. I’m a good child, after all. If my parents catch me out, they’re going to be furious. I was regular old Apollo back in my room. Same sweater, same window, same minimalistic room. The only thing that has changed is that this ring is NEVER coming off.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 14, 2026 22:53:36)

ribbonlynn

holy peakaroni

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #4 | SERIAL DESIGNATION 6

Apollo’s pen tapped against my messy desk. He always did this little hum when he was trying to focus. “So, let me get this straight…” He asked the disconnected voice in our heads. “Juno is Heart. I’m Mind, Atlas is Soul. And together, we make the Tri:Power.”

“Yes.” Harmonia’s voice responded. Atlas nodded against my shoulder; half dozed off. I wish he went to bed earlier, but we’re all exhausted.

Apollo tapped his pen again. He huffed quietly, there was a creak as he stood up a bit straighter. “And there’s this god, or entity, just some unscientific power called ‘The Reaper’ who wants to… uh…” Papers flipped as he checked his notes. “Expand the rift between the human psyche and body until it creates two separate universes?”

“Exactly.” Harmonia’s tone was beaming with pride, likely happy he got such a smart cookie like Apollo. I would be happy too. “This rift could not only destroy humanity, but also the universe. It’s extremely catastrophic.”

“Why?” I peeped up. Atlas jumped a little bit from where I suddenly moved. His hand found mine and squeezed. “I mean like- if they know that it could destroy the world, why do it?”

“They’re hungry. Stardust gets boring after a few millennia.” Apollo almost laughed at that. His composure ripped faster than cheap clothing.

“Relatable.” Atlas muttered absently. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He was now carrying his own weight, swinging his legs off the side of my bed. “I get tired of eating wafer bars. Speaking of eating wafer bars, Apollo, there are a couple of wafer bars in the drawer next to you. We won’t judge, don’t worry.”

There was about a half a minute of hesitation before the drawer opened and a wafer bar was retrieved. “Thanks.” The scholar whispered.

“Did you plant those when you visited last time?” Atlas just gave a quiet hum at my accusation. Of course he did. Why wouldn’t he plant wafer bars? It sounds like such an Atlas thing to do.

“Back to the matter.” Apollo suddenly stood up, now pacing the room. It was faster. I’m happy he decided it was better for him. “Would you say that this Reaper takes advantage of people’s negative emotions? Or festers on them to feed?”

“Spot on. They possessed Atlas.” I felt Atlas’ shoulders tense. His hands shook against mine as the realization settled in.

“I was a darkened spirit.” Atlas whispered. He sniffled a bit. “I’m sorry guys, I really didn’t mean to.” I started getting flashbacks to the faceless silhouette, to Apollo nearly lifeless in my arms. I put Atlas in a headlock. I kicked Atlas. I hurt Atlas.

“You’re never yourself when possessed.” Harmonia’s voice continued. “It’s always your negative emotions taking front and center. It’s your insecurities, your flaws, lies, hatred, all morphed into one beast you can’t tackle on your own.” Harmonia sounded solemn, I wanted to comfort him, but my arms couldn’t really wrap around a voice. Instead, I hugged Atlas.

“I’m sorry, Atlas.” I whispered. The mentioned boy remained frozen, staring off into the distance.

“You’re telling me that Reaper can morph people’s bodies to represent their emotions?” Apollo didn’t say much of anything else, didn’t need to. I felt the worry come off him in waved. “That they turned Atlas into a faceless, shadowy, beast? It didn’t even look real. I thought I was delusional.”

“Exactly. It’s your worst fears turned into flesh.” Harmonia’s voice shuddered like the rest of us.

“It’s torture.” Atlas whispered into the air. It wasn’t much, but it hit hard in my chest. I hated that he had to deal with something like that, and much worse, remember almost every bit of it. “My limbs felt mangled, and head felt tied to strings. My guts felt emptied out.”

I sighed quietly. “There has to be a way to fix all of this, right?”

“Not until I can reform again.” Harmonia laughed, it quickly devolved into a quiet sigh. “I’m already tuckered out by telling you hooligans everything.” The voice yawned, I didn’t even think Harmonia needed to yawn, seeing as he’s the god of unity and everything.

“I’m no hooligan.” I snuffed. I was then met with booming laughter from Atlas and Harmonia. Apollo’s laugh wasn’t as loud, but it was just as noticeable. I covered my ears instinctively. “I’m being honest!”

Apollo’s laughter died down enough for him to swiftly jot something down, he sat back down, spinning a bit with the swivel chair. “So, I make the plans, Atlas does the heavy lifting and Heart purifies the person? Like a system of checks in coding?”

Harmonia thought about that for a while. He gave the imitation of Atlas’ classic ‘I don’t know’ drawl before inevitably deciding on a contradiction. “Yes, and no. It’s much more complicated. You need to learn what their heart wants.”

“That’s going to be difficult for a couple of our exes, ammirite?” Atlas joked, realizing it went flat faster than bread.

Apollo clicked his tongue. “Speak for yourself. I don’t have any exes.” He checked his watch and stood up abruptly. “My parents are going to kill me if they found out I skipped my Saturday med class. I’m sorry.” I could almost sense the tension in his body as he basically ran out.

“No, Apollo, you don’t need to say-” He was out before I could start to get to the important part. I sighed, putting my head in my knees.

“It’s fine.” Harmonia stated simply. “As long as he doesn’t…” Harmonia cut himself off there. “Get Apollo right now.”

We, and by we, I mean I, basically busted down my door to notice the shadows seep around Apollo’s ankle, then up his calf. I pounced on him, placing my forehead to his collarbone in an embrace I’m not proud of. It caught him off guard though.

“Juno, I need to get home.” Apollo stated simply, pushing me off him. “My parents are going to be furious.”

“Just tell your parents you’re helping out at the front desk again like last time!” My hands shook against his coat, tongue felt fatter in my throat as I tried to articulate my need for him to just stay until he’s stable.

“Yeah!” Atlas finally caught up, holding Apollo’s shoulder, which was rising and falling rather quickly.

“That’s the issue. They’ve been getting stricter.” Apollo pulled away from us again. “My parents don’t want a receptionist.” He took a deep breath, the first of few. “It’s okay! I’ll be positive! For all of us! For you, for Harmonia, for everyone! I won’t fall, you can trust me!” I sensed the lie from a mile away. But he had already started running out, the small bell chiming as he left. My shoulders heaved with a heavy sigh.

I was worried now. It only felt like a matter of time that we were transforming without a Mind. I swallowed that fear down quick. “Do you think the Reaper’s gonna…?”

“Definitely.” Atlas responded. “Should we talk to your parents?”

“And do what? Have them magic perfectionism away?” I snapped. It felt hopeless. If half the time one of our team members was going to be transforming into a horrible monster, how the hell are we going to unite? No. No. I can’t let negative thinking get to me. Take a deep breath, Juno. In and then out. “We’ll just purify him. Then we can talk to mom and dad and like- get a professional’s advice.”

“Got it.” Soul was already halfway through his transformation in a brilliant shine of red. “So, we just gotta purify our favorite little Apollo.”

“Can’t be that hard.” I lost my old identity in the flicker of amethyst. It was always weird transforming into Heart, but things get adjusted quite easily. I even have phantom limb from my wings sometimes.

“But it might be.” Soul grumbled, adjusting the bracelet on his wrist.

“Can’t be any harder than you.” Soul glared at me as I made the remark. He didn’t say much of anything else before exiting the office.

“Wait, Soul, I didn’t mean that, you’re a great partner.” I started running after him. Usually, there would be much more chaos happening. There would be a lot of yelling or people just scurrying away. There wasn’t this time. It was oddly calm.

We continued glancing about our city, Soul was about to call it in quits. Maybe Apollo was telling the truth. Maybe he would have stayed strong for us. This flicker of hope dwindled when we realized the streets were too quiet. Everything moving in pristine patterns. It sent a shiver down my spine.

“Hey. Soul. Look.” I tugged on his sleeve, pointing to the park that usually had so many children, now just completely empty. The swings looked like they hadn’t been swung on one bit, the mulch looked unbothered. It made me a bit sick. “Poor thing.” The empathy gnawed at my stomach; I couldn’t think about much of anything other than ‘that’s Apollo’. Apollo.

Soul swallowed the lump in his throat. He glanced back to me; the dread was instilled in his veins too. I felt the hatred of the outcome, but not all is lost. We had to find the source, we had to find Apollo. The only issue is, we didn’t know what was causing the cleanliness. We looked around the empty city, did a double check, nothing added up. We were about to throw in the towel before I sensed something behind us. I turned Soul around.

The automaton just stared at us blankly, his expression sorrowful. Usually, they have names. Usually, they’re mad. This one isn’t. He just stared blankly at us. It wasn’t even a standoff, as we both knew none of us could bring each other to hurt the other. So, we stood there, uselessly. My bow in hand, Soul’s trident in his hand and this unnamed darkened spirit staring into the depths of our personalities like we had only asked for its name after being assigned a number. Which is what it gave. “6.”

“6? That’s your name?” Soul asked quietly. The automaton, who was now shaking, nodded. “Why 6?” It didn’t specify why, just stepped backward, then once more.

“I can’t finish this conversation as an AI model.” He whispered. It shattered my heart, Apollo, the man who deserved to be human just like the rest of us, resorted himself to nothing but an AI. I bit back my tears.

“6. Wait.” I called as he turned his back. “Come here.” And he was obedient, sickeningly so. I gently held his wrist and pulled him along like cattle. He followed blindly. We then sat down together under a tree. It would have been a normal park if kids were playing about. Soul sprawled on the grass, tilting his head back.

“I need to leave.” He said simply, standing up.

I felt the hatred of his persistence seep up through my bones again. “No, sit.” And he sat as politely as possible. I pressed my forehead to his. “Can I use my power on you?” There was no point in asking. He would have just blindly said yes. “True Heart.”

Tears were streaming down my face as the information rushed to me. I didn’t even get to read it all before my magic ceased. I pulled him into a hug. His skin seemed to be replaced with metal, that’s how weird it was. It was like a shell of the Apollo we once knew. I took a deep breath. “It’s going to be okay.” I whispered, even though I know the bruises of the past cannot be healed. I spoke the purification spell, and we watched the metal flake from Apollo’s skin. His gaze stayed fixed on the ground.

Harmonia was right. This was ironic and cruel. They turned Apollo into a robot, they fixed everyone into a schedule. And for what? FOOD?! I hate it. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, I HATE IT. Soul held my shoulders to keep me from spiraling too far.

But it felt so wrong. It was cruel in every definition of the word, turning Atlas into a faceless imp and Apollo into a robot. I can’t imagine how much pain that must be for them. “Heart!” Soul finally yelled, easing my shoulders. “Let’s get Apollo home.” I started whisking him away in my arms. He safely made it home thanks to yours truly! He didn’t say thank you, but he did stop me for a moment.

“I’m sorry, Juno.” He whispered. His voice was a bit weak. “I thought I was positive enough.” His apology was not needed, once more. I let the tension drop from my expression.

“Just know we love you, Apollo.”

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 8, 2026 05:43:14)

yeonstariie

peakkk

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #5 | COGNITO

I was in my bed again. This time at a reasonable hour of 2 am. Don’t ask if I was awake, I totally wasn’t watching people building houses. Because I was actually watching people talk about music theory in video games. Her voice was calming, but I zoned out.

I couldn’t fall asleep. I was just staring dazed into the distance. Cadence Hira’s voice continued playing. Just explaining the Moon theme of the original Ducktales like I hadn’t heard it dozens of times before. I could probably remake it from memory, that’s how much I’ve been getting used to this stupid theme.

I stared at the ceiling, covered in glow stars I had attached to the roof when I randomly spiraled one night. I swallowed the lump in my throat. There was no way anyone was awake at this time. The urges were overpowering.

No. It’s not best to throw in the towel. There are dozens of people that still care about me. Like my parents… and Juno… and Apollo… okay, maybe four, but those four matter more than anything on this planet Earth! No stupid negative emotions will get me to hurt them. The darkness pulled back again. I thought about this.

Those nights where we gathered under the stars, the real stars and just rested there after purifying a rotted spirit. I already longed for that adventure again, I longed to wield the trident, banter with Heart and see how happy Mind could get from spinning (I know, total bad boy). My phone buzzed. It was Juno in all his stupidly hilarious glory. I stifled a laugh; he probably used the speech to text function.

“Call. Please.” The text looked so silly. Although, I couldn’t do much better, I also used the speech to text function sometimes. So, I called him, and he picked up. His voice wasn’t tired, which was weird, because it’s 2:00 AM. What kind of person isn’t tired at 2:00 AM? Juno. Juno is the kind of person to stay awake all night due to hyperactivity and then call you when he finally crashes. “Atlas. I wanna meet up.” I could almost hear that signature pout of his on the end of his line. “I’ve been thinking a lot.”

I groaned quietly. I couldn’t be too mad though, it’s Juno of all people. Juno was very difficult to be mad at, especially considering his intentions never struck as bad. “Juno, it’s 2:00 AM.”

“I know you’ve been watching those Cadence Hira videos since like- midnight and everything, and it’s kinda unhealthy.” Juno admitted. The bedding ruffled as he stood up and he let out a quiet yawn. Bare feet padded against the hardwood floor and the door opened. “You’re either hanging out with me or rotting. I don’t like it when you rot.” The fridge buzzed from his phone and he poured himself something, hopefully something that hydrated him.

“Nah, it’s the good part, trust me.” I lied. I had watched the video three times over this month. I would have known what was interesting and what wasn’t. “She’s about to uh…”

“Do you even remember?”

“Yeah, give me a minute.” I hated that I had this drawl every time I couldn’t remember something. It was a long “errrrrr” sound which sounded like a door creaking lazily. Juno laughed on the other end. “Don’t laugh at me, I’m thinking.”

“With what brain? C’mon, clear your head with me!” Juno teased; the sound of a window opening resounded. “Maybe then you’ll remember what happens next in that video.” On one hand, Juno was right. I might be able to remember a lot after I clear my head. On the other hand, Juno was right. I didn’t want to admit that heading out at 2:00 AM was remotely a good idea. I was tempted.

“Who else agreed to this stupid plan?” I almost smirked at the ordeal, knowing Apollo was out at this time, especially with IB exams. “Yeah. Exactly, no one. Because it’s 2:00 freaking am in the morning.”

Juno just groaned on the other end. “You’re so boring. Live a little!”

“Yeah, but as long as you call me at 2:00 am in the morning telling me to-” Why didn’t Juno shut his window? “Wait. Juno. Shut your window.”

“What window? I don’t have a window in my room I can reach.” Right, because he was short, he slept in the loft. It always had a small overhead light from near the roof of his parents’ house.

“Juno, something’s in my room.” I whispered quietly. I glanced over to my open window, the breeze gently moving the curtains. “Juno, there’s something in my room!” I repeated, already going to get a broom. “JUNO, THERE’S SOMETHING IN MY ROOM!!!”

“I heard you the first time! I’m calling Apollo right now!” I could hear Heart’s boots clicking against the floor.

“Apollo’s out like a LIGHT dude! He takes melatonin!” I was armed with a broom. A BROOM. I could have armed myself with a trident, but NOOOO I had to grab a BROOM. “You know how IB exams work!”

“Okay! Then I guess it’s just Heart taking care of this bull.” He hung up. WITH ME AND THE STUPID PARASITE IN MY ROOM!!! I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO IT IS!!! I CAN’T DO ANYTHING.

“Hey… uh… whatever you are, come out.” I wasn’t too intimidating, since when was I? I was just a random music-loving teen holding a broom in his hands. I couldn’t be too scary when my room looks like something from an anime with how messy it was. I don’t even think I used this broom this week except for the possibility of bashing in some random spirit’s skull. Even then, I would wait until it pounced at me to even consider. “I’m gonna send you to pound town.”

There was no verbal response from whatever entered my room. I didn’t know if it put me at ease more or made me more uncomfortable with the fact that there’s a monster in my room. It might not even be a monster; it could be a rat and I’m just overreacting.

A lamp knocked over. Like one of those heavy lamps. SOMETHING BIGGER THAN A RAT WAS IN HERE. I yelped. Someone knocked on my door and I swear I was 10 seconds from throwing whoever came from outside out the window. Not that it was a massive fall or anything, just self-defense. “Atlas?” Dad’s signature I’m-worried-about-you-but-I-won’t-do-much-of-anything voice spoke on the other end. “Are you alright in there?”

“Yeah! Just a rat!” I looked around for the darkened spirit, praying to Harmonia dad doesn’t even TRY to open the door. “Just go back to sleep! I got it!” I probably didn’t have it, but it’s better than ‘Hey, dad, I think there’s a monster in my room’ because I grew out of that phase when I grew out of diapers. BUT THERE’S AN ACTUAL MONSTER IN MY ROOM THIS TIME!

It was oddly quiet, the broom was shaking in my grip, breath turned hollow. For once, I didn’t think it was all hopeless. I knew Heart was going to come soon, so it was only a matter of time before that stupidly adorable angel hops through my window and purifies whatever monster is in my room. As for now? I’M STUCK. I can’t transform!!!

Reaper is going to know if I transform into Soul, especially if there’s some stupid monster in my room! WHO IS IT? Something knocked over one of the posters hung in my room. Tally Hall flopped with a surprising amount of disgrace for a poster.

“Hey, Cognito.” A voice called, elegant in their words. “Why don’t you pick on someone with magic instead of poor little humans who can’t defend themselves?” Mind? Apollo was always asleep at this time; no shot Heart actually got him up. “I know, quite difficult, especially when you’ve been running away for the past hour. A little angel told me you were here. Unfortunate, right?”

The chameleon burst from my closet in a brilliant shimmer of greens and blues. She basically latched onto Mind, who scrambled about trying to restrain her. Heels wrapped around the waist, and she was brought down with a thud. “LET ME GO!” She hissed, glaring at me. I don’t remember doing anything shifty to her. I sighed quietly, pushing the ginger locks of hair from her face. “JUST LET ME AT HIM.”

“No. Obviously not. Come on, that’s a civilian.” A decorated wrist checked its black painted nails. He sighed, rolling his eyes arrogantly. “We’re going to wait here until our favorite little angel comes to purify you.” Mind grinned at me from the floor. “How long was she here?”

“Dunno.” I shrugged. I hadn’t checked the time since Juno hung up on me. It was 2:24 AM now, so it was probably about 14 minutes since I first noticed something off in my room. “About a quarter hour?”

The chameleon was still pinned, both hadn’t left their spot on the floor. It was kinda weird, seeing someone who was usually so analytical pin another to the ground in something so physical. His dark hair covered his eyes and the scowl on his black lips was near permanent.

Heart then climbed through my window to see Mind already pinning down the chameleon. His eyebrows rose in disbelief at the sight, because when do you see someone like Mind pin someone down and gag them with a ribbon? NEVER. “Go on, Heart, use your power.”

“Uh… yeah!” Heart fluttered about before pressing a hand to the chameleon’s forehead. “True Heart.” The vision played, and it did appear I had wronged them. Mostly because I had been so focused on my duties. It was a girl, one that always flushed near me. I felt horrible. “Awh, someone’s lovesick.”

“Oh…” Mind muttered, suddenly his pale face also flushed. “That must stink.”

“Shut up.” Heart groaned, snatching the ribbon wand from Mind’s grasp. “No more ribbon for you.” The angel gently took Cognito’s chin, tilting it a bit. “I understand. Love can be difficult. The best thing that you can do is learn to forgive rejection. Love is more powerful than hate.”

“I know.” Cognito whispered, glancing down to the scaled hands that had transformed from the demon trying to eat at her loneliness. “I just thought that maybe he would like me more if I knew him better.”

“Stalking people is wrong on so many levels.” Mind muttered, his grip faltered a bit on the chameleon’s shoulder. “Maybe he falls for you naturally, but as for now? Respect ‘no’. Heart, purify this fool.”

“Tripower Heart: Purify!” The arrow was shot, and slowly the scales flaked away. Mind stood up from his position, brushing off his skirt with a look of slight content on his face. Then his bow slammed in the ground, the poster was hung back up and the lamp in my room repaired.

Mind’s shoulders finally relaxed, and he rubbed his eyes. “It’s late.” He said simply. He stretched, glancing over Heart and I like we were something he had forgotten for a bit then suddenly just remembered. “Where were you, Heart?”

“Well, an invisible villain is invisible, Mind.” Heart sighed as he ran a hand through his curls. There was a small pout on his face, his eyes probably sparkled under the blindfold. “How was I supposed to know someone was in Atlas’ room?”

“I was searching for that thing for HOURS.” Mind yawned and adjusted his cuffs. The ice blue eyes softened a bit. “I didn’t want to wake you up.”

“Mind, not everyone goes to bed at 11 PM sharp.” I muttered, but I couldn’t be too mad. No one can be mad at someone after they literally just saved my life. “Although, I do gotta say thanks.”

The chameleon, who was now the Mori girl from my music theory class just stared at Mind and Heart. She then looked back to me, fear slowly residing behind the dark brown eyes of hers. “I’m so sorry, Atlas. I thought-”

“No, it’s fine.” I muttered. I helped her up and glanced over at the magical boys in my room. “Don’t be sorry. You weren’t yourself. I don’t wanna go out with you, but I do wanna be your friend.” Her smile suddenly turned shy.

“I’ll get you home, Mind, go to bed.” Heart hoisted Mori in his arms, powerful wings wrapping around her.

“Alright. Have fun you two!” Mind wiggled his fingers in a stupid little wave before taking his leave. Heart followed shortly after. This night sure was eventful. I didn’t even need to be Soul to have a smidge of fun. Probably because the essential moments of the night were still there.

I think I smiled.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 14, 2026 22:52:21)

yeonstariie

WOWOWOW I'M OBSSESED

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #6 | MISS STEP

Another day in IB med, the teacher goes on and on. The teacher on the screen who I don’t even remember the name of because it’s teacher after teacher. They all get a sir or ma’am or mx. I bit my tongue. The lesson was boring to me, as odd as that normally was.

My uniform felt stuffy, the room felt stuffy. I heard everyone’s breathing and it made me recoil a bit. The tie was tight around my neck. Everything was quite loud, it felt humid. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. No. Please no. It’s only IB med, I’m not even halfway through the day.

Deep breaths, Apollo, I told myself, even though my hands shook with the pen, the ink splattered slightly on the page. It was only busywork, review for the IB exam tomorrow. My knee bounced. The energy drink was still in my system, but something told me I needed more for my IB literature exam, then my forensics report. I swallowed the growing sickness in my throat.

I can skip eating again; I’m sure Juno and Atlas wouldn’t mind. I just need to study more, and everything will make sense. The words will come to me naturally, and the timed write will be easy. I just need more time, and that time is wasted looking over formulas that are shoved in my brain.

Take another minute, deep breaths, even though my chest felt like it was going to cave in. No, I can’t panic. My pulse did a drum roll in my ear, it sounded like a shot. My head felt dizzy, lines blurred on the pages. No. Stop. I’m fine. I’m okay! I just need to focus a bit more. I rubbed my temples to try to appease to the lightheadedness.

As someone who’s into medicine, I really don’t consider the signs for myself, huh? I say this because my head dropped, making a loud bang on the desk. Everyone’s eyes were on me, and my head felt like it was going to split open. I swallowed the bile that threatened to rise. The American on the screen cleared his throat. An eyebrow was raised like I interrupted something. I did interrupt something, like I always did.

No one said anything. It was dead silent in the way that everyone could hear if someone even breathed. I couldn’t breathe, so thank Harmonia no one would hear me. It stretched for an uncomfortable amount of time, I thought I used my power for a moment, but I didn’t, I couldn’t. I wasn’t Mind, I was pathetic, little Apollo instead.

This pathetic, little Apollo was extremely tired and lightheaded. I didn’t know what was being said as the words just slurred together to make something impossible to understand. My vision started growing spots. Stop. “Can I go to the nurse?” I whispered quietly.

“Go on.” He said, and I stood up, as shaky as my legs were, and walked down the narrowing hallway.

It was long. Longer than the hallways I remember, maybe because my feet were heavy, and my breathing was shallow. I shouldn’t have started walking alone. I should head back, but my feet remain planted in the middle of the hallway. I really wish I was in forensics, why couldn’t this delay until I had Juno here?

Consciousness slipped again, causing me to lean on the wall. I just sat down, putting my head between my knees. I just need to get this blood flowing again. Just calm down, Apollo. Calm down! But I couldn’t. I couldn’t breathe nor see anymore. I really wish I would just conk out already, because then I wouldn’t have to deal with another second of this.

My hands shook weakly as I tried to get some semblance of control, but no. It seemed my thoughts drained like sand in a sieve. Then it happened. Temporary blackness, unawareness of my surroundings, then I was back. I hated these spells.

And I was hoisted up, Mori held my hand as we walked down the hall to the nurses office. I was set down on the bed and urged to lay. I know this routine like the back of my hand now, lay back, kick my feet up, stare at the ceiling and wonder what I did wrong for 15-20 minutes as I regain full awareness. It just hurt. My stomach churned at the thought of it. Mori was gone.

“Apollo.” The nurse said, her expression worried. “This is the third time this week.” She tapped her fingers against the keyboard, the clicking sound was irritating. “What was it this time?”

“Zinc. It’s just zinc. I should be fine, no need to send me home.” I didn’t want to face my parents after the second time I was sent home. I shuddered thinking about it. I knew zinc didn’t cause fainting spells, it only caused nausea, I was just hoping she would take the lie and run with it. She didn’t.

“We do need to send you home though, your parents-” Of course it was my parents. Probably threatened to sue the school if their ‘perfect little angel’ didn’t get sent home after fainting. Or maybe it was just standard protocol. I don’t care anymore.

I just nodded and waited for the paperwork to be filled out. It’s unfortunate that I won’t be able to spend lunch with Juno or Atlas. Not that I eat with them much. Not that Atlas went to school now. Not that I can’t talk to anyone.

My parents were going to be here in 15 minutes. 15 minutes until my inevitable doom. My uniform was weighing on me like blankets. My chest rose and fell under it all, I couldn’t panic here. I crossed my legs instinctively.

I sat in the back seat of the car, my mother glared at me through the mirror like I had ruined everything. I did in a sense. Now I couldn’t take my IB literature exam and had to make it up sooner or later. That’s all she cared about. She huffed. “Your father is very busy, you know this. Why pull these stunts during your exams? We pay for you to take these classes, not for your behaviors. Your most recent report? What do you mean you fainted!? Twice???”

I couldn’t think about much of anything to snap back with. It really was a disappointment that I had fainted. I didn’t want to faint, couldn’t control it either. I didn’t want to disturb father, but now I was by ruining his perfect schedule. I swallowed down the shame, hoping it would hold me off. “I’m tired mother. I think I’m going to go to bed.” I whispered in the expanse of the car.

She didn’t stop me from heading to my room once we got home. Thank Harmonia. I just sat on my bed over a trash can. The metal was cold against my chest, where the thin shirt was no longer covered by our school blazer. I felt sick, but I couldn’t tell much of anyone. Otherwise, what would become of me?

When the sickness spell passed, I just stared at the ceiling. I opened my phone, scrolling through dozens of worried messages from our trio’s group chat. Juno was practically foaming at the mouth, both sent dozens of voice messages over the lunch break. I opened the first one.

Just greetings. The next one was slightly more worried, with Atlas just talking about how lunch feels a bit lonelier. They kept asking what happened and each time Juno’s voice cracked my chest tightened. I couldn’t bring myself to type anything more than “I fainted”.

I hated that. I hated admitting something as stupid as fainting. They shouldn’t know that. I turned my phone off, the static started blaring in my ears, my mother raged from downstairs. Her voice was sharp as nails, probably still upset. “And yes, you can schedule that for next Saturday. He won’t miss it.” There was a pause. “What do you mean you can’t?”

I heard her rage. It’s all my fault. My phone buzzed again, an extra-long paragraph from Juno. “Dude! What? Atlas. Atlas. You heard that, right? Dude! Apollo. Apollo. Apollo. Uhm. Apollo. Did you eat today? How about the day before? Is everything okay? Do we need to come over?”

My mother continued pacing angerly from downstairs, basically yelling at the person on the other end of the line. “Don’t you know who I am?! My son is going to take this exam on this day or you’re getting a not very friendly letter from my lawyer!” No way she was threatening to sue someone OVER A TEST. My shoulders heaved.

“You can’t come over. Mother is steaming.” I typed in short sentences. I bit my lip in anticipation, everything was crumbling down around me, and I couldn’t even begin to recount what was going on around me. Another text, this time from Atlas.

“answer the question did u eat today?” The text remained on read as a shoe was thrown downstairs. I flinched.

“no” I responded, as much as I didn’t want to.

“can u?”

“no” Silence from the room downstairs. It was oddly quiet. My mother stopped throwing her little fit. “but we might need tripower here.” The door burst open, and my mother didn’t find me. This was because I had grown quite quick to hiding. I already stuffed my bed with something that looked relatively like me. The heels clicked on the ground as she surveyed the area. The light sparkled from there. That’s a potential point of consideration.

Oh. Great. Well, I wasn’t too far off the mark. She left without a sound and out my window. Thank Harmonia Mind wasn’t too far away. I should know this because I quickly took his form in a shimmer of blue. It never gets old; it feels like I’m undergoing a glow up. I watched her strut throughout the streets, my mother of all people.

I can’t believe I have to fight MY MOTHER. But then again, I did almost want to today. I ran after her, studying her movements from the rooftops. Maybe it will all blow over and I’ll be able to take my IB literature exam another day without her throwing another fit. Oh, what do I know, definitely not.

The people bowed as she strutted, the golden glimmer unmistakable. It was mesmerizing in the worst way possible. “Watch out.” I muttered into my ring. “It’s a mind warp.”

“What do you mean?” Heart asked, his voice slightly bitcrushed from the device of my ring.

“She’s treating people like crows.” I muttered. “Using bright lights and shiny objects to get people to bow to her will. The heels seem to be the big thing.”

“Talk about a high horseshoe huh?” Soul laughed; the trident spun in his hands before he leaned on it next to me. “You would think that with all of this money she could afford something less tacky.”

“It is quite tacky.” I admitted. The ribbon wand basically danced in my grip, that also never got old. I always got a kick out of it. Speaking of kick… “I could trip her up with the ribbon.” I suggested. “Maybe while that happens, you can show her what she wants to distract her long enough for Heart to purify her?”

“Sounds like a plan!” Soul grinned, pushing me into the forefront. “Good luck, princess!” Princess. I huffed despite the warmth in my chest.

“Hi, Miss Step!” I always liked naming these villains. The ribbon swayed lazily behind me as I glanced her down. “Let’s play a little game, shall we? It’s called you walk around, and I try not to be dazzled by your Kmart shoes made for children~!” She sounded mad at that, but I just pouted in return. “Awh, what? Are your shoes a few sizes too small? You think you can just step on anyone who treats you less than royalty.”

She lunged, and I just stepped out of the way. The ribbon already tied a knot around her ankle, I couldn’t help but feel just a little bit prideful at it all. And everything just went according to plan. Like it should do.

But that’s not how life works. Maybe with Mind, but not Apollo. My shoulders relaxed as I saw the features of my mother return on her face. “I’ll bring you home ma’am.” I almost slipped up and said mother. “You guys do what you gotta do!”

I also just wanted an excuse to stay home and relax for a moment. I was also STARVING. That’s what I get I guess, not eating and then physical exertion. My mother stayed downstairs and accepted the later date for me to take my exam (thank Harmonia).

I had a relatively filling dinner tonight.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 14, 2026 22:52:53)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #7 | DREAM STATE

Apollo came back with popcorn, smiling warmly. “I can’t believe your parents let you stay over.” Atlas pulled a blanket over us, the movie playing faintly in the background. It was a dark glow that anyone could have sensed, even the blind.

“They didn’t. They think I’m peacefully asleep in my bed.” Apollo explained the diversion. He set the popcorn bowl down before showing a photo to Atlas. “Look at that, it’s a great replica, is it not?” Apollo laughed at it all, sighing quietly when the amusement wore off.

“You’re such a baddie!” Atlas shoved Apollo onto the couch, who landed with an ‘oof’. Apollo rubbed his head a bit, sitting straight. “Oh wait- sorry, I should have asked if you were stable enough.”

“No, you’re fine. Don’t treat me like glass. I like it when I’m treated like a human.” Apollo helped himself to a snack on the table, my heart swelled. It was just a small pack of Jumpy’s, but I couldn’t help to refrain myself from pulling him into a hug. He squeaked awkwardly.

His curls immediately got a ruffling from me, they were soft and well kept, like any prim and proper prep boy. “Yeah, now eat your crackers I’m kicking you out. My mom’s kinda sensitive about her hostess stuff.” Atlas got an indignant snort from the usually composed boy, but anything to make him laugh. Crunch.

“Literally like… DUDE!!! Back there, Juno, did you see him?! Apollo! DID YOU SEE HIM? Bro! It was so cool!” Atlas gushed. He tugged on my cheek as he just went on and on about some stupid mission that we finished together. I remember. Where we set up Mind as bait, the one where he froze time and just entered stalemate with the spirit. It was a can’t win, can’t lose situation. It was smart, really smart, actually. Mind just waited until the spirit tuckered themself out in the time purgatory before letting it pass again. It was also cool.

“I uh! A man does what he does!” Apollo’s cheeks warmed, “I’m just dazzled by how Juno handled things so well.” He couldn’t be any closer to the truth. I was the one who noticed their manipulation of time… not to mention the entire purification thing.

“No, dude, you did not tell me that kid was a total hot shot.” Atlas shook my shoulders. Yeah, I knew who he was talking about, Charlie. Of course everyone would find Charlie dashing. “Like woah! Call him Devil!”

“He was Devil, Atlas.” Apollo muttered, he lazily sprawled across the couch, crossing his legs. “He wasn’t even that cute.”

“You were stammering and struggling to come up with a proper sentence. You quite literally said you needed to WALK YOUR FISH.” I wasn’t too mad at him though. He was always a little awkward, it just wasn’t apparent. “YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE A FISH.”

“Ugh. I can’t believe we have to see him in a suit!” Atlas groaned, hiding the warmth in his features. “I think if I see him again, I’m going to kersplode.”

“Wait, what do you mean?” I quickly caught onto what might be happening. Was I being left out again? A sneaking sense of sadness started to scale up my spine. “Is there something going on?”

“My family’s hosting ANOTHER banquet soon.” Apollo sighed, sitting up. “50th anniversary of my grandparent’s marriage.” He set the half-eaten pack of crackers down, shoulders tensing a bit when some crumbs fell. “Hold on-” I stopped Apollo before he could even consider cleaning it up.

“My mom’s restaurant is catering and she’s forcing me to come with.” Atlas said it like going to a banquet wasn’t one of the coolest things ever. “Imagine serving food to like- 32 ultra posh, rich people.”

“Charlie is a ‘family friend’.” Apollo stated simply. “And he isn’t snuffy.” I didn’t know Charlie was rich! I wouldn’t have thought that in a million years, like ever! CHARLIE!? The one that wore the same white flower jacket to school over his uniform? LIKE EVERY DAY? The jacket literally everyone talks about? The one I knew by heart before going blind? THAT CHARLIE?

“CHARLIE?! RICH!?”

“Yes, he’s a model.” Apollo raised an eyebrow at me, I could hear the quiet confusion in his tone. “You didn’t know? He’s amazing at his job, cover of TV Week magazine last month, soft features, wild eyes, daring expression-”

“Yeah, Mr. ‘I need to walk my fish’.” Atlas teased.

“There won’t be a Soul much longer to tease his Mind for walking his fish if you keep teasing like that.” I warned.

“You’re taking his side?!”

“There were sides to begin with?” Apollo’s hand tightened against mine. There was a loud explosion sound from the movie that was still playing. Apparently, we forgot it existed, I was already half transformed and stumbling over myself. “Juno, it’s just the movie.”

“Why did we pick a movie with explosions?!” I pouted, wings flashing away as my civilian identity returned. “I got jumpscared.”

“Maybe we should pack it up.” Atlas was already clicking off the movie and turning off the TV. “Apollo, do you need to get home?”

“No, I’ll be there by six. I may leave in the middle of the night.” Apollo stretched for a moment. The dishes clattered together as he picked them up and placed them in the sink. “Plus, I need to do the dishes.”

“No, nah, my mom and I will do ‘em after breakfast tomorrow. C’mon, sit, you’re a guest.” Atlas’ words slowly faded into background noise. I was always the first to fall asleep in sleepovers, I never wanted to, but it always happened.

Dreams were usually slipped. I forget a lot of my dreams, but the times I actually do remember my dreams, they always seemed important. They never were.

It was a dark place, I couldn’t sense any light anywhere, and the ground felt cracked. I was transformed, I could tell by the plumage on my back. My bow was broken in my grip and my chest felt tight. I could hear someone’s sickness. I could hear the bile hitting the ground and the sounds that came before.

Someone slowly stood up and helped the other. Not me. “Are you okay?” “Yeah. I’m fine.” Something was odd with Apollo’s voice. Why was he detransformed? “Good. I was a bit nervous.” “We all are.”

“What’s happening?” I heard another voice say, “Nothing much” “We’re looking for someone.” I tried to move but my hands were pinned to the floor. It felt like they were stuck in the cracks. Wait. “Do you think they’re here somewhere?” “Maybe.”

I shuddered as the three people walked through me. It was like I didn’t exist. The air felt drier. “C’mon.” “Wait for me.” Someone tripped, I would have whipped my head around, but I couldn’t move. I tried once more. I couldn’t move.

I took a deep breath, opening my mouth to speak, but nothing came out from my end. Tears started to form behind my eyes as the moisture sucked from the area around me. Everything was clanging against my head and pounding and hurling and get it out. It felt like something was hitting my brain.

“Do you think they’ll notice?” “No, I don’t think so. He was gallant.” “What the what does that mean?” “You’re not the sharpest tool in the shed.” Wait, wait, wait, wait. I pulled against the cracks in the ground, the emptiness of the void. The lack of silhouettes taunted me, the shapes only blurred the further I strayed from this path. No. No.

It’s only a dream, I’m dreaming. Get me out of here, get me out. I don’t wanna be here. I’m scared. “We can’t do anything about it.” “I agree. We should get going.” “Finally, a smart thought in your brain.” I don’t wanna be here. It’s just a dream, it’s just a dream. Juno, wake up! It’s just a dream! Juno! Juno!!!! Come on!!! I wanna wake up, please let me wake up, I wanna wake up.

The floor started cracking below me, separating and creating crevices in the ground. Just large rips in the Earth’s surface. I couldn’t see them, just random holes appearing around me, then consuming the ground below me. I fell with the rubble.

My head rested against someone’s chest. Their breathing was calm and steady. Their hands, which felt faint, carded through my hair. “Heart.” The voice coaxed the wings out from my back, chuckling as they flapped giddily. I wasn’t giddy. “Hi, Heart. It seems to be getting to you.”

“It is, Harmonia.”

The being laughed and pressed a gentle peck to my forehead, it was more of a brush than anything. “Recollect yourself. I’m sorry, that dream must have been a lot.”

“Am I still dreaming?”

“Yes and no, it’s complicated.” Harmonia continued to scratch behind the headwings. Headwings? Since when did I have headwings? Whatever, it felt nice, and my syrinx buzzed. “You are in a dream state. You can communicate with me here beyond just words. No one can know what we’re saying.” Harmonia’s chest rose and fell in a soothing pattern. I wanted to curl deeper into it, so I did.

“I can?”

“Yeah. You’re doing it right now. I thought I’d pull you out of that dream before you get darkened. Pretty cool thing, right?” Harmonia laughed again (he always seemed to love to laugh) and pressed his forehead against the top of my head. “Stay here a minute.”

And I did. I stayed for a while; we didn’t talk about anything, though. I was just petted and comforted throughout the rest of the night. It was really soothing, especially to have more avian elements. I liked my feathers and cooing syrinx. Harmonia also liked them.

I woke up curled into Atlas’ chest. Weird dream. I wonder if Apollo or Atlas witnessed the same one before me.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 9, 2026 23:16:04)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #8 | 20XX

Xavier was at my house for a school project. We had most of everything done, we just needed to wait on Mori to get home so she could do her end of the entire thing. What better way to pass the time than to play The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures? I mean, we had all our stuff done.

He ran his hand through his long curls when a puzzle really stumped him. He gave out a long sigh, amber eyes narrowing slightly at the entire ordeal of it. “C’mon, mate. What the hell is this?!”

“It’s nothing much.” I admit, staring at the screen with a sense of defeat. “How would they do it?” I forgot about the game at this point, it wasn’t really at the forefront of my mind.

“How would who?” Xavier raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in that confused manner he always did. “OH! Heart, Mind, Soul?” There we go. Now he remembered. “I don’t think they would play these sorts of games, bro. They’re like- heroes.”

“Heroes can play Zelda.” I scoffed. My head leaned against his knee as I looked up at him through mascaraed lashes. I slung an arm over one of the couch seats to just generally gesture towards the games in my room. “Like… who wouldn’t love Zelda? I’m sure Mind would.” I mean, I wasn’t wrong. When Apollo had time (rarely), he would play with me. But Xavier didn’t know Apollo was Mind.

“He definitely would. God, he’s so cool.” Xavier took a deep breath. “This would totally be his thing. I wish we knew him like- personally.”

“Nah, their identities have to stay hidden.” I looked to the controller that lay in my hands. I fiddled with the right trigger button. “It could be more detrimental than your parents finding out you wear fem stuff, dude. If Heart, Mind or Soul revealed their identity, it could mean the villain finds out where they live. It could hurt or kidnap their families and put them for ransom.”

Xavier nodded, crossing his legs as the pause screen flashed. His hand instinctively went up to fiddle with the dangling earring he always wore. He glanced at me through those ever so heavy eyes, then back at the paused screen once more. He took a deep breath, shoulders relaxing a bit. “I actually wanted to tell you something, Atlas.”

“What is it?” I took my seat next to him and he gently took my hand. It was squeezed, but he shook like he was scared to tell me something. I really hope it wasn’t anything too bad.

“I uh… I’m getting put in a Christian school.” NO SHOT. I stared wide-eyed in disbelief. Xavier? IN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL? He had already gotten up to his junior year in this stinky school, but at least he had me! At least it wasn’t A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. I’m not one to knock someone’s religion, but that just wasn’t right!

“Dude. IT’S LITERALLY YOUR SENIOR YEAR NEXT YEAR.” I gripped his shoulders; I could just feel the anger seeping from my bones. “What kind of bogus parents would send you to a Christian school after 11 YEARS of being in public school?”

“Yeah, but at the end of winter this year, I’m going to have to like… go.” Xavier bit his tongue, fists tightening against his jeans. “They already found out, Atlas.”

What. No. I sat there and looked him in the sorrowed eyes. My expression dropped a bit, positivity was always so hard. “They found out you…” I couldn’t choke out the last word, it remained stuck on my throat. “crossdress…?”

“Yeah.”

I hugged him. I didn’t ever want to let go, he was like- the warmest dude I’ve ever met aside from Juno. I loved Xavier. No shot he was leaving for a Christian school, who would even??? It just didn’t make sense, but the tears were already flowing from him. It was weird, as I never saw him cry, but he was now.

I needed to help him, but I already saw the shadow curl around his calf. * it! “Look, Xavier, we can’t be negative right now, we’ll find a way!” I looked at him through wet eyes, mascara streaking down like it had to escape. “Just don’t be too negative! Dude.”

I could only watch as the hopelessness creeped into his expression. “I’m already going to get sent to conversion therapy. They think I wanna be a girl.” He couldn’t get through his words without sniffling. “I think it’s so stupid. I hate people. I hate, HATE, HATE PEOPLE.”

“Dude! Literally stop, people aren’t that bad, I’m sure they made conversion therapy illegal, it has to be illegal here, bro. They’re not just going to send you to America because you dress in a skirt. That’s stupid and expensive.” My words didn’t seem to get to him, which really stunk, because his face was covered with that familiar blush. The blush on a face when the Reaper held you by your shoulders and smooth talked you into lending your mind for a feast.

I shook him once, then twice, both times he had yet to respond. Well, * it. What’s with people and getting their spirits darkened with ME?? Stop framing me! The darkness clung to him as his enlightened spirit dimmed, making a shell of his happy self.

The cyberpunk heel pressed into my chest; the figure was almost towering. I say almost when it DEFINITELY WAS. I didn’t think I would be pinned by a villain that didn’t wanna hurt me, but aokay! The controller in his hand, which was now morphed into some kind of laser shot into my chest. “Don’t worry Atlas. It’ll all be fixed by 20XX.” He tilted his head a smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Do you mean the year or you?” I squeaked out. My throat felt tight. Oh. Oh no. * it, why is it always me? WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME? WHY DO THE VILLAINS ALWAYS HAVE A WEIRD CONNECTION TO ME? FIRST IT WAS MORI, THEN XAVIER, LIKE RELAX. “Ah. You?”

“Yes.” He randomly shot out the window, squinting at who it was for a moment. “You might wanna tell Juno about his dad, by the way.”

“What?”

“BYE~!” And he was already out the window, leaving me in mild shock. Okay. So… let’s check on Juno’s dad.

I dialed Juno’s number, hearing it ring a couple of times before his voice came from the other end, bright and cheery. “Hi, Atlas! What’s up?”

“Check on your dad for me.” I waited a minute as Juno’s footsteps shuffled through his house.

He came back, deadpan in voice. “Hey, so, why’s my dad a woman? Is it happening with you?”

I looked to my body and sighed. It was the jeans that really sold it for me. I burst into laughter. “God, this is some stupid genderswap fanfic all over again.”

“What do you mean AGAIN?!” Juno’s voice huffed; he was still stunned by 20XX’s actions, just awkwardly staring and stammering. “So, uh… do you know the villain?”

“Transformed right in front of me. You know Xavier?”

“No, don’t tell me…” Juno’s voice suddenly got quiet, like he was scared to even consider that Xavier was leaving. I didn’t believe it also, but seeing as he never wanted to go home, it kinda made sense.

“Yeah, he’ll tell you when he’s ready. Right now, he needs Heart, Mind and Soul.” I hung up, the phone slipping a bit in slightly smaller hands. Would I still be a magical boy, or would I be a magical girl? Whatever. The skirt was pretty though, that was what counted right. I hate this. It was tight and uncomfortable; I don’t know how Mind does it.

I met up with Heart, who was stumbling over heels and trying not to faceplant over himself. I looked at him for a hot moment and laughed. A flustered squeak came from him. “Soul, don’t even with me! You got hit too! You know how off-putting it is.”

“Yeah, but I’m not fumbling like a newborn doe.” My voice cracked randomly. “OH, MY HARMONIA.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes. It was a stupid pout. “Mind better be here soon.”

“Hey, so care telling me why my mother suddenly told my father to cook while she went to work?” Mind’s voice called as he basically strutted to us. He crossed his arms in a sort of I-know-what-you-did-but-I-can’t-point-fingers sort of way. “She never does that, by the way, she’s a stay-at-home mother.”

“Xavier’s spirit got like drenched in negative energy and he transformed into a villain.” I explained quickly. I pointed to the mayor, who was now dressed in drag, basically. “So freaky.”

“Oh no, I should have expected that.” Mind said simply, looking throughout the place. The scowl on his face softened a bit. The prim and proper attitude vanished temporarily as his shoulders relaxed. “So, this is why you two look like you just walked out of Madoka?”

“Yeah.” Heart sighed, wings fluttering a bit anxiously. He adjusted his stance, ankles straining. I could just feel how uncomfortable it felt in those heels. “C’mon, let’s just undo everything. I don’t like being a woman. The dysphoria is crazy, and these heels are crazier.”

Heart was already running… for about 3 seconds until he fell over himself. He groaned loudly in frustration, tears welling up. I gently helped him up, stabilizing him by his shoulders as he sniffled. “It’s okay, maybe just walk?”

We took it a step at a time, slowly walking through the city like we had just figured out how to walk. It was so slow. Mind just lingered behind us, lazily swinging his ribbon wand. “You know, it’s just one foot in front of the other. People often start with their heel, but it’s best to find your center of mass on the center of the foot rather than the heel.”

Heart looked at Mind with that stupid pout he always had when something overwhelmed him. “You know a lot about this.”

“Yeah. Guess who wears heels?” Mind’s eyes narrowed down the street, everything just seemed a bit more chaotic, even if streets were a bit empty. “I’ll look for 20XX. I’ll tell you where he is and keep him occupied long enough. Just make sure Heart gets there safely.” He ran with much more elegance than Heart.

Heart leaned onto me again, crying still. I’ve never seen him cry, so having him cry over this was really something. “Soul- I’m trying.”

“I get that you’re trying. Do you need me to carry you?” I was met with a nod, so I hoisted the frilly boy in my arms. He yelped. “Awh, you look pretty as a girl!”

“Well, I DON’T WANNA BE A GIRL.” He snapped. Seemed really upset over it all, but I pushed that thought down. After all, Mind was probably fighting 20XX and I really wanted to see what he would look like. It wasn’t too far, but we were both in heels, so we just kinda awkwardly shuffled our way over there, slightly slower than usual.

We looked in the Prince Bandroom to find Mind utterly BEATING his rear. It felt so nice seeing him work it. That was until he was hit like twice. Nothing happened. “What.” 20XX aimed the controller at Mind again, pulling the trigger and watching as Mind remained unaffected. “Okay, what the hell happened?”

“Gender is a social construct based on biological stereotypes and misogynistic values. If you really wanted to ‘gender swap’ it would be changing the definition of how you see yourself. Gender is different for everyone; a woman could mean one thing to one person and another thing to someone else. Biologics are commonly set as a basis because it is how our brains were oriented when we were more primal. These biologic ‘gender roles’ carried on to today.” Mind bowed at his explanation; curls cascaded down the side of his face like a waterfall. “My definition of a woman is who they say they are. Anyone can be a woman, and anyone can say they want to be a woman. Therefore, since my perception of a woman doesn’t hold any difference to my perception of a man, I’m not affected by your power. No matter what I am, woman or man, I’ll be able to kick your butt.”

“Smart alec.” 20XX scoffed, jumping the logical hero… heroine? I dunno anymore, it got confusing after the fifth time Mind was hit. “But the social aspect of social construct still applies.”

“Not when it’s based on personal perception. If you base your personality on other people’s opinions of you what would that make you?” Mind gestured for me to come over. I wasn’t the kind of man… (woman?) to say no to that. We were both tussling now, and Mind threw 20XX in my arms. “Your identity is not built on other people’s opinions.”

“Then why does it feel like it?!” 20XX thrashed against me, trying oh so desperately to break out of my grasp. I didn’t let go though, just held tighter as Heart ran over to help. Big powerful wings shielded Mind from the blasts of his controller.

“Because people stink, dude! Everyone wants to fit in that box because it’s all they’ve ever known! You can’t let what other people think of you get in the way of what you love! Searched Soul.” I pressed my hand against his head, felt as his shoulders relaxed a bit. “This is what you want, right? A world where everyone can express themselves freely? A world where labels are decided after expression instead of before?”

He continued struggling a bit before his head slumped, breathing coming in hazy streaks against the wind. My chest tightened at that; I hated seeing him like this. Heart’s arrow tipped with the purification spell pierced him and slowly the darkness seeped from his bones. He stared awkwardly at the controller in his hand, then to Heart and me. “I’m sorry, guys. I got really pressed over something. My parents they’re… not with the times.”

“You need to have a chat with your parents then.” Heart said simply, helping Xavier up with a smile on his face. “I understand how it feels when your parents don’t understand your identity, but communication is also key. Instead of resenting them immediately, try to talk to them and get them to understand verbally instead of letting violence speak for you.”

He slammed his bow into the ground and suddenly, I felt like the world just released from my shoulders. Everything felt so much lighter, thank HARMONIA. I gave a long-winded sigh. “Yeah. Violence can’t be the answer. What was so bad anyways?”

“My parents think I’m trans, I’m not.” Xavier sighed; his arms crossed his chest like he wanted to hold himself. “It was just a skirt.”

“I can see why they think that, then.” Heart gently ruffled Xavier’s hair, taking him by the shoulder. “Parents often think of something that scares them first. You just need to talk to them. I’ll take you home, don’t worry.”

“What about Atlas? Is he okay?” Xavier’s eyes widened, trying to push out of Heart’s grip. Heart smiled awkwardly and kept him close. “I need to check on him.”

“He’s fine! I’m sure of it.” And Heart whisked him away, Mind crossed his arms and looked at me expectantly.

“And what was up with you?” I snorted, watching as his expression changed to shock. “Like what was that back there? There’s really a reason for that skirt?”

“It’s a piece of fabric, Soul. A piece of fabric I look nice in at that. You should take a lesson from me, maybe then your self-esteem will get just a smidge better.” He laughed and wiggled his fingers in a wave motion. “Au revoir~!”

I better get home before Xavier notices I’m not there. I immediately headed back, stumbling through my window and slamming onto the carpet. I scrambled onto the bed before Xavier looked relieved at my presence. “Hey, dude! Are you okay? You look a bit embarrassed.”

“Yeah. Yeah. I looked a lot prettier as a girl than I thought.” I lied, smiling through the real story. “It was a real trip. C’mon, Mori should be here any moment. Let’s finish the game before finishing the project.”

“Alright!”

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 10, 2026 18:35:01)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #9 | THE SPIDER

There was a pin in my leg, quite literally, the suit pants were being tailored. My tailor laughed as I flinched. “Relax, Apollo. It’s only a needle.” His voice felt like a grater to my brain. I couldn’t breathe, it felt stuffy in here. “Like the dozens of times before.” And they all ended in the same way. I took a deep breath, still shaking. “Stop shaking.” He gripped my waist to stop me from falling.

I froze as the waistband in my trousers were pinned, the world narrowing to the memories and panic and everything between. “Stand still.” Sit still, stand still. But the walls are closing in. Stop. Stop panicking. He isn’t hurting me yet. No. Not yet. Not yet. Meaning he will? Might? Stop. “Apollo, what has gotten into you?” The pin was stabbing into my hip. “You used to be such an obedient-”

I zoned out. I don’t know what or who was piloting, but he was working on my jacket the next thing I knew. My breathing evened a bit, as much as my heart wanted to race. “Raise your arm.” And I followed, he seemed more pleasant now that I wasn’t here. The cuff was adjusted. “I bet you’re excited. Your parents seemed to be.”

I didn’t really respond. I might have accidentally given him the ‘Daybreak Look’. He just chuckled that low chuckle that struck every nerve inside my body. He adjusted the suit lapels, tilting my chin to the side to look him in the eye. “You need to smile more. You’re pretty when you smile.” I forced a smile. “Actually, don’t.”

Well, that was mean. I have a pretty smile when I’m not forcing it for stupid, pretentious people like him. WOAH! Calm down, Apollo, the anger is getting to me. I took a deep breath as he stepped back. Huh. I was always so used to blue on Mind that I never really saw… me in blue. It felt weird seeing me in blue. My school uniform is green, most of the clothing in my closet is dull beiges and greys. “Wow.” I whispered.

It brought out my icy eyes and features. I couldn’t really look away as I stared in quiet shock. The first suit that fit well. I looked dashing. It was a nice texture; it didn’t feel overwhelming. It was softer; it made my jaw look sharper and smile just a bit brighter. I think my tailor saw me smile. “Looks good, eh?”

“I love it.” I turned around to look at the back. Blue. I didn’t think I looked good in blue, but I did. I looked amazing in blue. I’m not biased, I promise. I don’t think this has anything to do with my identity as Mind. I think genuine, good schoolboy Apollo looks good in blue. I look nice.

“Your parents figured you would enjoy it.” He leaned over my shoulder, craning his neck so his cheek was right next to mine. I shuddered at the stubble scratching my chin. “I certainly like it. It suits you.” He gripped my hand, fingers curling around mine. “Come, let’s show your parents.”

He dragged me, arm linked around mine, and he walked from the dressing room to where my mother sat, relatively bored. Her cream-colored wear looked nice. I’m happy she got what she wanted. My mother beamed at me for once in her life. “Dashing look, Apollo, stunning job.” My mother shook the man’s hand and inspected my chin with a scrutinizing gaze. “You’re going to need foundation, Apollo, there’s a blemish on your chin.”

“Yes, ma’am. I just figured since the event isn’t today, I could spend the time studying. My forensics final exam is tomorrow.” I said simply, watching her expression soften a bit. “I’ve been working quite hard mother and am looking forward to this banquet as a time to relax a little bit without the constant academic pressures for a bright future. Which I thank you for, ma’am.”

“Wait a moment while I get your father, okay Apollo?” She chirped before clicking off in designer heels, completely the opposite of what her heels looked like as Miss Step. I laughed silently at the name we had given her while transformed.

“There might be a few more accessories, but those are for a later date.” The tailor said simply. Then his hands ‘fixed’ the bottom of my suit jacket. It looked fixed enough to me, why was he even…? The touch was gone as soon as my father walked in, proud of his young son. “This is Apollo, I know, hard to tell, right? He had a massive glow up.”

“Funny for you to insinuate he was ugly before, might cut your pay.” My father huffed, looking at me with the eyes I inherited but used for a different purpose. It was cutting in the way he silently judged. “Looks just like his grandmother, don’t you think, love?”

“Exactly like his grandmother. Get this kid a magazine.” She laughed, it was a posh laugh, the kind of laugh you got from the consumption of other people’s laughter. It was weird hearing my mother laugh alone. “Charlie who?”

My ring buzzed, but I couldn’t really do much of anything about it. I just had to awkwardly stand there and smile. “Charlie? The one from my school?”

“Yes, darling, the one from your school!” My father patted me on the shoulder, glancing out the door like he was expecting company before looking back to me. “You know, I hope you grow to be nothing like him, using only his good looks in life, oh a shame.”

“Brains make up 50% of your attractiveness.” My mother pinched my cheeks. My ring buzzed again, prompting a deep breath from me. “You know ladies fall at the chance to be with someone like you.” The tailor brushed my side again. This was getting really overstimulating.

“Ah, yes. Can I get out of this now? I wouldn’t want to ruin this suit accidentally.” I was already heading back to the dressing room, the tailor trailing behind me like a duckling. My ring buzzed and buzzed like a bee. It was still overwhelming, but much less so now that one of the distractions was out of the way.

I shed my suit jacket, glaring at the tailor before shutting the curtain. I’ve done this dozens of times before that it’s second nature. I’ve done at least 12 quick changes this past year, I think I know what I’m doing. The curtain opened as I was halfway through dressing. I shut it immediately, heart racing so, so much faster.

My vision blurred as I struggled to keep my composure. I swallowed down my fear, buckling my belt. It’s okay. It won’t happen again. Breathe. I tried to imagine Harmonia’s voice as I pulled the polo over my shoulders. I looked at my startled face in the mirror. I couldn’t help but laugh at it all. It was so stupid. My ring buzzed again.

I walked out, smiling warmly. “Hello, sir. Was there something I missed while changing?” I looked at the empty place. Oh, well that explains why my ring was buzzing. Where is everyone? I looked through everything that might have had at least some trace of someone, but nothing much. The only thing that was left behind was my mother’s earring.

I continued looking around the empty lot, it was a lot quieter in there now that there weren’t gossips of the rich and maintenance of the working. My shoes clicked against the floor and echoed against the walls. My ring wasn’t buzzing anymore. Had something happened? Was the villain already angelized? I started speedwalking through the empty corridors.

Everyone, gone. What even happened here? “Come out, come out, MIND.” The name sent a chill up my spine. “Come on, meet your friends.” I don’t wanna meet my friends if a villain is calling out my name like that. Is that why my ring stopped buzzing? Where are they? The voice sounded like Charlie’s. What sort of power did he get this time??? What was he so angry about now?

Knowing him, it’s probably something stupid, like getting caught cheating. I scoffed, then realized I should probably be as quiet as a mouse. I took my shoes off, so they didn’t click against the floor if I needed to run. Thank Harmonia for hospital grippy socks.

“I know your snobby rear wants a photo taken~!” The voice taunted. Photo? Maybe that’s what was happening. Maybe everyone had a photo taken of them. “You could be on the big screen! Isn’t that fun?” Doesn’t sound too fun to me. I continued running through the corridors.

I ducked into an open room, hiding behind a door as he walked by. “Are you sure you’re not here?” The camera snapped, causing a flinch. I looked around this empty office and Charlie walked past my room. I still held my breath as I closed the door as quietly as I could. It didn’t even click. Immediately, I went to check the news.

“New villain ‘The Spider’ causes the disappearance of hundreds of people. Will our heroes be able to save them?” My heart dropped with my temperature; my blood now felt like ice in my veins. I watched the video, Heart and Soul trying to fight it off before the eight limbs quickly took care of them. That’s why my ring was buzzing.

The news continued playing, the spider held Heart and Soul close to its chest, the rest were disappearing from the camera. What happened? Why was Charlie speaking? My free hand clenched, trying to keep my knee from bouncing and making noise. I took a deep breath. I can’t panic right now, even if my heart was racing. I looked through the articles. Photoshoots were happening today and was publicly announced.

Wait. That makes sense. If it’s on the news today then that means everyone would want to get a look at Charlie, and therefore, the scenes would be packed, therefore, angry photographer. Boom, darkened spirit. It’s elementary. But now that everyone’s quiet, The Spider can finally take photos of Charlie, right? No, wrong. Because Mind technically hasn’t been captured by The Spider yet.

And nor was Heart or Soul. Both were strapped to his chest suggesting from the news footage. I stood up and ran out from the office. I saw the back of The Spider, eight legs thrashing. Two were holding Heart and Soul, bingo. Not really, they were asleep. I scowled. Maybe I could get them out?

I feel like it would make too much noise if I transformed. I’m already making a lot of noise right now, and he wants MIND, not Apollo. Wait. They want Mind. Not Apollo. The idea sprouted in my brain.

First, I went to the haircare district. They wouldn’t mind if I stole some hairspray, right? The spider definitely needs a little makeover. I laughed at myself internally, not on the outside of course. I need to make no sound. Not even a breath.

I then continued setting up string. It was easy to set up string when there was so much in my tailor’s satchel. Just spools upon spools that weren’t going to be used for anything better than this. I went to the lobby, shutting the door behind me. The string then got strung across the two polls keeping you from stealing. I hopped over the front desk and hid behind the table.

I cleared my throat and did my best Mind voice. “Hello, shoppers, it appears that your favorite little Mind has been snapped. Lucky for you, this is a pre-recorded message. This building has been rigged to shut down and fill with bug spray in T-minus 120 seconds. This gives you two minutes for those bad at math. Have fun!” I was so bad at lying. The Spider’s primal instincts didn’t seem to notice. Thank Harmonia. I placed a random tape near the microphone, so it at least looked like the message was prerecorded.

“Come, Come, Charlie.” I heard The Spider’s legs and Charlie’s following close behind. The door budged once. Then twice. Then thrice. I was waiting for them to kick it down. I prepped the hairspray in my hands fingers methodically fiddling with the lid. “Stupid door.” It came flying against the glass entrance.

I waited until they whipped their head to the front desk before hopping out. The silhouette looked nothing like the Mind they were used to. The stun gave me enough time to shake the can and spray it in the face. They stumbled backward, tripped on the string, slammed Heart and Soul against the ground, causing them to wake up and Soul immediately yelled “Searched Soul!” The hand was placed to the spider’s forehead. “Look at that! Your greatest desire right now is a day where something goes your way. People leave you alone, and you can get the job done without interruptions-”

“Tripower Heart: Purify!” The spider slowly disintegrated into a tired man, looking at me with wide, surprised eyes. “Wow. That was anticlimactic.”

“Not really.” I said simply, looking at the man in the eye. “Have fun at your photoshoot, sir.” I nodded respectfully. “Thank you for leaving me that message, Heart.”

“No, thank Mind. He was the one who did it.” Soul winked at me, which prompted a smile. “One smart cookie.” He stretched. “That was one hell of a nap! Heart, mind doing the honors?”

Heart slammed his bow in the ground, and the people faded back into the existence we all knew and loved. I couldn’t help the pride from clawing at my chest when I saw my parents thankful that I was alive. I was held to my father’s chest as they embraced me.

“I probably don’t wanna interrupt this cuddle sesh, huh?” Soul spun his trident, slinging it over his shoulder with a calm casualty to it. “C’mon, Heart. Let’s leave ‘em to it.” They hopped away.

It was weird not doing a mission as Mind, but maybe I didn’t need to be Mind making a difference. Maybe I just needed a bit of courage. “Mother, father. I’m scared of my tailor. Can we hire a different one next time?”

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #10 | MISS VENISON

“Yeah. We’re getting a new tailor though.” Apollo chirped as Atlas glanced over at the waiter’s uniform for a moment. “He uh… he wasn’t one to respect boundaries, to put it simply.”

“That must be horrible.” I sympathized. I’ve never had anyone be that creepy over me, but I wish I could make it all feel better the way Apollo described it.

Atlas squinted at Apollo for a moment. “This is the WAITERS’ uniform?! THE WAITERS’?!” One sleeve flopped against the rest of it. Atlas just continued silently expecting it. “THE WAITERS’!?”

“It’s the 50th, it has to look nice.” Apollo said simply. He stood up from where he sat, now standing with Atlas. He held up the fabric for him to get a closer look. “Satin weaved, it’s a nice texture, is it not?”

“Dude, this is better than most suits I’ve seen.” Atlas continued to stare utterly wide-eyed. You can always tell when someone can’t believe their eyes because they always have that dumb tone to their voice. You can notice just about everything from someone’s expression from their voice.

“My parents picked it, but I liked the little pin.” Apollo beamed, “It’s a bit more simplistic than our family crest, but still matches. It makes us stand out a little more.”

“Dude. This is going to be the prettiest suit I’ve worn.” Atlas pulled me over to feel the texture. It was a good texture unlike a lot of clothing I was forced to wear. I would have chirped happily if I had a syrinx.

I physically cannot wait, I’m way too excited, I was buzzing with joy please someone knock me out. I practically squealed like a girl (at this point, I didn’t care!) and shook Atlas’ shoulders. “I’M SO EXCITED!! I’M SO EXCITED! I’M SO EXCITED!!”

Apollo gripped my shoulder, nails sinking into my shoulder. “Juno, please don’t shake Atlas, that suit’s expensive, my parents would kill me if it came back damaged.” Apollo took a deep breath, placing his hands by his side and swallowing the lump that grew in his throat. “Sorry. Instinct.”

“Nah, don’t worry!”

“Artemis!” My dad called from downstairs. “Your appointment has been delayed for another day. I just thought I would let you know.”

“Who’s Artemis?” Atlas tilted his head.

“My sister.” I lied. “She’s uh… allergic to a lotta things and we gotta take her to the doctor a lot. That’s why you don’t see her.” I felt their eyes narrow on me. I felt them look at each other, then me, like they didn’t believe me. I took a deep breath.

“I think you’re lying, but if you’re lying, the truth isn’t ready to come out.” Apollo spoke, he gently adjusted the hair to stay out of my face, putting the strands in hairclips. “We’re here if you need to tell us the truth.”

I laughed awkwardly, rubbing behind my neck. “Do you guys promise not to tell anyone?” I took a deep breath.

“No, if it’s your secret, it’s your secret. We won’t tell a soul.” Soul raised his right arm; I forced it back down. I didn’t need for him to swear an oath, it wasn’t even that bad. Just a bit shocking. Apollo held his hand.

“No, no. It’s nothing.” I diverted the attention back to the suit, smiling warmly. “Apollo! Who designed this?”

Apollo took a moment. “I don’t know, my parents didn’t-” He stumbled for a moment, holding onto my shoulder for balance. “May I lay down?”

I nodded, pointing to my bed. “Yeah, you don’t even gotta ask.” We elevated his feet above his head and took a deep breath. He gave a quite huff, it sounded like a thank you, so we took it as such. Apollo lazily fiddled with his collar, rubbing the fabric between his fingers. It made a quiet rustling sound. “Like I was saying, it feels really nice. It has a nice texture and I’m sure Atlas would enjoy wearing it!”

“I will, mate. This is gonna be so much fun.” Atlas admired the uniform for another moment more before folding it back up and hanging it against my closet. “Remind me of that, by the way, Juno.”

“Alright.” I chirped. We glanced over to Apollo’s half-conscious form, head tilted back as he panted quietly. I felt Atlas’ eyes on me before he came over to tilt Apollo’s head back to a normal angle. I wanted to help. “Apollo, do you need us to call your parents to pick you up?”

“No, it passes.” Apollo gave a hollowed out laugh before turning his head back to us, eyes a bit dazed and dead. “I’m going to take a nap if that’s okay?”

“Yeah, we’ll wake you up if something happens.” I placed a blanket over him because we all love the winter, and he was out like a light. I glanced over to Atlas once more, laughing.

Atlas gripped my hand, fingers twitching slightly. “Hey. Don’t wake him up, but I gotta show you something.” He started leading me down from my loft, the bell ringing as we walked into the street. I was trusting him blindly. LITERALLY. “It’s just around the bend.”

We entered his mother’s restaurant. I could tell from the distinct smells, and lots of them. Most were leftovers people ran away with, because it was just about closing time. We apparently got her attention. “Hey, Atlas, hi, Juno.”

“Hi, mama! Y’know the banquet the Daybreaks are having?” Atlas waited for no answer, shoving me forward. “We have another charismatic server!”

No way he was throwing me under the bus like this. “WHAT?!” I scrambled against his grip, suddenly everything made sense as to why he didn’t want to do this with Apollo.

“He can see well enough.” I literally can barely navigate school without my blind cane. I literally can’t READ AN OVEN! I can’t read most signs because none of them have Braille! “Right, Juno? He should serve with us!”

“ATLAS, I’M LITERALLY BLIND! I HAVE A BLIND CANE AND EVERYTHING!” He tugged my cheek, smiling charismatically to his mother like it would fix anything in his logic.

“Plus, who could say no to this adorable, rounded face? Look at Juno!!! Look at how sweet he is!!! Look at how adorable!!! Look at how cute!!!” He was treating me like a stuffed animal. I pouted.

“Juno.” Miss Venison said in a calm tone. I met her before I went blind, she was always really scrambled and off the walls. Her hair was always in a messy bun and wore a smile. But this voice was so much different from the Miss Venison I knew. “Are you sure you wanna do this? It’s a bunch of snobby rich people being angry about their food. I trust you enough, you’ve proven yourself before, but these are more sensitive than other people in my restaurant, and the tables may be unfamiliar.”

I thought about it for a moment. Apollo and Atlas were going to a cool, fancy banquet in cool suits while I did what? Sit around? What if a villain came during the banquet? No, I would be able to slip away easily, these are rich people, they would be in panic because nothing wrong ever happens. Not the Apollo kind of panic, but the kind of panic where it’s almost hysterical. “Yeah. I do.”

Miss Venison shook my hand, I could hear the smile in her voice again, just like how I remembered her. “Thank you, thank you so much! I’ll get the Daybreaks to get us another uniform. Thank you so much, Juno.” She hugged me, which was nice, even though she smelled like tomatoes and an ungodly amount of paprika. “I really appreciate the help.”

Atlas cheered, pushing himself through the hug as well, resting his head against his mother’s shoulder. “Thank you, SO MUCH mama! You won’t regret a thing!” He kissed the button nose that they shared and grinned. “C’mon, Juno.”

He started dragging me back to my house. The bell chimed and we went back to the loft to shake Apollo awake. He shook his head a bit before looking at us through a tired gaze. Or at least what I thought was tired due to his voice. “Ah, hi, Atlas and Juno.”

Woo!!! HE’S AWAKE! We both must have had the same amount of relief, as we immediately asked similar things. “Hey, man! How are you holding up?” “Howzit?”

“I’m fine.” Apollo sat up, fixing his hair so it didn’t look like he just fell asleep in his best friend’s bed. “It’s a lot less loud and my head isn’t pounding anymore.”

“Do you need food? I’m sure Atlas hid something in here.” I nudged the boy beside me, who didn’t sound too amused as he scavenged through my drawers. What was with him and hiding things in my room?! It didn’t tick me off too much, but it was enough that it annoyed me just a little bit.

Atlas tossed a wafer bar Apollo’s way. The rich bloke investigated the ingredients like he always did before cautiously eating. “Thank you.”

“No, thank the dumbie that hides things in here.” I would have rolled my eyes if the cataracts showed the irises beneath. We waited until we heard a couple of crunches come from him before continuing. “Your parents are probably waiting for you, right?”

Apollo went to check his phone, his eyes widened. “Oh, my Harmonia, you’re right. I must hurry! I’ll see you all soon!” He stumbled over, nearing falling out the loft before running out and yelling another thank you, like he was thanking us for making him realize he was late.

Atlas awkwardly looked at me for a moment. “Can you keep the uniform for me? I’m scared I’ll do something stupid and ruin it.” He handed the hanger to me and the beautiful feeling uniform. I swore to Harmonia I would protect this thing for life. I hung it up before Atlas ran to follow Apollo. I sat on my bed, fiddling with my blankets.

The loft light clicked on, and my dad trudged up. “Hi, Artemis- wait * it, Juno.” He sat on my bed, the scent of vanilla lingering on him just like his office from the times I had been. “How is everything?”

“Oh. I just volunteered to work at the Daybreak banquet.” I didn’t find a use in lying to him. It’s always ending in him finding out immediately. “And uh… you used Artemis in front of my friends.”

“They don’t know?” Dad held my hand and squeezed tightly. He always did this. My Harmonia, I dislike someone who can read others so well. I got it from him.

“Eh… I was hoping they wouldn’t have to.” I whispered in response. “I mean… it’s why I told you. It’s why I’m on HRT. Y’know. So, people believe.” I bit back the tears that threatened to draw behind my eyes. I didn’t need to cry right now; this was the last thing needed. I sniffled. I don’t wanna cry.

“Just know I accept you, Juno.” My father kissed my forehead, always so gentle with everything. “You’re the best son I could ask for.”

“Thanks, dad.” I smiled through the tears, and he pulled me into a hug. Dad’s hugs were always the best, they were warm and big, just like his smiles. “What was that about my appointment being delayed, by the way?”

“Your shot’s been delayed. It’s the day after tomorrow, ‘kay?” I nodded from under his chin. “Last one we’re doing there, excited?” I was really excited. I could barely contain any of the brightness, and I was so giggly.

I freaking love my dad. He’s so cool and nice. I’ve been using cool and nice because that’s the best way to describe something, just like my dad. I could describe things ‘like my dad’ but that would get confusing fast because there are a lot of things that make my dad up.

He’s charismatic and empathetic, even though his office is in the house. We have a noise machine, so we don’t hear the conversations on the other side of the door. He doesn’t let the words get to him, and I admire him for that. “I love you dad.” I whispered into his chest.

“Love you too, little crow.” He pulled back for a moment before glancing down to the kitchen. “C’mon, I’ll make dinner tonight, your mom’s still working and has another patient right after. It’s alright.”

It was going to be alright. It wouldn’t affect much anyways, and being Juno right now is a breeze.

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 11, 2026 22:14:58)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #11 | PREPARATIONS

I put on the Daybreak family crest, or more like a simplified version. It felt nice, the uniform, I mean. Mama even helped me tie my hair back. “Atlas, you are as cute as a button!” She cheered, turning my head to look at her. I think I got my cheeriness from her.

“Mama…” I flushed, she always did embarrass me though, as much as she didn’t mean to. She was in that same uniform the Daybreaks, a satin woven black that was lowkey. It was quite comfortable. “You know I can’t be mad when you say those things.”

“But you’re doing such a great job!” She pressed a light kiss to my nose, crow’s feet showing as she smiled wider. “Don’t go off yapping to Apollo the entire time now, he’s a busy man.”

“Yes, mama, I know the procedure.” I adjusted the pristine white gloves, they fit perfectly. *, the Daybreaks really thought about everything, huh? “Apollo is not Apollo. He’s a skinwalker dressed as Apollo.”

“That’s my Atlas.” Her hands twitched like she wanted to ruffle my hair like she usually did. Unfortunately, due to the prettiness of how it was tied, she couldn’t bring herself to. “Did you take your antidepressants today?”

Oh, darn it. I forgot to take my antidepressants today. It’s fine, I probably didn’t need it. I think. Well, if they were prescribed, I probably did. I sighed, turning my head down. “No.”

“Atlas, you know you need to remember that sort of stuff. I won’t be there for you all the time. What if your father-”

“I know about papa.” I heard the story dozens of times over. Just flat out left when I was 4. I don’t remember much surrounding him except that mama was always really tired. I’m happy she got better though, and now has time to help. “He hasn’t been for 13 years, I’m sure this year wouldn’t be any different. Mama, it’s okay.” I gently pressed my forehead to hers, relaxing her shoulders. “Today’s a big day. A lot of people are going to taste our food. We’ve been prepping for how long? A while, I lost track. What matters is that this could bring a lotta traction to the restaurant!”

“Right, priorities.” She pressed a pin a tad deeper in my hair, smiling warmly. “You have your uncle’s eyes.” She couldn’t hide the pride, her chest puffed up a bit before she snapped back to the reality. “Okay, update on Juno?”

“Uh… hold on, we can call him.” I had him on speed dial. Just know what it felt like when you’re trying to punch in someone’s phone number while you’re crying at 3 am. It rung a few times before he gave a bright and cheery greeting. “Hi, Juno! Does the uniform fit okay on you?”

“Oh, I haven’t tried it on yet.” Juno’s voice spoke from the phone. Mama groaned audibly. “OH! IT’S TODAY?! SORRY, I COULDN’T SEE THE DATE.”

“Of course, it’s today, Juno.” My patience must have been denser than a rock with Juno at this point. It was so thick that you could whack it with a bat and the bat would split. “Are you even half-ready?”

“No.” Mama facepalmed at Juno’s response. Of course, the dumbie wasn’t ready, what else would he be?

“Juno, it’s not just Apollo, it’s a bunch of rich people who think their time is important.” I explained, my will to even deal with everything was already hanging on by a thread. The last thing I need is for Juno to mess it up. “This is really important to my mama. So, either be ready by the time we pick you up or you’re not coming. You’re not messing this up for us. We’ve been preparing for a long time, mate.”

He was already scrambling to put on the uniform. Mama smiled at me once more, the kind of relieved smile that hid just a little bit of pride. I’m happy to be her son, I don’t know why she didn’t get rid of me, but I’m kinda happy she didn’t. I like my mom.

She gently took a hold of my hand, rubbing the back of it with calloused thumbs from burning herself far too many times. “Are you okay, Atlas?” She must have noticed me zoning out.

I looked at her through the mascara plastered eyes and smiled. It was a small smile and never reached my eyes, but it was a smile enough. “Yeah. I’m just thinking.” Thinking about everything was tiring, the love and care felt like it was dripping from my arms. No. That’s not true, they’re covered. “What if they peek out?”

“They won’t. Don’t worry, Atlas. We can pin the sleeves to the gloves if we really need to.” She kissed my cheek and rubbed my shoulder. As much as I hate to admit, I love how affectionate mama can get. I pulled her in for a hug, resting her head on my shoulder.

“Love you, mama.” I whispered and she pulled back for a moment. I don’t know if it was to admire whatever made me or what, but she took a deep breath.

“Love you too, Atlas.” She sprung one of my curls before pulling away completely. She twirled the car keys in her hand. “Alright, Do you wanna drive or am I driving?”

“Ah… you can drive. I don’t mind.” I hopped in the passenger’s seat while my mother was already buckling herself in the driver’s seat. “You know where Juno lives, right?”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry.” Oh, I’m so just like her. “C’mon, I think I know after I’ve dropped you off time and time again.”

Juno was BARELY ready enough for us to take the time to help fix him up. My mother tried to get his hair to cooperate while I fixed his cuffs. Owl City literally blasted from his room. I groaned, WHY… Why not something sensible like Tally Hall for instance? Okay, maybe I’m biased, but still. I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT FIREFLIES. Whatever, we were leaving in a hot minute anyways.

“Juno, you’re literally, just barely, like only by a teeny tiny margin away from not going. You’re lucky we can speed.” I muttered as the blind boy just stared into the distance. I adjusted the crest on his collar, making sure it was the right side up instead of whatever he had it as, I don’t even know how he messed it up that badly.

“No, we’re just going to be a tad bit late. It’s okay, Atlas.” Mama finally finished Juno’s hair, and it looked slightly better since when she started. “That’s going to have to be good enough. Come, Juno. Sit in the back seat.”

WE WERE GOING TO APOLLO’S! I’ve only seen his room from video calls monitored by his parents, not like we were going to talk about our identities anyways. But we could never really discuss important things. Juno has never seen Apollo’s room, as the cataracts don’t let him see much of anything. I remember the minimalistic approach to his room, and maybe that was the entire house also? I just remember everything being dull and boring.

We pulled in the service driveway, and can I say he’s loaded? I think I can, right? Because how. How. How is he like this? I knew he was expensive, but not this expensive. He loaded out onto the parking lot; mama fixed her hair, and we knocked on the door. It was about a minute before Apollo opened it, his expression brightening before schooling back into that disciplined look again. “Mother, father! The Venisons are here.” He called, stepping back to make way for them.

The man gripped my hand, shaking it sturdily, then moved to my mother. I always thought you shook hands with the oldest first, but I could be wrong. “The kitchen has all your ingredients you specified, Miss. I’m excited to see what you and your sons have cooked up.” Juno was not my brother. I fought back an unamused huff. “There are as many guests as there are plates, so please, estimate accordingly.”

Mama pulled me in by the wrist, expecting Juno to just trail along like a little duckling. It was a big kitchen. Like, massive. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kitchen this large and that says something. My mother immediately started taking some of the blackberry jam and started straining it to get it into a bowl.

“Atlas, please, there’s a good hunk of cattle that we have asked for them to smoke, is it still smoking, or no?” She sniffed the air for a moment, pausing before she reached for the honey. “Give it about 2 more hours. Start on the salad, please, it should be simple enough.”

I reached for one of the bigger metal bowls and started chopping the lettuce into more manageable chunks. It was simple enough. Chop, throw, chop, throw, simply live without distractions. Juno’s hands occasionally stuttered before starting to work on the tasty vegetables rather than lettuce. He shoved a cherry tomato in my mouth and giggled.

“Juno! Focus!” I couldn’t help but laugh. Juno’s laugh was always bright and cheery, like windchimes in the wind. It’s also very contagious. He clearly was only half focused, occasionally nudging my shoulder and laughing like this was some game. “Juno. Look at me. As much as I love that you’re happy-go-lucky, I really need to see some seriousness. This means a lot to my mother.”

Juno nodded, suddenly his focus was extremely good for someone who can barely remember what they had for breakfast. He continued chopping up cherry tomatoes, making a kitten paw with one of his hands so he doesn’t cut his fingers (awh, we taught him so well).

By hour two, it was really starting to come together, the meat had just been taken out of the smoker, the salad had been thrown and the mashed potatoes had been heated, still needing to be mashed. A few of the sides were done, all with fancy names that I can’t really pronounce, but we got to use goldleaf, which was a little bit messy. Mama had to help.

She stepped back and smiled warmly at Juno and me. It was a bigger feast, and it was really weird cooking for everyone. I was super proud of my mama though. Everything she worked for built up to this, serving one of the biggest banquets of the year. It brought a tear to my eye, but I couldn’t let my mascara run, not again. “Mama! Stop making me cry.”

“I’m not!” She laughed, trying to dry the tear from my eye without touching my face. It was much harder than it looked. “I’m so proud of you and your friend, I’m so happy you could help. The most of it is done. They’ve already started accepting guests.”

They’ve what?! We haven’t finished the mashed potatoes, * it!! I rushed over, trying to get these potatoes as mashed as… uhm… mashed potatoes. I couldn’t think of a good simile there. Juno just laughed, speedwalking after me and held the spices up to my mother. “They should really add braille to these.”

“I’ll take care of it, Juno. Don’t worry.” Mama gently took the spices from the blind boy and started peppering the potatoes with a generous helping. It was going to be cool if rich people liked flavor. Sorry to those who didn’t~! It’s a Venison thing, much like how Apollo has that ‘Daybreak Look’ his parents talked about at some point. I dunno, I don’t listen to Apollo’s parents.

I freaking love mashed potatoes. Not as much as my mom, but REALLY CLOSE. A real shame I couldn’t eat it this time. I just continued mashing as my mother doused it all in various spices. It was weird, because there was pepper, a bit of paprika, and a lot we didn’t even use at the restaurant.

Apollo poked his head in and smiled, walking innocently toward us. He stopped when he tilted his head. “Everybody’s so loud in there, it’s overwhelming.” He muttered. God, that suit looked so good on him. The blue really contrasted with the sharp features and rounded them out a bit. I think he caught me staring. “Looks nice, right?” He did a little spin, holding a hand to his chest. Oh dear, someone bash me in the head with a rolling pin right now. “I think I look excellent in blue.”

“You do!” Juno chirped. “If I could see, I would be all over you!” Juno’s hands twitched, but I quickly gripped it. The last thing we need is to ruin something that probably took weeks to get made.

“You’re so sweet, Juno!” Apollo cheered, he ran his hands through his hair, taking a deep breath. “I’m running on anxiety meds and a thin lunch. This is not ideal, I’m a little nervous.”

“No! Don’t be nervous!” I blurted; I felt my cheeks warm up. “Literally, just take a deep breath, Apollo!”

“Oh, and Miss Venison, my father wants you.” Mama immediately ran out of the kitchen, falling for Apollo’s lie, because since when would he lie. “I need to talk to you guys.”

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 12, 2026 18:33:18)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #12 | DEAD END

I watched their faces contort when I told them the truth. Someone at this banquet wasn’t themself. I just couldn’t figure out who specifically was replaced with a darkened spirit. We looked out into the crowd of people then back to each other.

I noticed this when a laugh didn’t sound right. I couldn’t pinpoint it exactly, but someone felt odd. I saw the Reaper creep up, but I didn’t see it latch on. I need to stay calm, after all, I have a banquet to attend. “Look.” I said simply. “Keep doing your job and during the toast, I’ll… I’ll do something, like a signal or something, I haven’t thought it out yet. Just give me time.”

“Time? Really, Apollo, look who’s saying it.” I rolled my eyes at Atlas’ teasing; I was used to it at this point. “All you need to do is sit there and look pretty, it a celebration of your family after all. You’re Apollo Daybreak. You need to be Apollo right now.”

“So, you admit I look pretty?” I joked, flicking the loose strand of Atlas’ hair from his face. “Come on, these banquets are the same thing each time. If I had you take care of everything for me, why would we even need a Mind?” I put my hands behind my back, looking to the floor a bit. This kind of stuff always worked with the staff. Just be ‘good boy’ Apollo and they don’t question a thing.

Unfortunately, Atlas wasn’t the staff, as in he knew me better. But… “Apollo, just give us the word.” Atlas muttered, crossing his arms. “I’m trusting you.”

“Good luck!” Juno chirped; he looked like he would have hugged me. I would have hugged him too if I didn’t need to look presentable. He was messy, but in the cute way. Like seeing a partner covered in flour after making bread kind of cute. “Tell Mori she’s rocking it by the way!”

“Will do!” I walked out of the kitchen, a couple of eyes meeting me. It’s okay. I’ll take a deep breath. Anxiety meds and a thin lunch, at least I can’t throw up my thin lunch… because I already did about 30 minutes ago. At least I’ll be hungry? Right? No. Wrong. I think I’ll combust if I must eat something. But I’ll take a deep breath. In and out.

My eyes scanned the people, people I haven’t even remembered the names of, but my parents did. My parents always invited people, everyone, I don’t know why. Why? There’s a ringing in my right ear. It’s a high pitch, can it just shut up? Shut up, Apollo. Calm down. Take a deep breath. It’s a banquet, just a banquet. Mori gripped my arm, pulling me over.

“Apollo please tell me you feel something off in here as well, I can’t be the only one.” She fretted. She fretted so much it messed up her dress a bit. A shame. “Please tell me. Look, I don’t know what it is, but something is making me feel really offput right now.”

“Yes, Mori. I feel that same way.” I didn’t tell her about the conversation with Atlas and Juno. I didn’t tell her that Mind wouldn’t be able to make it if she wanted to stay near Apollo. I didn’t even tell her it was a darkened spirit, I just said ‘same’ like some stupid boyfriend claiming he wanted food too. Both descriptors were incorrect.

The adults gestured to us in conversation, their eyes beaming with laughter and pride. We both looked at each other, then at them with wide eyes. At least we were on the same wavelength. She suddenly fiddled with the necklace she wore. “I mean, there must be something up.”

I think we should get out of here. Why are they looking and laughing and carrying on? Why are they doing that? “I know there’s something wrong. I know there’s a villain here. I can’t pinpoint it.”

“How about you ask random people what they do for a job?” Mori shrugged, pushing a bit of her hair out of the way to glance over at the people talking over drinks I’m not allowed to have. “One of them is bound to mess it up.”

“No, that seems too easy. Like it-wouldn’t-work kind of easy.” Wait. They’re laughing and carrying on still. It’s loud and obnoxious. No way someone can be that easy to please, these are people who have grown up with everything.

“Apollo.” She put a hand on my shoulder. “How are we going to do this?” That’s just like Heart every time he asks me what to do in a mission. Except now, everybody is the exact same as their civilian form, everybody is loud, and I don’t have Heart or Soul because Atlas and Juno are with Miss Venison. All three are now serving drinks like Juno isn’t BLIND.

Then it hit me. I don’t know. I never did, I just said I knew because I always did. And now, with everybody yelling, and Mori asking what to do, and a villain on the loose, I was lost. I couldn’t think of a single plan, and now, someone was being feasted on and I couldn’t do a thing about it because I’m lost. I didn’t know what to do. I was the plan guy, I made plans, but now, I can’t do anything. I took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Mori. I just need time.”

But I didn’t have time, that was the one thing we all don’t have. I have until the person faints or worse. Take a deep breath, don’t panic. Panic is the last thing I need to do. It’s not going to be handed to me on a silver platter. I declined something Miss Venison presented. It only made me sick. My chest suddenly felt tight.

The clock chimed 7 PM, oh great. That’s GREAT. It’s time for everyone to sit down and for me to deliver that STUPID toast because I’m the life light of this STUPID family! Sure! Let’s marry me off to some STUPID girl because I need to make MORE children for this STUPID DAYBREAK FAMILY LINE. I LOVE MY FAMILY. My chest was tightening more.

I put the STUPID meat on the STUPID table and say my STUPID shpiel about how this STUPID family is the beat family. Then my STUPID father lights the STUPID candles and then everyone will eat their STUPID MEAL! It’s the same thing EVERY SINGLE TIME. The only thing that changed is that I’m placing the meat on the table this year. Harmonia forbid anything else changes!

We sat down, my father next to me on my right and my mother beside him. He was the center, the highest spike on the crown. The slop was on my plate. No, it wasn’t slop, it just made me sick to even look at anything edible. Someone was quite literally a skinwalker. Someone was LITERALLY A SKINWALKER. Don’t panic Apollo. PLEASE. I hated this. “Apollo?”

“Huh!?” I looked toward my father and the drinks and the pressuring eyes holding knives to my throat. Oh. Yeah. The toast. I stood up, hands shaking around the glass that held the mockery of ginger ale. “Uhm…” The eyes narrowed at me. I looked at Atlas and Juno who were ready to purify. Purify the spirit of which I had no idea who was actually darkened. They all looked the same.

“To my father, who was always with me through thick and thin. The one to pick me up when I felt dead. The one who taught me what being a man was.” I felt like I was going to drop the glass mid-toast. I was sick. But the people cheered, unaware of the storm. “To my mother, who was always gentle with me. The one who calmed the storm inside my head when I walked the stage. The one who taught me that empathy is key.” I’m so glad they couldn’t hear my thoughts. If they could I’m 90% sure I would be kicked out of the family. “And to the legacy, to the future I have and to the future of others to come.”

And they cheered, the voices suddenly becoming sharper. I almost fell, I almost stumbled backward out of fear. The anxiety clawed at my throat and lungs. It ripped a hole in my stomach. I couldn’t take it. I need time. Time. I need time. I just need time. I just need time. Time. I need Mind. I smiled warmly on the outside, setting down the glass to push my chair back in for the presentation of the main course. I headed to the kitchen… but I didn’t. Right to the bathroom, locked the door behind me. The flicker of blue appeared as Mind took my place.

“Mend my Mind.”

My breathing hastened, now stuck in time, I felt each second pass. Each second that was actually not passing, a prison of digits where I was trapped between the present and future and past. Where everything was at a standstill. My lungs didn’t work.

Adrenaline rushed through my veins suddenly everything didn’t feel so small. Instead, it felt larger than anything I could have ever imagined it. It was a spiky ball in my stomach bouncing around and begging for release. But I couldn’t move, I could only breathe in this pocket of time. This stupid little pocket of time where nothing can move, nothing can think, nothing can hear, nothing can know. No one can know.

The anxiety meds didn’t work. They clearly didn’t work. I take a moment. More like no moments. I was in the middle of nothing. Nothing. Nothing. NOTHING. Stop! Stop! I don’t like this. I don’t like this. Someone’s hurt in the banquet, and I can’t do anything about it, I don’t know who’s devilized, I don’t know how to angelize them, I don’t know where I am in this moment of time, I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know!

I can’t breathe, everything’s hazy. I don’t think anything is going to work, nothing is going to work. I don’t know what to do. It’s cold then it’s hot like it’s someone flipping a switch in my brain. Just like what my parents do, stupid manipulators! STOP! Harmonia, my chest hurts. It feels like I’m going to collapse.

My head is pounding, but it feels light at the same time. How does that even work? Hot, cold, yes, no, why is everything one or the other! Someone’s either dead or alive, I’m either dead or alive, time is either moving or stopping, but it’s moving for me and stopping for them, why is it moving so fast right now? Someone’s life is at stake and what am I doing?! I’m being useless!

There’s nothing I can do though! I don’t know a single thing about this! How can I plan with no information? How can I do anything? I can’t! I can’t do anything! I’m useless like I always was to this team! I am just a stupid puppet for my parents to use! A puppet to keep the name going because why!? Why am I just a puppet?! OH! I DON’T KNOW!

I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING! It’s just like my Russian, just like my Forensics, I’m horrible! Now someone’s going to die under my watch, and it’s all MY FAULT. My head, heart, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind, mind hurts. My mind hurts. God this headache is killing me. This mindache.

“Mind mended.”

I dropped to the floor and detransformed. The panic was almost as painful as the headache. What are 5 things I can see? Toilet paper, sink, soap, mirror, the face of a man who can’t think straight. No. I can think straight. I just need a moment. A moment where time is moving. What are 4 things I can touch? The metal of the crest on my chest, the tiles on the floor, the cold in the air and the bile in my stomach that’s threatening to spill. No. I’m safe right now. I can hear the people laughing, drinks clinking and conversations running. I can smell the food in the other room and air freshener, and I can taste the bile in my mouth.

I swallowed it down. I’m safe. I looked up at the mirror, seeing my tear-stricken face and suddenly everything seemed quiet. It was liminal, like everything wasn’t real, but was at the same time. Clarity finally returned. I wiped my tears away; stars forbid someone show panic. To think the anxiety medication did something.

I’m safe. Just breathe deeply. Time to present the main course. I headed through the second door leading into the kitchen, smiling warmly like nothing was wrong. The dish was placed into my hands, heavy and hearty. It looked delicious. “Thank you, Venisons and Juno.”

I walked out into the dining hall, smiling brightly like I was on a magazine. Cautious steps brought it to the table. “It is tradition that the oldest of the leading generation provide good blessings with the meat. I don’t have a script, but I do have something better. When I was younger, I would always be curious as to what the ‘leading generation’ was. As it seemed my father always carried the meat in. I always thought the leading generation meant the newest. But now it appears it’s the one who has the power to change.”

I got cheers. I sat back down in my spot, calmly placing my hands in my lap so my father could light the candles. Except he didn’t. He didn’t even stand up or hesitate. Just stood up and told everyone to ‘dig in’. Wait. NO WAY THAT WAS HANDED TO ME ON A SILVER PLATTER.

“May I be excused?” I calmly asked, only to get a nod from what was playing my father. No shot! I walked into the bathroom, then through the kitchen door again, I pulled Juno and Atlas aside.

“What is it?” Atlas asked, raising an eyebrow.

“My father is the darkened spirit!” I cheered, placing my hand on Atlas’ and Juno’s shoulder. “Just come back as Heart and Soul in like- 5 minutes! I’ll distract Miss Venison long enough!”

“Don’t put mama in danger.” Atlas muttered, leading Juno off. I quickly pulled Miss Venison in the dining hall. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it!

Her heels clicked and I waved to the people there. “And… I’d like people to thank Miss Venison for the cooking! I figured since the leading generation is about change, I would like us to thank the cooks now.”

Another half empty toast was made to Miss Venison while I noticed a flicker of red and purple out the corner of my eye. “It’s nothing really.” Miss Venison smiled bashfully. Those messy curls swung a bit as she tilted her head.

“Shut this place down really quick!” Soul’s voice boomed; the magical boy twirled his trident. “We got a tip that a certain spirit has been devilized and we’re here to help show them what’s up!” A wink was delivered to me. Oh, my Harmonia…

“Hiya!” Heart burst onto the scene, hoisting what looked to be my father in his arms. “You’re being a bad little skinwalker, aren’t ya, mate?”

“Sorry for crashing the party, Daybreaks. He looks calm enough, don’t you think, Heart?” Soul teased, pinning the trident next to the wall. “Could just purify him on the spot.”

“I could.” Heart giggled, he dropped the skinwalker and aimed his bow to the center of its heart. “Any last words before I Tripower Heart: Purify you?” Nothing was said except useless stammering. “Alright!” The arrow was shot, and the darkness disappeared, revealing Charlie and my father. Ew.

Charlie rubbed his head and groaned while my father stood up and brushed off his coat. He glanced over to everyone, then the child who was infested in his head. I watched as they all dispersed, and I was sat back at the table.

This meal, the one of generations yet to come, was sitting right in front of me. That speech about change I made. The one while I was recovering from panic, the one I made in resentment. It made much more sense than it let on. I think maybe that everything was… supposed to be like that?

Maybe if it’s all about change, then I can change. Maybe I don’t have to be what my parents want me to be. I don’t have to have a nuclear family, and I don’t have to have a wife and kids. I don’t have to be a doctor; I can be whatever I want. Change can happen.

It starts with me.

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #13 | RING OF MIND

A/N: I changed every instance of an AP class to an IB one based on further research lol

Eugh. It felt like my arm had the tingles again. Just one step closer. I rolled up my sleeve and thanked my dad. I slung my satchel over my shoulder and took my blind cane from the door. My mother was waiting outside in the car, impatiently tapping against the wheel because I was late again. I always was at this point. I might as well just wake up earlier.

“Sorry mom! But you know the last day and stuff. I kinda wanna stay with Apollo for a bit.” I hopped in the front seat, smiling warmly at the face that has been blurred since the cataracts and for a moment, her body relaxed.

There was an amused huff from the driver’s seat like there always is every time I bring up Atlas or Apollo. “You really like that boy?”

“Ew. No, mom. He’s just super lonely and I wanna be there for him.” I buckled myself in, even though I was scoffing the entire time. It was slightly exaggerated, but our entire family was. “Quite literally no one else is going except him.”

“And you?” She asked as she pulled out of the driveway. “Listen, Artemis, you’ve grown so much since you met those boys.” The road was a bit bumpy before it smoothed out again when she got on the main road instead of the parking lot.

“Mom, it’s Juno.” I corrected. I hated that. I hated hearing Artemis, especially from her mouth. She always claimed she loved me, but then resorted to Artemis for everything. I swallowed back the want to snap at her. “And yeah. I like them. They’re my friends, the only ones who really understand.”

Her teeth gritted. I could basically hear it and the forced smile. “And I don’t?”

“You still call me Artemis after the dozens of times I told you not to.” I rolled my eyes, or at least what was visible under the cataracts. “You understand and I get that, but I mean you don’t understand, understand. Apollo and Atlas do…? Kinda?”

She gave a long-winded sigh, fingers tapping against the wheel again at a red light. I heard the cars in front of us pass on and cross over. “I understand. I was a teenager once too. My parents didn’t know anything. I kept it that way for a while. They eventually found out about the parties and boyfriends and such.”

“Are you implying that we’re a polycule?”

She paused for a moment, holding in her laughter. I think she enjoyed every time I messed up in my speaking or comprehension, because I always get the wrong message from things unless it’s spelled out for me. I’m not very good at social things. “I’m saying that you’ll tell me eventually when you’re older and more mature.”

“Oh. Oops.” I giggled nervously, rocking a bit in my seat. I was actually really worried about Apollo. He seemed tired during the banquet last night, like his limbs were heavy and he struggled to breathe kind of tired. I can’t really place my finger on what happened.

We pulled up to the high school and she gave me one last goodbye before dropping me off. I immediately headed straight toward the band room. Typically, Atlas had early practice, as he played drums in the jazz band, and he was here today, just twirling a drumstick in his fingers until he dropped it.

“Hi, Juno!” He cheered, “Apollo’s a little late today, he texted me saying he doesn’t feel too well. His parents are probably gonna stuff him full of meds and send him off anyways.” He laughed at the thought, maybe we might see a loopy Apollo struggle through the hallways. That was the last thing I wanted. I would have preferred he didn’t go then walk through the halls like he’s on something.

I breathed the tension away from my shoulders. “Well, I mean… he did look a little sick last night. I’m just worried he might throw it all up.” We both turned our heads toward the composed mess. The car drove away without wishing him a good day. Rude much? “Hi, Apollo.”

“Hi.” He muttered; I heard the smile from his tone before the car drove away. “I’m quite literally on the verge of death right now, I threw up twice and my head is pounding. It’s like time was at a standstill and my body is just now catching up to the stuff that happened while time was still.”

“It’s gonna be okay!” I ran in to hug him, and he wrapped thin arms around my waist like all our hugs. It’s weird that he allows me to hug him now, but I’m not complaining. His hugs are a bit warm and cozy. He was cold this time. Did he…? No. No. He didn’t. That would be stupid of him, why would he do that in the middle of the banquet?

“Yeah! Juno will help you to your first class, ‘kay? Just don’t collapse like you did 2 weeks ago. You have a good streak.” Atlas let himself in the band room, they were probably planning for the summer shows, especially since there was Christmas and stuff. There was a couple of greetings from the rest of the Tiny Man Band (that’s what the jazz band likes to call itself, it’s real name is really boring, and I don’t bother to remember it).

I pulled back from Apollo’s cold embrace and gently took his hand in mine. “Can you walk?”

“I can.” But I still held onto his hand. His ring was hot. My stomach did flips at the possibilities. I recollected myself quickly, even if worry was now piloting my brain.

“Eh… what’s your first period?” I covered up the anxiety creeping through me.

“IB calc.” He whispered, running a shivering hand through his hair. “It’s on the second floor.”

“Alright! We can take the accessibility elevator.” I smiled at him, albeit a bit strained, but I don’t think he noticed. Weird. He always notices. Deep breath, Juno. It’s okay. He probably was just tired, I’m always tired when I’m sick. “Unless you want to take the stairs?”

“I’m fine with whatever.” He muttered; his ring was burning into my skin at this point. It’s simple. I would ask him in the elevator, where no one else is there to hear us. I led him over and quickly pressed the close button before anyone else could come in.

We were silent as a mouse as the elevator shut. We made the slow ascent. It was a clunky elevator; we all knew this. It took longer to use the elevator than it did the stairs. I felt the burning ring on his hand holding mine. “Were you Mind last night? At the banquet?”

“No.” He lied. I could tell he lied, as his voice always did this little quiver. It was undistinguishable for the seeing, but barely noticeable for the blind.

“How long did you use your power?” I asked the sickened. He didn’t move or say anything for a few seconds.

“I don’t know.” He finally admitted. I heard him swallow back the bile that rose up in his throat. He shouldn’t be here; he should be resting in bed. “I panicked. I couldn’t think of anything else to do. I just needed time.”

I hugged him again, as cold as he was and as much as his ring burned. I tucked his head in my shoulder before the elevator could open. “Can I sit with you in class today?”

“If my teachers allow.” YES! I didn’t want to do anything today anyways. My mother already had an excuse for my absence before I decided to go suddenly today. I giggled against his hair before the elevator door opened again and he led me to the room.

You never know how nice teachers are or how hard classes are. I was like his little emotional support buddy in rooms full of empty classes. No one was there, I have no idea why Apollo was forced to. Quite literally, testing was done for him.

He fell asleep on me in his IB bio class. His head rested on my shoulder in the beanbags in the corner of the room. I didn’t know if he was dead or alive, but it was an hour where he could rest. I didn’t have the heart to wake him up. The teacher inevitably woke him, and he apologized profusely.

Poor guy. The teachers were chill and let me stay. Apollo taught me a bit of what he learned in IB lit and the concepts are easy to grasp. I don’t know why it’s so advanced in placement. Oh, and he fell asleep again. Wakey, wakey. I gently shook him awake in his literature class. He should be at home. You know what? To hell with it.

I held his hand and led him out. He sounded a bit confused, but I made him trust me. How? I made him pinky promise not to ask questions. That works. I called my dad to pick us up and we waited by the lobby. Apollo almost fell asleep on me again. I giggled.

It was about 6 minutes before we were officially called into the office, and we took Apollo home. It’s not kidnapping if he agrees to it. He agreed to it, trust me. I heard him say yeah.

He then promptly fell asleep on my bed for the 2nd time this month. He has 2 hours to rest, maybe more until we must bring him back to school for his parents to pick him up. I just couldn’t bare seeing him this sick and tired in school. Maybe this entire magical boy this is more dangerous than we thought, and Apollo experienced it first-hand.

Would this inevitably destroy my body too? Will the purifications become too much for me to handle? It’s confusing, because it never seems to be physically straining for me, but for Apollo, it really did take a toll. I slipped the ring off his finger and lit the candle for Harmonia. His voice appeared, chirpy as ever.

“Hiya, Juno! What’s up this time?” Did he know? Did he know everything, or did he also not know?

“What’s wrong with him?” I gestured to the sleeping boy on my bed to the omnisciently being, There was a moment of silence before he sighed.

“His body is worn. He overexerted himself, too anxious at some point or another. Did something happen?”

“He had a panic attack during the banquet. He used his power and- I don’t know.” I fought the tears that threatened to spill down my cheeks. I was always crying at this point. I’m sick of it, but not as sick as Apollo right now. “I’m scared for him.”

“You did good by taking his ring off. Hold it up.” I followed Harmonia’s instructions and held the ring up to him like an offering. He spoke as the ring started repairing itself. “When you abuse your power, for example, Apollo having a panic attack while time is frozen, it overexerts you and starts taking energy from your body when it breaks. It takes a human’s health until its fully repaired, leaving the holder severely sick for a few days.”

“Will he be okay?”

“Yeah. Come tomorrow’s time, Apollo will be normal Apollo… That’s if his parents didn’t make him take medication. If they did, he’ll probably be feeling the negatives of those for a few days after. He might be loopy.” Well, at least he wasn’t dead or dying. I couldn’t help but smile at the relief that crashed over me like a tsunami.

“So, he’s just gonna be really loopy and detached?”

“Yeah, basically. Make sure he doesn’t transform into Mind until he’s better. Hold onto the ring, ‘kay?” I don’t know why he wanted me of all people to keep the ring, maybe he should have had someone else hold the ring. Then I realized accepting a magical item from a god isn’t something you run into every day and is something only someone under a mental break would accept. Or someone stupid. I was the latter.

“I got it!” The ring dropped back into my hand, blue and as good as new. I slipped it on and watched it turn a silver color. I called Atlas and told him about the Apollo situation and a couple of other things before shaking Apollo awake and taking him back to school.

I hope he’s okay. Otherwise, I don’t know what I would do without him. He’s my number one along with Atlas. It would really stink if I could never see him again because well… a funeral. Maybe it was a sign to be more cautious.

I don’t like being cautious, but then again, I might be just like him. I’m weaker than him, I don’t think I’ll survive that. I’ll give them some of Harmonia’s candles, then they can see Harmonia when they need to. I find it unfair that only I was given them. Apollo and Atlas should be able to talk to Harmonia.

I just hope and pray I don’t get my spirit stained. Otherwise, I’m going to be wreaking havoc with only Soul to stop me. I don’t think I trust Soul to calm me down and purify the spirit, especially since ONLY I CAN DO THE PURIFICATION! Maybe Harmonia will give him that power if I get too down.

Stop thinking for 5 minutes. It’s summer break for a month and a half! Congratulations, I’m so tired!

Last edited by -tallyinghalls- (July 14, 2026 22:57:27)

-tallyinghalls-

CHAPTER #14 | DAYDREAM (Literally)

Tiny Man Band! Not really, we’re not that tiny. Except one. But she’s trying her hardest, let Rose be herself. She was leaning over the bass before looking at me with the sort of look in her eye that quite literally screams “what’s up?” because I was anxious. For once in my jazz band class, I was anxious. She had noticed because I slipped up and accelerated in the beat three times this practice when it usually happens at most once.

I was worried sick about a friend of mine, you know him by name, Apollo. But I couldn’t tell her. “Nah, mate, I’m fine.”

“Fine, you’re fine. But that doesn’t explain the acceleration.” Rose absently plucked the strings on her bass, getting a few looks from the other bandmates. She checked her phone for a moment, glancing at the nonexistent texts she got from her friends. “You know you can talk to me, right? You have my contact. Too much caffeine or something? I know how much you like Monster.”

“Yeah. I had like- 2 cans this morning.” I lied. I only had one, so it wasn’t too far from the truth. I said like, not exactly. “Really energetic, that’s all.” I rolled on a snare, watching as the newcoming band members tuned their instruments. My fingers twitched nervously against a tom; I almost dropped the drumstick I was holding.

“Mate, relax on the Monster.” Rose laughed at the unfortunate situation I lied about. Thank Harmonia she bought it. “It can’t be that important.”

Oh, but it really felt like it. I fought back my reply. This was a reasonable drop to the conversation, anything more and she would push more. I don’t want her to push, the Monster excuse was good enough.

The guitarist, Day (short and slightly more masculine for Daydream), just looked at us awkwardly, like he walked in on something stupid. “Eh… Are you done flirting?”

“I’m not flirting, I wouldn’t touch her with a 10-foot pole.” I overexaggerated. I like her a good bit, just not in that way. What is with everybody and thinking I’m attracted to every girl I meet? At least do it with the guys too. “You might. How about you try flirting with Rose. Oh wait, you can’t because you’re less straight than the tires on the car of the man your mom cheats with.”

The rest of the Tiny Man Band looked at me with wide eyes. One of the trumpet players started laughing, then another. Day sputtered for a moment before rolling his eyes. “The clown dons his disguise as upbeat until he hits the bedroom.”

“Your name is very misleading. Have you tried changing your name to Night? Short for Nightmare.” Rose groaned, she uselessly tuned her bass like she had better things to do rather than heed to Day’s humor… or lack thereof. “I mean, at least clowns are funny.”

“Ah, you say that like you don’t scream mayday once a month.” Day crossed his arms and stood up, slowly walking closer. Oh. No… Okay, I’ve had enough with that. I stepped in front of Rose, shielding her with my arms. “Awh, what, Atlas? Playing hero?”

“Yeah. Don’t you remember when Icarus hard rejected you? In front of the class?” I snapped; he took another step closer. “Don’t come near me.” He was ticking me off. I know what my mother said, but I can’t let this slip by.

“Or what?” He took another step closer, rolling his shoulders back. “I’m just walking.”

“Toward me.” I muttered, backing up a bit. I just didn’t want him to hurt Rose. Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn’t, but I’m not taking chances. “Just back up.” I felt the eyes on me. No one was even trying to tune anymore. Am I really going to be doing this in front of the Tiny Man Band? I swallowed the anger down, although it didn’t seem to work.

“Why? It’s a free space, I can do whatever I wanna do.” He took another step forward. This was too close. He puffed his chest out, trying to make himself seem bigger. “You’re forgetting that? Or maybe you’re just scared of your own body. I could never.”

“Careful. You might bite too much of that reflection of yours.” I snapped. I need to calm down. Mama kept trying to prevent this side from flaring. “That’s if there’s anything left, you bloodsucking vampire.” I wanted to punch him.

“Have you read Twilight, Atlas? Everyone wants the vampire.” My fists curled. Then I realized something. Wait. I have free will. I started walking out of the band room. I didn’t have to deal with him. I never had to deal with him in the first place. He talked to me, so I can end the conversation.

Rose’s voice rung. “Don’t touch me.”

Oh, he’s getting clapped. I turned around and jumped him, my vision turned red as I slammed his head into the floor. I watched the tears form in his eyes while I punched him where it hurt. My breathing hastened as I was pulled off him by the rest of the band. I met the eyes of Xavier, Mori, * it. I couldn’t see past the need to just show him that what he is doing is wrong. I want revenge and justice; I want to be the one to do it.

My shoulders shook with raged breaths before realizing the state he was in.

“Broken nose, fractured rib and a concussion. Atlas Venison, what do you have to say for yourself?” Principal Miserable (as everyone calls him) gestured to the medical documents after Day got his first aid. I was immediately sent to the office for mama to pick me up.

“He touched Rose.” I muttered, looking to my hands. These hands hurt someone very badly. Like they always did. I took a deep breath. “He ticked me off and tried hurting Rose. Rose of all people. The brightest and happiest girl here.”

“That gives you no excuse.” Miserable relaxed his shoulders a bit, looking at me like I had personally offended his family, his cousin’s family, their cousin’s family and that family’s dead grandma. “You understand how many times this has happened this year? This is the 3rd time. Atlas, I’m afraid I might have to expel you if you pull this stunt again.”

“WHAT?!” I exclaimed, I wanted to slam my fists on the table do something. I wanted blood. No. That’s what got me here in the first place. I beat him up. “You can’t do that!”

“He can, Atlas.” Mama held my hand. “Is there anything I need to do, miss?”

“Hold him from the first week of school when we start back up.” He wrote something down, probably staining my record again. Stupid, stupid permanent record. I wanted to jump him. “Maybe, if this happens again, I recommend the headspace?”

What. No. Not the headspace again. NO. I didn’t want to be in that stupid, stupid cage! It’s quite literally a cage for people who are… not okay… mentally. Oh. I shook my head violently.

“Atlas. Please. He’s heard enough from you.” Mama stood up, taking her car keys from her purse. “Thank you for being merciful on my son, miss. He won’t provide you any more trouble. Right, Atlas?”

“Y-Yes ma’am.” I followed her out, head ducked. I heard someone shuffle down the hall. Apollo and Juno. Oh no… Apollo looked horrible. I didn’t have time to say goodbye, I was just piled in the passenger’s seat.

Mama sighed quietly. Her hands tightened on the wheel as she brought me back to the hourse. “Atlas, what was that? Explain yourself right now.”

“The violent streak appeared again. I didn’t mean to. I- Day was- I was chatting with Rose, Day called it flirting and continued pushing. I wanted to protect her, so I stood in front and told him to not get any closer. He did.” I regretted it, I didn’t want to hit him. I just wanted him to stop touching her. I swallowed down what little pride I had left after the altercation. “I then tried walking away, like you taught me. Then he touched her. I don’t know where, I don’t know in what way. I snapped at him.”

“Were you just trying to protect her?” My mother asked patiently, her eyebrow was raised. “Is that what happened? Or is it your violent tendencies?”

“I think it’s a mixture of both.” I admitted, fiddling with the cuff on my uniform. “I thought I was doing better.” 6 months. 6 entire months on not acting out. I guess I was a little scared. No, I was terrified. These urges are always suppressed. I didn’t think it would happen.

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“No.” I muttered, looking at the road ahead. “I would rather not.” I love talking to mama. She’s really sweet and understanding, and I understand how hard it is, but also? I don’t know. I don’t know what broke me and I think if I put a label on it, it would overgeneralize the nuances of my situation.

“Well, seeing as it’s the first break in a while, and that you meant to protect someone… I’m not too mad. I’m quite proud. But don’t break into violence again when protecting someone. Tell a teacher next time, ‘kay?” I nodded and stepped out of the car. “I gotta finish my shift, there should be lunch in the fridge, you can make yourself something if you want.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I watched as she drove away. I entered the apartment building and then our apartment. I went straight to bed. God, could this day get any worse? I rested my head back against the pillows and put my phone on do not disturb. The last thing I need is Juno or Apollo asking me what happened. They can’t know.

I still want to see that blood. I want to see his blood; I want him to pay. But I heard his injuries. A broken nose, a fractured rib and a concussion. It was violent. I hate that word, violent. I hate that word, villain. What if this happens again? It will. It always did.

Last time I went to that stupid headspace. I remember being in there and thinking how I didn’t deserve to be there. I remember being angry. I don’t remember much else except that I was wearing red. I think. I’m not going back.

The next thing I knew, I was wearing red again. I was wearing a lot and lots of red. I was tired and it was later. It wasn’t late morning, it was now afternoon, maybe around the time school let out. I would have been chatting with Juno as we walked home by now. I was out of my uniform. I’m in a hoodie, it’s comfortable in grey.

I felt really, really satisfied, like my actions were a good thing. Why was I crying? I tasted salty. I was wrapped in a weighted blanket, I don’t know why, but it felt nice. I was still crying when I laid down on the floor. It was cold and a little wet. Why was it wet?

I didn’t care. My eyelids felt heavy. I think I took a nap there, wrapped in the blanket. I was held by Harmonia for a few moments before I wasn’t. Then I was, then I wasn’t. Then I was, then I wasn’t. I think after about the fifth time I stayed in Harmonia’s arms.

Apparently, I lost consciousness, hi, I’m alive. It felt weird, because now, I was being monitored. So, hi. More specifically by Apollo. Hi Apollo. He didn’t say hi back. He was filling out college application stuff. Yes, the SUMMER OF his 11th year, like what will he do his 12th, find the cure to cancer? No. That’s not Apollo.

I squinted at him again, that wasn’t Apollo. I know Apollo, Apollo is an anxious little bundle of perfectionism, this wasn’t Apollo remotely. This didn’t scream the same Apollo I knew, instead it was much more clinical. Much, much more clinical. No.

No. No. No. No. No. This is not happening. This had to be a joke. I immediately checked my wrist, despite the sharp stinging sensation. Thank Harmonia my bracelet was still there, but there was another one. A medical one. “Hey, what’s happening?”

“Oh, good morning.” The doctor chirped, taking in my vitals again. “You look good enough! I’m gonna call your mom so she can pick you up again.” I didn’t get my answer, but I was too tired to push. My wrists stung.

I was in the car again, I wanted to go back to bed, though. Mama looked at me worriedly through the mirror. “Atlas, I think I’m going to admit you into the headspace. Is that okay? I can’t deal with this kind of stress right now and it seems like you can’t either.” I wanted to shake my head no. No, I don’t wanna go. But I couldn’t. I just stared helplessly at my shoes. I didn’t say anything.

But that’s my… day? 24 hours? 2 days? I don’t know, it’s hazy.

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